The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris

There are a lot of appealing subjects in this book for me: WWII, Paris, and a bookshop. Needless to say, I was instantly drawn in by the cover and title.

Following a duel timeline, the story is set in both 1940s and modern-day France. During the war, we see Jacques and Mathilde's story. While Mathilde seeks safety in the country, Jacques uses his bookshop, La Page Cachée, as a front to hide not only banned books but also refugees. In 2022, the bookshop is rediscovered by Juliette while on vacation in Paris. As she renovates it, she uncovers its past.

Though I typically enjoy duel timelines, the WWII plotline was strong and good enough not to need the modern-day addition. I found myself hurrying through Juliette's part of the story so I could get back to Jacques and Mathilde's. Having to jump back and forth made the book drag in places. Otherwise, the writing was strong and engaging, even if I didn't particularly like certain bits and pieces of the story.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper360/Avon for providing a free digital ARC of this book to read and review.

“The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris” is a pleasant and charming novel that offers a satisfying blend of literary romance and Parisian charm. While it may not break any new ground in terms of plot or characterization, it is an enjoyable read that will appeal to fans of the genre.

Ornbratt's writing is engaging and descriptive, with a clear love for both literature and the City of Light. The story follows the journey of a young woman named Cat as she inherits a struggling bookstore in Paris and sets out to revive it. The plot is straightforward and predictable, but it is executed with enough heart and humor to keep the reader engaged.

The characters in the novel are likable but somewhat flat, with little depth or complexity to their personalities. The romance between Cat and a handsome Frenchman is sweet but lacks tension or conflict, and the novel's resolution feels somewhat rushed and tidy.