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The Paris Dressmaker: A Novel of WWII
Based on true accounts of how Parisiennes resisted the Nazi occupation in World War II—from fashion houses to the city streets—comes a story of two courageous women who risked everything to fight an evil they couldn’t abide.
Paris, 1939. Maison Chanel has closed, thrusting haute couture dressmaker Lila de Laurent out of the world of high fashion as Nazi soldiers invade the streets and the City of Lights slips into darkness. Lila’s life is now a series of rations, brutal restrictions, and carefully controlled propaganda while Paris is cut off from the rest of the world. Yet in hidden corners of the city, the faithful pledge to resist. Lila is drawn to La Resistance and is soon using her skills as a dressmaker to infiltrate the Nazi elite. She takes their measurements and designs masterpieces, all while collecting secrets in the glamorous Hôtel Ritz—the heart of the Nazis’ Parisian headquarters. But when dashing René Touliard suddenly reenters her world, Lila finds her heart tangled between determination to help save his Jewish family and bolstering the fight for liberation.
Paris, 1943. Sandrine Paquet’s job is to catalog the priceless works of art bound for the Führer’s Berlin, masterpieces stolen from prominent Jewish families. But behind closed doors, she secretly forages for information from the underground resistance. Beneath her compliant façade lies a woman bent on uncovering the fate of her missing husband . . . but at what cost? As Hitler’s regime crumbles, Sandrine is drawn in deeper when she uncrates an exquisite blush Chanel gown concealing a cryptic message that may reveal the fate of a dressmaker who vanished from within the fashion elite.
Told across the span of the Nazi occupation, The Paris Dressmaker highlights the brave women who used everything in their power to resist darkness and restore light to their world.
Paris, 1939. Maison Chanel has closed, thrusting haute couture dressmaker Lila de Laurent out of the world of high fashion as Nazi soldiers invade the streets and the City of Lights slips into darkness. Lila’s life is now a series of rations, brutal restrictions, and carefully controlled propaganda while Paris is cut off from the rest of the world. Yet in hidden corners of the city, the faithful pledge to resist. Lila is drawn to La Resistance and is soon using her skills as a dressmaker to infiltrate the Nazi elite. She takes their measurements and designs masterpieces, all while collecting secrets in the glamorous Hôtel Ritz—the heart of the Nazis’ Parisian headquarters. But when dashing René Touliard suddenly reenters her world, Lila finds her heart tangled between determination to help save his Jewish family and bolstering the fight for liberation.
Paris, 1943. Sandrine Paquet’s job is to catalog the priceless works of art bound for the Führer’s Berlin, masterpieces stolen from prominent Jewish families. But behind closed doors, she secretly forages for information from the underground resistance. Beneath her compliant façade lies a woman bent on uncovering the fate of her missing husband . . . but at what cost? As Hitler’s regime crumbles, Sandrine is drawn in deeper when she uncrates an exquisite blush Chanel gown concealing a cryptic message that may reveal the fate of a dressmaker who vanished from within the fashion elite.
Told across the span of the Nazi occupation, The Paris Dressmaker highlights the brave women who used everything in their power to resist darkness and restore light to their world.
379 pages, Paperback
First published February 16, 2021
846 people are currently reading
17560 people want to read
About the author
Kristy Cambron
20 books2,735 followersKristy Cambron is a USA TODAY bestselling author who writes from the space where beauty, art, and history intersect. She's an award-winning author of historical fiction, including her internationally bestselling novels, THE BUTTERFLY AND THE VIOLIN and THE PARIS DRESSMAKER, as well as nonfiction titles. Her work has been named to Cosmopolitan's Best Historical Fiction Novels, Library Journal’s Best Books, and has been featured at People Magazine, Once Upon a Book Club Box, Frolic, Book Club Girl, BookBub, and Country Woman magazine.
Her new novel, THE FRENCH KITCHEN, is available now -- in which an ex-pat wife haunted by her experiences as an undercover agent in the American OSS during WWII crosses paths with chef Julia Child in a post-war Paris cookery class, complicating the carefully constructed high-society world she’s built to hide her past.
Kristy holds a degree in art history/research writing and spent fifteen years in education and leadership development for a Fortune 100 corporation, partnering with such companies as the Disney Institute, IBM/Kenexa, and Gallup before stepping away to pursue her passion for storytelling. She's also served as Vice President and a literary agent with Gardner Literary.
Kristy lives in Indiana with her husband and three basketball-loving sons, where she can probably be bribed with a peppermint mocha latte and a good read.
(Note: *Kristy does not use AI in her work. Please visit: kristycambron.com/contact for more information.)
To connect with Kristy, visit:
Kristy's Website: https://kristycambron.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristycambron/
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@kristycambron
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KCambronAuthor/
And sign up for her newsletter: https://kristycambron.myflodesk.com/
Her new novel, THE FRENCH KITCHEN, is available now -- in which an ex-pat wife haunted by her experiences as an undercover agent in the American OSS during WWII crosses paths with chef Julia Child in a post-war Paris cookery class, complicating the carefully constructed high-society world she’s built to hide her past.
Kristy holds a degree in art history/research writing and spent fifteen years in education and leadership development for a Fortune 100 corporation, partnering with such companies as the Disney Institute, IBM/Kenexa, and Gallup before stepping away to pursue her passion for storytelling. She's also served as Vice President and a literary agent with Gardner Literary.
Kristy lives in Indiana with her husband and three basketball-loving sons, where she can probably be bribed with a peppermint mocha latte and a good read.
(Note: *Kristy does not use AI in her work. Please visit: kristycambron.com/contact for more information.)
To connect with Kristy, visit:
Kristy's Website: https://kristycambron.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristycambron/
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@kristycambron
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KCambronAuthor/
And sign up for her newsletter: https://kristycambron.myflodesk.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,134 reviews
March 1, 2021
EXCERPT: “I have been asking myself who I intend to be when this war is over—the woman with much who gave little, or the woman with little who gave much. That is always the question, isn’t it, when we walk through the fire in our lives? And I now know my answer.”
ABOUT 'THE PARIS DRESSMAKER': Based on true accounts of how Parisiennes resisted the Nazi occupation in World War II—from fashion houses to the city streets—comes a story of two courageous women who risked everything to fight an evil they couldn’t abide.
Paris, 1939. Maison Chanel has closed, thrusting haute couture dressmaker Lila de Laurent out of the world of high fashion as Nazi soldiers invade the streets and the City of Lights slips into darkness. Lila’s life is now a series of rations, brutal restrictions, and carefully controlled propaganda while Paris is cut off from the rest of the world. Yet in hidden corners of the city, the faithful pledge to resist. Lila is drawn to La Resistance and is soon using her skills as a dressmaker to infiltrate the Nazi elite. She takes their measurements and designs masterpieces, all while collecting secrets in the glamorous Hôtel Ritz—the heart of the Nazis’ Parisian headquarters. But when dashing René Touliard suddenly reenters her world, Lila finds her heart tangled between determination to help save his Jewish family and bolstering the fight for liberation.
Paris, 1943. Sandrine Paquet’s job is to catalog the priceless works of art bound for the Führer’s Berlin, masterpieces stolen from prominent Jewish families. But behind closed doors, she secretly forages for information from the underground resistance. Beneath her compliant façade lies a woman bent on uncovering the fate of her missing husband . . . but at what cost? As Hitler’s regime crumbles, Sandrine is drawn in deeper when she uncrates an exquisite blush Chanel gown concealing a cryptic message that may reveal the fate of a dressmaker who vanished from within the fashion elite.
