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Explosion in Paris

3.94 of 5 stars 3.94 · rating details · 204 ratings · 76 reviews

"Explosion in Paris" is the story of one woman's determination to better her life because she has finally found the man of her dreams By refusing to accept her husband's death sentence assessment of her soul, Angela Briann Scott is challenging herself to reach beyond her limits. This is especially true since her accidental meeting with the devastatingly handsome Ross Leigh...more

Paperback, 408 pages

Published April 1st 2009 by iUniverse.com

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Mar 02, 2012 Mak M. rated it 5 of 5 stars

HELD ME CAPTIVE PAGE AFTER PAGE

From all of the beautifully written reviews, my expectations were pretty high, but this book actually exceeded my expectations. Where do I start?

A mark of a good book is its ability to take the reader to new places, to be placed in someone else’s shoes to be enabled to see the world from an entirely different vantage point. A superb command of language is revealed in this exciting escapade fraught with unpredictable turns and interesting elements and details. The s...more HELD ME CAPTIVE PAGE AFTER PAGE

From all of the beautifully written reviews, my expectations were pretty high, but this book actually exceeded my expectations. Where do I start?

A mark of a good book is its ability to take the reader to new places, to be placed in someone else’s shoes to be enabled to see the world from an entirely different vantage point. A superb command of language is revealed in this exciting escapade fraught with unpredictable turns and interesting elements and details. The strength of this thriller is not in the whodunit but in the clever plot line. This book was a revelation and continues to affect me months later. EXPLOSION IN PARIS, while a stunning source of exciting entertainment, also serves a purpose that far outweighs tickling your fancy.

I enjoy writing reviews on books I truly find distinctive and special. Suffice it to say that the impact of Angela’s life enriched mine. The venomous villain didn’t disappoint with his dark and twisted expectations. This brings the question to mind, how far would any of us go to save our loved ones? Desperate circumstances call for desperate measures. The sprinkling of French phrases throughout added much realism and authenticity to Angela’s new haven. The soul-searching words and the healthy dose of humor drew me in and made me hungry to fill my life with joy. I found myself enthused by the life-changing message and felt that it reached into my chest and gave my heart a squeeze. I think it will change the readers’ perspective about the hard times in their lives and find joy in spite of them. With each poignant chapter I learned the lesson that there is no fear in love. If there is pain and fear, it can not be love. Some parts I read through a blur of tears. But, on the whole, I found this to be a heart-wrenching, but also heart-warming journey from heartache to pure joy that will renew the readers’ spirit.

This book oozes "joie de vivre". It is shear reading pleasure as the author takes us through Paris, and Provence, with rapturous descriptions that tease the senses with the aroma of fresh baked bread, the fragrance of the lavender and herb fields; the sights of ancient buildings and cobblestone streets; the succulent tastes of the French cuisine. French cuisine is an art form to be appreciated and enjoyed and not rushed. To capture and share a remarkable life, the joy, the humor, the honesty and the passion, is a wonderful recipe for life. The French know how to enjoy the pleasures of life. It is clear Angela’s spiritual home is Les Plus beaux villages de France. She found true passion for life, and embraced it completely. Angela’s energy, sense of humor, intelligence and zest for life shine through each page.

I felt such an affinity and admiration for the characters. The story reinforced my belief that there is so much we can learn from each other. I have great respect for authors or anyone, for that matter, who are responsible for changing people’s mindsets for the better. People who seem to have a self-appointed moral compass need to look within to research the why of their urgent need to be right and to be better than everyone else and to be the center of all attention. I recently read ASK AND IT IS GIVEN. This is another book I give high marks for and that I recommend highly. We get what we give, in a nutshell. EXPLOSION IN PARIS is a wonderful representation of this.

This book is the fabric of human conditioning. It opens our eyes to the blessings that most of us take for granted, namely freedom; freedom to be ourselves, to be who we are at heart. This book is guaranteed to truly deepen your empathy towards others’ plight in the world and the all-important human decency. I fell in love with the engrossing, engaging characters, filled with strength and courage that I wanted to hug or slap or love. It unleashed surprisingly unrestrained moments of gut-wrenching laughter; then, before I knew it, I was reaching for a tissue to wipe the tears away. I was touched by all of the emotions I felt while completely absorbed in the characters’ lives. This is a happy book. Every line of this book is filled with energy, enthusiasm and delight.

