We'll always have Paris - Sue Watson

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Description

Does first love deserve a second chance?

When she was almost seventeen, Rosie Draper locked eyes with a charismatic student called Peter during their first week at art college, changing the course of her life forever. Now, on the cusp of sixty-five and recently widowed, Rosie is slowly coming to terms with a new future. And after a chance encounter with Peter, forty-seven years later, they both begin to wonder 'what if' . . .

Told with warmth, wit and humour, We'll Always Have Paris is a charming, moving and uplifting novel about two people; the choices they make, the lives they lead and the love they share.

Review 

Rosie is nearing 65 years old and her husband has just died, doesn't really read like the sort of book you think will draw you in. However it does in the most delightful way. 

We learn that Rosie thinks she's lived her life and is ready to settle for what remains of her life after the death of her husband. Fortunately for her she has a chance encounter with her first boyfriend from when she was just 17 years old. 

What follows could have been a little cliched, but it isn't, instead it's a beautiful heartwarming story. I especially liked how the character Peter turned out in the book. I must admit I spent most of the book thinking he was going to turn out to be a scoundrel and lead Rosie a merry dance.

There are lots of references to Rosie being 60 and what others - mainly the young and not so young think of that and how she should behave. I have lots of friends in their 60s and older so to me this does not seem "old" and certainly not someone who will in the near future be in need of "aids",  as one of Rosie's grown up daughters seem to think she will. In fact I thought 60 was the new 50!

I think for me the most poignant parts of the book are where Rosie realises that back when she was 17 her Mother (Margaret) was really only looking out for her best interests and not trying to take all the fun out of her life. Hindsight is such a wonderful thing and of course it can't be taught!

I think this book will be enjoyed by all ages as there are viewpoints from a range of ages in the book that people will identify with. A perfect relaxing read for the summer (or rainy days!) depending on where you are.

I'm giving this book 4 out of five stars.

My thanks go to Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group for an advance copy of this book to review.
We'll Always Have Paris is out on 28 July 2016.

About the author:

Sue Watson was a journalist on women's magazines and national newspapers before working in a career in TV where she was a producer with the BBC. She has published six novels, her most well-known being Love, Lies and Lemon Cake. Originally from Manchester, Sue now lives in the Midlands and writes full time.

@suewatsonwriter

www.suewatsonbooks.com