The Lost Perfumes of Paris

by Christine Wells

Set against the backdrop of mid-century Parisian glamour and the timeless art of perfumery, a captivating tale of resilience, love, and the intoxicating pursuit of passion. Élodie Limeaux's beloved mother, Aurore, was the most legendary perfumer in France before World War II, renowned for the exquisite fragrances she created for the family company, the House of Limeaux. Now in her twenties, Élodie longs to join the family business. Her father, however, has refused to let her follow in her late mother's footsteps and Élodie has had to fight to become a mere lab assistant at Limeaux. But Élodie plans to enter the Essence of Paris contest run by the French Perfume Institute, hoping that a win will secure investment from Swiss banker Monsieur Caspari, who is looking to launch a new scent for women—and possibly to buy the House of Limeaux. Impressed with Élodie's drive and talent, Caspari agrees to back her, provided that she collaborates with his son, Marcelo. Élodie is forced to agree, although Marcelo strikes her as a wealthy dilettante—albeit an extremely charming one.

When they join forces, though, Élodie is surprised to discover Marcelo's passion for perfume is genuine, his obsession as deep as hers. With Marcelo by her side, Élodie battles family betrayals and corporate sabotage, searching for that elusive essence of Paris that will launch her career...and possibly the love of a lifetime.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, France

368 pages, Paperback

Expected publication September 8, 2026

About the author

Christine Wells is a former corporate lawyer who exchanged contracts and prospectuses for a different kind of fiction.

Undergoing life-saving brain surgery as a 2 year old made her want to be a brain surgeon when she grew up. However, a love of the humanities, particularly English history and literature, not to mention the fact she wasn’t great with blood, made her revise that plan.

Christine had always been interested in the law and after winning a half-scholarship to Bond University in a high school moot competition, she decided to follow in her father’s footsteps and become a solicitor. Having completed her Bachelor’s degree, Christine worked for city law firms advising on capital raising and mergers and acquisitions.

While still working as a lawyer, she started her first novel, a historical murder mystery which is now (thankfully) lost in the bowels of a defunct hard drive. Eventually, Christine set her sights on publication in the United States, where it seemed British-set historical romance was highly popular. A keen devotee of Georgette Heyer novels, Christine decided to give these a try.

Ten years later, she is an award-winning author with ten novels published by major New York publishers, St. Martin’s Press and Penguin. These novels have been translated (variously) into German, Japanese, Dutch, Spanish, Russian and Portuguese.

Now, a change in direction sees Christine combining her abiding interest in the law and her passion for English history in one novel, THE WIFE’S TALE.

Christine lives with her husband (also a lawyer) and two sons in Brisbane, Australia.

Reviews

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christine Wells writes the most gorgeous histfic books set in Paris, with this latest a perfect example of her stunning work. I loved this tale with perfume, romance, and business intrigue set against the backdrop of the City of Light in the last midcentury. Completely absorbing!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

thoroughly enjoyed this enchanting story about the history of perfumes and perfumers in Paris in the 1950’s. The story of Elodie, a young aspiring perfumer working in her father’s business was a fascinating read. I enjoyed reading about how perfumes are developed utilizing different scents and formulations, the work and techniques that are required, such as having a “ nose” for scents and how a perfumer has to protect that nose. This story was also interesting showing the difficulties women faced in gaining access in this industry and I am sure in other areas of industry. I thought that this story moved at a good pace, I enjoyed all the characters and the development of the story with the romance added in and also the background of the competition amongst the different companies.. I would highly recommend this well written story. Thanks to NetGalley.

[Brie Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elegantly romantic. Elodie is ahead of her time and with the dismissal of her father, Fabrice, she is set to create a perfume that will capture the essence of Paris with the help of her mothers journals. Elodie is true to herself and is captivated by Marcelo. They team up and travel for inspiration and maybe a romance blossoms. Set in 1950s on Paris, will Elodie gain her father's blessing?

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful historical fiction novel set in Paris in the mid-1950s based on real life “trailblazing women” in the French perfume industry that delivers on a plot and character.

