The Paris Dressmaker by Kristy Cambron is a tale about the feisty Parisian fashion designer Lila de Laurent’s dalliance into the French Resistance amidst the growing shadow of Nazi Occupation and the Vichy government. A story of love, hope, betrayal, and glamor, The Paris Dressmaker is an beautiful and fully immersive experience. This book is perfect for fans of The Paris Orphan as well as The Nightingale, and while it is historical fiction, it is as faced paced as a spy thriller.

L I have read three previous books by Kristy Cambron so I was excited about her latest release The Paris Dressmaker. Once again, Cambron transports us to an unforgettable time in WWII history, this time through the fashion and art world.

The story is about two brave women who use their work positions to get information for the resistance. Lila de Laurent is an haute couture dressmaker and Sandrine Pacquet works with an art historian cataloging art confiscated by the Germans. The story follows the lives of these two women during the four-year occupation in Paris. I enjoyed both of these women's stories that gave us a glimpse of what it must have been like living in Paris during those difficult war years and how some women chose to collaborate with the Germans while others courageously smuggled information to the underground resistance.

I usually love dual timeline stories, however, in this case, I did find it slowed the pace of the story. The reason is that there was a dual timeline for both women, so it became confusing sometimes to remember where the story left off for that particular character. The novel has a strong beginning with Lila de Laurent running for her life in the Meudon Forest as she is hunted by the Nazis. Then it switches to Sandrine's story. Then it switches back to Lila's story but to a previous timeline. The chapters had cliffhanger endings but it was a while before we would get back to it and this was at times frustrating. I think, in this case, this story would have been better told with one timeline and the use of well-placed flashbacks.

Also, I was waiting for the connection between the two women but it was minor and did not converge as I had hoped. That beautiful Chanel gown that is on the front cover concealing a cryptic message ended up being an anticlimactic plot for me.

However, I appreciated the research the author did and how she based some parts of her story on true accounts. I found Sandrine's story more heartbreaking and relatable to me since she was married and a mother. She was forced into certain situations and had to make the most of it, and she did so stoically. I found she had inner strength and poise.

The Paris Dressmaker was a good read but I did like her Hidden Masterpiece books better.

Jump back in time to Paris, France, joining the resistance as they fight against the Nazis during World War II

Fabulous! The Paris Dressmaker was an elegant and captivating novel about the horrors, risks, and hardships Parisians faced in the City of Love during the Nazi occupation. Taking readers into the worlds of espionage, couture, art, and everyday life, the story takes us on an epic journey, introducing us to courageous people who didn't allow the threat of the Nazi's brutality prevent them from doing what was right!

The Paris Dressmaker tells the tale of Lila de Laurent, a revered seamstress who worked for Chanel before becoming unemployed when the shop was closed down, and Sandrine Paquet, a mother who will do anything to protect her son while her husband fights against the Germans. Facing separate perils, these women must make significant sacrifices and decisions to save the ones they love. Will they succeed in their missions, or will their alliances prove to be perilous?

“Before the war, a Parisian woman could not vote, work, or even open a checking account without her husband’s say so. To humiliate her now, propaganda posters fed the lie that she and her children had been abandoned in the necessities of life by the French men who’d run off to play savior by fighting a war they couldn’t possibly win. Now it was only the German soldier who could save her.” ~ Kristy Cambron

War is not only a matter of life and death but allegiance and devotion. Lila and Sandrine learn this and more as they work under the Nazi's noses, collecting information and taking messages to the resistance who are awaiting the Allied forces' support to defeat the Nazis. With their faith and love put to the test, both women will question everything they once thought to be true as they witness and experience the perils of war firsthand. Nevertheless, it is not all treacherous as Lila and Sandrine find hope and light in the darkness.

Completely absorbed into the storyline, The Paris Dressmaker took me on a wild ride that only grew more action-packed the further into the story I dove. Kristy Cambron completely embodied the location, people, and message in her narrative. As I listened to the audiobook, I could picture every scene, feel every emotion, and experience every mission the women took to end the Nazi's reign in Paris.

Historical fiction lovers are going to ravage this book! It is everything you could hope a novel will be — exceptional storytelling, intriguing characters, heart-melting moments, and a sense of patriotism in characters who refused to let the enemy destroy their desire for freedom. The Paris Dressmaker will have you gripping your seat until the final scene!

