Tag Archives: Historical

A Yuletide Toss of the Dice by Collette Cameron-review

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A Yuletide Toss of the Dice (Ladies of Opportunity 1) by Collette Cameron-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 5, 2024

They never realized just how thin the line between hate and love could be…
until they tumbled over it.

Aubriella Penford is used to being an outsider in Regency London’s High Society. Her love for science and lack of social graces set her apart from the other ladies of the ton, making her the odd one out at every glittering ball. So when her lifelong rival—and her brother’s best friend—unexpectedly offers to help her through a Christmas house party, she’s skeptical. Can she really trust the man who’s vexed her since childhood? Even more surprising is that she accepts, setting the stage for an unforgettable holiday romance.

Jackson Matherfield, a self-made gentleman, has always preferred hard work to the frivolities of society. Having clawed his way out of poverty to support his family, he’s not one for festive gatherings or small talk. He certainly never expected to be intrigued by Aubrie’s sharp wit and keen intellect at a holiday party. Yet here he is, captivated by the very woman he’s always sparred with.

A scandalous wager, an unexpected snowstorm, and a daring rescue reveal a deeper connection than they ever imagined. As the season of joy unfolds, will their newfound bond lead to a Christmas happily ever after, or heartbreak? Escape into this heartwarming enemies-to-lovers Regency romance filled with festive cheer, sizzling chemistry, and a touch of holiday magic.

••••

REVIEW:New series by one of my favourite historical romance authors.

This one set in the regency romance genre. And you can’t be Collette for a good drama. Enemies to lovers, this pair have known each other for years. Brother’s friend, who sees her as nothing more than a nuisance.

Collette writes sweet/clean/slow burn romance. And after some of the dark romances I’ve read recently, this is my palate cleanser. A great plot with lots of drama And it’s a Christmas story, so getting into the spirit (slowly 😉)

Aubriella “Aubrie” isn’t your usual debutante. She’s happier studying science than attending balls and idle chitchat. It makes her awkward and uncomfortable in these social situations.

Jackson “Jack” didn’t come from a rich family. He’s worked hard to be where he is today. Looking after his family has been his priority, he has no time for dances and fending off matriarchs wanting their daughters married off! But that’s not to say he hasn’t had his share of dalliances.

Aubrie and Jackson have that spark that lights up the page. They might antagonise one another, but I got that vibe as soon as they come together.

So how does the relationship develop? Well… A house party starts out as a friend helping out, but watching the lovely young lady has Jack seeing Aubrie in a different light. So setting his sights on capturing this fascinating creature, Jack uses all of his charm and wit. But Aubrie isn’t going to make this easy. She doesn’t trust him as far as she can throw him! A cad surely doesn’t change overnight?!

There were several moments that caught me off guard. Loved the ladies circle. We also meet the couple that will be in the next book. The banter had me laughing m, and the gossiping ladies circle made me want to join them for tea and chat.

If you like your romance with mystery/suspense/and soulful kisses, then this one just might fit the bill.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B🦋

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The Baron’s Return (The Rakes of Mayhem 4) by Anna St. Claire

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The Baron’s Return (The Rakes of Mayhem 4) by Anna St. Claire -review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 28, 2024

She saved his life. Can he heal her heart?
He crossed an ocean to find her…

Baron Edward Sinclair, affectionately known as Sin, never imagined himself the marrying kind until he encountered the captivating Elizabeth in the American colonies. When illness brought him to death’s door, it was the young widow who tenderly nursed him back to health, but they became separated when he left to continue his assignment. Now, fate reunites them in England, where he discovers that Lizzie, his mysterious angel, is none other than the companion to his beloved aunt.

She crossed an ocean to forget him…

For Lizzie, being widowed in the colonies triggered a cascade of hardship, fear, and grief. Returning to England, she yearns to reunite with her brother, whom she has not seen in several years. Fortunate to secure a position as a companion, she finds solace in her employer’s warmth and generosity, treating her more like family than hired help. However, an unexpected encounter with the dashing Edward Sinclair, a man etched in her memory and her heart, disrupts her plans for a solitary life. While the handsome and wealthy baron attracts the attention of debutantes and their matchmaking mothers, Lizzie resigns herself to the belief that her fate is to live out her days alone.

