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After Paris
From the author of The Brighter the Light comes a haunting tale of hope that spans generations, intertwining the lives of three women who fight for survival in 1940s France and present-day Virginia.
At twenty-five, Ruby Nevins has already endured more than most. But after two years of battling cancer, she’s warily determined to move forward. Researching a new project about a French actress, she soon uncovers an old diary that will change her life forever…
Cécile, the “it girl” of early 1940s French cinema, vanished from Nazi-occupied Paris in 1942. Sylvia Rousseau, Cécile’s dressmaker and confidante, left that same year. Working to piece together the truth behind Cécile’s disappearance and Sylvia’s extraordinary life, Ruby recognizes the women as kindred spirits. They risked their hearts and lives to aid the Resistance, and each day was a struggle to survive.
Ruby knows her cancer could come back, but she’s learning to embrace the future rather than fear it. If Cécile and Sylvia could live their lives in the shadow of death, so can Ruby. Because she knows there’s so much life—and love—to fight for.
At twenty-five, Ruby Nevins has already endured more than most. But after two years of battling cancer, she’s warily determined to move forward. Researching a new project about a French actress, she soon uncovers an old diary that will change her life forever…
Cécile, the “it girl” of early 1940s French cinema, vanished from Nazi-occupied Paris in 1942. Sylvia Rousseau, Cécile’s dressmaker and confidante, left that same year. Working to piece together the truth behind Cécile’s disappearance and Sylvia’s extraordinary life, Ruby recognizes the women as kindred spirits. They risked their hearts and lives to aid the Resistance, and each day was a struggle to survive.
Ruby knows her cancer could come back, but she’s learning to embrace the future rather than fear it. If Cécile and Sylvia could live their lives in the shadow of death, so can Ruby. Because she knows there’s so much life—and love—to fight for.
Hardcover
First published May 13, 2025
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About the author
Mary Ellen Taylor
16 books1,871 followersA southerner by birth, Mary Ellen Taylor’s love of her home state of Virginia and its past is evident in her contemporary women's fiction novels, from her first THE UNION STREET BAKERY to her latest, THE WORDS WE WHISPER, which debuts July 20, 2021. Her novels explore issues of family, home and belonging and entwine the past and present.
Richmond born, Mary Ellen has lived there most of her life. Alongside writing, cooking and baking are important creative outlets for Mary Ellen, who's been known to name recipes in honor of her characters. Just a few years ago, she earned her Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate at the University of Richmond's Culinary Arts Program. "In some ways, I liken baking to my efforts as a writer. You need to learn the basic tools of the trade before you can push the limits and create a distinctive sweet dessert or savory novel.”
Mary Ellen is also known nationally as New York Times and USA Today bestselling suspense novelist Mary Burton. Together, they have published forty-five novels, with Mary Burton’s latest, NEAR YOU, debuting April 13, 2021.
When not traveling or holed up writing, she and her husband spend time alternately enjoying their empty nest and spoiling their miniature dachshunds, Buddy, Bella and Tiki.
Richmond born, Mary Ellen has lived there most of her life. Alongside writing, cooking and baking are important creative outlets for Mary Ellen, who's been known to name recipes in honor of her characters. Just a few years ago, she earned her Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate at the University of Richmond's Culinary Arts Program. "In some ways, I liken baking to my efforts as a writer. You need to learn the basic tools of the trade before you can push the limits and create a distinctive sweet dessert or savory novel.”
Mary Ellen is also known nationally as New York Times and USA Today bestselling suspense novelist Mary Burton. Together, they have published forty-five novels, with Mary Burton’s latest, NEAR YOU, debuting April 13, 2021.
When not traveling or holed up writing, she and her husband spend time alternately enjoying their empty nest and spoiling their miniature dachshunds, Buddy, Bella and Tiki.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
April 20, 2025
This is an entertaining, well-written, dual time-line, historical fiction novel. It has intelligent, likable and engaging female protagonists, heartbreak, courage, strength, resilience, movies, fashion, mystery, and a satisfying conclusion. I especially liked its message of grabbing every moment when it presents itself. Many thanks to Ms. Taylor, from whom I received an advanced reader copy of the wonderful novel as a subscriber to her newsletter. This is my honest opinion.
November 29, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Oh my gosh
Ruby is a huge fan of historical French cinema and especially an actress named Cecile who was popular in the early 1940’s and then disappeared without a trace in 1942 and Ruby wants to try and find out what happened to her
A note before I properly start the review, some things may read a bit odd this time and apologies in advance, there are some bits of the book that I don’t want to spoil for you
This book is truly totally amazing and had me hooked from the very start. It looks at a part of the war that so often doesn’t get talked about, those who had to work with the Germans and in a more niche subject, the French film industry in wartime which is something I didn’t really know anything about before reading this book
The story is told primarily by Ruby and Cecile’s dressmaker Sylvia, whose daughter is assisting Ruby in her quest to find out what happened and to tell her mother’s story. To me, this worked really well and I could feel the danger and drama that Sylvia and Cecile had to go through and then the contrast with the modern characters which flowed and kept me reading
I will admit that there were some twists and turns that I didn’t see coming but which I loved and this book kept me hooked and reading late into the night, desperate to know what would happened
I would recommend this book to those who enjoy an unconventional war time book which will pull you in and keep you reading
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for allowing me access to this amazing book
Oh my gosh
Ruby is a huge fan of historical French cinema and especially an actress named Cecile who was popular in the early 1940’s and then disappeared without a trace in 1942 and Ruby wants to try and find out what happened to her
A note before I properly start the review, some things may read a bit odd this time and apologies in advance, there are some bits of the book that I don’t want to spoil for you
This book is truly totally amazing and had me hooked from the very start. It looks at a part of the war that so often doesn’t get talked about, those who had to work with the Germans and in a more niche subject, the French film industry in wartime which is something I didn’t really know anything about before reading this book
The story is told primarily by Ruby and Cecile’s dressmaker Sylvia, whose daughter is assisting Ruby in her quest to find out what happened and to tell her mother’s story. To me, this worked really well and I could feel the danger and drama that Sylvia and Cecile had to go through and then the contrast with the modern characters which flowed and kept me reading
I will admit that there were some twists and turns that I didn’t see coming but which I loved and this book kept me hooked and reading late into the night, desperate to know what would happened
I would recommend this book to those who enjoy an unconventional war time book which will pull you in and keep you reading
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for allowing me access to this amazing book
April 2, 2025
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.
The story takes place simultaneously during World War II and in 2025. We meet Ruby and Sylvia, Ruby is a fashion and movie lover and Sylvia is a seamstress.
The first scenes are set in 1945, depicting the difficult recovery from the war and the treatment of people suspected of being collaborators.
After that, the plot moves to the year 2025, where we learn that Ruby is recovering from cancer and at the same time working on a report about the famous actress Cecile. She finds a clue in the form of the daughter of the actress' dressmaker, Madame Bernand, whom she meets and thus learns the truth about the actress.
We are also introduced to the story set in 1940, where we meet Sylvia, who, in addition to helping Polish refugees, gets a job as a seamstress for the actress Cecile.
I really like the quality of the writing and the story, the author draws you into a story rich in details. The story deals with the fight for freedom and the fight with a vicious disease from which people come out changed, and in the end with the new loves of the main characters.
I give this story 5 stars and a brief warning about war trauma, but not directly written, just mentioned in passing.
The story takes place simultaneously during World War II and in 2025. We meet Ruby and Sylvia, Ruby is a fashion and movie lover and Sylvia is a seamstress.
The first scenes are set in 1945, depicting the difficult recovery from the war and the treatment of people suspected of being collaborators.
After that, the plot moves to the year 2025, where we learn that Ruby is recovering from cancer and at the same time working on a report about the famous actress Cecile. She finds a clue in the form of the daughter of the actress' dressmaker, Madame Bernand, whom she meets and thus learns the truth about the actress.
We are also introduced to the story set in 1940, where we meet Sylvia, who, in addition to helping Polish refugees, gets a job as a seamstress for the actress Cecile.
I really like the quality of the writing and the story, the author draws you into a story rich in details. The story deals with the fight for freedom and the fight with a vicious disease from which people come out changed, and in the end with the new loves of the main characters.
I give this story 5 stars and a brief warning about war trauma, but not directly written, just mentioned in passing.
December 6, 2024
After Paris by Mary Ellen Taylor is an engaging and thought-provoking novel that blends the past and present beautifully. The story follows Ruby Nevins, a 25-year-old woman who, after surviving a two-year battle with cancer, is cautiously trying to move forward with her life. When Ruby begins researching a French actress, Cécile, from the 1940s, she uncovers an old diary that leads her to a mystery involving Cécile’s disappearance during Nazi-occupied Paris, as well as the life of Sylvia Rousseau, Cécile’s dressmaker and confidante.
