What do you think?
Rate this book
The Paris Gown
From perennially popular historical novelist Christine Wells, the delightful tale of three young women in 1950s Paris who share a single dazzling Christian Dior gown.
1957: Three friends—Margot, Gina, and Charlotte—share an apartment above a bookstore in Paris.
Margot is a twenty-two-year-old Australian having the time of her life. Having been sent to the City of Light to be “finished” before her debut, Margot falls in love with Paris all over again. In her mind, all she needs to complete her transformation into “Une Parisienne” is a gown from the spectacular designer Monsieur Dior, particularly if she wants to catch the eye of Peter Mountbatten, a distant cousin of the Queen.
Gina is an American blueblood whose family has fallen on hard times. She’s run away to Paris and is now working in a bookstore while writing a novel at night. But then she receives an invitation to a high society ball at the American Embassy where the man who once jilted her will also attend...with his new wife. Gina must have a knockout gown to wear.
French chef Charlotte is the lone girl in a family of boys and one of the very few women working in the stubbornly sexist restaurant business. She’s always thought herself homely compared with her conventionally pretty mother and is more interested in her work than fashion. But that is about to change…
One night, Margot proposes to share the cost and the gown with her two best friends and roommates. Each will put in some of her savings, and they’ll each get to wear the gown in turn.
Gorgeous, perfectly tailored, lustrous and luxurious, the Dior gown has the power to change lives—as these three remarkable women are about to discover…
1957: Three friends—Margot, Gina, and Charlotte—share an apartment above a bookstore in Paris.
Margot is a twenty-two-year-old Australian having the time of her life. Having been sent to the City of Light to be “finished” before her debut, Margot falls in love with Paris all over again. In her mind, all she needs to complete her transformation into “Une Parisienne” is a gown from the spectacular designer Monsieur Dior, particularly if she wants to catch the eye of Peter Mountbatten, a distant cousin of the Queen.
Gina is an American blueblood whose family has fallen on hard times. She’s run away to Paris and is now working in a bookstore while writing a novel at night. But then she receives an invitation to a high society ball at the American Embassy where the man who once jilted her will also attend...with his new wife. Gina must have a knockout gown to wear.
French chef Charlotte is the lone girl in a family of boys and one of the very few women working in the stubbornly sexist restaurant business. She’s always thought herself homely compared with her conventionally pretty mother and is more interested in her work than fashion. But that is about to change…
One night, Margot proposes to share the cost and the gown with her two best friends and roommates. Each will put in some of her savings, and they’ll each get to wear the gown in turn.
Gorgeous, perfectly tailored, lustrous and luxurious, the Dior gown has the power to change lives—as these three remarkable women are about to discover…
336 pages, Paperback
First published August 20, 2024
176 people are currently reading
14313 people want to read
About the author
Christine Wells
8 books597 followersChristine Wells is a former corporate lawyer who exchanged contracts and prospectuses for a different kind of fiction.
Undergoing life-saving brain surgery as a 2 year old made her want to be a brain surgeon when she grew up. However, a love of the humanities, particularly English history and literature, not to mention the fact she wasn’t great with blood, made her revise that plan.
Christine had always been interested in the law and after winning a half-scholarship to Bond University in a high school moot competition, she decided to follow in her father’s footsteps and become a solicitor. Having completed her Bachelor’s degree, Christine worked for city law firms advising on capital raising and mergers and acquisitions.
While still working as a lawyer, she started her first novel, a historical murder mystery which is now (thankfully) lost in the bowels of a defunct hard drive. Eventually, Christine set her sights on publication in the United States, where it seemed British-set historical romance was highly popular. A keen devotee of Georgette Heyer novels, Christine decided to give these a try.
Ten years later, she is an award-winning author with ten novels published by major New York publishers, St. Martin’s Press and Penguin. These novels have been translated (variously) into German, Japanese, Dutch, Spanish, Russian and Portuguese.
Now, a change in direction sees Christine combining her abiding interest in the law and her passion for English history in one novel, THE WIFE’S TALE.
Christine lives with her husband (also a lawyer) and two sons in Brisbane, Australia.
Undergoing life-saving brain surgery as a 2 year old made her want to be a brain surgeon when she grew up. However, a love of the humanities, particularly English history and literature, not to mention the fact she wasn’t great with blood, made her revise that plan.
Christine had always been interested in the law and after winning a half-scholarship to Bond University in a high school moot competition, she decided to follow in her father’s footsteps and become a solicitor. Having completed her Bachelor’s degree, Christine worked for city law firms advising on capital raising and mergers and acquisitions.
While still working as a lawyer, she started her first novel, a historical murder mystery which is now (thankfully) lost in the bowels of a defunct hard drive. Eventually, Christine set her sights on publication in the United States, where it seemed British-set historical romance was highly popular. A keen devotee of Georgette Heyer novels, Christine decided to give these a try.
Ten years later, she is an award-winning author with ten novels published by major New York publishers, St. Martin’s Press and Penguin. These novels have been translated (variously) into German, Japanese, Dutch, Spanish, Russian and Portuguese.
Now, a change in direction sees Christine combining her abiding interest in the law and her passion for English history in one novel, THE WIFE’S TALE.
Christine lives with her husband (also a lawyer) and two sons in Brisbane, Australia.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 260 reviews
August 15, 2024
The book inside did not quite measure up to that 5 🌟 cover. That's an actual Dior, BTW.
I did enjoy this book. Here are four things I liked:
👗That Dior dress! What an experience to have the iconic Christian Dior design and oversee the tailoring of a special dress just for you.
🧑🍳Claire dreams of being a Michelin-star chef. Her life is on hold helping out at the family brasserie Le Chat. Will she get back on track? Having a Dior dress of her own is on her bucket list. Will she get to wear the dress?
📚Gina dreams of writing the great American novel. Her former fiance' Hal seemed to be on board. Was he really? What will happen when she sees Hal once again at the embassy ball -- dressed in Dior?
🧵Margot has been working at the Dior shop and has a distinct flair for fashion. She also loves books! Could she help Gina make her novel dreams come true? Why has she been hiding her return to Paris from Gina and Claire? When will she get to wear the dress?
I thought I would love this one more. For some reason it did not feel like the overall narrative came together like it should. The stories of our three main characters was a bit disjointed. I also thought Margot's story had some disappointing plot points. And that Goodreads book description is way too long and a bit misleading.
Thank you to William Morrow Paperbacks and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
I did enjoy this book. Here are four things I liked:
👗That Dior dress! What an experience to have the iconic Christian Dior design and oversee the tailoring of a special dress just for you.
🧑🍳Claire dreams of being a Michelin-star chef. Her life is on hold helping out at the family brasserie Le Chat. Will she get back on track? Having a Dior dress of her own is on her bucket list. Will she get to wear the dress?
📚Gina dreams of writing the great American novel. Her former fiance' Hal seemed to be on board. Was he really? What will happen when she sees Hal once again at the embassy ball -- dressed in Dior?
🧵Margot has been working at the Dior shop and has a distinct flair for fashion. She also loves books! Could she help Gina make her novel dreams come true? Why has she been hiding her return to Paris from Gina and Claire? When will she get to wear the dress?
I thought I would love this one more. For some reason it did not feel like the overall narrative came together like it should. The stories of our three main characters was a bit disjointed. I also thought Margot's story had some disappointing plot points. And that Goodreads book description is way too long and a bit misleading.
Thank you to William Morrow Paperbacks and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
April 30, 2024
A Dior gown! Paris in the 1950s! The food and wine! Who could resist a story that has all three? The Paris Gown is stitched together so nicely as it tells the story of three young women who meet in Paris and become friends. Margot is from a wealthy Australian family, a real beauty and is returning home with plans to marry and have a family. Gina is American and also from a wealthy family. She returns home to begin her career as a writer and meets Hal, also wealthy with political aspirations and they plan to wed. Claire is French and lives and works in Paris at her family’s restaurant but she dreams of becoming a world class chef with Michelin stars in her eyes. The three friends used to window shop at Dior. Who knew a dress from the famous designer would play a role in their lives and bring them all together again in The Cityof Lights. I thoroughly enjoyed the story line of each young woman as they pursued their dreams, learned some hard life lessons along the way, and yet persevered to reach their goals. Life at that time didn’t always prove easy for women who valued careers of their own and took a non-traditional route. Christine Wells handled the subject nicely and I was drawn into 1950s Paris with pleasure. An engaging story! Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the chance to read this ARC!
September 27, 2024
**Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 20 August 2024**
This is a lovely story about three friends who meet and live together in Paris before life circumstances pull them apart, and then they end up all back together in Paris again. The character perspectives alternate between Margot (Australian), Claire (French) and Gina (American). The titular gown references a Dior dress that the three end up sharing, with each wearing it once in an important moment of their lives. The storyline follows the women as they each work out what they really want from life and how to achieve this - particularly in relation to careers and then also relationships. At the core ofthis story is friendship, career ambition and some elements of romance. I found this to be a pleasant and satisfying story.
This is a lovely story about three friends who meet and live together in Paris before life circumstances pull them apart, and then they end up all back together in Paris again. The character perspectives alternate between Margot (Australian), Claire (French) and Gina (American). The titular gown references a Dior dress that the three end up sharing, with each wearing it once in an important moment of their lives. The storyline follows the women as they each work out what they really want from life and how to achieve this - particularly in relation to careers and then also relationships. At the core ofthis story is friendship, career ambition and some elements of romance. I found this to be a pleasant and satisfying story.
August 26, 2024
I can’t resist a book set in Paris, especially in the 1950’s. This was a delightful read, following 3 women as they navigate their way through life to get what they want… including a Dior dress!! How stunning is this cover 💕
Best friends, Claire, Gina and Margot went their seperate ways years ago after meeting in a cooking classes. Now it is 1956, and all 3 find that their lives haven’t worked out quite as they hoped. They are all back in Paris and still have their hopes and dreams. And they finally have a designer dress. What a thrill.