Told across the span of the Nazi occupation, The Paris Dressmaker highlights the brave women who used everything in their power to resist darkness and restore light to their world.
MY THOUGHTS: I struggled. I really wanted to like this, but it fell flat for me and I did consider abandoning the read.
The Paris Dressmaker is a book that would have worked better for me in a chronological timeline. It jumps all over the place. 1939, to 1943, then back to 1940. It was confusing and sometimes I had trouble remembering who was who, and who was related to who until I got well into the story. The chapters are headed with the date and the location, but not whose point of view we are reading. These problems severely impacted my enjoyment, and I never became invested in the storyline, or the outcomes for the characters.
The pace is agonisingly slow and I felt that the story was centred more on the characters relationships than their resistance work. It also felt rather 'sanitised'. I prefer a grittier approach. This was all the more disappointing as The Paris Dressmaker is supposedly based on true accounts.
I had a few other minor niggles too. The book is set in Paris, France, but Sandrine Paquet is often referred to as Mrs Pacquet. Surely it should have been Madame or, in the case of the Germans, Frau. I don't know why this irritated me so much, but it did.
The Paris Dressmaker was a disappointing read for me. None of it felt real and there is little connection between Lila's and Sandrine's stories until the very end. By then, it was far too late for me. I simply didn't care.
While the narrator, Barrie Kreinik, has a beautiful voice, I don't think it was well suited to this story.
Reading is a personal and subjective experience, and what appeals to one may not please another. So if you enjoyed the excerpt from The Paris Dressmaker, and the plot outline appeals, please do go ahead and read it. Just because it wasn't for me, doesn't mean that you won't enjoy this.
⭐⭐
#TheParisDressmaker #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: KRISTY CAMBRON is a vintage-inspired storyteller writing from the space where art, history, and faith intersect. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons, where she can be found penning her next stories in a beloved coffee shop corner with kayaks on the wall. (She's only bumped her head twice...)
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan via Netgalley for providing an ARC of the audiobook of The Paris Dressmaker, written by Kristy Cambron and narrated by Barrie Kreinik, for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT 'THE PARIS DRESSMAKER': Based on true accounts of how Parisiennes resisted the Nazi occupation in World War II—from fashion houses to the city streets—comes a story of two courageous women who risked everything to fight an evil they couldn’t abide.
Paris, 1939. Maison Chanel has closed, thrusting haute couture dressmaker Lila de Laurent out of the world of high fashion as Nazi soldiers invade the streets and the City of Lights slips into darkness. Lila’s life is now a series of rations, brutal restrictions, and carefully controlled propaganda while Paris is cut off from the rest of the world. Yet in hidden corners of the city, the faithful pledge to resist. Lila is drawn to La Resistance and is soon using her skills as a dressmaker to infiltrate the Nazi elite. She takes their measurements and designs masterpieces, all while collecting secrets in the glamorous Hôtel Ritz—the heart of the Nazis’ Parisian headquarters. But when dashing René Touliard suddenly reenters her world, Lila finds her heart tangled between determination to help save his Jewish family and bolstering the fight for liberation.
Paris, 1943. Sandrine Paquet’s job is to catalog the priceless works of art bound for the Führer’s Berlin, masterpieces stolen from prominent Jewish families. But behind closed doors, she secretly forages for information from the underground resistance. Beneath her compliant façade lies a woman bent on uncovering the fate of her missing husband . . . but at what cost? As Hitler’s regime crumbles, Sandrine is drawn in deeper when she uncrates an exquisite blush Chanel gown concealing a cryptic message that may reveal the fate of a dressmaker who vanished from within the fashion elite.
Told across the span of the Nazi occupation, The Paris Dressmaker highlights the brave women who used everything in their power to resist darkness and restore light to their world.
MY THOUGHTS: I struggled. I really wanted to like this, but it fell flat for me and I did consider abandoning the read.
The Paris Dressmaker is a book that would have worked better for me in a chronological timeline. It jumps all over the place. 1939, to 1943, then back to 1940. It was confusing and sometimes I had trouble remembering who was who, and who was related to who until I got well into the story. The chapters are headed with the date and the location, but not whose point of view we are reading. These problems severely impacted my enjoyment, and I never became invested in the storyline, or the outcomes for the characters.
The pace is agonisingly slow and I felt that the story was centred more on the characters relationships than their resistance work. It also felt rather 'sanitised'. I prefer a grittier approach. This was all the more disappointing as The Paris Dressmaker is supposedly based on true accounts.
I had a few other minor niggles too. The book is set in Paris, France, but Sandrine Paquet is often referred to as Mrs Pacquet. Surely it should have been Madame or, in the case of the Germans, Frau. I don't know why this irritated me so much, but it did.
The Paris Dressmaker was a disappointing read for me. None of it felt real and there is little connection between Lila's and Sandrine's stories until the very end. By then, it was far too late for me. I simply didn't care.
While the narrator, Barrie Kreinik, has a beautiful voice, I don't think it was well suited to this story.
Reading is a personal and subjective experience, and what appeals to one may not please another. So if you enjoyed the excerpt from The Paris Dressmaker, and the plot outline appeals, please do go ahead and read it. Just because it wasn't for me, doesn't mean that you won't enjoy this.
⭐⭐
#TheParisDressmaker #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: KRISTY CAMBRON is a vintage-inspired storyteller writing from the space where art, history, and faith intersect. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons, where she can be found penning her next stories in a beloved coffee shop corner with kayaks on the wall. (She's only bumped her head twice...)
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan via Netgalley for providing an ARC of the audiobook of The Paris Dressmaker, written by Kristy Cambron and narrated by Barrie Kreinik, for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
February 3, 2021
JUST DIDN'T DO IT FOR ME
I see how many others adore this book. I wish I was one of them. But it just annoys me 🤷♀️
👎 What I Disliked 👎
Dual everything: This is a case of too many good ideas all at once. We have multiple POVs as well as multiple timelines, that don't add up or follow any logical rythm. For me it was too much working constantly having to switch between not only the different POVs but also the different times in the story. Too often I had to go back to be able to make sense of the things that were happening. For me, this should have been either the one or the other. Not both. It doesn't work.
Timelines: To cap it off, the multiple timelines made no difference what so ever. It was a completely unnecessary and confusing gimmick that didn't add anything of value to the story.
Connection: The connection between the two storylines/POVs (Sandrine and Lila) was simply too weak and came to late in the story. The great thing about dual storylines is that feeling of recognition you get, when something from the one story suddenly shows up in the other. This didn't happen in this book until the very end and by then I just didn't care. Furthermore, the thing that connected these two stories was so inconsequential in the end that I just didn't buy into it.
Characters: There were none of the characters that I cared about in any way. They didn't feel real to me.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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Blog Post: 15 Books to Read if You Love Jane Austen
I see how many others adore this book. I wish I was one of them. But it just annoys me 🤷♀️
👎 What I Disliked 👎
Dual everything: This is a case of too many good ideas all at once. We have multiple POVs as well as multiple timelines, that don't add up or follow any logical rythm. For me it was too much working constantly having to switch between not only the different POVs but also the different times in the story. Too often I had to go back to be able to make sense of the things that were happening. For me, this should have been either the one or the other. Not both. It doesn't work.
Timelines: To cap it off, the multiple timelines made no difference what so ever. It was a completely unnecessary and confusing gimmick that didn't add anything of value to the story.
Connection: The connection between the two storylines/POVs (Sandrine and Lila) was simply too weak and came to late in the story. The great thing about dual storylines is that feeling of recognition you get, when something from the one story suddenly shows up in the other. This didn't happen in this book until the very end and by then I just didn't care. Furthermore, the thing that connected these two stories was so inconsequential in the end that I just didn't buy into it.
