This was very good historical fiction. The total impact of the book will stay with me for days.
Many thanks to Atria Books and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

World War II historical fiction had been hot for a few years. Lana”s War depicts a French woman who lost her husband and decides to help the Resistance in the Rivera. I found Lana’s character to be implausible. She entreaties Guy to never leave her stranded again, belying the independence of a spy. She and Guy speak openly about their activities, which is something spies would not have done. Guy’s actions in the end also don’t match up with his earlier convictions. For historical fiction, I found the characters to be not very believable.

Another in the plethora of books about the French Resistance, this one is very readable with likeable characters, but has really nothing new to add to the genre. Although the setting on the French Riviera is a bit different, and I didn't realize that the Nazis tolerated the "jet set" and allowed the Jewish population to live fairly normal lives...at least for a while, the story is pretty predictable and (honestly) not very exciting or suspenseful. Perhaps it's because although there are moments of tension, nothing very dire happens to any of the main characters...they all seem to go about their business of spying on Nazis and smuggling Jews out of the country without many repercussions. Maybe I've just read too many of these books, but this one is just a "shrug" for me.

A multifaceted story which works most of the time. The opening salvo is almost too brutal and a few months and a few pages later the focus takes a huge turn from despair to commitment.

Conscripted by a cause, wondering what It would feel like to have no one left and to worry about the future every day, knowing the challenges are almost insurmountable, there is no going back. Lana compares herself to a tightrope walker acknowledging that if she falls so many others will perish as well.

Admittedly this may be a left handed comparison but midway through this book the Cary Grant mystery thriller “To Catch a Thief” was swirling around in my subconscious. Despite the stories being different there are interesting nuances and parallels - the setting of the French Riviera, people of wealth and privilege, hinting at romance amidst all the clandestine happenings. I allowed my imagination to run wild attributing good looks (emerald green eyes) and glamour to our protagonists - even their names drip it; Guy and Lana.

There is a certain lightness to the writing which allowed me to enjoy the banter, the dialog and the constant tête-à-tête between the characters. Unfortunately the last chapter and ending left me with a big fat nothing.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria for a copy

Lana's War by Anita Abriel is the latest in WWII novels I have read recently and thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books, I have the chance for an ARC to share my thoughts with you.
In 1943, Lana Antanova is going to share some exciting news with her husband at the Paris convent where he teaches music. Lana arrives to see the Gestapo execute him for hiding a Jewish girl.
Devastated, Lana is later approached to assist in the Resistance in the French Riviera. Lana's background makes it easy for her to infiltrate the social scene and gather information against Hitler and his men.
I found this book lighter than some WWII novels but it was well researched and a very enjoyable read for me.

I did t even make it past chapter 2 and I could tell I wouldn’t like this book.
It had no emotional depth to the story. Instead of building the characters slowly and investing the readers in the plot, the author whips us through important events within the first few pages. How am I supposed to care about the lost of Lana’s husband when I know nothing about them? They are strangers on a page to me.

I tried to keep going and was hoping that first scene was a fluke. But alas, the story continued at the same breakneck pace and I lost interest. A good WWII historical fiction has to emotionally invest it’s reader. I could tell from the fresh two chapters this was not up to par.

I DNF this book.

Lana's war a very enjoyable read set during WWII. The reader learns about a different setting, the French Riviera, and how the war impacted that region differently. It was interesting to learn about how that area was almost untouched, until the raids began and Jews were captured and sent to concentration camps. Despite this, the area kept the facade of being a popular vacation destination filled with rich people.

I loved that the story involved a strong female lead and her role in the resistance. I'd recommend this fast paced, enjoyable read to lovers of historical fiction!

I enjoy reading WWII Resistance novels, but this one fell short of my expectations. I would consider it "Resistance light". After Parisian Lana Antonova's husband is killed by Nazi Anton Brunner she agrees to move to the French Riviera to assist in the efforts to save Jews from deportation and arrest. Her background as a White Russian countess should give her protection and entrée into the local social set. Unfortunately, the tension isn't there in the novel and Lana is never really in danger despite making some impulsive decisions. There is some mystery surrounding supporting characters, but none really become full-realized characters. Not a bad novel, but not up to par with the many already published.

This book is very well written and the characters are well developed. It follows a young woman, Lana, during World War II. She experiences love, loss, despair, hope, resiliency, and courage. At the beginning of the story, Lana has it all, but she soon loses almost everything that is important to her. She is given a chance to make a difference in the lives of many people who desperately need help. She is determined to do what she can and risk her life to help those in need. Can she find the courage she needs to save as many lives as she can, including her own. I felt the ending was a bit rushed, but it did not take away from the story. The story just drew me in. I wasn't ready for it to end.

Lana Antanova is on her way to tell her husband Frederic about her pregnancy when she witnesses him being shot after hiding a Jewish child in the piano he uses to give piano lessons. Heartbroken, Lena goes to see her friend Sister Therese who encourages her to join the Resistance against Hitler. Therese leads her to Henry who sends her to the Riviera to contact Guy Pascal who creates a scenario for her to infiltrate the Riviera social scene to gain information on upcoming raids to help the Resistance. I really enjoyed this book. The characters had depth and you felt for them , rooted for them, and wanted them to succeed. A really good read. I was just hoping for a slightly different ending for Lana but still recommend.

3.5 stars
I’m obsessed with historical fiction lately, I know.
The cover for this drew me in instantly. Thankfully, the subject matter was right up my alley.
This novel starts off on a somber note, but gets going quite quickly.
It definitely feels a tad lighter in tone than a lot of WWII books. There wasn’t so much action.
Things go too smoothly most of the time and it’s all wrapped up very neatly with a bow.
This joins the many novels I’ve read lately about women becoming spies for the Resistance in WWII.
Thankfully, this one still stood out to me and I enjoyed my read.

Beautiful story! Told from Lana’s perspective, which I love books that are told from a single perspective rather than jumping back and forth between characters. What is the most tragic day in her life ends up propelling her into a life she would have never expected for herself as a resistance spy. Lana is such a wonderful character who reminds me of myself being strong, independent and a little stubborn at times. Highly recommend this for WWII historical fiction lovers!

This story gives readers a chance to view the French Riviera's rich and beautiful during Hitler's reign of terror. Lana, having seen her husband brutally murdered decides to join the French resistance to save Jews from death. By living with with Swiss businessman, Guy, both will wine and dine among the Gestapo while obtaining crucial information in order to safely evacuate Jews before the settings roundup. This historical fiction is enjoyable but things fell into place too easily. Lana visiting Odette and her mother without causing suspicion seemed unlikely. World War II fiction readers will enjoy this book that shows the war through the eyes of the rich.

I was torn between 2 and 3 stars for this one. I think it falls squarely at 2.5. I usually do not rate books halfway, but here I am. As far as having a compelling plot goes, this one has an absolutely fantastic plot. The set up for the characters is very interesting. Unfortunately in actual execution this one fell a bit flat for me.

The backdrop of this was unique and the plot was fast-paced. I wanted to keep reading because I genuinely wanted to know where the story would turn next. That said, the actual players in this story felt very one-dimensional and the dialogue was stiff. I wanted to breathe some life into the characters because they never felt real to me. This was probably the greatest downfall of this read and I am a little bummed by it because the potential was very much there.

While this did not work for me, I believe this is landing with quite a few other readers so this may work for you. As I said, the plot itself is engaging. I really, really wish the characters had more life than they did because I think this would have been a solid read otherwise.

4 stars for a story of love, romance and danger in WWII France. The book opens with Lana Hartmann witnessing the murder of her husband Frederic by a Gestapo officer for hiding a Jewish orphan. Lana decides to join the resistance and moves to Nice. What happens to her makes for an exciting story where she outwits Gestapo officers and helps Jewish people escape.
One quote, describing Nice; "Lana opened the French doors and stepped onto the balcony. The sea was perfectly calm, and the sky was the color of topaz. Below her, the the hills were dotted with villas featuring manicured lawns and swimming pools.
Thank You Atria Books for sending me this eARC through NetGalley.

One of the best books I’ve read this year. I loved lanas character development, though it was a little unbelievable that she’d pick up her life in paris to become a spy. However, I’m so glad she did! Such a fun yet heartbreaking read. The only part I was a little unsure about was when she reunited with guy 10 years later.

I appreciate #NetGalley for the chance to read and review an advanced copy of Lana's War by Anita Abriel. I really enjoyed the story of Lana, a young woman living in Paris. Her mother fled Russia during the revolution and raised Lana in Paris. Lana meets and marries a musician in Paris who is killed by the Gestapo for hiding Jewish children at a convent school. Lana sees Alois Brunner murder her husband and when she gets the opportunity to work with the French Resistance to stop him from sending more Jews to the camps, she jumps on it. Lana finds she is stronger than she imagined as she is tested during a terrible time for the people of France.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Lana's War by Anita Abriel is a historical fiction novel about a Parisian woman who witnesses her husband's murder and subsequently loses her unborn child due to the Gestapo’s occupation of Paris. She is recruited to go to the French Riviera as a resistance fighter whose job is to help Jewish families and children escape. . Lana is the daughter of Russian aristocracy and as such, can infiltrate the Russian society in the Riviera as an ally. Her assignment is to be the mistress of a wealthy Swiss businessman, Guy Pascal. and to accompany him to dinner parties and social events as a way to befriend German officers and garner intel on future raids.

I enjoyed the setting of this novel as a different location for WW2 historical fiction books. Abriel evokes feelings of anger and revenge as the reader experiences Lana's losses. She also provides hope, as Lana is bright and resourceful. I feel the ending of the story was rushed as all the loose pieces to the story were neatly tied up over a 10-year period. I rate this book 3.5 stars.

Look for this on 1.12.21.

3.5 Stars

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of Lana's War in exchange for an honest review.

After living in Paris during the occupation of WWII and witnessing the horrific murder of her husband, Lana, is ready to leave the city she once loved, when the opportunity arises to become part of the rebellion in the South of France she jumps at the chance. She plays up her Russian aristocrat heritage and moves in with, Guy, a Riviera playboy leading the undercover revolution. To save as many innocent Jews as possible she must attend social functions and cozy up to Nazi leaders to gather intel. But when one of those leaders is the man who murdered her husband her entire mission could be compromised.

I love historical fiction especially those set in WWII. I enjoyed the unique setting in the French Riveira and Lana's unique background as a Russian countess. The story itself was a little predictable with limited action/drama. I think a lot of the subplot got too much attention like her relationship with a young Jewish girl, it ended up feeling forced. This was a enjoyable novel with a new perspective on a saturated genre.

Historical fiction isn't typically my thing, BUT I did enjoy this one as a change of pace to what I usually read.
What I loved about this book was the historical aspect of it - I learned things about the French Resistance that I'd previously never learned (and I'm a sucker for WWII history). What I didn't love though was Lana herself and the romance. Maybe I read too much contemporary romance and am used to a different kind of romantic dynamic, but this just didn't work for me.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an e-ARC.