Amanda Cabot | When Dreams Come True – An Eclectic Guide to Paris
GIVEAWAY: win a copy of A BORROWED DREAM
March 2, 2018
Do you ever dream of going to Paris? That was my dream from the time I was a
small child living in Texas. When some neighbors returned from a trip to Europe
and their daughter, who was about my age, talked about what she'd seen, I
developed an incurable urge to see the Eiffel Tower. Is it any wonder that I
gave Catherine, the heroine of my new release A BORROWED DREAM, a similar
dream? Admittedly, Catherine doesn't dream of the Eiffel Tower, because it
hadn't been constructed in 1881, but images of the City of Light fill her dreams.
I've been fortunate. My dream came true when I was in college majoring in – what
else? – French, and then again when my husband and I lived in Germany
compliments of the U.S. Army. Over the years, I've had the opportunity to return
to Paris several more times and wanted to share ten things I highly recommend
you do when you're in the French capital.
Of course you won't want to miss Paris's iconic landmark, the
Eiffel Tower. Built in 1889, the tower itself hasn't changed
over the years, but the surrounding area has. The peace wall, which includes the
word "peace" written in 32 languages, and the columns weren't there the first
time I saw it, but they add a modern perspective to the venerable tower.
If you enjoy museums, be sure to spend some time in the
Louvre. But don't simply admire the famous sculptures and the priceless
art hanging on the walls. Take time to look out the windows. As you can see, not
all the art is indoors.
Another museum on my must-see list is the D'Orsay. The
Impressionist and other paintings are fabulous, but so too is the building
itself, a converted train station.
The Alexandre III bridge is the most elaborate in the
city and so beautiful that the last time I was in Paris, a couple were having
their wedding photos taken there. Though most visitors admire it only from
street level, take the time to descend a flight of steps to see the intricate
carvings "up close and personal."
There are easier ways to get to the Sacré Coeur, but I
recommend the stairs. Not only will you appreciate the view of the city more
when you reach the top, but it'll give you an idea of just how high Montmartre
is.
Take time to walk around Montmartre. You never
can tell what you might find – an artist eager to paint your portrait, a
patisserie with to-die-for pastries, or a mime standing in the shadow of the
Sacré Coeur.
As much as I advocate walking, you shouldn't miss riding the
Metro. The cars are more modern than they were when I first
visited Paris, but the entrances to the stations retain their delightful Art
Nouveau designs.
Don't be afraid to explore side streets. I discovered
this incredibly ornate doorway on a cul-de-sac within sight of the Eiffel
Tower.
Let your inner child have a play date with a carousel.
There are quite a few in Paris, including several close to the Eiffel Tower, but
why settle for an ordinary one? Treat yourself to a double-decker ride. This one
is near the Sacré Coeur.
Many of the sights I've recommended weren't in existence when Catherine
dreamt of being in Paris, but Notre Dame In her dream, she
always finds herself strolling along the Seine as she approaches the cathedral.
It's a peaceful dream until one night when … I won't spoil the story by telling
you what happened that night, but can you blame Catherine for wanting to visit a
city with such magnificent views? And imagine her surprise when a stranger who
comes to town seems to have borrowed her dream.
I hope you've enjoyed this armchair tour of one of my favorite cities. If you've
been to Paris, what is your favorite part? If you're still dreaming, did one of
my suggestions pique your interest? If so, which one?
Feeling that her dreams of happily ever after have been stolen, Cimarron
Creek’s schoolteacher resigns herself to a life without love . . . until a
rancher with a secret past comes to town.
Catherine Whitfield is sure that she will never again be able to trust anyone
in the medical profession after the town doctor’s excessive bleeding treatments
killed her mother. Despite her loneliness and her broken heart, she carries
bravely on as Cimarron Creek’s dutiful schoolteacher, resigned to a life without
love or family, a life where dreams rarely come true.
Austin Goddard is a newcomer to Cimarron Creek. Posing as a rancher, he fled
to Texas to protect his daughter from a dangerous criminal. He’s managed to keep
his past as a surgeon a secret. But when Catherine Whitfield captures his heart,
he wonders how long he will be able to keep up the charade.
With a deft hand, Amanda Cabot teases out the strands of love, deception, and
redemption in this charming tale of dreams deferred and hopes becoming reality.
Romance Historical |
Fiction [Revell,
On Sale: March 20, 2018, Paperback / e-Book,
ISBN: 9780800727574 / ]
Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of the Texas Dreams series, the
Westward Winds series, and Christmas Roses. Her books have been finalists for
the ACFW Carol Awards and the Booksellers Best. She lives in Wyoming.
My dream trip would be taking a tour of Europe. Their are too many places to count that I would love to see over there. I think my second, less expensive, trip would be to Prince Edward Island, so that I could see the "Anne of Green Gables" house. (Kelsey Urista 3:25pm March 2, 2018)
This brings back s many memories. I love Paris! Plan to return in 2018. (Sara Reyes 8:17pm March 2, 2018)
I enjoyed your photos of Paris. The architecture is incredible. I'd have to wander the side streets, staring at buildings. My dream trip would be Europe and include Israel. I'd also enjoy seeing more of the United States, specifically the East Coast and South. (Gretchen Carlson 11:12pm March 2, 2018)
My dream trip has to be cruising the Greek Isles (Jeri Dickinson 10:09pm March 3, 2018)
Visiting Paris would be a dream come true. Your photos are special and captivating. I would enjoy walking to so many areas, Luxembourg Gardens and Le Marais especially. The markets and Montmartre. (Sharon Berger 3:35pm March 4, 2018)
My dream trip is to get to the Caribbean and see the beautiful beaches and ocean (Darlene Carroll 5:21pm March 4, 2018)
There are so many places I want to visit! Thanks for sharing your photos of Paris. (Glenda Martillotti 11:30pm March 4, 2018)
My Dream Trip is to go to Paris, Rome, Madrid, and the whole European Continent at my own pace and see everyplace and everything I have always wanted to experience. The history, walking the same steps or be in the same spot where one historical individual had actually stood. Admire, first hand the Great Art Works of my favorite painters. DaVinci, Raphael, Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Picasso, etc. In my heart of hearts, I would take a year and spend as much time in each country as I see fit, just to make sure I cover every interest of personal value to me, of cause it would also include all the Great Literature I have ever read and actual visits to the homes of these great writers. (Wilma Salas 2:10am March 5, 2018)
Glad you were able to enjoy being overseas. I would love a Mediterranean cruise. (Rebecca Shields 9:00pm March 5, 2018)
When I was a child, I wanted to go to Holland and later on in life, I decided I would enjoy seeing Ireland, also. They are very different but places I would enjoy visiting. There are many beautiful places in our own country. It's hard to select just one. (Anna Speed 12:14pm March 6, 2018)
Fingers crossed (Sarana Bales 4:05pm March 6, 2018)
I want to Paris in 1986\87 Dec. and Jan. and had a wonderful time. The Metro was neat to use. I loved the museums and the Eiffel tower. I liked going shopping for food from the bakery to a grocery store it was an unique experience. (Melinda Marks 8:17pm March 6, 2018)
My dream trip would be a tour of Europe. There are so many beautiful places I'd really love to see. I enjoyed all of your photos, thank you for sharing them. The peace wall really stood out and inspired me. I'd really like to see it in person some day soon. (Marilyn Wigglesworth 8:40pm March 6, 2018)