Finding Paris by Joy Preble

Finding Paris by Joy Preble
Release Date - April 21, 2015
Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages - 272 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

An evocative and compelling story of two sisters who would do anything for each other--perfect for fans of Thirteen Reasons Why and Speak. Joy Preble's stirring new novel explores the lengths to which sisters go to protect each other, and the winding road that brings two strangers into each other's lives.

Sisters Leo and Paris Hollings have only ever had each other to rely on. They can't trust their mother, who hops from city to city and from guy to guy, or their gambler stepfather, who's moved them all to Las Vegas. It's just the two of them: Paris, who's always been the dreamer, and Leo, who has a real future in mind--going to Stanford, becoming a doctor, falling in love. But Leo isn't going anywhere right now, except driving around Vegas all night with her sister.

Until Paris ditches Leo at the Heartbreak Hotel Diner, where moments before they had been talking with physics student Max Sullivan. Outside, Leo finds a cryptic note from Paris--a clue. Is it some kind of game? Where is Paris, and why has she disappeared? When Leo reluctantly accepts Max's offer of help, the two find themselves following a string of clues through Vegas and beyond. But the search for the truth is not a straight line. And neither is the path to secrets Leo and Max hold inside.

The bond between sisters can be powerful thing. There are sisters who will do anything for each other. Paris and Leo are exactly those kinds of sisters. When Paris ditches Leo outside of the Heartbreak Hotel Diner to send her on a wild road trip, it ends up being much more than it appears at first glance.

Joy Preble's strength is the little character quirks that make them come alive on the pages. Paris' personality in particular stands out. From the signature Hello Kitty band-aids, to the science jokes, and everything in between, each of the characters has a little something special about them.

Fans of road trip novels will get lost within these pages. This road trip may be a shorter one, with the distance covering Las Vegas and parts of California, but it has all the vital element for a good road trip story. With fun mentions of songs listened to, the mandatory road trip junk food, and a feeling of excitement with the clues and mystery keeping you on edge, this is a road trip that will have you aching to hop in your car and drive.

The fun side of the road trip is quickly overtaken by the secrets and mystery of the novel. Once the secret is revealed and the why fully fleshed out, I was left with one last why. The why of the road trip. Why did Paris use this particular means to get Leo to the truth? Why not use another method instead? It's one puzzle piece that I wish had been included. Was it simply Paris' flair for the dramatic? Desperation? I can hazard a guess, and it seems the likeliest possibly is her desperation, but it's never fully addressed to my satisfaction. It's a minor thing, and one that did not detract from my overall enjoyment of the plot.

The romance is the classic movie style romance kind. I could see this easily playing out as a plot of a movie the entire time I was reading. The cute guy and pretty girl get brought together into a thrilling quest to find answers and go on a road trip while their attraction for each other grows. The deeper, and more gritty reality of what is going on prevents it from being overly sweet and allows the romance to be the light part of the story. There no insta-love happening here, despite the insta-attraction. The possibility of maybe floats through their interactions, and that's all either character can really commit to, especially once the truth is revealed.

The mystery is gripping. This is the definition of a one sitting novel, because of it's short page count, and gripping storyline. You'll be consumed with a need to find out Paris' secret. While it's not impossible to figure out, I didn't quite put all the puzzle pieces together. This story is one where the journey to the destination is the entire point, so enjoy the ride.

Finding Paris is a blend of sisterhood, secrets, a road trip to remember, and romance. The path to the truth may not be a straight line as the synopsis says, but the twists and turns make the journey all the more meaningful.

Waiting On Wednesday ...... Finding Paris

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick this week is Finding Paris by Joy Preble

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

An evocative and compelling story of two sisters who would do anything for each other--perfect for fans of Thirteen Reasons Why and Speak. Joy Preble's stirring new novel explores the lengths to which sisters go to protect each other, and the winding road that brings two strangers into each other's lives.

Sisters Leo and Paris Hollings have only ever had each other to rely on. They can't trust their mother, who hops from city to city and from guy to guy, or their gambler stepfather, who's moved them all to Las Vegas. It's just the two of them: Paris, who's always been the dreamer, and Leo, who has a real future in mind--going to Stanford, becoming a doctor, falling in love. But Leo isn't going anywhere right now, except driving around Vegas all night with her sister.

Until Paris ditches Leo at the Heartbreak Hotel Diner, where moments before they had been talking with physics student Max Sullivan. Outside, Leo finds a cryptic note from Paris--a clue. Is it some kind of game? Where is Paris, and why has she disappeared? When Leo reluctantly accepts Max's offer of help, the two find themselves following a string of clues through Vegas and beyond. But the search for the truth is not a straight line. And neither is the path to secrets Leo and Max hold inside.

I love road trip books. LOVE THEM! This one sounds amazing. It sounds heartbreaking, and twisty and I love those kinds of books. This is also one of the exact road trips I would love to take (Las Vegas to Los Angles). so this one is HIGH on my list of MUST READS.

