A moving and entrancing novel set in Paris during World War II about an American woman, a dashing pilot, and a young Jewish girl whose fates unexpectedly entwine–perfect for the fans of Kristen Hannah’s The Nightingale and Martha Hall Kelly’s Lilac Girls, this is ”an emotional, heart-breaking, inspiring tribute to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of love” (Mariah Stewart, … enduring power of love” (Mariah Stewart, New York Times bestselling author).
When Ruby first marries the dashing Frenchman she meets in a coffee shop, she pictures a life strolling arm in arm along French boulevards, awash in the golden afternoon light. But it’s 1938, and war is looming on the horizon.
Unfortunately, her marriage soon grows cold and bitter, her husband Marcel, distant and secretive–all while the Germans flood into Paris, their sinister swastika flags waving in the breeze. When Marcel is killed, Ruby discovers the secret he’d been hiding–he was a member of the French resistance–and now she is determined to take his place.
She becomes involved in hiding Allied soldiers–including a charming RAF pilot–who have landed in enemy territory. But her skills are ultimately put to the test when she begins concealing her twelve-year-old Jewish neighbor, Charlotte, whose family was rounded up by the Gestapo. Ruby and Charlotte become a little family, but as the German net grows tighter around Paris, and the Americans debate entering the combat, the danger increases. No one is safe.
“Set against all the danger and drama of WWII Paris, this heartfelt novel will keep you turning the pages until the very last word” (Mary Alice Monroe, New York Times bestselling author).
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Excellent book! I was drawn in from the second sentence to the last one. You definitely want to read this book!
Worth the read…I loved the ending.
Great book set in WWII era
Great historical saga.
Interesting perspective of the resistance in France during WWII.
This book kept reading from beginning to end. Was a beautiful story. The insight into what happened in WWII made understand so much more about the war.
American Ruby is swept off her feet and moves to Paris with her French husband in 1939. WW2 turns her life upside down, and she finds the courage to stay in Paris and assist French resistance, as well as conceal a young Jewish neighbor. A tale of French resistance’s efforts to return Allied pilots to action, and of the hopes and dreams of a likeable young couple that inevitably crash into the realities of war. The story moves quickly, in fairly brief scenes, sometimes at the expense of summarization, i.e., if you have an interest in the Pyrenees pilot escape routes The Nightingale’s descriptions were more dramatic and immersive. That said, this is an enjoyable read about a young woman who perseveres and becomes a heroic figure in circumstances many wouldn’t have made her choices, and give us a sharp twist in the end.
Was this review helpful? I am an avid world war based fiction reader and author. You can read more of my takes at https://brodiecurtis.com/curtis-takes/.
This story is so sad, beautiful, exciting and terrifying. Every time I read about the strength and courage that took place during WWII, I’m amazed and humbled. So many have their lives for others. Many risked their lives. This story covers both.
It’s a phenomenal story that will stay with me for a very long time.
Kristin Harmel’s books are made of unforgettable characters whose stories keep you awake.
An American woman living in Paris during the German occupation, befriends a young Jewish girl, and continues her late husband’s aide in the resistance. The prologue immediately stimulated intrigue. As the scenes played out, I kept trying to guess which characters were present in the prologue. I was wrong.
A World War 2 story I will think about for a long time.
Superbly crafted and written story. Excellent book
I enjoyed it very much!
i think this is for young kids to read about WW2. long and couldn’t believe i stuck with it, not even close to the nightengale. won’t read another of her books.
WWll, Paris. Hard to put down.
I’m so glad I won this book in a giveaway. It’s a beautiful WWII historical fiction novel about two young women who both feel like outsiders in their own right in German occupied France. A young Jewish girl, Charlotte, whose father refuses to leave Paris, even amidst whispers of Jewish families being taken to work camps. Next door to her is Ruby, a young American wife whose husband treats like a petulant child, leaving her isolated in a war torn land. I don’t want to give anything away but what follows is a beautiful story of courage and strength from two unlikely heroes. Make sure you bring your tissues, you will cry, but (in my humble opinion) the tears are worth it. I will definitely be reading more Kristin Harmel!
Poignant and searing. A story of love, sacrifice and the courage to stand up for what’s right. A novel that touches the soul with its humanity and will linger in the heart forever.
For those that know me, truly know me, know that one of my favorite genres to read, is historical fiction. More specifically, the WWII era. So, when I was browsing books at B&N one day, I came across this book. First, let me say, the cover is enough to hook me! It’s gorgeous. Second, once my dad surprised me with it, I devoured it. Or, rather, it devoured me and kept me hooked til the end.
This book is not full of fluff and rhyme. Yes, there is a bit of romance woven in, but the author is taking the reader on a journey of self discovery. The reader is on a journey with the characters, feeling the heartache of the war, the pain, and sacrifice that went with running from the Nazi’s and helping with the escape efforts of the pilots.
Each page turn, Harmel gives something more to the reader. She intricately weaves a story that you become a part of. Ruby, Charlotte and Thomas all make their way into the reader’s heart. The depth of emotions is felt wholly, the detail to the history is vivid and clear.
Harmel’s THE ROOM ON RUE AMELIE is a novel that all historical fiction lovers should grab. It will consume you and keep you until the last page is turned. If I could give this book a thousand stars I would. But, alas, I can give it 5 stars. This is a book that I won’t forget and will be sharing with my friends many times over.
*This book was purchased by myself. All opinions, negative or positive, are my own.*
Set in Paris as the Germans began their occupation of France and continuing through WWII, this historical novel traces the life and courage of a young American woman who becomes involved in the French Resistence movement. It is both romantic and tragic.
She came to Paris to find her soulmate. Hitler had plans to take control of France. Her “soulmate” was killed & she continued saving pilots & a Jewish child.
I highly recommend this book if you love engrossing well written books.