It took a bit for me to understand and follow the time and dates changing and the back and forth between Sandrine and Lila. But once I figured that out, the beautiful, brilliant story unfold! Exquisite writing and a five star must read of a story of Paris, Art and the Resistance.

There are two main characters whose lives are woven throughout the pages of this amazing trip back to WWII and the Nazi invasion of France. One thread is with the seamstress Lila, who you are introduced to as she is escaping capture. You are frantic as you experience her fear. The second thread is with Sandrine, a mother and the wife whose husband has left to fight against Hitler’s atrocities.

What you don’t realize at the time is how the lives will be affected by their willingness to sacrifice their lives on behalf of the Resistance. The women who work behind the scenes in unbelievable and simple ways are truly brave. The stories of these two women go back and forth in time. It was difficult to keep up with whether you were at the present time (1943/1944) or the past (1939) as you flipped through the pages. I wish there was a way to help me navigate the time periods a little easier. The story was still wonderful, but it often took me a while to realize “where” I was in relation to the time period.

There are so many times you heart will stop as you wait in anticipation for what will happen next. The author does a wonderful job of keeping you on the edge of your seat, making the reader invested in the lives of the characters, and allowing you to experience the Nazi invasion through multiple viewpoints.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

“‘That Bible! You are never without it. It is the only book left on our shelves, and yet its promises are hollow…Does He not groan over our cries of desperation? He does not hear us because He is not here. There is no hope left in the world.’

‘I don’t have an answer—at least not one that will satisfy if this is truly what you believe. Except it is not God’s doing what is happening here. He is not indifferent to our pain. Men decide on their own whom they will serve, and if it is to court evil, God lets them go to it.’”

The Paris Dressmaker is a book of truth and heartache and resilience and the undeniable importance of every single person doing his or her duty. Our world today often feels heavy and scary—until I read stories like this. Stories of a heinous evil that tried to overtake the world during WWII. Stories of persecution and struggle that most of us haven’t endured. And I’m reminded that God didn’t leave His people then, and He hasn’t left us now. I’m reminded of a far more heinous act two thousand years ago when evil tried to conquer the King. But evil didn’t win then, though the days seemed dark. Instead, God used that evil to bring the ultimate Hope to the world. And I absolutely love novels that stir up those kinds of truths.

The Paris Dressmaker made me feel nervous, a bit enraged…and finally—with an inward sigh—triumphant. Kristy Cambron makes war-torn Paris breathe as if you’re sinking into the lives of Lila and Renè and Sandrine in the midst of WWII. Everything feels authentic, from the French spoken to the descriptions of espionage. It’s not the easiest read in terms of subject matter, but it’s absolutely worthwhile. Her writing is smooth and descriptive, drawing you into the past.

Honestly, this is the kind of story I wish more people would read because this exposes the barbaric pieces of history that should be absorbed and remembered in order to make sure we don’t encounter them again. I believe fiction has a unique ability to touch people, and I’m happy to share this one’s influence with all of you.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. In fact, I bought a paperback copy myself before even agreeing to review it.*

The Paris Dressmaker
By Kristy Cambron

The Paris Dressmaker by the amazing Kristy Cambron is an amazing historical fiction read about Paris during the Nazi occupation while highlighting two heroic women who did their best joining the resistance to fight against an evil regime.

The sotry was stunning and the way the timelines were interwoven into the story amidst the stories of Lila de Laurent and Sandrine Paquet's, their voices just jump off the page so distinctly and with so much conviction that I thoroughly enjoyed.

The author's note at the end of the book was fantastic and really helped me gain insight to the real events this book was based on. I also enjoyed the book club discussion questions in the end which made for a real thought provoking read.

Thank you Kristy Cambron for this amazing book I enjoyed reading.

I really wanted to love this novel - its description ticks so many boxes for a great read: interesting characters facing the ravages of wartime occupation, a magical setting (Paris), and it is even based on true events.
Unfortunately, I had a very hard time following all the shifts in time and narration. I don't mind flashbacks or dueling story lines working toward a collision, but I found this novel confusing and often had to backtrack or pause to figure out who/when I was reading about.
I did love the idea of the story and learning more about the characters' occupations and descriptions of Paris.
Thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for the digital copy to review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this World War II Christian historical fiction. Kristy Cameron takes you deep into the French resistance with a fast pace but true human emotions. I felt so much for the characters and their struggles. Oh, and gorgeous cover!

The only thing that I didn't like was the back and forth between the two main protagonists and their timelines got confusing. And I would have liked a little more faith content. The author is known for her faith and I was surprised there wasn't more of it.

4.5 stars!

I always enjoy a Kristy Cambron’s books and this was no exception. If anything, this might have been my favorite yet.

First, the cover just draws you in, it is so beautiful. I usually love any story that takes place during WWII, so that also helped this book be a winner.

Lila and Sandrine’s stories are very interesting and I couldn’t wait to see if and when their worlds would collide. Their stories obviously overlapped but I didn’t know what the impact would be.

