Ms. Swan's Bookstore

Posted by Anonymous

 (banner made by Bethany)

Bella Swan is a woman at the prime of her life. She has it all: a successful career, a loving husband and loyal friends. It all comes crashing down, however, when on her birthday, she discovers that her husband isn't only loving towards her but with someone else as well. Said husband eventually leaves but not before saying something no woman should ever hear. Bella carries those words with herself, pushing her to a rut. Her boss and best friend might be the key to find a solution to that: an unusual assignment sends the brown-eyed journalist to Paris where her task is to try and unmask the woman they all call "Madame Esme", an enigmatic Parisian dame, who seems to be more than initially meets the eye. On her journey Bella meets several of Madame's girls as well as a charming French photographer named Edward. The handsome man, who also happens to be Madame Esme's nephew, is immediately captivated by the beautiful writer but knows that she has been hurt in the past. With lots of patience and touching gestures, Edward helps Bella discover that there is more to love and romance than she originially thought and that he could be her chance to get her happily ever after.

This is a wonderful story of self discovery, falling in love and new opportunities. The story has a nice

pace with short chapters and is actually a rewrite of the movie Sex & Mrs. X (starring Jacqueline Bisset). I loved how the author transcribed the originality of the character of Madame Simone into the story. Life, Love & Madame Esme, though it has many parallels with the movie, does a great job at merging the new aspects of the plot the author decided to add, but also keeping loyal to the theme of the original film. One thing the movie doesn't give you? Frenchward. He will steal your heart from the first time you meet him and you won't be able to let him go. The story also gives you the happy ending you would have wanted in the film, not to mention a kickass confrontation with the ex! I enjoyed the story and I highly recommend it to anyone to read it as well.

Life, Love & Madame Esme consists of 62 chapters and 79,307 words. The story is rated MA for graphic sexual and violent scenes.

COMPLETE

Note: This story was reviewed by Ana & Mel! As you can see, the banner features Anne Hathaway as Bella and Rachel Weisz as Esme. The author asked us to use these actors instead of the ones most of us are used to. We respect that wish but banners like this or My Perfect Mr Imperfect will remain a rarity!