I thoroughly enjoyed this historical novel, based on a real life movie star from the early part of the twentieth century, Drue Leyton. Set in France during WWII, Drue has moved to France from Hollywood after marrying a handsome Frenchman. She is an American and was semi-famous for her parts in the Charlie Chan movies. As the Nazis bear down on France, Drue is asked to broadcast a radio show from Paris to encourage American support of France. She gets a death threat from the Germans for her efforts.

After the Nazis take over Paris, Drue and her co-workers and housekeeper move to Barbizon and join the Resistance movement. Drue survives it all by faking uterine cancer while interred by the Germans. She eventually helps a number of Allied airmen escape France after crash landing on missions against the Germans.

This was a good novel but not a great one. The main character seems to have a hair trigger temper and mouths off to the Germans at times. This trait did not seem authentic. Also, the two love interests in the book did not come across well. We're told she's in love, but we don't really see it.

Overall, however, this was an interesting story and, since it was based on an actual person, a story that needed to be told. Recommended.

Drue Leyton is a Hollywood actress, living in Paris at the start of WW2. As her French husband goes off on war duties, she stays behind and sends radio broadcasts to America, detailing life wartime life and begging America for help.

This is a story based on facts. Very detailed facts. Drue puts herself in danger to help others. Parts of the story are very intense. Seeing the newscasts from Ukraine helps to give this story life. While the war was fought eighty years ago, war is war. The tragedies and human losses don't change.

I Googled Drue….I had to see what she looked like. She was a beautiful woman. I am amazed at the strength, bravery and courage that she had while putting herself in danger.

Kudos to the author for the research she did to relate this story. Most of the characters are real people. Ms. Healey admits to using literary license in some instances but she stays very close to facts as she learned from her research.

This book gives a totally different perspective on the war from others that I have read. It is interesting, compelling and informative.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers copy.

I really love historical novels, and this was a good one, based on the life of American movie actress Drue Leyton, a star in the late 30’s. She is living in Paris with her French husband Jacques Tartiere, who joins up to serve as an interpreter for the British at the start of WWII. To keep busy, Drue does radio broadcasts to the States, describing what is going on in Paris, with the beginning of Nazi occupation. As she becomes bolder in her broadcasts, the radio station is shut down and a death threat is put out on her. She, along with her closest friends, take refuge in the country, were she begins to assist with the war effort.
This is a story based on the life of a courageous woman, who just happened to be an actress. Jane Healey is a very skilled writer, as I’ve enjoyed in her previous novels. Her characters are well developed and she captures the pain, sacrifice and struggle of war time, as well as the bravery of those that lived it. Her research of Drue’s story is so thorough, that the reader can really feel the pain and suffering of those living it.
This book is certainly five star worthy. My thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union and the author for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Goodnight From Paris follows actress Drue Leyton as she becomes a part of the resistance during WW2. I learned quite a bit during this book and I’m always surprised by how much there is still to learn about this war. I also admired all the perseverance these characters showed during these very difficult times. There was a lot of information and action in this book, but there wasn’t a ton of depth or emotional writing which is what hooks me to WW2 books. I liked this one, but I didn’t love it.

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an egalley in exchange for an honest review.

Set in France during the events of WWII, this is a historical fiction based on the life of Drue Leyton Terrane, an American actress and member of the French Resistance. I liked the story and really enjoyed all of the information in the author's note detailing where fact and fiction were integrated into the story.

What I liked.

1. It was interesting to have the perspective of a person that I had not read much about. As an American actress, Drue Leyton had many opportunities to return to the United States. But the love of her adopted nation and her husband kept her in France during the war.

2. The radio broadcast aspect and how Drue manages to ruffle the feathers of all her opponents. I love that she didn't back down. The scene where she interviews Josephine Baker was one of my favorites in the book.

3. The entire first part of this novel made for some great reading. I loved the relationships between friends, colleagues, and her husband, Jacques.

What could have worked better?

1) Part 2 was interesting about the American roundups and Drue's imprisonment but I felt my interest waning in the last 20% of the book. It felt like the author was realizing that she had to wrap things up quickly.

2. The relationship between Drue and another character was inevitable. I just knew the minute they were on the page that it was going to happen. I do understand from Jane Healey's note that there was evidence to indicate it's possible but I saw no passion or chemistry beyond two friends seeking comfort from one another.

3. Okay, I have a pet peeve that I will freely admit when it comes to books and films about WWII. Having visited France, Belgium, and Holland, the efforts of ALL ALLIED FORCES are recognized as you venture through many communities. At least when I visited these countries in the summer of 2013, the signs read " Thank you to our Liberators" and included the flags of many allied nations, not just ONE. Drue Leyton helped pilots from many Allied Forces and in the post-war years was recognized by many of them including the French, British, Canadian, and American governments. To Jane Healey's credit, Drue always does utter the words "allied forces" when discussing war updates. But all of the other characters appear to just emphasize " Americans" coming to save them blah, blah, blah. Now to play devil's advocate, maybe other characters were doing this because Drue was American and they wanted to pay her homage. But yeah, it wasn't a SOLE country's effort, they were a group and it's insulting to me as the granddaughter and great-niece of Francophone Canadians who served overseas and in Canada during this war. Many, many men and women in many countries served in various capacities. It's kind of like when Team Canada has won gold at the Olympics( another pet peeve towards my fellow Canucks) and broadcasters go on and on about Sidney Crosby( who is a great player but hockey is a team sport) instead of all members of the team- it's just a lousy way of telling a narrative. Maybe something that publishing companies would like to keep in mind for the reading audience. 🤷‍♀️ Like I said, it is just my personal pet peeve!

