85 Comments

Bonjour Natasha, I am a dedicated fan of your fictional history, especially those set in France with an art theme. I would be honored to read & review your new boo!

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Thanks Laurie!

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Hi Natasha, I’m a big fan of your work!

The first novel of yours I read was The Paris Secret and this is my favourite. The Penrose sisters are just fantastic.

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Congratulations Lilli! You've won the advance copy of The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard! Can you email me your postal address on natashalester@substack.com and I will get your book posted out to you!

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Thank you!

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Hi Natasha! I have to say, I don't know what it is about the cover for the proof copies, but it is seriously doing it for me. I adore the actual cover, but the simplicity, there's just something so beautiful about it. Now for the actual question. They say you always remember your first, and that is definitely the case for me with A Kiss From Mr Fitzgerald and I didn't think you'd be able to best it for me......until I read The French Photographer. That book isn't just my favourite book of yours, but it would also have to be one of my favourite books ever! It's been a good four years since I read it but I still see scenes so vividly in my head. Whenever someone asks the question of what books I'd like to see made into a movie, The French Photographer is always the first one I say. In a perfect world I would love to see Reese Witherspoon's company take it on and for her to star in it. I think she would be an amazing Jess.

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I would love that to happen too!

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Hello! I finished reading The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre a few days ago. It was a very good book. I have The Riviera House on my bookshelf to read soon.

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I have several favourites but will select Riviera House

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I really enjoyed the Three Lives of Alix St Pierre and would love to read your newest book!!

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So glad that you enjoyed ALIX!

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Anonymous
Jul 29, 2023

So far, The Paris Orphan is my favorite. I have The Three Lives Of Alix St Pierre to read next! Can't wait!!!

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Thank you – I love Jess and Dan!

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I’ve loved all your novels but I think I lovedThe French Photographer the best. Reading about the experience of female war photojournalists was interesting, and of course a little romance on the side is always nice too!

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Yes, we love a little romance!

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The Paris Seamstress as it was my first introduction to your wonderful writing, and this was all passed on to my Grandma, now we both love your books.

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I love that you shared the book with your Grandma! How wonderful!

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So excited for the Book Club! You are a busy girl! Would love to win a copy of The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard. So hard to choose a fave from your books Natasha, but the tears from still are real from The Paris Secret. I have picked up Barbara Kingsolver’s Demon Copperhead so many times but I just feel it would be so sad. The Poisonwood Bible is one of my fave’s and feel I need to be in the right headspace for Copperhead. I am SO glad you wrote about Yellowface - another I have looked into. I am tempted drawn in by the publishing business. What were your reservations Natasha?

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Copperhead is just so good. And it's surprisingly funny - she just gets the narrative voice so right. It's incredible how she injects humour into some quite dire situations in a way that is beautifully done. You must read it!

And Yellowface was totally gripping to begin with but I think in the middle there's a longish section about a Twitter battle that, for someone who left Twitter years ago to escape the negative vibe in the feed, just went on a bit long. It's worth a read and had plenty of very accurate observations about the publishing industry though.

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Thank you for the feedback Natasha

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I would love to read and review The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard! I've been a fan of your books for years.

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Thank you!

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A few years ago, I had settled into a seat on the bus with "The Paris Seamstress" in my hand. A woman turned around and said, "I loved that book!" I completely agree. I loved this book. Estella and Alex, Janie and Sam, Fabienne and Will, everyone is vivid and complex. Their story lines weave together in unexpected ways, and I rapidly read to find out what happens next. Their war stories are gritty and real. Their '40s fashion industry stories are fascinating. Their heartbreaking love stories are true. Their struggles throughout are real. This novel has stayed with me, and, while I love all of your novels, "The Paris Seamstress" is still my favorite.

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I love that you chatted to someone on a bus about the book! How nice - a book making a connection between strangers. Gorgeous story.

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The Paris Seamstress got me hooked! Would love an opportunity to read and review The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard!

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Fingers crossed for you!

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Loving all of your books but the Riviera House got me started so let’s go with that.

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I loved writing that book!

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I love all of your book, but my favorite is The Paris Seamstress! That is the one that got me hooked. :)

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It seems to be a popular choice!

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Love love loved the 3 lives of alix st. Pierre

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Thank you! Alix is a heroine very close to my heart!

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