Published by St. Martin's Griffin on October 12, 2021
Genres: Fiction / Historical / General, Fiction / Romance / Historical / Victorian
Pages: 368
Format: eBook
Source: ARC
Diana Biller's The Brightest Star in Paris is a thrilling story of first loves and second chances.
She never expected her first love to return, but is he here to stay?
Amelie St. James is a fraud. After the Siege of Paris, she became “St. Amie,” the sweet, virtuous prima ballerina the Paris Opera Ballet needed to restore its scandalous reputation, all to protect the safe life she has struggled to build for her and her sister. But when her first love reappears looking as devastatingly handsome as ever, and the ghosts of her past quite literally come back to haunt her, her hard-fought safety is thrown into chaos.
Dr. Benedict Moore has never forgotten the girl who helped him embrace life after he almost lost his. Now, years later, he’s back in Paris. His goals are to recruit promising new scientists, and maybe to see Amelie again. When he discovers she’s in trouble, he’s desperate to help her—and hold her in his arms.
When she finally agrees to let him help, they disguise their time together with a fake courtship. Soon, with the help of an ill-advised but steamy kiss, old feelings reignite. Except, their lives are an ocean apart. Will they be able to make it out with their hearts intact?
"I foresee years of excellent storytelling from Diana Biller; the certainty of that excites me." - Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
I fell in love with Diana Biller’s debut novel and The Brightest Star in Paris is a beautiful follow up that delivers a second-chance romance with a background of heartache. Amelia was a fabulous heroine. Her public persona has become second nature, edging out her own personality bit by bit as she continues to dance to support her sister.
Present day in this story is just after 1871 Paris where “Bloody Week” has left ragged, lasting scars on Paris and her citizens. This sets the stage for some heart-aching moments of grief, yearning, and anger churn through this novel. We have some brief glimpses into the past, Amelia’s mother and her meeting with Benedict during his darker times post-war.
Amelia and Benedict’s romance is a slow burn with low steam; a bit of tension and one full scene. For me, this wasn’t a sweep off the feet romance. It had this cozy, warm feeling that you get from long established relationships. Ben’s respect of Amelia’s decisions and boundaries was one of my favorite parts of that comfortable relationship they had, even after years apart. The few times when Amelia’s playful side came out in his presence were a great contrast to her day to day slog.
I always want a little more of the paranormal story arc, but even so I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery of Amelia’s hauntings. The mystery surrounding their appearance kept me flipping pages. As always, getting a chance to spend some time with the Moore’s is delightful. They are one of my top three favorite fictional families.
I am so excited to read more of this family’s “ramshackle adventures” as Ben puts it. I adore the Moore clan and Benedict was a swoon-worthy, sweet cinnamon roll hero. Amelia’s journey was… a joy to read isn’t the right description. It was packed full with grief and heartache but I ended the story feeling hopefully.
Typically, second-chance romances are not my favorite but Biller whisked me away into this beautiful story of grief and romance. I absolutely recommend this read and if you haven’t read Biller’s debut |Widow of Rose House| (you can read my review here), do not pass go. Head back and read it too.
TW: Parent Death, Death, Grief, Trauma
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
About Diana Biller
I think the best way to you about myself is to tell you about the things I love. So here's a completely inexhaustive list: I love my husband, my dog, my family, and my friends. I love ballet--both watching it and taking adult beginner classes. I love hiking alone, writing in gardens, and jumping in waves. I love Disneyland. I love Los Angeles, where I live. I love reading--it's my oldest passion and my favorite.
And I love playing pretend, which is, for me at least, the thing underneath all the words and writing. I love living in worlds I've imagined, and I love meeting every new character who walks into them. I hope you'll love them too.
