I really enjoyed this book!! The Queen of Paris is a historical fiction novel based on the life of Coco Chanel. Coco Chanel most certainly had an interesting life and this author showed that in many different ways. At the mercy of men when she was young, she takes control of her life after the men in her life constantly disappoint her. She makes some horrible life decisions, one of which is signing a contract where she only receives 10% royalties on her own perfume. This book focuses on her trying to get control back of her perfume as well as her living in the Ritz with the Nazis when they invaded Paris. I finished this book with the same view of Coco Chanel as I did before I read it, I am not a fan of Coco Chanel, but I am a huge fan of Pamela Binnings Ewen! This book was well written, held my attention and gave me a lot to think about!!

Thank you to Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Coco Chanel is without a doubt one of the most interesting characters of history ever. I have always been fascinated by her time spent in Paris, at the Ritz during WWII. This a must read for historical fiction fans.

This intriguing novel about Coco Chanel's life during the Nazi Occupation of Paris is written with the dual timeline that takes you back to her youth and lets you experience the events that shaped the woman she became.

On the surface, Coco is a sophisticated business woman living at The Ritz who continues her extravagant lifestyle, refusing to believe that her life will be impacted by the war. This, despite the fact that she is now sharing the place she has called home for many years with high ranking members of the Third Reich. Despite rumours of their cruelty and ruthlessness, she still dresses extravagantly and dines with them.

She manipulates her way into their graces, in order to save all that is dear to her. She never imagines how cruel these cold hearted men are, and how they will make her pay dearly for any favors. She refuses to give up her fight to reclaim her business from her business partner who has manage to smuggle the formula for her famous Chanel No. 5 perfume. She also struggles to protect a secret that she has held dear all her life.

This book gives you a broad look into the life and loves of Coco Chanel, and opens up new questions about the many rumors surrounding her secret involvement with the Nazis.

Thank you Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of The Queen of Paris by Pamela Binnings Ewen.

#TheQueenOfParis #NetGalley #ARC

The Queen of Paris by Pamela Binnings Ewen is a novelized memoir of Coco Chanel. It is a moving story of a self-centered woman who did many things others considered over-the-top. She did not have an easy life and she made her own luck. She was loved by many men, never enough to marry her, however. She had one child, who she was never able to claim. The story gave an alternative view of the Nazis in Paris...not a favorable one, just different. Sometimes things have to be done in order to survive. She did those things. She knew what she was doing and she didn't always like it, but she did it anyway.

Coco was a complex character and Ewen has captured that in this book. She is a highly damaged woman, too beautiful and willing for her own good. She loved deeply but despite her many lovers, was very naive and was hurt easily. She was perceptive but never knew when to retreat. She used the Nazis as much as they used her. The story is told in narration and jumps from her earlier life to 1940 and back again. We are introduced to the men who loved her as well as the men who used her. We are given glimpses of other famous people of the time: The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Winston Churchill, Hermann Goering, et al. It was a terrific read. I learned a lot. I enjoyed it and recommend it as a splendid historical novel as well as women's fiction.

I received a free ARC of The Queen of Paris from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #thequeenofparis

This is a fiction general market book that covers briefly Coco Chanel's childhood when she was orphaned at a young age and turned over to be raised in a convent, but predominantly is focused on her life during World War 2 in Paris. By the time the war got to France, Coco had already developed Chanel #5 and had her clothing boutique in operation. Much of her financing came from a Jewish partner, Pierre Wertheimer. Young and naive, she doesn't make a very good deal with Pierre as he gets 90% control of the company and Coco gets only 10%. She also makes numerous bad choices in both her business and love life which come back to haunt her. But she is a survivor, and manages to come out well in the end except for the relationship with her only son.

Well written, this book is an interesting look at someone who came from nothing but rises through pure grit and determination to become a fashion and perfume icon.


