Cancer survivor Ruby, decides to research a famous actress. When she finds a diary. It takes her on a journey into the past.

This was an excellent book.

Ruby Nevins is researching Cécile, a French actress making films during Nazi occupied France. Ruby is writing an article about Cécile to go with a screening of one of her films. At height of her popularity, Cécile disappeared leaving behind a mystery that Ruby is trying to uncover. During her research, Ruby meets the daughter of Sylvia who gives Ruby access to Sylvia's journal as well as some letters

Cécile was very popular with not only the French citizens, but with a few Nazi officers. Cécile is doing what she can to survive while at the same time her sister Emile is working with the Resistance. Emile introduces her sister to Sylvia, an extremely talented dressmaker that makes costumes for Cécile's movies as well as dresses for social events.

The relationships between Cécile, Emile and Sylvia very very well written and believable. Especially the relationship between Cécile and Sylvia.. There is so much going on during both time periods but the transitions between the storylines is very smooth. And, no spoilers, the ending is both surprising but very fulfilling.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. My review is voluntary as well honest. I highly recommend this book.

My rating:

Plot: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars

Recommended for readers of:

Historical Fiction


Review:

This is a beautifully written book with an interesting plot. It tells the story of three strong women who each are faced with their own life changing challenges. The characters were well developed and their actions were explained well this made them realistic.

Written over a dual time line in the present we meet Ruby a cancer survivor who after two years of treatment has now been told that she is cancer free but the knowledge that it can come back anytime has changed her perspective and even though she worries she tries to live life to the fullest For an article is writing she is researching the life of a famous French actress who mysteriously disappeared in 1942.

The second time line set in 1940’s Paris tells the story of Cecile and Sylvia a famous French cinema star and her dressmaker who risked their lives to aid the resistance.

Overall:

This is a beautifully written book with an interesting plot and well developed characters. The story flows well and has the right amount of mystery and suspense to keep you captivated till the last page.

Review copy provided through Netgalley at no cost to me.

With a dozen books to review, I picked this one up. I think too much of mystery murders and I was looking for something else.

Ruby has lived through a lot for her twenty five years. A cancer survivor with the specter hanging over her head, she returns to America, with a relationship in smithereens when her partner could not cope with the trauma of cancer treatments. Ruby has embarked on research into the lives of Cecile, a fabulously beautiful French actress who had a bright career during the 1940s during the Paris occupation. Acting in films owned and run by the Germans, made her in the eyes of the French, a despicable collaborator. Only she knew how much information she obtained and forwarded to Emile her sister who worked in the Resistance. With Cecile was Sylvia, her seamstress and confidante, also a refugee and one with a chequered background.

The workings of both women were fascinating. One in plain sight, the other nondescript and hidden and the conduit for information. The manner in which people worked for the underground movements were so clever. Undermine the enemy, sabotage at every turn from massive destruction to simply puncturing the tyres of vehicles, the ordinary folk kept a facade of minding their own business, being strictly good citizens and led double lives.

Written in two timelines, the unraveling of the story was meticulous.

4⭐️

[a copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher from netgalley. thank you!]

a haunting tale which spans a number of generations, after paris is a dual timeline novel which traces the lives of Ruby and Cécile—Ruby in the modern world and Cécile in 1940s France trying to survive the Nazi occupation. engaging, fast paced, and enthralling, this historical fiction novel is well worth the read

Mary Ellen Taylor’s latest release, AFTER PARIS, is maybe more thrilling and exciting that any of her previous titles. I’ve read them all so I can write this review from personal experience. I was so engrossed in the stories of both of our leading ladies that I just kept reading and finished it over 2 days. If you’re like me, you’ll be up late reading this engrossing story.

Much of my personal enjoyment comes from the WWII Paris time period. Fiction gives a much richer story than the history books. Ms. Taylor did her research and didn’t pull any (written) punches. For which I am grateful. This women’s fiction at its finest. Great education and great entertainment. I really didn’t know how it would play out in the end.

My recommendation to fans of MET and to women just now discovering her. You’re gonna love the writing and love the stories. Yes, there are more than one story and it is engrossing to the max.

Marrianna D.

