Today I welcome France Book Tours back to my blog with an interesting historical fiction novel about the iconic figure Coco Chanel.  I invite you to read my review and enter to win your own copy of the book.

My Review:

There are certain names in the fashion industry that are synonymous with high end, quality and timeless clothing.  Chanel is one such name.  This historical fiction novel captures the struggle that this fierce women went through at a time when it was unheard of for any woman to work for a living and own her own business.

Coco Chanel grows up as an orphan after her mother dies and her father abandons their family. Forced to live in a convent that cares for and educates orphans, Coco is always striving to make her own place in the world and not depend on anyone.

Much of the book takes places in early 20th century Paris, where Coco works tirelessly to make a name for herself amongst men who dominate the fashion industry.  What I found fascinating about this book is that it is not only a personal history of Chanel, but also a history of fashion and the dramatic changes in women’s clothing between the 19th and 20th centuries.  No more are women required to wear tight-fitting corsets and their hair tied back in buns.  Coco is heavily influenced by men’s fashions and oftentimes raids the closets of her male lovers for fabrics and old clothes to rework and make suitable for women.

Coco Chanel is a person for whom we wish the greatest success.  Despite many setbacks throughout her career, she always picks herself back up and reinvents herself.  C.W. Gortner has done a spectacular job of bringing to life the fashion icon that is Coco Chanel.

About The Author:
C.W. Gortner is the international bestselling author of six historical novels, translated in over twenty-five languages to date. His new novel, “Mademoiselle Chanel”, traces the tumultuous rise to fame of iconic fashion designer, Coco Chanel. In 2016, Random House will publish his eighth novel, “Vatican Princess”, about Lucrezia Borgia. Raised in Spain and a long-time resident of the Bay Area, C.W. is also dedicated to companion animal rescue from overcrowded shelters.

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Giveaway:

You can enter the giveaway here or on the book blogs participating in this tour. Be sure to follow each participant on Twitter/Facebook, they are listed in the entry form below.

Entry-Form

Visit each blogger on the tour. Tweeting about the giveaway everyday of the Tour will give you 5 extra entries each time! (Just follow the directions on the entry-form.)

There will be a total of 6 winners. Five printed copies will be given away as well as one beautiful handcrafted beaded bracelet which is inspired by Coco’s black and white signature colors and camellia design (pictured below). This giveaway is open to US residents only.

CLICK ON THE TOUR BANNER TO READ OTHER REVIEWS, EXCERPTS, GUEST-POSTS AND INTERVIEWS