The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre by Natasha Lester tells the story of Alix's time prior, during and after the war. Alix is orphaned at the age of thirteen and taken by a rich family and she becomes best friends with the daughter, Lillie. The reader learns about her friendship with Lillie and their friend Bobby.

During the war, in 1943, Alix is recruited to be a spy for the OSS, The Office of Strategic Services, which was an intelligence agency of the US. Alix is sent to Europe to help the Allied forces. She is sent to Bern; Switzerland and her boss is a man named Dulles who was the first civilian person to head the CIA. Alix was able to be in contact with the resistance fighters and was part of the plot to assassinate Hitler which never came to fruition.

In 1946 Alix goes to Paris to run the Service de la Presse which is a press/ newspaper of the time. She works with Christian Dior and helps publicize his new fashion house. She promotes the line of clothing, even getting Rita Hayworth a gown for her movie Gilda. Alix is well liked by all but there is a woman who is not so enamored with Alix. She is out for revenge, and she has enlisted the help of a person that Alix would rather forget, but when she finds that he has escaped prosecution for his Nazi war crimes, Alix is determined to find him and bring him to justice for the atrocities he committed.

Alix meets an American newspaper editor, Anthony March, who ends up helping her in her quest for justice, plus a bit of romance thrown in. This story is about fashion, Nazi's, the resistance and danger. A story that will tug at your heartstrings and have you rooting for Alix and Anthony. A lot of the story is based on fact, with real people and their stories of the time in the war and after.

I love historical fiction and love when the protagonist is a strong woman who knows her mind even in the time after the war when women were sent back home to be wives and mothers, stay in the kitchen even though they risked their lives during the war to assist the men.

I think that Natasha Lester did an amazing job of telling the reader a story that will stay long after the last page is turned.

I give it 5 stars!

My Review:

The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre is a stunning and visual story set in the timeline of 1943-1947. Set in Switzerland, Italy and Paris, this is the story of Alix St Pierre and her story is fabulous. This book is based on both fictional and real life characters of that period.

Alix St Pierre is a strong character and I loved her so much. Her struggles as a woman in a man's world are very real. She is courageous but at the same time jaded. I can definitely see a character like Alix struggling to make her mark in the world. She wears trousers but at the same time loves to wear Dior gowns. The side characters are excellent too. I pretty much guessed the mystery, but there is definitely a twist.

How I would have liked to be a fly on the wall to see the brilliance of Christian Dior. Natasha Lester brings alive the maison of Dior in the story. The beautiful gowns, seamstresses and the whole team of Dior come alive in the book. I had to google while reading about the gowns that she has described in the book. If you love couture and historical fiction, go and grab this book.

Thank you Forever Grand Central Publishing and Netgalley for this book.

This was another really good book by this author. It’s well written. I love Alix! She’s so tough, funny and determined.
It has a bit of a mystery and romance making it the perfect book! I loved it!
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

This book is steeped in so much richness. It’s rich in page count. It’s rich in content. It’s rich in emotion. It’s rich in fashion culture. It’s rich in Paris. It’s rich in context. It’s rich in characters. It’s rich in betrayal, guilt, resolution, and resolve. It’s also rich in historical information.
Once again, Lester has outdone herself. I savored each page and read more slowly the closer I got to the end because I simply didn’t want it to end.
Lester provides detailed historical notes at the end, leaving me much dirt to delve as I overturn the stones, I know next to nothing about the Italian partisans nor the atrocities the civilians incurred, but it didn’t surprise me.
Anyone who doesn’t read this book will be the poorer for it.

This was an engrossing, very well researched historical novel that easily pulls you in and keeps you absorbed from beginning to end.

In alternating timelines we get to unravel the strong female character that is Alix St. Pierre. From orphan to life as a spy, to Head of PR for the House of Dior, Alix’s journey to a happy future must include facing her past.

With interesting side characters, a dash of romance, danger and intrigue as well as a healthy dose of female empowerment this book was absorbing from beginning to end.

Thank you to Net Galley for an advance read copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

This book was simply phenomenal. It had everything I ever want in a historical fiction book!! Romance, history, adventure, mystery- my brain was whirring the whole time. I lovedd Alix so much. Her whole character was beautifully written- but everything was so vivid it all just leapt off the page for me. Absolutely devoured this one and highly recommend it!!

The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre by Natasha Lester is another incredibly beautiful and emotionally gut-wrenching novel by an author I deeply admire. I haven''t been able to stop thinking about Alix since I finished this book (and readers cannot skip the author note at the end, absolutely fascinating!). She is truly a heroine worthy of Lester's lyrical prose. I particularly loved revisiting Christian Dior and the glamorous post-WWII fashions. Truly a must read for historical fiction fans!!!!