AFTER PARIS is a book I couldn't put down. The mix of history and timelines, with a unique twist of French cinema entwined with the French resistance movement, kept me reading until the end. Readers will lose themselves in the Paris of war time along with all the dangers and intrigues of being a female and a spy. And the added twist of a modern-day battle with cancer will strike home to many. A sample line that really stood out to me (being a two-time cancer survivor myself) was: "Cancer’s a little like an occupying force. Until it leaves, you can’t breathe, and even when it does depart, you’re never quite the same after." Only cancer survivors and those close to them affected by such a diagnosis can truly understand that battle. This is another eye-opening Mary Ellen Taylor story!

Southern storyteller, Mary Ellen Taylor (favorite author) returns following The Promise of Tomorrow with her latest poignant, compelling, and most powerful novel yet, AFTER PARIS.

From the stunning front cover, #covercrush, page one, to the satisfying ending, you will be transported from Virginia and France in this impressive tale of three strong women with dual timelines, memorable characters, rich in detail, history, and charm.

An exquisite Mother's Day gift & Book Club pick! History. Romance. Mystery. From a master storyteller comes a meticulously researched, beautifully written, haunting, and captivating story of resilience, love, and the enduring courage of three women spanning generations.

About...

Norfolk, VA 2025:
Ruby Nevis loves fashion, history, writing, film, and life. She one day wants to be a mother and she has had to be creative due to the cancer and treatment.

Three years earlier, she graduated from college and worked as a tour guide in Paris. Her specialty tours focused on films made in the City of Lights.

Her time there ended with her cancer diagnosis, and she headed back to the states. Her journey through Cancerland had begun. Her boyfriend, Scott at the time, decided he could not handle and returned to Paris. Her family and friends were supportive.

Ruby needed to work to keep her mind busy and The Virginia Tourism Bureau hired her to write a series of articles for the following year's spring French film festival. She was to write a profile on their feature film, Secrets in the Shadows, which stars the French actress Cécile.

Paris: 1940's
Cécile, the "it girl" of early 1940s French cinema, vanished from Nazi-occupied Paris in 1942. Sylvia Rousseau, Cécile's dressmaker and confidante, left that same year.

At age twenty-five, Ruby has had her share of struggles. But after two years of battling cancer, she's determined to move forward. Little does she know, while researching this new project and an old diary, this will change her life.

She works to piece together the truth behind Cécile's disappearance and Sylvia's extraordinary life, and sees the two women as kindred spirits. They risked their hearts and lives to aid the Resistance, and each day was a struggle to survive.

Ruby knows her cancer could come back, but she's learning to embrace the future rather than fear it. She meets with Sylvia's daughter to learn more from a diary (holds secrets of the past) who lives in the DC area after her mother moved to the US after the war and had passed away—for a fascinating journey into the lives of these two incredible women while learning to overcome her fears and live for the future.

Why did they disappear? What did they discover about themselves that led them to change their paths?

If Cécile and Sylvia could live in the shadow of death, so can Ruby. Because she knows there's so much life—and love—to fight for.

My thoughts...

I loved AFTER PARIS and it will be on my top books of 2025 with all the stars. The author has outdone herself! No one does historical fiction better than Mary Ellen Taylor. I am a huge long-time fan and have read every book. Each one is a masterpiece, and you are assured you will come away learning something, inspired, and empowered.

AFTER PARIS is a haunting, yet beautiful tale — full of suspense, mystery, and romance, rich in history and character. These three women's lives are intertwined in a way that will keep you turning the pages. Ruby, a modern-day woman battling cancer, Cécile, the 'it girl' of 1940s French cinema, and Sylvia, Cécile's dressmaker and confidante, all fight for survival in the tumultuous times of 1940s France and present-day Virginia.

The author's research is highly impressive, from the fashion, the settings, the history, WWII, the film industry, dressmaking, and the incredible courageous women who risked it all to protect their country and lives. Her suspenseful stories always touch your heart and your mind.

