I struggled to engage with this story because it felt too similar to other World War Two/Resistance novels I have read in the past. Whilst Bacarr explores the Roma treatment by the Nazis, I did not get a sense of this being too unique to other books of this genre. It was only the final quarter that truly engaged me.

The novel slips between present day and Angéline’s story during the Nazi occupation. After the tragic death of her mother, Angéline is on the run, fearful she will be identified by the Nazi soldier she defied. Fleeing to Paris, she becomes part of the Resistance movement; her actions are disguised by Angéline’s work in a perfume house, helping to concoct new scents whilst keeping an ear to the ground. She plays the role of a “nose” because of her ability to identify the different scents within a perfume, using this skill to help develop new products that could provide hope for fellow Parisiennes. To be honest, I was not too interested in this element of the story; the perfumery and its influence in Paris was interesting but it never captured my imagination.

In present day, Emma is interviewing Angéline and readers discover that Emma might have a connection to this Madame. Emma learns about Angéline’s actions and how she was eventually sent to the concentration camps. I found this section of the story to be most vivid and provocative. It certainly reinforced how much research the author has carried out in this period and I was fascinated to understand how Angéline survives, especially when she learns that she is with child.

There were times when I found the present day narrative to be more interesting, particularly concerning the journalist who is trying to usurp Emma from her story. Furthermore, Emma’s background plays a significant role in the story and I think I would have liked to see this developed, especially Emma’s growing relationship with Angéline’s security. However, considering this is a historical book, it is not surprising that most of the action takes place in the 1940s.

This was an increasingly heart-aching story with the theme of mother-daughter relationships throughout. Despite her mother’s death, Angéline continues to sense her mother’s spirit with her at all times. This is then reflected in Emma’s long-distance relationship with her ever-increasingly ill mother. I enjoyed this cyclical aspect of the story, especially when family members are finally reunited.

An interesting read, whilst I did not enjoy it as much as a previous book from this author, it was still absorbing to see how even gypsies were treated so appalling in the Second World War. I feel like I have learnt more about this time period and the strength that Angéline’s character displays over time is admirable.

With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Jina Bacarr's "The Lost Girl in Paris" is a poignant and powerful exploration of love, tragedy, and unwavering courage set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Paris during World War II. This emotionally charged novel weaves a tale of one woman's resilience as she faces the harrowing challenges of war and risks everything for justice.

The story introduces us to Tiena, a woman whose life is shattered by the brutality of the Nazi occupation. Alone, desperate, and on the run, Tiena's encounter with the Resistance provides a lifeline that allows her to reinvent herself as perfumer Angéline De Cadieux. Bacarr skillfully portrays the complexities of Tiena's journey, highlighting the strength that emerges from tragedy and the determination to seek revenge for the injustices endured.

The narrative expertly navigates between Nazi-occupied Paris in 1940 and the year 2003, seamlessly connecting the past and present. Aspiring journalist Emma Keane's quest to unravel the secrets of Madame De Cadieux's wartime experiences adds an additional layer of intrigue and connection to the story. The dual timelines create a captivating narrative structure, keeping the reader engrossed in both the historical and contemporary aspects of the plot.

Bacarr's vivid and evocative prose transports readers to the streets of wartime Paris, allowing them to feel the fear, desperation, and resilience of the characters. The emotional depth of the storytelling is further enhanced by the author's exploration of themes such as revenge, identity, and the lasting impact of war on individuals.

The characters are well-developed and relatable, particularly Angéline, whose strength and determination leave a lasting impression. The supporting cast adds depth to the narrative, and each character's journey contributes to the overall richness of the story.

"The Lost Girl in Paris" is a compelling blend of historical fiction and contemporary drama. Jina Bacarr skillfully crafts a narrative that not only honors the resilience of those who lived through wartime horrors but also explores the enduring impact of the past on future generations. This book is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, offering a gripping and emotionally charged story that will resonate long after the final page is turned. I give it four stars for its compelling narrative, well-drawn characters, and the emotional weight it carries.

With my lack of historical knowledge, yes I did sleep through almost all my History classes, I had no idea that the Roma's were persecuted in WW2 alongside the Jews.

This Historical Fiction, dual timeline focuses on a Roma concentration camp, the strong women survivors and the beauty of scents! With the lovely writing, I'm really enjoying learning about new facets of WW2 survivors.

A great addition to the HF genre.

Thank you for the chance to read and review this book

I found this book hard going and not easy to read.
Its taken me a long time to try to get into it and I admit I failed in the end.

It wasn't for me - I have read other dual timeline books I found more to my taste - but that doesn't mean that would be the same for everyone

I really would love to read and review this but it archived before I had a chance to download it. Please could I have a link to download it? Thank you

When journalist Emma Keane lands herself an extraordinary experience to interview Angéline De Cadieux, she has her own personal reasons for discovering the mysterious past of this grande dame of perfume. I took to Emma from the first chapter of this book. Her determination, eye for detail and the mystery behind her obsession with Angéline piqued my interest. I couldn’t wait to discover what would be revealed and where her story would go.

Angéline has reached an age where she is ready to open her heart and is unusually drawn to Emma, flying her back to Paris, she begins to tell her story before they have landed. From her Roma roots, her desperate need to escape her caravan, and her arrival in Occupied Paris, her life was full of danger and the necessary deceit for survival. Her life changed in an instant, but she has a remarkable sense of smell – the gift of being a nose, that she is determined to use to her advantage. I could almost smell some of the fragrances described as I was reading.

There were plenty of secrets to be revealed throughout this book and I really enjoyed the way it made me try and guess what would happen when the two storylines came together.

I do enjoy a good split timeline novel and this one was packed with intrigue and drama from the beginning. If you are drawn to historical fiction set during the Occupation, then this should be on your 'to be read' pile this winter.

Jina Bacarr’s The Lost Girl in Paris is a haunting, atmospheric and enthralling dual timeline novel readers will find hard to put down and impossible to forget.

In 1940s Paris, a veil of darkness has fallen over this beautiful city. With the Nazis ruthlessly patrolling the streets, Tiena is alone, terrified and on the run. When she defends herself against a cruel officer, Tiena’s safety is in jeopardy. With nowhere to turn, a chance meeting with members of the Resistance offers Tiena a lifeline to cling to. Reinventing herself as a perfumer, Tiena takes on a new identity and begins to live a brand new life – even if painful memories from the past still haunt and torment her. Determined to wreak her revenge over those who had wronged her, Tiena becomes obsessed with vengeance. But this all-consuming need for retribution will end up have serious consequences for her…

In 2003, journalist Emma Keane jumps at the chance to interview world-famous perfumer Angéline De Cadieux about her life during World War Two. Emma hopes that Angéline will provide her with answers to questions about her own family’s past and help her put old ghosts to rest. Is Emma prepared for the Pandora’s box she is about to open? And can Angéline solve a mystery that has haunted Emma’s family for decades?

Jina Bacarr’s The Lost Girl in Paris is a beautifully written tale about courage, resilience, love, war and hope that will hold readers in thrall from start to finish. Jina Bacarr grabs her readers’ attention from the very beginning and keeps them spellbound until the very last page.

With her impressive gift for characterization, wonderful ability for bringing the past to life and superb storytelling skills, Jina Bacarr’s The Lost Girl in Paris is a first rate dual timeline novel perfect for Lorna Cook and Catherine Hokin fans.

I am speechless. This book had me at the edge of my seat the whole time!
From Angelines story to the connection to Emma I just couldn’t put it away.

The character of Angeline was very well written and I could feel for her.
I wasn’t a big fan of Emma or Ryker but they were kind of minor characters to me and I didn’t pay them more attention than I needed.
The ending was kind of foreseeable but I enjoyed it nevertheless.

Five stars!!

Thankyou for giving me the chance to read in advance. Absolutely amazing. Well written and very touching. Thankyou

Journalist Emma seizes the opportunity to travel with and interview famous perfumer Angeline De Cadieux. In an alternate storyline set during, WWII, Gypsy Tiema is on the run after being attacked by Nazi's. She falls in with the resistance, and is placed as a perfumer named Angeline, in a company that caters to and serves the Nazi's. The book alternates between Emma and Angeline's stories, uncovering an amazing connection between the two.

I'm not sure what to think about this book. It felt extremely predictable. The WWII story line was much stronger and interesting than the modern day timeline. Overall, not a book I would reread or recommend.

I shed some tears reading this one. Once you pick up this book, you will never want to put it down until you have read it all. Through the joys and the horrors of this woman's life we share the thoughts, experiences along with the smells of perfume, of good, of war, of resistance and death. If you read ONE book about this era this should be it. It will overwhelm you and allow you insight into the mind of a woman seeking to survive in the face of danger.

A brilliantly evocative novel with all the twists and turns of WW2. The horrors of how people were treated by the Nazis during this difficult time are brilliantly conveyed in The Lost Girl In Paris. Great detail of how the perfumery business is organised and how to develop perfume is interwoven with the novel flitting between past and present.

Love, courage and commitment is shown throughout the story. How a young girl from a traveller family finds the opportunity to escape Nazi hands after dealing with death of her mother. Bravery and instinct, the traits her mother taught her sees her through her life and when a young reporter encourages her to tell her story what is uncoverered is more than she would ever have expected.

A great read that I didn't want to put down.

Emma Keane knows there a story to be told about the survival of the famous French perfumer, Angeline De Cadieux. As a reporter, she’s determined to get the goods on how this courageous woman survived the concentration camps of WWII and created a perfume empire. Emma has another reason for pursuing an interview with Angeline. She believes that this woman spent time in a camp with her biological grandmother and as a last gift to her dying mother, Emma wants the truth. Both of these women a “noses”…they can decipher scents mixed in perfume, smell the rain coming and the musky scent of the Forrest. Set in dual timelines, as Angeline tells her story…she and Emma discover they have more in common than just being noses.

What drew me to this story initially was the fact that Angeline was born a Roma gypsy and I knew very little about their side of the WWII story so I was grateful for the insight. What kept me turning each page was the attention to detail and the anticipation of what comes next. This was a wonderful story to end the year with and there are parts of it that will stick around in my mind for quite awhile. As always, please read the authors notes. The research that goes into stories like these is just as intriguing as the story itself.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Jina Bacarr for access to this great story of survival, courage and hope!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily. I am unable to comment on the historical, geographical and perfumed accuracy of this book.
This book details the historical tale of a young Roma girl during the years of the second world war alongside the story of a young female investigative reporter interviewing her just after the millenium. Both have the ability to determine scents accurately, and the occupation of Angeline is set in the perfume industry. There are tales of the horrors of war, the danger of discovery and imprisonment, all underpinned by the use of words and terminology to maintain scent and aroma as a key note within the text. I thought this was achieved cleverly, and enjoyed the details for most of the book. Some of the wording and phraseology is unusual but this may be due in part to the use of Americanisms such as "reddened cheeks from the sun" rather than "cheeks reddened from the sun", whilst some are clearly a mistake, such as "curly-Q" rather than "curlicue". The final outcome was predictable, but the journey through the book was enjoyable.

1940s France: Tiena Cordoba is a Roma teenager whose life is fraught with danger after the murder of her mother by the Nazis and the extermination of her people is underway. She travels to Paris and gains a new identity but will she ever be safe...?
The Lost Girl In Paris is a dual timeline historical novel set in the 1940s and 2003. In the more modern time, Madame de Cadieux is being interviewed by a young reporter, Emma, who hopes to find a link to Dachau and her own family history.
The two timelines are equally well developed with a strong female lead who features in both. Tiena/Angeline is a brave woman, proud of her Romani heritage but has previously refused to discuss her past. Now she feels she owes it to her people to reveal the horrors suffered in the years of Nazi rule. There is also a love story as she meets Lance from the Resistance and we learn from the modern timeline that their love endured.
Meanwhile, Emma is determined to interview Angeline even though it takes her away from her own sick mother. She is easy to like and has a spiky relationship with Angeline's bodyguard which adds another dimension to the story. There are parallels between the two timelines which is interesting for the reader to compare and contrast.
Love and passion, a zest for life and an instinct for survival, identity and grief all feature prominently in the book. The final twist is hinted at all the way through but still made me smile. Nazi brutality is never shied away from: it is upsetting but compulsive reading as we must never forget the atrocities they committed or their victims' stories.
The Lost Girl In Paris is a vivid and emotional book about love and loss.

I’m not a historical fiction reader, however I wanted to broaden my reading genres and this book has I can say has whet my appetite to read more. The author has a way with words that really pulls you into the book and you can believe you are a character and she is writing about you. It’s set in ww2 ( I wasn’t born then) but this book tells you what life and love was like then.

The book alternates between two timelines. The first, set in 2003, features ambitious journalist Emma Keane who manages to gain the agreement of famous parfumier Angéline De Cadieux to tell the story of her life and wartime experiences, a story Angéline has carefully guarded up to that point. As well as promising to be a career-enhancing scoop, Emma has reasons of her own for wanting to delve into the secrets of Angéline’s past and the secrets of the parfumier’s art.

In the second timeline, set in wartime France, the reader learns about the traumatic events Angéline experienced as a young woman, experiences that put her in fear of capture by the Nazis – and by one Nazi in particular – and that resulted in her transformation from Tiena Cordova to Angéline de Cadieux. We also learn about her time working as a parfumier and as a member of the nascent French Resistance, risking discovery at any moment. As Angéline’s subsequent experiences show, the consequences of discovery are degradation, inhuman treatment and almost certain death.

I wasn’t completely won over by the dual timeline structure in which Angéline’s reminiscences are sometimes related to Emma and at other times direct to the reader in chapters contemporaneous with the events being described. I preferred the style of writing in the latter and I was always glad to immerse myself again in Angeline’s story. However, I appreciate the book’s structure enabled the author to draw interesting parallels between the two women. One thing the two women share is the presence of two handsome men in their lives. For Angéline this is a much-lamented past love whilst for Emma it is an enticing future prospect (although in true Pride & Prejudice style initially she intensely dislikes the man in question). Eventually the two women’s stories come together by which time the bond between them has grown deeper.

Although many of us will know about the persecution of Jewish people by the Nazis, the plight of the Roma people under the regime is probably less well-known, although what they suffered was equally horrific. Angéline’s first-hand experience of this, although difficult to read at times, was the most compelling part of the book for me, showing the courage of those who endured the worst that human beings can do to one another. As Emma observes at one point, it’s a story that needs to be told.

Wow! This is another WWII historical fiction book … my favorite genre. And the fact that it is a dual timeline story makes it even better. The atrocities of Hitler’s regime are witnessed by Tiena, the primary character. Her bravery in recreating herself and yet becoming a part of the French resistance. Though her life takes a turn for the worse and she has to face the consequences of her actions. I learned a lot about the Roma Camp and having Emma interview Tiena (known as Angéline De Cadieux) was a wonderful addition. This is a heartbreaking story that will stay with you long after you have read the last word and gently closed the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

This isn’t just a story of wartime France.
This isn’t just a story of a young woman coming of age.

This is a story of HOPE, of SURVIVAL, of how even the darkest of times WILL end, and GOODNESS, BEAUTY, and LOVE can still be found, if only we have the courage to look for it.

Emma and Angéline's story, for it is as much the one’s as it is the other’s, was so touching, so moving, you can’t help but be transported back and forth in time with them as they discover more about each other, as well as themselves. From the loss of Tiena to the emergence of Angéline, the horrors of Dachau to the House of Doujan, the lessened health of a loved one to discovering more than just a tenuous glimpse at your family history, the story’s titled Lost Girl wavers from one character to another throughout. I beg you to never believe for a moment though that they were ever TRULY lost because if you still live within one heart, it can never truly come to pass.

All in all, I can only say it took a travesty from our past, and managed to show how beauty, strength, courage, and love still could be found amongst it all. It was heartbreaking and heart-warming all the same time, and by book’s end, I found myself brought to tears, for everything they went through, all the hurdles, hardships, and sacrifices, but also the moments of grace captured so vividly; it’s a story that I won’t soon forget. A great read and recommendation for Historical Fiction fans as well as readers of Biographies and Memoirs.

This was not a book I could rush through in just a couple of days, this was a book to read and feel in order to do the story justice. Wow, what a story! I literally sat with tears rolling down my cheeks several times and yet, I still found parts really heartwarming.

If you have enjoyed reading other historical fiction taking place during WWII like The Winemaker’s Wife or The Book of Lost Names, then you simply must read this emotional and brilliantly written story. It will pull at your heartstrings and stay with you long after you have finished it. I feel like I have really been on a journey while reading this book, as if I really travelled to different places and saw, smelt and felt so many different things!