If you have read Kristy’s work in the past I am sure you will be pleased with this latest installment. If you haven’t read her work this is a good one to start with.

A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

I really, really liked this one. Just before I started, I was reading another historical fiction novel that takes place in Paris during Occupation as well, and I didn't like it at all. So perhaps my delight in reading The Paris Dressmaker stems from that, but I still think this book was incredible on its own. The characters all felt genuine and real, and I felt for them whenever they were put into dangerous situations (and it's Occupied France, you know that's going to happen). There are multiple timelines for each of the characters, but I personally didn't have trouble following that at all, although I know some others have. Another one of the common complaints seems to be that it takes too long for the two stories to cross over, but I don't agree. Although, I wasn't really expecting them to, and it was a pleasant surprise when they did, so maybe that's why. Either way, I thought it was good timing and any sooner would have felt rushed and forced. I also liked how there were many ups and downs throughout the book, and you never knew if this is the moment the characters would be caught. There were a few times they were as well, but escaped, and sometimes with suffering, and it gives you the idea that anything goes and no one is safe (which is probably more realistic than everyone surviving or not getting hurt at all anyway). I really liked both Lila and Sandrine, and thought their stories were different enough that it was easy to keep them apart. I thought it was fascinating to have them both working with or for the Nazis while also being a part of the Resistance as a mole or undercover. Usually the novels from this era I read focus solely on Resistance members, and rarely those who work on the inside. I also thought it was interesting how the author wrote some of the side characters, and how their stories end up in a vastly different direction that the main characters', Amelie in particular. I think it's a lot more realistic to have acquaintances who end up on the wrong side of history, whether it be by accident or by choice. The writing was really well done, and I found myself slowing down to read every word, which is always my personal indication that a book is well-written as I tend to speed read most things. I also liked how the author ended the story, and the emotions were strongly felt when our characters finally were liberated. It felt genuine, and visceral. All in all, I am very pleased with this book, and I would not hesitate to try out another book by the same author.

I absolutely loved The Paris Dressmaker by Kristy Cambron. Her descriptive writing takes you right into the heart of Paris as it both waits for war and endures Nazi occupation. I could picture the beautiful gowns, and the parties where excess was the norm. And I could just as easily picture the closed up shops and the emaciated women standing in lines in the hopes of getting a scrap of food for their children to eat. How must that have felt? I think I would have done anything, even the unthinkable, to provide for my children.

This plot-driven story is filled with amazing characters who are diverse, flawed, scared, strong.... Though there are definitely "main" characters, all of the characters are necessary to this story. You will love some and despise others, but they all play an important role. I think it's brilliant that I can see myself in several of the characters. Would I have been with The Resistance or would I have crumbled in fear? It's a question you'll ask yourself as you read.

This is a book that I'd recommend reading in paperback. There are multiple timelines, and if you forget what year you're in, it's easier flipping back a few pages of a physical book than an ebook. Regardless, The Paris Dressmaker is worth reading. This inspirational historical fiction will stay with you long after you reach the end.

Kristy Cambron's new book is outstanding. It takes you on a journey of survival, intrigue, espionage, and love. I have never read any novels about the French occupation by the Nazis during World War II. Most books set during that time period focus on London or the Holocaust, so this was a learning experience for me as well as an entertaining read. The switching between time frames was a little confusing at first, but once I got into the story, I didn't have a problem keeping up with what was happening. I always try to put myself into the place of the characters, and the fear of living during this time seems overwhelming, especially working with the Resistance while trying to portray that you are living a normal life. I have never been much for high fashion or couture, but I found the descriptions breathtaking. Breathtaking is actually a word that describes this entire story. I was so into the book that I hurried to finish but was sad that it did. Thank you Kristy Cambron for another fabulous story. I highly recommend it.

I loved this story! I had no trouble keeping up with the different points of views and the jumping timeline. At the beginning of each chapter it tells you the year so it wasn’t that hard to figure out if it was a flashback.
I thought this story was fascinating and intriguing.
I couldn’t wait to get back to it so I could find out what happens to all of the characters.
I was able to listen to the audio version of this book and I thought the narrator was AWESOME. She changed her voice for all of the different accents (French, German, american) and she did a great job on the male voices as well.

For several years, I’ve been a fan of Kristy Cambron. She has a great voice, and her stories are always absorbing and heartfelt. I also love that she highlights lesser known historical events in her novels. The same can be said for The Paris Dressmaker, detailing a seamstress turned Resistance member in WWII, as well as those who worked to preserve Jewish art which was being destroyed at the time. The novel is impeccably researched, giving it an authentic, 1940s setting. I liked both our heroines, though at times I found them to be a bit hard to connect with. Still, both were strong, admirable women who did incredible things for the greater good. I also found it fascinating to read about the French fashions and how they were used in the Resistance.

