Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

"Paris at First Light," part of the WW2 Resistance Series by Amanda Lees, is a captivating and deeply emotional portrayal of wartime Paris, offering readers a poignant glimpse into the lives of individuals navigating the complexities of World War II.

Set against the backdrop of the Nazi occupation of Paris, the novel follows the lives of several compelling characters whose paths intertwine amidst the chaos of war. The author skillfully captures the atmosphere of fear, uncertainty, and resistance that permeated the city during this tumultuous period, painting a vivid and immersive picture of the era.

The characters in "Paris at First Light" are richly developed and multi-dimensional. Each protagonist brings a unique perspective to the story, and their individual struggles, sacrifices, and bravery add depth to the narrative. Readers will find themselves emotionally invested in their journeys, rooting for their resilience and strength in the face of adversity.

One of the strengths of this novel is its evocative storytelling. The author's descriptive prose beautifully captures the essence of Paris, from its vibrant streets to the shadows of clandestine resistance movements. The vivid imagery creates an immersive experience, allowing readers to visualize the city's beauty juxtaposed with the harsh realities of war.

The emotional depth of the novel is palpable throughout, as themes of love, courage, sacrifice, and resilience are intricately woven into the fabric of the storyline. The poignant moments and heart-wrenching decisions faced by the characters resonate deeply, eliciting empathy and a profound connection with their experiences.

Additionally, "Paris at First Light" seamlessly blends historical accuracy with riveting storytelling. The meticulous research shines through, offering readers a compelling insight into the challenges faced by both ordinary citizens and members of the resistance during this tumultuous period in history.

While the pacing of the narrative is generally well-maintained, there are instances where the story could benefit from a slightly brisker tempo to heighten the tension and momentum in certain sections.

In conclusion, "Paris at First Light" is a captivating and emotionally resonant work of historical fiction that transports readers to the heart of wartime Paris. Fans of World War II fiction will appreciate its compelling characters, vivid setting, and poignant exploration of the human spirit amidst the trials of war. This novel stands as a testament to the resilience and bravery of those who fought for freedom during one of history's darkest chapters.

Thanks to Netgalley for an advance digital copy for my honest review (less)

She is a spy but first and foremost she is a mother! I just found out this is the first book of a series so I am super excited for more of this page turning writing. Fraught with danger the question is, will she betray her country to protect her children.

Wow, what a book! I really enjoyed this historical fiction book, which has superb writing, wonderful characters and an engaging and compelling story. It is a really amazing book.

The story is about a woman called Juliette, who left her son Nicholas and daughter Natalie, in order to fight in the resistance in Paris in 1944. She works with Captain Daniel Diaz and ends up getting close to him. Back home, her children are taken, but she vows to protect them and still fight for freedom. This is a wonderful, but heartbreaking, emotional story, showing Juliette's strength and determination to do the right thing for her fellow humans, her family and her country.

This is the second book in a series, of which the first book was also amazing. I highly recommend these books, which are magnificent pieces of work.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.

The harrowing story of one woman’s journey to put her life back together in Post WWII Paris. Her quest to deal with her family and collaborators and find her own place in her home after fighting is one any soldier, male or female should be able to relate to.

Paris at First Light combines my favorite things: history, spies, high stakes, and a splash of romance. Amanda Lees creates a high stakes game of cat and mouse. I consumed this novel like air. Juliette and Dan are an unstoppable duo. They compliment each others strengths and weaknesses well. Even though I know the conclusion of the war, Lees’ writing made me hold my breath.

I absolutely loved this book and would read this author again. Really gripping story with a plot that will keep you turning the pages well into the night. Many thanks - would recommend this book.

4.5/5

Paris at First Light by Amanda Lees is a well thought out well researched book. It is her second book in the WWII Resistance series. One thing I will say is it packs a lot of information and I did get lost at points. But I think that was a me issue.

Lees has a way of making you really connect with her characters. I found myself on the edge of my seat wanting to know more about everyone. My one wish for this book is we get to see more of how some of the characters are feeling.

I loved reading about Juliette’s heartbreaking journey through out the book. She is such a strong and determined character and she never gave up. I honestly would have no clue what to do if I was put in her position and I’m not sure how she stayed strong. Her relationship with her “husband” was so frustrating and I was so happy with how her children seemed to be the light that she needed during that time.

This is definitely a must read book if you love historical fiction. I found it hard to put down and it had to take a lot of self restraint not to stay up to 2:30 in the morning read it!

Thank you NetGalley for gifting me a copy of Paris at First Light in return for my honest review.

