Book Review: Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin
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What is this book about?
As the Nazis march toward Paris in 1940, American ballerina Lucie Girard buys her favorite English-language bookstore to allow the Jewish owners to escape. Lucie struggles to run Green Leaf Books due to oppressive German laws and harsh conditions, but she finds a way to aid the resistance by passing secret messages between the pages of her books.
Widower Paul Aubrey wants nothing more than to return to the States with his little girl, but the US Army convinces him to keep his factory running and obtain military information from his German customers. As the war rages on, Paul offers his own resistance by sabotaging his product and hiding British airmen in his factory. After they meet in the bookstore, Paul and Lucie are drawn to each other, but she rejects him when she discovers he sells to the Germans. And for Paul to win her trust would mean betraying his mission.
My review:
Where should I start? When we meet Lucie and Paul it is the beginning of the German occupation of France. They are Americans and can choose to leave but for individual reasons they stay in Paris. From there danger follows them and at times overtakes them. I was riveted to their love story and gripping the pages hoping for them to get away from the peril.
Historical fiction, when done right, can put the reader in the shoes of those who have suffered and persevered before us. This story was so well written that I found myself thankful to be on the other side of the ocean. Even all these years later. Very well done.
The conflict was tense and moving, but ultimately, the love story between Lucie and Paul was the reason I kept turning the pages. It was sweet, deep, poignant, and full of hope. Their personalities were well matched. I loved that Lucie was such a kind soul and so gentle particularly with Paul’s daughter.
I think I’m going to remember the candy nicknames the best. To find out what I mean, you will need to read this book.
What I enjoyed most about this book:
All of it. Seriously.
What I didn’t like about this book:
Nothing.
Would I recommend this book to others? Absolutely. Well written historical fiction and even better memorable characters. This is the second book in the series but it can be read as a standalone story.
Note: I received this book complimentary as a participant in the Revell blog tour. I was not required to give a positive review. All of the opinions I have expressed here are my own.
Where can I learn more about this author and their books?
-Loraine Nunley
Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin (5 out of 5 stars) #amreading #BookReview #UntilLeavesFallInParis Share on XWant a copy for yourself? Buy one here today.