Élodie Limeaux is the daughter of the legendary WWII perfumer, Aurora Duvall. It’s Élodie’s desire to follow in her mother’s footsteps but she works as a lab technician at her family’s parfumiere, the House of Limeaux, run by her father who is incredibly against her moving up in the organization. When the Paris Chamber of Commerce announces a competition to find a perfume to capture the essence of Paris, Élodie is inspired to take the leap and create a perfume like none other, proving to her father she is capable of making a perfume and hopefully putting the House of Limeaux in better financial footing. In order to do this, however, she must work with Marcelo. Caspari, whose father is a Swiss banker with considerable investment in the House of Limeaux. If you want to know what happened, you must read the book -you will not be disappointed.

Wells has created a delightful character in Élodie. She’s persistent, smart and resilient as well as loving daughter to a miserable father. The romance that emerges between her and Marcelo is sweet but not steamy. Marcelo is a good guy and supportive of Élodie - it’s nice to have a male character like him for a change. The deceptions of perfume making are delightful - these brought back memories of my trip to Grasse where part of the book is set and which is the center of the French perfume industry. I had the chance to learn a bit about perfume making which reinforced my enjoyment of it.

Don’t forget to read the Author’s Note at the end. Wells provides detail on iconic French women who made significant contributions to the perfume industry. Élodie’s “struggles” were inspired by Patricia de Nicolaï, who was not allowed to work in her great grandfather’s company because the chief perfumer didn’t want a woman on the team; she went on to found her own house.

This is a perfect book for lovers of well told historical fiction which brings to life little known facts about women’s contributions such as in this case, the perfume industry (one of the reasons for by five star review). It’s so important these are not lost. It’s well written and flows beautifully in the story telling. And finally this is a book I’d re-read, it was that enjoyable.

My thanks to NetGalley and William Morris for granting me access to this ARC.

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grasse, France, 1950’s. Élodie Limeaux is perfumer, following in her late mother Aurore footsteps and her father Fabrice owns the House of Limeaux. Her dad isn’t supportive, he refuses to let her be more than a low ranking lab assistant, he criticizes the fragrances she develops and despite her being a qualified chemist.

The last perfume the company launched was terrible, her father spent a fortune on having it created, bottles, labels and marketing and it was a flop. Now the House of Limeaux is in financial difficulty, he’s considering using synthetic bases for the perfumes and not traditional essences.

Élodie plans to enter the Essence of Paris contest run by the French Perfume Institute, hoping to win and secure investment from Swiss banker Monsieur Caspari, who is looking to launch a new scent for ladies and save the House of Limeaux. He agrees, the only catch is she must collaborate and work closely with his son Marcelo, she assumes he's a rich playboy and is very surprised to uncover he has a genuine interest in fragrances and perfume.

I received a copy of The Lost Perfumes of Paris by Christine Wells Author from William Morrow and Edelweiss+ in exchange for an honest review. The main character Élodie not only has to deal with the loss of her mother, being treated unfairly by her father, the men she works with and some he promotes over her, what a sexist and horrible group of males.

Élodie has the talent and nose to be an elite perfumer, she battles to overcome obstacles including her own father, his old fashioned ideas, the rules not being the same for everyone, reasons why, secrets and sabotage.

When I think of France, five things come to mind, fashion, glamour, the Eiffel Tower, romance and love. Now, I add perfume to the list, Grasse, the skill of mixing and blending of oils and how much time and effort it takes and it's an art.

I was inspired by Élodie and as will you be and I felt like I was alongside her and fighting for equality and a fair go.

Ms Well’s never disappoints and always has me captivated by her historical fiction novels, set in stunning locations and via the characters experiences. Due to be released on the 1st of September 2026, I highly recommend and five stars.

[Second Chapter Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christine Wells transports readers to the glamorous world of 1950s Paris, where the art of perfumery takes center stage in a story about ambition, resilience, and finding your own voice.

I loved learning about the perfume industry and the incredible amount of research that clearly went into this novel. The descriptions of fragrance creation were immersive without becoming overwhelming, and they made the House of Limeaux feel like a place you could almost smell as you read. The historical setting was beautifully realized, and Paris itself became a character in the story.

Élodie was easy to root for as she fought against the limitations placed on women in a male-dominated profession. Her determination to honor her mother's legacy while proving herself on her own merits made for a compelling journey. I also enjoyed the romance with Marcelo, which complemented the story without overshadowing Élodie's personal growth.

