From the New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Orphan comes an unforgettable historical novel about a secret collection of Dior gowns that ties back to the first female pilots of WWII and a heartbreaking story of love and sacrifice.England, 1939: The Penrose sisters couldn’t be more different. Skye is a daring and brash pilot, and Liberty the one to defy her at every turn. Even if women … to defy her at every turn. Even if women aren’t allowed in the Royal Air Force, Skye is determined to help the war effort. She’s thrilled when it reunites her with her childhood soulmate, Nicholas. She’s less thrilled to learn Nicholas is now engaged to an enigmatic Frenchwoman named Margaux Jourdan.
Paris, 1947: Designer Christian Dior unveils his glamorous first collection to a world weary of war and grief. He names his debut fragrance Miss Dior in tribute to his beloved sister Catherine, who forged a friendship with Skye and Margaux through her work with the French Resistance.
Present Day: Fashion conservator Kat Jourdan discovers a priceless collection of Dior gowns in her grandmother’s vacant cottage. As she delves into the mystery of their origin, Kat begins to doubt everything she thought she knew about her beloved grandmother.
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If you love the historical fiction genre, you must read this book. It is one of the best I have read in 2020!
There is a dual timeline to the story, but I had no difficulty following the story. Present day – Kat Jourdan, a fashion conservator, discovers 65 Dior gowns in her grandmother’s old cottage in Cornwall. This is a real mystery to Kat as her grandmother lives in Australia. Why did her grandmother have all these gowns? And in a cottage Kat knew nothing about? So, of course, she must investigate.
This takes us back to 1939 England where we meet sisters Skye and Liberty Penrose and their childhood friend Nicholas Crawford. A story of family, friendship, loss, and an undying love. I was completely immersed in their story. Skye is a daring pilot, Nicholas, an American military pilot. Skye has always loved Nicholas, but he is engaged to Margaux Jourdan.
It starts out a bit slow as we get the background story on Skye, Liberty, and Nicholas. But once that is accomplished the story becomes unputdownable. A story of spies, wartime intrigue, bravery. Hope, heartbreak, and sacrifice. These wonderful characters came to life for me through the masterful writing of Ms. Lester.
This is the first book I have read by Natasha Lester, but it certainly will not be the last.
Thanks to Reading Group Choices/Grand Central Publishing for a gifted copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.
This is now one of my favorite books – I loved it! I just don’t know where to start explaining why. It checked all the boxes: well-written and meticulously-researched, brilliant concept and intriguing plot, memorable characters, the best kind of drama, family secrets, and a moving yet satisfying ending.
With a dual timeline of 1939 and present day, the author skillfully weaves a mesmerizing story of two sisters and three friends, Dior’s historic couture gowns, the French Resistance, enduring and committed love, and a mysterious Paris secret.
This book was riveting and had me in tears. I’m still thinking about it and am telling everyone to read it.
Oh, how I adored this book! I bawled my eyes out towards the end but was gripped the entire time – like didn’t want to feed my family or sleep because all I wanted to do was finish it. It’s such a great read: romantic and informative with history information that was at times deeply tragic and heart-breaking. I’ve struggled to shift my mind away from it, even now I’ve finished reading. A must-read.
Four stars is a bit of a gift. What you have with THE PARIS SECRET is a compelling, fast-moving, plot-driven historical novel, with lots of twists and turns. The writing is competent, the characters are all fabulously attractive, but the character development is limited.
Like so many other historical novels these days, the novel presents two stories, unfolding in parallel, where the connection between the two is slowly revealed:
• The first story begins in the late 1920s with two sisters, Skye and Liberty, growing up along the ocean in Cornwall, England and the close friendship Skye makes with a neighbor’s nephew, Nicholas. Nicholas soon returns to the United States for school and he and Skye don’t meet again until World War II, where both are pilots. Limited by her gender, Skye shuttles planes between military bases while male pilots like Nicholas do the actual war work.
• The second story takes place in our current era. It concerns Kat, a recently divorced Australian fashion conservator, and her encounter with an author researching a book on World War II espionage he believes may involve Kat’s grandmother.
For me, the most interesting part of the book was learning more about the work women did during the war, especially the dangerous intelligence work some got involved with. At the same time, men and women were treated so differently, regardless of the work they were doing or their skill levels. The discrimination is consistent and overt and Skye and the women pilots she works with must tolerate all sorts of abuse and testing.
Be prepared however. There are some very difficult passages to read which describe the brutal life of prisoners in the concentration camp of Ravensbruck, a camp which housed only women.
The connection with early fashion designs by Christian Dior is played up in the book’s description. But I did not find it at all necessary to the main plot. Be sure to read the author’s note at the end which explains why Natasha Lester included them. Overall, I’d put this in the category of good beach read.
