5 Word Review: Friendship, loyalty, family, resistance, love.

This book was sublime, and an absolute joy to read even as it broke my heart.

It's left me kind of speechless so we'll see what happens as I try to review this...

I read this book in two sittings. Once in a fancy dress with some fizz a la Colette, the next time cosied up in my favourite cardigan with a glass of red. My heart ached time and again, and I felt exhausted in the best way by the end. This story almost feels epic, it's a real journey.

I loved the themes of friendship and family and resistance. I loved the small acts of rebellion, the tension in every page, the danger around every corner. I loved the exploration of jealousy and how two girls so different could be so connected, and yet so jealous of the other's lot. And when you add Sebastien into the mix things get a little more complicated.

Colette's relationship with her mother and father is messy, and Colette has a lot of resentment especially when it comes to her father interacting with Fleur. I feel her father really underestimates her, and Iloved seeing Colette grow and push back despite it. Fleur is close to Tante Agnes and after the first bombing my heart broke. I loved Fleur's creativity and defiance.

I love the both of them, and I think most people will love bookish Fleur the most, but I think Colette was my favourite. I loved how she subverted everyone's expectations and the danger she put herself in left me gasping. I love her use of her femininity, how so many people are quick to disregard her because of it, and she uses that to her advantage.

Wartime Paris is a setting fraught with danger and conflict. I loved how we got to see some of the characters lives before the war so we could see the stark contrast as the Germans invaded. There are so many small details in the writing, and it really brings the story to life.

This book was incredible, and it hit me right in the feels. I can't wait to see what Elisabeth Hobbes writes next, because I know I will love it. I think I'll read The Secret Agent next.

The novel begins in Paris in 1930. Young girls Colette Nadon and Fleur Bonnivard (11) are best friends. Colette is part of a wealthy family, while Fleur’s parents have both died and they aren’t well off at all. Fleur’s Aunt Agnes is the housekeeper for the Nadon family. The girls wish they were sisters and spend a lot of time together.
As they grow older though, their lives change. Just before Fleur turns nineteen, Colette tells her friend she is leaving for England. They lose touch, but Fleur starts working in a bookshop and moves into her own room. She meets some people in a café near the shop and when the Nazis invade Paris, she is firmly on the side of the resistance.
Fleur and Colette have now grown up and grown apart. Can their friendship survive?
The book is well-written, I loved Fleur straight away (Colette definitely has some faults and isn’t as nice!) and I enjoyed the setting of Paris. I enjoyed the bits of French language (which I did at A-level) and the 1930s background. I liked reading something set in the 1930s as it’s a more unusual period to read about, there are certainly plenty of books set in the 1940s during World War II, but this was earlier on and into the start of the War. It was also interesting to see how money and background influences people, even if they are brought up in the same house.

Whilst Colette Nadon and Fleur Bonnivard grow up in the same household in Paris their lives couldn't be more different. Colette, the daughter of the house is spoiled and pampered, whilst Fleur, being the orphaned niece of the housekeeper, is more used to life below stairs. However, despite their different social standing the girls become friends, playing games and sharing secrets that is until, Colette leaves for England leaving Fleur to create a new life for herself.

Years later as Europe is on the cusp on war and with the German occupation of Paris not far away, Colette returns, hugging her secrets close. Fleur and Colette soon realise that their secure way of life has disappeared and living in an occupied city has many challenges and hidden dangers. With their own individual problems to work through the women discover that there is an ever present need for watchfulness.The lack of food is a constant problem and yet, both women rise above the challenges and do what they can for the war effort. Both Fleur and Colette are strong characters, with distinct personalities, and observing them grow and develop over the course of the story is what makes this such an enjoyable read.

Daughters of Paris is well written historical fiction which looks at the challenge of the lives of women during the German occupation of Paris.

Daughters of Paris is my second book by Elisabeth Hobbes. It is a great historical fiction novel that takes place during the German occupation of Paris during World War II.

One of Elisabeth Hobbes strong points as a writer are her characters. So when I saw she came out with Daughters of Paris I knew it was a must read for me. The story has so many great attributes. It is part mystery, love, suspense, historical, great strong characters and is extremely well written.

