Member Reviews
Kitty is a character that defies all odds. Through this character readers experience the sacrifices that everyday people made in order to stand for what was right. Because of her family connections, Kitty was able to be in contact with agencies that sought to support the French Resistance movement and install undercover agents throughout the European continent. When one agency didn't fulfill her needs she moved to another. Kitty's ultimate goal was to save as many people who suffered under the Nazi regime as possible. She didn't care about the politics, she didn't care about whether or not a task looked to be to difficult, she just wanted results. With her husband/not husband also in espionage, Kitty took risks in order to be near him whenever she could while she was working undercover. When he mysteriously went off the grid, Kitty wasn't sure who to believe and endeavored to uncover the truth herself.
This book covers so much of the undercover work done by both the English and American agencies. Certainly each undercover mission that Kitty went on took months of planning and those on the ground experienced hardships only hinted at in this book. I do appreciate how Lucyk-Berger found ways to have Kitty experience the broadest span of espionage work. And leave it to Lucyk-Berger to deliver one heck of an ending!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher Bookouture via NetGalley.
"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
Although I did not realize this was a sequel, Kitty and Edgar had me hooked. I will beec to read the first one if it is half as good as An American Wife in Paris.
If you like stories with suspense mixed with twist and turns this book is for you. Kitty the brave, smart fearless heroin we all hope we would be if we were in her shoes.
When Kitty is asked to join the French Resistance, she doesn't hesitate, but she worries about her husband Edgar, who is working for the Allies but pretending to be a German officer. Kitty bravely navigates the undercover world in France, joining the group Spector. She bravely sends messages, and carries out clandestine operations, all while trying to avoid the Nazis, who are constantly on their tail. Here, she is helped by the presence of her beloved Aunt, who also becomes involved. But when Kitty has to assist a Polish officer who has an important message for the British government, she faces her biggest test yet. Can she do it? Where is Edgar?
This is a fast-paced, exciting novel. It grabs your interest from the start, and doesn't let go! Kitty is a courageous, likeable heroine, and there are a range of other captivating characters in the book. I found some of Kitty's exploits unbelievable, but many are based on real incidents! I think that it is advisable to read the first book in the series, however, because I found the beginning a bit confusing. I will certainly look out for Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger's other novels. The extract from the first novel, which is on her blog, is certainly riveting.
I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
An American Wife in Paris by Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger is a gripping and heart-wrenching World War II novel that takes place in Paris in 1941. I absolutely loved the previous book, so this one had a lot to live up to! And it totally did! In fact, I liked it more!
The story follows Kitty, an undercover agent who has been fighting the Nazis for too long to stop now. When she is asked to return to Paris for her most dangerous mission yet, she knows the stakes are high. Can she risk seeing her husband? Will her disguise hold up?
The book is full of suspense and drama, and the author does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life. Kitty is exceptional! The writing is superb, and the plot is well-crafted, making it difficult to put the book down.
Highly recommended by me, An American Wife in Paris for anyone who enjoys historical fiction or is looking for a captivating and emotional read. Perfect for a summer read!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Historical fiction at is best, this book is the continuation of The Diplomat’s Wife, so I advice reading the first book in the series before starting this one.
If Book 1 was excellent I think this one is even better, lots of intrigues and danger, lots of historical details and above all a heroine that has grown so much on her skin that it is miles away from the naive woman on the first book.
The opening scene of the book is so well written that sets the tone for the rest of the book and tells us that Kitty has become a master spy and means serious business in helping the allies win the war.
Kitty now forms part of a unit sent to France to help down British pilots go back to England, working with the Resistance she has to reinvent herself several times and finds herself more than once in harrowing deadly situations, but always focusing on her main task.
Her husband Edgar is also in France working undercover with the Germans, helping the British gather information, until he disappears and is presumed dead. Will Kitty see him again? Is it over for the two of them?
With very credible characters, an edge of the seat plot and very detailed narrative this book will definitely won’t disappoint anyone who’s historical fiction, and especially the WWII period, is their preferred genre to read.
It was Paris 1941 when Kitty returned to France as Elizabeth Hennessy. She had been fully trained by the Brits, now she was part of a team of agents who would rescue POWs, downed British airmen, people in danger from the Germans, and return them home. Her life was on the edge, her husband Edgar, deeply undercover for both the Germans and the British. But, although Kitty knew Edgar well, the British were suspicious.
As secret messages were sent back to England, the words of horrors in Auschwitz were deemed unbelievable. Kitty was needed to infiltrate those who could supply information. With Edgar missing, presumed dead, Kitty was on a knife's edge. Would she ever see him again? She felt inside that he was still alive - but where was he?
