The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard is a wonderful novel about the notorious designer Astrid Bricard. Rooted in semi-truths, it's a perspective of women designers in a man's world. Astrid's creativity is attributed to her partner, Hawk Jones, when they were both great designers in their own right. It details a pivot in the world of design and gender norms in the fashion industry.

I have tried reading this repeatedly this year, and I just can't get into it. I know others that love historical fiction, generational stories, and mystery will love it. Our library even purchased it on my recommendation and others have really enjoyed it. This one just wasn't for me.

The premise of this book had me really intrigued. What girl doesn’t want to read about the fashion industry?! And I love me a good dual timeline story, so this checked all the boxes. But, unfortunately, I struggled to get into this book. It was long and dragged out a bit in the middle, and for that, I really had a hard time finishing this.

I enjoyed the sneak peak into the fashion world, and loved the historical context, especially Mizza’s part in the war. It was also fun to read about the changing fashion for women, including the introduction of pants, but at times, it felt like I was bouncing around a bit too much and it made me feel a little lost. I think I would like to try reading this book again when I can really put some time into it.

Thank you to Natasha Lester, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and NetGalley for an advance electronic copy of the book for an honest review.

It was slow to start but I ended up really enjoying this! I liked the historical fiction portion of the novel, especially Mizza's part I feel like if you enjoy Taylor Jenkins Reid, this one is right up your alley. This story's about the Bricard fashion family and three generations of fashion powerhouses.

I found this to be more of a three and a half to four star read. It did take a little bit of the book for me to finally get hooked. The story is interesting, especially Mizza’s parts during the war, but it’s also very slow at other times and feels like it drags. If you want something fast-paced, this isn’t it.
if you’re a fan of stories spanning different decades, with suspense and drama, this may be for you.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the arc. All thoughts and feelings are my own.

4.5 beautiful stars from me as someone who spent 20+yrs in the industry!

Going back to January, I am SEVERELY behind in this review, and to NetGalley and the publisher, I am truly sorry because here's the thing -- it's September, and this was *one* of my FAVE books of the year!! (I'm certain it's because of my past life career, but I digress.)

This is my first novel by this author and I don't want it to be my only!
Paris 1917, NYC 1970 and present day, collide in this hit about the fashion industry and family generational shadows. Who leaves what baggage for the next gen? For Astrid, there was always a preconceived notion about her mom in the public's eye. She thinks she knows the truth...but does she really? Blythe in present day, had always felt abandoned by her mom, Astrid, and now her husband as well...but then again, she never had the real story either. There's factual industry language interspersed in this exciting fictional drama and I was here for it!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Historical Fiction isn't my go to genre, but this book makes me question why. It's told in the perspectives of 3 women throughout different times in history. They're all in the world of fashion, and for each woman they experience inequalities because of being female.

I loved reading about the history of fashion and each woman's experience. There was some mystery throughout as indicated in the title - what happened to Astrid? This does not get answered until the very end and definitely leaves you guessing throughout the book as we learn more about Astrid's life.

Recommended!

The story of three generations of the Bricard fashion family dynasty finally culminate as Blythe, the youngest, tries to bridge her past with her future dreams. Grandmother Mizza and Mother Astrid were fashion geniuses in their own rights, but due to societal norms were unable to claim any designs as their own, Instead, they were labeled by the press as "muses" for noted male fashion designers even though the creations were their own. Blythe, granddaughter and daughter respectively, has observed her predecessors' struggles and opted out of that world, stubbornly insisting on not being a pawn in a male dominated field. Told from three perspectives, this book follows the story of each woman until its culminating conclusion when the reader finally understands what happened to Astrid and why.

A bit of historical fiction wrapped with a modern day tie-in, I loved this book and would highly recommend it to readers who loved Taylor Jenkins Reid's 'Mick Riva' series.

I’m a little late getting to this review but I really did enjoy the book. It was thoughtful, heartfelt and at times infuriating! Told through the point of view of 4 different women this book dives deep i to the bias that plagues women in a working industry. It brings to the forefront how love and grit can drag you out but it doesn’t erase the years of stigma women have. Truly a great and timeless read

This was an amazing powerhouse of a book! It gave off the same vibes as Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid. The three generations of the Bricard women provided a glimpse of the intricate world of fashion during the 1900s. It's historical fiction, it's a mystery, it's a romance. The tension of the plot and the dynamics of the characters will have you sweeping through this book in no time at all. An absolute delightful read!

I received a copy of this title via NetGalley.

This book was hit and miss for me. I wanted to love it, as I think that setting it in the world of fashion allowed for drama and plot highs and lows incredibly well. (Lester has obviously done her research!!) The dual timelines have lost me though, as it seems that we get two partial stories rather than one complete story. I would have loved to follow this through one POV in a continuous story!

I picked up *The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard* thinking I'd get a fashion story, but was pleasantly surprised to discover that this book is more about feminism, family, and history.

Natasha Lester does a fantastic job weaving a tale about the Bricard women. It's a juicy, decades-spanning saga with plenty of secrets and strong women. The historical backdrop adds some serious depth, too.

So, if you're looking for a read with strong, resilient women and a bit of fashion flair, give this one a go. It exceeded my expectations, for sure!

4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to Forever Publishing for the advanced copy!

A glittery blend of women empowerment, fashion and generational mystery.


Thanks NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) |for the ARC.

Synopsis -

Present day - Blythe Bricard is currently at a posh castle in the French countryside, at her ex-husband’s family party. She is the daughter of a renowned fashion icon, but her own career is heading downhill. Can Blythe turn her life around?

