I was absolutely enthralled with this book. Much more than I would have expected considering I'm not really into fashion. The mother-daughter dynamics really hit me, especially as a new mom with a complicated relationship with my mother. I also just NEEDED to know what happened to Astrid.

Mizza's story takes place in Nazi-occupied Paris during WWII and her storyline was not what i was expecting.

I loved each of the women even as I wanted to take them by the shoulders and shake them. I wasn't thrilled about the ending but just because I wanted something different. That's not really a hit against the book.

The narrator and production was absolutely fantastic!

This is a multigenerational mystery steeped in misogyny. All three of the talented women in this family are trying to make a name for themselves while fighting for equality for women in the workplace while balancing the expectations of mothers to stay home to raise their children. Regarded for their beauty and revealing attire, the women are referred to as “muses” rather than getting credit for their creativity and clothing designs and are slandered in the press for the glory of the men in the industry.

There is a lot of celebrity name dropping from Mick Jagger, and the Kennedys, to fashion brand moguls, Christian Dior, Coco Chanel, Yves St Laurent, Bill Blass. Photographs of Mizza, Astrid and Blythe appear in well-known magazines and newspapers, and they even have films made about their lives. This novel would appeal to women who follow fashion and designers and want to learn more about that industry and what it is like to try to make it in that competitive field.

The narration was pleasant, and did well with varying European accents, but I did have a difficult time differentiating between the voice of Astrid and her grown daughter, Blythe when the chapters switched between them.

I wasn't enthralled with the story from the beginning, but the author didn't reveal what really happened to Astrid until the very end so I was curious enough to continue reading.

What a plot! Seeing the characters at all the different periods was really interesting. All of the woman were also very likable which I think is hard to achieve in a book where women are suppose to be strong characters.

The narrator on this audiobook did a really nice job. I was impressed of the French use as well as the different inflection between characters. I also felt like she got the inflection of the characters intent whenever doing character dialogue.

I loved this audiobook so much!! Barrie Kreinik’s narration perfectly brought to life each of the characters of this story. I thought her voice was a wonderful match for the characters, not too young or old sounding. I couldn’t stop listening, her voice was very captivating! This is an audiobook I will definitely be coming back to again!

Wow! This book! If you like Taylor Jenkins Reid then you will like this. It's Daisy Jones & Evelyn Hugo meets fashion baby! Incredibly well researched the book follows 3 generations of designers/ fashion muses. In this historical fiction novel blending real life history with a fictitious family history that will leave you wanting to research this all for yourself! Mizza Bricard who is a real person and renowned for being Christian Dior's muse and her struggles through 2 world wars as a couturier in Paris. Her (fictitious) daughter Astrid Bricard who becomes the fashion sensation of the 70s inspiring and designing the glitzy and daring looks of the decade in New York and then Astrid's daughter Blythe Bricard raising 2 children on her own whilst trying to resurrect her mother's brand whilst trying to solve the mystery of her mother's disappearance decades earlier. It follows history repeating itself, undervaluing women in fashion, taking their power, the mental struggles of fame and criticism and doing what you can for the better future of the next generation. This book will have you hooked! Natasha Lester delivers an exceptional novel!
Thanks to NetGalley and Hachette audio for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is phenomenal!
It tells the story of three generations of women and the struggles they face within the fashion world and the world as a whole.
However,(and without coming across as preachy or judgemental), Natasha Lester tells us about the struggles women face in the world, the generation trauma we live under, and intense pressure that society can and does put on women. While Lester tells us about Mizza, Astrid, and Blythe she tells a tale as old as time- women struggling to be noticed, to be accepted, to be believed.

This story is captivating, timeless, and entertaining. It is beautifully written and narrated. It is apparent a lot of research and attention to detail were involved in creating this novel. I've never read a book by Natasha Lester before but I certainly will again.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for my advanced copy of this audiobook

In a world where the pages of a book choreograph a narrative that mirrors the rhythm of contemporary existence, I found myself captivated by a story that unfolded against the ever-shifting backdrop of the fashion scene. Despite yearning for a plot twist, the tale resonated, vividly portraying the challenges faced by three generations of women in the industry, reminiscent of Hamlet's enduring rule and Ophelia's tragic fate.

