Lucie is a ballerina for the Paris Opera. She quits a buys her friends’ bookstore so they can leave the county as the German’s invade. Lucie meets Paul, a widowed automobile factory owner, when he brings his 4 year old daughter to the bookstore. This book forties their journey as they help the resistance in France and fall in love.
This well written book has a little something for everyone including elements of romance, sabotage, and adventure during war, I really enjoyed this book. I will definitely recommend this book to those that enjoy historical fiction.
Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read this book.

Sarah Sundin has crafted a brilliant story set in WWII. I loved the children's stories interwoven that mirrored the events in the world surrounding an innocent girl and the rich details and imagery interwoven throughout. The characters come alive as they deal with harrowing situations but hold firm to their moral compasses. A grounding in faith does not overwhelm, but complements the story nicely. A memorable tale, well told!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

I have read many many Christian fiction authors but for some reason I had never read a Sarah Sundin book.
Well, this one is exquisite, and I absolutely loved it. It is a an emotional history lesson and a tender but dangerous romance.
But from the beginning, I noticed that this author writes differently than any I've read. I have been trying to think how to describe it yet am not sure I can do it justice.
For one thing, it was written with a wonderful simplicity of prose. Not simple in the way one usually thinks but with clarity of purpose and with transparency.
The characters were built so genuinely . They were principled and honorable and the light in them was so evident that the story came across so honestly. The historical story and the story of the characters’ lives were uncluttered with details not needed in the story. It made it all easily understood and not bogged down.
I loved the recurring theme of the leaves throughout the story too.
I am not sure I've conveyed how it feels to read this story. But it was a breath of fresh air for me. I will need to go back and read the rest of the books she has written. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
Thanks you to Net Galley for allowing me to read this book. The opinions are entirely my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and Revell for allowing me to read Until Leaves Fall in Paris. My thoughts are my own.

I enjoyed reading Until Leaves Fall in Paris. Like so many of the other books I have reviewed over the past two years, Until Leaves Fall in Paris takes place during WWII. In this story, the German now occupy Paris and many other parts of France. French Jews find it more and more difficult to survive without being captured and taken to camps in occupied France.

Lucie, an American studying ballet, leaves behind the world of dance to assist two dear friends in their bookstore; these friends happen to be Jewish and they are desperate to escape France before being captured. Little does Lucie know that she is about to collide with the resistance efforts in the city.

Likewise, Lucie's love interest, Paul, uses his business as a means to relay information to American strategists. On a side note, Paul is a widower and has a daughter who he wants to get back to the safety of the States. Neither realizes the other works with the resistance until they are forced to use each other in their efforts.

Before long, it becomes too dangerous to stay in Paris any longer. Thus begins their effort to leave France. Here begins an adventure to return to the US and to each other.

Lucie's and Paul's stories speak to the Americans who traveled to and stayed on in Paris during the early 1900s for business or other life opportunities. Lucie, who came to study ballet as a child, represents the innocence of childhood and all that is good in the world…the beauty of travel, the sophistication of Paris. As Ms. Sundin speaks to at the end of the book, Paul represents the America businessmen who grew businesses in Paris as WWII started.

Ms. Sundin carries her story well. Her description captivates the mind and draws the reader deep into Paris, Portugal and Boston of the 1930s and 1940s. Paul even wears a fedora at one time, drawing back to images of Humphrey Bogart and the like. Dance weaves in and out of the story like a lyrical ballet, a constant companion in the life of the heroine.
As WWII fiction, it checks all the boxes. There is plenty of historicity, which Ms. Sundin speaks to. She writes about several real-life characters who worked in the resistance effort. You’ve got drama; you’ve got a dramatic love story; you’ve got intrigue. Until Leaves Fall in Paris can be placed alongside novels such as The Nightingale, The Dressmaker and others.
As a Christian novel, Until Leaves Fall in Paris speaks to the Christian reader on several important issues: 1) integrity 2) judging others 3) having a strong faith in the midst of difficult circumstances. Since Paul plays such a big role (without giving too big a spoiler) in the resistance effort, many church members shun him and his daughter from their circles. They are ignorant to his situation or his plight.

While I haven’t read many novels by Ms. Sundin, like I said, I enjoyed Until Leaves Fall in Paris very much. It is a mesmerizing story, one you could envision happening, one where key details, such as placing the plant outside of the bookstore door could have been authentic to Paris in WWII.
Until Leaves Fall in Paris reminds us all that life oftentimes requires courage. With a heroine like Lucie, we can all imagine being brave, stepping up for our faith and for what is right, for the betterment of ourselves, our family, our friends and our communities.

