The Paris Model

Grace leaves her home in the Australian outback to find herself in Paris after the war. She works as a mannequin for Christian Dior, and this opens the door for her in many ways. She falls in love with a man who happens to be a spy.<br /><br />Grace’s character is complex and relatable in that search for herself. There’s also touches of mystery in her story that I found intriguing throughout, like I never really knew who she was. All of the characterization was strong, and I loved the famous appearances of actors and artists of the time.<br /><br />Overall, I found The Paris Model well-written and a page-turner!<br /><br />I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own. <br /><br />Many of my reviews can also be found on my instagram: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="http://www.instagram.com/tarheelreader">www.instagram.com/tarheelreader</a> and my blog: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="http://www.jennifertarheelreader.com">www.jennifertarheelreader.com</a>

The Paris Model is a wonderfully written historical romance adventure, inspired by a true story. It has drama, excitement, love, secrets, loss and sacrifice. It’s also about finding out who you really are.<br /><br />It’s 1948, Grace Woods is living life on an Australian Sheep station in Brookfield and when an opportunity arises she finds herself travelling to post-war Paris to take on a position as a mannequin for Christian Dior and to also search for her uncle Siddy, missing presumed dead since the war but Grace believes in her heart he is still out there somewhere.<br /><br />The plot was fast paced filled with drama and mystery, I found it so intriguing, there were so many twists and turns, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough or put it down! The book was surprisingly more than I expected and a highly recommended read.<br /><br /><br /><i>I wish to thank Better Reading, NetGalley &amp; HarperCollins Australia for an advanced copy of the book</i>

*<a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="http://www.onewomansbbr.wordpress.com">www.onewomansbbr.wordpress.com</a><br />*<a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="http://www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr">www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr</a><br /><br />The Paris Model by Alexandra Joel. (2020).<br /><br />After a shocking discovery, Grace leaves her vast Australian sheep station and travels to tumultuous post-war Paris in order to find her true identity. While working as a mannequin for Christian Dior, Grace mixes with counts and princesses, authors and artists, diplomats and politicians. But when Grace falls for Philippe she doesn't know that he is leading a double life, nor that his past might inflict devastating consequences upon her. As she is drawn into Philippe's dangerous world of international espionage, Grace discovers both the shattering truth of her origins and that her life is in peril...<br /><br />I quite enjoyed this story; it was a nice period of escapism while I was reading it. It was very engaging and I liked that we started off in Australia before jetting off to France. I found Grace to be a likeable character, I thought she was quite strong and determined and even while she clearly had a good heart she also had some sass to her which was great. At first glance you could easily mistake this for a fashion orientated plot (not that there's anything wrong with that!) but the story develops to the point where it becomes centred on an espionage, double-agent, assassination type drama before then becoming focused on Grace's personal issues again. I thought this was pretty clever actually as it flowed quite well. <br />Overall, this is an easy and enjoyable historical fiction with elements of romance with a bit of thriller drama included.

*<a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogspot.com/">https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp...</a><br /> Alexandra Joel takes her readers from the serenity and isolation of the Australian outback to the catwalks of Christian Dior in Paris. The story then moves from Paris to the tranquility of the French countryside.<br /><br />Through a young Grace Woods we experience the isolation of a country wheat and sheep farm. Grace loves the farm but she also loves her visits to Sydney to see close family friend Reuben. From a young age Grace has had an affinity with Reuben but little does she know what a major impact he will later have on her life.<br /><br />When Grace’s whole future seems to be mapped out before her, marriage to her childhood sweetheart, then children and life on the farm, a chance visit by fashion designer Christian Dior to Sydney sees Grace landing a job as a mannequin and then flying to Paris where she is employed as a Dior model.<br /><br />Grace was quite a flighty character and whenever she was confronted with any sort of conflict she would run rather than wait for an explanation. This trend to avoid conflict would first see her estranged from her mother and later running from love.<br /><br />Joel includes events from WWII with Australians enlisting to fight in Britain and then the political unrest in France where Grace finds herself in a life and death situation.<br />With cameo appearances by Jacqueline Bouvier, Pablo Picasso, Francoise Gilot and Chef Julia Child I found the setting and the drama would be perfectly suited to the big screen.<br /><br />The Paris Model is fast paced and Joel packs a lot of story into this book so it’s never boring and although some of the plot may be a little too convenient I was swept away by Grace’s story and taken to any place and another time.<br />*<i>I received a copy from the publisher</i>

