Thanks to NetGalley for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely loved this book. It was very easy to pick up and get lost in Ruth’s story. Ruth was an American singer, who eventually becomes an ambulance driver in WWII. She has to race against time to save a British pilot and a Jewish orphan. The entire time my stomach was in my throat as I eagerly turned pages to find out what happened. If you have loved any of Alan’s previous books, this one is not one to be missed. Highly recommend this one!!

Overall, a well=written story with good characters and plenty of action. The story is well-told, and you find yourself immersed in the story and the adventures of the characters. My only dislike of the book is I thought the ending was abrupt and left you wondering what happened. An epilogue or a final chapter capturing what happened to the characters would have been great. But overall, I did enjoy the book and would recommend it to others to read.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thank you Kensington Publishing )A John Scognamiglio Book) for accepting my request to read and review Fleeing France, A WWII Novel of Sacrifice and Rescue in the French Ambulance Service, by Alan Hlad.

Published: 07/23/24

Stars: 4.5

Full disclosure -- Alan Hlad is a favorite. He is the author I wish had a huge backlog.

This is his fifth book and this story centers around a young woman who does her duty in the war driving an ambulance. The premise is simple, the characters are realistic, and the story is for smart people. Hlad maneuvers the characters throughout war torn France. He deals with male versus female roles, the prejudices of citizenship, and societal class boundaries.

The story is not over inflated. It is as stated a woman drives an ambulance picking up soldiers, it breaks down, and now she has patients and no vehicle with bombs and soldiers around. There are other scenes similarly that warp into a good book. There is no swearing.

This is a Masterpiece Theatre Production verses an r-rated movie.

I recommend for those who like great, smart and clean storytelling. Oh yes, I would gift this and the other four.

I always learn something from Alan Hlad's books. Fleeing France was no exception. I will be forever grateful to him for broadening my knowledge through is historical fiction books on World War Two. Through his written words I am given new avenues to research and discover.

Fleeing France transported me to a time my imagination could never due justice. I was allowed to follow Ruth, an American in Paris, as she did whatever she could for France's freedom. Along with her friend, Lucette, Ruth becomes a civilian ambulance driver. They drive into battle to pick up soldiers and take the to the hospital. I could picture the holes in the road, the bombs dropping, the machine guns blaring. Nothing stopped these brave women.

I was memorized by their bravery. They drove into danger to save a downed pilot, changing everything. With every day things were getting more dangerous. The Nazis were getting closer. They were at risk of capture. They were at risk of being killed, but they kept going, helping others along the way.

They must flee France in order to help France. The story was intense. I lost count of how many times I held my breath waiting to see if they would survive. I cried over the loss of characters that I couldn't help but allow into my heart. I was left speechless because of the horrors they endured. Fleeing France maybe historical fiction but it felt real to me.

Fleeing France by Alan Hlad
Alan Hlad has written an exciting story set in France at the beginning of World War II. Alternating storylines between Winston Churchill, a British RAF pilot named Jimmie and performers Ruth and Lucette, we learn about France’s precarious position against Germany during the so-called “Phony War” in 1940.
The action ramps up as Germany invades France and millions of French citizens flee their homes, trying to escape to the coast or to other countries. After American born Ruth loses her cousin in the French invasion of the Saarland, the Ruth and Lucette join the volunteer ambulance drivers to bravely serve France and help with the wounded. They help rescue Jimmie after he is shot down, and the group adds 8 year old Aline and her grandfather Pierre to their number.
These characters are some of the courageous people who are forced to leave their home during the German occupation.
A great amount of research was done to tell this story set in this time, and the sinking of the Lancastria, the largest British maritime loss, plays a role in the future of the characters.
This is a great read for WWII historical fiction lovers and anyone who likes a good story.
#netgalley
#WWIIhistoricalfiction

I am a huge fan of historical fiction ... especially those that occur during WWII. This book was a little different focus than those I have read in the past. While it deals with the story of a nightculb singer who decides that she needs to do more to help end the war that Germany has declared. Her willingness to volunteer to drive as part of the French Ambulance Service (along with her friend, Lucette) is admirable. The relationships she makes, the people she meets, the efforts she makes in helping an RAF pilot and a young 9-year-old Jewish girl and her grandfather escape France. I learned more about the efforts to rescue those who participated in the battle at Dunkirk. The author did a wonderful job of providing well researched details while bringing to life the people who were willing to sacrifice everything to end the war. A little bit of romance, edge-of-your-seat anticipation, a front-seat view of the willingness of individuals to make a difference. This is definitely one to put at the top of your to-read list!

