Keeley is still recovering from an accident that killed her sister and left her needing a kidney transplant when she receives an email from the mother of her donor inviting her to visit her in Paris on an all expenses paid trip. Keeley jumps at the chance and is soon off with her best friend for the pre Christmas festivities and when she literally bumps in to a man with a penguin and helps to recapture it the adventures definitely begin......... but what secrets does Ethan the penguin man have and will they be able to overcome all of their problems?

Another great book by this writer, plenty of fun and escapades amongst the serious issues with some great characters, especially Jeanne and Bobo who steal the show!

This is the kind of book that you want to read after this rubbish year and with the horrible weather. Such a feel good book that makes you smile.

A really lovely heartwarming Christmas novel by one of my favourite authors. This wasn't my favourite of hers but I still enjoyed it all the same and it was a nice easy read.

*sniffs*

*mutters* Bleeping hormones... they’ve got a lot to answer for, I’ll tell you. Or maybe I can just blame the author – what do you think?

*shakes head*

Nah *nods*, that’s very true. *taps chin* I am a sap. Although in my defence, Keeley and Ethan’s story is so beautiful and heartfelt that I couldn’t help but shed a tear or two. *shrugs* Okay, okay, okay – I sobbed. Happy now?

Yeah, yeah, laugh it up.

Pfft *crosses arms*, I’d like to see the state of you once you’ve finished. Then we can talk!

I’ll deny this till I’m blue in the face, but I’m a sucker for festive feel-good reads. However, APPC was waaay more than that. This book was a surprise and a delight.

Keeley and Ethan’s story dealt with some very sensitive and emotive subjects (and does so sympathetically). Yet, the author manages to do what at first seems impossible. She manages to strike the perfect balance between knowing when to ramp up the emotion then breaking the tension with a burst of levity.

I had several snort-giggle moments. They are the best kind, aren’t they? When the laughter just bursts free because it can no longer be contained.

Keeley is brave and strong. She just needs a gentle nudge to help her find her feet again and embrace the future – whatever it brings.

Plus, let’s face it, resistance is futile against a smexy Frenchman! Especially when he doesn’t give his heart freely. Le sigh, it just makes it all the more sweeter.

With well-meaning (but meddling) families, a carefree bestie, questionable cosmetics, a penguin (yup, you read that right!) and a surprise addition or two, all set against the backdrop of the City of Love (and, let’s not forget, the most wonderful time of the year!), I dare you not to love all things APPC.

My first Christmas-themed read of 2020 and Mandy Baggot has set a really high bar for those that follow this festive season!

Soooo...

Is it too early to break out the Christmas decorations then?

*ducks*

I’m only kidding! *giggles*.

The thing I love about Mandy Baggot’s books is the way the words suck you in until you can almost believe you are there, experiencing the sights, sounds and smells. The books just seem to capture the essence of whichever place they are about.

This time we are in Paris at Christmas time - what is there not too love! Keeley and her friend Rachel find themselves in Paris as guests of Madame Silvie Durand, the mother of Keeley’s donor. Whilst there Keeley is knocked off her feet (quite literally) by Ethan Bouchard. What neither of them know is that the other has a connection to Fearne, the girl whose kidney Keeley received.

A perfect read as we welcome the dark nights and cooler weather - make yourself cosy and curl up in your favourite armchair before you lose yourself in this wonderful story.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced read copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

4.5 Stars

If I'm really good this year, please can Santa bring me a Pepe of my very own.

He has such a small role, but it has to be one of the most memorable meet cutes I've read in a while between Ethan and Keeley, thanks to Pepe.
'
There are some deep issues raised within this book, and I really loved how they were dealt with. Jeanne really grew on me as the book progressed.

And I thoroughly enjoyed everything once they are in Paris. I don't want to give away the reason they are in Paris, but let's just say it's not necessarily the reasons you may imagine.

What did frustrate me though was the book was clearly set in appeared to be a post Covid world, there were references to anti bacterial gel, social distancing, drop in tourism due to the first half of the year, but I personally don't want references to pandemic we are living through appearing in what should be an escapist read from reality.

Other than that, this was classic Mandy Baggot, a gorgeous hero to fall in love with, fabulous travel elements, a caring and loveable best friend, a four legged friend, Pepe, and plenty of plot to please you.

I was a really enjoyable read, and there are some lovely festive gestures in there too.

