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The Kennedy Girl
From esteemed author Julia Bryan Thomas comes a novel for readers who loved the fashion and glamour of The Second Life of Mirielle West and the clandestine intrigue of The Secrets We Kept, showcasing a journey to France through the eyes of a wide-eyed American orphan who becomes embroiled in an international espionage scheme.
This American Girl in Paris might hold the fate of nations...
It's the 1960s, and the fashion culture of New York, Paris, and Milan is starting to make an impression on the mid-century American woman. Jackie Kennedy's effortless style leads the nation, although Mia's bustling bakery job doesn't often give her the time or money to craft a stylish closet after her idol in the White House. But when a mysterious stranger suddenly offers her a modeling job in Paris at the esteemed House of Rousseau, she takes a chance on it, despite knowing nothing about the world of fashion. As an orphan with big dreams, holding a one-way plane ticket to Paris, she sets off for what she hopes is a better life.
But the job of a model runs deeper than photoshoots and runway walks, and as Mia adjusts to the Parisienne lifestyle, she realizes that not everything is as it seems. Becoming more and more successful in her position as an up-and-coming model, she is soon drawn into the Cold War by the very fashion house she works for. And as she finds herself falling further into national crimes and politics, Mia will soon have to decide which side of history she's really on.
Jackie Kennedy is no longer the only woman for whom fashion and politics dramatically collide...
The Kennedy Girl is an immersive and heart-pounding story perfect for history buffs and armchair travelers alike, with glimpses into both the propulsive Cold War era of espionage and the inner-workings of the most prestigious Parisian fashion houses.
This American Girl in Paris might hold the fate of nations...
It's the 1960s, and the fashion culture of New York, Paris, and Milan is starting to make an impression on the mid-century American woman. Jackie Kennedy's effortless style leads the nation, although Mia's bustling bakery job doesn't often give her the time or money to craft a stylish closet after her idol in the White House. But when a mysterious stranger suddenly offers her a modeling job in Paris at the esteemed House of Rousseau, she takes a chance on it, despite knowing nothing about the world of fashion. As an orphan with big dreams, holding a one-way plane ticket to Paris, she sets off for what she hopes is a better life.
But the job of a model runs deeper than photoshoots and runway walks, and as Mia adjusts to the Parisienne lifestyle, she realizes that not everything is as it seems. Becoming more and more successful in her position as an up-and-coming model, she is soon drawn into the Cold War by the very fashion house she works for. And as she finds herself falling further into national crimes and politics, Mia will soon have to decide which side of history she's really on.
Jackie Kennedy is no longer the only woman for whom fashion and politics dramatically collide...
The Kennedy Girl is an immersive and heart-pounding story perfect for history buffs and armchair travelers alike, with glimpses into both the propulsive Cold War era of espionage and the inner-workings of the most prestigious Parisian fashion houses.
425 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 14, 2025
172 people are currently reading
9172 people want to read
About the author
Julia Bryan Thomas
3 books206 followersJulia Bryan Thomas is a graduate of Northeastern State University and the Yale Writers’ Workshop. She is married to mystery novelist Will Thomas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
October 28, 2024
1960. New York, Amelia Walker works in a bakery, one day a new customer Theo Gillette offers her a job in Paris and as a model. Mia father has just passed away and her mother died when she was eleven, she considers cashing in the plane ticket and Mia has no ties and changes her mind and travels to France. Mia has always admired Jacqueline Kennedy, she been told she resembles the first lady, and she lived in Paris for a year and Mia feels like she's walking the same path as her idol.
Mia is to be a model for the House of Rousseau, she shares a flat with two other girls Maeve and Elisabeth and she meets an older lady Madame Fournier who lives in the same block of apartments. After a quick course in deportment and learning some basic French phrases Mia is shown around the House of Rousseau and measured. Mia struts the runways and sometimes goes to elite parties, to show off the haute couture gowns and it’s part of her job.
A naive Mia strolls the streets of Paris and has no idea she’s being followed and why. The French and American governments are worried about nuclear weapons falling into the wrong hands, and people working at the fashion house could be involved, and Mia’s not sure she who can trust. Looking back she did notice when she first moved into the apartment, Mia couldn’t find her father’s pocket watch and her room must have been searched and her belongings tampered with and she was careful where she kept it afterwards?
Mia is thrown into a world full of fashion and beautiful gowns, glamour and diamonds, spies and secret agents, espionage and she fears for her safety and life and is caught up in a game of cat and mouse.
I received a copy of The Kennedy Girl by Julia Bryan Thomas from Sourcebooks and in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. At times I had no idea if the author had an obvious direction for her narrative, it seemed a bit farfetched and wondered if I had missed something. I’m pleased to say the pace of the story did pick up and made sense and while it wasn’t quite as good as The Radcliffe Ladies’ Reading Club. The 1960’s was a different time and era and girls did spontaneous things and I suggest reading this one for yourself and making up your own mind and four stars from me.
Mia is to be a model for the House of Rousseau, she shares a flat with two other girls Maeve and Elisabeth and she meets an older lady Madame Fournier who lives in the same block of apartments. After a quick course in deportment and learning some basic French phrases Mia is shown around the House of Rousseau and measured. Mia struts the runways and sometimes goes to elite parties, to show off the haute couture gowns and it’s part of her job.