5-Stars

This novel was one I could not put down. An American ballerina, Lucie Girard finds herself in Paris as the Nazis advance in 1940. A couple that she stays with own a bookstore, Green Leaf Books, but the couple has to flee Paris as they are Jewish. Lucie offers to take over the bookstore, leaving her career as a ballerina behind until the couple can return.
Paul Aubrey, a recent widower runs a company in Paris, even though he promised his late wife he would take their young daughter back to America if war erupts. The US Army convinces him to keep the factory and keep his ears open. He does not like being in this position and does stuff to help with the resistance.
One day Paul takes his young daughter into the bookstore. A friendship and attraction begins. Lucie finds out Paul is not who he seems. With time she realizes he is part of the resistance, which she is part of as well.
As they try to flee Paris and go to America they get separated and Lucie must help keep his daughter safe with the hopes they will meet up again in America. Will they meet up again? Will their love survive? What will happen to the little girl? So many hopes and dreams in this page turner. Grab your favorite drink and be whisked away in this beautiful story. I will definitely get more of this authors novels. I loved her style! #untilleavesfallinparis, #sarahsundin, #bakerpublishing, #netgalley, #bookreview, #bookstagram, #booksconnectus, #stamperlady50

As much as I love WWII historical fiction novels, I must admit that at times they can weigh just a little too heavy on my heart. To be honest, before starting this one I wasn't sure if now would be the best time to try reading one with everything going on in the world around us and all. And yet, I adore Sarah Sundin and ultimately could not wait to experience this one right away... and oh am I glad I didn't wait!

Until Leaves Fall in Paris was such a beautifully written story, highlighting characters who despite the dangers found ways to do the right thing. Isn't that a message that is so needed right now? I adored these characters who were wonderfully written, drawing me back to this place and time in such a remarkable way. While the last 25% or so of the story was certainly quite intense, I absolutely couldn't put it down. The romance between Paul and Lucie was fantastic, and Josie's character truly just heled make the story!

Overall, a wonderful story and one that fans of WWII fiction are sure to want to experience for themselves.

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

Until Leaves Fall in Paris, by Sarah Sundin, is a tale set in the midst of Hitler’s takeover of Paris, France. Lucille Girard had lived for years in Paris dreaming of becoming a ballet dancer. As the Germans were threatening to invade the city, Lucille decides to purchase a bookstore to allow her Jewish friends the funds they need to escape the coming terror. Lucille has no idea the trauma that may soon come her way!

Paul Aubrey has been living in Paris operating one of his family’s factories. He had been planning to return to America with his young daughter, when suddenly Paul is asked to use his position as a front to funnel information about the Germans plans back to the American authorities. Once he decides to accept this work, Paul finds he is viewed as a traitor by many of his fellow Parisians!

When Paul and his daughter show up at Lucille’s bookstore one day, you wonder if she will trust this fellow American or simply take issue with the work taking place in his factory!

Paul and Lucille seem to be on opposite sides of this conflict. When the violence begins to escalate, you have no idea what direction Paul and Lucille will take. You wonder if they will ever be able leave the war behind!

When it comes to WWII historical romance Sarah Sundin is hands down the best Author. Her impeccable research shines forth in her writing and I am always amazed at how she draws me into the pages as if I'm right there on the sidelines watching as the story unfolds. If you have a facebook you should follow her as well. She posts some great pics and information about her research.

Until Leaves Fall In Paris is my favorite book of hers yet. It is fast paced, heart-wrenching at times and oh the ending will have you near tears as it is just about perfect.

As the Nazis march toward Paris in 1940, American ballerina Lucie Girard buys her favorite English language bookstore to allow the Jewish owners to escape. Lucie struggles to run Green Leaf Book Books due to oppressive German laws and harsh conditions, but she finds a way to aid the resistance by passing secret messages between the pages of her books.

Widower Paul Aubrey wants nothing more than to return to the States with his little girl, but the US Army convinces him to keep his factory running and obtain military information 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. After they meet in the bookstore, Paul and Lucie are drawn to each other, but she rejects him when she discovers he sells to the Germans. And for Paul to win her trust would mean betraying his mission.

Thanks to Revell for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed the latest book by Sarah Sundin! Until Leaves Fall in Paris has everything a historical fiction reader will love; Paris, romance, a bookstore, Nazis and suspense. I thought the characters were well developed and likable.

