Your Preview Verdict: A Secret Garden in Paris by Sophie Beaumont

Buy a copy of A Secret Garden in Paris here.

Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:

What a charming book to read. Each of the three main character storylines interwove beautifully. I imagined myself in Paris, admiring many of the locations described, particularly the gardens. Emma’s story was intriguing. There was the mystery surrounding her mother. Had her mother been in love in Paris many years before? Going by a photo, we are privy to Emma’s venture through various possibilities about the love interests of her mother’s past. Emma also happens upon her own chance at love, with Marc Antoine, which is pleasing to her beloved Grandmother. Charlotte’s story was slightly more ambiguous as she navigated time away from her family and partner. There is a realistic awkwardness between Charlotte and Tom, as they try to reconnect. The florist, Arielle, has her own journey. Her love interest provides some quirky divergence and it is lovely to see such blooming between two people with similar ideas. The three characters are linked when Charlotte is able to help Emma possibly find her father. It is Arielle who also assists this after visiting the Bee farm on her romantic outing with Daniel. These stores of loss, grief and then, love and hope, were enjoyable to the end. This was an easy read and I was caught up in the escapism this fiction provided. Alyssa, VIC, 5 stars

Well-timed to appear just as the world’s focus has been on Paris for the Olympics, “A Secret Garden in Paris” already appealed to me, simply by its title, as a Francophile who’s always loved the city. It didn’t disappoint. Setting itself in beautiful gardens which are dotted throughout the city, from the magnificent, highly-manicured and famous to the courtyard-sized ones that appear suddenly in unexpected backstreets, it weaves the story of three women from different backgrounds as they deal with their own individual personal issues. The main characters, Emma, Charlotte and Arielle are developed in a way that quickly endears them to the reader as their lives become intertwined and unlikely friendship grows. Flowers and gardens are the common denominator and shows a warm, comfortably-happy side of life, where things always look brighter. The story takes the reader on a journey through various parts of this wonderful city and characters are developed as they encounter a host of other people, in their attempts to work their way through sorrows and challenges. A warm read with a satisfying conclusion, that is full of hope and nicely tinged with a touch of romance. Absolutely recommended to those who enjoy exploring people’s relationships. Lynne, WA, 5 stars

A beautifully written story about relationships and how they’re intertwined. The scenery was exquisitely described, and it felt like I was experiencing the locations for myself. I couldn’t put this one down from the moment I picked it up! Danae, TAS, 5 stars

A Secret Garden in Paris brings the city of love to life; along with the stories of three women that intertwine like tendrils of ivy. Emma, Charlotte and Arielle lead vastly different lives, yet they have a mutual love for the French capital, gardens and their families. Beaumont weaves a beautiful story in which the sights, sounds, scents and tastes of Paris spring from the page – you can almost taste the pain au chocolat. She explores the lives of these three women who find each other in their search for healing, courage and love. Even those with the blackest thumb will be inspired by the beauty in this story and the way that as the gardens bloom to life, the three women blossom too – discovering the path that is right for them and the difficult choices they need to make to move forward with their lives. Delightfully descriptive, Beaumont delivers a touching, engaging and fresh romance that will have you flicking through the pages (and popping out to buy yourself a bunch of peonies!). Louise, NSW, 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed reading A Secret Garden in Paris. The storyline intricately weaved the stories of the three women together to create a lovely story of friendship between them that then changed their lives. I particularly liked the character Emma. Her relationship with her grandmother Mattie was beautiful and of course there was the mystery of her Mother’s past that was then ultimately revealed .Then there was her romance as well! The imagery created in my mind by the depictions of the various Paris gardens was delightful. I wished I was there to enjoy them all. I highly recommend this book. It is a treasure. Catherine, QLD, 5 stars

A Secret Garden in Paris by Sophie Beaumont was magical. So many layers in the story as we travel with Emma, Charlotte & Arielle. As a reader, I felt a connection with each of the women and those in their lives. I was immersed in gardens & flowers to the point that I could smell the fragrances, picture the garden beds. I loved the intricate details shared and the descriptive nature of the novel, giving the reader an insight to location & feelings. Life changing challenges can make or break a person, but these women manage them with gusto. A wonderful novel of joy, hope, recovery & new beginnings. Sharon, QLD, 5 stars

