‘Civilisation was more than a mass of people; it was also the beautiful things that came from minds and hands and that touched hearts.’

Paris 1939. Éliane Dufort lives in Paris with her parents and siblings. The family has a small brasserie. Éliane works part time at the Louvre, and as a waitress in the family brasserie. But when Paris falls under Nazi control, lives are changed forever. The Nazis are stealing artworks, and they do not realise that Éliane understands German. Éliane is able to share information about the artworks with members of the Resistance. But this is both courageous and dangerous. And who can she trust? There are spies everywhere.

In the present day, following the tragic loss of her husband and daughter, Remy Lang retreats to a home she has inherited on the Riviera. Remy has a vintage fashion business, and in a catalogue of artworks stolen during World War II she discovers in her Riviera house, she is shocked to discover a painting that hung on her bedroom wall as a child. Who owns the painting?

The story shifts between past and present, between the heroic activities of Éliane and others during World War II and the puzzles and issues confronting Remy in the present day.

Rose Valland was the hero used by Ms Lester as the inspiration for this novel, which took me into a part of World War II history dealing with Nazi art theft and its far-reaching repercussions. Ms Lester brings the two storylines together brilliantly: I was left guessing about some connections until near the end. Both sets of characters came to life for me in this deeply moving story, and I became caught up in both timelines.

Highly recommended.

Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Australia for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

‘Without art, we’re not truly alive. Take away all the musical instruments and the songs and the sculptures and the books and the sketches and the paintings and it's like taking away food. Nobody would survive.’

Natasha Lester continues to produce spellbinding tale after spellbinding tale. Here again she delivers with another historical showstopper - a dual time narrative that will have you on the edge of your seat until you finally, and regrettably, turn the last page. If you have never read a Natasha Lester book (historical fiction fan or not) then I am here to tell you, you are missing out. I have loved everything she has written and her latest, ‘The Riviera House’ is no exception.

For her latest lavish escapade, Natasha transports her readers back to when the Nazis were categorically undertaking major art theft during WWII and where brave Resistance fighters risked much to try and preserve and keep safe remarkable works of art. I cannot even begin to imagine the ENORMOUS amount of research that Natasha so obviously undertook in the writing of this book. The details are incredible as once again her artistic weaving of both facts curated around a fictional tale is sublime and leaves the reader in no doubt … no doubt whatsoever … that Natasha is a phenomenal writer of historical fiction.

To be treated to a dual time narrative is exciting and with each of her novels I continue to be gobsmacked at how cleverly Natasha lays the foundation for both tales knowing that, eventually, they will intertwine and leave her readers in awe. Her storytelling ability is next level, whether you are in war-torn Paris or basking in the sun on the French Riviera, you get all the ‘feels’ through Natasha’s writing. To open a page of Natasha’s book is to be transported back in time or stepping into the shoes of the internal struggles Remy faces in the present day. There are moments where Natasha has you feeling the depths of hunger or the pain from chilblains, where characters are cutting up clothes for repurposing or laying in front of the fireplace in a vintage gown, Natasha takes you there.

If it were at all possible I would give this book more than five stars as it is so heartbreakingly beautiful. I have to hold myself back from rushing to consume it all in one sit, devouring prose as one would refreshment on a hot day. Natasha will always spoil her readers through her love of fashion and vintage clothing which is once again on display. This time, of course, there is focus on some incredible works of art and any story that has you rushing to visually see for yourself through Google is well done. I am not referring here to not only the likes of the Mona Lisa, but also The Astronomer by Vermeer or the enchanting village of Eze on the French Riviera.

‘Art is the daughter of freedom … When we stood together watching the Winged Victory we were all connected by something beyond ourselves. Art is all we have when words fail us, when mankind fails us and when we each fail each other. If we don’t save these works, we can’t save ourselves.’

This novel is so powerful and beautifully written, each and every character brings something to the story. Through pain and loss, sacrifice and sorrow Natasha takes you on a journey where seemingly impossible decisions will have to be made with the ramifications transcending through the years to come.

