Book Club: March Selection “The Perfume Collector”
The Perfume Collector The Every Day Parisian Book Club Selection
I feel like I have been holding onto a secret with this one and I can’t wait to finally share. This month’s book club selection is “The Perfume Collector” I created the book club with the intention of encouraging people to put down their phones and read more. This month I found myself carrying this book around in my bag and waking up early just to read. It was such a delight. I really hope you all enjoy it as much as I did.
The story takes place in London, New York City and of course Paris. The story is intertwined between two women, Grace Monroe a socialite and newlywed from London and Eva d’Orsey from Paris. One day a letter arrives from France that leaves Grace with an inheritance from Eva d’Orsey. For Grace, Eva and her identity are a mystery. Grace must go to Paris to collect the inheritance and sets out on a quest to find out who exactly Eva d’Orsay really is. The inheritance also includes an apartment overlooking Place des Vosges. Grace must look to the past to solve the mystery of Eve D’Orsay.
The search takes Grace to a perfume shop on the left bank that is filled with a story spanning decades. The story is told flipping from the past to the present so pay attention it can get a little tricky. Eventually, the stories intertwine. I will say part of the story is predictable if you read it carefully but there are definitely some stories mixed in that you would never have expected.
One of the really exciting things about this month is that I wrote Kathleen Tessaro the author of “The Perfume Collector” and she has agreed to answer questions!! I literally jumped in the air when I saw her email in my inbox.
You will learn the more about perfume than you ever expected but the story left me curious to learn more. I have been wearing a signature scent for years but it was discontinued by Penhaligons and now the bottle is slowly coming to an end. For years I never wore perfume because I get terrible headaches but after living in Paris it was something I wanted to try again. I discovered the scent of Violetta and it brings so many beautiful memories. I am on the hunt for something new and different. Perhaps Jasmine or Rose?
This month, for the book giveaway I am asking you to tell me your favorite signature fragrance. (if you have a suggestion for a future month feel free to include it) Please don’t forget to give your name and email so I have a way to contact you.I will pick a winner for the book on Monday and one book will be added to the stack for the year-end giveaway of 12 books!
February : The Little Paris Bookshop
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Bonjour, I’m Rebecca!
I’m a photographer, blogger, croissant-lover, and world traveler. I hope that Everyday Parisian inspires you by bringing a bit of France into your daily life and helps you plan the best trip to Paris with personalized recommendations for places to stay, explore, and eat.
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Hi Rebecca,
Thank you for your book suggestions , they all look interesting. I am looking forward to reading some of them. I think I will begin with "The perfume collector ".
Chanel no. 5 is my go to perfume but recently my husband bought a perfume for me while he was in Paris on business. ( We are from South Africa) It is belle de nuit from Fragonard in Montmartre. It’s a lovely flowerery, fruity scent. If you haven’t yet visited their store – I’m sure you will find some beautiful fragrances there.
Regards Lee-Ann
The next time I’m in Paris I look forward to trying some of their other perfumes.
Hi Lee-Ann,
This book has been a favorite amongst everyone! It is the perfect one to start with. I hope you love it. You will have to let me know what you think 🙂
I do know the store Fragonard ( I used to live down the street) but I don’t know the scent. I will have to check it out next time I am in Paris. There is a fragrance museum by l’opera you should check out next time you are in Paris.
xo
Just finished the book yesterday and loved it, thanks for a good recommendation! Easy to read and full of interesting characters. ‘One muse. Three perfumes. A lifetime of secrets.’ sums up The Perfume Collector. Happy reading XX
I always have Chanel No19 Poudre which I would say is my ‘go to’ scent, But just recently also have Aerin (Lauder) Amber Musk. After reading ‘The Perfume Collector’ and you blog, I googled more information about these two perfumes ,to try to work out what it is that draws me to both of these. The Amber Musk is designed to be worn in Winter ( to warm us with aromas of Ambrox!) and the Chanel Poudre has Iris and Musk as the central ingredient, you learn something new everyday!
Looking forward to the April Book.
One of my favorite signature scents is "Fountain of Roses" by Tru Blooms Chicago. They are a local perfume company here that uses roses grown in the city. Yay for urban agriculture! It’s delicate and fresh, but not too sweet.
My suggestion for a future book club pick is "Paris Letters" by Janice MacLeod. It’s a true story about a woman who decided to quit her job to follow her dreams and travel. I lover her writing style. It was funny and inspiring and really got me thinking about what is holding me back from my own dreams (answer: myself).
Hi Jessica!
I didn’t know we had a local perfume shop. I just spent the afternoon smelling perfume at Merz apothecary. I am on the hunt for another scent!
I have heard of the book but I haven’t read it. I need to write a blog post about not letting fear hold you back from your dreams. I know it’s scary but let go of what’s holding you back. You never know until you try!! It might be better than you ever expected it to be.
When I was 15 I received Lancome’s Tresor as a gift and fell in love. I wear still to this day, every day. I cannot count how many times someone has asked me what Scent I am wearing or someone compliments my fragrance. It happened just today when I was getting fitted for new glass frames. I don’t ever see wearing anything else.