Thank you to Aria and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Not for me! The characters are very dislikable, the story just jumps right in. The writing isn’t bad but it didn’t draw me in. Thanks for the preview!

his novel bristles with Christmas good cheer and is a really festive read. I loved the main characters, Keeley and Ethan,who both seemed to be slightly on the outside of the main group and who showed such vulnerability at the same time. The setting is superb and really sparkles with the Christmas season. I also enjoyed some of the secondary characters, especially Jeanne, who is so different to the mainstream and Rach, who is so outspoken and down to earth.

This is a story which connects with the Christmas season and which explores whether material possessions matter or whether relationships are more important. I thoroughly enjoyed all the descriptive journeys into France's capital and found both Keeley and Ethan to be thoroughly likeable characters.

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book

I really enjoyed this book it was touching heart warming story that people do go through a perfect Christmas book with a happy ending

After being in an accident with her sister Bea, Keely is the only sister survive. Her family is reeling, Keeley is recovering from a kidney transplant, and nothing in their world will ever be the same.

Out of the blue, the family that donated Keeley's kidney, wants to meet. They've offered round trip tickets and accommodations in Paris in exchange for a meet up, so they can learn about the recipient of their now deceased daughter's organ.

Keeley convinces her friend and colleague Rachel to accompany her, and the two set off an adventure so heartwarming, loving, and holiday filled, I didn't want the book to end!

While this was a little longer than I typically like, I felt like the story continued to develop and so much was revealed about each character- the length was worth it.

If you're in the mood for a great holiday story, this is the one for you!

My first Christmas read of the year! I don’t normally do them this early, but who could resist the lure of a new Mandy Baggot Christmas novel? Certainly not me!

What a great one to start with. I absolutely adored this story from the opening pages right through to the end. Everything about it is warm and appealing and uplifting, just the way a Christmas story should be and anyone who loves this kind of festive fiction will not be at all disappointed if they pick this one up.

It has everything you might want from a Christmassy romcom. Appealing and sympathetic heroine? Check. Hot, sexy but troubled hero? Check. (Bonus points for being French awarded in my not-at-all arbitrary marking system.) Beautiful, romantic, escapist setting? Check. Family drama to cause chaos? Check. Nemesis at whom to direct our ire? Check. Misunderstandings and false victories? Check. Happy ending. Of course. Check, check, check, this book has it all.

Mandy manages to imbue every page of this novel with romance and joy and festive cheer. I was transported to Paris and immersed in a gorgeous, Christmas dream. I totally believed in the characters, their story and their relationship. I thought the novel dealt with some interesting and evocative topics beautifully, and it gave the story that bit of punch that makes it all the more satisfying.

I’ve yet to be disappointed by a Mandy Baggot book. She is fabulous at creating emotion in her readers, and her books are always truly transportive in every way. This might be my favourite yet, and fans of her work will not be disappointed by her latest book. If you have never read one of her books before, this is the ideal one to start with, I guarantee that if you are a lover of festive romcoms with real heart, you will immediately fall in love with this book.

Mandy Baggott is always great value. A funny yet touching book which I really enjoyed.

Fresh starts, memories, a little craziness and plenty of love. Definitely recommended.

This is a heartwarming, emotive story of tragedy leading to romance and at least one HEA!

Rating 4.5/5*

Keeley Andrews was seriously injured in a traffic accident in which her much loved sister tragically died. Keeley’s life was saved by having a kidney transplant from someone she didn’t know. After this her Mum becomes somewhat overprotective. However, some eighteen months later when Keeley is invited to go on an expenses paid visit to Paris for two weeks so the family of the young girl whose kidney she received she agrees to go, travelling with her best friend. They stay in a luxurious hotel where no expense has been spared and this story tells what happens when she meets the donor’s family . . . . and the stranger she keeps bumping into!

This is an evocative story of grief, loss, fresh starts and healing. It is a moving story filled with Christmas spirit, love and hope. There are a whole range of superbly portrayed characters, including a pesky penguin, a cheeky canine and a lovely lass as well as all the grown ups. It is a story about both sides of medical transplants but most of all it is a delightful festive romance and a great read.

Many thanks to Aria/Head of Zeus/NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.

Is it possible, do you think, for a book to be too Christmassy? No, of course it isn’t – well, maybe just a little, when you’re reading it in September. But this book was just wonderful, overflowing with love and everything that makes Christmas the most special time of the year, all set against a beautifully drawn Paris backdrop that’s so well done that you could easily use it as a guidebook for your next visit. It also has one of the best blurbs ever, that tells you very little about the story other than the promise of a rather special romance between two damaged people. And that’s something that always makes a book rather difficult to review, but I’ll do my best!