The novel shifts between Ruby's modern-day story and the historical accounts of Cécile and Sylvia, two women who risked their lives during the war to help the Resistance. As Ruby uncovers their pasts, she starts to see parallels between their strength in survival and her own journey to overcome cancer.
The characters in After Paris are well-developed, and the story is both engaging and emotional. Cécile and Sylvia’s lives during wartime are inspiring and show the deep courage and sacrifices women made in the face of danger. Through Ruby’s connection to these women, the novel explores important questions about survival and judgment. Ruby reflects on the choices these women made during the war, and it makes readers think: who can judge people just trying to survive in such a time of fear and danger?
Overall, After Paris is a highly enjoyable read with memorable characters and an emotional, thought-provoking story. It’s a beautiful reminder of the strength people can find when faced with life’s toughest challenges. Taylor does an excellent job of creating a story about survival, hope, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The novel shifts between Ruby's modern-day story and the historical accounts of Cécile and Sylvia, two women who risked their lives during the war to help the Resistance. As Ruby uncovers their pasts, she starts to see parallels between their strength in survival and her own journey to overcome cancer.
The characters in After Paris are well-developed, and the story is both engaging and emotional. Cécile and Sylvia’s lives during wartime are inspiring and show the deep courage and sacrifices women made in the face of danger. Through Ruby’s connection to these women, the novel explores important questions about survival and judgment. Ruby reflects on the choices these women made during the war, and it makes readers think: who can judge people just trying to survive in such a time of fear and danger?
Overall, After Paris is a highly enjoyable read with memorable characters and an emotional, thought-provoking story. It’s a beautiful reminder of the strength people can find when faced with life’s toughest challenges. Taylor does an excellent job of creating a story about survival, hope, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2025
2.5 stars. After Paris is a dual timeline historical fiction. In one part we are following Cécile, the “it girl” of early 1940s French cinema who disappeared during WWII. And in the other part we are set in present day 2025, following Ruby, a cancer survivor who is deciding her future family plans while also researching the case of Cécile.
This book is a historical fiction available on KU with read and listen. The audiobook was a quick listen but I found the time jumps jarring and I wasn’t invested in the current day POV. While I enjoyed the 1940s French setting more, it also wasn’t the best story overall. I was bored at times and I think you’d have to care about what happened to Cécile to want to continue reading this one. Lots of times within the story, Ruby is told to “keep reading”, “finish the story” to find out what happens to Cécile from the people she’s getting info from and I just wasn’t gripped by either character. In Ruby’s chapters we see how during her cancer treatments she was told she’d be left sterile and how she harvested her eggs and had embryos fertilized by her now-ex. So that portion of the story and her disagreements with her ex I wasn’t very into. I just wasn’t gripped by either character. In Ruby’s chapters we see how during her cancer treatments she was told she’d be left sterile and how she harvested her eggs and had embryos fertilized by her now-ex. So that portion of the story and her disagreements with her ex I wasn’t very into. I love historical fiction books, but overall this one was just not for me.
I was sent this book from the publisher, all thoughts in this review are my own.
This book is a historical fiction available on KU with read and listen. The audiobook was a quick listen but I found the time jumps jarring and I wasn’t invested in the current day POV. While I enjoyed the 1940s French setting more, it also wasn’t the best story overall. I was bored at times and I think you’d have to care about what happened to Cécile to want to continue reading this one. Lots of times within the story, Ruby is told to “keep reading”, “finish the story” to find out what happens to Cécile from the people she’s getting info from and I just wasn’t gripped by either character. In Ruby’s chapters we see how during her cancer treatments she was told she’d be left sterile and how she harvested her eggs and had embryos fertilized by her now-ex. So that portion of the story and her disagreements with her ex I wasn’t very into. I just wasn’t gripped by either character. In Ruby’s chapters we see how during her cancer treatments she was told she’d be left sterile and how she harvested her eggs and had embryos fertilized by her now-ex. So that portion of the story and her disagreements with her ex I wasn’t very into. I love historical fiction books, but overall this one was just not for me.
I was sent this book from the publisher, all thoughts in this review are my own.
January 16, 2025
After Paris was an enjoyable, historical fiction read with a flair of French fashion and cinema as well as an air of mystery that lingered until the end. The dual timeline between the present and past WWII era worked well and blended seamlessly into the story. I admired all of the women characters for their bravery and strength in overcoming the hardships that they faced. The depth of emotion that the author presented just bled from the pages. The characters were so well developed that I felt like I knew these women personally. I personally didn't care for the fashion descriptions, but it didn't take away from the essence of the story. Taylor always writes a beautiful tale, and I always look forward to her books. I would definitely recommend to fans of historical fiction.
Thank you to Montlake for granting me a digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to Montlake for granting me a digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review!
December 5, 2024
Wow!!!
This was the first book I’ve read from this author, and it certainly won’t be my last.
From start to finish I was gripped, so much so that I stayed awake until 2am to finish it. Books with multiple timelines can often end up confusing and disjointed, but Mary expertly wove the stories together in a way that was just perfect. I thoroughly enjoyed the stories of both Ruby and Sylvia, and love how there were additional POVs at the start and end of the book from others - not too much, but enough to round the whole story out.
I would love to read sequels from the POV of Emile during the timeline of this book, and Otto through to the end of the war.
5 stars out of 5 ⭐️
This was the first book I’ve read from this author, and it certainly won’t be my last.
From start to finish I was gripped, so much so that I stayed awake until 2am to finish it. Books with multiple timelines can often end up confusing and disjointed, but Mary expertly wove the stories together in a way that was just perfect. I thoroughly enjoyed the stories of both Ruby and Sylvia, and love how there were additional POVs at the start and end of the book from others - not too much, but enough to round the whole story out.
I would love to read sequels from the POV of Emile during the timeline of this book, and Otto through to the end of the war.
5 stars out of 5 ⭐️
January 1, 2025
I love this author and this new book by her. A dual storyline about a cancer survivor and a dressmaker in Paris durring WWII sets the storyline. Ruby, in the present, recovering from cancer, begins researching the history of the dressmaker (Sylvia) and what became of her after the war. Both women deal in fashion and the descriptions of the clothes are fabulous. Also, the conditions in Paris are written in such a way that the reader can place themselves there. Another great read by this author and I look forward to reading more of her books.
May 13, 2025
The story of Ruby, an author who is inspired to write the story of a missing actress and her dressmaker, is one that is poignant, realistic and soul-stirring. The women she is writing about lived during the Second World War in Nazi-occupied France. Facing danger daily was part of their way of life since both Cecile, the actress, and her dressmaker Sylvia, worked with the resistance by feeding them information via Cecile’s sister Emile. The story is a dual timeline story, showing the struggles of Cecile and Sylvia in 1940’s France and the challenge to grasp life that Ruby faces since she is a cancer survivor. The themes of strength, courage, fortitude and persistence are prevalent in this novel that had me crying and cheering, just pages apart. The characters were totally realistic, especially Ruby and her determined quest to find out the truth about Sylvia and Cecile. Using a journal written by Sylvia, Ruby researches and continues to dig out nuggets of Sylvia’s story of being a Jew in Paris when the Nazis were working hard to exterminate them. The book was well-paced and totally absorbing as I lost myself in the pages, wanting to know as much as Ruby did what had happened to Sylvia and Cecile. With multiple narrators and a well-woven story, the history of the women is given in a way that is a compelling look at self-sacrifice and family love. This book is without a doubt one of the best WWII historical fiction novels that I have read, told with the grit and authentic details that made me gasp with awe or disgust, depending on what was happening in the scene. The author brilliantly and seamlessly wove the stories of the women together, even as they were decades and a continent apart. I loved the story and the writing style that captivated my attention and securely held it from beginning to end.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
May 7, 2025
After Paris is a captivating and interesting story that brings to the fore the 1940’s French filmmaking industry during the Nazi occupation; which immediately makes it stand out. I have never previously encountered this aspect of history in a novel.
The audiobook is superbly narrated; bringing every character to life with accents, tone, expression and emotions.
After Paris is rich in detail and features a range of well developed characters. The story is packed with film, fashion, history, romance, strength, resilience and a whole lot of mystery. The fight for survival is a key aspect that arches across both timelines; with a clear message to grasp hold of every moment and live life to the full before time runs out.
Thank you to the publisher, Brilliance Publishing, for an advance audio copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The audiobook is superbly narrated; bringing every character to life with accents, tone, expression and emotions.