As Edward and Lizzie navigate the intricacies of their rekindled connection, they must confront the ghosts of their pasts and face the threats that conspire to keep them apart.

Note: This series is part of Dragonblade’s Sweet Dreams line, so this is a sweet, wholesome Historical Romance where passion beyond the bedroom door is left to the reader’s imagination.

••••••••

REVIEW: Baron Edward “Sin” Sinclair loves his country. But almost pays with his life on his latest mission… succumbing to the yellow fever that’s rife in this part of America. But luckily stumbles upon a home of a war widowed nurse. Who nurses him back to full strength, they grow close and Sin makes the lovely Elizabeth a promise to come back to her after he finishes his mission….

But how long do you wait? Feeling homesick, missing her brother and not being made welcome by her husband’s family. Lizzie decides to return to London and hopefully reconnecting with her brother.

Finding a job as a companion to the lovely “aunt Millie” Elizabeth settles down to London life.

By chance the pair meet up again at a Ball. And Elizabeth finds out that the old lady she’s a companion for is Sin’s aunt! What are the chances of that? She watches as debutantes flirt with Sin…..

But will they decide on just staying friends? Or will they let their feelings for one another flourish and grow into something more?

I loved all of the characters in this book. Aunt Millie made me chuckle. We have a cute dog. And a mystery or two that needs solving, we also have someone else interested in Lizzie! But she’s not interested, will they take the hint and leave her alone? Sin and Lizzie are so cute together, she’s definitely a nurturer and he’s a dashing hero.

This is a sweet story, so nothing happens on the page.

I’m definitely interested in going back to read the previous books, and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B.🦋

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Lord Ramsey’s Red-Headed Ruin by Cerise Deland-review tour

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Lord Ramsey’s Red-Headed Ruin (Scarlet Affairs 2) by Cerise Deland-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 26, 2024

It’s dangerous to be an honest woman—and torture for the man who loves her.

It’s dangerous to be an honest woman.
Amber St. Antoine flees Paris—and her role in spying on Bonaparte. The deputy chief of police, a venal man, craves Amber as his mistress. He’ll do anything to seduce her, even imprisoning her friends and charging them with crimes.

Amber, rescued from neglectful parents as a child by her influential aunt, grew up in the shadow of the Terror and went to prison with her aunt and Josephine Beauharnais. Despising the tyranny of a few corrupt men, Amber learned to value freedom.

As a result, when she was approached to serve in an espionage network, she accepted—and excelled. Now in fear of Vaillancourt, she flees Paris, her home—her friends.

It’s torture for the man who loves her.
Godfrey duClare, Lord Ramsey, comes to Paris as part of the British diplomatic mission now that peace exists between his county and France. His first assignment by his superior Kane, Lord Ashley, is to find the elusive agent Amber St. Antoine and keep her safe.

Following gossip and logic, Ram finds the stunningly beautiful woman deep in the French countryside. He declares she needs his protection, especially since she refuses to leave France. Defiant, Amber agrees to his company, even if they must pretend they are married.

The two travel France, discovering in each other, each day, a delight that leads to a passion neither can deny.

But when they also find new evidence of Bonaparte’s warlike plans, they must change their own. Suddenly, Vaillancourt surprises them with a ploy neither Amber nor Ram considered.

But Amber decides to outwit him.
Ramsey is furious—and wild to save her from herself. What’s a man to do if he seems foiled at every turn? Is he a fool to believe that love conquers all?

•••••

REVIEW:With a mixture of fact and fiction woven so cleverly together, it made a book that was hard to put down.

A new series (second book in a promised sixteen book series) the first book in the series I did read. I’d also recommend reading in order, they can stand on their own, but with an ongoing story in the background it seemed better to continue rather than dip in and out. (But that’s only my opinion)

Widowed Amber is fleeing Paris. A man with no qualms about making her his mistress and making her spill all of her secrets is on her tail! Fortunately a group of friends are desperate to make sure Amber escapes. So they send someone to “rescue” her!

Lord Ramsey is tasked with aiding a damsel in distress! But he’s got to find her first! If Amber doesn’t want to be found, it’s going to be hard to find her!