I’ve read some exceptional books this year and this was one of my favorites. Lester completely captures the plight of women during WWII. A must read.
WOW, just WOW!!!
Natasha Lester has done it again – written a truly brilliant story with characters real and fictional who pull you into this fabulous book. The story takes place during WWII and 2012, crossing over time with characters that become like family to the reader. This is a book that I found was hard to put down, but yet didn’t want it to end.
I love Natasha Lester’s books and look forward to more great stories in the future.
“This was a story of love. Love shattered by war.”
This book! I won’t get into too many details of the plot but it involves a mysterious house filled with Dior gowns, female pilots and spies in WWII, childhood love, estranged sisters and a woman who learns her beloved grandmother may not be who she says she is. Told through dual timelines, this is a story of family, of courage, of perseverance and of true love.
Natasha Lester created truly memorable characters and everything she writes about – from the legendary fashion to the terrifying wartime flights – is so well researched and detailed. I’ve read a lot of historical fiction about World War II but this is so unique and combines the war, love and mystery storylines beautifully. I couldn’t put this book down but at the same time didn’t want it to end. The resolution surprised me but was completely satisfying.
This is one of my favorite books of the year so far!
Thanks to NetGalley, Forever Publishing and the author for an advanced copy to review.
Evocative, rich, and absorbing!
The Paris Secret is an alluring, highly affecting tale predominantly set in England during WWII, as well as 2012, that takes you into the lives of two main characters; Skye Penrose, a young flier who through grit and determination becomes one of the first woman pilots for the Air Transport Auxillary during the war; and Kat Jourdan, a young fashion conservator who unwittingly unravels a family history littered with secrets, heartbreak, and heroism when she stumbles across a closet full of vintage Dior dresses in her mother’s Cornwall cottage.
The prose is charged and emotive. The characters are courageous, multilayered, and strong. And the plot, including all the subplots, unravel and intertwine seamlessly into a sublime saga of life, loss, family, tragedy, expectations, sacrifice, secrets, self-discovery, friendship, enduring love, fashion, and an insightful look at the important roles and contributions that women had and made during the war.
Overall, The Paris Secret is an exceptionally atmospheric, beautifully written, impactful novel that sweeps you away to another time and place and immerses you into the lives of such enticing characters you can’t help but be thoroughly moved and engrossed. It is no surprise that Natasha Lester has quickly become one of my all-time favourite authors with The Paris Orphan being one of my must-read novels for 2019 and now The Paris Secret being on the top of that list for 2020.
Sometimes a book is simply just beyond words, and this novel is truly one of them.
This book is incredibly moving, heartbreaking, hopeful, breathtaking, and beautifully written. Whenever I picked up “The Paris Secret”, I was pulled immediately into the story, and whisked away on an emotional journey.
This is the first book I have read by Ms. Lester, and it certainly won’t be my last. Ms. Lester seamlessly blends history with historical fiction, and the tri-timeline of this novel flows so smoothly. She is able to weave events from the past with others more contemporary, and the way she ties everything together: from the Dior gowns, to love, to secrets, to family histories, to so, so much more, is just exquisite. Everything is told to the reader at exactly the right moment it needs to be.
I can only imagine the amount of research Ms. Lester must have done. I learned so much about what many women went through before, during, and after WWII, and while it is very difficult to read and imagine what they endured, I feel it so important that their story be told. What incredible strength, bravery, and heart they had.
(Possible Spoilers!)
I found myself rooting for so many of these characters to find happiness from the start. Every single person is written in such a visceral way; whether a historical figure or entirely fictional, each character jump right off of the page, and you feel their wants, fears, needs, and desires keenly. From Skye and Nicholas, to Kat and Elliott, to Rose, Margaux, O’Farrell, Catherine, Christian, Pauline, Liberty, and so many more, I was drawn into their stories from start to finish. I don’t want to spoil anything in my review, so, you will just have to read to find out what happens.
As the puzzle pieces of the mystery begin to unfold, I couldn’t help but hold my breath in anticipation of what was to be revealed, and I was shocked. Things and actions are not always what they seem.
If you enjoy historical fiction novels, I highly recommend this book. I found myself reading until the early hours of the morning to see what would happen next, and I could not put the book down. There are definitely some romances too which brought a smile to my face, and tears to my eyes. I also found the “Author’s Note” to be extremely interesting and informative as well.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC of this novel, I was so moved by it, and it is going to stay with me for a very long time. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
When Kat Jourdan, a fashion conservator, discovers some beautiful Dior pieces in her grandmother’s closet she realizes that maybe she didn’t really know her at all. Discovering this collection leaves her riddled with so many questions. So she sets out on a journey to learn about the lives of her grandmother and her sister lead. Her search takes her to England in the late 1930’s during the war, and there she learns the true lives of Skye and Liberty Penrose. Both unique women who lead quite different lives, one was a dedicated female stunt pilot and the other free spirit who liked to push buttons where ever she went.