Do yourself a favour, walk the streets of Paris with Eliane in war torn France, then start putting all the pieces together with Remy in the present day. I challenge you not to be shocked as secrets are revealed at just the right points throughout the story, or feel triumphant when your heartfelt hopes are realised. This is historical fiction, indeed storytelling, at its finest. I simply cannot wait to see what Natasha will come up with next as she is now an author one buys without even turning to read the book blurb - she is that good.

‘Love is watching me go and saying nothing, doing nothing.’




This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Beautiful and sad, and yet a love story with hope. And we all need a bit of hope now.

I enjoyed it so much that I pre-ordered a copy for a friend in lockdown.

This is another historical fiction where past meets present. The past is 1939 Paris where Elaine is involved in a dangerous game. The present is when Remy Lang inherits a home in the Riviera where she comes across a catalogue of stolen art.

This is a dual timeline read but it is one that is done well and flows effortlessly. it is an interesting story inspired by real events. It is a story of war, tragedy, loss, love, secrets and bravery. The descriptiveness is wonderful and it is a book that well hold your attention throughout.

A great read from start to finish and having not read may books from Natasha Lester I think I will be reading more in the future. Highly recommend this one.

An intricately woven story set in two timelines... almost in two different worlds: WWII Paris and 21st century exotic and luxurious Riviera.

The Riviera House is the story of love, hope, loss, betrayal, worthiness of love, life, art and everything in between.

Eliane Dufort and Remy Lang are two women on opposite sides of time, born in different countries, living completely different lives. But both of them are connected by the power of love so overwhelming that it conquers everything an overcomes everything, from Nazi occupation and betrayal of loved ones, to the unspeakable loss and finding passion for love and life again.

Natasha Lester's work is to be praised for the voice, background research, respect and love for period and topics she is writing about. I read this book in one go, could not put it down. And when reviews say, the book is 'moving', they are scratching the surface only. The Riviera House is moving, soul-searching, shaking, breaking and restoring. Watching the heroines' lives unfold, reader can't help but believe and hope, dream and gasp, trust in the power of love and be amazed at the courage of people and at cowardice and evil of people.

Can't wait to read more of Natasha Lester...

Beautifully written and thoroughly researched this is a gem of a novel. A dual timeline set in Paris during the Nazi occupation and in 2015 it was a wonderfully heartbreaking link of art and fashion, and a rumination on the importance of culture and art to a country.

Lester uses beautiful prose and her descriptions of fashion and art are stunning and full of life. They characters are so real and thoughtfully developed. I found myself wanting to check in on them long after I finished this novel.

I savoured it slowly, as I didn't want to leave this world and the ending was bittersweet and very moving. This is one of the best and most touching novels I have read in a long time and would have to be one of my favourites for the year. 5/5

Many thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in return for an honest review.

Set in France during the Second World War and in 2015. The story switches between
Eliane Dufort during WW2 and Remy Lang in 2015 both connected to a long lost painting.
Eliane Dufort works in the Louvre and studies art during the day and helps in her family’s brasserie at night. Any extra money she can earn she spends on her four younger sisters to provide food and comfort.
As the war progresses her father and brother join the army and her mother and sisters leave Paris to find a safer place to live. Eliane stays in Paris and helps pack up precious artwork ready to be moved to a safe destination. Eventually Eliane starts working in a different museum helping Madame Valland identify art for the Germans. Secretly Madame Valland and Eliane worked on a secret inventory coding the artwork and identifying where the artwork was to be relocated.
In 2015 Remy Lang has moved to her house on the Mediterranean Coast of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat in France. Remy is overwhelmed with grief and trying to get over the tragedy of the death of her husband and young child. She has started working again on a new book photographing vintage clothing.
Adam is a photographer staying with his family next door when Remy’s photographer cancels, Adam helps Remy by taking photographs of Remy modelling the vintage clothes.
I loved the way Adam and Remy find a connection to a lost painting from Paris during WW2.
This was about families, grief, art, fashion, photography and France during WW2.

In wartime Paris, a woman joins forces with her colleagues and family to save the art treasures of France from the Nazis.

