This is a powerful story about the lack of gender equality in the fashion industry, but its application reaches to all industries. Three generations of women are made to be less than they are due to the men in their lives. What is different in this book, though, is that these men are supportive of the women, but it is the social norms that bring the women down. A bit depressing but very real, and a reminder that there has been little movement in gender equity since the Equal Rights Amendment failed in the 1970s.
The book is much more than a gender equity book, though. The author spins interesting characters, plot twists and storylines that keep the reader moving through the pages quickly. There were several times where I checked to see how far I was through my digital copy because I did not want the book to end. An important but also extremely interesting read, especially for those of us who don’t know much about the fashion industry.
Thank you, NetGalley, for an ARC.

I love Natasha Lester! Her books are intriguing and captivating. I loved reading this book. The characters and storyline hooked me early. The love stories intertwined made for a good story. I received an advance copy and was not required to leave a positive review.

The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard by Natasha Lester was an excellent book! With a swift pace, fully formed characters, and an immersive setting, it was easy to get swallowed up by this story.
One of my new favorite historical fiction novels. This story kept me up at night.
The combination of family drama and high fashion couture was so magical.
An absolute page turner that held me captive from the very beginning.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Thank You NetGalley and Forever for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

A multi-generational story of great depth, The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard by Natasha Lester tells the story of three generations of Bricard woman. Spanning from the early 20th century to today, the novel centers on Mizza Bricard, the infamous "muse" for Christian Dior, who is more than history gives her credit for.

Mizza's strained relationship with her daughter Astrid leads to some complex inter-generational trauma, which lands squarely on Astrid's daughter, Blythe's, shoulders.

Taking place in the competitive fashion world, The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard is a gripping family drama set amongst an intriguing -- and, at times, infuriatingly misogynistic -- cast of characters. To be honest, though, what I enjoyed most was the stories of the ties between the three women, above and beyond the fashion component. In that family drama aspect, Natasha Lester's work shines.

I loved this book!It also hit home on the fact that women are just in a man’s world no matter what they do. The story was so well written. I was never sure on what was going to happen. One of my favorite books this year!

The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard is a family drama set in the world of fashion. It is historical fiction in a more recent time period. Astrid, her mother Mizza and her daughter Blythe are all trying to make it in a man's world. How is the world full of male designers making clothes for women? Are there no female designers making what women really want. This is a story of the struggle women have being accepted in the top of the fashion world. For how much the world has changed since the 1970s, some things still remain the same.
When will women be accepted as equals and be able to shine without being torn down. This is an excellent story of women trying to make it and not always succeeding.

This is an excellent historical fiction book and I enjoyed it very much. If you like historical fiction you will enjoy this read.

Thank you to #NetGalley, @Forever, @GrandCentralPublishing and @NatashLesterAuthor for a copy of this book.
#TheDisappearanceofAstridBricard

The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard by Natasha Lester is a story of three generations of strong women who impacted the world of fashion.

Fashion icon Astrid Bricard disappears at the Versailles designer show in 1973. All that's left is her dress. The book weaves through decades of turbulence in the great couture fashion houses and the true story of Astrid’s iconic mother Mizza. But it is her granddaughter, Blythe Bricard, a lawyer, who finally gets the Bricard label recognized as a great house of Couture.

I love that Remy from The Riviera House and Alix St. Pierre from The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre are a huge part of this story. This was quite a treat for me to have these two in this story.

The author has written some incredible books relating to Historical Couture Fashion and I love how she has created this world of fashion to empower these strong women characters. Mentioning these fashion icons like the House of Dior, Givenchy, Halston, Bill Blass, Oscar de la Renta to name a few and her vivid descriptions of these iconic designers made this story so incredible.

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and Net Galley for an advanced Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review.

I am definitely going to recommend this book and will be adding this one to my Natasha Lester collection of books!

This is a wonderful book about three generations of women fashion designers and their very difficult struggles to have the world recognize them as top fashion icons. All three were determined to change the fashion world forever and you are transported through history following each of their journeys. These iconic women had to fight a gender biased industry, ugly media criticism, and personal heartbreak just to prove their talent was equal to their male counterparts. The story begins with fashion icon Astrid Bricard who disappeared at the Versailles designer show in 1973. The book weaves through decades of turbulence in the world, great couture fashion houses and the true story of Astrid’s iconic mother Mizza. It is granddaughter Blythe who finally gets the Bricard label recognized as a great house of Couture. A fascinating story with unexpected twists that I highly recommend.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for allowing me to review this book

If you enjoy a story rooted in fashion and history, with a distinct blend of suspense, mystery and multiple points of view, this is a book I think you will really savor! Plus, the cover art is stunning and eye-catching. It made me think of Daisy Jones, which kind of makes sense as there’s a bit of 1970s in this story, too. (I love a good timeline crossing tale!)

Thank you Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for my honest opinions!

Absolutely loved this book. The cover drew me in, and it was all uphill from there. Gave me The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo vibes but a totally different storyline, and characters. Still the same feelings -inequality for women in every industry, being unable to love who you want without sacrificing your career, double standards, etc. Told from the point of view of three generations of Bricard women over the span of several decades.

Synopsis (from Netgalley, the provider of the book for me to review.)
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In 1973, fashion icon Astrid Bricard disappeared at the legendary Versailles designer showdown. All that remained was a scrap of fabric...and a family unravelled.