Chemistry between these two simply sets my kindle on fire. I couldn’t put the book down! Add in the facts blended with fiction and you have a spellbinding story.

Danger lurks within these pages. Along with passion and intrigue.

Pretending to be married seems to be the only way to travel through the Parisian countryside. Although Amber isn’t the docile and quiet wife that Ramsey thinks she should be 😝

And with our villain close on their heels, what will Amber and Ram do?

Amber I felt was both brave, but incredibly foolish! Her actions sometimes had bad consequences for both herself and Ram! Ram made me chuckle, you could see him pulling his hair out at the antics of Amber.

It’s a very well thought out book, well researched and cleverly written. I’m definitely interested in reading the next book.

Click HERE for Julie’s review of book one LORD ASHLEY’S BEAUTIFUL ALIBI

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B. 🦋

Cerise DeLand loves to write about dashing heroes and the sassy women they adore. Whether she’s penning historical romances or contemporaries, she’s praised for her poetic elegance and accuracy of detail.

An award-winning author of more than 60 novels, she’s been published since 1990 by Pocket Books, St. Martin’s Press, Kensington and independent presses. Her books have been monthly selections of the Doubleday Book Club, Rhapsody Book Club and the Mystery Guild. Plus she’s won countless 4, 4.5 and 5 star rave reviews from Romantic Times, Affair de Coeur, Publishers Weekly and more.

To research, she’ll dive into the oldest texts and dustiest library shelves. She’ll also travel abroad, trusty notebook and pen in hand, to visit the chateaux and country homes she loves to people with her own imaginary characters.

And at home every day? She loves to cook, hates to dust, lives to travel and go to Jazz class once a week!

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/CeriseDeLandAuthor/

Website – http://cerisedeland.com

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Please do follow my Blog, follow me on Facebook, follow me on Instagram, and subscribe to Travels with Cerise!  One person who comments wins a digital copy of LORD ASHLEY’S BEAUTIFUL ALIBI, Book 1. Open internationally.

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An Academy for Liars by Alexis Henderson – a Review

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An Academy for Liars by Alexis Henderson – a Review

 

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Description:
Lennon Carter’s life is falling apart.

Then she gets a mysterious phone call inviting her to take the entrance exam for Drayton College, a school of magic hidden in a secret pocket of Savannah. Lennon has been chosen because—like everyone else at the school—she has the innate gift of persuasion, the ability to wield her will like a weapon, using it to control others and, in rare cases, matter itself.

After passing the test, Lennon begins to learn how to master her devastating and unsettling power. But despite persuasion’s heavy toll on her body and mind, she is wholly captivated by her studies, by Drayton’s lush, moss-draped campus, and by her brilliant classmates. But even more captivating is her charismatic adviser, Dante, who both intimidates and enthralls her.

As Lennon continues in her studies her control grows, and she starts to uncover more about the secret world she has entered into, including the disquieting history of Drayton college, and the way her mentor’s tragic and violent past intertwines with it. She is increasingly disturbed by what she learns. For it seems that the ultimate test is to embrace absolute power without succumbing to corruption . . . and it’s a test she’s terrified she is going to fail.

 

 

Review:

An Academy for Liars by Alexis Henderson is a standalone Dark Academia novel.  We meet Lennon Carter, our heroine, who recently withdrew from school, and to her shock she catches her fiancée having sex with her bff.  She quickly leaves, driving his car, as she stops at a mall, completely devastated.  She hears a phone ringing, and answers the call, which turns out to be for Lennon. She is summoned to participate in an entrance exam at Drayton College, which is a magical school that is hidden in Savannah.  After driving for eight hours, she enters an elevator to the administration, where she meets Dante, who will become her advisor.

Lennon was thrilled with Drayton’s campus and meeting all the brilliant classmates; many who became her friends. After passing the test, Lennon begins to learn how to master her power, which takes a toll over her body and mind; she is captivated by her studies, as well as learning the ability of persuasion. Lennon slowly begins to be captivated and enthralled by her advisor, Dante, despite him determined to not become involved.

