"The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard' was excellent. I toughly enjoyed it. The characters were well developed. The narrator was great and did a wonderful job. I would recommend this book highly.

This story involved three generations of strong and determined women and the trials and tribulations they went through compared to their male counterparts. This was an amazingly well written and researched story using real and fictional characters.. Thank you NetGalley for the eArc.

This was so good I couldn't put it down! Think dasiy jones and the six but in fashion and add in mystery too. This was so good. I couldn't stop reading this!!
I just reviewed The Wonder of Christmas by Ken Petersen; Randy Petersen. #TheWonderofChristmas #NetGalley
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This one was a combo of fashion and feminism with rich family history and plenty of drama. Natasha Lester does such a great job of combining history with feelings in a way that make you instantly connect with the characters, even when you have absolutely nothing in common with them.

The feminist element was pretty ramped up for my taste although I do know it’s historically accurate and relevant to the storyline, which is why it received a 4 star from me.

Content warning: drug and alcohol use, racism, brief mentions of sexual abuse, sexual content.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy!

Great read. Very interesting fiction recounting of three generations of women in the fashion world. This is a fictional account but there are there real people interspersed within this book. This takes three tremendously talented women, Grandmother Mizza Bricard, Daughter Astrid Bricard and Granddaughter Blythe Bricard through the ups and downs of fashion spanning approximately 100 years. The injustices the women endured at the hands of male fashion experts and the media. Very well written. I learned a great deal about this industry. Must read. Recommend.

3.5 stars for The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard by Natasha Lester

Astrid Bricard seemed to have it all: a coveted scholarship to the Parsons School of Design, enviable talent for designing the latest women’s fashions, and the hottest boyfriend in New York City, rising designer Hawk Jones. So, what caused Astrid to disappear from the famous France vs America Fashion Battle at Versailles when she was on the brink of wild success?

The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard is a mystery, two love stories, and a family epic all rolled into one. The novel tells the story of three generations of Bricard women, including Dior’s infamous muse, Mizza, the ‘Woman in Silver,’ Astrid, and the “hasn’t lived up to expectations,” Blythe, plus Hawk Jones and Blythe’s ex-husband, Jake Black.

The novel’s gorgeous cover drew me to the book, which provides a fascinating look at the fashion design industry in the early 1970’s. However, I found the irregular switching between the perspectives and time periods to be disruptive. The novel alternated between Astrid/Hawk and Blythe for 9 chapters, and then suddenly threw in 4 consecutive chapters about Mizza. Then another 9 chapters alternated between Astrid/Hawk and Blythe, and then the cadence was interrupted again by 3 consecutive chapters about Mizza. It was disconcerting.

Another oddity: there is no chapter 27. Was a chapter accidentally omitted from the Kindle copy, is the chapter numbering off, or does the author or publisher have a superstition about the number 27?

Ms. Lester obviously did an enormous amount of research for this novel, but it felt like she worked a little too hard to incorporate it all into the story. The author made her point about the male domination of the fashion industry, but having a character quote stats about women in the workplace felt forced to me.

The resolution of the mystery also seemed incomplete and improbable. Some important details were never explained, while others were far-fetched. I enjoyed the novel after a bit of a slow start, but the happy ever after ending didn't feel right after all the drama that led up to the very grand finale.

Overall, The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard is an interesting read that fans of historical fiction authors Fiona Davis or Allison Pataki might enjoy. Fashion aficionados will also love the peek at the world of designers like Halston and Bill Blass. There is a lot to like about Lester’s novel - I just wish the presentation was less complicated and the ending provided a few more details and a little less sugar.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review. The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard is scheduled to be published on January 24, 2024. #NetGalley

I love everything about this book. I love the story of three generations of women fighting their damnedest to live their dreams. I love reading about their passions and their upbringing and what made them the flawed and amazing women they are. I love coming to understand their choices better and I love the men who truly loved them, even when it seemed more to the Bricard women felt that it hurt them. I especially loved the social commentary woven throughout and that Natasha Lester clearly did a deep dive into the world of these women. All aspects of this novel held me in its thrall and I didn't come up for air until I was finished. I will be recommending this to all of my reading friends.

This was such an interesting read. Typically, I find that when stories bounce back and forth in a timeline, it's harder to stay engaged in the story. This is my second Natasha Lester book, and I find that not to be the case, and that is enhanced my reading. During this story, we follow three generations, Mizza Bricard(grandmother), Astrid Bricard(mother), and Blythe Bricard (daughter). Each point of view shows the gender inequality and trauma of each character. As the story moves through each chapter, you begin to see the bigger picture and get closer to solving the mystery of where Astrid Bricard is.

I was interested in reading this book because I love historical fiction and have had this author recommended to me several times. The added mystery further piqued my interest. It was a captivating read that kept me turning the pages.

The novel featured three women, each with her own storyline/timeline. Each one was involved in the fashion industry, and each had her work diminished or even discredited by men. It was sad to think about this really happening, especially since one of the timelines was as recent as 2012. Another sad and thought-provoking aspect of the book was the way the accepted narrative about each of these women varied so greatly from the reality.

I found the ending satisfying, and I loved the author's notes. I always enjoy reading what inspired the author and what real historical framework was used in the novel.

Thank you to NetGalley for the early read.

This book was a very interesting look into the fashion world. This was my first book by Natasha Lester and I look forward to reading some of her other books. I would recommend this book to other historical fiction fans.

