Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

Robin’s Rave Reviews 2026

General Fiction – Contemporary Fiction – Southern Fiction –

Christian Fiction – Book Club Fiction – Mystery – Art Elements

THEO OF GOLDEN by Allen Levi is described as an endearing story of a curious old man who quietly moves into a southern city and, for reasons unknown to anyone but himself, undertakes a campaign of anonymous generosity.

As popular as THEO OF GOLDEN has been, I probably don’t need to blog about it. It’s been highly publicized, but if this is one of your only sources of book recommendations, it’s possible you haven’t heard of it. Since I only blog about books I love, let me be the one to suggest you get a copy for yourself and one for a friend or relative who hasn’t read it yet. It’s a gentle book about being kind, the type of book we need today.

Book Summary

Eighty-six-year-old Theo arrives in Golden, a small town in Georgia. He has a calming spirit and takes interest in the lives of the people who live there. The walls of the local coffee shop is covered in a local artist’s pencil sketches. He takes time to admire the faces of the café’s patrons in each sketch with admiration and thoughtfulness. He decides to buy them all over time and gift them to the person portrayed in each sketch, no strings attached.

Theo invites them (one at a time) to join him on a bench in the center of town to receive his gift, unsure they will trust his pure intentions enough to meet him. When they arrive, Theo asks them each to tell him about themselves. Surprised that someone is taking an interest in them, most of the recipients feel comfortable enough to open up. They seem glad someone is taking the time to listen and to see them. Some ask him questions, but Theo has a way of turning the conversation away from himself. Through Theo’s interactions, we get small snapshots of everyday people in a small town and gradually learn who Theo is and why he picked Golden, Georgia.

My Thoughts

It’s a formidable task to review THEO OF GOLDEN by Allen Levi because it’s that good. My words cannot do it justice. Although it’s more literary than I usually read, I love this book.

Books don’t often make me emotional, but this one touched my heart in a way other books haven’t. It’s something I felt deep in my soul as I read the last few chapters and closed the book. THEO OF GOLDEN may not be everyone’s cup of tea, no book is, but you should give it a try.

I was curious how characters would respond to Theo when he asks them to share about themselves. My guess is that most people today would clam up, closely guarding the private lives. And yet, the residents of Golden don’t. They don’t assume Theo would use information against them or scam them, like we might believe today. It’s reminiscent of days when people sat on front porches talking with neighbors and didn’t have to question everyone’s intentions. It’s about human connection, about taking time to just sit with someone and discover more about who they are. It’s about kindness and accepting people where they are.

THEO OF GOLDEN is a story about the joy of giving, but also how the receiving can change a person’s heart and view of themselves. I like that Theo chooses to use his wealth to help others. How often do we see that happen? Buying the sketches is only one way he does that.

Keep in mind that this isn’t a fast-pace, action book. It’s slow-paced, like Theo. He takes time to listen to others, and he develops relationships with people in the town. It’s a quiet book, like sitting down with a friend over a cup of coffee. So, if that isn’t your thing, that’s okay. Move on to something else. I found it refreshing.

Theo has a gift to draw people out, to get them to share their hurts, desires, and problems. It’s as if these strangers crave someone who will take time to listen, someone who cares about their stories. Could many of us be in need of that kind of kindness? We wouldn’t expect strangers to open up like that, but perhaps it’s part of a deep human need that isn’t being met today. As we learn the stories of average, everyday people, we anticipate learning Theo’s story. He’s a bit of a mystery until the last part of the book.

I should tell you that Theo is a Christian. (Not knowing that up front put off some readers.) He is trying to do good, Christian acts, but I appreciate that Theo and other Christians in the story aren’t represented as perfect people. Theo is trying to face his regrets and make up for past mistakes. Also, he isn’t at his best when he reacts to a man sitting on “his bench.” On the other hand, when a certain visitor shows up for church service, only Theo and one woman have a Christian response toward her. The rest of the congregation, not so much. It just shows that even people in a church aren’t perfect and make mistakes. They aren’t there because they’re perfect. They’re there because they’re trying to do better.