Characters: There were none of the characters that I cared about in any way. They didn't feel real to me.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Follow me for more book loving content!
Blog ✨ Facebook ✨ Instagram ✨ Twitter
Blog Post: 15 Books to Read if You Love Jane Austen
December 10, 2023
Paris, 1939.
Lila de Laurent and her friend Amelie work for Coco Chanel as dressmakers and one day they arrive at work to find the salon closed. Lila begins working for another fashion designer Nina Ricci and she dresses the German officer’s mistresses living at the Ritz hotel. Life in France during the Second World War is hard, the city has been completely over run by German soldiers and they take everything. Lila joins the La Resistance, her job at the Ritz provides perfect cover, the soldiers girlfriends like to chat while being measured for their new gowns and it gives Lila access to high ranking German officer’s rooms. When pastry chef René Touliard saves her from being captured, she’s drawn deeper into the resistance and she’s really worried the Germans will see through her disguise.
Paris, 1943.
Sandrine Paquet’s husband Christian is missing in action, she’s hopeful he’s still alive and she has a six year old son Henri. Captain Von Hiller notices her; she’s requisitioned by him to catalog priceless art stolen by the Nazi’s and it’s being shipped to Germany. Sandrine is considered a collaborator, of course she can’t tell anyone the truth and she actually passes on information to the resistance. When she’s asked by Captain Von Hiller to unbox a beautiful blush colored Chanel gown, she’s shocked to find a piece of stock card sewn into a seam and it has a message written on it.
The German's in Paris know the end of the war is near, for Lila and Sandrine it makes life harder. Lila and René are fighting with the La Resistance in the streets of Paris and Sandrine is desperately trying to dodge Captain Von Hiller’s advances. The Paris Dressmaker is a story about two strong French women risking their lives to free France, to end the Germans reign of terror in the city of lights and both have a link to that beautiful blush gown. I received a copy of the book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review and four stars from me.
Lila de Laurent and her friend Amelie work for Coco Chanel as dressmakers and one day they arrive at work to find the salon closed. Lila begins working for another fashion designer Nina Ricci and she dresses the German officer’s mistresses living at the Ritz hotel. Life in France during the Second World War is hard, the city has been completely over run by German soldiers and they take everything. Lila joins the La Resistance, her job at the Ritz provides perfect cover, the soldiers girlfriends like to chat while being measured for their new gowns and it gives Lila access to high ranking German officer’s rooms. When pastry chef René Touliard saves her from being captured, she’s drawn deeper into the resistance and she’s really worried the Germans will see through her disguise.
Paris, 1943.
Sandrine Paquet’s husband Christian is missing in action, she’s hopeful he’s still alive and she has a six year old son Henri. Captain Von Hiller notices her; she’s requisitioned by him to catalog priceless art stolen by the Nazi’s and it’s being shipped to Germany. Sandrine is considered a collaborator, of course she can’t tell anyone the truth and she actually passes on information to the resistance. When she’s asked by Captain Von Hiller to unbox a beautiful blush colored Chanel gown, she’s shocked to find a piece of stock card sewn into a seam and it has a message written on it.
The German's in Paris know the end of the war is near, for Lila and Sandrine it makes life harder. Lila and René are fighting with the La Resistance in the streets of Paris and Sandrine is desperately trying to dodge Captain Von Hiller’s advances. The Paris Dressmaker is a story about two strong French women risking their lives to free France, to end the Germans reign of terror in the city of lights and both have a link to that beautiful blush gown. I received a copy of the book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review and four stars from me.
February 16, 2021
Rich with evocative descriptions of Paris and harrowing details of life during the German occupation, The Paris Dressmaker satisfies on all levels. Kristy Cambron deftly weaves multiple timelines to craft a story as complex and romantic and beautiful as a couture gown. In addition, Lila and Sandrine’s strength and courage in a troubled world inspire us to live likewise. Tres magnifique!
December 17, 2020
3.5 stars
France, 1943. Lila works with the Resistance and it leads her to Rene, a man she’s met over four years ago. And she has just found out that he is “a willing Nazi collaborateur.” Or rather a posing pastry chef who delivers his delicacies to the Nazis and truly working for the Resistance.
1939. As her story goes back in time, it reveals how they’ve met and what happened between them. Lila is a seamstress working for La Maison Chanel. As Chanel closes her Paris salon, Nina Ricci reopens her house and hires Lila as a dressmaker. Using her skills, this further leads her to infiltrate the Nazi elite as she takes their measurements.
Paris, 1944. Sandrine, a mother with a six year old son, also works for the Resistance, but what people see is a Collaborator with the Nazis. She works for them in their “art department” of “relocating art pieces” as they steal them from prominent Jewish families. The women secretly catalog those stolen pieces of art. One day, they receive a crate containing Chanel gown which holds a cryptic message.
1939. As her story goes back in time, it reveals her last precious moments with her husband before he is off to war. Later, her trying to get a word about safety of her husband and how it leads her to the Resistance network. It also reveals how she got involved working for the Nazis.
I didn’t find it difficult to follow all those stories. It’s not just two stories alternating between two women, but also two timelines for each woman. Because of those four storylines it takes a moment to get into the story. Then, I was absorbed in it for a time, except the first storyline of Lila in 1943 which is descriptive from the very beginning. At some point, each story becomes descriptive, slowing the pace.
The history behind all those stolen art pieces and the Resistance work are always interesting facts of history, but the way it’s related in this story I didn’t find it very engaging.
There are plenty of readers who will enjoy this story of two courageous women and the Resistance work.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
France, 1943. Lila works with the Resistance and it leads her to Rene, a man she’s met over four years ago. And she has just found out that he is “a willing Nazi collaborateur.” Or rather a posing pastry chef who delivers his delicacies to the Nazis and truly working for the Resistance.
1939. As her story goes back in time, it reveals how they’ve met and what happened between them. Lila is a seamstress working for La Maison Chanel. As Chanel closes her Paris salon, Nina Ricci reopens her house and hires Lila as a dressmaker. Using her skills, this further leads her to infiltrate the Nazi elite as she takes their measurements.
Paris, 1944. Sandrine, a mother with a six year old son, also works for the Resistance, but what people see is a Collaborator with the Nazis. She works for them in their “art department” of “relocating art pieces” as they steal them from prominent Jewish families. The women secretly catalog those stolen pieces of art. One day, they receive a crate containing Chanel gown which holds a cryptic message.
1939. As her story goes back in time, it reveals her last precious moments with her husband before he is off to war. Later, her trying to get a word about safety of her husband and how it leads her to the Resistance network. It also reveals how she got involved working for the Nazis.
I didn’t find it difficult to follow all those stories. It’s not just two stories alternating between two women, but also two timelines for each woman. Because of those four storylines it takes a moment to get into the story. Then, I was absorbed in it for a time, except the first storyline of Lila in 1943 which is descriptive from the very beginning. At some point, each story becomes descriptive, slowing the pace.
The history behind all those stolen art pieces and the Resistance work are always interesting facts of history, but the way it’s related in this story I didn’t find it very engaging.
