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Code Name Hélène by Ariel Lawhon
5.0
challenging emotional inspiring sad tense medium-paced
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
⟡ 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒊𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 : 
  • The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
  • WWIl historical fiction
  • superwoman strong FMC
  • heartbreak that rivals Kristin Hannah 
  • his fic based on real events 
  • red lipstick 💄 

⟡ 𝑴𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 :
After falling hard for Ariel Lawhon's The Frozen River earlier this year I was eager to read more of her work. Code Name Héléne is based on the incredible true story of WWIl French Resistance fighter Nancy Wake. She is fierce as they come—brave, whip-smart, & as unapologetically bold as her signature Victory Red lipstick. I couldn't get enough of her.

This book has everything : short chapters, dual timelines, suspense, romance, & a whole cast of characters you can’t help but root for. Lawhon doesn’t just tell this story—she makes you feel it. The fear. The fury. The deeply personal stakes, the aching love story. The devastating losses, and the unshakable resolve to resist.

I love reading about the heroic women of history who rarely get the spotlight they deserve. I had never heard of Nancy, but her story is one I won't soon forget. One of my favorite books of the year & I cannot recommend it enough!

PS - the audiobook narration by Barrie Kreinik (and her mastery of all the accents!) made this book so fun to listen to. And don't skip the author's note!
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