Love stories, painted with refreshing authenticity, showcased that even amid hurdles, glimmers of hope could light the way. The sadness, far from casting a shadow, stirred curiosity and optimism. I stood there, eagerly anticipating a resolution that aligns with the complexities of modern love.

Within the narrative, the unique dynamic with my partner, seamlessly completing each other's sentences, emerged as a celebration of the nuanced connections in contemporary relationships. It wasn't a mere reflection; it was a portrayal of the modern bonds that transcend conventional expectations.

The sudden vanishings in the storyline left us hanging, reflecting the uncertainties of our fast-paced lives. It served as a stark reminder that, in the rapid flux of the modern world, unexpected changes can leave us grappling with a sense of disconnection, much like the twists of fate faced by Hamlet and Ophelia.

Fashion, an ever-evolving wellspring of inspiration, wasn't merely a static backdrop but a dynamic force shaping aspirations in the realm of current aesthetics. The vivid descriptions reignited the passion for design, resonating with the current, dynamic expressions captivating the fashion world.

This book, with its cutting-edge narrative, intricately wove threads of emotions resonating with the pulse and complexities of modern life. The echoes of unfairness, the dance of love and sadness, the unique connections, sudden disappearances, and the ever-evolving inspiration of fashion formed a tapestry authentically capturing the spirit of the present.

This book is filled with fashion and love. A mystery and multigenerations. New York and Paris.

I was originally hooked by the mystery of the disappearance but quickly fell in love with the characters and their relationships. Both Blythe and Astrid are strong women that were ahead of their time.

I’m amazed that women’s fashion is dominated by men. Astrid was trying to break into this male dominated field with forward thinking designs.

In addition to the characters, I loved all the mentions of fashion icons. And even more so I love how these women put themselves first.

These women will be with me for a long time.

Barrie Kreinik did a great job bringing the characters and story to life. She was able to give reach of them their own voice so the plot was easy to follow.

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐝 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐝
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐚 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫: 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞 𝐊𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐤
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟑𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Thank you Forever and Hachette audio for my #gifted copies of The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard!

I absolutely LOVED everything about this book! Historical fiction is a favorite of mine and this one did not disappoint! This was my first book by Natasha Lester, and I’m already making plans to work through her backlist! I purchased The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre over the weekend. Fun fact, Alix is also a character in this book! If you love dynamic historical fiction novels that are well-researched, you definitely want to add this one to your TBR!

In the present day in Paris, Blythe Bricard is navigating a divorce, single parenting, her own career, and trying to find out more about what happened to her mother, Astrid Bricard, and her disappearance. In New York in 1970, Astrid Bricard is in design school and hoping to change the fashion industry when she meets Hawk Jones and falls in love. Known as his muse, Astrid strives to be known in the fashion industry for her hard work and amazing designs. When her career is about to take off, she disappears, leaving behind a white silk dress. In Paris in 1917, Mizza Bricard, also known as a muse, must survive the turbulent world she is living in so she can be the fashion designer she strives to be. Can all three of these women break barriers in a fashion industry that is trying its best to hold them back?

I really enjoyed how each of these women faced similar obstacles, and all pushed through to prove others wrong. I will admit, it was frustrating to see the gender bias that was present in the lives of all three women, but I just admired their perseverance. Lester has such a beautiful way of bringing each character to life and I found this book to be one I had a hard time putting down.

🎧I alternated between the physical book and the audiobook, narrated by one of my absolute favorites, Barrie Kreinik. It should come as no surprise that Kreinik NAILED her performance. I could not imagine a different narrator for this one, and just found myself getting so lost in her words as she told his beautiful and powerful story. If you are looking for an audiobook to get lost in, this is it!

👗Historical Fiction
👗Fashion Industry
👗Multiple POV
👗Three Timelines
👗Family Drama
👗Well Researched

Posted on Goodreads on January 29, 2024: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/144922955?ref=nav_profile_l
**Posted on Instagram - Full Review- on or around January 30, 2024: http://www.instagram.com/nobookmark_noproblem
**Posted on Amazon on January 30, 2024
**-will post on designated date

This was a fantastic listen. I loved the three generations which told the story of finding your way in fashion. I was a fashion merchandising major in college so I thought everything about the design world made this book so interesting. The disappearance is only a small part of the plot which I was good with.

(Listened on audiobook)
Absolutely devoured this book. It’s a genre-blend of historical fiction, romance, and mystery…so all my favorite things.