This is a wonderful story of female friends who come from two different social classes during an intriguing and horrific time in history. The two women protagonists are very well developed. You feel their emotions, feel sad when they are, feel afraid when they are and cheer them on in their successes. The horrors of occupied Paris are not ignored in this story. It is done in such an empathetic way as to educate and share this important part of history. An added benefit to the story is the threads of romance entwined in it which added to the complexity of the story.

When I finished Elisabeth Hobbes’ first book, I was looking forward to seeing what she had in store for us next. Well I am pleased to say she did not disappoint. Well done.

Thank you Elisabeth Hobbes, Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

In the beginning of the story Fluer, the maid's niece, and Collette, the daughter of the house, were great friends and I couldn't way to see how their story would progress through the years.

Unfortunately, as they grow older, they grow apart, but are later forced back together due to circumstances.

This WW2 Historical Fiction novel was a good story but it went in a different direction than I had hoped.

Thank you to #RachelsRandomResources for having me on this Book Tour. All opinions expressed are my own.

Friends since they were children iiving in the same house, but from different stations in life, Colette, the daughter of the house, Fleur the niece of the Housekeeper. When war is declared the girls have already gone their separate ways, Colette having mysteriously spent a year in England. Colette's life is one of dancing with German soldiers in the cabaret, while Fleur, working in a bookshop makes friends with resistance members. War and love brings the friends back together and their lives rumble along together as they learn to live in occupied Paris. Relationships develop, resistance is hard to avoid, and so the war carries on. Some sadness, some worries, and some happiness even through the dark times. A great read. #netgalley #daughtersofparis

This was a lovely book to read. It was well written and very well researched. Set during WW2 in France. This story centred on two women who were friends and their exploits during this terrible times. I loved this book and lost myself in it. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

A beautiful story of the friendships of women in such a hard time in history. I loved the relationship between Colette and Fleur - such different backgrounds and shared childhood but really brought together in the terrible years of war. The strength found in eachother was wonderful to read about and the development of Colette from selfish and shallow teenager to calm and caring adult was brilliant to see - spending time with Fleur was certainly a good influence on her. The horrors of occupied Paris are not ignored in this charming story but covered in such a empathetic way as to share this important part of history.

Fleur and Colette, one of them from a wealthy family, the other a daughter of one of the servants. Destined for different directions but fate draws them together. These strong and courageous girls create a pact and set off to take risks, helping the war effort. Beautifully written.

4/5 for Daughters of Paris by Elisabeth Hobbes

Fleur and Colette, the main characters in the book, blew my mind away. They are so loving and brave, yet so flawed in character in manner. Perhaps, that is why they feel so relatable and real. I really enjoyed how not all the thoughts and overall personalities of the girls are given right away. Much of who they really are as people is slowly revealed as the story progress. This made the read a whole lot more interesting because I was constantly thirsting for new information.

Of course, the plot and time period the book is set in, World War Two makes everything even more nail-biting. Nazi Paris is already a fascinating place as it was gilded glamour at the time. Exploring the time with the perspectives of both a rich young woman and poorer one give two every unique but clashing accounts that bring the perfect amount of "spice" to the book.

This was also a new author for me, but her writing style, flow and character portrayal was so so good. I would totally recommend this to all WW2 geeks, historical fiction lovers, and women's fiction queens.

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins, and Elisabeth Hobbes for this advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

Elisabeth Hobbes did a wonderful job in the way she created the characters in this book. I really enjoyed the way their personalities were slowly but surely revealed along with in some cases their hidden depths. Through it all I found myself hoping that they could survive the hardships and the danger to ultimately find happiness.

The setting of Paris and that particular time period brings with it danger but also a sense of bravery and strength. I felt that Fleur especially embodied a sense of hope, resilience and the need to contribute in any way she can. For me the friendship between Fleur and Colette played such an important part of this story. Life isn’t easy at times certainly during the war but they are there for each other even when times are difficult and fraught. The romance portrayed throughout this story was a wonderful addition to the book. It didn’t overpower just complimented the plot in a way that gave the characters a more rounded and realistic feel.

Daughters of Paris captured my attention with intriguing characters that were both likeable and flawed. Along with a story that had danger, love and friendship at its heart.

