Alexandra Joel

This is one of those novels where the author takes all the loose ends and ties them up in a nice little bow at the end, which is really refreshing. And, too, there was so much more to this novel than at first appeared. I am a reader who loves atmosphere, and “travelling” new places through my books, and this one did not disappoint – from Australia to Paris to the French countryside, so many new things to experience through this story!

*Thank you to Alexandra Joel, Harper Perennial publishers, and GoodReads Giveaways for providing a free Advance Reader Copy in exchange for this honest review.*

As to one reason why I say there’s so much more to this than at first expected: We know from the back cover that our main character, Grace, becomes a model in Paris and falls head-over-heals in love with the tall, dark and handsome Philippe who just might have more history in his past than he is willing to reveal. What we don’t fully absorb, although it’s referenced (I’m not relating any spoilers here) is that the first third of the novel takes place in Grace’s (and the author’s) native Australia – and this is one part of the book I truly loved. Never having been to the Land Down-Under myself, I was fascinated by the rural life Grace led there, along with the knowledge Grace needed to thrive on the sheep farm run by her father. The descriptions of the Australian countryside – the sunny weather, the work on the farm - were quite captivating.

Grace also, through the events of the story that I will be careful not to spoil, finds herself in the French countryside, with its slow, warm charm.

A story is often remembered by how you feel at the end, and this one had a definite, satisfying finish! It was tracking as a 3-star for “I like it” for most of the novel for me, but the way author Alexandra Joel loops back and wraps everything together was like a cold beer on a hot day – such a simple pleasure, but one often missed by other authors! For that reason, I’m awarding an extra star for “I really liked it”. Notable too, is the ending Author’s Note which reflects quite a bit of effort on Joel’s part to tell this true story. I wasn’t certain at first if it was “based on” or “actual” – turns out it’s true! – which makes it all the better!

Conclusion: A complex tale well told and an enjoyable read!

#TheParisModel
#AlexandraJoel
#HarperPerennial
#GoodReadsGiveaways… (plus d'informations)

t's the late 1950s and Blaise is trying to become a reporter, a job that has been held exclusively by men. The only women who worked at the newspaper were the few women who worked on the women's pages which was not considered real news. When she has her first interview, she's told that she doesn't have what it takes to be a reporter but she finally gets a job as a 'copy boy' and works her way up to a night reporter job. She's ridiculed and the butt of jokes by the male reporters but she works hard to fulfill her dreams. When she makes a crucial mistake with a breaking story, she is sent to work on the women's pages. This is a job that she's always looked down on but as she makes friends and begins to enjoy the job. When she is sent to London the cover the wedding of Princess Margaret, she's thrilled with the chance to prove herself. However she left behind a potential scandal in Sydney and believes its behind her until she starts receiving mysterious letters from someone who knows her secret. London is a total change for her - it's the 60s and London is full of fun and vibrant people and the era was referred to as the Swinging Sixties. Will Blaise be able to keep her secret from jeopardizing her current exciting life or will it all blow up in her face?

I loved the main character - she was gutsy and tenacious when she went after her dream of becoming a reporter. She stood up to the men in the newsroom who wanted to belittle her for being a woman. Her life changed dramatically from the poor section of Sydney with very few clothes to London where she is respected and has a whole new wardrobe of stylish and popular clothes. It was more than the job and the clothes - Blaise continued to work hard at her job to bring the real news to the people.

I loved the writing, the plot and the characters of this novel and will read whatever the author writes in the future.

Thanks to goodreads for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.… (plus d'informations)

Thanks to HarperCollins and Netgalley for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

What a pleasure! Extensive research by the author sets this book apart from other historical fiction. A Sydney girl from the rough side of town gets a job with a Sydney newspaper, the Clarion. Through hard work and a nose for the news, Blaise Hill becomes a cadet reporter in a field reserved for men. She also gets mixed up in a murder, covering up for an old childhood friend from the streets who kills a drug dealer in self-defense.

Blaise hides the murder weapon in her handbag and is wondering how to get rid of it when a handsome and sexy stranger, Adam, appears out of nowhere and, claiming to be a friend of her old pal, takes the bloody knife off Blaise's hands. Blaise is very attractive to Adam but knows almost nothing about him.

To Blaise's disappointment, she is reassigned to the Women's Pages at the Clarion and given a Devil-Wears-Prada style makeover. The newly glamorous Blaise falls into an exciting gig covering the royal family for the Advocate in London, beginning with the royal ball celebrating the impending royal wedding of Princess Margaret. When scandal threatens to envelop Margaret's new husband, Blaise is determined to protect her, and earns the queen's gratitude.

Even with this plum assignment, Blaise dreams of covering "hard news" just like a male reporter, but life among the London elite definitely has its pleasures. She befriends a rich baronet, Charles, who wants her to marry him and become a lady one day (complete with large country house). Charles tells her that Adam is a very bad sort. Who should she believe, and how can she keep either man from getting in the way of her ambitions in journalism? The solution at the end of the novel is surprising and eminently satisfying.

This book is a natural for lovers of the TV series "The Crown" and an ideal choice for book clubs. Wonderfully plotted and paced, the novel only lags in a couple of places when Blaise is between assignments and feeling indecisive; otherwise The Royal Correspondent provides nonstop enjoyment for the reader.… (plus d'informations)