Read this if you like:
•strong females
•powerful story
•slow burn

I’m a huge fan of Natasha’s books. However this one just didn’t hit the same and was just okay. I think the inherent story was interesting, especially with the strong female character, but I found myself becoming disengaged at times. Thank you random house for eARC

I’m not the biggest historical fiction fan, but I am a fan of Natasha Lester books. And THE MADEMOISELLE ALLIANCE is everything we’ve come to love about her books - badass female main character, France, history and a little romance. Such a good book!

🕵🏻‍♀️ The Mademoiselle Alliance - Natasha Lester

3 ⭐️ - This pains me! I wanted to love this one more than I did. After reading Lester’s last two books, I instantly became a huge fan. Her books have strong women, romance, historical fiction, fashion, war, and mystery. I was into it all!

This one just fell flat for me. While I loved the female badass main character and I love that Lester finds these women in history to talk about, it just got lost. There’s a lot of France - by that I mean towns, language, names, etc - which I knew going into it. It just felt overwhelming in this one. And there’s a lot of characters with multiple names (read the synopsis to find out why) that are hard to keep track of. I wanted to love it, truly I did, I just ended up feeling meh. BUT I won’t let this stop me from reading Lester’s backlist, which I still have a few left to conquer.

Thank you Netgalley and Ballantine Books for the early ARC. This one comes out 4/8!

Finally, a very courageous woman gets the recognition she deserves with this remarkable story.

Marie-Madeleine Méric was the leader of a 3,000 agent Resistance network in France during WWII. With intense research, Natasha Lester revealed how she ended up with this role during a time when most women were housewives taking care of their children. Not Madame Méric.

She was participating in car rallies with her husband’s disapproval. She wanted to be free and rather than stay with him in Morocco, she left with her two children and went to Paris. In 1940, at 30 years old, she had to do something about the Nazis taking control. She ended up stepping into the greatest journey of her life.

I almost didn’t get past the first page when it mentioned what would happen if she was arrested by the Nazis. It hit me hard thinking about the world news of today with fear spreading rapidly. This book had a progressive timeline of changes in Paris from 1940 to 1945.

Certainly, there was a lot going on and it had to be a difficult task to decide what to include in this story. It started strong yet, in the middle, there was a lot of detail and number of agents that made it move at a slower pace.

The best part was at the end when I wanted to reach out and hug this woman who was so brave. The Author Notes were full of warmth and wisdom like experiencing a wonderful dessert after a good meal.

My thanks to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of April 8, 2025.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!

This is not your everyday WWII historical fiction novel. This book focuses on Marie-Madeleine Fourcade, France's only female resistance leader during WWII. I had never heard of her, and after reading this book and learning about all she contributed and sacrificed during the war, it's awful that her name is not in every history book telling her story. Lester did a great job of highlighting some of her triumphs while also discussing the battles she faced with people who were on the same side as her but did not value her input or opinions because she was a woman.

I have read other books by Lester, and she always does an overwhelming amount of research for her novels, which shine through and bring the story to life. This book is no exception to that. I appreciated the Author's Note that explained that Marie-Madeleine's memoir had conflicting information, material that was left out, and issues with translating it to English. Lester is honest that the whole truth of what this woman accomplished and went through is unknown.

The book was a little too long for me, particularly in the first half. It wasn't until about 50% that the story started picking up, and I was more engaged. The beginning was slow and sometimes repetitive. Once I made it to the second half, it picked up, I became more attached to the characters, etc. But this is not a quick read by any stretch of the imagination.

Also, know going in that there are a LOT of characters, who have multiple code names, so it can be hard to keep track. I understand why there are so many characters. In fact, Lester explained that she even combined multiple people to try to make things less confusing, but I had to go back and remember who was who a couple of times.

The focus of this book is so different from most WWII historical fiction books. This is not another read about people surviving the horrors of concentration camps (not that these books aren't important, they are, and you should absolutely read them!), in fact the camps are mentioned only in passing. Lester did a great job of picking her subject and sticking to it, Marie-Madeleine and the resistance work she and her agents were conducting.

