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On the Book Train to Paris: The most charming and uplifting novel for 2026 and the perfect gift for book lovers!
Not yet published
Expected 19 Mar 26For three women in an Edinburgh bookshop, could the book train to Paris be a passport to
Joie de vivre
? The new warm-hearted, romantic and uplifting novel from the author of
The Library of Lost Love
. Carly longs to make over the family's bookshop, but her father is resisting change. Upstairs, Fran is stumped by her next novel - and with how to fix her marriage. In the flat below, Elsa cares for her husband, in need of a short breather to gather her strength. So when a customer drops in and asks for help at his book festival on a train to Paris, it's the chance of a petit escape. And when a book mysteriously appears in the shop that Fran inscribed to a lover in Paris years ago, it seems too serendipitous to ignore. Boarding the train with Carly and Elsa, Fran wonders if revisiting her past will help her move forward. But there are plot twists ahead. Could Paris be the place to turn a new page...?
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Expected publication March 19, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 6, 2026
3.5 rounded up
Three women all at a crossroads in their life. Carly desperately wants to revamp the family Edinburgh bookshop but her father Robin is resistant to change. Upstairs, her mother Fran is struggling to create her latest romance novel and is praying it’s not writers block as their finances could really do with the boost of another best seller. In the basement flat of the same building, lives family friend Elsa who could really use a break as caring for her much loved husband Bill, who has dementia, whilst not a chore, it is tiring. Perhaps the invitation from Flynn for all three women to join the book train to Paris could give all of them the clarity and the strength to move forwards.
Initially, at the start of the novel I feel the pace is a bit slow and it seems disjointed as all the characters, their backgrounds, hopes, dreams and issues are introduced. However, once on board the train, The Scotsman at Edinburgh’s Waverley Station, the book works some sort of magic. What’s not to like? A lovely train passing through beautiful countryside, good food and most important to all, a group of bibliophiles enjoying the various events on board. I love that idea and if someone wants to create it, where do I book? Of course too, Eurostar to Paris with all that atmospheric city has to offer is very enticing and is very well described. I’ve not been to Paris for a while yet the author makes me feel as if I’m there too.
This is a nice, easy read, full of charm with (mostly) likeable characters. The novel is told the right pace for such a story although it does require some going with the flow because some circumstances are a stretch or fortuitous to say the least. Nonetheless, it’s a warm hug of a book with the cover doing justice to its contents. It’s an escapists read for a cold, wet February day!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Headline for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
Three women all at a crossroads in their life. Carly desperately wants to revamp the family Edinburgh bookshop but her father Robin is resistant to change. Upstairs, her mother Fran is struggling to create her latest romance novel and is praying it’s not writers block as their finances could really do with the boost of another best seller. In the basement flat of the same building, lives family friend Elsa who could really use a break as caring for her much loved husband Bill, who has dementia, whilst not a chore, it is tiring. Perhaps the invitation from Flynn for all three women to join the book train to Paris could give all of them the clarity and the strength to move forwards.
Initially, at the start of the novel I feel the pace is a bit slow and it seems disjointed as all the characters, their backgrounds, hopes, dreams and issues are introduced. However, once on board the train, The Scotsman at Edinburgh’s Waverley Station, the book works some sort of magic. What’s not to like? A lovely train passing through beautiful countryside, good food and most important to all, a group of bibliophiles enjoying the various events on board. I love that idea and if someone wants to create it, where do I book? Of course too, Eurostar to Paris with all that atmospheric city has to offer is very enticing and is very well described. I’ve not been to Paris for a while yet the author makes me feel as if I’m there too.
This is a nice, easy read, full of charm with (mostly) likeable characters. The novel is told the right pace for such a story although it does require some going with the flow because some circumstances are a stretch or fortuitous to say the least. Nonetheless, it’s a warm hug of a book with the cover doing justice to its contents. It’s an escapists read for a cold, wet February day!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Headline for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
February 19, 2026
Such a beautiful book, whether you're a book lover or not.
A multi-viewpoint novel, we follow Elsa, Fran and Carly as they each undertake their own journey of discovery while taking a once in a lifetime journey to Paris on a book train from Edinburgh via London.
Carly has had to move back in with her parents after a relationship breakdown and the news that her best friend (and flatmate) Jude is uprooting her house for the US. Heart broken and feeling rudderless regarding her life and career, Carly accepts the opportunity to serve as bookseller on the book train trip. A trip which helps her find her life and job passions.
Fran is trying to write her 26th romance novel but it just won't come. When her husband appears to suggest he's not happy with their marriage, she agrees to fill the final author slot on the train trip. Serving to give her a much needed confidence boost, the trip also gives Fran a chance to revisit a past romantic encounter and realise that memory can often make things seem what they aren't in reality.
