Unfortunately, I felt this was more Christian romance that WWII historical fiction. And that leads to a hard pass for me. I made it to about 30% and had to give it up.
As a Christian, I can say I sometimes have a difficult time with the formulaic triteness that is Christian fiction. You win some, you lose some.

Really wanted to love this one but I struggled to connect with the characters and the plot. The writing however was gorgeous, I think I’ll give it another go at a later date!

This was my first book by Sarah Sundin and definitely will not be my last! I enjoyed it from the first page to the last! I found it very engaging and could not wait to see what happened with Lucie, Paul and his little girl Josie. With a sea of World War 2 books in the past couple years, this hit in the top 10 for me.

I also listened to the audio book and thought the narrator did a wonderful job!

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 1 February 2022

I have enjoyed many of Sarah Sundin's books, but her last few books have been truly a joy. I love how she highlights women in male dominated fields and unique WWII history. This is a must read!

This was a masterful piece of historical fiction that I polished off in a mere two days (and it's a beefy novel). To say I loved it is an understatement. I've read a few of Sarah Sundin's books, and have come to realize she has a knack for crafting highly intriguing and very unique storylines centered around World War II history. In Until Leaves Fall in Paris she brings to light the Nazi occupation of France, the Resistance, and what it meant to be a "collaborator". She captured the strain and stress during one of the most terrible times in history while created meaningful characters that you can't help cheering for. If you haven't read a Sarah Sundin novel, you are greatly missing out! I highly recommend Until Leaves Fall in Paris and will be eagerly waiting for Sarah's next novel.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

I honestly could not love this book more! This was amazingly written by the author. No part of this book was I wondering about or would want changed. It is perfect as it is. If this is not on your historical fiction list to read you must absolutely put it at the top of the list!

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by NetGalley

Until Leaves Fall in Paris was the 2nd Sarah Sundin novel I’ve read, but I think it was the one I enjoyed the most because it’s not a traditional “war story”. It’s not about two army personnel who have joined the conflict, but rather two civilians who are living in Paris just before the attack on Pearl Harbour plunged the USA into the war.

Lucille and Paul’s story shows a lot about what “ordinary” people faced, and small acts of resistance could make a difference, but also how frightening the times were. I’m not sure I could have the courage of the characters, to be honest. It also shows a lot about what people did to survive and how appearances were deceptive: everyone believed Paul was a collaborator, but that often wasn’t the case.

This transformed into a lovely story of hope, family and love it the midst of war, with two people choosing to do whatever they could- and sacrifice all if necessary- to save the ones they loved. I think there is another title in the series, and I will happily read that.

Recommended as a WW2 story with more than a hunt of romance.
Thanks to Revell for approving my request for this title on Netgalley. This did not influence my review and all opinions expressed are my own.

First off, this book is majorly set in a bookstore. Green Leaf Books is just so, ahhh, it's a bookstore! A BOOKSTORE, (need I say more?!) how awesome is that?! I mean, it's beautiful! Sarah Sundin has long been a favorite author of mine, but this one tops the cake!

Until Leaves Fall in Paris isn't quite like the rest of Mrs. Sundin's works ... I mean that due to the fact that there is a little kid as a huge part of the novel, which I loved, by the way, and I was impressed by Mrs. Sundin's ability to handle a character as a child in the same skilled way she does any other character.

Speaking of characters, man, oh man! Lucie, I wasn't sure I'd like or connect with her at the start, but she quickly won me over even if the misunderstandings and harshness toward another character that she made assumptions about was saddening and I got annoyed Lucie was still just the perfect heroine for this story and by the end I loved her character. Paul, oh, Paul! He's just the sweetest and I loved seeing him with his darling little girl, all in all the characters were shown in such a perfect way that even if the story hadn't been so wonderful, I'd have read it for them.

Now for the setting, I loved that Mrs. Sundin took a different setting than most places where World War II is set, too many are on the front lines, to me at least, there's so much not written about at home or in the occupied cities and countries. And not only was it set in Paris, but it was also set in places that were hit a bit differently by the war, it showed just how hard it could be on the normal people, the Jewish who lived and worked in a normal place, the children who were wrongly drawn into choosing sides by their parents' views, and just ... How World War II affected everyone: no matter age, race, employment, home, everything. It was truly heartbreaking to read at times even with the hope that Mrs. Sundin wove throughout the whole of the novel.