After Paris is rich in detail and features a range of well developed characters. The story is packed with film, fashion, history, romance, strength, resilience and a whole lot of mystery. The fight for survival is a key aspect that arches across both timelines; with a clear message to grasp hold of every moment and live life to the full before time runs out.
Thank you to the publisher, Brilliance Publishing, for an advance audio copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 19, 2025
WW2 and Paris always ticks the boxes for me. I enjoyed this read.
May 4, 2025
I received an ARC of this book and was able to read it far ahead of publication. Maybe I was impressed by being invited to read and review this book ahead of publication, but I thoroughly enjoyed this reading experience.
I love a book with dual timelines, with a title that hints at mystery and meaning revealed within the story, and a book that I can connect with emotionally.
Dual timelines:
Ruby in 2025 and Cecile in 1940-1945
This historical fiction romance involves a lookback at the lives of an actress; Cecile and her dressmaker, Sylvia, during the German occupation in France. Yes, this is another story of WWII. Yes, there are so many! Amazingly enough there always seems to be another point of view to bring a fresh take of those years affecting this reader to the very core of my heart.
The title:
It is important to me that the title is poignant to the story. This title connects Ruby leaving Paris to receive cancer treatment at home in Virginia and then how she works to recover her life and career 'After Paris' through her research into Cecile; an actress in Paris who mysteriously disappears after completing her last movie. What 'did' happen to Cecile 'After Paris'? Mary Ellen does a great job of making this title connect to both characters.
Emotional connections:
Ruby's experience with Lymphoma and all of her conflicted feelings are real. Having a young family member that went through this same disease gave me an emotional connection to Ruby. Oddly enough, my family member named her daughter Ruby; so connections to Ruby's emotions was huge for me.
Final thoughts:
This book would be a great bookclub selection; providing a lively discussion about the colorful characters in the story, their behaviors, values, and morals.
The few short steamy love scenes rate about 1.5 🌶 s in my opinion.
The ending answered all of my questions and I found it to be satisfying.
One confusing point:
The timeline for Ruby is July fourth weekend of 2025 making it a time in the future. This was a difficult setting for me to wrap my head around. In addition, there was no mention of anything that made it seem like a holiday weekend. It just didn't seem authentic to me. Maybe this will change when the book is released to publication May 13.
I love a book with dual timelines, with a title that hints at mystery and meaning revealed within the story, and a book that I can connect with emotionally.
Dual timelines:
Ruby in 2025 and Cecile in 1940-1945
This historical fiction romance involves a lookback at the lives of an actress; Cecile and her dressmaker, Sylvia, during the German occupation in France. Yes, this is another story of WWII. Yes, there are so many! Amazingly enough there always seems to be another point of view to bring a fresh take of those years affecting this reader to the very core of my heart.
The title:
It is important to me that the title is poignant to the story. This title connects Ruby leaving Paris to receive cancer treatment at home in Virginia and then how she works to recover her life and career 'After Paris' through her research into Cecile; an actress in Paris who mysteriously disappears after completing her last movie. What 'did' happen to Cecile 'After Paris'? Mary Ellen does a great job of making this title connect to both characters.
Emotional connections:
Ruby's experience with Lymphoma and all of her conflicted feelings are real. Having a young family member that went through this same disease gave me an emotional connection to Ruby. Oddly enough, my family member named her daughter Ruby; so connections to Ruby's emotions was huge for me.
Final thoughts:
This book would be a great bookclub selection; providing a lively discussion about the colorful characters in the story, their behaviors, values, and morals.
The few short steamy love scenes rate about 1.5 🌶 s in my opinion.
The ending answered all of my questions and I found it to be satisfying.
One confusing point:
The timeline for Ruby is July fourth weekend of 2025 making it a time in the future. This was a difficult setting for me to wrap my head around. In addition, there was no mention of anything that made it seem like a holiday weekend. It just didn't seem authentic to me. Maybe this will change when the book is released to publication May 13.
June 20, 2025
Listened on audiobook. Dual timeline historical fiction. This was a little grittier than I’ve read from this author. Some language 3.75 stars
May 17, 2025
This was published 10 days ago and here I am. I’ve enjoyed her books for years and always keep an eye out for new ones. This one felt different but not in a bad way. I’ve found the dual timelines in different eras to have grown tiresome over the last 10 years, but this one was done so well that I couldn’t put it down. It’s also left me wanting to research French film classics made during WWII, and I always appreciate a book encouraging me to dig deeper. Having lived in Old Town (ON Cameron Street!) for years, I LOVE all the references and being able to imagine each cobblestone step.
June 5, 2025
LOVE!
So good!
I think dual-time period stories are some of my favorites, and this author masters it.
This WWII/Contemporary blend pulled me in quickly. It's so easy to connect with Ruby, Celcile, and Sylvia. The dangers are palpable, the twists are awesome, and their perseverance kept me rooting for them.
A beautiful, beautiful story.
I received a review copy of this book.
So good!
I think dual-time period stories are some of my favorites, and this author masters it.
This WWII/Contemporary blend pulled me in quickly. It's so easy to connect with Ruby, Celcile, and Sylvia. The dangers are palpable, the twists are awesome, and their perseverance kept me rooting for them.
A beautiful, beautiful story.
I received a review copy of this book.
December 10, 2025
Ruby is a cancer survivor researching a French actress, Cécile from the 1940’s who disappeared. Sylvia was her seamstress and closest secret keeper. As Ruby learns more about their lives and strength, will she get the strength and courage to live her own life? A wonderful dual timeline book that explores the past, present, and future of strong women. #afterparis #bookstagram #bookreview #readersgonnaread #loveyourlibrary #booknerd #pagesandprimrose
August 14, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. It was my first book by Mary Ellen Taylor, but it won’t be my last.
I enjoyed both of the main characters and was very invested in their stories.
I enjoyed both of the main characters and was very invested in their stories.
October 23, 2025
I thought it was interesting the way the book was set up. I liked how we kept going between present day and during the war.
April 9, 2025
I have mixed feelings about this book. I enjoyed reading a different perspective of World War 2 from an actress and her dressmaker. A lot of research went into this book. I loved reading about all the costumes and outfits that everyone wore.
However I did not care for Cecile and many of her actions. But maybe that was what women had to do to survive during that time. I did like how deeply she cared for her sister and took care of her with food and money.
I liked how Mary Ellen Taylor wove Cecile’s and Sylvia’s story into present day with Ruby retelling it. Ruby was at times annoying to me. I also wondered why the book never said what type of cancer she had.
The prologue / first chapter was foreshadowing of the book’s ending but needed some editing to tie it together with the next chapter and rest of the book. There were several times when future events were not shared until Ruby finished the diary. That made it hard to follow at the end.
If you enjoy historical fiction, romance and happily ever after books, you should read this one. However there are some parts that are hard to read because of the time period and how women were not respected and treated.
I received a free advance reader copy of the book for an honest review. I did see a few errors / typos that should be corrected in the final version.
However I did not care for Cecile and many of her actions. But maybe that was what women had to do to survive during that time. I did like how deeply she cared for her sister and took care of her with food and money.
I liked how Mary Ellen Taylor wove Cecile’s and Sylvia’s story into present day with Ruby retelling it. Ruby was at times annoying to me. I also wondered why the book never said what type of cancer she had.
The prologue / first chapter was foreshadowing of the book’s ending but needed some editing to tie it together with the next chapter and rest of the book. There were several times when future events were not shared until Ruby finished the diary. That made it hard to follow at the end.
If you enjoy historical fiction, romance and happily ever after books, you should read this one. However there are some parts that are hard to read because of the time period and how women were not respected and treated.
I received a free advance reader copy of the book for an honest review. I did see a few errors / typos that should be corrected in the final version.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2025
Southern storyteller, Mary Ellen Taylor (favorite author) returns following The Promise of Tomorrow with her latest poignant, compelling, and most powerful novel yet, AFTER PARIS.
From the stunning front cover, #covercrush, page one, to the satisfying ending, you will be transported from Virginia and France in this impressive tale of three strong women with dual timelines, memorable characters, rich in detail, history, and charm.
An exquisite Mother's Day gift & Book Club pick! History. Romance. Mystery. From a master storyteller comes a meticulously researched, beautifully written, haunting, and captivating story of resilience, love, and the enduring courage of three women spanning generations.
About...
Norfolk, VA 2025:
Ruby Nevis loves fashion, history, writing, film, and life. She one day wants to be a mother and she has had to be creative due to the cancer and treatment.