The author dazzles with dual timelines (past & present), both equally as compelling, with multiple POV: Dominique, Ruby, Sylvia, Hauptmann Otto Wolfgang, and a chapter from Jeff (all marked and easy to follow). We learn about the The French Resistance, a secret network of French citizens who fought against Nazi occupation during World War II which is a fascinating topic of French historians.

In this poignant tale, Taylor showcases her talent for transporting readers through history with a charming romance, tenacious and fascinating women, and a strong takeaway.

I also enjoyed the parts set in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, a stunning location referenced in the story. If you have read MET's Union Street Bakery Series and Alexandria Series, you will enjoy revisiting this lovely area and the bakery. (I loved both these series).

I enjoyed the well-developed, highly relatable characters from the past and Ruby and Jeff in the present. I adored Eric, her brother, and Jeff (rooting for these two from the beginning). This book is full of heart, soul, wisdom, love, and loss but also of hope, resilience, triumph and second chances.

I highly recommend! If you have not read this author, you are missing out. I recommend reading her entire list and also her thrillers under Mary Burton. Coming 8/26 What She Saw.

Interview...

I am delighted and honored to host Mary Ellen Taylor for an upcoming May #AuthorElevatorSeries Q&A ride. In this series, we go behind the book and up close and personal with the talented author, providing readers with a unique opportunity to gain insights into the writing process and the inspiration behind the book. (pub day, May 13). Sign up for my newsletter on my blog to have it delivered to your inbox.

Recs...

AFTER PARIS is for fans of compelling historical fiction, dual time-lines, multi-generational strong women with a sprinkling of romance and those who enjoy works by Joy Callaway, Camille Di Maio, Kristy Woodson Harvey, Lynda Cohen Loigman, Kristin Hannah, Jenni L. Walsh, Julia Kelly, and Patti Callahan Henry,

Special thanks to Montlake and NetGalley for a gifted advanced review copy for my honest thoughts. Perfect for book clubs and Mother's Day. I look forward to seeing who will be narrating the audio version. Move this gem to the top of your spring TBR list.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars +
Pub Date: May 13, 2025
May 2025 Must-Read Books
#AuthorElevatorSeries Q&A

A riveting tale that was beautifully written. I love the woven tale of survival for women during WWII and it is beautifully crafted into modern day story as well. True definition of bravery and strength in the characters. I look forward to reading more by this author!

After Paris brings a cast of characters that will stay with you long afte the final page. Seeking to reclaim her life after cancer, Ruby embarks on a journey that will span decades. As she works to learn what happened to an actress filming during WWII, she will learn more than she could have expected about the past, herself, and the power of love. Exquisitely written and full of interesting characters, Mary Ellen Taylor's After Paris is a must-read.

I absolutely adored this book. I loved the journal entries and the intrigue. The characters were lovely and well developed. It was a really good story.

Mary Ellen Taylor has been one of my favorite authors for while now, and with this book, she proves that once again. What an absolutely fantastic read this was. Would definitely read again, and would definitely recommend!

This was such a beautiful book! I love historical fiction and I think this was so well written. I loved it!

I love dual timelines and I find that sometimes it can be not well managed, but I think Mary Ellen Taylor managed the characters and the timelines well! The author is so good at conveying emotions and drama and history all at once! I also loved all the details about the fashions, it is something I love about history and it is great to see this being part of this historical fiction. The women were also really well written, it felt like they were all unique. The raw emotions of trying to survive war and how this can make a strong companionship was so beautifully written, I couldn't put this down. I haven't read this author before and I am going to look for her other books. I have no words to describe how well she wrote the pain of war in this story.

After Paris was an enjoyable, historical fiction read with a flair of French fashion and cinema as well as an air of mystery that lingered until the end. The dual timeline between the present and past WWII era worked well and blended seamlessly into the story. I admired all of the women characters for their bravery and strength in overcoming the hardships that they faced. The depth of emotion that the author presented just bled from the pages. The characters were so well developed that I felt like I knew these women personally. I personally didn't care for the fashion descriptions, but it didn't take away from the essence of the story. Taylor always writes a beautiful tale, and I always look forward to her books. I would definitely recommend to fans of historical fiction.

Thank you to Montlake for granting me a digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review!

