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Guilty Pleasures

By The Reading Girl
/ in Books
2 comments

     Alright, so most people are inclined to confess to the more standard variety of guilty pleasures...

Eating too much chocolate...



Watching marathons of Lifetime movies on Saturdays...


Perusing the likes of People.com with far too much frequency...


Not so secretly but anxiously awaiting the release of The Deathly Hallows: Part 2...



And of course there is (perhaps the most widely accepted) female addiction to shoes/shopping for them...


So--actually, all of these apply to yours truly, but my latest little sin that I just couldn't keep to myself is Secrets of Paris, by Luanne Rice.


     I must preface my rave review of this tiny book and its short read with a warning that at times (but not so often that I would/could put it down), the love scenes seemed to be venturing into Danielle Steele territory. Now, while I have never read anything by Ms. Steele (or Ms. Rice for that matter), my mom WAS ONCE a fan, I have heard the criticism and--well, I have seen the book covers...enough said, right? Meanwhile Danielle is laughing all the way to bank :oP


     Back to the book...I came across Secrets of Paris as I was already heading to the cash register to pay for  A  Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens (which I also purchased and fully intend to read).



     My eyes couldn't help but be drawn to the title, as nearly anything Parisian--or French, really--tends to easily garner my attention and praises alike. And the book cover, of a couple standing on an old bridge overlooking the Seine, much like the Reading Guy and I once did, well--frankly, had me nearly altogether convinced.



     Then I read the synopsis on the back cover, a portion of which reads as follows:


   "Lydie McBride has always embraced life to the fullest. But when an unthinkable tragedy strikes her family, everything she believes in is shattered. Her husband watches the passion disappear from her eyes and from their marriage, and hopes that an assignment to PARIS will help them reclaim a love that once seemed unassailable. BUT THE CITY OF LIGHTS HOLDS SECRETS AND SEDUCTIONS FOR THEM BOTH."



    Seriously?!?! Going once, going twice--SOLD to the lady who is taking forever to choose a book!


     Did I mention that I ordinarily take WAY too much time selecting my next read? I consider it an investment of time, money, thought, and ultimately my memories. And since I refuse to read a book on an Ipad, Kindle, Nook, etc. or order a book online, I am one of the few left who still actually physically visit a bookstore, browse, and buy! Meanwhile, the poor hubby who often agrees to come along with me in first place demonstrates his typical extraordinary patience as I choose one book, carry it around the store for a while, and then inevitably return to exchange it for another and maybe yet another :oS


     Again...back to the matter at hand. So the book is a great read! It is short and sweet at just a bit over 300 pages. It is realistic, engaging, and really caters to fans of Le Grande Paris. 



Not to mention that it serves as a cautionary tale of all involving love, trust, deceit, marriage, friendship, forgiveness and even learning to stand on your own. And all of this comes nicely packaged in a contemporary, relatable setting to boot.

 Oh yeah, and did I mention that the plot even includes a scandalous night at a masquerade ball?


 Enough said!

     Now, I am off to read Dickens, which very well may be the antithesis of Secrets, and something I am inclined to feel much less guilty about reading :o)

     P.S. I am diligently working on the HUGE/FUN/AMAZING project I mentioned earlier this week. It is turning out very well, but there are a few finishing touches that remain to be made/bought/reinvented!
Here is a sneak peek and I can't wait to share the rest!






XOXO,

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2 comments:

  1. AnonymousMarch 13, 2011 at 8:24 PM

    Crys......secrets OF paris.......
    How much longer are you going to keep us in suspense????? Love, MJE

    ReplyDelete
  2. The Reading GirlMarch 13, 2011 at 10:06 PM

    MJE: Hmmm...I can loan you the book and you can enjoy it for yourself, or you can call me and we'll discuss! Either way, I think it is lovely, smart and transporting! Who could resist a quick visit to Paris, right?

    --Love

    ReplyDelete
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