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The Dressmaker’s Secret
Paris, 1941: As Coco Chanel’s assistant, Adèle lives side by side with German officers in the splendor of The Ritz hotel. But Adèle has a secret. She is working for the resistance, right under the German’s noses.
As occupied Paris becomes more and more dangerous, Adèle will have to decide if she can risk everything to save innocent lives and protect the man she loves…
Present day: Chloé’s grandmother has never spoken about the war and avoids questions about the legendary designer she once worked for. Now Chloé has come to Paris, to uncover the truth about Adèle’s life. But is she prepared for what she will find? And for the power of her grandmother’s secrets to change her family forever…
As occupied Paris becomes more and more dangerous, Adèle will have to decide if she can risk everything to save innocent lives and protect the man she loves…
Present day: Chloé’s grandmother has never spoken about the war and avoids questions about the legendary designer she once worked for. Now Chloé has come to Paris, to uncover the truth about Adèle’s life. But is she prepared for what she will find? And for the power of her grandmother’s secrets to change her family forever…
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2022
1057 people are currently reading
7041 people want to read
About the author
Lorna Cook
9 books421 followersLorna Cook writes historical fiction, weaving secrets and forgotten history with mystery and romance.
She also writes contemporary fiction under the name Elle Cook.
She also writes contemporary fiction under the name Elle Cook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 387 reviews
February 3, 2022
Adele travels to Paris to find work, she’s an orphan and was raised by nuns in a convent at St. Nazaire, and by chance she becomes Coco Chanel’s private secretary. Due to the threat of another war, Coco closes her fashion house, she sacks all of her seamstresses and Adele’s very lucky to keep her job. Coco moves into The Ritz, Adele’s given a small room and is in charge of her employers; correspondence, meetings, her belongings and packs Madame’s suitcases when she travels. Adele finds living at The Ritz rather intimidating, especially when high ranking German officers move in, Coco begins socializing with them and dating a much younger man.
Adele feels guilty, so many French people are going hungry, and she has a safe place to stay and plenty of food. Adele decides to donate blood, on the way to the hospital she witnesses a Jewish woman being arrested and she’s shocked. Dr Theo Dixon is working for the American Red Cross, he draws Adele’s blood, and he’s an inspiration to Adele. They become friends, Theo's involved in the resistance and Adele decides she can no longer watch from the sidelines.
The Dressmaker’s Secret has a dual timeline is goes between Adele’s story in wartime Paris and her granddaughter Chloe moving to Paris in the present time and she’s having her version of a gap year.
Chloe’s marriage has ended after five years, she decides to rent a little apartment in Paris, and help out her friend who owns a vintage clothes shop. Chloe’s interested in Coco Chanel, her grandmother worked for her during the 1940’s and Adele attends an auction of antique items from The Ritz. Here she meets Etienne, he’s an art dealer and interested in war history. He and Chloe start talking, she had no idea that Coco was friendly with the Nazi’s, and information was recently released confirmed she was a sympathizer, and she visited Berlin several times during the war. Chloe’s grandmother hasn’t spoken about the war years, with help from Etienne she starts looking at old archives, she’s very concerned about what she will find and could her sweet grandmother have been a collaborator?
I received a copy of The Dressmaker’s Secret from NetGalley and Avon Books in exchange for an honest review, the story is full of mystery, intrigue, wartime secrets and romance. For Chloe’s character it’s about moving forward from her divorce, feeling free and discovering how brave her beloved grandmother was during the war. Lorna Cook decided to write her book based on what Coco Chanel really did during the war, she combines the truth about the famous collaborator and with a narrative about two strong and courageous women and five stars from me.
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Adele feels guilty, so many French people are going hungry, and she has a safe place to stay and plenty of food. Adele decides to donate blood, on the way to the hospital she witnesses a Jewish woman being arrested and she’s shocked. Dr Theo Dixon is working for the American Red Cross, he draws Adele’s blood, and he’s an inspiration to Adele. They become friends, Theo's involved in the resistance and Adele decides she can no longer watch from the sidelines.
The Dressmaker’s Secret has a dual timeline is goes between Adele’s story in wartime Paris and her granddaughter Chloe moving to Paris in the present time and she’s having her version of a gap year.
Chloe’s marriage has ended after five years, she decides to rent a little apartment in Paris, and help out her friend who owns a vintage clothes shop. Chloe’s interested in Coco Chanel, her grandmother worked for her during the 1940’s and Adele attends an auction of antique items from The Ritz. Here she meets Etienne, he’s an art dealer and interested in war history. He and Chloe start talking, she had no idea that Coco was friendly with the Nazi’s, and information was recently released confirmed she was a sympathizer, and she visited Berlin several times during the war. Chloe’s grandmother hasn’t spoken about the war years, with help from Etienne she starts looking at old archives, she’s very concerned about what she will find and could her sweet grandmother have been a collaborator?
I received a copy of The Dressmaker’s Secret from NetGalley and Avon Books in exchange for an honest review, the story is full of mystery, intrigue, wartime secrets and romance. For Chloe’s character it’s about moving forward from her divorce, feeling free and discovering how brave her beloved grandmother was during the war. Lorna Cook decided to write her book based on what Coco Chanel really did during the war, she combines the truth about the famous collaborator and with a narrative about two strong and courageous women and five stars from me.
https://www.facebook.com/KarrenReadsH...
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
August 19, 2022
This was a slow climb to four. For much of the first half, I was looking at a solid regular three. Yet another dual timeline, grandchild seeking answers about the war from a secretive grandparent who never told the story of their escapades and sometimes heroism. The grandmother in this variation is an assistant to Coco Chanel, and the back cover of the book will describe that she, Adele, risked everything for the resistance, while Chanel was a Nazi Collaborator. But the truth is, the book really takes off when Adele finds herself and falls in love and becomes an unwitting hero for the compassionate side of the war. The love story wrapped me up and had me entranced. I saw myself steadily pacing for the four star league, simply because of Adele and Theo. They and their love affair and heroism made the book.
