Paris Is Always a Good Idea is the type of story that tugs at heartstrings and at you own feelings of wanderlust. (And then the frustration of not being able to travel quite like you want to.)


Paris Is Always a Good Idea 
by Jenn McKinlay

It's been seven years since Chelsea Martin embarked on her yearlong post-college European adventure. Since then, she's lost her mother to cancer and watched her sister marry twice, while Chelsea's thrown herself into work, becoming one of the most talented fundraisers for the American Cancer Coalition, and with the exception of one annoyingly competent coworker, Jason Knightley, her status as most talented fundraiser is unquestioned.

When her introverted mathematician father announces he's getting remarried, Chelsea is forced to acknowledge that her life stopped after her mother died, and that the last time she can remember being happy, in love, or enjoying her life was on her gap year. Inspired to retrace her steps--to find Colin in Ireland, Jean Claude in France, and Marcelino in Italy--Chelsea hopes that one of these three men who stole her heart so many years ago, can help her find it again.

From the start of her journey nothing goes as planned, but as Chelsea reconnects with her old self, she also finds love in the very last place she expected. 


As always, a copy of this book was provided by the author or publisher in exchange for my honest review. This does not effect my opinion in any way.    

This may have something to do with the fact that we've been fairly cooped up in our houses for the better part of these last few months, but I've been feeling very jittery over traveling and the need I have for it. Which is why the concept behind Paris Is Always a Good Idea intrigued me.

(And why I've been reaching for more books set within new places or that explore tales of travel.)

And, let's face it: you guys know I am a sucker for a pretty illustration cover and tells of finding one's self.  

Paris Is Always a Good Idea not only has a beautifully drawn design on its surface, but it tells us the story of the journey one woman takes to truly finding herself. Not only is this a story of finding yourself, Paris Is Always a Good Idea tackles many subjects of importance: grief, uncomfortable working situations (i.e., a frustrating co-worker), intense feelings of being stuck and, of course, learning how to love life again.

In a lot of ways, this novel is at its best when it reaches the core of things: love. Not only of the romantic variety--loving yourself. Learning to love life again, even in its most aggravating moments.

There were a lot of things that I truly loved about Paris Is Always a Good Idea. Namely, the message behind it. The writing is sold and is quick to embrace readers into the narrative. Jenn McKinlay crafts an indulgent, and witty, retrospective tale that is both romantic and truthful. Paris Is Always a Good Idea never failed in tugging a smile from me, nor did it fail at coaxing a variety of other emotions.

Paris Is Always a Good Idea is a quick and lively read, that proved to be thoroughly enjoyable. Set to various backdrops that are both vivid and electrically charged, Paris Is Always a Good Idea is the best kind of beach read. It packs a serious emotional punch while still remaining light in its escapism.