The Paris Project

by Donna Gephart

[Sam@WLABB]

Since she was first learned of the city, while reading Madeline as a child, Cleveland dreamed of attending the American School in Paris. She hatched a plan, called the Paris Project, and saved every penny she made in an effort to achieve her dream. However, Cleveland had to worry about the future of her Parisian plans, once her father was incarcerated and she became the town outcast.

• Pro: Cleveland was absolutely wonderful! Guard your heart, because this little girl is going to steal it. I loved her enthusiasm for all things Parisian. The way she was trying to learn the language, about the food, and about the culture was admirable, but she also was willing to work really hard to make her dream come to fruition. She was moving and shaking and walking dogs in order to earn the money to finance her Parisian education. I also found her plucky and charming, and thought she had one of the biggest hearts around.

• Pro: Things were tough for the Potts family after dad was incarcerated, but these ladies didn’t let it take their spirit or their pride. They dug in, worked harder, and let their love provide the strength they needed to keep going.

• Pro: Gephart did such a beautiful job with Cleveland’s feelings regarding her father’s transgressions and gambling addictions. The battle she fought with herself over being angry, disappointed, and ashamed, while still loving and missing her father came across as very genuine, and my heart ached for her. The ideas of suffering for the sins of her father and forgiveness was well utilized, and provided some standout moments in this story.

• Pro: Though there were five years separating Cleveland and her sister, Georgia, they shared a phenomenal sisterly bond. Their love, affection, and dedication to each other brought happy tears to my eyes, and seeing them support each other just about made my heart explode.

• Pro: When everyone else abandoned her, Declan, her best friend, stood by her side. He shared many wonderful and tough moments with Cleveland, and also fully support her goal to live in Paris. I thought both him and his father were a fantastic part of Cleveland’s circle, and though Cleve and Dec went through a rough patch, they without exception, fully accepted and cared for each other.

• Pro: That ending made me mush. The family was experiencing more and more difficulties, and just when it seemed as though none of the Potts would succeed, things took a turn for the better. Yes there was some sacrifice a la the fisherman and his wife, but it was such a beautiful and touching sacrifice they were willing to make for each other.

Overall:
A story of hope, healing, forgiveness, and family, which warmed my heart.

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

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