I love this book! What a beautiful read!! This book is set in Paris and everyone loves being transported to another destination whilst reading. I enjoyed reading about the different gardens and could picture myself in the ones that I had visited. I love how the three main characters (Charlotte, Emma and Arielle) intersected and the gardens tied them all together. Each was on their own journey of discovery for differing reasons. It’s interesting to read about each person’s different problems and how they deal with it, just like in real life. The main characters were easy to relate to. This book is easy to read and I found myself thinking about the characters during the day when I wasn’t reading it. I was wondering what they would do next and how the story was going to end. I will definitely be looking to read more books by Sophie in the future. Nicky, VIC, 5 stars

Paris is the perfect backdrop for this heart warming and comforting read, showcasing the delights of their flowers, gardens and food and their ability to unite family, friends and strangers alike. The three main protagonists are going through their own turmoil but their lives intersect by circumstance. They lend each other more support than they realise, which is the catalyst in helping them to navigate their respective dilemmas. I loved their stories and growth throughout the book, which made for a wholesome read and leaving me feeling incredibly satisfied. This book explores themes of love, loss, heartbreak, secrets to be uncovered, love to be realised and a sense of self to be discovered. If you’re looking for a read that captures your attention from cover to cover, I’d highly recommend A Secret Garden In Paris! Christine, VIC, 5 stars

Diving into A Secret Garden in Paris was an absolute delight! In the streets of Paris, flowers, gardens, female friendships and love are blooming. I loved each of the characters and their stories and challenges, and how their different stories are bought together in Paris. I learnt much about Parisian gardens and flowers, and the vivid descriptions made me feel like I was there. I now have the desire to go on a garden tour! This book was like a warm hug. Kathryn, VIC, 5 stars

What a beautiful book! I just loved it. It had a very Fiona McIntosh feel to it. It made me feel like I was in Paris. Kay, QLD, 5 stars

‘A Secret Garden in Paris’ is a delight to read. I had a smile on my face (for most of the time) while reading it. The characters are well developed. I loved the character of Arielle Lunel particularly for her explanation of the meaning of flowers and her ability to pull together the right bouquet for the occasion. The tour of the beautiful gardens of Paris and the special map developed by Mattie were highlights. There is a mystery about who Emma’s father could be and several different relationship problems that needed to be resolved. I enjoyed learning new things about flowers, garden design and bee keeping. The descriptions of various parts of Paris and surrounds made me want to visit France. This a wonderful read and I highly recommend it. Sandra, NSW, 5 stars

Set amongst the gardens of Paris, A Secret Garden in Paris follows the stories of three women as they face life-changing challenges. Sydneysider Emma, who is getting over the sudden loss of her mother, has come to Paris to stay with her grandmother in hope that she is able to unlock the mysteries of her mother’s past. Charlotte, a celebrated garden designer, has fled to Paris from London to contemplate her future after her husband started to withdraw from her; and Arielle a widow with two young children, who feels as though she is getting her life back together after the death of her husband and overcoming the crippling debts he had hid from her, until her in-laws come to her with a troubling proposition. This was a book I thoroughly enjoyed. I loved how each of the three women’s stories intertwined; and although each chapter switched between the perspective of each character, so that the reader got an understanding of each individual’s story, it was easy to follow without getting lost or confused. I thought the author did a fantastic job of describing the gardens and the local landscapes and I felt that I was in Paris right alongside the characters of the book. I found it to a nice easy read, and feel that it would be ideal for a bit of light holiday reading. This was my first read from Sophie Beaumont, but I look forward to reading more from her in the future. I will be adding her previous novel, The Paris Cooking School, to my reading list. Christine, TAS, 5 stars

A Secret Garden in Paris tells the story of Emma, Charlotte and Arielle, three women at various crossroads in their lives all set against the wonderful backdrop of Paris and its beautiful gardens. From page one you are transported to the streets of Paris, with exquisite descriptions of food, flowers and landmarks. I enjoyed seeing how each of these characters’ stories intersected and how they each navigated some big life decisions. It is a story of the strength of female friendship, family and second chances. A perfect springtime read! Holly, WA, 5 stars

A Secret Garden in Paris is the perfect escape to enjoy when you’re a long way from France. The enchanting characters, gastronomical delights, mystery of flowers and of course, the sweetness of romance – absolutely delightful! Kate, VIC, 5 stars

I really loved this book . Beautifully written and has a floral scenario as we follow Emma Taylor as she goes to stay with her Mattie ,her grandmother ,in Paris. Corrine her mother has just died and left her all alone so she is hoping getting to spend time with her Mattie she will find out what she should do. There are a number of people involved in this book and I found at the beginning a little hard to remember who was who in the story. Charlotte Maringy a garden designer who was Corrine’s best friend growing up. Arielle Lunel ,a new widow with 2 children ,who managed a floral stall in the market and was a florist. So the story flows between these characters and I loved it as we learn about flowers their meaning, the art of designing gardens as Emma cleans up her Grandmothers garden. All 3 woman have a love interest enter their lives or in Charlottes case, her husband, who she was sure was leaving her. So for a wonderful story of flowers, gardens, romance, Paris then you need to read this book. Lyndsay, QLD, 5 stars

