After Paris

By: Mary Ellen Taylor

Narrated by: Caroline Hewitt, Devon Sorvari, Elisabeth Lagelee, David de Vries, Braden Wright

From the author of The Brighter the Light comes a haunting tale of hope that spans generations, intertwining the lives of three women who fight for survival in 1940s France and present-day Virginia.

At twenty-five, Ruby Nevins has already endured more than most. But after two years of battling cancer, she’s warily determined to move forward. Researching a new project about a French actress, she soon uncovers an old diary that will change her life forever…

Cécile, the “it” girl of early 1940s French cinema, vanished from Nazi-occupied Paris in 1942. Sylvia Rousseau, Cécile’s dressmaker and confidante, left that same year. Working to piece together the truth behind Cécile’s disappearance and Sylvia’s extraordinary life, Ruby recognizes the women as kindred spirits. They risked their hearts and lives to aid the Resistance, and each day was a struggle to survive.

Ruby knows her cancer could come back, but she’s learning to embrace the future rather than fear it. If Cécile and Sylvia could live their lives in the shadow of death, so can Ruby. Because she knows there’s so much life—and love—to fight for.

©2025 by Mary Burton. (P)2025 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“After Paris by novelist Mary Ellen Taylor is impressively original, skillfully written, reader engaging, and a fully entertaining story from start to finish…The kind of tale that will linger in the mind and memory of the reader long after the book has been finished and set back upon the shelf…An extraordinary and highly recommended pick…”—Midwest Book Review

Buried memories

I read a great deal of WW II stories and they always grip my heart with the pain and loss that so many suffered. This story was no different. But, the characters were brilliantly written and I soon felt as though I had known them. My life has been so very lovely and I respect and honor those who gave so much for a freedom that I often take for granted. A story that will make you think; thoroughly enjoyed it!

Great listen!

If you loved the nightingale then you will love this! Not as intense but a fabulous story of women and WW2.

untold stories worth telling

I knowbitbis not strictly factual the Resistance stories especially by heroines is always a worthy read.

This book was such an enjoyable story to read

This author chose to write about two women from different time periods. The story about one of the women was intriguing. The other woman's story will pull at reader's heartstrings. This book is so worth reading. I enjoyed reading along in the book as well as listening to the wonderful narration. The front cover is just stunning. This is one gifted writer.

Character development

The use of history to intertwine the characters was clever. Enjoyed the history lesson very much.