De drie levens van Alix St. Pierre

by Natasha Lester, Marion Drolsbach (Translator), Janet Limonard-Harkink (Translator)

1943. Alix St. Pierre wordt gerekruteerd door de Amerikaanse inlichtingendienst en naar Europa gestuurd. Haar doelwit is een nazi die misschien bereid is de geallieerden te helpen – maar er is ook een kans dat hij een dubbelagent is.


1946. De oorlog is voorbij, en Alix verhuist naar Parijs om persvoorlichter te worden voor Christian Dior. Wanneer een oude bekende uit de oorlog in haar nieuwe wereld opduikt, realiseert Alix zich dat alleen zij het onrecht uit het verleden kan rechtzetten. Maar tegen welke prijs?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Romance, World War II, Audiobook, France

467 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 28, 2022

About the author

Natasha Lester is the multi-award winning and New York Times best-selling author of THE PARIS SEAMSTRESS, THE PARIS ORPHAN, THE PARIS SECRET and THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ASTRID BRICARD. Her new book, THE MADEMOISELLE ALLIANCE, the story of Marie-Madeleine Fourcade, the only female leader of a French Resistance network in WWII, is coming in April 2025.

Prior to writing, she worked as a marketing executive for L’Oreal, managing the Maybelline brand, before returning to university to study creative writing.

Natasha's books have been translated into twenty-one different languages and are published all around the world. She lives in Perth, Western Australia with her 3 children and loves fashion history, practising the art of fashion illustration, collecting vintage fashion, travelling and, of course, books.

Reviews

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1943, Alix St Pierre is a PR consultant working in New York, she’s interviewed by the US government and it’s because she speaks fluent French, Italian and German. Alix is sent to Bern, Switzerland, here she’s working for Mr. Allen Dulles and the newly formed Office of Strategic Services. Alix is drawn into helping the Italian Partisans in the North of Italy, they need information about what’s happening in the war, supplies, and most of all weapons and ammunition.

In 1946, Alix returns to Paris, she’s hired by Maison Christian Dior to help him launch his new line of couture clothing, he wants his designs to highlight and follow the natural contours of a women’s body and introduce the world to his new look. He’s busy getting his premises ready, hiring models and he needs the American media to cover his fashion show. Alix comes up with an idea, to dress a famous film star, this will certainly grab their attention and she meets the infuriating editor Mr. Anthony Marsh.

Alix is still haunted by a failed mission towards the end of the war, and while in Paris she wants to try and find a member of the German army. He managed to escape the roundup of war criminals, they committed terrible acts of cruelty in Italy, nine men died and the man Alix loved. Alix has made a list of her old contacts, she won’t give up until she finds “the voice” and she needs the annoying American’s assistance.

Told from three timelines, before, during and after The Second World War. Natasha Lester has once again delivered a meticulously researched, beautifully written and enthralling historical fiction story. Maison Christian Dior’s message he wanted to prevail in his gowns was “live” and in Alix case she has to let go of the pain of the past and the guilt to be able to move forward.

Thanks to Hachette Australia and their publicity department for my copy of The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre, I enjoyed reading every single page, including the author’s extensive notes at the end, I discovered the gowns included in the narrative were designed by Christian Dior. I highly recommend this book to lovers of historical fiction, with an interest in fashion and five stars from me.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was 1943 when Alix St Pierre was enlisted into the OSS as a spy, sent to Switzerland and was working with a man named Dulles. As the days, weeks and months passed, Alix found herself on the side of the Italian partisans, more determined than ever to help oust the Nazis. As Alix had her pleas for help overturned by the British, she decided to sign the forms herself, saying she'd had approval. So the arms, the radio, the supplies entered Italy. But the Germans seemed all over what the partisans were doing. Was the man helping Alix a double agent?

Three years later, after the war, Alix moved to Paris and joined Christian Dior for his grand opening of the new Dior range. Alix did all she could to help with his success, getting the media onside as well as the posh and elite women, including Rita Hayworth. But one media woman seemed to have nothing but hate for Alix, determined to take her success and make it failure. And with another person arriving in Paris - this time from the war years - Alix was both terrified and furious. Would she be able to right the wrongs of the past - a past that held immense grief and guilt for her?

The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre is another spectacular historical novel by Aussie author Natasha Lester which has elements of fact through it. The author's notes at the end are very interesting and I enjoyed reading about the author's thorough research. I always love Ms Lester's novels and this one is no exception. Highly recommended.

With thanks to Hachette AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre by Natasha Lester

Synopsis /

1943 . After spearheading several successful advertising campaigns in New York, PR wizard Alix St Pierre finds herself recruited into a fledgling intelligence organisation by the US government. Alix is sent to Europe where she is tasked with getting close to a Nazi who might be willing to help the Allied forces - but there's also the chance he might be a double agent.

1946 . Following the war, Alix moves to Paris to run the Service de la Presse for the yet-to-be-launched House of Christian Dior. But when a figure from the war reappears and threatens to destroy her future, Alix realises that only she can right the wrongs of the past and bring him to justice.


