All the Flowers in Paris

A Novel

By: Sarah Jio

Narrated by: Kim Bubbs, Saskia Maarleveld, Mark Deakins, Cassandra Morris

Length: 11 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

"Sarah Jio weaves past and present in this eminently readable novel about love, gratitude, and forgiveness. I tore through the pages!" (Christina Baker Kline, New York Times best-selling author)

Two women are connected across time by the city of Paris, a mysterious stack of love letters, and shocking secrets sweeping from World War II to the present - for fans of Sarah’s Key and The Nightingale.

When Caroline wakes up in a Paris hospital with no memory of her past, she’s confused to learn that for years she’s lived a sad, reclusive life in a sprawling apartment on the rue Cler. Slowly regaining vague memories of a man and a young child, she vows to piece her life back together - though she can’t help but feel she may be in danger. A budding friendship with the chef of a charming nearby restaurant takes her mind off her foggy past, as does a startling mystery from decades prior.

In Nazi-occupied Paris, a young widow named Céline is trying to build a new life for her daughter while working in her father’s flower shop and hoping to find love again. Then a ruthless German officer discovers her Jewish ancestry and Céline is forced to play a dangerous game to secure the safety of her loved ones. When her worst fears come true, she must fight back in order to save the person she loves most: her daughter.

When Caroline discovers Céline’s letters tucked away in a closet, she realizes that her apartment harbors dark secrets - and that she may have more in common with Céline than she could have ever imagined.

All the Flowers in Paris is an emotionally captivating novel rooted in the resiliency and strength of the human spirit, the steadfastness of a mother’s love, and the many complex layers of the heart - especially its capacity to forgive.

“Heart-stopping.... Fans of emotional, romantic stories set during World War II will enjoy this heartbreaking tale of love and loss.” (Booklist)

©2019 Sarah Jio (P)2019 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“A riveting and realistic story of two women, decades apart in time, yet both finding a way to triumph over the darkness that threatens their lives.” (number one New York Times best-selling author Debbie Macomber)

Great story

The story weaves back and forth from present day to Paris in the 1940's, with the 2 coming together in the end. For those who love wWII fiction, this book won't disappoint. Always love anything by Saskia Maarleveld.

On my list of favorites

This story is so beautifully written and performed. if I could give it 10 stars I would.

love, love, love

loved it from the beginning. it is easy to keep up with the transition from year to year and story to story! the ending was amazing and made me smile

LOVE!!

A great read! I purposely walked longer, just to keep listening! The story in Paris was my favorite part. Highly recommend!

Really Grabs Your Attention And Doesn't Let Go

I really enjoyed this one and the dual timeline. I had had a vested interested in both stories. I've never been to Paris, but I felt as if I was there with the author's vivid descriptions. My heart broke for Celine and all she had to endure. She was such a strong character and I was on the edge of my seat to see how her story would end. Tha narration was really good. The two main narrators were great with doing different accents, but I think the narrator for Celine had a slight edge over Caroline. This is one that will keep you guessing until the end.

Great Book

This was a wonderful read, well written, broken up so that it wasn't overwhelming

Thankful, Forgiveness , and Love

Have the tissue box ready. I loved the dual time story with two very strong women who fight the ugliness of loss. There are twists and turns that leave you in anquish and hope at the same time. For those that question the historical accuracy, remember it is fiction.

What a story!

I thought I had the story figured but was still surprised — So many emotions —- really a very good read!

Great audio

Mixed reviews on this story. Didn’t understand the relationship between the two wonton different time periods. Boring in some parts.

Good story

I like Sarah Jio and the Seattle connection. This story is different, all set in Paris. Overall the story is engaging. There are a few things that were brushed aside or unresolved however.