Interesting and clean, even given the subject matter. I am not sure if this was written by a Christian author? There wasn't much overtly religious, and it handles the aspects of Jews in WWII very well.

The characters were solidly written and incorporated a lot of history even though this was fiction. Loosely based on some true people of the time.

I enjoyed reading this and think it would be nice for a book club.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC #sponsored

“The Nazis had stolen her home. They’d stolen her property. The Americans had stolen her money. But it wasn’t over. It was never over when a strong woman was pushed to her limit.”

When I pick up a Renee Ryan historical fiction book, I always know what to expect. Her tone, themes and voice are what keep me picking up her next story.

This time, Ryan took me back to Paris in June 1940 just as the Germans are about to storm Paris. She introduced me to three women who stay in the city rather than flee with the masses. Camille Lacroix and Rachel Berman work as 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘥𝘴 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘏𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘭 𝘙𝘪𝘵𝘻 and cross paths with Vivian Miller who is a wealthy American widow and resident of the hotel. As the tension increases during the occupation, the three learn to rely on each other until one of them makes a dangerous choice.

I love stories about unsung heroes from this era and absolutely loved reading about these three courageous women who navigated the German occupation!

As in her previous book, rescue missions begin via unlikely friendships.

𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞 is from Brittany and works to support her family back home. Her financial woes and her love for her sister mean that she’s in jeopardy and she can’t flee Paris. It also fuels Camille to take risks she normally wouldn’t take, leading to a position as a lady’s maid for someone with deep pockets yet seemingly questionable morals. I loved Camille; because of love for her sister, she digs deep and finds the courage and tenacity needed to survive the occupation.

Nineteen-year-old 𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥 is Jewish and needs help getting out of Paris because her family has left it too late. I loved Rachel’s naivety, her exasperation, and how it led to questioning her heritage. She thought she was safe because her family didn’t openly practice the Jewish faith. Her ill-placed security not only added to the tension of the story but taught me more about the plight of the French Jews living in occupied Paris.

𝐕𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐚𝐧, an heiress, is displaced when the Germans move into the Hotel Ritz. She is faced with difficult choices and does what she has to do in order to survive. As with her other books, Ryan highlights ‘things aren’t always as they seem’ and uses the barman and the heiress to further the tension. The cat-and-mouse tension between The Snow Queen and Diti kept me feverishly turning pages.

Don’t let the setting or ‘women doing what they had to’ give you cause to pass on this one - 𝘙𝘺𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦.

Although I’ve read many books set in the Ritz, I was surprised at what I learned from Ryan. I didn’t know that the Ritz is basically two buildings; one facing Rue Cambon and one facing Place Vendome! I’d also never considered Jewish staff or long-time residents being forced to move out of their suites. Ryan’s juxtaposition of the glamorous setting with the harrowing story of wartime secrets and dangerous liaisons kept me glued to the pages.

I’ve also read many books featuring Jewish people living during the Occupation. Ryan also brought something new to the table; I’d never considered how the Nazis at that time viewed the difference between Jewish nationality and Jewish faith. Rachel was born in Paris, yet considered a foreigner. She was relying on her French birth status and couldn’t understand that she was “of a different race.” Her father had to remind her that what was happening wasn’t about religion, but about ethnicity. I was reminded of the news headlines featuring a celebrity who recently claimed that the Holocaust wasn’t about race. I’d also not given much heed to how the Nazis were able to get help from other nationalities in their mistreatment of the Jews.

Finally, (1) I liked how it was inspired by a real person (Irena Gut) and featured real people; Mimi Ritz, Coco Chanel, and Frank Meier, (2) I loved the Easter egg the author dropped from one of my favourite books she’s written and (3) loved the themes of love, betrayal, faith, judging others, and relying on money to solve problems.

This captivating story of heroism and betrayal set in the most iconic hotel in the world is one you’ll need on your Christmas list NOW!

