Picture an Australian storyteller who weaves tales of fearless women against the backdrop of history’s most glamorous eras—meet Natasha Lester! A New York Times bestselling author, Lester has enchanted readers with her historical fiction novels that blend romance, ambition, and the resilient spirit of women who defied their times. From the jazz-soaked streets of 1920s New York to the war-torn ateliers of Paris, her stories breathe life into forgotten heroines, making history feel as vivid as today.
With a knack for meticulous research and a passion for fashion history, Lester crafts narratives that are as stylish as they are stirring. Her novels, translated into 21 languages, have captivated a global audience, earning her a place among historical fiction’s brightest stars. Ready to step into her world? Let’s explore the life and legacy of this remarkable author.
The Making of Natasha Lester
Born and raised in Perth, Western Australia, Natasha Lester grew up in a traditional household, often finding herself the family’s rebel. Her love for storytelling sparked early—reading Jane Eyre at 12 inspired dreams of becoming a governess, provided her employer was a dashing Mr. Rochester. Before writing, Lester thrived as a marketing executive for L’Oréal, managing the Maybelline brand. But her creative heart led her back to university, where she earned a Master of Creative Arts and penned her debut novel, What Is Left Over, After, which won the T.A.G. Hungerford Award in 2010.
Lester’s shift to historical fiction in 2016 marked a turning point. Combining her love for research, travel, and vintage fashion, she began crafting stories about trailblazing women. Her Perth home, shared with her husband and three children, became a hub of creativity, where yoga, fashion illustration, and dress-up games with her kids fueled her imagination.
Natasha Lester’s Unforgettable Stories
Lester’s novels are a love letter to women who shaped history, often in the face of adversity. Her breakout, A Kiss from Mr. Fitzgerald (2016), follows Evelyn Lockhart, a 1920s Manhattan dreamer defying societal norms to become a doctor while dancing in the scandalous Ziegfeld Follies. The novel’s vibrant setting and spirited heroine set the tone for Lester’s signature style: richly detailed, emotionally resonant, and fiercely feminist.
The Paris Seamstress (2018) weaves a dual timeline of 1940s Paris and modern-day New York, exploring love and sacrifice through a young seamstress navigating wartime dangers. The Riviera House (2021) delves into art theft during World War II, with a courageous woman secretly aiding the French Resistance. Her latest, The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard (2023), is a dazzling tribute to fashion and feminism, tracing three generations of women tied to Dior’s legacy. Lester’s upcoming novel, The Mademoiselle Alliance (April 2025), promises to spotlight Marie-Madeleine Fourcade, the only female leader of a French Resistance network.
Known for her immersive research, Lester uncovers real-life figures like art spy Rose Valland or photojournalist Jessica May, blending fact with fiction. Her prose sparkles with historical authenticity, while themes of resilience, love, and ambition resonate across eras, earning praise for their emotional depth and vivid settings.
Why Natasha Lester Matters
Natasha Lester’s impact lies in her ability to resurrect forgotten women, giving voice to their courage and creativity. Her novels don’t just entertain—they inspire readers to explore history’s unsung heroines, sparking curiosity and admiration. With international bestsellers and awards like the 2023 RNA Historical Romance for The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre, Lester has elevated Australian historical fiction on the global stage.
Her stories resonate because they celebrate the universal: the fight for dreams, the power of love, and the strength to rise above. By weaving fashion, espionage, and romance into her narratives, Lester makes history accessible and exhilarating, inviting readers to see themselves in her heroines.
- Birthplace: Perth, Western Australia
- Key Works: A Kiss from Mr. Fitzgerald, The Paris Seamstress, The Riviera House, The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard
- Awards: T.A.G. Hungerford Award (2010), RNA Historical Romance (2023)
- Fun Fact: Lester collects vintage fashion and practices fashion illustration.
Snag The Paris Seamstress or The Riviera House and dive into Natasha Lester’s dazzling world of historical fiction! Whether you’re a history buff or a hopeless romantic, her stories will sweep you away.