I read a lot of historical fiction set against the backdrop of WWII and enjoyed the fresh perspective and new insights I gained particularly around of the impact of the war on the Swiss. I did listen to the audiobook and struggled a bit with the narration as there was little variation in the voice to differentiate the characters. I also thought the story was a bit slow at times, but did enjoy the characters and the bravery they showed in effort to help others. I would recommend this story to readers who enjoy historical fiction set against the backdrop of WWII who may be looking for a different perspective, but would recommend reading this one over listening.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the opportunity to listen to this title. This is my honest review and the opinions expressed are my own.

I have to put out a disclaimer that I read a lot of WWII historical fiction and this book wasn't the worst that I've ever read, but not one that blew me away. I would give this one a 3.5 rating. I felt that this story started out slow. I did listen to it via audiobook and didn't love the narrator. I would encourage people to read it because it is a good book about people standing up for others, and those stories should always be shared.

It was just ok. Found it a little long winded and boring. sorry. Didn't really have much excitement and it struggled to keep my attention.

WWII Switzerland is where we are introduced to Valerie, the watchmaker's daughter, and then to Phillipe, her soldier sweetheart. The story zig zags between the two of them as they risk their lives, in different ways, for their country. A good story, with enjoyable narration, but unfortunately I didn't find it as compelling as I'd hoped. Thank you to the author, Net Galley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange or an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for an audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

In 1942 Geneva, Valérie Hallez works in her father's watch shop during the day delivering parts around the city but at night she is part of the secret underground resistance helping to smuggle children out of France and into Switzerland. With her work in both the shop and resistance she has unprecedented access to information and people. Her boyfriend, Philippe, joins the Swiss Army to defend against the Nazi's incase of invasion. Philippe is selected to do special secret map-making work, but is soon falsely accused of espionage. Valerie may have just enough information from her work to help save him and flush out the real trader.

I really enjoy WWII novels but since the market is so inundated it is hard to find a new angle to read about and Swiss resistance workers hit the nail on the head. I have not read many story's around the work of people in unoccupied Europe and found this to be unique and interesting. While the story itself is not that new it was fresh enough to keep my interest. Valerie is a likable character and I will be interested to read more of her story as the novellas progress... the end is a cliff hanger into the next book. I had the audio version read by Harriett Collins and she does a beautiful job, easy to listen to and captivating.

I had the audio version of this book and thoroughly enjoyed listening to it. I have a tendency to fall asleep listening to audio books, but I wanted to stay awake for this one. The descriptions of the characters and settings were great and I felt like I was there with them. There’s plenty of tense moments, making it even more exciting. I’d highly recommend this book.

I really enjoyed reading this historical fiction book which was set in Switzerland during World War 2. This is a very well written story with great characters and I felt at times I was there i with them so good was the descriptions of the people and places. This was at times a tense read and I really wasn’t sure who to trust. I was delighted to read this is the first book in a new series by this author and I cannot wait to read book 2.

This novel was absolutely beautifully written. I loved every bit of it and breezed through it with ease. I cannot wait for more books about Valérie and Phillipe.
The story takes place in Switzerland during World War II. Valérie’s father is a local watchmaker and she helps him with deliveries around the city. What her father does not know is that she is a part of the Resistance and is aiding in the escape of Jewish children. Switzerland is on the brink of a Nazi invasion and she will do whatever it takes to help her country. Her love Phillipe is away serving his country and is stationed in the Alps, he worries for her safety in helping the Resistance. Valérie is tasked with hiding a fugitive and comes in possession of a list. A list which could alter not only her and Phillpe’s future but also the future of their country. What should she do? Who can she trust? It was truly beautiful and heartbreaking watching this story unfold.

A World War II historical novel surrounding a young girl and her attempts to help the resistance in her own way. Valerie worries for the state of her country as a Nazi invasion becomes inevitable. Her soldier love, Phillippe is able to join the army to protect his country, but what can Valerie do?

Against her loved ones' wishes, Valerie starts smuggling messages for the French Resistance under the guise of delivering watches for her father. When the war intensifies around her, her involvement escalates and Valerie may be in too deep.

World War II historical fiction is my favorite genre, and this story held my interest throughout. Beautifully written and I enjoyed the female perspective. Heart-wrenching and blood pressure raising, this book is worth the read.

Valérie tries to help others, risking her & their safety.
Switzerland is a unique setting for a #WW2 novel.
There’s even a series to continue this story.
#HarrietCollings is a great narrator.

Thanks, #DianneHaley, @bookouture, #bookoutureaudio & @netgalley for my copy of written & audio versions! All opinions are mine.