There are plenty of readers who will enjoy this story of two courageous women and the Resistance work.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 8, 2021
The Paris Dressmaker by Kristy Cambron was a brilliant historical novel that was beautifully written. I listened to the audiobook that was pleasantly narrated by Barrie Kreinik. Years ago, I had read Kristy Cabron’s book, The Butterfly and the Violin and had thought at the time that it was one of the best books I had had the opportunity to read. The Paris Dressmaker made a great impression on me as well. The characters in The Paris Dressmaker were so well developed and most memorable. Kristy Cambron developed strong women characters in her book. They radiated courage, defiance, strength and conviction. The Paris Dressmaker was based on true accounts of actual situations that occurred during the Nazi occupation of Paris. Parisienne members of La Resistance risked their lives every day as they helped to stop the Nazis from accomplishing a multitude of evil acts. In The Paris Dressmaker, two extremely brave women risked all that was important to them to separately fight the evils of the Nazi regime. This book was written in a dual time line that effortlessly flowed from chapter to chapter.
In 1939, many of the couture dress houses were closing all over Paris. House of Chanel was among those that closed their doors. When that happened, Lila de Laurent found that she was out of work in a most compromised time. With the Nazi invasion of Paris there was more and more restrictions being placed on the people of Paris. Food and necessary everyday necessities were being rationed. Lila found that her talents as an experienced dressmaker were being sought out by the wives, girlfriends and mistresses of the German elite. Most were housed in the exclusive Hotel Ritz which had become the official Nazi headquarters. In this capacity, Lila found that she had became privy to revealing conversations and guarded secrets. Lila soon found herself tangled in the web of the French resistance. It was during that time that Lila also rediscovered Rene Touliard. He had swept her off her feet years ago and then had disappeared once the war began. All that time Lila had thought Rene was either dead or gone, he had become an intricate and important member of the resistance. Their love for each other was rekindled upon their discovery that they were both working for the resistance.
In 1943, Sandrine Paquet found herself living with her husband’s parents and her young son. Her husband had gone off to fight with the other French soldiers. Sandrine worried endlessly about her dear husband’s fate. News was extremely hard to come by. Sandrine was cataloging priceless pieces of art for the Nazis. She was forced to accept this position. Sandrine and some of the other women she worked with were determined to get the information they were finding to the underground French resistance. The Nazis had stolen countless pieces of extremely valuable art from prominent Jewish families and were determined to send them to Berlin. Sandrine and her coworkers were trying to prevent this.
As the Nazi regime crumbled, the determination of these women was so apparent. Their unrelenting courage allowed them to expose the treacherous acts of the Nazis. These endeavors became their focus. The Paris Dressmaker was a most compelling book. Revealed within the pages of this book were some of the horrific atrocities the Nazis committed during their time in Paris and how these brave women and men worked tirelessly to undo them. The author’s note at the end of the audiobook gave insight to the actual events that took place and the consequences they brought.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Publishers for giving me the opportunity to listen to this advanced copy of the audiobook of The Paris Dressmaker by Kristy Cambron through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
In 1939, many of the couture dress houses were closing all over Paris. House of Chanel was among those that closed their doors. When that happened, Lila de Laurent found that she was out of work in a most compromised time. With the Nazi invasion of Paris there was more and more restrictions being placed on the people of Paris. Food and necessary everyday necessities were being rationed. Lila found that her talents as an experienced dressmaker were being sought out by the wives, girlfriends and mistresses of the German elite. Most were housed in the exclusive Hotel Ritz which had become the official Nazi headquarters. In this capacity, Lila found that she had became privy to revealing conversations and guarded secrets. Lila soon found herself tangled in the web of the French resistance. It was during that time that Lila also rediscovered Rene Touliard. He had swept her off her feet years ago and then had disappeared once the war began. All that time Lila had thought Rene was either dead or gone, he had become an intricate and important member of the resistance. Their love for each other was rekindled upon their discovery that they were both working for the resistance.
In 1943, Sandrine Paquet found herself living with her husband’s parents and her young son. Her husband had gone off to fight with the other French soldiers. Sandrine worried endlessly about her dear husband’s fate. News was extremely hard to come by. Sandrine was cataloging priceless pieces of art for the Nazis. She was forced to accept this position. Sandrine and some of the other women she worked with were determined to get the information they were finding to the underground French resistance. The Nazis had stolen countless pieces of extremely valuable art from prominent Jewish families and were determined to send them to Berlin. Sandrine and her coworkers were trying to prevent this.
As the Nazi regime crumbled, the determination of these women was so apparent. Their unrelenting courage allowed them to expose the treacherous acts of the Nazis. These endeavors became their focus. The Paris Dressmaker was a most compelling book. Revealed within the pages of this book were some of the horrific atrocities the Nazis committed during their time in Paris and how these brave women and men worked tirelessly to undo them. The author’s note at the end of the audiobook gave insight to the actual events that took place and the consequences they brought.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Publishers for giving me the opportunity to listen to this advanced copy of the audiobook of The Paris Dressmaker by Kristy Cambron through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 31, 2021
The Paris Dressmaker is a beautiful tribute to the many faithful Parisenne's who didn't give up on their city during the occupation. Though Lila de Laurent and Sandrine Paquet only have one actual meeting and short in duration, we the reader are shown how their activity for La Resistance intersected but not necessarily to the characters. Both Lila and Sandrine stood strong in their fight to take back their city, their country, and ultimately, their home, and the measures they took in the name of freedom. The Paris Dressmaker sucked me in and the intensity of the writing which was wonderful lays the groundwork for making what is history become real again in this reader's mind. Kristy Cambron always writes with passion, but The Paris Dressmaker in my opinion is her best yet.
My gratitude to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
My gratitude to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 31, 2023
Two very determined women on two different missions channel their survival instincts into one goal; They risk everything for the resistance against the Nazis.
In 1939, Lila, a dressmaker for the elite in the Hotel Ritz in Paris, collectively uses her skills to transfer propaganda to the resistance groups through the garments she details. She works along with her Jewish boyfriend, Rene', a pastry chef working against the Parisian Headquarters.
In 1943, Sandrine, works to classify priceless art items the Fuhrer has stolen from the Jews. She works for the underground continuously in search for her husband's fate after being taken from their home by the Nazis.
Their world's connect when Sandrine uncovers a Chanel gown with a cryptic note nestled inside from a dressmaker that has vanished from the elite fashion world.
The uniqueness of the connections made during this time period is well captured by Kristy Cambron, as she portrays a different version of the Holocaust. These stories are courageous. It never ceases to amaze me the strength and resilience these people portray as loved ones are dragged from the home, possibly never seeing them again. The abuse, starvation and the will to survive are always at the forefront when I read how these people risked everything to fight such an evil force.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my review of this book.
In 1939, Lila, a dressmaker for the elite in the Hotel Ritz in Paris, collectively uses her skills to transfer propaganda to the resistance groups through the garments she details. She works along with her Jewish boyfriend, Rene', a pastry chef working against the Parisian Headquarters.
In 1943, Sandrine, works to classify priceless art items the Fuhrer has stolen from the Jews. She works for the underground continuously in search for her husband's fate after being taken from their home by the Nazis.
Their world's connect when Sandrine uncovers a Chanel gown with a cryptic note nestled inside from a dressmaker that has vanished from the elite fashion world.
The uniqueness of the connections made during this time period is well captured by Kristy Cambron, as she portrays a different version of the Holocaust. These stories are courageous. It never ceases to amaze me the strength and resilience these people portray as loved ones are dragged from the home, possibly never seeing them again. The abuse, starvation and the will to survive are always at the forefront when I read how these people risked everything to fight such an evil force.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my review of this book.
May 17, 2021
Paris is under siege by the Nazi's and the citizens are doing their best to survive. Lila de Laurent makes couture dresses for the mistresses of the Nazi officers living at the Ritz, gleaning information from their idle chatter, passing it on to those who can benefit from the knowledge. Sandrine, determined to keep her young son safe, is conscripted into cataloging the artwork stolen from Jewish families. Her neighbors believe she has betrayed her country, but Sandrine is secretly keeping records of the art and where it is sent in hopes of it being returned to the rightful owner.
