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Movie stars and paparazzi flock to Cannes for the glamorous film festival, but Grace Kelly, the biggest star of all, wants only to escape from the flash-bulbs. When struggling perfumer Sophie Duval shelters Miss Kelly in her boutique, fending off a persistent British press photographer, James Henderson, a bond is forged between the two women and sets in motion a chain of events that stretches across thirty years of friendship, love, and tragedy.
James Henderson cannot forget his brief encounter with Sophie Duval. Despite his guilt at being away from his daughter, he takes an assignment to cover the wedding of the century, sailing with Grace Kelly’s wedding party on the SS Constitution from New York. In Monaco, as wedding fever soars and passions and tempers escalate, James and Sophie—like Princess Grace—must ultimately decide what they are prepared to give up for love.
The 1955 Cannes Film festival provides the glamorous setting for Meet Me in Monaco. The fast paced courtship between movie star Grace Kelly and Prince Rainer and the slow burn attraction between photographer James Henderson and perfumer Sophie Duval captivated me and drew me into the story immediately.
Actress Grace Kelly is being chased by photographer James Henderson. Hoping to avoid him, she stops in Sophie’s store where she is offered refuge. James enters the store and asks about Grace—Sophie is amused by his poor French and is furious when he snaps a photo of her. Loved that Sophie’s kindness towards Grace was the beginning of their friendship.
Sophie is torn between honoring her father’s memory and competing with the other haute perfume houses. She feels pressure from her boyfriend and mother to sell their acreage. I loved that Sophie believed that she could create a special fragrance –one that would put her shop on solid ground. I enjoyed reading Sophie’s transformation from a dreamer-caught up in safe memories-to a confident, creative business woman.
James won me over when he gave Grace Sophie’s business card. I adored this charming man who loved his daughter and friends. James was the polar opposite of Lucien; Sophie’s smooth talking boyfriend. He truly adored his daughter and she was never far from his thoughts when he was on assignment. Loved, loved that he thought about his kiss with Sophie for months. Jim’s telegram asking Sophie to Meet Me in Monaco took the storyline to a new level. James decided to follow his heart’s desire and his choice endeared him to me.
Meet Me in Monaco provides the reader with a peek into the glamourous lifestyle of actress Grace Kelly. The friendship between Sophie and Grace anchors the storyline while Jim and Sophie’s romance kept me reading, I was invested in Sophie and Jim’s story and enjoyed reading each word of their journey.
In the 1950’s, people communicated by letters, not texts; travelled by train, not airplanes and movie stars evoked glamour, not scandal. Meet Me in Monaco provides the reader with a glimpse into the past—where things were simple. People wrote letters to express their feelings—they took a chance on love---the letters told their journeys.
I adored this novel by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb—it’s the perfect blend of history, filled with passion and a fairy tale romance. The descriptive writing allows the reader to smell the fragrances in Sophie’s shop, take in the breathtaking sights on the Cote d’Azur and witness the wedding of the century. Meet Me in Monaco has all the feels—it’s a touching story of friendship and love set during a magical time.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
Reviewed by Susan Gorman
Photos from Getty Images
Video from Hazel Gaynor's facebook page
Grace Kelly quote--from Meet Me in Monaco
What a lovely review, Sue! Well done!
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