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.

Natasha Lester’s incredible research and attention to detail sweep the reader along on another fantastic novel. Lester is known for her glamour, characters, weaving together timelines, and always some intriguing mystery.

I really enjoyed Astrid’s story. She gave me Daisy Jones vibes minus the drugs and rock and roll. I think Blythe’s story added some depth as well, and I could see a lot of parallels between hers and her mom’s. And while I understood the want to have a multi-generational story with Mizza’s (Astrid’s mom) backstory, I felt hers was largely unnecessary and that the heart of the story would still be there even without it.

I felt this this book could be broken into four parts. The second and fourth act were strong, but I struggled to get through the first and third. I am glad I powered through it though as the overall themes were satisfying.

This was a great book that kept me interested and engaged the whole time. I could not put this book down and finished it within a day.

This is a dual timeline that follows Astrid Bricard in the 70s (the fictional daughter of designer/muse Mizza Bricard) in the 70s leading up to her disappearance after the birth of her daughter and her daughter as an adult. The book focuses a lot on the way women are represented by media and in the fashion industry. I enjoyed following both characters stories.

"history is a patriarch with a thin spotlight of memory always trained on a man"

Absolutely phenomenal! This is told through 3 generations of women - all thought to be the muse that inspired famous male designers. But history is written by the victors, so were they really the muse or were the designs their own?

Mizza is known to be a famous muse of Dior. But those around her knew her to be a strong designer and creator in her own right, knew her to be Dior's righthand stylist. Her POV in the story is the farthest generation and is taking place just before and then in the midst of WWII.

Astrid is the POV in the 1970's. She is an amazing designer and creator, but again, she is relegated to being Hawk's muse and boiled down to one famous photo - one she isn't even wearing underwear in.

The closest to now is Blythe in 2012, the lovechild of Hawk and Astrid. She grew up without both parents and also loves to design. She wants to be more than just a mother and wife, she wants to create her own pieces and have her own clothing line.

These three female POV are in very different timelines but their experiences aren't as different as we'd hope. They are all still relegated down to the men in their lives and how they are the inspirations for these great male mines instead of the designers themselves. The story completely wrapped me up. Once I started it was hard to the put the book down. I was inspired my Mizza's strength, Astrid's ambition, and Blythe's sheer willpower. All of their pushes to be more, have more, want more were so well written, I wanted to know them more. I don't read a lot about the fashion world so I found myself googling through out the story to know more. The author's note at the end was the perfect ending to the story. I absolutely loved this one!


A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

I'm a massive fan of Natasha Lester's historical fiction novels, and her latest certainly did not disappoint! Told as multi-generational story, this was one with substance and grit and had me diving down the rabbit hole to learn more about the talented Mizza Bricard and her status as Christian Dior's advisor and muse. There was also a fun cameo of a former Lester character, Alix St. Pierre!

Leave it to Natasha Lester to weave a seamless triple timeline into one unforgettable story. Filled with intrigue and emotion, this novel grabbed my interest at each turn and captured the authenticity of each of the three eras. The girl power was all at once exciting and dispiriting, as each of the women dealt with the societal strongholds imposed on them in their own ways. Throw in a little romance, and you've got the makings of a fabulous historical fiction novel!

Many thanks to Read Forever Pub and Netgalley for this gifted e-copy. It was quite an adventure through the multiple generations!

For more of my reviews, please check out my blog at www.mamasgottaread.blogspot.com or follow me on Instagram at www.instagram.com/mamasgottaread!

Spanning three generations of remarkable women, Natasha Lester's "The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard," intricately entwines the tales of Mizza, Astrid, and Blythe Bricard. Across generations, these women navigate their paths in a world determined to define them, each leaving their mark on the fashion industry.

Commencing in the 1910s, Mizza Bricard's journey through French couture houses culminates in her recognition by Christian Dior, propelling her to fame. In 1970s New York, Mizza's daughter Astrid grapples with her own ascent, overshadowed by her lover Hawk and labeled as his "muse," rather than celebrated for her own designs. Just as Astrid stands on the brink of a career-defining moment, she vanishes without a trace. In contemporary France, Astrid's daughter Blythe attempts to forge her own path while grappling with her family's complex legacy.

"The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard" is a captivating read and, at its core, the narrative celebrates women reclaiming their voices. Woven into this theme are witty dialogue, vivid descriptions of exquisite garments, and a compelling mystery. While Mizza's narrative may lack some depth despite its wartime backdrop, Astrid's and Blythe's stories more than compensate for it, offering a poignant critique of societal constraints on women. Lester masterfully exposes the barriers imposed on powerful women, echoing Astrid's poignant question: "What if this is all there is?"

THANK YOU Forever Publishing for an earc of The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Every time I open and settle down to read a Natasha Lester novel, when finished I immediatley believe her characters are real. With all Lester's historical references and picturesque writing, it honestly could be. Astrid Bricard was a whirlwind historical that I ONE THOUSAND percent recommend because it kept me on the edge of my seat. I needed to know the who's why's whens where's and how's of the plot. The triple timeline was fascinating and kept my attention- Nazis, fashion, Mick Jagger?! I cannot wait to read what Lester plans to surprise us with next.

