The Paris Key by Juliet Blackwell, published by NAL Trade Paperback Original, September 2015

An American in Paris navigates her family’s secret past and unlocks her own future, in this emotionally evocative novel by New York Times bestselling author Juliet Blackwell.

As a girl, Genevieve Martin spent the happiest summer of her life in Paris, learning the delicate art of locksmithing at her uncle’s side. But since then, living back in the States, she has become more private, more subdued. She has been an observer of life rather than an active participant, holding herself back from those around her, including her soon-to-be-ex-husband.

Paris never really left Genevieve, and, as her marriage crumbles, she finds herself faced with an incredible opportunity: return to the magical city of her youth to take over her late uncle’s shop. But as she absorbs all that Parisian culture has to offer, she realizes the city also holds secrets about her family that could change her forever, and that locked doors can protect you or imprison you, depending on which side of them you stand.

I like it. This is wonderfully-crafted story of a woman’s journey of self-discovery. I enjoyed seeing Paris, one of my favorite international cities, through the eyes of Genevieve and the author. The visualization, the mystery, the drama, the romance, just about everything was perfectly woven into the pages of this narrative that was so heartfelt that it warmed my heart as the book neared its finale. Juliet Blackwell’s treatment of this story left me hungry for more from this talented author.