Skylark by Paula McLain

Bestselling author of The Paris Wife weaves a mesmerizing tale of Paris above and below—where a woman’s quest for artistic freedom in 1664 intertwines with a doctor’s dangerous mission during the German occupation in the 1940s, revealing a story of courage and resistance that transcends time. 

1664: Alouette Voland is the daughter of a master dyer at the famed Gobelin Tapestry Works, who secretly dreams of escaping her circumstances and creating her own masterpiece. When her father is unjustly imprisoned, Alouette's efforts to save him lead to her own confinement in the notorious Salpêtrière asylum, where thousands of women are held captive and cruelly treated. But within its grim walls, she discovers a small group of brave allies, and the possibility of a life bigger than she ever imagined. 

1939: Kristof Larson is a medical student beginning his psychiatric residency in Paris, whose neighbors on the Rue de Gobelins are a Jewish family who have fled Poland. When Nazi forces descend on the city, Kristof becomes their only hope for survival, even as his work as a doctor is jeopardized. 

A spellbinding and transportive look at a side of Paris known to very few—the underground city that is a mirror reflection of the glories above—Paula McLain’s unforgettable new novel chronicles two parallel journeys of defiance and rescue that connect in ways both surprising and deeply moving.

Kindle Edition, 464 pages

First published January 6, 2026

 by Atria Books

3.50/5 stars

Skylark is an atmospheric and ambitious historical novel that feels like a departure from the author’s more familiar work, one that still pays off.

Alternating between Paris of 1664, where women are not allowed to think, decide or even exist independently. And the dawn of World War II, where freedom is again under threat, though in very different ways. The historical setting of 17th-century Paris has fascinating details about the dye guilds, the power structures of the time and the harsh treatment of prisoners and those deemed mentally unwell. Such is similar seeing through the eyes of a medical student in 1939 as he witnesses the atrocities against the Jewish population.

Skylark is all the more an emotional story because its based on real historical events.  Each setting was vivid in descriptions and well researched. The stories were interesting and informative.  This book will appeal to those that like historical fiction that is unique with strong players.

My thanks to Atria Books for a digital arc (via Netgalley) in exchange for a honest review..

Review: The Velvet Hours by Alyson Richman

As Paris teeters on the edge of the German occupation, a young French woman closes the door to her late grandmother’s treasure-filled apartment, unsure if she’ll ever return. 

 An elusive courtesan, Marthe de Florian cultivated a life of art and beauty, casting out all recollections of her impoverished childhood in the dark alleys of Montmartre. With Europe on the brink of war, she shares her story with her granddaughter Solange Beaugiron, using her prized possessions to reveal her innermost secrets. Most striking of all are a beautiful string of pearls and a magnificent portrait of Marthe painted by the Italian artist Giovanni Boldini. As Marthe’s tale unfolds, like velvet itself, stitched with its own shadow and light, it helps to guide Solange on her own path. 

 Inspired by the true account of an abandoned Parisian apartment, Alyson Richman brings to life Solange, the young woman forced to leave her fabled grandmother’s legacy behind to save all that she loved.

   Paperback, 384 pages 

Published September 6th 2016 by Berkley

Audio via Audible (personal library)

11 hours 27 minutes

****

Book people are here for a short time but books are eternal. 

The Velvet Hours was an audio book for me and while I usually find dual times tricky to do in audio format this one worked. Two distinct voices were used for each of the main character which enhanced the experience. Kate Reading and Tavia Gilbert were the readers, both are favorites of mine and they did a great job bringing this story to life.

The discovery of the abandoned apartment in Paris has led to many novels being written about Madame de Florian. While we may never know exactly what happened it is fun to speculate and the author does a great job in that area here. Marthe de Florian is a young woman during the late 1800's and it is her apartment that is abandoned during the onset of World War II. Solange is her granddaughter and the second voice to this story.  This is a new revelation to Solange and she doesn't waste time getting to know her grandmother. There is more to the story then their new relationship and as Solange struggles with uncertainty during the birth pains of WWII in Paris she is forced to make decisions that ultimately lead to this abandoned apartment.

While this story goes back-and-forth in time the author does a great job with the historical details of both time periods. The Velvet Hours is a well executed and entertaining story of love, secrecy and intrigue.

This is my first time reading anything by Alyson Richman and her writing prose is elegant and captivating. Definitely an author that I will recommend and read more of.

My copy was purchased via Audible as part of my personal library

Heather Webb on Tour: Rodin’s Lover GIVEAWAY!