EXPLOSION IN PARIS is a breathtakingly powerful soul-mending and motivating read that inspires hope that reflects clearly in the rebirth of the heart. I devoured this book and hated to see it end. This was one I’ve read that as time passed I found myself missing it.

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Mar 04, 2012 Jaqueline rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book rocks! This book was my book club's choice and am happy to report it a success. EXPLOSION IN PARIS is a riveting, page-turning thrill ride with a side order of great introspection, soul-searching and love. I was totally sucked into this story! I can not imagine the weight that Angie carried on her shoulders! I loved how she thought more of saving Ross from harm and did not succumb to "instant gratification" by running to him for protection after the explosion , (like most of us would p...more This book rocks! This book was my book club's choice and am happy to report it a success. EXPLOSION IN PARIS is a riveting, page-turning thrill ride with a side order of great introspection, soul-searching and love. I was totally sucked into this story! I can not imagine the weight that Angie carried on her shoulders! I loved how she thought more of saving Ross from harm and did not succumb to "instant gratification" by running to him for protection after the explosion , (like most of us would probably find ourselves doing). She took on the burden of staying out of the picture until she found a way to bring Mitch to justice in order for their lives to go on in safety. But I was absolutely heart broken that in that pause of time that Mitch was allowed to continue to kill. I searched for a way that Angela could have done it another way, faster! But then, that would be silly! It's like watching a movie over again in the hopes that the ending would change, in the back of your mind, (even though we know better), but still the mind does tend to wander ahead and rewrite the script. I guess we all want the sugar-coated fairy tale. The only disappointment I had was I felt so sorry for Courtney too! I wanted that situation to come out happier! And Angie's sister, Shea, even though it was obvious that there was a happy ending in store for her beyond the end. Complete happy endings are rare in real life. The plot in this book is what makes this story a must read for everyone. All ages, both genders, all walks of life; everyone can connect to human good verses evil, right and wrong, and the search for goodness. I loved that there was no crying, whining or pouting! I can not tolerate people who feel so sorry for themselves that they make everyone want to turn around and run when they see them approaching. All the characters were courageous and took the bull by the horns rebounding from their traumatic circumstances with strength and wit. The ending was breathtaking. It was a wonderful ending to a wonderful, bittersweet tale even though I did not want it to end. It could be made into a sequel, (oh I hope so!), as well as leaving it to the readers' sense of "happily ever after". It was the perfect blend of everything I love in a book or a movie. I was hanging onto my seat one minute, sighing aloud the next; laughing, crying, grabbing my heart, jumping out of my seat with frustration, then ultimately settling back with a satisfied smile as I finished the last magnificent page. It flows effortlessly not necessarily all tied up in a pretty satin bow, but, like life, with a bittersweet trail to the very satisfying, perfect, sigh-worthy ending as my eyes held my tears until they finally spilled over. As in real life, seldom the future is as sure as hope would have us dream. I can only say, "see" into the storyline, the moral to the story, grasp the meaning and the possibilities, absorb the goodness and sense of purpose. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.(less)

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Jan 27, 2011 Alice Layton rated it 5 of 5 stars

