Critical Praise
“A well-spun and sweeping debut novel about a fearless, headstrong woman. Spanning multiple continents and set against the backdrop of World War II, Jan Moran deftly weaves plotlines and tackles tough issues, all to a satisfying conclusion. Add in glimpses of the high-end fragrance trade, and SCENT OF TRIUMPH offers a thoroughly engaging tale, rich in all five senses.”
—Michelle Gable, author of A PARIS APARTMENT
“Jan Moran delivers a sweeping tale that transports readers from the lavender scented fields of Provence to the pulsing boulevards of Paris, from the flashy parties of Hollywood to the war-ravaged rubble of Nazi-occupied Poland. SCENT OF TRIUMPH is as full and rich as the intoxicating perfumes blended at the hands of its memorable and worthy heroine, Danielle. Heartbreaking, evocative and inspiring, this book is a powerful journey.”
—Allison Pataki, New York Times bestselling author of THE ACCIDENTAL EMPRESS
“Utterly inescapable once you pick it up, SCENT OF TRIUMPH pulls us into a World War II-era love story that transports the reader from behind Nazi lines, to the perfumed fields of France, and into glittering Golden Age Hollywood. Jan Moran’s masterful romance comes with a bonus: She interweaves this romantic tale with a behind-the-scenes look at how one makes and sells perfume, an art Ms. Moran is known for internationally. The fascinating result is a tale that rivals Danielle Steele at her romantic best while also providing a primer in the art of perfume!”
—Allegra Jordan, author of THE END OF INNOCENCE
“A novel that gives fans of romantic sagas a compelling voice to follow.”
—Booklist
”Jan Moran has written a sweeping saga of one woman’s journey through World War II and her unwillingness to give up even when faced with the toughest challenges. Danielle is a character readers will cherish and Jan’s descriptions of the perfume industry and Europe under siege are mesmerizing. A heartbreaking, evocative read that will transport readers to another place and time and not let go. I could not turn the pages fast enough!”
—Anita Hughes, author of LAKE COMO
“A haunting, multilayered historical romance, (Jan Moran’s) SCENT OF TRIUMPH takes us on an epic journey with the most resilient of heroines as our guide. It is a book to savor, like the most beautiful of perfumes. Inhale. Exhale. I was riveted from start to finish…and I’m only just now finding my breath.”
—Samantha Vérant, author of SEVEN LETTERS FROM PARIS: A Memoir
“An eloquent novel that will sweep you back in time to a place of struggle and fervor for living, SCENT OF TRIUMPH will leave you breathless, yet overjoyed at the nature of women who struggle to define and keep hold of their families and their art… If you like any of M.J. Rose’s novels like I do, especially THE COLLECTOR OF DYING BREATHS, you’ll love Moran’s SCENT OF TRIUMPH. Moran’s ability to take you back in time and place, opening your mind and senses, is truly her gift as a storyteller and a writer.”
—Erin Sweet Al-Mehairi, journalist, Hook of a Book blog
“Hard to put down…captivating. The tragedies of war, conflicts in family, love and passion for perfumery paint a realistic, historical portrait of some of the fragrance industry’s most famous women who created today’s top cosmetic firms. A 'must read' for anyone in the cosmetic industry or even starting a business.”
—Marvel Fields, Chairman, American Society of Perfumers
“From war-torn Europe to the sunny climes of Southern California, SCENT OF TRIUMPH is a captivating tale of love, loss, determination and reinvention. A page-turner.”
—Karen Marin, Givenchy Paris
“Action, suspense and romance as it follows its intrepid heroine through the turbulent years of World War II, from the depths of tragedy to the heights of success. Fragrance lovers will enjoy the skillful way in which scent is woven into the story…and how the heroine’s experiences are filtered through her highly refined sense of smell.”
—Nancy Arnott, A&E Television Networks
“Jan Moran is the new queen of the epic romance.”
—USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Forster, author of Expert Witness
“A rich tapestry that weaves fragrance into an already compelling story of love and perseverance during World War II. Jan’s skillful writing, combined with her wealth of olfactory knowledge, makes this a great read for all, but especially the perfume enthusiast.”
—Karen Adams, Co-Founder, Sniffapalooza
“When you lose everything, one must embrace. SCENT OF TRIUMPH follows the struggles of Danielle Bretancourt von Hoffman, who following the Second World War [attempts] to find her place in society, and finds her talent of identifying any scent on her own; she uses those talents to build her way up through the fashion world and Hollywood. Drawing heavily on the author’s own experience, SCENT OF TRIUMPH has a dedicated look into the history of the world of fashion, recommended.”
—Midwest Book Review
“A stylish, compelling story of a family torn apart by war and a woman’s courageous efforts to bring them back together, SCENT OF TRIUMPH has everything: romance, heartache, spying, intrigue and vivid settings. Danielle is just the kind of feisty female protagonist that I love, but what really sets SCENT OF TRIUMPH apart is the backdrop of perfumery that suffuses the story with the delicious aromas of rose, jasmine, lavender, bergamot, cinnamon bark, cloves and bitter orange. You can almost smell them as you read --- a remarkable feat!”
—Liz Trenow, author of THE POPPY FACTORY
"A gripping World War II story of poignant love and devastating, heart-wrenching loss. The perfumes are so beautifully described, you can smell them wafting up from the pages.”
—Gill Paul, author of THE AFFAIR
”Warm and well written, with characters who attract the reader’s sympathy and affection. A lovely story well-told, which will appeal to romantics, fashion and perfume devotees, and fans of historical fiction.”
—Amy Edelman, founder of IndieReader.com
“In SCENT OF TRIUMPH, Jan Moran has created a resilient, talented, yet relatable character in Danielle. Her story will resonate with any woman who has faced the challenges of parenting, loving and working to build a future for herself --- as well as those who are looking for a good read, and a satisfying ending.”
—Kelly James-Enger, journalist and author of WHITE BIKINI PANTIES and THE HONESTY INDEX