A naive Mia strolls the streets of Paris and has no idea she’s being followed and why. The French and American governments are worried about nuclear weapons falling into the wrong hands, and people working at the fashion house could be involved, and Mia’s not sure she who can trust. Looking back she did notice when she first moved into the apartment, Mia couldn’t find her father’s pocket watch and her room must have been searched and her belongings tampered with and she was careful where she kept it afterwards?
Mia is thrown into a world full of fashion and beautiful gowns, glamour and diamonds, spies and secret agents, espionage and she fears for her safety and life and is caught up in a game of cat and mouse.
I received a copy of The Kennedy Girl by Julia Bryan Thomas from Sourcebooks and in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. At times I had no idea if the author had an obvious direction for her narrative, it seemed a bit farfetched and wondered if I had missed something. I’m pleased to say the pace of the story did pick up and made sense and while it wasn’t quite as good as The Radcliffe Ladies’ Reading Club. The 1960’s was a different time and era and girls did spontaneous things and I suggest reading this one for yourself and making up your own mind and four stars from me.
December 1, 2024
As always, thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark for sending me this ARC! I find myself looking at their upcoming releases more and more, definitely good books coming from this publisher lately!
This was such an interesting story. I couldn't read this fast enough. 1960s Paris fashion, good old fashion spy stuff and the geopolitical tension of the Cold War come together in this truly captivating story.
Mia is working in a bakery when she is approached by a stranger offering her a modeling job in Paris. She decides to throw caution to the wind and take this opportunity of a lifetime that has fallen in her lap. Little does she know she is being groomed to be used as a powerful asset to deliver information amongst the people vying for political power.
There were a couple paragraphs I skimmed over that had a little too much information for me on what was going on between all the parties involved in the Cold War. But the rest of the story had me sucked in completely!
This was such an interesting story. I couldn't read this fast enough. 1960s Paris fashion, good old fashion spy stuff and the geopolitical tension of the Cold War come together in this truly captivating story.
Mia is working in a bakery when she is approached by a stranger offering her a modeling job in Paris. She decides to throw caution to the wind and take this opportunity of a lifetime that has fallen in her lap. Little does she know she is being groomed to be used as a powerful asset to deliver information amongst the people vying for political power.
There were a couple paragraphs I skimmed over that had a little too much information for me on what was going on between all the parties involved in the Cold War. But the rest of the story had me sucked in completely!
February 1, 2025
The Kennedy Girl by is a captivating historical fiction novel that follows an American orphan's journey to Paris in the 1960s, where she becomes entangled in an espionage plot while navigating the glamorous world of fashion.
The intricate blend of historical context, the world of fashion, and the espionage is very compelling.
The author's vivid descriptions and detailed research bring the era to life, making the backdrop of the story incredibly engaging.
The Kennedy Girl would appeal to readers who enjoy:
1960's Paris setting with its rich historical context and detailed descriptions is perfect for history buffs.
Stories with intrigue, secrets, and espionage elements, this novel offers a captivating plot.
Glamorous world of fashion which is vividly portrayed, making it a great read for those interested in the fashion industry.
Character-driven narratives. The protagonist's journey from an American orphan to someone entangled in international espionage provides strong character development and emotional depth.
The intricate blend of historical context, the world of fashion, and the espionage is very compelling.
The author's vivid descriptions and detailed research bring the era to life, making the backdrop of the story incredibly engaging.
The Kennedy Girl would appeal to readers who enjoy:
1960's Paris setting with its rich historical context and detailed descriptions is perfect for history buffs.
Stories with intrigue, secrets, and espionage elements, this novel offers a captivating plot.
Glamorous world of fashion which is vividly portrayed, making it a great read for those interested in the fashion industry.
Character-driven narratives. The protagonist's journey from an American orphan to someone entangled in international espionage provides strong character development and emotional depth.
February 11, 2025
The Kennedy Girl by Julia Bryan Thomas was a captivating historical fiction novel that took place during the Cold War years of the 1960’s. It took place in both New York and Paris. Julia Bryan Thomas was able to capture the competitiveness and secrecy that the Cold War era brought and coupled it with the excitement and glamour that went hand and hand with the world of fashion especially in Paris, France. The Kennedy Girl was well written, well plotted and had just enough intriguing characters to keep me immersed throughout. I listened to the audiobook that was narrated very well by Ri Paige.
Amelia Walker, who preferred to be called Mia, grew up idolizing Jacqueline Kennedy. She admired everything about her. Amelia had had a sad life. Her mother had died when she was at the vulnerable age of eleven, the time when every young girl needed her mother the most. Her father had done his best to bring Mia up. Mia’s father had recently died. At the tender age of nineteen, Mia found herself an orphan. She lived in Brooklyn, New York and worked at a bakery. Mia did not have many opportunities sitting at her doorstep but one day she noticed a new customer enter the bakery. She had never seen him before. The next day, Mia encountered him again outside the bakery as she was leaving. To her complete surprise, the man made her an offer that both shocked her and enticed her. He told Mia that she had the qualities necessary to become a successful model. Mia was offered a one-way all expenses paid ticket to Paris to work as a fashion model at the infamous House of Rousseau. How could Mia pass up this once in a lifetime opportunity? Was it too good to be true or was her life about to evolve into everything she could have ever dreamed of doing? Only time would tell.
