Historical Fiction – Flippin' Pages Book Reviews

The Lost Perfumes of Paris by Christine Wells

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone

Release Date: September 8, 2026

Élodie Limeaux is a determined and talented young perfumer striving to establish herself in her family’s fragrance business despite facing constant resistance from her father, Fabrice. Inspired by the legacy of her late mother, Aurore, a celebrated perfumer, Élodie gradually develops confidence in her abilities and learns to trust her own instincts. Marcelo Caspari begins as an assigned collaborator but proves to be a knowledgeable and passionate partner whose appreciation for perfume matches Élodie’s own. Their relationship develops alongside the story, while supporting characters, particularly Élodie’s father, create many of the challenges that drive her personal growth.

Set primarily in Paris and Grasse during the 1950s, the novel follows Élodie as she enters a prestigious competition to create a fragrance that captures the essence of Paris. Hoping to honor her mother’s legacy and secure a future for the family perfume house, she agrees to work with Marcelo under the sponsorship of the Caspari family. As they research perfume history, explore the city for inspiration, and develop their scent, Élodie must also contend with family conflicts, professional discrimination, corporate obstacles, and the secrets contained within her mother’s journals. The competition serves as the central storyline while the search for personal independence and professional recognition unfolds alongside it.

I found this to be an engaging and well written historical fiction novel that blends perfume artistry, romance, and women’s empowerment in a compelling way. The vivid descriptions of fragrances, fashion, and mid-century Paris created a rich atmosphere, while Élodie’s journey from self-doubt to self-assurance made her easy to root for. I especially enjoyed the partnership between Élodie and Marcelo, whose shared creativity added depth to both the romance and the story’s central challenge. Overall, this is a beautifully written novel that offers an interesting look into the perfume industry while delivering a heartfelt and satisfying character-driven story.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for a DRC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies by Kate Westbury

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: The Oxford Guide, #1

Release Date: September 1, 2026

In the fall of 1950, the Honorable Miss Ginevra “Gin” Bishop has started her Modern Languages studies as an underclassman at Oxford, hoping that this will finally help her move on from the grief of losing her mother. She never expected to be drawn into espionage or to be partnered with a man who seems like he can’t stand the sight of her. But it almost seems like Gin was born to be a spy, and when she learns that her father is planning for her life and inheritance, she is determined to finish her mission and claim her reward. She just needs to convince the taciturn Mr. Sidney Braithwaite, her fellow student and former military intelligence operative she was partnered with to cooperate!

Mr. Sidney Braithwaite has returned to Oxford after taking a year off after the war to heal and to help his parents settle into their new home. He hopes returning to his studies after a five-year absence will help him finally put the war behind him. But almost immediately “The Rook”, his intelligence handler from the war tries to pull him back into his spy ring, when whispers of treason abound and a librarian informant at the college is murdered. At first, he refuses, especially with a Gin as a partner, but she is more relentless than the Rook. And once again he finds himself drawn into the cloak and dagger world of spying. As he gets to know Gin, he grudgingly admits to himself that she isn’t what he assumed the daughter of a viscount would be, as she is incredibly intelligent, resourceful and very attractive. Together, they uncover much more than they were looking for and form a bond that neither expected.

I loved this story; it was so much more emotional and immersive than I was expecting. Gin and Sidney both entered the story with things in their pasts that haunted them, resentment and a true desire to change their lives, but neither expected to be drawn into a spy ring, or that doing so would help them find the answers they were looking for in their own lives. The story is filled with intrigue, murder, lots of suspects, great secondary characters, secrets, a bit of mutual attraction, a slow building but ultimately strong partnership, more than one twist and satisfying ending with the suggestion of more adventures to come! This book was hard to put down and left me wanting more, if you enjoy a good mystery with wonderful, strong characters, you need to read this book!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for a DRC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

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