My Thoughts /

There's a reason why I keep including historical fiction novels into my reading lists. Tales of strength, resilience, passion, freedom, oppression, injustice and persecution. To fight the good fight for righteousness to conquer over evil. The dogged determination and unyielding spirit of these fictional characters which keeps hope alive in our hearts.

The story opens in Paris at the end of 1946 —

This is my zero hour.
Ten minutes pass.
It is up to me to give the signal to open the doors.
The show is about to begin.
— Christian Dior

A highly independent and driven woman, Alix St Pierre is striving to make a new life for herself when she takes a job as publicist working for the Dior Fashion House, under a man named Christian Dior. A fresh start to a life she hopes which might be free of the nightmares of WWII. Was that asking too much?

Author, Natasha Lester has written this novel following two distinct timelines. Paris 1947 and Bern, Switzerland from 1942 through to 1945. In the earlier timeline, a young Alix St Pierre worked on the staff of Harper’s Bazaar, which we learn was just a cover story, as she was secretly working for the U.S. Office of Strategic Services (OSS) helping run a resistance network.

There was one brief and shining moment, wasn’t there, when it looked like the world would change. For four years we spied and we worked damn hard and we saved people’s lives and we made a difference and nobody cared too much that we were women. And then it all ended. Went backwards, even.

In the later timeline she is, of course, haunted by the things she did and saw and the deaths she bore witness to (and may even have contributed to) during the war. A mostly character driven novel, Alix is a very strong protagonist and without her the story would have collapsed as quickly as an undercooked soufflé. Though not wholly central to the story, Lester also brings romance into the mix. This, I could have done without as it didn't bring anything substantial to the story, unless you enjoy reading one woman's ruminations over a 'manly form' and then berating herself for doing so.

While coming in at nearly 500 pages in length, my thoughts are that it was a 300-pageworthy story. I found my interest waning a little. I am definitely Team Short and Sweet, or maybe that should be Team No Waffling.

Now while the prose is smooth and elegant, and the characters are, for the most part, well-written, the plot of this novel didn't (unfortunately) bring anything new to the table.

In summary, let me say, that after reading The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre…..I think one life would have been sufficient.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW this is another fabulous story from such a wonderful story teller, Natasha Lester has taken me on a journey back to World War 2, and after, as we meet Alix St Pierre and see the courage and determination she has to do what she can to help with the war and then she is working with Christina Dior in Paris, this one is a must read.

It is 1943 and Alix is a talented New York PR consultant, one of the best, when she is asked to an interview with the US government and finds herself working in Bern Switzerland as a spy, Alix works very hard and is soon helping the Italian Partisans. This work can be so heartbreaking at times and Alix is doing all she can to help them with information and supplies when she meets up with a Nazi who is offering help, is it the right help though?

At the end of the war Alix returns to Paris where she is hired to help Christina Dior launch his line of couture clothing, Dior wants nothing but the best and Alix knows what she is doing, here we see more of Alix’s strength as she launches Dior with flair and glamour. During this time she meets someone, newspaper editor Anthony March who opens up a wound that Alix has done her best to cover and now she knows she must find the truth before the wound can be healed and as they team up, will they get justice for the past and will they find peace and happiness?

This story is heartbreaking and heartfelt at the same time, beautifully written and told in the best way, Natasha Lester pulled me in from page one, my heart went out to Alix in this story what strength and courage this woman had, there is danger, intrigue during the war and then the beauty of fashion as Dior is launched. Come along and meet Alix and Anthony and journey with them through a story that will make you cry and make you smile. I do highly recommend this book, it is not to be missed.

My thanks to Hachette AU for my copy to read and review

[Marilyn (not getting notifications) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre by Natasha Lester was everything I had hoped it would be. It was a most engaging novel written with impeccable details that matched its precise research and plot. Natasha Lester brilliantly crafted this historical fiction novel to incorporate three separate timelines that flawlessly intertwined by the conclusion of it. I listened to the audiobook that was masterfully performed by Barrie Kreinik, one of my favorite narrators. The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre drew me in from the very beginning and did not let me go until the most satisfying ending. I don’t think there was anything that disappointed me about this novel.

Alix St. Pierre was a young woman who learned early on that things were not going to be handed to her on a silver platter. If she wanted something, she would have to work hard to obtain it. Alix lost both of her parents when she was only thirteen. Her friend Lillie’s parents took Alix in and raised her alongside Lillie in California. Alix ended up going to the same finishing school as her friend but Alix went as a scholarship student. The school Alix had attended was in Switzerland.

After Alix completed her schooling, she accepted a position in publicity. She was hired to help persuade women to join the workforce and fill the positions vacated by the men that had gone off to fight in World War II. It was 1943 and World War II was being fought. Alix was very good at her job. She was so good that she caught the attention of the U.S. government and she was recruited as a spy. Not only was Alix good at persuading women to take the jobs now vacated by enlisted men but she was also fluent in French, German and Italian. The United States government sent Alix to Switzerland where she would passionately try and aid Italian partisans in Northern Italy by obtaining and sharing crucial war information with them and helping them secure enough weapons to aid their cause. Lillie had also been recruited by the government and was serving as wireless operator in Caserta. Both Alix and Lillie had become engaged before they were recruited into the war. Alix had gotten engaged to Bobby and Lillie to Peter. As a member of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), Alix helped devise a plan that would benefit both the Allies and the Italian partisans. She was forced to trust her German informant to make her plan work. Alix had to trust that he was providing her with the correct information. Could she trust him? He scared her terribly. So many lives depended upon him delivering the correct information to her. Would everything go as planned?

