Dual timeline story set during the war and in the present day. A granddaughter seeks the truth about her grandmother and her time in Paris. A good read.

This book is told from multiple perspectives. It also flashes forward and backward. I really enjoyed this book. It is told predominately from the perspective of the allies and the resistance workers. Great read!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review. The Paris Maid is set in two time periods; Louise in the past and her granddaughter, Nicole in the present. Nicole finds a black and white photograph of her beloved grandmother with a swastika on her forehead and paraded through the streets of Paris. Nicole couldn’t believe that her grandmother could have been a Nazi or someone who works with them so she sets out to find the truth.

In my opinion, this is so well written. I liked how Emily Carey structures her sentences and it just hooks you in. It was also interesting to read about Louise experiences and also the soldiers, the Resistance and the citizens trying to live during this harsh time. All in all, I enjoyed it and this won’t be the last book that I’ll read from the author.

A dual time novel. Nicole wants to find out about her grandmother so travels to France. 1944, during the war Louise works in the Ritz in Paris and Kit crashes his plane and has to get back to safety. A well written and researched story about the liberation of Paris at the end of the war. Great for fans of historical fiction

Ripped my heart out and I was literally left sobbing. The trouble and courage made me feel proud and the characters are determined.

An enjoyable historical fiction book by the author Ella Carey set during World War Two in Paris. Louise works as a maid at the Ritz hotel and she has a secret.

Two American brothers are shot down while trying to take out a bridge just outs Paris. Each are trying to find out if the other lived. Both are brought to Paris one quickly the other in a roundabout fashion by the resistance.

Nicole receives an old photo from her aunt of a picture of her grandmother with her head shaved and a swastika on her forehead. She is very confused.

This book has many twists and turns and identities, please pick it up you won’t be disappointed!

Thank you to NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

A beautifully written and charming read that I absolutely loved. I couldn't put it down I was totally invested right from the start

Ella Carey has such a way with words. She grabbed me from the beginning. I felt like I was right there all along, saw the places, knew the people myself. The ending as suspected was heart wrenching. I'd definitely recommend this to anyone who likes WW2 fictional books.

Louise Bassett is a hard working maid at the Ritz Hotel during WWII who is also working to help the French Resistance. While working around Nazis, she always has her ears open to the chatter going on so she can pass along the info to her fellow countrymen to fight the Nazis. One day Kit Harrington, a pilot is shot down along with his brother Charlie, and is forced to go into hiding while trying to find each other again. Fast forward to present day and Nicole Beaumont receives an envelope containing a black and white photo that would begin her search for answers about who her family really was and their part of the biggest downfall of humanity.

I really enjoyed this story, as it was my first time reading anything by the author Ella Carey. This was a wonderful story of resilience and courage and once again reminds us of how many hardships humans had to endure at the hands of evil. The only reason I didn't rate it 5 stars was simply that I've been a little bit burnt out on the dual timeline stories for WWII. It seems like every single WWII book has the dual timeline, and I would love to see authors switch it up a bit, but that's just a personal preference, not a reflection of the writing.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for my review and honest opinions.

"The Paris Maid" by Ella Carey is a delightful historical novel that sweeps readers away to the enchanting city of Paris, with its rich history, captivating art scene, and the resilience of its people. With its engaging storytelling and vibrant setting, this book offers a charming and immersive reading experience.

One of the book's standout features is its vivid and evocative portrayal of Paris. Carey's meticulous attention to detail brings the city to life, from the bustling streets and iconic landmarks to the vibrant art studios and glamorous ballrooms. The author's love for Paris shines through her descriptions, creating a sense of enchantment and nostalgia that transports readers to a bygone era.

The characters in "The Paris Maid" are well-crafted and relatable, each with their own dreams, desires, and secrets. The protagonist, Remy, is a strong and determined young woman who finds herself drawn into the world of art and creativity. Her journey of self-discovery and the relationships she forms with other artists add depth and authenticity to the story. The supporting characters, including the enigmatic artists and patrons she encounters, further enhance the rich tapestry of the narrative.

The narrative unfolds at a gentle pace, allowing readers to savor the historical backdrop and become fully immersed in the characters' lives. Carey's writing style is elegant and descriptive, capturing the beauty and allure of Parisian society. The author's passion for art is evident throughout the novel, as she skillfully weaves art history and the creative process into the story, adding depth and meaning to the characters' experiences.

"The Paris Maid" successfully blends elements of romance, intrigue, and self-discovery. The blossoming relationship between Remy and a fellow artist adds a touch of romance and provides a compelling subplot. The mysteries and secrets that unfold add suspense and intrigue, keeping readers engaged and eager to uncover the truth.

While "The Paris Maid" is a delightful and engaging read, it does have a few minor drawbacks. Some readers may find certain plot twists predictable or reminiscent of other historical fiction novels set in Paris. Additionally, the pacing could have been more dynamic at times, with certain sections feeling slower compared to others.