I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of The Kennedy Girl by Julia Bryan Thomas. Mia was quite naive as the novel began but circumstances and new acquaintances emboldened her and made her grow up quickly. I enjoyed the acts of espionage and discovery that Mia found herself in. Many aspects of the Cold War were apparent in this book. It was a time when trust was hard to come by. Having grown up during this decade, I appreciated the references to President Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy and the fashions of the time. The Kennedy Girl was about friendship, learning who to trust, fashion, the life models led, espionage and romance. I enjoyed listening to The Kennedy Girl and recommend it highly.
Thank you to Tantor Audio for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of The Kennedy Girl by Julia Bryan Thomas through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. All opinions expressed in this review were completely my own.
Amelia Walker, who preferred to be called Mia, grew up idolizing Jacqueline Kennedy. She admired everything about her. Amelia had had a sad life. Her mother had died when she was at the vulnerable age of eleven, the time when every young girl needed her mother the most. Her father had done his best to bring Mia up. Mia’s father had recently died. At the tender age of nineteen, Mia found herself an orphan. She lived in Brooklyn, New York and worked at a bakery. Mia did not have many opportunities sitting at her doorstep but one day she noticed a new customer enter the bakery. She had never seen him before. The next day, Mia encountered him again outside the bakery as she was leaving. To her complete surprise, the man made her an offer that both shocked her and enticed her. He told Mia that she had the qualities necessary to become a successful model. Mia was offered a one-way all expenses paid ticket to Paris to work as a fashion model at the infamous House of Rousseau. How could Mia pass up this once in a lifetime opportunity? Was it too good to be true or was her life about to evolve into everything she could have ever dreamed of doing? Only time would tell.
I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of The Kennedy Girl by Julia Bryan Thomas. Mia was quite naive as the novel began but circumstances and new acquaintances emboldened her and made her grow up quickly. I enjoyed the acts of espionage and discovery that Mia found herself in. Many aspects of the Cold War were apparent in this book. It was a time when trust was hard to come by. Having grown up during this decade, I appreciated the references to President Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy and the fashions of the time. The Kennedy Girl was about friendship, learning who to trust, fashion, the life models led, espionage and romance. I enjoyed listening to The Kennedy Girl and recommend it highly.
Thank you to Tantor Audio for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of The Kennedy Girl by Julia Bryan Thomas through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. All opinions expressed in this review were completely my own.
December 20, 2024
THE KENNEDY GIRL has all the ingredients of a great novel: intrigue, espionage, fashion, and Paris. Like her cast of characters, Julia Bryan Thomas’s writing is bold, colorful, and fearless. Absolutely riveting.
January 15, 2025
I'm of two minds about this book. There are some parts that I enjoyed, but the character of Mia was annoying and overly naive at times. I realize that she was only 19, but even a 19-year-old should have been more skeptical of the offer made to her. Okay, rant over!
This book was set in the early 1960s during the middle of the Cold War. Espionage is at its height, and things are so much different in the spying game than I imagine they are today.
Mia, our main character, gets mixed up unknowingly into this game and is a good little sheep, always doing what the "bad" guys want her to do. But playing the role of double agent was quite interesting, and she did it well.
This is a predictable book, but it still has its moments.
ARC* supplied by the publisher Sourcebooks Landmark, the author, and NetGalley.
This book was set in the early 1960s during the middle of the Cold War. Espionage is at its height, and things are so much different in the spying game than I imagine they are today.
Mia, our main character, gets mixed up unknowingly into this game and is a good little sheep, always doing what the "bad" guys want her to do. But playing the role of double agent was quite interesting, and she did it well.
This is a predictable book, but it still has its moments.
ARC* supplied by the publisher Sourcebooks Landmark, the author, and NetGalley.
March 12, 2025
In 1960, Amelia "Mia" Walker has tended to her dying father, and wonders what she'll do next. She works at a bakery so is no stranger to hard work. One day a customer, Theo Gillette, offers her the chance at a whole new life: travel to Paris and join the House of Rousseau to become a model. To sweeten the deal, he gives her a plane ticket with no strings attached.
Initially thinking she'll cash the ticket in, Mia impulsively decides instead that she'll take Gillette's offer, and arrives in Paris. She's put up at a flat with two other Rousseau models, Maeve and Elizabeth, and is slowly taught deportment and some French by the design house. Soon Mia is walking down runways and attending sparkling parties, wearing the beautiful Rousseau designs.
We also meet another resident of Mia's building, Madame Fournier, who left her staid, adult boys' expectations to move to Paris, and who keeps a close eye on the models in the apartment, for her own mysterious reasons.
After a little time successfully modelling, Gillette begins asking the naive Mia to pass on enigmatic phrases to specific party guests. Puzzled, she does, but gradually begins to wonder what is really going on. Before too long, Mia begins to realize she's being followed, and that her room in the shared flat has been searched.
Mia does not understand what is happening, but between warnings from an American man she meets at a party to being followed and to more shocking incidents, Mia begins to understand that she is a small part of a bid to sway political power during the Cold War.
