Thirty Days in Paris: The gorgeously escapist, romantic and uplifting new novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author

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Cherry and her relationship with her husband Mike was a bit of a conundrum to me. There is no doubting how much they love each other but for me, I felt it was rather one sided with Cherry putting her life on hold over the years so her husband could concentrate on his art and teaching and when it comes to Cherry doing something for herself, I found Mike to be rather selfish and putting want he wants over that of his wife’s. As I say there is no doubting that his character loves his wife and is proud of her, but it did niggle at me throughout with his reactions to certain things. Juliet’s separation and subsequent divorce from her husband are told with real warmth and I was left wishing that all relationships could end so beautifully. Alas, that is but a dream. As she arrives in Paris, Juliet is enchanted by the bijou apartment that she has rented and gets a real feel for life as an artist. As her memories from her earlier visit return, it’s not easy to understand why she ever left her original life behind. Of course, as we follow her experiences reuniting with former friends, we learn more about her reasons for leaving.

Of course, the key theme is for Juliet to find closure for her earlier visit. To discover a way to close the door on her earlier experiences and find comfort in her memories. That need finds fulfilment in a wonderfully soothing way. As the implications of how her time ended are brought to light, there is a healing and understanding that left me feeling happy. The authors love for Paris shines in this book, she made me believe I was their experiencing it all with them. I knew that I was in for a very special treat when I started reading. There’s something quite magical about the way Veronica Henry writes and I happily submitted to the text and was swept away. There is a dual timeline feel to this story as we read about Juliet’s modern-day visit to Paris, alongside revisiting her early experiences as a young girl. Tesco's , vibrant pink with a gold resplendent Eiffel Tower standing out . I knew I immediately had to read it. I've read quite a few of Veronica Henry's book and she has such a lovely way with the written word and plots that makes me a happy reader and she done it again this time too.

All three women uproot themselves and move to Rushbrook, deep in the heart of Somerset, to take over The Swan and restore it to its former glory. Cherry is at the helm, Maggie is in charge of the kitchen, and Rose tends the picturesque garden that leads down to the river.

I loved meeting Olivier, Natalie and the Beaubois family too. Corrine adds a poignancy to the story that is a catalyst for Juliet’s life but the lightness of touch in Veronica Henry’s writing of this element is just perfect.The storyline of this book was wonderful, I loved meeting Juliet who was this beautiful strong lady about to embark on her own journey of self discovery. After her 25 year marriage ended she decided to give herself some time to discover who she is now and who she wants to be. She had a couple of moments where she doubted her and Stewart’s decision to separate but deep down she knew they had done the right thing for both of them. She was so excited to be going to Paris for thirty days, a place where she spent time as an Au Pair when she was much younger and where she left the love of her life. However there is the boy that is now a man that she left behind with no explanation , Olivier who you can't help but fall for twice over as you read this book. Her first love , that was snatched cruelly away by two very selfish people , one that had me cursing at him for what he did. Cherry , Maggie and Rose are mother, daughter and granddaughter, each with their own hopes, dreams and even sorrows. They have always been close, so when, in a moment of impulse, Cherry buys a gorgeous but rundown pub in the village she grew up in, it soon becomes a family affair.