A mesmerizing tale of art and passion in Belle Époque France
As a woman, aspiring sculptor Camille Claudel has plenty of critics, especially her ultra-traditional mother. But when Auguste Rodin makes Camille his apprentice—and his muse—their passion inspires groundbreaking works. Yet, Camille’s success is overshadowed by her lover’s rising star, and her obsessions cross the line into madness.

Rodin’s Lover brings to life the volatile love affair between one of the era’s greatest artists and a woman entwined in a tragic dilemma she cannot escape.  [provided by the author]
 
Attention reviewers:  The author said, “A little sex, but tasteful”

[historical fiction/ women’s fiction]

Release date: January 27, 2015
at Plume/Penguin

320 pages

ISBN: 978-0142181751

Author’s website | Goodreads

*****

I am not going to beat around the bush with this review, let me just say that I loved it!  This is Heather Webb's 2nd novel and she is on a roll.

The story of Camille Claudel is a new one to me,  she is strong, knows what she wants and goes after it.  She doesn't conform to the standards of society and of course, this isn't without repercussions.  

A hearty laugh rumbled in his throat.  How she liked to make him laugh.  He didn't seem put off by her provincial speech and brash nature - a good thing, as she had no intention of changing herself for anyone.  She knew who she was.

Rejected by her family Camille encounters the roughness of Paris in this well crafted novel.  It is very evident that the author knows this time period quite well.  Not just the environment and lifestyle but all to do with the art of scrupling.  Camille's character was well developed and there was depth that brought her to life.

Auguste Rodin was also portrayed in a manner that brought his character to life.  With feeling and emotion I found myself caring for these two and the direction their lives took them, with all the struggle, headache and loneliness.

He moved the umbrella to the side and let the cold rain wash over his face.  He must seize his passions while he had the time, and allow emotion to flood his soul, feel the rain on his face.  Taste the sweet fruit of elusive love.  Such precious, short time there was.

I was a big art fan before this book, I have never heard of Rodin nor Camille and while reading this book I found it very hard not to google until I was finished.  Suffice to say that Paris is now on my bucket list as well as the different museums that house the works of these two artists.

ADVANCE PRAISE

“Dazzling!….. In Rodin’s Lover, author Heather Webb brings to life, with vivid detail, the story of brilliant and tormented sculptress Camille Claudel and the epic love affair with the legendary sculptor who worshiped her. Deeply moving and meticulously researched, this book will capture your heart, then hold it tightly long after the final page.”   –Anne Girard, author of Madame Picasso
“A rich, sensuous novel…[was] written with great empathy for the very human Rodin and his lover, this novel of the visceral world of the 19th century Paris ateliers, of clay-stained dresses and fingernails,  lithe models who vow to remain and then go, family love which stays through all difficulties and talent which endures, comes vividly to life.” --Stephanie Cowell, author of Claude & Camille: A Novel of Monet

 ***

Heather Webb is the author of historical novels BECOMING JOSEPHINE
and RODIN’S LOVER published by Plume/Penguin,
a freelance editor, and blogger.
You may also find her contributing to award-winning writing sites
including WriterUnboxed and RomanceUniversity.org.
When not writing,
Heather flexes her foodie skills
and looks for excuses to head to the other side of the world.

Visit her website and her blog. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter
Subscribe to her newsletter.

Buy the book: Plume/Penguin |  Amazon  |  B&N  |  IndieBound

***

VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, January 19
Review + Excerpt + Giveaway at Eclectictales

Tuesday, January 20
Review + Giveaway at Unshelfish

Wednesday, January 21
Review + Interview at Jorie Loves A Story
Review + Giveaway at Indiereadergirl0329

Thursday, January 22
Review + Giveaway at Musings of a Writer and Unabashed Francophile

Friday, January 23
Review + Giveaway at Writing the Renaissance

Saturday, January 24
Review + Giveaway at A Bookish Affair

Sunday, January 25
Review + Giveaway at The Sabbatical Chef

Monday, January 26
Review + Giveaway at Just One More Chapter

Wednesday, January 28
Review + Giveaway at Words And Peace

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You can enter the giveaway here or on the book blogs participating in this tour.
Be sure to follow each participant on Twitter/Facebook,
they are listed in the entry form below.

Entry-Form

Visit each blogger on the tour:
tweeting about the giveaway everyday
of the Tour will give you 5 extra entries each time!
[just follow the directions on the entry-form]

US/Canada only giveaway: your choice of print/kindle of this book