Jan 18, 2013

Book Review: The Woman from Paris by Santa Montefiore


Title: The Woman From Paris: A Novel by Santa Montefiore
Publication date: February 5, 2013; Simon & Schuster
Genre: contemporary British fiction

About the book: The novel has an interesting plot -  a young woman from Paris shows up at a funeral in England and turns the family upside down by revealing she is the illegitimate daughter of the deceased, Lord George Frampton, the wealthy owner of Fairfield Park. George died in a skiing accident before he could tell his wife and three sons about Phaedra Chancellor, his out-of-wedlock daughter born before his oldest son David was born. The family is shocked to find out that George was in contact with this previously unknown daughter and that he recently changed his will to include her.

There are some interesting characters in the Frampton family- the outwardly tough but vulnerable grandmother, Margaret Frampton; the suspicious sister-in-law Roberta who distrusts Phaedra on sight; and George's lonely and lost widow, Lady Antoinette. When Phaedra appears in their lives, they begin to be transformed by her friendly, helpful manner and personality. Even David, the eldest son, begins to be smitten by the stranger who is his half-sister. The novel shows the transformation of the family and also reveals Phaedra's own surprising secrets.

Comments:  I enjoyed the novel and the plot, even though I felt parts were improbable. Overall, the romance novel was still very entertaining. The writing is elegant and smooth and I liked the elderly women the author creates. The descriptive touches of location and the natural surroundings also give a stately atmosphere to the residents and the setting,  Fairfield Park.

For other reviews, visit the tour schedule for The Woman from Paris. Thanks to Tribute Blog Tours for a review copy of the book.

Santa Montefiore is the internationally bestselling author of  novels including The French Gardener and The Last Voyage of the Valentina. She lives in London with her husband, historian Simon Sebag-Montefiore, and their two children.

GIVEAWAY: Tribute Tours is offering a hard copy of the book to a reader, U.S. mailing addresses only, no P.O. boxes, please. To enter the giveaway, leave a comment with an email address..
UPDATE:  Congrats to Staci for winning this contest! .

17 comments:

  1. I think the book sounds interesting and I love the cover. Thanks for the great giveaway!

    annesbookgarden@gmail.com

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  2. This novel sounds captivating and special. this author has written many wonderful novels which I cherish. Many thanks. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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  3. Your review caught my interest. Thanks for this chance. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  4. The idea of an outsider coming into a family and shaking things up a little while bringing light and a fresh perspective into everyone's life is somewhat common but in the right hands can still produce a great story. It sounds as if the feeling of atmosphere really sets this one apart.

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  5. I like the sound of this book, especially because you mention that the more mature characters are done really well. I also agree with Brian. Though this trope has been used many times before, for some reason, this book sounds like a new and fresh offering to me. Very nice review today! I would love the chance to win this one as well, by the way!

    zibilee(at)figearo(dot)net

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  6. Don't think I've see this book before. Sounds interesting, and I love the cover!
    irbratb(@)gmail(.)com

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  7. Harvee, I'm glad you found the novel to be entertaining and that you enjoyed Santa's writing style.

    Thanks for the review and for offering your blog followers a chance to win a copy of the book.

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  8. I love reading and reviewing new authors to me! rhonda_nash_hall@comcast.net

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  9. This sounds great!
    barbz.1232(@)gmail(.)com
    Barbara

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  10. I enjoyed reading The Woman from Paris too :)

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  11. This book sounds great. I would love to read this.
    rsgrandinetti@yahoo(DOT)com

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  12. This book sounds very intriguing. Thanks for the giveaway.
    mtakala1 at Yahoo dot com

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  13. This sounds cute, even it at times improbable!! I just like to get lost sometimes in the story!

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  14. I'd like to be a woman from Paris :) I'd love to be entered. stacybooks at yahoo

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  15. Sounds like a cute and fun read.

    whitreidsmama@yahoo.com

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  16. i missed this one- it sounds great!


    nick0166 (at) yahoo dot com

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  17. Great review -- I'd be curious about this one but put it off because I was afraid it'd be too fluffy. Your review reassured me it is fun. Thanks for the giveaway!

    audra - unabridgedchick at gmail.com

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I appreciate your comments and thoughts...

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