I had heard of Ruth Reichl mentioned many times watching food shows but did not know much of her written work. When this book first published last year I remember snagging it off the library shelf and utterly disappointed that it did not interest me. Fast forward to last week and I feel in love with the book immediately. It goes to show that you should give certain books a second chance as you might fall in love the second time around.

The Paris Novel is set in the 1980s first in NYC then Paris. After the death of her mother, Stella finds herself a little adrift until her mother’s lawyer states her mother left her with a plane ticket to Paris. Stella is unsure but uses the encouragement from her boss and takes a leap of faith. One that broadens her horizons and allows love to find a way in.

I have no desire to physically visit Paris but I do love to read about the bookshops and restaurants. The much younger me would have jumped at the chance to live in a bookshop. I would have made a great Tumbleweed. The food descriptions will make your mouth water. What an amazing gift to look at many different ingredients and come up with a new recipe.

This book will draw you in slowly but engulf you with all your senses.