What's not to love about this book.....it takes us to Paris on a train where it involves books.........tick,tick, tick!!!!

The story is based around 3 intertwined women. Carly, her mum Fran and their very close friend Elsa.
As the train leaves Edinburgh, all 3 ladies are facing some issues in life. As they head towards Paris, they have to face some truths that will help them sort their problems.

I absolutely loved this book. The characters are well written and the description of the train and journey allows the reader to go with them.
Highly recommended

This book was an absolute joy to read. It was warm, bookish, and completely enchanting from start to finish.

The story is told from three perspectives: Carly, her mother Fran, and family friend Elsa. Each voice feels distinct and beautifully realised, adding depth and richness to the narrative as the three women embark on a train journey to Paris.

Fran is a successful romance author with twenty-five books behind her, travelling to Paris and hosting a writing workshop whilst on board. Carly helps out in the family bookshop and joins the trip to support the bookselling side, while Elsa comes along for some much-needed respite as her husband is unwell. Woven through their journey is Fran’s lingering memory of a man she once met in Paris, before she met Carly’s father, a quiet what-if that adds emotional tenderness to the story.

The characters are wonderfully drawn, the relationships feel authentic, and the story unfolds at a perfect pace. It’s gentle yet absorbing, full of warmth, reflection, and love for books and storytelling.

I read this in one sitting because I simply didn’t want to leave it.

A beautifully told, character-driven novel and a perfect bookish read. I adored it.

✨ Thank you to @headlinebooks for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
📅 Publication date: 28 May 2026

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

I loved this book - warm, cosy and a real feel good read. I read it in one sitting - loved the characters and the story line. Just what I needed for a cold January day! Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.

A Warm hug in Book Form - My perfect escape to Paris

If this book was a drink it would be a hot tea with honey. This is the ultimate comfort read - it warmed my heart, soothed my soul and felt almost real.

The story follows three women on a journey to Paris, each of whom are standing at a pivotal crossroad in their lived. A generational story. It explored biological family and found family. The setting is perfect, I got to visit Edinburgh, London and Paris without leaving my bed.

What really impressed me was the plot. I was gripped and it took me through real life stories and what if's that people face everyday.

The ending wasn't exactly what I though and that even made even it better.

I adored the meta-commentary on romance books as escapis. The authors nod to how romance books gets people reading mirrored my own thoughts exactly. It's a short, beautiful read that I didn't want to put down.

Reviews to be posted 11th Jan on Goodreads, Fable and TikTok

What a delightful read, what’s not to love - a bookshop themed story.

Written from the perspective of each of the three main female characters. Carly, the daughter,; Fran, the mum and Elsa, the ‘stand-in grandmother’ , set in Edinburgh, London and Paris.

Enjoy- I certainly did.