Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Cincinnati, Ohio hosted an author event with Natasha Lester in conversation with Marie Benedict. Today was the U.S. book launch for Natasha’s novel, The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre. Over the past few years, I have become a bigger fan of historical fiction. I’m familiar writer, Marie Benedict, and own some of her books in my massive Audible collection, but I was not familiar with Natasha Lester. So when Joseph-Beth announced this virtual author event, I knew it was important for me to be a part of it.

I thoroughly enjoyed the conversation between these two fascinating women who enjoy writing about strong, historical women characters. Natasha has a very chic background; she worked in marketing and public relations for L’Oreal and Maybelline! She left that career to pursue her passion of writing. Good for her! Natasha lives in Perth, Australia where she participated in this author event.

Marie and Natasha talked about the research that went into the book, The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre. Natasha went to Paris and visited The Dior House with the infamous staircase. The website is well organized and offers historic photos along with interesting facts about the company. She shared the knowledge she learned through reading Christian Dior’s autobiography and how she incorporated the material into her novel. Natasha encouraged viewers to Google images of the 1947 Dior gowns that are depicted in her book as it will enhance the reading experience.

As the conversation evolved, Marie and Natasha shared stories they have heard about women’s role in the war. It was obvious these women have a strong passion for telling stories about women’s struggles and heroics that have lacked the deserved credit over time.

Marie has a book releasing next week titled, The Mitford Affair, which the two briefly discussed. Ironically, I am currently reading The Bookseller’s Secret by Michelle Gable that is about writer, Nancy Mitford. I’m intrigued to read Marie’s book now that I know a bit about Nancy.

To wrap up their conversation, Marie and Natasha answered audience questions and shared snippets of info about their next books!! Getting me excited about what’s to come, but I’ll have to wait awhile yet and simply enjoy their current books.

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