Yes, this is another WWII story, and another one about a real woman being heroic, so my regular readers already know that this is going to be a winner for me because it is women’s, biographical, historical fiction. Since I’d already read a couple of Healey’s novels (Beantown Girls and The Secret Stealers), and enjoyed them so much that I had her do a Countdown Questions for my blog! Obviously, all this made this a “must read” for me, and I’m so glad that I got the ARC.

Now, let’s be specific here. As I was reading this, I knew that it would get at least four stars. Somewhere in the middle of my reading, I had upped it to 4.5 stars. But it wasn’t until the very end that realized I had to push this up to five stars. So, first of all, Congratulations to Ms. Healey for my first 5/5-star review of 2023! Secondly, you have to give kudos to Healey for so subtly inserting these characters into the hearts of her readers. I mean, I really didn’t see it coming – I was practically sure that I’d finish this book without sheading a tear, but no! with the ending of this book, Healey had bought me hook, line, and sinker and there I was blubbering like a baby, starting with the last paragraphs, and into the authors notes and acknowledgements!

Now, you should know that Healey’s prose isn’t highly poetic, and in fact, is pretty straight forward. But Healey really knows how to make her characters sympathetic to her readers, even when we aren’t realizing that we’re falling for them. This is true even when, on the surface, they might be less than totally loveable. Here we have a woman – privileged in every way, shape, and form – and yet she shows her devotion and caring at every step of the way. She gives up a budding Hollywood career to marry the man she loves and move half-way across the world to be with him. She refuses to move back to the US when the war begins, and thereby gets embroiled into much more than she ever bargained for. Mind you, she does get imprisoned, but as Healey points out, she ended up in a “model” camp and so her suffering wasn’t anywhere near as harsh as what Jews and other enemies of the Nazis had to endure. Even so, she had the chance to get out, and decided to stay and fight. That’s moxie for you, and you have to admire that in anyone.

Most importantly, what you’ll get here is a new angle of things that happened during WWII in France, and how people worked to help one another – as well as how terrorized the population was by both the occupying Nazis and their collaborators. I know that we already have read dozens of books about the resistance, but sometimes the heroism isn’t about blowing things up, spreading anti-Nazi propaganda, or sabotaging the oppressors. In this case, it is about helping people stay alive, be it by distributing food that everyday people from the rural areas shared with their urban counterparts, and hiding downed allied air force soldiers until they could either escape to safety, or ultimately be rescued. These were the things that the real Drue did, and I’m glad that Healey brought her story to light. As noted above, she did make me cry, so I’m wholeheartedly recommending this novel with a full 5/5 stars!

American film star Drue Leyton has made a home of France after marrying Jacques Tartiere. At the onset of war, her husband quickly discovers his weaken lungs prevent him from serving in the French Army and he volunteers his services as a translator with the British military. Staying loyal to her husband and new home, Drue chooses to stay in Paris when many American expatriates flee to the states.

Drue, like her husband, realizes she wants to do more for the war effort than sit at home waiting on Jacques’ letters. Given a job that initially feels somewhat beneath her, Drue works for a local radio station during the overnight hours so that she can broadcast to the United States and attempt to help Americans realize what is actually happening to France as the Nazi’s get dangerously close to the border. Her boss Jean Fraysse realizes that they must tread a fine line to be able to say what they want and remain on air.

When Paris is taken over by Germans, Drue, her maid and friend Nadine, and Jean flee to the countryside to continue the work for the unorganized French resistance who recognize a need to do what they can to take back their country, even if the US chooses not to help.

Drue Tartiere’s wartime experience is a treacherous and heartbreaking one. Her courage to stand up to the Nazi’s both in their faces at times, and in more subtle and devious ways at other times, is admirable. Her work with the underground resistance for years without being caught is almost unbelievable. The stories of individuals who made such a difference during the German occupation never cease to amaze me.

Thank you to Netgalley, Lake Union Publishing, and of course Jane Healey for the advanced copy of the book. Good Night From Paris comes out on Tuesday. All opinions are my own.