Thank you to NetGalley and John Scognamiglio Book for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

This is an emotional and heart-rending story about two ambulance drivers during WWII and the injured pilot who accompanies them in their flight from war-torn France. Ruth is a dancer who leaves her home in Maine to pursue her career in France. There she meets and befriends Lucette, a singer whose fiancé is missing in the war. Ruth and Lucette join together to drive ambulances all over the battlefields and rescue the wounded. Unfortunately when the German army invades and threatens even Paris, Lucette and Ruth need to get out of the country, facing a lot of danger and obstacles along the way. They also meet downed pilot Jimmy who has a broken arm and a lot of spirit and courage. The three of them also join forces with refugeees Pierre and Aline in their desperate quest to leave France and seek shelter in Great Britain. The story is a fast paced and absolutely riveting as I was captivated by the ever-increasing danger the five of them faced and their endurance and determination to complete the journey. I loved the characters and how realistic they were, with details about their lives before the war as well as what they looked forward to doing after the conflict ended. This was a book that was informative and emotional as the characters faced one obstacle after another yet still continued their quest. I really enjoyed the parts of the book in which Winston Churchill and his war committee were featured, giving insight into the way he encouraged the people as well as the troops and the heartbreak he felt when people were lost during a failed evacuation attempt. With lots of history mixed with fiction this book was hard to put down and a memorable read.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Fleeing France is a look at a WWII recuse mission conducted by an unusual person. American nightclub singer has been living in France who has joined the French Ambulance corps as a driver. She is a determined, intelligent and resourceful woman who can do much more than sing when needed. Alan Hlad has created an admirable character with Ruth.

The German army is on her heels along with a downed British pilot and a Jewish orphan. Others are meet along the way. A story of courage and determination to do the right thing.

Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for access to this arc.

I was drawn to this book because of the specific focus of what the plot covers. I know a bit about the Phony War – the time between when the UK and France declared war on Germany and when Germany invaded France – but not much about the upheaval that engulfed France and her people as the Panzer tanks and Luftwaffe roared across the border. I also liked the idea of two volunteer ambulance drivers being main characters.

The initial “meet and greet” chapters that begin to fill us in on the lives of Ruth, Lucette, and Jimmie could, frankly, have been drastically edited down. I’m glad I pushed through this section but it was an effort. However once things kicked off, I was much more interested. Props for having Ruth and Lucette not having premonitions about how things would go. Instead they believe and act as if war could be avoided and after the German attacks on the low countries and then France, they believe that the French military will hold. This also makes their shock, at the encounters near the battle front, punch harder.

The scenes of Ruth, Lucette, and then Jimmie ducking and dodging to avoid the swift moving Panzers and then joining the mass evacuation of French and Belgian civilians are wrenching. The descriptions of the deliberate attacks on the refugees, shocking at the time, are still shocking today. I had never heard of Operation Aerial or the attack on the Lancastria so was very interested in these sections.

Despite enjoying the plot and learning about new things, I do have some issues with the book. As I mentioned, the first 60-70 pages are basically a too detailed info-dump. The dialog is a bit clunky as well. But what really shows after a while is that characters are either almost saintly good or terrible (Germans obvs but also a snotty Frenchman registering volunteers for the ambulance crews). I guess I prefer saintly good but it makes the characters seem less realistic and not as well rounded.

The story ends with some massive unfinished storylines so I guess there’s a sequel in the works. I liked the book but didn’t love it like a stuffie Piglet (there’s a reason for this analogy). But yeah, I did learn a lot about the Fall of France. B-

Alan Hlad's research on WW 2 is in-depth and reflected in the details of the characters, the locations and the actions that hooked this reader with a plot that kept me reading.

Ruth Lecroix is the only child of a WW 1 romance between a US apple farmer soldier and a Parisian singer who fell in love with him. Ruth moves to Paris to fulfil her dreams of singing in Paris nightclubs. Lucette is a can-can dancer at the same venue. Lucette becomes a comrade in arms with Ruth when women ambulance drivers are needed in WW 2 France.

Their harrowing adventures kept this historical fiction novel interesting and moving rapidly.

I highly recommend this novel.

A carefully plotted emotional novel that takes the reader deep into the heart of WWII France as Ruth drives an ambulance through the war zone and saves not only her patients but also Jimmie, a downed RAF pilot. Hlad does an especially nice job with making the difficulties the characters face feel real. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read especially for fans of WWII fiction.

I am sorry to say I dnf ed this book at 25 %. It is not q bad book, it Just was not for me. Thank you for the opportunity to read it

Fleeing France by Alan Hlad is a heart crushing and riveting Historical Fiction story set mainly in France during World War II. The perseverance, determination and bravery of the main characters are astonishing. The writing is beautiful and pulled at my heart.

Growing up on a farm in Maine, Ruth learned how to prune and drive a tractor. But she was also a gifted singer with high hopes of Paris cabaret performances. WWII changed the world, including hers. She is shaken when her cherished cousin gets killed and is compelled to help in the war effort. Her new life with her relatives in Paris is much different than she expected, especially when she passes a military driving test and First Aid to become an ambulance driver, rare for an American. She and fitter Jimmie meet and decide to go above and beyond their jobs which are dangerous to begin with. Their risky tasks are harrowing and courageous. I really like Ruth's quick thinking in emergency situations.

Do be sure to read the author's notes to learn about his inspiration for the story.

