It was an interesting take on a dual-timeline of an actress and a seamstress in Paris during ww2 and a cancer-survivor writer trying to find answers to secrets about their story.

The book attempts to show how gray things were back then, with women being deemed collaborators after sleeping either Nazis but often having various reasons for doing so. That part fell a little short for me as these characters’ reasons were either partly or wholly self-serving rather than doing so for honorable or covert motives. That to me isn’t gray, and doesn’t compare to active resistors or those with no choice, so I struggled to like the characters based on that. Others may not care but I wasn’t a fan when there are so many others who sacrificed for integrity.

The current timeline with Ruby was ok but as a 2x cancer survivor myself, I was a little annoyed with some inaccuracies, or at the very least, highly unlikely aspects of Ruby’s story and treatment. The narrator for her also fell short for me as she didn’t have any accent for a French woman, while the other narrator did so. It just felt inconsistent.

Overall the story was good and intriguing, but I just struggled with all the female main characters across the board.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this audiobook. All opinions are mine.

This historical fiction story jumps between modern day and the 1940s. I thoroughly enjoyed the World War II era portion of the story, and I feel I learned more about Germany’s attempted takeover of Europe through new eyes. There is some level of spy work being done in the story, but that part was not heavily explored.

The narrator who handled the 1940s portions of the book was excellent, believable, and so pleasant to listen to. The narrator who handled the modern-day portion of the book made me feel like I was listening to somebody reading a book at storytime versus somebody who is immersed in telling a story. The jump between the two eras felt a little harsh.

It was definitely a thread of romance going through the current day portion of the book, although I didn’t feel particularly connected with the relationship… it seemed to already exist, and the story jumped in at the part where they finally admitted it to themselves and each other.

Overall, this was a nice story, focusing on women in World War II, but it did not grip my imagination or emotion … it took me a while to finish this book.

Thanks to #NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

A beautifully written and well-researched novel with a dual timeline during World War II and present day follows three courageous women facing insurmountable challenges. Mary Ellen Taylor’s writing is must-read.

The audiobook of After Paris is delightful! Several narrators flawlessly recounted the story, drawing you into the story with their accents and emotions.

Another absolutely beautiful story!
***** Not yet released, but look for it soon!! *****

This one has a dual timeline.
One revolving around Hitler's invasion of France and the torment he brought with him, but in a little bit of a lighter setting (compared to some other really brutal accounts I've read in the past... But, still horrible.)

In this timeline we have Cecile, who is a huge film star and uses her guile and charm to get what SHE wants, and to help aid those trying to bring Hitler down... and Sylvia, a phenomenal dressmaker who is introduced to Cecile and hits it off right from the beginning. (Her sister is one of the key players of those trying to help others in need...)

The other more current timeline revolves around a young woman named Ruby, who spent a year or so in France and absolutely fell in love with it, until a cancer diagnosis brought her back home to her American family...and her so-called boyfriend ran for the hills....

Both timelines are fully developed with wonderful, strong characters in each! And many that I couldn't help but fall a little in love with myself...

The war-time era has so many beautiful scenes playing out around love and compatibility, both on the stage, and in the homes of those affected. And the things that so many of the woman had to do just to get by... and maybe get a little extra food, or a dress, or stockings... such sad times. But, the film and the films stars seemed to bring light and hope to so many....

And then the more current area showcasing the love and care surrounding Ruby in her time of need, and then her recovery... and how even after she is deemed clear, she never feels like she will be safe. But, her brother and friends all come thru like knights in shining armor branding swords to ward off any evil heading towards their dear Ruby!!

This one had me laughing, and then crying... at the drop of a hat.
SO MUCH EMOTION rolling around in here... Sometimes you might just have to stop reading for a minute to come up for air...

AND NO, I am NOT giving away the whole story. This is just an outline. There is so much more to it!

All the stars for me!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫💫💫💫💫🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

#AfterParis by #MaryEllenTaylor and narrated by a full cast, including: #CarolineHewitt; #DevonSorvari; #ElisabethLagelee; #DaviddeVries and #BradenWright

***RELEASE DATE IS LESS THAN A WEEK AWAY!! LOOK 👀 FOR IT ON 5/13/25!! ***

Thanks so much to #NetGalley, #BrilliancePublishing and #BrillianceAudio for an ARC of the audiobook, in exchange for an honest review.

You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
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My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

After Paris is a captivating and interesting story that brings to the fore the 1940’s French filmmaking industry during the Nazi occupation; which immediately makes it stand out. I have never previously encountered this aspect of history in a novel.

The audiobook is superbly narrated; bringing every character to life with accents, tone, expression and emotions.

After Paris is rich in detail and features a range of well developed characters. The story is packed with film, fashion, history, romance, strength, resilience and a whole lot of mystery. The fight for survival is a key aspect that arches across both timelines; with a clear message to grasp hold of every moment and live life to the full before time runs out.

Thank you to the publisher, Brilliance Publishing, for an advance audio copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Really loved the cover of this book.

