Moonlight Over Paris

Robson's third novel focusing on the Great War and its aftermath (after Somewhere in France and After the War Is Over) shows how one woman breaks free of the bonds of aristocracy to find true happiness. After surviving a near-fatal illness, Lady Helena "Ellie" Montagu-Douglas-Parr is determined to live life to the fullest. While spending the summer with her Aunt Agnes in Antibes, Ellie meets journalist Sam Howard. Their mutual attraction deepens when they meet again in Paris, where Ellie enrolls in art school. Throughout her time in Paris, Ellie works diligently at her art as she studies under the demanding teacher, Maitre Czerny. Despite her misgivings about her abilities, Ellie is very happy practicing her craft, and she embraces the time she spends with her friends, a refreshing change from the stuffy drawing rooms of London. As her feelings for Sam grow stronger, she continues to wonder whether he feels the same way about her. Robson's historical research is evident in her great attention to detail, adding realism to a magnetic novel that's complete with actual historical figures. The blooming romance between Sam and Ellie is intensified by the magic of Paris in the 1920s, where new artists and musicians collaborated to create original masterpieces. (Jan.)