The setting is in a cozy bookstore in Paris. The main character is Lucy, a ballerina with the Paris Opera Ballet School. She is American, but has lived in Paris since she was nine. Her best friends are the owners of Green Leaf Books. Because they are Jewish, Lucy purchases their bookstore so they can escape from the Nazis. After seeing the same customer in her bookstore day after day, she realizes that he is with the resistance and wants to help. She begins passing coded messages within the books of her store.

Paul Aubrey is a business man who used to build race cars. He was just about to pack up and return to America, when he was approached by the US Army. They convinced him that he was far more valuable to the cause by remaining in Paris and working with the Nazis. This has earned him the reticule of most of Paris because he is seen as Nazi sympathizer.

Paul and Lucy's first meeting and their journey together is what makes this story so good! I highly recommend that you add it to your reading list!

I knew from the very first sentence this was going to be a book I would love, that I would want to read it in just one sitting. At the same time, I knew it was going to be a book I would not want to come to the end of...
This is a consistently good writer, who creates characters we can easily care about.
Although I have read many books on wartime Paris, this was told from a different perspective – both as a ballet dancer, & as Americans who chose to remain in France - so held fresh interest.
While it could probably be considered a ‘soft’ war story, omitting the real details of living through a war, sometimes we need relief from the more harrowing, non-fiction accounts. And it could serve as a more palatable introduction for readers new to this period.
Definitely a recommended read.

Wow! Not only does this story bring to life the effects of war and the German invasion on Americans in Paris, she also takes two characters who are likeable but fixed in their opposing ways and uses each to show the other a wider, richer view of life - the two sides of a leaf. The resistance work each did was also interesting, and added some good suspense throughout, but particularly towards the end. All in all, with characters one quickly comes to care for (including a delightful young girl bent on matchmaking), an inspiring message, an intriguing setting, an expertly woven plot and more than a hint of suspense….⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Until Leaves Fall in Paris is the first book I have read by Sarah Sundin and I was not disappointed. I was really intrigued by the story and it had a little bit of everything needed to make it a great historical fiction romance. It was sad and heartbreaking, but at the same time it had a lot of warm and happy moments. There were a couple of moments of suspense and a few very funny moments as well.
I loved the whole “forbidden” love between our two main characters and the whole story of the resistance was very intriguing as well. I will definitely recommend it to readers who love historical fiction about WWI and I have no doubt that I will probably read it again sometime.

Title: Until Leaves Fall in Paris
Author: Sarah Sundin

Ch: 51

Pg: 402

Genre: Christian Historical Romance, with a hint of suspense

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher: Revell

Until Leaves Fall in Paris is another amazing book by Sarah Sundin. This time she takes readers to German occupied France in 1941. Lucie Girard is a ballerina turned bookstore owner. Paul Aubrey is an automobile factory owner trying to keep the Germans from taking over his factory. But both have secrets from their friends and each other. Each in their own way are working to help defeat the Germans.


The book banning Lucie had to content with while running Green leaf book in fictional France in 1941/42 really did happen in real France in 1941/1942. But what makes it scary is that we as people haven’t learned our lesson when it comes to trying to ban book.


Though this book isn’t a sequel to When Twilight Breaks I do recommend reading that one first as you meet Paul Aubrey in that one and there’s other Easter eggs to the previous book in this one.


I had a late night because I was determined to finish the last hundred pages, because I had to know what happened. Sarah Sundin packed a lot of action and feelings in those last hundred pages.


I love Sarah’s heroes she writes romantic heroes that don’t overshadow the heroines. And her heroines are strong while still being feminine. And she does it again with Paul and Lucie. I loved their slow burn romance it’s in my top three of her romances. But Josie was my favorite character in the story loved that kid.


I loved Until Leaves Fall in Paris, and I look forward to Sarah’s next book. I’m glad I still have a few of her back list left.








I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Loved this book. Was wonderful historical romance. The characters came to life. Thank you for the ARC. This is a wonderful author.

I have a preference for historicals written in first person POV, so this one just wasn't for me. Thank you for the ARC!

Well, I binge-read this in two days flat. Started it one night and then was so excited to get home from work the next day so I could finish reading it. Which says a lot, right?

