The Last Collection
by Jeanne Mackin
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GENRE: Historical Romance
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BLURB:
An
American woman becomes entangled in the intense rivalry between iconic fashion
designers Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli in this captivating novel from the
acclaimed author of The Beautiful American.
Paris,
1938. Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli are fighting for recognition as the
most successful and influential fashion designer in France, and their rivalry
is already legendary. They oppose each other at every turn, in both their
politics and their designs: Chanel’s are classic, elegant, and practical;
Schiaparelli’s bold, experimental, and surreal.
When
Lily Sutter, a recently widowed young American teacher, visits her brother,
Charlie, in Paris, he insists on buying her a couture dress—a Chanel. Lily,
however, prefers a Schiaparelli. Charlie’s beautiful and socially prominent
girlfriend soon begins wearing Schiaparelli’s designs as well, and much of
Paris follows in her footsteps.
Schiaparelli
offers budding artist Lily a job at her store, and Lily finds herself
increasingly involved with Schiaparelli and Chanel’s personal war. Their fierce
competition reaches new and dangerous heights as the Nazis and the looming
threat of World War II bear down on Paris.
***
"Sophisticated
couture wars and looming world wars take center stage in Mackin’s latest, with
a plot that buzzes with love triangles and political intrigue. A gorgeous
meditation on art, fashion, and heartbreak. Stunning."
--Fiona Davis, national
bestselling author of The Masterpiece
“Exquisitely melding
world politics and high fashion, THE LAST COLLECTION is a smart, witty,
heartfelt, and riveting look at the infamous rivalry between Coco Chanel and
Elsa Schiaparelli set against a gripping period in history. Mackin’s powerful
novel brings these characters to life and transports the reader, juxtaposing
both the gaiety and tension of Paris on the brink of war. As elegant and
captivating as the designs depicted in the novel, THE LAST COLLECTION is the
perfect read for both historical fiction lovers and fashion aficionados. Simply
stunning.”
--Chanel Cleeton, USA
Today bestselling author of Next Year in Havana
“A wonderful story of
two intensely creative women, their vibrant joie de vivre, and backbiting
competition played out against the increasingly ominous threat of the Nazi
invasion of Paris. Seamless research makes every character leap to life and kept
me totally engaged from beginning to end.
--Shelley Noble, New
York Times bestselling author of Lighthouse Beach
“A vibrant portrait of
two designers cut from very different cloth, Jeanne Mackin’s THE LAST
COLLECTION pits bold Coco Chanel and colorful Elsa Schiaparelli against each
other in a fiery feud even as the ominous clouds of World War II darken the
horizon. A captivating read!”
--Stephanie Marie
Thornton, author of American Princess
"As Hitler and the
Nazis gather strength and the world braces for war, Elsa Schiaparelli and Coco
Chanel, whose politics differ as much as their couture, wage a war of their
own. Lily Sutter, the woman who finds herself in the middle of their feud, has
a battle of her own as she struggles to make a new start amidst extreme grief
and loss. From New York to Paris, Jeanne Mackin takes the reader on an enthralling
journey, complete with such vivid descriptions of the clothing, you can
practically see them on the page. Beautifully rendered and meticulously
researched, THE LAST COLLECTION is a must read."
--Renée Rosen, author
of Park Avenue Summer
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
EXCERPT:
“And now,” Charlie said, taking back his cap and tilting it
over his forehead. “Schiaparelli it is. Your choice. But I have to make a quick
phone call. We were supposed to meet someone at the Chanel salon.” He went into
the café and was out again a minute later, smiling sheepishly.
We prowled down lanes and avenues, dodging around fruit and vegetable
carts, policemen on horses, jaywalking pedestrians, and other automobiles. We crossed over the Seine. “Pont Royal”
Charlie shouted. “Remember?” A silver
Seine, trees in full leaf, pots of geraniums on every stoop, under windows,
rows of schoolchildren in uniform following black-and-white nuns, handsome
gendarmes, and over it all, hanging like
an invisible presence, the sense that this was the best place to be. June in
Paris.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Jeanne Mackin
‘s latest novel, The Last Collection, A Novel of Elsa Schiaparelli and Coco
Chanel takes the reader to Paris, just before world war II, and the intense,
dangerous rivalry between the two queens of fashion. Her previous novels
include A Lady of Good Family, the award winning The Beautiful American, The
Sweet By and By, Dreams of Empire, The Queen’s War, and The Frenchwoman.
Her historical
fictions explore the lives of strong women who change their worlds…because we
know the world always needs a lot of change! She has worked all the traditional
‘writers’ jobs’ from waitressing to hotel maid, anything that would leave her a
few hours each morning for writing. Most recently, she taught creative writing
at the graduate level. She has traveled
widely, in Europe and the Middle East and can think of no happier moment than
sitting in a Paris café, drinking coffee or a Pernod, and simply watching,
while scribbling in a notebook.
Penguin Random
House - https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/531859/the-last-collection-by-jeanne-mackin/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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My Review
The Last Collection is the first book I have read by Jeanne Mackin. I thought it was an entertaining and fascinating read. It was great learning about fashion greats Elsa Schiaparelli and Coco Chanel. I loved the vivid details and felt a though I was transported back in time.
I am giving The Last Collection four stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy historical fiction that include historical figures. I would love to read more by Jeanne Mackin in the future.
I received The Last Collection from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteYour book sounds like a great read and thank you for sharing it with us.
ReplyDeletewho is your favorite character from your book?
ReplyDeleteNice cover. It sounds like a really interesting book. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great book.
ReplyDeleteHappy Friday! Thanks for sharing the great except!
ReplyDeleteI am already a fan of Jeanne Mackin. I love her books.
ReplyDeleteWhat an iconic cover! The Eiffel Tower with an elegant parisienne!
ReplyDeletethanks for hosting, and for the great comments about my novel! You might want to try The Beautiful American, also set in Paris before World War II, if you want to read more of my work.
ReplyDeletethanks again, and have a great day!