I really struggled to get into this book as I found the beginning slow reading. However, the latter half picked up and I enjoyed the ending more.

WWII historical fiction told in 2 different timelines. Intrigue, danger and bravery in Paris. Another really interesting WWII story.

There are many stories about the war set in Paris and this is one of the good ones.! Full of intrigue, heartbreak and a dual story of 2 timelines. Really enjoyed and would recommend.

A brilliant read and one I really enjoyed. The characters are loveable and varied, the plot is one that is engaging and medium paced. I found myself completely drawn into the story and enjoyed the writing style.

Captivating from the beginning. Dual timeline, Nathalie in 1942, Darcie in present day. One as exciting as the other.
Madame Buchette and Kranz were well matched.

Who knew an old suitcase could be so exciting, certainly the secrets it held. I couldn’t make up my mind about where Matt’s loyalties lay.

I really enjoyed the mix of characters, my favourite being Nathalie.
It’s often said “ I couldn’t put it down” truly I couldn’t.

This is the first book that I've read of Suzanne's and it absolutely captivated me from the very first page. I literally cleared my day so that I could keep reading because I just couldn't put the book down. It was phenomenal from start to finish. The story was engrossing, the characters were engaging and captivating, the descriptions were vivid and the ending was as strong as the entire book. An absolutely incredible book which I would highly, highly recommend.

A story in two times, one is Darcie finding a suitcase full of mystery and going to Paris to find the answers. The other story is of the previous owner of the suitcase, Nathalie, and how a book containing fashion sketches became so important. Both stories are well told and equally engrossing. A thoroughly satisfying and enjoyable read with rich and interesting characters and a plot that keeps you turning the pages into the night.

You don't want to miss this one! Anyone who is a fan of WWII fiction set in Paris will absolutely love this heart-touching novel by author Suzanne Fortin.
It begins at an auction for antiques where vintage shop owner Darcie wins her bid on old train lockers, inside one of the lockers she finds a beautiful handmade dress from the 1940s and a sketch book full of what looks like professional clothing designs, very beautiful ones. Intrigued and feeling compelled to find out who the suitcase belonged to and why such items were abandoned, forgotten for over 40 years, Darcie begins to investigate a name she finds in the suitcase, Nathalie Leroux. Her investigation brings her to Paris and the story she finds is one both of courage, loyalty and love, but also of sadness, heartbreak and betrayal.
I really enjoyed this book. I know some will say "oh, not another book about WWII, Coco Chanel, and Paris" but believe me this one stands out amongst the many others out there! This has got to be one of the best novels I have read this year about the war and the many courageous men and women who had the courage to fight for what they believed and take a stand against the evil that had invaded their country and their lives. I never fail to marvel over the stories of the everyday men and women who joined the fight against Hitler's evil, not only the members of the resistance but the shop owners, store clerks, and many more that stood up for what was right and good in the world. This is a wonderfully sad yet uplifting tale of one of those women, and how she fought for what she believed in.
Thank you to Embla books and to Net Galley for the free ARC, I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.

I really enjoyed this book. It was so interesting and informative. I love these types of books and I find that the pages just fly by. I al2ays enjoy Suzanne's books a day hope to read more later. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

This is a dual timeline story set in WW2 and current times based on espionage and fashion. Two great themes!
I read most books on a Kindle and having finished them, set them to delete or archive. Occasionally, I read one which goes into the file 'Save and recommend'. This book is one of the latter. What a great novel, a mix of historical, bravery, romance and family bonding. If you're feeling in the need of a boost, give this a go!

A dual WW2 saga set in France. It all started with a suitcase. How does this story develop, you need to read this to find out. If wartime sagas are your thing you will enjoy this book. \if it isn't your genre, read this, you may find a new interest. Really well worth 5 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this ARC

A stunning historical tale set across dual timelimes: war-torn Paris and modern day. When Darcie wins a bid at auction for some leftover trunks from the railway station, she uncovers exquisite gowns and designs signed by Nathalie Leroux. Her curiously leads her to Paris on the trail to find out more about the designer. This sets her on course for a tension filled adventure filled with romance and danger. As we follow the clues, we also follow Natalie's experiences and her part in the resistance that led her into perilous situations. A fabulous story that is incredibly well crafted. #thelostdressmakerofparis #suzannefortin #netgalley #embla

Dual timeline ww2 winner

I enjoy reading about ww2 France and this dual timeline novel is a real winner. I found the characters compelling and the plot intricate, with each section ending on a cliffhanger! I recommend that if you like this genre, you can't go wrong with this book.

Thank you to the publisher who lent me a time limited e-arc via netgalley with no obligation. This review is optional and my own opinion.

would like to thank netgalley and the publishers for letting me read this amazing book

have to admit the dual part of this book will drive you insane as each time it changed to a different time it was always left on a cliff hanger.... very annoying

but the story is captivating about life in france during the occupation and how Nathalie Leroux a young woman with big plans for her future and how she helped the resistance...

and then theres darcie who wins an auction for items left in luggage lockers for years and she opens a small suitcase and finds a beautifully made dress and a book of designs and this leads back to a time during the war and Nathalie Leroux

the ending will bring a tear to your eyes... its well written and though the cliff hangers were annoying this book will have you at the edge of your seats

I absolutely loved this book. I can’t stop singing it’s praises and telling everyone about it.
I enjoyed the dual timeline and how it all tied together. What really struck me was how each chapter ended with a cliffhanger which made me want to keep reading and not put the book down.
There’s history, romance and intrigue in equal measure. Wonderful book!