After the war ended, Alix St. Pierre found her way to Paris. She miraculously secured the position of director of publicity for the newly created House of Dior. Alix immersed herself totally in her work. She arrived in Paris harboring a secret that wanted to consume her every thought and a monumental and shattering loss. Hard work and long hours were the only thing that prevented her mind from dwelling on both the secret and her losses. Christian Dior was just establishing his line of brilliant couture dresses and putting the finishing touches on his glamorous showroom when Alix was hired. Alix had her work cut out for her from the very start. Christian Dior’s New Look would not be ready to show when all the other fashion houses were presenting their designs. Alix had to devise a plan to either keep the Americans in Paris longer than they initially anticipated or think of way to make them come back. Alix came up with a brilliant plan. It involved Rita Hayworth and an original gown designed by Christian Dior. Would it work? She definitely hoped that it would.

Then just as things were falling into place for Alix two things happened to offset her. The first was that Alix learned that the German officer who had been her informant during World War II had somehow managed to evade punishment for the crimes he committed and all the lives he was responsible for taking in Italy. That German officer had worked for Obergruppenfuhrer Karl Wolff. It appeared that both Nazi officers had escaped the punishment they deserved. The second thing was meeting Anthony March, a wealthy and somewhat entitled editor of an American newspaper. Anthony March, known for his reputation as playboy, had just recently written an article in his newspaper about Germans that had escaped punishment for what they had done in Italy. The last time Alix had seen Anthony March he had also mentioned that he had known her fiancé Bobby during the war. What was Anthony March’s connection to Bobby and why was he also so interested about Nazis that had escaped justice for the atrocities they committed in Italy? Alix became obsessed with finding her Nazi informant and making him pay for his crimes. Could Alix discover the location of this Nazi officer and bring him to justice? Would Alix be forced to confront her past and finally be able to put it behind her?

The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre was told from the POV of Alix. Her life before the war, during World War II and after the war was explored. Alix was courageous, brave, disciplined, determined, clever, witty and spoke about whatever was on her mind. She enjoyed the woman she had worked to become. There was no way that Alix would ever be a stay at home wife who planned dinner parties and had dinner on the table for her husband. She was so much more than that and she would never succumb to that role. Alix was driven, smart and ambitious. I came to admire her character greatly. The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre was about loss, love, tragedy, duty, taking risks, bravery and fashion. Natasha Lester included an author’s note at the conclusion of her book. I was happy to learn that so much of the information mentioned throughout the book was factual. Even after finishing this book a few days ago, I still find myself thinking about the characters and their stories. It was one of those books that will stay with me for quite some time. I really enjoyed The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre and highly recommend it.

Thank you to Forever Publisher/Grand Central Publishing for allowing me to read The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre by Natasha Lester through Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased and honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Ралица Генчева · Rating 5 out of 5]

Трудно е да съчетаеш теми като модата, войната и любовта, но Наташа Лестър успява. Трогна ме още в първата част, когато говори за Диор, за неговите рокли и вдъхновение. За жените, които след Втората световна война трябва отново да започнат да живеят, да се научат отново да виждат красотата, която е била отнета на всички. И една рокля може да ги накара отново да се почувстват пълноценни и свободни.

Историята за Диор е наистина вдъхновяваща, а при включването на втората времева линия се появяват още много пластове - този за безкрайната човешка воля, за вината, която толкова хора не знаят как да измият, за търсенето на виновник, защото без него виновникът си единствено ти. В тази книга отново Наташа Лестър набляга на огромната роля на жените във ВСВ, този път на жените шпиони, чиято задача е била не по-малко значима или по-лесна от тази на мъжете във войната. Както казва една от героините - "четири години спасявахме животи и никого не го интересуваше, че сме жени."

И в тази книга имаше тежки моменти, но пък беше толкова истинска - имах чувството, че съм в ателието на Диор, на стълбите, където той обича да стои, исках понякога да отговоря или действам вместо героите, да им кажа, че войната е приключила и не е нужно да продължават да живеят във война със себе си, исках да има щастлив край, макар да знам, че е измислен.

Но нима единственият начин да имаме щастлив край не е първо да си го измислим?

[Christy fictional_traits · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alix St Pierre has lived three lives: as an orphan, as a Special Operative in WWII, and now as a successful fashion PR director. But in the post-war years, she struggles to find the life which is really hers. The memory of a failed, last wartime mission still haunts her and her guilt threatens to suffocate her. When Alix realises that the German double agent responsible for the tragedy she was a part of, is likely to escape criminal war charges, she decides to undertake one last mission to finish the job. Maybe then she'll finally be able to move forward and live her next life.

