The Paris Apartment

Description

When a modern woman inherits a Parisian apartment undisturbed since WWII, she discovers that it may hold the key to unraveling her cold great-grandmother's secret life -- a past of sacrifice during a mission to protect those she loved. 1940, Paris As the heiress to a wealthy Parisian family, Lise Allard grows up immensely privileged, but barely knowing her absentee parents. Instead, she finds her own sense of family among a close circle of friends. Yet when war breaks out and Paris is occupied, she sees her friends taken away one by one. Heartbroken, Lise vows that she will do whatever it takes to help defeat the Germans. 2017, Paris When Aurelia Leclaire's great-grandmother passes away, the last thing Aurelia expects to inherit is a tiny Paris apartment untouched for over half of a century. But even more shocking is the massive collection of priceless jewelry and fine art secreted inside. When she discovers an unknown painting cherished by Lise, she realizes that it may be the key to unlocking her great-grandmother's story. Art appraiser Gabriel Seymour is contacted by a woman who claims to have found a painting by his great-great-grandfather. While unearthing its story, Gabriel and Aurelia discover a hidden cache of weapons, encrypted letters, and faded passport photos revealing intertwining family connections and betrayals from the past.

Award-winning author Kelly Bowen grew up in Manitoba, Canada, and attended the University of Manitoba, where she earned Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in veterinary studies. She worked as a research scientist before realizing her dream to be a writer of historical fiction. Currently, Kelly lives in Winnipeg with her husband and two sons.Learn more: www.kellybowen.netTwitter @kellybowen09Facebook.com/AuthorKellyBowen

"Bowen has done a marvelous thing with this novel. Not only has she created a well written, taut thriller, but she has shone the spotlight on the many women who worked behind the scenes to turn the tide in favor of the Allies. We probably will never really know their names, but we can be thankful that they once existed and made the ultimate sacrifice."--WomanAroundTown.com "Bowen draws on the lives of Nancy Wake and Josephine Baker and the 2018 discovery of a Paris apartment untouched since WWII in this rich historical tale. The stories unearthed in the apartment pique from the first page in this magnetic novel full of tragedy and rich characters." --Publishers Weekly "'A beautifully written cast of characters unraveling the mysteries and humanity of war. Enticing." --Mandy Robotham, USA Today bestselling author "A breathtaking, page-turning WWII tale of courage, espionage, and true love. Kelly Bowen's engaging characters will take you on an unforgettable journey of adventure and discovery. You won't want to put the book down for even a moment!" --Genevieve Graham, international bestselling author of Letters Across the Sea "A moving story of danger and intrigue, love and loss, set against the glamour of the Paris Ritz. Like the artworks so beautifully portrayed in this novel, The Paris Apartment is a treasure."--Christine Wells, author of Sisters of the Resistance "An intriguing mix of high art and espionage, THE PARIS APARTMENT is a thrilling read from beginning to end!" --Celia Rees, author of Miss Grahams' Cold War Cookbook "Kelly Bowen has crafted a story of deep humanity and redemption, demonstrating the stunning beauty that can emerge from the darkest places. A true work of art." --Erika Robuck, bestselling author of The Invisible Woman "Expertly weaving together history, suspense, and mystery, Bowen has produced a novel that's both exciting and profound, driven by compelling characters and stunning twists. A page-turner from start to finish." --Imogen Kealey, author of Liberation "Kelly Bowen creates an evocative and thrilling glimpse into the lives of two heroic women risking everything in occupied Paris during World War II. A dual-timeline connects past and present; a painting of a house, two matching pendants, and old photographs of a woman act as pivotal clues that bridge between the two, and fine works of art and a heartfelt love story between two people who were destined to meet brings the story full circle. A lovely aha moment at the end and the reminder to make one's life count will make this book and its characters linger long after the last page is turned. A beautiful novel for fans of The Nightingale." --Karen White, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Night in London "Kelly Bowen's The Paris Apartment is a compelling story of two women navigating the dangers of occupied Paris with bravery and compassion. Bowen paints a richly layered picture of glamour, intrigue, and sacrifice that is at once heartbreaking and hopeful." --Julia Kelly, international bestselling author of The Light Over London