This dual timeline novel follows the adventures of a modern woman who will go to great lengths to learn and put together the story of a dressmaker and a film star in 1940's war torn Paris.
Our main heroine Ruby is living in 2025 Virginia and used to work in Paris giving tours. However, a cancer diagnosis caused her to move back home and even though she survived the ordeal she lives in constant fear of it coming back and it has caused some issues when trying to live her personal life. She gets involved in researching a project about a film actress which gives her an opportunity to start living again.
In 1940's Paris we are introduced to dressmaker Sylvia who after losing her factory job becomes to the costume designer to actress Cecile. They become great friends and even though there is glamor on the movie set off the set there is still a war going on. Danger lurks with the Nazi occupation and if our heroines don't pay attention they could pay the cost.
I overall enjoyed this novel as I enjoy WWII stories and with the modern day character exploring the past was the icing on the cake.
I received an ARC copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.

Fans of the dual time line WWII story will like this one for the characters, especially Sylvia and Cecile. Ruby's story in the present is interesting but less so than is the WWII story. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

Ruby Nevins has been battling cancer and is in remission. She knows the cancer could return at any time so she won’t allow herself to fall in love. She’s writing an article and finds her research into Cécile, an actress, and Sylvia Rousseau, Cécile’s dressmaker and confidante, fascinating. She’s learning about the struggles and hardships both women went through not only to survive but to aid the Resistance, and the things they did that made them feel ashamed. Getting caught was not an option either one could afford. Both mysteriously disappeared in 1942, presumed dead.

Ruby not only learns a lot through her research for the article, but she also learns that taking risks might not be so bad after all. Everyone deserves to be happy, including herself.

A excellent dual-timeline story of strength, intelligence, perseverance, character, struggles, hardship, taking risks, danger, finding love, and more.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

After Paris
by Mary Ellen Taylor

This captivating and beautifully crafted dual-time-line historical fiction novel draws readers into the lives of its characters, weaving a tale set against the backdrop of World War II and the year 2025. The book is infused with heartache, courage, and an undercurrent of suspense, showcasing the strength and resilience of its protagonists. Rich in historical detail, fashion, and romance, the story unfolds through the interconnected lives of three remarkable women, whose journeys will keep you eagerly turning the pages.

In the wartime setting of 1940, we meet Sylvia, a compassionate seamstress devoted to aiding Polish refugees. Her world becomes ever more complex when she secures a job with the glamorous actress Cécile, adding layers of intrigue and glamour to the period. The novel also follows Ruby, a determined 25-year-old woman who, after bravely facing cancer, is cautiously navigating her way forward in life. With the help of Sylvia’s daughter, Ruby embarks on a quest to uncover the truths of Cécile's past and share her story with the world.

Mary Ellen Taylor masterfully blends the past and present, creating an engaging and thought-provoking story that will resonate deeply with readers. The inspiring tales of Cécile and Sylvia illustrate the extraordinary courage and sacrifices women made in the face of peril, serving as a powerful reminder of resilience in adversity.

This was my first encounter with Taylor’s work, and it certainly won’t be my last. From the stunningly evocative cover to the gripping prose, her writing captivated my attention and held it tightly until the very last page.

Mary Ellen Taylor does a great job writing dual-timeline stories. I was especially intrigued by this one, as I am a history buff and have read a number of books and stories about WWII. Most were from the perspective of the men who fought in the war. This one, obviously well researched, gives a perspective from that of the women who were caught up in the challenges of surviving the German occupation of France during WWII.

The present-day Ruby, is a recent cancer survivor. The French film actress Cecile, her sister Emile, and Sylvia, Cecile's dressmaker, are three women who faced great challenges in their lives during the occupation of France. All were strong women willing to fight for a better future. Their lives were at risk every day but they continued on the path they had chosen. Present-day Ruby's desire to learn the fate of these women is admirable for someone so young and struggling with her own fate. This was not a superficial book. It showed the reader the real trials faced during the war by everyone. The more Ruby delved into their stories, the faster I read.

There was a point in the story that I thought said a lot about what these women faced. Sylvia thought, "I'd helped people hide all over the city, but couldn't think of a place for us to go. It was one thing to conceal a faceless immigrant, another to hide a movie star.'

I enjoyed Ruby's strength and perseverance to find the truth of what happened to these brave women for her story. I also admired her courage to face her own future and take chances. This was an amazing story of strong women facing insurmountable challenges and doing what it took to survive. It is also a story that solidifies the fact that love can heal many wounds. Read this story, remember the past, and enjoy the future.

