Introduction

"Jan Moran is the new queen of the epic romance."- USA Today best-selling author Rebecca Forster

When French perfumer Danielle Bretancourt steps aboard a luxury ocean liner, leaving her son behind in Poland with his grandmother, she has no idea that her life is about to change forever. The year is 1939, and the declaration of war on the European continent soon threatens her beloved family, scattered across many countries. Traveling through London and Paris into occupied Poland, Danielle searches desperately for her the remains of her family, relying on the strength and support of Jonathan Newell-Grey, a young captain. Finally, she is forced to gather the fragments of her impoverished family and flee to America. There she vows to begin life anew, in 1940s Los Angeles.

There, through determination and talent, she rises high from meager jobs in her quest for success as a perfumer and fashion designer to Hollywood elite. Set between privileged lifestyles and gritty realities, Scent of Triumph by commanding newcomer Jan Moran is one woman's story of courage, spirit, and resilience.

Editorial Review

No editorial review at this time.

Excerpt

I

A rose, the symbol of love, the queen of the perfumer’s palette.
How then, does the perfume of war intoxicate even the most
reasonable of men?
—DB (From the perfume journal of Danielle Bretancourt)

3 SEPTEMBER, 1939 — ATLANTIC OCEAN

Danielle Bretancourt von Hoffman braced herself against the mahogany-paneled stateroom wall, striving for balance as she flung open a brass porthole, seeking a moment of respite she knew would never be. A damp, kelp-scented wind—a harbinger of the storm ahead—whistled through the cabin, assaulting her nose with its raw intensity, but the sting of salty spray did little to assuage the fear she had for her little boy. ... view entire excerpt...

Discussion Questions

1. Danielle experienced many scenes through her sense of smell. What are your favorite olfactory observations in this story?
2. When Danielle is launching her perfume line at Bullock’s Wilshire in Los Angles, she realizes she feels like an American. What do you think she meant by that? Do you have any stories of immigration in your own family?
3. Danielle and Max make the distinction between Germany and the Nazi party. How does this conflict affect their relationship? How do politics affect other relationships in the families?

Weblinks

»	Publisher's book info
»	Author's web site
»	Reading Guide

Book Club Recommendations

Recommended to book clubs by 0 of 0 members.

Member Reviews

There are no user reviews at this time.
Rate this book