Based on the lives of real heroines, both women risked their lives to fight for their beloved city and county.
While I enjoyed the stories of Lila, Sandrine and the others who fought for the Resistance, the flow of the timeline and the characters was disjointed at times.
3.5 stars.
Based on the lives of real heroines, both women risked their lives to fight for their beloved city and county.
While I enjoyed the stories of Lila, Sandrine and the others who fought for the Resistance, the flow of the timeline and the characters was disjointed at times.
3.5 stars.
December 11, 2021
Richly detailed and based on true accounts of how Parisiennes resisted the Nazi occupation in World War II. This novel encompasses the time span of the Nazi occupation. Two courageous women in Paris 1939-Paris 1943 defy the odds bringing light into a very dark time historically.
Pub Date 16 Feb 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Pub Date 16 Feb 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
March 25, 2021
3.5*
The Paris Dressmaker is a compelling story exploring the courageous actions of Parisienne women during the German occupation of the city in World War 2. While a fictionalised account, the story is inspired by actual events and features a couple of supporting characters who existed in the real world.
Lila de Laurent is the eponymous dressmaker, employed by the house of Chanel prior to the war, but she and her friend Amelié lose their jobs when their boss, Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel elects to close down the business for the duration of the war. (Chanel spent those years in the lap of luxury, courtesy of her Nazi paramour, and is now known to have actively collaborated in the destruction of competitors' - particularly those of Jewish faith - lives and businesses, for her own commercial gain post-war.) The two women must find a way to survive the years ahead, and choose very different ways of doing so.
Meanwhile, art historian Sandrine Paquet must farewell her beloved husband, Christian, as he heads off to the front. She remains in Paris with their young son and her parents-in-law, and is employed by the Nazi overlords to help sort and catalogue stolen artworks before they're shipped to Germany for the Fuhrer's collection. Unfortunately, she's caught the attention of her Nazi supervisor, Captain Von Hiller, and struggles to avoid his unwanted advances without placing herself and her family in even greater danger.
Over the course of the story, both women become involved in La Résistance, the famed underground network of French patriots who work to undermine and, ultimately, overthrow the German oppressors. A stunning haute couture Chanel gown from 1938 links their two stories.
I've read several books over the past year focussing, at least in part, on the Nazi occupation of Paris beween June 1940 and August 1944 - Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale and Alex Landragin's Crossings being standouts - and as such the subject matter was reasonably familiar territory. The setting certainly provides a high-tension backdrop, in which "ordinary" people endured incredible hardship and were called upon to carry out extraordinary actions of courage and patriotism. I found both Lila and Sandrine's stories compelling and, on occasion, nerve-wracking. It's evident that Kristy Cambron has based her narrative on a great deal of historical research.
However, I felt that the book was over-long at 400 pages, and that the two separate character storylines, with back-and-forth timeframes in both made this an unnecessarily complicated reading experience. Either story would, in my opinion, have alone provided sufficient material and interest upon which to base a novel, and I wonder whether The Paris Dressmaker might have been more successful as a pair of interrelated titles. The links between the two stories are sufficiently minor that the narrative arc wouldn't suffer unduly.
My other concern relates to the cover design, which I note several reviewers have commented attracted them to the book initially. It is an attractive design, and the dress is undeniably beautiful, but to me seems anachronistic. Chanel designs c.1938 (which the depicted dress purports to be) tended to be of a sleeker silhouette with some shoulder emphasis. The dress pictured appears to me more of a 1950s-vintage gown, featuring the fuller skirts that post-war prosperity enabled. See the following images for comparison:
i
ii
iii
iv
(i and ii are both Chanel gowns c.1938, iii is a Chanel gown c.1950s and iv is Chanel c.1955.)
I found The Paris Dressmaker to be an intriguing read, and would recommend it to those who enjoy fact-based historical fiction and strong female protagonists.
My thanks to the author, Kristy Cambron, publisher Thomas Nelson, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
The Paris Dressmaker is a compelling story exploring the courageous actions of Parisienne women during the German occupation of the city in World War 2. While a fictionalised account, the story is inspired by actual events and features a couple of supporting characters who existed in the real world.
Lila de Laurent is the eponymous dressmaker, employed by the house of Chanel prior to the war, but she and her friend Amelié lose their jobs when their boss, Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel elects to close down the business for the duration of the war. (Chanel spent those years in the lap of luxury, courtesy of her Nazi paramour, and is now known to have actively collaborated in the destruction of competitors' - particularly those of Jewish faith - lives and businesses, for her own commercial gain post-war.) The two women must find a way to survive the years ahead, and choose very different ways of doing so.
Meanwhile, art historian Sandrine Paquet must farewell her beloved husband, Christian, as he heads off to the front. She remains in Paris with their young son and her parents-in-law, and is employed by the Nazi overlords to help sort and catalogue stolen artworks before they're shipped to Germany for the Fuhrer's collection. Unfortunately, she's caught the attention of her Nazi supervisor, Captain Von Hiller, and struggles to avoid his unwanted advances without placing herself and her family in even greater danger.
Over the course of the story, both women become involved in La Résistance, the famed underground network of French patriots who work to undermine and, ultimately, overthrow the German oppressors. A stunning haute couture Chanel gown from 1938 links their two stories.
I've read several books over the past year focussing, at least in part, on the Nazi occupation of Paris beween June 1940 and August 1944 - Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale and Alex Landragin's Crossings being standouts - and as such the subject matter was reasonably familiar territory. The setting certainly provides a high-tension backdrop, in which "ordinary" people endured incredible hardship and were called upon to carry out extraordinary actions of courage and patriotism. I found both Lila and Sandrine's stories compelling and, on occasion, nerve-wracking. It's evident that Kristy Cambron has based her narrative on a great deal of historical research.
However, I felt that the book was over-long at 400 pages, and that the two separate character storylines, with back-and-forth timeframes in both made this an unnecessarily complicated reading experience. Either story would, in my opinion, have alone provided sufficient material and interest upon which to base a novel, and I wonder whether The Paris Dressmaker might have been more successful as a pair of interrelated titles. The links between the two stories are sufficiently minor that the narrative arc wouldn't suffer unduly.
My other concern relates to the cover design, which I note several reviewers have commented attracted them to the book initially. It is an attractive design, and the dress is undeniably beautiful, but to me seems anachronistic. Chanel designs c.1938 (which the depicted dress purports to be) tended to be of a sleeker silhouette with some shoulder emphasis. The dress pictured appears to me more of a 1950s-vintage gown, featuring the fuller skirts that post-war prosperity enabled. See the following images for comparison:
i
iiiiiiv(i and ii are both Chanel gowns c.1938, iii is a Chanel gown c.1950s and iv is Chanel c.1955.)
I found The Paris Dressmaker to be an intriguing read, and would recommend it to those who enjoy fact-based historical fiction and strong female protagonists.
My thanks to the author, Kristy Cambron, publisher Thomas Nelson, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
November 1, 2020
The years are 1939 to 1944, Germany has occupied France for the best part of those years and the French Resistance is working hard to liberate France. Two women, Lila Du Laurent and Sandrine Paquet, are working hard with the Resistance. Lila is a dressmaker working with CoCo Chanel and later on with Nina Ricci before going out on her own. She was designing dresses for the women who were paramours of the German officers in Paris.
Sandrine was ordered to work preparing for shipment the art the Germans were taking away from Paris. She keeps a catalogue of all the pieces the Germans are taking and which officers are taking which art.