Normally- I'd give a quick synopsis at the beginning of my review but trust me...go into this BLIND. It'll make your reading experience that much better.

"𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘰'𝘴 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘺 𝘪𝘴."
I adore Natasha lester's books because they beautifully combine strong women, fascinating and well-researched historical stories, multigenerational family dramas, and fashion. This one explores three generations of Bricard women, as they each try to make their way in a man's world and escape the shadows of their predecessors.

In 1917, 16-year-old orphan Mizza does whatever it takes to survive before landing in the couture houses of Paris where she becomes an infamous muse of Christian Dior's. Her daughter, Astrid, is desperate to prove her talent as a designer in 1970s New York but finds herself cast as an It Girl and muse to a male designer before vanishing at the Battle of Versailles, never to be heard from again. And in 2017, her recently divorced daughter, Blythe, debates a future in fashion while also grappling with the iconic legacies of her mother and grandmother.

I couldn't put this book down. Lester is a master at interweaving multiple POVs and timelines, and who can resist the combination of Paris couture and 1970s NYC? This is a story of empowerment and women who can be sexy and strong that's not to be missed. I also loved the cameos from characters in the author's previous novels.

Thanks Forever Publishing for the copy to review.

Three generations of women fight the misogynistic establishment of high fashion. As each generation attempts to rewrite the history of the Bricard fashion dynasty they must make difficult decisions to protect themselves and the ones they love. Told in alternating timelines. Lester is at her best when she is writing about fashion. This was a wonderful read.

Natasha Lester does it again!! I can't get enough of her fashionable historical fiction - I LOVE the history of the fashion industry and this story sucked me right in. This story is a multigenerational novel of strong women trying to make a difference in a male dominated field. This book really has it all - a perfect blend of romance, social issues, mystery and history.

This book is empowering & emotional and I couldn't recommend it enough!

I truly loved this. It took me a long time to read because it was very long, but I loved the way the story developed. I loved the three generations of amazing women, and the ways they each affected, then helped, and maybe cursed, each other. I love the Alix St. Pierre showed up as well! Fashion throughout history from Chanel, Dior, etc., made appearances, and this really brought the characters to life.

I received an advance copy. All thoughts are my own.

Natasha Lester nailed it again!!!!!!! 4.4/5
Small caveat though: persevere and keep giving it a chance, it has a bit of a slow start but gets really good, worth a read.
If I wasn't already a fan of natasha lester's books, I'm not sure I would've given this book as much of a chance as I did, but I know her style and was SURE this book got really good, and I was right, I ended up really liking it.
It starts out a bit slow, a bit confusing, with way too many characters and things happening all at once that you need to remember, especially with the time jumps and POV from the different women in the story: Mizza, Blyte & Astrid. But I would say that a quarter of the way in it starts getting really good!!!
My absolute favorite part about Natasha's books and why I keep recommending them to everyone I know is that they are always so fleshed out, so well researched and thought of, that they sometimes even have connecting characters like how alix st pierre from her last book makes an important appearance in this book.
secondly, I love that this book incorporates fashion, Paris, NY, women's rights, family life, and many other historical things.
I just loved the entire story, Blythe's family's back story, the real life inspiration story of the real mizza, and many other things. can not recommend enough!!!!!

Note: thanks netgalley, publishers, and natasha for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

2017 - Blythe Bricard, still reeling from her divorce and determined to get to the bottom of her famous mother’s disappearance, is thrust into the fashion spotlight once again. Soon she finds herself fighting to rebuild her family’s fashion legacy.
1970 - Astrid Bricard and Hawk Jones are young and in love and Astrid longs to be known for the designer she is.
1917 - orphan Mizza Bricard must survive the turbulence of the times to build the fashion house she’s dreamt about. Can these three women finally rewrite their history?

I have become such a fan of Historical Fiction. You can be transported from Paris to New York, from 1917 to the 1970’s. I found myself really intrigued with how the fashion industry shifted with the times, and how even through the rise of feminism and equality in the workplace, in many ways it remained the same. These three women lived during very different time periods, and yet they faced the same dilemmas over and over and over again.

I loved the romance and mystery subplots featured in the present timeline. I found myself routing for Blythe and felt more of an emotional connection to her, than I did with either Astrid or Mizza, though both women eventually won me over in the end. Overall, this is a really engaging and interesting read.

I'd like to give thanks to Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for allowing me early access to reading to this novel!

I had really high hopes for this one- as a fanatic of Taylor Jenkins Reid novels, I hoped this would be something akin to those. There is something incredible about getting lost in a historical novel where the characters feel real to the point where I sometimes feel the urge to look up and see if the character or characters are real. While I did not necessarily do that with this novel, that doesn't also mean it was bad! I actually quite enjoyed reading about Astrid Bricard and especially enjoyed reading all about the high fashion gurus! I loved that the author decided to use famous designers like Christian Dior and other reputable designers as characters in the book.

While this didn't blow me out of the water, it certainly wasn't bad. I would highly recommend this one!