Giselle: Keeper of the Flame — Caddy Rowland

Europe is full of dark memories. Giselle's love is forbidden; her chance to be a mother destroyed. She flees to America where she becomes the haute couture fashion designer, to the wealthy, high-society Grand Dames of New York. After all, she had been mentored in Paris by the legendary Charles Worth himself.

Giselle's past remains cloaked in shadows, increasing her allure. Her heart is engaged by a man who comes to her only in secrecy, drawing her back to her mysterious past. When her brother dies and his wife abandons their child, she takes on the care of her infant nephew, Gastien, who is his grandfather's namesake.

As young Gastien becomes a teenager, he finds himself undergoing a fiery trial as he struggles with his own identity - an identity that could cost him everything. Every man deserves the right to be true to his own character and needs, but America in the 1940's could penalize him severely for simply being who he is.

Follow Gastien's tormented angst as he battles with himself to make a decision - whether to risk losing his fledgling art career, his friends, and possibly his life; or to deny his true self and struggle to find happiness while living a lie.

This historical fiction novel is book 4 of a 5 book drama/family saga for adults (The Gastien Series). As such, it contains adult themes and graphic scenes. Each book can stand on its own, but is most compelling read in order.

Historic people, places, events, and things mentioned in this book: France, Paris, House of Worth, Milan, Italy, Albergo di Milano, Grand Hotel et de Milan, Gieseppe Verdi, Capri, Locanda Pagano, Le Palma, New York City, Fifth Avenue Hotel, Central Park, Garment District, The Dakota, Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, World War 1, Great Depression, Empire State Building, Lindbergh kidnapping, World War II, Peter Luger's Steakhouse.