Lennon continues her studies, as her control to her magic escalates, and she learns more about the history of Drayton, and the disturbing things she discovers; such as her becoming a new gatekeeper. Lennon will need to uncover the dark and haunting abilities that continue to grow, and the disturbing corruption from the school counselors; who push her to increase her dark powers.  Can she survive?

Lennon must use her powers to protect the school, but can she risk those who might destroy her.  As things escalate, she must learn to wield her powers to defeat the enemies, who are determined to take control of her powers. 

What follows is an exciting and dark story line, with tension, horror, and paranormal elements; there is a slight forbidden love story.  An Academy of Liars was a terrific read, so very well written by Alexis Henderson.  If you enjoy dark academia, you need to read An Academy of Liars, which is filled with politics, secrets, lies, betrayal; keeping me glued to the finale. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Tangled Up with the Highlander by Julie Johnstone-review

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Tangled Up with the Highlander (Return of the Highlanders Book 2) by Julie Johnstone

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 30, 2024

He thought he would never love again… Then he fell for the lass he must give up to save his clan.

Desperate to keep his children and clan from starving, Laird Alasdair MacLachlan joins the ranks of mercenaries searching for the missing lass of a powerful clan. The mission seems simple—find the lass, return her to her family, and claim the hefty reward. But when fate throws bow and arrow wielding Sorcha MacGregor in his path, he’s about to discover how complicated one mule-headed, beguiling beauty can make things. For a man who has lost and loved and has no interest in doing either ever again, he’s confounded by the desire the opinionated woman awakens in him, and he’s shocked to discover his heart might not be permanently frozen after all. But his duty to his family and clan must come before all else, and that means sticking to the plan. Or is that just an excuse to avoid burying his painful past and taking a risk on a new future? One thing is certain—if he doesn’t figure it out soon, Sorcha will be lost to him forever.

Life has taught Sorcha MacGregor that only a harebrained fool would wish to wed and become a man’s chattel to control. So when she’s kidnapped by a Highlander who intends to deliver her like a trussed pig to a family she’s never known, she instantly decides he’s a selfish barbarian like all other men. Her opinion becomes harder to maintain, though, when the devilishly handsome warrior risks his life for hers. Still, she has no intention of lowering her well-placed guard and making herself vulnerable. But with each act of kindness Alasdair shows her, every moving interaction between him and his children, and the simmering way he looks at her, not to mention the toe-curling kisses, she comes to see the gentle, brokenhearted man behind the hardened exterior, and she does the one thing she swore she’d never do: falls in love. When the time comes for Alasdair to make the ultimate sacrifice for her, for love, will he prove he’s really the man of her dreams or just a fantasy that is too good to be true?

••••••••

REVIEW: Although second book in the series, and a slight continuation from book one, this book can be read without reading the first one.

With this author you can be assured of a great story. Set in beautifully written backdrops, this historical romance will have you on the edge of your seat with the drama/suspense and romance.

Widower Laird Alasdair MacLachlan is at his wits end! His clan is starving! He sees no other option than to join a band of mercenaries ordered to find a missing woman of another clan. The reward will feed his clan. Sorcha is sick and tired of her life! Her mother 💀 leaving her and her sister to a father who likes to drink and use his fists! Entering a competition will ensure both her future and her sister a dowry to marry the man she loves.

The thing I love the most about this author’s storytelling is her attention to detail. The sights and sounds of the highland can transport you there. Both Alistair and Sorcha have no intentions of marrying, his heart is hardened after losing his wife to childbirth, and she has seen what marriage can do to a woman. But as they spend more and more time together, it brings the best out in both of them, they also see a side to one another that makes them stop and think!

So will Alistair do the right thing? Will he hand over the woman who has made him see the good around him? To become a better father to his own children. Or will he take this opportunity of happiness?

Click HERE for Julie’s review of book one SECRETS OF A HIGHLANDER’S HEART

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B 🦋

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Author Julie Johnstone first fell in love with romance fifteen years ago when she picked up her first romance novel in an airport gift shop on the way to Conroe, Texas for a family reunion and spent her whole weekend reading rather than water skiing, which up until then was one of her favorite things to do.