Author Julia Bryan Thomas does a great job of creating a compelling story with a likeable protagonist who is forced to open her eyes to the wider, political and economic influences in the world.
I loved all the details Thomas provided of working at a fashion house, as well as Mia's joy at exploring a new city. Though not a country bumpkin, she gains much poise, a little ruthlessness, and a deeper understanding of herself and the world over the course of the story.
I greatly enjoyed the novel, and the audiobook, which I also listened to while reading. Ri Paige's voice is wonderfully textured, soothing when it needed to be, and clipped during action scenes. The characters come to life and I loved how well she conveyed Mia's growth.
Thank you to Netgalley, Sourcebooks Landmark and Tantor Audio for these ARCs in exchange for my review.
Initially thinking she'll cash the ticket in, Mia impulsively decides instead that she'll take Gillette's offer, and arrives in Paris. She's put up at a flat with two other Rousseau models, Maeve and Elizabeth, and is slowly taught deportment and some French by the design house. Soon Mia is walking down runways and attending sparkling parties, wearing the beautiful Rousseau designs.
We also meet another resident of Mia's building, Madame Fournier, who left her staid, adult boys' expectations to move to Paris, and who keeps a close eye on the models in the apartment, for her own mysterious reasons.
After a little time successfully modelling, Gillette begins asking the naive Mia to pass on enigmatic phrases to specific party guests. Puzzled, she does, but gradually begins to wonder what is really going on. Before too long, Mia begins to realize she's being followed, and that her room in the shared flat has been searched.
Mia does not understand what is happening, but between warnings from an American man she meets at a party to being followed and to more shocking incidents, Mia begins to understand that she is a small part of a bid to sway political power during the Cold War.
Author Julia Bryan Thomas does a great job of creating a compelling story with a likeable protagonist who is forced to open her eyes to the wider, political and economic influences in the world.
I loved all the details Thomas provided of working at a fashion house, as well as Mia's joy at exploring a new city. Though not a country bumpkin, she gains much poise, a little ruthlessness, and a deeper understanding of herself and the world over the course of the story.
I greatly enjoyed the novel, and the audiobook, which I also listened to while reading. Ri Paige's voice is wonderfully textured, soothing when it needed to be, and clipped during action scenes. The characters come to life and I loved how well she conveyed Mia's growth.
Thank you to Netgalley, Sourcebooks Landmark and Tantor Audio for these ARCs in exchange for my review.
January 31, 2025
The first part of this book was a little boring. It felt really one dimensional. It had all the makings to be exceptional but it feel a bit flat for me.
Now don't get me wrong, the 2nd half of the book really was worth getting through.
I wish It had had more pazzazz
It could have been bold!
3 stars
Now don't get me wrong, the 2nd half of the book really was worth getting through.
I wish It had had more pazzazz
It could have been bold!
3 stars
January 20, 2025
The Kennedy Girl is a historical fiction set in the 1960s. It’s the one and only historical fiction I truly enjoyed reading. The storyline is so smooth and captivating that you won’t be able to put the book down once you start.
The story begins with an orphaned girl named Mia, living alone in New York. She survives on her own by working at a bakery. One day, she receives a job offer in Paris as a model from Theo Gillette, a man she has never met before. Theo, seeing Mia's immense potential as a model, offers her this opportunity. After much thought, Mia decides to accept the offer, hoping to change her life for the better.
Upon arriving in Paris, Mia meets Luca, an Italian man who becomes her personal driver, as well as Elisabeth and Maeve, her roommates. Life carries on as usual, and Mia earns a generous salary. However, Mia is not one to splurge. She saves most of her earnings for her future.
One day, she meets a man named Philip, who turns her world upside down. While attending an elite party for work, on Theo Gillette's orders, Mia is kidnapped by a group of men demanding personal data. Unbeknownst to her, Mia becomes entangled in a syndicate dealing with explosive recipe information. She is unwittingly representing Alliance, a rival organization betraying the country’s government.
With Philip’s help and Mia’s intelligence, her life takes a dramatic turn. She transforms into a professional spy disguised as a fashion model.
The story touches on the political history of the time, featuring tropes like best friends turning into enemies, strangers to lovers, unrelated family connections, fashion and modeling, mystery and investigation, and Paris vibes!
If you love this kind of genre, this book is a must-read! I guarantee you won’t regret picking it up. *The Kennedy Girl* was published on January 14.
The story begins with an orphaned girl named Mia, living alone in New York. She survives on her own by working at a bakery. One day, she receives a job offer in Paris as a model from Theo Gillette, a man she has never met before. Theo, seeing Mia's immense potential as a model, offers her this opportunity. After much thought, Mia decides to accept the offer, hoping to change her life for the better.
Upon arriving in Paris, Mia meets Luca, an Italian man who becomes her personal driver, as well as Elisabeth and Maeve, her roommates. Life carries on as usual, and Mia earns a generous salary. However, Mia is not one to splurge. She saves most of her earnings for her future.
One day, she meets a man named Philip, who turns her world upside down. While attending an elite party for work, on Theo Gillette's orders, Mia is kidnapped by a group of men demanding personal data. Unbeknownst to her, Mia becomes entangled in a syndicate dealing with explosive recipe information. She is unwittingly representing Alliance, a rival organization betraying the country’s government.
