I have read so many books set during WW2 and even though I do love the stories, and bringing light upon a period of history which always needs to be remembered, at times these stories can feel a little repetitive, which is one of the reasons I took a break from reading this I became stuck in a rut so to speak. So, It's taken well over a year to finally read this, it's embarrassing really to admit that it's been sitting rather negatively on my Kindle for all of that time, but books don't have best-before dates and I think I needed that break in this genre to fully settle into the story and see just how impeccably written and engaging the overall story is.

This is what I have been looking for in WW2 fiction, a new story and something different to fully grasp my attention and The Paris Notebook did just that!

The book opens on a bit of a slow start, but that soon melts away to become a fascinating intricate and completing story full of bravery, it moves steadily from chapter to chapter and then suddenly the plot ramps up a notch and things start happening and before you know it you're on the final chapter in a whirlwind and I really liked that speediness and ease of reading.

I really enjoyed this, a definite must for historical fiction readers!

When Katja gets a job at Dr victors office there is more at stake than just a normal job. Indeed young dr Victor had a patient called Hilter back after the First World War and his notes on this could help the war effort.

Books set in this time period are one of my favourites and this book was no exception. I really enjoyed the plot to this and it had me on the edge of my seat to see if everyone was going to be ok. I thought it was very well thought out and I really warmed to the main character.

This was a book that I didn’t want to end and the ending was also fantastic. This was my first book by this author but I’d definitely like to read more.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
This author has taken a true story from WW2 and woven a fictional tale around it. I thought the way she delivered the plot was interesting and well-paced, drawing out some of the action to create an atmosphere of suspense as events unfolded, restricted by time available in secrecy. The fear and horror of the war was conveyed in the descriptions of some events (such as the death of Katja's father) as was the inability to trust anyone. I enjoyed the romantic subplot, albeit that I felt the ending was a little too 'pat' to be completely credible. However, I enjoyed the novel and would recommend it to those who enjoy history.

Another brilliant addition to the WW2 historical fiction genre. Original in its concept, I don't think I would have necessarily picked this book up if not for being given an e-arc of it. Somewhat difficult to read in parts and learning more on Hitler's obvious mental health issues. Katja was a strong character, not what I would consider loveable but a good character none-the-less.

This book felt like being on a rollercoaster. It draws you in straight away and I often found myself holding my breath from the suspense. It’s full of angst and heartbreak with hope sprinkled in between. The author captured the atmosphere of that time well or what I imagine it to have felt like. The story was a reminder that while the Nazis were committing the horrors and the rest of the world took their time to intervene, there were so many unsung heroes fighting and willing to sacrifice everything to stop evil. The ending felt a little too Danielle Steel but perhaps we needed it after everything that happens.

I'm so sorry I haven't read this book earlier as it is one of the best books I've read in the last couple of years!
I love historical fiction, especially if it is set during the Second World War. However, it is difficult to find novels with am original point of view. This was it.
Hitler was a deranged man and Katja and Dr Viktor need to show it to the world. Wow!
All the characters were built beautifully and the storyline captured me in from beginning to end. I cried a little, I gasped and I felt for Katja and all she had to go through.

If I have to find a minor "negative", is that the ending was way too rushed. One minute it was the beginning of the war, the next war was over and we have our happy ending. Great, but I wished we had more details on what happened during ---those--- years (I cannot spoil).

Thank you so much NetGalley and HQ for the magnificent book. (And the author of course!!)

This was a fantastic book with just the right amount of historical fiction and romance. The heroine, Katja lives in Hamburg with her widowed mother and gets a job taking notes on a doctor's delusional patient, who turns out to be Adolf Hitler. Such a page turner!

Wouldn’t you love to be able to see the notes the psychiatrist made during his appointments with Adolf Hitler? This incredibly unique historical fiction is based on the extraordinary true story of Hitler’s psychiatrist. I am obsessed with WW2 so it only made sense that I grabbed this one! For discerning historical fiction readers looking for something unique, this story about dark secrets and the attempts to keep them hidden is one you’ll want to add to your reading list. The story within is as wonderful as the gorgeous cover and the writing makes it next level.

I was very excited when I started this book to see that it was going down the road of Hitler’s psychological state expecting to learn more from inside the notebook. That however did not come and the story was more about hiding the notebook and evading it falling into the wrong hands,
Still a good read just not what I was hoping for.

Thanks to Netgalley and HQ for the advanced copy.

