THE PARIS KEY is a story about a journey, family, hidden secrets and finding one's true self. A story that weaves between mother and daughter in different time periods, centered in Paris. In Petaluma, California, life on an organic farm with Jim and her son, Nicky, is a miserable existence for Angela Martin. Her husband, Jim, is a good man, a patient and steady man. Why is she so unhappy and questioning her marriage? She struggles with depression, migraines and is unable to breath. When she shares her feelings with Jim, he is puzzled and tells her, "we're surrounded by beauty, living the dream. What more could you want?" She decides to travel to Paris to visit her beloved brother, Dave. When she returns home, her life is never the same.

Her daughter Genevieve Martin is living in Oakland, married, working in a boring job and not particularly happy. She discovers her husband, Jason, has been unfaithful to her. The recent news of her favorite Uncle Dave's passing has hit her hard. At 14, when her mother died, she was sent to visit her Uncle Dave in Paris. He taught her the delicate art of locksmithing. She has a natural talent for it. Now his daughter, Catharine, has invited her to take over his business there and live in his apartment. Gen tells Jordan she wants a divorce and a ticket to Paris. It is time for a new start.

When she arrives in Village Saint-Paul, the oldest neighborhood in Paris, it is a fairytale setting. Filled with courtyards and antique shops, no cars allowed, it is charming. Entering Under Lock and Key, she remembers the faint smell of oil. Locks and keys are everywhere. She remembers Uncle Dave and misses him. As she begins to explore Paris, she meets her neighbors who welcome her warmly, makes new friends, and her relationship with the handsome Irish photographer Killian is delicious. As she begins to unlock doors, she finds many discoveries and many secrets. In the end she is able to set many of her ghosts from her past free. Now it is time to plan a Grand Opening and a party to celebrate the official opening of Under Lock and Key. Thank you, Uncle Dave, you and Paris have given me back my life and my hope.

Juliet Blackwell writes skillfully, capturing the sights and smells of the City of Light. An ardent Francophile, I imagine climbing the steps to the top of Montmartre with Gen. I smell the delicious breads from the bakery and long to taste Pastis. The blending of the French language in the English narrative appeals to me as I revisit my french classes. A five star read. Merci.