In summary, I liked it for offering a different perspective and a person that I didn't know anything about .

Expected Publication 07/03/23
Goodreads Review 15/02/23

#GoodnightfromParis #NetGalley.

Goodnight from Paris is another fantastic read about a woman in history most of us have never heard of - Drue Leyton. She was an American actress who lived in Paris with her husband. When her husband goes to war she is asked to work for a radio station. What starts out as innocent stories about life in France broadcast to the United States starts to turn into more accurate accounts of what's really going on, Drue and her friends find themselves in danger if caught. The work she did for the Resistance was just incredible! This novel has you on the edge of your seat proving how so many people risked everything to help those in need. This is based on a real person and the author notes explain in detail other heroes highlighted in this amazing story. Jane Healey has become one of my favorite authors and she writes historical fiction in a way only she can! Highly recommend!!!

There were sections of this book that were very interesting and others that dragged for me. Overall, a good story worth telling. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

Inspired by the American actress Drue Leyton who worked in occupied France with the Resistance to save downed pilots. Healey does a great job of depicting the characters and their lives. Great heroic story!

Drue Leyton is an American actress living in Paris as we start this book in 1939. Drue’s married to a French man named Jacques, who is helping the British war effort. Drue is recruited to start a radio program, asking the Americans for French support of the war, until she catches the eyes of the Nazis. War literally comes to her front door and she is forced to the countryside and trying to lay low. The Nazis have issued a strict warning to her - when her adoptive country falls, she will be executed. This story had it all for me and I couldn’t put it down. Drue’s story was remarkable and it makes me want to learn more about her. Her strength and determination to do whatever necessary was inspiring. Jane Healey is a remarkable storyteller and this is the third book of hers that I’ve absolutely devoured. Highly recommend this book, especially if you love books that pull you directly into the action and don’t want to put it down until you know what’s going to happen. I gasped several times while reading and I had a knot in my stomach the entire time. One of the best books I’ve read in a long time!

This book had me engaged during its first half. Then there's a plot point that made lose all interest. I won't say what is because of spoilers but after that, the story dragged on and on. I never felt there were high stakes in the story, very weird for a WWII fiction based on a real life person's memoir. Healey's books are too long and too light when come to describe the seriousness of WWII chain of events. I wouldn't recommend this.

Jane Healey's books are always so uplifting and inspiring. This newest was no exception. Hollywood actress Drue Leyton is married to a Frenchman as WWII looms. She begins working on a radio program that the French government was using to hopefully gain support from Americans. Drue ends up getting caught up in more than just a radio program. She goes on to help the Resistance, landing herself in a detention center in Paris, at one point during the war with many other Americans who were still living in France. The fact that the story is based on a real heroine made it even more inspiring. Thank you to the author for the ARC for review, all opinions are my own.

This is not my usual genre, I do love historical fiction just not the WWII variety. My good book friend, Stephanie recommended this to me and when I saw all the great reviews for it I wanted to give it a go and am I ever glad I did. This book was so interesting and based on a true story! I loved the spirit of Drue she is the definition of heroic. What an amazing journey it was to read Drue's story and to see how she helped the resistance and allied servicemen, her ability to push boundaries and do her best to help others is an inspiration and so fascinating.

Drue's personal losses did not detour her from helping others, in fact, I think they spurred her on to continue her efforts. The book is very engaging and I managed to finish it in a couple of sittings. I couldn't put it down, I just wanted to know how Drue was going to escape from danger or save yet another soul. This was beautifully written, compelling and well-researched, I highly recommend it!

I quickly fell in love with this American actress, Drue Leyton, who is married to a Frenchman and radio broadcasts the true horrors of Hitler to her American home country. She does this under cover of night and is backed by the French government (eventually and always a bit reluctantly). For this, she is put under a death warrant.

I just thought she was so strong. She had so much love for this adopted country of hers. She was brave and helped out while her husband was away doing his part for the war. There are so many other women that are in her life that help and are so strong too.

I like when I can learn new things about WW2. This book was so well researched (as much as the author could/was allowed to find) and my heart would thump harder each time Drue was in a situation that could have gone totally another way.