I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

An absolute triumph! This is an Absolutely delicious story of Chanel during the war years of WWII. It's the Chanel you never knew about. The author, Pamela Binnings Ewen, brings the darker side of Chanel's sumptuous life alive in this Historical Fiction story of her lost loves, memories, and the struggle to hold on to her greatest creation; Chanel No.5 perfume while the France collapses during the Nazi Occupation.

This book is explosive in bringing the enigmatic Coco Chanel alive...she was a woman completely ahead of her time and apologized to no one. She didn't need to, she is COCO. She is Chanel. She is fashion. She is the infamous Chanel No.5, and she is a spy.

This is the Chanel you never knew, and after reading this extremely well researched book, you the reader, will be left with deciding for yourself who she really was.

This was the first book about Coco Chanel that I read, I didn't know she was a Nazi collaborator, ruthless and manipulative woman, I think the author describes her so perfectly, there are so many details about her life throughout the book, the writing is so perfect. The story alternates between 1940-1944 and her past. which gives the reader a very clear insight into the upcoming of Chanel. I enjoy reading this book, It's so important to always learn new facts about history and this book has done that.

Thanks to Blackstone Publishing and Netgalley for this ARC.

The Queen of Paris is a historical fiction novel about the life of Coco Chanel in Paris during the height of WWII. I wanted to read this book because I didn't know much about Chanel. The research I did after reading the book suggests that the author was well researched in her writing of this book.

The book begins as Coco Chanel is faced with the theft of the recipe for her most famous product, her perfume Chanel No. 5, To maintain her livelihood and hold onto the rights to her beloved fragrance, Coco makes some life changing decisions. The book gives flashbacks to Coco's childhood, which lends a clearer picture as to why she makes the decisions that she does.

I am grateful for the opportunity to read The Queen of Paris, and to gain a better understanding of the life of one of history's most iconic figures. Thank you to NetGalley, Blackstone Publishing and Pamela Binnings Ewen for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is a fascinating look at the iconic Coco Chanel during the time of the Nazi occupation of France. It is 1940 and Chanel has built up a company and a legacy with her couture and her signature perfume, Chanel no. 5. Using flashbacks, Ewen paints a picture of a poverty stricken and abandoned Coco, who learns to trust no one in her quest for a better life. Now her business partner, Pierre Wertheimer, has left with the formula for Chanel no. 5 and resettled in New York in order to begin production there, all behind Coco Chanel’s back. She is desperate to seize control back and is even willing to use the new Nazi courts and their anti-Semitic laws against the Jewish Pierre. Drawing the attention of the Nazis and their realization that Coco’s son is in a concentration camp, leads to Coco’s recruitment into the Nazi spy network. She is sent to Spain to convince Franco to join forces with Hitler and Mussolini in their quest to conquer Europe. Coco remains a guest of the Ritz hotel, even though it was being used as the Nazi Headquarters.
Though it has never been proven that the child Coco claimed to be her nephew, was really her son, Ewen takes some liberties by creating this bond to explain some of Coco Chanel’s motivations for helping the Nazi’s. It is true that she was able to use her business acumen after the Allies freed Paris, to escape the fate of other suspected Nazi sympathizers, by handing out free bottles of Chanel no. 5 to GIs. Despite her denials of ever working with the enemy, files released years later, confirmed that she did indeed have at least a code name and handlers.
This portrayal of Coco is not without sympathy. Though characterized as arrogant; myopically ambitious and ruthless; and often uncaring to those suffering around her; Ewan softens her character by her portrayal of a sad and lonely childhood, and Coco’s unwavering love toward a son who does not reciprocate her feelings.
The prose and descriptions of both a conquered Paris, and an earlier world of upper-class luxury; paint a vivid picture of the France of Coco Chanel’s time. This is a well-researched, unapologetic work of historical fiction, and an interesting view of a strong, powerful woman and who she really was. This would be a great read for those interested in WWII historical fiction, biographical fiction, and fiction about the world of couture fashion and one of its most celebrated women.

