Author: Sarah Sundin Genre: Historical Romance Release Date: February 1, 2022 Paris, 1940 When the Nazis march toward Paris, American ballerina Lucie Girard buys her favorite English-language bookstore to allow the Jewish owners to escape. The Germans make it difficult for her to keep Green Leaf Books afloat. And she must keep the store open if she is to continue aiding 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. But in order to carry out his mission, he must appear to support the occupation--which does not win him any sympathy when he meets Lucie in the bookstore. In a world turned upside down, will love or duty prevail? Reviewer: Abigail Harder Sarah Sundin does it again. I do not know how she continues to write books that blow me away, yet she never fails to do so! Until Leaves Fall in Paris was yet another eye-opening book about how it would be to be an American in Europe during World War 2 pre-American involvement. Every single Sarah Sundin book I read, the more I fall in love with learning about World War 2. Like every other book that Mrs. Sundin writes, the characters in this book are amazing. I honestly would have read about them sweeping, and I would have enjoyed it. Lucie was so amazing. Her bravery and desire to stand up for the truth against the Nazis were so inspiring. She did not allow the fear of dying to keep her getting mixed up with things that could definitely get her killed. Paul also was just as kick-butt. He did not allow prejudices and gossip to keep him from standing up for good in his own way. Although he did it differently than Lucie, his efforts were just as valiant, if not more. Paul and Lucie's chemistry, though, was amazing. Another Sarah Sundin romance done right. Another thing, seeing Paul be a father to little Josie, was so sweet! She definitely stole the show a few times. This book was so packed full of suspense that it kept me on my toes the entire time. I was hardly able to put the book down. It definitely is going to be one of my top reads this year! I received this book from Revell through Interviews and Reviews. All thoughts are my own. I was not required to write a positive review. Reviewer: Joy Hannabass I love Sarah Sundin's books, and her latest, Until Leaves Fall in Paris, is probably one of my favorites. This one is set in one of my favorite eras, 1940 Paris, during the German occupation. I love all of the extensive, historical, detailed scenes that show the incredible amount of research Ms. Sundin accomplishes to write this amazing book for her readers. I enjoyed these characters, especially Paul and Lucie, and I enjoyed watching the development of their characters as the story unfolds. And I loved Josie too. She is so adorable. There is so much in this book. The only way you can thoroughly enjoy every aspect is to read it for yourself. There are many twists and turns that I couldn't figure out until the end. I can say so much more, but I know I would give away too much if I did. I'll say, "If you enjoy Christian historical fiction, this is a book you definitely don't want to miss." I could not put this book down once I started reading. When I thought I had found a stopping point, another intriguing point was there. It is filled with historical events, history background, intriguing suspense, and faith within the characters' lives that is dependable and true. Until the Leaves Fall in Paris will stay with me for a long time. I simply can not wait for the next Sarah Sundin book to be released! I received an advanced review copy at no cost and without obligation from Revell through Interviews & Reviews. Reviewer: Cheryl Wood Absolutely stunning! I always love a good Sarah Sundin novel. Until Leaves Fall in Paris is about two Americans, Lucie Girard and Paul Aubrey who are living in Paris during the German occupation. How can two Americans with vastly different lives, Lucie a dancer who purchased a bookstore, and Paul who owns a manufacturing business fall in love? An unexpected love story with two characters facing adversity. To learn to trust one another and those who need their help, Lucie and Girard realize they must return to America, but how can they? A page turner that kept me up into the late hours of the night. If you’re looking for romance mixed with mystery and intrigue, than this book is for you. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from Revell through NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews. Reviewer: Lisa McGuire This book is absolutely delightful. If you like historical fiction with a little bit of romance, this book is for you. Pre-WWII France- the author provides vivid scene settings and has obviously performed the appropriate research on the topics and characters that she has included in her writing. The suspense of the characters' situations makes this book hard to put down in some spots. The book's main characters are very "likeable" and demonstrate their faith in God throughout the text. I was brought to tears on more than one occasion, so have the tissues ready. The book takes place during the German occupation of France. It continues into the early stage of American involvement in the war. The included violence is mild and is what one would expect from a story in this time and setting. I strongly recommend this book. I look forward to reading more books from this author in the future. Thank you for the opportunity to review this lovely story. I received an advanced review copy at no cost and without obligation from Revell through Interviews & Reviews. Reviewer: Christy Janes Simply put, this novel is a work of art! I could not get enough of the streets of Paris through the lens of a quaint bookstore, a ballerina with many hidden talents, and an engineer with a heart of gold. Many times, I thought tears would come streaming down my face from the events these characters faced. The further I went into the story, the more I needed to know how it would end. I'm relatively new to Sarah Sundin's books having only read her other standalone novel When Twilight Breaks, but there's no doubt that Sundin is a premier voice for WW2 fiction from a Christian perspective. Until Leaves Fall in Paris earns a worthy 5 stars! This book was provided courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion. Reviewer: Winnie Thomas Set in Paris during the German occupation in 1940, Sarah Sundin’s newest book, Until Leaves Fall in Paris, is a heart-wrenching, poignant tale of courage, intrigue, adventure, and love. Sundin is a master at creating riveting historical fiction with colorful, realistic, and engaging characters. She’s also a master at plopping them down in dangerous, suspenseful situations and then skillfully bringing them out the other side while turning the reader’s heart upside down in the process. Lucie Girard is a plucky, courageous, talented dancer who takes over Green Leaf Books when her friends, the Jewish owners, flee Germany. When an opportunity presents itself to aid the resistance, she takes it, although it puts her in great danger. Paul Aubrey, an American widower with a small daughter, owns an automobile factory and is gathering information against the Germans, even while he’s selling them trucks. I enjoyed the interaction between Paul and Lucie and seeing their relationship change and grow, even though doubts and mistrust plague them both. Sundin’s vast knowledge of World War II events and settings and her impeccable research add a compelling quality to her stories as they come to life through her beautiful writing. Filled with historical detail, intrigue, suspense, and a dash of romance, this tale is one you don’t want to miss. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from Revell through Interviews & Reviews. Reviewer: Marie Edwards Thank you in advance to the publisher, Revell (a division of Baker Books), for providing a complimentary review copy through Interviews & Reviews. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own. I had my heart set on reading this book since last June (2021), when the author revealed the title and the absolutely GORGEOUS cover in her subscriber email. While the cover appears serene and calm, there is sadness to it. And, for a good reason – this takes place during World War II (WWII) as Paris is occupied by the Germans. Most of the story is about four (4) years before the war ended in 1945 and almost eight (8) months before the attack on Pearl Harbor (12/7/1941). There are going to be references to some alarming (and factual) events:
Given the sensitivity of these subjects, caution is very much advised for reading this. Even more so, as Sundin's writing is so realistic that the reader can almost feel like they're right there with the characters experiencing what they are. Before the book even gets going, it is already gripping and compelling. As soon as Paul meets Lucie, something sparks between them, primarily due to Monsieur Meow (a puppet). It isn't long until Lucie sees what Paul shows to the rest of the world – a collaborator. As a result of this, Paul's small daughter Josie suffers from a lack of friends. Paul isn't the only one working against the Germans. Lucie's shop is a drop, and she eventually figures out the codes in books and ends up helping the resistance. Paul and Lucie's romance is a slow burn due to their situation. Watching Lucie's conflict between what she knew and what she saw of Paul was a hard lesson in how what we see isn't really what is going on, and do we really "know" someone? I didn't care for Lucie initially and felt she had the greatest character development throughout the book. While his character didn't develop that much, Paul remained a solid lead from the first to the last page. The short chapters, vivid narrative, and engaging dialogue kept me reading this constantly and steadily. The last 90 pages were brilliant, terrifying, action-packed, and heart-stopping. I found I couldn't stop reading, and after closing the book, I needed to breathe and recover. I thoroughly enjoyed this intensely dramatic, dangerous, defiantly bold read. It did raise the anxiety level quite a bit in certain areas. Sundin did an impeccable job of balancing the romance, suspense, and espionage with the atrocities of the war. Her daring and bold plan for Paul, Lucie, and Josie's escape is dramatic, if not downright terrifying. The realistic imagery was enough to keep me glued to the book until the last page. While distributed by Revell, which tends towards more Christian/faith-based stories, there were only a few references to the Lord with the characters praying. Despite still needing to read three other Sarah Sundin books I own, I cannot wait for her next one. She's become a must-read WWII fiction author. Fans of the author and genre will not want to pass this one up! Reviewer: Paula Shreckhise “Nothing of any worth lies on the easy path.” I have come to rely on Sarah Sundin for a beautiful story in a beautiful setting. As always, her extensive research sets the stage for a memorable book. Absolutely stunning story of unexpected love under the adversity of occupied Paris. The Green Leaf Book Store in Paris captured my interest as well as did Lucie, an American dancing in a premier ballet company. The author shows a natural progression of faith and testing under dire circumstances. Lucie’s bravery and buoyancy come to the forefront. Paul Aubrey, a wealthy American producing quality cars, is also caught in Paris during increasingly perilous times. I love the logo chosen for the cars-AU- for gold, hence the gold standard Paul aspires to in his company. He realizes: “There was a far higher standard than quality, Do good. Resist Evil.” A highlight that shows the creativity of Lucie and Josie, Paul’s 4 year old daughter, was the puppet show during the Children’s Story Time in the book shop, and the of candy names Paul uses for Josie were precious. This story was full of suspense, danger, unexpected twists and a lesson in faith and courage. “Stories, dancing, music...they nourish. They make us think and feel. They distract us from the hardness of life. That is a gift from God.” A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own. Reviewer: Laura J. Davis Sarah Sundin delivers another epic tale filled with danger, romance and all the good feels! Grab a coffee and settle in because Until Leaves Fall in Paris will not be easy to put down. Sundin excels at WWII fiction. Her evocative prose sets the reader right down into the scene's action. Her characters are engaging, and I will miss them terribly. As always, the author has included a faith element that defines her characters and enhances the story. More than once, I found myself asking whether I would be as brave as Lucie or Paul if faced with similar circumstances. I appreciated the details of what the people of Paris went through when Hitler invaded France. There was a lot I didn't know about the resistance efforts, so this was not only entertaining but also enlightening. If you love WWII books, intrigue, danger and romance - this book has it all. I cannot recommend it enough! I received this book courtesy of Revell through NetGalley.
Virginia
2/1/2022 11:28:32 am
The books look good
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Categories
All
Archives
September 2024
|
Services |
|
2/12/2022
2 Comments