Cover Image: The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre

The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

This one had been on my list for a while, and despite it being a WWII histfic (a subgenre I am just feeling super overdone with right now...) I was looking forward to it and prioritized it on my TBR. Unfortunately, getting into reading it was difficult. I found that the multiple time periods and the time hoping made it fairly hard to follow. I enjoyed the fashion piece the most I think, and didn't mind a bit of the spy/secret identity stuff, but in the end, I gave it several good attempts but just could not get into it. I watched as my kindle went left unattended for a few days at a time before finally giving in and either attempting to read Alix or reading something else "just for a quick break", all signs that this is a book that needs to be DNF'd. It definitely had promise, and was one that maybe if I wasn't in an anti-WWII hist fic phase MAY have worked out, but unfortunately it just didn't have enough good things going for it to be the right fit for me.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you Netgalley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Natasha Lester for free e-ARC in return of my honest review.

"The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre" is a captivating tale that takes readers on a thrilling journey through the life of Alix St. Pierre, a woman whose courage and determination set her apart in a world torn apart by war and deception. From her humble beginnings in Hollywood to her daring adventures as a spy in Switzerland during WWII, Alix's story is one of resilience and intrigue.

The author skillfully weaves together elements of espionage, romance, and betrayal, creating a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Alix's character is portrayed as a strong and resourceful woman who navigates the complexities of wartime espionage with grace and determination.

As Alix moves to Paris and takes on a new role at the House of Dior, the glamour of the fashion world provides a stark contrast to the shadows of her past. However, when a ghost from the war resurfaces, Alix is forced to confront the secrets she carries and the risks she must take to protect her future.

The Novel is a riveting blend of historical fiction and suspense, offering readers a glimpse into a world of intrigue and danger. With its richly drawn characters and evocative setting, this novel is sure to appeal to fans of spy thrillers and historical dramas.

Overall, "The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre" is a gripping and compelling read that will keep readers hooked until the very end. Alix St. Pierre's story is one of courage, sacrifice, and the enduring power of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Was this review helpful?

Alix St Pierre has lived three lives: as an orphan, as a Special Operative in WWII, and now as a successful fashion PR director for fashion icon Dior. She is trying to deal with guilt she has felt over a failed mission that she was directly involved during the war and to bring who she blames to justice. We're reminded of the integral role women played during WWII and all the untold stories.

Was this review helpful?

Ever since reading "The Paris Orphan" many years ago, Natasha Lester has become an auto-buy historical fiction author for me. She does an exceptional job of crafting fictional narratives based on real-life women who were often overlooked and undervalued. "The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre" was no exception. I'm always a fan of multiple POVs and timelines in historical fiction and Lester does a great job of weaving multiple stories together into one beautiful book.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

So much history & culture in the latest release from Natasha Lester! “The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre” will have you traveling between war-torn Europe & the glamorous world of the fashion industry! Alix may be just one woman, but she’s lived many lives, all of which include colorful characters & experiences. While dark at times, I found this to be a fun read & absolutely loved the settings & time period of this historical fiction novel. Perfect for fans of “Casablanca.”

Was this review helpful?

It took me forever to finish this book. Overall, it was an ok read. I like this author but I’m not a fan of this story. I thought that it dragged a bit too much between the back and forth in the timelines, it wasn’t as engaging as previous stories.

Was this review helpful?

Thus author is becoming one of my all time favorite historical fiction authors, the way she tales a story is amazing because from the very the start she has pulled into it, where you can feel and see everything from the places, to the people themselves coming to life.
Side note I actually got this book twice from the publisher so I also want to give thanks to them .

Was this review helpful?

Such a fan of this author and her work. I look forward to reading whatever she happens to be working on.
In this story, Alix is such a well defined character and of course, spy. This is her story and as the title states, her three lives. Each is as interesting as the life before.
The writing is amazing as I expected. If you haven’t read this author yet, well you should.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by NetGalley.

Was this review helpful?

The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre is an amazing and addictive historical read that you will not be able to put down.

This book hooked me in from the first chapter and held my attention until the last page. It took me on an emotional roller coaster ride and made me feel so many glorious big feelings. The characters felt real and had a tremendous amount of depth, and I just wanted to spend more time with them. Natasha's writing is smart and concise, and the pacing was perfect. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is a historical fiction or historical romance bookworm.

Was this review helpful?

This was a great book with an inspiring strong female lead character. The only thing that didn't work for me was the jumping timelines. Each time it shifted I had trouble getting back into the story. In the end the timelines all made sense but it was tough for me to follow in the beginning.

Was this review helpful?

Short synopsis: Told over multiple timelines, the story of an orphan who becomes a WWII spy, turned right hand woman to the famous Christian Dior.

My thoughts: After reading and loving The Riviera House I couldn’t want to get stared on Natasha Lester’s next book.

