The story of Ruby, an author who is inspired to write the story of a missing actress and her dressmaker, is one that is poignant, realistic and soul-stirring. The women she is writing about lived during the Second World War in Nazi-occupied France. Facing danger daily was part of their way of life since both Cecile, the actress, and her dressmaker Sylvia, worked with the resistance by feeding them information via Cecile’s sister Emile. The story is a dual timeline story, showing the struggles of Cecile and Sylvia in 1940’s France and the challenge to grasp life that Ruby faces since she is a cancer survivor. The themes of strength, courage, fortitude and persistence are prevalent in this novel that had me crying and cheering, just pages apart. The characters were totally realistic, especially Ruby and her determined quest to find out the truth about Sylvia and Cecile. Using a journal written by Sylvia, Ruby researches and continues to dig out nuggets of Sylvia’s story of being a Jew in Paris when the Nazis were working hard to exterminate them. The book was well-paced and totally absorbing as I lost myself in the pages, wanting to know as much as Ruby did what had happened to Sylvia and Cecile. With multiple narrators and a well-woven story, the history of the women is given in a way that is a compelling look at self-sacrifice and family love. This book is without a doubt one of the best WWII historical fiction novels that I have read, told with the grit and authentic details that made me gasp with awe or disgust, depending on what was happening in the scene. The author brilliantly and seamlessly wove the stories of the women together, even as they were decades and a continent apart. I loved the story and the writing style that captivated my attention and securely held it from beginning to end.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

***Spoilers ahead***

I enjoyed this book. I found it to be a unique take on the recent spate of WWII era books that have flooded the marked over the past five or so years. Here's what I thought:

The writing was good. At times there were a few too many descriptors, especially when describing certain outfits not pertaining to the movie making business, but as the clothing seemed to be a minor character in this book, it worked out.

I honestly felt that the dual storylines were not needed here. In fact, I think that this is essentially two half books put together to form one. Ruby's cancer storyline really wasn't necessary; had she just been a writer who loved French films writing her article, nothing in the story would change. Instead, an entire book of Ruby's experience with cancer - her life before, her relationship, her treatment, her remission, and the ending - could have been an entire book on its own. Further to that, more details about Cecile/Dominique and Sylvia and their arrival in Paris, could have been expanded to be a complete novel.

I understand that Madame Bernard was necessary to tie the two stories together, and I did enjoy the scenes between her and Ruby. However, the scene where we learn she was not Sylvia's biological child is just pointless to me. Why could she not be the legitimate child of her mother and father? The scene on the train seemed so incredibly random and felt forced.

The title is also misleading: After Paris. Most of the story takes place IN Paris. What makes the After so special? However I understand that there are an influx of books that use the same starting title, and I know The Paris Dressmaker has been used, The Paris Seamstress likely has as well, however the title truly does not reflect the story within.

Aside from these points, I did enjoy this book. This was a new angle on the usual WWII era book, and I enjoyed learning about French film making during the Occupation.

I liked the aspect this book brought to the resistance movement in Paris in WW2. Of course people were brave and principled but they also faced the urge to compromise due to severe food shortages and deprivation, let alone personal attraction. This was a well worked novel with a duel timeline that delved into the lives of two sisters who were standing up to the nazis, one brazenly, the other through taking advantage of largesse and using her knowledge to inform the resistance about nazi activity. The connection between the two timelines was a seamstress who worked for one of the sisters and who adopted an abandoned child who then came to know the modern day narrator. The book explores numerous issues, including dealing with potentially fatal cancer making this a thoroughly worthwhile read.

A wonderful read!
This novel drew me in from the very first page and kept me hooked until the end. The characters were vibrant and relatable, the writing was engaging, and the story had just the right balance of heart and humor. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

I received an ARC of this book to review. Maybe I was impressed by being invited to read and review this book ahead of publication, but I thoroughly enjoyed this reading experience.
I love a book with dual timelines, with a title that hints at mystery and meaning that is revealed within the story, and a book that I can connect with emotionally.

