The Paris Model: A Novel

This actually was a beautifully written book and apparently based on a true story.
It is definitely a page turner but the reason I gave it only four stars is that it is guilty of my biggest pet peeve reading a book.
I just cringe every time I’m reading something about a garden scene when it is written that somebody is walking through the garden and there are apples and peaches and strawberries and daffodils and roses and and and.… But here’s the thing, apples, peaches, roses, daffodils, etc. etc. are not available at the same time in a garden. They to come to fruit or to bloom at different times and it just drives me nuts when they say somebody was picking apples and daffodils etc. at the same time!

This is one of those novels where the author takes all the loose ends and ties them up in a nice little bow at the end, which is really refreshing. And, too, there was so much more to this novel than at first appeared. I am a reader who loves atmosphere, and “travelling” new places through my books, and this one did not disappoint – from Australia to Paris to the French countryside, so many new things to experience through this story!

*Thank you to Alexandra Joel, Harper Perennial publishers, and GoodReads Giveaways for providing a free Advance Reader Copy in exchange for this honest review.*

As to one reason why I say there’s so much more to this than at first expected: We know from the back cover that our main character, Grace, becomes a model in Paris and falls head-over-heals in love with the tall, dark and handsome Philippe who just might have more history in his past than he is willing to reveal. What we don’t fully absorb, although it’s referenced (I’m not relating any spoilers here) is that the first third of the novel takes place in Grace’s (and the author’s) native Australia – and this is one part of the book I truly loved. Never having been to the Land Down-Under myself, I was fascinated by the rural life Grace led there, along with the knowledge Grace needed to thrive on the sheep farm run by her father. The descriptions of the Australian countryside – the sunny weather, the work on the farm - were quite captivating.

Grace also, through the events of the story that I will be careful not to spoil, finds herself in the French countryside, with its slow, warm charm.

A story is often remembered by how you feel at the end, and this one had a definite, satisfying finish! It was tracking as a 3-star for “I like it” for most of the novel for me, but the way author Alexandra Joel loops back and wraps everything together was like a cold beer on a hot day – such a simple pleasure, but one often missed by other authors! For that reason, I’m awarding an extra star for “I really liked it”. Notable too, is the ending Author’s Note which reflects quite a bit of effort on Joel’s part to tell this true story. I wasn’t certain at first if it was “based on” or “actual” – turns out it’s true! – which makes it all the better!

Conclusion: A complex tale well told and an enjoyable read!

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The Paris Model by Alexandra Joel is an excellent historical fiction that follows Grace Woods from her early years in Australia to her experiences in Paris post-war within the fashion and modeling industries.

This was such a unique book in that it included some of the experiences and landscapes of Australia and also of its residents during WWII. I do not think that there are enough novels covering this location available for us historical fiction fans. I loved reading about the farm, the social hierarchies, and Grace's experiences growing up there. I also loved reading about her time spent in the house of Dior. It was so great to read about some of the fashions, the experiences she had with so many historic and famous patrons and individuals that graced the doors of the Christian Dior fashion house.

I also truly enjoyed the mystery, intrigue, suspense, and twists/turns that the author added to Grace's story while she was in Paris and with meeting Philippe. There were definitely a few paths that were included that really surprised me (and that is a good thing). I liked the fact that we were able to see Grace grow, change, mature, and find herself in the course of the novel. I also really, really enjoyed the ending.

This book really surprised me and included so much more in regards to complexity of plot, and the richness of the wonderful character cast. I loved how the author was able to seamlessly weave the tale between several different time periods to create a wonderful patchwork so to speak of Grace's story and past to show how she ended up where she did. I was also surprised to see that the novel was based off of a real persona. I will definitely look up more in regards to Grace Woods.

An excellent historical fiction. 5/5 stars

I thought Paris Model was a great book. The author doesn't drag things out. I loved the characters. Also loved the real life people that were part of a fictional novel. Author did a great job with all of her historical research for this novel. I will be reading another one of Alexandra Joel 's books. Such a read. 😊📚

I've found a very specific niche I've been loving: Australian authors who write historical fiction about Paris and Christian Dior during WWII or the years immediately afterwards.

The Paris Model follows Grace from farming in Australia to modeling for Christian Dior in Paris in the post-WWII years. There, she's drawn to Philippe, a handsome stranger who draws Grace into the world of espionage.

This book is so many things. Part romance, part homage to the world of fashion, part espionage thriller. The descriptions made me want to visit Paris again and have a cappuccino (or a glass of champagne) at an outdoor cafe.

Grace is a well-rounded character who makes mistakes, recognizes them, and matures. I loved the scenes between her and Philippe, but also the scenes where she struggles to survive on her own.

Thanks to Harper Perennial for a copy of this book!

This was such a beautifully written book, I enjoyed reading it based on the writing alone. Alexandra Joel’s writing style is almost poetic and if I can call writing “pretty,” that’s how I would describe it. It was just so easy to fall into the story and contained such vivid descriptions, I felt as if I was seeing it first-hand.

The story itself was a bit of a slow burn that turned into so much more than just a love story. There were some surprising plot twists that I didn’t expect and shocked me. I liked that it was more than just a love story as it gave the book more character and meat to it. I also think the story contained such complex characters, especially Grace, our main character. She’s on a search to discover herself, and as the novel progresses, we see the inner struggles she has in discovering who she is and who she will become. I enjoyed Grace, and I think that we all struggle with who we are, so she was definitely relatable in that aspect.

Also, talk about a book giving me some wanderlust! Not only am I now dreaming of trips to Paris, but I am also dreaming of trips to Australia. Alexandra Joel painted these two completely different places in such a beautiful and dreamy way that there’s no way I wouldn’t want to visit both places.

This book just helped to add to my newfound love of historical fiction. It was definitely different from other historical fiction books I have previously read, but I think the uniqueness of this novel is what I actually enjoyed most!

Thank you to Harper Perennial for an early copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

In another lifetime, I would have spent my life at a Paris Fashion house. The description of clothing was a fun read. Exquisite and skillful writing full of intrigue. Many thanks. colleenbooks.com

I really enjoyed this book. It’s written in first person and the main character, Grace, is a great example of a strong, likable, smart woman. Joel personifies her as an independent woman before her time. You’ll be rooting her as she discovers more about herself and her family. I read this book with my mom- it’s truly a mother/daughter read as one of the main themes is the importance of those you love and call family. There are lots of great twists in the second half. It’s worth getting to know Grace in the beginning because you’ll be so happy for her at the end!

Totally agree with reviewer Shallow. This was a waste of time. The author incorporates too many plot twists and complications, and since none of the characters are well-developed and/or likeable, it was hugely disappointing.

Wonderful story. You really feel what the main character is going through in her life and the times of WWII.