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A Remarkable Woman
From postwar Paris to Australia to find love, fashion and freedom
One woman's quest to follow her head, and her heart.
Twenty-six-year-old Frenchwoman Avril Montdidier sails from Paris to Australia with a suitcase and a dream: to start her own fashion business.
1950s Melbourne is very different from the chic atelier of Dior where Avril once worked, but she is determined, courageous and resourceful.
When personal circumstances force her to flee Melbourne, she travels to a cattle station in southern Queensland to work as a governess. It is here Avril meets Tim: the eldest son of her benefactor and heir to Monaghan Station.
Avril must grapple with her twin desires - her love for Tim, who is set to marry someone else, and her yearning for independence.
One woman's quest to follow her head, and her heart.
Twenty-six-year-old Frenchwoman Avril Montdidier sails from Paris to Australia with a suitcase and a dream: to start her own fashion business.
1950s Melbourne is very different from the chic atelier of Dior where Avril once worked, but she is determined, courageous and resourceful.
When personal circumstances force her to flee Melbourne, she travels to a cattle station in southern Queensland to work as a governess. It is here Avril meets Tim: the eldest son of her benefactor and heir to Monaghan Station.
Avril must grapple with her twin desires - her love for Tim, who is set to marry someone else, and her yearning for independence.
352 pages, Paperback
First published June 28, 2022
32 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 12, 2022
Ridiculous book. I rarely regret the time I spend reading but this is just a gushing girl fantasy that would suit a tawdry romance publisher. Barely a nod to context such as weather, let alone indigenous peoples (other than a character Col ‘who’d teach us where to find bush Tucker, food that is.How to find water & the easiest way to start a fire … It’s a special place to Col & his people.’) Seriously. Embarrassing. And as to capturing ‘the pioneering women’ @ Sally Hepworth you know better than this. Leave it on the shelf in the newsagent book section.
July 6, 2022
Thank you Pan Macmillan for sending us a copy to read and review.
A remarkable read indeed, showcasing a remarkable woman and her journey from war torn Europe to Australia.
A dose of historical drama and splash of family saga combine to make the most enchanting story.
A location smorgasbord showcasing Paris, Melbourne and the sweeping QLD plains offers a rural back drop against the emerging fashion world of Melbourne.
Avril has a flair for fashion and once she arrives in Melbourne to restart her life after the horrors of war and emotional turmoil.
Living with her Aunt and Uncle she embarks on a journey that will test her to the max and see opportunities arise in places she least expected.
A chance meeting on a train creates an overwhelming domino effect.
A lifetime connection to the family and their sprawling cattle station.
An affinity that will be both bitter and sweet.
I was taken aback how refreshing and compelling this was and absolutely loved Avril, the epitome of a remarkable woman.
The glowing endorsements on the cover by renowned authors really nail the essence of this book.
I cannot speak highly enough of this action packed entertaining read.
A remarkable read indeed, showcasing a remarkable woman and her journey from war torn Europe to Australia.
A dose of historical drama and splash of family saga combine to make the most enchanting story.
A location smorgasbord showcasing Paris, Melbourne and the sweeping QLD plains offers a rural back drop against the emerging fashion world of Melbourne.
Avril has a flair for fashion and once she arrives in Melbourne to restart her life after the horrors of war and emotional turmoil.
Living with her Aunt and Uncle she embarks on a journey that will test her to the max and see opportunities arise in places she least expected.
A chance meeting on a train creates an overwhelming domino effect.
A lifetime connection to the family and their sprawling cattle station.
An affinity that will be both bitter and sweet.
I was taken aback how refreshing and compelling this was and absolutely loved Avril, the epitome of a remarkable woman.
The glowing endorsements on the cover by renowned authors really nail the essence of this book.
I cannot speak highly enough of this action packed entertaining read.
January 24, 2023
Look, it was fine. I can appreciate it as the type of escapist fiction that you don't have to pay too much attention to while reading at the beach or on audiobook (as I did). It felt a bit like it was capitalising on the success of novels like The Dressmaker, but with much less depth or craft.
The attempts to paint setting were far too broad (especially the rural context of half of the book). Characters were also constructed with vague brushstrokes, which one might expect when there are so many, but cannot abide in a main character. Avril seems as though she can do no wrong and has no faults; everyone is just 'drawn to her'. While Van Mil has attempted to give her a tragic backstory (one that initially caught my interest in the beginning), I can't help but feel Avril's habit of shying away from her memories is a bid by the author to hide a lack of depth in the character. The lack of character also makes the romantic plot almost impossible to connect to.