I enjoyed this book. Alix St Pierre has a lot of spunk despite her hardships. After being orphaned at a young age, she's always had to work hard to make her own way in life. This challenge has often been exacerbated by living in an era where not only did women not traditionally work outside of the home, but WWII had opened many women’s eyes as to what they were capable of outside of the home, only to be told after the war to ‘go home’. I was irked though, somewhat, that this spunky woman who had done so much for herself was plagued by self-doubt and self-sabotage. However, I did enjoy learning more about Christian Dior and how pivotal he was in women's fashion at that time. A good overall read for historical fiction.

[Brooke - Brooke's Reading Life · Rating 4 out of 5]

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The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre by Natasha Lester. (2022).

1943. In New York, successful PR wizard Alix comes to the attention of the US government and finds herself recruited into a fledgling intelligence organisation. She is sent as a spy to Europe where she is tasked with getting close to a Nazi who may or may not be a double agent.
1946. Alix has moved to Paris to run the Service de la Presse for the upcoming House of Christian Dior. But when a figure from the war reappears and threatens to destroy her future, Alix realises only she can right the wrongs of the past and bring him to justice.

This is another engaging historical fiction, WWII era, story from this author who has continuously produced extremely popular novels. The lead character in this book is the intelligent and beautiful Alix; the storyline primarily weaves between Alix's actions as a spy based in Switzerland during WWII and her life in France following the war where although she is trying to start anew, she is threatened by past events. The author's meticulous historical research results in a well-written story, and her interest and knowledge in fashion shines through the pages.
Overall: I have no doubt many readers will enjoy this novel and find it a great read.

[Taury · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre by Natasha Lester seems like any other WW2 book I have read. Some casual romance involved with a little mystery

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally swept me away – Natasha Lester gets better with each book!

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

"There was one brief and shining moment, wasn’t there, when it looked like the world would change. For four years we spied and we worked damn hard and we saved people’s lives and we made a difference and nobody cared too much that we were women. And then it all ended. Went backwards, even.”

What I loved:

✔️Following one character throughout the book
✔️A title that made me stop and ponder
✔️A fiercely independent protagonist who didn’t use her past as a crutch
✔️Set against the glitz of French couture, fashion, designing houses,
✔️Christian Dior and the women behind his genius
✔️vivid, lush descriptions of fabrics and pieces
✔️Meticulously researched using primary sources
✔️A grand romance
✔️WW2, espionage and the resulting tension
✔️Twists
✔️miriad of quotable lines
✔️Examination of gender roles during and after the war; impact on females
✔️learning something new - Piscine Deligny!
✔️bring reminded of visits to Bern and seeing the Kindlifresserbrunnen and of Paris and crossing the Pont Alexandre III

'So you are being useful. It’s just that your usefulness isn’t acknowledged by anyone.'

Another win for a trusted author! I can count on Lester to showcase daring women and France, a country dear to my heart, and pen a fantastic book that allows me to escape into history.

I was gifted this book by Forever, Grand Central Publishing, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Madeline Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natasha Lester has done it again with this sumptuously written page-turner!
Alix St. Pierre is everything that makes an admirable heroine – independent, plucky, and clever as the story spans from the fashionable world of Dior in Paris to the fascinating intrigue of international espionage in neutral Switzerland. The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre is a captivating novel that readers will absolutely adore.

[Theresa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘He’s like a Heminway novel – aggressively male and not worth the effort.’

What a quote! I just adore it and not in isolation. This entire novel is sublime. Natasha Lester is an author who is so at ease within her own writing, every new novel is just utter perfection. I feel like this is the novel Natasha has been moving towards for some time now. With all the research she must have done over the years on the roles of women in the years preceding, during, and post WWII, The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre feels like a culmination of it all.

‘There was one brief and shining moment, wasn’t there, when it looked like the world would change. For four years we spied and we worked damn hard and we saved people’s lives and we made a difference and nobody cared too much that we were women. And then it all ended. Went backwards, even.’

Alix St Pierre is a fiercely independent woman, she has had to be, orphaned as a young teenager and absorbed into a male world of espionage as a young adult. She epitomises so many brave and intelligent women who sacrificed so much throughout WWII as spies and military agents. One of the things I loved most about this novel was that we stayed with Alix for the duration. This was not a dual timeline with one foot in the present and one foot in the past, as is Natasha’s usual style. I loved seeing Alix’s character growth over the ten-year period of her life that Natasha has broken this story up into, within three timelines – hence the title, The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre.

‘We make the world possible – but the world makes almost everything impossible for us.’

There’s so much within this novel to enjoy, fashion at the top of the list for me. I love reading about couture and the early years of designing houses. Natasha excels at bringing this to life for the reader. I could picture the gowns without even needing to look them up and I love how she once again highlighted the importance of the fashion industry in post-war Paris.

The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre is also a gorgeous love story, although this aspect doesn’t overshadow the rest of the plot. Rather, it plays out alongside key moments and builds to a crescendo that was all too lovely and very near to heart-breaking. I really loved this latest release by Natasha Lester. Another solid five star read by her and one that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to readers of historical fiction.

Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Hachette for sending us a copy to read and review.
On the weekend I made a comment to three exceptionally talented Australian historical authors that had a panel at a Readers Festival, that Australia has the best when it comes to this genre.
Natasha Lester was in my mind as the statement was issued.
Impeccably researched, perfectly crafted and written without bias contribute to the success of our local historical fiction authors, that not only capture the event and its atmosphere but can successfully transplant the reader to that part of the world with a fresh translucency.
Alix St Pierre embodies class, loyalty and integrity.
Her courage highlighted as she works as a spy during the war, as she tries to create a liaison with a notorious Nazi who may help the Allies.
Secrets and betrayals always a haunting factor.
Post war Alix works for the acclaimed fashion house, Dior.
An industry of beauty and design that illuminated the gloomy shadows of recent times.
Descriptions and traits not only enlighten the reader on the designer but brought him alive in a multi sensory and dimensional experience.
A frankness and honesty about her background in a proclamation to her potential love interest captures what I loved about this exquisite character.
Watching her growth over the timeline was a highlight.
A classy story that had me captivated and one that should adorn the reading piles of all bibliophiles that indulge in this genre and of well written books.

[Amanda - Mrs B's Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com

4.5 stars

Australia’s darling of historical fiction is back with a dazzling new release. The Three Lives of Alix Pierre is a story of war, fashion, ambition, loss, adversity and hope. Featuring a multiple timeline narrative that is embedded in plenty of rich historical detail, The Three Lives of Alix Pierre is an opulent novel.

Situated in 1943 and 1946, The Three Lives of Alix Pierre is the story of an ambitious woman who works to put the horrors of the war behind her as she strives to build a new life for herself at the Dior Fashion House. In 1943, Alix comes fresh from a stint in New York in PR when she receives an offer to be a part of a government assignment concerned with intelligence. Alix moves effortlessly from PR to acting as a a fully fledged spy. Sent to Europe in this new capacity, Alix must complete a highly dangerous mission which involves working undercover with a Nazi. Unsure as to whether or not this man might be betraying her, Alix is placed in the firing line. When the war ends, Alix moves on and settles in the city of lights. In Paris, Alix plays an essential role in the upcoming Dior Fashion House. But an unwelcome face from the war resurfaces and this figure has the power to smash everything Alix holds dear. Does Alix have the strength to battle the wounds of the past and ensure that the law catches up with this dangerous foe?

Natasha Lester has produced a number of high profile and well received historical fiction titles, such as The French Photographer and the Riviera House. Each historical fiction title Lester has released is filled to the brim with fine details, historical facts and heavy research. I always appreciate the time and energy that has been put into Lester’s books and The Three Lives of Alix Pierre is no exception.

Lester’s latest fuses plenty of intrigue with fashion. This favourable combination is set against the backdrop of war, as the ghosts of the past threaten to overthrow the main character’s future in The Three Lives of Alix Pierre. I did enjoy the focus on life before, during and after the war, these were all such trying times. Danger, suspicion, fear, anxiety and helplessness all direct the proceedings of the book, along with a clear throw caution in the wind attitude. I think Lester did a good job of conveying the sentiments that many people had during this volatile time in our history books. Lester’s narrative is filled with generous historical detail and is backed by her wealth of research. I gleaned a great deal about life as a spy, a PR specialist and a fashion house leader. Alix is quite a bombastic lead and her adventures are very colourful. Alix is supported by a full of range of side characters, who all add essential good and bad guy elements to the unfolding tale. With glamour, romance, high mystery and peril rounding of The Three Lives of Alix Pierre, Lester’s latest was a daring tale. A book that comes together through many different threads, headed by a memorable lead, I valued this new Natasha Lester release.

An alluring storyline, a graceful heroine, a magical setting and a deeply stirring plot defines The Three Lives of Alix Pierre. Natasha Lester should be proud of this title, it’s another sumptuous read!

*Thanks to Hachette Australia for the review copy.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre by Natasha Lester is a great WWII-era historical fiction that has it all: mystery, suspense, intrigue, history, action, and fashion. It is a great book.

I have really enjoyed several of Ms. Lester’s previous novels, so of course I wanted to read this one as well. It did not disappoint.

Intricately woven among different moments within the main character’s life (Alix), we see her come alive, take charge, and take action in several different roles ( spy, actress, recruiter of sorts, and overall powerhouse), and it creates a story that entertains, engages, and surprises. I really liked the balance between the intricate storyline and yet the ease of which it was presented so as to keep things brisk and not bogged down by detail.

I was thoroughly impressed.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 1/10/23.

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Natasha Lester's historical fiction novels are always a wonderful reading experience. Her dual timelines, amazing characters and setting, always have me captured. The added bonus in this book was the wonderful fashion of Christian Dior.

Alix St Pierre is a complex character, and you are going to love her. A spy in Switzerland during the war, Alix is now in Paris to work in public relations for a new designer, Christian Dior. He is about to launch his first collection and her job is get the word out. The amazing dresses are so beautifully described that you can picture them as you read. Just when she feels that her life is going to great in Paris, a figure from the war re-appears. She wants revenge, they are the reason that she still has nightmares from the war.

There is a bit of everything in this book - there is romance, danger, spies, fashion, and the post war life full of hope and change. Natashas Lester always researches her novels so well and the details are brought to life in her writing. You don't want to miss this one.

