The Paris Effect

Book excerpt: #1 Amazon Best Seller in Women's Fiction Friendship, loss, and an enchanting trip to Paris... Amy and Kat had a plan: A secret trip to Paris. Even Amy's husband wouldn't know about it. But when Amy loses Kat to cancer, she knows the plan has disappeared forever. Or has it? Guided by Kat's bold voice and dissatisfaction with her own calorie-counting life in Phoenix, Amy takes the plunge and sneaks off to Paris without telling a soul. Once there, however, she finds that her problems have come right along with her. Through adventures laced with luscious food and a glimpse into an unexpected side of Paris, Amy learns that often in life, love, and friendship, nothing is exactly as it seems. Will she choose her new life in Paris or revive the one she left behind? "Discover a Paris that few casual tourists see" (Paris Voice) in this highly praised "can't-put-down... absorbing adventure" (Kirkus Reviews) Now optioned for film and TV by Papazian-Hirsch Entertainment! Book club discussion guide included. Interview with the AuthorWhat inspired you to write The Paris Effect? This is easy. I am a member of two book groups. We love talking about stories and characters, why we liked or didn't like a novel, what books and reading mean to us. I've done a lot of pondering about what makes a satisfying reading experience. Simply put, I wanted to write a novel that my book groups would enjoy reading and talking about. I love books about Paris! Do you think I will like this book? Yes, I believe so! But this isn't your typical book about Paris. At first it may seem like chick lit (a secret trip to the romantic city of Paris!) or a travel memoir (Amy ventures abroad without telling her husband and ends up on a voyage of self-discovery), though I'd say at its core it's women's fiction: Amy deals with the loss of her best friend and the downward (and sideways) spiral that ensues. She questions herself and her choices. She ultimately has to make some tough decisions. It's an emotional ride. What kind of story is The Paris Effect? Reviewers call it an engrossing adventure that's both funny and touching. Literary types would probably say it's a coming of age story because the main character, Amy (who loves all things French, and is diet-obsessed and believes French women don't get fat), takes the first big risk of her life by running away to France, soon learning the truth of the expression, "Wherever you go, there you are." I call it a tale of self-discovery that for the reader doubles as a virtual mini-vacation to Paris, giving a unique glimpse of Paris life. Many books have been written with Paris as the setting. What sets yours apart? Who doesn't like a Paris love story? For many of us, Paris is the ultimate romantic dream destination. And don't get me wrong-Paris is truly as romantic as it's cracked up to be! But it's also a multilingual, multinational metropolis of street hustlers, diesel fumes, and pickpockets. Amy encounters all of these and more, including some wonderfully kind strangers. She gets to know a Paris that few casual tourists ever see. And so will you. Thanks for reading!