A fight for life book. Reading this book was like opening a window into my heart and soul. It was an alluring, multi-dimensional story, a witty, double-edged tale of intrigue, romance and French culture. What could have been a mournful, hopelessly bleak story, (the way it started), but instead perseverance, and sheer will turned adversity into an uplifting tale of triumph of the human spirit. The author unveils the mask of evil in the grizzly details of a murderer who murders to get control. Thi...more A fight for life book. Reading this book was like opening a window into my heart and soul. It was an alluring, multi-dimensional story, a witty, double-edged tale of intrigue, romance and French culture. What could have been a mournful, hopelessly bleak story, (the way it started), but instead perseverance, and sheer will turned adversity into an uplifting tale of triumph of the human spirit. The author unveils the mask of evil in the grizzly details of a murderer who murders to get control. This provides a suspenseful backdrop to a beautiful love story and the ideal essence of life. Angie remained in a state of emotional limbo of quiet desperation until she met Ross, who was everything Mitch wasn't. The emotional tension with the blossoming friendship with Ross and then the possibility of forbidden love kept me on an emotional high then my heart pounded louder and harder as the storyline switched gears leading to a threatening, dark, dangerous place, hence "EXPLOSION" in EXPLOSION IN PARIS. Never go on a boat alone with someone you don't trust!! Angie's soaring spirit rose above the atrocities she'd endured to embrace life and struggle to find a life of her own outside of the emotional prison that Mitch was determined to keep her in. I was totally immersed in the life she'd carved out for herself, even envied her! I was intrigued by so many of Angie's unexpected maneuvers to seek justice for Mitch's murderous tasks. There were tons of surprises that kept me entertained and attached to the book. The light-hearted humor throughout in conversations along with witty, playful banter added such depth to the characters. The dialog was completely entertaining and kept me chuckling, if not laughing out loud. There were many memorable, profound quotes I enjoyed. "Life is CHOOSING to love." "We need to forgive ourselves and everyone else for NOT being perfect." "We are all looking for the Fairy Tale. When it doesn't come, we try to create it." I love the tidbits of philosophy throughout. The background story is cleverly woven into the storyline without slowing down the pace of the plot and the dramatic events take the story in a whole new direction and kept me hooked and in a trance. The reckoning came when Angie saw to it that Mitch was forced to face his demons. In a world of endless, been there, done that romance, far out, unimaginable science fiction and unbelievable vampires, witches and werewolves, this amazing voice of real life, inspiration, believability and depth presents a deliciously satisfying, unforgettable, intriguing, riveting story that is worth reading and remembering! This one could change the way you see yourself and the world.
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Jan 21, 2012 Madison Pridgen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Enthralling, atmospheric, powerful, and simply mesmerizing, “Explosion in Paris” is one of the best books I’ve read this year!

I knew very little about this book and author so I entered into the experience with no preconceived notions or expectations. I'll have to say---I thoroughly enjoyed this book! In fact, it may just be my favorite book of 2011 thus far.

Frequently dazzling, “Explosion in Paris” is a book about the interplay of survival, about the stirrings and transformations set unavoidably...more Enthralling, atmospheric, powerful, and simply mesmerizing, “Explosion in Paris” is one of the best books I’ve read this year!

I knew very little about this book and author so I entered into the experience with no preconceived notions or expectations. I'll have to say---I thoroughly enjoyed this book! In fact, it may just be my favorite book of 2011 thus far.

Frequently dazzling, “Explosion in Paris” is a book about the interplay of survival, about the stirrings and transformations set unavoidably in motion by a passing coincidence of fate. In a breathtaking array of tones ranging from disappointment and being stuck in a dead marriage to tragedy to uncompromising reinvention, the author captures the undertow of self-destruction that we all must either master or succumb to. We learn the genesis of Angela’s turmoil, the hidden yearnings and disappointments of her violent marriage.

The characters’ lives and fates claim the story first and foremost, and I was pulled right in. This is a harrowing psychological drama that is as thought-provoking as it is riveting and soon gives way to a suspense thriller. But beyond pleasurable reading, the novel had me questioning what I'd want and do in a similar circumstance. The prose is lush and descriptive. The book made me a believer with its compelling plot and challenging questions. Could I start to rebuild a meaningful life? When is a circumstance so problematic that it becomes insurmountable? The author prods to the very soul of Angela and the other characters as well, and it is fascinating, disturbing, and memorable. The last time I had such a visceral response to a novel was "The Shack". I felt the frustration, anguish, fear, and desperation. Any story that can elicit such a reaction or emotion out of my heart earns my great respect. The journey to the truth is devastatingly heartfelt and fraught with peril and uncertainty. I really loved this book! And for getting inside my mind and heart so completely, I have to give it the highest ranking from a purely emotional level. With a premise as deceptively simple as this, execution is everything. I thought the pacing was pitch perfect and breathtaking to keep the reader at full attention. It had substance, credibility and incredible flow. This is an author with a deep commitment to character, about whom you come to care deeply as you watch the protagonists doing things they shouldn't, acting gloriously, exasperatingly human, in her expert flaying of human shortcomings. The characters made me laugh, cry, laugh all over again, and cry some more. Such is the stuff great novels are made of.

Madison Pridgen,
A member of Between the Lines book club

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Feb 02, 2012 Hope Phillips rated it 5 of 5 stars

Hypnotic Tale of a Young Woman's Journey to get her Life Back!