I was really looking forward to this book for a few reasons. I had read The Secret Stealers years ago and I remember enjoying it. Also, the premise sounded interesting and like it would be a different perspective on the occupation in France. The story follows Drue Layton, an American expat married to a frenchman. When he goes off to war, she is recruited to host political radio shows to be broadcasted across the pond to America. Of course, the Nazis don't like this and she finds herself in danger when the occupation happens. Viewing the war through the lens of a political radio broadcaster sounds like a different perspective than anything I had read before, and I have read a lot of WWII historical fiction. The synopsis only applies to the first 20% or so of the book then it turns into just another WWII historical fiction novel. This isn't necessarily a bad thing but on top of not being what I expected it was very slow, especially the first 60%. It picks up for a bit and the tension and fear are palpable. You really can feel the fear that Drue has as the nazis close in. From about 60%-75% of the story I found myself really invested. Then it got slow again. There were some twists that caught me by surprise and I enjoyed the relationships and friendships formed. While the book was well written and well researched, it just wasn't that interesting from a story perspective.

I was not expecting to LOVE this book!! It was such a great read!! 5+ Stars!

Inspired by true events, Drue Layton's story is one of American women in France during WWII. She has many roles before and during the war, and we get to see so many of the stories of people in Paris and the countryside through the exposition of her life.

I was really not expecting to enjoy this book so much, considering the plethora of WWII dramas / women's stories I have read in the past 10 years. However, this one really resonated with me and I couldn't put it down! It told the truth without being depressing, so I could read it before bed and be able to sleep peacefully.

It is, for once, a single-timeline story told in chronological order, which was refreshing. There was no strong sexual content, strongly depicted/described violence, or swearing, but there was mention of violence/death due to war.

Highly recommend for book clubs on a vacation, or at night before bed.

I'll be honest, while reading this book I was sure the characters were the fiction part of this historical fiction. I was astounded to learn through the author's notes that Goodnight From Paris was based on a true story. As a fan of old movies, I'd never heard of Drue. Her life and work during WWII was truly incredible. The occupation of France and America's delay to enter the war are subjects often glanced over. I throughly enjoyed her story and learning about a side of the war I hadn't read about before.

After I read Jane Healey’s book, The Beantown Girls, I was hooked! This book is just as delightful, and I devoured it in one rainy day! I loved Drue and her courage and strength, as well as the friends she made along her journey.

Wow what an incredible story based on the life of Hollywood actress Drue Leyton Tartiere’s roll as a member of the French Resistance in World War Two. Though the book starts slow it is worth pushing through. It was so interesting to read about the POW camp for British and American women in France. I didn’t know that they had existed. However, the conditions described in the novel sound as though they were far better than most Nazi internment camps. The writing was beautiful, and I found Drue very relatable and down to earth despite being an Hollywood star before the war began.

“Goodnight from Paris” is inspired by the fascinating real-life story of Drue Leyton Tartière, a Hollywood actress, who left acting for a Frenchman and became part of the Resistance in Nazi-occupied France. Drue’s courageous actions – engaging in risky work broadcasting radio programs designed to shake America from its apathy, then assisting in the escape of over a hundred Allied pilots.

As per the author, much of this historical fiction is based on the facts of Drue’s life in France, many fictional characters and events were incorporated to shape the narration. Ms. Healey tells us she tried to adhere to the facts of her main character’s life as closely as possible but had to take some fictional leaps from time to time. Throughout this fascinating story, the tone given is a glimpse at Drue’s voice and personality. The conversations, letters and actual dialogue that appeared at the beginning of many chapters where obtained in both her autobiography and correspondence from the Holocaust Memorial.

We find a lot of very interesting characters some iconic and some composites of several people. The most important who played an pivotal role are her husband Jacques Tartière, Nadine her housekeeper, Jean Fraysse, head of Paris Mondiale as well as Drue’s possible lover, Ambassador Bullitt, a friend and many others. We also have scenes relating to her experiences at the Vittel internment camp that are based on her accounts as well as other American and British women who were interned there at the time. I could go on and one I will spare you.

The harrowing stories of Allied pilots landing, hiding and escaping enemy territory are heart breaking. By the end of the war, Drue had overseen the escape of a least forty- two American. British and Canadian pilots.....

This novel is a must read for historical fiction enthusiast.

Author Jane Healey highlights the fascinating story of Hollywood starlet and French Resistance fighter, Drue Leyton Tartiere in this compelling wartime story.

Intrigued by the signing-off catchphrase, I eagerly anticipated this unique look at Nazi-occupied France during WW2. Healey engaged me in a story of loyalty and resistance featuring a woman whose passion to fight the enemy overshadowed her loneliness and her safety. Encouraged by equally strong women, Drue broadcasts radio programs back home through Radio Mondial and attempts to gain support for the movement by sharing the reality of Hitler’s inhumanity. When Hitler hears of her boldness, he promises to ‘reward’ her for it.

A perfect combination of adventure, action and romance, this story took up a big place in my heart as I followed the characters throughout the occupation and watched them make choices they wouldn’t normally have made, all in the name of fighting for what was right. Emblazoned
with courage and taking on a role she never auditioned for, Drue shows us what it means to be committed to a cause and show humanity at a time when it was easiest to ignore the atrocities.

Don’t miss the author’s note! I was amazed to read about how much of this captivating story was fact rather than fiction.

I was gifted this copy by Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.