Elsa is struggling to come to terms with her husband's dementia diagnosis. Forced to watch the man she loves disappear each day, the book trip gives Elsa a chance to explore what she wants to do with her life and begin to explore what she can be when the worst will happen.
A moving tale looking at how we often hold ourselves back from happiness (consciously or unconsciously), On the Book Train to Paris, beautifully captures the essence of Edinburgh, London and Paris while also offering hope and encouragement to truly explore what makes us happy, as well as giving ourselves (and our lives) second chances.
A lovely read. I look forward to reading more from Norie.
A multi-viewpoint novel, we follow Elsa, Fran and Carly as they each undertake their own journey of discovery while taking a once in a lifetime journey to Paris on a book train from Edinburgh via London.
Carly has had to move back in with her parents after a relationship breakdown and the news that her best friend (and flatmate) Jude is uprooting her house for the US. Heart broken and feeling rudderless regarding her life and career, Carly accepts the opportunity to serve as bookseller on the book train trip. A trip which helps her find her life and job passions.
Fran is trying to write her 26th romance novel but it just won't come. When her husband appears to suggest he's not happy with their marriage, she agrees to fill the final author slot on the train trip. Serving to give her a much needed confidence boost, the trip also gives Fran a chance to revisit a past romantic encounter and realise that memory can often make things seem what they aren't in reality.
Elsa is struggling to come to terms with her husband's dementia diagnosis. Forced to watch the man she loves disappear each day, the book trip gives Elsa a chance to explore what she wants to do with her life and begin to explore what she can be when the worst will happen.
A moving tale looking at how we often hold ourselves back from happiness (consciously or unconsciously), On the Book Train to Paris, beautifully captures the essence of Edinburgh, London and Paris while also offering hope and encouragement to truly explore what makes us happy, as well as giving ourselves (and our lives) second chances.
A lovely read. I look forward to reading more from Norie.
February 17, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC. What’s not to love about this book, a book about books, bookstores, book lovers, and a train ride to Paris.
I loved how the story was told from each of the 3 women’s perspective of their intertwined life. This was not your typical love story but still a love story with depth. A story that includes love lost, love found, forever love, mature love, and love of all things books. Highly recommend for a quick uplifting fun read.
I loved how the story was told from each of the 3 women’s perspective of their intertwined life. This was not your typical love story but still a love story with depth. A story that includes love lost, love found, forever love, mature love, and love of all things books. Highly recommend for a quick uplifting fun read.
June 1, 2025
This sounds like it will be an enjoyable read!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This book was an absolute joy to read. It was warm, bookish, and completely enchanting from start to finish.
The story is told from three perspectives: Carly, her mother Fran, and family friend Elsa. Each voice feels distinct and beautifully realised, adding depth and richness to the narrative as the three women embark on a train journey to Paris.
Fran is a successful romance author with twenty-five books behind her, travelling to Paris and hosting a writing workshop whilst on board. Carly helps out in the family bookshop and joins the trip to support the bookselling side, while Elsa comes along for some much-needed respite as her husband is unwell. Woven through their journey is Fran’s lingering memory of a man she once met in Paris, before she met Carly’s father, a quiet what-if that adds emotional tenderness to the story.
The characters are wonderfully drawn, the relationships feel authentic, and the story unfolds at a perfect pace. It’s gentle yet absorbing, full of warmth, reflection, and love for books and storytelling.
I read this in one sitting because I simply didn’t want to leave it.
A beautifully told, character-driven novel and a perfect bookish read. I adored it.
✨ Thank you to @headlinebooks for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
📅 Publication date: 28 May 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
The story is told from three perspectives: Carly, her mother Fran, and family friend Elsa. Each voice feels distinct and beautifully realised, adding depth and richness to the narrative as the three women embark on a train journey to Paris.
Fran is a successful romance author with twenty-five books behind her, travelling to Paris and hosting a writing workshop whilst on board. Carly helps out in the family bookshop and joins the trip to support the bookselling side, while Elsa comes along for some much-needed respite as her husband is unwell. Woven through their journey is Fran’s lingering memory of a man she once met in Paris, before she met Carly’s father, a quiet what-if that adds emotional tenderness to the story.
The characters are wonderfully drawn, the relationships feel authentic, and the story unfolds at a perfect pace. It’s gentle yet absorbing, full of warmth, reflection, and love for books and storytelling.
I read this in one sitting because I simply didn’t want to leave it.
A beautifully told, character-driven novel and a perfect bookish read. I adored it.
✨ Thank you to @headlinebooks for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
📅 Publication date: 28 May 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A Warm hug in Book Form - My perfect escape to Paris
If this book was a drink it would be a hot tea with honey. This is the ultimate comfort read - it warmed my heart, soothed my soul and felt almost real.