Julie is staying up way too late and typing furiously on her keyboard to finish her next book or blog with her fellow authors at Ladyscribes. Julie is married to an amazing lawyer and when she is not running her two precocious children to one activity or another she is trying to seek out some time to stay in shape and see her dearest friends.

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The Patriots (Stone Shed Trilogy 1) by John A. Heldt-review

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The Patriots (Stone Shed Trilogy 1) by John A. Heldt-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 25, 2024

From the author of the critically acclaimed Second Chance series comes the first book in the Stone Shed saga.

When Noah Maclean, 22, races home from Europe, he finds a dying grandfather, a hidden letter, and a family secret that dates to the 1740s. He learns he is the keeper of a stone shed that can send people through time.

Within weeks, Noah and his brother, Jake, 15, test their inheritance. They travel to 1776 to see Philadelphia in the age of Benjamin Franklin, the Declaration of Independence, and the American Revolution.

Expecting to return within weeks, the orphaned brothers make the most of their field trip through history. Then they meet the lovely daughters of a furniture maker, and a pleasant adventure becomes a transformative journey.

Filled with humor, romance, and heartbreak, THE PATRIOTS follows two lost souls through a critical moment in time as they adjust to new surroundings and wrestle with knowledge of things to come.

••••

REVIEW: THE PATRIOTS by John A Heldt is the first instalment in John A Heldt’s adult STONE SHED SAGA historical, time travel trilogy focusing on twenty-two year old Noah Maclean, and his fifteen year old brother Jake.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Jake and Noah THE PATRIOTS follows Noah and Jake Maclean in the aftermath of their grandfather’s death in 2024. A letter, a stone shed, and a portal through time finds the brothers journeying to Philadelphia in 1776 wherein the American Revolution is in full swing, and the brothers are about to change a little bit of history for love and heart. Finding jobs and falling in love means leaving a piece of themselves behind but a couple of trips into the future will reveal the truth to two young woman whose lives will be changed forever.

Like Star Trek’s ‘prime directive’, the Maclean brothers are not to interfere or change history but their brother’s contemporary knowledge of history and medicine means aiding and assisting when lives are in trouble.

Throughout the story line, the brothers will meet or watch history unfold: from an influenza epidemic, to Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, to George Washington and Lafayette, the Maclean brothers travel through time wlll be noted in history by the changes they wrought, much to the chagrin of the people they left behind. But to save the young woman with whom they are falling in love, the truth is revealed, as the British soldiers marched toward their targets.

We are introduced to several historical figures, as well as Noah and Jake’s Uncle Doug and Aunt Donna ; Uncle Lachlan; sisters Abigail and Rachel Ward, as well as their parents Sam and Elizabeth, soldier Colin Richards, and house servants Sarah, Flora and Fauna Jones.

THE PATRIOTS is a time travel story, using both fictional and factual accounts of the time periods visited, with elements of romance, family, relationships and love. The premise is intriguing and entertaining;the characters are charismatic and charming; the romance is subtle. THE PATRIOTS ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult – a Review

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By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult – a Review

 

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Description:
Two women, centuries apart—one of whom is the real author of Shakespeare’s plays—are both forced to hide behind another name to make their voices heard.

In 1581, Emilia Bassano—like most young women of her day—is allowed no voice of her own. But as the Lord Chamberlain’s mistress, she has access to all theater in England, and finds a way to bring her work to the stage secretly. And yet, creating some of the world’s greatest dramatic masterpieces comes at great cost: by paying a man for the use of his name, she will write her own out of history.

In the present, playwright Melina Green has just written a new work inspired by the life of her Elizabethan ancestor Emilia Bassano. Although the challenges are different four hundred years later, the playing field is still not level for women in theater. Would Melina—like Emilia—be willing to forfeit her credit as author, just for a chance to see her work performed?

Told in intertwining narratives, this sweeping tale of ambition, courage, and desire asks what price each woman is willing to pay to see their work live on—even if it means they will be forgotten.

 

 

Review:

By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult is a standalone novel about two woman’s POV that take place in present time and in a different era, 1581.   The two heroines are Melina Green in the present, who is a talented writer; and Emilia Bassano, who also is a writer, but her talent is not recognized openly, as women were not accepted.  Both women hide their names behind a man, as women were not acknowledged.