Three generations of Bricard women invovled in the fashion world . Each must deal with the dismissal of their talent and the misogyny in the world of fashion. The women must also deal with the misconceptions that have been printed in the press.
Fascinating read - highly recommend.
#TheDisappearanceofAstridBricard #NetGalley

I can appreciate the effort author Natasha Lester put into this book but in my opinion the focus should have been on Mizza Bricard and her INCREDIBLE life before, during, and after WWII, instead of creating a daughter and granddaughter for her and only telling her story as an aside. Nothing Astrid or Blythe did measures up to the greatness of Mizza. Even Astrid's disappearance is almost an afterthought to the story. The bulk of the narrative for both Astrid and Blythe is essentially how unfair the world of fashion design is to women and that lousy men can kiss a woman's neck so well you keep falling for them. Even Velvet's story as an African-American woman in fashion at the time peaked my interest far more than the main two characters. Additionally, I felt the conclusion was lacking in merit for both characters and there was "closure" to relationships where none was warranted.

This is easily one of my favorite books and top picks of the year. I was lucky enough to receive an early copy of it to review and I cannot describe how wonderful it is in words! It gave me serious Daisy Jones and the Six vibes as it is similar in the setting through Astrid's story. It is told in three alternating voices and timelines, but a large portion of it takes place in the 1970's. In short, it is about Astrid Bricard, who was a fashion icon in that she was an American designer who was the "it girl" of the time. She is the daughter of legendary Mizza Bricard, who was Christian Dior's muse around the WWII era. Astrid mysteriously disappears during the Battle of Versailles when six American Fashion Moguls compete against six French Designers for "best in the world." Blythe, Astrid's daughter and Mizza's Granddaughter, is the third voice in the story and she holds what remains of her fashion icon lineage as she is in the industry as well. Not only is this novel written beautifully, but it tells a fascinating story through three strong women who each struggle to persevere in the fashion industry as a result of their gender. The timelines of this story interweave beautifully and unfold in the most fascinating storytelling I have read in a long time. Reading the Author's Note at the end was the icing on the cake. Bravo, Ms. Lester....I cannot wait to share this with MANY who I am sure will enjoy it as much as I did!

Lovely read! Enjoyed the multi plot story line with the 3 women and two their lives intertwined. As usual Natasha Lester surprises with a beautiful read! A bit different than her usual books and historical fiction, I enjoyed this one as well. Thank you for the ARC, enjoyed this summer read!

There are some books which are so powerful they leave an indelible impression on your heart. The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard is one of those books. On one level, The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard is the story of the fashion industry and the misogyny, repression and dominance of men over women. Told from the points of view of three generations of brilliant female designers, it details the struggles of each one of them to get the recognition they deserve as themselves, rather than as the "muse" of a male designer or fashion house. Their battle is not only with those in haute couture, but also with the so called journalists who cover fashion. Although fiction, some of the characters are based on real people (don't miss reading the terrific notes at the end of the book).

This book grabbed me from the first page and didn't let go. What happened to Astrid Bricard? Who are her parents? Why did she abandon her family, particularly her daughter? Who is Mizza? The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard is truly an amazing book, one you'll want to read again so you can find what you missed the first time around. If I could give it 10 stars, I would! I've read and enjoyed Natasha Lester's books before, but this one is absolutely the best!

The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard is an absolute showstopper of a novel! Three exciting timelines, three incredible female protagonists, beautiful writing, heartbreak, and love, and drama, drama, drama. I didn't want it to end, everrrrrr!!!!!! But when I reached the last page, as I've done with each of Lester's novels, I had to sit in silence for a while, just marveling at the sheer talent of this author. Highly recommend!!! Brava!!!!!

The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard by Natasha Lester tells the story of 3 female fashion designers. Based on Mizza Bricard a fashion designer for Dior. Her daughter, Astrid Bricard, who disappeared during a true fashion event at the palace of Versailles in 1973. Her character is based on Anne Klein. Her daughter, Blythe Bricard a designer in the 1990s. A well researched and written book. There are a lot of elements to this story. The main ones are the press and their portrayals of events and people. Also, how women designers are/were treated by their male counterparts. I highly recommend this book and would be interested in reading her other books. Thank you to NetGallery and Forever publishing for letting me review this book in exchange for an honest opinion.

This story follows three generations of Bricard women, marginalized as muses or inspirations, rather than the fashion designers and businesspeople that they are. Spanning a large part of the 20th century, the story encapsulates how women in the fashion world have been degraded and victims of corruption and exclusivity.

The portrayal of real life and fictional people is admirable and evidence good research. This story has something for everyone, romance, intrigue, mystery and grit.

This is such a powerful story of the plight of women. The author weaves in references to Hamlet and the Bayeux Tapestry and paints them in a light I’ve never contemplated before. The author takes great pains to highlight the many falsehoods told about women to get a headline and sell newspapers and magazines irrespective of the harm that it does.

Since I read an ARC, I can’t quote from the story but, I highlighted many passages that left an impression. This was my first book by this author, it won’t be my last.

Thanks you NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars.

Thank you NetGalley and FOREVER (GRAND CENTRAL PUBLISHING) for the eARC in return for my honest opinions.

Release date: September 7, 2023.

Historical romance is one of my go to comfort books. I just so thoroughly enjoyed this one. I loved how the author combined real life characters with fictional ones. The disappearance of Astrid Bricard was intriguing and totally factual. I also enjoyed the romance and meticulous details related to the popular high fashion houses during this time period.

Thoroughly enjoyed the book.

Recommend.

I enjoyed this book. The flashiness of the '70's, the wartime history and the transition to contemporary times was enthralling.