I was immediately grabbed by the conflict surround this story. The idea of lost love and second chances intrigued me. I also loved that the story was set around WW II. With the threat of the Nazi occupation Anne and Alexis are torn away from each other. Although they are only children both have very strong feelings for each other. As the story progresses Anne and Alexis have both moved on from their childhood love and both marry and have children. When Anne and Alexis meet they immediately feel everything they use to for each other. I personally thought that the author did a fantastic job with the scene where they are reunited.

As Anne and Alexis struggle to figure out how they can or if they should make room in their lives for each other they have to struggle with their commitments. I thought this was a beautiful and passionate story. My heart ached for both characters and I kept hoping that they would get their happily ever after. I really enjoyed the historical setting and the descriptions and the times and places. I highly recommend and enjoyed this beautiful and heartbreaking book about two people that just want to love each other.

Spanning time from the late 1930’s just before the advent of World War II, and continuing through the early 1980’s this story is rich in historical events and details, but a touch lacking in the actual emotional connection to the characters for me. And that is all due to the main character and narrator Anne.

Anne is a child when we first meet her, with a crush on her older brother’s friend and a solidly ‘average’ life of a French Schoolgirl of middle-class parents living in Montmartre. With the occupation and exodus from Paris to the country, and the struggles that the French faced during the war, Marny excels in detailing the small simple moments and difficulties. But, for me there was always something lacking: Anne’s early neediness as she expected someone to ‘take care’ of her is not unusual – for a child, but as an adult it left her with a heavy burden, especially when added to her innate distrust of everyone. And I mean everyone.

The early promise of a child to a child in a time of turmoil should NOT have been the one event that 10, 20 even 30 years later “I should never have trusted him again” is her first and instant go to. Yet, that combined with the “who will take care of me” approach and thoughts when she is a successful, professional woman just annoyed me to no end. THEN we add in her rather callous disregard and disinterest for her husband and his family, and her inability or unwillingness to share important moments with him that clearly showed a broken relationship held by glue of children, and little else.

Don’t get me wrong – I was engaged, I disliked Anne immensely even as I admired her ability to find her own professional path and move forward, but once she and Alexis find one another again, her character regresses to a spoilt and withholding teenager. Sneaking around, keeping secrets, adultery and the never-ending daydreams and bipolar-esque reactions to silence or communication. It was frustrating to read, as there was so much she COULD do, and did – but she was led by her constant need for validation in Alexis’ eyes.

And he was no gem. The “I can’t leave her until our son is grown’ is such a cliché, yes adding the mental illness into the mix gave a solid reason, but really – I just wanted to roll my eyes. He was the master of that relationship, preying on her childish adoration and some rather obsequious reunion moments. Yes, the relationship between them, for me, was less romantic and more obsessional and unhealthy. BUT – I read on - as the settings, the historical references and even the conversations were gold. Pure Gold. The slow reveal of Simonetta and her friendship with Anne, the growth that Anne DOES display (without Alexis in the picture) as a successful gallery manager and later owner. The art, the feel of Paris, the streets and moments when Montmartre becomes a character in and of itself, first welcoming and comfort, then a place to avoid because of bad memories, then reborn in Alexis’ memories and shown as if newly discovered once again. The love for the city with its contrasts of old and new, whole and damaged, silent and bustling are woven throughout this story and imbue every page with sights, sounds, scents and a near palpable feel for the setting.

Dominique Marny may not have, in my eyes, made me believe in a great romance, but she did give me the chance to walk the streets and feel the setting, and produced characters intrigued and entertained. All I can ask of a good read is that I feel something, remember someone and feel the ending has brought me satisfaction – and this book did all of those things.

I received a copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

For those following my reviews it's no secret I prefer my love story full of passion, complications and tragedy. I was NOT disappointed with Marny and her incredibly love story.

The rich descriptions of Paris and surrounding cities and countryside were lush. I felt as if I was in France. When an author crafts a strong setting, transporting the reader to time and place, truly adds to the reading experience. Marny explored the annihilation war causes physically, emotionally and mentally along with environmental ruin. Many historical references peppered the narrative once again complimenting storyline and characters.

The plot was low on predicability, high with twists and turns, not to mention filled with anguish, passion, joy and sorrow, a mark of a quality solid love story. As a whole, the entire story felt more nonfiction than fiction thanks to impeccable detail and dense writing on the authors part.

Characterization was superb. Marny allowed the reader an up close and intimate sketch of the three main characters. You felt the emotional toll, anguish and elation. An intricate set of characters involved in an equally intricate situation. Anne, stoic, grace under pressure. A woman loving with everything, a woman torn between her familial obligations. A woman of few words, her emotions and actions consequential. Alexis is a mystery. We learn the basics but lack his full on emotional rawness. We learn more of him through Anne. He's a man torn, trapped and frustrated. Francoise is a man quick to flee. He fails to ferret the obvious issues with Anne and it's revealed he is all flight and no fight. Of all the marvelous protagonists I felt a warmth and connection to Anne. Her reactions were fitting to such a precise plot. Her anguish, torment and loyalty is affecting. You understand her predicament without question, you grapple along with her as she decides her fate.

The fact this story stemmed from childhood to adulthood keeps your attention, enough tension and curiosity drives the reader to turn the next page in anticipation of what's to follow. A wonderful story of true love. I'd love a follow up on Anne and other significant characters brought to our attention. Mixing war and love, you know it will contain plenty of drama, tears and hardship leaving the reader to guess the ending. Highly recommend this memorable story of young love that never ended.

Captivating story of two who as children were separated during the 2nd world war in France and reunited many years later to discover true love. The author also gives us a fascinating look at the art scene in Paris.

The scenes of Monmarte were the first thing that drew me to this book- it’s my favourite place in Paris. I loved the descriptions throughout of the city and surrounding areas. You really could imagine yourself there.
It follows Anne and Alexis who knew each other in childhood. Alexis saw Anne as a little sister whilst she really liked him.
The book spans many years starting in war time. The two are split by the war, friends are scattered all over France.
When she meets him again many years later what will she consider- will she abandon her family to be happy with him? Will he leave his wife and son? They meet- but can they both give up what they have to be truly happy together. Anne is working in an Art Gallery and Alexis is a teacher in Canada.
The book ends in the 1980’s- will they end up together? You’ll have to read the book and see.
Many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this book.