Wonderful, Wonderful, Wonderful!

Until Leaves Fall is about two Americans living in Paris during German occupation. One, Paul a widower, owner of a car manufacturing business and Father to Josie. Second, Lucie, a ballerina who impulsively took over the book store of her dear Jewish friends fleeing the country.

I don't want to give too much feedback on this one because it would be hard not to weave in a spoiler or two! But well worth the read.

I've been a fan of this author for years now. I was never a history fan when in school, but now I love reading historical fiction. The people and places come to life in her novels, and she always weaves in great interpersonal stories that draw me deeper into her novels. This book was no exception. I loved the ballerina who struggled to do the right thing, while struggling with knowing what the "right thing" to do was. It would be hard to be in her situation to want to support friends, follow her passion, and also follow her heart. While the relationship trajectory may be somewhat easy to predict, I still really love these novels by Sarah Sundin.

"Until Leaves Fall in Paris is such an amazing story!! While I have come to expect that from author Sarah Sundin, this book exceeds the others I’ve read by her.

This poignant story touched me on so many levels! Pain for the secrets that Paul and Lucie had that kept them apart. Fear for their safety because of their clandestine activities. Amazement at the sacrifices they were willing to make. Hope for the budding attraction they felt for one another. Devastation at the events that occurred. Love for little Josie, the precocious motherless child, so misunderstood by her father. Interspersed humor appropriately lightened what otherwise would have been a very heavy story…

I enjoyed the sweet endearments Paul had for Josie so very much! I couldn’t say for certain, but I don’t think any were repeated. Making this even sweeter was the way Paul used them to emphasize the intense love he had for his little girl. And speaking of Josie, her stories were rather amazing! She was very perceptive and so vibrant!

Also notable were the clever names of the various car designs produced by Aubrey Automotive and the way they tied into the commitment Paul’s family had for making their cars the gold standard of the auto industry. And Paul’s nickname for the trucks he ended up producing was hysterical!

Historical fiction aficionados, be prepared for an emotional journey as you read! You might even want to have some tissues nearby.


I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own."

Another very interesting book by Sarah. I couldn’t wait for Lucie to discover that Paul wasn’t a bad guy. I loved Josie, she was such a sweetheart but was definitely getting a bum deal with the way people perceived her dad.

The other cast of characters in this book kept things interesting as well. And just imagining what these people went through and how they had to survive the German’s taking over their country is just heartbreaking.

If you enjoy WWII books I am sure you will like this read.

A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

English-language bookstore Green Leaf Books has been a home for American, British, and French literati since Hal and Erma Greenblatt founded it after the Great War. But now, as the Germans advance, the Jewish couple is leaving Paris, closing their store—their dream, their life. Unless they accept Lucie Girard’s offer to buy Green Leaf Books so that she—an American ballerina who knows nothing about business!—can keep her favorite bookstore open.

New business owner Lucie buys, loans, and sells books (including those banned by the “Otto List”) in a determined effort to nourish a cultural oasis in occupied France--and to secretly help the resistance. Meanwhile, American widower Paul Aubrey and his little daughter Josie—an aspiring young author—attend storytime at Green Leaf Books. Josie and her Fenee stories quickly win Lucie’s heart. But whose side is Paul on?

Banned books, secret messages, a false wall, and a daring escape—Until Leaves Fall in Paris has everything we expect from Sarah Sundin’s WWII fiction. But it also explores the impossible emotions of falling in love while aiding the resistance, carrying out sabotage, and protecting a young girl.

With so many historical fiction ww11 books out there knowing which books to give your time to can be a daunting task. Not a problem with Sarah Sundin's books though with each one meticulously researched they are automatic reads for me.
I was intrigued with this one starting with the gorgeous cover.
I am a big fan of books that grab my attention by being unique and this one definitely is.
American ballerina Lucie Girard is a ballet dancer in Paris but knows she must leave the ballet to protect the Jewish owners so they can escape the Natzi's advance towards Paris in 1940 so she buys their bookstore, Green Leaf Books .
We meet Paul a widower and his precious young daughter who is so smart.
His daughter convinces him to go to Lucie's bookshop which is where they meet. Paul is an American as well living in Paris who just wants to return home but has been convinced to keep his factory running and while doing so obtains military information from his German customers.
Sparks fly but Lucie is convinced Paul is siding with the German's to whom he sells his vehicles to.
I loved everything about this book as it really drew me in.
The plot is incredible and we find as we read we become wrapped up in the resistance,sabotage,hiding RAF pilots,hidden messages in books, an incredible escape that you could just feel the tension from.
The author is a master at taking you along with her on her writing journey because you are going to experience what she is writing about as though you are there.