Some readers have harshly judged some of the author’s choices concerning his characters. The world is so politically charged these days, and people seem to be looking for anything to criticize. Yes, I do believe some authors use their novels to support their opinion and advance an agenda. If Allen Levi has an agenda, it’s to spread kindness. Not much to argue about there. Even with some reader criticism, THEO OF GOLDEN has over 350,000 Goodreads ratings with a 4.5/5 star average. That speaks for itself.

Simon and Schuster published THEO OF GOLDEN after noticing its success in the self-published world. If you’re going to buy a copy, I suggest ordering through Bookshop.org. I am now an affiliate of Bookshop.org because I love their mission to support small, independent bookstores across the country. To be transparent, I may receive a small commission from your order, but it doesn’t increase your cost AND you’re helping small bookstores! Win-win! You can order THEO OF GOLDEN HERE. And check out my Bookshop page with other great recommendations HERE.

About the Author

Allen Levi grew up in Columbus, Georgia. He has degrees in English and Law from the University of Georgia and a degree in Scottish fiction from the University of Edinburgh, and he has worked as an attorney. He now works as a traveling musician, sharing his thought-provoking songwriting and storytelling to audiences across the U.S. With over twenty albums to his credit, Allen also has hundreds of unpublished songs.

Before THEO OF GOLDEN, Allen published a memoir, The Last Sweet Mile, about his close friendship with his brother who died in 2012, and a children’s book, Oliviatown. THEO OF GOLDEN is his first published novel.

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June 24, 2026June 18, 2026

Meet Me in Paris by Kristin Harmel

Robin’s Rave Reviews 2026

Romance – Contemporary Fiction with Historical References – Women’s Fiction

MEET ME IN PARIS by Kristin Harmel is described as Love Actually meets The Notebook in a tale of love, loss, and finding your way home, all set over the course of one life-changing week in Paris.

In this contemporary story the novel follows the lives of multiple Americans, unknown to each other, who have come to the City of Light for very different reasons, and yet their stories intertwine among the bookstores, bistros, bars, hotels, and tourist sites.

Book Summary

Julia and Piper

Julia always planned on returning to the city, but a recent diagnosis has finally pushed her to take the trip now to give her daughter, Piper, a special memory to hold onto. Piper, in her early twenties, intends on spending all her time with her mother. After Piper meets a cute waiter, she squeezes in time for him when Julia needs to rest. Julia’s amazed when she also meets someone who stirs unexpected feelings in her, but she must tell him about her diagnosis.

Jackson

Jackson, a 90s rock star, has come to Paris to launch his reunion tour to reignite interest with his fans. Even so, fame doesn’t sit well with him because others have used it to their advantage in the past. That deep connection of being loved for who he is on the inside has eluded him until Jackson meets a woman who doesn’t recognize him while in a Paris bar. She could be the missing part of his life.

Henry and Celeste

Henry, now in his 90s, writes hit songs, including Jackson’s big hit, City of Light. What fans don’t know is this well-loved song is about Celeste, a woman Henry loved during WWII. When he returned for her after the war, he thought she died. All these years later, a letter told him she’s alive but has dementia. Henry hopes his love song can break through her fog long enough for her to realize he came back for her. As he stays in Paris with his granddaughter, Melanie, Henry discovers Melanie’s marriage is in trouble.

Kayla

Kayla moved to Paris to get to know her French father. She’s settled into a job at a nursing home to support herself. A young artist in the park has noticed her walking past nearly every day and asks if he can paint her. Some Parisians are more welcoming to a foreigner living there than others.

Shelby and Jack

Shelby’s two girlfriends have brought her to Paris for a celebration of her divorce, only days away from being finalized. Shelby becomes interested Jack, a bar owner, who treats her with care and respect. Meanwhile, her almost-ex calls because he wants to try again. He broke it off with his girlfriend, but the reason is a red flag. Shelby is stuck between a decision to return to what she knows or to have the courage to believe she deserves more.

George and Lou

George and Lou fought together in Vietnam. After fifty years, the two widowers are still best friends. Lou convinces George to go on a Paris group tour with other Vietnam vets. He wants to see where the peace accords ending the war were signed.