The Riviera House is the first Natasha Lester novel I have read, and I very much enjoyed this page turner. It’s a wonderful premise and the story doesn’t disappoint. Éliane Dufort is an innocent at the beginning of this story, her main focus the care of her sisters and family. As violence and brutality erupt in Paris, sending her family away and resulting in her involvement in the Resistance movement, specifically recording the destinations and whereabouts of priceless artworks belonging to France, Éliane’s innocence is lost and she becomes embroiled in a situation far larger than herself and her interests. At the same time, she falls deeply in love with Xavier Laurent, who is as determined as she to prevent the theft of France’s cultural heritage.

The parallel, present-day storyline of Remy, who is grieving the loss of her family and whose mysterious origins gradually come to light, is a welcome contrast to Éliane’s narrative. I enjoyed the Riviera house as a character in its own right, its gardens and interiors beautifully rendered. The way the author has linked this location to both characters is well done and the question of how their two lives are interwoven is tantalisingly revealed, keeping me hooked and racing through the pages. The writing is elegant, and often emotionally charged. The insights into wartime suffering and the determined mindset of Resistance Parisians are perceptive and well researched.

Thank you to Netgalley and Hachette Australia for the digital ARC to read and review.

So good!! I think these sorts of books done well are my ultimate comfort read. A bit of history, romance and mystery told in two timelines, good characters and a story told in a believable way, almost impossible to put down.
This book is divided into parts alternating between Paris 1939-45 and a modern storyline. The history is based on fact and the theft of art by the Nazis. A fictional character Eliane works at the Louvre then is part of the cataloguing of the art taken from Jewish owners like the Rothschilds. I was so involved in this story from the start that when it switches to the modern timeline in part 2 I was annoyed but then I got hooked on the modern storyline too. Remy is a widow who also lost her daughter in a car accident 18months earlier. The wrench back and forward between the time periods made me read it faster! I really needed to know what happened and how the stories were connected. The emotional ending is satisfying and perhaps a bit melodramatic (view spoiler) but after such a great read I was willing to forgive this.
I think I will have to read more Natasha Lester!

Absolutely incredible story set around the Nazis stealing priceless artworks. I sat up until the early hours of the morning devouring this book. I shed tears both happy and sad, I've read all of Natasha's books so far and this has been her best.

For the last three years Natasha Lester has left me spellbound by her books which blend a love story with a historical fiction lesson into the life of a strong female.

And so I waited anxiously for the 2021 publication "The Riviera House". I was lucky enough to receive a free of charge ARC copy to read and review.

This book is set across two time lines...present day and second world war France. Remy is our modern day character, looking to discover where she comes from and who her real family are after losing her husband and daughter in a car accident. A mysterious house on the French riviera and a painting she has known her whole life, along with the Goring catalogue of art works she discovers when at the Rivera house, provide clues back to WW2.

I am by no means a romance novel fan and found the first section of The Rivera House a little tedious...modern day lovey dovey and not the historical fiction angle I love......but it sets the scene and introduces us to the complex and emotionally frail Remy. (I now realise, I love Natasha's books for the historical setting, not the present day flip,side.)

Rose Valland is the real life heroine Natasha used as her inspiration, building a network of characters around her work at The Lourve, their families and their allianses across Nazi, Allied and Resistance lines. Rose was a true heroine, honoured by her homeland of France to the highest order.

The subject of Nazi art theft and liberation of it was not new to me, and maybe made me a little blase as I read this version of the horrific true.  I have recently read "The Night Portait. A novel of World War II and da Vinci's Italy" by Laura Morelli which also narrates this time in history across a dual timeframe book.

The movie The Monuments Men (which I watched last night) covers this same theatre of war and Rose is characterised in the movie too.

For me, the modern day story hindered my voracious urge to read of Rose, Eliane, Luc,  Xavier and the dangerous risks they are taking to protect the treasures confiscated by the Nazis. I was kept wondering right until the last page....what happened to them? I loved the play on the coding of paintings ...lovers or traitors. A fine line in WW2! 

Natasha has a great way of weaving fact with fiction and always she celebrates a lesser known historical female brave and ahead of her time. The dual time line shows us how the actions taken in the mid of a world war, can travel down through generations and have repercussions many years later.

Thanks to NetGalley, Hachette Australia and Natasha Lester.

A deeply moving story of love, sacrifice, patriotism and bravery. Heartbreaking and hopeful, and above all, inspiring. I absolutely loved this novel - all the stars!