Member Reviews
Thanks to the publisher for the advance copy. A historical romance with a mixture of love, loss and sacrifice. From the Australian Outback to the Paris runway. Inspired by true events and real people.
In The Paris Model, Alexandra Joel gives readers a historical with a strong romantic element, centered on the fashion House of Christian Dior in postwar Paris. The story features a lovely young Australian, Grace Woods, who grew up in New South Wales, in a childhood swirling with secrets.
Grace married right after the war, but lived to regret it. In 1948, Grace headed to Paris to work as model Grace Dubois. The story moves back and forth in time and space, between France and Australia, postwar and prewar. Grace falls in love with a spy who enlists her help in a dangerous venture.
The Paris Model is a thoroughly engaging read.
To be honest, I’m not even sure how I got a copy of this book, as it’s definitely not my normal genres, but must admit I’m glad! It’s based on a true story, but really is quite captivating. I’ve not read many historical fictions, but felt that this was very realistic, emotional, and a great love story! The author developed the characters in a manner that really connected with me! I loved all the different layers, loved that it was based on a real story, and just loved it! A beautifully written book, with an emotional and realistic love story within! Highly recommend, even to those who are new to the genre, as it was great at captivating me!
Will buzz around and use lower amazon reviewer number on release date!
I truly enjoyed this book! It combined Paris, fashion and history. My favorite subjects.
I truly enjoyed the mystery, intrigue, suspense, and twists/turns that the author added to Grace's story while she was in Paris and with meeting Philippe. There were definitely a few paths that were included that really surprised me. I also really, really enjoyed the ending.
This book really surprised me and included so much more in regards to complexity of plot, I loved reading it!
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this book. I'll be posting my review on Goodreads and Amazon
Grace Woods was a real woman, born September 1, 1922, and died April 27, 2013. Her life, or maybe I should say, what was historically accurate, was fascinating. The author lets us know in her notes at the end of the book, how much of this story is true. However, she does leave us dangling a bit, with one section of the book. I can't discuss that section, for that would be spoiling a significant part of the action!
You do have to understand, though, that this book is still a work of fiction. As such, it is a fascinating read that, for me, has some issues. Grace was a very reckless person, and that ruined her for me a little. Though, if she were any less impetuous, there really wouldn't be much of a book.
*ARC supplied by the publisher and author.
Exciting historical fiction novel with so many twists and turns! Gracie Woods lives her childhood on a farm in Australia. Her stretch nanny gives her a taste of the French lifestyle and teaches her the language so, of course, Gracie’s dream is to one day visit Paris. But there’s much more to the book than that.
Disappointing marriage, start of a new life, become a star mannequin for the Maison de Christian Dior, hang out with real legends, this book is full of adventures and second chances and kept me smiling throughout. Gorgeous story inspired by real-life people.
This book was fun, so atmospheric, luxurious with its fashion and Parisians locations, adventurous, hopeful, daring, fancy, and a must-read for fashion and love story fanatics.
Thank you Net Galley and Harper Perennial for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I am sorry, but I was unable to get into this book. The constant bouncing back and forth between several different timelines was tricky to keep track of, as well as the locations changing all the time as well. I wish the publisher and author much success on publication. I am sorry that I wasn't able to finish the book and am sure readers will enjoy it. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review this title.
The Paris Model
A Novel
by Alexandra Joel
HarperCollins Publishers
You Like Them You Are Auto-Approved
Harper Perennial
Historical Fiction | Women's Fiction
Pub Date 01 Sep 2020 | Archive Date 27 Oct 2020
Historical fiction, based on a true story. I truly love this genre and this book was a quick read. Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for the ARC.
3 star
A good story, well written and researched. For those who enjoy historical fiction and fashion, this book will entertain, enthrall, and provide a pleasant read.
I enjoyed this book, set post WWII in France. It is a fairly quick read, and has a twist for the heroine. There is espionage and secrets, as well as fashion. Overall I would say this was pretty well written and kept me engaged. Thank you to netgalley for the Arc.