Even if my cover didn't have a reference to the popular french film Amelie, after a few pages into the novel you'd gather that this is going to be a feel-good story with quirky characters and their pursuit of love and happiness in Paris.
First there is 26-year-old Camille Fauque. She is trying her hardest to disappear from life by barely eating, working evenings as a maid and refusing to contact her mother. She is an artist but there has been something in her past that has left her numb. But her attempts at disappearing will be thwarted when she is too ill and her neighbor comes to her rescue.
Philou is the eccentric. He lives in an apartment filled with antiques, and aside from selling postcards he spends his time spouting off knowledge about historical events. While Philou nurses Camille back to health he also has to deal with his roommate, Franck a bit of an obnoxious fellow, who doesn't think it's a good idea for Camille to move in with them.
Franck may be a fantastic chef and sexy to boot but that doesn't mean Camille has to like him. The two argue but it's no big reveal that soon they'll be falling for one another. And, as the sparks are starting to fly Camille starts to flourish and goes back to what made her happy, her drawings.
Franck in the meantime also has to deal with caring for his aging grandmother, Paulette, and the reader sees that beneath the gruff exterior he really does care for his grandmother and her welfare even if the sense of responsibility weighs heavily on him. With the help of his friends Franck is able to care for Paulette and we see friends developing strong bonds and becoming a family.
Although I thought there was quite a bit that was very predictable I still found this novel a quick and amusing read.
Added 09/07