This was incredibly layered and the striking parallelism between all 3 women was resounding and also sad. I loved all 3 storylines equally! Which is a huge compliment because I usually favor one or skim to get to the one I want to read more. But I was engrossed and invested in all the timelines, I think because of all the layers from the trauma each women had endured that you slowly find out as you read. Very well written needless to say.

The narrator was top-tier! She did a fabulous job with all the French and each timeline was a slightly different sound so I could tell exactly whose story I was on even if I had to pick up mid chapter. Her volume and tone and inflections kept me engaged the whole way through and never took me to zone-out land. 10 stars for her!

Blythe Bricard has lived in her near mythological mother’s shadow her whole life. Her mother, the designer Astrid Bricard, more famous as her Blythe’s designer father’s muse was actually a brilliant designer and followed in her famous designer mother, Mizza’s footsteps. All three women were overshadowed by the men of their era, none given their due for their own immense talent. Now that Blythe is an adult with her own children and an estranged husband she wants to bring back her mother’s brand and learn what happened to Astrid, is she still alive, did she choose to abandon Blythe? As Blythe learns her family’s history, the reader is taken through all three women’s lives and histories through their POVs, each time learning how they were taken advantage of and demeaned in each generation.

I listened to this novel and found it incredibly immersive, and I couldn’t stop listening. I enjoyed hearing about the three women’s lives and how they tied together. I did take issue with the author’s take on the French women and the Nazis (complicity was the only option) - but other than that I found it to be an enjoyable read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I loved this book - if you love fashion this is a MUST read. It was so interesting and historically accurate the way the author integrated real life into the plot. I listened to the audiobook and it was great but I think I would have enjoyed the written version a bit better due to all the names and flashbacks. Overall, I hope this author writes more books!

A great way to start the year!

The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard follows three generations of Bricard women and their story of love, life, and fashion. Will their talents in the fashion industry take center stage or will their reputations continuously overshadow their talent?

The story follows the three different timelines - Mizza in the 1940s, Astrid in the 1970's and Blythe in present day. The different timelines each had a distinct feeling which I enjoyed. The fashion aspect of the book was fun even if there were a lot of puns! This book tries to make it abundantly clear that men have an advantage in the world and mentioned it a little too much without adding anything of significance to the story.

I thought Mizza's story was interesting and I would have loved for it to be a book all her own.

***Potential Spoilers***
Astrid's timeline was also very interesting until you got to the end. I thought her display of PND* was the best feminist plot of the entire book. Her disappearance and staying disappeared made no sense.
*In the book, it is referred to Post-Natal Depression instead of Postpartum Depression. Natal typically refers to the baby and partum to the mother. As a healthcare professional, I had to look up if Post-Natal Depression was another term or if the author made it up. It IS a term that is used in some areas of the world/healthcare.

I thoroughly enjoyed Blythe's story as it intersected with Astrid's story. I however HATED her relationship with Jake. You don't just divorce someone without them knowing the reason. You would have to be mentally unhinged to not try to work it out before just serving someone divorce papers. He signed the divorce without understanding why. Blythe states they have a "deeply felt emotional bond" which she translate to being able to read his facial expressions and just know. Well, honey, you wouldn't have gotten divorced if that were true. The relationship is so freaking immature. I also don't care that they gave him a sob story. You can have a sob story and still suck. I would have enjoyed her story without him. It would have been better to let her have a truly feminist end and coming to terms with her family heritage and not needing the man that is clearly not good enough for her.

I loved the narrator for this audiobook. She has the most pleasant voice. My only complaint would be that her voice is almost too soothing. Do not listen while sleepy.

I received the audiobook as an ARC from Netgalley.

Thanks to Hachette, Forever for the copy of this audiobook!

“Why is the world so full of older men all telling a young woman she won’t be able to do what she wants? How do women walk down the street beneath the weight of all the doubt everyone wants them to carry? Why is powerlessness the only thing the world wants to gift them? An anger like she’d felt during the women’s march sweeps through her. And underneath it, the same desperate need to be more than what everyone wants to make her.”