In conclusion, "The Paris Maid" is a charming and evocative historical novel that transports readers to the enchanting world of Paris. Ella Carey's vivid descriptions, well-drawn characters, and the blending of art and romance make this book an enjoyable and immersive read. Despite a few minor flaws, it is recommended for readers seeking a delightful escape to the glamour and allure of Paris in a bygone era.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

‘Who could be more invisible than a maid?’

I love Ella Carey books. She is one of those authors who you don’t even have to read details about the book because you know you will read anything of hers whatever the topic. The Paris Maid centers on The Ritz hotel in Paris during WWII with a group of resistance fighters operating right under the Nazis who are guests of the hotel.

It is a dual time narrative. Firstly, the past returns to the summer of 1944 with a number of characters: Louise, a maid at The Ritz who assists with The French Resistance, her family and some Allied fighter pilots shot down and forced into hiding. The contemporary timeline tells the tale of Louise’s granddaughter who is trying to research her grandmother's hidden past.

‘… the Ritz is not just any magnificent hotel. The Swiss-owned hotel is officially neutral, but the reality is everyone is tied to one side or the other, sometimes both.’

This was not one of my favourite books from Ella. To my mind, there were too many characters which did not allow me to bond satisfactorily with any one individual or couple. It also meant you had to pay attention to exactly whose point of view was taking place. I also feel that the contemporary timeline fell somewhat flat and was only there to serve the purpose of historical discovery. Whilst there was a great twist and the epilogue filled in all the gaps, I just somehow wished to have dived deeper with some characters and events earlier in the read.

The Paris Maid is the latest novel from historical fiction author Ella Carey. It’s an emotional exploration of themes such as love, courage, betrayal, family and provides a unique insight into those who worked at the Ritz Hotel in Paris during the Nazi occupation of France.

‘This was a time of history that seems incredible to us now, and yet that is only a whisper of a generation away … the best thing we can do is to understand, and to honor the members of our family who fought so hard for our freedom.’









This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

The Paris Maid by Ella Carey is fantastic and anyone who loves historical fiction will enjoy this book. In modern Day- a schoolteacher, Nicole, has discovered via a photograph, that her beloved grandmother was suspected of being a Nazis supporter. Nicole sets out on a mission to Paris to discover the truth.

This story is told from different points of view and a dual timeline. With Nicole and then during WW II with a maid, Louise, at the famous Ritz Hotel in Paris—a place with a lot of impressive history. I love Ella’s historical retelling of the glamour, fashion, foods and style of Paris during this period of time.

Louise has a heartbreaking storyline but her bravery is inspiring. She is determined to stay focused on her maid’s job, trying to stay anonymous but the people she meets begin to change her life.
There are some very fascinating characters. Resistant fighters known as the dressmaker and the butcher are intriguing heroes.

In the author’s notes, we learn that this story was inspired by the author’s father’s involvement as an RAF pilot dropping parachutists over France for the Resistance during the WW II. The heroes in this story become a large part of the story making it authentic.

Stories like The Paris Maid that weave fact with fiction, keep the stories of these heroes alive. It is a genuinely moving WW II novel that I am glad I read and highly recommend. Thank you to the Publisher for an advanced reader’s copy.

In The Paris Maid, Elle Carey brings occupied Paris to life from Louise’s perspective. Alternating between Louise’s life in 1944 Paris and her granddaughter Nicole’s life as a modern woman, the reader follows Louise’s challenges of working in occupied Paris and Nicole’s grappling with her understanding of her grandmother. Carey’s characters are vibrant and lifelike, and Carey immediately drops the reader into the thick of things as the novel begins. Carey navigates the dual perspectives and dual time periods well, alternating between chapters, and seamlessly intertwining the two narratives into one cohesive story. Emphasizing the importance of family and loyalty, Carey brings other characters into the mix -- Louise’s friends and allies within the Ritz, Nicole’s aunt and cousin, and the archivist who helps Nicole understand her family’s past. Carey’s novel thrives off its relationships, yet the settings play an equally important role -- from Paris, to Germany, and back to Paris, the locations shape their inhabitants and the paths they walk. Carey’s novel provides a window into the complications of life in occupied France and the ramifications and questions such decisions (or the viewer’s impressions) have on families and future generations.

I loved this dual timeline historical fiction book. The Ritz hotel, Paris during the occupation by the Nazis, a granddaughter searching for the truth, years later, about her grandmother. Was she working for the resistance or was she a Nazi sympathizer? A good read, with lots of emotions.

The Paris Maid alternates betweens two POVs in different timeline. One during WW2, a housekeeper, Louise, in the Ritz working undercover to provide information to the resistance, and the other her granddaughter Nicole, in the present day working to uncover the background of a mysterious picture that presents her grandmother as a Nazi sympathizer.

