It's no secret...I am a big fan of Natasha Lester. "The Mademoiselle Alliance" has a sophisticated style of writing. Next level lyrical poetic descriptions of Morrocco, and later shocking truths of prisoner of war camps.
Delivering a strong historical masterclass, I was mesmerised by the staggeringly desperate prologue, which ensured I was fully invested in Marie-Madeleine's heroic fight for France. Sure, I've read of our own Nancy Wake, but was again stunned by sacrifices of the best of people against the worst of people.
Marie-Madeleine's resilience to continually have her heart and faith in humanity shattered. Then, to carry on in the most courageous fight every single day, for years on end, in a bid to save lives as "the beautiful spy".
I cried when certain characters died....I won't spoil anything here but their continuation gave me hope they would endure.
Natasha Lester has done a fabulous job...as always...researching and reading and re-reading material in multiple languages to flesh out the scarce wartime information. This is a book to bring you to tears and feel that despair of a seemingly never ending grind for little result.
Incidentally, I was born with the same hip dysplasia....luckily modern intervention saved me from the pain and struggle. This connection made me feel a kinship...and also with the author Natasha.
Thanks to NetGalley, Hatchette Australia and Natasha Lester for my copy. I'd give more than five stars if I could.

I discovered Natasha’s books a couple of years ago and eagerly made my way through her backlist. I love how she discovers the most interesting stories of strong, ordinary women who do the most extraordinary things. The Mademoiselle Network is the fictionalised account of Marie- Madeleine Fourcard a woman who ran one of the largest resistance networks in France during World War II where she was known as ‘The Beautiful Spy’ and topped the most wanted list.

Marie- Madeleine is the most fascinating woman I have never heard of! Even before her resistance work she lead a fascinating life. Growing up in Shanghai, marrying a French intelligence officer and living in Morocco, competing in rally races, learning to fly a plane, working as a journalist and raising two children! All skills that made her perfect for her role in the war.

Again Natasha blends well researched history with an engaging story. I read this in two sittings as I found myself amazing by this wonderful woman. Whilst the story does move around timelines initially at the beginning, most of it is told in a linear timeline which is a departure from her latest books. We are treated to an interesting cast of characters, fascinating story and a host of beautiful locations- Morocco, Paris, London and Madrid. I found the day to work of the resistance network interesting, the way they gathered small bits of information and slowly put it together to find a dent in the armor as well as their links to MI6. Another amazing historical fiction novel- make sure you take the time to discover Marie- Madeleine story!

Natasha Lester doesn’t disappoint. Her novels are always moving and inspiring, and this one is no different. It is possibly the best of her books that I’ve read.
The Mademoiselle Alliance tells a fictionalised account of Marie-Madeleine, a real life WW2 resistance leader. She navigates many obstacles, not the least of which is being female, in a male dominated world.
This is a truly enjoyable read. I will admit to shedding a few tears, which I very rarely do when reading.