Kristy Cambron has written an interesting book taking place during World War II, but I found the plot too disjointed because of the separate story lines for Sandrine and Lily. The stories do intersect but it takes a long time getting into the book before they do. The Paris Dressmaker is a bit misleading because the book is more than just Lily's story. I am not sure what a better title would be, or how to better bring the story lines together. I feel these separate stories would have been handled better as a series, or maybe two novellas. Three Stars.
Thomas Nelson and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Sandrine was ordered to work preparing for shipment the art the Germans were taking away from Paris. She keeps a catalogue of all the pieces the Germans are taking and which officers are taking which art.
Kristy Cambron has written an interesting book taking place during World War II, but I found the plot too disjointed because of the separate story lines for Sandrine and Lily. The stories do intersect but it takes a long time getting into the book before they do. The Paris Dressmaker is a bit misleading because the book is more than just Lily's story. I am not sure what a better title would be, or how to better bring the story lines together. I feel these separate stories would have been handled better as a series, or maybe two novellas. Three Stars.
Thomas Nelson and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
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October 22, 2020from endorsement:
Destined to delight fans of Melanie Dobson and Natasha Lester, The Paris Dressmaker is a well-researched and beautifully interwoven treatise on courage and conviction in the midst of oppression. Intricately weaving the lives of two women intersecting a world in turn luminous and treacherous, Cambron’s Paris is one of descriptive art to balance the artfully crafted world of haute couture against looming betrayal and the encroaching shadow of war. Her delicate care and clear passion for the City of Light, its resplendent facades and its indomitable spirit is a rallying cry to the power of hope to overcome the fiercest of occupations. Despite the looming darkness, the novel remains a wistful and romantic escape as readers roam streets that while desecrated and bombed retain their timeless and incomparable beauty.
Destined to delight fans of Melanie Dobson and Natasha Lester, The Paris Dressmaker is a well-researched and beautifully interwoven treatise on courage and conviction in the midst of oppression. Intricately weaving the lives of two women intersecting a world in turn luminous and treacherous, Cambron’s Paris is one of descriptive art to balance the artfully crafted world of haute couture against looming betrayal and the encroaching shadow of war. Her delicate care and clear passion for the City of Light, its resplendent facades and its indomitable spirit is a rallying cry to the power of hope to overcome the fiercest of occupations. Despite the looming darkness, the novel remains a wistful and romantic escape as readers roam streets that while desecrated and bombed retain their timeless and incomparable beauty.
May 9, 2022
"Beauty changes as we change."
Beautifully executed and full of details, The Paris Dressmaker reads like general fiction with a few minor references to the characters ' faith. The entire premise had some personal preference strikes against it, namely the storyline being entirely forgettable as yet another WWII French resistance story, and the convoluted method of delivery, with two separate storylines both split into separate timelines, giving you four different options of where you could be landing at each scene change. However, Cambron did pull it off, and her writing was excellent. I think what failed to pull me in is that most of the storyline was about characters willing to give their lives to protect art. I understand the importance of art, but it's not a life, and overall, it would have been more powerful to me if their primary work had been caring for other humans in such a volatile time.
The couple mentions of God in this book were meaningful, but for the most part, the characters' dependence and what carried them through all their trials was their being Parisiennes.
"Above all things, our choice to remain faithful in the face of uncertainty is sacred to God and He will honor it in His time. Do not give up on God; He will hold you fast.”
"For every second of brokenness and each moment of doubt, she didn’t—couldn’t—even in that instant, feel that God had abandoned them. Not when love was so perfect in grace, right before her eyes."
Beautifully executed and full of details, The Paris Dressmaker reads like general fiction with a few minor references to the characters ' faith. The entire premise had some personal preference strikes against it, namely the storyline being entirely forgettable as yet another WWII French resistance story, and the convoluted method of delivery, with two separate storylines both split into separate timelines, giving you four different options of where you could be landing at each scene change. However, Cambron did pull it off, and her writing was excellent. I think what failed to pull me in is that most of the storyline was about characters willing to give their lives to protect art. I understand the importance of art, but it's not a life, and overall, it would have been more powerful to me if their primary work had been caring for other humans in such a volatile time.
The couple mentions of God in this book were meaningful, but for the most part, the characters' dependence and what carried them through all their trials was their being Parisiennes.
"Above all things, our choice to remain faithful in the face of uncertainty is sacred to God and He will honor it in His time. Do not give up on God; He will hold you fast.”
"For every second of brokenness and each moment of doubt, she didn’t—couldn’t—even in that instant, feel that God had abandoned them. Not when love was so perfect in grace, right before her eyes."
December 6, 2021
3.5 stars
Another emotional, history-filled read by Kristy Cambron! As are most of her books, this one followed a split timeline, and that presented a few issues for me. But this book was filled with some really beautiful prose and some lovely themes.
Our two MCs, Sandrine and Lila, were both women living in France during WWII. Both endure some really difficult circumstances but live far different lives. I think Sandrine was my favorite, though Lila's story was more intriguing to me. Rene and Christian were both pretty nice dudes, but since they didn't have POVs, I didn't feel like I knew them really well. The same applies to the ladies, I think, even though they did have POVs. I did appreciate Lila's voice stood out, but I still felt a little separated from her as well. I'm not sure if it's because each of them only got half of a book, or maybe it was just the writing style. But ... Nigel. And Carlyle! Both such golden side characters. The first time Nigel came on-scene, I literally heard him speaking in a British accent. It was that well-done. He was a great character. And Carlyle was such a cliche American, but in the best of ways. I wish those guys had had more of a story, but they had their moments.
The plot's a little tricky for me. Because of the split timeline, I was a little bit overwhelmed by all of the different switches. Sandrine and Lila each had two different times, so if I weren't super attentive to what date it was at the top of each scene, I was lost. I think I would've done better if it had just been two different times instead of four, but that's just because I'm a lazy reader. The plot, in general, felt a little bit wandering to me. That may also be because it took me about a week to read the whole thing, so maybe if I'd read it more quickly it would've made more sense. I did enjoy how things kind of tied up in the end, even though it was pretty hard to read.
And the themes ... I was pleasantly surprised. This publisher tends to keep to very light or no Christian messages, but this book touched on faith and the importance of knowing the Lord would care for His children and that He is always good. Definitely good things to discuss and highlight! There were a couple times when a character talked about lighting candles for someone, which I think is a very Catholic tradition. Obviously, that's not what I'm looking for in my Christian fiction, so that was disappointing.
And I can't finish this review without talking about the writing style! This author has really lovely prose - wonderful use of verbs and new ways to describe things. I wish I could write more like her! I will say this book felt a little different than her others, though. There was a lot of dialogue (don't get me wrong, I love dialogue!), but to the point I wasn't even sure who was saying what in some instances. Sometimes the dialogue just felt like a flood of info, not really a conversation. However, it takes a very talented author to write as Cambron does, and I'm looking forward, Lord willing, to reading her next release!
Another emotional, history-filled read by Kristy Cambron! As are most of her books, this one followed a split timeline, and that presented a few issues for me. But this book was filled with some really beautiful prose and some lovely themes.
Our two MCs, Sandrine and Lila, were both women living in France during WWII. Both endure some really difficult circumstances but live far different lives. I think Sandrine was my favorite, though Lila's story was more intriguing to me. Rene and Christian were both pretty nice dudes, but since they didn't have POVs, I didn't feel like I knew them really well. The same applies to the ladies, I think, even though they did have POVs. I did appreciate Lila's voice stood out, but I still felt a little separated from her as well. I'm not sure if it's because each of them only got half of a book, or maybe it was just the writing style. But ... Nigel. And Carlyle! Both such golden side characters. The first time Nigel came on-scene, I literally heard him speaking in a British accent. It was that well-done. He was a great character. And Carlyle was such a cliche American, but in the best of ways. I wish those guys had had more of a story, but they had their moments.