This book with its food, wine, couture and just the whole Paris setting was a wonderful read. It was nice to read something with no murders for a change 😅 It is a story of friendship, love and ambition.
Thanks so much to Harper Collins Australia for my advanced copy to read, publishes in Australia on September 4th.
Best friends, Claire, Gina and Margot went their seperate ways years ago after meeting in a cooking classes. Now it is 1956, and all 3 find that their lives haven’t worked out quite as they hoped. They are all back in Paris and still have their hopes and dreams. And they finally have a designer dress. What a thrill.
This book with its food, wine, couture and just the whole Paris setting was a wonderful read. It was nice to read something with no murders for a change 😅 It is a story of friendship, love and ambition.
Thanks so much to Harper Collins Australia for my advanced copy to read, publishes in Australia on September 4th.
September 30, 2024
This is a must read story, from start to finish I felt part of the story, I was pulled into the story of friendship, love and all things Paris, I loved it.
A gown
Three Woman
A story of true friendship through many ups and downs, three young woman meet in the early 1950’s in Paris and become the best if friends sharing their hopes and dreams and the love of Dior gowns as they look to their futures, they return to their lives and six years later they are together again in Paris.
Claire is French, her wish was to run her own three star restaurant, but life has bought her back to the family brassiere she is good at what she does but worries about her friends the letters have stopped and she wonders why.
Gina is a wealthy American and is going to be a journalist and author nothing is going to stop her from writing the best book ever but life changes for Gina and six years later she finds herself back in Paris.
Margot is a wealthy Australian and what she wants is family will she find love and happiness, the dreams she has but she too finds herself back in Paris six years later.
Is it fate that brings them back together whatever it is, it was meant to happen and when Claire is gifted a Dior gown and an apartment for them to share life changes they have all been through so much in the last six years, with hope for the future this gown will help all three of them at times when it is needed most, will their lives turn around, will they find love and happiness as they all deserve?
This is such a brilliant story, truly I cannot highly recommend it enough, the characters are awesome, the setting fabulous and the emotions that flow from the pages had me turning the them as fast as I could but not wanting this one to end, thank you Christine Wells for another fabulous story, one that will stay with me for a long time to come.
A gown
Three Woman
A story of true friendship through many ups and downs, three young woman meet in the early 1950’s in Paris and become the best if friends sharing their hopes and dreams and the love of Dior gowns as they look to their futures, they return to their lives and six years later they are together again in Paris.
Claire is French, her wish was to run her own three star restaurant, but life has bought her back to the family brassiere she is good at what she does but worries about her friends the letters have stopped and she wonders why.
Gina is a wealthy American and is going to be a journalist and author nothing is going to stop her from writing the best book ever but life changes for Gina and six years later she finds herself back in Paris.
Margot is a wealthy Australian and what she wants is family will she find love and happiness, the dreams she has but she too finds herself back in Paris six years later.
Is it fate that brings them back together whatever it is, it was meant to happen and when Claire is gifted a Dior gown and an apartment for them to share life changes they have all been through so much in the last six years, with hope for the future this gown will help all three of them at times when it is needed most, will their lives turn around, will they find love and happiness as they all deserve?
This is such a brilliant story, truly I cannot highly recommend it enough, the characters are awesome, the setting fabulous and the emotions that flow from the pages had me turning the them as fast as I could but not wanting this one to end, thank you Christine Wells for another fabulous story, one that will stay with me for a long time to come.
May 12, 2024
Decadent French cuisine, a haute couture gown, and the streets of Paris create an elegant backdrop for this warm and uplifting story. In The Paris Gown, Christine Wells has lovingly crafted a tale of the resiliency of female friendship and the healing power of chasing one’s dreams.
May 31, 2024
Fun book. I kept thinking Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Three friends and their experiences based around a Christian Dior dress. I wish there had been a little more of the story based on the dress itself or their times wearing it. I also felt like the stories were dragged out and then wrapped up quickly. But it was a fun read.
August 22, 2024
Thank you Christine and Harper Collins for sending us a copy to read and review.
There’s something alluring about a story set in Paris.
Romantic, exotic, glamorous, charming and elegance add a delectable tale of three woman, some mystery and a glamorous Dior gown and you have magic.
1956, Paris.
Margot, Gina and Claire went their own ways years before.
Now under different circumstances they come together.
Each with their own dreams and dramas.
And the dazzling evening dress that they share.
A narrative that shines with excellence and had me captivated from cover to cover.
A book that had my full attention with all its details, showmanship and magnetism.
At the heart of this story is female friendship in its many forms.
The strong bond that they have sparkles and is very evident throughout.
Get your hands on a copy and enjoy your reading journey with a fabulous book.
There’s something alluring about a story set in Paris.
