July 5th, 2026
Anne Armistead's A Tryst in Paris is a fun blend of time travel, historical fiction, mystery, and romance that transports readers from present-day New York to the elegant streets of Belle Époque Paris. What begins as a weekend getaway for Mira Montgomery evolves into a tale of destiny, sacrifice, and adventure. While the novel occasionally stumbles under the weight of too much exposition, it rewards patient readers with an emotionally satisfying conclusion that cleverly ties together the threads introduced throughout the story.
Mira, the heroine, is rebuilding her life after a painful breakup while pursuing a new career in film set design. Her trip to Paris also offers an escape from the emotional strain of watching her mother battle cancer while awaiting a heart transplant.
The novel takes a turn when a mysterious antique dealer, Le Veille, sends Mira through the Luxembourg Carousel into the year 1900. Suddenly dressed in an elegant Jeanne Paquin gown, Mira finds herself navigating an unfamiliar world filled with strict social customs, horse-drawn carriages, and hidden conspiracies.
Paris during the 1900 Exposition Universelle feels vibrant and alive, and Armistead incorporates real historical figures into the narrative. Mira crosses paths with painter Mary Cassatt, fashion designer Jeanne Paquin, pioneering filmmaker Alice Guy, actress La Belle Otero, and even characters connected to Thomas Edison and the early motion picture industry.
The historical notes included at the end of the novel are valuable, too, as they separate history from Armistead’s fictional additions.
The mystery surrounding Jacques Thibaut also keeps the pages turning. Jacques is initially introduced as Bernadette's protective guardian and a former detective turned Peugeot race driver, but he appears to be hiding secrets that involve anarchists, political assassinations, and blackmail.
As Mira uncovers more of his past, it’s unclear whether Jacques is truly a hero or someone capable of terrible crimes. Although this is a weaker part of the novel, the relationship that develops between him and Mira grows naturally amid all the uncertainty.
While much of the novel is compelling, certain sections become overly explanatory, particularly during the climax when Marius spends considerable time detailing past crimes and motivations before the final confrontation.
A few plot developments also rely on lengthy dialogue rather than allowing us, the readers, to piece together the mystery ourselves.
Fortunately, the ending is nicely done. The final revelations surrounding Mira's true mission are genuinely surprising yet logically foreshadowed throughout the novel. Rather than simply saving Jacques or resolving his personal struggles, the story reveals a far more intricate chain of cause and effect stretching across multiple generations.
Even the significance of Mira's moonstone ring comes full circle in a satisfying way. It's the kind of ending that may want to make you revisit earlier chapters just to see where some of the clues were planted.
A Tryst in Paris is an entertaining historical fantasy that combines romance, destiny, legacy, and the ripple effects of small decisions. Despite a few moments of heavy exposition, Anne Armistead has written a story with an emotional payoff that makes the story a worthwhile read.
Buy the book on Amazon.
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