I very much enjoyed this book. Colette was a teenager in Paris during the war and survived by being a thief like her mother and grandmother before her. It was a great source of pride in each generation that they stole from the rich who were pro nazi and gave to the poor, helping Jews in the war effort. She lost her whole family during the war. We first meet Colette when she’s an older woman, and she’s stealing from a Nazi sympathizer at a charity gala, but her picture is in the palate the next day and she must confess to the young woman she considers a daughter. Together they volunteer for an organization that makes sure the holocaust will never be forgotten. Noticing a new exhibit at a diamond exhibit, Colette recognizes a bracelet she knows to be stolen from a Jewish family by the Nazis. Determined to find out who owns it she enlists her young friend in her quest and the two embark on an emotional journey that will change their life. Beautifully written this book kept my attention and I couldn’t stop reading. I highly recommend it to everyone.

Achingly beautiful and poignant story about Colette Marceau, a teenager during WW2 in occupied Europe and her family. Collette, is jewel theif decended from the very own, Robin Hood. Taught by her mother to only steal from cruel and give to those in need, she joins the resistance to fight the Nazis invading the country.
Over time, the story unfolds of Colette and her need to find out who murdered her sister during the war and long buried secrets that continue to haunt her 70 years later.
Exceptional beyond a doubt and is already one of my best reads of 2025! Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC of this book.

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I love this author and her books! I will say the story building was not as exciting or attention grabbing but once I made it past a third of the book I could not put it down! It is fiction yet so much of the book represents such historical accuracy. It was a great read and I highly recommend it.

I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy of this newest novel by Kristin Harmel in exchange for my honest opinion. I felt like I was sitting on the sidelines watching this story happen because it drew me in from the first page. Even while untold atrocities were happening during WWll many were fighting back and trying to make a difference. A mother risking everything to steal valuable jewels to then sell and help fund the French Resistance. It was her way of contributing but it left her family at risk and changed the trajectory of all their lives. But, there is hope and this book is beautifully written weaving the past and the present and bringing it to a healing conclusion.

Another beautiful human story from Kristin Harmel. I love how she focuses of every day people who have incredible stories to tell.

This one focuses around Colette and is told in two timelines - one set during WWII, where Colette is a teen in occupied Paris stealing jewels from the Nazis to help fund the resistance, and one set in Boston in the 2010s, where Colette, now an elderly woman, is still trying to solve the mystery of what happened to her 4-year old sister, who was taken one night from their Paris apartment, and along with her, one half of a pair of diamond bracelets. When the bracelet that went missing when her sister was taken resurfaces in a Boston museum exhibit, Colette's story and journey take a drastic turn as the truth is finally revealed.

What makes this book so enjoyable is the balance of suspense and heart. The mystery keeps you hooked, but Colette's personal journey—her rediscovery of who she really is, her relationships, and her dreams—is what makes it truly engaging. Harmel's writing is fluid and approachable, making it easy to fall into the story and root for Colette every step of the way.

The setting adds a wonderful layer to the story as well. Whether it’s the chic Parisian streets or the cozy corners of Colette's life, Harmel’s descriptions pull you right into the world of the characters, and you’ll find yourself wishing you could visit some of the places she so beautifully paints with words.

In short, The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau is a fun and heartwarming read that mixes mystery, romance, and personal growth in a way that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking. It’s the perfect book for anyone who enjoys a twisty tale with heart—and maybe a little bit of French flair!

I’ll admit right from the start that I struggled with this one. I normally love Kristin Harmel’s books, but this story was very hard to get into. It wasn’t Kristin’s writing because her writing style is incredible, as always. I believe what bothered me the most was the heroine supposedly descended from Robin Hood’s ancestral line, and she and her family members before her carried on the tradition of stealing from people who they believed deserved it. Now, I’m all for karma and horrible people getting what they deserve, but to spend your whole life as a thief and trying to justify it because you were told Robin Hood was your distant relative just seems odd to me. Also, the story lagged through the first 3/4 of the book, but then everything just magically fell into place in the last couple of chapters, making it feel far-fetched and rushed. Sadly, I didn't feel a connection with any of the characters in this book and that was very disheartening.

I adore Kristin Harmel’s novels; each one offers a unique journey that draws me in completely. The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau was the very first book I picked up to read in 2025, and I can confidently say I couldn't have chosen a better novel to launch my reading year! This must-read is a fantastic novel that lingers in your mind and heart long after you’ve flipped the final page.