With thrilling twist and turns that had me on the edge of my seat, especially the last few chapters, and a faith filled story all wrapped up in the most beautiful covers this is a must read from Sarah Sundin!

Well done on another beloved book, Mrs. Sundin!

My verse for Until Leaves Fall In Paris is Matthew 5:44 (King James Version)
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e-book or physical copy of this book which I received from the author and/or publisher or blog tour coordinator All views expressed are only my honest opinion and are in no way influenced by others' views or wishes.

Until Leaves Fall in Paris is another delightful story from Sarah Sundin. Her books always capture the time period eloquently and offer not just a glimpse into the story but take the reader deep into the heart of it. I loved the romance that developed between ex-ballerina Lucie Girard and Paul Aubrey. And the intricate way Sarah Sundin wove in the dangerous commitment both made to help the US overcome the Nazi’s was so well done!

I have read several books on WWII. But this one really caught my attention in a different way. The setting was Nazi-controlled Paris. The main characters were Americans who choose to stay in Paris during the war, supporting the resistance. Until Leaves Fall in Paris brought out the danger they faced. They had to Keep their actions secret. While they were truthfully helping the fight for freedom, these spies had to give the appearance to be loyal to the German cause. It was eye opening to consider how poorly these heroes might be treated as a result.
Until Leaves Fall in Paris was filled with suspense, romance and lots of historical facts. As always Sarah Sundin did a lot of research in order to write this book. It was an enjoyable read. I received a complementary copy from NetGalley with no obligations other than to provide an honest opinion.

My Thoughts:
There’s a reason why Sundin is on my must-read list, and When Leaves Fall in Paris was a prime example.
She always crafts enduring characters that easily become my new favorite book people. Couple that with a solid spiritual message, and it was fiction perfection. As usual.
But one of my favorite elements in this novel was the historical setting of an occupied France. Most of the books I've read so far have focused more on the American military in France but not on the homefront in France, particularly those working to aid the resistance.
This one didn’t focus on the military like her novels typically do, but I was okay with that. I really enjoyed France from the homefront.
If you're a WWII fiction fan and not reading Sundin yet, then you're really missing out.

Rating and Recommendations: I’m giving When Leaves Fall in Paris 5 stars. I recommend it to those looking for Christian WWII fiction or Christian Historical Romance.

~ I received a copy from NetGalley. All thoughts are my own. I was not compensated for this review or required to give a favorable one.

I’ve read many novels set in the WWII era, but I found this one to be a stand out; it’s not only a story about Nazi occupied Paris and all of the dangers Americans faced there, but a novel of brave collaborations, strong ideals, with great characterizations. I fell in love with 4 year old Josie, and her clever stories about Feenee. Paul’s resolve to maintain the gold standard in his car factory, even after Nazi takeover, Lucie’s resolve to keep her friends’ bookstore open and profitable, even at the expense of her ballet career, made for very interesting reading. One of my favorite lines is “Nothing of worth lies on the easy path”.

Thank you to Baker Publishing Group and NetGalley for a copy of this book. I was under no obligation to write a positive review.

Have been unable to review due to illness. Review coming soon! This novel looks fantastic and I highly recommend this author to everyone! Can't wait to read this one! Top author for me, and her books always satisfy the romantic in me.

“Not everything God created is useful, but it’s all good. He didn’t have to create beauty, but he did. He didn’t have to create color, but he did. He didn’t have to create music, but he did. None of it useful. Then he created us in his creative image with the ability to make beauty and color and music. It might not be useful, but it’s good.” ― Sarah Sundin, Until Leaves Fall in Paris.

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.

Automotive engineer and widower Paul Aubrey, who is also an expat, wants nothing more than to return to the States with his little girl, but the US Army convinces him to keep his factory running gather military intelligence 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 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.