Expected release date - April 21, 2015

2015 Most Anticipated ........ Finding Paris

My next selection has a road trip, the bonds between sisters, and family secrets. I am pretty sure I am going to LOVE this one and cannot wait to get my hands on it.

Just check out this Goodreads synopsis and you'll immediately add it to your own 'to be read' list in anticipation of it's release.

A page-turning, evocative novel for fans of THIRTEEN REASONS WHY and SPEAK, about a girl who must follow a trail of mysterious clues to discover what happened to her sister.

Sisters Leo and Paris Hollings have only ever had each other to rely on. They can’t trust their mother, who hops from city to city and from guy to guy, or their gambler stepfather, who’s moved them all to Las Vegas. It’s just the two of them: Paris, who’s always been the dreamer, and Leo, who has a real future in mind—going to Stanford, becoming a doctor, falling in love.

But Leo isn’t going anywhere yet… until Paris ditches her at the Heartbreak Hotel Diner, where moments before they had been talking with physics student Max Sullivan. Outside, Leo finds a cryptic note from Paris—a clue. Is it some kind of game? Where is Paris, and why has she disappeared?

When Leo reluctantly accepts Max’s offer of help, the two find themselves following a string of clues through Vegas and beyond. But the search for the truth is a not a straight line. And neither is the path to secrets Leo and Max hold tightly.

I need to read this. Immediately. The road trip is between Las Vegas and Los Angeles which is basically the road trip I've always wanted to do. Total wish fulfillment in that department. If there is a strong romance included I am going to be completely in book love.

I got Joy to spill some details about Finding Paris and her Q and A will make you want to devour this book even more...

1 Describe Finding Paris in three words

Sisters. Secrets. Boy. 

2 If someone were to make an ice cream flavour for your book, what might be included?

Interestingly, Leonora (Leo), my MC, works in a frozen yogurt shop in the novel! So she would be the expert on such matters. And since a slice of coconut cream pie sort of brings Leo and Max together, and there are other food moments in the story, in addition to so many moments that can be reflected through flavor choices, I'd say coconut ice cream with raspberry and lemon swirl.

3 Can you share a secret about your book (either it's world, it's characters, or something that helped inspire the story)?

FINDING PARIS  was inspired by many things, but the initial seed actually came on a road trip from Houston to Dallas when we stopped for lunch at this restaurant/gift shop. I went in the bathroom and there was the usual graffiti on the stall--and for whatever reason I began thinking about what would happen if someone disappeared on a trip like this, leaving behind only a scribbled message! That idea stuck in my head and applied itself to some other ideas that had been brewing-- ideas about broken families and sisters and boys and secrets. Although at the time, I simply went back to the table and ate a piece of pie! 

4 Finding Paris features a road trip. What items would you need to have the best road trip ever?

I would need either a cherry red Camaro or any kind of convertible, a fun and funny and irreverent companion, a bag full of junk food and both water and caffeine in or or more of its tasty forms. And both a set of goals of things we'd like to see and the agreement that we will allow the trip to take us somewhere unexpected. Plus I'd need Route 66 for at least part of it. Because every good road trip needs at least some part of the Mother Road. 

5 If you could travel to anywhere, in any time period, when and where would you want travel? 

I've been reading the OUTLANDER series, that travels back to 1700s Scotland so I've actually been thinking about this question a lot!  There are actually many, many periods I'd like to visit, but for starters, I'd love to go back to New York City in the Roaring Twenties. I think it would be amazingly exciting and possibly dangerous and I'd love to experience that post WWI energy and craziness. I've been fascinated with it since I read Gatsby in high school, probably even before that. It's one of those decades where anything seemed possible and all the old rules in art and writing and life were thrown to the winds! If not the 20s, then I'd also find the specific year of 1916 very fascinating. I think everything in the world changed enormously from the many events in 1916. Look it up and you'll see what I mean!

6 What three things do you need while revising?

Many cups of coffee with milk, a relatively quiet place to work that's not too hot and not too cold, and at least a full hour at a time to work. Revising, like writing, has a rhythm to it and once I get going, I don't like to stop too soon. You know, I began my serious writing career while teaching full time (about 175 students) and still doing the mom/carpool/football games, etc. thing. So I trained myself to write anywhere at anytime, as long as I had something to write on and at least 15 minutes of time. It's actually amazing how much you can get done in those stolen bits of time. 

7 Did you drive the route the character in Finding Paris takes for research? If so what was your favourite stop along the way?

Well, not all of it. I've driven the Texas leg of the journey and good chunks of the highways between Vegas and there. And I've driven everything Leo and Max see in California. But it was actually my lovely agent, Jen Rofe, who vetted the journey between Vegas and LA! She was driving it anyway on a quick vacation and being the all-purpose agent that she is, she volunteered to take pictures and even a few videos along the way. Plus the wonderful Interwebs helped. A lot of people seem to feel an obligation to document that particular trip. All that said, I'm hoping to drive it myself soon and possibly as part of my promotion of the book! And while I love it all too much to pick one favorite, I'd have to say that the Santa Monica  Pier in LA is definitely a place I love. Beyond that general observation, I won't give anything else away because I want readers to experience the entire crazy journey with Leo and Max when FINDING PARIS arrives in April!