Some of you may know, that Coco Chanel is my remarkable person of the year. So this is maybe the 6th or seventh book I have read with her as a central character if not the main one, and I am well accquainted with her history. So its not quite clear in any of these books. Was she a collaborator? Was she a willing one? Was she simultaneouly spying for the other side as well? Given her history, she would have done anything to stay out of poverty. In some of these tales, she appears to help people in her atelier, and act for the resistance. In every account, she ends up continuing to worl with the Jewish partners who basically stole her company right out from under her. But her beef with them was never that they were Jewish, more that she just wanted more rights to her company returned. She never appeared to want them to be in trouble for ethnicity, and in fact, she fought for them and oddly enough remained friends with them. She was arrested and interrogated, but ultimately released, What did they know? She had a friendship with Winston Churchill, and was a lover of the Duke of Westminster. In Madrid, she met (above board for all to see) with the British ambassador along with the Germans, and the Spanish at the Germans request. It is well documented that This particular trip and other excursions, were all for the intent of getting her sick nephew released from interment as a POW. She would have done anything in the world for her one relative. It is (perhaps fictionally) suggested in the Queen of Paris, the first, the best, and my favorite of my year of Coco Chanel, that perhaps Andre was not her nephew, but the secret love child of her and Boy Capel, her first and likely only true love, to which nothing else compared. Might she have even joined up with Von Dinklage for the sole purpose of saving her nephew, with the added bonus of also being able to help the resistance? Who knows? None of these accounts were really sure what side she was really on. And maybe she did have feelings for her German soldier, who oddly enough was also never charged with the Nazi collaboration (and should have been). This last fictional account of Adele tells us in the afterword that Coco and Von Dinklage lived out their days together for the rest of their lives, first in Switzerland, than back in Paris. How could this be? Is it possible that he too, willingly tried to help Jews and the Resistance as well? None of these books charge her one way or another, which I find fascinating. Now that I think about it, it completely reminds me of the 3-4 books I read in succession about Mata Hari! Not clear what side she was on either!
That said, Coco has been an interesting character to follow, and naturally, quite a lot of WWII themed books that emerge. She is enigmatic, a true self-survivor, her heart barely known even to those closest to her. I like to believe she was playing both sides. Thats what intuitively makes sense to me. She kept her heart and her secrets close. I actually do not believe she was as cold as she is portrayed. I merely think she had to be, to survive, endure, and protect.
Some of you may know, that Coco Chanel is my remarkable person of the year. So this is maybe the 6th or seventh book I have read with her as a central character if not the main one, and I am well accquainted with her history. So its not quite clear in any of these books. Was she a collaborator? Was she a willing one? Was she simultaneouly spying for the other side as well? Given her history, she would have done anything to stay out of poverty. In some of these tales, she appears to help people in her atelier, and act for the resistance. In every account, she ends up continuing to worl with the Jewish partners who basically stole her company right out from under her. But her beef with them was never that they were Jewish, more that she just wanted more rights to her company returned. She never appeared to want them to be in trouble for ethnicity, and in fact, she fought for them and oddly enough remained friends with them. She was arrested and interrogated, but ultimately released, What did they know? She had a friendship with Winston Churchill, and was a lover of the Duke of Westminster. In Madrid, she met (above board for all to see) with the British ambassador along with the Germans, and the Spanish at the Germans request. It is well documented that This particular trip and other excursions, were all for the intent of getting her sick nephew released from interment as a POW. She would have done anything in the world for her one relative. It is (perhaps fictionally) suggested in the Queen of Paris, the first, the best, and my favorite of my year of Coco Chanel, that perhaps Andre was not her nephew, but the secret love child of her and Boy Capel, her first and likely only true love, to which nothing else compared. Might she have even joined up with Von Dinklage for the sole purpose of saving her nephew, with the added bonus of also being able to help the resistance? Who knows? None of these accounts were really sure what side she was really on. And maybe she did have feelings for her German soldier, who oddly enough was also never charged with the Nazi collaboration (and should have been). This last fictional account of Adele tells us in the afterword that Coco and Von Dinklage lived out their days together for the rest of their lives, first in Switzerland, than back in Paris. How could this be? Is it possible that he too, willingly tried to help Jews and the Resistance as well? None of these books charge her one way or another, which I find fascinating. Now that I think about it, it completely reminds me of the 3-4 books I read in succession about Mata Hari! Not clear what side she was on either!
That said, Coco has been an interesting character to follow, and naturally, quite a lot of WWII themed books that emerge. She is enigmatic, a true self-survivor, her heart barely known even to those closest to her. I like to believe she was playing both sides. Thats what intuitively makes sense to me. She kept her heart and her secrets close. I actually do not believe she was as cold as she is portrayed. I merely think she had to be, to survive, endure, and protect.
January 2, 2022
Paris, 1941: As Coco Chanel's assistant. Adele lives side by side with German officers in the splendor of The Ritz Hotel. But Adele has a secret. She is working for the resistance, right under the Germans noses.
Present day: Chloe's grandmother has never spoken about the war and avoids questions about the legendary designer she once worked for. Now Chloe has come to Paris, to uncover the truth about Adele's life. But is she prepared for what she will find?
I do like a book with a dual timeline, especially if it's well written and the two timelines eventually join together seamlessly. The story has been well researched and covers: fear. love, loss and heartbreak, The characters are well developed and believable. The story flipped backwards and forwards telling us Adele and Chloe's stories. It did take me a few chapters to get into the book but I'm glad I stuck with it. Filled with twists and an ending I wasn't expecting.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #LornaCook for my ARC of #TheDressmakersSecret in exchange for an honest review.
Present day: Chloe's grandmother has never spoken about the war and avoids questions about the legendary designer she once worked for. Now Chloe has come to Paris, to uncover the truth about Adele's life. But is she prepared for what she will find?
I do like a book with a dual timeline, especially if it's well written and the two timelines eventually join together seamlessly. The story has been well researched and covers: fear. love, loss and heartbreak, The characters are well developed and believable. The story flipped backwards and forwards telling us Adele and Chloe's stories. It did take me a few chapters to get into the book but I'm glad I stuck with it. Filled with twists and an ending I wasn't expecting.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #LornaCook for my ARC of #TheDressmakersSecret in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2022
I don’t think this book was as good as my previous read by Lorna Cook. Whilst this is a dual-timeline narrative, I could not grow to care for the present day story, more intrigued for Adèle and her character. As such, I found the present day narrative more as a device to move the plot forwards and to make connections between the different generations.
Set in the height of the Second world war, the occupation of Paris is seen through the eyes of orphan Adèle, who happens to find employment working for the famous fashion designer, Coco Chanel. Living in the Ritz in a nest of Nazi officers, Adèle witnesses the unthinkable: collaboration with the enemy to ensure safety and security. Cook presents a side of Chanel that I had not known about and the author’s note at the end, coupled with my own internet searches, showed that this designer was rumoured to have been working with the Nazis to help herself. It’s a chilling discovery and one that I had not associated with such a famous brand. It’s also one I am unlikely to forget.
Switching to the present, Adèle’s grand-daughter is living in Paris but keen to know more about her grandmother. When suspicions grow that Adèle might have been working with the Nazis, Chloé starts to research the occupancy of the Ritz, becoming close friends with Parisenne art dealer, Etienne, who seems to be the epitome of everything French! Recently divorced, Chloé is drawn to Etienne as a friend and confidante, especially as it seems he seems to know about Chanel and living at the Ritz. Over time, the two become closer in their quest for the truth and learn a bit about art along the way as well.
To be honest, I wasn’t too fussed about this dual-narrative and think this was just a way of bringing in Adèle’s grand-daughter. I think if the story had been solely set in the past, the book would have been more interesting. As such, I became frustrated when the story moved back to Chloé, even though the final scenes occur with her talking to Adèle and finally learning the truth about what happened in Paris. Instead, I wanted more scenes with the dishy Doctor, more heart-stopping moments of collaboration, and even more of an insight into Chanel’s movements. This would have made for an more immersive narrative.
