Member Reviews
Sisters of the Resistance by Christine Wells was such an interesting novel. Historical fiction inspired by real people is always so fun to read. My favorite part of this book was definitely the characters, Gabby and Yvette. The relationship between the sisters was so well-written, and seeing how they were similar and different reminded me of real pairs of siblings I know. World War II is a common setting for historical fiction, and for good reason, and I enjoyed reading about it in Sisters of the Resistance. I wish the ending had been a little longer, but I really liked how it focused on the importance of love.
This is a well written story of two sisters who worked for the resistance during WWII. What made the story so interesting for me was the fact the sisters both worked for Catherine Dior and the resistance but were unaware of each other's part.
This was my first book by this author and I've already picked out more by her to read. I like her writing style and the way she kept the book moving. She kept my interest from start to finish.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion which I have given.
(3.5 stars, rounded up to 4)
"Sisters of the Resistance" by Christine Wells immerses readers in the bravery and resilience of occupied France during World War II. Wells masterfully crafts vivid characters with depth, portraying their journeys of courage and sacrifice with heartfelt sincerity. The bonds of sisterhood and camaraderie are explored amidst the atmospheric backdrop of wartime France, where tension and danger lurk around every corner.
Wells' elegant writing style blends historical accuracy with emotive storytelling, captivating readers from start to finish. The plot unfolds with intrigue and suspense, fueled by a compelling mystery that keeps readers eagerly turning pages. Alongside the captivating narrative, nuanced relationship dynamics showcase the power of human connection in the face of adversity, making "Sisters of the Resistance" a poignant exploration of courage, sacrifice, and resilience.
Despite any minor flaws, the novel's strengths in character development, atmospheric setting, and storytelling make it a worthy addition to the genre of World War II fiction. "Sisters of the Resistance" is a captivating tale that informs and inspires, leaving a lasting impact on readers long after the final page is turned.
Thank you, @williammorrowbooks for my gifted ebook.
This book had such great potential. I really liked the two sisters and how they just sort of fell into the resistance. This reminded me a little of the Nightingale. But the story jumped all over so much that I found it hard to follow. Things happened in the future before they happened in the past? I think a more streamlined plot would have given this book another star.
I wanted to love this one so much - it seemed like a more unique take on the Resistance in Paris in WWII and to be fair it started off strong and I had taken time off from WWII era Historical Fiction novels so I was ready to be swept off my feet! I was quite interested in Catherine Dior and her role and hoped to learn more about her or have her be more of a central figure to the story. I also did find the back and forth of the timeline confusing at times, possibly because there wasn't a large gap of time in between to differentiate much of the storyline. I will say, however, I thought the immediate post-war timeline was more interesting and that tends to be lesser focus of most WWII novels (if at all) so that was a bit refreshing and kept me engaged. Overall, I was hoping for something a bit different than the norm but this just didn't hit the mark for me. Great story and story-telling with likeable characters, but given the amount of time it took me to get through it, I just think it wasn't the book for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read in exchange for my honest review!
Riveting and a page turner! I read this book from cover to cover! The Resistance Fighters were always of interest to me and whenever there was ever a book written about them, I definitely picked up the book. However, not all were good, but this one was Spectacular and will keep your interest. two sisters had totally different accounts and expectations and their lives were never the same after the war.
The author kept the book flowing between the years in different chapters, but you were able to keep track of what was going on and with whom without any trouble. I have not had to many authors who kept my interest without me having to keep notes along the way to keep track of what was going on between the different characters and years. It went along seamlessly.
I would unquestionably recommend this book to anyone wanting a fantabulous read!!
I received a free advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions.
Sisters of the Resistance is a historical fiction novel about two sisters, Gabby and Yvette, who are in Paris during WW2 and navigating their individual roles as part of the resistance. The story toggles between the perspective of each of the sisters and also between the time during the war and the time after the war.
Overall I enjoyed the book, however, I found it hard to stay engaged in certain parts. As the book mentions that it's a story about Catherine Dior's Paris spy network, I expected to read more about Catherine Dior (Christian Dior's sister), however, she is not a significant character within the book.
I was delayed at reading this but thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for an ARC of this book.