Highly recommended!

Pub Date 01 Feb 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

This book didn't "grab" me at the very start but as I kept on reading, yes, then it did. What I totally loved in the beginning, was Lucie the "ballerina" bookshop keeper. Why, because I could totally relate as she did her dance positions at the bookstore. I have a dancer daughter, and no matter where we went, she was in a dance position! I could almost see her as Lucie!
Well, this was a very good book. I loved the resistance group that she became aware of and her part she played. I totally loved the Paul and Lucie romance that blossoms and little Josie who adds so much to the book.

This WWII story was excellent. All the books I have read from this author have just blown me away. So real, so good and so believable. I felt like I was there. I had to keep reading to see what is going to happen. Can't put this book down! Nope, not at all. The danger aspect in the book kept me on the edge of my seat. OK, now you have to get your copy! You will not regret it!

I received an ebook copy from NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

I liked the historical context of this book. It really gave an insight into conditions and ways during the war. The missions of the main characters were interesting and I liked how they had to work around what they were trying to do and what they thought the others were trying to do . I was really able to get into the story and liked how the author tied together the story and history.

I received a copy to read, the review is mine.

This story didn't really captivate me until I was about halfway through the book, but then....I really got hooked!
I loved reading about this charming little bookshop in occupied Paris, 1940.
I loved reading about Lucille, the sweet American turned Parisian, because of ballet. And how she stayed to keep her friends' bookshop alive.
And of course, I loved reading about Lucille and her relationship with Paul Aubrey.

I'm always fascinated with WWII stories. And I am amazed at so many beautiful different plot lines that can be written about. And I always learn new things.
I highly recommend this book to any lover of historical fiction.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Until Leaves Fall in Paris is another triumph from Sarah Sundin. When I gave my husband a rough outline of the plot, he raised an eyebrow and complimented the author. For context: my husband teaches people to fly Spitfires, and has an extensive knowledge of WWII. Also, he reads almost exclusively nonfiction. So this is high praise indeed.

The year is 1941, and while the USA remains neutral, those living in Nazi occupied France are under tightly controlled. Lucie Girard has lived in the French capital since she moved there to train as a ballerina, aged twelve. She then began life as a professional ballerina until the growing threat forces her oldest friends to flee, leaving Lucie to take over their bookstore.

Paul Aubrey has loved his life in Paris, despite the heartbreaking death of his wife. He’s raising their four year old and running his family’s car factory. When the Germans force him to start making trucks for their use, he wants to return to the US, but is persuaded to stay and pass information to the American Embassy. Paul plays the role of a collaborator well, despite being ostracized from his community.

FORBIDDEN LOVE

When Paul meets Lucie, he is captivated. The two begin a relationship until she discovers his apparent willingness to profit from German war funds. Then her dislike races to the fore. But as Lucie bonds with Paul’s daughter, the two have to fight to contain the growing attraction, even as Lucie struggles to equate Paul’s business actions with his heart. The truth comes out but both realize their relationship must remain a secret until they can escape back to the US. And that’s when the adventure really starts, but I can’t say any more about what happens.

But wow. Just wow. I stayed up way too late reading this from the middle to the end. The research, the evocative description, the tension, all put me squarely in war-torn France. At times I teared up, at times I almost sped read to see what happened. Anyone who enjoys historical fiction, especially this era is in for a real treat. Highly recommended.

I received a copy from Netgalley, but the thoughts are entirely my own.

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This is my first Sundin novel and wow, I realise I've been missing out on a wonderful story teller. Set in 1941 in German-occupied Paris, we meet Lucie Girard and Paul Aubrey, two Americans who choose to stay in Paris to serve the war effort in different ways. Lucie, a ballerina at the esteemed Paris Opera Ballet, retires from her great love to purchase a bookshop of her much loved friends, the Greenblatts. They are Jewish and sensibly choose to return to America.

Paul, a widower, elects to convert his successful automobile factory into one that builds civilian trucks for the Germans. Or so he believes. But in so doing, he also elects to use his esteemed position in Parisian society to spy on the Germans and feed the information back to his American comrades.

On first meeting, Lucie and Paul have an immediate attraction but she is opposed to the fact he is a German collaborator. Gradually, circumstances change and she too becomes a willing member of the resistance using her bookshop as a front for the distribution of messages. Paul's daughter, Josie, plays a pivotal role in capturing Lucie's heart and in so doing forcing the two of them to keep meeting. But how can Lucie let down her strong stance against Paul being a collaborator?

Sundin writes beautifully and brings the Paris of 1941 alive. It's definitely a bit more grim than one comes to typically expect from the City of Lights. I learnt much about the German occupation of this wonderful city that I wasn't previously aware and its impact on its residents and society in general.