This author was new to me and I really liked her writing style. Daughters of Paris tells the story of two best friends who grew up together in Paris prior to WWII - Colette, who was born to wealth and Fleur, who was an orphan being raised by her aunt who worked for Colette's parents as their housekeeper. The girls are close as children, then grow apart as they get older and stop sharing their secrets, then become close again as the Nazi's invade Paris and the two women become involved with the Resistance. I felt like the characters really came alive. Colette matured from a self-absorbed girl into a woman who wanted to help others and Fleur came into her own as a strong woman. I highly recommend this novel!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Early one morning on the shore of the Thames, DCI Samuel Owusu is called to the scene of a gruesome discovery. When Owusu sends the evidence for examination, he learns the bones are connected to a cold case that left three people dead on the kitchen floor in a Chelsea mansion thirty years ago.

Rachel Rimmer has also received a shock—news that her husband, Michael, has been found dead in the cellar of his house in France. All signs point to an intruder, and the French police need her to come urgently to answer questions about Michael and his past that she very much doesn’t want to answer.

As they all race to discover answers to these convoluted mysteries, they will come to find that they’re connected in ways they could have never imagined.

Dabney and Maggie are both fans of Lisa Jewell’s writing and are here to discuss her new book, The Family Remains.

Maggie: The back blurb describes The Family Remains as a stand-alone sequel but I have to admit that I didn’t feel that way. (It’s a sequel to The Family Upstairs.) Knowing who most of these characters are and their backstory really makes a difference in how you read the tale. What do you think? Did this work as a standalone?

Dabney: Well… I didn’t realize until I finished it that it was a sequel, of sorts. And I loved it! So I think, if you don’t know better, it works just fine as a standalone. That said, I suspect having read The Family Upstairs might have made for a richer reading experience. Was that the case for you?

Maggie: Yes.I think otherwise some of the behaviors/events would have seemed odd or downright inexplicable.

How would you describe these characters just based on what you learned in this text?

Dabney: It’s true that Lucy, Henry, and Phin were all very mysterious for the first part of the book. But as someone who reads a ton of mysteries, I found that to be normal. My take was that they all had secrets I’d discover as I read which did indeed happen.

Maggie. I think that’s a good take on it, though I would argue that in the first novel, which was more of a psychological thriller/gothic than a mystery, they all had much deeper, darker edges to them. Henry especially seemed less somehow; the Henry of the The Family Remains appears almost incapable of doing what the Henry of The Family Upstairs did. I’d also argue that there is no real mystery at the start of the novel for those of us who read that first volume. We know what happened to whom and why.

On another note, let’s talk about the characters unique to this tale. I thought Marco was what Henry would have been if it weren’t for Henry’s horrific childhood and I absolutely loved him. Normally, youngsters that savvy drive me crazy but he was great. Rachel is another “newcomer” and I found her tale riveting. She’s so strong, resilient, and positive. A Lucy without all the darkness that has defined that woman’s life. What did you think of them?

Dabney: I really enjoyed Rachel’s story – Jewel makes her actions both sympathetic and understandable. Rachel’s able to overcome her bad choices in a way that Lucy struggles to do. I liked seeing how their stories were different and yet similar. Marco was a great kid – believable and able to help his mom in interesting ways. I loved his friendship with Alf – my age group loves to bemoan how the young use technology. It was fun to see the two boys harness that power for good!

Maggie: In fairness, the struggles that Lucy had to deal with in book one – which are only alluded to in much of this book – were far more severe than Rachel’s. I loved that both women had the strength to endure and move on. How would you describe the story (mystery/gothic/suspense/general fiction) and what would you say is the driving factor in it?

Dabney: I would say it’s suspenseful but not intensely so. It’s more an explanation of a stressful time rather than a real time thriller. I liked that about it. Like good mysteries–really like all good fiction – The Family Remains shows you the why behind people’s actions. Everyone in the book behaved in ways that were true to the characters (IN THIS BOOK) were written. I hate books where people act in ways that make no sense in the context of their stories!

Maggie: I would agree with your depiction of the story as more mystery than thriller. I do struggle with the question of the behaviors being true to the characters because I have that back story from the first novel and they don’t seem quite like the people in that book.