With a full cast of characters, MEET ME IN PARIS addresses tough experiences real people go through such as dementia, lost love, first love, loneliness, life after widowhood and divorce, infidelity, lies, cancer, desire to connect with a distant parent, difficulties of fame, love that seems to have arrived too late, and the need for connection.

My Thoughts

Kristin Harmel is known best for her brilliant historical novels, mostly based in WWII. This new book is different but just as brilliant. It’s a contemporary story with touches of historical references to WWII and Vietnam. It’s clear that Kristin is right at home writing about Paris, having lived there for a while herself.

Photo of the Eiffel tower in Paris — Eiffel tower in Paris

I loved this book so much. It’s full of interesting, complex characters and situations. Kristin’s characters come alive during a week in Paris, walking the street, entering the hotels, enjoying the bars and bistros, and seeing the sites of Paris. Piper and Julia’s story takes center stage with Henry and Celeste coming in a close second. I adored both of these stories and how Kristin expertly wove them together.

My only small criticism is about the number of characters. Generally, it wasn’t too hard to keep track of, but the story may have been better with a few less. Personally, I would have cut the veteran storyline since it didn’t closely tie in to the others. George and Lou’s story felt like it was thrown in after the rest of the book was written to give more character diversity. They are old, one is white and one is black, and (SPOILER ALERT) they express their long-time, unspoken love for each other. Character diversity is a good thing, but this storyline just didn’t feel connected to the other stories and added more characters to keep track of. I would have preferred more depth in Kayla’s story.

Rating

Due to my last point, I rank this novel 4.5/5 stars (rounded up to 5). I loved how the stories and characters transported me into their lives. Paris isn’t on my bucket list, but I wasn’t ready to leave this city or these characters at the end of the book. Your summer vacation may only be sunbathing in your own backyard, but MEET ME IN PARIS can sweep you away in your mind.

Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for the ARC of MEET ME IN PARIS by Kristin Harmel. The opinions are my own.

Order Your Copy

You can preorder now or purchase soon anywhere books are sold (pub date is July 28, 2026); however, may I suggest ordering through Bookshop.org? I am now an affiliate of Bookshop.org because I love their mission to support small, independent bookstores across the country. To be transparent, I may receive a small commission, but it doesn’t increase your cost AND you’re helping small bookstores! It’s a Win-Win! You can order MEET ME IN PARIS HERE. And check out my Bookshop page with other great recommendations HERE.

About the Author

Kristin Harmel is a New York Times bestselling, USA Today bestselling, and #1 international bestselling author, and a breast cancer survivor. She spent her childhood in Massachusetts, Ohio, and Florida, and after earning her journalism degree from the University of Florida, she lived in Paris and Los Angeles. Orlando, Florida, is now her home with her husband and son.

Paris, often the setting for her WWII novels, is one of Kristin’s favorite places. (Her other favorite place is Disney World. How convenient that she lives in Orlando!) She is also a co-founder and co-host of Friends and Fiction, a weekly web show where authors interview other authors.

If You Like…

If MEET ME IN PARIS sounds like a book you’d enjoy, also check out my past reviews on these books by Kristin Harmel: The Book of Lost Names, The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau, The Winemaker’s Wife, The Paris Daughter, and The Forest of Vanishing Stars.

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July 2, 2025June 3, 2025

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

Robin’s Rave Reviews 2025

Have you put off reading REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES by Shelby Van Pelt? It’s time. I’ve had the novel on my shelf for quite some time, always intending to read it next. Finally, I read it on the plane and on vacation. REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES has been out since May of 2022. It’s gained such high praise that many of you have probably already read it. If not, whacha waitin’ for? If you have, great! Then make sure to comment below to share your thoughts with others!

Book Summary

Isn’t that the octopus book?

Yes, the book features an octopus named Marcellus, and you’ll love him, but it’s so much more. The author explores family issues, grief, aging, and growing up—all lessons that hit home through the strangest circumstances in her book. It even has a mystery and a romance built in.

Two lives in particular are intertwined with Marcellus: Tova, a night janitor at the aquarium, and Cameron, a bright man in his 30s who lacks stability and motivation. The story is told in the POV of all three characters. It’s truly a story of unexpected and unconventional friendships between Marcellus, Tova, and Cameron.