With Philip’s help and Mia’s intelligence, her life takes a dramatic turn. She transforms into a professional spy disguised as a fashion model.
The story touches on the political history of the time, featuring tropes like best friends turning into enemies, strangers to lovers, unrelated family connections, fashion and modeling, mystery and investigation, and Paris vibes!
If you love this kind of genre, this book is a must-read! I guarantee you won’t regret picking it up. *The Kennedy Girl* was published on January 14.
January 22, 2025
Julia Bryan Thomas’s The Kennedy Girl is a dazzling mix of fashion, Parisian glamour, and Cold War intrigue, set against the backdrop of 1960s haute couture.
Nineteen-year-old Amelia “Mia” Walker leaves her New York bakery job for the opportunity of a lifetime: modeling for the prestigious House of Rousseau in Paris. Inspired by her idol Jacqueline Kennedy, Mia quickly immerses herself in the city’s elegance, befriending fellow models and learning the ropes under the sophisticated Madame Laurant. But the glittering world of fashion conceals a darker side.
Mia discovers she has unknowingly become part of an espionage scheme, delivering cryptic messages for Cold War operatives during her social appearances. As the stakes rise, Mia must decide whether to risk her dreams—or her safety—while navigating the blurred lines between glamour and danger.
With richly drawn characters and a vivid depiction of 1960s Paris, The Kennedy Girl expertly combines the allure of high fashion with the suspense of a spy thriller. Perfect for fans of The Secrets We Kept, this novel is a captivating tale of resilience, courage, and the collision of politics and dreams.
Nineteen-year-old Amelia “Mia” Walker leaves her New York bakery job for the opportunity of a lifetime: modeling for the prestigious House of Rousseau in Paris. Inspired by her idol Jacqueline Kennedy, Mia quickly immerses herself in the city’s elegance, befriending fellow models and learning the ropes under the sophisticated Madame Laurant. But the glittering world of fashion conceals a darker side.
Mia discovers she has unknowingly become part of an espionage scheme, delivering cryptic messages for Cold War operatives during her social appearances. As the stakes rise, Mia must decide whether to risk her dreams—or her safety—while navigating the blurred lines between glamour and danger.
With richly drawn characters and a vivid depiction of 1960s Paris, The Kennedy Girl expertly combines the allure of high fashion with the suspense of a spy thriller. Perfect for fans of The Secrets We Kept, this novel is a captivating tale of resilience, courage, and the collision of politics and dreams.
January 14, 2025
Absorbing, captivating, and vivid!
The Kennedy Girl is a rich, compelling tale set in Paris during the 1960s that takes you into the life of Mia Walker, a young American woman who, after accepting a position to model for the House of Rousseau, finds herself swept up in the glitz and glamour of the City of Light, mingling with the rich and powerful from several countries, and moonlighting as a spy for more than one side.
The prose is descriptive and smooth. The characters are independent, spirited, and brave. And the plot is a mysterious tale of life, loss, love, self-discovery, war, politics, secrets, friendship, determination, betrayal, and espionage.
Overall, I found The Kennedy Girl to be an intriguing, absorbing, atmospheric tale by Thomas that did a lovely job of blending historical times with entertaining suspense.
The Kennedy Girl is a rich, compelling tale set in Paris during the 1960s that takes you into the life of Mia Walker, a young American woman who, after accepting a position to model for the House of Rousseau, finds herself swept up in the glitz and glamour of the City of Light, mingling with the rich and powerful from several countries, and moonlighting as a spy for more than one side.
The prose is descriptive and smooth. The characters are independent, spirited, and brave. And the plot is a mysterious tale of life, loss, love, self-discovery, war, politics, secrets, friendship, determination, betrayal, and espionage.
Overall, I found The Kennedy Girl to be an intriguing, absorbing, atmospheric tale by Thomas that did a lovely job of blending historical times with entertaining suspense.
June 18, 2025
I generally don’t care for novels in which character development is secondary to plot development. But, while I don’t think the author succeeded in creating a particularly memorable cast of characters for it, I did enjoy this fast-paced historical thriller set in glamorous, early-1960s Paris. Enough, at least, to finish it as quickly as I could to see if its heroine manages to survive the sticky predicament of unwittingly becoming the pawn of factions on both sides of the Cold War.
January 30, 2025
Review coming soon
January 12, 2025
In an interview with Elise Dumpleton for Nerd Daily, Julia Bryan Thomas described The Kennedy Girl, her latest novel with these words: “intrigue, glamour, France, fashion, and espionage.” Those words make a terrific starting point for this review. Thomas stepped into the 1960s for this historical fiction. Readers will find high fashion, espionage, mystery, danger, and a bit of romance. What more could readers seek?
Mia, 19, works in a bakery in New York. She is alone. Her mother died when Mia was eleven, and her father has just died after battling cancer. Mia’s whole life is turned upside down when Theo from the famous designer house of Rousseau in Paris offers Mia a dream job: modeling in Paris. Theo gives Mia a check and a plane ticket to Paris. He tells her she can keep the money and cash in the plane ticket, or she can take his offer and fly to Paris to become a model for Rousseau.