Monica Moore
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Doesn’t matter if I try another perfume I always come back to French Lover by Frederic Malles éditions de parfums. All my friends know me by it though I originally bought it at Barney’s where it’s called bois d’orage (meaning Storm/thunder wood) as for a book suggestion I’d say either the sharper the knife the less you cry or her second book kitchen counter cooking school which is a fun grass roots cooking class 😂
Christina
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Hi Christina,
I actually started the sharper the knife the less you cry the day I got my bangs cut back at the end of 2016 and I get it was so distracting I put the book down. I am glad to hear you liked it. I need to finish it! Your perfume sounds incredible! I will have to check it out at Barney’s
Thank you for reading and commenting!!
xo
My go to for the past few years is Viva la Juicy. I stumbled upon it through a sampler and the mix of fragrance truly matches with my body. I’m always receiving compliments on it. I feel like I have scents for the different stages of my life… I’m excited to dive into this book!
Maria – [email protected]
I love Si by Giorgio armani 🙂
I’m excited to read the book!! Love this book club, such a fun idea!
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Thank you so much Katelyn! The book club is such a fun addition to the blog and I am always looking for new books to read!
xo
My husband doesn’t like strong scents so I keep it light with vanilla lotion from Ecco Bella. The Perfume Collection sounds like an engaging read! 💕
Hi Rebecca! What a lovely post. I must order this months read. I’m a little behind. For years I wore amour amour by cacharel. Brings back wonderful memories from my university years. Currently, Im loving poison girl by Christian Dior. I’ll take this opportunity to tell you that I’m so grateful for your passion and dedication to all things French and even though I’m living in Paris, I don’t get to go out much and explore since having my twins so I find so much inspiration and love from you.
Hi Hiba,
Thank you so much! I am sure it’s a bit difficult to manage time for reading between taking care of two little ones. You are so sweet. I hope I continue to inspire you and show you new parts of your city. Enjoy the time with your babies. They grow up so fast!
I am planning a meetup in Paris in the Spring so I hope you can sneak away for that! 😉
xo
Hi! I used to wear Anais Anais when I was in college but now I wear Be Delicious Fresh Blossom by DNKY. Love the light fresh scent. Thanks for the opportunity to win the book! Sounds like a wonderful read🙂
Lisa
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Hi Lisa,
I don’t know that one. So many new fragrances to discover. Are you new to the book club or have you read some of the others?
Can’t wait to take this out from my library.
My favorite scent is Au the blanc by Bvlgari. It’s warm and inviting but not overbearing.
Oh I don’t know that one! I will have to check it out! I hope you love the book!
So fun! My favorite signature fragrance is La Vie est Belle by Lancôme. It’s just gorgeous and smells amazing on just about everyone!
Hi! I don’t know this one. Have you been to Nose in Paris? If you come visit we should go together!!
xo
I’ve always really liked Hanae Mori. It’s light and clean. This book sounds intriguing. I will have to read it! (And will catch up on the other two as well!)
Hi Renee, I don’t know this fragrance. Is it floral or fruity? I highly recommend the book! I couldn’t put it down !
Chanel Coco is my signature perfume as it embodies so much of who I am… I’m very much a sensory person and delight in the aromas of life… Coco is quite strong for many women, however it’s complex combinations of delightful ingredients sits beautifully on my skin. I am often asked what perfume I am wearing as importantly for myself, it’s aroma it beautiful to others around me. I would so love to be able to wear the beautiful scent of rose 🌹 jasmine and many other florals, but unfortunately they do no last on my skin, or do not smell the same on my skin as it does in the bottle. My advice would be to start with a favourite scent, wear it for a day and most importantly make sure it makes you feel beautiful and embodies who you are. It’s such a wonderful adventure…
Warmest Regards
Rebecca
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Hi Rebecca!
You know so much about fragrances, I love it! It is so important to try a fragrance out and see how it works on your own body chemistry. Everyone is different. This book had me intrigued to design my own perfume.
Thank you so much for reading the blog!
xo
I love perfume and often rotate my fragrance based on the season or my mood. One of my favorites is Chanel Coco Noir. It’s very unique, kind of a mix of floral and a little spice. The black glass bottle is very appealing as well!
Meredith
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Hi Meredith!
I love that you rotate fragrances. That is such a good idea. Do you have a summer and a winter fragrance?
Thank you so much for reading the blog!
xo
Currently my favorite signature fragrance is Fresh Blossom by DKNY. I’m really particular when it comes to fragrances and there have been some in the past that I really loved and used but after awhile, they didn’t smell the same on me anymore. So for this one has worked for quite some time now. Excited to read this book-but I have to finish the first one still! #slacker
Sandy
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Hi Sandy,
I agree that every fragrance is different. I am glad you found one that you like! Don’t worry about reading. I know you are a busy lady. But this one might change things. I literally snuck this one in whenever I could fit a page or two!
xo
Loved the Little Paris Bookshop❤️. Can’t wait to read this one.
Hi Elena,
I am so glad you liked the Little Paris Bookshop! I hope you enjoy this one too!
I’ve seen this book mentioned before and it sounds so intriguing! I rarely leave the house without wearing some fragrance. I’d love to read this book!
Hi Cheryl,
Fragrance is so important. For me its mascara and a splash of something refreshing always.
xo
My current signature fragrance is Prada Candy, but I wore Champs Elysees by Guerlain all through college. Whenever I smell it, I am flooded with happy memories! Have you read "A Paris Apartment" by Michelle Gable? It is delightful and on point for the blog!
Warmly,
Marina Bell
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Hi Marina,
I haven’t yet! But I have heard good things about it. I also have a connection to the author which I am trying to bring them in as much as possible to connect you guys to them so I will take a look.
Thank you!
This looks like a good read, can’t wait.
Hi! It’s a really great one! I hope you love it.