An American Wife in Paris is the 2nd in The Diplomat's Wife series by Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger and it was fast paced and gritty with tension. The characters put their lives on the line, continually (as it was in real life) and Kitty is a courageous, brave (although haunted) young woman. I'm very much looking forward to #3, especially after that ending! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
An excellent, intriguing & enthralling book. This is historical fiction at it’s very best. The story grips you from the very first pages. The breadth of countries covered by the book captivates your interest. The start & ending are lavish.
The attention to detail & the depth of characters is engaging. There is so much to like about this book. It wasn’t a hindrance that I hadn’t read the first book, but I eagerly look forward to reading it. I will be certain to read the next book in the series. This author doesn’t disappoint.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley & I am writing a voluntary honest review
I just finished reading An American Wife in Paris (The Diplomat's Wife) which is the second book in a series by Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger. The series is about a strong-willed, independant minded American woman who marries an Austrian man shortly before the Nazi take-over of Austria in the 1930's. What I liked about An Americn Wife in Paris was the extremely realistic and nerve-wracking experiences that the heroine of the novel goes through as she works undercover for the British. Her struggles to reach safety for herself, and those she's leading, to escape France after the occupation by the Germans are severe and it becomes clear that wars have real consequences that afffect many and not just the soldiers in battles. Particularly during this present time when the Ukrainians are fighting against the Russian army we can read this book about people during World War II and begin to understand the difficulties that citizens must contend with when their country is at war.
I would rate this as a 4.5 out of 5 stars (if that rating would be possible to click on) because there are a number of references to characters and actions from the first book of the series that could be confusing to someone who hasn't read the first book - or someone who's forgotten some of what took place when they read the first book.
Overall, I think anyone who enjoys an exciting, acItion-filled story taking place in Europe duing WWII will enjoy this book.
An American Wife in Paris is the second in the incredible The Diplomatic Wife series by Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger. Her words enthral, entrance and engage and I am happy to be putty in her skilled hands. Her writing grabs me and doesn't let go until the last word...and even then it lingers.
World War II is changing the world, forcing countless of people to flee and millions to be tortured and killed simply for being Jews. Allies are treated harshly. Ordinary people do extraordinary things and basic survival is all consuming. Kitty Larsson is working undercover for the Allies. Her training for Resistance in France is intensive and she longs for her husband Edgar who by necessity is an undercover Nazi. This clearly presents very little room to breathe. Sabotage, trust, codes, smuggling refugees and suspicion are constants. Friends begin to distrust one another. Kitty and Edgar had to sign divorce papers to prevent problems. The story details their relationship, jobs, secrets, duties, loyalties, adventures and sorrows as they navigate the war.
Historical Fiction readers, you can be confident of an enjoyable experience when picking up books by this author. She is one of my favourites and when I see her name she is an automatic read for me.
My sincere thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this stunner.
would like to thank netgalley and the publishers for letting me read this gripping novel
this is the second book in a brilliant series and we find kitty going back to paris undercover.... as part of her cover and for the war she and edgar have had to divorice but they continue to help each other and none more so when kitty finds herself in danger
this is an excellent book and one that keeps you on the edge of your seat... with all that kitty has to go through and then edgar disappears and nobody knows where he is
cant wait for the next book in this wonderful series
Kitty takes on several persona in this book.
She also has had to be separated from Edgar, with a few quick clandestine interludes.
It’s a hair raising, in the edge of your seat read as WWII cranks up, heightening the danger and impossible decisions for everyone.
As I turned the pages I didn’t Know what was going to happen next.
I, eager to read what occurs in the east book for Kitty and Edgar.
I really enjoyed this book and it is a continuation of The American Wife. It takes place in the 1940's as Kitty tries to help in the war effort. She aids in rescuing refugees and tries to do her part as a spy. Her husband is a German soldier who is trying to help her as much as he can without being caught by the Nazis.
It has unexpected twists in the story and is a hard book to put down. I didn’t want the book to end without the story ending. Can’t wait for the next one in the series.
I highly recommend this series and am enjoying them very much.
Thanks NetGalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of this novel. Looking forward to next book in the series.
A well written and vey suspenseful historical fiction.
Main character, Kitty, is working undercover in France. She is about to undertake a very dangerous mission as she continues to help with the resistance. Her ex-husband, Edgar, plays a big part in the story. You will see once you read the book.
An American Wife in Paris shows us what was experienced being in the resistance against the Nazis.
Must read for historical fiction readers.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Kitty Larsson may well be one of my favourite fictional characters ever!
Her story in this book takes her to France and England, as she continues her undercover work for the Allies in WWII, now in the early 1940s.
Some characters from book one return and some new ones are introduced, all of them so well written and relatable, I really felt drawn to the story and I am so invested in Kitty and Edgar’s love story! There were definitely some tense moments in this book in relation to Edgar’s safety and questions about his intentions that really had me on edge. Kitty refused to believe he is anything but trustworthy and I hope she is proven right in the end.
Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger’s writing is exquisite and she knows how to push all of our emotional buttons. I can’t wait for the next book 📚
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.
An American Wife in Paris is the continuation of The Diplomat’s Wife and in my opinion even better. (The books definitely need to be read in order). Once again, it is very well written and the research put into the series is evident.
Kitty continues to work in the Resistance movement and finds herself in new places and harrowing situations. Several times she has to reinvent herself to keep her and her groups’ cover. She and her co-resisters find themselves in multiple situations where they are not sure who they can trust or if their cover has been breached. Through out the story we see Kitty’s ingenuity and determination being tested. We also read of a situation where Kitty and her coworkers might just not make it out.
Throughout her time of service and work Kitty shows herself to be extremely capable and most certainly up to the challenges set before her. She has the knack of putting people in their place regarding the war situation and her training and credentials in a way that shows she knows what she is doing but does not belittle them in the process. She may not hesitate to expose someone and their motives for who they really are though.
While Kitty didn’t explicitly mention her purpose for being involved in the Resistance efforts I get the feeling she leans towards wanting to avenge how her friends were treated and the greater injustices visited on innocent citizens rather than simply for personal gain.
Additionally while working with the Resistance Kitty has her own personal goals. We continue to see her desire to be taken seriously as on several occasions she could have used her connections to get out of those situations, rather she continued to work rather than bowing out. She continues to fight for her marriage despite extraordinary hurdles and roadblocks. Kitty has matured tremendously from the beginning of the first book and comes across as much more likely and not just a bored politicians daughter.
As in The Diplomat’s Wife the characters are well written, believable, and it is easy to feel their emotions. The location descriptions are vivid. It is easy to develop mental pictures of the settings while reading.
I experienced so many emotions while reading - Anger about the whole world situation and that people who really had information were not taken seriously or ignored; Sadness about how people were treated just to advance an ideology or agenda; Elation that there were people willing to take such huge risks to get the word out and try to make things better for others. There was also an element of suspense regarding how certain events would end for all those involved.
The only thing I did not like about The American Wife in Paris was the ending. I know that the author wants to leave readers waiting for and wanting more, but I was angry that this story ended how it did. I thought it was too much of a cliff hanger and it’s so long before the conclusion is available. However, this does not change my overall rating. As I have read several of Chrystyna’s previous series I know she will wrap the series up in a satisfying and appropriate manner.
The Diplomat’s Wife is another book that you will not want to put down.
I received an ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed here are solely my own.
This is the 2nd is a series by Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger. Do you need to read the first book? I would recommend it although it is not required. Kitty is married to an Austrian diplomat, Edgar, working to prevent some of the atrocities of Nazi Germany and to provide information to the Allies. Kitty meanwhile is working in France in support of the allies both before and after the US enters the war. The story is told from Kitty’s perspective as she struggles to make a difference and desperately seeks to keep in touch with her husband. The book is well written and draws you in, you feel like you are right there with her as she makes difficult decisions and faces terrifying events. She has created well-rounded characters to whom you can relate although I would like to hear more from Edgar’s perspective. I was always eager to get to the next chapter to see what happens. There is a third book planned and I look forward to seeing what happens next. 4.5 stars
OH Kitty! I loved the first book, so no surprise I loved the second! Although not necessary, I would highly recommend reader's read the first installment in this series to get Kitty's full back story. Kitty is once again sent overseas to fight in the resistance of the Nazi regime. Kitty is a selfless woman who cares about the greater good of the people, rather than her own happiness. Helping the refugees get to safety means she has to leave her husband, Edgar, for extremely long periods of time.
This was an excellent book of historical fiction, which made it difficult for me to put down.
This is the second book in the 'Kitty' series, the action taking place from 1941 - 43. Kitty has to divorce her beloved husband when America gets involved in the war and she becomes 'an enemy' in the eyes of Germany. She trains to work with the resistance in France. While working in her specialist team she discovers there are sinister hints at terrible war crimes being carried out in the prison camps - but the authorities in England and America will not take notice. Good plot, details and characters. Keeps you reading.
It has been quite some time since I’ve read historical fiction and this novel absolutely pulled me out of that slump. It was beautifully written. Powerful, suspenseful, and complex. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series! This book was action packed and I didn’t want it to end!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review :)
I started reading "An American Wife in Paris" not realizing it was the 2nd in "The Diplomat's Wife" series. However, the first few chapters provided enough back story that I could still enjoy this book as a stand alone (and I plan to read the first book in the series "The American Wife" next!). A page turning WWII story of espionage with a dash of romance, loosely based on historical events and timelines made this an engaging and enjoyable read. I am now officially a fan and am looking forward to reading more books by Chrystyna Luckyk-Berger (especially since this book ended with a cliff-hanger!) NOTE: I received a digital ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.