Explosion in Paris is a compelling story of love, intrigue, foreign adventure and personal growth. It was unputdownable for me, especially once I got to chapter three! I loved every minute of this hauntingly beautiful novel, although almost a little too good to be true in a place or two. I could picture everything so well, like a film playing out before my eyes, the conflicts so vivid and the backdrop of France was delicious! There se...more

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Apr 16, 2012 Jade A. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Explosion in Paris is my latest must read book. This is a journal of the heart, soul and mind and we are much the better for having read it. It has the right mix of romance, heartache and inspiration that made it a favorite of mine. It is loaded with human drama of jaw dropping accomplishment in the most desperate circumstances. Angela has erected a fortress around her heart in an effort to find resilience to hang on to her dignity and humanity. Mitch, her husband, is a complex soul, (if he has...more

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Sep 04, 2011 Nan rated it 5 of 5 stars

C'EST MAGNIFIQUE! A TREAT FOR THE HEART AND MIND!

I can't believe that none of these wonderful reviews touched on my very favorite part of the book, Angie's new life in her adopted country, Provence, France, adjusting to a new culture, creating a new identity, restarting her career, meeting new friends, and so on. Haven't you ever daydreamed about life as you wished it to be? That's what this book is, a thoroughly enjoyable retreat from our daily troubles. I LOOOVE this book! This novel will make...more C'EST MAGNIFIQUE! A TREAT FOR THE HEART AND MIND!

I can't believe that none of these wonderful reviews touched on my very favorite part of the book, Angie's new life in her adopted country, Provence, France, adjusting to a new culture, creating a new identity, restarting her career, meeting new friends, and so on. Haven't you ever daydreamed about life as you wished it to be? That's what this book is, a thoroughly enjoyable retreat from our daily troubles. I LOOOVE this book! This novel will make you want to pack up and hop a plane to the south of France. What a charming, enchanting picture the author paints portraying the wonderful people of Provence with humor and great appreciation and of the much celebrated Paris, so wonderfully, perfectly picturesque. I love these kinds of books! Angela Briann Scott is a heroine to all who read this book, I am sure, who secretly harbor the desire to do as she did and throw her all into making a fantastic life for herself in an unfamiliar and exotic new land. Whether it is Provence or somewhere else, such abandon is attractive and begs to be followed. In her case she had no choice, really; her life was thrown off balance; she needed to save her life, protect herself, and those she loved. Mitch wanted her dead and she knew he would stop at nothing to achieve his goal. I asked myself, what would I have done? What makes this novel so wonderful is the author's brilliant observations on human nature and her masterful use of language which makes it such an illuminating read. It was fascinating to read how Angie's thought processes and ideas slowly changed to reflect that of the French. The author manages to capture the importance of PLACE, in our lives, what makes "home", and the countless ways that a place, as much as a person, can somehow comfort and thoroughly reinvigorate us. This is loaded with mystery and revelation, just like life, only infinitely more entertaining. There is a lot of book packed into this single novel. She does not skimp on detail, but does not elaborate so much that it becomes tedious. The book oozes with deep love for the people, their culture and the sumptuous land that surrounds them. The love story is loving and sweet and real and Pirrung didn't resort to the unfortunate romance convention of describing the physical love-making in graphic detail, making this suitable for young adult reading. It was a pleasure, not to mention, an eye-opener to read. EVERY woman and man will find something to appreciate amid the vast array of delights found in this book. A desire to follow Angie's lead and escape her prison and move to an 18th century farm house in Provence and do major renovations remains undiminished. This enchanting insight into French culture is above all a comfortably-paced, intensely-felt reflection on appreciating the best that every day has to offer, something that the French do extraordinarily well. Savor a good meal; take plenty of time to appreciate all the hours it took to be prepared, and they DO spend a massive amount of time making meals. Some dishes take three days to prepare! Unbelievable! No one in America takes time to cook anymore. Life is too fast, too full, too busy! We could learn a lot! I soaked up every word.(less)

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May 13, 2012 Lucy Paskell rated it 5 of 5 stars

The opening chapter of EXPLOSION IN PARIS grabs the reader's attention immediately and sets the tone for the storyline. After so many nail-biting and riveting twists and surprises, the ending was a satisfying and tearful pleasure and I wanted to go right back to the beginning and read it again.

If you love thrills and chills and romance thrown into the mix, as much as I do, settle in for a fascinating ride. The intriguing premise where the sympathetic but ultimately strong and courageous characte...more

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Apr 27, 2012 Bree rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wonderful and exciting!
What a beautiful book this is. It is smart and stylish and paced well and has a great plot. It is a nail-biter and a first rate thriller. You will not be disappointed.