This is the second book in the WW2 Resistance series by Lees, and I enjoyed this as much as the first. Lees writes gripping plots accompanied by powerful characters that you will to succeed as soon as you meet them. Which is a must in this genre!
The plot is very powerful, and it leads readers into the 'what would you do' mindset, and you believe all of the characters' emotions and trauma as they experience it.
I found it a very gripping and 'enjoyable' (if that's the right word to use when reading about WW2) read.

Caveat: Paris at First Light is the second book in a series. I did not read the first and had not known that when I requested, but I don't think you *need* to read book one in order to enjoy this one. Great voice and character building. I'm not a huge fan of romance, which I felt this was a bit heavy on for a mystery. This was definitely a page-turner, as the plot was very exciting and you quickly become invested in the outcome for both Juliette and Captain Diaz. Would recommend to those who like a little more romance mixed into their cozy mysteries. Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review Paris at First Light.

TRIGGER WARNING: rape
1944, a secret plot to kill Eisenhower and Churchill. Their only chance of survival depends on a small band of spies. But Juliette's focus may be threatened by fear when her children are kidnapped...
Paris At First Light is the second book in a WW2 series about the Resistance. There are mentions of events and outsomes from the previous book, The Silence Before Dawn, so I would advise reading the books in order to avoid spoilers.
Most of the book is written from Juliette's first person perspective so we see her passion and determination. She has fallen in love with her fellow spy but her violent ex threatens her happiness when he steals her children.
We also see the viewpoints of the other spies as they attempt to thwart the assassination plot. It really is the extraordinary strength of four women that underpins the plot and I loved their subversion and undermining of traditional social norms.
There is violence in this book and danger is never very far away. Juliette never shies away from action and is prepared to kill when required. The plot races along at quite a pace and there is plenty of action. Passion and personal power play contrast with the international politics of WW2.
Paris At First Light is a fast moving and intense historical novel.

This novel is the second book about women in WWII resistance in France. I had enjoyed the first book very much, and I have loved this one as well. The only point I didn't enjoy so much is the focus on romance which tends to play a big role in this novel. However, I would definitely recommend Paris at First Life, for its plot as well as the interesting insights into the organisation of spying.
I received a complimentary ARC of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.

Paris at First Light is the second book in Amanda Lees WWII Resistance Series. However, it was the first book I read by Lees and I think I’m absolutely hooked.

If you love WWII historical fiction, a slow burn romance, novels filled with detailed action scenes and all wrapped up in pretty bow with a happy ending, then this book is for you! The story line and plot were well thought out and heavily researched — and it shows!

I should mention that I didn’t necessarily feel as if the characters were fully developed out. I would have loved to learn more about Dan Diaz and even the inner thought processes of his. Maybe even Juliette’s as well. Some character development and description would have been much appreciated for these two!

Also, I did get lost a few times while reading it but I suspect that it is because I didn’t read the first book in the series. So, if you’re reading this and wanting to read it, I might suggest grabbing the first book and following the storyline.

Regardless of the holes in the story that I couldn’t quite fill, the story line was captivating and I stayed up well into the night and taking longer lunch breaks than I should have to read this novel. One of the elements of the book that captured me was the use of symbolism and imagery that was so well researched. Such as Nazi sympathizers wearing blue cornflowers in the buttonholes of their shirts to signify that they were fighting for the Nazi party and sympathetic to Nazi ideals. Let me tell you, I went down a long Google rabbit hole reasearching this one element of history that Lees used to support her book.

It was also very evident that Lees personified her ex-husband Phillipe as the darkness that continuously crept throughout the book. Juliette continued to listen to the darkness by essentially gaslighting herself and tell herself she was able to love again. However, her children were the light that set her free. Once her children expressed their love and approval, Juliette collapsed by the love she felt in her heart and finally accepted the love and admiration she so deserved.

I should warn that there are a few trigger warnings: sexual assault, cheating, divorce, war, and death. If you aren’t a fan of these tropes then I wouldn't recommend this one for you.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me an arc for an honest review*

This was an amazing book. I didn't know it was part of a series. I loved it. It had The Nightingale vibes and I loved it.

Paris at First Light by Amanda Lees is the second in the WW2 Resistance series. It can be read as a standalone but to truly appreciate what these incredible band of women are doing for the war effort I would suggest beginning with book one. This new book continues on the story but this time around the focus is on Juliette although Marianne, Suzanne and Christine do feature again but to a lesser extent. Events in the story are based on fact and the characters are based on people who lived, loved, fought and died for everyone’s freedom. The names of these people have been altered but their daring feats and astounding accomplishments in the face of so much danger and adversity are highlighted here so they will never be forgotten. The female characters are all very strong, determined and forceful and they share a common bond and work together as comrades in arms to help bring about an end to the terror, loss and destruction for so many people in every corner of the world.