Most 'turns' were predictable, and the second half of the novel has so many time jumps. Overall, I can see why some readers might like it, but I am flabbergasted by the 4 and 5 star reviews it's gotten.
The attempts to paint setting were far too broad (especially the rural context of half of the book). Characters were also constructed with vague brushstrokes, which one might expect when there are so many, but cannot abide in a main character. Avril seems as though she can do no wrong and has no faults; everyone is just 'drawn to her'. While Van Mil has attempted to give her a tragic backstory (one that initially caught my interest in the beginning), I can't help but feel Avril's habit of shying away from her memories is a bid by the author to hide a lack of depth in the character. The lack of character also makes the romantic plot almost impossible to connect to.
Most 'turns' were predictable, and the second half of the novel has so many time jumps. Overall, I can see why some readers might like it, but I am flabbergasted by the 4 and 5 star reviews it's gotten.
July 17, 2022
http://jessjustreads.com
Jules Van Mil’s A Remarkable Woman is a sweeping saga set in the wake of World War II, as a young woman escapes tragedy in Paris for the cattle stations of Queensland, and eventually settles within the fashion industry of 1950s Melbourne.
A mix between commercial woman’s fiction and historical fiction, A Remarkable Woman is an uplifting tale of one woman’s perseverance amidst a suite of tragic circumstances. Set in a time when women were seen as second class to men, Avril is determined to succeed, even if it takes longer than she’d hoped. She’s determined, headstrong and a very patient woman — she knows to put her own dreams first, even if that takes sacrifice.
“At the back of the stables, Avril found Guy and they sprinted, hand in hand, down the row of poplar trees. They climbed a wooden fence next to a field of sunflowers and made their way to the grassy bank of the river. As they sat and watched the ducks swim by, they talked about the coming summer.”
Fans of historical fiction will fall in love with the setting, characters and the storyline. A Remarkable Woman traverses quite a long period of time, which is refreshing to read in this genre. Jules shows us how hard it can be for a woman in this time period to achieve their dreams, and how many side steps they must take before getting back on track. I think it’s important to have historical stories where someone’s success develops in a realistic time frame, when considering the era they’re living in.
Setting is one of the strengths of this novel, as Jules captures the chic Parisian location in the opening chapters of the book, and then the vast, open and sometimes unforgiving Australian landscape for the rest of the story. Other strengths in the novel are characterisation, dialogue, pacing and the dynamic between Avril and those she is closest to.
“It had been less than a week but Avril had missed the banter they shared on the ship, as well as their more serious discussions about the careers they hoped to have. They had seen how war had destroyed opportunities for young people in their homeland, and had vowed to make the most of their new lives.”
As a big fan of historical fiction, I adored Avril’s story and her journey throughout the book. I loved that the relationship wasn’t the forefront of the story, and that ultimately, this is a story about a woman following her passions and her dreams to carve a career for herself. She doesn’t let doubts consume her, and she doesn’t let heartache — which she frequently experiences — delay her success. Ultimately, Avril is an independent woman who doesn’t want to have to rely on anyone to solidify her position in society.
“At the station, the last whistle for her train was blowing as Avril raced along the platform and wrenched open the door of the first-class carriage, scrambling in. A porter appeared and motioned for her ticket.”
Charming, wholesome and recommended for readers of historical fiction, romance and women’s fiction, A Remarkable Woman will sweep up readers and keep them engaged until the very end. Readership skews female, 30+
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Jules Van Mil’s A Remarkable Woman is a sweeping saga set in the wake of World War II, as a young woman escapes tragedy in Paris for the cattle stations of Queensland, and eventually settles within the fashion industry of 1950s Melbourne.
A mix between commercial woman’s fiction and historical fiction, A Remarkable Woman is an uplifting tale of one woman’s perseverance amidst a suite of tragic circumstances. Set in a time when women were seen as second class to men, Avril is determined to succeed, even if it takes longer than she’d hoped. She’s determined, headstrong and a very patient woman — she knows to put her own dreams first, even if that takes sacrifice.
“At the back of the stables, Avril found Guy and they sprinted, hand in hand, down the row of poplar trees. They climbed a wooden fence next to a field of sunflowers and made their way to the grassy bank of the river. As they sat and watched the ducks swim by, they talked about the coming summer.”
Fans of historical fiction will fall in love with the setting, characters and the storyline. A Remarkable Woman traverses quite a long period of time, which is refreshing to read in this genre. Jules shows us how hard it can be for a woman in this time period to achieve their dreams, and how many side steps they must take before getting back on track. I think it’s important to have historical stories where someone’s success develops in a realistic time frame, when considering the era they’re living in.