What will Mia do? Of course, she has little to look forward to in NYC. She is alone; nursing her father during his illness has cut her off from old friends. At first, Mia thinks she will keep the money and remain in NYC. Then she reconsiders telling herself she can always return to the US!
Mia is naïve with much to learn once she gets to Paris. She rooms with two other models who are much more worldly than she. Mia is a quick study and learns from her two new friends as well as from the others at the House of Rousseau.
As she becomes more comfortable in the world of high fashion, Mia realizes all is not as it seems. I admit to being frightened for Mia when one of the chapters details an anonymous narrator trailing Mia and noting all she does. Who is this narrator? And why is he/she following Mia?
Theo gives Mia a puzzling assignment. He tells her she will be attending an important party, and a man will ask her where she lives. She is to tell him a particular address, but it is not her address. What is this address and why must she tell this stranger? Passing that message and others like it puts Mia into a world she never dreamed of entering.
The Kennedy Girl provides readers with high fashion, spying (for whom?), light romance, and friendship. Readers will keep turning pages to discover what happens next and how Mia will keep herself safe.
Mia, 19, works in a bakery in New York. She is alone. Her mother died when Mia was eleven, and her father has just died after battling cancer. Mia’s whole life is turned upside down when Theo from the famous designer house of Rousseau in Paris offers Mia a dream job: modeling in Paris. Theo gives Mia a check and a plane ticket to Paris. He tells her she can keep the money and cash in the plane ticket, or she can take his offer and fly to Paris to become a model for Rousseau.
What will Mia do? Of course, she has little to look forward to in NYC. She is alone; nursing her father during his illness has cut her off from old friends. At first, Mia thinks she will keep the money and remain in NYC. Then she reconsiders telling herself she can always return to the US!
Mia is naïve with much to learn once she gets to Paris. She rooms with two other models who are much more worldly than she. Mia is a quick study and learns from her two new friends as well as from the others at the House of Rousseau.
As she becomes more comfortable in the world of high fashion, Mia realizes all is not as it seems. I admit to being frightened for Mia when one of the chapters details an anonymous narrator trailing Mia and noting all she does. Who is this narrator? And why is he/she following Mia?
Theo gives Mia a puzzling assignment. He tells her she will be attending an important party, and a man will ask her where she lives. She is to tell him a particular address, but it is not her address. What is this address and why must she tell this stranger? Passing that message and others like it puts Mia into a world she never dreamed of entering.
The Kennedy Girl provides readers with high fashion, spying (for whom?), light romance, and friendship. Readers will keep turning pages to discover what happens next and how Mia will keep herself safe.
February 9, 2025
2.5
This historical novel set in paris in the 60s sounded really interesting, especially since it set in the fashion world and that sound right up my alley.
I found the first part very intriguing, getting to know our main character, her back story and when she moved to paris, but i found the connections she had in the first part (like luca) were more organic and realistic, therefore i didn't really enjoy the second part. To me it felt rushed, too many informations in too few words.
Though the narrator did a great job in with the different accents and tone of voice.
The conclusion is that this book probably wasn't for me.
This historical novel set in paris in the 60s sounded really interesting, especially since it set in the fashion world and that sound right up my alley.
I found the first part very intriguing, getting to know our main character, her back story and when she moved to paris, but i found the connections she had in the first part (like luca) were more organic and realistic, therefore i didn't really enjoy the second part. To me it felt rushed, too many informations in too few words.
Though the narrator did a great job in with the different accents and tone of voice.
The conclusion is that this book probably wasn't for me.
January 10, 2025
3.75 Rounded up to 4 - Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
A historical fiction involving the fashion culture of Paris and Jackie Kennedy while being set in the 1960s…say less! As a lover of all things fashion, Paris, Jackie Kennedy, and the 1960s, I was so excited to read The Kennedy Girl. After finishing this book and writing my review, I was hit with the revelation that parts of Mia’s life are very similar to Coco Chanel’s life. (Coco was a Nazi agent in the 1940s during World War II.) I loved the story altogether. Knowing about Coco Chanel serving as a Nazi agent and seeing a similar story playing out in Mia’s life made the plot more plausible to me; it made me enjoy the book even more. I also loved to see Mia’s growth as a character. We read about it directly in Philip’s POVs during their interactions, but you read about it indirectly in the way Mia handled herself in different situations and around different people.
The Kennedy Girl is a slow burn historical fiction, and I found myself struggling with the first 33-40% of the story. The beginning contained a lot of background information about the situation, the setting, and the characters, which I did enjoy because it added to a more well-rounded story. It wasn’t a hard book to get into, but I found myself not wanting to pick it up as much as other historical fiction books I’ve read. However, once the story picked up, I didn’t want to put it down.
I rated The Kennedy Girl a 3.75 out of 5 stars (rounded to 4). I loved the fashion aspect of the story – historical fiction novels set around the world of fashion are my absolute favorite. I also loved how suspenseful the story was; it wasn’t something I was expecting, which is why I enjoyed it so much. I was on the edge of my seat especially reading the last 20% or so, just needing to read each page to see how the whole situation shakes out.
Do I Recommend? If you love fashion, Jackie Kennedy, the 1960s, or suspenseful historical fiction, The Kennedy Girl is a great read. It offers a unique take on classic historical fiction that was entertaining and twisty while staying true to the 1960s Cold War era.
