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4.27 AVERAGE
4.27 AVERAGE
4.5 stars...Another WWII book for myself. I can't get enough, I can't believe there are so many to read! Loved the dual timeline, worked well.
DNF. First page was confusing, how many characters can the writer introduce in the first page? 10 or so? Too many. Main character annoyed me, yes she takes care of her younger sisters, brings all the money in, because she has lousy parents (who work hard). But fortunately she gets a rich boyfriend in the first 10 pages. When the Germans invade she gets a job because she knows ALL the French painters and has all the art experience (at 20). O and by the way, she knows German. What? Very unbelievable and convenient. Nowhere an explanation why she, a Parisienne, knows German.
Bloody annoying romance which needed some badguys in it, so let’s just place this story in WW2 Paris
Bloody annoying romance which needed some badguys in it, so let’s just place this story in WW2 Paris
4.5 stars
This was a long book. And the structure of the book is similar to others I've read with dual timelines and a connection between the two timelines that you don't figure out until further into the book. The story in the past takes place during WWII, so also similar to other books I've read, and there is a strong woman in both timelines. So it seems I would become tired of these. But this is definitely one of the better ones I've read and I had a hard time putting it down. In the past, we have Eliane Dufort, who lives in Paris during WWII. As with many, she is struggling to help support her family as a waitress in her family's restaurant, and also in the Louvre. When the Germans invade France, she and Rose Valland are tasked by the Germans to catalog all of the priceless artworks so that they can steal them. In the present, Remy Lang is struggling to survive after losing her husband and daughter in a car accident. She is living in a house in the French Riviera that she inherited when she lost her parents, although she has no idea who her parents are. The deeds and a few other items simply came with a note with her adoption papers. When her parents see how much she's struggling in NY after her loss, they suggest she go to her inherited house to recover, thinking maybe a change in scenery will help.
This book is partly a mystery as we uncover how the past and the present are connected, but it is also a love story, both in the past and in the present. With many of these dual timeline stories, I end up finding one story much more interesting than the other, but I was surprised that I couldn't wait to return to each story as the timelines alternated. I found both stories equally compelling, and I kept dreaming up scenarios for what happened in the past to lead to this future. I also did the math, trying to figure out how many generations were between Remy's timeline and Eliane's timeline. The other thing I loved about this book was that the subject, the artwork in France during the war, was something I didn't know that much about. I had some inkling about the Germans stealing artwork during the war, both as a nation and as individuals, but I didn't realize the extent to which it occurred. I had heard some recent stories about some of these pieces being recovered, so this was an extra point of connection for me. I loved the role that art, photography, and vintage clothing played in this story; this book was rich with beautiful images in a very dark time. This book definitely tugged at my heartstrings and I'm so glad the book came across my feed. For me at least, this was one of the better examples of the genre/trope of dual timelines, WWII, strong women.
This was a long book. And the structure of the book is similar to others I've read with dual timelines and a connection between the two timelines that you don't figure out until further into the book. The story in the past takes place during WWII, so also similar to other books I've read, and there is a strong woman in both timelines. So it seems I would become tired of these. But this is definitely one of the better ones I've read and I had a hard time putting it down. In the past, we have Eliane Dufort, who lives in Paris during WWII. As with many, she is struggling to help support her family as a waitress in her family's restaurant, and also in the Louvre. When the Germans invade France, she and Rose Valland are tasked by the Germans to catalog all of the priceless artworks so that they can steal them. In the present, Remy Lang is struggling to survive after losing her husband and daughter in a car accident. She is living in a house in the French Riviera that she inherited when she lost her parents, although she has no idea who her parents are. The deeds and a few other items simply came with a note with her adoption papers. When her parents see how much she's struggling in NY after her loss, they suggest she go to her inherited house to recover, thinking maybe a change in scenery will help.
This book is partly a mystery as we uncover how the past and the present are connected, but it is also a love story, both in the past and in the present. With many of these dual timeline stories, I end up finding one story much more interesting than the other, but I was surprised that I couldn't wait to return to each story as the timelines alternated. I found both stories equally compelling, and I kept dreaming up scenarios for what happened in the past to lead to this future. I also did the math, trying to figure out how many generations were between Remy's timeline and Eliane's timeline. The other thing I loved about this book was that the subject, the artwork in France during the war, was something I didn't know that much about. I had some inkling about the Germans stealing artwork during the war, both as a nation and as individuals, but I didn't realize the extent to which it occurred. I had heard some recent stories about some of these pieces being recovered, so this was an extra point of connection for me. I loved the role that art, photography, and vintage clothing played in this story; this book was rich with beautiful images in a very dark time. This book definitely tugged at my heartstrings and I'm so glad the book came across my feed. For me at least, this was one of the better examples of the genre/trope of dual timelines, WWII, strong women.