Emilia Bassano, at a very young age, is forced to become Lord Chamberlain’s mistress, and for years he treated her well. He takes her to the theatre in London, and she secretly writes her own poems and plays. Working secretly, Emilia has to sell her play to male playwrights, in order to get her work on the stage. She makes an agreement with a young actor, William Shakespeare to be the playwright of her work. Later on in life, when Emilia became pregnant, she was forced again to a marriage, since she had no money, and her husband treated her badly, always beating her up.  That was a very sad part of the story.

In the present, Melina Green is inspired by her ancestor Emilia Bassano to write her story, and make her voice heard, though she needs to get Andre (her roommate and gay friend) to present the play, and pretend to be his assistant. Her play actually wins the contest, with Andre entering her play into a competition, which she wins.  Jasper, a former critic of her work, begins to become attracted to Melina, and slowly she reveals that Emilia Bassano’s book was her work.  Though there are five centuries between the timelines, it seems that male privilege is still in power.  

I will say that I thought the book was a bit slow in the first half, though it did pick up later on.  I read that Picoult did a lot of research and stands by her feeling that Emilia Bassano’s work was the true playwright for William Shakespeare.  Melinda in the present time, manages to finally have a chance to show her play, with help from Jasper.  The historical part of the past, will have Emilia, as she gets older, begin to write her own books; with Bassano actually being a real person.

By Any Other Name was an interesting story, with historical fiction, feminism, passion, heartache, and love.  It was a different kind of story by Jodi Picoult, which was very well written. If you are interested in possible real-life changes from the past, I suggest you read By Any Other Name.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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The Paris Gown by Christine Wells -review

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The Paris Gown by Christine Wells -review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 20, 2O24

1957: Three friends—Margot, Gina, and Charlotte—share an apartment above a bookstore in Paris.

Margot is a twenty-two-year-old Australian having the time of her life. Having been sent to the City of Light to be “finished” before her debut, Margot falls in love with Paris all over again. In her mind, all she needs to complete her transformation into “Une Parisienne” is a gown from the spectacular designer Monsieur Dior, particularly if she wants to catch the eye of Peter Mountbatten, a distant cousin of the Queen.

Gina is an American blueblood whose family has fallen on hard times. She’s run away to Paris and is now working in a bookstore while writing a novel at night. But then she receives an invitation to a high society ball at the American Embassy where the man who once jilted her will also attend…with his new wife. Gina must have a knockout gown to wear.

French chef Charlotte is the lone girl in a family of boys and one of the very few women working in the stubbornly sexist restaurant business. She’s always thought herself homely compared with her conventionally pretty mother and is more interested in her work than fashion. But that is about to change…

One night, Margot proposes to share the cost and the gown with her two best friends and roommates. Each will put in some of her savings, and they’ll each get to wear the gown in turn.

Gorgeous, perfectly tailored, lustrous and luxurious, the Dior gown has the power to change lives—as these three remarkable women are about to discover…

••••

REVIEW:THE PARIS GOWN by Christine Wells is an historical adult story line focusing on three friends in Paris: Claire, Gina and Margot, and a Dior gown gifted by a socialite whose own life took a different path.

Told from three omniscient third person perspectives (Claire, Gina and Margot) covering approximately ten years in the life, THE PARIS GOWN focuses on the lives and friendships of chef Claire, wanna-be writer Gina, and sales assistant Margot. In 1950 our trio of friends dreamed of a different life, and the ability to afford a designer Dior gown. Fast forward five years, the friends choices in life have pulled them in different directions but choices often lead to consequences and changes, and the trio will reunite in Paris, with the gift of the original Dior gown. As each struggles to find a new direction going forward, the past returns for one; a family crisis pulls another back home; and a forbidden love will see a happily ever after yet for each, the Dior gown will bring them one step closer to the future they have always wanted.

THE PARIS GOWN is a story of friendships and relationships, secrets and acceptance, forgiveness and love. The premise is spirited, lively and enthralling. The reader is up close and personal with the lives of three friends, their struggles to find happiness, security and independence. The characters are animated, charismatic and real.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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