Three years earlier, she graduated from college and worked as a tour guide in Paris. Her specialty tours focused on films made in the City of Lights.
Her time there ended with her cancer diagnosis, and she headed back to the states. Her journey through Cancerland had begun. Her boyfriend, Scott at the time, decided he could not handle and returned to Paris. Her family and friends were supportive.
Ruby needed to work to keep her mind busy and The Virginia Tourism Bureau hired her to write a series of articles for the following year's spring French film festival. She was to write a profile on their feature film, Secrets in the Shadows, which stars the French actress Cécile.
Paris: 1940's
Cécile, the "it girl" of early 1940s French cinema, vanished from Nazi-occupied Paris in 1942. Sylvia Rousseau, Cécile's dressmaker and confidante, left that same year.
At age twenty-five, Ruby has had her share of struggles. But after two years of battling cancer, she's determined to move forward. Little does she know, while researching this new project and an old diary, this will change her life.
She works to piece together the truth behind Cécile's disappearance and Sylvia's extraordinary life, and sees the two women as kindred spirits. They risked their hearts and lives to aid the Resistance, and each day was a struggle to survive.
Ruby knows her cancer could come back, but she's learning to embrace the future rather than fear it. She meets with Sylvia's daughter to learn more from a diary (holds secrets of the past) who lives in the DC area after her mother moved to the US after the war and had passed away—for a fascinating journey into the lives of these two incredible women while learning to overcome her fears and live for the future.
Why did they disappear? What did they discover about themselves that led them to change their paths?
If Cécile and Sylvia could live in the shadow of death, so can Ruby. Because she knows there's so much life—and love—to fight for.
My thoughts...
I loved AFTER PARIS and it will be on my top books of 2025 with all the stars. The author has outdone herself! No one does historical fiction better than Mary Ellen Taylor. I am a huge long-time fan and have read every book. Each one is a masterpiece, and you are assured you will come away learning something, inspired, and empowered.
AFTER PARIS is a haunting, yet beautiful tale — full of suspense, mystery, and romance, rich in history and character. These three women's lives are intertwined in a way that will keep you turning the pages. Ruby, a modern-day woman battling cancer, Cécile, the 'it girl' of 1940s French cinema, and Sylvia, Cécile's dressmaker and confidante, all fight for survival in the tumultuous times of 1940s France and present-day Virginia.
The author's research is highly impressive, from the fashion, the settings, the history, WWII, the film industry, dressmaking, and the incredible courageous women who risked it all to protect their country and lives. Her suspenseful stories always touch your heart and your mind.
The author dazzles with dual timelines (past & present), both equally as compelling, with multiple POV: Dominique, Ruby, Sylvia, Hauptmann Otto Wolfgang, and a chapter from Jeff (all marked and easy to follow). We learn about the The French Resistance, a secret network of French citizens who fought against Nazi occupation during World War II which is a fascinating topic of French historians.
In this poignant tale, Taylor showcases her talent for transporting readers through history with a charming romance, tenacious and fascinating women, and a strong takeaway.
I also enjoyed the parts set in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, which is a stunning location referenced in the story. If you have read MET's Union Street Bakery Series and Alexandria Series, you will enjoy revisiting this lovely area and the bakery. (I loved both these series).
I enjoyed the well-developed, highly relatable characters from the past and Ruby and Jeff in the present. I adored Eric, her brother, and Jeff (rooting for these two from the beginning). This book is full of heart, soul, wisdom, love, and loss but also of hope, resilience, triumph and second chances.
I highly recommend! If you have not read this author, you are missing out. I recommend reading her entire list and also her thrillers under Mary Burton. Coming 8/26 What She Saw.
Interview...
I am delighted and honored to host Mary Ellen Taylor for an upcoming May #AuthorElevatorSeries Q&A ride. In this series, we go behind the book and up close and personal with the talented author, providing readers with a unique opportunity to gain insights into the writing process and the inspiration behind the book. (pub day, May 13). Sign up for my newsletter on my blog to have it delivered to your inbox.
Recs...
AFTER PARIS is for fans of compelling historical fiction, dual time-lines, multi-generational strong women with a sprinkling of romance and those who enjoy works by Joy Callaway, Camille Di Maio, Kristy Woodson Harvey, Lynda Cohen Loigman, Kristin Hannah, Jenni L. Walsh, Julia Kelly, and Patti Callahan Henry,
Special thanks to Montlake and NetGalley for a gifted advanced review copy for my honest thoughts. Perfect for book clubs and Mother's Day. I look forward to seeing who will be narrating the audio version. Move this gem to the top of your spring TBR list.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars +
Pub Date: May 13, 2025
May 2025 Must-Read Books
#AuthorElevatorSeries Q&A
From the stunning front cover, #covercrush, page one, to the satisfying ending, you will be transported from Virginia and France in this impressive tale of three strong women with dual timelines, memorable characters, rich in detail, history, and charm.
An exquisite Mother's Day gift & Book Club pick! History. Romance. Mystery. From a master storyteller comes a meticulously researched, beautifully written, haunting, and captivating story of resilience, love, and the enduring courage of three women spanning generations.
About...
Norfolk, VA 2025:
Ruby Nevis loves fashion, history, writing, film, and life. She one day wants to be a mother and she has had to be creative due to the cancer and treatment.
Three years earlier, she graduated from college and worked as a tour guide in Paris. Her specialty tours focused on films made in the City of Lights.
Her time there ended with her cancer diagnosis, and she headed back to the states. Her journey through Cancerland had begun. Her boyfriend, Scott at the time, decided he could not handle and returned to Paris. Her family and friends were supportive.
Ruby needed to work to keep her mind busy and The Virginia Tourism Bureau hired her to write a series of articles for the following year's spring French film festival. She was to write a profile on their feature film, Secrets in the Shadows, which stars the French actress Cécile.
Paris: 1940's
Cécile, the "it girl" of early 1940s French cinema, vanished from Nazi-occupied Paris in 1942. Sylvia Rousseau, Cécile's dressmaker and confidante, left that same year.
At age twenty-five, Ruby has had her share of struggles. But after two years of battling cancer, she's determined to move forward. Little does she know, while researching this new project and an old diary, this will change her life.
She works to piece together the truth behind Cécile's disappearance and Sylvia's extraordinary life, and sees the two women as kindred spirits. They risked their hearts and lives to aid the Resistance, and each day was a struggle to survive.
Ruby knows her cancer could come back, but she's learning to embrace the future rather than fear it. She meets with Sylvia's daughter to learn more from a diary (holds secrets of the past) who lives in the DC area after her mother moved to the US after the war and had passed away—for a fascinating journey into the lives of these two incredible women while learning to overcome her fears and live for the future.
Why did they disappear? What did they discover about themselves that led them to change their paths?
If Cécile and Sylvia could live in the shadow of death, so can Ruby. Because she knows there's so much life—and love—to fight for.
My thoughts...
I loved AFTER PARIS and it will be on my top books of 2025 with all the stars. The author has outdone herself! No one does historical fiction better than Mary Ellen Taylor. I am a huge long-time fan and have read every book. Each one is a masterpiece, and you are assured you will come away learning something, inspired, and empowered.
AFTER PARIS is a haunting, yet beautiful tale — full of suspense, mystery, and romance, rich in history and character. These three women's lives are intertwined in a way that will keep you turning the pages. Ruby, a modern-day woman battling cancer, Cécile, the 'it girl' of 1940s French cinema, and Sylvia, Cécile's dressmaker and confidante, all fight for survival in the tumultuous times of 1940s France and present-day Virginia.
The author's research is highly impressive, from the fashion, the settings, the history, WWII, the film industry, dressmaking, and the incredible courageous women who risked it all to protect their country and lives. Her suspenseful stories always touch your heart and your mind.
The author dazzles with dual timelines (past & present), both equally as compelling, with multiple POV: Dominique, Ruby, Sylvia, Hauptmann Otto Wolfgang, and a chapter from Jeff (all marked and easy to follow). We learn about the The French Resistance, a secret network of French citizens who fought against Nazi occupation during World War II which is a fascinating topic of French historians.
In this poignant tale, Taylor showcases her talent for transporting readers through history with a charming romance, tenacious and fascinating women, and a strong takeaway.
I also enjoyed the parts set in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, which is a stunning location referenced in the story. If you have read MET's Union Street Bakery Series and Alexandria Series, you will enjoy revisiting this lovely area and the bakery. (I loved both these series).
I enjoyed the well-developed, highly relatable characters from the past and Ruby and Jeff in the present. I adored Eric, her brother, and Jeff (rooting for these two from the beginning). This book is full of heart, soul, wisdom, love, and loss but also of hope, resilience, triumph and second chances.