One factor that moves this story more towards a whodunit style narrative is the police investigation led by DI Samuel Owosu. I absolutely loved his character and thought he was everything a thorough, dedicated, compassionate officer of the law should be. And I enjoyed watching that investigation unfold knowing what I knew from The Family Upstairs and wondering if he would truly be able to unpack the complex mess behind Birdie’s murder. What did you think of him and that aspect of the tale?

Dabney: It really sounds as if we read two different books! I’ve thought about going back and reading The Family Upstairs – I’m a Jewel fan and it’s one of the few of hers I’ve not read–but since I know how it turned out, I’m not sure it’s worth it.

I like Owosu. He reminds me somewhat of Aaron Falk, the detective in Jane Harper’s compelling mysteries set in Southern Australia–he’s laconic enough to be dryly amusing and smart enough to be fun to follow his investigations. Plus he has his own sense of honor which makes the choices he makes thoughtful and not necessarily predictable. I had faith he’d figure it out!

Maggie: I’m so excited that Aaron Falk book three comes out in January! It’s interesting that you mention your qualms about going back to read The Family Upstairs because I’ve wondered whether these are books that can be read backwards and I just don’t know. There was so much I loved about that first volume but knowing what happens may indeed take all the suspense out of it. I would really recommend that readers that have a chance to do so start with the first book.

Phinn is the impetus for much of our tale – the search for him is the primary driving factor of this particular story – but I don’t want to say too much about him because of how impactful that plotline is to this narrative. I knew Phinn, what had happened to him, and why everyone was so freaked out that Henry was going after him. I understood Lucy’s urgency when she chased after her brother. As a fresh pair of eyes, so to speak, to that dynamic what did you make of that portion of the tale and Lucy and Henry’s actions?

Dabney: The Phinn story seemed like a stalker story to me because, I realize, I didn’t have the background. It made Henry creepy. Even by the book’s end, that storyline was my least favorite although I loved the way Marco played into that.

Maggie: The Phinn story is a stalker story, even with the background. Overall, I think those who have read The Family Upstairs will be happy to read this just to have some additional closure for the characters in that volume. There is a bit of rewriting history here – Henry especially went from being chilling to simply being a man from a desperate situation – but the tale is enjoyable and DI Sam and Rachel are both compelling characters who make The Family Remains well worth a read. I would give this a B+: It’s a solid story with some interesting mystery angles to it. It does, however, lack the dark, eerie edge of the first book.

Dabney: I’d give it a B+/A-. I really enjoyed unfurling the plot. I suspect that had I read The Family Upstairs, I’d still have liked it this much but I’d have had a different experience. So I think it’s a win for those who’ve read the first book and those who’ve not.

Thanks for chatting with me Maggie. Always a pleasure.

Historical fiction winner

I enjoyed Daughters of Paris, if enjoyed is the right word for the myriad of emotions evoked by this WWII historical novel. I liked the writing style, the two main characters, young women at the start of the war, and how they grew through the challenges of surviving (and resisting) the occupation of Paris.

Thank you to the publisher who lent me a time-constrained e-arc via netgalley. This review is optional and my own opinion.

Daughters of Paris is many things: sobering, sad, frightening, heartbreaking, and heartwarming and inspirational at the same time. It feels so authentic, just as you would imagine life might have been for ordinary, normal people living in Paris who thought their lives and futures were set. Who discovered things were not set when the Germans occupied their beautiful city. These ordinary people learned things about themselves and those around them, good things and bad things. Unexpected selflessness and bravery, sometimes not-so-unexpected selfishness and cowardice.

Fleur and Colette are two of those ordinary people. Different stations in life – Colette is the daughter of the house, used to pretty things and getting her way while Fleur is the orphan niece of the housekeeper, thoughtful, always feeling on the outside looking in – but Colette and Fleur have been best friends since they were children. They have pledged to be friends forever, but then Colette mysteriously goes away for a year and things change. She returns to Paris and picks up her exciting life. Fleur has developed interests and a life of her own. Each feels the other ignored her during Colette’s absence and it doesn’t look like they will ever be close again.

But then war comes. The occupation of Paris. The death of Fleur’s aunt. The seizure of Colette’s father’s business by the Germans. Fear and deprivation become the norm. Will the French government stand up to the Germans and resist? Will things ever be like they once were?

