Although my mother loves Kristin Harmel’s books, I haven’t been very interested in her historical fiction. She’s only written one contemporary novel in the last fourteen years. However, she got me with Meet Me in Paris, a contemporary story. First of all, it’s Paris. Then, she modeled it on one of my favorite movies, “Love Actually”.
There’s not a lot I can say about the plot without spoilers. And, Harmel’s Author’s Note discusses the stories. As she says, she brought a small number of Americans to Paris all at one time. Paths cross at a small bar, at a restaurant, at a concert. A mother and daughter come to Paris for one last trip together. One woman comes with two friends for what they call a divorce party. There’s a rock star on a comeback tour. One of my favorite characters is a ninety-nine-year-old man desperate to reunite with the woman he’s loved for eighty years.
Harmel’s characters are well-developed. Even with a cast that size, she’s managed to make all of them individuals. Readers won’t struggle to identify them or remember their stories. And, those are stories worth remembering. They’re ordinary people who struggle to find what they want in life. Some are still looking after fifteen years or more of marriage. Are they where they want to be? In one way or another, they’re looking for love and understanding.
Some of the men in the story are very wise, young and old. Some are stupid, and some of the women are trying to decide if they want to be with stupid men.
Harmel excels at the descriptions of Paris, and takes readers there for just a week. Paris comes alive in this story. I loved Harmel’s characters, ones with depth, characters that seem real. The book is beautiful and wise, with familiar places for anyone lucky enough to visit Paris. Strong characters in a well-blended story. I liked it so much I called my Mom and sisters and recommended it to all of them. That’s the best recommendation I can give.
Kristin Harmel’s website is https://kristinharmel.com/
Meet Me in Paris by Kristin Harmel. Gallery Books, 2026. 368p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I received a galley from the publisher, through NetGalley, with no expectation of a positive review.