I highly recommend! If you have not read this author, you are missing out. I recommend reading her entire list and also her thrillers under Mary Burton. Coming 8/26 What She Saw.
Interview...
I am delighted and honored to host Mary Ellen Taylor for an upcoming May #AuthorElevatorSeries Q&A ride. In this series, we go behind the book and up close and personal with the talented author, providing readers with a unique opportunity to gain insights into the writing process and the inspiration behind the book. (pub day, May 13). Sign up for my newsletter on my blog to have it delivered to your inbox.
Recs...
AFTER PARIS is for fans of compelling historical fiction, dual time-lines, multi-generational strong women with a sprinkling of romance and those who enjoy works by Joy Callaway, Camille Di Maio, Kristy Woodson Harvey, Lynda Cohen Loigman, Kristin Hannah, Jenni L. Walsh, Julia Kelly, and Patti Callahan Henry,
Special thanks to Montlake and NetGalley for a gifted advanced review copy for my honest thoughts. Perfect for book clubs and Mother's Day. I look forward to seeing who will be narrating the audio version. Move this gem to the top of your spring TBR list.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars +
Pub Date: May 13, 2025
May 2025 Must-Read Books
#AuthorElevatorSeries Q&A
May 17, 2025
In her latest novel, After Paris, Mary Ellen Taylor weaves a compelling narrative that spans generations, capturing the resilience of the human spirit in the face of mortality. The story skillfully intertwines the lives of three remarkable women navigating their own battles with death—one in Nazi-occupied Paris and two in present-day America. Through this thoughtful exploration of courage and connection, Taylor demonstrates how shared experiences can bridge time and circumstance, offering profound lessons about living fully in the shadow of uncertainty.
The dual-timeline structure alternates between Ruby Nevins, a twenty-five-year-old cancer survivor in 2025, and the wartime experiences of Cécile (born Dominique Dupont), a French film star, and her dressmaker Sylvia Rousseau in 1940s Paris. As Ruby researches a mysterious French actress for a tourism article, she uncovers diaries and letters that reveal how these women's lives intersected during one of history's darkest periods—and how their choices echo into her own uncertain future.
Intricate Character Development
Taylor crafts nuanced characters whose depth emerges gradually throughout the narrative:
Ruby Nevins emerges as a thoroughly modern protagonist with an old soul. Her fashion sense and determined spirit remain intact despite two years of cancer treatment. Ruby's journey from fear to acceptance feels authentic rather than forced, particularly in moments when she grapples with potential romance while facing an uncertain future. Her evolution from someone who insists "I want to be the girl no one stresses about" to a woman who embraces love despite its risks forms the emotional core of the contemporary storyline.
Sylvia Rousseau (born Zofia Rozanski) represents quiet resistance. A Polish Jewish woman passing as French in occupied Paris, she moves through perilous situations with calculated courage. Taylor portrays her complexity brilliantly—Sylvia's affair with a German officer feels neither gratuitous nor simplistic but a genuine human connection complicated by war and divided loyalties. Her transformation from invisible seamstress to surrogate mother demonstrates how ordinary people found extraordinary courage during wartime.
Cécile/Dominique embodies calculated risk-taking. Initially appearing as a collaborator enjoying German favor, her character reveals unexpected depths as we learn she's using her position to gather intelligence. Taylor skillfully portrays her as neither heroine nor villain but a complex woman making difficult choices in impossible circumstances. Her relationship with her Resistance-active sister Emile creates powerful tension throughout the narrative.
Masterful Historical Detail
Taylor's research shines through in her vivid recreation of occupied Paris. From the fashion industry's struggles with material shortages to the daily indignities of occupation life, the author brings 1940s France alive with sensory details that never overwhelm the narrative. Particularly effective is her portrayal of the moral ambiguities faced by ordinary Parisians:
- The complexities of "collaboration" versus "survival"
- How information became currency in the shadow of oppression
- The constant fear of betrayal from neighbors and friends
The author avoids creating cartoonish villains, instead showing how ordinary people on both sides of the conflict maintained or compromised their humanity under extraordinary pressure.
Thematic Depth
The novel's exploration of how we face mortality provides its strongest moments. Both timelines feature women who must decide how fully to live when death looms. Ruby's post-cancer existence mirrors the wartime experiences of Sylvia and Cécile—each woman must choose between retreating for safety or embracing life's possibilities despite its risks.
Other compelling themes include:
1. Identity and reinvention - Both Sylvia and Cécile assume new identities to survive, raising questions about authenticity versus necessity
2. The nature of courage - The novel distinguishes between dramatic, visible acts of resistance and quieter, sustained bravery
3. The power of documentation - Diaries, letters, and historical records become lifelines connecting generations
4. Chosen family - The novel celebrates bonds formed through circumstance rather than blood
Stylistic Strengths and Weaknesses
Taylor's writing shines brightest in evocative scene-setting. Whether describing the interior of a Paris apartment during blackout or the nervous energy of a film set under German supervision, she creates immersive environments that ground the narrative. Her dialogue generally rings true to each era, though occasionally contemporary phrases slip into the historical sections.
The novel's pacing generally works well, with tension building effectively in both timelines. However, some readers may find the contemporary timeline less compelling initially, as Ruby's research process sometimes slows the momentum. Once the connections between past and present clarify, this issue resolves itself.
A notable strength is Taylor's refusal to oversimplify wartime morality. Characters make compromises, harbor prejudices, and act selfishly even while performing heroic acts. This nuanced approach feels refreshingly honest compared to more black-and-white historical fiction.
Emotional Resonance
The novel's greatest achievement is its emotional authenticity. Ruby's fear of recurrence, Sylvia's complex feelings toward her German captain, and Cécile's anguish over her sister's fate all feel painfully real. Taylor doesn't flinch from showing grief, shame, and regret alongside more inspirational emotions.
Particularly moving is the novel's exploration of how trauma affects subsequent generations. The scene where Madame Bernard (Sylvia's daughter) describes discovering her mother's wartime diaries captures how secrets can both protect and damage families across time.
Minor Criticisms
While the novel largely succeeds, a few elements could have been strengthened:
- The story of baby Michele feels somewhat underdeveloped, with her integration into Sylvia's future life happening too smoothly
- Ruby's medical journey occasionally employs simplified medical details that patients might find less than realistic
- Some secondary characters, particularly in the contemporary timeline, remain somewhat flat
- The resolution of Scott's embryo custody conflict feels too neatly resolved given its emotional complexity
Final Assessment
After Paris offers a compelling blend of historical drama and contemporary relevance. At its heart, it's a novel about choosing to embrace life's potential rather than retreating in fear—whether that fear stems from cancer or wartime danger. Taylor has crafted a story that resonates beyond its specific historical circumstances to address universal questions about courage, connection, and how we face our mortality.
The dual-timeline structure alternates between Ruby Nevins, a twenty-five-year-old cancer survivor in 2025, and the wartime experiences of Cécile (born Dominique Dupont), a French film star, and her dressmaker Sylvia Rousseau in 1940s Paris. As Ruby researches a mysterious French actress for a tourism article, she uncovers diaries and letters that reveal how these women's lives intersected during one of history's darkest periods—and how their choices echo into her own uncertain future.
Intricate Character Development
Taylor crafts nuanced characters whose depth emerges gradually throughout the narrative:
Ruby Nevins emerges as a thoroughly modern protagonist with an old soul. Her fashion sense and determined spirit remain intact despite two years of cancer treatment. Ruby's journey from fear to acceptance feels authentic rather than forced, particularly in moments when she grapples with potential romance while facing an uncertain future. Her evolution from someone who insists "I want to be the girl no one stresses about" to a woman who embraces love despite its risks forms the emotional core of the contemporary storyline.
Sylvia Rousseau (born Zofia Rozanski) represents quiet resistance. A Polish Jewish woman passing as French in occupied Paris, she moves through perilous situations with calculated courage. Taylor portrays her complexity brilliantly—Sylvia's affair with a German officer feels neither gratuitous nor simplistic but a genuine human connection complicated by war and divided loyalties. Her transformation from invisible seamstress to surrogate mother demonstrates how ordinary people found extraordinary courage during wartime.
Cécile/Dominique embodies calculated risk-taking. Initially appearing as a collaborator enjoying German favor, her character reveals unexpected depths as we learn she's using her position to gather intelligence. Taylor skillfully portrays her as neither heroine nor villain but a complex woman making difficult choices in impossible circumstances. Her relationship with her Resistance-active sister Emile creates powerful tension throughout the narrative.