Fabulous story, I could not put the book down. My favourite Natasha Lester book. The descriptions of the villa in the French Riviera were so vivid, I could really picture myself there.
WWII, sigh…I would not want to live during the war, but I devour anything I can find that is written during that time. I loved every word; I could picture the Louvre along with the workers trying to save the art while the Germans were taking whatever they wanted. The Mona Lisa was talked about often and I learned so much about the lengths that were taken to keep her safe and not lost to the world.
The relationships were not easy with so many things working against love, but Elaine and Xavier start their relationship before the war starts and I found it intriguing to see how the war could change their relationship. The love that had for each other did not falter, it was not easy, it was not simple, but it was true. Even when forced apart they never let their hearts give up on each other.
I am focused on the past, but the current story was just as entertaining. I was not sure how it would all come together but I knew that it would at some point. The catalog is found, the Riviera house, all held the clues as to what had happened and the hope for what the future could hold.
Love and loss during a time of war with the hope and love of a future kept me turning pages and hoping for the happy ending I wanted the characters to achieve.
The relationships were not easy with so many things working against love, but Elaine and Xavier start their relationship before the war starts and I found it intriguing to see how the war could change their relationship. The love that had for each other did not falter, it was not easy, it was not simple, but it was true. Even when forced apart they never let their hearts give up on each other.
I am focused on the past, but the current story was just as entertaining. I was not sure how it would all come together but I knew that it would at some point. The catalog is found, the Riviera house, all held the clues as to what had happened and the hope for what the future could hold.
Love and loss during a time of war with the hope and love of a future kept me turning pages and hoping for the happy ending I wanted the characters to achieve.
Like my last Natasha Lester read, I found the WWII timeline so compelling and engrossing, and the modern timeline just okay. I was again disappointed by Remy’s (modern heroine) story arc. Four solid stars for all of the French landscapes, breathtaking art, and the feeling that I was standing at the Louvre in front of the Winged Victory for just a little moment.
Natasha Lester’s latest historical fiction alternates between Paris in the 1940s and 2015 on the French Rivera. Eliane Dufort is working at the Louvre when the Nazis start stealing the country’s most treasured artwork. The Jeu de Paume gallery becomes the transit station for the movement of the pieces to various locations. Pretending to not understand German, Eliane is able to spy on those coordinating the plundering and she secretly catalogs each piece, noting where the artwork is being sent. The second timeline takes place at the villa owned by Remy Lang, who is mourning the loss of her husband and young daughter. Although she was adopted as a baby, the luxurious property was left to her by her birth family. She finds a book at the villa which shows pictures of all the looted artwork during WWII. Included is a painting she immediately recognizes as one that had hung in her bedroom since childhood. The discovery leads Remy to seek the truth about her birth family.
Lester’s books are beautifully written. As with her others, she weaves historical figures with fictional characters. The Riviera House is another wonderful, well-researched story that tells of brave people who risked their lives to save France’s masterpieces. While the wartime storyline is the most riveting, as it reflects the unimaginable reality of what was occurring during the Nazi occupation, the modern day story is very engaging. Both periods include some romance. And when the past and the present start to come together, prepare to be deeply moved.
Many thanks to Forever / Grand Central Publishing, NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this memorable book in advance of its August 31, 2021 publication.
Rated 4.75 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
Lester’s books are beautifully written. As with her others, she weaves historical figures with fictional characters. The Riviera House is another wonderful, well-researched story that tells of brave people who risked their lives to save France’s masterpieces. While the wartime storyline is the most riveting, as it reflects the unimaginable reality of what was occurring during the Nazi occupation, the modern day story is very engaging. Both periods include some romance. And when the past and the present start to come together, prepare to be deeply moved.
Many thanks to Forever / Grand Central Publishing, NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this memorable book in advance of its August 31, 2021 publication.
Rated 4.75 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A beautiful then and now historical fiction. So good! 😭
I don't think I'll ever dislike anything Natasha Lester writes. This was beautiful.
challenging
dark
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes