It’s 1952 and Alice and her new husband Albert are living in luxury in Paris. Albert is the British ambassador to France and Alice, or Madame Ainsley as she is known, is his much younger and very beautiful wife. Alice is the perfect hostess and lives a charmed life. Her closet is full of couture gowns including the finest of designs by Christian Dior. Yet her marriage has turned into more of a business arrangement than a partnership. Her only true friend is her lady’s maid Anne. When a dashing man attempts to sweep her off her feet, Alice has to decide what type of life she truly wants.
In 2017, Lucille lives in London and is devoted to her grandmother Sylvie. Her mother is more focused on her successful career than their relationship. Lucille is unhappy in her job and has never been in love. When her grandmother asks Lucille to go to Paris to pick up a very valuable Dior dress of hers from a friend, she is excited to go. Once in Paris, Lucille soon figures out that there is much more to this initially simple request. A mystery starts to unfold, and hidden secrets emerge.
I am a big fan of dual timeline fiction that is set in contemporary and historical periods. The Last Dress from Paris was a very satisfying read as both the stories set in 1952 and 2017 were equally engaging. Author Jade Beer’s book includes a treasure hunt-like search through historic sites in Paris, complex family relationships, romance, friendships and fashion. The details of some very special Dior dresses are so well done that you’ll be able to visual them.
I’m very appreciative to Berkley Publishing for the opportunity to read this wonderful book before its publication.
Rated 4.25 out of 5 stars.
Historical & Contemporary Fiction.
Publication Date: June 21, 2022.
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