The Watchmaker's Daughter by Dianne Haley was an interesting read. it is about Valerie, a young girl doing her part to help the resistance with French refugees in Switzerland. She comes across a note that lists her fiancé as a traitor and she must find out the truth. I did enjoy it and I love all WWII fiction. However, this one was a little jumpy for me. It seemed to move to a new subject without any notice. I had a hard time keeping up with what was happening. It may have been the narrator, or it may have been the story line itself. But, anyhow, I would have to say that other than that, it had a good premise. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to listen to it. All opinions are my own.

Almost 30 years ago, my Master's Thesis was on the French Resistance and the women who risked their lives in defiance of the Nazi regime. So little was written on the topic at that time, it was incredulous how these amazing stories were lost to time. Well how things have changed in the last five years. Novels abound about these plucky, brave women who fought during WWII in occupied Europe. Their tales of intrigue and danger can be found on numerous book lists and publishers keep churning them out. Most of the time, I love these stories based on the brave women almost forgotten in history. The novelization of their lives is a great way to keep their legacy alive. As a historian and book reviewer, I thought I had read almost every version of this narrative but I was wrong. The Watchmaker's Daughter adds a new twist to the oft told tale of the French Resistance. Set in Switzerland, Haley's work provides a new and different context to examine the role of the underground movements of the resistance. The problem is Switzerland was neutral during WWII and was not occupied by Nazi Germany. In many ways, it was a collaborative regime that provided the Germans an ally and a banking system to keep the Third Reich alive. It is hard to generate much sympathy for the Swiss during this horrific time in history as they really did not suffer as the rest of Europe did.

Still, The Watchmaker's Daughter provides an interesting perspective of the Swiss people during that difficult time. The Swiss themselves didn't have a "resistance" unit per se; instead they helped the various other resistance groups by providing a safe haven for their fighters and for Jews escaping the occupation of nearby countries. Swiss neutrality provided a different reality than most countries during the war. Set in 1942-1943 Geneva, the Swiss live in fear of a German takeover. Their way of life was slowly being overwhelmed by compliance with Nazi Germany's policy. With the borders closed and life in the cantons turning dangerously dark, a few brave Swiss defied the unofficial occupation with their willingness to join the French Underground. The brave heroine of our story, Valerie, risks everything to help the French Resistance as they spill over the border. Her work is complicated by her fiancee Philip, a soldier in the Swiss Army. Their intertwined tales are the backbone of Haley's novel.

Valerie, a very likable character, uses her father's watchmaking business to provide a cover for her illicit activities as she darts around Geneva delivering watch parts and partisans. She has to carefully skirt Dieter, her father's friend and German stooge, who feigns romantic interest in Valerie. His suspicions of Valerie's behavior endangers not only her life but her father's. Adding to that, Valerie keeps her secret from her beloved Philip until one of her actions embroils him in a very dangerous way. Part of Valerie and Philip's story shows how ordinary day to day activities can turn so dangerous and deadly very quickly. This was so true of partisans who needed to watch every step they took to keep any collaborators from reporting their suspicious behavior. The slightest hint of resistance activity often resulted in horrific tortures and sure death. Valerie's life, slipping in and out of the shadows, highlights how even the smallest chore carries dangerous consequences.

I listened to The Watchmaker's Daughter as I drove back and forth to work. It provided a simple espionage escapist tale to listen to as the miles rolled by. The narration was good and I appreciated the correct pronunciation of the French and Swiss names. Her clipped British accent provided a smooth rendition of the novel. Sometimes the cloying romantic melodrama irritated me but not enough to stop listening. I am one of those historians who find love stories in the middle of my war tales bothersome. I am sure many of the readers will be captivated by the star crossed romance of the two lovers, Valerie and Philip. One aspect of the story I wish more time was spent on was the role of the Swiss army and its relentless training in case of a German attack. Still, all in all, I enjoyed the book and recommend it. There are tons of stories about the French Resistance available now. The Watchmaker's Daughter provides a little different view. One of the best things about Haley's story is that it ends before the war is over, leaving the reader guessing what the next phase is. While this is clearly to set up the reader for the next in the series, I like to leave it where it is. Reminds me of the end of Casablanca--you don't know what the next stage of the story will be. That's good enough for me.

Interesting story that I really appreciated since I found World War 2 very interesting. Thanks to Netgalley, and the author for writing the book.

This story takes place in Europe in the 1940s, during the war, from towns in Switzerland. Many of the people who lived there during this time period were part of the resistance. This is a story of survival and standing up for what's right and for those who cannot. It's difficult to know who to trust but you do your best and fight with everything you have when the world around you is in chaos.

