The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard

The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard

Author: Natasha Lester

Publisher: Forever

Published: 2024-01-30

Total Pages: 305

ISBN-13: 1538706970

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New York Times bestselling author Natasha Lester delivers a brilliant blend of feminism, fashion, and history in this bold novel set against the real-life designers’ showdown in Versailles in the 1970s. French countryside, Present Day: Blythe Bricard is the daughter of famous fashion muses but that doesn't mean she wants to be one. She turned her back on that world, and her dreams, years ago. Fate, however, has a different plan, and Blythe will discover there is more to her iconic mother and grandmother than she ever knew. New York, 1970: Designer Astrid Bricard arrives in bohemian Chelsea determined to change the fashion world forever. And she does―cast as muse to her lover, Hawk Jones. And when they're both invited to compete in the fashion event of the century―the Battle of Versailles―Astrid sacrifices everything to showcase her talent. But then, just as her career is about to take off, she mysteriously vanishes, leaving behind only a white silk dress. Paris, 1917: Parentless sixteen year old Mizza Bricard has made a vow: to be remembered on her own terms. Her promise sustains her through turbulent decades and volatile couture houses until, finally, her name is remembered and a legend is born―one that proves impossible for Astrid and Blythe to distance themselves from.


What Is Left Over, After

What Is Left Over, After

Author: Natasha Lester

Publisher: Fremantle Press

Published: 2010-10-01

Total Pages: 233

ISBN-13: 1921696524

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Presenting a powerful story of motherhood and loss, this novel explores the complexities of grief and disconnection—and what it takes to become connected again. Gaelle, a 30-year-old beauty editor for a fashion magazine, she is ambivalent about motherhood, and she sleeps around—not because she does not love her heart-surgeon husband Jason, but because the very fact of love is a terrifying thing. She finds it easier to keep moving, in the heart and the mind, than to stay still and own who she is. A multi-layered story of marriage, this novel employs delicate yet powerful prose that builds to a moving revelation.


The Riviera House

The Riviera House

Author: Natasha Lester

Publisher: Hachette UK

Published: 2021-08-31

Total Pages: 481

ISBN-13: 0751576484

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The brand-new escapist summer read from the internationally bestselling author of The Paris Secret! ONE UNFORGETTABLE SUMMER WILL UNLOCK A DECADES-OLD SECRET . . . 'A meticulously researched novel with a perfectly woven dual timeline . . . I think The Riviera House is her best book yet' KATHRYN HUGHES, bestselling author of The Letter FRENCH RIVIERA, PRESENT DAY When Remy discovers she's mysteriously inherited a house on the French Riviera, she drops everything to go there, desperately seeking answers. There, she's shocked to uncover a catalogue of the artwork known to have been stolen by the Nazis during WWII, but there's something oddly familiar about one of the paintings . . . PARIS, 1939 While working at the Louvre, bold and beautiful Eliane falls for talented painter Xavier. But when the Nazis occupy the city, Xavier leaves Eliane behind for the safety of England. Heartbroken, she throws herself into helping the resistance catalogue the priceless treasures the Nazis are stealing. But Eliane is playing a dangerous game, and soon realises she may have put her trust in the wrong person . . . As Remy questions everything she thought she knew about her family, in the past Eliane finds herself in real peril. Could it be that the Riviera house holds more secrets than either Remy or Eliane are ready to face? Set between war-torn Paris and the present day, The Riviera House is a breathtakingly beautiful story of love and sacrifice, from the internationally bestselling author of The Paris Secret. Perfect for fans of Rachel Hore, Lucinda Riley and Tracy Rees.


The Paris Orphan

The Paris Orphan

Author: Natasha Lester

Publisher: Forever

Published: 2019-09-03

Total Pages: 480

ISBN-13: 1538764903

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A "rich and riveting" New York Times bestseller based on the true story of a female journalist who defied all the rules while covering World War II (Publishers Weekly, starred review). New York City/Paris, 1942: When American model Jessica May arrives in Europe to cover the war as a photojournalist for Vogue, most of the soldiers are determined to make her life as difficult as possible. But three friendships change that. Journalist Martha Gellhorn encourages Jess to bend the rules. Captain Dan Hallworth keeps her safe in dangerous places so she can capture the stories that truly matter. And most important of all, the love of a little orphan named Victorine gives Jess strength to do the impossible. But her success will come at a price... France, 2005: Decades after World War II, D'Arcy Hallworth arrives at a beautiful chateau to curate a collection of famous wartime photos by a reclusive artist. It's the opportunity of a lifetime, but D'Arcy has no idea that this job will uncover decades of secrets that, once revealed, will change everything she thought she knew about her mother, Victorine, and alter D'Arcy's life forever. Includes a reading group guide! "An emotional and sweeping tale set against the backdrop of World War II...Rich detail, compelling characters, and an interwoven dual timeline make this an engrossing read for historical fiction fans." --Chanel Cleeton, USA Today bestselling author of Next Year in Havana "[A] splendid, breathtaking novel, full of mystery and passion...a must read!" --Jeanne Mackin, author of The Last Collection


