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rusticreadingal's review against another edition
5.0
There is no book I look more forward to each year than the new one from Sarah Sundin. She never fails to deliver and her latest release, Until Leaves Fall in Paris, just might be my new favorite. I don't know how she does it, but each book is better than the last. Just when I think it can't get better, she outdoes herself.
This time, we follow alongside two Americans living in Nazi-occupied Paris. Lucie, a ballerina turned bookstore owner, and Paul, an automaker running a factory in Paris, are more than they first appear. At first glance, they couldn't be more different. They're the very definition of opposites. But when they look below the surface, they have more in common than not.
It took me just a minute to warm up to Lucie and Paul, but it wasn't long before I absolutely loved them. I really admired their bravery in doing what they could to aid the Resistance. The stakes were so high and the consequences so dire if they were caught. That kind of courage is so inspiring. Paul's daughter Josie was adorable. She was such a sweet and creative little girl. I really enjoyed her imaginative stories about Feenee and the rock monsters.
I usually gravitate more towards WWII books set in the US or Germany, so to read about what it was like in France during that time was very enlightening. I learned so many new things.
I received an advanced copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
This time, we follow alongside two Americans living in Nazi-occupied Paris. Lucie, a ballerina turned bookstore owner, and Paul, an automaker running a factory in Paris, are more than they first appear. At first glance, they couldn't be more different. They're the very definition of opposites. But when they look below the surface, they have more in common than not.
It took me just a minute to warm up to Lucie and Paul, but it wasn't long before I absolutely loved them. I really admired their bravery in doing what they could to aid the Resistance. The stakes were so high and the consequences so dire if they were caught. That kind of courage is so inspiring. Paul's daughter Josie was adorable. She was such a sweet and creative little girl. I really enjoyed her imaginative stories about Feenee and the rock monsters.
I usually gravitate more towards WWII books set in the US or Germany, so to read about what it was like in France during that time was very enlightening. I learned so many new things.
I received an advanced copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
janeeyre_914716's review
5.0
Oh my heart! What a great and tender story about the French Resistance during WWII in 1941 and yet to have a love story intertwined with it from Sarah Sundin was well written. I thoroughly enjoyed this one for my first book of Sarah Sundin's books and now I totally want to listen/read more of her books. I absolutely loved Paul's and Lucie's story along with Paul's adorable little four year old girl Josie and her Feeney stories about the rock monsters (aka Nazi officers as she called them in her stories). I would recommend this book in a heartbeat hands down because it's a must read. Great story and I even came close a few times to tears, but I didn't *laughing* and yet my heart just burst at Lucie's and Paul's story. You'll just have to read and/or listen for yourself and see why this is such a tender hearted story and a story of finding love again for someone like Paul and his daughter and yet, Josie's relationship and view of Lucie Gerard was way too adorable and all I'll say is Josie is quite the little matchmaker and a good judge of character for a four year old ;)
jennifromthebooks's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
morgangiesbrecht's review
4.0
This was my first book by the author, and it certainly won’t be my last!
I haven’t read tons of WW2 fiction though I do enjoy studying the era. The history and details are realistic and utterly amazing. As a history nerd, that was probably my favourite part. I now feel somewhat educated on ballet and automobile factory operations. ;)
The characters were lovely and real. (Josie was a sweetheart.) There were some great faith aspects particularly in how we need to be careful of judging others. I thought it was tastefully woven into the story.
In terms of the plot, it was a gentle progression until about 75%; then I was desperately hooked on the action. Not the best thing when dealing with insomnia at 2am. ;)
The only thing I wasn’t super crazy about was the romance between Paul and Lucie. Don’t get me wrong; it was sweet and lovely and I was rooting for them, but…it was a bit too much for me at times. Angst and forbidden love aren’t really my thing.
I listened to the audiobook, which wasn’t my favourite because it was a little slow at times, but I’m a speed reader so that is a personal preference. Also, I wasn’t overly fond of the different accents the narrator performed; I commend her efforts, but I can’t say I found them all very natural. Again, that’s a just a personal opinion and nothing against the narrator.
Having listened to the book, I have no idea how to spell some of the French words used, particularly the words used to describe the opposite “class” of the artisans, essentially the business people. Anyways, it made me laugh because I am a creative, but I need structure. I can’t do the artisan free spirit thing. Is there a word for people like that? ;)
As a side note: Apparently this is a tie-in to When Twilight Breaks, and Peter and Evelyn get a cameo appearance. Well, me and my bad habit of not reading books in order didn’t know this and thought they were strictly stand-alones. It doesn’t affect the reading of the story, but if you’re like me and didn’t read WTB first, you obviously get the foreknowledge that whatever happens in the first book, Peter and Evelyn do end up together.