Dual timelines:
Ruby in 2025 and Cecile in 1940-1945
This historical fiction romance involves a lookback at the lives of an actress; Cecile and her dressmaker, Sylvia, during the German occupation in France. Yes, this is another story of WWII. Yes, there are so many! Amazingly, there always seems to be another point of view to bring on a fresh take of those years that affect this reader down to the very core of my heart.

The title:
It is important to me that the title is poignant to the story. This title connects Ruby who leaves Paris for cancer treatment at home in Virginia and how she recovers her life and career 'after Paris' by researching Cecile an actress in Paris who mysteriously disappears after completing her last movie. What 'did' happen to Cecile 'after Paris'?

Emotional connections:
Ruby's experience with Lymphoma and all of her conflicted feelings are real. Having a young family member that went through this same disease I could emotionally connect to Ruby. Oddly enough, my family member named her daughter Ruby; so connections to Ruby's emotions was huge for me.

Final thoughts:
This book would be a great bookclub selection; providing a lively discussion about the colorful characters in the story, their behaviors, values, and morals.
The few short, steamy love scenes rate about 1.5 🌶 s.
The ending answered all my questions and I found it to be satisfying.

One confusing point:
The timeline for Ruby is July fourth weekend of 2025 making it a time in the future. This was a difficult setting for me. There was no mention of anything that made it seem like a holiday weekend. This just didn't make alot of sense to me. Maybe it will change when the book is released for publication in May?

I enjoyed reading this story. I really like dual timeline stories and this book really hit the spot. This book is about a cancer survivor in the present and a dressmaker in Paris. Ruby, who lives in the present is researching the history of the French dressmaker. I found myself quicky drawn into the story and read this in one sitting. This story is an excellent mix of of suspense, mystery, and romance. I will be looking for more books by this author!

This is an entertaining, well-written, dual time-line, historical fiction novel. It has intelligent, likable and engaging female protagonists, heartbreak, courage, strength, resilience, movies, fashion, mystery, and a satisfying conclusion. I especially liked its message of grabbing every moment when it presents itself. Many thanks to Ms. Taylor, from whom I received an advanced reader copy of the wonderful novel as a subscriber to her newsletter. This is my honest opinion.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review. All I can say is Wow! Mary Ellen Taylor created a rich, layered story that was full of emotion and heart. Ruby was recovering from a devastating cancer journey when she learned of Cecile and Sylvia’s story. In war torn Paris during the German occupation, Cecile and Sylvia navigate the fine line of seeming to collaborate while actually gathering information for the resistance. The mystery of what happened to them drives Ruby on her quest. In fact, the two timelines parallel each other when it comes to taking leaps of faith for love even though the risks seem insurmountable. This author never fails to deliver!

Wonderful!! I first want to thank the author, Mary Ellen Taylor for the advanced copy of the book for my opinion.
This was really good! When books are written in different timelines, they are sometimes hard to follow. Not this one, or any written by Ms. Taylor, this was clear and vivid., and you knew where you were each time.
I really enjoyed this and hated when life got in the way.
I highly suggest you read this book. you will not be sorry.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this free copy I received for an honest review. The story unfolds between the WW2 Paris and present USA. The two heroines stories seem to be a parallel reflection of some sort which I did quite enjoy, the battle between trust and hope and been taken over and fear. The audacity to dream despite the odds and rebuilt. I really enjoyed the plot and the characters as with each book from this author were pretty well developed. I always find one I can connect with and see some reflections from my own thoughts and feelings. The issues I had that made me not give the full 5 stars had to do with the writing: my pet peeves when several phrases/ mannerisms are repeated and a slow start with many people introduced simultaneously, the plot moving too slow for now reason at some points too. In general I really enjoyed it and could not put it down after the first 50 pages or so. The author has a gift to connect the reader with the book emotionally and actively.

This is Ruby's story but the author does a fabulous job or tying the present and WWII Paris together.  It is a touching story of love,  loss, strength and perseverance.