These women had many secrets, and when Kat learns them she is bound to be left reeling…
The Paris Secret is a cleverly crafted tale that will delight on all fronts, with it mysterious and emotional story line it is easy to get wrapped up in the pages of this one. One woman’s curiosity leads her on an adventure that she will never forget, with every clue she discovers, five more pop up and lead her in a new direction. These clues take her through the past lives of her grandmother and aunt, and often leave her wondering how she never knew any of this about them. It’s such an mesmerizing tale, once my eyes found the words I was transported to another time and place, and given an eye opening portrayal of what life was like for them at that time. My heart broke for these ladies, as well as rejoiced for them too… what lives they lead! If you love historical fiction stories with touches of mystery and romance then I have no doubt that this one will check all the boxes for you… it’s words are bound to dazzle you!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
The Paris Secret by Natasha Lester is a fabulous historical fiction novel that kept me enthralled from beginning to end.
This is not the first book I have read by Ms. Lester, as I have been a fan ever since I read the fabulous book “ The Paris Seamstress” in 2018. So as soon as I saw this was her newest release, I knew I just had to read this. And this book did not disappoint. Dare I say I may have liked this one even more!
This is a dual timeline historical fiction that weaves between pre/WWII Cornwall and 2012.
Dual timelines are tricky. They can either be clunky, tedious, and confusing, or if done correctly, they can be a masterpiece. Ms. Lester most certainly pulled off this gem effortlessly. I could not ask for a better dual timeline. The way she was able to weave together a set of characters from each time period and location, keep everything straightforward, yet complex and mysterious, and tie it all in together at the end seamlessly was simply stunning. I loved both stories equally, which is very rare indeed! She added twists, turns, and surprises throughout that most certainly kept me guessing until the final reveal. After reading so many books, I was impressed that she was able to catch me off guard. I loved it!
I loved the full cast of characters: Skye and Victoria Penrose, Nicholas Crawford, Margaux Jourdan, Caroline Dior, Kat Jourdan, Elliot Beaufort, and even Liberty. I loved the complexity of the characters. The way the author was able to create unique personas, histories, interactions, flaws, strengths, and chemistry was amazing. I felt as if I was rooting for Skye and Kat chapter after chapter. There were times I chuckled and definitely times that I found myself tearing up and also gripping the edge of my seat to find out what happens next. I was floored by everyone’s passion, bravery, and yes selflessness.
I loved reading about the ATA, SOE and all of the barriers that the women pushed through to be able to work to their full potential. It was fascinating (and as a fellow female frustrating) to see all of the unfair rules, obstacles, and restrictions placed on women during WWII when all they wanted to do was help serve their country. I was glad to see them succeed where they could and help change the course of history.
I also loved the additional concept of fashion, conservation, and history involving couture gowns, and of course specifically, Christian Dior. Ms. Lester was stunning with her knowledge and descriptions of the marvelous gowns, dresses, and clothing. It was if I was actually there experiencing the feel of the fabrics sliding through my fingers and the colors bouncing towards me. Just stunning.
I also loved all of the author’s afterwords and notes. I learned so much more then I expected to, all the while I was thoroughly entertained. They were a great addition. What more could one ask for in a book?!
I have to rate this 5/5 stars enthusiastically
For anyone that loves historical fiction, romance, action, fashion, and a stunning storyline, this book is for you.
Thank you Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this wonderful physical copy ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR, Bookbub, and Instagram accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon and B&N accounts upon publication (as well as my Instagram account again).
Thank you again!
Another GREAT war story written by Natasha! She sure knows how to make you fall in love with the characters, and root for them in hoping that their story never ends, or ends happily ever after! I loved, loved, loved The Paris Orphan and this one is just as good! I couldn’t flip the pages fast enough, while I was telling myself to slow down because I did not want it to end.
Told from dual story lines, and various characters this war love story is one you will never forget. Kat, present day was asked by her grandmother to check on a vacant cottage she owns while Kat was in the area for work, and now she has questions. LOTS of them! How does her grandmother have a collection of Dior dresses in her closet. Many haven’t seen the day of light in decades and they are all in pristine shape. She now wonders who her grandmother really was.
Skye and sister Liberty could not be more different. They were hot and cold, oil and water but yet it seemed that one often did things to protect the other and vise versa. Life was not easy between the two of them wanting very different things in life, and then one day a kid name Nicholas came into their lives and things really changed from there one out. They each really started to form into their own personalities.
Skye is following in their mother’s footsteps and is more of a free bird. She’s also learning how to fly just like her mother. Liberty on the other hand doesn’t see the sense in it. Women aren’t seen as being able to fly, and why would you always want your head in the clouds. Liberty didn’t like living in a cottage off of a bluff, she wanted to be in the city where things happened. Where people were active, and living life.
