That Night In Paris (The Holiday Romance, Book 2)

First having met Aussie-born Cat through her sister Sarah’s story (One Summer in Santorini) we travel with the relationship-averse Cat on a last-minute coach tour of Europe, the same tour company her sister had worked for some ten years earlier. But, unlike Sarah, Cat was a bit of a hedgehog: more self-centered and determined to “not accept love’ in her life – her oft-repeated refrain. While leaving the security of her flat and yet another ‘romantic complication’, she’s headed out to see the great cities of Europe. Soon making “bus bestie” friends with a woman from Vancouver, Cat and Lou quickly discover that they are simpatico – and there’s not much more time that passes in the trek from London to the “campsite” out-outside of Paris where they’ll stay for two nights. Plenty of sights and moments highlight the first leg of the trip- the biggest highlight coming in the form of Cat running into (with the help of one of her new travel companions) Jean Luc, a foreign exchange student from when they were both in their teens some twenty years earlier. Best friends until Cat broke off the correspondence when her then boyfriend pulled a jealous fit, she’d not considered the chance, and the sparks and emotions between the two are as if they had never parted. Back and forth we go, as Cat tries to deny her belief in and desire for love, so often does she claim this that one is unsure about who she is determined to convince. And fortunately, her new little gang of five doesn’t believe her either. From dealing with everyone’s own little issues, to meeting up with Jean Luc repeatedly, the scenery and some serious self-examination from Cat, the story is travel, sights, some foody moments and plenty of self-examination with a dash of guilt as the story brings us to an end – one filled with friendships new and old, family and plenty of heart. Light, easy to read and picking out some great tips for seeing the best stuff in Europe as you manage your time with ‘organized’ tours and fend for yourself – the story was a great escape from the ‘locked in and isolate’ environment of the day. I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Such a lovely, romantic read .. with plenty of laughs thrown in! Cat is single - by choice. She doesn't 'do' relationships. So sleeping with her flatmate one drunken evening was a big mistake; more so as he seems to think it makes them a couple. Running away is the quickest solution she can come up with, so Cat finds herself on a European coach tour and begins to make friends amongst her fellow travellers. What she didn't bargain for was the first stop to be in Paris, romantic capital of the world! I have so enjoyed this one - on several counts. The group on the coach are a mixed bunch, creating lots of scope for entertainment. The descriptions of the stops along the way are quite mesmerising and the author paints a wonderful picture of the sights (and the food!). It's easy to understand Cat's motives - haven't we all said, after a bad breakup - 'never again'? A fine, happy read which reduced me to giggles many a time, and left me with a smile on my face. Sandy Barker is added to my list of must watch authors, and I can recommend this highly to every who enjoys romance with a bit of angst and plenty of smiles thrown in. Well worth four shining stars.