Ruby is a young journalist who is also a cancer survivor in 2025. She is trying to write Cecile's story.  Through personal diaries and some internet research Ruby is able to piece together most of the details. In the process she meets Sylvia, a Polish Jew who escaped from Warsaw to Paris in the mid 30s and became a seamstress to a movie star, Cecile.  We also meet  Otto a German captain stationed in Paris.

The author is a master at pulling all this together to make a fantastic story that is very difficult to put down.  The characters are brought to life and you can't stop reading until you find out how each story ends.  5 stars!!!

The story takes place simultaneously during World War II and in 2025. We meet Ruby and Sylvia, Ruby is a fashion and movie lover and Sylvia is a seamstress.

The first scenes are set in 1945, depicting the difficult recovery from the war and the treatment of people suspected of being collaborators.

After that, the plot moves to the year 2025, where we learn that Ruby is recovering from cancer and at the same time working on a report about the famous actress Cecile. She finds a clue in the form of the daughter of the actress' dressmaker, Madame Bernand, whom she meets and thus learns the truth about the actress.

We are also introduced to the story set in 1940, where we meet Sylvia, who, in addition to helping Polish refugees, gets a job as a seamstress for the actress Cecile.

I really like the quality of the writing and the story, the author draws you into a story rich in details. The story deals with the fight for freedom and the fight with a vicious disease from which people come out changed, and in the end with the new loves of the main characters.

I give this story 5 stars and a brief warning about war trauma, but not directly written, just mentioned in passing.

Cancer survivor Ruby, decides to research a famous actress. When she finds a diary. It takes her on a journey into the past.

This was an excellent book.

Ruby Nevins is researching Cécile, a French actress making films during Nazi occupied France. Ruby is writing an article about Cécile to go with a screening of one of her films. At height of her popularity, Cécile disappeared leaving behind a mystery that Ruby is trying to uncover. During her research, Ruby meets the daughter of Sylvia who gives Ruby access to Sylvia's journal as well as some letters

Cécile was very popular with not only the French citizens, but with a few Nazi officers. Cécile is doing what she can to survive while at the same time her sister Emile is working with the Resistance. Emile introduces her sister to Sylvia, an extremely talented dressmaker that makes costumes for Cécile's movies as well as dresses for social events.

The relationships between Cécile, Emile and Sylvia very very well written and believable. Especially the relationship between Cécile and Sylvia.. There is so much going on during both time periods but the transitions between the storylines is very smooth. And, no spoilers, the ending is both surprising but very fulfilling.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. My review is voluntary as well honest. I highly recommend this book.

My rating:

Plot: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars

Recommended for readers of:

Historical Fiction


Review:

This is a beautifully written book with an interesting plot. It tells the story of three strong women who each are faced with their own life changing challenges. The characters were well developed and their actions were explained well this made them realistic.

Written over a dual time line in the present we meet Ruby a cancer survivor who after two years of treatment has now been told that she is cancer free but the knowledge that it can come back anytime has changed her perspective and even though she worries she tries to live life to the fullest For an article is writing she is researching the life of a famous French actress who mysteriously disappeared in 1942.

The second time line set in 1940’s Paris tells the story of Cecile and Sylvia a famous French cinema star and her dressmaker who risked their lives to aid the resistance.

Overall:

This is a beautifully written book with an interesting plot and well developed characters. The story flows well and has the right amount of mystery and suspense to keep you captivated till the last page.

Review copy provided through Netgalley at no cost to me.

With a dozen books to review, I picked this one up. I think too much of mystery murders and I was looking for something else.

Ruby has lived through a lot for her twenty five years. A cancer survivor with the specter hanging over her head, she returns to America, with a relationship in smithereens when her partner could not cope with the trauma of cancer treatments. Ruby has embarked on research into the lives of Cecile, a fabulously beautiful French actress who had a bright career during the 1940s during the Paris occupation. Acting in films owned and run by the Germans, made her in the eyes of the French, a despicable collaborator. Only she knew how much information she obtained and forwarded to Emile her sister who worked in the Resistance. With Cecile was Sylvia, her seamstress and confidante, also a refugee and one with a chequered background.