What would you do if you were an American married to a Frenchman at the start of WWII? Would you flee back to America, while your husband is shipped off to Britain? Or would you stay, trying to be as close to your loved one as possible. Slowly doing your own good, changing the mind of fellow Americans to enter the war, and become involved in the French Resistance. Drue Layton choose the latter. Even though she had many ways to get out of the country, she chooses to stay. Good Nigh from Paris is based on the life of actress Drue Layton. A woman who made it in Hollywood and choose to step out of the limelight for love in France. Will she be able to blend in during the war, as a small-time actress. Or will her past and her telltale blond curls give her away?

Jane Healey brings to life this phenomenal woman from the past. I have never heard of Drue, but I definitely went down the google tunnel after reading this book. She was strong, charismatic, and lost so much in the war. Yet she was able to set herself aside and help others through their darkest days. This book had some sections that tended to wander and were drawn out. It does come back around. Thank you to Jane Healey, Get Red PR Books, and Amazon Publishing for putting this courageous woman on my radar.

Another great book by Jane Healey. While fiction, this book contained well researched events and people and was hard to put down. I love reading about people, places and events in history that often get overlooked and the story of Drue Leyton Tartiere was inspiring, fascinating and heartbreaking. Jane Healey writes in such a way that you feel like you know her characters and care about their stories. I really enjoyed this book! Thanks #NetGalley #LakeUnion

Jane Healey is one of my go to historical fiction authors and an auto read author for me and this was one of my most anticipated books of the year!

The story is a fictional account of the real life of American actress Drue Leyton that takes place in France during WW2, from October 1939 - August 1944. The story begins with Drue and her resistance work as an overnight radio broadcaster on a station that broadcasts to the United States and follows her resistance work through the war, with the occupation of France by the Germans until the liberation of France in 1944.

Drue's work as a radio broadcaster was so fascinating - the show was a persuasive broadcast to the US trying to convince the American public not to be apathetic. I loved this section and learning more about their efforts - their show was gaining interest and made a difference with Roosevelt and Congress. Drue's character is compelling and she shows so much resiliency and bravery throughout so many situations she is found in.

In the author's note, I was blown away to read that the character this is based on, Drue Peyton Tartiere is in fact a real person who was imprisoned at a zoo outside Paris, then at the Vittel internment camp with several hundred other Americans. She was a movie star that left Hollywood and became a key figure in one of the underground networks that helped pilots escape France.

Drue Leyton is a beautiful American film star, living in France while her husband is fighting against the Germans. When the Germans attack Paris, Drue must decide if she wants to return to America or use her talents to help fight back against Germany.

I absolutely loved learning about Drue. I found her story and her life extremely compelling and wanted to know what was going to happen next. But honestly the only reason I continued this book is because I knew Drue was a real person, and not because of the actual book.

I had several issues with the book, starting with the excessive, repetitive dialogue. Drue would narrate herself doing something, then have four conversations where she would repeat what she had just done (which we already know). For a story with so much tragedy, I did not feel any narration particularly heart-wrenching. When a character dies, Drue narrates “I cried for days.” And that’s it. Very matter-of-fact when I want to be compelled to cry for her. Not my style.

Overall it was ok! Again, her story is harrowing and I really enjoyed learning about her and the other characters.

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of Good Night in Paris! All opinions are my own.

3/5 stars

This was just so-so in terms of historical fiction. Everyone who reads historical fiction has probably read so many novels set before, during and after WW II and this one just didn't capture my interest nearly as much as others. Even though it was based on a true story, I found the story quite droll. Hope you have better luck!

Goodnight from Paris comes out next week on March 7, 2023 and you can purchase HERE.

