If you liked The Paris Library, I’d recommend this is as a follow up listen. It’s not required to read the first novel but it builds off of some of the initial characters’ stories.

There are a vast array of complex characters, each with unique personalities. I appreciated the different perspectives and the narrators for each were wonderful. Lorenzo’s character was my favorite: the perfect amount of grumpy, opinionated, and sassy with a healthy dislike of the general public. Lily is naive and sometimes mildly annoying, but you can see her growth as an individual throughout the novel.

The epilogue was fitting. I appreciated the closure and the final perspective from the library itself. I mean who doesn’t love a novel about a library in Paris?

Thank you to Simon & Schuster Audio and NetGalley for the ALC.

Taking place in the 1990s, this book chronicles a recent American graduate from the Sorbonne. Growing up, Lilly always wanted to attend college and work in Paris. Her dreams are realized, but not exactly like she planned. As her longest lasting friendship deteriorates, she boldly moves forward, making positive changes in her life she could not foresee. This book, warm, endearing, and hopeful, is easy to connect with and enjoy. The cast of narrators gives each character their own distinct voice further bringing the listener in. This book is highly recommended.

I read and enjoyed Charles's The Paris Library and was eager to read The Parisian Chapter, a sequel of sorts, though it's not listed as one. I did not read Miss Morgan's Book Brigade, so perhaps this would have been a 4-star rating if I had. I am a big fan of Erica Bauermeister's works where she has multiple POV characters that build a story from many angles and was hoping this would be the same caliber book. As a stand-alone, I didn't find it to be at that same level, but again, perhaps one needs to read Miss Morgan's Book Brigade to get a similar effect. And if that's the case, then I wish this book would have recommended reading these two novels before taking on The Parisian Chapter.

There are a dozen POV characters, each giving his/her/its own perspective of the story, but perhaps 12 is too many, as it seemed to water down the story. I had a hard time keeping track of some of the lesser characters, especially the board members and benefactors. I did find all 12 narrators satisfactory, which is key to a successful audiobook.

I did enjoy the novel enough that I will most likely go back and read Miss Morgan's Book Brigade.

My thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Audio Originals for the advanced reader copy of the work in exchange for my honest opinion.

If you've ever thought that you have a terrible boss, this book will make you feel a little better. When Lily gets a new job at the American Library in Paris, she quickly learns her boss is a micromanaging, emotionally stunted, toxic mess. As if that isn’t bad enough, her friendship with the person she moved to Paris with begins to fall apart in a confusing way.

I enjoyed the book focusing on the story of Lily, but including the perspectives of a wide variety of characters. It added a lot of depth to the story and really built on the library as a setting. I enjoyed the Audiobook, but the main narrator did sound EXTREMELY young, and that really threw me based on the content of the book. Perhaps this was a creative choice, but it did sometimes make me feel uncomfortable.

Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Age: Adult
Themes: Toxic Workplace, Book Industry, Expat in Paris
Read For: Netgalley
Obtained From: Thank you to Simon and Schuster Audio and Netgalley for the Advanced Listening Copy of this audiobook.

Thanks to NETGalley for an advanced copy of this audiobook.

Having recently finished the Paris Library, I was excited to get the opportunity to read this follow up so soon after I finished The Paris Library, which I had enjoyed.

It was great to follow Lily and Mary Louise to Paris and discover the many connections to Odile’s that they uncovered while in school and starting their careers.

I may be an outlier on this, but as an audiobook listener, I did not particularly enjoy the new chapter announcement. It was startling to be every time!

What a well produced audio novel! This was one of the first audio novels I've read (read lots of audiobooks but novels developed specifically for audio are new to me). I really appreciated all the various character's voices and personalities, even the odd ones like the library. This really helped me connect with the story! That being said, I felt like one weakness of this novel was the narrator chosen for Lily. She sounded SO young, which led to a disconnect in my understanding of Lily, who was supposed to be a mid-20s college graduate living in Paris. I really enjoyed the themes of friendship, ambition, and perseverance in difficult circumstances throughout this novel. Aside from the narrator (who did a wonderful job, just sounded young), the only other minor criticism I had with this novel was that I did not believe the friendship between Lily and Mary Louise at first. After their disagreement and subsequent reconciliation, yes, but initially? No, it seemed superficial at best. Perhaps this was just some detail lost due to the format of this book. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and considering how it connects with The Paris Library. WIll definitely continue reading more by this author!