Masterful Historical Detail
Taylor's research shines through in her vivid recreation of occupied Paris. From the fashion industry's struggles with material shortages to the daily indignities of occupation life, the author brings 1940s France alive with sensory details that never overwhelm the narrative. Particularly effective is her portrayal of the moral ambiguities faced by ordinary Parisians:
- The complexities of "collaboration" versus "survival"
- How information became currency in the shadow of oppression
- The constant fear of betrayal from neighbors and friends
The author avoids creating cartoonish villains, instead showing how ordinary people on both sides of the conflict maintained or compromised their humanity under extraordinary pressure.
Thematic Depth
The novel's exploration of how we face mortality provides its strongest moments. Both timelines feature women who must decide how fully to live when death looms. Ruby's post-cancer existence mirrors the wartime experiences of Sylvia and Cécile—each woman must choose between retreating for safety or embracing life's possibilities despite its risks.
Other compelling themes include:
1. Identity and reinvention - Both Sylvia and Cécile assume new identities to survive, raising questions about authenticity versus necessity
2. The nature of courage - The novel distinguishes between dramatic, visible acts of resistance and quieter, sustained bravery
3. The power of documentation - Diaries, letters, and historical records become lifelines connecting generations
4. Chosen family - The novel celebrates bonds formed through circumstance rather than blood
Stylistic Strengths and Weaknesses
Taylor's writing shines brightest in evocative scene-setting. Whether describing the interior of a Paris apartment during blackout or the nervous energy of a film set under German supervision, she creates immersive environments that ground the narrative. Her dialogue generally rings true to each era, though occasionally contemporary phrases slip into the historical sections.
The novel's pacing generally works well, with tension building effectively in both timelines. However, some readers may find the contemporary timeline less compelling initially, as Ruby's research process sometimes slows the momentum. Once the connections between past and present clarify, this issue resolves itself.
A notable strength is Taylor's refusal to oversimplify wartime morality. Characters make compromises, harbor prejudices, and act selfishly even while performing heroic acts. This nuanced approach feels refreshingly honest compared to more black-and-white historical fiction.
Emotional Resonance
The novel's greatest achievement is its emotional authenticity. Ruby's fear of recurrence, Sylvia's complex feelings toward her German captain, and Cécile's anguish over her sister's fate all feel painfully real. Taylor doesn't flinch from showing grief, shame, and regret alongside more inspirational emotions.
Particularly moving is the novel's exploration of how trauma affects subsequent generations. The scene where Madame Bernard (Sylvia's daughter) describes discovering her mother's wartime diaries captures how secrets can both protect and damage families across time.
Minor Criticisms
While the novel largely succeeds, a few elements could have been strengthened:
- The story of baby Michele feels somewhat underdeveloped, with her integration into Sylvia's future life happening too smoothly
- Ruby's medical journey occasionally employs simplified medical details that patients might find less than realistic
- Some secondary characters, particularly in the contemporary timeline, remain somewhat flat
- The resolution of Scott's embryo custody conflict feels too neatly resolved given its emotional complexity
Final Assessment
After Paris offers a compelling blend of historical drama and contemporary relevance. At its heart, it's a novel about choosing to embrace life's potential rather than retreating in fear—whether that fear stems from cancer or wartime danger. Taylor has crafted a story that resonates beyond its specific historical circumstances to address universal questions about courage, connection, and how we face our mortality.
May 20, 2025
This historical fiction story jumps between modern day and the 1940s. I thoroughly enjoyed the World War II era portion of the story, and I feel I learned more about Germany’s attempted takeover of Europe through new eyes. There is some level of spy work being done in the story, but that part was not heavily explored.
The narrator who handled the 1940s portions of the book was excellent, believable, and so pleasant to listen to. The narrator who handled the modern-day portion of the book made me feel like I was listening to somebody reading a book at storytime versus somebody who is immersed in telling a story. The jump between the two eras felt a little harsh.
It was definitely a thread of romance going through the current day portion of the book, although I didn’t feel particularly connected with the relationship… it seemed to already exist, and the story jumped in at the part where they finally admitted it to themselves and each other.
Overall, this was a nice story, focusing on women in World War II, but it did not grip my imagination or emotion … it took me a while to finish this book.
Thanks to #NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
The narrator who handled the 1940s portions of the book was excellent, believable, and so pleasant to listen to. The narrator who handled the modern-day portion of the book made me feel like I was listening to somebody reading a book at storytime versus somebody who is immersed in telling a story. The jump between the two eras felt a little harsh.
It was definitely a thread of romance going through the current day portion of the book, although I didn’t feel particularly connected with the relationship… it seemed to already exist, and the story jumped in at the part where they finally admitted it to themselves and each other.
Overall, this was a nice story, focusing on women in World War II, but it did not grip my imagination or emotion … it took me a while to finish this book.
Thanks to #NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
August 14, 2025
This captivating and moving novel intertwines the stories of the French Resistance and the empowerment of women amid adversity.
Set in two timelines, we first meet Ruby, a cancer survivor haunted by the fear of recurrence. Her battle with uncertainty reflects a struggle for hope and life. Meanwhile, in the 1940s, Cecile and Sylvia bravely fight against the oppressive Nazi regime, showcasing their unwavering spirit and determination for freedom.
The strength and resilience of all three heroines are genuinely inspiring. The author's vivid prose immerses readers in a world rich with detail, illustrating both the fight for liberation and the transformative experience of facing illness.
Thank you to NetGalley for the free advanced copy of this remarkable novel. I highly recommend it to my fellow Francophile readers who appreciate stories of courage and empowerment.
Set in two timelines, we first meet Ruby, a cancer survivor haunted by the fear of recurrence. Her battle with uncertainty reflects a struggle for hope and life. Meanwhile, in the 1940s, Cecile and Sylvia bravely fight against the oppressive Nazi regime, showcasing their unwavering spirit and determination for freedom.
The strength and resilience of all three heroines are genuinely inspiring. The author's vivid prose immerses readers in a world rich with detail, illustrating both the fight for liberation and the transformative experience of facing illness.
Thank you to NetGalley for the free advanced copy of this remarkable novel. I highly recommend it to my fellow Francophile readers who appreciate stories of courage and empowerment.
June 2, 2025
For Ruby Nevins, trying to live her life again after battling cancer has made it tough to move on but she's ready to start a new project and a new job. What she finds as she researches Cecile, the 'It' girl of early 1940's French cinema will astound her as well as deepen the mystery that surrounds Cecile. For surviving in Paris, France during the height of German occupancy n World War II gives Ruby something to figure out and as she is drawn deeper into the shadows during that time period, Ruby discovers more about herself as well the secrets behind Cecile and her mysterious dressmaker and confidant, Sylvia Rousseau.
My Review of After Paris:
Mary Ellen Taylor's new novel, After Paris, delves into a mystery of a french actress named Cecile who was the rising star of French Cinema during the early 1940's at a time when German occupied France was increasingly getting more and more hostile toward the citizens there. What drew me into the story was the dual timelines and how this author weaved a spell around me as I followed Ruby's journey as she dived into the mystery of Cecile and her dressmaker, Sylvia. This is the first time I read one of this author's books though I enjoy her other author names' (Mary Burton) suspense/thriller books a lot. I am a sucker for good compelling WWII historical fiction about strong women during a time period where you don't hear much about them. This was a phenomenal book about three very strong women that had me glued tot he pages on a lazy Sunday afternoon and I literally read the book till I finished it several hours later as I needed to find out what Ruby was discovering about these two interesting ladies. Mary Ellen Taylor is a master storyteller who delivers a wonderful story told in 2 time periods with captivating characters that kept me glued to the edge of my seat the entire time. The characters were well written, intriguing and complex. I loved Ruby's strength and feistiness, especially as she dealt with her brother's lack of romantic relationships. Those scenes made me laugh a few times.
After Paris is full of twists, turns and secrets of the past that will keep the reader glued to the very end. I loved Ruby's journey and as a cancer survivor myself, her journey after beating the dreaded big 'C' is just what this author describes: Wary determination with a fear of letting someone near you in case 'it happens again'. The author delivers a story that is at times respectful of Ruby's journey as well as shows her inner strength after her fight with cancer. I loved how the dual timelines interconnected at times and showed Ruby how to move forward even as she navigated 1940's Paris information. This is an author who is seamless in keeping the story flowing from past to present and back again. The way this author weaves these two timelines into the story is fantastic and delivers a one-two punch that the reader will enjoy.
