If I had ever read any of Anita Hughes’ novels before reading Christmas in Paris, I might have known what to expect. I was enticed by the idea of Christmas in Paris, and star-crossed lovers, thinking it would be a lovely story. Oh, it has a happy ending. Don’t get me wrong. But, there’s a little too much luxury and brand name-dropping for my taste. I’m sure others will feel as if they were pampered when they read the book, though.

Isabel Lawson’s dream honeymoon to Paris at Christmas was not supposed to be by herself. Just a few days before her wedding, she calls it off. But, her fiancé suggests she take the trip, staying in one of the honeymoon suites at the luxurious Hotel de Crillon. When she steps out on her balcony to admire the view, she locks herself out. It’s only by throwing her shoes at the next-door neighbor’s sliding doors that she can get his attention, and get help. Alec Braxton, a children’s book illustrator, is there in another honeymoon suite, after his fiancee deserted him for an Australian cricket player.

You can see where this is going, don’t you? Isabel, is a financial advisor, only child of doting parents from Philadelphia’s Main Line. She has the money to spend on numerous designer gowns as she flits from one event to the other in Paris. And, Alec is there to rescue her when she’s almost hit by a taxi, fulfilling a fortune teller’s prediction that she’ll almost be killed. Because that prediction comes true, Isabel, a practical numbers person, firmly believes she’ll find her true love in Paris.


Christmas in Paris was a little too predictable for me, and a little too much with the glamorous lifestyle. Isabel seemed to lack depth, with a eye for name brands and marriage to a member of the French aristocracy. Alec seemed to lack courage. And, Alec’s best friend and lawyer, Mathieu, seemed to drop in whenever Alec needed a push, and then drop out again.

There is a happily-ever-after to Christmas in Paris, so if you appreciate the city itself, the shops and names, you might enjoy the novel more than I did.

Anita Hughes’ website is http://anitahughesbooks.com

Christmas in Paris by Anita Hughes. St. Martin’s Griffin. 9781250105509 (paperback), 277p.

*****
FTC Full Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of the book, hoping I would review it.