There are some sweet moments in the story, particularly surrounding Adèle, the Doctor and a young girl. Cook’s portrayal felt incredibly vivid and I could easily picture the heartache and suffering. It also reinforces the extensive research the author undertook to create this novel. I liked how Adèle grows in the story and becomes more aware of those around her, which sadly leads to a suspicion of strangers as she realises this could lead to arrest for saying the wrong thing.
Overall, I thought this an interesting story that would have worked better if solely committed to the past. Cook presents a time where loyalties are questioned and a person’s drive to do what they can acts as a means of self-preservation. The revelations about Coco Chanel were fascinating and I think adds to my understanding of such a horrific period of history.
With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Set in the height of the Second world war, the occupation of Paris is seen through the eyes of orphan Adèle, who happens to find employment working for the famous fashion designer, Coco Chanel. Living in the Ritz in a nest of Nazi officers, Adèle witnesses the unthinkable: collaboration with the enemy to ensure safety and security. Cook presents a side of Chanel that I had not known about and the author’s note at the end, coupled with my own internet searches, showed that this designer was rumoured to have been working with the Nazis to help herself. It’s a chilling discovery and one that I had not associated with such a famous brand. It’s also one I am unlikely to forget.
Switching to the present, Adèle’s grand-daughter is living in Paris but keen to know more about her grandmother. When suspicions grow that Adèle might have been working with the Nazis, Chloé starts to research the occupancy of the Ritz, becoming close friends with Parisenne art dealer, Etienne, who seems to be the epitome of everything French! Recently divorced, Chloé is drawn to Etienne as a friend and confidante, especially as it seems he seems to know about Chanel and living at the Ritz. Over time, the two become closer in their quest for the truth and learn a bit about art along the way as well.
To be honest, I wasn’t too fussed about this dual-narrative and think this was just a way of bringing in Adèle’s grand-daughter. I think if the story had been solely set in the past, the book would have been more interesting. As such, I became frustrated when the story moved back to Chloé, even though the final scenes occur with her talking to Adèle and finally learning the truth about what happened in Paris. Instead, I wanted more scenes with the dishy Doctor, more heart-stopping moments of collaboration, and even more of an insight into Chanel’s movements. This would have made for an more immersive narrative.
There are some sweet moments in the story, particularly surrounding Adèle, the Doctor and a young girl. Cook’s portrayal felt incredibly vivid and I could easily picture the heartache and suffering. It also reinforces the extensive research the author undertook to create this novel. I liked how Adèle grows in the story and becomes more aware of those around her, which sadly leads to a suspicion of strangers as she realises this could lead to arrest for saying the wrong thing.
Overall, I thought this an interesting story that would have worked better if solely committed to the past. Cook presents a time where loyalties are questioned and a person’s drive to do what they can acts as a means of self-preservation. The revelations about Coco Chanel were fascinating and I think adds to my understanding of such a horrific period of history.
With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2022
Our Closest Enemies are Within Us
A dual timeline with two stories. The story of the Grandmother Adele during WWII and the second story is that of her granddaughter many years later traveling to Paris to escape a recent divorce and hoping to find information on her grandmother and her employer Coco Chanel during WWII.
The year is 1941, the place is the Ritz Hotel in Paris, France. Adele lives there with her employer Coco Chanel. Adele is thankful for her job , but never agrees with her employers collaboration with the Nazi's. Living under the same roof with high ranking Nazi's she is constantly on edge. When she meets an American doctor and works for the resistance she must make a choice between loyalty to her employer and the life of her loved one.
Years later as Chloe and Rob divorce she escapes to Paris and finds a job in a dress shop. She wants to find out about her grandmother's time in Paris during WWII, but she doesn't know where to start. While at a museum she meets an art director and as they become friends she learns that his mother worked as a seamstress for Coco Chanel before the war. Together they dig into the war time records to find the past and the truth of Coco Chanel's wartime activities and the past of her grandmother who was working for her during the war.
I enjoyed reading about the famous buildings, parks and museums in Paris. The Ritz Hotel sounded like a very extravagant place. It all sounded like a beautiful city marred by the boots of the Nazi soldiers. I enjoyed both of the stories told, they were both interesting and engaging. The characters were true to life and very well staged in the story.
This book was a good read and I would recommend it.
Thanks to Lorna Cook for writing a great story, to Avon Books, U.K. for publishing it and to NetGalley for making it available to me.
A dual timeline with two stories. The story of the Grandmother Adele during WWII and the second story is that of her granddaughter many years later traveling to Paris to escape a recent divorce and hoping to find information on her grandmother and her employer Coco Chanel during WWII.
The year is 1941, the place is the Ritz Hotel in Paris, France. Adele lives there with her employer Coco Chanel. Adele is thankful for her job , but never agrees with her employers collaboration with the Nazi's. Living under the same roof with high ranking Nazi's she is constantly on edge. When she meets an American doctor and works for the resistance she must make a choice between loyalty to her employer and the life of her loved one.
Years later as Chloe and Rob divorce she escapes to Paris and finds a job in a dress shop. She wants to find out about her grandmother's time in Paris during WWII, but she doesn't know where to start. While at a museum she meets an art director and as they become friends she learns that his mother worked as a seamstress for Coco Chanel before the war. Together they dig into the war time records to find the past and the truth of Coco Chanel's wartime activities and the past of her grandmother who was working for her during the war.
I enjoyed reading about the famous buildings, parks and museums in Paris. The Ritz Hotel sounded like a very extravagant place. It all sounded like a beautiful city marred by the boots of the Nazi soldiers. I enjoyed both of the stories told, they were both interesting and engaging. The characters were true to life and very well staged in the story.
This book was a good read and I would recommend it.
Thanks to Lorna Cook for writing a great story, to Avon Books, U.K. for publishing it and to NetGalley for making it available to me.
February 8, 2022
I love historical fiction and especially so when it’s set in WW2 and when I learn a new fact or two from it! It was a fascinating story, even more so to learn about Coco Chanel’s involvement and working for the Nazis. A captivating, romantic read but it also covered some sad and serious subjects but delicately done. The book flowed well and was so easy to read, I’d definitely recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon books for this ADC.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon books for this ADC.
March 14, 2022
I’ve enjoyed all of Lorna Cook’s books to date & so was awaiting the release of this one eagerly. And she’s done it again- a really enjoyable dual timeline (1940’s/present day) set predominantly in Paris during the Occupation. I do think that this author’s greatest skill is picking an angle that has rarely been covered. Given that this is a subject that’s been written about extensively, it’s really impressive to find a book concentrating on a little-known piece of its history.