At the center of this novel is Colette, an almost 90-year-old woman whose life mirrors that of her mother, who was also known for her unconventional approach to justice. Colette has taken on the role of a modern-day Robin Hood, skillfully stealing jewelry from horrible people and then using the proceeds to aid charities and organizations that support those in need. Colette has dedicated her life not only to helping the marginalized but also to seeking justice for her murdered four-year-old sister, a tragedy that still haunts her. The novel alternates between 1940s Nazi-occupied Paris and 2018 Boston. This dual narrative adds layers of depth to the storyline, allowing readers to connect emotionally with both Colette and the family members and friends who shape her life.

As with all of Kristin Harmel’s works, the characters are incredibly well-developed, each one bringing their emotional weight to the story. The depth of their experiences and the intricacies of their relationships make them feel remarkably real. The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau will most definitely be one of my top favorite novels this year—it's simply that incredible! Every element, from the rich character development to the poignant exploration of love and loss, captivates the reader in a thoroughly unforgettable way. I highly recommend this 5+++ star novel to absolutely everyone; it’s a powerful narrative that resonates on many levels and is not to be missed!

Another amazing book by Kristin Harmel. I cried and I couldn’t sleep because I had to finish this book! I love all things WWII and this book will haunt me and be one I highly recommend to others!

Content warnings: Nazis, murder, grief, kidnapping, incarceration, assault

Kristin Harmel always writes beautiful books, and this one is no exception.

The book begins with the creation of twin diamond bracelets, one to represent each of the Rosman family's two children. When the Rosmans are deported by the Germans, a Nazi officer steals the bracelets. Annabel Marceau, an Englishwoman living with her family in France, sees the bracelets and makes a rash decision -- she steals them to give back to her Jewish friend.

As a direct descendant of Robin Hood, Annabel's family mission is to steal from bad people and use the money gained for good. She has already begun training her teenage daughter Colette, showing her the techniques she will need to steal. At 4, Liliane is too young to begin her training but is told the stories of her family hero, Robin Hood.

Annabel is captured and killed by the Nazis for stealing the jewelry, but the Germans never find the bracelets. Annabel sews each bracelet into the linings of her two daughters' nightgowns -- one for Colette and one for Liliane. Liliane's bracelet disappears the night she is kidnapped, and isn't found when her body washes up from the Seine.

Skip forward to 2018. Colette Marceau is a jewel thief living in Boston. She's in her 80s and lives alone with the guilt that she was supposed to protect her sister and failed. Colette waits for Liliane's bracelet to resurface and it shows up in a museum exhibition. She has finally found the jewelry and is determined to link it back to her sister's murderer. Tracking the bracelet's provenance over the decades proves difficult, and the secrets and lies she uncovers will forever change several people's lives.

The novel explores the difficult topics of World War II and the Holocaust, but also looks at the gray areas in life. Colette is a jewel thief, but the jewels support the French Resistance and later fund charitable causes. Colette also denies herself happiness because of the losses she experienced as a young girl. And throughout their relatively short life (so far), the bracelets have touched, influenced, and changed the lives of many.

The conclusions may not come as a huge shock to readers, but you won't regret being along for the ride. Recommended for any historical fiction reader, even if WWII isn't your normal period.

This was a beautifully done historical drama that I was looking for, it had that element that I was hoping for and enjoyed the way the characters worked overall. The overall feel of this was everything that I wanted and enjoyed the time-period was everything that I wanted. Kristin Harmel wrote this perfectly and am excited for more.

I’ll first say that I love Kristin Harmel. Her books are always so well researched and I learn things from reading her works. This book was no different in that regard.

This book was harder for me to get into, though. It’s not that it was written poorly; it had the same easy to read style as her other works. I appreciated the short chapters which made it easy to follow as the story jumped between the different characters. I think my trouble with this novel was the thieving. Maybe this is my own lack of research, but it seemed so far fetched that I had trouble relating to the story and the main character, Collette. (It does discuss jewel thieves in the afterward, but not much and it didn’t seem that it was as prolific as the book made it sound.)

This book was also very predictable. No spoilers, but it had a nice, clean ending. While I appreciated that in some respects, I finished the book with a strange sense of indifference.

Overall, 3⭐️s because it was an engaging book and because I really am a fan of the author. This just wasn’t my favorite work of hers.