Natasha Lester is a go-to author for my picky historical fiction self. THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ASTRID BRICARD is a fantastic read, full of lush fashion history, heartache, love, tenderness, and empowerment. Told through three generations of Bricard women in three timelines, we see the way that women are treated in the fashion industry and how it impacts every relationship in their lives. I think this is a book to pick up even if you aren’t typically a historical fiction reader - it’s very relevant while also focusing on some interesting history. I really really enjoyed reading this one on audio because it brought the story to life!

Read if you:
- like generational stories or multiple timelines
- enjoy fashion
- want some aching & longing with your romance
- love women’s empowerment

Thanks NetGalley for the ArC of this audiobook. This book has 3 timelines with different storylines. It’s an incredible story. I love stories that are from a famous person and multi generation impacted from their life. This story was amazing and had a lot of life in the characters. This was such an addictive book.

Fascinating history that follows three generations of the Bricard family who were all involved in the fashion industry. The story starts out slow and I almost gave up on it, getting confused between the various women, but once it picked up, I was drawn in and couldn’t get enough of all three of them. From the strength of Mizza in the war, then the resilience of Astrid in the tough, male-dominated fashion industry, and finally the resolve of Blythe with her family issues, everyone of them was compelling and had you rooting for them. Highly recommended for those who love fashion and/or multi-generational novels.

oh. my. god. "The Tragedy of the Muses Bricard" is how an article in this book describes these three generations of women, and oh how right they were. Blythe Bricard sets out to find answers on her mother Astrid Bricard's disappearance from a fashion show in Versailles, answering questions about her grandmother Mizza Bricard along the way. All while trying to avoid the legacy of women in her family always being the inspiration for someone else's greatness in the fashion industry and reconnecting with her ex-husband. I was so immersed in this whirlwind of a story skillfully narrated by Barrie Kreinik, and the POV changing each chapter so each Bricard woman could tell her own piece of the puzzle really added to my enjoyment and understanding of the timeline. I don't know much about the fashion industry but this book made me feel like I was there. It's all the electricity and mystery and empowerment of Daisy Jones mixed with all the glitz and glamour and star quality of Evelyn Hugo, in a new way that is so entirely and enigmatically Bricard.
(Thank you to NetGalley, Natasha Lester and Hachette Audio for sending me the audiobook to review. All thoughts are my own.)

"The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard" by Natasha Lester is a page turner. I did not want to stop listening to this one. The author does a great portrayal of the struggles the main three female characters have had breaking into the fashion industry. Mizza, Astrid and Blythe Bricard are three generations of women in the same family trying to not just design clothes, but make an inmpact as female clothing designers. They are all talented and creative. Mizza in pre and post WWII Paris, Astrid in 1970's New York and Blythe in New York and Paris all have to answer - how can we succeed in a male dominated industry with our dignity? They are all talented but are seen as muses to the men around them. Can they ever break the trend

This novel does a great job showing the strength of these three women, the men that support them along the way and how one action or just being in the shadow of the woman that came before them could affect their careers.

This book has it all - female power, encouragement, romance and mystery. Excellent book overall.

I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was fantastic. The narration added to the story in a good way and I highly recommend the audio if you are a lover of audiobooks.

This story is a fashion rollercoaster featuring three generations of stylish ladies, filled with flashbacks and toggling POVs.

Mizza, the matriarch of the family, is facing life struggles set in 1930s/40s wartime France. Astrid is next in the line of Bricard women — her story is set in the 1960s/70s and has a strong but tumultuous love story. Blythe, the third gen in modern day, is dealing with her mom's mysterious vanishing act and patching up her family.

I've read some generational dramas like this — some done well, some not. This nets out somewhere in the middle. There wasn't enough character development with any of the three women to make me care about any of them. The story would occasionally pick up and pique my interested, and then soon after would switch to another of the character's timeline. Super frustrating for someone who wants to be fully immersed in a story.

Having three timelines made it difficult to keep track of the women. I had to relisten to the first 5-ish chapters, because I didn’t catch enough the first time through to know who was who.

The narrator, Barrie Kreinik, was the star of the runway in this audiobook experience — she was excellent. I sped the audio to 2.5x because I wanted to get it done, and I was still able to follow the narration with ease, except with Mizza's timeline due the accent (which was well done, imo).

This book is just ok, imo. However, there may have been tweaks made to edition I listened to. This book is set to publish Jan. 30.

Thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for a chance to listen to an advanced copy of this audiobook.