Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the advanced copy of The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau. This beautifully written novel is my favorite Kristin Harmel book yet. Rich with mystery, heartbreak, and courage, it tells a powerful story of family, lost love, and redemption. While set during WWII, it stands apart by focusing on one woman’s lifelong pursuit of truth and justice. The characters are well-developed and complex—especially the main character, who challenges you to question how you feel about her. A compelling and emotional read from start to finish.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story by Kristin Harmel. She has such a knack for eliciting a depth of feeling and hope that you don’t often see in a historical novel like this one. If you like her other stories, you will certainly love this one.

Once again, Kristin Harmel’s love for Paris is clear. Like many of her other historical novels, it is set in the beautiful “City of Light” with a heartwarming WWII story.

The narrative has its own way of sparkling with beautiful diamonds, emeralds and jewels. Colette Marceau followed the ancestors in her family – as far back as Robin Hood -- to steal valuable necklaces, bracelets and watches. She took from those she marked as unworthy and then distributed the money from the gems to charities.

When the Germans took control over Paris, she envied her mother who was helping the underground resistance with funds from the sale of stolen gems. Even though it was dangerous, Colette was itching to join in and support this effort at the young age of 14. Her father, a teacher, wasn’t exactly aware of what was happening. As you can guess, it wasn’t all rosy.

I thought I was worn out from the fascination of WWII books until I saw Kristin Harmel’s name on the cover of a new story. I have read most of her books and knew this also had to be another best-selling novel. She uses her talent to show the power and strength of the brave souls who were able to fight the harsh opposition of the war.

This book was engaging with two timelines from the 1940s in Paris and then 2018 in Boston. The only parts missing were photos of a prized bracelet that went through a lot of hands. Even though it was well described, I wanted to see it. Like all of her characters, much was implanted in my mind. I saw Colette in 2018 at 90 years old as the late actor Maggie Smith with her many roles – never missing a beat.

The Author’s Notes is an added bonus providing readers with information about her research process and related book recommendations. I imagine it will be high up on book club lists with much to discuss.

I’d like to express my thanks to Gallery Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of June 17, 2025.

Another fantastic novel by Kristin Harmel. This historical novel is told in duel timelines and locations: the 1940’s in Nazi occupied Paris and 2018 in Boston. A mother in Paris steals jewels from unworthy people to fund the Nazi resistance. Her daughter, Colette, follows in her footsteps and does the same thought her life, funding many worthy organizations . In question is a bracelet made of 2 interlocking bracelets to celebrate the birth of Jewish twins. Colette’s mother stole it when the family of twins was taken by the Nazis and the bracelet was confiscated by them. Colette now possesses one bracelet but the other is lost when her 4 year old sister was killed. The bracelet had been sewn into her nightgown hem. Decades later, it resurfaces in a Boston museum showing and the mystery begins. Who killed her sister and took the bracelet? Is that person related to the man in exhibiting it now? The story evolves and comes full circle when Daniel, one of the twins, reappears. He and Colette travel to Paris and back trying to solve the mystery of the second bracelet and who killed Colette’s sister. To say anymore would involve spoilers.
Thank you, NetGalley and Gallery books for this fabulous ARC.

I really enjoyed the story of Collette and her family. It was heartbreaking how she devoted her life to find out what happened to her sister.
The ending was a definite surprise.
Thank you Netgalley and Kristin Harmel for an ARC of this book. This author is a definite read for me. 5 Stars!

I received this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this book! It tells the story of Collette Marceau in two timelines. in the 1940's during WW2 and current day, 2018.

Colette's history was that of a jewel thief that was handed down thru her family. The proceeds of the thefts goes to do good. Like Robin Hood, who was said to be an ancestor. Her mother stole 2 bracelets from a German soldier and was recognized. During her arrest, Colette's little sister Lilianne, was kidnapped by someone. She was later found dead of drowning. The bracelet that was sewn into her nightgown was missing.

Fast forward to 2018 and there is a jewelry show and the other bracelet turns up. How did it get there? Colette is determined to find out.

This story had me hooked from page 1. Ordinary people did extraordinary things during WW2 . I certainly didnt see the ending.

5/5 stars

Kristin Harmel does it again. Somehow she finds a unique aspect of WWII history that hasn't been novelized a thousand times over and makes it an engaging story that captivates the reader from the get-go. Overall, a well-researched, interesting story that isn't overdone. I loved the multiple timeline approach and the interesting, multi-dimensional characters. Colette is a one-of-a-kind character and I'm so glad Ms. Harmel brought her into my life.

That being said, I felt that the coincidences that tied everything together were too much. Like, one is fine. But to have everything end up in such happy endings felt wrong and likely not accurate for the vast majority of people who survived WWII, which I think is a disservice to their experiences. Not Ms. Harmel's best, but still a far better book than many others I've read that take place in this era.

