The Dressmaker’s Secret cover art

The Dressmaker’s Secret

 Preview

Get 30 days of Premium Plus free

£8.99/month after 30-day free trial. Cancel monthly.
Try for £0.00
More purchase options
Buy Now for £12.99

Buy Now for £12.99

About this listen

1941, Nazi-occupied Paris: in the glamourous Ritz hotel, there is a woman with a dangerous secret.

As Coco Chanel’s assistant, Adèle lives side by side with German officers in the splendour of The Ritz hotel. But Adèle has a secret. She is working for the resistance, right under the Germans’ noses.

As occupied Paris becomes more and more dangerous, Adèle will have to decide if she can risk everything to save innocent lives and protect the man she loves.

Present day: Chloé’s grandmother has never spoken about the war and avoids questions about the legendary designer she once worked for. Now Chloé has come to Paris, to uncover the truth about Adèle’s life. But is she prepared for what she will find? And for the power of her grandmother’s secrets to change her family forever.

An absolutely gripping and heartbreaking wartime story of the enduring power of love, for fans of The Lost Girls of Paris and The Nightingale.

©2022 Lorna Cook (P)2022 HarperCollins Publishers Limited 20th Century Genre Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Jewish Metaphysical & Visionary Romance Women's Fiction World Literature Fiction

Critic reviews

"A tale of deception, love and endurance.... It kept me reading into the small hours." (Glynis Peters, author of The Secret Orphan)

"A thrilling story of intrigue, love and the secrets shadowing two disparate women.... I couldn't put it down." (Adrienne Chinn, author of The English Wife)

"Stunning...I was completely hooked...and the twist ending was totally satisfying." (Kathleen McGurl, author of The Girl from Bletchley Park)
All stars
Most relevant
Really enjoyed every minute of this book. Great, almost educational story, well read. There’s no need to say more.

Loved every minute of it

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
The characters were written with integrity and humanity. The events of 2nd World War Paris were conveyed very clearly without being written in a brutal and brash way. The horrifying, insidious actions of the Gestapo we’re made very clear but in an effective, simple way. The author builds beautiful relationships, making us want to see the characters blossom and achieve happiness. There is great bravery without any fuss being made. The twist towards the end of the book is sheer delight and joy.

A heartwarming and joyous story.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
A wonderful book which always has something to say and I am able to learn more about the history. Isn’t it good to pick up a book and think I never knew that! Thank you. I will read more of your books Lorna

The dress make a secret

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
This was good for listening to while doing other things like housework. It wasn't unputdownable and seemed to flounder a bit in the final part when tying up loose ends.
The voice of elderly Adele could have been so much better. No elderly person I have ever met talked so crackly!

It was okay.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I had an interest in Coco Chanel during WWII from watching The New Look and was intrigued to read this book bringing it to life.
I was not disappointed and could not stop listening, it was all consuming. I am now listening to The Forgotten Village by the author and am planning listening to all. I am so pleased to have found Lorna Cook’s books and I cannot recommend them highly enough!

Fabulous

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
See more reviews