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Apr 26, 2012 Hagen Paulsen rated it 5 of 5 stars

The reader will be beguiled by this beautiful and touching novel; at least I was. Off the top, there is no gutter language and no seedy, distasteful scenes. It is elegantly written in good taste, sophisticated, refined conversation, great plot, beautiful love story, exciting storyline, and hail to womanhood! On top of the luxuriously landscaped exotic geography, the characters were engaging and intoxicating as they made choices that shaped their lives and future. This is both a heartwarming and...more

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Jan 04, 2013 Susan rated it 2 of 5 stars

I am completely baffles by all of the positive reviews posted on this book.
They gave me such high expectations...
The author must have "planted" them because NO WAY would anyone give it 5 stars.
I hate romance novels and that is what this is: a boring, formulaic, Harlinesque, romance novel.
The dialogue is ridiculous -
The characters simply lecture at each other. No one talks this way.
The author OVERLY describes the physical attributes of the main characters and too much time is spent on their comp...more

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Jun 17, 2012 Candy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Let me say at the outset, although I have to tread cautiously as I read Cracked Hearts by this author a good while ago, I found it extremely unsettling in a way different from most psychological thrillers. I pulled it off the shelf for a re-scan before I picked up Explosion in Paris. There were multiple plotlines and disparate characters, despicable and admirable, at the mercy of inescapable fates. I found myself feeling pity for some of the characters because of their involvement with people wh...more

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May 19, 2012 Pamela M. rated it 5 of 5 stars

One day while surfing the net I came across this book. I had never read anything by this author but her books sounded interesting. Reading books about lives of quiet desperation usually don’t bring me joy but I was drawn into this one and I was completely sold on these characters. The storyline took me so far away from my own daily life that I felt rather lost when I wasn’t reading it. The suspense wasn’t super mind-blowing, except for the explosion scene, (very well done) but the need to know w...more One day while surfing the net I came across this book. I had never read anything by this author but her books sounded interesting. Reading books about lives of quiet desperation usually don’t bring me joy but I was drawn into this one and I was completely sold on these characters. The storyline took me so far away from my own daily life that I felt rather lost when I wasn’t reading it. The suspense wasn’t super mind-blowing, except for the explosion scene, (very well done) but the need to know what was going to happen next had me on the edge of my seat.

At its heart, it is the tale of a young woman, Angela, enslaved, mind, body, and spirit, as her husband, Mitch, chips away at her soul. She forces herself into a mold that doesn’t fit. Her emotional life is balancing on a delicate, invisible thread. A traumatizing and horrific life-threatening incident opens the door to emancipation…and she steps through it without hesitation. After waking up in hospital far from home with a concussion and a lacerated shoulder, she fakes amnesia until she figures out what to do next. This is the epitome of restraint…… passions, and moral dilemmas, in writing that is both beautiful and razor sharp.

The brief budding relationship between Angela and Ross, I have to say is Hot, Hot, Hot! I’m all a-swoon! ; the fights between Mitch and Courtney, gritty and stark, well matched, well played and written to bring the reader front row and center; Paris crisp culture, manners, food ,flowers, and markets; St Remy, home, more food, flowers, and trees, pure rural splendor.

The dialog and interchange between the cast of characters never ceased to astound me; amazing combination of wit, jokes and seriousness; one-liners provided comic relief that lightened the load. I seemed to vacillate between laughing so hard that my face hurt and from the depth of emotion in the serious conversations had me next to tears.

I think this is a richly rewarding novel, psychologically acute and morally complex. It can and should be read on many levels, but it is first and foremost a harrowing tale of survival.

In my opinion, people who read this are in for a treat. Interestingly, I found myself equally drawn to the secondary characters. I hope this is an open-ended beginning of a series.

Curl up on your couch with your favorite drink and allow yourself to be transported to Paris, then St. Remy and live vicariously in a creative life lived at full throttle.

