The Girl from Vichy by Andie Newton was an eye-opening read as I know next to nothing about France during the Second World War. The events in this period of history are so heartrending but it really showed the indomitability of the human spirit as well.

I felt that the book really shone when Newton focused on the struggle each individual felt when trying to make sense of the events unfolding around them. The differences in beliefs and ideologies were so great that even families could be torn apart over them. However, I didn’t really feel invested in any of the relationships.. perhaps everything seemed insignificant compared to the wider political events? The individual struggles of the characters felt way more impactful to me.

Focusing on the the French Resistance kept the stakes high and the tension going. It reminded me that no matter how ugly things may get, I can still make the choice to make things better in my own way.

Diversity meter:
-

I am breathless, having just finished this stunning book. The author has a wonderful command of language, evoking time, place and character with a distinctive and creative turn of phrase. I was immediately immersed in the characters, vicariously championing the cause of the Resistance and even knowing the outcome of the war, the author creates tension and intrigue. This is a true page turner for fans of Natasha Lester and Deborah Carr.

Thanks to NetGalley, Aria and Andie Newton for my copy of The Girl from Vichy.
1942 France. Adèle Ambeh's father has arranged a marriage for her to Gerard Baudoin a member of the hated Vichy police, as her wedding day approaches to the collaborator she’s filled with dread and her mother organizes for her to escape to Lyon. Here she seeks refuge at the Sisters of Notre Dame del la Compassion convent and the sisters are involved in the French resistance, they hide weapons and people.

Here she meets Marguerite a member of the resistance; as part of her new role she is sent back to Vichy and has to tell her fiancé she had a bad case of pre wedding nerves. Her father Albert, sister Charlotte side with the new regime and Adèle and her mother Pauline are against it. This tears their family apart, many of the locals take different sides and it’s hard to know who is a collaborator and who isn't.

Vichy France is a spa town ruled by a puppet government and in charge of it is an elderly WW I French hero Philippe Petain. The area is referred to as the free zone; it’s far from free and many of the French people opposed the regime and continue to fight against the German occupation.
Adèle is caught up in the desperate fight to free her country from the Nazi regime; the resistance fighters are involved in small forms of sabotage it’s risky and very dangerous and at any time they could be dobbed in by a local collaborator and captured by the German's.

The Girl from Vichy is a story about one brave woman standing up for what she believes in, and her loyalty to her country, Adèle knows the end of the war is very close; she and Luc need to stay one step ahead of the Germans until the allies arrive and avoid being captured.
I really liked the book; it has a strong female protagonist, interesting story with lots of twist and turns and it's filled with suspense, intrigue, tragedy, danger, and four stars from me.

The Girl from Vichy by Andie Newton is an excellent historical fiction novel about some of the Resistance members that lived in the “free zone” or the southern part of France during WWII that was under the Petain administration (aka a front for German occupation).

It was interesting to read about some of the brave members of these groups that were French, and foreign, citizens that tried to help liberate and save each other against difficult odds. It is always hard to see people being treated this way, especially by their fellow neighbors. It must have taken unbelievable courage and strength to risk their lives for this cause. Their stories are vital to the turning of tides during this time.

I enjoyed reading about Adele’s specific story. To go against part of her family’s beliefs into what she and her mother felt was right, is unthinkable to us today. She is a strong, realistic, intelligent, independent, flawed, and like able character and I felt invested into her story throughout the novel. I enjoyed the mystery, plot twists and turns, and also the ending.

This book is a must if you enjoy strong female characters, light romance, WWII historical fiction, and an addictive plot.

5/5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Aria for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon and B&N accounts upon publication.

While I am all for recognizing unsung heroes, especially female ones, this book just did not enthrall me. Relationships seemed rushed at times, and the main character's interactions with others left me wondering how she could have taken on the role that she does--her character did not seem to match. The books has some jumps in time that feel confusing, and, overall, I found the end predictable.

First of all the women of the french resistance stories I always felt needed to be told. They were always Hero's to me. Second this book had me crying a lot because it really effected me in ways I forgot effect me with these kind of books. Third Kudos too Andie For writing about these Heroic people in harsh time while trying to make sure that there is hope never give up.

Adele The main character runs away with her Moms help to Saint Pierre Nuns to escape marrying a Nazi collaborator. For numerous reasons, one is of course she found it a betrayal to side with the germans against France and numerous others politically she couldn't stomach it. These nuns are also something else they are part of rescuing people and helping a cover up resistance ring. Adele joined the resistance to help fight Nazi occupied France and to right the wrongs they were doing to jewish and other people they hated.

The French collaborators working with the germans to get better positions once the Germans took over before they were welcomed into Paris to avoid war. Many heroes worked secretly in forms, little ways and large or even one time only. Also to root out corruption in any town. Many sacrified their life to also make sure the Americans and other countries help the french take back Paris. What is worth fighting for your freedom for others and not just yourself?

I am very glad that these people will always be remembered by writing it down on paper. This was not a selfless act.
I do so thank Net gallery for giving me this Arc to rate and read it.