Thank you Forever for providing my with an advanced copy to read for an honest review.

This book is written about Alix‘s story during three different time periods as we get to know about the life events that have moulded her to be who she is. She is an orphan as both her parents passed when she was young and she was fortunate enough to have a friend named Lillie whose family sort of adopted her and helped her move forward in life. Alix attended private boarding school and socialized with many affluent people even though she was not a part of that social circle. The book starts off with Alix working for Dior in his marketing department after the war. As the story unfolds we begin to understand that during the war she was involved as a spy and we started to learn about her work during the war and about her fiancé Bobby, who died in the war.

I really enjoy reading historical fiction. I found the components of the story around Dior really interesting and it makes me want to pick up some more material and read about Dior’s original design.

I enjoyed the book and it’s the first book that I have read by this author and I will read more books by her in the future. I found this one a little bit long and drawn out at times. I enjoyed the plot and the writing. It was a good historical fiction book and I would read another book by her again. I would rate this book around 3.75, not quite 4 stars for me.

I adored this book. It is different than a typical WWII book and it includes the title character reckoning with the aftermath of the war, which I find books often skip or gloss over. Recommend!

Jumping between two timelines, this book follows Alix St. Pierre through her time during World War II as an OSS spy in Switzerland and her postwar life in Paris. Though the war is over, her past continues to haunt as the weight of nine lives falls on her shoulders. Alix has attempted to move on by becoming the head of PR for the up and coming designer, Christian Dior. while working for Dior, she meets a man who was on the mountain with those nine men and they vow to form a partnership and take down the Nazi who seemingly got away with these murders. Natasha Lester developed a beautifully written historical fiction book that ties in so many real historical figures and dresses. Focusing on not only Alix’s haunting history but current societal issues of gender roles, I love that Lester addressed these issues that occurred not only after the war but still today seamlessly. I enjoyed seeing women’s prominent roles during the war be a focal point and not glossed over. Alix plays the hand she is dealt and does it spectacularly, aiding to the strong character development. Lester does a fantastic job writing this piece and hope everyone reads it. I hope it will be the next Alice Network!!

"There was one brief and shining moment, wasn’t there, when it looked like the world would change. For four years we spied and we worked damn hard and we saved people’s lives and we made a difference and nobody cared too much that we were women. And then it all ended. Went backwards, even.”

What I loved:

✔️Following one character throughout the book
✔️A title that made me stop and ponder
✔️A fiercely independent protagonist who didn’t use her past as a crutch
✔️Set against the glitz of French couture, fashion, designing houses,
✔️Christian Dior and the women behind his genius
✔️vivid, lush descriptions of fabrics and pieces
✔️Meticulously researched using primary sources
✔️A grand romance
✔️WW2, espionage and the resulting tension
✔️Twists
✔️miriad of quotable lines
✔️Examination of gender roles during and after the war; impact on females
✔️learning something new - Piscine Deligny!
✔️bring reminded of visits to Bern and seeing the Kindlifresserbrunnen and of Paris and crossing the Pont Alexandre III

'So you are being useful. It’s just that your usefulness isn’t acknowledged by anyone.'

Another win for a trusted author! I can count on Lester to showcase daring women and France, a country dear to my heart, and pen a fantastic book that allows me to escape into history.

I was gifted this book by Forever, Grand Central Publishing, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

After reading a lot of non-fiction about actual female war spies this just fell way short to the point of not being able to continue reading it. Maybe if I cared more about fashion ... but I don't.
(Want a real thrill? Pick up some Ben Macintyre.)

I really enjoyed the first 1/4 of this novel and felt that I was reading a potential 5-star read. I know next to nothing about couture fashion, but the plot was dynamic and interesting and I felt that Alix’s character was reminiscent of Evelyn Hugo’s moxie and wit, which is the highest of compliments. After the book jumped timelines to during the war, I really struggled to maintain interest and keep up with that story, as the dialogue seemed repetitive and the intrigue of the plot mystery was waning. I ultimately found my interest and investment in the book to be completely gone by 50%, and ended up putting this one down to hopefully return to another time. I truly love historical fiction and the mystery component in this one of being hunted for by a Nazi informant was super intriguing, so I feel hopeful in saying it would be a 3-star read or higher for most historical fiction lovers.

