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.