Wow!!! Wow!! Anyone that follows my books knows that I love Kristin Harmel. She usually writes a heartwarming, unique book set during. WWII. She isn’t breaking that formula here, but she is giving us something else……a book where we fall in love with a thief. Colette is a jewel thief. She fancies herself a Robin Hood of sorts, and I find her endearing. The book is set in two time periods, the war and in 2018. In 2018, a bracelet is found that once tore Colette’s family apart. She will use this bracelet to piece together a life that has been missing for over. 70 years. I don’t want to say anything else, but the last chapter had me thrilled. Well done, Ms. Harmel. This ranks up there with The Book of Lost Names for me.

"The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau" by Kristin Harmel...
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Set against the backdrop of Paris before, during, and after World War II, this novel follows Colette Marceau as she navigates love, loss, and survival. Raised in a warm and principled home, Colette’s life is upended by the war, forcing her to grow up quickly after losing her mother and sister and being left alone in an occupied city. The story shifts between past and present, as an elderly Colette in the U.S. reflects on her youth in a city gripped by fear and resistance. The writing brings wartime Paris vividly to life, capturing both its quiet courage and deep sorrow. With emotional depth and a thread of mystery running through it, this is a thoughtful, well-paced read about resilience, memory, and the enduring search for truth.

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Kristin Harmel takes us on a journey of grief, love, guilt, and found family. I was shocked how she beautifully intertwined all the characters and their stories. The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau is such an intriguing plot. Believing she is part of the lineage of Robin Hood, Colette and her mom Annabel believe it is their duty to relieve "bad" people of their jewels, selling them, and donating the profits to those in need. They help fund the French Resistance during WWII until one fateful day when Annabel makes a move based on feeling and not so much good vs. bad. This one decision alters the history of the Marceau family for decades. Almost 80 years later, Colette (still stealing from cruel people) sees the the bracelet that caused her mother's life. She must find out how it came to be in the United States in 2018.

Novels like The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau always make me think about how I would react when push comes to shove. Even though she is stealing, is Colette in the right because she is giving to the needy? I like to think in white and gray, but I have never lived during war time. I'm not sure what I would do.

4.5 stars for this one!

Thank you Gallery Books and NetGalley for this complimentary ARC. All thoughts are my own.

Though this was fairly slow moving, the story and characters were deep and interesting. It got a bit away from me when introducing some of the key players from Colette’s past, but I love the ending and resolution of everything. Beautiful and uplifting. Bravo. Thanks to NetGalley, Kristin Harmel, and Gallery Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

“The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau” by Kristin Harmel is absolutely outstanding! I have loved every one of Ms. Harmel’s books but this one touched my heart and soul and it will do the same for everyone who reads it.
The premise for this historical novel set in dual time lines, is around a mother who steals precious jewels from dishonorable people to fund the Nazi resistance in France during WWII. She believes she is a descendant of Robin Hood and teaches her daughters to follow in her footsteps. She steals a precious a bracelet from a Nazi officer who took the bracelet from her best friend when she and her family were deported and sent to Auschwitz’s. The bracelet made of 2 interlocking sections is sewn into each daughter’s nightgown for safekeeping. A German officer who observed the theft raids their house and arrests them. Ultimately the mother is killed and the father and one daughter released and the youngest daughter abducted and presumed dead.
The daughter is now an 89 year old woman living in Boston when one of the bracelets shows up suddenly in a museum exhibit. It becomes her mission to find out who had the bracelet and if it’s connected to her younger sister’s death. We are living with the characters in this story as we journey between 1940 and 2018 until the mystery is solved. This book is filled with drama, heartache, courage and hope for the future. I would give it 10 stars if I could!

Thank you NetGalley and Gallery Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau by Kristin Harmel takes place mainly during World War II.
It’s a dual timeline so we really get to know the back story of the characters. We are introduced to young Colette, whose mother, Annabel is a jewel thief, but she has a very strict code (as descendants of Robin Hood), only steal from those who are evil or bad. Colette then learns the art of stealing and joins her mother. Women, during WWll, were fighting back trying to make a difference. This was a mother risking everything to steal valuable jewels to then sell and help fund the French Resistance. It was her way of contributing but at what cost.
Kristin is an excellent storyteller. She develops the characters, and then weaves a beautiful story of family, love, heartache, tragedy, and perseverance. I really enjoyed the story of Colette as a young girl determined to keep her family safe and her very special friend who she shares hidden notes with (no spoilers here).
I really enjoyed The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau. I love Kristin’s books. Her Author’s Note describes her impeccable research. I learned about the Vélodrome d'Hiver, near the Eiffel Tower, that played a role holding 8,000 Jewish citizens captive while they waited unknowing they would later be deported. This was a very sad part of history that must NEVER be forgotten.
This is an amazing book and I highly recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for allowing me an advanced e-copy in exchange for my honest review.