Thanks to Forever Pub for the copy of this book!

Let me start by saying that when it comes to historical fiction... I am very picky. I used to read a ton of it, but it is no longer my go-to genre, and to stick with a book, I really have to love it. That being said, this was SUCH a compulsive read for me. The dual timeline during and right after WWII was executed perfectly to the point I'd end a section and be like AHH I have to read more.

Next, the subject matter. WWII spy network + Paris after the War + the start of Christian Dior's career + strong females + mystery + romance was just EVERYTHING. Such a good blend to make this book really unique and interesting. Absolutely recommend picking this one up!

I'm not sure what I read. This was slightly confusing I ended up DNFing half way through. I had a hard time following the story.

I read Natasha’s book The Riviera House last year and adored so I knew I wanted to read this one. And it DID NOT DISAPPOINT. “An unforgettable story of an orphan turned WWII spy turned fashion icon in Paris.” I loved the alternating timelines of before, during and after the war (even when you got to the end of one part and were DYING to know what happened next and it switched to a different time!!) Alix is strong, courageous and not afraid to speak her mind. She’s truly a force to be reckoned with. I enjoyed the aspects of being a female and the discussion on what rights you did [or in this case didn’t have] and the differing economic classes and how that impacted each persons lives. There’s something for everyone in this book; the unique plot about Switzerland in WWII, mystery/whodunit, and a bit of romance.

Run don’t walk to get a copy of this. Out Jan 10.

Thank you Forever Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a unique, thoughtfully planned out story perfect for fans of WIII historical fiction. It is told through the lens of Alix St. Pierre and weaves together three timelines: Alix’s life pre war as a Paris fashion correspondent, her life during the war as a spy for the OSS and her life post-war working for Dior. These three shifting timelines not only keep the story moving forward but also bring suspense as gaps are filled and twists are revealed. What I think makes this book stand out from others in this genre was the element of fun and excitement we got through Alix’s job working for Dior. I enjoyed learning about the history of this designer, the Paris culture post war and the descriptions of the lavish Ritz Hotel. While I primarily read the book, which you will want in front of you to see the gorgeous Dior dresses, I listened to some chapters via audio and found the narrator to be excellent and skillful, particularly when depicting the accents from various countries!

Read if you like:
-WWII Historical Fiction
-Fashion/ Christian Dior
-Stories about feminists
-Alternating timelines and settings
-Side romance storylines
-A bit of mystery and suspense

Thank you so much Forever and Hachette Audio for the ARC/ALC. Out Jan 10th!!

Thank you @readforeverpub for a copy of this book. Lester does a great job with another histories fiction during WWII. Alix St. Pierre is an amazing main character with her job as PR for Christian Dior launching his own line. I love how strong and determined Alix is and we learn about her role during the war.

I enjoyed how the book explored how difficult it was for a woman wanting a career and not to be a housewife. Economic class was also discussed and how people treated you if you weren't in the same economic status.

I love how the past of Alix leads her to her preset day and how the story was told.

Alix St Pierre is fierce in both mind and body. A talented, hard-working woman. It's 1943, and she is recruited into the OSS as a spy and sent to Switzerland. She ends up working with the Italian partisans to secure the supplies, especially weapons and ammunition, they need to fight the Nazis. However, some of her methods are questionable, and not everything goes according to plan. So, when the war ends, she is haunted by some events.

Wanting to escape her war efforts and past, she returns to Paris and is hired by Dior to help launch his new couture clothing line. But, as she immerses herself in work, the past comes back to haunt her once again.

This is a unique take on historical fiction; it combines war, espionage, romance, and fashion, making it fun but, at times, intense and intriguing. I loved learning about the early years of fashion design houses and Christian Dior before he was well known. Overall, excellent historical fiction.