Romantic, exotic, glamorous, charming and elegance add a delectable tale of three woman, some mystery and a glamorous Dior gown and you have magic.
1956, Paris.
Margot, Gina and Claire went their own ways years before.
Now under different circumstances they come together.
Each with their own dreams and dramas.
And the dazzling evening dress that they share.
A narrative that shines with excellence and had me captivated from cover to cover.
A book that had my full attention with all its details, showmanship and magnetism.
At the heart of this story is female friendship in its many forms.
The strong bond that they have sparkles and is very evident throughout.
Get your hands on a copy and enjoy your reading journey with a fabulous book.
June 27, 2024
4.5⭐
The Paris Gown is about 3 friends in Paris all with different backgrounds. Gina is an American that has been given an easy life. She's a journalist and aspires to be an author of great books. Margot is an Australian that has been raised to be a socialites wife. Claire is French and aspires to be a chef in a three star Michelin restaurant. She grew up in her families cafe cooking.
After a few years apart, they find theirselves all in France, again. Gina's dad lost everything, she can't marry the man she loves now, so she runs to Paris and to Claire. Claire is now the chef of her family restaurant, but she doesn't know for how long. Margot ran to Paris to hide from someone. She can't let Claire or Gina know she's there. A gown left to Claire will bring them all back together.
I don't usually read romance novels, but this one was excellent! It has the 1950's, Paris streets, French food, a haute couture gown and most importantly friendship. I enjoyed getting to know each character. I liked the way Wells developed the characters. She made them real and their problems they had to face are things people face everyday. I could tell she cared for each character.
I would have liked there to be a little more about the men, but that might have taken away from the book and the main characters. I will tell you that this is written in 3 POV's. Though there is romance it's soft and nothing bad, I think that's another reason I enjoyed it. I don't care for a graphic romance novel and this was far from it. Just a sweet little romance thrown in to the mix.
Tentative publishing date: August 20, 2024
I won this through a Goodreads Giveaway. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
😊 Happy Reading 😊
#goodreads #goodreadsgiveaway #theparisgown #christinewells #arc #readmytbr #readaway2024
The Paris Gown is about 3 friends in Paris all with different backgrounds. Gina is an American that has been given an easy life. She's a journalist and aspires to be an author of great books. Margot is an Australian that has been raised to be a socialites wife. Claire is French and aspires to be a chef in a three star Michelin restaurant. She grew up in her families cafe cooking.
After a few years apart, they find theirselves all in France, again. Gina's dad lost everything, she can't marry the man she loves now, so she runs to Paris and to Claire. Claire is now the chef of her family restaurant, but she doesn't know for how long. Margot ran to Paris to hide from someone. She can't let Claire or Gina know she's there. A gown left to Claire will bring them all back together.
I don't usually read romance novels, but this one was excellent! It has the 1950's, Paris streets, French food, a haute couture gown and most importantly friendship. I enjoyed getting to know each character. I liked the way Wells developed the characters. She made them real and their problems they had to face are things people face everyday. I could tell she cared for each character.
I would have liked there to be a little more about the men, but that might have taken away from the book and the main characters. I will tell you that this is written in 3 POV's. Though there is romance it's soft and nothing bad, I think that's another reason I enjoyed it. I don't care for a graphic romance novel and this was far from it. Just a sweet little romance thrown in to the mix.
Tentative publishing date: August 20, 2024
I won this through a Goodreads Giveaway. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
😊 Happy Reading 😊
#goodreads #goodreadsgiveaway #theparisgown #christinewells #arc #readmytbr #readaway2024
August 15, 2024
3.5 STARS
This book is about compromises and whether we should give up all we are for those we love.
Normally, I would be captivated by reading about strong women in the 1950s and would have found it even more fascinating to read about Paris in the '50s. I was born in the '50s, so I felt it would be even more interesting to read about my 'older' sisters-in-arms! For some reason, I did not find this book as captivating as I would have hoped, but I was able to finish it without any difficulty.
While this IS a book about strong women, these three question too much and rely on men too much. Yes, I realize this is the norm for the women of the time period, but this was almost too much truth for me!
The last 10 or 15 percent of the book certainly makes up for the anguish and sometimes anger I felt for these women. They manage to get what they want without any compromises!
This is a great, fast-reading book and the perfect beach read if you want to learn a lot about Paris during that time. Make sure you have a translator around! (What the heck is a brunch jacket, anyway?) I learned a lot about Parisian cooking and being an agent for writers. You will also learn a lot about Dior (one of the more interesting parts of this book. (in my opinion)
*ARC was supplied by the publisher William Morrow, the author, and NetGalley.
This book is about compromises and whether we should give up all we are for those we love.
Normally, I would be captivated by reading about strong women in the 1950s and would have found it even more fascinating to read about Paris in the '50s. I was born in the '50s, so I felt it would be even more interesting to read about my 'older' sisters-in-arms! For some reason, I did not find this book as captivating as I would have hoped, but I was able to finish it without any difficulty.