'After Paris' by Mary Ellen Taylor is well told, blending historical fiction seamlessly with a contemporary storyline of resilience and hope. The dual timelines in this novel allow for an interesting look into the lives of three remarkable women-Ruby Nevins, 25-year-old cancer survivor trying to make sense of life after the disease; and Cécile and Sylvia, two brave women who put everything on the line during the Nazi occupation of Paris in World War II.

Ruby starts the journey by stumbling on a diary that helps her know more about Cécile, a French actress in the 1940s. While Ruby was investigating the connections between Cécile and Sylvia Rousseau, her confidante and dressmaker, she got more engrossed in the story of courage and survival. The timeline brings the tension, danger, and moral complexities faced by the anti-Nazi regime people of wartime Paris alive. It is inspiring and heartbreaking in equal measure the courage of Cécile and Sylvia in impossible odds. Today, Ruby finds strength in their stories as she faces her own struggles. Her reflections upon their lives lead to important questions about survival and judgment, reminding readers that decisions made in desperation cannot always fit neatly into defined boxes of right or wrong.

Taylor is a master at world-building and bringing very real characters to life. Seamlessly interwoven, the dual timelines support each other well, while the historical elements are well-researched and brought alive. Ruby's storyline is quieter and more introspective, but it provides a great contrast to the high-stakes drama of Cécile and Sylvia's lives and shows how resilience can come in many forms.

A minor flaw, in my opinion, is that the pacing of the modern day timeline feels a tad slower than that of the wartime chapters. However, the emotional depth and thematic richness nicely offsets this minor flaw.

'After Paris' is a poignantly rendered novel about courage and hope. Fans of Historical fiction and dual-timeline stories will be particularly pleased with this book. Highly recommend!!

I enjoyed, After Paris, by Mary Ellen Taylor. The historical fiction genre and the dual timeline are things that grab my attention. Mary Ellen Taylor did not disappoint. The characters were well developed, but I still had trouble keeping their story lines straight. Often I could visualize the activities I was reading. I will definitely look for other books my Mary Ellen Taylor.

The dual timelines melded perfectly together and weren't confusing at all to go back and forth between. Characters were beautifully written and had such depth of emotion. I'm always down for an unconventional WWII book and it's refreshing to get a different type of story from the time period.

This was my first book by this author, but definitely won't be my last. I love how this book is a dual story about a dressmaker and a cancer survivor set in Paris during WWII and present time both. Reading this book made me feel like I was there, right where the story was being set at, watching the women first hand. This book was deeply emotional to me, and left me turning page after page ignoring the time! I highly suggest reading this book! I can't wait to read more from this author!!!

This beautifully written and well researched novel has a dual time line that take place during World War II and
current times. The three main characters are all women and they all show the bravery and tenacious of women who are faced with almost impossible problems.

Ruby is a 25 year old writer who has just gotten a cancer-free diagnosis after suffering two years with the disease. She knows that the cancer could come back like it has for so many of her friends from the hospital so she tries to live her life to the fullest even as she worries about her future. She is researching a popular actress from the 1940s who vanished in 1942. When she uncovers a diary, she realizes that she needs to travel to Paris to find out more about the life of Cécile, the “it girl” of early 1940s French cinema. Sylvia Rousseau, Cécile’s dressmaker and confidante also disappeared at the same time. The novel shifts between Ruby in modern times and the historical story of Cecile and Sylvia and their work with the French Resistance. The more Ruby learns about the two women, the more she realizes that they risked their hearts and lives to aid the Resistance and each day was a struggle to survive. Ruby facing cancer is spending every day worrying about the possibility of the cancer returning. She realizes that she needed to learn to look forward to the future rather than fear the past just like Cecile and Sylvia had to do.

The characters in this novel were beautifully written and the story was very emotional. The two timelines melded together and there was no confusion as the story skipped back and forth. All three women showed how brave they were as they lived their lives looking forward to their futures. I know that there are a lot of WWII books to choose from right now but this is one that you don't want to miss.

After Paris was a great read giving you a non linear timeline from multiple viewpoints. I’ve read a lot of historical fiction novels about France in WWII and this gave me a fresh story and perspective. Definitely a book to add to your 2025 TBR stack.