Four stars. A good plot and good characters. ( )

This is one of those novels where the author takes all the loose ends and ties them up in a nice little bow at the end, which is really refreshing. And, too, there was so much more to this novel than at first appeared. I am a reader who loves atmosphere, and “travelling” new places through my books, and this one did not disappoint – from Australia to Paris to the French countryside, so many new things to experience through this story!

*Thank you to Alexandra Joel, Harper Perennial publishers, and GoodReads Giveaways for providing a free Advance Reader Copy in exchange for this honest review.*

As to one reason why I say there’s so much more to this than at first expected: We know from the back cover that our main character, Grace, becomes a model in Paris and falls head-over-heals in love with the tall, dark and handsome Philippe who just might have more history in his past than he is willing to reveal. What we don’t fully absorb, although it’s referenced (I’m not relating any spoilers here) is that the first third of the novel takes place in Grace’s (and the author’s) native Australia – and this is one part of the book I truly loved. Never having been to the Land Down-Under myself, I was fascinated by the rural life Grace led there, along with the knowledge Grace needed to thrive on the sheep farm run by her father. The descriptions of the Australian countryside – the sunny weather, the work on the farm - were quite captivating.

Grace also, through the events of the story that I will be careful not to spoil, finds herself in the French countryside, with its slow, warm charm.

A story is often remembered by how you feel at the end, and this one had a definite, satisfying finish! It was tracking as a 3-star for “I like it” for most of the novel for me, but the way author Alexandra Joel loops back and wraps everything together was like a cold beer on a hot day – such a simple pleasure, but one often missed by other authors! For that reason, I’m awarding an extra star for “I really liked it”. Notable too, is the ending Author’s Note which reflects quite a bit of effort on Joel’s part to tell this true story. I wasn’t certain at first if it was “based on” or “actual” – turns out it’s true! – which makes it all the better!

Conclusion: A complex tale well told and an enjoyable read!

#TheParisModel
#AlexandraJoel
#HarperPerennial
#GoodReadsGiveaways ( )

When Grace Woods wants to escape her life in Australia in the 1950's she heads to Paris, where she's got a job working as a mannequin in the famous fashion house of Dior. She's thrilled about the chance to work with Dior but, she's got other plans as well. Grace is also searching for her biological father, who left Australia during the second world war and never returned. She feels sure he's still alive somewhere, and France is the last place she can trace him to before he disappeared. But before she can find him, her life will be changed in ways unimaginable as she experiences adventures she's never dreamed of before coming to the City of Lights.

The Paris Model started off a little slow, but it picked up its pace, and I found myself thoroughly taken in by the story of a woman looking for independence but finding love, adventure, and a new home on a continent far from the one she knew as a child. This one is peppered with well-known events and famous figures, making it a fun book to read.

Thanks to Harper Perennial for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
More reviews at www.susannesbooklist.com ( )

*I received this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.*

A novel about 1940s Paris, love, spies, haute couture, and family secrets is essentially a formula for enjoyment in my book and this one does not disappointment. Certainly, at times the plot felt a little fantastical and the appearance of historical figures like Julia Child and Jackie Kennedy seemed random. Still, the tale of an Australian journeying to post-World War II Paris to work for Christian Dior and getting caught up spies makes for fun reading and this book is recommended for anyone seeking a lighter, adventurous tale. ( )

The book is a really slow start, but once it gets going it is really good. The story is based on a real person, which I didn’t know until I read the Author’s Note at the end.

The book is set in Australia and France in the aftermath of WWII. Two diverse lifestyles. Grace lives on a rural sheep station. But in a determined effort to make her life better, she flees to Paris where she becomes a model at the House of Dior. (I learned that models were called mannequins.) She also gets caught up in some espionage.

Grace is quick to jump to conclusions and quick to run from confrontation. This tended to frustrate me. I also did not care for all the name-dropping. Numerous cameo appearances. But Grace is an interesting character and forms some wonderful friendships.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. It was easy to read and had a bit of romance, a bit of fashion, a bit of espionage. I also enjoyed the inside look at being a high fashion model at the House of Dior and how the fashions were created. I also enjoyed the complexity of both Grace’s family and her fiancé Philippe’s family.

Thank you to Harper Perennial for the ARC. Opinions expressed are entirely my own. ( )