I certainly knew nothing of Coco Chanel’s Nazi connections & found it fascinating to read about. The novel really picks up pace half way in and is well balanced with the modern day sections bringing us up to date. I particularly enjoyed how the ending neatly ties all the ends together without being cheesy or predictable (the main twist was so well disguised that none of our buddy read group saw it coming at all).
The only thing which lets the book down - sadly- is a number of spelling & grammatical mistakes. Such a shame as it does spoil the reading experience. But all in all a very enjoyable read.
ARC received in return for full & honest review.
I certainly knew nothing of Coco Chanel’s Nazi connections & found it fascinating to read about. The novel really picks up pace half way in and is well balanced with the modern day sections bringing us up to date. I particularly enjoyed how the ending neatly ties all the ends together without being cheesy or predictable (the main twist was so well disguised that none of our buddy read group saw it coming at all).
The only thing which lets the book down - sadly- is a number of spelling & grammatical mistakes. Such a shame as it does spoil the reading experience. But all in all a very enjoyable read.
ARC received in return for full & honest review.
February 19, 2022
Such a wonderful book! Will hold off my full review until after our buddy read chat tomorrow.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me
January 27, 2022
I always know that I’ll enjoy a Lorna Cook book as I have read quite a few and loved every one of them. This one was a dual time line and was set in present day and during the Second World War. It flowed along quickly and I just couldn’t stop reading it. Highly recommend. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
March 9, 2023
This is the second book I’ve read by this author and again I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved the dual time aspect of the book and enjoyed both Adele and Chloe’s stories, both set in Paris but in very different times. It was interesting to read the war time story with the historical aspects of which I knew nothing about - a bit vague that I know but I don’t want to do a spoiler!
February 20, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley & Avon for an eARC of this book. The following review is my honest reflection on the text provided.
The Dressmaker's Secret builds a story around Coco Chanel during WWII, focusing on the others around her, trapped in her gravitational pull.
The book description overstates Adèle's involvement with the resistance. She is brave and fights for her beliefs, but it's more in small, human acts of kindness than as part of a larger force. Her empathetic nature is admirable, especially during wartime, but I expected more of a spy plot based on the description. However, this made the story more believable - her few heroic acts fly under the radar, for the most part, so while there is some danger, it's not inescapable.
"'Why do you think it's frightening?'
She thought before speaking. 'Love must be a feeling of being out of control. And I'm not sure I would like that...that total powerlessness. It makes me worried that it could make a person...' she thought for the right word. '...vulnerable. It makes me feel I would be vulnerable,' she said quietly. She wished she'd not said it. She wished she'd not fallen into her own trap of thinking aloud. The hot blush creeping up her face was unbearable.
He continued looking at her. 'You would be,' he said. 'We're all vulnerable in love. You should be able to be totally and utterly lost in love, swept up in it. That's how it should be. That's the beauty of it.'"
I didn't feel the chemistry in either of the romances. Adèle and Theo had almost no time together. I know war raises the stakes and speeds up the timeline in many relationships, but it seems they jumped from acquaintances to soulmates within a few pages. It was clear they were interested in each other, but everything moved way too quickly in too short a time to make their outcome believable. Chloé and Etienne were almost the opposite. They felt so much like awkward acquaintances who didn't particularly like each other. Every interaction ends in a disagreement or misunderstanding, so I was genuinely surprised when it became clear they were supposed to be love interests. They spend so much time together for seemingly no reason - their relationship truly baffled me.
I didn't know anything about Coco Chanel, so her actions during the war were news to me. With the author's note at the end, I found the narrative to be a balanced telling of the known information. I don't think you necessarily have to be interested in fashion to find how notable historical figures survived during the war interesting. And say what you will about Chanel; she is undoubtedly a notable historical figure.
I love when historical fiction builds a world around a well-known figure, and this was done incredibly well in The Dressmaker's Secret . Though there were a few hiccups, I very much enjoyed this read.
Review originally posted here on Britt's Book Blurbs.
The Dressmaker's Secret builds a story around Coco Chanel during WWII, focusing on the others around her, trapped in her gravitational pull.
The book description overstates Adèle's involvement with the resistance. She is brave and fights for her beliefs, but it's more in small, human acts of kindness than as part of a larger force. Her empathetic nature is admirable, especially during wartime, but I expected more of a spy plot based on the description. However, this made the story more believable - her few heroic acts fly under the radar, for the most part, so while there is some danger, it's not inescapable.
"'Why do you think it's frightening?'
She thought before speaking. 'Love must be a feeling of being out of control. And I'm not sure I would like that...that total powerlessness. It makes me worried that it could make a person...' she thought for the right word. '...vulnerable. It makes me feel I would be vulnerable,' she said quietly. She wished she'd not said it. She wished she'd not fallen into her own trap of thinking aloud. The hot blush creeping up her face was unbearable.
He continued looking at her. 'You would be,' he said. 'We're all vulnerable in love. You should be able to be totally and utterly lost in love, swept up in it. That's how it should be. That's the beauty of it.'"
I didn't feel the chemistry in either of the romances. Adèle and Theo had almost no time together. I know war raises the stakes and speeds up the timeline in many relationships, but it seems they jumped from acquaintances to soulmates within a few pages. It was clear they were interested in each other, but everything moved way too quickly in too short a time to make their outcome believable. Chloé and Etienne were almost the opposite. They felt so much like awkward acquaintances who didn't particularly like each other. Every interaction ends in a disagreement or misunderstanding, so I was genuinely surprised when it became clear they were supposed to be love interests. They spend so much time together for seemingly no reason - their relationship truly baffled me.
I didn't know anything about Coco Chanel, so her actions during the war were news to me. With the author's note at the end, I found the narrative to be a balanced telling of the known information. I don't think you necessarily have to be interested in fashion to find how notable historical figures survived during the war interesting. And say what you will about Chanel; she is undoubtedly a notable historical figure.
I love when historical fiction builds a world around a well-known figure, and this was done incredibly well in The Dressmaker's Secret . Though there were a few hiccups, I very much enjoyed this read.
Review originally posted here on Britt's Book Blurbs.
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December 28, 2021
When the Germans invaded France, most Parisians fled. However, Mademoiselle Chanel chose to remain in the occupied city, living at the Hotel Ritz where the German military officers were living. Cook’s story starts in the summer of 1941 where Chanel meets a high-ranking German attaché of the German embassy in Paris, Baron Hans Gunter von Dinklage, at the Ritz and ends in 1945, with a brief epilogue about her death in 1971.
Readers enter Coco’s world for four years and immerse themselves in wartime Paris, The Ritz, secrets, lies, love and resistance. A unique perspective, Coco’s life is told through the eyes of her ladies’ maid, Adele Fabron. Although Coco had a luxurious apartment above her shop across the street, she’d been living in the Ritz since 1937. Adele is hired in 1941 as a live-in ladies’ maid after an accidental meeting and as the narrative progresses, readers are privy to Coco and Adele’s secrets. You’ll find out why Coco collaborated with the Nazis, why a precious 1647 painting by Charles Le Brun was found in her suite at the Ritz, how she was able to regain full monetary control of her company from her Jewish partners, as well as discover why Adele wants to keep her extracurricular activities to herself, and if she can attain happiness and love after the war.
