"The sweeping new saga of strong heroines and family secrets from the bestselling author of The Paris Model. While searching for her lost sister, art historian Wren Summers takes on the glittering world of New York's auction houses.
A missing girl, a hidden masterpiece, and the search for the truth
1965: After escaping from anti-war turmoil and the suffocating weight of family expectations, a beautiful young couple embrace a life free of materialism and tradition by a sapphire lake in Italy. But the past does not always let go so easily ...
1987: When talented art historian Wren Summers lands her dream job at the Sydney Art Museum, it seems she can finally leave her wildly unconventional background behind - until a treacherous act threatens everything she has strived for.
The revelation of a monstrous family secret sees Wren head to New York, compelled to find the missing girl who holds the key to this shocking mystery - and to make a fresh start in the glittering realm of international art auctions. As she struggles to fulfil her quest, can she navigate this new, high-stakes world of swirling temptation, romance and deceit, danger and betrayal, while staying true to what she knows is right?
Praise for Alexandra Joel:
'A mesmerising storyteller' The Australian
'Exceptional research and great storytelling ... She has that rare flair for drawing the reader into sumptuous worlds from glamorous bygone eras' Better Reading"
"From the bestselling author of The Paris Model comes another breathtaking story of glamour, romance and espionage.
Success would depend on taking a dangerous risk.
When Blaise Hill, a feisty young journalist from one of Sydney's toughest neighbourhoods, is dispatched to London at the dawn of the swinging sixties to report on Princess Margaret's controversial marriage to an unconventional photographer, she is drawn into an elite realm of glamour and intrigue.
As the nation faces an explosive upheaval, Blaise must grapple with a series of shocking scandals at the pinnacle of British society. Yet, haunted by a threat from her past and torn between two very different men, who can she trust in a world of hidden motives and shifting alliances? If she makes the wrong choice, she will lose everything.
Inspired by real events, The Royal Correspondent is a compelling story of love and betrayal, family secrets and conspiracy that takes you from the gritty life of a daily newspaper to the opulent splendour of Buckingham Palace.
Praise for The Royal Correspondent:
'Combines romance, a splash of espionage and lots of glamour, inspired by real events' Australian Women's Weekly
'It will sweep you up with its winning combination of historical facts and fabulous fiction' Herald Sun
'Vividly brings the swinging '60s to life' Who Weekly
'This engaging read has it all - glamour, intrigue, gossip, espionage, romance and fashion ... it's a gripping read with well-drawn characters ... a well woven tale set on the cusp of changing times' Weekly Times
'A fabulous story, with an extremely compelling protagonist at its heart ... Joel has hit her stride here' Better Reading
'A world of glamour, intrigue and scandal' Woman's Day
'Engaging characters and a well-paced story line brimming with social history, romance, and mystery will captivate readers across genres' Booklist
'An engrossing story [which] will keep readers turning the pages' Publishers Weekly"
"'Captivating and evocative' Tania Blanchard, author of The Girl from Munich
Sometimes you have to lose everything to find yourself ... A stunning novel of love, betrayal and family secrets for all fans of Fiona McIntosh and Natasha Lester.
After a shocking discovery, Grace Woods leaves her vast Australian sheep station and travels to tumultuous post-war Paris in order to find her true identity.
While working as a mannequin for Christian Dior, the world's newly acclaimed emperor of fashion, Grace mixes with counts and princesses, authors and artists, diplomats and politicians.
But when Grace falls for handsome Philippe Boyer she doesn't know that he is leading a double life, nor that his past might inflict devastating consequences upon her. As she is drawn into Philippe's dangerous world of international espionage, Grace discovers both the shattering truth of her origins - and that her life is in peril.
Inspired by an astonishing true story, The Paris Model is a tale of glamour, family secrets and heartbreak that takes you from the rolling plains of country Australia to the elegant salons of Paris.
'A wonderful, immersive historical novel' New Idea
'A charming tale rich with family and fashion' Belinda Alexandra
'The cracking plot and the general glamour carry the reader along' Sydney Morning Herald
'This gorgeous historical is the perfect summer escape. Post-World War 2 Paris literally drips from the page. Grace is a wonderful protagonist and surrounded by well-drawn and often fabulous characters, and Joel's prose is rich and descriptive. Highly enjoyable' Better Reading"
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