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May 17, 2012 L.W. rated it 5 of 5 stars

The description of this book was more than enough to get me to order it, and I was not disappointed. When I read so much glowing praise for this book, I was a bit skeptical but curious. I was worried that I’d be disappointed as has happened so many times before. Well, after just two days and a sleepless night, neglecting my life’s habits, I have to agree, this book is really seriously good. I was pulled into the story from the beginning, an engaging premise and a promising first few chapters as...more

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Feb 17, 2012 Tess rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

Explosion in Paris
Reviewed by Tess

My latest must-read book that I'll be touting to all my friends and family is Explosion in Paris, a charming escape from reality, also suspenseful. Without question, there is a lot to like about this book. We hardly notice how much we are being taught. This is a hopeful and moving story with sympathetic and strong characters. It is a tale of new love brightening the dark aftermath of a wounded heart and finding refuge in a self-made Utopia. It is about a journey...more

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Dec 18, 2011 ~Mariel~ rated it 5 of 5 stars

An Awesome Suspense Thriller, but also a love story…the kind of grab-a-reader-by-the-shoulders suspense that demands to be gulped down as quickly as possible.

Great Read! This novel has all the bells and whistles that a good mystery thriller needs to captivate the reader. The plot kept me guessing with twists and turns I didn't expect. The pace didn't let up until it finished. I whipped through the pages finding myself laughing out loud on more than a few occasions………. great characters, varied an...more

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Sep 08, 2011 Halley rated it 5 of 5 stars

Explosion in Paris is one of those books that stretches your mind just a little bit further, makes you take a look at the world around you, and forces you to form a parallel between yourself and the profound characters within. It's the type of story that makes you feel clear-headed and think more positively.

This book revolves around the choices made based on a truth within oneself even when those choices lead down a most difficult and challenging path. The repression of Angela's mind that Mitch...more Explosion in Paris is one of those books that stretches your mind just a little bit further, makes you take a look at the world around you, and forces you to form a parallel between yourself and the profound characters within. It's the type of story that makes you feel clear-headed and think more positively.

This book revolves around the choices made based on a truth within oneself even when those choices lead down a most difficult and challenging path. The repression of Angela's mind that Mitch seemed so bent on would never work. Human nature must prevail. Angela was strong with a hint of vulnerability, determined but unsure of herself, at first. She struggled with the unrelenting reality of her true self with the person she was always told to be and was expected to be. She feared her inability to be free, an option which became less and less realistic as she discovered who she really was and, in the end, she had to make an even more difficult choice between death and freedom.

Explosion in Paris is about choices and the difficulty the wrong person in your life places on the uniqueness of the human spirit. In his greed, selfishness and lust for power, Mitch’s attempt to lock Angela and then Courtney into specific boxes to his specifications was an endeavor to control them, to weed out individuality.

The characters are amazing! I love their wit, honesty, their selflessness, their courage. They take risks for things and people they care about----Then, there is Mitch. I’m afraid he is in a category all by himself. The environment and physical struggles that Angela goes through are second to the emotional transformation that she makes. I totally fell in love with her and was rooting for her the whole way through. Ross was absolutely swoon-worthy and just what Angela needed to “want” to start living her life again. I loved Courtney too. She had immense depth and knew who she was and did not care what anyone else thought and refused to allow Mitch to manipulate her. One of the things that I love the most about this book is that I was so invested in the other characters of the story as well as the main protagonists.

This novel also offers the riches of both the senses and a curious mind; as sensuous and suspense-filled as it is inviting and informative. Eye-popping scenes seduce the reader with old world delights, an added bonus of giving some insight into rural French life. I often found myself smiling at phrases or endings of chapters out of sheer pleasure. The author’s writing style, her breathtaking portrait of the heartland of France, and the way she gave breath to the magnificent characters definitely played a big part in why I loved her novel so much. This book is to be savored little by little like a glass of fine wine. You don’t want to miss one delicious word.

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Jun 08, 2011 L. DARLING GIRL rated it 5 of 5 stars

Listen To Your Heart!

The cover was eye-catching; the premise was amazing, intense, and spine-tingling and the author has received plenty of praise. I devoured this beautiful book in one sitting! It was amazing, just like the reviews promised! Full of likeable, (except one), and complex characters, unrequited love, romance, and tension, this one had me flipping the pages as fast as humanly possible. While this book is technically labeled as adult, it is relatively "clean" and it could be read by...more

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Mar 12, 2011 Angela S. rated it 5 of 5 stars

If you are a fan of suspense and romantic and sexual tension, you will love this. This author's books are a wonderful mix of mystery, suspense, romance and philosophy that are written in luscious and melodious language that touches the senses and makes the reading a delight.
In EXPLOSION IN PARIS, Angela felt powerless to change her fate until she got to know the handsome Ross Stafford, who was an ironic contrast to her cruel, selfish, deceitful, and arrogant husband, Mitch. Her husband's lack o...more

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Jan 30, 2011 Amy Yager rated it 5 of 5 stars

EXPLOSION IN PARIS was, for me, an inspiring, page-turning read. I recommend it to all. No one should endure an abusive relationship, in a marriage, or otherwise. We have choices and this book shows you the way with wit and charm and humor. I just loved this!

