This is an interesting historical fiction novel about jewel thieves who have passed their skill through generations of the family. Colette was a teen girl during WW2, and was an experienced jewel thief by that time. The war was a horrible time as her mother was arrested by Germans after stealing a bracelet, and Colette's younger sister disappeared the night of the arrest. Each of the girls had part of the bracelet sewn into the hem of their nightgown's and when young Liliane's body was recovered from the Seine, her part of the bracelet was missing.
70 years later, Colette is shocked to see that the missing part of the bracelet is being featured in a museum exhibit. Questions boil up more than ever and Colette is determined to get some answers, while also have to face many really difficult memories.

My favorite Kristin Harmel book yet! I couldn't put down this riveting tale intertwining a family history of Robin Hood inspired jewelry thieveing with World War II France. The way it traced the ripple effects of wartime decisions to things still playing out decades later was fascinating and thought-provoking, and I'll be thinking about it for a quite a while!

I adore Collette and her story! I love the jewel thief/Robin Hood connection and all the big surprises at the end of the book. This story is so engaging and well done. This is my second Kristin Harmel novel but it won’t be my last.

This was a great read! I was fascinated by the jewelry theft aspect and the sense of mystery throughout. Will definitely be reading more from this author.

I was so excited for an advanced copy of The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau! A huge thank you to Gallery Books for making my weekend! There is nothing better than getting an email from a publisher on a Friday afternoon with access to a very much-awaited book on NetGalley.

I loved this book. This historical drama is about a jewel thief, a priceless bracelet that disappears in 1940s Paris and the search for answers in a decades-old murder.

This was a dual timeline in 1940s Paris as we met Colette and her mom - jewel thieves who are helping fund the French Resistance and 2018 Boston when the missing bracelet appears in a museum & Colette knows she needs to find answers about what happened to the bracelet since it may share more about what happened to her sister.

The two timelines were interwoven and I liked seeing how this story and mystery unfolded. It really makes you think about right and wrong. I love that in the author's note, she mentions that in a lot of her WWII Historical Fiction, her characters do illegal things for the greater good and this book takes that up a notch. And when she questions her identity and how Harmel shared about writing this book after her breast cancer diagnosis.

I loved the story and didn't want to put this down. It was a beautifully written book and Colette was such a fascinating character!

I can't wait for everyone to read this wonderful book! I'm a huge Kristin Harmel fan and love the question she poses to readers in the author's note - What can I do to make the world a better place?

I was invited by the publisher to review this book. Colette comes from a background of jewel theft, learning from her mother to take from those only deserving of it and give to those in need. During World War 2, the French Resistance was funded by Colette and her partner in crime, Annabel. But then things go awry, and Annabel and her sister are caught by the Germans - Annabel is killed and later her sister is found in the river, minus the diamond bracelet that was sewn into her clothes. Seventy years later, the bracelet turns up at an exhibit in Boston, and Colette wants to learn of the bracelet's past so she can get answers of her own and get justice for her sister. Except someone from her past stands in her way, because they also want the bracelet.

This was a great premise for a book - generations of women in the family business of stealing jewelry. I also appreciated that Colette was written as a strong woman, and was in general a very well-developed character. I also enjoyed exploring different themes in this book, such as grief, betrayal, and identity, that were also woven together to blend seamlessly.

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Disaster, dedication, determination, and desire highlight this latest creation by Kristin Harmel. This powerful novel investigates the lives of many who persisted and perished as a result of the German reign and the Holocaust You will not want to relinquish finishing it until discovering the amazing twists and turns that define this unforgettable story. Thanks so much for the ARC of one of my favorite authors.

*will post on instagram closer to pub date* THE STOLEN LIFE OF COLETTE MARCEAU by Kristin Harmel ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The easiest 5 stars from me. This was one of THOSE books. The ones where you love every. single. page. and know you’ll remember it! I was hooked from the very beginning. I loved the story happening in both timelines. I loved the mystery. I loved the characters. I did predict part of the mystery towards the end, but it didn’t make it any less enjoyable for me. If you love historical fiction with romance, mystery, and unique characters… then RUN to buy this as soon as it is released!

Colette grew up in Nazi-occupied France during the 1940’s and endured loss and heartbreak. She lost her mother, sister, and her father abandoned her. Now, a bracelet has resurfaced that was with her sister when she went missing decades before, and Colette is determined to find out what happened to her.

Pub. Date: June 17, 2025.

Perfect if you like:
•Back and forth timeline.
•Family of Jewel Thieves!
•Nazi-occupied France.
•Strong FMC.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: No 🌶️
Mood: 🍜🍫🫗

I’ve long been a fan of Kristen Harmel’s work, so immediately jumped at the chance to read an early copy “The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau”. In line with her earlier work, the novel is a work of historical fiction that centers around a female protagonist during WWII, told across dual timelines.

