Lost Perfumes of Paris by Christine Wells

Set against the backdrop of mid-century Parisian glamour and the timeless art of perfumery, a captivating tale of resilience, love, and the intoxicating pursuit of passion.

Elodie Limeaux’s beloved mother, Aurore, was the most legendary perfumer in France before World War II, renowned for the exquisite fragrances she created for the family company, the House of Limeaux. Now in her twenties, Elodie longs to join the family business. Her father, however, has refused to let her follow in her late mother’s footsteps and Elodie has had to fight to become a mere lab assistant at Limeaux.

But Elodie plans to enter the Essence of Paris contest run by the French Perfume Institute, hoping that a win will secure investment from Swiss banker Monsieur Caspari, who is looking to launch a new scent for women-and possibly to buy the House of Limeaux.

Impressed with Elodie’s drive and talent, Caspari agrees to back her, provided that she collaborates with his son, Marcelo. Elodie is forced to agree, although Marcelo strikes her as a wealthy dilettante-albeit an extremely charming one.

When they join forces, though, Elodie is surprised to discover Marcelo’s passion for perfume is genuine, his obsession as deep as hers. With Marcelo by her side, Elodie battles family betrayals and corporate sabotage, searching for that elusive essence of Paris that will launch her career…and possibly the love of a lifetime.

About the Author: Christine Wells writes historical fiction featuring strong, fascinating women. From early childhood, she drank in her father’s tales about the real kings and queens behind popular nursery rhymes and she has been a keen student of history ever since. She began her first novel while working as a corporate lawyer, and has gone on to write about periods ranging from Georgian England to post World War II France. Christine is passionate about helping other writers learn the craft and business of writing fiction and enjoys mentoring and teaching workshops whenever her schedule permits. She loves dogs, running, the beach and fossicking for antiques and lives with her family in Brisbane, Australia.

01 Sep 2026
 

The Lost Perfumes of Paris: A Novel by Christine Wells ISBN 9780063583696