Wow! This was my first time reading this author and this book was so good. I love all things Russian and she did not disappoint. We follow the Heroine, Katya through post war time leaving Russia and traveling to France. Very very good. I look forward to reading more and wish there was a sequel for Vera’s story!

This is the first book I've read by Natalie Meg Evans, it won't be the last. I didn't know what to expect from this book, but I throughly enjoyed it.


Katya - young, beautiful and impoverished - arrives in Paris, hoping to begin a new life. She leaves behind a terrible secret, and her survival in this strange and beautiful city depends on nobody discovering who -and what- she is. Immediately Katya is swept up in the city's glamour - particularly the boutiques on the main boulevard, where glittering gowns are hand sewn for exclusive clientele. Dare Katya dream that she may someday wear - or even design - one of these dazzling creations? It feels like an impossible wish, until she meets businessman Henry Morgan. Tall, handsome and well-connected, Harry could give Katya everything she wants and more...but at what price? And should she break the vows she made and trust him with her secret when her very survival could be a stake? 

'When I met you, I was a man of twenty-eight who wasn't sure he'd make it to twenty-nine. You were hanging onto your life by your fingernails. We were birds crashing in flight, which doesn't make it any easier.'

I loved this book. I couldn't put it down. It's such a good story with a wonderful plot. The female protagonist, Katya, is extremely likeable and you find yourself rooting for her from the beginning of this book. It's a classic riches to rag story, but told so well. I loved reading about her chasing her dream, starting her new career. It was so well done. Look, I'm even writing about it as if it was real!

As for the love story that occurs, it's beautiful. It's one of the best love stories I've read in a while. It's dramatic, passionate, loving, sweet and honest. I was rooting for Harry and Katya to be together at the end ( I won't give it away, if they are or not).

The plot moves along really well. From the fleeing of Russia, starting a new life in Paris, Katya's new business, the love story. It's truly a book that will keep you entertained. There's also a back story throughout this book, the keeps you guessing till the end. I had to know what happened. Speaking of the end of this book, it was amazing. It surprised me, it was suspenseful and cinematic. This book is the perfect candidate for a BBC miniseries.

It's truly beautifully written. Natalie has a real talent. The emotion she conjures up is phenomenal. You truly feel for the characters. As for setting the scene, you get a real sense of Paris in the 1930s. Along with the description of the outfits, the machinery, it's authentic.

So, if you like historical fiction, books about the fashion industry or a romance book, then this is the one for you. I can't recommend it enough. Now excuse me, I'm off to buy some more Natalie Meg Evans books.

This ARC was given to me by Netgalley and Bookouture in return for an honest review.
This e-book comes out 11th December! Don't miss it!
Until the next review

The Silent Vow is the first book I have read by this author and I will most definitely read her previous books.

The Silent Vow is set at the end of the First World War. Katya and her family have to flee Russia following the revolution; they are of noble birth and are at risk. With the help of a family friend, they make their way to Paris. However, their journey is not without incident when they finally arrive to discover bad news.

The story follows Katya as she tries to provide for her family. To her dismay, unknown forces in the background are at work against her. Katya will need to decide who is friend and who is foe.

An interesting story with well written characters, it is an intriguing read about surviving against the odds.

I have read most of Natalie Meg’s books and enjoyed them all. This one was no exception. Beautifully written, interesting characters.

I was given this book for free for an honest review. I enjoyed this book a great and kept me hooked for quite some time. The book keeps you turning pages to see what actually happened to Vera, the main character’s sister. There were moments in the book that could have been evolved better, such as the moment when the war ended and peace reigned. I felt that a moment of such importance deserved more. Also, a section near the ending when the twist was explained felt too rushed and confusing. But on the whole I loved the book and grew to love the main character and her love interest.

This was a fast and interesting read. The story was interesting and i enjoyed reading it and it kept me up well into the night to finish it.
Paris, Fashion and Post-war periods. I surely can't resist a book that has them all. And despite the over-dramatisation of some scenes, i found that i enjoyed this story more than i expected. There was a part close to the end that felt really over done/written and it created a rather unpleasant confusion. But that didn't stop me from going on, especially that most of the characters were intriguing and one can't help but like them.

Katya has made it out of Russia to Paris. It's the 1930s and nothing is really secure but she's trying her best to support her family as a seamstress. She's also got a secret related to the death of her sister and this looms over her life. Is Harry a good guy? It's not clear initially but the romance grows. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is nice historical fiction about emigres in Paris.

Thank you Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was impressed with how well written this novel was and I loved how the author effectively weaves the Russian customs through language, history and fashion. The story and its characters embrace the French lifestyle but stay true to their Russian roots. The mystery behind Katya's sister mysterious death drives the story and I anxiously turning pages to find out what happens to her.
Katya is a strong and vivacious protagonist who suffers greatly after the Russian revolution destroys her family forcing her to re establish herself and her family in Paris. A chance encounter with a handsome soldier not only saves her life but sets her on a new path of self discovery and love. Her love story with Harry is a complicated one but compelling nonetheless.
Loved it! A definite keeper.

A wonderful book, enganging and entertaining.
I loved the plot, the characters and the style of writing.
I will surely look for other books by this author.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for this ARC

What an absolutely great story. Katya and her family leave Russia for Paris. While on her trip, she meets Harry. Is he a white knight? Maybe not, but a hero nevertheless. When she gets to Paris, she has no real marketable skills, but she can sew. As a seamstress, she barely makes ends meet. She meets Harry once again and he is more than what he appears. She hopes for a better job and to be able to take care of her sick mother and sister. There's a secret that Katya is keeping. It could mean life or death if found out. It is wartime and spies are everywhere. It's a great book. It is a romance but so much more. The struggles and triumphs of displaced persons during the war are real. The story is told in a way that is of interest to any reader of adult fiction. I received this book from Net Galley and Bookouture Publishing for a honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.

what an amazing book. Loved it from beginning to end
I loved the authors style of writing and will be looking for other books by this author.
I would recommend this book to friends and family