Cover Image: The Paris Seamstress (Free Preview: Chapters 1-4)

The Paris Seamstress (Free Preview: Chapters 1-4)

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This book had a little bit of a slow start, but once it really got started it was beautiful. Switching between a ‘present day’ character to a character set in WWII was a wonderful aspect of the story and worked quite well. There was a lot of fashion talk so those in the know of the fashion world will enjoy the beautiful descriptions. Plus the budding romance was very sweet. Although WWII was the time frame for parts of the book it was not a main aspect of what was going on with the character though it did have effects on where the character was, as she left her mother and home in France to come to America. Overall just a beautiful novel.

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This is fantastic and I’m excited to read the entire book! I’m so disappointed that I had to stop reading after only four chapters.

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I was blown away by The Paris Seamstress. I read a lot of WWII, female perspective fiction. I enjoy learning about the challenges overcome, feel that reading historical fiction helps honour those that came before and teaches us what to do or not to do in the future. Usually in a WWII book you are prepared to be emotionally wrung out by the end or even in the first 10%. The Paris Seamstress is different. It's not any less impactful but it's a very different story from a different outlook on WWII other than the heart of Europe, the front-line fighting or a concentration camp like we are familiar with.

Setting
Our lead gal has been sent to New York, USA in order to be out of the way of the Nazi's invading and about to occupy Paris. Our Parisian lead gal is in her late teens/early twenties through the book. She is about to have to fight hard just to survive on the streets and in the fashion industry of New York. Luckily she has had an upbringing in the Paris fashion scene and can copy fashions (or create her own) that will help her generate income. But first she has to break out and be noticed in New York.
One of the great things about how Natasha Lester has set-up The Paris Seamstress is that it could be any time period, and any woman's story of breaking into any industry. There are specifics of course here in terms of gender, the war creating a lack of supplies, and also being an immigrant but these are the 'things to overcome' that could be easily modified. The core of this story is about fighting to be seen, heard and become an influence on society in some way. Don't be dissuaded if you aren't big into fashion. Clothing is not the heart of the story; overcoming odds and persevering is what this book is really about.

Characters
The most endearing part of this story is the characters. Not only is our lead gal genuine, tough but emotional, and hard-working; she is also passionate in so many ways. Be it in her romantic relationships, her work or her desire to be successful or her sorrow over the losses of the war.
There are other wonderful supporting or 'almost main' characters including her business partners: another young gal working as a model and a man she meets on the boat on the way to New York (who cuts the fabrics economically). There is also a charming (and rich) suitor but you'll have to read it to learn about this mysterious man. I can't tell you about most of the other wonderful people we encounter as there are too many spoiler opportunities! Just know all the characters are well fleshed out and endearing in their own ways.

The War Carries On
We do experience (from a far) Pearl Harbour and the introduction of the USA into WWII. Lester also takes us back to the streets of Paris during occupation for a time and all around New York experiencing classes from dirt poor to filthy rich. These varying view points give a well rounded out feel for what WWII was like for those not in the heat of the battle or occupation; but instead living in a bustling city like New York. Even our time in Paris during occupation is a little surreal and a bit jolly at moments (which Lester does on purpose to show a point). Eventually of course the war does taper off and we find out what happens to our leading characters; but don't be deceived the war is still a major factor and is what drives many of our character decisions.

The 'Present' Story
Did I make it sound like the whole book was set in WWII time? Yeah I wish.
My sole complaint about The Paris Seamstress is I could have lost ALL of the present day story with the granddaughter of our fashionista in New York and missed not a lick of her story. There is a mystery throughout the book that she keeps alive; but I really didn't care about it at all to be honest. It felt unnecessary and the 'reveal' was way more relevant to the impact it made on our WWII characters than it was to the present time ones. I just wanted to keep being along for the stories of our characters during WWII. Of course the mystery ties everything together but honestly without it this is still be an amazing five star book. It felt like an editor told Lester something like, these days people like the split perspective in time for historical novels so add that in. I'd have preferred more scenes with our leading lady encountering high society and snobbery in New York, or our model's exploitation concerns than read about the present day granddaughter at all.