I enjoyed this book and the twists and turns out took. However overall, I found myself more drawn to the POV of Louise over Nicole. While I understand the purpose Nicole serves to the plot, I find her character somewhat underwhelming.

Another great historical read from Ella Carey. She is becoming one of my favorite authors.

This is a nicely paced story about the French Resistance in Nazi occupied Paris during WWII. The characters were interesting and well developed. The strength and courage of these men and women is inspiring.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Nicole finds a picture of her grandmother, Louise, from the 1940s that implies she was a nazi collaborator. She heads to France to try to prove this isn’t true. Louise was a maid at the Ritz in Paris during WWII when France was occupied by the nazis. Louise cleaned the rooms of nazis while they stayed at the hotel and she also worked with the resistance movement. The setting and feel of the WWII were represented wonderfully. A lot of things happen in this book and I enjoyed the entire weaving of the story.

The author utilized dual timelines - present day and 1940s and she did this well. I liked that there was an element of mystery in both storylines. I loved the theme of cousins bonding, both in the present day story and the historical one. I am drawn to books where the central female lead is a hero within the plot and that her primary goal isn’t to find a partner. I especially love it when books focus on strong bonds amongst women. This book has both of that. The other part of this book that made it come together in the end beautifully was that there is a plot twist you do not see coming.

Tropes/Highlights
🧹Dual time lines- rotating between present day and past
🧹 WWII
🧹 Strong female leads
🧹 Plot twist

Recommend to:
Fans of Kate Quinn

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I generally really enjoy historical fiction but to me this book wasn’t very remarkable and it was all quite surface-level. I think this is probably just my personal preference and other historical fiction readers may really enjoy the book. I liked the characters and thought the story was entertaining, however I didn’t really care for the present day story line that much and preferred the past story line. The twist at the end was unexpected but it came off a bit confusing to me, I had to reread a couple bits to fully understand what was going on. Overall, I thought the book was fine, I wouldn’t read it again but I still had a nice time reading it.

I love a good historical fiction and The Paris Maid did not disappoint one bit. Ella Carey is such an incredible author. She managed to take a story and re-create it in such a vivid way for the humble reader

This has been a beautiful page turner told with so much emotion and compassion. The story is very fast paced and the characters are so interesting and so well developed. I honestly didn't want it to end

The Paris Maid is the latest gripping novel from historical fiction author Ella Carey. It’s an emotional fast-paced exploration of themes such as love, courage, betrayal and family which gives us a fantastic insight into those who worked at the Ritz Hotel in Paris during the Nazi occupation of France.
The story opens with an incredibly powerful prologue focusing on the punishment imposed on French women accused of so-called ‘horizontal collaboration’ with the German occupiers during the Second World War. We see our protagonist Louise have her head shaved and being labelled a ‘femme tondue’ (shaven woman). It provides a really emotive opening to the story which immediately grips the reader and pulls them into Louise’s story.
The Paris Maid was clearly impeccably researched and historical details were seamlessly woven into the narrative. The story also features fictional portrayals of real individuals such as SOE agents who operated in France and members of the Ritz hotel staff who worked for the French resistance. Personally, I find the history of the Ritz during the Nazi occupation of France absolutely fascinating and it was wonderful to see the anti-German activities completed by the staff at the Ritz portrayed within historical fiction.
It is worth noting that you do have to stay quite switched on whilst you’re reading The Paris Maid as characters are frequently referred to using code names and aliases but by playing close attention to the intricate details and references within the narrative you can keep track of the events and who’s who.
I did find the ending to the story slightly rushed and confusing but the epilogue is cleverly crafted to provide extra clarity. The ending does provide a bit of a plot twist which I definitely wasn’t expecting and this was a nice way of keeping us readers on our toes right to the very end of the story.
The story is told through a dual timeline, alternating between Louise’s wartime experiences and her granddaughter Nicole researching them years later but unfortunately, I don’t think this was as well executed as it could have been. The concept of Nicole researching her grandmother’s wartime experiences off the back of her discovering the photo of her as a ‘femme tondue’ was really interesting but the family conflict between Nicole and her aunt didn’t add anything to the story and just unnecessarily took our attention away from Louise’s story.
I also thought it a shame that we weren’t given more specific references to the date each part of the story is taking place on as chapters were instead given more vague labels such as “Summer 1944”. More specific references to the date at the beginning of each chapter would have supported the progression of the narrative as it would help the reader to track the progression towards the Allied liberation of Paris.
Overall, The Paris Maid is a powerful and emotive story about the courage of the French Resistance and SOE agents operating around Paris, and particularly within the Ritz hotel, during the Second World War. It’s well-paced, gripping and an overall must-read for fans of WW2 historical fiction.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I have posted an extended review on my blog www.yourschloe.co.uk and the post is linked.