It took me a little bit of time to be Invested in the story and the characters, but once it happened I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. The end of each section had me dying to see what would happen next.

Lester created such lifelike and real feeling characters. I loved Alix with her strong will and desire for women to have the same rights and opportunities that men are given. She was a force for change and I loved that! And Anthony was so sweet and tender, I really adored him.

This book had a little bit of everything. Women’s rights, romance, historical elements, fashion, and mystery.

Read if you love:
- WWII settings
- Life after war
- Romance subplots
- Atmospheric settings
- Strong willed women

Thank you so much to Forever for a copy of this book! Available now!

Was this review helpful?

Another favorite of Natasha Lesters! Enjoy reading about the fashion and historical fiction. Didn't want to put down the book, just when it was getting good a new chapter would start leaving me with suspense. The fashion descriptions is always a plus, and enjoy reading about France in a different time period. Well done!

Was this review helpful?

I'm normally not a historical fiction fan, but I do find myself intrigued by WWII stories and this book just hit the spot! I loved the timelines, the writing, and the introduction to fashion. The characters were great too. Overall, really enjoyable read.

Was this review helpful?

A New York Times bestselling author delivers a lavish, unforgettable story of an orphan turned WWII spy turned fashion icon in Paris.
Alix St. Pierre. An unforgettable name for an unforgettable woman. She grew up surrounded by Hollywood glamor, but, as an orphan, never truly felt part of that world. In 1943, with WWII raging and men headed overseas to fight, she lands a publicity job to recruit women into the workforce. Her skills—persuasion, daring, quick-witted under pressure—catch the attention of the U.S. government and she finds herself with an even bigger assignment: sent to Switzerland as a spy. Soon Alix is on the precipice of something big, very big. But how far can she trust her German informant…?
After an Allied victory that didn’t come nearly soon enough, Alix moves to Paris, ready to immerse herself in a new position as director of publicity for the yet-to-be-launched House of Dior. In the glamorous halls of the French fashion house, she can nearly forget everything she lost and the dangerous secret she carries. But when a figure from the war reappears and threatens to destroy her future, Alix realizes that only she can right the wrongs of the past …and finally find justice.

Overall stars - 5
Writing Quality - 9/10
Image / Illustration Quality - 9/10
Character Development - 9/10
"Couldn't Put It Down"-ness - 9/10
Intellectual Depth - 9/10
Originality - 10/10

Was this review helpful?

Absolutely loved!

I really enjoyed the design element more than I anticipated. Lester draws you in to a world of fashion and I was nervous how this would transition to war but it was so well done. I found myself wishing Alix St Pierre existed, it was a powerful story of redemption and loss and love. It was heartbreaking yet hopeful at the same time. Lester created a vivid world and I could picture Dior as he designed his dresses. Absolutely recommend.

Was this review helpful?

Beautiful cover, great premise, decent writing, but we already have so much WWII fiction already floating around our libraries. This one doesn't stand out enough. I am sure, even though we aren't going to actively purchase copies for passing out, that they will still turn up in our libraries! :)

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the ARC.

Was this review helpful?

Another stellar book from the brilliant Natasha Lester!
"Fierce and Wild and Perfect" words used by Anthony to describe Alix, also describe this book! I couldn't think of a better description myself.

Alix - wow, her journey is simply incredible! Reading books like this, makes me hope that if I was put int the same circumstances, that I could be as strong and resilient as her. I love how she used her skills to further the advancement of others, and how much she sacrificed for those she loved.

Anthony - I adored him from his first moment on the page. He was smart and brilliant and so genuine in his affection for Alix.

Nastasha Lester writes these sweeping novels that are beautiful and romance, whilst not shying away from the hard aspect and trials that the people who lived in these post war years went through. She's always going to be an instant buy author for me.

"Maybe sometimes in a life there’s a moment when you get just what you thought you wanted—and it turns out to be everything you wished for.” - this book is everything that you could wish for in a historical fiction.

Was this review helpful?

I adore WW2 historical fiction and this book was beautiful! From the cover to the writing style, it was just wonderful. It captures the reader and holds them tight. I loved Alix. What a freaking ROLE MODEL! She was brave and cunning and I admire her character so much.

The author did a great job making the story flow and capturing the readers attention and holding it throughout this story.

A MUST READ for anyone who loves spy stories and WW2 HF!

Was this review helpful?

WWII is not always a part of history that I read when I pick up a historical fiction book, but something about this book called me and I was not disappointed. Following Alix during this time period gave me a new outlook on a time that I have always avoided in fiction. It is a must read and have already recommended it to more then a few friends!

Was this review helpful?

This historical fiction novel is told in three timelines. There is romance, espionage, and fashion. This novel is well researched.

I enjoyed the book but was not drawn in. I did not feel like I was in the midst of the historical time period.

Was this review helpful?