The Paris Seamstress

by Catherine Law

Torn between love and duty, and a fierce need to protect…

Paris, 1940
For young, lively Murielle, working in the heart of Paris as a seamstress is a dream come true. She loves the bustle of the city, but as the War progresses and new restrictions for Jewish people appear, she begins to realise how quickly her world is changing – and how, soon, she may lose those cherished freedoms.

Her best friend Zoe has always lived a smaller life. Still reeling from an incident from many years ago, she’s already used to being on her guard. But as the Occupation tightens controls on everyone, Zoe knows she must find the courage to stand up and protect the people she loves.

When the two women come across a fallen English pilot, they don’t hesitate. As they put their lives on the line to help the airman escape, their friendship bonds are truly tested. For a chance of happiness, Murielle and Zoe will have to make an impossible decision — one that will demand the greatest sacrifice of all…

Genres: World War II

Audible Audio

Published August 19, 2026

Reviews

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Paris Seamstress
By: Catherine Law
Pub Date: August 19, 2026
Publisher: Boldwood Books

I love finding new to me historical fiction authors, and will be reading more of her books. As a sewer, this one intrigued me.

Paris, 1940

Murielle is working in Paris as a seamstress. She is full of life until she realizes life is changing rapidly as war looms. The Jewish people have all kinds of rules to follow now and she is about to lose her freedom. Zoe is her best friend and she is wanting to help her friend and others.

This one is moving and the writing is beautiful and I was so immersed in these young ladies.

[Trudy Dowling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every time I think I have read a little bit of everything to do with World War Two I am proven wrong. Every time I think I won't be totally shocked I am left speechless. Catherine Law brought me to tears so many times. Catherine Law left me needing to know more and looking forward to whatever she writes next.

The Paris Seamstress is a dual timeline switching back and forth between Cháteau Pierre in 1933 and the beginning of World War 2 in Paris. Zoé and Murielle were bestfriends in Cháteau Pierre and are beginning their adult lives in Paris as roommates and still bestfriends.

The Nazi invasion changes everything. Driving back to Paris from a visit home, Zoé and Murielle drive past a man struggling to move. A decision to stop will put them all in extreme danger. Hiding a British soldier in the trunk of their car will change their lives forever. How will they hide him? How will the take care of his injuries? How will they help him to escape? If that isn't bad enough, Murielle is a Jewish and with every passing day new laws are being passed.

The reader gets a first hand look as Murielle's life as being a Jew becomes more and more difficult. Seeing the difficulties that Murielle has dealing with the changes gutted me. She will have to go into hiding with Claude, the man she loves. She is in hiding, in fear of being found and having to be someone else. I can't imagine how difficult it was to lose you own identity in order to survive. Paris is become more dangerous for all of them every day.

Zoé helps Harry, the British Airmen work his way to freedom with a long wait at the house of Claude's father in Gascony. The journey was fraught with nailbiting danger. When they unite in Gascony, they must remain for an extended time after the capture of one of the people that helped them. The surprise arrival of Murielle, Claude and a young boy that makes the wait easier.

It also makes it more dangerous. The reader is soon reminded that many support the Germans. Everything changes with the bounding on a door. Fears increase. Harry needs to get out of France. Murielle and Elijah need to get out the Nazi reach. Claude will delay the devil at the door while they rush to the Spanish border. The unexpected gutted me. Is this what happened to others. How does one choose who goes and who stays? What happens to those that stay? I was left in awe for all those that stood up against the Nazis and those that survived to tell the story. We must read the stories and never forget the horrors of the past.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Paris Seamstress by Catherine Law is a book about friendship in an incredibly difficult time. Murielle and Zoe had been friends since they were eight years old and Zoe had offered friendship when the other girls were being mean. When they reached sixteen, Murielle left for Paris. She had grown up in her father’s tailor shop so she was an excellent seamstress. She wanted Zoe to come too, but Zoe stayed behind, finishing the education that would allow her to be a teacher. Zoe joined her later. She had had a tough time ever since the bus driver on a field trip had raped her. Eventually the Nazis invaded Paris. This is their story.

Murielle is Jewish. That made no difference for most people. The designer for whom she had worked for years decided to close her shop. After only a few weeks, she got a new job in a millinery shop. Zoe’s school hd been evacuated. Plenty of things happened to both of them, including love. Murielle had known this man for years and loved him nearly as long. Zoe met Harry, who was a downed English pilot, when they picked him up from the side of the road and smuggled him to the resistance. Plenty happened, people died, others disappeared, some ran. It was a trying time. Interesting take on this gruesome situation. Good read.

I have was invited to read The Paris Seamstress by Boldwood Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BoldwoodBooks #CatherineLaw #TheParisSeamstress

[Hijabi_booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Paris Seamstress by Catherine Law is a beautifully written and emotional story of friendship, courage, sacrifice, and survival during the dark days of occupied Paris.

