The Paris Orphan

By: Natasha Lester

Narrated by: Merritt Hicks, Katherine Littrell, Johnathan McClain, Monia Ayachi

A "rich and riveting" New York Times bestseller based on the true story of a female journalist who defied all the rules while covering World War II (Publishers Weekly, starred review).
New York City/Paris, 1942: When American model Jessica May arrives in Europe to cover the war as a photojournalist for Vogue, most of the soldiers are determined to make her life as difficult as possible. But three friendships change that. Journalist Martha Gellhorn encourages Jess to bend the rules. Captain Dan Hallworth keeps her safe in dangerous places so she can capture the stories that truly matter. And most important of all, the love of a little orphan named Victorine gives Jess strength to do the impossible. But her success will come at a price...
France, 2005: Decades after World War II, D'Arcy Hallworth arrives at a beautiful chateau to curate a collection of famous wartime photos by a reclusive artist. It's the opportunity of a lifetime, but D'Arcy has no idea that this job will uncover decades of secrets that, once revealed, will change everything she thought she knew about her mother, Victorine, and alter D'Arcy's life forever.
Includes a reading group guide!
"An emotional and sweeping tale set against the backdrop of World War II...Rich detail, compelling characters, and an interwoven dual timeline make this an engrossing read for historical fiction fans." --Chanel Cleeton, USA Today bestselling author of Next Year in Havana
"[A] splendid, breathtaking novel, full of mystery and passion...a must read!" --Jeanne Mackin, author of The Last Collection

Critic reviews

"An emotional and sweeping tale set against the backdrop of World War II, The Paris Orphan honors the courage and dedication of war correspondents through the lens of a captivating Vogue photojournalist. Rich detail, compelling characters, and an interwoven dual timeline make this an engrossing read for historical fiction fans."—Chanel Cleeton, USA Today bestselling author of Next Year in Havana

"Rich and riveting...Readers will become engrossed from the very first page as mystery and romance are expertly combined into one emotionally charged, unforgettable story."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

"The Paris Orphan is another must-read WWII drama and one of the best books we've read in 2019."—Books for Her

"This is a splendid, breathtaking novel, full of mystery and passion. I didn't want to put it down, and when it finished, I wanted to start reading all over again. Natasha Lester has woven together the lives of two intriguing women from different eras who find they have much more in common than their bravery and talent. Skillfully told, this passionate tale reveals the best and worst of men, and women, dealing with the brutality of war, and one of the darker secrets of World War II. A must read!"—Jeanne Mackin, author of The Last Collection

"An intriguing story inspired by real-life female photojournalists during WWII...Readers of historical fiction featuring courageous women will greatly enjoy...the story of heroism."—Booklist

"The Paris Orphan was a magnificent story that captivated me from start to finish!"—The Genre Minx

"Natasha Lester's latest historical novel is a drop-dead gorgeous winner!"—Literary Soiree

"The Paris Orphan is a compelling and poignant historical fiction... It took my breath away. It was well-written, detailed perfectly, and had fascinating character."—Living My Best Book Life

"Sweeping, heartbreaking, and incredibly moving, The Paris Orphan is an inspiring love story on multiple fronts."—The Rest is History

"A captivating, intense, intriguing, dramatic, emotional, and powerful novel."—Linda's Book Obsession

"Those who appreciate historical novels and female leads who break out of the traditional mold will find this tale worth their time."—Library Journal

"Powerfully written."—The Historical NovelSociety

Another amazing history!

The determination and bravery of women in WWII! The history of female correspondents that had to fight to perform their outstanding work that after suffering the damages of war are finally recognized by this book.

A story that makes you feel war and romance

I loved the story even when it was slow at the beginning. It made me cry and feel the love between Dan and Jess.

Great story

Old Lady Jess’s voice did not work— at all…and unfortunately detracted from the story.

The Paris Orphan

Natasha Lester has written One of my all time favorite books!! I really loved how how she wove this web of intriguing plots of people and their relationships. Wow I cannot even say enough Dan and Jess - and Victorie! Then to have Darcie and Josh be added to this mysterious story!! WOW again - I can't quit thinking about everything that happened beautifully written !!

Interesting historical novel

This book draws you in and makes you want to know what comes next. I'm a big fan of history, women that have to fight for their place and love stories intertwined with caring for an orphan. This book works on all your emotions and was well researched. I really enjoyed this.