25 Faubourg des Etoiles

Publisher's blurb:

Late autumn marks a turning point in Avril Renard's life. Freshly arrived from her Périgord countryside to manage the triplex apartment her great-aunt bequeathed her near Montmartre, the young woman has decided to reopen the doors of "Le Faubourg des étoiles," the antiquated shop that was part of the inheritance.

Everything is ready - except for a stubborn Christmas wreath. Avril envisions a host of cozy items to sell, including a collection of scented candles she makes herself.

She feels energized by the approaching holidays and the encouragement of her tenant and friend, the lively Quebecer Violette Pelletier.

A delicious pastry, a hazelnut scent, and snowflakes will lead to a series of misunderstandings and push two businessmen to enter Avril's small shop. While Violette has feelings for Auguste Fontaine, Avril prefers to keep her distance from the mysterious Devon Francoeur, whose intentions seem increasingly suspicious to her…

From then on, "Le Faubourg des étoiles" will become the scene of encounters, the canine antics of a shiba named Sherwood, Christmas carols, Avril's creations, and a whirlwind of emotions!

✨ Review from La Librairie du Grimoire Ancien

Laetitia Arnould signs with "25 Faubourg des Étoiles" a cozy French romance that celebrates the Parisian art of living and the magic of small neighborhood shops. The author brilliantly transposes the codes of Anglo-Saxon cozy romance into a typically Montmartre setting, creating a unique atmosphere that blends Parisian charm with holiday warmth. The character of Avril Renard embodies this enterprising and creative femininity who dares to leave everything behind to achieve her dream of independence, transforming an inheritance into a life project. The "Le Faubourg des étoiles" shop becomes much more than just a setting: it represents a space of transformation, a third place where community ties are woven and where the magic of Christmas operates. Arnould excels in creating a rich sensory palette: the scent of artisanal candles, the smell of pastries, the snowflakes on Montmartre compose an olfactory and visual symphony that envelops the reader. The dynamic between Avril and Devon Francoeur skillfully plays on the "enemies to lovers" trope with a touch of mystery that maintains narrative tension. The addition of the secondary romance between Violette and Auguste enriches the narrative with a warm choral dimension. The shiba Sherwood brings that touch of humor and tenderness that characterizes the best cozy romances. The author subtly weaves the themes of new beginnings, self-reinvention, and the creation of a chosen family into the urban Parisian fabric. The artisanal dimension (scented candles, cozy creations) resonates with contemporary values of slow living and conscious consumption. A novel that proves that French cozy romance has its own identity, rooted in our regions and traditions while embracing the universality of the genre. An ideal read to immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas in Paris and believe in the beauty of new beginnings. This book naturally finds its place at Le Grimoire Ancien, where craftsmanship, creation, and the magic of everyday life are celebrated.