The story of Ruby, an author who is inspired to write the story of a missing actress and her dressmaker, is one that is poignant, realistic and soul-stirring. The women she is writing about lived during the Second World War in Nazi-occupied France. Facing danger daily was part of their way of life since both Cecile, the actress, and her dressmaker Sylvia, worked with the resistance by feeding them information via Cecile’s sister Emile. The story is a dual timeline story, showing the struggles of Cecile and Sylvia in 1940’s France and the challenge to grasp life that Ruby faces since she is a cancer survivor. The themes of strength, courage, fortitude and persistence are prevalent in this novel that had me crying and cheering, just pages apart. The characters were totally realistic, especially Ruby and her determined quest to find out the truth about Sylvia and Cecile. Using a journal written by Sylvia, Ruby researches and continues to dig out nuggets of Sylvia’s story of being a Jew in Paris when the Nazis were working hard to exterminate them. The book was well-paced and totally absorbing as I lost myself in the pages, wanting to know as much as Ruby did what had happened to Sylvia and Cecile. With multiple narrators and a well-woven story, the history of the women is given in a way that is a compelling look at self-sacrifice and family love. This book is without a doubt one of the best WWII historical fiction novels that I have read, told with the grit and authentic details that made me gasp with awe or disgust, depending on what was happening in the scene. The author brilliantly and seamlessly wove the stories of the women together, even as they were decades and a continent apart. I loved the story and the writing style that captivated my attention and securely held it from beginning to end.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

***Spoilers ahead***

I enjoyed this book. I found it to be a unique take on the recent spate of WWII era books that have flooded the marked over the past five or so years. Here's what I thought:

The writing was good. At times there were a few too many descriptors, especially when describing certain outfits not pertaining to the movie making business, but as the clothing seemed to be a minor character in this book, it worked out.

I honestly felt that the dual storylines were not needed here. In fact, I think that this is essentially two half books put together to form one. Ruby's cancer storyline really wasn't necessary; had she just been a writer who loved French films writing her article, nothing in the story would change. Instead, an entire book of Ruby's experience with cancer - her life before, her relationship, her treatment, her remission, and the ending - could have been an entire book on its own. Further to that, more details about Cecile/Dominique and Sylvia and their arrival in Paris, could have been expanded to be a complete novel.

I understand that Madame Bernard was necessary to tie the two stories together, and I did enjoy the scenes between her and Ruby. However, the scene where we learn she was not Sylvia's biological child is just pointless to me. Why could she not be the legitimate child of her mother and father? The scene on the train seemed so incredibly random and felt forced.

The title is also misleading: After Paris. Most of the story takes place IN Paris. What makes the After so special? However I understand that there are an influx of books that use the same starting title, and I know The Paris Dressmaker has been used, The Paris Seamstress likely has as well, however the title truly does not reflect the story within.

Aside from these points, I did enjoy this book. This was a new angle on the usual WWII era book, and I enjoyed learning about French film making during the Occupation.

I liked the aspect this book brought to the resistance movement in Paris in WW2. Of course people were brave and principled but they also faced the urge to compromise due to severe food shortages and deprivation, let alone personal attraction. This was a well worked novel with a duel timeline that delved into the lives of two sisters who were standing up to the nazis, one brazenly, the other through taking advantage of largesse and using her knowledge to inform the resistance about nazi activity. The connection between the two timelines was a seamstress who worked for one of the sisters and who adopted an abandoned child who then came to know the modern day narrator. The book explores numerous issues, including dealing with potentially fatal cancer making this a thoroughly worthwhile read.

A wonderful read!
This novel drew me in from the very first page and kept me hooked until the end. The characters were vibrant and relatable, the writing was engaging, and the story had just the right balance of heart and humor. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

I received an ARC of this book to review. Maybe I was impressed by being invited to read and review this book ahead of publication, but I thoroughly enjoyed this reading experience.
I love a book with dual timelines, with a title that hints at mystery and meaning that is revealed within the story, and a book that I can connect with emotionally.

Dual timelines:
Ruby in 2025 and Cecile in 1940-1945
This historical fiction romance involves a lookback at the lives of an actress; Cecile and her dressmaker, Sylvia, during the German occupation in France. Yes, this is another story of WWII. Yes, there are so many! Amazingly, there always seems to be another point of view to bring on a fresh take of those years that affect this reader down to the very core of my heart.

The title:
It is important to me that the title is poignant to the story. This title connects Ruby who leaves Paris for cancer treatment at home in Virginia and how she recovers her life and career 'after Paris' by researching Cecile an actress in Paris who mysteriously disappears after completing her last movie. What 'did' happen to Cecile 'after Paris'?