In present-day 2018, Colette Marceau is a 90 year-old woman who lives outside Boston. At first glance, she appears to be a regular senior enjoying her older days and volunteering at the Boston chapter of a nonprofit dedicated to Holocaust research and support. However, in reality she’s a descendent of Robin Hood, and the tradition of stealing from the rich and unworthy to benefit the poor and needy has been passed down across the women in her lineage. Colette has continued to steal jewels in secret, using her gains to benefit organizations and individuals who have been harmed by the Holocaust - a worthy albeit illegal action. Her life is forever changed when she hears that a unique bracelet, the partner to one that she currently has in her possession, has re-appeared… one which was last sewn into the dress of her younger sister Lilianne who was kidnapped and killed over 70 years ago.

In 1942 Paris, Colette is just a young girl who’s been trained by her mother Annabel into the family tradition. Despite her mother’s careful attempts, Annabel makes an impulsive and risky decision to steal back a pair of diamond bracelets from a German official who confiscated them from a family friend during the Jewish raids. Her actions eventually lead to her own demise, but not before she sews a bracelet into each of her daughter’s dresses - a final attempt to keep them safe to ensure both her children and the bracelets will be reunited. But young Lilianne disappears the night of her mother’s imprisonment and her fate is discovered days later when her body is discovered in the Seine days later, the bracelet gone from its hiding place.

As the story progresses, more details emerge about both the past and present, and Colette’s past family and her current friends begin to enter the storyline in full force to help her unravel the truth. I loved the focus given to found families and the message that it’s never too late for anything, and the overall focus of the novel on questioning what is right and moral - and how it isn’t always what is legal. Harmel’s storytelling was strong throughout, and I appreciated how well-crafted and complex the central characters were. My only complaint about the novel was just how much focus was spent on the male romantic interests - both the physical attributes (comparing them to celebrities even well into their 90s) and the somewhat forced pairings for the female characters. In my opinion, this was neither needed nor beneficial to the storyline and took focus away from the main protagonists.

Overall a compelling novel that I’m sure many readers will enjoy when “The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau” is published in June 2025!

One of my catnip tropes is jewel thieves. This isn’t a heist novel, but it’s a fresh take on the French resistance in World War 2; I found the addition of purported descendants of Robin Hood and the (stolen!) jewelry that defined their lives intriguing. The theme throughout the book of diamonds outliving us all and being witness to many different lives in many different places is such a beautiful idea to build a novel around.

I was especially moved by the chapters where Colette, at age 90, travels back to Paris for the first time since 1945. To read about her full circle journey back to the place of her birth made me cry! And if that made me cry, don’t get me started on the ending, which I won’t spoil. I’d guessed one twist, but not realized there was a second, so I was shocked and burst into tears.

This was my first Kristin Harmel novel – I have The Book of Lost Names on my shelf and can’t wait to dive into it next!

Kristin Harmel’s newest release follows Colette, a jewelry thief who has dedicated her life to stealing from Nazis and seeking justice against those who have done wrong. Set in both the 1940s and the “present” in 2018, the story offers a glimpse into her life over time, especially when a missing bracelet from her childhood unexpectedly resurfaces at a museum.

Colette was a wonderfully developed character, and I found myself rooting for her nonstop as her story unfolded. The mystery kept me hooked, and I loved learning about Harmel’s inspiration for the story and its connection to Robin Hood in her author’s note. Get ready to feel it all and be completely absorbed in her words!

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy of The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau. This was a beautiful story of family, lost love and redemption. I couldn’t wait to read each chapter and find out how the story ended. Colette’s search of discovery was really heartwarming (and so was the Author’s Note). A must read!

Kristin Harmel has done it again! The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau is a breathtaking historical fiction novel that masterfully blends past and present, weaving a story of resilience, justice, and the unbreakable bonds of family. While I wasn’t sure if I was emotionally ready for another WWII novel given the current state of the world, I’m so glad I picked this one up because it was absolutely stunning.

Colette Marceau is no ordinary thief. Raised to believe she’s a descendant of Robin Hood, she and her mother used their skills to steal from the cruel and corrupt, funding the French Resistance during WWII. But when a fateful night in 1942 leads to her mother’s execution and her four year old sister’s disappearance—along with a priceless diamond bracelet—Colette’s life is forever changed. Now, seventy years later, that same bracelet resurfaces in a museum exhibit, pulling Colette back into the past she’s never been able to escape.