Thanks to Hachette Australia for my advanced copy of this wonderful book. Published in Australia September 28th.

[Kristen | Those Book Besties · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you @netgalley and @forever for this ARC. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

In post-war Paris, Alix St. Pierre begins working as a publicist for an up and coming design house- House of Dior. While navigating post war society and the roles of women, Alix must come to terms with the consequences of her actions during the war in an effort to move on with her life. Told in three timelines- before, during and after the war- The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre is a story of one woman’s attempt to free herself from the decisions of her past, while changing the course of her future.

I could not find a connection with this story- within the first chapter I found Alix’s character confusing- who is she? Why is she going to Paris suddenly? Why should I, as a reader, care about her? For the first third of the novel, there really aren’t any supporting characters of mention- due in part to her experiences during the war, Alix prefers a solitary lifestyle. With no connection to the main character, and no supporting characters to pull me along, I just found myself disinterested.

I think there are two separate stories in this novel that alone, would be an engaging read: Alix’s time and experience working at House of Dior in its early days, and then the backstory of Alix’s role in the secret intelligence organization during the war. Together, I found the storylines very convoluted and hard to keep track of- one minute she’s talking about the fabrics and effort level that went into creating the Soirée gown by Dior, and the next page she is trying to track down an unknown Nazi named La Voce. It was hard to follow at times.

This next ‘critique’ is absolutely a matter of preference, but the book is divided in sections based on years, and the range is given (example: 1939-1940). When telling multiple storylines (three, in this case) I love it when an author does that math for you- “one year later”, “5 years ago” so that I don’t have to stop and figure it out. If I’m invested in the story and reading late into the night, I don’t want to need to think and figure out if it’s past/present/future.

I think readers who enjoy historical fiction, who like a bit of intrigue and having to piece together the storyline will enjoy this novel- especially if they have an interest in Parisian or post war fashion. If you’re a fan of multiple timelines, you should definitely give this book a chance!

[MicheleReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alix St. Pierre spent her early adult years in New York working in the world of advertising and PR. In 1943, her skills impressed the U.S. government, and she was recruited as a spy for the newly formed OSS (Office of Strategic Services). She was sent to Switzerland and worked to protect a group of Italian partisans through covert communications with a German informer. By 1946, Alix secured the coveted job of working as the head of publicity for Christian Dior, who was preparing to take Paris by storm with his new label and design house. But Alix has wartime secrets to hide, and her newfound success is threatened by a shady figure from her past.

In The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre, author Natasha Lester has created a sharp, independent main character who refused to settle for the typical female role of her time. The book takes place before, during and after WWII and brings together historical figures with fictitious ones to deliver one riveting book. Meticulously researched, the mixing of wartime intrigue with the exciting world of fashion is a combination Lester has successfully delivered in prior novels. This is the type of sweeping story that fully transports the reader. There's loss, tragedy, love, betrayal and some amazing fashions you'll be googling to see what they actually looked like. If you haven't read anything by Natasha Lester yet, jump on board the fan wagon - she is terrific. Her books The Paris Secret (2020) and The Riviera House (2021) are also not to be missed.

Many thanks to Forever / Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to read this memorable book in advance of its publication.

Review posted on MicheleReader.com.

[Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-1/2 / 5
Alix St. Pierre was part of the OSS during WWII working under Allen Dulles in Switzerland taking charge of a group of partisans in Italy.

Two years have passed, the war is over, and Alix is now working for Dior in Paris as he is about to launch his first show.

Alix is riddled with guild because she believes she was the cause of nine partisans she was supposed to be looking out for lost their lives.

She discovers a traitor who escaped punishment at Nuremberg living in Paris under an assumed name and she makes it her mission to locate him and make him pay for his sins.

Alix’s story is told by her in three parts – before the war, during the war and after the war – most of which was interesting and some a bit over-done.

In the middle of all this enters a love interest which takes up a good part of the story in Paris. The love story was too much.

[Tracy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm just bored and uninterested. Can't keep going. Too many good books out there...

[Jonann loves book talk❤♥️❤ · Rating 5 out of 5]

You've written another amazing historical fiction book, Natasha Lester! Congratulations! 💐

The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre
by Natasha Lester - 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Available January 10th

My thoughts:
The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre is an enthralling and emotional journey through the incredible life and times of Alix St. Pierre. While she is a fictional character, the horror, hardship and devastation of WWII are very real. I was captivated by the inclusion of the fashion industry with the Dior shows and the Ritz in 1947. In just a few sentences, the descriptions of the Dior dresses and the three moms who inspired them had me hooked.

Featuring Natasha Lester's meticulous research both in fashion and WWII events, the book is engaging and well-written. Characters and relationships feel authentic because the author incorporated real people and dialogue from historic events.

Blurb:
New York Times bestselling author Natasha Lester delivers an unforgettable story of an orphan turned WWII spy turned fashion icon in Paris—perfect for fans of Kate Quinn and Fiona Davis.

