There’s a recipe for a Jenn McKinlay romantic comedy. It’s one part laughter; one smaller part madcap physical comedy. Add one part charming romance. Stir in a large handful of idyllic setting (Ireland, Paris, and Tuscany all in one book). Add a dash of regret and tears. Shake until it bubbles and fizzes. Now, you have Paris is Always a Good Idea.
Chelsea Martin is a workaholic. Ever since her mother died of pancreatic cancer seven years earlier, she’s worked non-stop as a fundraiser, the senior director of major gifts, for the American Cancer Coalition in Boston. But, she’s stopped in her tracks when her father announces he’s remarrying. He’s in love with a woman he met just two weeks earlier. While Chelsea’s younger sister, Annabelle, is so happy for her father, Chelsea throws a fit. Her father is disappointed and tells her she stopped growing when her mother died. She hasn’t changed a thing, her appearance, her hairstyle, or her wardrobe in seven years. And, Annabelle tells her the last time she remembers her laughing is before their mother died, when she took a year off after college to travel in Europe.
So, Chelsea decides to quit her job, and go back to Europe. She’s going to find the three men who made her laugh and feel love. She’s going to Ireland and Paris and Tuscany to find the Chelsea she once was. But, work is still standing in her way. She’s been working on a project to get a $10 million gift from Severin Robotics. Aidan, her boss, won’t let her quit. He sends her off to Ireland on a leave of absence, with promises to check in with work. Unfortunately, it turns out she has to deal with her arch-rival at ACC, Jason Knightley, the bane of her existence. Everyone else loves him and his humor. She finds him “all flash and no substance”. Now, he’s going to interrupt her time and again on her trip to find her lost self.
This is a Jenn McKinlay novel. Nothing will go as Chelsea plans, and she trips over herself frequently. In fact, Chelsea reminds me a little of Amy Adams’ character in one of my favorite romantic comedies, “Leap Year”. She’s just as hapless at times. Fortunately, for the book, and for Chelsea, she has the spirit and guts to overcome her own klutziness.
Jenn McKinlay excels at characters and humor. The reader roots for Chelsea to find her lost laughter, to shed seven years of pain. Her recipe for love, and the reader’s for a treat? Paris is Always a Good Idea.
Jenn McKinlay’s website is www.jennmckinlay.com
Paris is Always a Good Idea by Jenn McKinlay. Berkley, 2020. ISBN 9780593101353 (paperback), 340p.
*****
FTC Full Disclosure – I bought a copy of the book.
The settings are idyllic and the story is all over the place but good. I'd love to get hold of this one but its on a wish list at Netgalley. I've not had much luck at all with the wish list there!
I may be wrong, Mystica, but most of the time, after the book is published, it's no longer available on Netgalley. I'm sorry.
No. 28 on 23 copies— not TOO bad!
You waited to put your hold until I reviewed it? I told you about it Sunday night! At least you're not 200 and some.
Someone reviewed it or mentoned it in the spring and I bought it, it arrived early last week. It will bean August read, I have a couple Overdrive e-books to get through. I look forward to reading it.
I love Jenn McKinlay's series. I am new to them, my favorite may be the hat shop series set in London
Kaye Barley might have mentioned it, Netteanne. I know Kaye has already read it twice. I love Jenn's books. They reflect her attitude toward life.
I just knew you were going to love this delightful book, Lesa! What a perfect review you've written!
I had this one preordered and have it here to read before long. Sounds like a perfect book for challenging times. Looking forward to it and glad it worked well for you!
Thank you, Kaye! I wrote it last night. Then, I got up at 4:15 this morning because I wanted to totally rewrite the opening paragraph. I loved Jenn's characters & her settings. Delightful is right.
Paris is Always a Good Idea, Kay, whenever you get around to it. (smile)
Thanks for this oen…I put it on my library list. She is always a fun read.
You're welcome, Gram. You're right. She's always fun, whether it's her mysteries or romances.