Julie's Review: Moonlight Over Paris

Author: Jennifer Robson
Series: None
Publication Date: January 19, 2016
Publisher: William Morrow
Pages: 352
Obtained: Amazon Vine
Genre:  Historical Fiction
Rating: 4.25/5.0
Bottom Line: Delightful novel about coming into your own
Grab, Just get it at the library, or Remove from your TBR list? Grab!

Summary: 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. ~amazon.com

 Review: Moonlight Over Paris is a great story centered in the artist community of Paris and is about being true to yourself, finding out what you love, living the life you are given. Helena almost died and decided that because she didn't she was going to live her life and to do that she needed to go to Paris to study art. Luckily she has a rich aunt that she can live with while she goes to art school.

Most of the time is spent with Helena and her friends, Mathilde, Etienne and Daisy as they make their way through the demand of art school. They spend most of the time painting, drawing, eating and drinking. Within this close knit friends is Sam Howard, who Helena feels drawn to but something makes her keep her distance. She keeps him at arms length but they develop a deep respect and friendship for each other.

It isn't too hard to see how the book is going to end but it's the in between pages that capture your imagination about how it was to live in Paris in those days. It must have been so vibrant, alive and exciting. It is the people that Helena meets/rubs shoulders with during that time that I found interesting.

If  you are looking for a solid read about the early years of the Bohemian movement in Paris and how it became to be the City of Light, then you should read Moonlight Over Paris.


 Google+