A thoroughly enjoyable story about 3 women who’s lives become inter twined and enriched by flowers, gardens, the past and each other Gai, NSW, 5 stars

A beautiful written story that follows Arielle, Emma and Charlotte as their lives are intertwined in the gardens and the city of Paris. The written detail of the gardens was truly magical making it easy imagine the beauty of the gardens and the joy it brings. I highly recommend A Secret garden in Paris. Sally, VIC, 5 stars

I felt like I was in Paris reading this book, lovely story and made me feel like I was there and visiting all the gardens mentioned, the characters felt like they were my friends. Beautifully written I loved every page. Michelle, VIC, 5 stars

As Mattie tells Emma “everyone has their secret garden “. The book tells the stories of the characters “ secret gardens “all wrapped up in the city of Paris and gardens and flowers. Charlotte, Emma and Arielle’s lives cross and friendships develop as they go about living and loving with a backdrop of Paris. Susan, NSW, 5 stars

A Secret Garden in Paris, by Sophie Beaumont captures the beauty and significance of gardens and parks in Paris as the novel reveals the interwoven stories of three women as they resolve relationship issues. As Emma’s grandfather’s garden had been neglected since his death three years earlier, Emma decides to make this secret garden her project while visiting Paris from Australia. In the process she meets Charlotte from London and Arielle from Paris who help and encourage Emma as she restores the garden. A mutual friendship develops among the women through their love of flowers. In A Secret Garden in Paris, Sophie Beaumont has shown gardens not only to be places of beauty and tranquility for all to enjoy but uses them as the setting for the characters to come to terms with problems and situations that they encounter in life. Their involvement with gardens and flowers helps each of the women find peace and solutions to the challenges of life, as well as making it an enjoyable book to read. Vicki, VIC, 5 stars

This is my first Sophie Beaumont book, but it certainly won’t be the last. What wonderful, relatable characters Sophie has created. I fell in love with these amazing women. Arielle, with her innate knowledge of flowers and their meanings, having her world turned upside down by her in-laws. Charlotte, with her talent for creating magnificent gardens, escaping to Paris to consider the state of her marriage and what her future holds. Emma, with her charming way of bringing stories to life, seeking refuge with her grandmother Mattie after the sudden death of her mother. I loved learning about these women, where they had come from and what challenges they were dealing with in their lives. It was also amazing to discover how their lives intertwined. This truly is a story of love and loss, romance and revelations, and what better setting for it than a secret Paris garden. Maree, QLD, 5 stars

I have really enjoyed “A Secret Garden in Paris” it is beautifully written and great descriptions of the actual characters that a very easy to relate to. The story kept me intrigued as to how the three main characters would evolve in their situations. I couldn’t wait to pick up the story again whenever I had a chance. I would thoroughly recommend. Elaine, SA, 4 stars

Australian Emma Taylor is spending time in Paris in the months following her mothers death from cancer. A Frenchwoman by birth, Emmas mother Corinne was a difficult character who held herself at a distance from those who loved her, but who called Emma to her bedside in her last days. Sadly Emma didn’t make it in time, and found instead a mysterious photo that she’d never seen before, from Corinne’s days in France before she moved to the other side of the world. Emma is convinced that the photo contains a hidden secret: the identity of her unknown father. In Paris to grieve, she’s finding solace her wise grandmother Mattie, and re-discovering memories of her grandfather Alain. Key to this journey of discovery is her work to restore his beloved garden. Along the way, Emma finds herself surrounded by a collection of women on searches of their own. Legendary garden designer Charlotte Marigny was a school friend of Corinne’s, but is in Paris nursing a heart hurting from her husbands unexplained distance. Arielle Lunel is juggling life with twins as an unexpected widow. Calm and enjoyable to read; against perfectly described Parisien backdrop, the characters in this novel blossom just as the garden does with the care and love of warm women and intergenerational friendship. Recommended as an easy holiday read, perfect for summer. Kylie, SA, 4 stars