With my hair tucked under a navy-blue beret and my windbreaker over my dress to protect me from the autumn breeze, I rode through my adopted city, reminded at every turn why it had captivated Americans like me for centuries --from the picturesque bridges crossing the Seine to the cream-colored apartment buildings with their matching balconies and mansard roofs to the ornate street signs. And then there was my favorite part of Paris-- the cafes on almost every block, their terraces crammed with Parisians sitting together around tiny wrought iron tables sharing drinks and cigarettes.

This is a gripping, story of a Hollywood star, Drue Leyton, married to a Frenchman, and living in France when occupied by the Nazis. Her husband is working for the British military in Brittany.
Living in Paris, alone with her maid, Nadine, Drue is lonely and despite much different than being an actress, she agrees to work at a radio station as a broadcaster. The program is broadcast to America with the purpose of letting Americans know what is happening in Europe during the war. Everything that Drue reports or says needs to be approved, however, she does not feel an accurate picture of what is really happening with the Nazis is being disseminated so she begins to provide an honest picture of the circumstances without prior approval. She hopes to stir up apathy in America spurred on by an American journalist to speak the truth. Drue is well-known in the United States from her roles in movies and it is the hope of the radio station that American will listen to her.
This is a fascinating story based on the real activities of Drue Layton during the French Resistance. As things heat up, Drue is willing to risk whatever it takes to help her husband’s country. She and Nadine are forced to get out of Paris and move to the country where they grow food to help those that do not have enough. They take in injured American and British Airman who have parachuted out a burning plane, hiding them all over Paris, and in their own home. Drue is arrested because she is an American woman and goes to prison, however, she manages a daring escape, pretending she has cancer, which nearly kills her.
I have enjoyed all of Jane Healey’s books, however, this one is mesmerizing. I could not put it down until the last page was turned. I highly recommend reading the Author’s Notes at the end. Although this is categorized as historic fiction, you will learn much of the facts and the people in this riveting story are part of the actual history of this period.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

THIS is an amazing book! I was so invested in this story! I couldn’t put it down! Shed tears along the way! Highly highly recommend!

Fascinating read about a Hollywood actress living in France with her husband when the Nazi’s have occupied France. Romance, intrigue and adventure make for a story that I could not stop reading and raced to finish.

I love anything WWII and this book will be on of my favorites. Thank you Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the chance to read and review this book!!!

This was a good book. Though fiction, it is loosely based on an American actress who lived in France throughout WWII . She first began working in Paris on the radio, airing in Europe and America, trying to convey to Americans how they must get involved in Hitler's war. It touched on her time in prison and her dedication to the French resistance. It showed how people did what they had to do to protect their loved ones in a very dangerous time. I admired Drue the way she put herself in danger time after time, to help others and her adopted country, France.
Thanks Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I really enjoy historical fiction but am sometimes frustrated by how many historical fiction books are set in WWII. I selected Goodnight from Paris as I've been to Paris 've been to Paris and see some of the outground communications post and therefore was intrigued by the story.

I found the story engaging with good pacing. What made this story stand out for me were the cast of characters with I thought were done particularly well. I enjoyed learning about this real life heroine and this aspect of WWII. Also, the dash of romance mixed in increased my enjoyment. This is a great beach read or curled on the couch read. Going to put this authors other books my to read list.

Do make sure to read the Authors Note at the end as it provides very interesting historical details about the characters.

It is sometimes hard to write a review about a book that was really good, and this is one of them. There may be some spoilers in this review.

This book is a fictional account of the real life of American actress Drue Leyton. It takes place in France during WW2, from October 1939 - August 1944. The beginning of the book tells the story of Drue beginning her resistance work as an overnight radio broadcaster on a station that broadcast stories to the United States, and from there follows her work throughout the war, with the occupation of France by the Germans until the liberation of France in 1944.

