All the Flowers in Paris: A Novel

I was frustrated with myself because I couldn't read this book in one setting. I did not want to put it down. This story had me by the heartstrings from the very first chapter. I instantly wondered what it would be like to live in Caroline's shoes. What would I do? How would I feel if the life I knew was suddenly erased? With her memory gone she doesn't know who to trust and she feels as if she might be in danger. Our second heroine Celine, is introduced in the second chapter. Both are very strong women, both living in Paris. Caroline is there in 2009 but Celine is in the war of 1944 during the Nazi occupation. Sarah does a wonderful melding of two time-lines into an unforgettable story. A parcel of letters and a diary found in a Paris apartment, 50 years later, have a wonderful way of bringing these stories together. Anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a touch of mystery and suspense, will enjoy this book. Parts of Celine's story could be very dark. But Sarah Jio has a way of bringing light out of the darkness. Staying alive for her 8 year old daughter Cosi was a big insinuative for Celine. You will love her characters, you will be pulling for them and you will find yourself shedding tears. I closed this book wanting more. I was given a complimentary copy of the book from Random House Publishing through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

All the Flowers in Paris is Sarah Jio’s tenth novel. I have read all nine of her works, and I was eager to devour All the Flowers in Paris. Ms. Jio said she has been wanting to write a novel set in Paris and this was her love letter to that city. It is a dual timeline novel that goes between 2009 and 1943. I was more attracted to the historical story than the modern day tale. I thought Caroline’s narrative played out in an expected manner, though, it is a sweet, romantic story. Celine’s tale is heartbreaking and spoke to the violence of some of the Nazi soldiers. We also see how neighbor’s and friends would turn on other people especially if it would curry them favor with the German’s. I wish the author had taken the time to capture the era. The story lacked historical details. I did enjoy the descriptions of Paris in 2009, the apartment on rue Cler and Madame Jeanty’s café. I liked the flower motifs woven throughout the story. The last 20% of All the Flowers in Paris was the most intriguing as the action increased and we see how the various threads tied together. I thought All the Flowers in Paris lacked that special magical touch that I found in Sara Jio’s earlier works. Unfortunately, All the Flowers in Paris was reminiscent other World War II novels that I have read. I did find a couple of inaccuracies in the story (an example is that at one point it is mentioned Caroline dislikes espresso and then it states she had one every day). I believe I was let down by my expectations. All the Flowers in Paris has hidden letters, nasty Nazis, blooming flowers, lost memories, the city of lights, and a woman searching for answers.

All the Flowers in Paris by Sarah Jio Split Time Historical Fiction set in Paris, France during World War II and in the present day. Old secrets hidden in an apartment found by a woman with memory loss. Written in Jio‘s delightful style that immediately captivates from the first page to the last. I really enjoyed the characters and the historical storyline tie in to the present day storyline. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book.