While I found parts of the middle to move a little slower than I would have liked, the strong characters, fascinating look at the world of French perfumery, and satisfying conclusion kept me invested throughout.

If you enjoy historical fiction with a unique setting, strong female protagonists, a touch of romance, and beautifully researched details, this is definitely worth picking up.

Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

[J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lost Perfumes of Paris set in France in the 1950s follows Élodie Limeaux, a twenty-six-year old Sorbonne-educated perfume maker and beloved daughter of a legendary perfume maker, Aurore her long-dead mother.

She is now under the thumb of her father who runs their perfume company and is for some reason keeping her from success. The story moves from Élodie’s home of Grasse to Paris with a short stay in Monte Carlo while Elodie learns to trust her strength and instinct and explore live and love. The main plot with the perfume competition and her mother’s journals provides lots of tension as well as romantic moments.

I adored the little vignettes of scent at the beginning of every chapter and the period nods to couture and perfume. The romance between Marcelo and Élodie is slow to form and then sudden, but as the book progresses it develops into a full bloom. Marcelo is somewhat dark and mysterious but solid and supportive as well as creative. Élodie finding her style and coming into her own is a highlight of the story. Pages turn to get mysteries solved and resolve the main conflict with Élodie’s father.

A delightfully scented romance. I only wish it came with perfume samples.

If you loved Christine Wells' The Paris Gown, you must run to get your copy of The Lost Perfumes of Paris.

Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for the advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Cindi_loves_to_read · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lost Perfumes of Paris by Christine Wells was such a delightful book. I wanted to read every word, find out what happened but didn’t want it to end! I enjoyed reading about the making of perfume and trailblazing women. Perfume making had been dominated by men in the 1950s and this book captures how a determined ambitious young woman named Élodie wants to break free of that.
Her father rejects her dream that she can be a perfumer. She only wanted to follow in her mother's footsteps. Her mother studied chemistry at the Sorbonne and Élodie had the same passion. Can Élodie prove to her father and all of Paris that she can do this?
The history of French perfume and perfumists is remarkable and so well researched in this book. I loved it.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow Publishing for an Advanced Reader's Copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

The romance (described as "passion") was more meh than actual passion -- YMMV. The perfume company, how one builds a fragrance, etc., was more glossed over than I'd hoped. Exactly what is a heart note? how does a synthetic differ from the original? what does an 'organ' look like?

Aurore's journals, particularly the 'briefs' for the various perfumes, were interesting and I would have liked to see those explored more fully. The tour of Paris that Elodie (with and without Marcello) takes, focusing on the scents, was wonderful and I would love to take that tour in person! I was so disappointed when they talked about how the old, classic scents had changed over the years -- how?! who makes those changes?? For a book about "the legendary art of French perfumery" it was more about fashion (I got that she's rich, but really? Dior and Givenchy?), family relationships, self-discovery and politics than about the perfumes.

eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free DRC of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. I enjoyed this immersion into Paris's scents and fashion through the eyes of a young perfumer. As Elodie falls in fall with Marcele and realizes that her father considered her more competition than protege', she feels like a real person to me. The villain in the story may indeed be society's thoughts about what is appropriate for women vs men at this time in history.

[Cory Beyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for this ARC. Élodie Limeaux'smother was a master perfumer. She is trying to follow in her footsteps now that she has passed away. The only problem, her dad is the one standing in her way. He has vetoed every scent she has created. What she does next surprises everyone. Sweet read. #TheLostPerfumesofParis #ChristineWells #WilliamMorrow #Sept2026

[Heidi Pliwko · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely book, I didn’t want it to end! I enjoyed reading about the making of perfume and the history of French perfume and perfumists.

Thank you to NetGalley for an Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Karina Peacock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Loved this story!!

Fabulous Characters, gorgeous fashion, beautiful Perfumes!

This book had me reading till way past my bedtime!

Set in Paris and Grasse in France took me on a journey into the making of Perfumes and dealt with Family conflicts!

[Cindy P. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank-you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

I really wanted to love this book. The premise is solid and I was excited to read it. I found the first half to be repetitive, like treading water. The last 25% is when the story unfolds and it became a page turner.