To expose Coco’s secret life, Cook has chosen to present this story as a dual timeline and uses Chloe’s quest in 2018 to slowly reveal the secrets behind the doors of No. 302, The Coco Chanel Suite at the Ritz Paris. I was surprised that Cook chose not to add much emotion nor a sense of the luxurious lifestyle I was expecting to read about; however, the beautifully executed dual timeline and the surprise twist more than made up for any shortcomings. Chloe has ties to Paris, The Ritz and to Coco Chanel, so you’ll have to read to find out why she is able to shed a light on the fashion icon’s life and see if what Chloe uncovers while in Paris has the potential to help solve her present problems.
Since 1999 the records the French secret service kept on celebrities they deemed suspicious have been declassified and authors and journalists are sharing what they’ve gleaned from accessing the documents. I’ve enjoyed ‘The Chanel Sisters’ by Judith Little which is written from Coco’s younger sister’s point of view and reveals Coco’s rise to fame. I also have (unread at this point) The Last Collection by Jeanne Mackin and Mademoiselle Chanel by CW Gortner. Although the focus is the same, each author brings out different aspects of this enigmatic fashion icon’s secret life. I'm sure as research continues into these declassified documents, we'll have more books published, giving us a deeper look into Coco Chanel.
Publishes January 27, 2022.
I was gifted this advance copy by Lorna Cook, Avon Books UK, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Readers enter Coco’s world for four years and immerse themselves in wartime Paris, The Ritz, secrets, lies, love and resistance. A unique perspective, Coco’s life is told through the eyes of her ladies’ maid, Adele Fabron. Although Coco had a luxurious apartment above her shop across the street, she’d been living in the Ritz since 1937. Adele is hired in 1941 as a live-in ladies’ maid after an accidental meeting and as the narrative progresses, readers are privy to Coco and Adele’s secrets. You’ll find out why Coco collaborated with the Nazis, why a precious 1647 painting by Charles Le Brun was found in her suite at the Ritz, how she was able to regain full monetary control of her company from her Jewish partners, as well as discover why Adele wants to keep her extracurricular activities to herself, and if she can attain happiness and love after the war.
To expose Coco’s secret life, Cook has chosen to present this story as a dual timeline and uses Chloe’s quest in 2018 to slowly reveal the secrets behind the doors of No. 302, The Coco Chanel Suite at the Ritz Paris. I was surprised that Cook chose not to add much emotion nor a sense of the luxurious lifestyle I was expecting to read about; however, the beautifully executed dual timeline and the surprise twist more than made up for any shortcomings. Chloe has ties to Paris, The Ritz and to Coco Chanel, so you’ll have to read to find out why she is able to shed a light on the fashion icon’s life and see if what Chloe uncovers while in Paris has the potential to help solve her present problems.
Since 1999 the records the French secret service kept on celebrities they deemed suspicious have been declassified and authors and journalists are sharing what they’ve gleaned from accessing the documents. I’ve enjoyed ‘The Chanel Sisters’ by Judith Little which is written from Coco’s younger sister’s point of view and reveals Coco’s rise to fame. I also have (unread at this point) The Last Collection by Jeanne Mackin and Mademoiselle Chanel by CW Gortner. Although the focus is the same, each author brings out different aspects of this enigmatic fashion icon’s secret life. I'm sure as research continues into these declassified documents, we'll have more books published, giving us a deeper look into Coco Chanel.
Publishes January 27, 2022.
I was gifted this advance copy by Lorna Cook, Avon Books UK, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Want to read
February 8, 2022I want to read this because people have started getting my book mixed up with this one, and they're very different, but it still sounds like a story I would totally enjoy, based on reviews. xD
Also, since I published my novel, there have been four books out called The Dressmaker's Secret. Well ... it was unique when I published it, at least. XD Also, just look at that variety! Should I try to read them all?! Maybe I should organize a The Dressmaker's Secret reading club. We ONLY read novels with this title.
Also, since I published my novel, there have been four books out called The Dressmaker's Secret. Well ... it was unique when I published it, at least. XD Also, just look at that variety! Should I try to read them all?! Maybe I should organize a The Dressmaker's Secret reading club. We ONLY read novels with this title.
January 31, 2022
3.5 stars but rounded down as it was my least favourite of Lorna's brilliant novels. I enjoyed it far more than expected from the synopsis, I just felt like it was quite drawn out and then the ending slightly rushed. The whole concept of Coco Chanel being a Nazi agent / supporter completely shocked me...even more so to learn that it wasn't entirely made up. The author's note following the story was very balanced and informative. I have legitimately leant so much about WW2 reading Lorna's work. She is 100% an auto-buy author for me.
January 14, 2022
Discover the locations in the novel The Dressmaker's Secret
Who knew who Coco Chanel really was and the role she played in the war with the Nazis? What a fascinating story and it's based on true fact. I found this captivating and marvelled at the author who once again finds a subject tucked away and forgotten in history only to weave it into a fictional tale with added interest.
The author note was particularly enlightening! The detail never overshadows the story but you can tell the author has done her research - the passion for the subject comes through.
Recommended!
March 11, 2022
The Dressmaker's Secret is worth to stay up all night and enjoy reading it!
My heart will keep Adele's story for a long time, I am sure about that.
Adele is a wonderful girl, brave and clever! She has found herself between two fires, on the one hand her beloved man, an American doctor who helps the Resistance, and on the other hand, Coco Chanel with her Nazi-friends. Which side will Adele take? Will she be able to remain fidelity to the man she loves, to Paris and France, and save her life?
Another great feature of this book is the intrigue, you don't get to know the story of a stunning woman, the legendary woman - Coco Chanel, until you finish the book.
On the other hand, Chloe's story creates a contrast to sad and deep, difficult events of distant wartime. It's funny and warm, modern story full of love and happiness.
I will definitely highly recommend The Dressmaker's Secret to everyone who loves reading historical fiction and books about World War ll.
Thanks to Lorna Cook, Avon Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this amazing book!
My heart will keep Adele's story for a long time, I am sure about that.
Adele is a wonderful girl, brave and clever! She has found herself between two fires, on the one hand her beloved man, an American doctor who helps the Resistance, and on the other hand, Coco Chanel with her Nazi-friends. Which side will Adele take? Will she be able to remain fidelity to the man she loves, to Paris and France, and save her life?
Another great feature of this book is the intrigue, you don't get to know the story of a stunning woman, the legendary woman - Coco Chanel, until you finish the book.
On the other hand, Chloe's story creates a contrast to sad and deep, difficult events of distant wartime. It's funny and warm, modern story full of love and happiness.
I will definitely highly recommend The Dressmaker's Secret to everyone who loves reading historical fiction and books about World War ll.
