The Girl from Paris (Daughters of New York)
The Girl from Paris is third of a projected six books in the Daughters of New York series. Author Ella Carey transports readers to Paris in 1918 to share how Vianne from the first book, A New York Secret, overcame unbearable odds with determination, gumption, and persistence.
This novel is the captivating tale of Vianne’s heritage, her siblings’ involvement in World War I, and how her dream of being a midinette (seamstress) evolves as the war ends and she is left homeless. The brilliant, talented, and creative Vianne struggles with grief, the boundaries set by family loyalty, and following her heart and personal dreams. Vianne’s character strengths and weaknesses are constantly tested in her relationships with famous clients; Eloise Chappelle, the owner of the atelier; and the other seamstresses.
Ella Carey’s detailed descriptions of fashion design and color, along with haute couture, move as effortlessly as the fashion models on the catwalk—visual treats for readers. She interweaves the lives of lowly seamstresses and their desires to dance the Charleston with the fabulous women of wealth from Long Island, and even ties in Texas roots and Southern values. Vianne’s story reminds readers that reality and losses help us appreciate the beauty of life. Mama Pepper advises Vianne to “outclass” the competition and use pain to turn things into great beauty. Do fairytales have a place in real life? Like the bartenders at Valentino’s, whisk up a Negroni in a teacup and read The Girl from Paris to find out.
