by Ron Hansen

Two Parisian lovers in mid-tiff miss their "See America" bus and are stranded in Seldom, Neb., in a romantic comedy about "a love quadrangle" with sundry locals added for optimum confusion. This slim novel has both sophisticated and down-homey humor—the latter a tad overdone—with laugh-out-loud scenes. It's a treat as light and flaky as a croissant. (HarperCollins, $17.95)

BOTTOM LINE: French bliss