Paris is Always a Good Idea by Jenn McKinlay: Book Review

Paris Is Always a Good Idea is a well-written contemporary romance novel.  If you’re looking for a getaway without leaving your home, this book is for you.

Seven years ago, Chelsea Martin took a gap year to travel Europe which brought her happiness and romance in the cities she visited. She ended this trip abruptly when she was called home to be with her terminally ill mother. Since that time, Chelsea has been focused on her work with the American Cancer Coalition and has shown herself as a very successful fundraiser. She’s also competitive and wants to be the best, and would be if it weren’t for her co-worker Jason who also shows great talent.

When Chelsea learns that her father is going to re-marry, she examines her own life and realizes that she really has been happy since the death of her mother. She decides that in order to start living again, she needs some away time to heal and to bring joy back into her life. She decides to relive her gap year European vacation – including visiting the three men she had romances with during that time. Will Chelsea experience the trip the way she had seven years ago?

I really enjoyed this book. It flowed easily and I looked forward to reading it. It addresses the difficulty of living life after death of a loved one with sensitivity and emotion. I loved the storyline of Chelsea revisiting several European cities and what she learns about herself along the way. I also appreciated the fact that Chelsea encounters several problems during this trip which also creates realism to the story. I look forward to reading more from this author.

I listened to the audiobook version of Paris Is Always a Good Idea which is narrated by Brittany Pressley, who brings Chelsea the youthful, charming voice I would expect her to have. I did not feel she was simply reading the book, but rather bringing characters to life. The narration flowed naturally and was easy to understand. Overall, an excellent performance.