Publisher : St. Martin's Griffin Release Date : 31st March 2015
Description : When French perfumer Danielle Bretancourt steps aboard a luxury ocean liner, leaving her son behind in Poland with his grandmother, she has no idea that her life is about to change forever. The year is 1939, and the declaration of war on the European continent soon threatens her beloved family, scattered across many countries. Traveling through London and Paris into occupied Poland, Danielle searches desperately for her the remains of her family, relying on the strength and support of Jonathan Newell-Grey, a young captain. Finally, she is forced to gather the fragments of her impoverished family and flee to America. There she vows to begin life anew, in 1940s Los Angeles.
Through determination and talent, she rises high from meagre jobs in her quest for success as a perfumer and fashion designer to Hollywood elite. Set between privileged lifestyles and gritty realities, Scent of Triumph is one woman's story of courage, spirit, and resilience.
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
My Thoughts : Set with WWII as the backdrop we meet Danielle, her husband Max and their good friend Jon aboard the luxury liner heading to England from New York when it's hut by a torpedo and things will never be the same again for pregnant Danielle.
I'm not really a historical fiction reader but when I signed up to NetGalley I made a promise to myself I would try different genres. This has got to be the best decision I've made as I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Danielle is a courageous woman. The story tells of Danielle's heartbreak and determination to find her son Nicky who has been lost due to the war. The heartbreak Danielle endures through out the story made me want to weep and as the heartbreak continues I kept wondering how the hell this lady could continue sometimes, but her passion and determination made me feel proud of her, if it's possible to feel proud of a fictional character?
Jan's writing and description made feel like I was travelling the journey with Danielle from France, England, Poland and Los Angles and the way Jan describes the scent's of the flowers and perfumes were amazing and I felt I could actually smell Danielle's creation, the perfume Chimére.
It's been a while since a book has stirred up so many emotions in me, there was passion, love, drama. heartbreak, fear and joy and I just couldn't put the book down. It's one of those books where you need to process the story before starting another.
I really enjoyed Danielle's journey and Scent of Triumph I'd recommend to anyone who loves a good story that sets your emotions running.
I'm giving this book a beautiful 5 hearts
You can buy Scent of Triumph HERE
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