I really enjoyed being transported to Paris in 1940 and following Murielle and Zoé as their lives are changed by the war. I especially appreciated the strong friendship between the two women and the difficult choices they are forced to make when they decide to help a fallen English pilot. Their courage and determination made them characters I genuinely cared about.

Catherine Law does a wonderful job creating a vivid wartime atmosphere, and the descriptions of Paris and Murielle’s life as a seamstress added a lovely touch to the story. There are plenty of emotional moments, suspense, and heartbreaking decisions, while the themes of loyalty and sacrifice give the novel plenty of depth.

At times, the story felt a little slow for me, and I would have liked some of the characters and relationships to be developed a little further. Nevertheless, this was an engaging and poignant historical read with a strong sense of place.

Overall, The Paris Seamstress is a moving wartime story about two women who discover just how much courage they have when the people they love are in danger. A heartfelt 4-star read for fans of historical fiction, wartime stories, and strong female characters.

[Karyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Paris Seamstress by Catherine Law is a WWII historical fiction novel set in France that follows Murielle, a young Jewish seamstress who dreams of working for a prestigious Parisian couture house.

Murielle leaves her hometown of Verdun to pursue her ambition in Paris, but her new life is soon overshadowed by the German occupation. Her best friend, Zoé, also moves to Paris to become a teacher, and the two share an apartment while navigating the growing dangers around them. During a visit home to Verdun, they become involved in a perilous mission when they discover an injured British pilot. As the war intensifies, both women find love and are forced to make impossible choices. Through it all, their loyalty, courage, and unwavering friendship remain at the heart of the story.

This is a moving and emotional novel that explores friendship, bravery, sacrifice, and acts of resistance during one of history’s darkest periods. The historical setting is vividly portrayed, and the characters are easy to become invested in. While I thoroughly enjoyed the journey, the ending left me wanting more and felt somewhat incomplete. Nevertheless, it is an engaging and heartfelt read for fans of historical fiction.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paris, 1940: For young, lively Murielle, working in the heart of Paris as a seamstress is a dream come true. She loves the bustle of the city, but as the War progresses and new restrictions for Jewish people appear,she begins to realise how quickly her world is changing - and how soon she may lose those cherished freedoms. Her best friend Zoe has always lived a smaller life. Still reeling for an incident from many years ago, she's already used to being on her guard. But as the occupation tightens controls on everyone, Zoe must find the courage to stand up and protect the people she loves.

Set during WWII, this is a beautifully written story. It has a dual timeline that flips back and forth between the Chateau Pierre 1933, and WWII in Paris. Murielle is a Jewish seamstress who dreams of working for a prestigious Parisian couture house. Zoe is her best friend who also moves to Paris to be a teacher. The women share an apartment. This is an emotional read. There's quite a lot going on in this story. My only criticism is that the ending felt a bit rushed.

Published 19th August 2026

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #CatherineLaw for my ARC of #TheParisSeamstress in exchange for an honest review.

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an historical fiction novel set in France during the beginning of the German occupation. It's not a war story exactly, it is the story of people surviving during this terrible time and the ones they depended on for their safety.

Murielle and Zoe are school-age friends when all this starts. Murielle is the daughter of a tailor, and is a talented seamstress herself who wants to go to Paris and create beautiful items. She does exactly that, just before the occupation. Zoe stayed behind to finish school, but eventually they met up and lived together in Paris.

The horrors of occupation and the gathering up of Jewish people directly affect both Zoe and Murielle. Together with Claude, a friend who also has a government role, they work to save a downed English pilot. If they'd been caught, it would mean death for all of them. The story continues as they make decisions to keep Murielle (a Jew) safe as well as get the Englishman, Harry, back to his country.

I believe that the ending leaves itself open for a sequel, and if so, I want to read it to see what happens with Claude, Murielle, Harry and Zoe.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

[Dawn Lawrence Read_with_Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, it was tense, heartbreaking, brave and full of love and courage. The Nazis are occupying France, it’s a tough time for everyone, Murielle and Zoe and life long friends and are sharing an apartment in Paris. As tensions rise, Murielle has to go in to hiding because she is Jewish, her friend Claude who is part of the resistance tries to keep her safe and Zoe is helping RAF pilot Harry get to safety. There’s a lot going on in this story, it’s such an interesting web to navigate. The only very slight disappointment was the ending, it was a bit abrupt. I’m hoping this is because there is a book 2 in the works. Highly recommend, a great read. 4.5⭐️.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. Publication date 19 August 2026.

[Firetruckmama · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.