Angela Briann Scott and Mitchell Scott are a couple who fell in love and expected to have a wonderful life together. But there was another side of Mitch that marrigae brought out. Angie finds herself in a sad marriage to a controlling, emoti...more

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Jan 27, 2011 Hannah Prescott rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved the end of this beautiful story. I could read it over and over again and never get tired of it. The great plot line, well thought out characters, realistic feelings and believable settings were captivating. The reckoning was simply amazing and fulfilling to the reader in all ways. This book holds so much suspense and thrill that I don't see it fathonable for readers to be disappointed. So many plot twists combined with wonderful story telling and topped off with a sweet romance that is t...more

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Jan 02, 2012 Elaine rated it 5 of 5 stars

It took me a short while to be drawn in so what ever you do, do not stop reading if at first it does not grab you. Believe me you have surprises in store for you. The rest of my life was put on hold until I finished it. Many developments threw me for a loop, as others I predicted. At the center of this story is Ross Stafford. The character of Ross Stafford could be considered a cookie cutter character, only because he seems just too perfect, too wonderful, just tooooo of everything that makes e...more

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May 20, 2011 Leah rated it 5 of 5 stars

Among many considerable strengths, EXPLOSION IN PARIS is passionately written with excellent spicy plotting and pacing to create riveting drama and a superb page-turner. The storyline has an undercurrent of nefarious deeds, secrets and intense wisdom, sidesplitting humor, and incredible memorable characters. This is a powerful work of fiction that is life-changing and spellbinding and it touched me deep within my soul. Rediscover joy and affirm your real worth as you live vicariously through Ang...more

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Mar 08, 2012 Helena Wadelle rated it 5 of 5 stars

Each page I read only made me want to devour the next one and the next one... This stunning and heart-wrenching tale was a gripping adventure with characters full of life and conflicts that tug at the heartstrings. The writing is wonderful and characters endearing -- the writing style beautifully creates a level of distinction and grace and makes us care deeply about the people in this breathtaking novel. The dialogue is quick and witty with just enough snark to make it amusing. The sights, the...more

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Feb 04, 2012 Heidi rated it 5 of 5 stars

A tribute to the human spirit, Angela’s strength of spirit comes shining through the entire book. This is about life, love, fear, heartbreak, adversity, survival, and so much more. It exposes a side of humanity that you don’t want to allow into your life. Angela’s experiences were horrific, but within it all I also felt her profound sense of hope and faith. When I am feeling challenged in my own life, I will pick up this lovely book again. It truly makes you rethink your priorities and you reali...more

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Feb 03, 2011 Lacey Palmer rated it 5 of 5 stars

I was swept away by this exciting and poignant story. This is a box of tissue read. EXPLOSION IN PARIS is heartbreaking in more ways than one, but the end results will warm your heart.

It’s amazing how one man can be so heartless to Angela, her own husband, while another man can come along to pick up the pieces, and feel blessed just being able to do so. This remarkable novel explores an emotional journey of a woman who found herself lost within her own life and at the bottom of the barrel. It’s...more

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Mar 22, 2012 Camille rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, romance

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

1 like · like · see review

Oct 16, 2011 Joy rated it 5 of 5 stars

I found EXPLOSION IN PARIS to be a compelling and exciting read. The writing flows and the reader feels every range of emotion from sorrow to anger to bitterness, to despair and on to joy, abounding hope and optimism then ultimately the ending is worth every uncomfortable emotion. The conclusion will touch you beyond measure. TISSUES! Plenty of tissues!