The romance is very special. Sundin brings the passion and beauty of new love and the hope and wonder that goes with it. It was wonderfully portrayed on the page.

There is suspense, some good conflict, and plenty of twists and turns that keeps the reader guessing as to what the outcome will be. Will our two lovers finally be able to declare their love and be united?

I must now read some of Sundin's early works.

I was very fortunate to receive an early ebook copy of the novel from the publisher via NetGalley with no expectation of a favourable review.

Until Leaves Fall in Paris is a historical novel set in 1940's Paris. It the story of Lucie Girard, a former ballet dancer who now manages a small English language bookstore; she purchased the store so the original owners, her dear friends who are a Jewish couple, could escape France. The bookstore becomes a place where Resistance workers pass messages in the form of notes tucked into books. When Lucie meets Paul Aubrey, she is convinced he is designing vehicles for the Germans. As she learns the truth about his bravery and decency, she also gets to know him romantically - and becomes attached to his young daughter Josie as well. When things become more dangerous, they want to leave France - but is this still possible?

I wanted to read this novel because I love Sarah Sundin's books. She is one of my favorite historical fiction authors and I try to read all her novels when they are first published. I am particularly interested in the World War II time period, and also love books set in Paris.

This is such an engrossing novel! I read in every spare minute for a couple of days because I didn't want to put this book down. Lucie is a wonderful protagonist, likable and enormously brave. I loved the way she got to know Paul reluctantly at first, but then wholeheartedly once she realized they were working on the same side. Lucie and Paul's love story is one of my favorite from recent reads.

This is, as always with Sarah Sundin's books, a beautifully written novel, rich with nuance and 1940's period detail. I always feel like I live in her books while I am reading them - they are so vividly drawn.

Until Leaves Fall in Paris will certainly be one of my top 10 books this year, and I cannot recommend it highly enough for other readers. It will be of special interest for anyone who loves historical fiction set in the 1940's.

This book is my favorite story by this author. It had everything I look for in a fun engaging novel, it had characters I adored, a mystery, intrigue, a bookstore I liked hanging out in, an adorable little girl who has a wonderful imagination, bonus ballet lessons, espionage, and lots of twists and turns I didn’t see coming.

It was fun getting to know four-year-old Josie and her creative stories. I like how Lucie Girard interpreted them for Josie’s father Paul who ran an automobile factory. I liked seeing Lucie grow into someone who eventually learns how to incorporate her gifts to be beneficial at the bookstore. Paul learns a thing or two himself.

I loved how innovative Lucie got with Green Leaf Book store and how she developed the weekly Children’s hour that Paul and Josie attended. I couldn’t help but smile at adorable Josie and her inventive stories, she had a sweet sensitive nature, and she couldn’t get enough of Mosieur Meow who was Lucie’s kitty cat puppet. It’s clear that Lucie Girard and Paul Aubrey are kindred spirits right from the start. It becomes clear to them and Josie as they get to know each other, sharing their struggles and issues about the war. Josie is a brave little girl so were Lucie and Paul for that matter. I enjoyed the natural spiritual thread that dealt with themes of forgiveness, second chances and the true meaning of love and sacrifice.

This was a nail-biting adventure I was hooked on from page one. This story touched me deeply as we learn more about Urkane and the war efforts. It puts a new perspective on things.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

This WWII story has so many things I love in a book! We have a ballerina, a bookstore, secret resistance missions, and a big meaty moment of intensity! Plus the cutest little girl, Josie, who is a creative little storyteller herself. This was a good one!

*I received a free copy of Until Leaves Fall in Paris from Netgalley. Opinions are my own.

If you are a reader of WWII historical fiction, don't walk, run to the bookstore (or ebook seller) and get this story. Every minute was filled with the delicious suspense caused by the Nazi occupation of Paris as well as the sheer will to survive. There is even a little romance, though it takes its time to develop. Lucie is a ballerina that buys a bookshop from her Jewish friends as they return to America to escape the Nazis as they invade France. She finds joy in the decision and finds herself helping the resistance. Paul appears to Lucy as a collaborator with the Nazis. He is an American and finds himself in a position to help the allies and spy on the Nazis. He loses friends over this, but stays on his dangerous mission. His daughter, Josie is his greatest worry, and she finds joy in the little bookshop run by Lucie

This story had me turning page after page to be sure of the safety of our heroes. There were moments where I held my breathe and moments where I was unsure what would happen next. I felt all the things with this book. I felt as though I was there and trying to escape the Nazi regime.

Sarah Sundin did an amazing job bringing this story to life. The characters were complex as were the relationships. The element of not knowing who to trust added to the suspense of this novel, with a few surprises just when things seemed to go smoothly.