The plot's a little tricky for me. Because of the split timeline, I was a little bit overwhelmed by all of the different switches. Sandrine and Lila each had two different times, so if I weren't super attentive to what date it was at the top of each scene, I was lost. I think I would've done better if it had just been two different times instead of four, but that's just because I'm a lazy reader. The plot, in general, felt a little bit wandering to me. That may also be because it took me about a week to read the whole thing, so maybe if I'd read it more quickly it would've made more sense. I did enjoy how things kind of tied up in the end, even though it was pretty hard to read.
And the themes ... I was pleasantly surprised. This publisher tends to keep to very light or no Christian messages, but this book touched on faith and the importance of knowing the Lord would care for His children and that He is always good. Definitely good things to discuss and highlight! There were a couple times when a character talked about lighting candles for someone, which I think is a very Catholic tradition. Obviously, that's not what I'm looking for in my Christian fiction, so that was disappointing.
And I can't finish this review without talking about the writing style! This author has really lovely prose - wonderful use of verbs and new ways to describe things. I wish I could write more like her! I will say this book felt a little different than her others, though. There was a lot of dialogue (don't get me wrong, I love dialogue!), but to the point I wasn't even sure who was saying what in some instances. Sometimes the dialogue just felt like a flood of info, not really a conversation. However, it takes a very talented author to write as Cambron does, and I'm looking forward, Lord willing, to reading her next release!
February 3, 2021
This book doesn't just have a gorgeous cover. It contains a beautiful story to match. The recipe was delightful; Location-Paris, Timing-1939 to 1944 (WWII, during Nazi occupation), Themes-history, intrigue, romance. Yes, please. Despite the short time period, Kristy Cambron made this a time-slip novel. I thought that was a delightful idea and so well executed. The stories interwove so well, didn't compete with each other, and swept me away from beginning to end. This was a first time slip novel for me that flipped between such close time periods and I have to say I much prefer this format. The characters were well developed, as was the romance. I really was captivated by this story and highly, highly recommend it to historical fiction fans.
I received a complementary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complementary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 5, 2021
The Paris Dressmaker is a breath-taking book that you can preorder now. I think it’s this year’s The Nightengale, and I fully expect it to win a slew of awards because of the beautiful writing and story.
In this sweeping novel, you’ll follow two women (and a host of other characters) from 1938 to 1945. It highlights the ways that Parisienne women survived the years the German occupied the city. Kristy highlights many of the events without lingering on them…yet gives a feel for the scope of the occupation. Everything doesn’t go well for the characters, also realistic, but the hope and the grace in the pages is healing.
In this sweeping novel, you’ll follow two women (and a host of other characters) from 1938 to 1945. It highlights the ways that Parisienne women survived the years the German occupied the city. Kristy highlights many of the events without lingering on them…yet gives a feel for the scope of the occupation. Everything doesn’t go well for the characters, also realistic, but the hope and the grace in the pages is healing.
March 14, 2022
Ms. Cambron’s book centers around the role of Parisian women during the Nazi occupation in WWII. Spies, traitors, and espionage make for an exciting story. The author does a great job of bringing the setting to life. Multiple points of view are tied together with agonizing (and very enjoyable) slowness. I loved the ensemble cast.
I loved the significance of the title and that the author did allow the characters to suffer (not enough to make the book depressing, though—nicely balanced for me). My only complaint was that I lost track of the time jumps once or twice. I generally feel that WWII stories are overdone, but I loved this one and thought it was different. The book is labeled as Christian fiction, but all I caught was a couple of brief mentions of needing God’s help. I’m pretty sure that happens during wars!
I loved the significance of the title and that the author did allow the characters to suffer (not enough to make the book depressing, though—nicely balanced for me). My only complaint was that I lost track of the time jumps once or twice. I generally feel that WWII stories are overdone, but I loved this one and thought it was different. The book is labeled as Christian fiction, but all I caught was a couple of brief mentions of needing God’s help. I’m pretty sure that happens during wars!
December 30, 2020
This might be my favorite Kristy Cambron book to date, and I'm so happy to say the story inside is just as beautiful as its gorgeous cover! The characters are compelling and intriguing, the romance is pitch-perfect . . . and that plot! I tend to gravitate toward character-driven stories, but when an author can give me such a fantastic mix of deep characters AND a plot packed with both heart-thudding and heart-wrenching moments, I'm the happiest reader ever. And while I've always been impressed by Kristy Cambron's writing, I feel like she took it to a whole new level in this story. I absolutely loved The Paris Dressmaker!
October 22, 2021
1939-1944 Paris, France
Two French women, one married and one a single dressmaker. Both involved with the French resistance.
"I have been asking myself who I intend to be when this war is over - the woman with much who gave little or the woman with little who gave much."
Two French women, one married and one a single dressmaker. Both involved with the French resistance.
"I have been asking myself who I intend to be when this war is over - the woman with much who gave little or the woman with little who gave much."
February 17, 2021
I found this to be an intriguing story based on true events in Paris during World War II. Paris has long been known for their haute couture and in this story readers are privy to how the war affected the fashion world and those who were a part of it. Following two very different women, the story is told in alternating timelines that lead up to the liberation of France and beyond.
Lila, a seamstress was working at La Maison Chanel when the business closed because of the war. Luckily she finds work at Nina Ricci, but soon finds herself working on her own, designing dresses for the French paramours of Nazi soldiers. During this time, she ends up working for the Resistance and is reunited with a former love interest that she thought had died.
Sandrine, a young mother whose husband is thought missing in action, was recruited to work relocating and identifying precious works of art for the Nazis. She also begins to work for the resistance, but due to the unwanted attention of a Nazi Captain, her neighbors accuse her of being a collaborator.
I’ll admit, it took me a while to get into this story, but once I did, I found it to be quite absorbing. The various timelines and the two women’s lives do interconnect towards the end, along with the liberation, which was also an intriguing time in Paris. In reading this, I discovered that I need to read more about Josephine Baker because I had no idea she was involved in the Resistance.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson-Fiction and First Editions for allowing me to read an advance copy. I am happy to give my honest review.
Lila, a seamstress was working at La Maison Chanel when the business closed because of the war. Luckily she finds work at Nina Ricci, but soon finds herself working on her own, designing dresses for the French paramours of Nazi soldiers. During this time, she ends up working for the Resistance and is reunited with a former love interest that she thought had died.
Sandrine, a young mother whose husband is thought missing in action, was recruited to work relocating and identifying precious works of art for the Nazis. She also begins to work for the resistance, but due to the unwanted attention of a Nazi Captain, her neighbors accuse her of being a collaborator.
I’ll admit, it took me a while to get into this story, but once I did, I found it to be quite absorbing. The various timelines and the two women’s lives do interconnect towards the end, along with the liberation, which was also an intriguing time in Paris. In reading this, I discovered that I need to read more about Josephine Baker because I had no idea she was involved in the Resistance.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson-Fiction and First Editions for allowing me to read an advance copy. I am happy to give my honest review.
February 1, 2021
3.5 stars
Incredibly detailed look at two courage-filled women during World War II in France. Sandrine and Lila are both working to help the Resistance, but they are also praying and waiting for the men that they love and do not know what has happened to them.
The descriptions of Lila's work as a dressmaker is entwined with Sandrine's work to help catalogue stolen art work are stunningly portrayed. The author's expertise and research shines from each page. The romance is subtle, but present, and is effectively woven into action and intrigue at every turn.
