Paris in the late 1800's during the Belle Epoque, antique furniture and paintings, and journals from an apartment's original inhabitant. All of these things made A PARIS APARTMENT a book that will keep you glued to the pages.
Who wouldn't want to go to Paris? April was an art history major and an auctioneer. When her boss told her she would be going to Paris to put value on an apartment's contents that had been closed up for 70 years, she couldn't pass up the chance even though her marriage was a bit rocky.
When April found the journals of Marthe de Florian, they made the apartment’s contents even more valuable and the book quite enticing. The journals told about Marthe de Florian's life and her connection and relationships with artists and other famous people.
Famous people such as Victor Hugo and Giovanni Boldini were part of the book's intrigue. Marthe de Florian had quite a colorful life.
A PARIS APARTMENT was a bit rough getting started, but once the journals were found, they and the Parisian atmosphere drew you into the era and its living style.
A PARIS APARTMENT is based on a real apartment and a real person. Ms. Gable did a great deal of research and weaves the story so masterfully that you don't even know it is history, but it definitely revealed a wonderful hidden part of Paris.
For a debut novel, the writing and storyline were marvelous. A PARIS APARTMENT has beautiful, descriptive writing, and the journals made it oh so good.
April’s rocky marriage seemed to be a side story, but the apartment, its contents, and the journals are historical aspects that I thoroughly enjoyed and what kept me reading.
The ending was marvelous as April met an eighty-seven-year-old family member of Marthe de Florian who fills in the gaps of Marthe’s life.
ENJOY, and don't give up too early. :) 4/5
This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher in return for an honest review.
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I enjoyed the book a lot.
ReplyDeleteI hope you get to read it. It was a surprise book.
Thanks for stopping, and good luck in the giveaway.
I do love a book set in Paris, well really anywhere in France.
ReplyDeleteI have been to Europe, but have never gone to France except for the airport. :)
DeleteThanks for stopping, Kathy.
I found out about this book this morning, and then came across your review. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWonderful!!
DeleteI hope you get to read the book.
Thanks for stopping, Heather.
This sounds very interesting. I'm glad the author did a great job with researching it also.
ReplyDelete@dino0726 from
FictionZeal - Impartial, Straighforward Fiction Book Reviews
Beautiful research.
DeleteI enjoyed the book.
Thanks for stopping, Diane.
This book sounds sooooooo good! Probably the only way I'll ever see Paris is via a book since I'm so terrified of flying. HA!
ReplyDeleteFlying is scary.
DeleteThanks for stopping, The Intrepid Angeleno.
Found you on Carole's blog. I love Paris so I'm entering this. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWonderful, Elizabeth.
DeleteThanks for stopping by. Good luck in the contest.
Elizabeth, thanks for hosting this giveaway! I will add it to my blog's sidebar. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Suko.
DeleteThanks for stopping.
I love Paris! Everyone should visit at least once in their life. This book looks great. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteIt was good...I hope you get to read it.
DeleteThanks for stopping, Gail.
I adored the historical narrative and references; I wasn't quite as enamored with April's storyline. However, I agree... quite impressive for a debut novel.
ReplyDeleteI didn't like April's story all that much either, but LOVED the journals and the look back.
DeleteThanks for stopping, Molly.