7 If possible, please share the first line of Finding Paris. (only answer if not too spoilery).

"My sister leans over me as I am trying to sleep." 

That ice cream sounds amazing (this entire event is making me want ice cream) and how fun is it that one of the characters works at a frozen yogurt shop?! The road trip aspect of this novel sounds amazing and I love that she did some real research for the particular route her character's journey takes them on.

Finding Paris is released April 21st but you can pre-order it now

Amazon USA/Canada // Chapters // Barnes and Noble // Bluewillow Books

Be sure to check back later on during the event for a chance to win a copy of Finding Paris (or any of my featured titles).

You can follow Joy Preble on Twitter, visit her official website, and learn more about the book from the publisher website.

What is your favourite road trip route? Or what would you bring with you on the best road trip ever? Let me know in the comments.

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

BOOK

Cover of Joy Preble's Finding Paris (Goodreads)

I love every single thing about this cover. Everything. I need this book in my life as soon as possible. The synopsis sounds amazing, and this cover just cemented my book love.

Cover of Joyride by Anna Banks (Goodreads)

This is such a fun cover. It's sweet and really fits the synopsis of the book. Anything described as Bonnie and Clyde meets Pretty In Pink will immediately pique my interest, so this is another one of those books that I am very excited to get my hands. It sounds like it'll be a fun read, and one that has the potential to be super adorable.

Victoria Schwab's New Series

Let the flailing begin because this series sounds AMAZING! The first book in the series is called Monster, and it's being called (by Victoria) Sin City + Romeo and Juliet + monsters. If that doesn't make you immediately want to read it, check out the amazing synopsis...

Monster tells the story of a teen boy and girl who never should have met, since their fathers are rival leaders of a divided city where violence breeds literal monsters. Conspiracies and betrayals send the teens on the run for their lives, but together, they could become each other's worst nightmare.

Given the fact that Victoria's novels are always amazing, I have REALLY high hopes for this one. I NEED IT.

Cover of Marie Rut The Winner's Crime (Goodreads)

I ADORE these covers. I really do love the second book's cover. The blue colouring of her dress, and the dagger now taking a more prominent spot on the cover. I have been hearing amazing things about the book itself, and I cannot wait to read it.

TV/MOVIE

Gone Girl movie

It's finally here! You can go see Gone Girl at your local cinema now! If you devoured the book I am happy to report that you will love this movie. It's a faithful, incredible adaptation that is filled with amazing performances. Rosamund Pike is stunning as Amy. Ben Affleck was perfectly cast as Nick. The secondary cast was just as delightful, in particular Neil Patrick Harris as Desi Collins. I intend to see it again before it leaves theaters, and urge you to do the same.

What are you obsessed with this week?

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

Here are my obsessions this week. Short and sweet this week!

BOOKS

Heartless Things by Lisa Maxwell (Goodreads)

I love Peter Pan. Surprise right? Well I saw this mentioned in a Publishers Weekly deals announcement and quickly proceeded to FREAK OUT. Why...because just read this....

Gwen and her best friend are abducted to a dark world akin to Pan's Labyrinth called Neverland, but it's nothing like the fairy tale. To rescue her friend, Gwen must decide whether to trust a roguish young pirate or the boy who calls himself Pan. 

Obviously, I need to read this. As soon as possible. I love that Hook is going to be 'young' and it kind of makes Pan sound ominous? Delightful twist. This will be top of my 2016 Most Anticipated List. *sobs because of the long wait*

Finding Paris by Joy Preble (Goodreads)

I found this one and thought it sounded amazing. It's got secrets, a road trip, and two places I totally want to visit.

a teenage girl whose older sister sends her on a scavenger hunt from Las Vegas to L.A., to protect her from a dark secret.

I want this immediately. It's being pitched as Speak meets 13 Little Blue Envelopes which is interesting. Either way, totally excited to get my hands on this sometime in 2015.

OTHER

Elaine Lui Book Signing 

My favourite gossip queen Elaine from Lainey Gossip is coming to Ottawa as part of her book tour. I am thrilled that Ottawa is finally getting a fun book signing, and I can't wait to go. April 8th at the Rideau Chapters location for those in the city, be sure to check it out, too.

Disney Inspired Cocktails by Cody

I stumbled across this by accident. A Seattle based mixologist has created some of the most awesome drinks ever...if you're a Disney fan that is.

Copyright @ Cocktails by Cody Facebook page

The Lost Boy is just one of the MANY drinks you can find on his Facebook page. It appears he'll eventually be releasing an e-book filled with these recipes, and I cannot wait to get my hands on it.

So what are you obsessed with this week?