My sincere thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this enthralling novel.

historical-novel, historical-places-events, historical-research, historical-romance, historical-setting, history-and-culture, historical-figures, volunteers, WW2, pilots, ambulance-corps, refugees, German-occupation, heroism, romantic, fear, families, friendship, friends, frustration, bravery*****

This is another book by an author who truly knows how to get into the characters in such a way that the reader is totally absorbed from beginning to end. It is truly of the "You Are There" type of presentation from insights into Churchill, to the British pilot's Good Luck Charm, through the beginning of the occupations, and the bravery and devastation of Dunkirk.
This book is not to be missed!
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

I really enjoyed this riveting novel which hooked me from page one! The characters are very likeable as well as relatable giving the story a heartwarming touch. The plot was so compelling that I read and finished the book late at night! I also found extremely interesting all the historical details regarding WWII which I was not aware of!! This novel has been thoroughly researched which gives quality to the story. The end was a bit too easy to be fully realistic, but very pleasant nevertheless... A great read!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.

I knew that a new book by author Alan Hlad would be perfectly to my liking. I was not wrong! I absolutely loved Fleeing France, and it kept me completely mesmerized throughout this voluminous WWII novel.

Early in the book you meet Ruth, a singer, then ambulance driver, and Jimmy, an RAF pilot. You know they will fall in love among all the horrors of the war. That is one of the main reasons that keeps you reading on, but the entire plot of the book is thrilling, and you don’t mind biting your nails while hoping that the protagonists and their companions will survive all the many obstacles and hurdles they have to overcome.

Mr. Hlad does a brilliant job of describing locations and situations, and you are “living” the moment and breathing easier when the current horror passes, and you try to prepare for the next wave of frightful events. I admire all the research that he did to bring accurate dates and precise events to life. I particularly enjoyed reading his commentary after the book, and also the discussion questions at the end, which are so helpful to have if you belong to a book club.

All in all, I give this book a 4.95 out of 5 stars. The reason I hesitate to give it a full 5 (though I will in the ratings) is because I felt the ending was rushed. Even though I anticipated what did happen, I felt that the ending was too lightly written. After all we had to go through to get to the end, I would have enjoyed spending more time in the situation. I can’t say more without spoilers. I am sorry this story ended.

Thank you most sincerely to Net Galley, to Kensigton Books, and especially to Mr. Hlad for allowing me to read an advance copy of this brilliant book and post a personal review.

An interesting love story at the dawn of WWII between an American driving ambulances for France and a British RAF pilot.

“It’s not the Phony War - it’s the Twilight War.” ~ Winston Churchill

𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐮𝐭 𝐀𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐇𝐥𝐚𝐝’𝐬 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐒𝐀𝐏!

In addition to American SOE agent Virginia Hall and French Nurse Nancy Wake’s experience in France, Fleeing France was inspired by the secrecy surrounding the RMS Lancastria disaster. Although masterful in its entirety, Hlad’s writing particularly shines in his crafting of the personal stories of hardships faced by refugees. I won’t forget James “Jimmie” Quill, Ruth Lacroix, Lucette Soulier, or Aline Cadieux and her grand-père, Pierre, any time soon.

𝙎𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙘𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙧𝙚:

I was capably placed:
✔️ in the shoes of a 9-year-old French Jewish girl as she walked hundreds of miles in anticipation of safety.
✔️in the Cabinet Room feeling the tension between Churchill, Ismay, and Chamberlain
✔️in the cockpit of a Hurricane bomber experiencing sorties and ejection over enemy territory
✔️in an ambulance retrieving fallen soldiers in enemy territory
✔️in the shoes of a courageous woman who served for both Britain and France in WW2

Added to my knowledge base:
✔️Operation Royal Marine, Operation Wilfred, Operation Cycle, and Operation Aerial (I already knew about Operation Sea Lion mentioned, too)
✔️the term ‘Twilight War’
✔️the United States Neutrality Act
✔️Kriegsmarine
✔️Saar Offensive
✔️France’s invasion of Germany
✔️the tragedy of the largest loss of life in British maritime history

I was surprised
✔️to read that refugees feared being left behind more than they feared being killed in an air raid!
✔️to find myself reading Churchill’s words in his distinctive accent (in my head) as I read!
✔️how much I loved Piglet and watched to see if he’d show up when needed
✔️how Ruth was initiated!

Hlad’s spectacular book honors those courageous individuals who served and is a reminder that huge successes in wartime came at a great cost.

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

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. I enjoy historical fiction, especially the World War II era, this book did not disappoint, as always I learned more about the Dunkirk invasion than I had previously known. This book centers on a young American woman Ruth Lacroix who lives in Paris and entertains in a nightclub as a singer, when her French cousin dies in the early days of the war she leaves the nightclub scene and becomes an ambulance driver with her best friend . The main focus of this book is how Ruth and her friend transport patients to the French coast so that the patients can be transported to Britain. The story focuses on Ruth, her friend and the injured RAF pilot they rescued and the harrowing trip they undertook to escape France. This story was excellent, it was well written, it had great character development, excellent pace for the story, it kept me interested. This book had it all, great historical fiction, bit of romance, it showed the grit, determination and the fortitude of people who were impacted by the war. I would highly recommend this book.

Another thrilling WWII novel by the author, who makes the heroic effort to save soldiers at Dunkirk come fully alive. I could not put FLEEING FRANCE down, nor will fans of daring WWII fiction. Recommended!