The Paris Seamstress

The Paris Seamstress

Author: Natasha Lester

Publisher: Hachette UK

Published: 2018-09-18

Total Pages: 464

ISBN-13: 1538714752

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For readers of Lilac Girls and The Nightingale comes an internationally bestselling World War II novel that spans generations, crosses oceans, and proves just how much two young women are willing to sacrifice for love and family. 1940: As the Germans advance upon Paris, young seamstress Estella Bissette is forced to flee everything she's ever known. She's bound for New York City with her signature gold dress, a few francs, and a dream: to make her mark on the world of fashion. Present day: Fabienne Bissette journeys to the Met's annual gala for an exhibit featuring the work of her ailing grandmother - a legend of women's fashion design. But as Fabienne begins to learn more about her beloved grandmother's past, she uncovers a story of tragedy, heartbreak and family secrets that will dramatically change her own life. "I loved The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah and I have a feeling that I'm going to love this dual timeline World War II novel based in war-torn France and present day." --Debbie Macomber "This rich, memorable novel unfolds beautifully from start to finish." --Publishers Weekly "Fascinating and impeccably researched." -- Gill Paul, author of The Secret Wife "A fantastically engrossing story. I love it." -- Kelly Rimmer, USA Today bestselling author "Gorgeously rich and romantic." -- Kate Forsyth, author of Bitter Greens "Intrigue, heartbreak... I cannot tell you how much I loved this book." -- Rachel Burton, author of The Things We Need to Say "If you're looking for a swoon-worthy romance, then The Paris Seamstress is for you. Natasha Lester's novel features not one but two love stories, spanning continents and centuries...Fans of historical romance will eat this one up." -- Refinery29 "Combine family secrets, World War II, tragedy and heartbreak and you have the compelling ingredients of this month's book buyer's pick." -- Costco Connection


Her Mother's Secret

Her Mother's Secret

Author: Natasha Lester

Publisher: Hachette UK

Published: 2018-03-27

Total Pages: 266

ISBN-13: 0751573116

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**THE FRENCH PHOTOGRAPHER is now available to pre-order in ebook** PRAISE FOR NATASHA LESTER... 'A fantastically engrossing story. I love it' KELLY RIMMER 'Intrigue, heartbreak... I cannot tell you how much I loved this book' RACHEL BURTON 'A gorgeously rich and romantic novel' KATE FORSYTH Her Mother's Secret is the thrilling and captivating story of a brave young woman chasing her dream against society's disapproval. Perfect for fans of Gill Paul, Kate Furnivall and Penny Vincenzi. 1918, England. Armistice Day should bring peace into Leonora East's life. Rather than making cosmetics secretly in her father's chemist shop, Leo hopes to now display her wares openly. Instead, Spanish flu arrives in the village, claiming her father's life. Determined to start over she boards a ship to New York City, where she meets debonair department store heir Everett Forsyth . . . 1939, New York City. Everett's daughter, Alice, a promising ballerina, receives a mysterious letter inviting her to star in a series of advertisements for a cosmetics line. If she accepts she will be immortalized like dancers such as Zelda Fitzgerald, Josephine Baker and Ginger Rogers. Why, then, are her parents so quick to forbid it? MORE PRAISE FOR NATASHA LESTER... 'If you enjoy historical fiction (and even if you don't) you will love this book' Sally Hepworth 'Stunning . . . Will have you captivated' Liz Byrski 'This romance will have you enchanted' Woman's Day 'Natasha Lester is our generation's Louisa May Alcott' Tess Woods 'What a GEM!' Sara Foster 'Natasha Lester brings bold, brave women to life' Courier Mail 'I love this book' Rachael Johns 'Exquisite!' Vanessa Carnevale 'Engaging' Herald Sun 'An essential addition to Australian fiction' AusRomToday 'Utterly compelling' Good Reading 'Emotion that will touch your heart and soul deeply' Jodi Gibson 'Fascinating, evocative and meticulously researched' Annabel Abbs 'Entertaining and provocative' Perth Festival 'Lester has woven a fine, original story of everlasting quality.' BetterReading 'A captivating tale' Daily Examiner 'A delightful and multi-faceted romp through the jazz era' Natalie Salvo 'Excellent historical fiction' The Book Muse 'You will love this even if you're not a regular reader of historical fiction' Jess Just Reads 'Storytelling at its finest' Great Reads & Tea Leaves