The Paris Model is the first novel by Australian author, Alexandra Joel. Having been raised in country NSW, when Grace’s father, Alfred Woods dies, she takes over running their sheep and wheat property. A few short years later, she becomes Mrs Jack Osbourne, having married, as expected, the son of a local grazier on his return from the war. Less than three years later, Grace has walked away from that life to become a mannequin at Maison Christian Dior in Paris. <br /><br />Not just in the City of Light to pursue her career aspirations, she is also searching for the most important man in her life. She meets another, finding love and excitement and danger. Grace is a strong and determined character, although she does have a tendency to flee from confrontations without waiting for an explanation, much to her psychological and emotional detriment.<br /><br />The plot follows some predictable lines but also contains a few surprises and while, given the era and her occupation, Grace might well be expected to encounter some famous (and infamous) figures, the parade of cameos does feel a tiny bit “Forrest Gump”. Joel does capture the era nicely and, with her protagonist based on an actual historical figure, this is marvellous historical fiction from a talented Australian author.<br />This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by Better Reading Preview and NetGalley and Harper Collins Australia<br />

Thanks to NetGalley, Harpercollins Publishers Australia and Alexandra Joel for my copy of: The Paris Model. <br /><br />Brookfield homestead New South Wales, Australia, in 1934, <br />Grace lives on a sheep station with her parents, Alfred and Olive Woods. Grace had a happy childhood, she enjoys living in the Australian bush, riding her pet pony Illyria and spending time with her dad. Grace is a real country girl, she loves the fresh smell of eucalyptus emitted by the gum leaves and she doesn't mind the sound of the screeching cockatoos. Alfred adores his family, his property and he knows his wife Olive is a little more refined than he is. Olive is busy being a mother, running her household and attending her local CWA meetings. She likes to dress nicely, she loves fashion and clothes. Grace and Olive both love to look at fashion magazines together, they dream about wearing the beautiful dresses and visiting Paris.<br /><br />Graces parents have always planned for her to marry Jack Osbourne, he lives next door on a sheep station called Merindah and his parents are also keen for them to eventually marry. When WW II starts Jack does the right thing, he signs up to train as a pilot and he plans to marry Grace when the war is over. Jack returns home after the war ends, the couple marry, Jack has changed and not for the good! Grace knows marrying Jack was a big mistake, she doesn't think her mother Olive will understand and what can she do? After making a shocking discovery, Grace decides to leave her husband, travel to France, she wants to be a fashion model and to find out what happened to her Uncle Siddy? Her parents had a close friend called Reuben Wood, he was a horse trader, piano player and Grace loved her Uncle Siddy. For some reason Siddy stopped all contact with Grace's family, last she heard Uncle Reuben had joined the army and was in France!<br /><br />Grace is tall, slim, very pretty and finds work as a model. She works as a mannequin for Christian Dior, the world's new leader of fashion, clients like to see the beautiful gowns being worn by models on the catwalk and Grace loves her new job. She models clothes that are bought by rich famous people and they include, princesses, actresses and by wives of diplomats and politicians.<br /><br />Grace meets and falls for handsome Philippe Boyer. He has no idea that Grace is married and the longer she waits the harder it is to tell him the truth. Grace has no idea, he has his own secrets and he is leading a double life or that his past might effect her? Grace is drawn into Philippe's dangerous world of politics and international espionage. When Grace discovers that her life is in danger, she doesn't consider going home to Australia, she's stays hidden in the french country side and it gives her time to work out what's she's going to do?<br /><br />The Paris Model, is based on a true story, it takes you from the paddocks of a sheep station in Australia to the elegant fashion houses of France. It's about a journey Grace takes to discover the truth, she uncovers hidden family secrets, her heritage, falls in love, she finally makes peace with her mum and I gave the book four stars.<br />I have shared my review on Goodreads, Twitter, NetGalley, Australian Amazon, Kobo and my blog.<br /><a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/">https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/</a>

SUPERBĂ! ❤️<br /><br />Grace Woods se naște în imprejurări tulburătoare în Australia, 1922 - o lume a papagalilor, fermelor, dealurilor infinite și neatinsă de război.<br /><br />Dar Grace voia mai mult, Grace nu putea fi liniștită cu o viață comodă și ușoară. Fata voia să viseze, să trăiască, să devină cineva. <br /><br />Așa că după ce contextul i-a demonstrat că locul său nu e la o fermă din Australia, Grace Woods devine Domnișoara D, model la Christian Dior, în Paris. <br /><br />Printre celebrități, momente boeme și atmosfera încântătoare a Franței, Grace îl cunoaște pe Philippe și se îndrăgostește nebunește de el. <br /><br />Secrete periculoase sunt de ambele părți. <br /><br />Philippe duce o viață dublă, deseori intersectată cu evenimente mortale, iar Grace își ascunde trecutul cum poate mai bine. <br /><br />Ce mi-a plăcut:<br />- TOTUL. ?<br />- subiectul, contextul, modul de scriere al autoarei, modul în care a fost citită cartea (am ascultat audiobook-ul).<br />- Grace este un personaj foarte fain &amp; bine construit.<br />- acțiunea nu e deloc plictisitoare, se tot întâmplă lucruri, iar unele dintre ele sunt foarte tulburătoare (aici depinde și cât de sensibil este cititorul și cât de mult s-a atașat).<br />- povestea a fost superbă, plină de întorsături de situație &amp; de obstacole

So much more than I thought. ❤️

The writing is a bit pretentious and the main character makes some implausible decisions. I struggled to finish it.