Overall
If you want to read about a strong female lead in WWII I think you'll really enjoy this. There is a lot about fashion but I'm not a very picky fashion girl and didn't find it boring. Most of the fashion talk is about conserving and using cheaper fabric, creating clothes women want to wear (not have to wear) and other feminist style ideas. There is a romance, and it is bittersweet. I can't say much more than that. For sure this is a novel about staying strong, ensuring you believe in yourself and that life is not fair but we find a way to carry forward and be content (if not truly happy). It is more driven by our characters than the mystery itself. I adored this book and cannot wait to recommend it out to all historical fiction fans and even readers outside the genre boundaries. A good story about people creates a space where the genre becomes irrelevant and is instead just a great character driven read.

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As the Germans advance at the start of World War II, Estella is forced to leave it all behind and flee to New York. Before leaving, she finds out a secret her mother has been hiding. On the ship there, she meets some wonderful people and dreams about making her mark on the world of New York fashion. I can see from this preview how this book will be so fascinating and I couldn't wait to see what else happened to Estelle, so I went and got the book to find out the rest of the story. Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for the preview in exchange for an honest review. .

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This is an enjoyable historical fiction. The story flips between Estella's perspective in the 1940s, and her granddaughter Fabienne's, in present day. Both characters are strong females who take risks and go against the grain to achieve their goals. They're likable, but just didn't have that extra pull for me to really root for them in the end.

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Estella Bissette is forced to flea Paris for America in 1940 as the Germans advance, leaving her mother and everything she knows behind. Arriving in New York City with her sewing machine, a gold dress, and a few new friends, Estella is determined to uphold the promise she made to her mother.

This section of The Paris Seamstress was so enthralling - beautifully descriptive and deeply emotional. The characters are relatable and honest, and Estella is such a strong female protagonist. I can't wait to see how her story unfolds, and how the second half of the book looks back onto the 1940s. I definitely need to read this book in its entirety!

This was an excerpt for The Paris Seamstress by Natasha Lester. Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the advance copy excerpt in exchange for an honest review.

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Loved the free preview. I ended up buying the book shortly after reading it. I haven't jumped back in it as of yet, but plan to do so soon. It got my attention, but not enough to binge read it like I do with so many others.

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A Historical Fiction Novel based in New York City during and after Word War One. The book frames the life of Estella who, before the war worked in a fashion house in Paris. As the war breaks out Estella's mother insists that she goes to America to be safe, so she travels by ship across the Atlantic .
As Estella settles into her now life in NYC she is faced with constant changes and all that life entails during a WWI background..
The book has a dual timeline and we meet Fabienne, Estelle's granddaughter who comes to visit Estella as she is nearing the end of her life. It is here that Estelle shares what her heart has needed to say for many a decade, secrets that will change Fabienne and the life that she now has.

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Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher that gave me the opportunity to read the first 4 chapters of this book in exchange for an honest review.
***
The books begins with the story of Estella, a young seamstress who, in 1940 Paris, dreams to become a fashion designer With the Germans beginning their invasion of France, and after finding herself helping the Allies, Estella is forced to flee to New York and to leave he mother behind.

These sample chapters swept me off my feet. The setting, the atmosphere, and the plot are captivating and suggestive, and Estella is an amazing and inspiring character: brave, modern, kind hearted, creative, and smart. After only a few pages I felt like I was walking in Estella's shoes and living her adventure. I also Lester's style quite elegant and descriptive, and I'm glad I doscovered this author.

I'm definitely going to buy this book because I want to read it all, and will probably read others by the same author too. I will write a full review on my blog once I've read the whole story, and if I like it as I liked the sample chapters, I'll certainly recommend it to readers and to foreign publishers for translation.

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Being a seamstress myself I was drawn to the character Estella. I loved the authors descriptive writing style. The historical accuracy of the book is breathtaking. I enjoyed the preview and look forward to reading the whole book.

