Reviews

Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin

juliaisreadingg's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional hopeful informative inspiring sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

library_of_kindredspirits's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Stunning!

Lucie and Paul's love story enchanted me. It was the sweetest, most wholesome romance - partly due to Paul's adorable daughter and her innocent matchmaking. If I was willing to write in this book there would probably be a bunch of hearts everywhere.

But the romance isn't the only thing that had me holding my breath. The subtle crescendo of suspense kept me rooting for the characters and sent adrenaline rippling through me.

It took me a while to understand the significance of the title but then the motif of leaves started to come through and saw the importance of the two and how they were connected. The themes and symbols really brought depth to it.

And, as Sarah always does, the history is clearly well-researched. I love the immersive feeling I get when an author has done their research and Sarah does this sooooooo well.

I'll admit that at first I wasn't sure how I felt about the book because - in part because of its setting, which is Paris rather than the US - it has a different tone than Sarah's previous books. But by the time I finished I knew Sarah hadn't let me down. Her talent and her voice still shines through.

My only qualm has to do with the cover. Where is the green?! I need to see more green! I mean, Lucie should at least be wearing green.

Only those of you who have read the book will know what I'm talking about. If you don't know what I'm referring to, maybe you should read the book and find out. You will not be disappointed. This is truly another masterpiece. Thanks @sarahsundinauthor for educating and entertaining with your God-given talent.

ka8g's review against another edition

Go to review page

slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

farmfreshlisa's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

This was so good! It touched gently on the challenges of being in France in WW2 and the perils of trying to get home when you are an American. I LOVED the exploration of the colors of leaves and it connected the title to the plot. <3

jennbehindthebooks's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Intense, heart-rending, and heartwarming... All at the same time.
That's Until Leaves Fall in Paris in a nutshell.

One silly quirk -- I never quite did understand the meaning of the title. That aside, this was a fabulous book! While not in a series, it was most definitely connected to When Twilight Breaks and I loved seeing the little connections all throughout this book. So fun!

I'll definitely be looking forward to Sarah Sundin's next book!

A big thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for providing me with a complementary e-copy in exchange for my honest review!

beachbookbabe's review

Go to review page

adventurous emotional mysterious reflective sad tense 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? Yes

4.0

susanp's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Good, well-written book about France 1941-42, prior to the U.S. involvement in WWII. Two Americans in Paris--he the owner of an auto factory and she a ballerina/book store owner--wrestle with collaboration versus resistance.

hayleym24's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious sad tense fast-paced

5.0

smalltownbookmom's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

A cinematic WWII historical fiction book about the love story between an American ballerina turned bookshop owner in 1940s Paris and a widower with an adorable little girl. When his wife dies Paul wants nothing more than to return to America but his army friends convince him to stay and provide intel on his factory outputs. Lucie convinces her Jewish friends to sell their English language bookshop to her so they can afford to escape before Paris is officially drawn into war against the Germans.

I really loved these characters. Paul and Lucie find love amidst the war, each working for the resistance in their own ways. When America finally enters the war, Paris is no longer safe and they try to get out but Paul gets detained and he entrusts Lucie to get his daughter safely home.

Great on audio narrated by Tanya Eby. This book was written by a new to me author and even though it's labelled Christian fiction, with religious aspects sprinkled throughout the story, it didn't detract from my enjoyment in the slightest. Highly recommended for WWII fiction fans!

rusticreadingal's review against another edition

Go to review page

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.