Thanks to Lorna Cook, Avon Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this amazing book!
February 4, 2022
DNF @ 39%
Nearly halfway through the novel and nothing has happened beyond what the book blurb tells us. Whenever I think about opening it up again I just feel bored after a couple pages and put it back down again. Sorry, it just wasn’t for me!
Chloe’s chapters were not enjoyable for me whatsoever. I don’t understand why she gets so offended when Etienne suggests her grandmother might have been involved with the Nazi party given her association with Chanel. Plenty of people during that time were forced to be involved, but it doesn’t mean they believed it was right. It’s a pretty logical connection to make in my mind, and I understand wanting to dig deeper and learn the truth but why get all offended?
Funnily enough, I also didn’t like Entienne. He was pretentious and I didn’t find him charming or funny at all. I actually found it strange the weird lengths he went through to apologize to Chloe. Like… she’s a stranger to you so just drop it? I didn’t pick up any chemistry between them. It’s a no from me.
It’s true what many other reviews are saying that Adele’s chapters are significantly more interesting to read. It’s just a life perspective that isn’t as well known today and I’d like seeing all the tasks she had to do and what living in Paris during WWII looked like.
The problem for me was it was all pretty plotless. Like, by 39% into a book I feel I should know what the conflict of the novel is, but I didn’t. While Chloe may not know whether her grandmother was involved with the Nazis or not, the reader already knows so there’s not really a mystery to unveil here. I thought when Adele saved the child it would lead to her needing to sneak around and risk her life to save her, but instead the child was relocated quickly and was not an issue for Adele anymore. It was just unsatisfying to read when nothing dramatic was happening. If you enjoy more of a character-study book and want to learn more about Chanel and WWII, I think you would enjoy this.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Nearly halfway through the novel and nothing has happened beyond what the book blurb tells us. Whenever I think about opening it up again I just feel bored after a couple pages and put it back down again. Sorry, it just wasn’t for me!
Chloe’s chapters were not enjoyable for me whatsoever. I don’t understand why she gets so offended when Etienne suggests her grandmother might have been involved with the Nazi party given her association with Chanel. Plenty of people during that time were forced to be involved, but it doesn’t mean they believed it was right. It’s a pretty logical connection to make in my mind, and I understand wanting to dig deeper and learn the truth but why get all offended?
Funnily enough, I also didn’t like Entienne. He was pretentious and I didn’t find him charming or funny at all. I actually found it strange the weird lengths he went through to apologize to Chloe. Like… she’s a stranger to you so just drop it? I didn’t pick up any chemistry between them. It’s a no from me.
It’s true what many other reviews are saying that Adele’s chapters are significantly more interesting to read. It’s just a life perspective that isn’t as well known today and I’d like seeing all the tasks she had to do and what living in Paris during WWII looked like.
The problem for me was it was all pretty plotless. Like, by 39% into a book I feel I should know what the conflict of the novel is, but I didn’t. While Chloe may not know whether her grandmother was involved with the Nazis or not, the reader already knows so there’s not really a mystery to unveil here. I thought when Adele saved the child it would lead to her needing to sneak around and risk her life to save her, but instead the child was relocated quickly and was not an issue for Adele anymore. It was just unsatisfying to read when nothing dramatic was happening. If you enjoy more of a character-study book and want to learn more about Chanel and WWII, I think you would enjoy this.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 23, 2022
4.5⭐️ Rating
I found myself immediately drawn into this storyline. I love a WW2 story especially those that are based on true historical happenings.
This story follows 2 different time periods, present day with Chloe and war time Paris with her grandmother Adele. Adele was the assistant to fashion icon Coco Chanel and until reading this story k was not aware of the history of her being a Nazi collaborator or her time living at the Ritz surrounded my German officials. Adele wrestles with her lifestyle and the actions of her employer during this horrific time.
Chloe in the present day is going through a life change following a divorce and is in Paris to find herself. While there she attends an auction at the Ritz which features some items from when Chanel lived there during the war which engages her curiosity to find out more about her Grandmothers life during this time.
The story telling and the way the 2 time periods are woven together are seamless and do not feel sudden or rushed as in some other stories. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and my only negative is that I would have liked more detail following Adele parting ways with Chanel and the life she managed to build.
I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys historical fiction featuring romance.
I received a copy of #TheDressmakersSecret from #Netgalley.
I found myself immediately drawn into this storyline. I love a WW2 story especially those that are based on true historical happenings.
This story follows 2 different time periods, present day with Chloe and war time Paris with her grandmother Adele. Adele was the assistant to fashion icon Coco Chanel and until reading this story k was not aware of the history of her being a Nazi collaborator or her time living at the Ritz surrounded my German officials. Adele wrestles with her lifestyle and the actions of her employer during this horrific time.
Chloe in the present day is going through a life change following a divorce and is in Paris to find herself. While there she attends an auction at the Ritz which features some items from when Chanel lived there during the war which engages her curiosity to find out more about her Grandmothers life during this time.
The story telling and the way the 2 time periods are woven together are seamless and do not feel sudden or rushed as in some other stories. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and my only negative is that I would have liked more detail following Adele parting ways with Chanel and the life she managed to build.
I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys historical fiction featuring romance.
I received a copy of #TheDressmakersSecret from #Netgalley.
March 27, 2022
My first Lorna Cook read and I loved it. A must read!
This is a really heart warming and equally heart breaking story. It's beautifully written and tugs at your emotions.
I love dual timelines. I didn't guess the ending at all ...which is even more of a bonus. I felt the danger aspect of the war and was an eye opener.
Will read more Lorna Cook books!
This is a really heart warming and equally heart breaking story. It's beautifully written and tugs at your emotions.
I love dual timelines. I didn't guess the ending at all ...which is even more of a bonus. I felt the danger aspect of the war and was an eye opener.
Will read more Lorna Cook books!
February 9, 2022
The Dressmaker's Secret is taking you on a ride back to Paris, 1941 during a time period that we are all familiar with.
Paris, 1941: As Coco Chanel’s assistant, Adèle lives side by side with German officers in the splendor of The Ritz hotel. But Adèle has a secret. She is working for the resistance, right under the German’s noses.
As occupied Paris becomes more and more dangerous, Adèle will have to decide if she can risk everything to save innocent lives and protect the man she loves…
Present day: Chloé’s grandmother has never spoken about the war and avoids questions about the legendary designer she once worked for. Now Chloé has come to Paris, to uncover the truth about Adèle’s life. But is she prepared for what she will find? And for the power of her grandmother’s secrets to change her family forever…
Going into this I wasn't familiar with Chanel's involvment with Nazis during their time in Paris, which is one factor of this book that gripped my interest. I'm pretty impressed with the amount of research the author put into this book.
As for the story between the history of Adéle and Chloé trying to piece it together was the great makings of a heart warming story. It was one that makes me want to run to my grandmother and ask her as many things about her life as I can to cherish my memories of her even more.
Thank you to @netgalley and @avonbooksuk for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Paris, 1941: As Coco Chanel’s assistant, Adèle lives side by side with German officers in the splendor of The Ritz hotel. But Adèle has a secret. She is working for the resistance, right under the German’s noses.
As occupied Paris becomes more and more dangerous, Adèle will have to decide if she can risk everything to save innocent lives and protect the man she loves…
Present day: Chloé’s grandmother has never spoken about the war and avoids questions about the legendary designer she once worked for. Now Chloé has come to Paris, to uncover the truth about Adèle’s life. But is she prepared for what she will find? And for the power of her grandmother’s secrets to change her family forever…
Going into this I wasn't familiar with Chanel's involvment with Nazis during their time in Paris, which is one factor of this book that gripped my interest. I'm pretty impressed with the amount of research the author put into this book.
As for the story between the history of Adéle and Chloé trying to piece it together was the great makings of a heart warming story. It was one that makes me want to run to my grandmother and ask her as many things about her life as I can to cherish my memories of her even more.
Thank you to @netgalley and @avonbooksuk for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2024
This was the first historical fiction/historical romance I’ve read and I was pleasantly surprised!
I expected it to be a bit dry but the story was engaging and I admit to googling Coco Chanel to see how much of it was true! Turns out, all of the storyline on her is true, however the FMC, Adele, is a fictional character.
I learned a lot about the occupation in Paris, about Coco Chanel and her collaboration with the Nazis, about what life under oppression may be like, but I never felt like I was being lectured.
I was invested in finding out what happened to Adele (not so much Chloe - her storyline with Etienne just didn’t do it for me), however I didn’t get that ‘I can’t put it down’ feeling at any point.
The approach of a grandparent being secretive about their role in the war felt very familiar too - am I noticing similarities to the Nightingale perhaps?
Whilst I enjoyed it, and it was an easy read, I didn’t find it as engrossing as either The Nightingale or All the light we cannot see.
Therefore it gets a solid 3 stars from me.
I expected it to be a bit dry but the story was engaging and I admit to googling Coco Chanel to see how much of it was true! Turns out, all of the storyline on her is true, however the FMC, Adele, is a fictional character.
I learned a lot about the occupation in Paris, about Coco Chanel and her collaboration with the Nazis, about what life under oppression may be like, but I never felt like I was being lectured.
I was invested in finding out what happened to Adele (not so much Chloe - her storyline with Etienne just didn’t do it for me), however I didn’t get that ‘I can’t put it down’ feeling at any point.
The approach of a grandparent being secretive about their role in the war felt very familiar too - am I noticing similarities to the Nightingale perhaps?
Whilst I enjoyed it, and it was an easy read, I didn’t find it as engrossing as either The Nightingale or All the light we cannot see.
Therefore it gets a solid 3 stars from me.
October 7, 2022
The Dressmaker's Secret is taking you on a ride back to Paris, 1941 during a time period that we are all familiar with.
Paris, 1941: As Coco Chanel’s assistant, Adèle lives side by side with German officers in the splendor of The Ritz hotel. But Adèle has a secret. She is working for the resistance, right under the German’s noses.
As occupied Paris becomes more and more dangerous, Adèle will have to decide if she can risk everything to save innocent lives and protect the man she loves…
Present day: Chloé’s grandmother has never spoken about the war and avoids questions about the legendary designer she once worked for. Now Chloé has come to Paris, to uncover the truth about Adèle’s life. But is she prepared for what she will find? And for the power of her grandmother’s secrets to change her family forever…
Going into this I wasn't familiar with Chanel's involvment with Nazis during their time in Paris, which is one factor of this book that gripped my interest. I'm pretty impressed with the amount of research the author put into this book.
As for the story between the history of Adéle and Chloé trying to piece it together was the great makings of a heart warming story. It was one that makes me want to run to my grandmother and ask her as many things about her life as I can to cherish my memories of her even more.
Thank you to @netgalley and @avonbooksuk for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Paris, 1941: As Coco Chanel’s assistant, Adèle lives side by side with German officers in the splendor of The Ritz hotel. But Adèle has a secret. She is working for the resistance, right under the German’s noses.
As occupied Paris becomes more and more dangerous, Adèle will have to decide if she can risk everything to save innocent lives and protect the man she loves…
Present day: Chloé’s grandmother has never spoken about the war and avoids questions about the legendary designer she once worked for. Now Chloé has come to Paris, to uncover the truth about Adèle’s life. But is she prepared for what she will find? And for the power of her grandmother’s secrets to change her family forever…
Going into this I wasn't familiar with Chanel's involvment with Nazis during their time in Paris, which is one factor of this book that gripped my interest. I'm pretty impressed with the amount of research the author put into this book.
As for the story between the history of Adéle and Chloé trying to piece it together was the great makings of a heart warming story. It was one that makes me want to run to my grandmother and ask her as many things about her life as I can to cherish my memories of her even more.
Thank you to @netgalley and @avonbooksuk for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 8, 2025
Excellent dual timeline story based around true details about Coco Chanel's collaboration with Nazi's during WW2. The author blended fiction with reality seamlessly, even detailing romances beautifully despite the atrocities simultaneously taking place. I really enjoyed this novel, thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
March 19, 2023
Based on a non fiction book Sleeping With The Enemy: Coco Chanel's Secret War by Hal Vaughn, this fictionalized account of Coco's war years in Paris is told through the eyes of an assistant (and in several chapters her modern day granddaughter who is discovering the truth). It's a terrific novel and one that blends facts and dramatic writing seamlessly. This book grabbed me from the begining and had me completely won over by the end. I will be reading more by Lorna Cook.
December 31, 2023
Страхотна история, а краят направо ме разби... ченето ми увисна. Заслужава си , оценка 4.5
November 26, 2021
The Dressmakers Secret made for an interesting, emotive read. The story centres around Coco Chanel’s life in Paris during WWII, and Adèle, Coco Chanel’s assistant in 1940’s Paris during the Nazi occupation. Told across a dual timeline, we also follow Chloé, Adèle’s granddaughter in the present day, as she unravels the mystery surrounding her grandmother’s past. I really enjoy reading a book with a dual timeline as past and present merge. I also liked the fact Lorna Cook blended reality with imagination in a seamless mixture of fact and fiction.
Before I read this book, I knew very little about Coco Channel, I knew she was a fashion icon with her own line of clothing and perfume and that’s about the extent of my knowledge! So I was surprised to read she was known as a “horizontal collaborator,”. I thought the author managed to fictionalise Chanel’s life perfectly without crossing the line into sensationalising it.
I found Adele’s story to be the more compelling of the two as we learn more about her working for the resistance, a very dangerous occupation when her employer was a Nazi sympathiser. The tension grows as Adele becomes more involved with the resistance, putting her life and those she loves in constant danger. The author’s descriptions of Nazi occupied Paris during wartime, and her exploration of the lengths people were prepared to go to in order to survive, give the reader a genuine sense of time and place.