Setting is one of the strengths of this novel, as Jules captures the chic Parisian location in the opening chapters of the book, and then the vast, open and sometimes unforgiving Australian landscape for the rest of the story. Other strengths in the novel are characterisation, dialogue, pacing and the dynamic between Avril and those she is closest to.
“It had been less than a week but Avril had missed the banter they shared on the ship, as well as their more serious discussions about the careers they hoped to have. They had seen how war had destroyed opportunities for young people in their homeland, and had vowed to make the most of their new lives.”
As a big fan of historical fiction, I adored Avril’s story and her journey throughout the book. I loved that the relationship wasn’t the forefront of the story, and that ultimately, this is a story about a woman following her passions and her dreams to carve a career for herself. She doesn’t let doubts consume her, and she doesn’t let heartache — which she frequently experiences — delay her success. Ultimately, Avril is an independent woman who doesn’t want to have to rely on anyone to solidify her position in society.
“At the station, the last whistle for her train was blowing as Avril raced along the platform and wrenched open the door of the first-class carriage, scrambling in. A porter appeared and motioned for her ticket.”
Charming, wholesome and recommended for readers of historical fiction, romance and women’s fiction, A Remarkable Woman will sweep up readers and keep them engaged until the very end. Readership skews female, 30+
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2022
This was an enjoyable escapist read. Although there were some gritty bits like domestic violence and gender issues, it seemed that everything April touched turned to gold and she could do no wrong. It was interesting watching the changes in retailing and clothes shopping. The friendships that developed were heartwarming. The ending was lovely, if not a little predictable.
February 15, 2023
I was excited to read this book, but ultimately didn't finish it after about half way. It felt quite formalistic. The heroine had no bad qualities...too sugary sweet to be true. Romance scenes very predictable. Decided I had better thi g's to spend my time on.
February 9, 2023
I enjoyed the premise of this book, and loved the characters and the setting. An easy read
Read
July 1, 2022This is a really great read. It’s been a while since I’ve read a ‘saga’ and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Van Mil takes us on a grand adventure from post-war Paris to to the oh-so-chic Melbourne of the 1950’s to a cattle station in Southern Queensland.
Avril’s story is rich with heartache and loss but also strength, resilience, ambition and love.
‘Twenty-six-year-old Frenchwoman Avril Montdidier sails from Paris to Australia with a suitcase and a dream: to start her own fashion business. 1950s Melbourne is very different from the chic atelier of Dior where Avril once worked, but she is determined, courageous and resourceful. When personal circumstances force her to flee Melbourne, she travels to a cattle station in southern Queensland to work as a governess. It is here Avril meets Tim: the eldest son of her benefactor and heir to Monaghan Station. Avril must grapple with her twin desires - her love for Tim, who is set to marry someone else, and her yearning for independence.’
I found this very reminiscent of ‘A Woman Of Substance’ by Barbara Taylor Bradford which I first read as a teenager in 1980.
I’d really love to see Avril’s story adapted for the screen. I think it would translate really well into a very watchable movie or series.
A huge congratulations to @jules_vanmil.
I wish you every success.
I’m more than happy to sing the praises of this book. It was released on June 28 so is available right now. I highly recommend you grab yourself a copy.
Huge thanks to the team at @macmillanaus for gifting me an ARC to review.
November 19, 2023
A Remarkable Woman is certainly an apt title for a book whose main character displays zero flaws throughout the entire story. Not only is she good at everything, but she also has the personality of a saint and almost every character she encounters expresses how impressive she is without a shred of subtlety. Seems Jules has never heard the phrase 'show don't tell'.
The characters are completely one-dimensional, which results in incredibly mundane dialogue and also makes it difficult to keep track of who's who as everybody shares the same bland personality.
And then of course we get the 'other woman' trope which is the laziest and most predictable attempt to introduce conflict into a storyline any author can attempt at this point. Not only does poor Rachel get written into being a snobbish and deceitful alcoholic, but she's also killed off in the most gruesome and unceremonious fashion (along with the one and only Indigenous character - ugh!) which was apparently the only way we could get our happy(?) ending. Jules, this book came out in 2022, can we not write women into these narrow cliches - please?!
The characters are completely one-dimensional, which results in incredibly mundane dialogue and also makes it difficult to keep track of who's who as everybody shares the same bland personality.