4.5 stars

Plot: This story centers around Alix St. Pierre, a young woman who desperately tries to escape her previous involvement in the war by becoming a publicist at the House of Dior in Paris. Told through timelines of before, during, and after the war, we learn of Alix’s recruitment to be a spy, her time serving in Europe, as well as her role in launching the Christian Dior brand. She wants nothing more than to leave her past behind, but when a person from the war threatens to destroy her future, Alix realizes this is her chance to right her wrongs and maybe even find some justice.

Thoughts: It is clear how much research went into this book. Lester crafted the perfect blend of intrigue and glam by bringing together a WWII storyline with the glitz of Dior. This is certainly different from most WWII stories, but how can you go wrong with a story that involves a female spy, fashion, and journalism? There is really something for everyone in this book, and I look forward to checking out some of Lester’s previous works. It is clear that she values strong female protagonists within the historical fiction genre, which I always enjoy reading about.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author did a wonderful job of painting the scenes for us. In the beginning of the book I thought it was going to be rather shallow, but it was not. I liked Alex in all of her lives. I believe that we can always count on Natasha Lester for our historical fiction reading. The book was easy to read, told a great story, and held my interest.

I absolutely enjoyed this book. I found the title character Alix well developed. I would recommend this book to just about anyone who likes a good story.

I really enjoyed reading this book. This was a beautifully written World War 2 novel with a great premise. Alix
works for the resistance during the war, and she evolves into a publicist for Dior back when women didn't usually work unless they had to.

I loved the setting, and the plot. I enjoyed the background about women - how they were so important to the war effort, but then dismissed when the men came home. I also enjoyed the dilemma that Alix had CAN women have it all.

It was a novel of war, of history and it had some romance thrown in.

.A solid 4 stars. Why not 5? Because I really enjoyed it, but I didn't close it thinking "wow". . I didn't immediately message my friends saying "you HAVE to read this". I liked it a LOT, but love? Not so much..

A completely captivating story of a young woman whose work during WWII continues to haunt her in a post war Paris. With the backdrop of the up and coming House of Dior, she tries to hold on to her determination, ambition and independence while trying to avenge and overcome the one tragedy that lingers in her nightmares.

Alix St Pierre was just starting out in the PR world of New York when she’s recruited by the government to be a spy in Switzerland…a place she knew well thanks to her time at a boarding school. Once she arrives, she realizes that if she’s going to make a difference in this war…she has to go out on her own and do it rather than bow down to the man in charge. She becomes involved with Italian partisans and hopes to help them overthrow the Nazis who are destroying towns and people in the quest for dominance.

A mission gone wrong takes the lives of 9 men and in the years after the war, Alix carries the weight of responsibility heavily on her shoulders. As she takes a job as the head of PR for Christian Dior, she meets a man who was on the mountain the day those brave 9 men lost their lives. Together they form a partnership to take down the Nazi who got away. Along the way they learn that times have changed and people can be happy together without societies expectations ruling over every decision they make. As the man that got away comes after Alix for his own revenge, the duo revert back to their spying days to set him up and take him down. Can they do it? You’re going to have to read this book to find out!

First of all, let me say that I love Natasha Lester’s work. Her writing style is so captivating that you are hooked within the first couple of sentences. She creates characters that you can empathize with as well as admire! Alix St Pierre is such a strong, independent woman determined to make something of herself even if it means sacrificing love because she has been taught she can’t have both. But the war changed all that and it takes heartbreak to realize that there is a man out there willing to accept her and her ambitions.

I absolutely LOVED the inclusion of the House of Dior. Fashion tells a story in itself and for Alix, it provided her an extra boost of confidence because who doesn’t feel good in a beautiful dress designed to flow with you rather than just hang there. While the story in itself is fictional, many of the people, places and events were real and based on reality. In her author’s notes, Ms Lester details that to a great degree as well as provide sources. So do NOT skip out on the Author’s Notes. They are an intricate part of the story and her research is to be commended.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Forever Grand Central Publishing and Natasha Lester for the early chance to read this awesome story! It’s definitely one to add to your TBR list!

