Review: The Paris Secret

The Paris Secret completely blew me away. I wasn't quite sure what to expect from Natasha Lester's novel but I had had a couple of trusted bookstagram friends rave about it so I bumped it up the TBR list and, oh my word, was I ever glad I did. Lester's novel is full of history and a story you won't soon forget.

Here's the synopsis:

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 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.

The cover makes it appear as though the novel will be super glamourous. It's not. Sure, there is an absolutely fascinating aspect of the story that has to do with fashion history and searching for answers in archives (as a new-ish museum worker, albeit in fundraising, I geeked out at this part and told all my colleagues about it). And one of the most recognizable fashion designers plays a small part in the story. But, at it's heart, this is a story of war. And war is anything but glamourous. It is hard and terrible and people (men and women alike) found themselves in circumstances they never could have fathomed prior to the war. Lives were lost and spirits were broken. But the tales of bravery that came out - and are still being revealed to this day - are awe inspiring as well.

The novel was a little slow to start as there was a lot of backstory needed for Nicholas and Skye's friendship. It probably could have been cut down a little bit but we did need some of it to understand their connection and why they would have been drawn to each other when they saw each other during the war. Plus there were little hints given that helped build a case for the secrets that were revealed at the end of the novel.

Speaking of secrets - holy moly. I had no idea how things were going to end up. I thought I knew but then Lester would throw in a twist, and then another, and I'd be so confused. But a good confused. I couldn't wait to get to the end to find out how everyone was connected even though I had a feeling it was going to make me incredibly sad. (It did.) 

I had no idea Christian Dior's sister, Catherine, had been involved in resistance efforts during WWII. Not only that, she had been imprisoned at Ravensbrück, a woman-only concentration camp. I am constantly in awe of those who were able to make it out of those camps and my heart broke as I read those chapters. Because I'm all about learning more about what women did during the wars, and Lester's novel started my interest in Dior, I'm excited for a novel coming out in 2021, Sisters of the Resistance by Christine Wells.

The Paris Secret was the first novel I've read from Natasha Lester but it certainly won't be the last. She told such an interesting story and amongst the historical details was a romance (or two) and tales of family secrets and strength. I already can't wait for her next book.

*An egalley of this novel was provided by the publisher, Forever, via NetGalley in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.*