The Dressmakers Secret has an original plot and offers a fresh take on WW2 fiction. I found this book to be a captivating read and one that I throughly enjoyed as it captures the reader’s imagination from the off. Highly recommended.
Before I read this book, I knew very little about Coco Channel, I knew she was a fashion icon with her own line of clothing and perfume and that’s about the extent of my knowledge! So I was surprised to read she was known as a “horizontal collaborator,”. I thought the author managed to fictionalise Chanel’s life perfectly without crossing the line into sensationalising it.
I found Adele’s story to be the more compelling of the two as we learn more about her working for the resistance, a very dangerous occupation when her employer was a Nazi sympathiser. The tension grows as Adele becomes more involved with the resistance, putting her life and those she loves in constant danger. The author’s descriptions of Nazi occupied Paris during wartime, and her exploration of the lengths people were prepared to go to in order to survive, give the reader a genuine sense of time and place.
The Dressmakers Secret has an original plot and offers a fresh take on WW2 fiction. I found this book to be a captivating read and one that I throughly enjoyed as it captures the reader’s imagination from the off. Highly recommended.
January 7, 2022
While taking a gap year in Paris, Chloe finds herself at the auction of the infamous Ritz Hotel. Her ties to the legendary building are strange, her grandmother lived there during the war as the assistance to the famed designer Coco Chanel. But…Chloe doesn’t know much more than that. It’s thanks to charismatic Etienne, whose interest in Chanel and her history, that Chloe begins to question her own grandmothers experience during the war. With new documents being released and the idea that Chanel had collaborated with the Nazis, Chloe began to wonder if her grandmother did too. Set in dual timelines of occupied Paris in 1941 and 2018, this is a terrific story of what the people of Paris went through to survive.
I loved this story. I was already somewhat aware of Chanel’s actions during WWII but was intrigued to know more. So this story was a great source of information set against a terrific coming of age story set during the war. It’s a lesson of right and wrong, of good and evil, of heroism and betrayal. I couldn’t put it down. I also loved that the author includes a “for further reading” list in her notes at the end. You can only get so far with google and they serve as an nice reference.
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books UK and Lorna Cook for early access to this great story! What a good book to kick of my 2022 reading journey!
I loved this story. I was already somewhat aware of Chanel’s actions during WWII but was intrigued to know more. So this story was a great source of information set against a terrific coming of age story set during the war. It’s a lesson of right and wrong, of good and evil, of heroism and betrayal. I couldn’t put it down. I also loved that the author includes a “for further reading” list in her notes at the end. You can only get so far with google and they serve as an nice reference.
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books UK and Lorna Cook for early access to this great story! What a good book to kick of my 2022 reading journey!
December 30, 2023
Що се отнася до живота на Коко Шанел,историята е повърхностна за живота,който тя е водила.Дори не разбирам защо е сложено това заглавие Всъщност романа дава бегла представа за живота на Шанел през очите на нейната помощничка Адел,по време на ВСВ във военен Париж.Историята не "уауууу",но е интересна и четивна.
November 20, 2021
The Dressmaker’s Secret by Lorna Cook is an excellent dual timeline historical fiction novel that takes us back to the world of Chanel, the Ritz, WWII- Paris…and the secrets that are woven within.
I am a huge fan of Ms. Cook and also love a great dual timeline historical fiction, and the author was easily able to pull it off. It was gripping, suspenseful, and addictive…full of mysteries, twists, turns, surprises…and a dash of romance.
I loved reading how the two stories were woven together to give us a fascinating narrative. Present-day Chloe, and WWII-era Adele (Chloe’s grandmother) were both excellent lead characters and I actually enjoyed both equally (and that is difficult to pull off).
I have read quite a bit concerning the parts that Coco Chanel and the Ritz played in occupied Paris from other history books and from HF, but Ms. Cook was able to present this material in a fresh and new light. I felt as if I was reading it all for the first time. I had to know every facet…how Adele would stake her morals and her subsequent actions while being employed by Chanel. I had to know what Chloe and Etienne would unearth in their research…and how it all would blend together. I loved how it all played out…and I enjoyed the ending.
Another fabulous book by Ms. Cook that I highly recommend.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Avon Books UK for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 1/27/22.
I am a huge fan of Ms. Cook and also love a great dual timeline historical fiction, and the author was easily able to pull it off. It was gripping, suspenseful, and addictive…full of mysteries, twists, turns, surprises…and a dash of romance.
I loved reading how the two stories were woven together to give us a fascinating narrative. Present-day Chloe, and WWII-era Adele (Chloe’s grandmother) were both excellent lead characters and I actually enjoyed both equally (and that is difficult to pull off).
I have read quite a bit concerning the parts that Coco Chanel and the Ritz played in occupied Paris from other history books and from HF, but Ms. Cook was able to present this material in a fresh and new light. I felt as if I was reading it all for the first time. I had to know every facet…how Adele would stake her morals and her subsequent actions while being employed by Chanel. I had to know what Chloe and Etienne would unearth in their research…and how it all would blend together. I loved how it all played out…and I enjoyed the ending.
Another fabulous book by Ms. Cook that I highly recommend.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Avon Books UK for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 1/27/22.
November 18, 2022
Finished the book and I'm just going to say it does not deliver on what was promised.
Starting with the title, the dressmaker is Chanel and her "secret" is told to us within the first chapter. I feel like that's a pretty big let down to this "mystery" right off the bat.
Her assistant Adele is supposed to be, and I quote from the book sleeve, "working for the resistance right under German noses." But Adele does 2 small acts of resistance this entire book? And spends most of the time just her complaining about how it's unfair she is living in comforts while other people are poor and starving but she does literally nothing to help them.
The present day chapters didn't need to be in the book at all, they added nothing to the story. Chloe's anger towards Etienne for suggesting her grandma might've lived with and worked with Nazis is just so uncalled for. Many people had to do things to survive in the war why is that so surprising?
I don't understand if this is supposed to be just historical fiction, if it was supposed to have mystery or should've just stuck to a romance theme. This book was confused and so was I.
Starting with the title, the dressmaker is Chanel and her "secret" is told to us within the first chapter. I feel like that's a pretty big let down to this "mystery" right off the bat.
Her assistant Adele is supposed to be, and I quote from the book sleeve, "working for the resistance right under German noses." But Adele does 2 small acts of resistance this entire book? And spends most of the time just her complaining about how it's unfair she is living in comforts while other people are poor and starving but she does literally nothing to help them.
The present day chapters didn't need to be in the book at all, they added nothing to the story. Chloe's anger towards Etienne for suggesting her grandma might've lived with and worked with Nazis is just so uncalled for. Many people had to do things to survive in the war why is that so surprising?
I don't understand if this is supposed to be just historical fiction, if it was supposed to have mystery or should've just stuck to a romance theme. This book was confused and so was I.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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