The Three Lives of Alix Pierre weaves together a beautiful, unforgettable novel that will have you enamored with its intricate plot as well as mesmerized by the beauty of couture Paris.

Alix St. Pierre is a name that will not be forgotten. A character that will command your attention and as the book unravels, will keep you turning the pages. After losing her parents as a teenager, she never felt like she was part of anything. Despite the help from the van der Meer’s, she was determined to work hard and make a name for herself in the place she knew she was meant to be, Paris.

In the height of WWII, Alix like so many others found herself in a position to promote women in the workforce. Through her publicity skills, she gains the attention of the government when they offer her an opportunity to go overseas as a spy. Despite her impeccable skills, trust is one skill that she has obstacles with. When Alix finds herself in a situation that is not only precarious but involves people that she loves, she finds herself in a situation where her trust is tested and the consequences have a lasting effect.

After spending all that she has to her name, she moves to Paris and lands a prestigious job position for the upcoming House of Dior. We get swept away in the glamor and beauty of the fantasy of couture and a progressive shift in the image of beautiful fashion through the eyes of a designer before his time. Forgetting all that she lost and the past that haunts her, she’s given a chance at a new life and is determined to live it.

When someone from her past comes into the present with the intention of taking everything away that she has worked hard for, Alix goes on a mission of absolution from the past to find peace and atonement for wrongs to make right.

This book is more than a WWII novel. You see elements of historical fiction, romance and suspense. There is something special about the stories that evolve from this era in history. Alix St Pierre is an amazing character that has depth and layers as unraveled make you captivated by her more. She’s vulnerable and independent. A progressive woman, much due to her circumstances, defied the status quo that defined what a woman should be. I loved her journey through the past through the present of finding herself through the pain and opening herself up to receive all life not only personally but through her friendships and love. The female characters and their relationships between each were strong and inspiring for the times.

Getting swept up in the glamor of Dior and his imprint on this upcoming in the fashion industry was a fun escape to experience. Despite elements in the book that are fiction, much was based on real people and events which makes the book more fascinating. A must is to read the author notes that I thought was just as fascinating as reading the book.

Overall, I loved the book and will say so far my favorite for 2023. I have a feeling if given the chance to listen to the audiobook it will be an amazing experience. If you love historical fiction, this is a must to add to your reading list.

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