I could hardly put this book down, and I loved the story.
Alix is in Paris after WWII, serving as press secretary for Christian Dior. She's also trying to solve some mysteries from her OSS job during the war. The story goes back and forth between her present day and the time during the war in Switzerland and Italy. I loved how smart and courageous Alix is - she knows she isn't less than a man, and she demands to be treated as such. There's more than one love story here, also, and many beautiful friendships.
The book shows the horrors of war, but it also shows redemption and hope.

Natasha Lester's historical fiction are some of my favorite and I love how she weaves in fashion into her books and The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre is no exception!

In 1946 Paris, Alix has just arrived in Paris to run the Service de la Presse for the yet-to-be-launched House of Christian Dior. When a figure from the war threatens to destroy her future, she is determined to bring him down and confront her time working for the OSS in Switzerland.

I loved the three lives aspect of this book how we saw Alix before, during and after World War II. My favorite part was the after -- I loved reading about the early days of Dior and putting together all of the pieces. This is meticulously researched and my favorite type of historical fiction where fake characters are mixed in with real people and events.

This is little slow in the beginning, but once you get into the story, you can't put it down. I love that this book explores the post-war period and so glad there are more historical fiction books coming out that explore more of this period.

The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre comes out Tuesday - January 10th and it should be in your 2023 reading list!

I have enjoyed reading all of Natasha Lester’s books and this one is no exception. In this historical fiction novel, we are drawn into the life of Alix St. Pierre, who has led a complicated life. In Paris, right after WWI, Alix begins working for Christian Dior, as he becomes an emerging success. She has a grief filled past due to things that happened in the war, and is still searching for justice. The book is full of interesting characters whose lives are entwined. A fascinating story to begin 2023!

Alix St. Pierre spent her early adult years in New York working in the world of advertising and PR. In 1943, her skills impressed the U.S. government, and she was recruited as a spy for the newly formed OSS (Office of Strategic Services). She was sent to Switzerland and worked to protect a group of Italian partisans through covert communications with a German informer. By 1946, Alix secured the coveted job of working as the head of publicity for Christian Dior, who was preparing to take Paris by storm with his new label and design house. But Alix has wartime secrets to hide, and her newfound success is threatened by a shady figure from her past.

In The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre, author Natasha Lester has created a sharp, independent main character who refused to settle for the typical female role of her time. The book takes place before, during and after WWII and brings together historical figures with fictitious ones to deliver one riveting book. Meticulously researched, the mixing of wartime intrigue with the exciting world of fashion is a combination Lester has successfully delivered in prior novels. This is the type of sweeping story that fully transports the reader. There's loss, tragedy, love, betrayal and some amazing fashions you'll be googling to see what they actually looked like. If you haven't read anything by Natasha Lester yet, jump on board the fan wagon - she is terrific. Her books The Paris Secret (2020) and The Riviera House (2021) are also not to be missed.

Alix St. Pierre is a feisty heroine and I loved her story. The book jumps back and forth between her adventures during WWII, when she works for OSS in Bern, and her post-WWII life working for Christian Dior in Paris. It takes a while to understand how the two timelines are connected and at times I felt confused during the early chapters trying to understand what was happening. However, this is a thrilling and action-packed story, combining elements of a spy novel, a mystery, and a romance. Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book. Highly recommended for fans of dual timeline WWII novels!

𝐌𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑

If you’ve followed me for long you probably know that @natashalesterauthor is one of my absolute favorite authors. She is a master storyteller of WWII fiction, and I was beyond excited to receive an ARC of her newest novel, The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre. Just look at that gorgeous cover!

“𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬,” 𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐱 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝.
“𝐍𝐨.” 𝐋𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭. “𝐀 𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐮𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥. 𝐖𝐞’𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞. 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐬𝐭.”

𝐁𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞: Born to French immigrants who worked as costumiers in Hollywood, and orphaned at 13, Alix St. Pierre is taken in by her best friend’s affluent family, but she never truly felt part of that world.

𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: In 1943, Alix is sent to Switzerland by the US Government as a spy. Soon she is on the precipice of something big, very big. But how far can she trust her German informant…? And at what cost…?

𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫: 1947, Paris - Alix is hired as Directrice of the Service de la Presse for the yet-to-be-launched House of Dior. In the glamorous halls of the French fashion house, she can nearly forget everything she lost and the dangerous secret she carries. But when a figure from the war reappears and threatens to destroy her future, Alix realizes that only she can right the wrongs of the past…and finally find justice.

As I’ve come to expect from Ms. Lester, Alix’s story is full of mystery, romance, suspense, espionage, and heartbreak. But it’s also one of courage, love, redemption, and belief in oneself, with a little fashion, too.

In 1943, Alix St. Pierre is a talented PR consultant working in New York City. When the US government becomes aware of her skills and the fact that she speaks three languages, she is recruited to join the OSS to use her skills as a spy in WWII. Alix is sent to Switzerland and becomes involved with the Italian partisans by arranging supplies and other things to help with their fight against the Nazis. Alix is good at her job but when an informant gives her information that leads to the deaths of people she is close to, she vows to bring him to justice.