A historical fiction involving the fashion culture of Paris and Jackie Kennedy while being set in the 1960s…say less! As a lover of all things fashion, Paris, Jackie Kennedy, and the 1960s, I was so excited to read The Kennedy Girl. After finishing this book and writing my review, I was hit with the revelation that parts of Mia’s life are very similar to Coco Chanel’s life. (Coco was a Nazi agent in the 1940s during World War II.) I loved the story altogether. Knowing about Coco Chanel serving as a Nazi agent and seeing a similar story playing out in Mia’s life made the plot more plausible to me; it made me enjoy the book even more. I also loved to see Mia’s growth as a character. We read about it directly in Philip’s POVs during their interactions, but you read about it indirectly in the way Mia handled herself in different situations and around different people.
The Kennedy Girl is a slow burn historical fiction, and I found myself struggling with the first 33-40% of the story. The beginning contained a lot of background information about the situation, the setting, and the characters, which I did enjoy because it added to a more well-rounded story. It wasn’t a hard book to get into, but I found myself not wanting to pick it up as much as other historical fiction books I’ve read. However, once the story picked up, I didn’t want to put it down.
I rated The Kennedy Girl a 3.75 out of 5 stars (rounded to 4). I loved the fashion aspect of the story – historical fiction novels set around the world of fashion are my absolute favorite. I also loved how suspenseful the story was; it wasn’t something I was expecting, which is why I enjoyed it so much. I was on the edge of my seat especially reading the last 20% or so, just needing to read each page to see how the whole situation shakes out.
Do I Recommend? If you love fashion, Jackie Kennedy, the 1960s, or suspenseful historical fiction, The Kennedy Girl is a great read. It offers a unique take on classic historical fiction that was entertaining and twisty while staying true to the 1960s Cold War era.
January 17, 2025
The Kennedy Girl is an immersive historical read that transported me to the streets of Paris. With its descriptive writing, the author drew me into the world of 1960s fashion and swept me up into the busy life of a naive, young model, who in an attempt to discover who she is and what she wants from life, accidentally wades in over her head.
Exploring the Cold War amidst the backdrop of a Parisienne fashion house was a highly appealing premise that feels unique amidst the historical fiction genre. While it's a slower burn, the fashion and city of Paris sparkle, and the writing is easy to dive into.
The first fifty percent of the book feels like a very traditional historical fiction read, with well-placed hints that something darker looms ahead. It's not until the second part of the book that the espionage element really comes into play, and the book takes on a much more political tone. While the espionage aspect was interesting and kept me guessing until the end, it didn't fully hit the mark for me. I think this plotline could have been fleshed out a little more as I was left with unanswered questions.
Still, with its effortless writing and gorgeous portrayal of Paris and the fashions of that era, I had a difficult time putting this book down. While the two halves of the book differ dramatically in pacing, I enjoyed both equally for different reasons. The Kennedy Girl felt well-researched, with a little bit of suspense and history, and captured the charm and romance of Paris.
Thanks to the publisher for my gifted copy!
Exploring the Cold War amidst the backdrop of a Parisienne fashion house was a highly appealing premise that feels unique amidst the historical fiction genre. While it's a slower burn, the fashion and city of Paris sparkle, and the writing is easy to dive into.
The first fifty percent of the book feels like a very traditional historical fiction read, with well-placed hints that something darker looms ahead. It's not until the second part of the book that the espionage element really comes into play, and the book takes on a much more political tone. While the espionage aspect was interesting and kept me guessing until the end, it didn't fully hit the mark for me. I think this plotline could have been fleshed out a little more as I was left with unanswered questions.
Still, with its effortless writing and gorgeous portrayal of Paris and the fashions of that era, I had a difficult time putting this book down. While the two halves of the book differ dramatically in pacing, I enjoyed both equally for different reasons. The Kennedy Girl felt well-researched, with a little bit of suspense and history, and captured the charm and romance of Paris.
Thanks to the publisher for my gifted copy!
November 1, 2024
Very interesting premise with the beauty of Paris!
The Kennedy Girl is set in the 1960’s Cold War Era following Mia Walker who has just been hired out the blue to model for a fashion house in Paris. A girls dream, right? Or is it not all as it seems and who can Mia trust in a foreign country?
This book is definitely a slow burn but I appreciated that because we are able to get to know the characters and understand the set up. I don’t want to give much away but it definitely picks up and things start happening and you’re not sure who to trust. I enjoyed the ending and I overall liked it, it just left me wanting a little something more.
Definitely check this one out if you are looking for historical fiction, espionage, fashion and Paris!
3.5/5
Thank you to NetGalley, Sourcebooks, and Julia Bryan Thomas for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The Kennedy Girl is set in the 1960’s Cold War Era following Mia Walker who has just been hired out the blue to model for a fashion house in Paris. A girls dream, right? Or is it not all as it seems and who can Mia trust in a foreign country?
This book is definitely a slow burn but I appreciated that because we are able to get to know the characters and understand the set up. I don’t want to give much away but it definitely picks up and things start happening and you’re not sure who to trust. I enjoyed the ending and I overall liked it, it just left me wanting a little something more.