It all starts with a penguin. Well, it doesn’t really, it starts a year earlier with an event and its aftermath that has a massive impact on the lives of both Ethan, managing a chain of hotels in Paris, and Keeley who must just be the most loveable heroine the author’s ever created. We see first how dramatically her life has changed, protected and cosseted by her mother (and in a book filled with superb characters, her parents will linger long in the memory, the relationship both very touching and extremely funny). An expenses-paid Paris break is really just what Keeley needs – although I think I might have thought twice about taking along best friend Rach. The author’s books often feature a character who sets my teeth on edge a little (my age, I think), but who helps bring such a lot of the humour.

So, Paris, Pepe the penguin – and the beginnings of a romance that helps both characters move on from the sadness that defines them. And what a perfect romance it is, one of those that fills your heart and makes you hurt inside, just willing everything to turn out as it should and give them both a happy ending. But before that hoped-for happy ending they both need to go through the mill a bit, resolve a few massive issues and reveal more than a few life-changing secrets. The story is excellent – the emotion and the humour just so perfectly balanced, a real roller-coaster with two characters who you love more with every page that turns.

The supporting characters are fantastic too – from the bit players like Ethan’s harried assistant Noel and standoffish concierge Antoine to the ones who play a considerably larger part in the story. I’ll mention Jeanne and Bo-Bo – but I’ll leave it there so you can discover for yourself the lovely extra layer they add to the story. Even Rach managed to win me over – every over-the-top thing she does is because she cares, and she really touched my heart with her wish to find a man who could love her in her pyjamas.

This book is extremely funny, exceptionally touching, heartbreaking and filled with joy – and I loved every single moment of its glorious Christmassiness. And who doesn’t love spending time in Paris – especially in the snow, with Christmas just round the corner? It’s a story of fresh starts and new beginnings, that made me think about life a little and feel such a lot. And the story’s ending – I thought it was just absolute perfection. I just loved this book in every way – add it to your Christmas reading list now, you won’t regret it for an instant.

I am really beginning to love a Mandy Baggot novel! However, what's not to love? This isn't a light read, dealing with such serious subjects as transplants, but it's a much better read for this. My first Christmas book of the season, everything else has a lot to live up to!

My thanks to Netgalley and Aria for the reading copy.

Keeley is recovering from the loss of her sister Bea in a terrible accident which also left Keeley seriously injured and needing a kidney transplant. Living with her parents in a highly protective environment Keeley is worried about taking care of the precious gift she has been given but also that she is not living her life to the full. Mandy Baggot handles the topic of organ donation and transplants with care and sensitivity.

When the mother of her organ donor makes contact and invites Keeley to Paris to meet her, Keeley decides it's a chance she needs to take, accompanied by her exuberant friend Rach. I enjoyed reading about Keeley's friendship with both Rach and Erica, who Keeley has met in very difficult circumstances.

I also enjoyed reading the sections of the novel from Ethan's point of view. He has had a traumatic past but is trying to make the most of life and is nervous of his feelings for Keeley. I also loved how he was with Jeanne and how that part of the story developed.

Set in the beautiful city of Paris in the lead up to Christmas, the writer evokes a sense of wonder in the simple things in life in this novel. It also makes me want to visit Paris more than ever before!

A wonderfully romantic story, I gave this 4 out of 5.

I love Mandy Baggott books and this was no different. However, this had a slightly more serious slant on it: dealing with heavy issues such as grief, homelessness and the impact of having a transplant but this adds to the novel rather than making it depressing.
The world depicted in Paris was sumptuous - a lovely mix of the luxurious and the hidden gems of the real Paris and I loved that Keeley felt more at home in the 'real' heart of the city. I really liked her character and her relationships with others and also the insights into her thoughts and frustrations as a transplant and it was great how the novel dealt with the reality of transplants rather than it as an endpoint and happy ever after. However, whilst I loved the character of Erica, I found Keeley's staying in Paris when Erica's situation changed a little hard to believe.
I loved most of the other characters, especially Jeanne, Ethan and Bobo but didn't like Rachel: selfish and spoiled was how she came across.
Overall, beautifully Christmassy but with a thought-provoking edge.

One cab ride can change your life, as Keeley knows intimately. Nearly losing her own life, her sister and gaining a second chance from an unknown organ donor left her with plenty of mixed emotions and feeling stuck. Her parents, understandably, are constantly worried for her, while mentions of her beloved sister Bea sends her mother into a flurry of ‘busy work’ as she seeks to ignore the crushing grief. But an email inquiry stating her donor’s family would like to meet – and everything starts.