I received a copy through the publisher via Net Galley and this is my honest review.

It seems France during World War II is a popular setting lately. This is the second such book I read recently featuring that and the resistance. The author explores the accompanying issues with sensitivity and heart-touching emotions. I like stories with bookstores playing a prominent role. In this one, ballerina Lucie Girard, an American, takes over one that sells books in English. This provides a connecting place for American car manufacturer and widower Paul Aubrey to meet her with his sweet little girl. Of course, it can be used for other connections too. Is Paul collaborating with the Germans, who have taken over the area? Suspicions and intrigue rise as the tale unfolds, as does danger amid the suspense. The characters seem so real, and the plot holds readers’ interest. I think this novel would make a good movie. I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own. #UntilLeavesFallinParis #NetGalley

Writing WWII historical romance novels, Sarah Sundin makes it come alive.

Lucie Girard, an American ballerina in Paris, finds herself owning Green Leaf Books, an English language book store. Paul, an American manufacturer living in Paris, struggles with the Germans taking over his company, becomes involved with the resistance. They each know the risks involved, but Lucie allows her book shop to pass messages inside books, and Paul agrees to work with the US Army. They meet and are drawn together.

It is hard to adequately describe the essence of this novel. It was totally captivating and I wanted to know what the next step would be. I have read all of Sundins other books and always felt that she researched them meticulously. Her voice has compassion and truth that makes you feel like you are experiencing the events.

I loved this story. It had everything a good book should have. Thrilling plot, history, romance, a good dose of suspense. The suspense at their escape left me reading until the end. A beautiful story of love in occupied Paris. Sundin is a master at crafting stories.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Wow! What a beautiful yet suspenseful story of war, fear, determination and love set against a recently occupied Paris during WWII. Lucie is an American ballet dancer who gives up her spot in the chorus to take over her Jewish friends bookstore as they flee back home to America before things really take a turn. Paul is an American entrepreneur running an automobile factory recently conscripted by the Germans. Their worlds collide when Pauls young daughter takes a liking to Lucie and her bookstore. Unbeknownst to him, her store is a letter box to the resistance and unbeknownst to her, he is secretly sabotaging the vehicles as well as hiding RAF pilots in his storage rooms. When things begin to take a turn and it’s evident that American will enter the war, they realize that time is running out for them to flee the city that they love and return home to American soil.

I loved every page of this story and if it weren’t for my job…ironically in an automobile factory…I would have devoured it in one city. This is yet another perspective of WWII that I was not aware of…the American experience. Thousands of Americans called Paris home and I never knew it….so while this is a fictional story, the research is there and it often sent me to google to learn more. These are the stories that I’m so glad that are written. These are the stories that drive me to seek out more so thank you Sarah for the history lesson! I can’t wait for your next story!

Thanks so much to NetGalley, Revell Publishing and Sarah Sundin for access to this excellent read!

Sarah Sundin writes with such passion, clarity and attention to detail. Until the Leaves Fall in Paris is no exception.

Until Leaves Fall in Paris is my first Sarah Sundin book but won't be my last.

I really enjoyed this book and devoured it. The story is set in Paris during the early German occupation in WW2. Lucie has been in Paris since she was 9. She is a ballerina, but we soon find her giving up her professional dancing to take over Green Leaf Books as the Jewish owners flee. She is a creative, artistic left-banker. Paul on the other hand is a logical, right-bank businessman who has been in Paris for 8 years. He runs an automobile factory, requisitioned by the Germans and now makes trucks for German civilian use, although he knows they are being converted for military use. On the surface he is a collaborator, however he uses his position to pass information to the Americans.

Paul and his 4-year-old daughter Josie encounter Green Leaf Books and meet Lucie and an unlikely friendship is sparked.

The book tells Lucie and Paul's stories, living in occupied Paris and the decisions they must make involving their businesses, their friendships, their relationship. They must navigate who to trust, and how far to go to assist the resistance. Both characters develop through the story. Lucie discovers Paul is a collaborator though her heart tells her he is a good man. Paul has no time for the stories that his daughter writes that seemingly have no meaning. They must battle their judgements and hold onto what is true. Can they teach each other the beauty of opposite sides of the leaf - still green, still beautiful, still necessary?

I enjoyed the book; the research that went into setting the story in this era was clear. I liked all of the main characters, they were well-written. I loved that the faith of the characters was interwoven into the story. The latter half of the story was particularly nail-biting and I was up very late reading to see how it ended! It was fascinating to get an insight into the early occupation of Paris and I would love to read more on this topic. I will also read more Sarah Sundin.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy of this book.