🇫🇷 Book Review: Let’s Try This Again: But This Time in Paris by Cynthia Gunderson
A tender, second-chance romance set against the dreamy backdrop of Paris—where love, regret, and reinvention collide in a heartfelt journey of rediscovery.
Cynthia Gunderson’s Let’s Try This Again: But This Time in Paris is a contemporary romance that explores the emotional complexities of a long-term marriage on the brink of collapse. With a Goodreads rating of 3.72/5 from over 150 readers, the novel is praised for its introspective tone, relatable characters, and uplifting message about love’s resilience.
🧠 Plot Overview
Walter Winslow lives a life of routine and comfort—until his wife of 28 years, Wendy, asks for a divorce. Wendy, having spent decades fulfilling expectations as a wife and mother, finds herself lost in a life that no longer feels like her own. In a desperate attempt to save their marriage, Walter proposes a bold idea: a three-month “do-over” in Wendy’s dream city—Paris.
Armed with a contract and hope, Walter follows Wendy across the Atlantic, determined to rekindle their connection. But as they navigate the cobblestone streets and emotional minefields, both must confront who they’ve become—and whether love can truly be reborn.
💬 Why Readers Connect
- Emotional Realism: The story captures the quiet heartbreak and hope of a marriage in crisis.
- Parisian Setting: The city of love adds charm and symbolism to the couple’s journey.
- Character Depth: Walter and Wendy are flawed, relatable, and emotionally layered.
- Themes of Reinvention: The novel explores identity, aging, and the courage to start over.
⚠️ Critiques
- Some readers found the pacing slow, especially in the introspective sections.
- The emotional distance between characters may feel frustrating before the payoff.
- The narrative leans more toward character study than traditional romantic tropes.
🏁 Final Verdict
Let’s Try This Again is a thoughtful, heartwarming novel about second chances and the courage to fight for love—even when it seems lost. If you enjoy stories like The Notebook or One Day, but with a mature, grounded lens, this Parisian escape is worth the emotional investment.
