I very much enjoyed the narrator and I thought the writing style of the author was a positive. However, I did have to DNF because the book was just not very intriguing as it went on to keep my interest. If I was into fashion much more, I'm sure I would have kept reading. I also had in mind that it would be more of a mystery into the "disappearance" and that the three generations of women would be right up my alley, but unfortunately it just wasn't

Rated 4.5 Stars

The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard was amazing. I loved it. It felt real like these characters existed in decades gone by. I loved that it was centred around fashion and was laced with so much fashion history. It also focused heavily on relationships - mother/daughter, significant others, friendships, business relationships and more. It highlighted so many issues that women have to deal with when navigating success, how society nitpicks at everything they do showing them in unfavorable lights meanwhile men in those same spaces are given a lot of leeway and are allowed to freely be themselves. This story was such a compelling one. I loved the mystery element to it and how character driven it was. Natasha Lester did a great job of crafting this story, while the narrator, Barrie Kreinik did a great job of bringing life to it. Her voice was made to give life to this story. I loved the way she seamlessly switched accents from one line to the next and made clear distinctions between characters in the same scene. I loved that it was told in dual time-line and that there were two love stories. This was my first Natasha Lester book but it won't be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it.

I am gobsmacked! I give all the stars for The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard. I haven't been this blown away by a book and it's message, since The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.

This story that has three timelines, each following a different generation of Bricard women. Three extraordinary women with an amazing fashion artistry and innovation, trying to make it in the man's world of women's fashion.

I listened to the audiobook, and narrator Barrie Kreinik was amazing. I listened to the book in one day.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the advanced listener copy. I highly recommend this book. it's only January but I know this book will be among my favorite books of 2024.

4 stars

This was surprisingly so good! I haven’t read any other books from this author so it’s a first and I’m so happy, I asked for this ARC.

The story was fabulous and I thought the characters were fantastic! The descriptions were so vivid I could picture it all in my head easily. Each chapter I wanted to know more what happened and it was very exciting to read.

Loved the timelines, the romances and all the mysteries.

I don’t read much historical fiction and after this, I definitely will read more now.
The narrator did an amazing job as well.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for my audio arc.

Let's Talk covers! I love this cover!

This is such a perfectly written book! the multiple POV and the story telling is perfect. the relationship between the three ladies was so well done and it didn't feel as if they were snooty at all. the way the backstory is told is amazing and was very well done.

The story was so well done, kept you intrigued to want more and want to find out what is going to happen in the story.

Thanks NetGalley for letting me read and review.




Thanks to Netgalley for the Advanced copy to read.

This was such a well told, intriguing story. The multiple timelines were done perfectly and added so much to the story. The parallels between all three Bricard women were done in a way that didn't feel cliche. It walked through so many parts of history in a stunning way. Overall, this was just a really great, really unique read. The pacing was great, the storyline flowed easily, and it had just enough true history to make the story believable. I'd highly recommend this to anyone who loves fashion or historical fiction.

I flipped back and forth between the audiobook and the e arc, and both were so well done! The audiobook had great pacing and the narrator did a wonderful job bringing all three women (and Hawk Jones) to life!

Thanks to Netgalley for the Advanced copy to read.

3 different POVs and a beautifully crafted story: It's 1917 and Mizza Bricard is sixteen and on her own. At an exclusive party she meets some very scandalous women and learns that if she stays strong and makes her own way in life, she will make a name for herself. She does this through the couture fashion houses in Paris and becoming known as Dior’s Muse. But was she actually?
1970: Astrid Bricard arrives in New York determined to prove to her adoptive parents that she can make it as a fashion designer. She has a scholarship at Parsons and lots of determination, but then she meets Hawk Jones, another fashion designer and their lives explode in passion and love. The media tags Astrid as Hawk’s muse, totally ignoring her true designs. But when the top fashion designers of America come up against the French in Versailles, Astrid’s world falls apart.
Present: Blythe Bricard wants more than anything to design fashion, but she never wants to be someone’s muse. She turns her back on designing but cannot leave the fashion industry altogether. When she is invited to a chateau in France, her life will unfold in an emotional roller coaster that will tell the true story of her grandmother, mother and father.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for this audio e-arc.*

Another huge hit from one of my fav historical fiction authors! Natasha Lester is the queen of shining a light on forgotten women in history with a particular focus on fashion and WWII. In this latest story, we get to know three generations of women and their struggles balancing, love, motherhood and careers in male dominated spheres. HIGHLY recommended, great on audio and full of fantastically moving characters with fun Easter eggs from past books sprinkled throughout. I defy you not to fall in love with Astrid and Blyth Bricard. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

Natasha Lester once again wrote a compelling and unique historical fiction novel, this one pulling me right into the fashion world. Following 3 generations of one family, this story examines the aspirations of each woman, the gender inequality they faced in the industry, and their own love stories all while solving the mystery of where Astrid Bricard is. Honestly the prefect blend between history, romance and mystery. Being set in the fashion world, Lester mentions a lot of familiar designers and brands, and I loved learning about these little pieces of history. I listened to the audiobook and was amazed by how easy it was to follow all three timelines. Barrie Kreinik did a great job playing all three roles.

Read if you like:
-Multi-generational stories
-Books that explore gender inequality throughout history
-Fashion and high-end designers
-Fiona Davis/The Roaring Days of Zora Lilly/ The Wedding Veil