Amanda Lees gives her characters such solid and tenacious voices. They truly are incredible for their ingenuity, their abilities and their doggedness to keep going no matter when it seems all could potentially be lost and everything they had done and been through could all have been for nothing. Insights are given into aspects of the war I had never heard of before and clearly extensive research had been undertaken by the author prior to writing this book as there is such unbelievable detail as to manoeuvres, plots and secret work carried out by so many. Admitedly, although it has only been a few short months since I read the first book, I found it took me some time to refamiliarize myself with the characters and at what point they were at now. Things had a very dramatic finish in book one and I was hoping for more of the same here and for major events to happen slightly earlier than they had before. But again I found the story got off to a slow start and there was a lot of jumping around between characters and locations before it finally settled down and found its pace and rhythm and I could anticipate slightly in which direction the plot was going to go.

The main crux of the story is that there are plans afoot to assassinate General Eisenhower in France and Churchill. The Resistance has been officially disbanded in France but still the women and their fellow members will do anything to help stop, what at times seem the unstoppable. Plans are set in motion with a new unit called the Network established. This is a new clandestine operation separate from all the others. To be honest, I found all this information (as it does go into a lot of detail) absolutely fascinating. There were so many people out fighting on the battlefields, innumerable people incarcerated in camps and at the same time so much secret and dangerous work was undertaken by both men and women who were brave, without fear, loyal and above all else dedicated. The Resistance network itself involved so much intricate detail, plotting, manoeuvring, observing and gutsy acts that reading this book made me gain an even deeper appreciation of what so many did for our freedom.

I loved how the further the book developed the more a sense of mystery unfolded and it was like Juliette had to follow the clues. She was on a mission as tasked by the Network as were her fellow members and all the ducking and diving they did and manoeuvring trying to gain information and outwit people was just brilliant. It was like one giant game of chess and one wrong move would lead to the ultimate horrible result for her. Juliette’s mission becomes very personal as, aside from halting the Nazi plot as mentioned above, her two children Nicolas and Natalie along with her mother who was caring for them go missing from their safe house in England. The real maternal side of Juliette starts to come out and she is like a tigress who would protect her cubs at any time. She realises her family situation has been brought onto a major stage and she is dogged in her stance that she will find her children and mother and get them back to safety but she has to be so careful and with American Captain Diaz by her side she must maintain her position undercover as part of a wider operation undertaken by the Network but at the same she can’t let sleeping dogs lie until her loved ones are back in her arms. Juliette, like all the women who feature in this series so far, garners so much respect through her actions and the ability she possesses to never give up even when everything seems to be spiralling out of control.

I loved how Juliette was so mature, astute, cautious and alert yet at the same time she does show a vulnerable side especially when she reveals events in her past which have moulded her into the women she is today. It all becomes clearer the further you delve into the story and you can see what drives her on and motivates her. I thought I had missed something when I read a chapter and it was as if Juliette and Dan had been together and then it jumped forward a bit and it was like this had never happened. So I did become confused for awhile but then every little bit of information I didn’t give much thought to was actually part of the bigger story. In fact Amanda Lees was very clever with her plotting and then having everything coming together with such a dramatic climax was just brilliant. It was filled with tension and edge of your seat stuff and it makes you realise that not everyone is as they seem and to watch out for every person mentioned no matter how small a role you first perceive them to play.

All Juliette wants is peace and her steely resolve sees her play a major role in a big machine that is constantly evolving and on the move. Her story is one of a mother’s love which never wavers in its intensity no matter what objects are placed in its path. Alongside the other women courage, daring and resourcefulness are all words that spring to mind when it comes to their actions. Once this story got going it did become difficult to leave it out of my hands and I found myself racing towards the finish line with my heart in my mouth hoping against hope that things would turn out all right for Juliette and that she would find some sort of happiness and a semblance of normality amidst all the madness and cruelty that surrounded her. I can’t wait to see what women the next book will follow. Suzanne is one character I would certainly like to get to know better and as the war has nowhere reached its conclusion I hope that Amanda Lees has many more stories to tell in this series.

Paris at First Light is the second book in the WW 2 resistance series by Amanda Lees. Having read and loved the first book ‘The Silence Before Dawn’ I was very excited to read this one. As soon as I’d finished the prologue I just knew this was going to be another super read in this series and I certainly wasn’t wrong. Juliette one of the main characters works for the French Resistance and will do anything to defend her country . This is a book full of strong female characters who I completely admired and I wonder if I could’ve been as brave as they were. Once you start reading this gripping book you won’t be able to put it down. As previously mentioned this is the second book in the series and can be read as a standalone but I can promise you book one is every bit as good so do read it. 4⭐️

Paris, 1944: Juliette is a secret agent and is assigned the most dangerous mission she has ever had. Her children have been kidnapped and she will do anything and everything to get them back…no matter what it is. She is forced to work with an American agent, Captain Daniel Diaz. They are assigned to uncover a deadly Nazi plot. Although Daniel and Juliette started off on the wrong foot, the more time they spend together, the more their feelings for each other change. When Juliette receives a ransom note, she must make a life changing decision, betray her country or save her children.