After Paris is more than one or three women's journey but a testament of life, of strength during times of adversity and hope for a future. With each page, past and present times, Mary Ellen Taylor delivers a timeless tale that will leave you breathless and eager for more. This won't be the last book I read of Mary Ellen Taylor and I can't wait to see what else this author has in the future for her readers. If you're fans of Natasha Lester's historical fiction books, you'll want to pick After Paris up as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2025
Another absolutely beautiful story!
***** Not yet released, but look for it soon!! *****
This one has a dual timeline.
One revolving around Hitler's invasion of France and the torment he brought with him, but in a little bit of a lighter setting (compared to some other really brutal accounts I've read in the past... But, still horrible.)
In this timeline we have Cecile, who is a huge film star and uses her guile and charm to get what SHE wants, and to help aid those trying to bring Hitler down... and Sylvia, a phenomenal dressmaker who is introduced to Cecile and hits it off right from the beginning. (Her sister is one of the key players of those trying to help others in need...)
The other more current timeline revolves around a young woman named Ruby, who spent a year or so in France and absolutely fell in love with it, until a cancer diagnosis brought her back home to her American family...and her so-called boyfriend ran for the hills....
Both timelines are fully developed with wonderful, strong characters in each! And many that I couldn't help but fall a little in love with myself...
The war-time era has so many beautiful scenes playing out around love and compatibility, both on the stage, and in the homes of those affected. And the things that so many of the woman had to do just to get by... and maybe get a little extra food, or a dress, or stockings... such sad times. But, the film and the films stars seemed to bring light and hope to so many....
And then the more current area showcasing the love and care surrounding Ruby in her time of need, and then her recovery... and how even after she is deemed clear, she never feels like she will be safe. But, her brother and friends all come thru like knights in shining armor branding swords to ward off any evil heading towards their dear Ruby!!
This one had me laughing, and then crying... at the drop of a hat.
SO MUCH EMOTION rolling around in here... Sometimes you might just have to stop reading for a minute to come up for air...
AND NO, I am NOT giving away the whole story. This is just an outline. There is so much more to it!
All the stars for me!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫💫💫💫💫🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
#AfterParis by #MaryEllenTaylor and narrated by a full cast, including: #CarolineHewitt; #DevonSorvari; #ElisabethLagelee; #DaviddeVries and #BradenWright
***RELEASE DATE IS LESS THAN A WEEK AWAY!! LOOK 👀 FOR IT ON 5/13/25!! ***
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, #BrilliancePublishing and #BrillianceAudio for an ARC of the audiobook, in exchange for an honest review.
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Insta @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
***** Not yet released, but look for it soon!! *****
This one has a dual timeline.
One revolving around Hitler's invasion of France and the torment he brought with him, but in a little bit of a lighter setting (compared to some other really brutal accounts I've read in the past... But, still horrible.)
In this timeline we have Cecile, who is a huge film star and uses her guile and charm to get what SHE wants, and to help aid those trying to bring Hitler down... and Sylvia, a phenomenal dressmaker who is introduced to Cecile and hits it off right from the beginning. (Her sister is one of the key players of those trying to help others in need...)
The other more current timeline revolves around a young woman named Ruby, who spent a year or so in France and absolutely fell in love with it, until a cancer diagnosis brought her back home to her American family...and her so-called boyfriend ran for the hills....
Both timelines are fully developed with wonderful, strong characters in each! And many that I couldn't help but fall a little in love with myself...
The war-time era has so many beautiful scenes playing out around love and compatibility, both on the stage, and in the homes of those affected. And the things that so many of the woman had to do just to get by... and maybe get a little extra food, or a dress, or stockings... such sad times. But, the film and the films stars seemed to bring light and hope to so many....
And then the more current area showcasing the love and care surrounding Ruby in her time of need, and then her recovery... and how even after she is deemed clear, she never feels like she will be safe. But, her brother and friends all come thru like knights in shining armor branding swords to ward off any evil heading towards their dear Ruby!!
This one had me laughing, and then crying... at the drop of a hat.
SO MUCH EMOTION rolling around in here... Sometimes you might just have to stop reading for a minute to come up for air...
AND NO, I am NOT giving away the whole story. This is just an outline. There is so much more to it!
All the stars for me!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫💫💫💫💫🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
#AfterParis by #MaryEllenTaylor and narrated by a full cast, including: #CarolineHewitt; #DevonSorvari; #ElisabethLagelee; #DaviddeVries and #BradenWright
***RELEASE DATE IS LESS THAN A WEEK AWAY!! LOOK 👀 FOR IT ON 5/13/25!! ***
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, #BrilliancePublishing and #BrillianceAudio for an ARC of the audiobook, in exchange for an honest review.
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Insta @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
June 13, 2025
I am a huge Mary Ellen Taylor fan, and have read every book she has published. The first book of hers that I read was Honeysuckle Season, a Kindle First read back in 2020. I loved that book, and was hooked. I quickly read through the rest of her catalogue, and looked forward to her annual book releases.
I loved her early books--the Alexandria Series--as they blended historical fiction, magical realism, and contemporary romance. Her next set of books (Spring House & Winter Cottage) were also excellent. The Words We Whisper? One of my favorite books ever. I also enjoyed The Brighter the Light. All of these books had dual timelines--historical fiction in one, contemporary romance in the other.
However, her last two books before this one were totally different. Both were contemporary storylines only. I didn't love When the Rain Ends--was only mediocre for me, and I enjoyed The Promise of Tomorrow, but neither had the style of Mary Ellen Taylor's earlier works, which I loved. (Actually, both had timestamps at the start of every chapter, which was weird because they meant literally nothing to the story.)
So, I was very excited when I saw that this book was a dual timeline, historical fiction and contemporary romance blend. Honestly, this might rival The Words We Whisper as my favorite book of hers. (Although, it also had useless timestamps at the start of each chapter. I don't understand that.) The story weaves together a historical mystery of a French actress who disappears in 1942, never to be heard from again, and a contemporary journalist who is obsessed with the actress (Celine) and starts digging into her story. The story is told from the perspectives of Ruby (the journalist in the present) and Sylvia (Celine's seamstress) in Nazi occupied France in the 1940s.
The book has mysteries, action, love, and danger. It has illness, found family, friendship, and loyalty. It has everything you could want in a book--even an epilogue (and we know how important an epilogue is to me!). The book will have you trying to guess the ending from the early chapters. Some things are no great surprise (such as the love story in the contemporary timeline), others are not what they seem, and others will leave your jaw on the floor when you learn the truth.
This book will have you reading late into the evening to find out what happened. I highly, highly recommend it.
I loved her early books--the Alexandria Series--as they blended historical fiction, magical realism, and contemporary romance. Her next set of books (Spring House & Winter Cottage) were also excellent. The Words We Whisper? One of my favorite books ever. I also enjoyed The Brighter the Light. All of these books had dual timelines--historical fiction in one, contemporary romance in the other.
However, her last two books before this one were totally different. Both were contemporary storylines only. I didn't love When the Rain Ends--was only mediocre for me, and I enjoyed The Promise of Tomorrow, but neither had the style of Mary Ellen Taylor's earlier works, which I loved. (Actually, both had timestamps at the start of every chapter, which was weird because they meant literally nothing to the story.)
So, I was very excited when I saw that this book was a dual timeline, historical fiction and contemporary romance blend. Honestly, this might rival The Words We Whisper as my favorite book of hers. (Although, it also had useless timestamps at the start of each chapter. I don't understand that.) The story weaves together a historical mystery of a French actress who disappears in 1942, never to be heard from again, and a contemporary journalist who is obsessed with the actress (Celine) and starts digging into her story. The story is told from the perspectives of Ruby (the journalist in the present) and Sylvia (Celine's seamstress) in Nazi occupied France in the 1940s.
The book has mysteries, action, love, and danger. It has illness, found family, friendship, and loyalty. It has everything you could want in a book--even an epilogue (and we know how important an epilogue is to me!). The book will have you trying to guess the ending from the early chapters. Some things are no great surprise (such as the love story in the contemporary timeline), others are not what they seem, and others will leave your jaw on the floor when you learn the truth.
This book will have you reading late into the evening to find out what happened. I highly, highly recommend it.
March 25, 2025
Brief synopsis from the book cover:
At twenty-five, Ruby Nevins has already endured more than most. But after two years of battling cancer, she’s warily determined to move forward. Researching a new project about a French actress, she soon uncovers an old diary that will change her life forever…
Cécile, the “it girl” of early 1940s French cinema, vanished from Nazi-occupied Paris in 1942. Sylvia Rousseau, Cécile’s dressmaker and confidante, left that same year. Working to piece together the truth behind Cécile’s disappearance and Sylvia’s extraordinary life, Ruby recognizes the women as kindred spirits. They risked their hearts and lives to aid the Resistance, and each day was a struggle to survive.