While this IS a book about strong women, these three question too much and rely on men too much. Yes, I realize this is the norm for the women of the time period, but this was almost too much truth for me!
The last 10 or 15 percent of the book certainly makes up for the anguish and sometimes anger I felt for these women. They manage to get what they want without any compromises!
This is a great, fast-reading book and the perfect beach read if you want to learn a lot about Paris during that time. Make sure you have a translator around! (What the heck is a brunch jacket, anyway?) I learned a lot about Parisian cooking and being an agent for writers. You will also learn a lot about Dior (one of the more interesting parts of this book. (in my opinion)
*ARC was supplied by the publisher William Morrow, the author, and NetGalley.
October 18, 2024
Back in 1950, three young women living in Paris became close friends. One of their favorite pastimes was strolling past the Dior boutique to admire the beautiful gowns. Forward to 1957, as their lives take some unexpected turns, they are reunited. Claire is pursuing her dream of becoming a gourmet chef, while socialites Gina and Margot have had some setbacks and are in need of fresh starts. When Claire's wealthy neighbor Madame Vaughn abruptly leaves town, the three friends move into her lavish apartment. Madame Vaughn also gifts Claire a Dior gown of her own. Supported by each other, the women seek their own journeys to find happiness.
The last book I read by Christine Wells was Sisters of the Resistance, a WWII story which featured designer Christian Dior and his sister Catherine. The Paris Gown is a much lighter book with Dior's designs showcased along with three appealing characters. The 1950s marked a time of change yet professional equality for women was still lacking. It's enjoyable to read about young, spirited women trying to make their way in the world during this period. This book is a quick read filled with French food and couture fashion. Tres bon!
Review posted on MicheleReader.com .
The last book I read by Christine Wells was Sisters of the Resistance, a WWII story which featured designer Christian Dior and his sister Catherine. The Paris Gown is a much lighter book with Dior's designs showcased along with three appealing characters. The 1950s marked a time of change yet professional equality for women was still lacking. It's enjoyable to read about young, spirited women trying to make their way in the world during this period. This book is a quick read filled with French food and couture fashion. Tres bon!
Review posted on MicheleReader.com .
May 6, 2024
The Paris Gown has everything I look for in a novel - a narrative told from multiple viewpoints, friendship, intrigue, romance, and fashion! I loved the complicated yet true to life friendship between Gina, Margot, and Claire. While Margots' decisions at times seemed a bit all over the place to me, in retrospect, her actions are probably more realstic than not given the situation she was in. I flew through the second half of the book dying to see how all three women would end up.
October 18, 2024
The eccentric Madame Vaughn makes hardworking Parisian chef Claire a very special gift: a stunning Dior gown. Gina, a cool American journalist, lands on Claire’s doorstep nursing a broken heart. When her father begs her to attend a ball to persuade her former fiancé to invest in a new business venture, she is torn. Warm-hearted Claire insists Gina wear the Dior gown to the ball. At Dior for Gina’s fitting, who should assist them but Margot, an old friend who’s now working at Dior under an assumed name, and she is not happy to have been found.
This was a heartwarming historical fiction that was perfect for my mood at the time of reading. The idea of female friendships anchored by a beautiful Dior gown captured my heart in no time.
The relationship between the girls felt modern and fresh, despite of the historical setting. It’s always great to see stories of female friendships lasting through time, even when popular culture likes to pit women against one another.
This was my first book from the author, and it’s not gonna be the last!
(Thanks to HarperCollins Australia for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review)
See my bookstagram review.
This was a heartwarming historical fiction that was perfect for my mood at the time of reading. The idea of female friendships anchored by a beautiful Dior gown captured my heart in no time.
The relationship between the girls felt modern and fresh, despite of the historical setting. It’s always great to see stories of female friendships lasting through time, even when popular culture likes to pit women against one another.
This was my first book from the author, and it’s not gonna be the last!
(Thanks to HarperCollins Australia for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review)
See my bookstagram review.
October 29, 2024
3.5 stars. I enjoyed stepping into the world of Dior and how this one gown, based on the design that Princess Margaret wore for her 21st birthday ,shaped events in the lives of 3 friends. Solid read and clean. I skipped some unnecessary parts where Margot visits a tarot card reader. Apparently, Dior referred her to his personal fortune teller, but anyway, I enjoyed the rest . Very low stakes story, but sweet in parts.
So I just reread the book description and it's totally wrong. Who wrote that??? Was there an alternate version of this book?? Hmmm interesting
So I just reread the book description and it's totally wrong. Who wrote that??? Was there an alternate version of this book?? Hmmm interesting
April 30, 2024
“The Paris Gown” by Christine Wells was a delicious and entertaining read. It’s about three young women who meet in Paris in their formative years. After a fun filled few years, these three women from very different backgrounds, and different countries part to pursue their lives while keeping in touch through letters. These letters they find out much too late were never delivered. They reunite years later after their lives have taken turns with great disappointment thru failed marriage, family crises and professional disappointments. The dreams they had in their youth of wearing a Dior gown shockingly brings them together in an unusual way. Their journey of personal growth and career success is poignant and emotional. But most importantly, this book speaks to the meaning of true friendship and the message of how important it is to have those special women friends in our lives reverberates loud and clear. That message will resonate with everyone who reads this book, it’s one I highly recommend!
Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 3, 2024
3.5 Stars
Paris in the 50s. Three friends with dreams and secrets; one wants to be a chef, another a writer and the third trying to outrun her past and figure out her future. All are hoping to find love.
I found this to be a light read, loosely centered around a Dior dress gifted to one, worn by all. I was expecting more of a One Dress, Nine Women vibe but that didn't happen. The friendship is honest, extremely close and supportive of each others dreams. As was the sign of the times, love is a focal point. I had hoped for a little more depth through each story, and just when I thought it would happen, it was tied up neatly. Each woman was strong in their own way. So much was left unsaid. If you are looking for a lighter read, friendship focused and just a little drama, this book is for you. This book gives a look into what it was like to be a female in the 50s.
Thanks to William Morrow for this NetGalley book. This is my honest opinion.
Paris in the 50s. Three friends with dreams and secrets; one wants to be a chef, another a writer and the third trying to outrun her past and figure out her future. All are hoping to find love.
I found this to be a light read, loosely centered around a Dior dress gifted to one, worn by all. I was expecting more of a One Dress, Nine Women vibe but that didn't happen. The friendship is honest, extremely close and supportive of each others dreams. As was the sign of the times, love is a focal point. I had hoped for a little more depth through each story, and just when I thought it would happen, it was tied up neatly. Each woman was strong in their own way. So much was left unsaid. If you are looking for a lighter read, friendship focused and just a little drama, this book is for you. This book gives a look into what it was like to be a female in the 50s.
Thanks to William Morrow for this NetGalley book. This is my honest opinion.
April 7, 2025
The Paris Gown by Christine Wells transports readers to Paris in the 1950s, where three young women—Claire, Gina, and Margot—form a deep bond over their shared admiration for the iconic Dior dresses displayed in the shop windows. This connection becomes the foundation of their friendship as they dream of the futures they envision for themselves. The novel alternates between their perspectives, showing how their paths diverge over the years, only for them to eventually find their way back to each other, with a Dior gown as the unlikely thread that ties them together.
The beginning of the novel is filled with promise and excitement, as readers are drawn into the lives of these women and their aspirations. Claire is a chef, Gina a writer, and Margot is in an abusive marriage, longing to break free. Each character is compelling in her own right, and the exploration of their different paths through life is intriguing. However, about halfway through, the story takes a shift toward a more conventional romance, which some readers may find predictable. While the romance is sweet, it starts to overshadow the more unique aspects of the story, moving it into familiar territory that feels less original.
The alternating points of view offer a good look at the different struggles and triumphs of the women, but the sense of Paris, which should have been a vibrant, central character in the story, is disappointingly absent. The setting could have been anywhere, and it felt like the story could have been equally effective without the Parisian backdrop.
One of the key elements of the story is the Dior gown, which holds sentimental value for the three women. However, while it initially seems like it will play a larger role in their lives, it ultimately doesn’t have the impact one might expect. The novel is more about the women's personal journeys and how their friendship, along with their individual growth, helps them navigate life's disappointments. It's a heartfelt story about the unpredictability of life and finding strength in the people we love.
For those who enjoy a feel-good, easy read with elements of romance and friendship, The Paris Gown offers a satisfying escape. However, if you're looking for a more immersive historical experience with a deep dive into the Parisian culture of the 1950s, you might be left wanting more. Despite its predictable elements, the book still offers a sweet, uplifting story about friendship, love, and finding happiness, even when life doesn’t go according to plan.
Rating: 3/5 – A charming, though somewhat predictable, story about friendship and self-discovery.
Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow Publishing for my DRC.
The beginning of the novel is filled with promise and excitement, as readers are drawn into the lives of these women and their aspirations. Claire is a chef, Gina a writer, and Margot is in an abusive marriage, longing to break free. Each character is compelling in her own right, and the exploration of their different paths through life is intriguing. However, about halfway through, the story takes a shift toward a more conventional romance, which some readers may find predictable. While the romance is sweet, it starts to overshadow the more unique aspects of the story, moving it into familiar territory that feels less original.
The alternating points of view offer a good look at the different struggles and triumphs of the women, but the sense of Paris, which should have been a vibrant, central character in the story, is disappointingly absent. The setting could have been anywhere, and it felt like the story could have been equally effective without the Parisian backdrop.
One of the key elements of the story is the Dior gown, which holds sentimental value for the three women. However, while it initially seems like it will play a larger role in their lives, it ultimately doesn’t have the impact one might expect. The novel is more about the women's personal journeys and how their friendship, along with their individual growth, helps them navigate life's disappointments. It's a heartfelt story about the unpredictability of life and finding strength in the people we love.