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a pre-release copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are entirely my own!*

The cover of this book is lovely and inviting but i struggled to get into it and hence i never finished

This is a new-to-me author and I wasn't sure what to expect. What I got was a beautifully written story that wove fact and fiction together and keep me turning the pages to see what happened next. Once I started reading this book I couldn't put it down. It's a wonderful read that you don't want to miss. Thank you Thomas Nelson--FICTION via NetGalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

It took a bit for me to understand and follow the time and dates changing and the back and forth between Sandrine and Lila. But once I figured that out, the beautiful, brilliant story unfold! Exquisite writing and a five star must read of a story of Paris, Art and the Resistance.

There are two main characters whose lives are woven throughout the pages of this amazing trip back to WWII and the Nazi invasion of France. One thread is with the seamstress Lila, who you are introduced to as she is escaping capture. You are frantic as you experience her fear. The second thread is with Sandrine, a mother and the wife whose husband has left to fight against Hitler’s atrocities.

What you don’t realize at the time is how the lives will be affected by their willingness to sacrifice their lives on behalf of the Resistance. The women who work behind the scenes in unbelievable and simple ways are truly brave. The stories of these two women go back and forth in time. It was difficult to keep up with whether you were at the present time (1943/1944) or the past (1939) as you flipped through the pages. I wish there was a way to help me navigate the time periods a little easier. The story was still wonderful, but it often took me a while to realize “where” I was in relation to the time period.

There are so many times you heart will stop as you wait in anticipation for what will happen next. The author does a wonderful job of keeping you on the edge of your seat, making the reader invested in the lives of the characters, and allowing you to experience the Nazi invasion through multiple viewpoints.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

“‘That Bible! You are never without it. It is the only book left on our shelves, and yet its promises are hollow…Does He not groan over our cries of desperation? He does not hear us because He is not here. There is no hope left in the world.’

‘I don’t have an answer—at least not one that will satisfy if this is truly what you believe. Except it is not God’s doing what is happening here. He is not indifferent to our pain. Men decide on their own whom they will serve, and if it is to court evil, God lets them go to it.’”

The Paris Dressmaker is a book of truth and heartache and resilience and the undeniable importance of every single person doing his or her duty. Our world today often feels heavy and scary—until I read stories like this. Stories of a heinous evil that tried to overtake the world during WWII. Stories of persecution and struggle that most of us haven’t endured. And I’m reminded that God didn’t leave His people then, and He hasn’t left us now. I’m reminded of a far more heinous act two thousand years ago when evil tried to conquer the King. But evil didn’t win then, though the days seemed dark. Instead, God used that evil to bring the ultimate Hope to the world. And I absolutely love novels that stir up those kinds of truths.

The Paris Dressmaker made me feel nervous, a bit enraged…and finally—with an inward sigh—triumphant. Kristy Cambron makes war-torn Paris breathe as if you’re sinking into the lives of Lila and Renè and Sandrine in the midst of WWII. Everything feels authentic, from the French spoken to the descriptions of espionage. It’s not the easiest read in terms of subject matter, but it’s absolutely worthwhile. Her writing is smooth and descriptive, drawing you into the past.

Honestly, this is the kind of story I wish more people would read because this exposes the barbaric pieces of history that should be absorbed and remembered in order to make sure we don’t encounter them again. I believe fiction has a unique ability to touch people, and I’m happy to share this one’s influence with all of you.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. In fact, I bought a paperback copy myself before even agreeing to review it.*

The Paris Dressmaker
By Kristy Cambron

The Paris Dressmaker by the amazing Kristy Cambron is an amazing historical fiction read about Paris during the Nazi occupation while highlighting two heroic women who did their best joining the resistance to fight against an evil regime.

The sotry was stunning and the way the timelines were interwoven into the story amidst the stories of Lila de Laurent and Sandrine Paquet's, their voices just jump off the page so distinctly and with so much conviction that I thoroughly enjoyed.

The author's note at the end of the book was fantastic and really helped me gain insight to the real events this book was based on. I also enjoyed the book club discussion questions in the end which made for a real thought provoking read.

Thank you Kristy Cambron for this amazing book I enjoyed reading.