I received an advance review copy of this audiobook for free from Bookouture Audio and NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily as a courtesy.

Geneva, Switzerland. 1942. As a Nazi invasion looms over her country after the invasion of France, Valérie Hallez secretively joins the French Resistance and helps by smuggling messages with watch deliveries and hiding those fleeing from the Nazis by providing shelter in her father's unused watch factory. Her childhood sweetheart, Phillipe, joins the army and eventually, Valérie finds herself in possession of a letter that could cost him his life if it falls into the wrong hands. Valérie risks her own life and safety to save the life of her beloved and thwart Nazi spies.

I enjoyed this thrilling WWII novel set in Switzerland -- it's a different perspective from many of the other historical fiction accounts of the Nazi war. Valérie is a strong and brave female lead who risks her life to help the Resistance when women were not given the same opportunities to help during the war. Valérie's character was relatable and engaging, however, I had trouble connecting to Philippe during the sections where we saw things from his perspective. Although I enjoyed the story, I sometimes felt like it read much the same as many other WWII historical fiction novels.

The narrator, while not unpleasant, may have had a negative effect on my impression of the book. I enjoyed the voice and the reading was smooth, however, because there were no differences in the character's voices in the reading, sometimes the conversational sections were hard to follow and sounded much like someone having a conversation out loud with themselves. I think I may have enjoyed this novel a bit more had I read it rather than listened to the audiobook.

If you are a fan of WWII historical fiction, I would highly recommend you check this book out! It was a nice change in perspective and gave me some new insights into the lesser-known history of the war in other European countries.

1942, Geneva: As her radio crackles with heart-breaking news from occupied France, Valérie Hallez gazes towards the snow-covered Alps after a long day helping her father, a local watchmaker. With a Nazi invasion looming, she is sick with worry for the future of her country, and for Philippe, her childhood sweetheart with soft brown eyes. Valérie might not be able to join the army like him, but she is determined to play her part in the fight against evil…
In defiance of her father, Valérie helps the French Resistance by smuggling messages among her father’s watch deliveries. And when darkness falls, she risks everything to hide Jewish refugee children in his old workshop. Philippe fears for her safety, as her work for the Resistance could come with a heavy price. But nothing will stop her delivering vital information and getting terrified children to safety before they are sent back to the Nazis.
But when Valérie is entrusted with an urgent letter for the Allies, she finds herself in an impossible position. The information it contains could alter the course of the war. But if she hands over the message now, it will cost Philippe his life. With Nazi spies closing in on her, Valérie must act now… But can she really trust the man she loves, and will she find a way to save both him and her country before it’s too late….. I received a free Advanced Reading Copy via NetGalley in exchange for a complete and honest review. The narration has good pace and flow,and the narrators voices seemed right for the characters they were portraying overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you So much to net galley and Bookouture for my copy of The Watchmaker’s Daughter by Dianne Haley in exchange for an honest review. It published April 25, 2022.
I think this book will stand up with its neighbors in the WWII genre. I found the fact that it took place in Switzerland to be unique, as that is underrepresented within the genre.
Both the writing and narration were well done.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

I received the audio version of this book and was disappointed that for the first third- halfway the chapters were missing. One track was chapter one and the next one was chapter seven. This continued on until chapter twenty. Due to this I missed a lot of the actual story, but from what I did listen to it was a great historical fiction book.

The twists and turns of the book kept me constantly on my toes, wanting to know what happened next. Valerie’s side to the story was probably the most interesting to me throughout the book. The ending was very predictable which I didn’t mind too much as I loved the characters involved a lot.

Overall it was a great historical fiction book with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

This book was great! Valarie is a watch makers daughter living in Switzerland during ww2. She was part of the French resistance which during that time, which I found out after reading many historical fiction books that Switzerland was like France before the nazi took over. Spy’s everywhere she finds one who has a list of traders and the love of her life is on it. Will she turn it in or not. Can she believe it ?? This book is also part of a series so it does have a cliff hanger. But I enjoyed it thank you for my arc!

I enjoyed this historical fiction. It’s set in Switzerland which is a twist for World War II fiction. I’m glad this is going to be a series because the story felt unfinished.

I listened to the audiobook and the narrator, while lovely sounding, didn’t really help the story. The narrator used one voice for every character so it was hard to differentiate.

I’ll definitely read/listen to book two but hopefully there’s a different narrator (or at least an additional one).

Rounded my rating up to a 4 because it’s a continuing story. If it was a stand alone it would have been a 3.