Synopses & Reviews
A remarkable novel about secrets, desire, memory, passion, and possibility.
Newlywed Grace Monroe doesn't fit anyone's expectations of a successful 1950s London socialite, least of all her own. When she receives an unexpected inheritance from a complete stranger, Madame Eva d'Orsey, Grace is drawn to uncover the identity of her mysterious benefactor.
Weaving through the decades, from 1920s New York to Monte Carlo, Paris, and London, the story Grace uncovers is that of an extraordinary women who inspired one of Paris's greatest perfumers. Immortalized in three evocative perfumes, Eva d'Orsey's history will transform Grace's life forever, forcing her to choose between the woman she is expected to be and the person she really is.
The Perfume Collector explores the complex and obsessive love between muse and artist, and the tremendous power of memory and scent.
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“A colorful, stimulating journey through time.” Kirkus
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“The Perfume Collector is a crackling, beautifully paced story that weaves the world of fragrance into the lives of two vibrant women in a way few have experienced. Inhale deeply — a new way of telling a story of the heart.” Kate Alcott, author of The Dressmaker
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“Dazzles the senses in this novel.” < i=""> Publishers Weekly <>
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“A bewitching, compelling novel, full of dark desires, long-buried secrets, revisited memories, and new opportunities.” Booklist
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“Dazzles the senses.” Publishers Weekly
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“Beautiful imagery and prose are the strong points of this seductive story that paints the most bewitching picture imaginable of perfume creation and the muses who inspire it. The themes are brilliant...and likely to leave readers feeling awestruck by the end of this classy and unforgettable novel.” Romantic Times
About the Author
Born in Pittsburgh, Kathleen Tessaro emigrated to London where she worked as an actress in films, television, and theater, while training to be a drama teacher and voice coach. She is the author of the novels Elegance, Innocence, and The Flirt. Kathleen currently lives in Pennsylvania.