Review of 'The Paris Bookshop for the Broken Hearted' by Rebecca Raisin
Release date: Feb 3rd, 2025
Publisher: Boldwood Books
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REVIEW
The Paris Bookshop for the Broken Hearted is an expertly written contemporary romance with a lot of depth, heart and humour. I was very impressed with the level of wisdom, charm and problem-solving skills seen in this novel. Many think romance stories are light and fluffy with little thought-provoking content but this is far from the truth. Rebecca’s books, and this one in particular, covers a number of heavy topics like bullying, partnership deception (business and romantically), emotional trauma caused by abrupt location moves, loss of support friends, abandonment, betrayal, long standing grief from the death of loved ones. Drastic changes can be detrimental to a person’s emotional health, no matter the age. This novel explores both the obvious and less expected effects when lives are up-ended, routines are interrupted and home and school locations are changed. A person’s sense of security can be lost and one can feel all at sea in their environment. This can result in bad or unusual behaviour as seen in Eloise, Coco’s daughter. Although Coco’s escape to Paris from London, provided the familiar support of her parents, it meant a loss for her daughter. Although she gained the presence of her grandparents, she lost everyone and everything else she had known and loved—including her closest friends.
When Coco is betrayed by her romantic and business partner, she is put in a bad position with her publishing company. After trying to make amends with her authors, she leaves London with her daughter and returns to her former home in Paris to stay temporarily with her parents until she can find a job and another place to live. In the meantime, she ends up in a tussle under the Eiffel Tower when a thief tries to steal from her. And a handsome stranger comes to her rescue only to accuse her of acting like a tourist when he discovers she has Parisian roots. When she stumbles across the Paris Bookshop for the Broken Hearted, she is taken with this unique shop and its unusual owner. But much to her dislike, she discovers the rude stranger, Henri, that she met at the Eiffel Tower— is a frequent visitor to the shop.
After a few visits to this special bookshop, owner Valerie offers Coco a job. Coco is thrilled as she thinks it might be fun to work in a bookstore. She is an editor and loves books so how hard can it be! She learns quickly this shop is run in a very different way than she is accustomed. But it is an intriguing magical social place where booklovers with broken hearts hang out and receive words of guidance and wisdom from Valerie. There’s a cocktail bar, book tunnel, special reading room and a book club with fiery members. This work experience proves to be a good distraction and a means to save money for a new home. The job helps restore her confidence and gets her back on her feet. While she gets to know many of the regular customers, there are numerous humorous moments and some uncomfortable ones, too. Especially when she is forced to get to know the grumpy stranger, Henri, that Valerie is determined to match her up with. Coco has sworn off relationships after her last fiasco, but can she keep up the wall of resistance against this handsome Henri who is quite different from what she expected? There are surprises along the way as they get to know each other, amid the challenges Coco faces with her daughter, too. There are disturbing social issues at Eloise’s school that keep Coco teetering on the edge. What she eventually learns will shock and upset her and make her take a second look at how she sees the world and those closest to her.
There are a number of excellent supporting characters that keep the story lively. Problems are identified and solutions found and a second chance at happiness is definitely on the cards or in the books for not only Coco but others in the cast! I truly enjoyed The Paris Bookshop for the Broken Hearted with its witty dialogue, likeable characters, wonderful bookish atmosphere and romantic Parisian setting—all delivered with utmost skill and maturity. For me, this was a delightful surprise that reminded me of Emily Henry’s books and even a bit of Rebecca F. Kuang’s Yellowface ( in its style of wit and publishing world happenings). I highly recommend Rebecca Raisin’s new novel as I am sure readers will love what it has to offer. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for a review copy.