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

This is a review for The Paris Housekeeper by Renee Ryan that will be released on Dec 26. I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley in return for my honest review. This book was hard to read, not because of being a poorly written book, no, just the opposite, it was an excellent book, but because it really brings to light the Nazi Paris occupation of Paris in the early 1940s during WWII, and the plight of the Jews during that occupation. I really thought this book was well written, kept me turning the pages all the way through, and helped to to feel as if I were watching a part of history from the audience of this book as I read these three women's fictional story, but realized that even though it was fiction, stories like theirs really happened! I believe Renee Ryan has done an excellent job of telling this story using three amazing characters that made this story come to life: an American woman who wanted to use her money to help the Jews in the only way she knew how which ends us costing her more than she ever imagined, and also a Parisian woman who is not ok with the way her Jewish friends and fellow countrymen are being treated, and who has to do something to help when everyone else seems to turn a blind eye to the madness, and lastly a Jewish girl whose family did nothing to deserve what Hitler and his evil henchmen were doing to her people, and who decides she is going to live for those who had already died by Nazi hands.

I think this book is so vital especially now in our recent divisive climate, as we need to remember what happened to the cities and countries that Hitler occupied, and the Jewish people, and how they were hated, robbed of their humanity, and eventually millions who were eventually killed, and all because they were a race that offended some. We can't let this happen again, and I pray that Renee Ryan's book will help us remember what was done to our fellow human beings during Hitler's reign of terror, and not let it happen again. It started by someone being offended, and then eventually so many either joined in the madness, or turned a blind eye to it, and many innocent people lost their lives, and their crime??? It was being Jewish. But there were many unnamed people like Camille and Vivian, who hid Jews, helped get them out of danger, and who were also heroes in my eyes! I hope I would have the courage to do the same if it ever happened here! My prayer is that we will not allow history like this to be repeated! Thank you Renee Ryan for writing such an incredible book so we don't forget what happened! This book gets a 5 star rating for me!

I try to read as many WW2 historical fiction stories as possible. This is one book I am so happy to have found. It takes place in Paris at the beginning of the Nazi occupation. Because of this book, I got to witness the lives of three completely different women brought together out of necessity.

Vivian is an American widow that has chosen to stay in France, remaining at the Ritz. She continues her good works helping Jewish people escape, spending her money for the good of others. Unfortunately, she catches the eye of an SS officer that will change her life forever. To survive, to help others survive, she will need the assistance of Camille, a Ritz Hotel Housekeeper.

Camille is doing everything she can to make more money to protect her baby sister. By assisting Vivian, she can earn the money needed. When Vivian is required to move in with the officer Camille takes a job as house keeper. She will earn more and she will be able to help her friend, Rachel, who was let go from the hotel for being Jewish.

Through these ladies the reader experiences the many struggles that Paris citizens faced. Vivian became a dedicated spy, feeding information about the construction of Drancy Internment Center. I was reminded of the many sacrifices that people like her had to suffer in order to help win the war. She is the unsung heroine in this story, always believed to evil when she was only trying to help.

The risks of being a courier are highlighted in Camille. She may have done a lot of it for the money, but she risked her life daily. The reader learns of the many challenges the citizens of France endured. The reader learns of their daily struggles. When she decided to help her friend, Rachel, she risked her life with every breath she took. So many nail biting moments.

I had heard of the many Jews that lived in hiding. But until you read stories like this one, it is hard to imagine how difficult their lives were. They literally had to put their lives in the hands of others. I am left in awe of the bravery exhibited by these three ladies.

The Paris Housekeeper is a very emotional read. The last few chapters were a nerve wracking read. Total respect for all those that endured those horrible times. My heart breaks for the hundreds of thousands that did not make it to the end. My heart bleeds for those that had to go on without them. The Paris Housekeeper is yet another reminder that we should never forget so that we never repeat the horrors inflicted on others.

Paris, 1940: The Ritz Hotel in Paris is the home of Vivian, a wealthy American widow. Her favorite chambermaid is Camille, a young French girl. Camille’s best friend, Rachael, is Jewish and works at the hotel as a maid. The Germans immediately seize the hotel when they occupy Paris. The lives of Vivian, Camille and Rachael all change as time progresses. Vivian is using her wealth to have papers forged in order to help Jews escape. Camille will do anything to help Rachael. It isn’t safe to trust anyone. The Germans are making laws forbidding Jews from working and they are rounding them up and sending them away to concentration camps. Vivian and Camille put their lives on the line to help Rachael and her mother to escape.
This is a WWII historical novel that builds to a climax.

Thank you Harlequin Books and Net Galley.