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this eARC. All opinions are my own.

What a great story! I thoroughly enjoyed the narration of this book. It was the best I have ever listened to. Lilly was such a great character, hard at work at the American Library in Paris. She comes across some really great characters trying to get her boss to like her work and to get authors in who will bring in cash through their books. Her best friend who moved to Paris with her moves out of their shared apartment which stumps Lilly for a bit as to why the sudden departure and who she is living with now is such a mystery.

The narration was phenomenal and the story was great!! I would highly recommend this.

I want to thank NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Audio for this advanced audio file. This is my honest review.

So after absolutely LOVING The Paris Library, I was really looking forward to reading this one!
Unfortunately, this was a total miss for me.
I felt like I just didn’t connect with any of the main characters, and, there were A LOT of them!

Although the premise sounded really good, it fell flat for me. I’m sure I’m in the minority here, but, this is my honest opinion. But, as I said, I loved her last one, so I’m not giving up on this gifted author yet!

The story: Lily lands a job at The American Library in Paris. As we go through her day to day dealings, we learn all about her! If you are like me, you will not be drawn in… which for me is a big minus… but, again, this is only MY opinion, so please don’t rely solely on me.

As another reviewer mentioned, Lily is supposed to be in her mid 20’s, but her narrator makes her sound (and act) like she is 16! (????). Why???

I’m going to stop here, and I will limit my review to Goodreads and NetGalley, as it’s not a great one for me.

3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me.

The Parisian Chapter by Janet Skeslien Charles and narrated by a full cast.

Thanks so much to Simon and Schuster Audio for an ARC of the audiobook. It is due to be released on 5/27/25, so look for it then!

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Audiobook Review: The Parisian Chapter by Janet Skeslien Charles

I absolutely loved The Parisian Chapter. As a sequel to The Paris Library, it was such a joy to return to this world and see beloved characters’ stories continue. Janet Skeslien Charles does a wonderful job weaving together past and present, and it was deeply satisfying to see some of the emotional threads from the first book finally resolved. It felt like coming full circle in the best way.

The audiobook itself is a standout experience. The full cast narration, led by Pauline Chalamet, brought a rich, cinematic feel to the story. Each character had a distinct, believable voice, which made the narrative even more immersive. The performances were heartfelt and engaging, and the transitions between narrators felt seamless. It truly brought the City of Light—and the American Library in Paris—to life.

Lily’s journey as a writer navigating friendships, creative ambition, and a city full of possibility was both relatable and inspiring. The backdrop of the library, with all its quirky characters and hidden dramas, added warmth and charm, while also touching on deeper themes of memory, legacy, and resilience.

Whether you’re returning from The Paris Library or discovering this story fresh, The Parisian Chapter is a moving, beautifully narrated celebration of books, friendship, and finding your place in the world.

Highly recommended!

I didn’t like this it didn’t have any kind of connection to me and the story felt flat. I got about half way and was over it

I thought this audiobook was well done and I enjoyed the different narrators. I liked Lily’s story and also how it was connected with The Paris Librarian and Odile. Maintaining friendships can be difficult, but worth it!