And then of course we get the 'other woman' trope which is the laziest and most predictable attempt to introduce conflict into a storyline any author can attempt at this point. Not only does poor Rachel get written into being a snobbish and deceitful alcoholic, but she's also killed off in the most gruesome and unceremonious fashion (along with the one and only Indigenous character - ugh!) which was apparently the only way we could get our happy(?) ending. Jules, this book came out in 2022, can we not write women into these narrow cliches - please?!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2022
I was swept up in this beautiful story within the first few pages. A young woman loses the people she loves during the war and leaves France in the 1940s for Australia. She arrives in Melbourne with big dreams to start her own fashion label. She’s a strong, charming, independent and likeable character and I was invested in what happens to her from the start. The author describes the scenery and characters so well! I felt totally immersed in the fashion, friendship group, and city and country Australia in the 40s. Definitely recommend.
June 19, 2022
What a charming and heart-warming story! Avril is a character to adore. She's independent, gutsy, empathetic, with an admirable generosity of spirit. I loved reading about the Melbourne locations but, even more than that, the fashions of the 1950s! The descriptions are lush and each setting made me want her to stay forever. This is a delightful book.
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a review copy.
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a review copy.
December 16, 2022
I have never left a 1 star review before, however, this book was terribly written. The plot was fractured - parts of the story in the beginning were never addressed in the end. As well, all elements of the plot were too good to be true and unbelievable. It was written like a cheap romance novel but without the romance. Would not recommend.
January 18, 2024
Loves this book - read it in two lovely afternoons. Great plot - not too heavy. Great period piece. Lovely descriptions of Queensland country life and Melbourne city life post WW2.
Read
August 31, 2022Starting in France just before the beginning of WWII, we follow the story of young Avril as a series of tragedies force her to come to Melbourne to begin again. Here she stays with her Aunt and indeterminably sets out to forge a career in the world of fashion and design she is so passionate about. Of course, things don’t all go to plan and a chance meeting with a stranger on the train sees her head to a remote QLD property as a governess after a rather nasty turn of events at home, but her visions for herself are always there pushing her on.
There are many themes running throughout this book as Avril never stops in her steadfast plan for her future. This is the perfect novel for fans of Di Morrissey, Danielle Steel, Nicole Alexander and Fiona MacCallum with a lot of fashion thrown in!
- Leanne
There are many themes running throughout this book as Avril never stops in her steadfast plan for her future. This is the perfect novel for fans of Di Morrissey, Danielle Steel, Nicole Alexander and Fiona MacCallum with a lot of fashion thrown in!
- Leanne
August 25, 2024
A woman leaves France behind at the end of WWII and seeks new opportunity and a chance of a fresh start in Australia. She's lost so much during the war - the man she loves and the baby he never hit the chance to meet. She carries nothing but a suitcase and a heart full of dreams.
When she arrives in Australia, with the support of her Aunt and the people she meets she works hard and eventually uses the skills her mother taught her to start work in the fashion industry, designing and creating beautiful, affordable and elegant clothes for the women of Melbourne. Her business grows into a fashion empire and she uses the money she amasses to help other women and children in need at a time that men hold the balance of power in most relationships. Despite her success and wealth, love and happiness seem to elude her as she is kept from the man she loves through no fault of her own.
A warm work of historical fiction which tells the story of the suffering in Europe during WWII and the story of a young, determined woman who travelled the world in search of new beginnings.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
When she arrives in Australia, with the support of her Aunt and the people she meets she works hard and eventually uses the skills her mother taught her to start work in the fashion industry, designing and creating beautiful, affordable and elegant clothes for the women of Melbourne. Her business grows into a fashion empire and she uses the money she amasses to help other women and children in need at a time that men hold the balance of power in most relationships. Despite her success and wealth, love and happiness seem to elude her as she is kept from the man she loves through no fault of her own.
A warm work of historical fiction which tells the story of the suffering in Europe during WWII and the story of a young, determined woman who travelled the world in search of new beginnings.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
October 6, 2022
This novel was such an enjoyable read from the first page to the last. Jules writes with a positive energy that keeps the story line strong and flowing. The characters are believable and as a reader I was able to relate to each of them, their personalities, mannerisms and their values. The main character, Avril is a wonderful representative of the intelligent feminine, hardworking and sensitive. I especially loved the scenes that were painted in my mind of country life in Australia. I also really loved listening to Audibles' chosen narrator for the book. This beautiful work of fiction is definitely worth reading and listening to.
July 15, 2023
Easy read. Avril is a woman of grace, strength and courage. I enjoyed reading about the station and the Meredith family.