The Queen Of Paris by Pamela Binnings Ewen is an historical fiction novel about the complex and fascinating life of Coco (Gabrielle) Chanel highlighting her life in Paris during WWII. This woman was a gutsy, creative, brave, stubborn, self involved walking contradiction who happened to be, by all documented accounts, a Nazi spy!

Coco came from humble beginnings. She learns at an early age that if you want security you must make your own money. Luckily, she has her creative talent and womanly wiles to start her own fashion business and make a fortune with her perfume Chanel No. 5. However, Coco isn't worldly enough to see the realities of business and political espionage and this lack of awareness nearly costs her The House of Chanel and her life.

When the Nazis march through Paris she still believes it's a fake war. Living in wealth at the Hotel Ritz among Nazi leaders she not only believes she is safe she is more concerned about her Jewish business partner who has fled to New York with the Chanel No.5 formula. Coco makes some avoidable mistakes that lead her to being a Nazi spy. It is astonishing what she overcomes and how she remains, til this day, a fashion icon.

I was excited to read this story from the moment I saw the beautiful intriguing cover and it did not disappoint me. In fast paced and extremely honest prose the author lets us see Coco in all her glory and her failures. Going back and forth from 1909 to1940 through 1944 we see Coco as an abandoned waif, a courtesan mistress, an inventor, a business woman, a stern boss and a desperate woman who does the unthinkable to survive.

The author let's us draw our own conclusions of Coco. Was she really a Nazi sympathizer or a gullible fool? I have to say this book left me with more questions than answers but i was mesmerized with the journey.

I received a free copy of this Ebook from the publisher via NetGalley for a fair and honest review.

This book takes you through Coco Chanel's life, from the time she was a young girl, up until after the war when she moved to Switzerland. I have read a lot of historical fiction about WWII and particularly about Coco Chanel and her involvement with the Nazis. This book spent a lot of time on her ongoing battle with Pierre Wertheimer over rights to her Chanel No. 5 perfume, which he stole and took to America and started producing there during the war. It also spent a lot of time on her time as a spy for the Nazis. I have to admit I wasn't familiar with either of those facts so they were interesting, but I did wish there wasn't quite so much time focused on those, especially the court battle with Pierre. Otherwise, it was a fascinating book with a lot of interesting information about one of the most iconic people in the fashion industry.

A beautifully written historical fictionalized story of Coco Chanel - the classiest of classy women. Pamela Binnings Ewen was able to bring this figurehead to life in a way that seemed approachable - however unlikeable she truly was.

Taking place during the 4 years of Nazi occupation, this book is FICTION - as there are strong indications that Chanel was a Nazi sympathizer in real life. Ewen was able to strip away the glamour and show how truly lonely Chanel was.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this book.

Having read Mistress of the Ritz, I was excited about reading The Queen of Paris. The author, Pamela Binnings Ewen, does an excellent job portraying Chanel. I could tell that she had completed a lot of research to tell Coco’s story. I did think the first half was a bit slow. I am glad I stuck with this book as the second half was well done. I read a lot of WWII historical fiction and this book is another piece of the WWII puzzle. Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5/5
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

This was an interesting read for me. I love historical fiction, but Coco Chanel is one of my least favourite historical figures. I wanted to read this book because I wanted to see if anyone could present her differently to me, and provide a different view. I have to admit, I still don't like Chanel anymore than I did before. However, I absolutely see her in a different light. It also gave me a new perspective on occupied France, and what it would have been like for any business owner (something I had never consider).

Thanks to #BlackstonePublishing and #netgalley for the opportunity to read and review #thequeenofparis
Pub. Date 4/7/2020
This book tells the story of Coco Chanel and her life during the Nazi occupation of Paris. The author uses flashbacks to fill in the details of her early life. Basically the book posits that Coco worked for the Nazis during the war. She lived in the Ritz hotel, where all the high ranking Nazis stayed. Her partner in her Chanel No. 5 perfume stole the recipe for her signature scent and we follow along as Coco fights to keep control of her creation. Everything she does is aimed at saving what rightly belonged to her. A well written book that I highly recommend.