Ruby knows her cancer could come back, but she’s learning to embrace the future rather than fear it. If Cécile and Sylvia could live their lives in the shadow of death, so can Ruby. Because she knows there’s so much life—and love—to fight for.
My rating:
Plot: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
Historical Fiction
Review:
This is a beautifully written book with an interesting plot. It tells the story of three strong women who each are faced with their own life changing challenges. The characters were well developed and their actions were explained well this made them realistic.
Written over a dual time line in the present we meet Ruby a cancer survivor who after two years of treatment has now been told that she is cancer free but the knowledge that it can come back anytime has changed her perspective and even though she worries she tries to live life to the fullest For an article is writing she is researching the life of a famous French actress who mysteriously disappeared in 1942.
The second time line set in 1940’s Paris tells the story of Cecile and Sylvia a famous French cinema star and her dressmaker who risked their lives to aid the resistance.
Overall:
This is a beautifully written book with an interesting plot and well developed characters. The story flows well and has the right amount of mystery and suspense to keep you captivated till the last page.
Review copy provided through Netgalley at no cost to me.
At twenty-five, Ruby Nevins has already endured more than most. But after two years of battling cancer, she’s warily determined to move forward. Researching a new project about a French actress, she soon uncovers an old diary that will change her life forever…
Cécile, the “it girl” of early 1940s French cinema, vanished from Nazi-occupied Paris in 1942. Sylvia Rousseau, Cécile’s dressmaker and confidante, left that same year. Working to piece together the truth behind Cécile’s disappearance and Sylvia’s extraordinary life, Ruby recognizes the women as kindred spirits. They risked their hearts and lives to aid the Resistance, and each day was a struggle to survive.
Ruby knows her cancer could come back, but she’s learning to embrace the future rather than fear it. If Cécile and Sylvia could live their lives in the shadow of death, so can Ruby. Because she knows there’s so much life—and love—to fight for.
My rating:
Plot: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
Historical Fiction
Review:
This is a beautifully written book with an interesting plot. It tells the story of three strong women who each are faced with their own life changing challenges. The characters were well developed and their actions were explained well this made them realistic.
Written over a dual time line in the present we meet Ruby a cancer survivor who after two years of treatment has now been told that she is cancer free but the knowledge that it can come back anytime has changed her perspective and even though she worries she tries to live life to the fullest For an article is writing she is researching the life of a famous French actress who mysteriously disappeared in 1942.
The second time line set in 1940’s Paris tells the story of Cecile and Sylvia a famous French cinema star and her dressmaker who risked their lives to aid the resistance.
Overall:
This is a beautifully written book with an interesting plot and well developed characters. The story flows well and has the right amount of mystery and suspense to keep you captivated till the last page.
Review copy provided through Netgalley at no cost to me.
April 29, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and Montlake Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
***Spoilers ahead***
I enjoyed this book. I found it to be a unique take on the recent spate of WWII era books that have flooded the marked over the past five or so years. Here's what I thought:
The writing was good. At times there were a few too many descriptors, especially when describing certain outfits not pertaining to the movie making business, but as the clothing seemed to be a minor character in this book, it worked out.
I honestly felt that the dual storylines were not needed here. In fact, I think that this is essentially two half books put together to form one. Ruby's cancer storyline really wasn't necessary; had she just been a writer who loved French films writing her article, nothing in the story would change. Instead, an entire book of Ruby's experience with cancer - her life before, her relationship, her treatment, her remission, and the ending - could have been an entire book on its own. Further to that, more details about Cecile/Dominique and Sylvia and their arrival in Paris, could have been expanded to be a complete novel.
I understand that Madame Bernard was necessary to tie the two stories together, and I did enjoy the scenes between her and Ruby. However, the scene where we learn she was not Sylvia's biological child is just pointless to me. Why could she not be the legitimate child of her mother and father? The scene on the train seemed so incredibly random and felt forced.
The title is also misleading: After Paris. Most of the story takes place IN Paris. What makes the After so special? However I understand that there are an influx of books that use the same starting title, and I know The Paris Dressmaker has been used, The Paris Seamstress likely has as well, however the title truly does not reflect the story within.
Aside from these points, I did enjoy this book. This was a new angle on the usual WWII era book, and I enjoyed learning about French film making during the Occupation.
***Spoilers ahead***
I enjoyed this book. I found it to be a unique take on the recent spate of WWII era books that have flooded the marked over the past five or so years. Here's what I thought:
The writing was good. At times there were a few too many descriptors, especially when describing certain outfits not pertaining to the movie making business, but as the clothing seemed to be a minor character in this book, it worked out.
I honestly felt that the dual storylines were not needed here. In fact, I think that this is essentially two half books put together to form one. Ruby's cancer storyline really wasn't necessary; had she just been a writer who loved French films writing her article, nothing in the story would change. Instead, an entire book of Ruby's experience with cancer - her life before, her relationship, her treatment, her remission, and the ending - could have been an entire book on its own. Further to that, more details about Cecile/Dominique and Sylvia and their arrival in Paris, could have been expanded to be a complete novel.
I understand that Madame Bernard was necessary to tie the two stories together, and I did enjoy the scenes between her and Ruby. However, the scene where we learn she was not Sylvia's biological child is just pointless to me. Why could she not be the legitimate child of her mother and father? The scene on the train seemed so incredibly random and felt forced.
The title is also misleading: After Paris. Most of the story takes place IN Paris. What makes the After so special? However I understand that there are an influx of books that use the same starting title, and I know The Paris Dressmaker has been used, The Paris Seamstress likely has as well, however the title truly does not reflect the story within.
Aside from these points, I did enjoy this book. This was a new angle on the usual WWII era book, and I enjoyed learning about French film making during the Occupation.
June 9, 2025
Mary Ellen Taylor has written a compelling, thought provoking, dual-timeline story that immersed me into the lives of three remarkable women - two in the past and one in the present. Opening with a harrowing scene in the days following the liberation of France, she then moves to present day, setting the stage for Ruby's story before returning to the past and the unfolding journeys of Cécile and Sylvia before, during, and after the German occupation of Paris.
The transitions between past and present felt organic and seamless as both stories unfolded. I was equally immersed in both timelines as well as the fates of the characters. Ruby may not have been caught in the life or death consequences Cécile and Sylvia faced at the hands of the Nazis but her life or death battle with cancer was no less consequential. I enjoyed her journey and the twists that awaited her, both personally and in her professional quest to discover the fates of Cécile and Sylvia. I especially enjoyed her unexpected romance (yes, there's a happy ending).
What strength all three of these women exhibited in the face of danger. Taylor doesn't hold back in showing readers all sides of them, especially Cécile and Sylvia. Their courage, vulnerability, morally questionable actions, wants, desires, and fortitude are all important parts of their human story.
A portion of this book with which I was not familiar was the path taken by the French film industry during WWII. I was not aware of the number of people who were compelled to work with the Germans during that time even though they were against everything the Nazis stood for, how they were forced to straddle two worlds without alienating either side. It's a fascinating part of the book.
If you enjoy dual timeline stories featuring complex women with the courage to face seemingly insurmountable obstacles, told with strength, compassion, emotional depth, and undying hope, pick up a copy of Mary Ellen Taylor's After Paris. I highly recommend it.
4.5 stars
ARC received via NetGalley
Fair and unbiased review
The transitions between past and present felt organic and seamless as both stories unfolded. I was equally immersed in both timelines as well as the fates of the characters. Ruby may not have been caught in the life or death consequences Cécile and Sylvia faced at the hands of the Nazis but her life or death battle with cancer was no less consequential. I enjoyed her journey and the twists that awaited her, both personally and in her professional quest to discover the fates of Cécile and Sylvia. I especially enjoyed her unexpected romance (yes, there's a happy ending).
What strength all three of these women exhibited in the face of danger. Taylor doesn't hold back in showing readers all sides of them, especially Cécile and Sylvia. Their courage, vulnerability, morally questionable actions, wants, desires, and fortitude are all important parts of their human story.
A portion of this book with which I was not familiar was the path taken by the French film industry during WWII. I was not aware of the number of people who were compelled to work with the Germans during that time even though they were against everything the Nazis stood for, how they were forced to straddle two worlds without alienating either side. It's a fascinating part of the book.
If you enjoy dual timeline stories featuring complex women with the courage to face seemingly insurmountable obstacles, told with strength, compassion, emotional depth, and undying hope, pick up a copy of Mary Ellen Taylor's After Paris. I highly recommend it.
4.5 stars
ARC received via NetGalley
Fair and unbiased review
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