The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard

The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard
Author: Natasha Lester
Publisher: Forever
Total Pages: 305
Release: 2024-01-30
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1538706970

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
Total Pages: 233
Release: 2010-10-01
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1921696524

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
Total Pages: 481
Release: 2021-08-31
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 0751576484

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
Total Pages: 400
Release: 2019-09-03
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1538764903

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

A Kiss from Mr Fitzgerald

A Kiss from Mr Fitzgerald
Author: Natasha Lester
Publisher: Hachette Australia
Total Pages: 268
Release: 2016-04-26
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 0733634648

From New York Times bestselling author Natasha Lester comes a deliciously evocative love story of a small-town girl with big ambitions in 1920s New York, for fans of The Paris Wife and Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald It's the roaring twenties in the Manhattan of gin, jazz and prosperity. Women wear makeup and hitched hemlines and enjoy a new freedom to vote and work. Not so for Evelyn Lockhart, who is forbidden from pursuing her passion to become one of the first female doctors. Chasing her dream will mean turning her back on her family: her competitive sister, Viola; her conservative parents; and the childhood best friend she is expected to marry, Charlie. In a desperate attempt to support herself through Columbia University's medical school, Evie auditions for the infamous late-night Ziegfeld Follies on Broadway. But if she gets the part, what will it mean for her fledgling relationship with Upper East Side banker Thomas Whitman - a man Evie thinks she could fall in love with, if only she lived a life less scandalous . . . Captivating, romantic and tragic, A KISS FROM MR FITZGERALD follows a young woman ahead of her time amid the fragile hearts and glamour of Jazz Age New York. INCLUDES BONUS SNEAK PEEK CHAPTER OF NATASHA LESTER'S Her Mother's Secret Selected by Dymocks as one of the BEST BOOKS OF 2016 'If you're mad about the roaring twenties and love all things Gatsby, this romance will have you enchanted.' Woman's Day 'I loved this book.' Rachael Johns, bestselling author of THE PATTERSON GIRLS 'A glamorous, transporting read.' Woman's Weekly 'Stunning . . . Will have you captivated . . . Evie's story is one you won't forget.' Liz Byrski, bestselling author 'Evelyn's story is full of drama, heartbreak and determination, and the setting of Manhattan in the early 20s is brought to glorious vivid life. I particularly loved the scenes when Evelyn was fighting to be allowed to study medicine - they rang really true for me' Kate Forsyth 'At the novel's heart is the sparkling Evie, an endearing combination of intelligence, determination and naivety.' West Australian 'I'm calling it, Natasha Lester is our generation's Louisa May Alcott.' Tess Woods, award-winning author of LOVE AT FIRST FLIGHT 'Remarkable, intelligent and heartfelt . . . one of the best Australian fiction releases of the year.' J. F. Gibson 'I absolutely adored Natasha Lester's book! What a GEM!' Sara Foster, bestselling author 'A thoughtful and engaging read, A Kiss from Mr Fitzgerald explores the true meaning of sacrifice and the importance of maintaining one's integrity in the face of adversity.' Books+Publishing 'A daring, captivating and tragic story told with charm, wit and more than a touch of Fitzgerald glamour.' MiNDFOOD 'The stand-out novel of 2016.' AusRom Today 'Wonderful. I love this author. You will not be disappointed.' Sally Hepworth 'Exquisite!' Vanessa Carnevale, author and blogger

The Paris Secret

The Paris Secret
Author: Natasha Lester
Publisher: Forever
Total Pages: 496
Release: 2020-09-15
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1538717271

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Orphan comes an unforgettable historical novel about a secret collection of Dior gowns that ties back to the first female pilots of WWII and a heartbreaking story of love and sacrifice. England, 1939: The Penrose sisters couldn't be more different. Skye is a daring and brash pilot, and Liberty the one to defy her at every turn. Even if women aren't allowed in the Royal Air Force, Skye is determined to help the war effort. She's thrilled when it reunites her with her childhood soulmate, Nicholas. She's less thrilled to learn Nicholas is now engaged to an enigmatic Frenchwoman named Margaux Jourdan. Paris, 1947: Designer Christian Dior unveils his glamorous first collection to a world weary of war and grief. He names his debut fragrance Miss Dior in tribute to his beloved sister Catherine, who forged a friendship with Skye and Margaux through her work with the French Resistance. Present Day: Fashion conservator Kat Jourdan discovers a priceless collection of Dior gowns in her grandmother's vacant cottage. As she delves into the mystery of their origin, Kat begins to doubt everything she thought she knew about her beloved grandmother.

The Paris Seamstress

The Paris Seamstress
Author: Natasha Lester
Publisher: Hachette UK
Total Pages: 464
Release: 2018-09-18
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1538714752

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

The Memory Dress

The Memory Dress
Author: Jade Beer
Publisher: Penguin
Total Pages: 401
Release: 2024-11-05
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 0593436849

"An endearing story of loss and recovery, mystery and memory, heartache and love...completely captivating."—Shelley Noble, New York Times bestselling author of The Tiffany Girls and The Colony Club A missing husband and a dress once owned by Princess Diana set two very different women on paths of discovery that will change both their lives forever in this dazzling new novel from the author of The Last Dress from Paris. England, 2018: Jayne is quiet. She keeps to herself and has no grand expectations for her days. But after a chance encounter with her elderly neighbor, Meredith, Jayne is forced to reevaluate her determination to keep the world at a distance. Meredith's dust-covered home is chaotic and neglected. And slowly, Jayne starts to grasp that Meredith herself is quite lost. She can't seem to remember anything: what she last ate, when she last went out or saw her daughter, or even Jayne's name, despite what are becoming frequent visits. But most alarmingly, Meredith can't remember where her husband is. Unable to sit by and watch Meredith hurting, Jayne promises she'll find William. But how can she when the biggest clue Jayne has is a mystery itself: a stunning couture gown with a note declaring it a personal gift to Meredith...from Princess Diana. England, 1988: Meredith is always calm. You have to be when working for one of the most iconic women in the world. Just as the stitches she uses to create Princess Diana’s wardrobe are steady and stable, so is Meredith. Until she finds herself feeling off-kilter and untethered by an unexpected connection with someone in the workshop. As Meredith finds herself swept up in life and love for the first time, everything she’s ever dreamed about seems in reach…if only she can be brave enough to take it. "A moving exploration into how clothes make up the layers of our lives, as well as a wonderful insight into the worlds of dressmaking, royalty and friendship across generations."—Jessica Fellowes, international bestselling author of The Mitford Murders

The Mademoiselle Alliance: Inspired by a stunning true story

The Mademoiselle Alliance: Inspired by a stunning true story
Author: Natasha Lester
Publisher: Hachette UK
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2025-03-26
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 0733651690

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

Her Mother's Secret

Her Mother's Secret
Author: Natasha Lester
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2025-05-20
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 9780733643736

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