This review originally appeared on my blog at www.gimmethatbook.com.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing this advance reader’s copy in exchange for a review!

I have read other novels by Jan Moran (see my reviews on Flawless and Beauty Mark), but this by far is her most enthralling and multi layered work. The character development is deeper, the settings lusher, and the sweeping triumphs and tragedies make this book almost larger than life. Moran’s talent as a writer shows on every page and in each subplot. Moreover, her love and knowledge of perfume and its creation shines throughout SCENT OF TRIUMPH. Scenes are not only described, but experienced with olfactory details: we smell the scent of Jon’s cologne, we breathe in the odor of sweat and salt air as Danielle travels on a crowded ship, and we become aware of not only the squalid appearance of a tenement–we live it as the food odors permate our consciousness.

Another plus is that Moran, as always, gives us a strong female presence. Danielle is master of her own destiny, always pushing forward, seeking the best life for her family first. Her natural ability to manipulate scent and create perfume helps her in her personal and financial growth; and perfume vials serve as weapons, messengers, and signs of hope for Danielle and her relatives. Moran’s treatment of the injustices of WWII are descriptive and hit hard–keep tissues close at hand, for this is not a soporific romance with a little history thrown in. SCENT pulls no punches as the character of Danielle experiences hardship and struggle.

I found it easy to identify with Danielle’s drive; her ambition flows naturally and she is not overbearing. Rather, she is painted as a woman of class and character, determined to make her way in the world. As the plot shifts, there is suspense in the form of missed opportunities. The author knows her audience and creates roadblocks for her characters accordingly.

Finally, this novel is unique due to the author’s affinity for perfume. Each chapter begins with a quote from the fictional Danielle that resonates with the action to follow; and also gives the reader some insight on what goes into creating a lasting and pleasant scent. I love a book where I can learn tidbits about familiar things, and understanding more about perfumes and their creation was what made this book so wonderful on another level. Our sense of smell can evoke many memories and emotions. Moran utilizes this knowledge to create a perfect blend of word, image, and essence. ( )

DNF around 62%

I really tried my best to finish this book. But I just couldn't find anything that I liked with it, neither the characters or the story worked for me. It was very predictable. In the end, I jumped to the end and read it to see if it would end as I thought it would. And, I was right.

One thing that bothered me while I read this book was how superficial the story felt and the lack of depth to the characters. This is a story that takes place during WW2, but even when horrible things happens in the book does it manage to move me because the character and the story never really comes to life. It's just so lifeless. And, all this stuff about perfume and how trained Danielle was in smelling and then when she in the beginning hugged Jon and smelled how good he smelled, that made me realize how this would all end. I just don't like stories that are so predictable. I mean come on, Hm, the main character is married, but has feelings for another man and now her husband is on his way to Poland to find their son, hmmm I wonder what will happen.

Sorry, this book just didn't work for me.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! ( )

Very well written, the story draws you in. The characters are interesting, the stories draw you in. As enticing as the scents Danielle creates. ( )

Received this as a free book in exchange for a review;. I started off really trying to like the story, and realized I was not into it, found it melodramatic and hard to believe. Yes its about love, loss, WWII and more about perfume than any one could believe in one story. I found the book contrived and overly written. Just to much turns to gold with Danielle from one great platform to the next. All turns out great, happy ever after...but not well written. The information at the top of each chapter was interesting, but everything was repeated over and over again. ( )

What first draws you to this book is the beautiful cover but once you start reading you find out that the story is as good as the cover. The novel starts in the early days of World War II. Danielle and her husband are returning from a trip to New York. They had left their young son in the care of her mother in law in Poland. Before they can get to Europe, their boat is sunk by German U boats and the reader realizes that the war has begun. The war bring huge changes to Danielle's life and the life of her family and she struggles to try to find her son in war torn Europe. She has a nose for perfume and her family makes perfume and there are many interesting facts about perfume through out the book. I really enjoyed the book and all of the interesting facts about perfume. The only negative is that the ending of book seemed a bit abrupt but other than that I would highly recommend this book. ( )