In 1939, Ruby Henderson Benoit leaves the United States to live in Paris with her French husband, Marcel. They move next door to a Jewish couple and their daughter, Charlotte. The horrors of World War II approach the City of Lights and soon all lives are changed with Paris' occupation. A British pilot, Thomas Clarke is shot down over France and with much help, finds himself in Paris. He realizes that his life will never be the same after meeting Ruby and Charlotte and now he questions whether or not he ever wants to leave Paris. This book has an excellent story and is a great addition for those who love historical fiction. Definitely recommended for all !

The Room on Rue Amelie by Kristin Harmel will be available March 27, 2018 from Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books. An egalley of this book was made available by the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

This Advance Reader Copy of the book is courtesy of NetGalley and the book's publishers. I am not receiving any financial or additional benefit for posting this review other than the opportunity to read this book before it's released publically. 

tl;dr Review:

Beautifully written and better than expected!

Full Review:



So if you couldn't already tell from some of the other books I've reviewed, I'm a fan of historical fiction. I am also a sucker for strong book covers, so choosing to read The Room on Rue Amélie by Kristin Harmel was a no-brainer.

The problem with some historical fiction though is that authors can get wrapped up in too much history or too much fake drama, and the story becomes long-winded or ridiculous or overbearing.

Thankfully, The Room on Rue Amélie is none of those things! The author deftly wove together three main characters stories in a way few authors can do.

Usually, when I encounter a book that switches between different narrators, it can get confusing (see: Crazy Rich Asians). I end up having to refer back to other chapters to try and understand what's going on.

That's not the case here, and I am so happy for that. Each of the narrators is easy to follow, but the stories are also easily intertwined and you gain understanding from all aspects.

Not only that, but author Kristin Harmel also manages to make you feel like you really are in Paris in the 1940s. Having only been to Paris once (and honestly, was not that big of a fan), this book helped to soften my dislike for the city.

This book was so well written that the ending almost brought me to tears. And it takes a LOT for me to get emotional. I read about 2 - 4 books a week (depending on the week and the length), and there have only been two books in my entire life that have made me cry. So to get me to the point where I was almost in tears takes a truly well-written story.

I leave you with one of my favorite quotes from the book that is especially applicable to the start of a new year:

"You see, when you look back on things later in life, it's sometimes easier to see the purpose. So perhaps, for now, it's best to try your hardest to focus on what lies ahead. The future is still something that can be changed. . ."

I give this book 5 out of 5 thumbs up and I can't wait to see what this author writes next!

A poignant and heart-breaking beautiful story set in occupied Paris. The first chapter is in modern day California and we don't know who they are until the end. Wonderful descriptions and characters we can relate to. Could we be as brave as they were?

This is a wonderful new book about the resistance in Paris during World War II. The characters are well written and the story is a real page turner that will keep you reading to find out how it ends.

I liked the way the author started the book with an epilogue about a elderly couple in California during current times. The wife is very ill and facing death and the husband is very distraught. As readers, we don't know until the end of the book which of the couples in the story the epilogue was about.

The year is 1939 and Ruby has fallen in love with a Frenchman and moved to Paris despite her parent's warning that the political climate could be dangerous. She is in love and it's Paris and what could possibly go wrong with her life? In 1940, Paris fell to the Nazis and her life and her marriage began to fall apart. During this time, she became friends with a young Jewish girl in the next apartment whose father felt that he had nothing to worry about with the Nazis because he was a a vital member of the economy. Add to the story, an RAF pilot who got shot down and needs to get back to England and you have a story of intrigue as everyone tries to help him without getting caught by the Nazis - which would mean certain death.

This book is about two brave strong women who stood up against the evil of the Nazi regime in Paris to save their friends and their city. Readers will want to add this to their bookshelves with other recent books like The Nightengale and The Lilac Girls.

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.

This is a wonderful new book about the resistance in Paris during World War II. The characters are well written and the story is a real page turner that will keep you reading to find out how it ends.

I liked the way the author started the book with an epilogue about a elderly couple in California during current times. The wife is very ill and facing death and the husband is very distraught. As readers, we don't know until the end of the book which of the couples in the story the epilogue was about.

The year is 1939 and Ruby has fallen in love with a Frenchman and moved to Paris despite her parent's warning that the political climate could be dangerous. She is in love and it's Paris and what could possibly go wrong with her life? In 1940, Paris fell to the Nazis and her life and her marriage began to fall apart. During this time, she became friends with a young Jewish girl in the next apartment whose father felt that he had nothing to worry about with the Nazis because he was a a vital member of the economy. Add to the story, an RAF pilot who got shot down and needs to get back to England and you have a story of intrigue as everyone tries to help him without getting caught by the Nazis - which would mean certain death.

This book is about two brave strong women who stood up against the evil of the Nazi regime in Paris to save their friends and their city. Readers will want to add this to their bookshelves with other recent books like The Nightengale and The Lilac Girls.

Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Extremely moving and detailed account of life in occupied Paris during World War II. Great character development and research. You will feel the tension of daily life in Paris during this time. Recommend for anyone that enjoys a moving story that grips you from page one. Historical fiction at is best. 4..5 stars.

The courage of those who lived in Paris during WWII is unbelievable. This is historical fiction that is so realistic it will make you fear for the characters, cry when they hurt and cheer when they win. Authentic, believable, and easy to read, you can't get better than that.

“If you believe very strongly in something, stand up and fight for it.”
― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart

The thing I enjoy most about reading WWII historical fiction is that I get to enjoy many different perspectives of that time period written by different authors. The Room on Rue Amélie is another beautiful story of resilience and hope during the darkest times in history.

The story begins in New York City in 1938 where Ruby Henderson is attending university. She meets a gentleman by the name of Marcel at a café and soon thereafter Ruby’s life has taken her to Paris where her husband is from. Ruby’s life changes when the war begins and she must take it upon herself to do something to help the cause.

She meets Charlotte, a Jewish girl who lives with her parents across the hall from Ruby. Together Charlotte and Ruby attempt to make sense of the injustices of war and work together to make a difference in the war effort. This book had me in tears and filled me with hope. The characters are beautifully crafted and you will fall in live with them. You will cheer them on and cry with them and hope with them. As you read along you will want nothing more than a happy ending.

If you read The Nightingale I think you will enjoy this one. It’s a story of love, hope, resilience and having the strength to be who you are and do what you are meant to do in life.

Heartbreaking. And beautiful. And I can’t believe I binged the entire thing in one night...that’s how good it was. I kept saying, oh I’ll just stop after this chapter. And I didn’t! It was just so GOOD! This is one piece of historical fiction that gets it right.The characters were believable, the settings were magnificent (and horrifyingly real), and the story was incredible. It releases in March 2018...get it. You won’t be sorry. For fans of Kate Quinn’s The Alice Network, this is your next binge, trust me.

HUGE thanks to NetGalley for allowing me a sneak peek in exchange for an honest review.

Another historical fiction about WWII. I continue to be so impressed and awed by what civilians did to aid the allies and protect the persecuted during the war. This one presents itself through the eyes and lives of an American young woman who marries a Frenchman and befriends a Jewish family in her building. I won't tell you more because I want you to read it. The author keeps you wanting more so it's a good read for winter days or . . . .

The story starts interesting. However, as the war breaks and progresses, it is related in words rather than action. As a result the story loses its engagement.

This was a remarkable and heart tugging read from the beginning I was captured by the story of these to ladies and how under such hard and cruel circumstances they were able to become such great friends. I also loved hearing from both the young girls point of view as a Jew and also the young womens point of view and all she had to endure with her husband which was a bit shocking but I wont give any spoilers! brilliant book with a beautiful cover I highly recommend this book!

A emotional interesting story about Paris and the people who tried to survive help and love during the seigh of Paris.
Very informative story.
Learned something new about the people who lived at that time.
Really enjoyed reading.

This novel is a stunning piece about love, loss, and the depths of humanity. It was a pleasure to read and will surely be a favorite of anyone who enjoyed The Nightingale.

The first word that pops into my mind to describe this book is charming. It truly was a delightful read. Full of characters that are heart warming and a story that draws you in.

I absolutely recommend this if you are a fan of historical fiction. It's not based on a true story (that I am aware of) but it really fits that category well.

Kristin Harmel has done a fantastic job at writing characters that are real. Her descriptiveness and attention to detail are excellent. She gives us a story about love, friendship and survival that will resonate with every reader on some level.

Bottom line: a touching novel that is sure to delight.

WWII is a fascinating time period and I love reading about it. From the very first page, this book drew me in. Paris was beautifully set through Kristen Harmel and allowed me to see it through Ruby’s eyes. Ruby is an American woman who decides to stay in Paris during the war years, risking her life to save others. I loved the interweaving of characters in this book. Harmel does a wonderful job introducing and traveling through time with her characters. I felt for these characters and was broken with them when things were unbearable. I also adored them though for what they were doing for others during this horrible time in history. This is a beautiful read for anyone who loves historical fiction set during WWII.

I was drawn into this story from the first chapter. This is an emotional story of three lives who are connected during the horrors of WWII in Paris ... filled with heartache, inspiration and hope. I loved this novel! Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for an advanced reader's copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 4.5 stars

I am an official reviewer for NetGalley..and had the great privilege to read this book.

From the very first page, this book drew me in. WWII is a fascinating time period for me and this book set the stage well. Paris is also at the top of my bucket list and Kristen Harmel allowed me to see it through Ruby’s eyes. Ruby is an American woman who decides to stay in Paris during the war years, risking her life to save others. This book has lots of twists and turns and is well written. I can picture myself in Paris in WWII...I often ask what I think I would have done had I been raised during this time period. I hope that I would be just like Ruby and risk my life to help others.

This novel is a true masterpiece! I really enjoy World War II historical fiction and The Room on Rue Amélie is now at the top of my list. The beautiful book cover and synopsis is what initially drew me into this novel, but I was 100% hooked after the first chapter! The storyline was multilayered with fascinating characters and timed perfectly. I think I went through every emotion imaginable while reading this gripping tale and several times my heart actually hurt (true sign of amazing writing)! I don’t want to go into detail and spoil any of the plot because the blinder you go into this book the better, but I honestly think this a novel everyone should read! I wish I could give The Room on Rue Amélie a million stars because it’s just that fantastic! If you are looking for moving novel that’s unforgettable, than 1-click this book!!!