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I picked this read now on a whim because I loved the cover and thought why not. I absolutely loved this preview, so much so that I've already ordered the full version. WWII stories always tug at my heart and Estella's story is no different. I couldn't imagine her heartbreak leaving the only place and person, her Maman, she's every loved.l behind. Watching her fellow French people flee the Germans was so hard for Estella, but she didn't have a choice. Luckily she quickly makes a few friends as she crosses the Atlantic to start a new lif in NYC. I can't wait to see how their stories unfold and what happens with Stella Designs.

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The Paris Seamstress is definitely a book you take on a long weekend holiday! You will be transported to Paris in the 1940s when Germany advanced upon The City of Lights. Thanks to Lester's exquisite writing, style cutting, fitting, and the pinning of breathtaking garments will become your passion.

For the most part, a delightful mix of characters is used to tell this story. Told between two time periods, the 1940's and present day (2015). Historical Fiction is my main genre, so I am quite used to, and fond of dual time period stories. Some books I have read use this technique well, others haven’t. Lester, I am pleased to say, has done well with this.

The idea of having to board a ship for America to escape the war, leaving behind your mother who must stay in France, a France in which Germany is advancing on, seems horrific. Thank goodness for Sam and his mother, they seem like a great addition to an already growing novel. I am cheering for Sam and Estella to leave the friend-zone. Looking forward to seeing where this goes.

Many thanks to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for this sample.

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I feel like the cover of the book captures the setting of the book perfectly. It's Paris in the 1940's during WWII. Estella, who is a talented seamstress, is forced to flee Paris for the safety of America. In doing so, she has to leave her mother behind. Once in America, she has to find a way to make a living. In this preview, you get a small peek at how Stella Designs is first discussed and planned. I really enjoyed this preview and intend to grab this book and read it in its entirety. The time period was described in such a way that you felt swept away in it.

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This four-chapter preview has left me curious about what happens next. Thank you to NetGalley for this sneak peak.

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The Germans are about to invade Paris. Estella is caught in the middle of a spy game on her way home one night. Her mother decides to send her to New York so that she can avoid the war.

Estella is a unique young woman. She grew up in ateliers. She dreams of designing her own clothes for everyone, yet is stuck copying down the designs of Chanel, Lanvin and all of the big couture designers, and selling the sketches to manufacturers to copy and mass market. When she arrives in New York, her contacts expect her to do the same work, not giving her a chance to create her own designs.

But then she meets Sam on the boat, and Janie, a model, in one of the showrooms. They decide to ban together to create Stella Designs, where Estella can create clothes for everyone.

I'm really excited about this book. I read the free preview (Chapters 1-4) and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the book. For fashionistas and lovers of all things fashion, this is your book.

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Although a preview of the first four chapters, i absolutely enjoyed reading them. Those four chapters soon came to an end and now i am eager to read the rest.

My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my preview chapters.

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I got an idea of what the book might be about after the three to four chapters and would recommend it to everyone. Against the backdrop of WWII, this historical fiction narrates the story of a young girl in Paris who is forced to leave her country and begin life anew in another city and country.

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I received these 4 chapters to read in advance, and let me tell you, I read them and wanted more, so I purchased the book! Estella is such an inspiring and strong main character and I can’t wait to find out what happens to her. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction set during WWII. I cannot wait to read more and find out how the storylines play out. I’ve not read many books in this genre that are set in the U.S. and am interested to see how the war going on will affect the characters destinies.

The writing style is descriptive and flows nicely, making it a real page-turner. Will be continuing reading tomorrow!

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I love reading anything about WWII and this takes place in Paris right before the Germans marched into Paris and took over! Two women mom and daughter what they are doing and what they have to accept on a sudden change of life! The relationship between.mom and daughter is strong ! Beautifully written and you really seem to know the characters and get a sense of what Paris was like at that period of time.

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Not so great. Kinda lackluster. I wasn't very impressed with the content of the story. Also, it was literally ... just the first four chapters? xP Not a real book, but I guess I'll review it.

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