Thursday 18 June 2015

MIREILLE ~ The beautiful new novel by Molly Cochran ~ New York Times Bestselling Author

Mireille
By Molly Cochran

There's nothing that grabs me more than reading about a woman in difficult circumstances who has the grit and determination to fight her way out of her struggles and make a life. Mireille is one such woman. Her story is set in France at the end of World War II, when it seems that all of Europe celebrates, rejoicing the return to a 'normal' life. Flags are raised in triumph, music plays in the street, and people dance with strangers, all of one mind, all looking forward to a future of freedom. 
Not so for Mireille. 

When I saw the cover for 'Mireille', it sent shivers down my spine. I knew immediately it was a story I wanted to read. I wasn't mistaken. I couldn't put it down. Mireille's story unfolds as it follows her life through the days after WWII, and the path she is forced to take to survive. 

Mireille is stunningly beautiful. She uses her beauty to become one of the most sought after courtesans ever known. She is known as l'Ange, 'Angel', and although her lifestyle brings her riches and fame, in her heart she is in turmoil, her grief for the the man she loves, the father of her daughter, never leaving her. The novel is perfectly paced, the story intriguing. I championed Mireille from the very beginning, right through to the glorious ending. 

‘Near the end of World War II, seventeen-year-old Mireille de Jouarre flees the home of her stepfather, a Nazi collaborator and abusive drunk. She finds shelter with her childhood friend Stefan, and the two fall deeply in love. But as the fighting escalates, Mireille must escape alone to Paris, where she discovers she’s pregnant and lacking a way to provide for her child.

So begins her new life as l’Ange—the Angel. After an unlikely meeting with a wealthy aristocrat in a Parisian hotel—and her acceptance of his solicitation—Mireille becomes the most celebrated poule in all of France, eliciting huge fees and invitations to exclusive parties. At one of these events, Mireille meets Oliver Jordan, an American womanizer and film producer, and is soon launching a promising film career. As her star rises, Mireille is determined to bury her past. But her success isn’t as carefree and glittery as it seems, and when her daughter’s future is threatened, Mireille must make a deadly decision in a desperate attempt to finally choose her own path.’

You can find Molly Cochran's wonderful novel here

'Mireille'
(US)
(UK)

Love from Valentina xx

7 comments:

Vicki Tremper said...

Sounds like it hits all the right notes. Thanks for the reccie!

Valentina Hepburn said...

You're welcome, Vicki. Lovely to hear from you. Hope all is well with your own writing.

Tanya Reimer said...

OHHH! Sounds very interesting. And yes, what an amazing cover.

Valentina Hepburn said...

A cover is so important isn't it? And I must admit I absolutely love the cover on Mireille. Something to do with the colours, I think.

writing and living by Richard P Hughes said...

What an interesting turn of events, from poule to actress. The cover has a French feel about it.

Valentina Hepburn said...

Hi Richard, Lovely to hear from you. Yes the cover's gorgeous!

Camila said...

Very tthoughtful blog

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