Every time I read a book that deals with World War II, I come away a bit more knowledgeable about the hardships endured by so many. While The Paris Housekeeper is a work of fiction, I have no doubt that the story told occurred somewhere and probably in a similar way. Renee Ryan conveys the horror and uncertainty of newly occupied Paris, as well as the lengths people would go to for survival. Well-told, and thought provoking, I highly recommend The Paris Housekeeper.

Renee Ryan keeps getting better and better… THE PARIS HOUSEKEEPER is a riveting tale of risk and redemption. Within the glamorous walls of the Ritz, Vivian secretly helps Jews obtain false papers to escape France. But when the Paris occupation begins, and Nazis move into the hotel, her strategy must change. To anyone outside looking in, she’s a Nazi sympathizer. But Camille, one of the housemaids, knows her secret, and together they hatch a plan to save another maid, Rachel, by hiding her – right under the Nazis’ noses. Full of danger, bravery, resilience, and sacrifice, the story tension builds until the very last moment in this WW2 page turner. Highly Recommend!

So, I absolutely loved this story.

As heartbreaking as most World War II are this book This was story of friendship and the determination of Jewish women trying to survive in Paris.

A definite recommend

Thank you Netgalley and publisher.

All thoughts and opinions are my own and aren't influenced by anyone else

Thank you net galley for giving me this opportunity to read 'The Paris Housekeeper' by Renee Ryan.
The story takes place in Paris, France at the start of WWII.
There are three main characters - Vivian, Camille, and Rachel.
Vivian is a widowed American living at the Hotel Ritz in Paris.
Camille is a chambermaid at the Hotel Ritz.
Rachel is also a chambermaid atbthe Hotel Ritz.
Camille befriends Rachel at work as no others will or do. Rachel just happens to be Jewish.
Vivian is involved in clandestine activities. What Vivian is doing is getting forged documents to help the Jewish people flee France.
The Germans invade Paris and the Hotel Ritz and a high ranking Nazi is given Vivian's suite at the hotel and she is forced to move to the other side of the hotel. Soon Vivian and the Nazi officer are involved intimately.
Camille will do anything to help her family in Brittany especially her younger sister.
Rachel is a young Jewish woman working at the hotel and being Jewish she is ultimately assigned to work in the laundry where no one will see her.
Camille befriends Vivian with hope of getting exit visas for Rachel and her mother.
These are my own opinions of this story.
I have to say that I thouroughly enjoyed reading this story.

Jewish Rachel, Frenchwoman Camille and American expat Vivian’s lives intertwine in the beautiful hotel Ritz in Paris in 1940. As the Germans invade Paris and life becomes unthinkably hard for Rachel, her friend Camille vows to help her. Vivian, the wealthy widow, works behind the scenes to help as many Jewish citizens as she can, but the cost is greater than she ever imagined. A tale of strong women, terrible cruelty and one of the darkest times in history, I couldn’t stop reading.

This WWII novel set in Paris 1940 a moving historical account of how the French government responded to the Nazi invasion and what that did to the lives of countless Parisians. Three women - Vivian, Camille, and Rachel - all from different backgrounds and socio-economic classes meet unexpectedly as the Germans storm the city. Many fled but so many could not, and it is here we find these three lives intertwined as none of them would ever have imagined. Vivian, seen as a frivolous wealthy socialite, is working feverishly behind the scenes to help those who can't help themselves. Camille and Rachel meet through work and form an alliance for safety's sake, but it becomes so much more. Twists and turns produce a captivating novel with a poignancy that won't disappoint.

When Nazi's occupy France, Camille, Rachel, and Vivian must decide where their loyalties lie and how far they are willing to go to survive. Each woman is connected to the Ritz Hotel in Paris. Rachel is a Jewish house maid, who suffers ridicule and exclusion from her co-workers. Camille, a pretty French girl, is caught up in the resistance by passing notes. Vivian, an American ex-pat, decides to fraternize with the enemy in order to continue forging documents and helping Jews escape.

I'm not entirely sure how to rate this book. The three points of view worked well for the storyline. However, the book itself was extremely repetitive. Each time the pov switched, the author rehashed the characters motivations, doubts, and struggles. This grew extremely tedious. Additionally, the book itself lacked storytelling. The author told us what happened rather than describing what happened. Because off these criticism, 3 out of 5 stars.