The workings of both women were fascinating. One in plain sight, the other nondescript and hidden and the conduit for information. The manner in which people worked for the underground movements were so clever. Undermine the enemy, sabotage at every turn from massive destruction to simply puncturing the tyres of vehicles, the ordinary folk kept a facade of minding their own business, being strictly good citizens and led double lives.

Written in two timelines, the unraveling of the story was meticulous.

4⭐️

[a copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher from netgalley. thank you!]

a haunting tale which spans a number of generations, after paris is a dual timeline novel which traces the lives of Ruby and Cécile—Ruby in the modern world and Cécile in 1940s France trying to survive the Nazi occupation. engaging, fast paced, and enthralling, this historical fiction novel is well worth the read

Mary Ellen Taylor’s latest release, AFTER PARIS, is maybe more thrilling and exciting that any of her previous titles. I’ve read them all so I can write this review from personal experience. I was so engrossed in the stories of both of our leading ladies that I just kept reading and finished it over 2 days. If you’re like me, you’ll be up late reading this engrossing story.

Much of my personal enjoyment comes from the WWII Paris time period. Fiction gives a much richer story than the history books. Ms. Taylor did her research and didn’t pull any (written) punches. For which I am grateful. This women’s fiction at its finest. Great education and great entertainment. I really didn’t know how it would play out in the end.

My recommendation to fans of MET and to women just now discovering her. You’re gonna love the writing and love the stories. Yes, there are more than one story and it is engrossing to the max.

Marrianna D.

AFTER PARIS is a book I couldn't put down. The mix of history and timelines, with a unique twist of French cinema entwined with the French resistance movement, kept me reading until the end. Readers will lose themselves in the Paris of war time along with all the dangers and intrigues of being a female and a spy. And the added twist of a modern-day battle with cancer will strike home to many. A sample line that really stood out to me (being a two-time cancer survivor myself) was: "Cancer’s a little like an occupying force. Until it leaves, you can’t breathe, and even when it does depart, you’re never quite the same after." Only cancer survivors and those close to them affected by such a diagnosis can truly understand that battle. This is another eye-opening Mary Ellen Taylor story!

Southern storyteller, Mary Ellen Taylor (favorite author) returns following The Promise of Tomorrow with her latest poignant, compelling, and most powerful novel yet, AFTER PARIS.

From the stunning front cover, #covercrush, page one, to the satisfying ending, you will be transported from Virginia and France in this impressive tale of three strong women with dual timelines, memorable characters, rich in detail, history, and charm.

An exquisite Mother's Day gift & Book Club pick! History. Romance. Mystery. From a master storyteller comes a meticulously researched, beautifully written, haunting, and captivating story of resilience, love, and the enduring courage of three women spanning generations.

About...

Norfolk, VA 2025:
Ruby Nevis loves fashion, history, writing, film, and life. She one day wants to be a mother and she has had to be creative due to the cancer and treatment.

Three years earlier, she graduated from college and worked as a tour guide in Paris. Her specialty tours focused on films made in the City of Lights.

Her time there ended with her cancer diagnosis, and she headed back to the states. Her journey through Cancerland had begun. Her boyfriend, Scott at the time, decided he could not handle and returned to Paris. Her family and friends were supportive.

Ruby needed to work to keep her mind busy and The Virginia Tourism Bureau hired her to write a series of articles for the following year's spring French film festival. She was to write a profile on their feature film, Secrets in the Shadows, which stars the French actress Cécile.

Paris: 1940's
Cécile, the "it girl" of early 1940s French cinema, vanished from Nazi-occupied Paris in 1942. Sylvia Rousseau, Cécile's dressmaker and confidante, left that same year.