Overall, I enjoyed the book once I got through the beginning. I am a fan of Lester's writing, but this is not my favorite of her books. I think my opinion would be different if the book was edited down a little more, so it wasn't almost 500 pages. But I loved Marie-Madeleine and this book has inspired me to learn more about her.

Thank you to @netgalley and Random House for this ARC. 1928: Marie-Madeleine Méric was in Morocco at her husband's side as he is gathering intelligence for the French government when she realizes she has a gift for spying. 1936: With her marriage at rock bottom, she is living in France when she meets an unlikely contact who thinks she would make an amazing spy. This true story of Madam Fourcade and the largest network of spies across France during WW2 is one that is still talked about. The way she functioned, recruited and all die hard allegiances she had regardless of her being a woman is fascinating. Great read! #TheMademoiselleAlliance #NatashaLester #RandomHousePub #April2025

wow! Wow! WOW! Natasha Lester just keeps getting better and better. The Mademoiselle Alliance follows the remarkable Marie-Madeline Fourcade, who was a resistance fighter in France during the Nazi occupation leading the Alliance under the code name Herrison. Because Marie-Madeline was a real person, Lester had the opportunity to let her dazzling research skills really shine throughout this novel, which was rich with details and quotes from Fourcade’s memoirs and contemporaries.

In Lester’s previous novels, we are often given multiple POVs at different points in time, but in The Mademoiselle Alliance, Marie-Madeline is centered. Her narrative jumps between her younger married days and WWII in the first section of the book, but then stays firmly in the 1940s for the remainder. I loved how Lester brings to life real people who did remarkable and amazing things in order to stop the Nazi regime. The amount of sacrifices those in the alliance network gave really touched my heart and I feel compelled to read more about them. Thankfully, in true Natasha Lester style, her author notes are rich with additional reading. I love that! I wish we would have gotten a little epilogue with some additional details for those who survived the war, but I understand the narrative choice for how Lester wrapped up the story.

5 enthusiastic stars and a HUGE thanks to Natasha Lester, Random House-Ballantine Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this gorgeous novel.

Natasha Lester has done it again! Marie-Madeleine Fourcade was a remarkable woman. She ran a resistance network, named Alliance, in France during WWII, in command of more than 3000 men and women. Underestimated as a woman during that time, she was extraordinarily fearless and strong, and it’s a shame she is not better known in history. Natasha Lester has written an exceptional book, very well researched, bringing Marie-Madeleine to life, noting her role as mother and French fighter of the Nazis. I cannot recommend this book enough! With thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for this ARC. My opinions are my own. susanh_bookreviews. @natashalesterauthor

very well researched tale about a fiery, determined, woman who became one of the most successful leaders of the French Resistance. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

The Mademoiselle Alliance by Natasha Lester was a significant disappointment. As someone who enjoys historical fiction and has read my fair share of WWII stories, I found this novel lacking depth. Lester provides no room for readers to interpret the emotions or motivations of Marie-Madeleine (the narrator)—everything is laid out plainly, leaving little to the imagination.
Additionally, the novel is written entirely in the present tense, with a heavy reliance on lyrical prose. Instead of immersing the reader in a thrilling spy narrative, it felt as though the author was trying to craft one memorable line after another, which became off-putting.
Another issue I had was with the pacing and structure of the plot. The transitions were jarring, with Marie-Madeleine suddenly finding herself in a completely different location or situation without any clear progression from one moment to the next. Moreover, several lines appeared to be lifted directly from Madame Fourcade’s Secret War by Lynne Olson, a book Lester references in her author notes. This felt like a missed opportunity for original storytelling.

