Picture an Australian storyteller who whisks you to the cobbled streets of Paris with a flick of her pen—meet Ella Carey! A Francophile with a knack for weaving history, mystery, and romance, Carey has enchanted readers worldwide with her historical fiction novels. Her breakout hit, Paris Time Capsule, sparked a series that’s been translated into over twelve languages, proving her stories resonate far beyond her Melbourne home.
With a style that blends meticulous research with emotional depth, Carey brings the past to life, making readers feel the pulse of wartime Europe or the glamour of 1940s New York. Let’s dive into the world of this bestselling author whose tales of secrets and courage are impossible to put down.
The Making of Ella Carey
Born in Adelaide, Australia, Ella Carey grew up with a love for storytelling and a passion for France that began at age five when she started learning French. Her academic journey at the University of Adelaide shaped her craft, with degrees in classical piano and arts, majoring in English literature and modern European history. These influences shine through in her vivid historical settings. Inspired by the Adelaide Writer’s Festival, Carey knew writing was her calling, though she balanced teaching English, history, and music while honing her skills. Her frequent trips to France, over a dozen in total, fueled her imagination, especially for her debut novel, Paris Time Capsule.
Ella Carey’s Unforgettable Stories
Ella Carey’s novels are a love letter to history’s hidden stories, blending romance, mystery, and strong female protagonists. Her Secrets of Paris series, starting with Paris Time Capsule (2014), follows Cat Jordan as she uncovers a mysterious Parisian apartment untouched since World War II. The novel, inspired by a real abandoned apartment, captivated readers with its decaying romance and historical intrigue. The House by the Lake (2016) explores wartime secrets through a lens of friendship and valor, while From a Paris Balcony (2016) delves into a 19th-century mystery tied to a modern-day heartbreak.
Beyond Paris, Carey’s Daughters of New York series, launched with A New York Secret (2021), immerses readers in the 1940s culinary world, following Lily Rose’s journey to become a head chef. Her latest, An Italian Secret (2023), kicks off the Daughters of Italy series, set in a Tuscan villa during the 1940s. Carey’s style is immersive, with lush settings and themes of resilience and love, often connecting past and present to show how history shapes us.
Her meticulous research—think incognito foodie tours in New York or exploring Greenwich Village—brings authenticity to every page. Nominated for Australian Romance Reader Awards, her books resonate for their emotional depth and historical accuracy, making them must-reads for fans of authors like Rhys Bowen or Kristin Hannah.
Why Ella Carey Matters
Ella Carey’s impact lies in her ability to unearth forgotten stories, particularly those of women who defied odds in tumultuous times. Her novels, translated into over fourteen languages and published in twelve countries, have reached a global audience, earning spots on USA Today and Amazon bestseller lists. By spotlighting unsung heroes—like the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots in Beyond the Horizon—she inspires readers to reflect on courage and legacy. Carey’s active engagement with fans via her newsletter and Facebook page fosters a loyal community, ensuring her stories spark conversations worldwide.
- Born: Adelaide, Australia
- Key Works: Paris Time Capsule, A New York Secret, An Italian Secret
- Awards: Nominated for Australian Romance Reader Awards
- Fun Fact: Carey’s two Italian Greyhounds are often mistaken for whippets!
Ready to lose yourself in a world of history and heart? Snag Paris Time Capsule and dive into Ella Carey’s spellbinding historical fiction!