I really wanted to love this novel - its description ticks so many boxes for a great read: interesting characters facing the ravages of wartime occupation, a magical setting (Paris), and it is even based on true events.
Unfortunately, I had a very hard time following all the shifts in time and narration. I don't mind flashbacks or dueling story lines working toward a collision, but I found this novel confusing and often had to backtrack or pause to figure out who/when I was reading about.
I did love the idea of the story and learning more about the characters' occupations and descriptions of Paris.
Thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for the digital copy to review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this World War II Christian historical fiction. Kristy Cameron takes you deep into the French resistance with a fast pace but true human emotions. I felt so much for the characters and their struggles. Oh, and gorgeous cover!

The only thing that I didn't like was the back and forth between the two main protagonists and their timelines got confusing. And I would have liked a little more faith content. The author is known for her faith and I was surprised there wasn't more of it.

4.5 stars!

I always enjoy a Kristy Cambron’s books and this was no exception. If anything, this might have been my favorite yet.

First, the cover just draws you in, it is so beautiful. I usually love any story that takes place during WWII, so that also helped this book be a winner.

Lila and Sandrine’s stories are very interesting and I couldn’t wait to see if and when their worlds would collide. Their stories obviously overlapped but I didn’t know what the impact would be.

If you have read Kristy’s work in the past I am sure you will be pleased with this latest installment. If you haven’t read her work this is a good one to start with.

A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

I really, really liked this one. Just before I started, I was reading another historical fiction novel that takes place in Paris during Occupation as well, and I didn't like it at all. So perhaps my delight in reading The Paris Dressmaker stems from that, but I still think this book was incredible on its own. The characters all felt genuine and real, and I felt for them whenever they were put into dangerous situations (and it's Occupied France, you know that's going to happen). There are multiple timelines for each of the characters, but I personally didn't have trouble following that at all, although I know some others have. Another one of the common complaints seems to be that it takes too long for the two stories to cross over, but I don't agree. Although, I wasn't really expecting them to, and it was a pleasant surprise when they did, so maybe that's why. Either way, I thought it was good timing and any sooner would have felt rushed and forced. I also liked how there were many ups and downs throughout the book, and you never knew if this is the moment the characters would be caught. There were a few times they were as well, but escaped, and sometimes with suffering, and it gives you the idea that anything goes and no one is safe (which is probably more realistic than everyone surviving or not getting hurt at all anyway). I really liked both Lila and Sandrine, and thought their stories were different enough that it was easy to keep them apart. I thought it was fascinating to have them both working with or for the Nazis while also being a part of the Resistance as a mole or undercover. Usually the novels from this era I read focus solely on Resistance members, and rarely those who work on the inside. I also thought it was interesting how the author wrote some of the side characters, and how their stories end up in a vastly different direction that the main characters', Amelie in particular. I think it's a lot more realistic to have acquaintances who end up on the wrong side of history, whether it be by accident or by choice. The writing was really well done, and I found myself slowing down to read every word, which is always my personal indication that a book is well-written as I tend to speed read most things. I also liked how the author ended the story, and the emotions were strongly felt when our characters finally were liberated. It felt genuine, and visceral. All in all, I am very pleased with this book, and I would not hesitate to try out another book by the same author.

I absolutely loved The Paris Dressmaker by Kristy Cambron. Her descriptive writing takes you right into the heart of Paris as it both waits for war and endures Nazi occupation. I could picture the beautiful gowns, and the parties where excess was the norm. And I could just as easily picture the closed up shops and the emaciated women standing in lines in the hopes of getting a scrap of food for their children to eat. How must that have felt? I think I would have done anything, even the unthinkable, to provide for my children.

This plot-driven story is filled with amazing characters who are diverse, flawed, scared, strong.... Though there are definitely "main" characters, all of the characters are necessary to this story. You will love some and despise others, but they all play an important role. I think it's brilliant that I can see myself in several of the characters. Would I have been with The Resistance or would I have crumbled in fear? It's a question you'll ask yourself as you read.

This is a book that I'd recommend reading in paperback. There are multiple timelines, and if you forget what year you're in, it's easier flipping back a few pages of a physical book than an ebook. Regardless, The Paris Dressmaker is worth reading. This inspirational historical fiction will stay with you long after you reach the end.

The Paris Dressmaker was the second book I read by Kristy Cambron. I overall enjoyed the story but I found it hard to follow at times with all the french words/pronunciations and the back and forth of different time periods. I really loved Sandrine's story the best but found that Kristy Cambron did a great job at developing all the characters. I love reading historical fiction set during WWII so I knew this would be a good book to try. I know in the future I will be looking forward to reading Kristy's future books.

Kristy Cambron's new book is outstanding. It takes you on a journey of survival, intrigue, espionage, and love. I have never read any novels about the French occupation by the Nazis during World War II. Most books set during that time period focus on London or the Holocaust, so this was a learning experience for me as well as an entertaining read. The switching between time frames was a little confusing at first, but once I got into the story, I didn't have a problem keeping up with what was happening. I always try to put myself into the place of the characters, and the fear of living during this time seems overwhelming, especially working with the Resistance while trying to portray that you are living a normal life. I have never been much for high fashion or couture, but I found the descriptions breathtaking. Breathtaking is actually a word that describes this entire story. I was so into the book that I hurried to finish but was sad that it did. Thank you Kristy Cambron for another fabulous story. I highly recommend it.

I loved this story! I had no trouble keeping up with the different points of views and the jumping timeline. At the beginning of each chapter it tells you the year so it wasn’t that hard to figure out if it was a flashback.
I thought this story was fascinating and intriguing.
I couldn’t wait to get back to it so I could find out what happens to all of the characters.
I was able to listen to the audio version of this book and I thought the narrator was AWESOME. She changed her voice for all of the different accents (French, German, american) and she did a great job on the male voices as well.

For several years, I’ve been a fan of Kristy Cambron. She has a great voice, and her stories are always absorbing and heartfelt. I also love that she highlights lesser known historical events in her novels. The same can be said for The Paris Dressmaker, detailing a seamstress turned Resistance member in WWII, as well as those who worked to preserve Jewish art which was being destroyed at the time. The novel is impeccably researched, giving it an authentic, 1940s setting. I liked both our heroines, though at times I found them to be a bit hard to connect with. Still, both were strong, admirable women who did incredible things for the greater good. I also found it fascinating to read about the French fashions and how they were used in the Resistance.

At times I did find it a bit hard to follow the novel. We’re given two heroines with their own unique plot lines, and each story switches between flashbacks prior to the occupation of Paris and the months leading up to the liberation of Paris. This, combined with lots of phrases in French and German had me struggling to keep up at times.

This is not a light-hearted tale. There are many encounters with Nazis, and that is never an easy thing to read about. I knew going in that this book was not going to be a “happy read” but I did wish there hadn’t been so much time spent on the Nazis.

All in all, I think The Paris Dressmaker has a fascinating plot with many interesting characters, though a bit too much violence for more sensitive readers like myself. World War Two buffs will definitely want to give this book a read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The Paris Dressmaker by Kristy Cambron contained two brilliant, well written stories. I read/listened to the book in one sitting.

The stories of two courageous women resisting the Nazi's in Paris, France were each unique and beautifully woven together. Cambron produces some of the most lyrical writing I have read/listened to in a long time. Lila and Sandrine are both integral to the story, but I found Sandrine's story a little more exciting.

I thought the book was well researched and different from a lot of other historical fiction set during World War II, which was refreshing. I found the setting of Paris, France a nice choice as well. It is important to World War II history, yet a lot of books do not feature or focus on it.

For the audiobook, I thought the narration and accents were fantastic. Barrie Kreinik did an amazing job, and I would easily listen to her again.

The only issue I had with both the eARC I was sent, and the advanced audio copy I was sent was keeping the timelines straight. Sandrine and Lila both have two story lines going during their respective parts of the story. On audio, it is a lot to keep track of without a whole lot breaking it up. The eARC had weird formatting throughout. It was spaced weird. It made it hard to distinguish as well. I am assuming this will be more organized in the final edition. So, no fault was on the authour, but just the poor formatting of the review copies.

Overall, this was a very enjoyable story, and I have already recommended it to family and friends. The narration really elevated an already beautifully written story. 4.5 stars from me.

I received an eARC and advanced audiobook copy from Thomas Nelson and Zondervan through NetGalley. All opinions are 100% my own.

The book is based on real life accounts of French dressmakers during these horrifying times. There is no sparring the reader from the inhumane actions of the Nazis.
I enjoyed the overall story but I felt like it was confusing with the time and POV jumps.
If you enjoy WW2 fiction or stories of bravery and enduring love then I highly recommend The Paris Dressmaker.