Alix St. Pierre. An unforgettable name for an unforgettable woman. She grew up surrounded by Hollywood glamor, but, as an orphan, never truly felt part of that world. In 1943, with WWII raging and men headed overseas to fight, she lands a publicity job to recruit women into the workforce. Her skills—persuasion, daring, quick-witted under pressure—catch the attention of the U.S. government and she finds herself with an even bigger assignment: sent to Switzerland as a spy. Soon Alix is on the precipice of something big, very big. But how far can she trust her German informant…?
 
After an Allied victory that didn’t come nearly soon enough, Alix moves to Paris, ready to immerse herself in a new position as director of publicity for the yet-to-be-launched House of Dior. In the glamorous halls of the French fashion house, she can nearly forget everything she lost and the dangerous secret she carries. But when a figure from the war reappears and threatens to destroy her future, Alix realizes that only she can right the wrongs of the past …and finally find justice.

Random House, Natasha Lester and #Storiesandsuspects A Bantam Mystery Box sent me this beautiful complimentary book. Thank you so much. Your kindness is deeply appreciated!

TheThreeLivesofAlixPierre #NatashaLester #Bookmail # @RandomHouse #storiesandsuspects #abantammysterybox #bookishcommunity #bookstagramcommunity #blogtour #readingcommunity #Books #bookfriends #booksbooksbooks #booksta #bookstagram #newtobookstagram #bookreview #bookreviews #instabookstagram #bookish #bookishielife #Audible #newtobookstagram #newtoinsta #newtoinstagra #Bookishcom #trending #bestsellingbooks #b

[Gloria (Ms. G's Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️4 Stars⭐️
I really appreciate a book that can capture you into the moment and this highly anticipated release does just that! The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre by Natasha Lester is a historical fiction read you’ll want to savour slowly. You’ll journey with Alix to locations of Italy, Switzerland and Paris!

I loved the character of Alix St Pierre she’s an independent, trouser wearing, smart woman who is a heroine and has lived a complex and fascinating life.

1946 - We are taken into the wonderful world of fashion in Paris where Alix has acquired a new position as Director of Publicity for launching House of Christian Dior. Discover the beautiful Dior dresses that feature in the book!

We learn of Alix’s past where she was enlisted as a spy in Switzerland by the US government during the war which ended in tragedy for her, now she’s back in Paris Alix’s past comes back to haunt her. Will she get retribution?

I loved the historical glamour and fashion and I also adored the chemistry between Alix and Anthony March. Lester’s meticulous research shows throughout the book.

Publication Date 28 September 2022

Publisher Hachette Australia


Thank you Hachette Australia for an advanced copy of the book

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

LESTER'S BEST

"Finding the Nazi who had made her the murderess of nine men was the right thing to do. Because—Live. That was the message she’d seen in Dior’s gowns."

Oh, the fashion! Swoon, the romance between former OSS spies Alix, PR head for Christian Dior, and Anthony, New York Journal international editor! Ah, the bravery of the anti-Nazi, anti-Mussolini Italian resistance!

Set in Paris, Switzerland, Italy, and America between 1937-1947, THREE LIVES features characters who sing with authenticity, a narrative that grips through the wee hours, lush descriptions of designer clothing that transformed the way a generation of women dressed.

Books like this are the reason I read, review, write. Brava, Natasha!

[Helen - Great Reads & Tea Leaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

“There was one brief and shining moment, wasn't there, when it looked like the world would change. For four years we spied and we worked damn hard and we saved people's lives and we made a difference and nobody cared too much that we were women. And then it all ended. Went backwards, even.” ….. "We mattered for a bit, didn't we? Alix said, unable to prevent nostalgia making her voice heavy.”

Honesty from the outset: I am a HUGE fan of Natasha’s and beginning to believe she can do no wrong. I have read and loved everything she has written, always filled with anticipation for her annual release. I am happy to say that The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre is a most worthy addition to her already stellar line up.

There is a bit of everything in her latest offering - balls and romance, fashion and careers for women, spies and danger. To me, the quality of Natasha’s prose levels up with each new novel she gives her readers. This, more than likely, is a result of the incredible research she undertakes that allows details to be brought to life. Her words literally sing off the page.

‘…they'd shared both the most awful and beautiful things: spectacular orbs of light within the darkness. It was why some journeys were better not taken alone; sometimes you needed another person to help you find the single star hidden in the storm.’

The story of Alix is presented in three timelines (thus the title) - before, during and after WWII - and it makes for enthralling reading as you witness her development and growth over such a tumultuous period in history. A story starting with loss and innocence, to bravery and sacrifice, to finally new beginnings through fashion and resolution. From orphan girl, to WWII spy, to the marketing genius for the emerging fashionista, Dior - Alix leads an incredible life.

‘For just a minute, Alix could see the girl from ten years before with red-gold hair and an exuberant smile. Could also see a woman with damp green eyes and an aching heart. But the Alix crossing the bridge now felt like a different one, a third Alix perhaps, made up of the other two but also of so much more.’

The range of secondary characters must be seen to be believed, especially those seeking revenge for the terrible injustices both during and after WWII. The Dior couture is a definite highlight that will see you checking out Natasha’s social media as she keeps her readers well informed with details and imagery to make the reading experience more immersive. The romance meter is off the page with a slow burn that would surely make the record books. All so seamlessly woven together thus allowing the reader to lose themself in the most exhilarating of tales.

