The Paris Wedding in Aussie Readers

Jun 22, 2017 Brenda rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: aussie-authors, sent-by-publisher, uncorrected-proof, contemporary-fiction, reviewing-by-request, arc, 2017-release, own-read

4.5★s

When Rachael West received the richly embossed invitation to Matthew and Bonnie’s wedding, she knew immediately she couldn’t accept. Matthew was the man who had broken her heart ten years prior, when she’d stayed on the family farm to care for her mother instead of joining him in Sydney; and she still carried a torch for him. To see him marry someone else would be all kinds of heartache. But the invitation was for a week-long stay in Paris – all expenses paid; staying in a top of the range 4.5★s

When Rachael West received the richly embossed invitation to Matthew and Bonnie’s wedding, she knew immediately she couldn’t accept. Matthew was the man who had broken her heart ten years prior, when she’d stayed on the family farm to care for her mother instead of joining him in Sydney; and she still carried a torch for him. To see him marry someone else would be all kinds of heartache. But the invitation was for a week-long stay in Paris – all expenses paid; staying in a top of the range hotel; tours and sightseeing, plus airfares. Rachael had never been out of Australia – how could she pass up such a holiday?

Rachael’s mother had just passed away after a serious illness and she was feeling frail and grief stricken. Everyone, including her sister Tess, told her to take advantage of the invitation. So Rachael asked her best friend Sammy to accompany her – Europe’s city of love was in their sights…

The opulence of their accommodation had Sammy and Rachael gasping – and as their pampering continued, Rachael could almost forget why they were in Paris. Almost. It was when she saw Matthew for the first time in ten years that she knew she had made the wrong decision in accepting the invitation. What would happen during this week of turbulence and delight? Rachael’s confusion and sadness would mix with awe and pleasure – but what would the wedding day bring?

The Paris Wedding by Aussie author Charlotte Nash was an absolute delight to read. From the cover I imagined it would be pretty much a romance novel, but it’s not – it’s more to do with Rachael finding herself; working out what she wants to do with her life after sacrificing ten years to care for her mother. All her friends are married and most have children. Her sister has a husband and three children – and she’s younger than Rachael. She knows of her sacrifice but doesn’t regret it. Her grief at her mother’s passing at such a young age is real – Rachael is a very “normal” character; very relatable. From Milton near Parkes in country NSW to the bright city lights of Paris, The Paris Wedding is a well written novel which I thoroughly enjoyed. Highly recommended.

With thanks to Hachette Australia for my ARC to read and review.
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Jun 28, 2019 Kathryn rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: reading-list-2019, fiction, audiobooks, australian-authors

3.5★ I really liked this, and in the beginning I thought it was worth 4★ - great descriptions, engaging characters. As the story went on, however, it did become a bit clichéd and predictable and a fairly stereotypical romance. I think I would still read more of Charlotte Nash's books - I listened to this as an audiobook, and I loved the narration. ...more

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Jun 12, 2017 Helen rated it it was amazing

If you ever wanted a trip to Paris then this is the book to pick up, not only will have a fabulous holiday in Paris but you will meet country girl Rachael West who has lived her life on a farm in NSW Australia growing wheat she has been caring for her mother and running the farm for the last ten years and after her mother passes away Rachael’s life is about to change drastically. One big question does she still love her first love?

Rachel had chosen to stay in the small country town of Milton to If you ever wanted a trip to Paris then this is the book to pick up, not only will have a fabulous holiday in Paris but you will meet country girl Rachael West who has lived her life on a farm in NSW Australia growing wheat she has been caring for her mother and running the farm for the last ten years and after her mother passes away Rachael’s life is about to change drastically. One big question does she still love her first love?

Rachel had chosen to stay in the small country town of Milton to care for her mother rather than moving to Sydney to study at university with the love of her life Matthew Grant who was going off to medical school they had big plans for their future but like some plans they change and people change and Matthew ends up breaking off their relationship and moves on in life leaving Rachael to carry on being the caring person she is.

So when the invitation to Matthew’s wedding arrives just after the death of her mother and it is an a trip to Paris for a week of events Rachael is torn between going or not, you see she still loves Matthew and this is going to be hard for her. With her best friend from school Sammy, she decides that going will get him out of her system once and for all but maybe not. Sammy goes with her on the trip that will uncover secrets pull friends apart and also make new friendships even if embarrassment makes the new friendships stutter a bit.

I really did love this story it is compelling reading once you pick it up you will not want to put it down it is beautifully written and yes there were tears, sadness and joy, MS Nash has captured the honesty and the strength that true friendship holds. The journey from country NSW Australia to Paris was amazing the descriptions made me feel like I was there and the clothes to be able to sew and design like that. This is a story that I highly recommend and will stay with me for a long time to come, oh to see Rachael realize what she needs to do with her life and Antonio is just what she will need  a fabulous read.
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May 23, 2018 Kathy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

The Paris Wedding by Charlotte Nash is an engrossing novel of healing and moving on.

Ten years earlier, Rachael West selflessly changes her plans to go to college after her mother after a devastating medical diagnosis. Little does she realize that this decision will cost her the future she and her high school sweetheart Matthew Grant planned together. Matthew went on to fulfill his dream of becoming a doctor but he broke her heart when he unexpectedly ended their relationship. Despite the passage The Paris Wedding by Charlotte Nash is an engrossing novel of healing and moving on.

Ten years earlier, Rachael West selflessly changes her plans to go to college after her mother after a devastating medical diagnosis. Little does she realize that this decision will cost her the future she and her high school sweetheart Matthew Grant planned together. Matthew went on to fulfill his dream of becoming a doctor but he broke her heart when he unexpectedly ended their relationship. Despite the passage of time, Rachael is stunned by how hurt she is after receiving an invitation to Matthew's wedding. It is quite clear to Rachael that while her ex has clearly moved on, she is still in love with him. Deciding the best way to get over Matthew is to watch him exchange vows with his fiancée Bonnie, Rachael and her best friend Sammy Voss are soon off to Paris for the nuptials. Will Rachael finally break free from the bonds that tie her to the past?

Rachael has absolutely no regrets about staying on the family farm to care for her mother, but an overheard conversation makes her feel very inadequate. Paralyzed with indecision about what she wants for her future, she instead focuses on trying to get over Matthew. The all expense paid trip to Paris is undeniably a distraction, but she is definitely still pining over her lost love despite the new opportunities that come her way. Rachael has many stellar qualities but her constant indecision is extremely frustrating. She also has a HUGE blind spot where Matthew is concerned and this inability to the man he has become leads Rachael down a destructive (and embarrassing) path.

Also in attendance is charming photographer Antonio Ferranti who is photographing the festivities as a favor for Bonnie. He and Rachael strike up an enjoyable friendship that has the potential to turn to romance. However, with Rachael confused about what to do with Matthew, will the opportunity for a new beginning slip through her fingers?

The Paris Wedding is a heartwarming albeit exasperating journey of personal discovery for Rachael and her friends. Rachael is a compassionate and caring young woman who is surprised by the uncertainty that plagues her after losing her mom. The story's settings are absolutely exquisite and Charlotte Nash effortlessly brings both Paris and the Australian Outback vibrantly to life. The novel ends on an uplifting note with a lovely epilogue that is quite delightful. ...more

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