So. Why did I like Until Leaves Fall in Paris as much as I did? One of the main things that got me invested was the fact that Paul—our hero—is forced to let everyone believe he’s collaborating with the Germans so that he can continue to collect information important to the Allied cause. I love that sort of drama and angst. Just love it. And it provided an excellent reason for Paul and Lucie not to be together, despite their mutual attraction. Lucie would never date or marry a collaborator, after all. The conflict between them didn’t feel contrived or shallow (contrived conflict is one reason I really dislike romance novels).

Another thing I appreciated about Until Leaves Fall in Paris is that God is notjust an afterthought in Paul and Lucie’s lives. Random example, but Paul has wait in a church for a bit (resistance work!) and he thinks to himself “What better way to spend seven minutes in church than to pray?” And then he does pray. Which is just…I love that. He’s on a dangerous mission, but he decides to spend that time in the church in prayer. I found that realistic—and admirable too. Then, with Lucie, she talks to a friend about how she wants to love Paul, but she also knows she can’t because he’s a ‘collaborator’. Her friend says “So your eyes say one thing, and your heart says another. Ah, Miss Lucille, you’re listening to the wrong voices. What does the Lord say?” And Lucie takes that gentle question to heart! So good.

Now, of course Lucie is eventually going to learn the truth about Paul. And when she does…there is kissing involved. A lot of kissing. I didn’t appreciate that aspect so much, especially since Paul and Lucie are all “There’s no way we can be together!” as they’re kissing. 😛 Other than that, however, I don’t have much—if anything—bad to say about Until Leaves Fall in Paris.

This review is getting long, so I’ll just share a few other things: Paul designs cars and that was really cool to see. The foreman at his factory, a gruff Communist, is wonderful. Paul has a little daughter and she actually isn’t annoying (as some kids in fiction can be, especially when their main purpose in the story is to help the heroine fall in love with the hero). There is a lot of excitement and suspense in this book, not just mushy stuff. Some pretty intense moments, actually. The last third or so of the book was especially thrilling (in a heart-in-your-throat, edge-of-your-seat way). And the final chapters brought a lump to my throat—all the feels! ❤

All in all, Until Leaves Fall in Paris is one of the best books I’ve read so far this year. If you enjoy WWII fiction or simply reading about admirable characters living (and triumphing) in extremely difficult circumstances, I highly recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

In a market which has become a little overly saturated with WWII Paris historical fiction, I'm still drawn to those b that are historically correct and well written. I very much enjoy Sarah Windings writing.

I was drawn to this book because of the cover art, and the story sounded interesting, unlike anything I have read before. Let me be honest and say I do not know much about WW2 and my French is rusty. I had to look up some phrases and certain situations in the book to fully understand what was going on, but that helped me to learn a lot more about history! At first I did not care for Lucie because she seemed narrow minded, judgemental, and kind of snobby. Paul was a likeable character, doing what he felt was his civic duty. Other characters were mentioned but not enough for me to form opinions. Of course, the Germans were written to be villains.

There was a lot of suspense, romance, adventure, and very emotional scenes in this book. Even though it is Christian fiction it didn’t have a lot of references to God. Lucie and Paul both attended the American church but not much about faith is spoken outside that.

Overall I enjoyed this book more than I thought! I recommend it if you enjoy historical fiction with some romance and suspense.


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

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is a heart wrenching, suspenseful novel of such a time when the world was so uncertain. Times when worlds collided, and people were praying that the war would end and somehow the world could return to peace once more.

Until Leaves Fall in Paris, by Sarah Sundin is a compelling read, especially today. Full of wonderfully complex characters, once again Sarah has done impeccable research. Lucie did her best to keep Green Leaf Books open until she had to return home to the states. But until that time, she was creative in her ways to keep customers coming back to her little haven among the shelves. It was just that spirit of creativity that captured Paul's attention when he took his young daughter Josie to the story hour. Filled with puppets regaling children’s tales, Paul took notice in how Josie came to life at the bookshop and resolved to return each week to give her some joy.

It was amazing how Paul and Lucie found each other under trying circumstances as the situation became ever so dangerous in wartime Paris. To the outside world, they led double lives in order to survive. Their courage and love are captured by an author who can keep you in suspense while making you keep turning those pages until the very end.

I recommend Until Leaves Fall in Paris, a story as timely today as it was close to eighty years ago. A time when so many lives were changed forever by a world that was out of control.

Such a beautiful story that will give you all the emotions!! You will fall in love with characters, be on the edge of your seat, shed some tears and filled with happiness. My first by this author and definitely plan to check out her other books. Very creative and unique storyline as well. Very much enjoyed!!

Thanks to Netgalley for my advanced reader copy.