I received this book for free from Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tour in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Moonlight Over Paris by Jennifer Robson
Pages: 352
Published by William Morrow Paperbacks
Publication Date January 19th 2016
Source: Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tour
Genres: Historical Fiction
Goodreads
An aristocratic young woman leaves the sheltered world of London to find adventure, passion, and independence in 1920s Paris in this mesmerizing story from the USA Today and internationally bestselling author of Somewhere in France and After the War is Over.
Spring, 1924
Recovering from a broken wartime engagement and a serious illness that left her near death, Lady Helena Montagu-Douglas-Parr vows that for once she will live life on her own terms. Breaking free from the stifling social constraints of the aristocratic society in which she was raised, she travels to France to stay with her free spirited aunt. For one year, she will simply be Miss Parr. She will explore the picturesque streets of Paris, meet people who know nothing of her past—and pursue her dream of becoming an artist.
A few years after the Great War’s end, the City of Light is a bohemian paradise teeming with actors, painters, writers, and a lively coterie of American expatriates who welcome Helena into their romantic and exciting circle. Among them is Sam Howard, an irascible and infuriatingly honest correspondent for the Chicago Tribune. Dangerously attractive and deeply scarred by the horror and carnage of the war, Sam is unlike any man she has ever encountered. He calls her Ellie, sees her as no one has before, and offers her a glimpse of a future that is both irresistible and impossible.
As Paris rises phoenix-like from the ashes of the Great War, so too does Helena. Though she’s shed her old self, she’s still uncertain of what she will become and where she belongs. But is she strong enough to completely let go of the past and follow her heart, no matter where it leads her?
Artfully capturing the Lost Generation and their enchanting city, Moonlight Over Paris is the spellbinding story of one young woman’s journey to find herself, and claim the life—and love—she truly wants.
Review:
At first, Moonlight Over Paris by Jennifer Robson reminded me of Now Voyager. A young woman goes on a trip alone after an illness and ends up not only finding herself and independence but also unexpected love. The comparisons stop there. Jennifer Robson’s novel is as unique as the drawings Helena sketched with vibrantly painted depictions.
Helena’s group of friends were eclectic, each with their own story to tell and wished the author would have dived deeper as I feel the surface was barely scraped and instead merely came and went to give Helena encouragement.
The romance between Helena and Sam was predictable, yet I find most romance novels to be so. It was still cute, clever and found myself rooting for the them. This, along with exciting backdrop of Paris in the 1920s created a wonderfully readable novel.
At the beginning of Helena and Sam’s acquaintance, they share a meal of onion soup and was described as thus:
The soup was simple, nothing but onions and broth and at the bottom of the bowl, she soon discovered, a piece of dark country bread. It was the single most delicious meal she’d ever had. In no time at all, she was staring into her empty bowl and wishing she had an extra piece of bread to soak up the last drops of broth.
This is how I felt about Moonlight Over Paris, it was a delicious tale whose’s end I did not want to come and wished for a second help upon the last word.
Praise
“Returns with mastery once more to the World War I era…. This is a moving and memorable book.” — Pam Jenoff, bestselling author of The Winter Guest
“Meticulously researched and richly detailed, Moonlight Over Paris paints an enchanting picture… The elegance of Robson’s prose flows through every page, sweeping the reader from London’s aristocracy to the Parisian art scene and beyond… a heartwarming love story that left me aching for a journey back in time.” — Kristina McMorris, New York Times bestselling author of The Edge of Lost
“The vibrant whirl of the Paris art community is the ideal setting for this novel of healing and growth. Robson’s lovely prose allows the reader to savor the atmosphere of the Lost Generation, as well as the personal struggles of her characters.” — RT Book Reviews
“Robson is a master of evoking atmospheric detail that transports readers back in time and place. I loved every page!” — Renee Rosen, author of White Collar Girl
“Robson gives the concept of self-discovery amid the enchanting streets of Paris a fresh spin in Moonlight Over Paris. Delightful and romantic, readers will devour Robson’s latest work.” — Heather Webb, author of Rodin’s Lover
About the Author
Jennifer Robson first learned about the Great War from her father, acclaimed historian Stuart Robson, and later served as an official guide at the Canadian National War Memorial at Vimy Ridge, France. A former copy editor, she holds a doctorate in British economic and social history from the University of Oxford. She lives in Toronto, Canada, with her husband and young children.
For more information visit Jennifer Robson’s website. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Goodreads.
Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, February 29
Review at With Her Nose Stuck In A Book
Tuesday, March 1
Review at History From a Woman’s Perspective
Thursday, March 3
Review at Svetlana’s Reads and Views
Monday, March 7
Review at Book Nerd
Wednesday, March 9
Review at Ageless Pages Reviews
Friday, March 11
Review at Bookish
Monday, March 14
Review at Jorie Loves a Story
Wednesday, March 16
Review at Reading Is My SuperPower
Friday, March 18
Review at She is Too Fond of Books
Review at Worth Getting in Bed For
Monday, March 21
Review at I’m Shelf-ish
Wednesday, March 23
Review at CelticLady’s Reviews
Thursday, March 24
Review at Creating Herstory
Friday, March 25
Review at A Holland Reads
Review at New Horizon Reviews
Sounds like a great book. I love the soup quote, and the idea of her finding herself in Paris (in the 20’s!) and the American expat community sounds really interesting. Nice review.