The reason writing a review about this book is difficult is because it does cover so much time. As I was reading it, there were times when I thought it was impossible for all of these things to occur to one person during the war. But in reading the Author's notes and other resources, Drue Leyton really did so much during the war. How she managed to not be captured by the Germans for even her early work as a broadcaster, criticizing the Germans, is amazing. This really was a well written book and well researched. I've read many books about WW2, and also the resistance efforts in France during WW2. It is amazing how many stories there are to tell, and how I learn something from all of them. In this one, I learned about how the Americans were imprisoned in Vittel once America declared war on Germany. Vittel wasn't the same as the concentration camps, but still a difficult experience none the less.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and am very glad I read it.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book.
Yet another book about Paris during WWII. But not boring. A new twist filled with interesting characters that grab your heart. A story of strong, brave people.

I find Jane Healey's books to be really good for readers who are new to historical fiction - she very clearly outlines her stories, her writing is crisp, and she doesn't delve TOO deep into the horrors of war that it would scare off more sensitive readers.

It's always fascinating to read historical fiction that features real people at the center of the story, and this was no exception.

Terrific fact based historical fiction. Healey has done a wonderful job of bringing her characters to life in thos novel that both informs and entertains. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. For fans of the genre.

Inspired by a true story , american actress Drue leyton. She sacrificed her career for love. The book has it all love, loss, heartache, reaistance and strength. I really enjoyed this book. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

This book is based on fact and the American actress who was married to a Frenchmen. . She lived in Paris during WW2 and it follows her work helping with the Resistance.
It’s a good story with strong women willing to go the distance and do whatever needed done.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

Excellent book of historical fiction!

When I started reading this book, I had no idea that it was based on a true story. I quickly became fascinated with Drue, her strength, depth of love for her husband and friends, and her resilience in terrifying situations. The book spans the time period just before Germany’s occupation of France and continues until the Allies liberated it. As an American Drue was in danger of being exiled, but she was married to a Frenchman who was fighting in the war and wanted to stay close.

Before reading, I had limited knowledge of the time, but now I feel well-educated. The story captured my interest and I enjoyed reading it. I feel so badly that America took so long to enter the war, causing so much suffering. Well-written and researched, highly recommended.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

Drue Leyton is an American actress living in Paris in 1939, under the dark cloud of another world war and she's just married her French husband Jacques Tartière. All men are called up for duty, Jacques fails the medical and he leaves Paris to be a liaison for the British troops arriving in Brittany.

Drue’s agent organizes for her to meet with Jean Fraysse, he wants her to do a radio broadcast, five nights a week and be the Voice of America. Drue is lonely without Jacques, with her maid/friend Nadine for company and she decides to let her fellow American's know about the tension and nervous waiting game going on in France and what the Germans are doing in occupied countries.

Drue chats to some very famous people on her radio segment, including Dorothy Thompson and she was one of the first journalists to interview Hitler, Josephine Baker and Sylvia Beach from the bookshop Shakespeare and Company. Drue is supposed to keep to the script and what's has been approved by the French ministry of Information she likes pushing the boundaries and even Franklin Roosevelt listens to her broadcast. The Germans and the war are not a European problem but a world one and Drue soon finds herself on a list and if caught the Germans threaten to kill her.

Drue, Nadine and most of the staff at Radio Mondail leave Paris and travel to Vichy, France. Drue isn’t safe here, she has to move to the French countryside, she rents a villa in Barbizon and uses her married name. At this stage, I did wonder where the narrative was going and I thought the story was only about Drue working for a radio station in Paris and it was going in a totally different direction.

Goodnight from Paris is based on a true story and the incredible wartime experiences of Drue Leyton Tartière, she is a truly inspirational woman and a brave one. Drue helps the French underground resistance, she and a network help save and hide downed American, British and Canadian pilots.

I received a copy of Goodnight from Paris by Jane Healey from NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Ms. Healey is one of my favourite historical fiction authors, because she writes stories about real women who do extraordinary things, and her latest book is amazing and I want to learn more about Drue Leyton Tartière. A woman who was smart, loyal, fearless and courageous, I felt complete admiration for her and I was amazed by everything she achieved and endured, and five stars from me. I highly recommend reading Goodnight from Paris and the authors previous books, The Secret Stealers and The Beantown Girls.