Lavish and compelling, this is the story of a young woman trying to forget her devastating part in the war
1943. After spearheading several successful advertising campaigns in New York, PR wizard Alix St Pierre comes to the attention of the US government and finds herself recruited into a fledgling intelligence organisation.
Enlisted as a spy, Alix is sent to Europe where she is tasked with getting close to a Nazi who might be willing to help the Allied forces – but there’s also the chance he might be a double agent.
1946. Following the war, Alix moves to Paris to run the Service de la Presse for the yet-to-be-launched House of Christian Dior. But when a figure from the war reappears and threatens to destroy her future, Alix realises that only she can right the wrongs of the past and bring him to justice.
This completely enthralling story takes readers from the dangerous, intrigue-filled rooms in Switzerland where elites of both sides mingled and schemed during the war, to the glamorous halls of the House of Dior in the golden age of French fashion and journalism.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
In Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre by Natasha Lester, we get an intricate and engaging story that is both historical fiction and mystery/suspense. The main character, Alix, is a powerhouse who is able to take charge in several different roles (spy, actress, and female power house). This book isn’t just about history or mystery: it’s about fashion! Ms. Lester does a great job of weaving these two together so that you feel like you’re learning about the world around you while also getting caught up in the story itself. I loved this Book! Amanda, VIC, 5 Stars
I found this book riveting from the beginning. I particularly enjoyed the character development and the intrigue of the plot reviving around a pivotal event that changed the lives of many. The fashion setting in Paris was well researched and I also enjoyed the sprinkling of French and Italian throughout. A great read about some strong women who didn’t realise how capable they actually were! Lina, VIC, 5 Stars
I loved it, judge a book by it’s cover: it’s beautiful, I read it over a few days, it didn’t go where I expected it to go, it’s like a Fiona McIntosh but a bit more gritty, Alix is a great character, well developed and researched, it’s educational and you’ll be googling people and places and events, it’s a perfect rainy day read and I’m now looking at reading other Natasha Lester’s that have been sitting on my TBR pile. Louise, NSW, 5 Stars
A story of a young woman making her way in a masculine dominated world, it was definitely engrossing. It takes us on a tale of bravery and determination and we see her develop as she matures and owns her choices in life. Lavish, sumptuous, descriptive – all appropriate for The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre both the writing, the fashion and events/locales. Clearly extremely well researched for the roles/opportunities for women during those times and is an interesting history lesson too. This is the first novel my this author I have read and I highly recommend it. I’m going to read any other books she has written now. Dianne, NSW, 5 Stars
I devoured this book over 2 days and absolutely loved it. After being orphaned at 13 and taken in by a wealthy family Alix attends a Swiss finishing school, learning French, German and Italian. Whilst working as a PR consultant in New York she comes to the notice of the US government (due to her language skills) and is recruited to be a spy during the war, based in Bern,Switzerland. Horror and heartbreak beset her during this time, which then, once the war ends, follow her to Paris. Here she is hired to help Christian Dior launch his very first collection. You are taken on a journey from the height of her working in a beautiful Paris fashion house, building her lovely relationship with Mr Dior, whilst at the same time dealing with the repercussions of her time as a spy, and the terrible consequences of events that happened during that time and hopefully being able to finally reap some justice. Alix is both very clever and extremely likeable. Meticulously researched, this book is based lightly on many facts from this time. A very interesting, enjoyable read! Sue, VIC, 5 Stars
Within the first few pages Natasha Lester’s writing had me gripped. From the very beginning there is a strong feminine presence and strength of friendship which I love. The scene is set with lots of details of Christian Dior’s launch of his first women’s fashion designs. While I am not a fashion buff it was a necessary aspect to build the scene and background for a great story. I had such a connection to the main protagonist through the story and found myself laughing, crying and really getting behind Alix. Every chapter ended and I quickly moved on to the next needing to know what happens. The story is told over two timelines a few years apart. I thoroughly enjoy stories told like this. First timeline being in world war ll and the second being about 3 years post war. A historical novel with facts melded together with fiction, and the result is a wonderful story that will have you wanting to know what happens after every page turn. There are a few characters to keep track of and it could be confusing at the beginning, but I just trusted that it would all tie together at the end. And so it did! I loved this Natasha Lester novel. A first for me, but definitely won’t be the last! Julie, VIC, 5 Stars
A brilliant author, a true favourite of mine. Natasha Lester is a powerful storyteller, inter-weaving periods in time throughout the novel, enabling the reader to make better sense of the characters feelings and reasonings and the situations that they find themselves in. The backdrop being France immediately after the war is interesting to explore, as is the fashion industry at the time and particularly the spectacular setting within the House of Dior. The main character, Alix St Pierre, is an enigmatic, smart and strong woman. The storyline is clever in how it touches on the true life difficulties women faced in society in these times. A very captivating, enthralling and detailed read. Mystery, drama, intrigue, historical fiction with a decent dash of romance, this book will be enjoyed by all ages. Natasha Lester just gets better with each book she produces! Can’t wait to see what comes next. Heidi, VIC, 5 Stars