I've really liked Natasha Lester's previous books, and The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre was no different! It took a little while for me to get into it, but then I couldn't put it down. I loved the character of Alix, a former female member of the OSS who railed against traditional gender roles - a fight many women still face today! The descriptions of Dior's maison and the fashion housed within it were so incredible. I'm also a sucker for cat and mouse games, so the La Voce storyline kept me turning pages. The author always does a great job of threading so many real historical figures and events into her stories (and sends me down many google rabbit holes!). This book was a little long, but overall, I really liked it and would absolutely recommend it. Can't wait to see what the author does next! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

👍🏼👍🏼 WW2 Lady Spies + Couture + Romance

Honestly the trifecta we all need. Or at least I did.

Not all WW2 historical fiction gets me going, but oh my, there is something about lady spies that I absolutely love. Okay, I like all spies. But WW2 lady spies, the women who paved the way for the modern intelligence community?! I love it.

What I really loved about this book is the redemption. Yeah there’s the war and the espionage and the fashion and the romance. But at the core of it all is the rise and fall and rise and fall and redemption of the infamous Alix St. Pierre.

The book feels a little long at first, but the story is so cleverly and carefully woven together. The time and effort is certainly worth it in this case. I loved the way that all of the dots were connected in the end with just the right amount of catharsis to finish it off.

Right, so how does one combine espionage, high fashion, and love? With a colorful cast of characters, of course. Largely based on real people (except for our central characters), the people that shape Alix’s experiences are fantastic in their own rights. Remember how I said the book feels long at first? It takes a few pages to introduce everyone and really set the stage. Stick with it.

Our heroine, Alix St. Pierre, has lived quite the life. A child of immigrants who ends up, through a series of un and fortunate circumstances, attending finishing school in Europe. Determined to make a name for herself, Alix sweet talks her way into working at the fashion magazine powerhouse, Harper’s Bazaar in Paris. Alix continues to garner success as a PR agent in the world of fashion due to her skill in storytelling. Until the world comes to a halt.

Like most women of the era, Alix joins the war effort. However, with the multiple languages she speaks and high familiarity with Europe, she is quickly recruited and sent behind enemy lines to be a “secretary”. Alix’s talents serve her well in her wartime role with one large exception which haunts her post-war life.

On a whim, Alix accepts an invitation to return to Paris to run the PR effort for a new and upcoming fashion house belonging to the one and only Christian Dior. While starting her new life, Alix is forced to confront her past, and maybe take a chance at falling in love.

I really enjoyed Alix’s journey - understanding where she comes from but also seeing the heights that she rises to. If you love historical fiction, romance, spies, and/or fashion, I think you are going to love this one too.

The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre is an extraordinary work of historical fiction written by Natasha Lester. The focus on the story is the title character, Alix. Alix is an American woman who is orphaned at a young age and is taken in by her wealthy friend Lillie's family. The story mostly begins after Alix's schooling at a boarding school in Switzerland. She is recruited to work with Allen Dulles in Bern in order to uncover information about the Nazis that will aid the allies. The tragedy that happens during this period of Alix's life resurfaces when, a few years later in Paris, when working for the legendary fashion designer Christian Dior as his public relations specialist, new information comes to light. The two timelines are presented in alternating sections, so that the story unravels piece by piece, and the reader begins to make connections as to how the story will ultimately unfold.

This was a spectacular novel that I highly recommend. I have never read a book where the characters' dialogue and inner life are so vividly portrayed, until I read this novel. The extensive research that Ms. Lester conducted to write this book was so on point that I found myself wondering if Alix was real. She was so precisely placed into the real events and people of the time period that it was highly believable. The journey she takes - along with some of the supporting characters - is so moving, and so poignant. As I came to the last 10% of the book or so, I realized that I was unable to predict how the author would bring things to a close and reveal the truths of what Alix was trying to uncover. It came to a satisfying yet believable conclusion.

Thank you NetGalley, Natasha Lester, and the publisher for an electronic ARC of this book. Highly, highly recommended!