For those who enjoy a feel-good, easy read with elements of romance and friendship, The Paris Gown offers a satisfying escape. However, if you're looking for a more immersive historical experience with a deep dive into the Parisian culture of the 1950s, you might be left wanting more. Despite its predictable elements, the book still offers a sweet, uplifting story about friendship, love, and finding happiness, even when life doesn’t go according to plan.
Rating: 3/5 – A charming, though somewhat predictable, story about friendship and self-discovery.
Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow Publishing for my DRC.
February 6, 2025
The Paris Gown by @christinewells_
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A beautiful novel about the sacrificial friendship between three women and how a Dior gown brings them all closer together no matter what’s going on in their lives or where they are.
I received an ARC of this book from @netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my review. All opinions are honest and my own. #netgalley #goodreads #bookstagram #literarypearlsof25 #theparisgown
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A beautiful novel about the sacrificial friendship between three women and how a Dior gown brings them all closer together no matter what’s going on in their lives or where they are.
I received an ARC of this book from @netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my review. All opinions are honest and my own. #netgalley #goodreads #bookstagram #literarypearlsof25 #theparisgown
October 1, 2024
Another great book with strong female characters. Three friends live in Paris in the 1950’s. After taking cooking classes at the Cordon Bleu, only Claire is serious about being a chef. Gina goes back to the states to work in journalism, and Margot returns to Australia to become a society wife. A few years later, bad luck has been dealt to all three girls and they are all in Paris again. A custom Dior dress brings them back together. Fun adventure of love, hard work, and persistence in order to make your dreams come true.
January 22, 2025
I enjoyed this story about three friends living and working in 50s Paris. trying to make their way in a male dominated world. And a Dior gown that is worn by all three for different reasons.
Perfect holiday read.
Perfect holiday read.
September 1, 2024
A quick and sweet read. Nothing fancy, but a great story about women and friendship!
August 29, 2024
3.5 fast easy read
April 8, 2024
Thank you @netgalley and @williammorrowbooks for the eARC of The Paris Gown by @christinewells_ in exchange for an honest review!
📖📖 Book Review 📖📖 There is something magical about Paris, it’s nearly impossible to describe yet somehow Christine Wells has captured this je ne sais quoi in her new novel. The Paris Gown shares a glimpse of the City of Light as majestically as window shopping along the Champs-Élysées at sunset or a kiss under the Eiffel Tower at midnight at New Years. For three young women, Paris is the epicenter of their formative years, a place where they bonded with each other and first dreamed their dreams. As their hopes dull with the marriage to reality, their lives turn out to be different than expected and relationships are challenged almost to the brink of destruction. The Paris Gown is a novel as beautiful and timeless as a Dior dress.
📖📖 Book Review 📖📖 There is something magical about Paris, it’s nearly impossible to describe yet somehow Christine Wells has captured this je ne sais quoi in her new novel. The Paris Gown shares a glimpse of the City of Light as majestically as window shopping along the Champs-Élysées at sunset or a kiss under the Eiffel Tower at midnight at New Years. For three young women, Paris is the epicenter of their formative years, a place where they bonded with each other and first dreamed their dreams. As their hopes dull with the marriage to reality, their lives turn out to be different than expected and relationships are challenged almost to the brink of destruction. The Paris Gown is a novel as beautiful and timeless as a Dior dress.
September 23, 2024
The Paris Gown by Christine Wells is a new novel you can easily get swept away in!
A trio of friends all revolving around a beautiful soft flowing Dior Gown.
There's a masked ball, delightful gardens and bouquets of Spring Flowers. 💐
An extravagant ball to attend to ~ a touch of romance!
You may even find some tantalising French delights and cuisine throughout the book.
The Paris Gown is brought to life in this brand new novel by Christine Wells.
A trio of friends all revolving around a beautiful soft flowing Dior Gown.
There's a masked ball, delightful gardens and bouquets of Spring Flowers. 💐
An extravagant ball to attend to ~ a touch of romance!
You may even find some tantalising French delights and cuisine throughout the book.
The Paris Gown is brought to life in this brand new novel by Christine Wells.
July 22, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"The Paris Gown" by Christine Wells is a captivating journey into the world of 1950s Paris, brought to life through the intertwined lives of three remarkable women and a stunning Christian Dior gown. As a newcomer to Christine Wells' work, I was delighted by the rich historical detail and the compelling narrative that kept me engrossed from start to finish.
The story centers on Claire, Gina, and Margot, three friends whose lives take unexpected turns as they reunite in Paris. Claire, an aspiring Michelin-starred chef, finds her dream within reach when she is gifted a dazzling Dior gown. Gina, a heartbroken American journalist, returns to Paris to pursue her writing aspirations and faces a challenging reunion with her former fiancé. Margot, now working at Dior, hides secrets that threaten to unravel their friendship. The gown, a symbol of hope and transformation, weaves their stories together in a beautifully poignant manner.