Definitely check this one out if you are looking for historical fiction, espionage, fashion and Paris!
3.5/5
Thank you to NetGalley, Sourcebooks, and Julia Bryan Thomas for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 4, 2025
I really enjoyed this propulsive historical thriller that left me guessing who was who until the end. The Cold War espionage mystery was enthralling from the beginning, and I couldn’t stop reading until I found out what happened. I loved the references to 1960s Paris and its quaint streets and fragrant cafes, plus the fashion details were fascinating.
I loved Thomas’ first book, For Those Who Are Lost, and while this book doesn’t have its emotional heft, I really enjoyed the mystery at the heart of The Kennedy Girl. Perfect for those who want to learn more about the Cold War and the machinations of the Americans and Soviets behind the scenes, I highly recommend this for those who love to read historical thrillers.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC.
I loved Thomas’ first book, For Those Who Are Lost, and while this book doesn’t have its emotional heft, I really enjoyed the mystery at the heart of The Kennedy Girl. Perfect for those who want to learn more about the Cold War and the machinations of the Americans and Soviets behind the scenes, I highly recommend this for those who love to read historical thrillers.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC.
May 22, 2025
The Kennedy Girl exceeded my expectations. When I put this book on hold at the library, I thought it was a historical-fiction story about fashion in 1960s Paris. It is that, but it's also an intriguing mystery that unravels as Mia, the protagonist, rises in the House of Rousseau. She has been "discovered" in New York and offered free airfare to Paris. She's unattached, and after some hesitation, she makes the leap. Mia trains to model for the House of Rousseau, and as she succeeds begins to see action behind the scenes.
Mia admires Jackie Kennedy, and some say she looks like her, too. Julia Bryan Thomas weaves references to Jackie Kennedy's style and demeanor throughout.
Mia admires Jackie Kennedy, and some say she looks like her, too. Julia Bryan Thomas weaves references to Jackie Kennedy's style and demeanor throughout.
January 5, 2026
Word to the wise:
If you are minding your own business working at a bakery in NYC and a stranger approaches you with a plane ticket for Paris and tells you a top fashion house wants to hire you as a model- run away. Don’t look back. Nothing good will come from this.
This book was intriguing but so far fetched.
Model turned international spy? Why not?!
Read it if you want an escape from your boring predictable life only to end up being grateful for its monotony concluding that the alternative may lead to kidnapping, a diamond heist and ultimately murder all in the name of helping your government.
If you are minding your own business working at a bakery in NYC and a stranger approaches you with a plane ticket for Paris and tells you a top fashion house wants to hire you as a model- run away. Don’t look back. Nothing good will come from this.
This book was intriguing but so far fetched.
Model turned international spy? Why not?!
Read it if you want an escape from your boring predictable life only to end up being grateful for its monotony concluding that the alternative may lead to kidnapping, a diamond heist and ultimately murder all in the name of helping your government.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2025
I received this book as an arc from the publisher. Thanks to the publisher for sending me this book to review.
This is my honest review:
If espionage and mystery are your thing, then this is the book for you. Mia is our main character. She is from the US and sent to Paris to become part of a group of models at a famous French fashion house or is she?
The story has a lot of twists and turns with some that I didn’t see coming. The supporting characters also intrigued me and added to the depth of the story the author was telling. There were a few parts that were a bit slow for me, but all in all, this was a very solid read. I look forward to reading more from this author.
This is my honest review:
If espionage and mystery are your thing, then this is the book for you. Mia is our main character. She is from the US and sent to Paris to become part of a group of models at a famous French fashion house or is she?
The story has a lot of twists and turns with some that I didn’t see coming. The supporting characters also intrigued me and added to the depth of the story the author was telling. There were a few parts that were a bit slow for me, but all in all, this was a very solid read. I look forward to reading more from this author.
May 23, 2025
It's 1960, and young Mia Walker is working at a Brooklyn bakery after her father has passed away. She is approached by a well-dressed man with an offer of modeling for the House of Rousseau in Paris. She's wary but has no other future. Off she goes to the city of lights. Her style is that of the fashionable Jackie Kennedy, and success ensues. Unknowingly, though, she is plunged into a world of espionage and danger. A likable period piece depicting the paranoia of the Cold War.
December 16, 2024
I loved this book! Paris nostalgia with a side of crime. The main character, Mia, is approached out of the blue one day working at her bakery job in New York, asking to become a model in Paris. She says yes and jet sets off. Little does she know she’ll become wrapped up in the Cold War, crime, and politics.
I couldn’t put this book down!
I couldn’t put this book down!
March 18, 2025
This was a very slow read & I wanted to DNF it many times. I did enjoy reading about Paris though. But that was really all I liked. I feel like the espionage plot could have been introduced earlier because when it was I felt like a whole new book had started.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
April 7, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. There was just enough action!
March 30, 2025
loved the storytelling and simplicity! sort of confused through out the book, but I still enjoyed the read! had truly nothing nothing to do with Jackie Kennedy though, don’t let the book fool you
August 30, 2025
Interesting Cold War espionage story involving fashion houses and models in Paris.
September 23, 2025
Thriller spy story
Kennedy plot line felt forced
Unbelievable
Kennedy plot line felt forced
Unbelievable
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