At times I did find it a bit hard to follow the novel. We’re given two heroines with their own unique plot lines, and each story switches between flashbacks prior to the occupation of Paris and the months leading up to the liberation of Paris. This, combined with lots of phrases in French and German had me struggling to keep up at times.

This is not a light-hearted tale. There are many encounters with Nazis, and that is never an easy thing to read about. I knew going in that this book was not going to be a “happy read” but I did wish there hadn’t been so much time spent on the Nazis.

All in all, I think The Paris Dressmaker has a fascinating plot with many interesting characters, though a bit too much violence for more sensitive readers like myself. World War Two buffs will definitely want to give this book a read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The Paris Dressmaker by Kristy Cambron contained two brilliant, well written stories. I read/listened to the book in one sitting.

The stories of two courageous women resisting the Nazi's in Paris, France were each unique and beautifully woven together. Cambron produces some of the most lyrical writing I have read/listened to in a long time. Lila and Sandrine are both integral to the story, but I found Sandrine's story a little more exciting.

I thought the book was well researched and different from a lot of other historical fiction set during World War II, which was refreshing. I found the setting of Paris, France a nice choice as well. It is important to World War II history, yet a lot of books do not feature or focus on it.

For the audiobook, I thought the narration and accents were fantastic. Barrie Kreinik did an amazing job, and I would easily listen to her again.

The only issue I had with both the eARC I was sent, and the advanced audio copy I was sent was keeping the timelines straight. Sandrine and Lila both have two story lines going during their respective parts of the story. On audio, it is a lot to keep track of without a whole lot breaking it up. The eARC had weird formatting throughout. It was spaced weird. It made it hard to distinguish as well. I am assuming this will be more organized in the final edition. So, no fault was on the authour, but just the poor formatting of the review copies.

Overall, this was a very enjoyable story, and I have already recommended it to family and friends. The narration really elevated an already beautifully written story. 4.5 stars from me.

I received an eARC and advanced audiobook copy from Thomas Nelson and Zondervan through NetGalley. All opinions are 100% my own.

The book is based on real life accounts of French dressmakers during these horrifying times. There is no sparring the reader from the inhumane actions of the Nazis.
I enjoyed the overall story but I felt like it was confusing with the time and POV jumps.
If you enjoy WW2 fiction or stories of bravery and enduring love then I highly recommend The Paris Dressmaker.

Historical fiction based on true accounts of how Parisiennes resisted the Nazi occupation in World war II. Beautifully written, vivid descriptions! The story of two strong women, two heroines that touched my heart and had me on the edge of my seat more than once. Multiple timelines in multiple heroines, an absolutely fascinating story that will command your attention and capture your heart ❤

First let's talk about the cover. When I saw the cover, with my favorite colored dress on the front, I knew the story within would be just as beautiful and I was right!

Kristy Cambron weaves a beautiful story about two heroines and how they defy the Nazi regime as it takes over the City of Light from 1938 to 1945. The story is beautifully told and multi-layered.

If you've read her first book The Butterfly and the Violin you'll notice some elements from that book within this story. As a reader it was really fun to re-visit those and remember the story.

I loved this story and I can't recommend it enough! It will sweep over you and pull you into a very dark place in history showing beauty and hope.

Disclaimer: I received a copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

How could I not love this book. It’s set in Paris and tells the story of two courageous French women during the Nazi occupation. I did find Sandrine’s story more engaging but I Lila’s was amazing as well. A little hard to follow since the book jumped from story to story and backwards in time as well. But clearly well researched and worth the time to untangle the story. A unique story of WW2. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.

Lila de Laurent is a dressmaker for Coco Chanel when the Nazis begin overtaking Paris, and she is soon out of a job as Chanel leaves Paris. Rene Touliard is an active participant in the French resistance and an ex boyfriend of Lila. Sandrine Paquet is a worker at the galerie registering art that is being confiscated by the Nazis, and her husband, Christian, is a soldier in the French Army. Each would play a role in the overthrow of the Nazis before Paris would once again be it's lovely city.

This book was fascinating as it depicted true events that each of the main characters were involved in as they tried to protect the Jews and take back their beloved city of Paris during World War 2. Cambron did an excellent job of bringing Paris to life during this time period and the amazing roles each of the main characters played in this part of World War II. The intertwining of the different time lines for the two sets of characters that intersected at the end of the story was very well done. It was also enjoyable to see the role women played in the war rather than the focus being on men.

Well written book by author, Kristy Cambron.

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

A wonderful story a book of Paris fashion houses of Nazis.An amazing tale of the glitzy Paris houses helping in the fight against the Nazis a special novel,#netgalley #theparisdressmaker,

I adored this view of Nazi occupied Paris. Told from two different timelines, yet still close together. Lila is using her skills as a dressmaker while eavesdropping on those she's designing dresses for... Sandrine is working with stolen art and comes across one of the dresses and finds a secret...

I loved the characters and the scenes. It's beautifully written and engaging.