Wells' writing is lush and evocative, capturing the essence of Parisian life and the emotional depth of her characters. The dynamic between the three women is well-developed, and the narrative seamlessly blends historical context with personal struggles and triumphs. The Dior gown serves as a powerful metaphor for change and aspiration, adding a layer of enchantment to the plot.
While the book is thoroughly enjoyable, there were moments where the pacing felt slightly uneven, and some plot points could have been explored in greater depth. However, these minor quibbles did not detract significantly from the overall experience.
"The Paris Gown" is a delightful read that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and anyone who appreciates a well-told story of friendship, dreams, and resilience. Christine Wells has crafted a memorable tale, and I eagerly look forward to exploring more of her works in the future.
Thank you NetGalley and Christine Wells for the ARC read.
***All thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone***
"The Paris Gown" by Christine Wells is a captivating journey into the world of 1950s Paris, brought to life through the intertwined lives of three remarkable women and a stunning Christian Dior gown. As a newcomer to Christine Wells' work, I was delighted by the rich historical detail and the compelling narrative that kept me engrossed from start to finish.
The story centers on Claire, Gina, and Margot, three friends whose lives take unexpected turns as they reunite in Paris. Claire, an aspiring Michelin-starred chef, finds her dream within reach when she is gifted a dazzling Dior gown. Gina, a heartbroken American journalist, returns to Paris to pursue her writing aspirations and faces a challenging reunion with her former fiancé. Margot, now working at Dior, hides secrets that threaten to unravel their friendship. The gown, a symbol of hope and transformation, weaves their stories together in a beautifully poignant manner.
Wells' writing is lush and evocative, capturing the essence of Parisian life and the emotional depth of her characters. The dynamic between the three women is well-developed, and the narrative seamlessly blends historical context with personal struggles and triumphs. The Dior gown serves as a powerful metaphor for change and aspiration, adding a layer of enchantment to the plot.
While the book is thoroughly enjoyable, there were moments where the pacing felt slightly uneven, and some plot points could have been explored in greater depth. However, these minor quibbles did not detract significantly from the overall experience.
"The Paris Gown" is a delightful read that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and anyone who appreciates a well-told story of friendship, dreams, and resilience. Christine Wells has crafted a memorable tale, and I eagerly look forward to exploring more of her works in the future.
Thank you NetGalley and Christine Wells for the ARC read.
***All thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone***
July 27, 2024
What a fun story of three women as their lives intertwine and all around them is this one Dior gown. These girls become women and their lives draw apart and come back together. They end up sharing an apartment above a brasserie which Charlotte's family has owned for decades. Each woman has become their own self throughout the book as circumstances bring them together and help them grow into themselves.
I really recommend this book for anyone trying to have the courage to be their true selves. And to anyone looking for an enjoyable story of women as they mature.
I was given this book by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
I really recommend this book for anyone trying to have the courage to be their true selves. And to anyone looking for an enjoyable story of women as they mature.
I was given this book by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
November 23, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! The audio was fantastic. I loved following Claire, Margot, and Gina’s journey. Each character felt distinct and I could hear/see each girl’s individual voice. At its core this book was about friendship and about self-discovery. Honestly it felt like a historical fiction sisterhood of the traveling pants. The Dior gown as a focal point was such fun and I loved imagining it based off the cover (STUNNING). The ending was beautiful and really brought the story full circle. Loved it!
September 25, 2024
The Paris Gown by Christine Wells is a delightful, charming and enchanting historical fiction story set in 1950’s Paris when three friends reunite after their careers and lives each take a different turn. It is a fascinating and enjoyable story with an intriguing, intricately woven plot that made it difficult to stop reading. It has all the glitz, glamour and excitement of the Paris fashion world during that era. I thought it was well written, well researched and I read it cover to cover. I rated it a five.
October 14, 2024
This was good but kind of underwhelming. It centers around three friends in Paris as they’re all at big crossroads in their lives. I really loved two of the girls but overall it just fell kind of flat and there wasn’t as much of a fashion story as the title and cover lead me to think. It was v fun reading this in Paris though.
August 11, 2024
I was drawn to this book by the cover and thought the synopsis sounded interesting. However, I found myself struggling to get into and stay interested in the story. I thought it was lacking depth in places and the pace was a little too slow at times.
I enjoyed the friendship between the three main characters and the complexity involved. I really liked Margot and thought the publishing aspect of the storyline was really interesting and was my favorite part.
All in all, this was a good story and I really became interested about halfway through. A nice read for fans of historical fiction.
3.5 stars.
I enjoyed the friendship between the three main characters and the complexity involved. I really liked Margot and thought the publishing aspect of the storyline was really interesting and was my favorite part.
All in all, this was a good story and I really became interested about halfway through. A nice read for fans of historical fiction.
3.5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 260 reviews