Amsterdam: Made by Hand by Pia Jane Bijkerk, softback published by The Little Bookroom in the USA. ISBN 978-1-892145-84-0, price 12.99 in the UK from www.littlebookroom.com

Searching for something special in a foreign place can be a nightmare. Enter Pia Jane Bijkerk and her wonderful little book. Small enough to carry around, you will not want to be without this guide. Glorious ceramics, clothes, jewellery and unusual objects and more. Clearer photos than the Paris book and intriguing objects should set your heart aflutter and make you want to discover more. Research online or go there in person. Pia opens an Aladdin’s cave of desirable things, many of which you would be hard pushed to discover without this book.

Paris: Made by Hand by Pia Jane Bijkerk, softback published by The Little Bookroom in the USA. ISBN 978-1-892145-70-3, price in the UK 12.99 from www.littlebookroom.com

When in France do as the French do with the aid of this little book full of chic objets and decorator’s items. I would be very surprised if you are not enchanted with the shops and profiles in this book. It probably means you have one foot in the grave already. Pia has an eye and flair for design. She has hunted out the best that Paris has to offer. Ateliers that you might never come across on your own meanderings through the streets of Paris in search of Je ne sais quoi. Take this on your next trip and discover a whole new world within Paris – one that can enhance your life with hand-made items. Find your hoard of unique French style to bring back home. Lots to like and yearn for. Just two little niggles, some of the websites are not working or are incorrect – always a problem with books of this nature. Also the photographs are so dark and dim.  Yet this book is worthwhile.

Quiet Corners of Paris by Jean-Christophe Napias, hardback published by The Little Bookroom. ISBN 978-1892145-50-5, price 10.99 from www.littlebookroom.com

Finding peace and tranquility can make all the difference to a city stay. Rest and relax in some of the quietest corners of Paris with the help of this superb guide. Full of lovely colour photos of quiet spots from Museum gardens to hotel gardens and so much more. This very informative book gives addresses, Metro stops and opening hours. It is arranged by arrondissement and with excellent public transport, you should be able to visit quite a few of these even on a short trip. I shall certainly take it with me whenever I visit Paris.

Markets of Paris by Dixon and Ruthanne Long, softback published by The Little Bookroom. ISBN 987-1892145-45-1, price 9.99 from www.littlebookroom.com

What an exciting find, a book all about the various markets of Paris from food, antiques, crafts and books. A little condescending in text, but the information is overwhelmingly useful, if not arranged at its best. Take your time to find where to go, and enjoy.

Patisseries of Paris by Jamie Cahill, softback published by The Little Bookroom. ISBN 978-1-892145-52-9, price 9.99 from www.littlebookroom.com

Books like this should not be allowed, but I’m glad they are. Indulge yourself at least once a day whilst in Paris. Arranged by arrondissements (the areas of Paris), this book is your guide to all that is satisfying in Paris! Delicious pastries, cakes and tea rooms. This informative book should be in every suitcase heading for the world’s loveliest capital city. Informative, with addresses, telephone numbers, opening hours and Metro stops, this book is a delight. Easy to carry around, pocket-sized pleasure.

Shopping Marrakech by Susan Simon, softback published by The Little Bookroom. ISBN 978-1-892145-78-9, price 12.99 from www.littlebookroom.com

If I were to sum up this book, and several others from the same publisher, in just one sentence, it woild be – ‘Don’t leave home without it!’

If you have not been to Marrakech, the colours in this book make you long for a trip. If you have been without this little book, you have no doubt missed out on many things. Pocket-sized, brimming with information Useful and attractive. The shops are arranged in walks, the addresses, telephone numbers and opening hours are given. It’s a shop ’til you drop book filled with fascinating boutiques – a gift hunter’s paradise. This is a great little book; I’ll never let mine out of my sight.