3.75. An interesting historical fiction on Marie-Madeleine Méric, a remarkably talented woman who led a part of the WWII French Resistance network The Alliance. I liked it but I thought it was a bit too focused on one of her relationships which I felt distracted from the story. Otgerwise, a very good read

Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC. I think WW II buffs will enjoy this story. The main character, Marie-Madeleine, was the only female Resistance leader and the first woman to be honored with a funeral at Les Invalides. I had some difficulty staying engaged in about the first 50% of the book but once I managed to get through the first half then the story moved a bit quicker. There are a lot of code names to keep track of in the story but it wasn't difficult. There is a lot of detail in the story regarding the French Resistance's movement through France and England. Marie-Madeleine risks her life and gives up her role as a mother of three children to lead the French Resistance. She's a true hero.

What an incredible book! From start to finish, this story is utterly captivating and impossible to put down. Natasha Lester’s storytelling is exceptional, seamlessly bringing to life the gripping journey of Marie-Madeleine, Keon, and the rest of the Alliance members. This is a must-read that will keep you riveted until the very last page.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for my advance reader copy.

I would like to thank Net Galley and Random House for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. I have read several of Natasha Lester's books, and have always enjoyed them. This is an exceptional book. I thought I had read everything about the French Resistance during WW2, but I had never read anything about this particular woman and her group. This is a book about 1 brave group of resistance fighters in France, from their establishment to the end of the war. It is a book about war and the horrors of war, but also about love , and trust , and loss and devotion. It is sad, touching, terrifying and caring, all in one. I am glad I decided to read"one more book about WW2".

I really enjoy Natasha Lester’s books & this one did not disappoint! I especially enjoyed learning so much about Marie-Madeleine, a resistance hero that I had never heard of before. What an incredible woman whose story deserves to be told. I would highly recommend this book!

I'm a very big fan of suspense/spy novels set in this time period, so I was excited to read this story by Natasha Lester. I deeply appreciate the amount and depth of research that went into this novel, as it really brought the atmosphere to life. The thing that was difficult for me to reconcile as a reader was the author's beautiful - and at times, even lyrical - prose with the fast and often jumpy pace of the story. Similarly, there was a large portion of the novel during the middle that seemed to drag the plot a bit too much, and I almost put the book down.

That being said, it was an enjoyable read, and I feel like I learned a lot about Marie-Madeleine and the incredible work she and her network accomplished during WWII.

Fo the love of country. Hero Marie-Madeline, wife, mother and adventurer heads a resistance group called the Alliance in France 1940-1945. She recruited and led over 3000 men and women in resistance efforts against the Nazi’s. Her story is amazing and at times brutal. What makes this Historical novel extraordinary is the author’s character development and an attention to detail that makes it come alive. I can’t imagine in today’s era so many people dedicated to saving their country. I’m grateful the Ballantine publishing valued this book.

An imminently fascinating page-turner! All the stars to Natasha Lester for her latest tour de force! Based on a true story, the brilliantly researched, beautifully crafted and ever so propulsive The Mademoiselle Alliance resurrects and honors the indomitable, free spirited WWII French Resistance leader Marie-Madeleine. Lester’s prose is gorgeous, her plotting and pacing often masterful (mistressful?!), her sense of place in numerous locations strong and transportive. I was drawn in by the first few pages and read obsessively until I finished this tale. And I am in awe of the real life heroine whose place in history Lester has now revived.

Extra credit for the informative, thoughtful author’s note.

I await eagerly each novel from Lester, and this novel did not disappoint. Highly recommended!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the privilege of a complimentary ARC. Opinions are my own.

The true story of one of history's unsung Marie-Madeleine Fourcade, the only woman to lead a resistance network in WWII France. Her story is one of epic love, tragic loss and magnificent leadership.

The subject was interesting and the writing was good. That it was written all in present tense was annoying. If it was used as a device for the first chapter, where she is breaking out of jail, and then reverted to past tense when the narrative goes to pick up the story from the beginning it would have been more effective. The story seemed to jump round in time, which made it a little hard to follow.. As always when a book is “based on a real story” I am always left wondering how much is fiction and how much is real. It might be helpful to have notes at the end to say which events or characters are fictional.