This is a story about courageous women working together to fight against the German attempt to rid France of every single Jewish person. Together, Camille and Vivian work to ensure the safety of Camille’s friends. This was a heartbreaking, yet touching, story of friendship and the determination of Jewish women to survive!

This story centers around three woman, and reads through three points of view in alternating chapters. A wealthy American widow, along with a French and a Jewish housekeeper/maid. They experience the horrors of living in occupied Paris while the Germans take over and destroy any sense of self-worth, dignity or independence. Each has their own story. They live with fear and shame, while trying to rise above the evil and find strength in doing what they can, and must do, for the ones they love.
The author has a real knack for letting you crawl into her characters’ skin and mind. You can feel their emotions as these women try to right the wrongs being done to innocent people around them. You witness the extreme poverty and hunger of the many at the expense of the few that live in excess. It felt like a cat and mouse game with the wealthy and a travesty for the everyday commoner.
Another good WWII book that reads with suspense while you are rooting for the people you have grown to care about. Highly recommended.

I'm not sure how I feel about Vivian at the end. It seemed a bit unrealistic. I wonder if she could have really hung on that long.

Camille Lacroix is a chambermaid at the world-famous Hôtel Ritz for an American widow, Vivian. They become friends and Camille finds out what is really going on. Their lives, nerves and plans are tested. Will they escape?

Every French citizen declared: Paris won't be invaded.

But...Paris was invaded, and the Germans took over the city and the Hotel Ritz.

The escape from the city began, but some people couldn't escape.

We meet three women who couldn't escape because of their situations and are connected to the Hotel Ritz.

Rachel is a Jewish housekeeper, Camille works at the hotel because she has to take care of her family and specifically her sister, and Vivian is an American living in the hotel.

Rachel gets treated even worse as the days rage on and more restrictions are placed on Jewish citizens, Camille feels more guilt about leaving her family, and Vivian starts an affair with a German officer, but has a secret.

What will happen to all of them?

Will they help each other or turn on each other?

Ms. Ryan added a layer of mystery along with the tension involved with keeping safe in Nazi Germany.

The last 25% will have you biting your fingernails.

THE PARIS HOUSEKEEPER is another Renee Ryan gem that will be devoured by historical fiction fans and loved by those who enjoy female characters as the main focus.

Amazing research by Ms. Ryan.

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.

Inspired by true events The Paris Housekeeper by Renee Ryan takes place in France in 1942 when Germany began, to invade France. It is the story of three women: Vivian, an American heiress living in Paris she tries to use her money to save as many Jewish people as she can. Rachel, a young Jewish woman who is afraid that her family will not survive the new regime. She is a fearful and angry character. Camille has a haunting and guilty disposition, her family has already been torn apart by the previous war. She works as a maid who sends all her money home to care for her family. All three women’s story changes when the Germans come to Paris and take over the town and the hotel where Vivian lives and Rachel and Camille work.
It is only at the last sixty page that the story really becomes more about the Paris Housekeeper, the book really could have been called something else.

This book is about choices, sacrifices, resilience, and friendships. I found the story to be on the slower side, maybe this was Ryan’s goal giving the reader a chance to determine what they would do in the same situation. There is an epilogue, that tied it all together beautifully. Be sure to read the author's notes!

This is my first book by Renee Ryan, but it will not be my last.

Thank you #netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This story started slow for me, but I eventually became interested in the three main characters, and overall thought it was a good read.

Thank you to Net Galley and Harlequin Publishing for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
This story takes place in 1940 in German occupied Paris. Camille Lacroix is a chambermaid at the Hotel Ritz, which is taken over by the Nazis. Soon the Nazis start rounding up the Jews and taking them to death camps. In an effort to save her Jewish friend, Rachel, Camille turns to a rich American who lives at the Hotel for help. I enjoyed this story! It was a different take on WWII. Like a lot of stories about this time in history, there was a lot of sadness. There was also a lot of hope, as Camille and Vivian fought to save Rachel and her mother. I also liked the end where the author lets the reader know what happened to the main characters. Very well-written story about f friendship, and how far we will go to save others.

This was a different take on WWII and I really enjoyed it. Definitely give this one a shot and you won’t be disappointed.

Thank you for the eARC in exchange for an honest review