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


     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:


    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.


     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,