I have been a devoted fan of Natasha Lester’s novels for a number of years now. I loved reading The Riviera House and the recently published The Paris Secret. I truly appreciate her style of writing and her character development. It is clear Lester undertakes a lot of research in producing her novels. Her latest novel, The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre is no exception. From the start of the novel, you enter into the world of Alix. The title of the book refers to her life before, during and after World War II. Her work with Dior is particularly engaging as is her involvement as a spy in World War II. Lester’s descriptions of each of the three periods in Alix’ life make this novel one of Lester’s best novels yet. I particularly recommend this novel to anyone who loves historical fiction and who loves a well researched read. Renate, VIC, 5 Stars
Natasha Lester began writing historical fiction in 2016; she says that historical fiction combines her “passion for history, research, travel, fashion, and writing stories of women who blazed a trail”. The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre is Natasha’s fifth novel set mainly in France during or shortly after World War II. I loved her main female character, Alix, a feisty American of French parents who takes a PR job with Christian Dior while he is preparing his debut collection in post-war Paris. Dior’s controversial and glamorous New Look reacted to the austerity of the war years by emphasising feminine curves and using extravagant amounts of fabric in long, full skirts. I particularly enjoyed Natasha’s evocative descriptions of Dior’s designs. Yet the realities of war are not brushed over. People Alix loves do not survive, and she is damaged by her losses and her experiences. I felt Alix’s vulnerability when she is placed in danger as a result of decisions she made during her wartime activities. There is heartbreak and resilience as Alix strives to forgive herself and redress her mistakes. Natasha Lester expertly weaves two timelines and her characteristic mix of intrigue, suspense, luscious descriptions of the fashion, a touch of romance and social issues. This is a novel to savour. I think it is Natasha Lester’s best novel yet. Kerry, WA, 5 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed Natasha Lester’s novel ‘The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre’. The novel uses historical facts from WWII and Lester has woven a wonderful tale of one woman’s determination, sacrifice and conquest. The main character, Alix, is well developed and lovable. She is complex, grieving and capable of enormous love. Alix rejects the expected role for women of her time and she shines in her bravery and strength. She is a wonderful example of what women could achieve, if given the chance, which of course most weren’t in that era. I liked that she stayed true to character and determined to follow her own path. Other characters in the novel are also well developed. Lester has an easy writing style that brings to life the scenery, personalities and world of Christian Dior in a romantic, fluent and enjoyable read. The novel moves between two main story lines, during the war and after the war, which Lester uses to gradually unfold Alix’s story. I enjoyed this approach and wanted to keep reading to learn more. I was well and truly hooked on the story and didn’t want it to end. Lester is a master storyteller and this is an outstanding showstopper! Maree, ACT, 5 Stars
The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre has become my favourite Natasha Lester book. From the very beginning you know that Alix St Pierre is a character you want to know more of and not once through the book does she disappoint. Natasha has a knack for making you feel that you are right there in the past. The fear and intrigue of the war in neutral Switzerland had my heart pounding. The uncertainty in post war Paris sitting alongside the luxurious fashion at House of Dior, I was hooked and intrigued the whole way through. Not only did I struggle to put it down but I then picked it up and started reading it a second time though to make sure I hadn’t missed anything. I love love love this book!! Amy, NSW, 5 Stars
Love it! Thanks to the Better Reading team for my free copy of uncorrected book proof. One of the best historical fiction I’ve read so far. The main character, Alix St. Pierre, felt guilty after the secret mission during World War II went wrong and ended up killing 9 people. After post-war, she starts working as a publicist in the House of Dior. A figure from her past re-appears and she needs to think of a plan for revenge. The plot is full of surprise and romance as to who can be trusted. The additional fashion background and lovely Paris setting made the story more enjoyable to read. Thumb up to Natasha Lester for her great research to entwine history into a fiction novel. Margaret, NSW, 5 Stars
🌟📖 My Review 📖🌟 This is the utterly compelling story of Alix St Pierre. I was fascinated and engaged with this from the start to the finish. Natasha Lester writes amazing historical fiction with dual timelines and believable characters and beautiful settings and this one has the added bonus of Christian Dior and wonderful fashion. This story has it all danger, romance, historical fiction, fashion and spies. Readers of historical fiction will adore this book. I certainly devoured this page turner. Leanne, QLD, 5 Stars
I’ve finished reading Natasha Lester’s new book, ‘The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre’. I was chosen as a pre-reader by Better Reading and I couldn’t have been more thrilled as Natasha is my favourite author. She is a master of historical fiction. I savour every one of her books, not wanting them to finish because then I will have to wait a year for another! Alix St Pierre is a strong woman who has endured some terrible events in her short life. Throughout the story we witness her bravery, yet there are many feminine aspects. Of course, The House of Dior, is an interesting and enticing backdrop for this story with his beautiful gowns making appearances throughout the book. But this story is certainly not all about fashion. There’s a World War II story woven into the pages too. It’s obvious that Natasha works very hard on her research to bring the reader an interesting story but one that is also historically informative. The story explores themes of trust, loyalty, friendship and love. It addresses the challenges that women continue to encounter. It quickly engaged me with a lively and interesting pace transporting me to Paris. I loved it. Carole, NSW, 5 Stars
The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre is once again Natasha Lester at her very best. She has a wonderful talent for blending history and story telling. At the heart of this story is Alix a woman with a strength that adversity sometimes robs her of remembering she has. From the young age of 13 she is thrust by necessity into a world of money and power . As she matures and strives for independence war breaks out in Europe. As a PR wizard with a talent for languages she is recruited as a spy working closely with the partisans in Italy. During those years to protect the friends she has come to love dearly she must make associations with one of the most evil of Nazis and take actions she never would have believed she could. Betrayed, heartbroken and unable to trust as the war draws to a close she finds herself in the city to which her heart belongs, Paris. Post war Europe is not an easy place for a woman of spirit for who the expectation of abandoning her skills to become a devoted house wife holds no appeal. Needing to support herself and defying convention she is happy working and putting her PR talents to use helping launch the House of Christian Dior. During her time there the painful past that has left scars on her heart comes back to claim retribution. Now she must work with people from the past that are also entwined in her painful story. Only by learning to trust in others will the ghosts of the past be put to rest and the future she craves be within reach. Kathy, QLD, 5 Stars
One of the best historical novels I have read – the detail was astounding and the characters absolutely brilliant. Will be looking for more of Natasha Lester’s work now. Alanna, QLD, 5 Stars
Un put downable, great read following Alix and her friends and the work they did during the war and expectations to ‘go back to normal’ when it was all done. Even though their lives had irrevocably changed. How some things can never be forgotten and shouldering the blame/being blamed for things that you shouldn’t. Beautifully written evoking the glamour of Dior as he first started out, seemingly bring women and feminity back to life. Kristen, NSW, 5 Stars
I have read all (bar one) of Natasha Lester’s books and I think this is her best one yet! The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre is one of those books you want to read all at once, but at the same time you want to slow down and savour the experience. It’s full of sophistication, mystery, memorable characters and, of course, Dior! Her historical facts are so thoroughly researched, in both setting and couture that I found myself googling both historic figures and Dior dresses. Highly recommend! I just loved this book. Belinda, VIC, 5 Stars
Loved this book. Historical novel with pre war US, WW2 France, Italian partisans then France post war set in Christian Dior’s House. Lots of historical details, well developed characters and a plot that bounded along with great emotions such as patriotism, doing what’s right, friendship, love and revenge. Another great strong female heroine. Off to read more from Natasha Lester. Dorothy, NSW, 5 Stars
To describe this book in one word it would be GLORIOUS! This book was truely wonderful, Natasha’s beautiful descriptions make you feel like you are truely there, from Paris to Switzerland and in the USA. From the Clothing to Location Natasha never sets a foot wrong, you literally want to climb into her story! This book is a Must Read! Karina, NSW, 5 Stars
Natasha Lester’s new book The Three Lives Of Alix St Pierre completely involves the reader in the world of fashion and also World War 2. The dual timelines are easy to follow, and both interesting and intriguing. Alix St Pierre now works for Christian Dior just as he is entering the fashion world. When she was younger, though, she worked as a spy in the war. These two worlds now combine in France, and Alix has to fight for tragedies and crimes of the past. Alix is a character who the reader admires. What she has been through makes her determined to do what she can to fix mistakes. She has wonderful strength yet also so much vulnerability from her time as a spy. The details from the war are heartbreaking, and such a contrast to the beautiful world of fashion. Natasha Lester also reminds the reader that women still had a long way to go in what rights they were allowed even during this time. The blend of fiction and fact showed the reader two contrasting worlds, which meant we were able to see such different facets of character’s personalities. Readers of historical fiction will love this book. Highly recommend it. Theresa, NSW, 5 Stars
The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre by Natasha Lester is set around World War 2 and is based mainly in Paris, but also in Switzerland and Italy during the War. Alix was left an orphan and penniless at the age of 13 and grew up in her friend’s, Lillie’s house. After a year of finishing school in Switzerland she heads to Paris on her own, working at Harper’s Bazaar before returning to New York to work in PR. She becomes a spy during the War with her knowledge of languages. After the War she becomes the PR person for Christian Dior just as he is about to open his couture house and never imagined she would need to use the skills obtained whilst a spy. I really enjoyed this book. The descriptions are so vivid I feel I am in the story and the range of characters is wonderful. The women are very strong characters, particularly Alix herself. She holds herself responsible for the deaths of a group of men towards the end of the War and is determined to get to the bottom of who betrayed them. Would recommend this book. Maureen, QLD, 5 Stars
Natasha Lester does not disappoint with her tale of Alix St Pierre. For lovers of historical fiction, fashion, mystery and romance this book is a must. Cleverly set in both war time Europe and post war Paris the story is gradually revealed and the mystery of the failed mission is solved. If you enjoy Kristin Hannah and Kate Quinn you will love The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre. Jane, VIC, 4 Stars
I simply adored this sweeping saga of war, espionage and romance. Not my usual genre, but I’m so glad I have it a try! I will be adding her other books to my to-read pile. Erin, QLD, 4 Stars
Lester weaves together different timelines of Alix’s life, pre-war school years and young Paris fashion correspondent, WWII spy, and post-war publicist for Dior both avoiding and chasing her demons to tell a story of guilt, love and feminism. My only criticism is that it was a bit slow initially. There was implied trauma and regret and vague mentions of Alix’s school years however, once the intrigue stepped up it became very interesting. Overall The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre was fun and thought provoking which is not what I expect from historical fiction. Alix is strong and independent at a time (post war) when women’s rights were rolling backwards rather than moving forwards, there is a fantastic supporting cast of strong women and very interesting overlap between fashion and feminism all drawn from real life events. The shifting timelines move the story along by filling in gaps about the past but at times also lead to more questions with information that hasn’t happened yet and for me this made the story move well. If you are a lover of historical fiction you will love this but if you are not I think you will still really enjoy it. Amelia, VIC, 4 Stars
It is 1943, and Alix St Pierre, a PR wizard comes to the attention of the US Government and is recruited into their intelligence organisation as a spy. Alix is sent to Europe where she is tasked with getting close to a Nazi who may be willing to assist the allied forces, but there is a chance that he may be a double agent. After the war Allix moves to Paris where a figure from her past threatens to destroy her future. I enjoyed this story. The intrigue of not knowing who your true friends were and who you could trust. Also Alix’s ability to use her training from during the war in her career to run the Service de la Presse for the House of Christian Dior, once the war had ended. Carolyn, WA, 4 Stars
I wasn’t immediately drawn in – I found the plot a little too complex and the characters somewhat unbelievable. The relationship between Alix and Anthony felt a bit Mills and Boonish though I must say I’m a sucker for a good love story! And I loved the scenes set in Maison Dior and the cut throat world of post-war fashion. By the end of the book I was much more engaged and could really admire the skill of the author in unwinding the threads and delivering a satisfying ending. Victoria, NSW, 4 Stars
This is my second Natasha Lester book and I found it a very well written and thoroughly researched book. It has a slow burn romance, excitement in the form of OSS spies in WW2 and lots of beautiful dresses by Dior. I loved the main character of Alix who does have three lives. Firstly as the orphan taken in by her friend’s wealthy parents, then as an OSS spy based in Switzerland and then working as a P.R agent for Dior. Alix is super smart, vulnerable and headstrong , not wanting to conform to what women were expected to do in the 1940’s. The book bounces between two different timelines of 1946-1947 mostly in Paris and 1943-1945 in Switzerland and Italy. There is plenty of excitement , fashion, danger and of course romance. The chemistry between Alix and Anthony March adds a bit of spice to the story. The author’s notes at the back of the book are worth reading and explains which characters are real and which are made up. All the Dior dresses mentioned in the book are real. Overall, a great read and a real page turner for me. Thank you to Hachette and Better Reading preview for my uncorrected proof copy. Tracy, WA, 4 Stars
This book surprised me. Alix St Pierre is a woman who has been through hell. Set during World War II and the years following, the narrative focuses on Alix’s work for the OSS (pre-curser to the CIA) in Switzerland and her role in aiding the Italian partisans. Tragedy strikes through one moment of distraction and this leaves Alix’s soul obliterated. Post WWII, she is working with Paris designer Christian Dior in PR and creating a storm but there is still guilt over the past. Alix and her compatriots look at a way to heal that past. The role of women is also raised – during WWII they were told to “get out of the kitchen” and they took on all sorts of responsibilities and like Alix, responsibilities that came with authority. Post-war, women were expected to return to the kitchen. Those that did not, especially if successful, were looked down upon or considered uncouth or hard, ambitious even (a good word for a man, not for a woman). Interestingly, women are still battling for equality 80 years on. An intriguing plot, fascinating characters woven through a horrific time in our history, this is a great read. Lee, NSW, 4 Stars
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