‘… the tears slide down her cheeks anyway - useless tears because there is no physical human response that can possibly express the pain she feels at him asking her to be the custodian of his soul.’

Natasha’s writing leaves me speechless as she masterfully crafts ideas, research and writing to annually provide her readers with incredible historical fiction. Prose that speaks to my heart; plots that are compelling right down to the very last page and many unforgettable characters to add to the ever growing Lester List Hall of Fame!

‘I sometimes wonder, … what I'll regret more when I'm seventy and alone. Will I regret the aloneness, the lack of a husband and children - will I want to reach into the past and tell myself …acquiesce to the life I'm supposed to have? Or will I … want to stand in the doorway and scream at myself right now to never, ever acquiesce? …. How can I know what I'd treasure most when some of those treasures have never found their way into my hands?’

The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre is simply a must read for lovers of this genre - romance interwoven with a great spy mystery, with an incredible nod to the empowerment of women through the ages. I regret powering through this book as I must now wait another twelve months for more from one of the best historical fiction writers of today.

‘Because she supposed that was all there was in the end. The effort you made to let events shape you and coerce you down a path, or the effort you made to shape yourself and steer yourself in spite of what happened.’







This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

[Nursebookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

TITLE: The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre
AUTHOR:Natasha Lester
PUB DATE: 01.10.2023 Now Available

The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre is a historical fiction read that stitches meticulous research surrounding the time frame pre, during, and post WWII espionage and high fashion of Maison Dior. Lester takes readers through different locations from Paris to Switzerland and Italy, and immerses you into the time with vivid descriptions of the 1940’s.

Alix St. Pierre is the heroine of my dreams - the kind I love reading about. She is fierce, brave, intelligent - fluent in French, German, and Italian, loves the glamour of fashion, and also very relatable - she is affected by the war - suffering loss and pains of the past.

This book had everything I enjoy in a historical fiction read - I savored the writing, the character development, thrilling situations, and also the chemistry between Alix and Anthony. historical fiction readers should not miss this gorgeous novel.

[Robyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very good plot but the writing did not resonate with me. I found the story far fetched, too many characters and quite repetitive use of language. This book was recommended to me as a piece of historical fiction set in post war Paris and I was looking forward to reading a spy story. It struck me as unrealistic and full of romance and useless detail and I struggled to finish it.

[Katie M · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so eager to get my hands on this book and read it. And while I had other books I needed to finish to return to my library, I kept looking at my shelf because I was so excited to dive into this one.

But that excitement turned to disappointment. It took me a few days to actually get interested in the story and plot and I forced myself to read on because I thought it had to get better. But this book just felt flat to me and I didn't feel that way before about a Natasha Lester book.

The cover is GORGEOUS - perhaps one of my favorite covers but not a favorite book of mine.

[Guylou (Two Dogs and a Book) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Natasha Lester's THE THREE LIVES OF ALIX ST. PIERRE is a riveting tale set during and after World War II. The story follows Alix St. Pierre, a talented PR strategist who is recruited by the US government to work as a spy in Europe. As she navigates dangerous territories and tries to get close to a Nazi who may or may not be a double agent, readers are kept on the edge of their seats.

The second part of the book takes place in Paris, where Alix becomes the head of publicity for the House of Dior. However, her past comes back to haunt her when a figure from the war reappears, threatening to ruin everything she has worked for. Throughout the book, Ms. Lester weaves a tale of resilience, courage, and determination that is both heart-wrenching and inspiring.

Ms. Lester's writing is engaging, and her characters are well-developed, making it easy for readers to become invested in their stories. This book is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and espionage thrillers.

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[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natasha Lester, the author of "The Three Lives Of Alix St. Pierre," has written an intriguing, riveting, and thought-provoking novel. The genres for this novel are Historical Fiction, World War Two, Fashion, and Literary Fiction. The timeline for this story is before World War Two, during, and after. The author vividly describes her colorful and dramatic characters as complex and complicated. During World War Two, some of the characters are spies and traitors, and there are betrayals, poor communication, danger, and espionage. There are issues of inequality of men and women in service to their country, in the job force, and in dealing with purchasing, banking, and inheritances.

One of the protagonists, Alix St. Pierre, was orphaned at 13 and went to live with her wealthy friend Lillie and her family. Alix did have scholarships and opportunities to learn languages and so much more. She enlists as a spy during World War Two and heads to Europe, where it is difficult to trust anyone. She provides information essential to the United States and England. After the war, Alix works for the House of Dior. Unfortunately, her past comes to haunt her when she realizes that a German informant is still alive and she is in grave danger.

Alix realizes that the press can be her friend or enemy. She is on a mission to wrong tragedies and terrible mistakes that caused the lives of many innocent people. Alix has to face and deal with the past to make peace with the present and future.

Natasha Lester has done tremendous research about this era. I appreciate that the author discusses the sisterhood of strong and courageous women and stresses the importance of equality for women. I highly recommend this memorable and heartfelt novel.