Ferne was traveling when she was killed in a car accident, but her mother and she had long before discussed the ‘gift’ of organ donation – with her kidney being a match for Keeley, the path was clear for Sylvie. But now, with time having passed and Sylvie wanting to know more – perhaps even to see if the person who received her daughter’s kidney was ‘worthy’, she made an offer. All expenses paid (including luxury accommodations) for Keeley and one other to meet. When Sylvie tells her son and their ‘adopted all but legally’ son Ethan of her plan – Ethan is floored and totally unreceptive.

Keeley and her best friend Rachel head to Paris – and here’s where the story takes flight. From Ethan and Keeley ‘running into’ one another repeatedly – neither truly knowing who the other was, to Keeley’s own growth and working through her issues, to her parents’ finally dealing with their own grief (granted her mother had more ‘busy work’ lined up) but all of the pieces fit. Sylvie was honestly impressed with Keeley – her kindness, her way of looking at the world, and it was to her credit that she shared Ferne with Keeley – not expecting anything in return but receiving both reassurances that Keeley was “worth’ her own grief and loss, but the strength that her family showed, and the small ‘similarities’ between the two women. Of course, the Ethan/Keeley connection was aided with the inclusion of another ‘street child’ who recognized the same in him – and the connections, Ethan learning to ‘attach’ to someone else after feeling so broken with Ferne’s death – the only person he truly trusted – the story leads in multiple revelations for all involved, and each person’s quandary feels plausible.

Perhaps because we will soon be facing the ‘need for a transplant’ here at home, and have experienced many of the ‘questions’ about what is or is not ‘allowed’ in terms of diet and travel, that arc in the story felt very present to me. And how you cannot love the way, lovingly and sweetly, Baggot introduces a ‘hidden Paris’ - one known only to locals and full of joyous memories for me. There is a feeling and a flair to the stories and characters we meet through Baggot’s stories – and for me – this makes it all the more special and a favorite for the laughs, the growth and the feelings of hope that fit this story firmly in the Christmas spirit.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-aNI /” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

Another great novel by Mandy Baggott.

I just love the cover and previously took part in the cover reveal. Purple and festive, this cover is the ideal pick me up to look at.

But the cover hides a grittier story than you might expect.

Keely is trying to rebuild her life after a car accident which left her without her sister and a kidney. A transplant saved her life and her struggles in getting back to her life are evident. To top it off, her friend is in a hospice at 22 years old.

The novel is heartbreaking from the start but Keely and her friend make it very real with their perspectives on life. Both strong and resilient, they are people to root for.


Keely's homelife is well documented and we feel we are living life with her. She lives at home and works a short distance away.

When circumstances conspire to lead her to Paris, she will live a reality different to what she knew.

I really liked Keely's character because she is determined to squeeze all the juice out of life she can. Paris, the Eiffel Tower and all expenses paid.

After everything that's happened to Keely recently, she needs a change of scene.

Will Paris be what she needed all along to really start living again?

A Perfect Paris Christmas is raw, real and true to life. It was devastating to find about what had happen to Keely and her sister and the bond between them was plain to see.

There are plenty of new bonds forged in this book as well as strengthening of lifelong ones. I was moved almost to tears by Keely's visits to the hospice, yet humbled by her friend's outlook.

The pace of the novel is characteristic of Mandy Baggot's writing style and I have loved and reviewed many of her books now and they are fun and lighthearted as well as true to life.

A Perfect Paris Christmas is heartwrenching, gripping realistic and bittersweet. It really makes you think what some people have to go through and is a testament to how hard it can be to move on but shows that there are always adventures to be had.


Thanks to Mandy Baggott and Aria for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntery review.

5 stars

A truly magical tale; an absolute treat to read - as I knew it would be - from Mandy Baggot.

It's fair to say that Keeley Andrews has had a terrible year and a bit so when she is offered an all expenses paid fortnight in Paris and her best friend Rach can come along, she can't wait to get there! Ethan Bouchard is a Parisian with the most awful eighteen months behind him who literally bumps into Keeley in the French capital, but he's too buried in the past to move on with his life. When they keep running into each other there does seem to be the beginning of something there - but can they see where it goes?

*Sigh* .. now I'm really in the mood for Christmas! This is just adorable .. such a wonderful tale, beautifully written and providing a real flavour of Paris. The characters are so beautifully drawn that they just jump off the page and I expect to meet them on the streets if ever I visit that city. With family, friends and others brought into the story, this is an extensive, solid story which flows gently from beginning to end. There is so much going on, and I loved every single bit of it especially as, by the final page, it was all made complete. I particularly appreciate that the blurb doesn't reveal all the secrets held within the pages! Such an utter joy to read, containing everything a Christmas novel should have and it is absolutely worth my highest recommendation and five sparkling stars.

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley and in particular to Victoria Joss for my spot on this tour; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.