I enjoyed this WWII novel about something that I didn't learn about in school. Not to mention not seeing anything else like it in fiction.

I've recently become a big fan of World War II fiction, so I was very pleased to be given a review copy of The Paris Notebook by Tessa Harris. This was my first book by this author, but it certainly won't be my last! Not only was it a riveting WWII story, but it also had an "ode to books" subplot which touched the book lover in me.

In Hamburg, Germany in January 1939, Katja Heinz is offered a job in Doctor Viktor's clinic. What she wasn't expecting was to be typing up top secret medical records from a notebook. At the end of the Great War, Dr. Viktor treated German soldiers with psychological conditions. One of his patients was identified as AH - yes, that would be Adolf Hitler! The notes in his possession expose Hitler as being unfit for duty; if these notes got out, they would ruin the reputation of the Führer, and possibly change the course of the current war. And that is exactly what Viktor hopes to do. He and Katja - with her typed notes hidden in her hat box - travel to Paris in the hopes that they can find a publisher brave enough to print the notebook. There they meet Daniel Keenan, a broken Irish journalist, who believes his boss might be willing to publish it. However, Viktor and Katja soon realize they are being watched by Nazi spies. Will there lives be ended before they can let the world know the true evilness of Hitler?

This book had all the elements that make up a good historical novel: great characters, a thrilling plot, historical details and romance. I loved Katja Heinz. She had first-hand knowledge of the evils of Hitler and his regime, as her father was murdered by the SS. Katja had to take care of her mother, who was deeply depressed since the death of her husband, and whose only joy was taking care of her pigeons. Katja was terrified when she discovered what exactly she would be typing, but she really needed the funds, but more importantly she understood the urgency of revealing Hitler's true character to the world. Dr. Viktor treated Hitler for psychological issues after WWI, and he knew he must let the world know what the true nature of his former patient was. He also had the guilt that he helped Hitler become the heiness man he turned into. Daniel Keenan was a broken Irish journalist who lost his beautiful young wife and daughter; his only refuge was in books...until he met Katja. There was a beautiful romance between Katja and Daniel, though intimacy was behind closed doors. I was thrilled to discover that Sylvia Beach was a real-life person who founded the world-famous bookstore Shakespeare and Company! The storyline and plot was thrilling and exciting with lots of action, but also heartbreaking. It all kept me on the edge of my seat. Besides Sylvia Beach, there were other instances/characters based on real people and events. Viktor and his notebook were based on truth. The rescue of British troops at Calais by the HMS Gulzar also occurred. The persecution of Jews really hit home, especially with anti-semitism once again on the rise.

The love of books was beautifully expressed in this story. The main characters herein all had books as their refuge, and it was very touching. Two particular things really struck me as special. One was a quote by WB Yeats, the famous poet: "Be not inhospitable to strangers/Lest they be angels in disguise". I've always loved this quote, but never knew to whom it was attributable. I'm far from a poetry fan, but I believe I must check out Yeats. The other item I found especially meaningful was an idea that Daniel had about books: "When he finished, he closed the book reverently, so as not to disturb the finality of the story, as if the very act of closure might ruffle the words before the next reader could begin them." Isn't that beautiful?! I love my e-reader, but lines like this make me actually miss holding a real book in my hands and turning pages instead of hitting a button. I thank the author for that lovely line.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I have a particular fondness for books set in the backdrop of World War II with German characters who are part of the resistance against the Nazi party. This genre has witnessed a surge in talented authors and compelling works of late. 'The Paris Notebook' unfolds at a deliberate, slow pace, offering a fresh perspective with its exploration of Hitler's medical records from World War I, a relatively lesser-known and innovative concept.

The world that the author meticulously constructs within the pages of the book is a testament to thorough research and a gift for vivid storytelling. I found myself deeply captivated by Katja's journey, as she grapples with a world turned upside down, individuals who oppose her, and the uplifting support she encounters when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. Tessa Harris's prose effectively conveys the oppressive atmosphere of Nazi-controlled Hamburg and the impending threat of the invasion of France.

The glimpses of Shakespeare & Co. and the artistic community of Paris, spanning the periods before, during, and after WWII, provide a rich and engaging backdrop. The love story between Katja and Daniel is particularly compelling, as it emerges from the shared grief of lost family members, akin to the phoenix rising from the ashes of their sorrow.

Tessa Harris's writing is a delight to immerse in, and I look forward to exploring both her backlist and any new works she may offer. This book has left me eager to discover more of her storytelling prowess.

"I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Netgalley and HQ Digital for providing me with the opportunity to receive a complimentary copy of 'The Paris Notebook' by Tessa Harris. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own, and I also wish to apologize for reviewing the book after its publication date.

while historical fiction isn’t usually my cup of tea, this story seemed really interesting when i requested for it. the beginning was slow (think 10 chapters and katja was just on her first day) with a lot of backstory that was long but necessary, before it picked up at the second half.

it’s easy to cruise along, but there wasn’t really a moment of “wow” or the urge to continue onto another chapter or a feeling that this book is cant-put-down-able.

Well researched book set in Germany and Paris. Medical notes that could change the way world war 2 can pan out, the horrors of the lead up to Word War 2, the readers are aware of what happens next but a quest to get these medical notes in the right hands. It is sad, shocking, and a romance thrown into the mix.
I have learnt Shakespere and Company the book store in Paris actually exists which makes this even more real.
Recommended read.

Slow start but then I couldn’t put it down. I like the intensity without being scary because those aren’t the type of books. This is one I’d probably read again for all the details I missed the first time to figure if TH. iufn

Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.


A secret big enough to destroy the Führer’s reputation. . .

January 1939:
When Katja Heinz secures a job as a typist at Doctor Viktor’s clinic, she doesn’t expect to be copying top secret medical records from a notebook.
At the end of the first world war, Doctor Viktor treated soldiers for psychological disorders. One of the patients was none other than Adolf Hitler. . .
The notes in his possession declare Hitler unfit for office – a secret that could destroy the Führer’s reputation, and change the course of the war if exposed. . .
With the notebook hidden in her hat box, Katja and Doctor Viktor travel to Paris. Seeking refuge in the Shakespeare and Company bookshop, they hope to find a publisher brave enough to print the controversial script.
But Katja is being watched. Nazi spies in Paris have discovered her plan. They will stop at nothing to destroy the notebook and silence those who know of the secret hidden inside. . .

Historical fiction related to WWII has always been my favourite genre so when I came across The Paris Notebook, I was thrilled which soon turned into joy as my request was approved by the publishers on Netgalley. However, it took me 6 months to read and post this review.

I liked Katja's character, the hints of a blooming love between her and Daniel which did not overshadow the main plot.
The first few chapters were gripping and I couldn't stop reading but unfortunately, I can't say the same for the 2nd half. What I liked was that even though it had a clichéd ending, there was a twist which I was waiting for.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read.

Firstly, I would like to thank Netgalley & HQ Digital for the opportunity to receive a complimentary copy of The Paris Notebook by Tessa Harris. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own, and I also want to apologize for reviewing the book after its publication date.
I like books set with German characters during WWII that are in the resistance against the Nazi party. Lately, there are a lot of authors and books that write this kind of work.
The plot is slow-paced, and the concept of Hitler's medical records during WWI is something lesser known and an innovative idea.
The world the author builds around her is wonderfully researched and recreated. I found myself intrigued by Katja when her world fell under her feet, when individuals stood in her way and worked against her, and the support she saw when her task seemed impossible. I could feel the ambiance with Tessa Harris's writing with the Nazi oppression in Humburg and the approaching threat of invasion in France.
A glimpse of Shakespeare & Co. and the artistic community of Paris past, during, and post-WWII is very compelling. Katja & Daniel's love story is very engaging because they are grieving family members they lost. Still, like the phoenix, they bloomed a beautiful relationship from the ashes of their lament.
I enjoyed Tessa Harris's writing and will look for other of her works, backlist, and new ones.
My rating for this book is 3.75 stars.

The Paris Notebook is a compelling page turner you don't see coming. With an intriguing and original plot set against the back drop of WW2 it has strong characters and many twists and turns that you do not see coming.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I love reading historical fiction.

Katja hates Hitler and the Nazi’s. She will do whatever she can in order to ensure the notebook which has his his medical secrets in is made available to everyone in the world. She has to face so many challenges, as well as the deaths of many people that are a part of her life along the way.

The story was a page-turner, I wanted to see how it progressed, what happens to all those that help Katja and whether she’s successful.

I highly recommend this book.

This is a different take on Germany just before the WW2 which has a bit of romance and there was suspense in it as well.

Katja lives with her Mother and has just got a job which comes with risks. We see over the course of the book what happens to Katja she ends up in Paris and meets Daniel who is trying to help her boss Doctor Victor.

I found the book really interesting in bits and how the book flowed but at times found it was a bit long winded.