After Paris, this book Starts with a cliff hanger living you gripped and invested. It takes us back in time to the life of an Actress named Cecile in wartime Paris. Her struggles with working as an actress, accusations of working with the Germans and her life. Her relationship with her dressmaker shows that friendship during hardship and how it can bring people together. Talking about fashion and film.

Then to a woman named Ruby investigating her story for an article, whilst going through her own struggles with cancer and trying to regain her life in the modern day. She and her partner Scott had separated during her cancer diagnosis and recovery. He had found it hard to cope and left, finding a new fiance and starting a life with her. This had been quite a shock for Ruby who had wanted to start a family with him and he had been hesitant because she was sick, leaving her hurt and angry. I enjoyed her interaction with her brother and his friend Jeff- love Jeff!!

I really enjoyed this book, to quote Ruby 'It has it all Mystery, fashion, Film and spies.' The diary entries of Sylvia were very interesting and the characters felt real and relatable. I felt like I wanted to know more about both Cecile and Ruby. The story is emotional at times, with suspense in parts that leave you wondering how it will play out.

I will definitely be reading more from Mary Ellen Taylor.

I enjoyed this dual timeline novel from Mary Ellen Taylor. The timelines were woven together well and easy to follow. A different storyline than most historical fiction.

At twenty-five, Ruby Nevins has already endured more than most. But after two years of battling cancer, she’s warily determined to move forward. Researching a new project about a French actress, she soon uncovers an old diary that will change her life forever…

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. Working to piece together the truth behind Cécile’s disappearance and Sylvia’s extraordinary life, Ruby recognizes the 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. If Cécile and Sylvia could live their lives in the shadow of death, so can Ruby. Because she knows there’s so much life—and love—to fight for.

I absolutely loved listening to After Paris. The parallel storylines between Ruby in the present day and Sylvia/Cécile during WWII were woven together beautifully, and I found myself fully immersed in both timelines. The narrators did a fantastic job bringing each character to life, and their performances added emotional depth to the story.

I listened to this audiobook while painting my condo, and it made the time fly by. I’ve always been interested in WWII history, and this book offered such a unique perspective, from the point of view of women in Nazi-occupied France.

This was a moving and unforgettable listen. Highly recommend!

After Paris has been my most profound read of the year, thus far. I was invested from the beginning up until the last word. I loved how you got so many different perspectives and how all the character’s stories were intertwined. I got so caught up and invested in each character. And with the majority of the book’s setting being Paris, the fashion tie in was top tier. Honestly, I haven’t read much historical fiction but I know that’s about to change. I really learned a lot from reading this book. The story was written perfectly; it completely encapsulated tragedy and resilience all in one fell swoop. This was my first book written by Mary Ellen Taylor, and it will not be my last. I listened to the audiobook and all the narrators did a wonderful job and definitely kept me engaged. ♥️

I would like to thank Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for giving me an ARC (which did not sway my opinions or review).

Well researched as I have come to expect from a novel by Mary Ellen Taylor. I have read all her books and enjoyed this one as well. A dual timeline book it is well laid out in both of the timeframes. Ruby Nevins a cancer survivor in the present timeline 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. This story tells the stories behind the women including Sylvia, Cecile, and Cecile's sister Emile. All three women do everything, right or wrong, to survive. I found myself caught up in their tales, cheering them on with every heartache and joy. The strength of these women is something I have come to expect from this author and provides a good example to those reading the novels. Really enjoyed the unraveling of this story and the characters. Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley.

Oh my stars! This histirucal fiction is so vivid in its descriptions, so rich in details, the characters feel like real people going about their lives. I think I've just discovered a new favourite author and, lucky me, the back catalogue is both rich and diverse.

Wish me luck!

Thank you Netgalley for this ALC.

After Paris was a beautiful read. I enjoyed the way the story moved between past and present—it was smooth, engaging, and easy to follow. The historical and emotional layers worked well together without ever feeling confusing or forced. I got pulled into both timelines and cared about the characters in each. That said, it didn’t quite hit five stars for me - a little long winded at times and too tidy or predictable in places. Still, a lovely read with a satisfying blend of heart and history.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars worth picking up if you love dual timeline stories and historical women’s fiction

This is the tale of hope that spans generations, intertwining the lives of three women who fight for survival in 1940s France and present-day Virginia. At twenty-five, Ruby Nevins has already endured more than most. But after two years of battling cancer, she’s warily determined to move forward. Researching a new project about a French actress, she soon uncovers an old diary that will change her life forever…

I really liked and enjoyed this story, the characters and the writing style.

Audiobook's narrators did a good job!

After Paris is a beautifully written, emotional journey through time. I was completely swept up in Ruby’s search for truth, and the hauntingly brave stories of Cécile and Sylvia during WWII France. This story is about survival, sisterhood, and finding purpose after pain. If you loved The Brighter the Light, this one will stay with you even longer. Heartbreaking, hopeful, unforgettable.