After the war, Alix goes to Paris where she becomes the PR consultant to Christian Dior who is about to launch his first collection. Once again she is successful at her job but when someone from the war suddenly appears, the past comes crashing into her.

Natasha Lester has crafted another wonderful WWII era book with an unforgettable heroine. Alix is strong, independent, resilient and talented but haunted by the past and determined to find justice for the partisans who died because of her. Natasha Lester’s research is impressive and the novel has a strong sense of place. The details about the House of Dior are an added bonus. Be sure to add this book to your To Be Read List!

The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre will be published in the US on January 10, 2023. Thanks to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for the advanced reading copy,

The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre transports the reader to Paris during the 40's as we meet our heroine. Alix has had to reinvent herself in order to survive her youth, WWII and the haunts of her work as a spy during the war.

This historical fiction novel is extraordinarily stunning with its romance, heartbreak, intrigue and suspense. Alix's courage and determination make her a worthwhile protagonist to admire. She's not afraid of danger, but afraid of matters of the heart. Her slow-burn love story with Anthony March, a journalist, is seamlessly woven into their work together to expose a double-agent who's out to destroy Alix.

The Parisian nightlife and couture blazes from the pages with the authors captivating writing. The Christian Dior couture was an absolutely fascinating element to the story and Alix's life. This novel is a must-read for fan of Historical Fiction.

Thank you Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the complimentary copy of this novel.

So I’ll just be over here nursing the biggest book hangover EVER because I don’t know when I’ll be able to extract myself from Paris and Bern, from the bar at the Ritz, from French 75s and chocolate tarts, from Dior’s maison and Alex’s pension. This is by far Lester’s best book yet and it will be both what her loyal readers expect but somehow better, deeper and more than what she’s delivered before.

This story is at the same time cunning and elegant but also full of tension and heat that would set the city of light alight.

I think the cast of characters was perfectly executed and the various timelines are used and worked in such perfect interchangeability to keep us readers on the edges of our seats. Even at the 85% mark I truly was not sure how it was going to end (to me this is a good thing) and I found myself still guessing as the final pages flicked by.

This book is the reason that I will keep reading Second World War era books about what or who we might call badass women who weren’t trying to be extraordinary but whom somehow found themselves at the forefront of the action, with the war at their fingertips.

Elegant, exquisite and transporting.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
I really enjoy historical fiction but I’ve grown tired of WWII stories over the years. This book is definitely an exception.
Alix St. Pierre was an orphan and is now determined to live a life of her own choosing, rather than what society deems appropriate.
Alix is definitely one of my favorite fictional characters!
During the war she works as a spy, proving to be an invaluable resource until she’s given false information from a trusted informant and 9 men lose their lives. After the war, Alix is struggling with the guilt and the loss of her fiancé. She moves to Paris to be the PR officer for Christian Dior, which was so fun to read about!
This story flips back and forth between timelines, pre-war, during war, and post-war. I loved how the story unfolds slowly as the characters are deeply developed.
This was one of my favorite books of 2022!

A historical fiction account that takes place in the lead up to WWII, during the war, and the fall out after the war. Our protagonist must rely on the wiles she achieved being a spy during the war to bring the past to justice. In the interim, she becomes employed by an up and coming fashion designer named Christian Dior. The is a story of heartache, intrigue, drama, and espionage all wrapped up together in a compelling story. Thanks to NetGalley for the early read.

Incredible! I got completely lost in this historical fiction gem. There was romance, heartbreak, intrigue and suspense.

Alix is such a badass character, I loved a glimpse into her lives. Through alternating timelines, the reader is immersed into her life as a genius PR Director for Dior and as a spy during WWII.

I find myself hesitating to reach for World War II novels as sometimes they can be heavy. And while this has its moments that gut you, overall, I found this empowering. There is a strong point-of-view of the role of women post-war that is woven not only in Alix's storyline but evident in the great supporting cast as well.

Natasha Lester's writing is captivating. The way she describes Paris and the breathtaking fashion, while also developing unforgettable characters and quote-worthy dialogue makes this book a dream to read.

Thank you to Forever and Grand Central Publishing for an advanced copy of this and the opportunity to share my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I LOVED this book! I’m a huge fan of historical fiction and this is perfect for readers who enjoy Fiona Davis and Kate Quinn. I learned a lot about intelligence and the war in Italy specifically, lots about Christian Dior and the beginnings of the brand, and society in Paris immediately post-war. This was a romance, there were mystery and suspense elements, it was about friendships, it was just so phenomenally researched and well-written. I would recommend it to almost anyone, I think it has so much to offer. A great way to end 2022!

My thanks to NetGalley and Forever for an advance reader’s copy.