The plot felt a bit simple in that every problem was solved quickly and easily, particularly anything that April did. The final few chapters felt rushed, denying me the pleasure of reading the ending in a detailed way! Some initial questions from the beginning of the book aren't answered or explored.
It was an easy, enjoyable read though.
The plot felt a bit simple in that every problem was solved quickly and easily, particularly anything that April did. The final few chapters felt rushed, denying me the pleasure of reading the ending in a detailed way! Some initial questions from the beginning of the book aren't answered or explored.
It was an easy, enjoyable read though.
February 17, 2023
A really good read about a woman who emigrates to Australia from France after the war. She sets up a fashion house but also meets the love of her life on an outback Queensland ranch. Events out of her control will dictate her future but maybe ‘timing is everything’. I really enjoyed the descriptions of post war Melbourne when emigrants were flooding into the country and making their mark.
March 25, 2026
This book comes off a little plain.
It follows an almost perfect woman - a saint. Her only faults is that she is driven. She is desirable, she has great work ethics and is ambitious.
I found the plot predictable. But there is charm and something beautiful romanticising this era of Australia.
It is a very linear story so the pace comes off slow and steady.
It follows an almost perfect woman - a saint. Her only faults is that she is driven. She is desirable, she has great work ethics and is ambitious.
I found the plot predictable. But there is charm and something beautiful romanticising this era of Australia.
It is a very linear story so the pace comes off slow and steady.
September 12, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. The main character was very inspiring.
January 12, 2023
What an enjoyable read. Loved the time frame and the setting. The main character was believable. Look forward to more by this author.
July 17, 2023
Audio
August 26, 2023
This was an easy read but seemed a bit unrealistic with everything Avril touches being a huge success.
August 27, 2023
An engaging story. I found, though, that some characters (Avrril?) came across as too perfect.
October 30, 2023
A French woman rural Australia. Pleasant story of persistence and romance.
April 1, 2025
Gorgeous story showing the grit and determination by a woman who knew what she wanted and achieved.
September 10, 2025
2.5 just okay.
Read
June 28, 2022RTC
February 16, 2024
4.5 stars.
Twenty-six-year-old Frenchwoman Avril Montdidier sailed from 1950s Paris to Australia with a suitcase and a dream: to start her own fashion business. When personal circumstances forced her to flee Melbourne, she moved to work in a cattle station in southern Queensland where she met Tim, who captured her heart. Avril had to grapple between love or her independence.
Can I call a historical fiction a modern fairy tale? Because this book was it for me. There was no damsel in distress despite of the life struggles Avril faced, there was no knight in a shining armour even though Avril was surrounded by kind, handsome men. Her accomplishments were hers and hers only.
I didn’t even know this book existed. It had completely slipped my radar until I came across A Curious Daughter, which turned out to be its sequel. I’m glad I didn’t skip this book as this was a wonderful story.
Most strong female characters in books set in the 50s would be happy to have a business owner of one fashion store as an end goal, but it wasn’t the case with Avril. She dreamt big and proved that there shouldn’t be any cap on a woman’s dream. Yes, some events ‘coincidentally’ lined up to her benefits in the story, and some challenges might have been conveniently resolved, but I didn’t mind them at all.
As I said, this was my kind of fairy tale! Loved it.
See my bookstagram review.
Twenty-six-year-old Frenchwoman Avril Montdidier sailed from 1950s Paris to Australia with a suitcase and a dream: to start her own fashion business. When personal circumstances forced her to flee Melbourne, she moved to work in a cattle station in southern Queensland where she met Tim, who captured her heart. Avril had to grapple between love or her independence.
Can I call a historical fiction a modern fairy tale? Because this book was it for me. There was no damsel in distress despite of the life struggles Avril faced, there was no knight in a shining armour even though Avril was surrounded by kind, handsome men. Her accomplishments were hers and hers only.
I didn’t even know this book existed. It had completely slipped my radar until I came across A Curious Daughter, which turned out to be its sequel. I’m glad I didn’t skip this book as this was a wonderful story.
Most strong female characters in books set in the 50s would be happy to have a business owner of one fashion store as an end goal, but it wasn’t the case with Avril. She dreamt big and proved that there shouldn’t be any cap on a woman’s dream. Yes, some events ‘coincidentally’ lined up to her benefits in the story, and some challenges might have been conveniently resolved, but I didn’t mind them at all.
As I said, this was my kind of fairy tale! Loved it.
See my bookstagram review.
July 23, 2022
absolutely love this
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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