After the sudden death of her mother, digital media manager Emma escapes Australia to her grandmother in Paris. She is widowed a couple of years and Emma’s grandfather has left behind a secret garden which is now over grown and in need of special care. Emma meets two other women who are also in need of some healing following loss – florist Arielle and landscape gardener Charlotte. I loved Arielle’s innate intelligence of all things floral – her knowledge of flowers. The meaning of flowers has always fascinated me. I think I like this book much better than ‘The Paris Cooking School’, but then I’ve always preferred flowers and gardens to cooking. It’s a perfect spring read – not only do we spend time in Emma’s grandfather’s garden, we also venture through other gardens in Paris. The themes of the novel are around love and loss. friendship. What better way to tell a story about transformation and renewal than through/within a garden. Indigo, NSW, 4 stars

A Secret Garden in Paris will have you dusting off your passport and planning a holiday to wander the streets of Paris in search of just a little of the romance you will find in the pages of this story. Be transported into the busy markets of Paris and the calm seclusion of gardens where you will almost be able to smell the spring time blooms. You will want to find your way to the flower market in the hope that you might, by chance, actually bump into some of lovely characters you have met here. This story will introduce you to Emma, Charlotte & Arielle as they navigate grief, loss and love in each of their lives. Their by-chance friendships delve into the complex relationships that are left behind when we lose people we love. They will find they need to face, and in some cases let go of their pasts in order to move on with their futures. A lovely, easy to read story with likable characters living relatable lives. This story made me wish I was there! Bridget, SA, 4 stars

“A Secret Garden in Paris” is a beautiful, heart lifting read. Sophie Beaumont weaves together the lives of three women, Charlotte, Arielle and Emma, all dealing with their own troubles in their personal lives but connect together through their shared passion for the beautiful gardens in Paris. This book is a nice, soul warming story and was a delight to read. Erena, VIC, 4 stars

A delightful read set in the wonderful setting of beautiful Paris. The novel follows a number of women, their past and current relationships and what happens when they all eventually meet up. As the reader learns about the females past sadness and life difficulties both the gardens and food distract in a lovely way. I found myself looking up the flowers described and felt hunger at the delicious sounding food mentioned often! Grief, family secrets, romance and misunderstanding are explored through out the book with a very satisfying and happy ending.  Toni, QLD, 4 stars

What a delightful story interweaving seemingly different stories around the theme of plants. The author has obviously done some serious research on both of the city of Paris and plants & flowers in general. An easy read with characters that are relatable and no loose ends to leave you wondering. I enjoyed it Lina, VIC, 4 stars

This was such a delightful and lovely read. A book of new beginnings, letting go, finding your path, reconnecting, loss, and love. I adored the Paris setting, the Paris Garden Tour, and all the talk of beautiful flowers, their meanings, and the relationships within this book. For me, it was a really nice light read that had me walking through the streets of Paris again, reminiscing all the wonderful sites and gardens. If you loved The Paris Cooking School, you will love this too. Ali, TAS, 4 stars

This was the perfect spring read! The beautiful descriptions, gorgeous settings and endearing characters made for a lovely reading experience. I wanted to jump into the pages and walk through the stunning locations for myself. Finding out how Emma, Charlotte and Arielle’s stories were woven together had me turning the pages quickly – eager to find out how the story would come to a resolution.  Kylie, NSW, 4 stars

“A Secret Garden in Paris” by Sophie Beaumont is a gently told but poignant story embracing the lives of three women as each one faces unique challenges, surrounded by the beauty of Parisian flowers and gardens. The enchantment of gardens and the emotions they can awaken, is the backdrop Sophie uses to explore hope and consolation as Emma Taylor yearns for answers from the past, Arielle Lunel needs to make decisions in the present and Charlotte Marigny seeks clarity for her future. The paths of the three women – like tendrils of a vine – inevitably meet and entwine as the seeds of their friendship blossom. The reader becomes immersed in the beauty of the gardens of Paris, as they too begin to understand how each woman must find her own secret garden – the place that offers them an escape, some answers and peace to face the dilemmas in their lives. The story, although not fast paced, keeps the reader engaged as we explore each complication faced by the characters and the waves of their emotions and frustrations. “The Secret Garden in Paris” is perfect for readers who enjoy heartwarming stories exploring resilience and growth with a message to let go, trust the moment and open one self to the gift of joy. The story, embedded in the beauty of springtime in Paris, is recommended for those who love stories of friendship, finding strength from within and overcoming challenges. Louise, QLD, 4 stars

Like a a blossoming bud the gardens of Paris from the grand to the personal slowly come alive through the experiences of three women; Emma, Charlotte and Arielle. Sophie Beaumont weaves their stories through shared encounters, family secrets and the close bonds of friendship. The lyrical descriptions of flowers and their symbolism became an extended metaphor for the cultivation of relations and the unearthing of secrets. An easy and enjoyable spring read. Helen, NSW, 4 stars