Emotional connections:
Ruby's experience with Lymphoma and all of her conflicted feelings are real. Having a young family member that went through this same disease I could emotionally connect to Ruby. Oddly enough, my family member named her daughter Ruby; so connections to Ruby's emotions was huge for me.

Final thoughts:
This book would be a great bookclub selection; providing a lively discussion about the colorful characters in the story, their behaviors, values, and morals.
The few short, steamy love scenes rate about 1.5 🌶 s.
The ending answered all my questions and I found it to be satisfying.

One confusing point:
The timeline for Ruby is July fourth weekend of 2025 making it a time in the future. This was a difficult setting for me. There was no mention of anything that made it seem like a holiday weekend. This just didn't make alot of sense to me. Maybe it will change when the book is released for publication in May?

I enjoyed reading this story. I really like dual timeline stories and this book really hit the spot. This book is about a cancer survivor in the present and a dressmaker in Paris. Ruby, who lives in the present is researching the history of the French dressmaker. I found myself quicky drawn into the story and read this in one sitting. This story is an excellent mix of of suspense, mystery, and romance. I will be looking for more books by this author!

This is an entertaining, well-written, dual time-line, historical fiction novel. It has intelligent, likable and engaging female protagonists, heartbreak, courage, strength, resilience, movies, fashion, mystery, and a satisfying conclusion. I especially liked its message of grabbing every moment when it presents itself. Many thanks to Ms. Taylor, from whom I received an advanced reader copy of the wonderful novel as a subscriber to her newsletter. This is my honest opinion.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review. All I can say is Wow! Mary Ellen Taylor created a rich, layered story that was full of emotion and heart. Ruby was recovering from a devastating cancer journey when she learned of Cecile and Sylvia’s story. In war torn Paris during the German occupation, Cecile and Sylvia navigate the fine line of seeming to collaborate while actually gathering information for the resistance. The mystery of what happened to them drives Ruby on her quest. In fact, the two timelines parallel each other when it comes to taking leaps of faith for love even though the risks seem insurmountable. This author never fails to deliver!

Wonderful!! I first want to thank the author, Mary Ellen Taylor for the advanced copy of the book for my opinion.
This was really good! When books are written in different timelines, they are sometimes hard to follow. Not this one, or any written by Ms. Taylor, this was clear and vivid., and you knew where you were each time.
I really enjoyed this and hated when life got in the way.
I highly suggest you read this book. you will not be sorry.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this free copy I received for an honest review. The story unfolds between the WW2 Paris and present USA. The two heroines stories seem to be a parallel reflection of some sort which I did quite enjoy, the battle between trust and hope and been taken over and fear. The audacity to dream despite the odds and rebuilt. I really enjoyed the plot and the characters as with each book from this author were pretty well developed. I always find one I can connect with and see some reflections from my own thoughts and feelings. The issues I had that made me not give the full 5 stars had to do with the writing: my pet peeves when several phrases/ mannerisms are repeated and a slow start with many people introduced simultaneously, the plot moving too slow for now reason at some points too. In general I really enjoyed it and could not put it down after the first 50 pages or so. The author has a gift to connect the reader with the book emotionally and actively.

This is Ruby's story but the author does a fabulous job or tying the present and WWII Paris together.  It is a touching story of love,  loss, strength and perseverance.

Ruby is a young journalist who is also a cancer survivor in 2025. She is trying to write Cecile's story.  Through personal diaries and some internet research Ruby is able to piece together most of the details. In the process she meets Sylvia, a Polish Jew who escaped from Warsaw to Paris in the mid 30s and became a seamstress to a movie star, Cecile.  We also meet  Otto a German captain stationed in Paris.

The author is a master at pulling all this together to make a fantastic story that is very difficult to put down.  The characters are brought to life and you can't stop reading until you find out how each story ends.  5 stars!!!

The story takes place simultaneously during World War II and in 2025. We meet Ruby and Sylvia, Ruby is a fashion and movie lover and Sylvia is a seamstress.

The first scenes are set in 1945, depicting the difficult recovery from the war and the treatment of people suspected of being collaborators.

After that, the plot moves to the year 2025, where we learn that Ruby is recovering from cancer and at the same time working on a report about the famous actress Cecile. She finds a clue in the form of the daughter of the actress' dressmaker, Madame Bernand, whom she meets and thus learns the truth about the actress.

We are also introduced to the story set in 1940, where we meet Sylvia, who, in addition to helping Polish refugees, gets a job as a seamstress for the actress Cecile.

I really like the quality of the writing and the story, the author draws you into a story rich in details. The story deals with the fight for freedom and the fight with a vicious disease from which people come out changed, and in the end with the new loves of the main characters.

I give this story 5 stars and a brief warning about war trauma, but not directly written, just mentioned in passing.

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.