While I liked this book and loved the story it presented (as it's one I rarely get to read about in relation to World War II), I had a hard time staying engaged. I feel that the author presented a lot of details to the point of almost being overwhelmed. The story was both heartwarming and heartbreaking but there were times where I felt that it was dragging. Overall a good read but wanted more.
This tells the story of 2 sisters during World War II and the dangers they faced working with the Paris Resistance. I thought there was going to be more details about Catherine Dior, sister of the famous designer, Christian Dior. I did enjoy reading about the resistance and some of the details of how they operated and helped hide people. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.
Sisters of the Resistance chronicles the story of sisters Gabby and Yvette during WWII and the occupation of France. We get pulled in as they navigate their places in the Resistance and as they try to figure out the roles their acquaintances and friends are playing in this terrible time. At times, a bit hard to keep up with, the story pulls in some real life figures and makes a very believable story.
Another WWII book that is more fictional and sometimes even outlandish than historical. It's a nice escape or beach read.
Thank you to the publishers for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book! I really enjoyed it! When I read the description, I couldn't help but wonder how the author would weave a story line about fashion into a book about World War II, but it worked! I loved the relationship between the sisters, as well as the role their mother played. Stories about normal people who took risks and made sacrifices during times of war are always so fascinating to me! I would definitely recommend this book to fans of WW2 historical fiction.
This was a terrific historical fiction novel. This tells the story of two sisters both during WWII and a few years after. It keeps going back and forth. I really was on board with Gabby and Yvette's stories. I love how they wove in and out.
Oh how I loved this book! I love historical fiction about female spies, and I was fascinated by the connection to the Dior family. The author seamlessly tied together the two timelines and I had no trouble keeping them straight. This was my first book by this author but it definitely won’t be my last! I received a free copy of this book from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
This is a fictional narrative written around the true experience of Christian Dior's sister during the German occupation of Paris during World War II. It centers around the lives of two ordinary sisters who are drawn into doing what they can to help the Resistance effort. Told in alternating views of the two sisters, the timeline also goes back and forth between 1944 and 1947. The changes were clearly marked, which was very helpful. Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.
A wonderful story about the resistance women in Paris, including Christian Dior's sister. Two other sisters were torn apart with their involvement but are able to see each other and forgive many years after the war.
I have read a lot of historical fiction set in WW2 so my expectations are always high when I read a new one. This novel about female spies in Paris was an interesting concept but fell flat for me. I found some of the actions hard to believe and I felt like the story was incomplete - that I was missing a bigger piece of the story. I liked the fashion house as the backdrop but there wasn't enough of it. Some of the minor characters were not fleshed out enough for me.
Sisters of the Resistance is the first book I have read by Christine Wells. I thought it was a good read. Three and a half stars.
Perhaps I’ve just read too many books about Paris during WW2 that focused on the Resistance. I had hoped that this one would be a bit different due to its subtitle: A Novel of Catherine Dior’s Paris Spy Network. It does indeed feature Catherine Dior, but she really isn’t the focus of most of the book. The focus is on the titular sisters, Yvette and Gabby, who both become involved, in different ways, in the resistance through Catherine Dior who happens to live in their apartment building. (They are part of the family who serve as the building’s concierges.) I didn’t learn very much about Catherine Dior’s network other than it existed and that she was arrested (not a spoiler, as this is historical fact) and sent to a concentration camp but survived. The book is told in two timelines, bouncing back and forth between June/July 1944 (shortly before Paris was liberated) and February 1947. I didn’t love the constant bouncing back and forth between 1944 and 1947. I think I would have preferred the story to unfold naturally instead. I did enjoy the parts of the book that focused on fashion and Christian Dior’s atelier, as that was certainly something different to read about, amidst wartime occupation, and the sensation of his 1947 New Look.
While I received the eARC from NetGalley, I wound up mostly listening to the published audiobook by Harper Audio. The narrator is one of my favorites, Saskia Maarleveld, and she did an excellent job with the many voices. Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I've read bits about Catherine Dior's work in the resistance during WWII in other books so was so excited to read this one focused on women who worked with her. Told in a dual timeline (1944 and 1947) and dual POVs, getting a look at how two sisters worked to undermine the Nazis and help free France was riveting. I wish there had been more of Catherine but Gabby and Yvette were wonderful characters and I couldn't put their story down. Highly recommend for historical fiction fans!