What a captivating story! It's 2017 when Lia visits the apartment she recently inherited from her grandmother. No one has been in the apartment since the end of WWII, and the interior shows that! Filled with incredible art, couture gowns, Nazi photos, and a hidden compartment, Lia asks herself, which side of history was her grandmother on? Lia enlists the help of art restorer Gabriel to find the truth. They uncover two women's sacrifice, strength, and struggle during WWII.
This book is set in 2017 and 1942 with four points of view. I enjoyed the two points in history as well as understanding the full story from four different characters. I recommend this book to fans of historical fiction (with some romance and mystery)!

Equal parts heart-pounding, heartbreaking, and heart lifting, THE PARIS APARTMENT is an absorbing novel. Kelly Bowen has crafted a story of deep humanity and redemption, demonstrating the stunning beauty that can emerge from the darkest places. A true work of art.

Kelly Bowen's The Paris Apartment is a fascinating read. Alternating between modern times and World War II events, this is a fiction tale that follows some amazing events surrounding the war.

Upon inheriting an apartment in Paris, Aurelia discovers a world she never knew existed. What she finds upon first view is what looks to be a museum of stolen art. Assuming her aunt was a Nazi collaborator, she soon unveils the truth.

The author excels in slowly unveiling the events from the past, while combining Aurelia's search and discoveries, with what happened to her aunt, Estelle, and her friend Sophie during the war.

The past includes death and injuries, orphaned children, and a look into saving some of the countries citizens and artwork. This stories includes a secret room, as well as a secret apartment, that were all used during the war.

This tale is written with plenty of details, as well as a wealth of knowledge about the times.

The Paris Apartment is a wonderful read. I highly suggest this Kelly Bowen story to anyone interested in reading more about some of the secret events that took place during wartime. It's a stunning look into female heroes, and the mysteries that survived the years.

Lia is shocked when her grandmother bequeaths her an elegant Paris apartment in 2017, one that’s been locked since the end of WWII. In it she discovers a cache of fabulous art, couture gowns, and photos of a high ranking Nazi official. Lia wonders if her grandmother collaborated with the Germans, so seeks help from art restorer Gabriel Seymour to uncover the truth. Together, they discover a tale of courage that will long stay with you. Beautifully written and highly recommended!

5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 20 Apr 2021
#TheParisApartment #NetGalley

Thanks to the author, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.

The allure of a Paris apartment left locked and untouched since WWII drew me in immediately. The story is rich in historical detail and strong characters that bring occupied Paris to vivid life for the reader. The mystery is well crafted and paced, even if a few bits were slightly predictable. Sophie and Estelle are both beautifully created characters, who show great courage and determination in the face of fear and personal loss. Their parts were the most interesting and moving to read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for access to this arc.

I am dedicated to devouring every novel about the Paris apartment that was left untouched for 70 years, and this one is by far one of my favorites!

The number of times I caught myself breathless and wrapped up in the characters was astounding and by the end of the novel I was shouting, "Wait, but what about --?" Lo-and-behold, the author threw a curveball and gave me the ending I needed.

This historical fiction romance reminded me that the fights against fascism are still not over and many changes are still needed, for "If I am not fighting -- if I am not doing everything I am capable of -- then I am complicit in every atrocity that has happened and will continue to happen. This I know with every fiber of my being."

I'm buying this book and reading it again and again!

Historical fiction, strong female protagonist.
Alternating between WWII and present day, we are told the story of two women spies who lost much, but also did much for their country. Their secrets are uncovered when Lia, the grate-granddaughter of one of the women, receives the key to an apartment in Paris owned by her great grandmother during the war. In it are hidden rooms, paintings, and proof that her great-grandmother was more than Lia thought. With the help of an art restorer, the stories are uncovered.
There is action, suspense, and much history in this story. Great book for fans of historical fiction and romance.

This book was received as an ARC from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book was so fascinating and filled with so much history that I could not help but be smitten throughout the book. The story of Aurelia and how she moved into an apartment right in the heart of Paris and befriends an art restorer and shows her that the contents of her apartment are linked to a Nazi event that happened in 1947 when the previous owner was trying to save her friends from the Nazis and won't stop at nothing even if she has to go to the extreme. We always have been told that every building and every house has secrets and you will never know what you will uncover and this book could not have proved that more. This book will be a perfect addition to our Historical Fiction collection and our community will appreciate it too.

We will consider adding this title to our Historical Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.