At age twenty-five, Ruby has had her share of struggles. But after two years of battling cancer, she's determined to move forward. Little does she know, while researching this new project and an old diary, this will change her life.

She works to piece together the truth behind Cécile's disappearance and Sylvia's extraordinary life, and sees the two women as kindred spirits. They risked their hearts and lives to aid the Resistance, and each day was a struggle to survive.

Ruby knows her cancer could come back, but she's learning to embrace the future rather than fear it. She meets with Sylvia's daughter to learn more from a diary (holds secrets of the past) who lives in the DC area after her mother moved to the US after the war and had passed away—for a fascinating journey into the lives of these two incredible women while learning to overcome her fears and live for the future.

Why did they disappear? What did they discover about themselves that led them to change their paths?

If Cécile and Sylvia could live in the shadow of death, so can Ruby. Because she knows there's so much life—and love—to fight for.

My thoughts...

I loved AFTER PARIS and it will be on my top books of 2025 with all the stars. The author has outdone herself! No one does historical fiction better than Mary Ellen Taylor. I am a huge long-time fan and have read every book. Each one is a masterpiece, and you are assured you will come away learning something, inspired, and empowered.

AFTER PARIS is a haunting, yet beautiful tale — full of suspense, mystery, and romance, rich in history and character. These three women's lives are intertwined in a way that will keep you turning the pages. Ruby, a modern-day woman battling cancer, Cécile, the 'it girl' of 1940s French cinema, and Sylvia, Cécile's dressmaker and confidante, all fight for survival in the tumultuous times of 1940s France and present-day Virginia.

The author's research is highly impressive, from the fashion, the settings, the history, WWII, the film industry, dressmaking, and the incredible courageous women who risked it all to protect their country and lives. Her suspenseful stories always touch your heart and your mind.

The author dazzles with dual timelines (past & present), both equally as compelling, with multiple POV: Dominique, Ruby, Sylvia, Hauptmann Otto Wolfgang, and a chapter from Jeff (all marked and easy to follow). We learn about the The French Resistance, a secret network of French citizens who fought against Nazi occupation during World War II which is a fascinating topic of French historians.

In this poignant tale, Taylor showcases her talent for transporting readers through history with a charming romance, tenacious and fascinating women, and a strong takeaway.

I also enjoyed the parts set in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, a stunning location referenced in the story. If you have read MET's Union Street Bakery Series and Alexandria Series, you will enjoy revisiting this lovely area and the bakery. (I loved both these series).

I enjoyed the well-developed, highly relatable characters from the past and Ruby and Jeff in the present. I adored Eric, her brother, and Jeff (rooting for these two from the beginning). This book is full of heart, soul, wisdom, love, and loss but also of hope, resilience, triumph and second chances.

I highly recommend! If you have not read this author, you are missing out. I recommend reading her entire list and also her thrillers under Mary Burton. Coming 8/26 What She Saw.

Interview...

I am delighted and honored to host Mary Ellen Taylor for an upcoming May #AuthorElevatorSeries Q&A ride. In this series, we go behind the book and up close and personal with the talented author, providing readers with a unique opportunity to gain insights into the writing process and the inspiration behind the book. (pub day, May 13). Sign up for my newsletter on my blog to have it delivered to your inbox.

Recs...

AFTER PARIS is for fans of compelling historical fiction, dual time-lines, multi-generational strong women with a sprinkling of romance and those who enjoy works by Joy Callaway, Camille Di Maio, Kristy Woodson Harvey, Lynda Cohen Loigman, Kristin Hannah, Jenni L. Walsh, Julia Kelly, and Patti Callahan Henry,

Special thanks to Montlake and NetGalley for a gifted advanced review copy for my honest thoughts. Perfect for book clubs and Mother's Day. I look forward to seeing who will be narrating the audio version. Move this gem to the top of your spring TBR list.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars +
Pub Date: May 13, 2025
May 2025 Must-Read Books
#AuthorElevatorSeries Q&A