A Paris Apartment: A Novel

Michelle Gable

Apr 2014 · Sold by Macmillan

About this ebook

The New York Times Best Seller!

Now with an excerpt of Michelle's new book, I'll See You in Paris!

Bienvenue à Paris!

When April Vogt's boss tells her about an apartment in the ninth arrondissement that has been discovered after being shuttered for the past seventy years, the Sotheby's continental furniture specialist does not hear the words "dust" or "rats" or "decrepit." She hears Paris. She hears escape.

Once in France, April quickly learns the apartment is not merely some rich hoarder's repository. Beneath the cobwebs and stale perfumed air is a goldmine, and not because of the actual gold (or painted ostrich eggs or mounted rhinoceros horns or bronze bathtub). First, there's a portrait by one of the masters of the Belle Epoque, Giovanni Boldini. And then there are letters and journals written by the very woman in the painting, Marthe de Florian. These documents reveal that she was more than a renowned courtesan with enviable decolletage. Suddenly April's quest is no longer about the bureaux plats and Louis-style armchairs that will fetch millions at auction. It's about discovering the story behind this charismatic woman.

It's about discovering two women, actually.

With the help of a salty (and annoyingly sexy) Parisian solicitor and the courtesan's private diaries, April tries to uncover the many secrets buried in the apartment. As she digs into Marthe's life, April can't help but take a deeper look into her own. Having left behind in the States a cheating husband, a family crisis about to erupt, and a career she's been using as the crutch to simply get by, she feels compelled to sort out her own life too. When the things she left bubbling back home begin to boil over, and Parisian delicacies beyond flaky pâtisseries tempt her better judgment, April knows that both she and Marthe deserve happy finales.

Whether accompanied by croissants or champagne, this delectable debut novel depicts the Paris of the Belle Epoque and the present day with vibrant and stunning allure. Based on historical events, Michelle Gable's A Paris Apartment will entertain and inspire, as readers embrace the struggles and successes of two very unforgettable women.

Ratings and reviews

This book combined my interests in discovery, French antiques and strong women of history! What a perfect fit. I was concerned that I was delving into a cheesy romance novel once the characters began to develop but I was not disappointed! There is great substance to this novel. The only reason I did not rate it at five stars is that there were a few rare moments where the writing seemed, hard to describe in one word but, underdeveloped. Otherwise well worth the read, entertaining and intelligent.

I couldn't put the novel down. Every free minute I had was spent reading. It was like reading two separate books that merged together in a wonderful way. And in the end April Vogt was a truly amazing character. She made a few bad decisions and ended up working out her relationship with her husband. In a real world kind of way. Occasionally I would have to look up french phases. (I don't speak the language) The Author did a wonderful job explaining what most phases meant shortly after they appeared.

Jogs between Belle Epoque Paris and modern day Paris/New York. Diaries, assumptions, fine art and mystery. Perfect beach read.

About the author

MICHELLE GABLE graduated from the College of William & Mary. She currently resides in Cardiff by the Sea, California, with her husband, two daughters, and one lazy cat. A Paris Apartment is her first novel.