Everyone remembers her daringly short, silver lamé dress. An iconic photo capturing an electric moment, where emerging American designer Astrid Bricard is young, uninhibited, and on the cusp of fashion and feminism’s changing landscape. She and fellow designer Hawk Jones are all over Vogue and the disco scene. Yet she can't escape the legacy of being the daughter of Mizza Bricard, the infamous "muse" for Christian Dior. Astrid would give anything to take her place among the great houses of couture—on her own terms. I won’t inspire it when I can create it.

But then Astrid disappeared…

Now Astrid's daughter, Blythe, holds what remains of her mother and grandmother's legacies. Of all the Bricard women, she can gather the torn, shredded, and painfully beautiful fabrics of three generations of grief, heartbreak, and abandonment to create something that will shake the foundations of fashion. The only piece that's missing is the one question that no one's been able to answer: What really happened to Astrid?

Although I enjoyed this book, for me, it could have been … better. For me, it dragged at times and it got kind of maudlin ... this is a good book but not a great one...maybe it is my distinct lack of love of high fashion outside of awards shows and my ability to heckle the outfits which I cannot in a novel??????
#shortbutsweetreviews

Absolutely loved this book. The cover drew me in, and it was all uphill from there. Gave me The Seven Husband's of Evelyn Hugo vibes but a totally different storyline, and characters. Still the same feelings -inequality for women in every industry, being unable to love who you want without sacrificing your career, double standards etc.
Told from the point of view of three generations of Bricard women over the span of several decades.

I am so excited for others to read this new novel by Lester! The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard is written about three generations of strong women who impacted the world of fashion. Each woman has their own story and secrets all of which are pieced together as Lester go between women throughout the chapters. Very captivating! Great storyline and well developed characters! A must read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction!

NetGalley allowed me to read this title for two days. This story covers a lot - history, fashion, human relations, women's rights, war, families and more. I was unable to put it down, read until 4 AM! Highly recommended.

Thank you NetGalley and FOREVER (GRAND CENTRAL PUBLISHING) for the eARC.
This is an amazing book, so well written and researched, with a story based on history with some real characters and some imagined. It takes place in 3 timelines, with 3 fascinating women and is set in the world of fashion.
Not familiar with that world, I was aghast at the way women were treated, as well as the viciousness of some of the top designers. Strange that most of the workers in the industry are women, the people wearing the clothing are mostly women and yet it's the men who rule the roost. It's truly a fascinating look at the world of fashion.
Highly recommended!

The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard by Natasha Lester has all the hallmarks of a great story with the added benefit of learning about other places and times and women’s place in history.

We begin with the central mystery of what happened to Astrid Bricard who disappeared at the 1973 Versailles competition between French and American designers. Although this is a novel, many of the subplots are rooted in actual events. We move from Paris during the two world wars to the disco age in New York City in the seventies to the present day strife of third generation fashion designer, Blythe Bricard.

I was completely engrossed in the challenges that each MC faced as well as curious about the reason Astrid vanished.

Meticulously researched, it was great fun to visit the times of Balanciaga, Dior, and Halston. But, there is also the theme of how women are often scapegoats and rewritten as parenthetical figures in history. They are often the geniuses behind men. or, as the novel describes, “Ophelia dies and Hamlet rules.”

This was a most satisfying read with a fabulous and victorious ending. The book will appeal to fans of fashion design, historical fiction, and women’s fiction. Definitely 5 stars.

Natasha Lester has once again captivated my heart and mind with her latest novel. As a burgeoning fan, I eagerly delved into the pages of this mesmerizing crime mystery, and I found myself completely consumed by the multiple points of view that created an exquisite tension.

With each turn of the page, I was transported to both the past and the present, entangled in a web of suspense that left me breathless. Lester's masterful storytelling ignited a whirlwind of emotions within me, and I found myself unable to tear myself away from the gripping narrative.

The seamless blend of past and present painted a vivid tapestry of intrigue and danger, weaving together the lives of characters who quickly became like old friends. Their hopes, dreams, and fears leapt off the page, enveloping me in a flurry of emotions that ranged from anticipation to heartache.

Lester's ability to evoke such intense emotions through her simple yet powerful prose is nothing short of extraordinary. Her words have the uncanny ability to transport readers to a world where dreams and nightmares intertwine, where the line between good and evil blurs, and where every twist and turn holds the promise of a revelation.

This book, with its thrilling combination of mystery and suspense, is a true gem that satisfies every craving I have as a reader. It is a literary feast for the senses, nourishing my imagination and leaving me hungry for more. I am now an ardent admirer of Natasha Lester, eagerly awaiting her next masterpiece.

In conclusion, if you are searching for a book that will whisk you away on an exhilarating journey, filled with gripping suspense and unforgettable characters, then look no further. Lester's latest creation is a triumph that will leave you yearning for more, long after you have reluctantly turned the final page.

Natasha Lester does it again. Her love for all things fashion and family shows in her latest novel The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard. Her research is top notch making me want to know more. Love how she brings back a character from a previous novel too - such a treat to come across an old friend! Highly recommend Natasha to anyone who loves historical fiction, fashion & family with a twist.

The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard by Natasha Lester is a great historical fiction that has plenty of mystery, suspense, and drama as well.

I have enjoyed several books by Ms. Lester, and this one is no exception. Told through multiple narratives/viewpoints, this one kept me interested from beginning to end with strong female characters that were complex and intriguing.

Definitely enjoyed.

4/5 stars

Thank you NG and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 1/30/24.

Thanks to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central) for the opportunity to read The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard by Natasha Lester. No one writes better Historical Fiction than Ms. Lester. As usual, her work has sent me back down another rabbit hole to learn more, this time about the Bricard women.