*<a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com">https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com</a><br /><br />4.5 stars<br /><br />‘It might have been simple good luck, sheer coincidence, or as she preferred to think of it, fate, but the truth was that without ever knowing it, she had spent years preparing to discover her past – and forge a new future – in the City of Light.’<br /><br />Former editor of the Australian edition of Harper’s Bazaar, Alexandra Joel, crosses into new book territory with the release of her first historical fiction novel, The Paris Model. Joel’s first venture into the field of historical fiction represents a compelling tale of desire, fulfilment, passion, change, high fashion, espionage, love and parentage. The Paris Model entertains from line one to the closing word, thanks to Alexandra Joel’s seducing prose.<br /><br />The Paris Model introduces Grace Woods, a young Australian woman who seals her destiny in post war Paris, following the collapse of her marriage. Grace leaves her sprawling sheep station home in Australia, for the bright lights and frivolity of Paris. Grace is fortunate in acquiring a lucrative position as a mannequin for fashion extraordinaire Christian Dior. Grace walks the catwalks of Paris, which allows her to rub shoulders with the elite. From famous screen stars, to royalty and key political figures, Grace is acquainted with many during her career as a model. She is also thrust into the arms of the dashing Philippe, an enigma, who Grace later discovers has a secret life. When Philippe lets Grace into his dangerous world, she is swept up in a life of double jeopardy, intrigue and above all, danger. Then a shock discovery about her origins throws all sorts of complications Grace’s way. The Paris Model is a story drawn from real life experiences, providing the audience with a glimpse into the world of sophistication, fashion, long held secrets and devastating loss.<br /><br />As a self-confessed Francophile, with an interest in fashion and the arts, I knew this book was for me. With my favorite genre being historical fiction, I couldn’t wait to immerse myself in the pages of this novel and although it took a little more time than usual for me to settle into this one, by the end I didn’t want to say goodbye to The Paris Model.<br /><br />I loved how The Paris Model began its full journey in the familiar locale of outback NSW. Grace immediately came across vividly through the pages of this book. I first took Grace to be quite sweet and wholesome. Then, I began to realise there was much more depth to Grace and that she was deeply unsatisfied with her life. Grace also has an air of mystery surrounding her origins, which is slowly unpacked as the book progresses. Joel extends her strong characterisation to the supporting protagonists of The Paris Model. From Grace’s husband Jack, through to her love interest Philippe, and the friends she meets during her Parisian sojourn, I felt they were all presented with clarity. I also lapped up the references to the real life personalities that appear in the story – from Christian Dior, Pablo Picasso, Julia Child, Rita Hayworth, Prince Aly Khan and Jacqueline Bouvier, among others. Each of these figures provides a strong sense of celebrity and glamour to this showpiece novel.<br /><br />An unexpected dash of espionage rounds this novel off nicely. When I first went into The Paris Model I mistakenly thought it was just a story of fashion. However, when the character of Philippe enters the book, the novel takes a different turn. It is full of twists, turns, danger, swift decision making and intrigue, which really pushed the pace up a notch. In addition, Joel provides a comprehensive glimpse into the relations and mood of the time, both in Australia, France and Europe in general. We are given an insight into the political climate and social relations, which I found enlightening.<br /><br />As well as a historical adventure novel, The Paris Model is a tale of romance. Within the course of the story we witness a failed marriage and broken relationship from Grace’s experiences marrying her childhood sweetheart. When Philippe enters her life, Grace experiences a different kind of love and passion. However, their union is marred by Philippe’s position and another complication. I liked how Joel explored this aspect of her novel and the resulting hopeful outcome. Finally, The Paris Model is also a story of family, the search for true parentage, belonging and your roots. It is a heartbreaking process, but well worth your time to commit to this story.<br /><br />For me personally, I loved the fashion, art, culture and period references of The Paris Model. I always love saying goodbye to present day life and surrendering myself to times past. I took great value in the experiences I gained from The Paris Model and I hope to reconnect with Alexandra’s Joel’s impressive prose again in the near future.<br /><br />*Thanks extended to Harper Collins Books Australia for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.<br /><br />The Paris Model is book #12 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge