The Paris Agent: A Novel Of World War II by Kelly Rimmer

 

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

For fans of fast-paced historical thrillers like Our Woman in Moscow and The Rose Code, Rimmer’s brilliant new novel follows three female SOE operatives as their lives intersect in occupied France, and the double agent who controls their fate.

Twenty-five years after the end of the war, an aging Marcel Augustin is reflecting on his life during those perilous, exhilarating years as a British SOE operative in occupied France—in particular the agent who saved his life during a mission gone wrong, whose real name he never knew, nor whether she survived the war. Piqued by her father’s memories, Marcel’s daughter Charlotte begins a search for answers that resurrects the unrest and uncertainty from that period of his life. What follows is the story of Eloise, Josie and Virginia, three otherwise ordinary, average women whose lives intersect in 1943 when they’re called up by the SOE for deployment in France. Taking enormous risks to support the allied troops with very little information or resources, the three women have no idea they’re at the mercy of a double agent within their ranks who's causing chaos within the French circuits, whose efforts will affect the outcome of their lives.

As Charlotte’s search for answers continues, new suspicions are raised about the identity of the double agent, with unsettling clues pointing to her father, and more mysteries are unearthed from the last days of the war about the eventual fates of Eloise, Josie and Virginia.

my thoughts:

Wow. What an amazing story. I absolutely LOVED Kelly Rimmer's latest novel, The Paris Agent: A Novel of World War II. It was historical fiction at its very best -  gripping, well written, and unputdownable. Talk about the perfect book to settle down with on a long weekend. 

Noah aka Marcel is reminiscing about his time as a British SOE operative in WWII, specifically the time an agent saved his life. He never knew her name or whether she survived the war.  So, his daughter, Charlotte, decides to search for answers. Through her research we find the stories of three women: Eloise, Josie, and Virginia, all deployed for France during the war in service to the SOE. We also find out about a double agent who put everyone's lives in danger. The more information Charlotte uncovers, the more she starts to wonder about her own father's role in the war. And, the more we find out about what happened to Eloise, Josie, and Virginia. 

Rimmer has created an amazing story with a fascinating cast of characters that will have you reading all day and night, just to find out what happened. We get code names, dual timelines, the terror of war, and the compelling stories of the agents sacrificing their lives for the greater good. It is riveting. And the descriptions are vivid and rich with detail, that you can't help but see, smell, and taste everything in the story. The Paris Agent is a dynamic duo of a book - top notch writing and masterful storytelling. You will fall in deep with this story!

I would happily recommend this book to anyone and everyone. Make sure to check it out!

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Last Bookshop In London: A Novel of World War II by Madeline Martin

(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

Inspired by the true World War II history of the only bookshop to survive the Blitz, a sweeping story of wartime loss, romance, and the enduring power of literature, perfect for fans of The Paris Wife and The Lilac Girls

London, autumn 1940: the Blitz has only just begun when Grace Bennett arrives in London to find the city she’s spent a lifetime dreaming about now cast in the clouds of war, and all of her plans unraveling at the seams. After accepting a job at a charming bookshop nestled in the heart of the city, a haven for literary-minded locals, she feels like a fish out of water – she’s never been much of a reader, after all.

As the bombs rain down on the city night after night, a devastating air raid leaves London’s literary center in ruins, and the libraries and shops of Paternoster Row are destroyed in a firestorm. But against all odds, one bookshop miraculously survives. Through blackouts and air raids, Grace continues staffing the shop, discovering a newfound comfort in the power of words and storytelling to unite her community in ways she never imagined, a power that triumphs even the darkest nights of war-torn London.

my thoughts:

Wow! What a story! I absolutely LOVED The Last Bookshop In London - it was fantastic!

First off, a title with the word 'Bookshop' in it - how could I resist? Secondly, the story is set in London - how can I not read a story set in London? And third, combine 'bookshop' and London - how can I not read a book with both of those words in the title? Suffice it to say, I gobbled this book up as soon as I got my hands on it. Oh, and did I mention that I enjoyed every second spent with this story? Because, I did!

The Last Bookshop In London is such a great story. The historical aspects are vividly detailed.  The characters are fascinating and show just how resilient Brits can be.  And the story itself, is captivating. You can't help but be swept away to London during the Blitz and navigating bookshop life with Grace - this story makes for such a treat. I just LOVED getting to know everyone and reading about Grace, a non-reader, discovering the magic of books. It was fun and emotional, getting to see Grace using books to help her community during this terrifying time in history. 

I would happily recommend The Last Bookshop In London to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read - you won't want to miss out!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!