Harmel’s storytelling is, as always, exquisite. The dual timeline flows seamlessly, with the historical sections rich in detail and emotion, while the present day mystery adds an irresistible pull. Colette is a deeply compelling protagonist and her lifelong mission of justice, her grief, and her unshakable determination make her a character you can’t help but root for. While some plot twists were a bit predictable, they didn’t take away from the emotional impact of the story.

And then, after reading the author’s note and learning Harmel wrote this book while going through cancer treatment? I was even more blown away. The strength and heart she poured into this novel shine through every page.

This book is less about WWII itself and more about one woman’s lifelong pursuit of truth and justice, making it feel unique compared to other historical fiction novels. It ties everything up beautifully, and the ending left me deeply satisfied. If you loved The Paris Daughter, you’ll be just as captivated by this one. Highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley, Kristin Harmel, and Gallery Books for the eARC of this book.

3.5 stars rounded down.

I do really love Kristin Harmel, and will definitely keep reading and recommending her books, but I could not get into this one. It wasn't anything against the writing or the story. I did see that some didn't get on board with the thieving or the idea that it's Robin Hood's descendants.
For whatever reason that I can't quite grasp, I just couldn't get myself hooked on this enough to pick up. I think it took me about a month to read.
I also appreciate that everything wrapped up in the end, but it was too quick, too predictable, and too unbelievable- I'm all for a happy ending, but this was too happy (which is why I'm rounding down instead of up).

The premise of this book immediately drew me in, generations of women stealing jewels from the nefarious to fund the needy. Told in dual timelines, switching between occupied France in the 1940s and more the more present 2018, Harmel tells us the tale of Colette as she merges the timelines together to create a full and detailed picture. Colette, is a wonderful character. She is well developed, spunky, quirky, and fierce of heart who believes and feels deeply. This was a truly wonderful historical fiction novel that is excellently written. Harmel delivers to us a character who has lived a life of tragedy, but has continued on with strong and deep convictions. This book beautifully weaves together the themes of love, loss, family, betrayal, and identity. Harmel brings into question what truly defines right and wrong and does it in a beautiful way. Harmel has crafted a tale that is as alluring as it is heatbreaking and I couldn’t put it down.

I received a copy of this novel from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I love Kristin Harmel’s writing and always enjoy the dual timeline historical fiction novels, especially those that take place during World War II. I love how an elderly person. Colette was such a formidable character. I found both the past storyline and the present storyline to be very compelling and unpredictable. The emotion of the time and the loss for families was conveyed strongly. I highly recommend this book and think it will be a great success..

Kristin Harmel adds another World War II novel to her growing collection. The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau centers on the definition of right and wrong and the gray areas that are personal to each reader. The Marceau family legacy of stealing jewelry to rebalance justice is based on the legend of Robin Hood. This moral deliberation is embedded in every jewelry heist and the lives of Annabelle and Colette are the resulting outcomes of very debatable decisions and choices. This theme of morality, combined with survival guilt, self-discovery, and the power of ordinary people makes this novel a treasure trove of discussions for book clubs.
The timeline alternates between the war in Paris,1838 and Boston, 2018. Kristin Harmel’s mystery puzzle is framed by four corners: Annabell’s family heritage of stealing, Colette’s later life including the Tristan love story, the twin bracelets’ provenance, and the murder of Colette’s little sister, Lilianne. The puzzle pieces slowly fall into place, leaving readers in great emotional suspense and anticipation as the complete picture comes into view. We know “diamonds are forever” and Kristin Harmel proves this beautiful sentiment once more in The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau.

The stolen Life of Colette Marceau is another "can't put it down" book by Kiristin Harmel. Colette Marceau was a teenager during the Nazi occupation of Paris. Many tragic things happen to her during this time period. The story goes back and forth in time as Colette tries to figure out the story of a part of a bracelet that has resurfaced 70+ years later after it was last seen. This is another 5 star read by Harmel.

Loved this! Had an #arc thanks to @gallerybooks - all opinions are my own.

Told in 2018 Boston and flashbacks to WW2 Paris, this is the story of Collette Marceau, a jewel thief who steals from the bad to give to the virtuous. Haunted by her mother and sister’s deaths in the war, she has made it her mission to donate the proceeds of her theft to worthy organizations. A local museum features a bracelet that she recognizes as the one hidden in the hem of her sister’s nightgown when she was kidnapped. Collette starts investigating - stirring up the past uncovers more than she expects.

This one packed a punch - I didn’t want to stop reading. The characters all felt so real, and the Parisian wartime setting was 😚 - Harmel clearly has a gift for place.

Kristen Harmel is a popular author with easy to read engaging books. The Stolen Life sounded promising to me. But I think I realized quickly it wasn't my cup of tea, personally. I realized too late that Robin Hood and the idea behind the story aren't much of a draw for me. So while the writing was good as always, the story dragged for me. Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.