New York, 1970 - Astrid Bricard is ready to set the fashion world on fire - only she ends up being a ‘muse’ to her lover Hawk Jones, who is regarded highly by the fashion industry. But the Battle of Versailles has given Astrid the perfect opportunity to prove herself. What is she willing to sacrifice and at what cost does fame come to her?

Parid, 1947 - Mizza Bricard has a mission to accomplish, determined to leave her mark in the world of couture. She will put her struggles behind and will rise to glory as a legend to be remembered.

Review -

This is my first book by the talented Natasha Lester and I am so impressed! I am huge fan of books that spotlight female leads with challenging circumstances and setbacks - but who will go on to shine despite the misogyny, inequality, oppression and injustice.

Set in the world of fashion, Lester has crafted the most immersive saga spanning three generations and multiple time periods - expertly linking them all with the insatiable drive, will-power and grit of all the lead women – Mizza, Astrid and Blythe.

While there is glitz, glamor and panache in their lives, there is also immense struggle. The WWII and lack of opportunities for Mizza, the fashion world reducing her to a muse and discounting her abilities for Astrid, a shadowed, burdened and hindered existence for Blythe.

Although the POV and timeline interjections felt a bit haphazard, Lester has managed to provide each of these women the upliftment they need, the recognition they deserve, as well as the right platform to showcase their true worth. Their strength, resilience, talent and resourcefulness are simply inspiring. My only other gripe is the length of the book - it could've easily been 50 pages shorter and had the same impact.

The prologue hints at a mystery thread and the story maintains the suspense throughout. Combined with Lester’s blissful writing, this becomes a totally immersive read.

Highly recommend if you love historical fiction with a touch of mystery!

It was really interesting to learn about the fashion industry and how sexist it is. I thought that some of the plot points were a little too neat, but overall I enjoyed the book!

Thank you Forever and NetGalley for the gifted copy and eARC of The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard! All opinions in this review are my own.

Natasha Lester is easily one of my favorite historical fiction writers and Astrid Bricard just became my favorite book by her! It's got the whirlwind energy of Daisy Jones and The Six mixed with high fashion. I like that the story follows three generations of the Bricard women and how they all operate within the world of fashion revealing their secrets one by one. While it does take some time to get to Astrid's disappearance, Lester's expertise in storytelling makes you almost forget that the disappearance is supposed to be the main focus.

Fans of Lester will be treated to appearances of Alix St. Pierre. It is not necessary to read The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre before reading The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard, but it is fun to see how the characters operate in the same world.

The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard is such a fantastic read and I'm already looking forward to Lester's next novel!

This book was a very interesting look at the fashion industry. I had never known about the misogynistic attitudes from many of the designers and influencers. Unfortunately, I didn’t connect with any of the main characters and thought it dragged a bit in the middle.

If Daisy Jones and Astrid Bricard were real people, they'd definitely be best friends! I loved this story of 3 generations of women and the mark they left on the fashion industry. Natasha Lester is one of my favorite authors as she weaves beautiful tales of fiction.

Book:The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard
Author: Natasha Lester
Length: 451
Publisher: Forever
Overall Rating: 5 Stars
Blog Review: 5 Saltire Flags

This book is an absolute masterpiece based of a triple timeline following sixteen year old Mizza Bricard in 1917 1hi becomes a muse for Christisan Dior and a designer herself. She promises herself she will be remembered, This book also follows her fictional daughter Asrid in the 1970’s and her daughter Blythe in the present day. It has a bit of everything in the fashion industry, feminism, not forgetting the horrific Nazi’s and even Mick Jagger! A fabulous book from start to finish!

Definitely a book readers don't want to miss!

Disclaimer: I received an advance reader copy from the publisher through Netgalley. I voluntarily agreed to do a fair review and blog through netgalley. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own.









stories.




New York Times bestselling author Natasha Lester delivers a brilliant blend of feminism, fashion, and history in this bold novel set against the real-life designers’ showdown in Versailles in the 1970s.

French countryside, Present Day: Blythe Bricard is the daughter of famous fashion muses but that doesn't mean she wants to be one. She turned her back on that world, and her dreams, years ago. Fate, however, has a different plan, and Blythe will discover there is more to her iconic mother and grandmother than she ever knew.

New York, 1970: Designer Astrid Bricard arrives in bohemian Chelsea determined to change the fashion world forever. And she does―cast as muse to her lover, Hawk Jones. And when they're both invited to compete in the fashion event of the century―the Battle of Versailles―Astrid sacrifices everything to showcase her talent. But then, just as her career is about to take off, she mysteriously vanishes, leaving behind only a white silk dress.

Paris, 1917: Parentless sixteen year old Mizza Bricard has made a vow: to be remembered on her own terms. Her promise sustains her through turbulent decades and volatile couture houses until, finally, her name is remembered and a legend is born―one that proves impossible for Astrid and Blythe to dist

2.5-3 stars. This novel had to mcc going on and too little suspense among the several plot lines. I finished it but it was average IMO.

This book is absolutely phenomenal! Seriously under-rated - more people need to read this! I highly recommend for fans of Daisy Jones and the Six. This story follows three generations of women who have all been dealing with the curse of being a woman in the spotlight. It highlights the negative discourse that surrounds women and the way the media constantly berates women while celebrating men. While this follows three timelines - the 70's timeline stands out the most and really sets the vibes for this book.

I highlighted multiple quotes that stood out to me as relevant even today despite being written about events in the 40's or 70's. I also really loved the characters; each woman, Mizza, Astrid and Blythe was inspirational. I would also recommend for fans of feminist empowerment stories.

The authors note at the end really brought everything together and solidified the magic of this book for me.