Marcellus is bright and exceptionally perceptive, as we see in his POV chapters. He has been at the aquarium most of his life and is keenly aware he is approaching the life expectancy of a giant Pacific octopus.

At age 70, Tova cleans at the aquarium to give her purpose in life and to keep busy. She lives alone in the house her father built. Her husband, son, and brother have all died. She’s haunted by the mystery of what happened the night of her son’s death. Although Tova has been on her own for some time, the recent death of her brother and her own foot injury gives her reason to consider her future. She has no one to care for her in her elder years.

Cameron has a lengthy list of failed relationships and jobs. Raised by his aunt and not knowing if his mother is still alive, he’s now looking for the father he’s never known, hoping this discovery is financially beneficial. His selfish motives become the catalyst for change and growth.

Marcellus has a habit of escaping his enclosure at night to feast on “treats” in other nearby tanks and collect trinkets he finds. Marcellus is a keen observer of everything and everyone at the aquarium, but he needs more stimulation, so he escapes (and returns) often. Octopi can only be out of the water for eighteen minutes before The Consequences. Luckily, the night he gets tangled in power cords, Tova discovers him and saves him. They form a bond, and Marcellus often affectionately wraps an arm around Tova’s arm when she dangles it at the top of the tank, leaving sucker marks on her.

Both Tova and Cameron are searching for answers to tough life questions, and Marcellus may be the connection to the answers they need.

My Thoughts

REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES by Shelby Van Pelt has something for everyone, but I loved that it explores how family (real or found) and community can fill our empty spaces.

You’ll never think of an octopus the same way again.

Photo of giant Pacific octopus by Venakr from Deposit Photos — Photo by Venakr from Deposit Photos

Shelby does an excellent job bringing her characters to life. Marcellus’s humor and perceptiveness make him a fun, complex character you’ll want more of. I love that Marcellus is trying to share information with Tova, but she doesn’t ‘get it’ for some time. Tova is a strong, independent woman with the kindness of a grandmother anyone would want. Cameron starts out as an annoying man-child who can’t find his place in life while his friends are married and having a baby. Although he starts his journey with questionable motives, his development and maturation are satisfying.

The secondary characters are also lovable. The members of Tova’s social group, The Knit Wits, have been supportive of each other as they age, but the group is getting smaller and smaller. Ethan, the grocery store owner, is quite a character! He’s the town gossip, but he also looks out for Tova. He works through his insecurities, attempting to develop a relationship with her. Add that he’s Scottish and has an accent, and he becomes memorable. Avery is a good addition to Cameron’s story as his antithesis and romantic interest. She’s everything he’s not. She’s a hard-working entrepreneur, running her own business while raising a child on her own.

Although you may guess some twists, let the story take you on a leisurely ride where all three POV stories intersect, bringing it to a rewarding ending. You’ll be glad you did!

About the Author

Shelby was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, the setting of REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES. Now she lives in Chicago with her family and cats.

This novel is Shelby Van Pelt’s debut book. It spent more than a year on the New York Times bestseller list. It is also a Read with Jenna Today Show book club pick, as well as an award-winning novel.

Consider purchasing REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES through this link on Bookshop.org to help support independent mom and pop bookstores. Personally, I like to support MacIntosh Books on Sanibel Island with their recovery after Hurricane Ian. (I don’t receive any commission from this. I simply want to help independent bookstores.)

If You Like…

I always suggest a similar book I’ve read and reviewed to consider. However, if you like REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES, a comparable book is difficult because of its uniqueness. Here are a few books I have not yet read that may fill your order. Check out THE KEEPER OF STORIES by Sally Page, ANXIOUS PEOPLE by Fredrik Backman, THE STORY OF ARTHUR TRULUV by Elizabeth Berg, or (non-fiction) THE SOUL OF AN OCTOPUS by Sy Montgomery. Most of these are already on my Want to Read list. Hope they click with you!

Drop me a comment below! What are you reading that you’d recommend? Who are your favorite authors? Ask me a question about books and/or writing. I’d love to hear from you!

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