The one thing I had difficulty with in my reading was that each woman has multiple timelines that fold back and forth on themselves. It often took intense concentration to follow what was happening to who and at what time. The events did have discernable themes, when one part was revealed in the past then a parallel storyline was related in the present, but it was still quite confusing.
I listened to this book as an audio book which greatly increased my enjoyment of the novel. The narrator, Barrie Kreinik, is equally skilled with British, French, and American accents and pronunciations. The transitions between them are seamless and absolutely made this book come to life in ways it wouldn't have had I read it on a page.
If you enjoy World War II novels with action, romance, and intrigue, then you will definitely not be disappointed with The Paris Dressmaker.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Incredibly detailed look at two courage-filled women during World War II in France. Sandrine and Lila are both working to help the Resistance, but they are also praying and waiting for the men that they love and do not know what has happened to them.
The descriptions of Lila's work as a dressmaker is entwined with Sandrine's work to help catalogue stolen art work are stunningly portrayed. The author's expertise and research shines from each page. The romance is subtle, but present, and is effectively woven into action and intrigue at every turn.
The one thing I had difficulty with in my reading was that each woman has multiple timelines that fold back and forth on themselves. It often took intense concentration to follow what was happening to who and at what time. The events did have discernable themes, when one part was revealed in the past then a parallel storyline was related in the present, but it was still quite confusing.
I listened to this book as an audio book which greatly increased my enjoyment of the novel. The narrator, Barrie Kreinik, is equally skilled with British, French, and American accents and pronunciations. The transitions between them are seamless and absolutely made this book come to life in ways it wouldn't have had I read it on a page.
If you enjoy World War II novels with action, romance, and intrigue, then you will definitely not be disappointed with The Paris Dressmaker.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
January 17, 2021
Kristy Cambron’s lush writing and addictive narrative reveal how two gutsy women defied the Germans during the Paris occupation from 1939 to 1945. Lila makes couture gowns for top Nazi wives, while Sandrine catalogues stolen treasures for the Germans. Both gather intel valuable to La Resistance, a cause for which they’re willing to die. THE PARIS DRESSMAKER is not always an easy read due to the heartbreaking times, but an ever inspiring one, as it asks, “Would you give all if called?”
5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 16 Feb 2021
#TheParisDressmaker #NetGalley
Thanks to the author, Thomas Nelson, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.
5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 16 Feb 2021
#TheParisDressmaker #NetGalley
Thanks to the author, Thomas Nelson, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.
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September 28, 2020With as much skill and care as the title’s namesake possesses, The Paris Dressmaker weaves together the stories of two heroines who boldly defy the darkness that descends on the City of Light. In this shining novel, Kristy Cambron has lovingly designed and crafted a fresh perspective on a familiar war. Every word is expertly stitched into graceful lines in this seamless masterpiece of historical fiction. This is Cambron at her very finest. A luminous must-read, and a timeless reminder that light conquers dark.
June 26, 2021
What a disappointment!
Slow and confusing. I don’t mind dual time-lines but there has to be some form of continuity so the reader can follow what’s happening.
The author likes interesting words which does not always make for interesting reading.
I gave up half way through.
Slow and confusing. I don’t mind dual time-lines but there has to be some form of continuity so the reader can follow what’s happening.
The author likes interesting words which does not always make for interesting reading.
I gave up half way through.
February 12, 2021
Audiobook narrated by Barrie Kreinik and she did a fantastic job. I’m usually not crazy about the narrators in inspirational stories by this one was really good.
This was a different kind of WW11 book in the sense that it takes place in France. I’ve read several books about this war but not one that focused on France. The writing is well developed with a clear portrait of the war. It weaves between past and present.
I highly recommend it to anyone who lives inspirational, historical fiction with a little bit of romance.
I’m giving this a high 4 stars.
Thank you Thomas Nelson and Zondervan for this ARC audiobook via Netgalley. I’ve voluntarily given my honest review.
This was a different kind of WW11 book in the sense that it takes place in France. I’ve read several books about this war but not one that focused on France. The writing is well developed with a clear portrait of the war. It weaves between past and present.
I highly recommend it to anyone who lives inspirational, historical fiction with a little bit of romance.
I’m giving this a high 4 stars.
Thank you Thomas Nelson and Zondervan for this ARC audiobook via Netgalley. I’ve voluntarily given my honest review.
February 22, 2021
The Paris Dressmaker by the amazing Kristy Cambron is an amazing historical fiction read about Paris during the Nazi occupation while highlighting two heroic women who did their best joining the resistance to fight against an evil regime.
The sotry was stunning and the way the timelines were interwoven into the story amidst the stories of Lila de Laurent and Sandrine Paquet's, their voices just jump off the page so distinctly and with so much conviction that I thoroughly enjoyed.
The author's note at the end of the book was fantastic and really helped me gain insight to the real events this book was based on. I also enjoyed the book club discussion questions in the end which made for a real thought provoking read.
Thank you Kristy Cambron for this amazing book I enjoyed reading.
The sotry was stunning and the way the timelines were interwoven into the story amidst the stories of Lila de Laurent and Sandrine Paquet's, their voices just jump off the page so distinctly and with so much conviction that I thoroughly enjoyed.
The author's note at the end of the book was fantastic and really helped me gain insight to the real events this book was based on. I also enjoyed the book club discussion questions in the end which made for a real thought provoking read.
Thank you Kristy Cambron for this amazing book I enjoyed reading.
June 23, 2022
Inventive storytelling, immersive details, talented narrator. This story of two brave women & the men they love is told in a creative way, with shifts in time period that share aspects of their personal lives & what has brought them to working for the resistance. I found the delve into their hearts & struggles riveting & appreciated the satisfying ending. An inspiring, entertaining listening experience!
September 26, 2022
First off- is Paris just always in the midst of a revolution or something similar? Because every book I’ve read or movie I’ve watched there’s constant gun fire.
Meh. It had a lot of potential. But the format of the storyline was enough to mess it up. The author has too different main characters (who never really meet) and tells their story simultaneously in the past and the present (well 1940s present). It was really confusing to keep up with who was who.
Also, in typical Christian fiction fashion, the love story detracted from the story instead of adding to it. And the Christianity showed up like twice. At the end they talk about how they survived the war through faith. However they never really mentioned faith throughout the story??
Side not for those listening to it- French names and words are really hard to picture in your mind. So I can’t really tell you anyones names or the locations.
Meh. It had a lot of potential. But the format of the storyline was enough to mess it up. The author has too different main characters (who never really meet) and tells their story simultaneously in the past and the present (well 1940s present). It was really confusing to keep up with who was who.
Also, in typical Christian fiction fashion, the love story detracted from the story instead of adding to it. And the Christianity showed up like twice. At the end they talk about how they survived the war through faith. However they never really mentioned faith throughout the story??
Side not for those listening to it- French names and words are really hard to picture in your mind. So I can’t really tell you anyones names or the locations.
March 1, 2021
I've followed Kristy Cambron since her debut in 2014. Those who've interacted with her online know how much she loves all things vintage and Parisian so I feel this story must be very close to her heart. It's apparent by the way she has added beauty and depth to each scene. While she's already proven herself able to write a cohesive time-slip novel, I can't help but admire how she tied these two women's lives together. If you are a member of a book club, I think your group would have a lively discussion about Sandrine's relationship with her mother-in-law, how Lila was betrayed, and so much more!
A memorable and engaging story, expertly narrated by Barrie Kreinik.
4.5 ⭐️
A memorable and engaging story, expertly narrated by Barrie Kreinik.
4.5 ⭐️
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