This is one of the most exhilarating dual time line stories I have read this year! I cannot remember when I was so captivated by a plot that I was constantly on the edge of my seat. Practically every page had me filled with such tension I thought I would burst with anticipation! I kept wondering what would happen next. There were a few things I expected but there were also incredible surprises along the way that kept my interest at frantic levels. This is one fascinating World War II story brimming with courage, determination, love, mystery, fashion and finesse.

The Lost Dressmaker of Paris is set during WWII and modern day. In the present timeline, we meet Darcie, a keen business owner. She attends auctions to find collectables for her 'Vintaged and Loved' shop. She enjoys the thrill of bidding but even more in finding treasures. She has sourced quite an admirable number of items for her store stock. And on this particular day, she finds herself in a frantic bidding war but manages to acquire Lot 176: the ‘left-luggage lockers recently removed from the now disused West Sussex train station.’ After paying for her win, excitedly she opens a suitcase to see what it unveils. These purchases can be a gamble but this time it has paid off. What she finds inside absolutely stuns her. A dress that looks just like one worn by the famous Coco Chanel and a designer’s sketch book. Immediately her interest is sparked and she feels a connection to the past owner. It seems as though fate has brought these special items to her. She wants to know more about this Nathalie Leroux (name inside the suitcase) and begins an amazing journey that takes her to Paris where she meets, by chance, a photographer attending an important fashion show. They first become fast friends and then their relationship blossoms further. This charming fellow also becomes intrigued with Darcie’s drive to uncover the story behind the dress and sketch book. And whether there is a connection to Coco Chanel. Together they utilise their skills and contacts to solve this fascinating, though heartbreaking mystery. Wonderful characters materialise—including a special lady from the past who has the answers to their questions.

In another timeline, we see Nathalie live out all the things Darcie is trying to uncover. We learn this talented dress designer led a dangerous and dedicated life once the Nazis occupied Paris. Edgar, Nathalie’s brother, becomes involved in some dangerous operations of the Resistance. Although she is proud of him taking a stand to protect his country, she secretly worries about his safety. And rightfully so, as what later happens sets Nathalie on a path of revenge and into the lion’s den.

The suspense in the historical timeline is off the charts while we follow Nathalie through some very dangerous operations and manoeuvres. But this carries over into the present day when Darcie gets closer to the truth of what happened to this dressmaker from the past (during World War II). She runs into some pretty nasty interference, too. There are others after this dress and sketchbook for they hold more value than anyone could have imagined. As mentioned, you get this feeling that the past is sliding into the present—especially in the area of enemies. There is so much to untangle in this complicated plot, but it keeps this story buzzing along at break neck speed.

There is no question that this novel is skilfully written. It contains exceptional setting descriptions and highly detailed events. It is obvious Suzanne has done her research well. It made me feel as though I was there with the characters: seeing what they saw, feeling their fears, experiencing their tears and gasping for moments of joy.

I am dying now to read more of Suzanne Fortin’s novels and actually have her previous one waiting on my Kindle App. I am delighted to have read this magnificent story that truly made me feel, think and weep at times. I wholeheartedly recommend The Lost Dressmaker of Paris and give it 5 Brave Stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to publisher Embla Books and Netgalley for my review copy.

What a wonderful tale about life, love, spies, and truth. I really enjoyed this book and could hardly put it down. I am usually not a fan of dual storylines but in this book it truly works. I love how the author was able to weave the stories seamlessly from both times and how they were intricately related. Both Darcie and Nathalie were strong female characters that met the challenges they faced with smarts, courage, empathy, and love. I look forward to the author's next book! I am grateful for the advance copy I received - all comments are my own. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley.

I received an ARC in return for an honest review of this book. I enjoyed this book very much and could not put it down. The dual timeline felt like two stories at the same time as being one story. It kept me trying to anticipate where events would lead to connect the two timelines. The author’s writing gave enough detail that I felt I understood the characters and settings but not too much as slow down the reading process. Despite this being another historical fiction novel set during the world war 2 it didn’t feel redundant of other books because of how the dual time lines and plot events played out. This was enjoyable to read. I would recommend this book for any who enjoy dual timelines, strong female characters, or world war 2 novels.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book.
This was another fabulous read from Suzanne Fortin. I really enjoy books set around WWII and found this book engaging from the very start. I love dual timelines and both the main characters were very likeable. I found this one hard to put down and I recommend it. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A must-read for historical fiction lovers.
Darcie is a young woman quite content with helping her mom and sister run a vintage store. It gives her a chance to hunt for rare items, and spurs her desire to know their back-stories. At auction she purchases an old locker once used for lost items that came from an abandoned train station. When Darcie examines the locker’s contents, she discovers a sketchbook of clothing designs dating back to the war years of the ‘40s, and also a beautiful hand-made gown. Intrigued, Darcie begins to investigate about the designer/artist. What she discovers is a story of bravery and love, but also betrayal and heartbreak…
Any time I read about the Resistance fighters of WW2, I’m always amazed at the lengths they were willing to go to fight the evil that had infiltrated their world. I’m also always amazed, and saddened, at the depths of depravity that people would sink to in trying to silence these brave souls.