I haven’t read tons of WW2 fiction though I do enjoy studying the era. The history and details are realistic and utterly amazing. As a history nerd, that was probably my favourite part. I now feel somewhat educated on ballet and automobile factory operations. ;)
The characters were lovely and real. (Josie was a sweetheart.) There were some great faith aspects particularly in how we need to be careful of judging others. I thought it was tastefully woven into the story.
In terms of the plot, it was a gentle progression until about 75%; then I was desperately hooked on the action. Not the best thing when dealing with insomnia at 2am. ;)
The only thing I wasn’t super crazy about was the romance between Paul and Lucie. Don’t get me wrong; it was sweet and lovely and I was rooting for them, but…it was a bit too much for me at times. Angst and forbidden love aren’t really my thing.
I listened to the audiobook, which wasn’t my favourite because it was a little slow at times, but I’m a speed reader so that is a personal preference. Also, I wasn’t overly fond of the different accents the narrator performed; I commend her efforts, but I can’t say I found them all very natural. Again, that’s a just a personal opinion and nothing against the narrator.
Having listened to the book, I have no idea how to spell some of the French words used, particularly the words used to describe the opposite “class” of the artisans, essentially the business people. Anyways, it made me laugh because I am a creative, but I need structure. I can’t do the artisan free spirit thing. Is there a word for people like that? ;)
As a side note: Apparently this is a tie-in to When Twilight Breaks, and Peter and Evelyn get a cameo appearance. Well, me and my bad habit of not reading books in order didn’t know this and thought they were strictly stand-alones. It doesn’t affect the reading of the story, but if you’re like me and didn’t read WTB first, you obviously get the foreknowledge that whatever happens in the first book, Peter and Evelyn do end up together.
maryfaithreads's review
5.0
"If you imagine it, you can work for it. And if you work for it, someday you might achieve it."
Finished this book two days ago and still having an emotional breakdown over it. :')
After hearing so many of you say nothing but good things about Sarah Sundin's books for years, I finally picked one up. And it will definitely not be my last!
I just love this story, these characters. There's really no other way to explain it. I can't think of a single thing about this book that I would change. Lucie, Paul, and Josie felt so real to me. I was enchanted at times and terrified at others. Unlike many historical romances, this book did not gloss over the realities of war at all. The suspense felt almost unbearable at times and there were several moments when I thought I was going to cry from the stress of it all.
There was just so much love in this book. I wanted the best for Lucie, Paul, and Josie, and my heart ached when I thought they might not get their happy ending. This was just fantastic and instead of reading my rambling, nonsensical thoughts, you should go read the book instead.
Finished this book two days ago and still having an emotional breakdown over it. :')
After hearing so many of you say nothing but good things about Sarah Sundin's books for years, I finally picked one up. And it will definitely not be my last!
I just love this story, these characters. There's really no other way to explain it. I can't think of a single thing about this book that I would change. Lucie, Paul, and Josie felt so real to me. I was enchanted at times and terrified at others. Unlike many historical romances, this book did not gloss over the realities of war at all. The suspense felt almost unbearable at times and there were several moments when I thought I was going to cry from the stress of it all.
There was just so much love in this book. I wanted the best for Lucie, Paul, and Josie, and my heart ached when I thought they might not get their happy ending. This was just fantastic and instead of reading my rambling, nonsensical thoughts, you should go read the book instead.
simoneclark's review
4.0
Thank you, Netgalley and the author/publisher, for the opportunity to read and review an advanced reader's copy of this book. This in no way affects my review, all opinions are my own.
I think I went into this book with the expectation that it would keep me at the edge of my seat like When Twilight Breaks did. Unfortunately, this book only started doing this at around 70% or so. This book had a lot more romance in it too (a genre that I try to avoid if possible). With that being said, the book was great but it didn't reach the "I want to hug this book" status that When Twilight Breaks had for me. If you love romance and WW2, this book is definitely for you. If you want subtle romance with lots of action, chose When Twilight Breaks.
I think I went into this book with the expectation that it would keep me at the edge of my seat like When Twilight Breaks did. Unfortunately, this book only started doing this at around 70% or so. This book had a lot more romance in it too (a genre that I try to avoid if possible). With that being said, the book was great but it didn't reach the "I want to hug this book" status that When Twilight Breaks had for me. If you love romance and WW2, this book is definitely for you. If you want subtle romance with lots of action, chose When Twilight Breaks.
rebelqueen's review
1.0
Flat characters. WW2 literature is a crowded field and this one was not a winner.
ej_dh's review
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.75