The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre

The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre

Author: Natasha Lester

Publisher: Hachette UK

Published: 2022-09-28

Total Pages: 470

ISBN-13: 0733647235

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'Page-turning . . . Rich with intrigue and laced with secrets' THE AUSTRALIAN WOMEN'S WEEKLY 'Luxuriant and opulent, just like Dior's glorious gowns. A sweeping story of love, betrayal and one woman's struggle to find her place in the world. An engrossing and beautiful read' TANIA BLANCHARD 'Very glamorous, and fun' CAROLINE OVERINGTON, WEEKEND AUSTRALIAN 'A thrilling read' RUTH DRUART 'Sparkling and complex, like vintage Champagne . . . Lester's masterful storytelling held me enthralled from the first page' CHRISTINE WELLS 1943. After spearheading several successful advertising campaigns in New York, PR wizard Alix St Pierre finds herself recruited into a fledgling intelligence organisation by the US government. Alix is sent to Europe where she is tasked with getting close to a Nazi who might be willing to help the Allied forces - but there's also the chance he might be a double agent. 1946. Following the war, Alix moves to Paris to run the Service de la Presse for the yet-to-be-launched House of Christian Dior. But when a figure from the war reappears and threatens to destroy her future, Alix realises that only she can right the wrongs of the past and bring him to justice. From the bestselling Australian author of The Riviera House, this captivating story takes readers from the dangerous, intrigue-filled rooms in Switzerland where elites schemed during the war to the glamorous halls of the House of Dior in the golden age of French fashion and journalism. 'This is a really, really great book. Natasha Lester has dreamed up a brave, flawed, unbreakable heroine guided by her determination to survive and thrive no matter what. I was enthralled by this story and rooted for Alix every step of the way' DANIELA SACERDOTI 'Alix [is] a heroine who is rational and glamorous and downright spunky . . . It's a rollicking rollercoaster of a read and I couldn't put it down' THE AU REVIEW 'Another absorbing novel from the practised hand of Natasha Lester' LIVING ARTS CANBERRA 'A sumptuously written page-turner. Alix St Pierre is everything that makes an admirable heroine - independent, plucky, and clever' MADELINE MARTIN 'Natasha Lester braids espionage, fashion, and a broken-but-unbowed heroine together into one fascinating tale' KATE QUINN


The Dior Legacy

The Dior Legacy

Author: Natasha Lester

Publisher:

Published: 2020-03-31

Total Pages: 464

ISBN-13: 9780733641886

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A wardrobe of Dior gowns, a secret kept for sixty-five years, and the three women bound forever by war... England, 1939 Talented pilot Skye Penrose joins the British war effort where she encounters her estranged sister, Liberty, and childhood soulmate Nicholas Crawford, now engaged to enigmatic Frenchwoman Margaux Jourdan. Paris, 1947 Designer Christian Dior unveils his extravagant first collection to a world weary of war and grief. He names his debut fragrance, Miss Dior, in tribute to his sister, Catherine, who worked for the French Resistance. Present day Australian fashion conservator Kat Jourdan discovers a secret wardrobe filled with priceless Dior gowns in her grandmother's vacant cottage. As she delves into the mystery, Kat begins to doubt everything she thought she knew about her beloved grandmother. An unspeakable betrayal will entwine all of their fates.


Her Mother's Secret

Her Mother's Secret

Author: Natasha Lester

Publisher:

Published: 2025-05-20

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780733643736

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1918, England. Armistice Day should bring peace into Leonora's life. Rather than secretly making cosmetics in her father's chemist shop to sell to army nurses such as Joan, her adventurous Australian friend, Leo hopes to now display her wares openly. Instead, Spanish flu arrives in the village, claiming her father's life. Determined to start over, she boards a ship to New York City. On the way she meets debonair department store heir Everett Forsyth . . . In Manhattan, Leo works hard to make her cosmetics dream come true, but she's a woman alone with a small salary and a society that deems make-up scandalous.1939, New York City. Everett's daughter, Alice, a promising ballerina, receives a mysterious letter inviting her to star in a series of advertisements for a cosmetics line. If she accepts she will be immortalized like dancers such as Zelda Fitzgerald, Josephine Baker and Ginger Rogers. Why, then, are her parents so quick to forbid it?HER MOTHER'S SECRET is the story of a brave young woman chasing a dream in the face of society's disapproval.'If you enjoy historical fiction (and even if you don't) you will love this book' SALLY HEPWORTH'Had me at page one. This book should come with a 'Do Not Disturb' sign' VANESSA CARNEVALE'Lester's storytelling is truly captivating; her voice an essential addition to Australian fiction' AUSROM TODAY'the vivid detail of the narrative has the ring of authenticity and is utterly compelling' Good Reading 'A delightful and multi-faceted romp through the jazz era ... HER MOTHER'S SECRET is a sweeping historical saga about an inspiring woman tackling society's expectations head on, war paint and all' NATALIE SALVO


The Mademoiselle Alliance: Inspired by a stunning true story

The Mademoiselle Alliance: Inspired by a stunning true story

Author: Natasha Lester

Publisher: Hachette UK

Published: 2025-03-26

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 0733651690

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How did a young Parisienne mother, celebrated for her beauty and glamour, come to lead the largest spy network in France? A powerful, heartbreaking historical novel by the New York Times bestselling author