This amazing book is a phenomenal addition to the WW2 Resistance Series. This is an incredible story of a mother’s unconditional love for her children, and a love for her country at a time when the world was falling apart. I loved every minute I spent in the pages of this captivating book. I couldn’t put down this heart-pounding read. What an amazing escape to France and I literally went back in time. This was a very thought provoking book, as I couldn’t help but wonder what I would do in the same situation. It made me contemplate life well after I flipped the last page. I was so engaged in the storyline, and invested in the characters, that I didn’t want the book to end. This is book two of an incredible series, but can be read as a stand-alone novel, however, I suggest you read book one as well because it is every bit as good as this one. I highly recommend this book.

Thank you Amanda Lees for a wonderful continuation to the World War 2 Resistance Series. I loved it and highly recommend it.

Juliette know danger, even to the point of leaving her two children in the care of their grandmother while she continues in the critical role she has played since joining the Resistance. Advanced in her role as a spy, she has no choice but to join forces with Captain Daniel Diaz, an American agent. The two must work together in order to uncover a plot being set in place by their enemy. While at first Juliette and Daniel are like oil and water, they both begin to develop strong feelings towards each other, even to the point where love begins to solidify their relationship.

Romance is not key to Juliette, especially when she receives news of the worst kind. Her children and mother are missing, even though they were being protected. Juliette’s role has been discovered and the kidnapping of those most precious to her leaves her with an ultimatum. If she does not turn traitor, her family will be lost to her forever. Save her children or save France. Determined to do both, Juliette plots a dangerous plan.

What an amazing story by Amanda Lees! Any mother could imagine Juliette’s heart breaking in a million pieces with her worry for the safety of her children. However, it is her courage. Her strength. Even her loyalty that proves her incredible character.

This powerful story was not an easy read. This was especially so when the reason behind the kidnapping led back to the horrific experiences Juliette had to deal with during her marriage. Now experiencing the worst kind of betrayal, Juliette must really dig deep to save those she loves. Meanwhile, any possible future with Daniel just might be lost forever.

For a read that will keep you turning pages until the very end, look no further than Paris at First Light. In fact, for a read just as impactful I highly recommend the first book in this incredible series, The Silence Before Dawn. Both of these fabulous stories show strong and fearless women who survive the odds while making the most difficult choices.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Please enjoy my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/rfPx2tK1f1o

Paris at First Light is the second book in the WWII Resistance series by Amanda Lees.
This is the first book I've read by this author, and it definitely wowed me.
I experienced so many emotions while reading it.
I find it fascinating that the characters are based on actual people. I love reading historical books based on fact as I learn so much from them. I love a lot of detail in books with a lot of descriptions of everything. A well-researched book such as this one always has me appreciating the author's time.
I was truly lost in the story vividly imaging the goings on while reading.
Such a strong and powerful woman, she does the unthinkable, making the ultimate sacrifice leaving behind her heart, her two precious children to become a resistance fighter becoming a spy in Paris.
Working through an extremely dangerous mission with American agent Captain Daniel Diaz whom she takes an instant dislike to, they are working undercover to uncover a deadly Nazi plot.
I must admit the book is brutal in parts, but I look at it as realistic to the times and circumstances.
She has left her husband because of his brutality, putting her children and mother into hiding. Somehow, disaster strikes when he finds them, kidnapping his own children which he knows will hurt her more than anything.
There are high stakes as she has promised allegiance to France but will do anything to somehow get her children and still work fighting the impossible, the Nazi's.
Will Juliette and Daniel be able to work against the odds to rescue the children?
Gripping will keep you reading late into the night. Unputdownable! A mother's love is without limits, beyond compare!
The ultimate betrayal, shocking. Splendid read! Superb, I will be looking up this author for more.

Pub Date: 23 Nov 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Paris at First Light is the second book in the WWII resistance series by Amanda Lee's but it can easily be read as a standalone. It is a book full of romance, bravery, action, drama and so much more. I was engrossed from the beginning and can't wait for more.

I throughly enjoyed this very interesting and different perspective of the resistance during the Second World War in France. Although this is a second in the series this book can be read as a stand alone book. I’m looking forward to more from this author. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.