Doesn’t everyone dream of a secret garden? In this book, the gardens of Paris enthrall Emma, along with her family and new friends. The gardens in this book have a way of bringing people together and learning about themselves. Amanda, TAS, 4 stars

In this enchanting story, three women, from all walks of life and from different countries, come together in Paris. Emma, an Australian with a French mother. Charlotte, born in France but living in London. And Arielle, French born and bred. Emma is searching for a father she never knew. Charlotte, looking for answers in her marriage. And Arielle, still grieving the loss of her husband a number of years earlier. Through the three of them we are taken on a tour of Paris, its history, food, scenery but, more importantly, its gardens. And it’s the gardens that bring these women together. Reading this book I felt like I’d been transported to Paris. I saw, smelt and felt the meaning of flowers. My mouth salivated at the food. And my breath was taken away by the descriptions of the Secret Gardens. The story itself taught us about new beginnings and women “finding themselves”. But most of all it taught us about the love of family. One part of this book I loved… Emma and her comment of Yeah… Na! I now have a new item on my bucket list, those Secret Gardens visited by Charlotte & Liz (and illustrated by Mattie)! Diane, SA, 4 stars

I loved the exquisite detail in the descriptions of Paris in this novel. I felt like I was at the boulangerie with a bag of croissants too. The narrative twisted and turned like the small streets of Paris. It was an enjoyable read with intersteing characters. Deborah, NSW, 4 stars

This a wholesome and heart felt novel that follows the stories of different women, from different parts of the world, connected by their passion for flowers and gardens. It was a peaceful read, and I loved imagining the beautiful scenery described so perfectly by the author. Anyone who enjoyed “Weekends with the Sunshine Gardening Society” will love this book.  Chloe, VIC, 3 stars
A Secret Garden in Paris, Sophie Beaumont’s follow up to The Paris Cooking School, reveals her obvious love of Paris and France as she describes the gardens, buildings and countryside her characters visit throughout her story. This is a gentle, pleasant story that follows three women whose lives and destinies overlap through a shared love of flowers and gardens. The plot twists are fairly predictable and perhaps a little too coincidental but I like the way each character’s story was told in alternating chapters with references to other characters that continually tied them together. Dianne, QLD, 3 stars

A Secret Garden in Paris is a book for someone who enjoys a light holiday read. There is a lot of beautiful imagery of Paris and gardens (with some food thrown in) which gave me a fresh and new perspective on Paris and gardens! I would love to have booked myself on Emma’s tours. The book is told from the perspective of three different women whose worlds intertwine. They each have their own troubles to work through and are all likeable. The romance was sweet, but not the focus of the narrative. I really enjoyed the book, but it was a tad slow. A great novel when you want something light between heavy reads, preferably in a picturesque garden during spring with tea and baked goods. Cindy, WA, 3 stars

I enjoyed the numerous story arcs and variety of characters and obviously the location in which the story is set sounds fabulous. Id highly recommend it. Shannan, NSW, 3 stars

As a lifelong lover of Paris and a devoted Francophile, I was thrilled to read *A Secret Garden in Paris* by Sophie Beaumont. This novel is like a cosy escape—perfect for a crisp day by the fire or lounging on the beach. Set in a blooming Parisian spring, Beaumont masterfully intertwines the lives of three women facing pivotal moments. Emma Taylor, grieving her mother’s sudden death, seeks solace in Paris with her grandmother, Mattie. A mysterious photograph leads her on a journey through the city of love. Charlotte Marigny, a garden designer, flees London after her husband withdraws emotionally, hoping to find clarity in the gardens she adores. Arielle Lunel, a widowed florist, faces a new threat just as she’s rebuilt her life. Their paths cross in Paris’s romantic gardens, where an unexpected friendship blossoms, transforming their lives. Beaumont’s vivid descriptions of Paris immerse you in its enchanting atmosphere, making the secret garden a symbol of healing and renewal. This heartwarming story of loss, love, and friendship is perfect for those who cherish tales of personal growth set against the backdrop of a beautifully rendered Paris.  Liisa, QLD, 3 stars

I don’t usually read romance novels, but I do enjoy stories which centre around friendships and new beginnings. The title was also intriguing. This was a quick, fairly pleasant, if predictable read. I’m not sure that I would enticed to read another book by this author. Kathryn, NSW, 3 stars

Buy a copy of A Secret Garden in Paris here.