Paris, 1939: Gazing out at the glittering skyline, Evelina clutches the letter from her love in shaking hands. "I know I do not deserve you, my darling, but I pray that you will change your mind. You have my heart, and I hope that nothing will keep us apart..."
London, present day. Blake gazes down at a scrap of shimmering silver velvet attached to a faded dress design. They were left by her great-grandmother at Hope's House, a home for unmarried mothers, and now that her beloved grandmother has passed, the designer's signature is the only clue Blake has about her biological family.
Armed with a plane ticket, a Paris address and the details of a handsome fashion curator named Henri, Blake is determined to find out the truth about her talented great-grandmother Evelina's life. Perhaps doing so will help Blake get her old spark for designing back, after her dreams have sat forgotten for so long.
Soon Blake is walking down the Champs-Elysees and enjoying intimate dinners with Henri, who is researching Evelina's work as one of Paris' most celebrated designers, whose bold designs rivalled Coco Chanel's. Soon Henri and Blake grow closer, uncovering Evelina's legacy, and her forbidden romance that set the fashion world ablaze.
As Blake discovers the devastating choice that caused Evelina to flee the most romantic city in the world, she wonders if she, too, could do the impossible and risk everything for love with Henri. Or will the fallout of Evelina's heart-wrenching past drive Blake back home?
A completely addictive and emotional novel about family secrets, forbidden love and having the courage to follow your dreams. Perfect for fans of Santa Montefiore, Lucinda Riley and Victoria Hislop.