I listened to the ALC of The Paris Chapter by Janet Skeslien Charles and narrated by a full cast: Pauline Chalamet; Jean Brassard; Corey Brill; Marisa Calin; Danny Campbell; James Fouhey; Matt Godfrey; Helen Lloyd; Jackie Sanders; Gary Tiedemann; Elizabeth Wiley; Gabra Zackman. Here is what I thought about it: I liked the story. Our FMC, Lily is immature. She does impetuous immature things that belie her mid-twenties age. She kicks a woman in the shin on the sidewalk because her best friend is moving out of their shared apartment and seems to be distancing herself from Lily. Then the woman throws her still burning cigarette butt onto the street in Paris and Lily reacts by kicking her. Who does that? The voice narration for Lily also makes her sound young - and I mean like 15, 16 years old. So, it's weird when there is a romance because you have to actively remind yourself she's in her twenties it's okay. So, Lily and her best friend move to Paris from their small town in Montana to attend university. Mary Louise is studing art - she is a talented artist but rejection is difficult to stand and she no longer believes in herself, and Lily who is a writer and is unable to hold onto a full-time job. Lily is hurt and lonely when Mary Louise moves out of their apartment without explanation and when she doesn't answer her phone when Lily calls. Lily finally gets a part-time at the American Library in Paris - a location that is well used in an earlier novel by Janet Skeslien Charles. As is Lily's neighbor from Montana, Odile, a french woman who encourages Lily's dreams of living the life of a writer in Paris. I wanted to love this story, because there was a lot of promise here - the old boys network giving the Library Director job to some ill-qualified for the role, the academic cheating, the romance, the trailing spouse story, the growing apart as friends and wanting different things, the struggle to be published or to establish yourself as an artist. Everything is very neatly tidied up for the ending without delving very far into any of these stories. I liked it but there was so much more possible with this story. I gave this 3.25 stars and I need to thank Net Galley and Simon and Schuster Audio for my ALC.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Audio for the advance listening copy in exchange for my honest review.

Set between past and present Paris, The Parisian Chapter weaves together the stories of women connected through books, secrets, and the enduring power of literature. When Lily, a modern-day American bookseller, travels to Paris, she stumbles upon a trail of letters and memories that link back to the women who ran The American Library during World War II.

As a fan of historical fiction, I was drawn in by the premise and had high hopes for a story that celebrates libraries, female friendships, and hidden wartime histories. Unfortunately, I struggled to feel emotionally connected to the characters, and the story didn’t quite come together in the way I had hoped. With multiple perspectives and timelines, the narrative felt a bit too fragmented, and none of the voices felt fully developed or distinct enough to carry their own weight.

Lily, in particular, was difficult to connect with. Her character felt underexplored, and the choice of narrator for her voice in the audiobook struck me as mismatched, sounding much younger than the character seemed intended to be. The transitions between chapters also included unexpected piano interludes, which ended up feeling more distracting than atmospheric.

That said, the book is accessible, a quick listen, and its themes may still resonate with readers who enjoy multi-perspective storytelling and stories about the legacy of libraries and booklovers. While it didn’t fully land for me, I’m sure it will find readers who appreciate its heartfelt nod to literary history.

Janet Skeslien Charles's The Parisian Chapter transports readers to the enchanting streets of Paris in 1995, weaving a rich tapestry of friendship, art, and personal growth. The story follows Lily Jacobsen, a young artist from Montana, as she navigates her new life in the City of Light alongside her best friend Mary Louise. When Mary Louise departs suddenly, Lily finds herself alone but determined to carve out her place amidst Paris's vibrant cultural scene. One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its diverse cast of characters, each with their own stories and quirks, brought vividly to life through multiple voices. Lily’s journey at the American Library in Paris is both inspiring and nostalgic, highlighting the importance of literature, community, and resilience. The struggles Lily faces—both personal and professional—are portrayed with warmth and authenticity, making her victories all the more rewarding. The author captures the magic of Paris in the mid-'90s beautifully, evoking a sense of nostalgia for a city brimming with history, artistry, and endless possibility. The narrative beautifully balances moments of humor and heartbreak, ultimately celebrating the enduring power of friendship and the pursuit of one’s passion. While some aspects feel familiar within the historical fiction genre, the novel’s heartfelt storytelling and charming characters elevate it beyond just another Parisian tale. The Parisian Chapter is a delightful homage to artists and dreamers alike—a love letter to the city and to the transformative power of art and human connection.