The story follows three women on a journey to Paris, each of whom are standing at a pivotal crossroad in their lived. A generational story. It explored biological family and found family. The setting is perfect, I got to visit Edinburgh, London and Paris without leaving my bed.
What really impressed me was the plot. I was gripped and it took me through real life stories and what if's that people face everyday.
The ending wasn't exactly what I though and that even made even it better.
I adored the meta-commentary on romance books as escapis. The authors nod to how romance books gets people reading mirrored my own thoughts exactly. It's a short, beautiful read that I didn't want to put down.
Thank you NetGalley and Headline Review for sending me this Arc in exchange for an honest review
If this book was a drink it would be a hot tea with honey. This is the ultimate comfort read - it warmed my heart, soothed my soul and felt almost real.
The story follows three women on a journey to Paris, each of whom are standing at a pivotal crossroad in their lived. A generational story. It explored biological family and found family. The setting is perfect, I got to visit Edinburgh, London and Paris without leaving my bed.
What really impressed me was the plot. I was gripped and it took me through real life stories and what if's that people face everyday.
The ending wasn't exactly what I though and that even made even it better.
I adored the meta-commentary on romance books as escapis. The authors nod to how romance books gets people reading mirrored my own thoughts exactly. It's a short, beautiful read that I didn't want to put down.
Thank you NetGalley and Headline Review for sending me this Arc in exchange for an honest review
February 13, 2026
This was such a comforting, big-hug-of-a-book kind of read. That said, it didn’t quite live up to The Library of Lost Love for me.
I really loved the premise taking you through a journey of self-discovery from a failing marriage to rediscovering a long-lost love.
Overall, it’s a heartfelt, uplifting story with some lovely quotes about life and the magic of books — even if it didn’t quite hit the same heights for me as her previous novel.
Recommended for readers who enjoy a romantic, cosy, light-hearted and reflective read.
Thank you to Headline Books and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I really loved the premise taking you through a journey of self-discovery from a failing marriage to rediscovering a long-lost love.
Overall, it’s a heartfelt, uplifting story with some lovely quotes about life and the magic of books — even if it didn’t quite hit the same heights for me as her previous novel.
Recommended for readers who enjoy a romantic, cosy, light-hearted and reflective read.
Thank you to Headline Books and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 8, 2026
This was such a lovely read. I devoured over a wet weekend and it was the perfect way to switch off from the world for a while. I really enjoy books about books and this did not disappoint. Great characters and the story moved well with all the different voices (as each chapter told from by a different character). I really wanted to be on the train and experiencing Paris with them all.
Huge thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, Headline/Hachette, for my early advanced copy. This review is my own honest opinion.
Huge thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, Headline/Hachette, for my early advanced copy. This review is my own honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the first book I have read by Norie Clarke and I enjoyed it immensely.
Three women are persuaded to help with a book festival by train from Edinburgh to Paris - Carly as the bookseller, her mother, Fran- a romantic author - and Elsa - an artist and carer for her husband who is suffering from dementia. All need time out to think about their futures.
Carly wants to breathe new life into the family bookshop, Fran suffering from writer’s block needs a new perspective and Elsa needs to work out how to carve out something for herself while still being a carer.
All three characters are beautifully drawn and their relationships feel genuine. The story is gently paced - full of warmth and love - and surrounded by books and the power of writing.
A delightful read.
Three women are persuaded to help with a book festival by train from Edinburgh to Paris - Carly as the bookseller, her mother, Fran- a romantic author - and Elsa - an artist and carer for her husband who is suffering from dementia. All need time out to think about their futures.
Carly wants to breathe new life into the family bookshop, Fran suffering from writer’s block needs a new perspective and Elsa needs to work out how to carve out something for herself while still being a carer.
All three characters are beautifully drawn and their relationships feel genuine. The story is gently paced - full of warmth and love - and surrounded by books and the power of writing.
A delightful read.
February 25, 2026
books, trains, family drama, old loves, new love and everlasting love
I enjoyed everything about this book. The settings sent me down a rabbit hole of European bookshops, the characters are believable and feel real and the intermingled stories made for rich story telling in an easy to read story which make you emotional and smile
I enjoyed everything about this book. The settings sent me down a rabbit hole of European bookshops, the characters are believable and feel real and the intermingled stories made for rich story telling in an easy to read story which make you emotional and smile
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved this book - warm, cosy and a real feel good read. I read it in one sitting - loved the characters and the story line. Just what I needed for a cold January day! Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Romance & books, always an enjoyable combination to read. Three women from 3 different generations, all with personal issues to work through. When given the chance to participate in a book train tour to France, they all agree it's a good idea. While on the trip, they each work through issues that have held them back & come to some interesting conclusions about themselves. I enjoyed the read.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews