Title: The Paris Apartment
Author: Kelly Bowen
First published April 20, 2021
416 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781538718155 (ISBN10: 1538718154)
Rating: 4.3
Overview
In The Paris Apartment by Kelly Bowen, two women, seventy-five years apart, each discover the secrets of an opulent Paris apartment. When Juliette Moreau inherits the apartment in 2017, she uncovers a hidden treasure trove of famous art and couture gowns left behind by her grandmother.
Her search for the truth leads her to Gabriel Seymour, a highly respected art restorer with his own mysterious past. Meanwhile, in 1942, Estelle Allard flourishes in a world separate from the hardships of war until the Nazis come for her friends.
With courage and determination, Estelle fights against the forces intent on destroying her loved ones, unaware of the impact her actions will have on future generations. As the lives of these two women intersect through the apartment’s secrets, they must navigate the dangers of a changing world and alter history forever.
About the Author
Kelly Bowen is a remarkable author who has earned numerous accolades for her writing. She pursued her passion for veterinary studies at the University of Manitoba, where she obtained both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree.
After working as a research scientist, Kelly decided to pursue her lifelong dream of writing historical fiction. She currently resides in Winnipeg, Canada with her loved ones.
Editoral Review
Kelly Bowen’s latest novel, The Paris Apartment, takes readers on a journey of self-discovery and love set against the backdrop of Paris in the early 20th century. Bowen is a bestselling author known for her historical romance novels, and her latest work continues to showcase her talent for weaving together intricate plots and dynamic characters that capture the imagination.
The Paris Apartment follows a young art appraiser, Rosalyn Bernay, who travels to Paris to evaluate an enormous collection of artwork. There, she meets handsome lawyer, Theo Candellis, who is also enamored with the art world.
But as they become more involved in the art world and in each other’s lives, secrets begin to surface that threaten to tear them apart. The setting of Paris in the early 1900s adds an extra layer of intrigue to the novel.
Bowen does an excellent job of capturing the vibrancy of the city during this time, with its bustling cafes, avant-garde art scene, and rich cultural history. Bowen’s attention to historical and cultural detail is impressive and adds depth and authenticity to the story.
The characters in The Paris Apartment are complex and well-developed. Rosalyn is a strong and independent heroine who is determined to make a name for herself in a male-dominated field.
Theo, on the other hand, is a more reserved character who struggles to reconcile his passion for art with his family’s expectations. While the plot of The Paris Apartment is engaging, it moves at a slow pace at times.
Some readers may find themselves wanting more action, particularly in the first half of the book. However, the slower pace allows for more time to get to know the characters and their inner workings.
One of the strengths of The Paris Apartment is the way Bowen deals with themes of identity, societal expectations, and self-discovery. Rosalyn and Theo both struggle with finding their place in the world and determining their own paths.
The novel ultimately celebrates the importance of self-discovery and the power of following one’s passions. Overall, The Paris Apartment is an enjoyable and well-crafted novel that will appeal to fans of historical romance and fans of Parisian culture.
Bowen’s attention to detail and character development make for a rich and engaging read. While the plot may move slowly at times, the book’s strong themes and beautiful writing make it well worth the read.
The Washington Post gives The Paris Apartment a solid four out of five stars.