When Lucie and Paul meet, they are smitten. Lucie falls in love not only with him but also with his adorable daughter. But she backs off when she hears Paul is collaborating with the Germans. But is he?

I took part in a weekend writer’s seminar years ago and had the pleasure of being classmates with Sarah Sundin. It certainly took me long enough to read one of her books… she has sixteen of them! Until Leaves Fall in Paris has a unique premise: a ballerina turned bookseller who aids the resistance during WWII. It has an interesting story arc, characters with whom I could identify, and a great writing. Plus… much of the story takes place in a bookstore, one of my happy places! I’m not a big fan of romance novels, but I was sucked into this book from the get-go, and Sarah never relented. One thing I appreciate about this book is that Sundin focuses references her Christian faith sparingly, which gives it crossover appeal to all fans of historical fiction.

I have read dozens of books set in Europe during WWII and several in France more specifically, yet I found this one to be unique. Well done, Sarah, well done! 4.5 stars.

Published Date: February 2022
Genres: Christian historical fiction, historical fiction, Christian romance
Read-alikes: The Socialite by J’nell Cieaiwlaki, Lana’s War by Anita Abriel, The Paris Dressmaker by Kristy Cambron

Unpalatably saccharin.

There is absolutlry no tension in this story, the heroine's utter lack of business acumen makes her an unrealistic bookshop proprietor, her unfounded judgment is a direct contradiction of Christian teachings and the author tells volumes more than she shows.

Life's too short. DNF.

What a lovely warm story about an ex ballerina who runs a bookshop in Paris in WW2, helping the Resistance with passing messages. She meets a wonderful American and his little daughter, and they bond immediately. She is horrified to find out that he has a factory that supplies vehicles to the Nazis. He cannot tell her that he is spying for the American government and helping hide English pilots. But they cannot fight the will of a four year old, and so they continue to meet. Stakes get higher, secrets get bigger and the time comes when they need to escape. Exciting twists how they try to get to the safety of America, keeps the pages turning.

Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin is the latest of her books to be published. I waited impatiently until it was out for purchase.

The story takes place in Paris in 1940. Lucie Girard, a ballerina dancing at the prestigious Paris Opera Ballet, lives in Paris just to be able to dance. Her parents traveled back to America when she was sixteen, leaving her in the care of their friends who owned a bookstore in Paris. She lived with them until the Nazis invaded Paris. Because they were Jewish, they desperately needed to flee to America. They didn’t have the money to leave, so Lucie gave up her ballet and bought the bookstore from them. She is recruited to help the resistance by providing a place where messages can be sent and received.

An American businessman, Paul Aubry wants to return to America with his little girl, but the U.S. Army convinces him to stay in Paris and modify his factory to please the Germans. He will not, however, make tanks or any type of warfare. He only makes trucks for civilian use. The Army wants him to be able to act as a spy to obtain information from his German customers. He starts to sabotage his trucks and some of his workers are in the resistance helping American fliers escape Germany.

Both Paul and Lucie are caught up in the spying and resistance movements. They are increasingly under surveillance by the Gestapo and Nazi informers. No one can be trusted. Just knowing that this is the synopsis of the story that Ms. Sundin has written would invite many readers. I hated it when the story ended. I make it my business to keep track of all of Sarah Sundin’s books and to make sure I purchase and read each one.

This book had so much depth and richness. Maybe it's because it's set in Paris or because the main character's a ballerina or maybe it's because both hero and heroine work for the Resistance. Regardless, this book is rich and filled with sensory details that make the words hum with description, intrigue, and romance.

The struggles and joys Paul, Lucie, and Josie face and endure in WWII Paris make this story what it is. Thrilling with intrigue and espionage, this book keeps you turning pages.

This book blew me away from beginning to end.

This was my first Sarah Sundin book and I enjoyed myself.

My favorite parts included: Josie's stories about Feenee, getting a glimpse inside the running of a bookshop and the espionage.

I do feel like Lucie's backstory could have been a little more developed and the romance was a bit too much for me, I feel like it was taken a bit far.

I look forward to reading another one of her books in the near future.

This was a lovely story and sweet romance with some suspense and mystery. And always grateful for a happy ending! Would definitely read more by this author.