As a huge fan of Harmel, I was very excited to get an advanced copy of this book. I must say I really enjoyed it, not that I had any doubts. Harmel has a way of really pulling you into the story and lose yourself in the world she’s writing about. The characters are developed well and you really get a sense they could be real people. She has yet again given us a different angle of the struggles and choices people made in WWII by jewel theft, which give us a real question to ponder - right or wrong if doing good? Makes you wonder. I would highly recommend this book to fans of Harmel.

Thank you to Net Galley and Gallery Books for an advanced copy of The Stolen Life Of Colette Marceau.  I have read several of Kristen Harmel's other books including: The Paris Daughter, The Book of Lost Names and The Winemaker's Wife.  Like her other books, I take away learning how people lived through WW2 and how it impacted their lives and the choices they made not only during the war, but thereafter throughout their lives..  Same in the Stolen Life, where Colette carries on a family tradition helping others and being selfless by stealing jewelry from Nazis and giving to people and organizations in need.  Is that right or wrong? Collette has so much perseverance unraveling what happened to a few pieces. Kristen's storytelling is engrossing and kept me wanting to read more to find out what happens.  I highly recommend reading The Stolen Life Of Colette Marceau.

This book just made my top 10.
I swooned, I cried, and fell in love all over again.
As a mom to two little ones, I can't imagine how hard life was during this time.

I really enjoyed this book & look forward to reading more books by this author.

I used to get frustrated by books that go back & forth between characters & time periods...however, I have grown to appreciate it, especially since it's become such a popular writing style these days.

This book is just so well written. The characters are well developed. It's clear what is happening & to whom.

And...there are SO many surprises throughout the book! I kept finding myself in awe of the next twist & turn.

However, all that to say, I was HIGHLY disappointed in the amount of language in the book. I don't appreciate reading books with language just for the sake of language. It was NOT needed & I would definitely recommend that it was unnecessary. Given that it was only h's & d's, I still give it 5 stars. I won't even read a book with worse language in it. It's offensive to me.

(I received this book as an ARC read. All opinions are my own.)

Colette Marceau, as well as her mother & grandmother & many others before her, has spent her entire life trying to do good. However, her doing good isn't the conventional way but rather by stealing expensive jewels from the rich and using those jewels to "redistribute the wealth" to the less fortunate. Her biggest contributions occurred during WWII when Paris was taken over by the Germans. Her mother's best friend, a Jewish woman about to be deported, told her mother about two very precious bracelets that were stolen from her by a German soldier. Colette's mother promised she would get them back for her & keep them safe for her until after the war was over. Colette's mother sewed the two bracelets into each of her daughters' nightgowns for safe keeping. However, when word got out that she had stolen them, the Germans raided their house and arrested all of them, with the exception of the youngest daughter who was hiding. Colette & her father were released but her mother was killed, and when they got home they were told that the younger daughter was found dead in the Seine and the bracelet missing. Fast forward to 2018 when Colette is almost 90 years old and the 2nd bracelet is found in a museum. It becomes Colette's mission to find out who had this bracelet all along and if somehow it is connected to the death of her younger sister. The story went back & forth between the early 1940's & 2018 until the mystery was solved. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Kristin Harmel is an expert on telling stories of individuals who went out on a limb to help those during those horrific WWII days.

Many thanks to NetGalley & Gallery Books for an advanced eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau by Kristin Harmel is another great historical fiction book by this author. The novel is a dual timeline set in 2018 and in the 1940's during WWII when France was Nazi occupied.

Collette is an actual descendant of Robin Hood and her family line is that of jewel thieves. They justify the theft of jewels with stealing from the those that have done wrong and giving to organizations that benefit those in need. The story begins with Colette growing up in Paris. Her mother, Annabel, trains her in the art of being a jewel thief. Her mother is involved in the resistance and steals to help fund it. Eventually her mother is arrested by the Germans and this begins the mystery of what happened to her four-year old sister, Liliane. Annabel had sewn half of a beautiful diamond bracelet into the hem of Liliane's nightgown. Liliane's body is later discovered in the Seine and the bracelet was never found.

Seventy years later Collette is an elderly lady that continues to steal and one day a bracelet resurfaces that once belonged to a childhood friend. The very valuable bracelet is on display at a museum in Boston. Will the bracelet's owner help her to know what happened to Liliane? She must find out who owns the bracelet and how the owner obtained it. Is the owner the murderer of her sister? She sets out to bring justice.

The book is full of mystery, drama, heartbreak, courage, and love. The story kept me hooked until the end with characters that you get to know through the storytelling. I loved how the author tied everything together as each part of the story unfolded. I highly recommend this book! Harmel always sucks you in to a good story and this one kept me guessing!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book. Would recommend it to anyone with an interest in WWII, the Holocaust Survivors and the Robin Hood Legend. The Robin Hood story line was intriguing.
Thank you to NetGalley, Gallery Book and Kristin Harmel for an ARC of The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau
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