“Make me a fragrance that smells like love.” Christian Dior

What a mesmerising and beautiful World War II love story by Fiona Schneider! The quote above in the opening pages of the novel says it all! And the Prologue is jolting and sweeps us into a dramatic and heart-wrenching part of Iris’s story.

This dual timeline is powerful, supported by Fiona’s creative and thoughtful use of research. The Perfumer’s Secret is breathtaking on so many levels with its crisp details making the reading experience special and authentic. I truly felt transported to the picturesque settings and separate time periods. It was like stepping inside each character’s skin— seeing with their eyes and feeling every shift, flutter and surge of passion that burst through their frames and hearts. This emotionally charged story gripped me from start to finish, as I followed two generations of determined women who had more than their share of trials. And I marvelled at how their romantic experiences often mirrored each other.

This novel circles around the magic of perfume scents and how they reflect, enhance and remind us of intense sensory experiences. Scent is a powerful tool in unlocking memories and in sparking emotions. I enjoyed learning all the details of what goes into perfume composition: the layers and varied tones built in to create or imitate a feeling or experience. Some of the interesting terms mentioned were of the base notes, heart notes and top notes. (Quite musical in some aspects!) It was obvious from the excellent descriptions Fiona provided, that she had some experience in perfume making. Later we read about it in her Author notes at the back. I found the perfume creation parts of the story quite fascinating and I learned a great deal about the art. It was also beautiful how the scents expressed or reflected the relationship status between Iris and Alessandro and Stella and Bruno.

In the modern 1996 timeline, Stella’s father and grandfather have passed away and she is tasked with keeping the Penhallam perfume business running. But her family’s business and future are in danger of folding. Until a voice from the past reappears in the form of a journal, written by her estranged great aunt Iris. Once reading it, Stella sees it as a possible lifeline but there are some important pages missing with required information. Will she be able to gather the lost pieces she needs? One solution is to visit her elderly great-aunt. But Iris has been separated from the family since the war years and Stella does not know why. Will Iris talk to her and tell her what happened that caused the rift? And will she help Stella relaunch some special perfumes she once created? Taking this journey to Paris poses many challenges. Soon Stella will discover a path filled with road blocks and pot holes. Will her great-aunt share her past—and the information of her perfume recipes that Stella needs?

We are whisked away to the past to hear Iris’s story and learn what this woman had to contend with— before, during and after the war. It becomes obvious she was an amazing woman of courage and compassion with great perfume talents but hampered by the men in her life. And society’s outlook at the time was constrictive and damaging. I found her story both heartbreaking and invigorating—especially the latter when her past is resurrected to heal the present. Stella’s intervention in bringing about change in her great aunt’s life (and in her own) was admirable— for she not only needed to understand the choices that were made in the past but in uncovering the history of her family, it allowed her to go forward. Ironically Iris and Stella shared some similar experiences: particularly in the area of love interests. I love that the resolutions are beautifully woven together in the finale.

I was enthralled by the mystery, the search and eventual triumphs that these two women shared. I admired Stella’s strength and determination to uncover the truth and appreciated Iris’s dedication and loyalty to those she tried to help during the war—often at the expense of her own happiness. Love, is the major catalyst, in these women’s lives, with its prickly thorns and wild splendour. The men, their hearts chose, may not have fit the tidy perceptions of society, but despite the grief these women faced, out of the bitter ashes of betrayal, beauty rose and bloomed once again in their lives.

I adored The Perfumer’s Secret. I cared deeply about the characters and cheered them on, over the finish line. Because Stella and Iris have complex natures, their stories touched my heart in so many ways. The villain(s) are more than black and white sketches, too. And they certainly aroused some negative emotions in me with their annoying actions! As for the plot, it is brilliant with plenty of twists and surprises, plus the pacing is perfect. It just swept me away with its passion for love and perfume making. It is a sad story in places, full of regrets and coveted secrets, but it also is a positive one for it shines with forgiveness and healing revelations. The Perfumer’s Secret demonstrates meticulous research, exceptional craftmanship and expressive imagination. It is powerful, haunting and triumphant. Well done to Fiona Schneider for such a divine, unforgettable story. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Penguin Random House, Fiona Schneider and Netgalley for a review copy.

This fabulous book blends romance, historical intrigue, and the sensory world of perfumery. The dual timelines are superb and combines past and present effortlessly.I really felt as if I was on this journey with them. Fionas writing made the Orient Express and Venice feel real. The train feels classy but tense, like secrets are hiding behind every polished surface. In Venice you can almost smell the canals and flowers, and feel the mystery in the air. It’s super immersive without overdoing it, the kind of writing that drops you right into the scene.

What makes this book stand out is how it balances personal drama with historical depth. It’s not just a story, it’s a visceral plunge into love, loss, passion, and resilience. By the end, you don’t just understand the world of perfumery; you feel it!

A truly powerful read that lingers long after the final page.