Many thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy!

The stolen Life of Colette Marceau
is another spellbinding historical fiction novel from Kristin Harmel. Colette grew up in Paris learning to steal from her mother who told her that she is descended from Robin Hood. They only steal from people who are collaborating with the Nazis and supply their treasures to the resistance to use the money to save people. The book swings back and forth between 2018 Boston and 1940’s Paris. The book is filled with surprises. I had a very hard time putting it down. Harmel is a master storyteller.

This is such a sad, but hopeful historical fiction book about some of the unsung heroes of World War II, in this case the levels that people would go to to fund the resistance movement. Told in a dual timeline it follows Collete then and now, and is a nice book to read.

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I absolutely loved this story so much. I am a sucker for a split timeline and this one held mystery and intrigue.

While looking for what happened to her sister the night she died as a child in the war Colette tracks an important piece of jewelry last seen with her sister. When the bracelet resurfaces in a museum in Boston, Colette might be able to find her answers. Is she prepared for what she might find?

I have long been a Kristin Harmel fan and I will continue to read everything she writes!!

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for allowing me to read and review this title. All opinions are my own.

Kristen Harmel’s new book is a twist on the Robin Hood principle: steal from the rich to give to the poor. Colette Marceau learned at a very young age how to remove jewelry from a wealthy mark without them noticing. Her mother Annabel taught her and her first heist was at the age of 10. But a few years later her mother was arrested by the Germans in a raid, and her 4 year old sister later turns up dead in the Seine. Their mother had sewn a bracelet into the hem of Liliane’s nightgown, but was now missing. The novel alternates between the war and 2018, where a now elderly Colette has learned the bracelet is now in a Boston museum. If she can learn where the bracelet has been all these years, she”ll finally have answers to her tragic past. Recommended for all public libraries.

Kristin Harmel never disappoints and I absolutely loved her latest. Colette lead a fascinating life as a jewel
Thief taught by her mother and many generations before. The jewels all tie into how her life story is woven and the way it all ties together is lovely. Highly recommend for a book you won’t be able to put down.

Thank you to netgalley for the arc in exchange of an honest review.

Finishing the year with a book that will be published in 2025. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

This book was SO good! It is an emotional, gripping tale that beautifully weaves together themes of love, loss, betrayal, and identity. From the very first page, Harmel immerses readers in a world of mystery and tension, crafting a story that is as heartbreaking as it is captivating.

The novel follows Colette Marceau, a young woman who has lived a life built on secrets and deception. As a jewel thief, she has used deception to do good and right wrongs. The tension between Colette’s criminal past and her desire to find her sister gives the novel its heart-pounding intensity. Each clue she uncovers brings her closer to the truth, but it also brings her face-to-face with the consequences of her past choices

Wow! What a way to finish off 2024. Definitely one of my favorite books of the year. My recommendation: Rush to your local independent book shop or library to grab a copy as soon as it’s released on June 17, 2025.

Fast-paced, gripping mystery about a Parisian girl during WWII, a descendant of Robin Hood — and in a dual timeline, the same woman in 2018 in Massachusetts.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this excellent book by one of my favorite authors!

Read this if you like:

-dual timelines
-found family
-Robin Hood
-WWII stories
-a love story

I'm torn on this one because I loved Colette and her family's Robin Hood thievery, but there was a lot going on. Dual timelines tell the story of Colette's childhood during WWII and her life now as an elderly woman. She lost her sister and her mother during the war and when a bracelet that was hidden in her sister's nightgown surfaces, she knows she must track down the owner. She's been looking her entire life for the bracelet that would lead her to her sister's killer.

Young Colette is determined and headstrong and she hasn't changed as she's aged. She is a skilled jewel thief and has given millions to charity throughout her life. Her mother raised her to do good things and spread wealth to the less fortunate.

Her past catches up to her when the bracelet resurfaces and she must revisit her worst memories to move forward. Can she find her sister's killer before its too late?

3.5 rounded up to 4 ⭐. This wasn't my favorite book from Harmel, but it was a solid story that I enjoyed. I think I would have liked it more if there wasn't quite as much going on. We had a few love stories, a few shady characters, a cast of the resistance, dirty police officers, and bad neighbors. I would recommend it to those that enjoy a WWII story that isn't all doom and gloom and those that have enjoyed her previous books.

Thank you to netgalley for a copy to enjoy.