Because there were so many characters, I had trouble following along. Given that it was a charming little book. Thank you net Galley for an advanced copy

The Parisian Chapter is an audiobook exclusive story about a young woman who moves to Paris with hopes of becoming an author while working in the American Library of Paris in the mid 1990s. First off, I will say the audiobook was really well produced. I love a full cast audiobook and this did not disappoint. Unfortunately, the story was just not for me. This is one of those stories that really lacked a solid plot, and it didn't have strong enough characters to carry the story. I found the main character's best friend, in particular, extremely unlikeable. I also felt the romantic subplot to be very underdeveloped. Overall, I just felt a disconnect to the story and the characters that lead me to feel very apathetic to the story. I will say I was never bored or found it painful to read just that I was not personally interested or engrossed by the story. It just was not the story for me.

Thank You to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Audio for an ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles. However, this book was not up to snuff. Eleven narrators was too many to keep track of. The story was not fully developed nor character development.

3.5 stars. I listened to the audio version of this book narrated by a full cast. The narration were good. The one for Lilly was the only one I didn't fully love. Sometimes the inflection seemed a bit off.

The story centers around the American Library in France and a young woman, Lily, who has been hired to manage their events. It included patrons and workers at the library. The story also includes Lily's best friend as well as an older friend of hers who lives in the United States, but is from France. There are many characters and you get a little history of each.

This was my third book by Janet Skeslien Charles and it was my least favorite of the three. I really think it may have been better for me to read the text instead of listening to it. I had problems figuring out who the many characters were and even their spoken names.

Thanks to Simon and Schuster Audio and NetGalley for the audiobook. All thoughts are my own.

I love books that center around books and libraries, but I felt a little distanced from this one.

I’m honestly not sure what to make of this book, and I can’t decide if my lukewarm feelings stem mainly from narration or the story itself. I was familiar with Pauline Chalamet from The Sex Lives of College Girls, but hadn’t really taken note of her voice before. In this audiobook, her narration made Lily sound more like a teenager than a women in her mid-twenties, which made it hard for me to connect with the character. That said, I did enjoy the full cast of narrators and the nostalgic PBS-style music at the start of each chapter which added a nice touch.

Unfortunately, Lily as a character came off as petulant, incompetent, and a bit whiny. And beyond the narration, the story itself felt muddled. There were just too many themes introduced without any of them being fully explorers. I never quite understood the conflict between Odile and Meg, and several plot points felt rushed or underdeveloped. For instance, Lily gets upset with her boss, hides away, and just happens to pull a manuscript from a pile that ties back to Odile? Or how she suddenly comes up with a new story for her book overnight, immediately lands a publishing deal, and somehow gets an advance big enough to live in Paris? It all felt too convenient.

About 85% into the book, a new character is introduced, or maybe it was just the backstory, but I don’t recall reading about Tolstoy prior, and it included a heavy-handed critique of the Army National Guard that felt out of place and unnecessarily negative. It pulled me further out of the story rather than deepening it.

I later found out that this book is a spin-off of The Paris Library, which has been sitting on my TBR pile for a while. After reading this, I’m uncertain whether I still want to read it. I wanted to love this book, I kept reading in the hope that the details and backstory would eventually come together. The premise has so much potential, and there were glimmers of depth, especially in the little nuggets of wisdom sprinkled throughout. One line in particular that stood out to me: “Books have lines and if we’re lucky our faces have lines with stories to tell.” That sentiment alone almost made the journey worth it.

In the end, this was a story I wanted to be immersed in, but just never quite found my footing with.

So, as a librarian, what is not to love about this book. I listened to it and found that I had a hard time taking out my ear buds as I didn't want to stop listening. There are a lot of characters in this book, but the Lily story was the most important one and I wish there could have been more of it. But the other "voices" did fill in the background--what I loved was the idea of living in the library (instead of being homeless). The descriptions of Paris and the American Library in Paris eventually made everything seem very "homey" and the patrons and staff of the library began to feel like family. There were a lot of minor plotlines in this book and sometimes the Mary Louise story got to be a little much, but the one I kept wanting to know about was the Odile plot and it did end very well. This book, although there was constant "sturm and drang" was like listening to a comforting old friend telling a story that you just knew was going to end well.