Travel the Pages-Paris

I’ve been trying to read books off my shelf and recently read The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl and The Champagne Letters by Kate Macintosh.  If you love books that —take place in Paris, think of yourself as a foodie, love travel, and enjoy rich story teller with a touch of a mystery—I can confidently recommend both of these titles!

The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl  - A feast for the senses, this novel is a testament to living deliciously, taking chances, and finding your true home.  

When her estranged mother dies, Stella is left with an unusual inheritance: a one-way plane ticket and a note reading “Go to Paris.”  Alone in a foreign city, Stella falls into old habits, living cautiously and frugally. Then she stumbles across a vintage store, where she tries on a fabulous Dior dress. The shopkeeper insists that this dress was meant for Stella and for the first time in her life Stella does something impulsive. She buys the dress—and embarks on an adventure.

Next, she meets an octogenarian art collector who decides to take her under his wing.  I loved their friendship so much!

I loved the story of the dress, the “tumbleweeds” at Shakespeare & Co., and the connection she makes with food and her past.

The Champagne Letters by Kate Macintosh - Told in a dual timeline + POV.

1805 - When both Russians are set to invade and  Barbe-Nicole Clicquot loses her beloved husband she is determined to still pursue their dream of creating a premier champagne house in France.  Her chapters are told from letters to her great granddaughter.

“To do bold things does not mean one is without fear.”

Present Day - Fresh from a divorce, Natalie impulsively runs away on a vacation to Paris.  On one of her very first days in the city she stumbles upon a used book of widow Clicquot’s published letters.  She finds them very inspiring and they become her manifest for this trip.

“Never stand in the way of a determined woman.”

Natalie’s trip to Paris takes an unexpected turn and I enjoyed both the adventure, mystery, and her personal growth.

“Sieze opportunity when it comes, for unlike bad luck, it won’t linger.”