“The Paris Seamstress” is by Catherine Law. I found this book a bit of a slog to get through. The book is told in two timelines - one in 1933 the other in 1940. The 1933 storyline deals with a traumatic event before WWII and the 1940 timeline is during WWII in France. Usually any historical fiction book with Paris in the title and WWII implied is a hit for me, but this book was a miss. I didn’t learn anything new - something I like to do with historical fiction books - I felt the pacing was slow in numerous places, and I wasn’t even interested in the two main characters, Zoe and Murielle. At the heart of this book, it’s a story of friendship.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book pulls you right in and won’t let you go. Beautifully written, with strong characters and a captivating storyline. It’s about love, friendship, doing what’s right and resisting what’s wrong. A very emotional read.
I woud recommend this to anyone interested in historical fiction in general and WW2 in particular. It is a work of fiction, but sure gives you a glimpse of how life was back then and – being German myself - I can't stress enough how important it is to tell these stories to prevent history repeating itself.

Thank you to Boldwood Books, Catherine Law and NetGalley for this ARC!

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy reading historical fiction books and especially when they are set during WWII. I feel like this genre is inundated with books, so it is difficult for me to find one with an aspect from that time period for which I am not familiar. This particular book was a good read, but it covered the same story I have read multiple times. This is less a “horrors of WWII” book but introduces you to two young women who are affected by the war. This is a emotional read that demonstrates loyalty and dedication and the amazing strength of friendship.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

[Ash Laverty · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is 3am and I am still awake because I could not bear to go to sleep before finishing this book!

I loved the characters of Murielle and Zoe, and of Claude and Harry. Their relationships were so well thought out and were the main thing I loved about this book.

I did not like the ending, I felt like the last few chapters were rushed and could have been fleshed out more - there even could have been enough material for a sequel. I finished the book with more questions than answers.

Overall this is a great book, and I would recommend it.

4 stars out of 5 ⭐️

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is set in France during the occupation. Two best friends one a Jewish girl move to Paris. This is a tale describing what occupation was like. On a trip back home the chance upon a wounded British airman who they rescue and nurse back to health the story tells of how they struggle to survive and both fall in love one with the airman and the other with Claude who helps them escape France.
It was a lovely story despite being a difficult topic
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood books for my arc copy

[Marixsa Landeros · Rating 4 out of 5]

So hard to put down! Its been a long time since a book has made me want to do nothing else but read, and this book changed that. This book is so descriptive of the scenery and details i felt like i was in the book! Zoe and Murielle have such a true friendship that has faced many obstacles but remained tight. So heartbreaking yet inspiring! If love reading WW2 , the journey of jewish families during this time and female friendships definitely give this book a read!

Definitely read the trigger warning before reading!

[Linda Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Paris Seamstress by Catherine Law is a moving WWII historical fiction novel set in France mainly in 1940-41, but with flashbacks to an event or two in 1933. The story revolves around Murielle, a young Jewess, and her friend Zoë. They face many challenges and life-changing decisions. They are courageous young women with an intriguing story. However, the story was incomplete. The epilogue needed to reveal more regarding Zoë and left us hanging. And Murielle?

[linda hole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a little bit torn about how i feel about this book. I really liked the main characters, their strength and love for each other. I liked the atmosphere. I liled the sisterhood, how far they are Willing to go for each other. But some parts i feel could have a little bit more meat on the bone. And my favorite part is the ending. It was so good. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

[Elaine Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murielle and Zoe are best friends and are roommates in Paris.Murielle is doing the job she has always wanted to do,be a seamstress and Zoe is a teacher.Zoe is living with things that happened too her in the past and Murielle is living with the fact that she is Jewish. When they find a British injured airmen they find themselves helping him to escape back too England.This story has them working for the resistance, along with love for them both.Will things turn out safely for them?

[Sue Rouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tale of Muriel’s a seamstress and Zoe a teacher. As war is declared and the Germans invade France they both move to Paris to fulfill their dreams but as Muriel’s is Jewish they have to leave along with a British airman they have hidden. A storyline that although it happened is fiction. My only complaint is that I felt disappointed that the end ended abruptly and there was no obvious book to come. Thanks to Catherine and her publisher Boldwood.

[Margaret Wray · Rating 5 out of 5]

The friendship of two girls set in France during the war years. The segregation of the Jewish people from normal life that did not separate the girls. A bit of resistance towards the Nazis and bravery by protecting an English pilot.
A bit slow to start at first but then it was unputtable for me. The ending was heart wrenching so there was more that could have been added. Did they all survive?

[Kacey/Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a compelling and inspiring story. The historical context of this book is fascinating and enlightening. So much heartbreaking during the 40’s.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to follow

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a WWII story that is well researched and makes me feel as if I am there. They are emotional, struggles, friendship and pulling together. Loved this story!

[Su Thor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a heartfelt and inspiring read. Set in occupied France, it beautifully captures both the hardships of war and the strength of the human spirit. I loved following the courageous women of the Resistance and seeing the bonds of friendship and love develop amid such difficult circumstances. A truly absorbing story that stayed with me after I turned the final page. I loved every minute of it. Thanks to Catherine Law, Boldwood and netgalley for the advance copy to read and review - all the opinions given in this review are given freely and are my own.. It was a real pleasure.