Sadly an event happens that sends the girls to live with their aunt in the city, and the two flip roles. Skye is now sulking and not enjoying life and Liberty couldn’t be happier being in the city, and all dolled up. Being treated as she always wanted to be, being a girl. This often drives a wedge and the two are still at each other’s throats when Skye decides to leave and never look back one day.
Years later all three will come together once again; Skye, Liberty and Nicholas. During the midst of war and when life is not so easy, and when their pasts were even less easy to explain. The three seems to continuously be bumping into each other within certain circles and missions and old feelings and hurt often surface.
Kat has tried questioning her grandmother on the gowns, as well as the cottage. She often gets short answers, or claims that she doesn’t remember much or doesn’t want to talk about the war. Then one day an author calls Kat up wanting to know if her grandmother is indeed this Margaux person he has been looking for, from during WWII.
The author turns Kat’s life upside down about what she knew of her grandmother and the two of them begin an adventure of trying to find the truth out about this Margaux Jourdan person, as well as a Skye, Liberty and Nicholas that are often all mentioned within the same group as Margaux.
Oh this story! The way Natasha tells the story, and weaves all of these story lines together is just amazing! Also add in the fact that most of this is also based on true people and events during the war. Such heroes during the war.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for the free book. As soon as I saw this was her next one coming out, I knew I had to have it!
I received Natasha Lester’s book, “The Paris Secret”, as an ARC from the publisher and am giving this review/recommendation of my own volition.
I found this book to be worthy of all the previous praises it has received. I thought the characters to be wonderful, fascinating, appealing, and believable. The storyline is original with many twists and turns that keep you wondering from its intriguing beginning to startling conclusion. The book has been well-researched and brings to light many unknown biases of people of that day while also bringing to light many of the subterfuges and sacrifices used to bring the Second World War to a close. Natasha Lester’s prose, descriptions, and writing abilities all come into play to make this a truly wonderful novel. This is the first book I have read by her, however, it will not be the last. I hope everyone will read this entertaining, moving, and poignant novel to be able to experience it for themselves.
I adore Natasha Lester and I think she gets better with every book she writes. The way she can tell a story! The tissues I needed to get through the end! This might be my favorite of hers yet. A story of WWII heroes with romance and mystery and fashion. I don’t give 5 stars easily, but this book is worth that and more. I highly recommend and can’t wait for it to officially be released in the US.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest review.
I have just finished this book and wow, I am feeling so many emotions at the moment and I am not sure where to start, I have loved every one of MS Lester’s books that I have read, they just have so much heart and feeling in them the characters are so real and historical events are described with so much truth that she makes you feel that you are back in these eras going through what the characters are at the time, this is a must read set over three timelines, I loved getting to know Skye, Liberty, Margaux and Nicholas and I hope you will as well.
Skye and Liberty Penrose live on the coast of Cornwall with their mother, growing up without a father, their mother teaches Skye to fly a plane at a young age, Skye is filled with so much energy, she is bright and lovable, when she is a young teenager she meets another young teenager Nicholas Crawford and after a cartwheel they become firm friends. But life moves on and Nicholas moves away and Skye and Liberty are sent to France to stay with an aunt, but after the death of her mother Skye wants to get back to her beloved Cornwall.
In 1939 Skye is flying planes for the war effort, were she meets up again with Nicholas and her estranged sister Liberty, Nicholas is now engaged to a French woman Margaux but her feelings for Nicholas have grown stronger but she must turn her back on him. Times are really hard and there are a lot of secrets being kept for the war effort, Skye shows her strength and caring nature at all times and does what she must to help the war effort.
In 1947 in Paris fashion designer Christian Dior releases his first collection of fabulous clothing with mannequin Margaux Jourdan, he has named the collection after his sister Catherine who worked with the resistance during the war and who is very good friends with Margaux, they have a special bond.
2012 in Sydney Australia and Kat Jourdan who is a fashion conservator is asked by her beloved grandmother Margaux to check up on the cottage she owns in Cornwall where Kat discovers sixty five of the most gorgeous Dior gowns, this starts a lot of questions from Kat as to where they came from and when author Elliot Beaufort gets in touch with her from England and starts asking questions about her grandmother, there are more questions to answer and secrets to uncover.
This is a heart wrenching story from start to finish, it shows what people will do to protect the people they love, it is a love story, a story of friendship which lasts a lifetime, a story of families, of war time, but it was a story I could barely put down. MS Lester has a magical voice with words, she knows how to transport the reader back in time and to different countries, I bow down to you the research you put into this one was awesome. I loved it, there are so many emotions, so many tears and smiles as well, this book has it all and I can highly recommend it. Thank you Natasha Lester and Hachette Aus.