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Apr 04, 2012 Suzanne rated it 5 of 5 stars

Explosion in Paris makes you almost have to make a decision what is worth changing and what is worth keeping in your life as you scan the pages. The plot is intriguing and is written with a comical and witty spirit. This is an exciting drama of drop-your-jaw triumph in the most violent conditions. It is about hope, loss and reinvention that is deeply touching and blissfully romantic. My heart ached for the women in Mitch’s life. The dialog, full of banter and angst and a sense of humor was fun t...more

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Oct 26, 2011 Staci Turner rated it 5 of 5 stars

I found it fullfilling and exciting.
It was a slow start for me to get interested as I almost put it down because there is si much written about abusive men these days. But I will have to say that this story is about so many othet aspects that occur as a result. I woke up with a pep in my step to get my work done so I could get back to the story. There were many surprises and a number of interesting features that kept my curiosity aroused. I found it a fullfilling and exciting read that I will n...more

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About Linda Masemore Pirrung

I’m 59 years old. I’ve lived a long time. A certain amount of wisdom comes with age and experience. To listen to weathered seniors should be a treat to all of us; the older the better. With age comes mellowing and understanding and we find that all those issues we had when we were young seem insignificant to us now and we see life through more forgiving eyes.

Writing is one engrossing passion that...more I’m 59 years old. I’ve lived a long time. A certain amount of wisdom comes with age and experience. To listen to weathered seniors should be a treat to all of us; the older the better. With age comes mellowing and understanding and we find that all those issues we had when we were young seem insignificant to us now and we see life through more forgiving eyes.

Writing is one engrossing passion that keeps me excited about life and kicks hum drum out of my vocabulary. Another of my passions is analyzing the gears that drive people. Reading beautifully written books makes me feel enlightened and causes my heart to soar. They add spice to educate my palette in the ever-changing recipe of life and inspire me to want to do my part to create new flavors to be enjoyed.

Being a baby boomer, I qualify for the unified age group wherein we women revisit our search for adventure and change, since our children are out of our loving nests, that next to impossible job well done. We have more opportunities to read, to travel, to take up where we left off in our hobbies and passions. We wonder, looking back, if we’d have done something differently, taken a different road, where that path might have led us…

Having put aside my desire to become a French Interpreter, I married in 1971. My husband and I lived in Wheaton, Maryland. Three years later, my contractor husband built our home in Howard County, Maryland where we chose to start our family. All these years later our three blessings have grown with the birth of our two precious Grand-Angels, who are now 11 and 8 years old. We have never regretted our move to the country for a single moment.

Over the years, between family needs, I managed to write the rough draft via long hand, and later typed the manuscript of Cracked Hearts on a borrowed portable typewriter. I ended up editing, rewriting, adding chapters and retyping it yet two more times. I used an electric typewriter this time. For the final time and through many revisions I used an old computer; one that had been given to me by my daughter, who forced me to learn how to use it, whether I liked it or not. I whipped my lengthy narrative into manuscript format constantly referring to my WRITER’S DIGEST. Even if it never got published, it fulfilled that spot in my restless need to accomplish something to be valued!

Coincidental to all my writing and typing, I started my portrait studio business, Focus on Elegance by Linda, from my home as soon as my third baby started kindergarten….Then there was my doll art business, Galerie des Enfants, again managed from home, around family…..Babysitting my precious Grand-Angels 12 to 14 hours a day, 3 to 5 days a week happily consumed me for six years. …. But my greatest entrepreneurial adventure ensued when I invested in a villa / studio and personal retreat which I decorated to the nines in European classic splendor.

I designed my personal utopia, a specialized, peaceful atmosphere and sanctuary for my multi-faceted creativity. I research, shop, and choose fabrics, rugs, fabulous art, and accessories to pull my clients’ home décor dreams together. As a photographer I have the power to turn a perfect treasured moment into a timeless masterpiece worthy of painting. I love graphite. My pencil art has been printed and sold in limited editions.

People will promise you the moon, offer you the stars, but in the end, the only heavenly body you can really count on is your own.

Having published my two books, CRACKED HEARTS and I WILL WAIT FOR YOU, I’m enjoying the launch of my new creation, EXPLOSION IN PARIS.

We're all searching for the Fairy Tale. When it doesn't come, we try to create it. We all want to love and be loved. We all do the best we can and we need to respect that in others and give the other guy some slack. Writing down my thoughts helps me sort out my feelings and organize my plan of attack. Trying to understand why people are the way they are aids in(less)

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Cracked Hearts: The Story of Ultimate Betrayal and Love

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Quotes from Explosion in Paris

“We need to forgive ourselves and everyone else for NOT being perfect.” — 30 people liked it

“We are all searching for the fairy tale. When it doesn't come, we try to create it.” — 29 people liked it

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