We all know the iconic Coco Chanel. She’s the iconic designer. The woman behind the interlocking C’s, the ropes of pearls, the face of the perfume, creator of the Little Black Dress. And she was also a Nazi collaborator and spy.

Author Pamela Binnings Ewen ushers us into Chanel’s life in two perspectives in this novel. We see snippets of Chanel’s pre-World War 2 days in third person flashbacks and we see her in first person during “current time” World War 2. This novel captures the frivolity of Paris before the Nazi invasion as well as Chanel’s struggles to retain her brand, save her son, and the lengths she has to go to in order to save them.

This novel was beautifully written. The pre-invasion buzzy society life, to the melancholy , the anxiety, and the fear as they plagued France and Chanel’s life during WW2, were palpable throughout the book. There was great care given to portraying Chanel’s Nazi sympathizer and spy past. Through her writing, Ewen allowed us to form our own opinion about Chanel’s behavior and did not add any of her own personal bias to the writing. This book was very well researched, well detailed, and an absolute pleasure to read.

World war 2 and Coco Chanel.

In Spring of 1940 Coco receives news informing her that her longtime business partner Pierre Wertheimer has stolen the formula for her famous Chanel no 5 perfume and plans to build a factory and produce the perfume in America.
He has transferred his major ownership in the company to a Swiss National thereby protecting himself as under German law no Jewish person can own business. He draws up a trust agreement that will ensure he can take back control when the war ends..

Coco believes this will cheapen her product, that it will be no longer be sold exclusively.

Pierre has bought up all the jasmine in Grasse, France which is the essential essence of the perfume.

Coco takes her case to court , her company Societe Mademoiselle is protected by French law and the company owns the rights to the perfume she believes. She plans to sell the perfume throughout Europe until the war is over and then compete with Pierre worldwide.as she is informed she has lost her cas

She gives birth to son and since she is unmarried she ensures that he is known as her nephew the son of her dead sister.
\

She becomes a spy for Germany to learn all that she can about Spain's war plans in return for the freedom of her nephew from a labor camp and for his medical costs.

When the Americans liberate Paris, the resistance comes. Coco is captured but since her files detailing her spy activities she is freed..

She flees to Lusanne and it is there that Pierre finds her and shows her how much money she has made from her presume sales. He ofrs her an additional 2% profit and cover all her expenses including her nephew's for the rest of her lifetime.
They part amicably.

This story is about Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel. The way in which she was portrayed was certainly not like a Queen. Coco Chanel had a hard childhood and was basically a wealthy man’s kept woman during her young adult life prior to becoming known as a skilled designer and perfumer.

During WWII she was not true to her homeland of Paris France. History shows that she was a Nazi sympathizer and collaborator. With the German Occupancy of France in WWII, Coco did whatever actions were needed to guarantee her personal prosperity. She took a high ranking German as a lover for four years so she could continue living at the Ritz. Coco was a very selfish woman. Some reading this story could call it survival of the fittest but to the French Resistance and those loyal to France most felt she was a traitor.

This story encompasses so many emotions: love, betrayal, loss, loneliness, success, as well as greed. I found her to be rather cold and calculating. I found it hard to like her because she really had no redeeming qualities.

I enjoyed the way the story unfolded. The author was able to draw the reader in and explore the person who was Coco Chanel. Ultimately Coco Chanel survived the war but her penance was a very lonely existence.

Pamela Binnings Ewan is a skilled writer and historical researcher. It was obvious to me that the amount of research that the author had done to write this novel was enormous. I truly enjoyed the novel. Well done. I can’t wait to see what this author has in store for us next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the opportunity to read the ARC of The Queen of Paris, by Pamela Binnings Ewan., in exchange for an honest opinion and review.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this. I will be posting a full review to Goodreads, Amazon, and Instagram.

This novel captured my attention from its savvy cover art...however, the story held my captive since page one....and did not let go until the final chapter. Read this novel...you will not be disappointed. Five Stars!