Daughters of Paris is a fascinating story, a little look at life for a varied handful of Parisians and the different ways in which they responded and adapted to this new way of life. Some volunteered to fight and went away. Some resisted behind the scenes. Some pretended nothing was happening. And some decided making friends with the occupiers was the best method of survival. Both Fleur and Colette responded as their conscience, need and inner strength dictated. They came together, pulled apart, did what they could to just hang on.

Thanks to Harper Collins One More Chapter UK for providing an advance copy of Daughters of Paris via NetGalley for my enjoyment and honest review. It is an enlightening story about life during war, about friendships, hardships – and love. I recommend it without hesitation. All opinions are my own.

Set during World War II in Paris, Collette, a wealthy young lady and Fleur, the niece of the housekeeper are childhood friends and secret sisters. But as they get older, something happens to drive them apart. While the Germans occupy Paris, both handle the occupation in different ways. One chooses to live for the moment and dance her way through while the other seeks to help strike out in resistance. Yet, as the war wages on, they discover they are more alike than they think. Both show their courage and resilience in facing the adversity of dealing with life as they knew it in Paris. Fleur and Collette discover they will do whatever it takes to protect their family.
Well written, this is a story of friendship, loyalty, courage, and resilience. While light in its description of the effects of the war on people, it is really the story of two women of differing backgrounds who discover that it doesn’t matter, only who they are within. Not strong as far as historical fiction but still enjoyable to read about the friendship of two women that just happens to be set during WWII. Worth the read, it kept me engaged.

Many thanks to #harpercollinsuk #netgalley #daughtersofparis #elisabethhobbes for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I love this era and this book doesn’t disappoint. Great characters with easy to read and follow chapters. Fleur is an orphaned young girl who is brought up by her Aunt alongside her friend Charlotte. Both girls want to help during WW2 but one gets pregnant during the war. A bit cheesy ending but isn’t that the fun part, to find out who is pregnant. Thanks to Elizabeth Hobbs your publisher and to NetGalley

I was really captivated by this ww11 historical fiction.
It was not quite what I expected, as it is more about romance & the powerful friendship of two women from a different class.
It does not portray the true hardship & horror of occupied Paris of the war years as that comes over a little superficial at times.
Having said that I don’t think that was the authors main focus.
This is more the bonds of two women brought together in ways they would never have expected.
Fleur who is an orphan has been brought up by her aunt Agnes a live in housekeeper to a wealthy family.
Fleur having played with the families daughter Colette from a young age have become the best of friends.
Colette’s mum is rather a snob & she is desperate for her to marry well & secure a place in Parisian society.
While Colette’s life is full of champagne dancing & fun, Fleur is more into her books & craves education & travel.
The two girls start to grow steadily apart, but as the war starts to take hold & Paris is occupied by the Germans, their lives are thrown together in more ways than one.
Beautifully written with strong characters love & enduring friendship shine through.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this interesting book

this is book is about friendships and love...

colette and fleur are best friends...bought up together one is from a rich family the other is the daughter of the maid that serves the family, but they had a great childhood together, then they grew up and though things changed between them, war was to bring them together

this i found to be an endearing book about a time that was fraught with danger all around them, when the germans took over france, at times it was difficult to read about what they faced.... and its good to have these reminders of what was lost and found during those times

well worth a read that gives an insight into those times

Paris 1930s. Colette - daughter of a wealthy Parisian. No-one expects her to be anything other than the socialite wife. But there's more to Colette than meets the eye.

Fleur - daughter of a maid in Colette's household. Her life will not be one of service! She wants an education, to travel, and become something more....

The two young girls can see in each other what no-one else can. intelligence, strength and courage. They form a forbidden friendship. They become secret sisters. But as the Nazis occupy they beloved Paris, the bond between them is severely tested. One fights with the resistance, the other protects her family at all costs.

This is a story about true friendship., love, bravery, loyalty, strength and resilience. Colette and Fleur grew up together but from very different backgrounds. Colette is sent to England and the girls loose touch. But as the war begins, Colette returns to Paris. This is a well written and researched novel. I did prefer Fleur's character, Colette took a little longer to warm to. I did enjoy learning a little more about the resistance movement.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #ElisabethHobbes for my ARC of #DaughtersOfParis in exchange for an honest review.