I think I got myself into a rut, reading too many books with similar topics and stories, so I didn’t enjoy this as much as I thought I would. Although I finished it, I have definitely placed it on my quote to be reread quote list.

SPOILER ALERT!

This story of an American in Paris during the early years of the Nazi occupation is yet another reminder of the horror of war and the loss of liberty. The tale is quite linear with one basic storyline . I enjoyed the book and became invested in the characters but was deeply disappointed by the bummer ending. Yes, it's a peaceful resolution, but after hours of reading and rooting for the protagonists, I felt let down. Sorry.

This is not my normal type read but a recommendation from a friend lead me to requesting. I'm so glad I have friends who steer me in the right direction.

The writing was beautiful and the story was both heartbreaking and heartwarming.

Another book illustrating the goodness of people in tragic circumstances. We can never forget the strength of good people and not allow our enemies prevail. This was a fantastic read that left me in tears. The main characters progressed and grew so much throughout the novel and I loved ready along on their journey. I have read many books by Kristin Harmel and this one will stay with me for a very long time.

This was an enjoyable book take takes place during WWII in Paris. As a big fan of The Nightgale and Lilac Girls, I found this book to be good, but it didn't have the depth of character and anguish that was felt in the other books.

Kristin Harmel has easily become one of my favorite authors! I enjoy her writing style and am always easily hooked with the first couple of pages. She has definitely done extensive research for this novel and her hard work has shown. I do recommend this to anyone that loves reading historical fiction like myself.

I am currently reading Kristin Harmel’s newest book and I was reminded that I had not finished this novel from last year! This is a wonderful WWII story about a young American woman who marries a French man and stays in Paris during the Nazi occupation. Their lives are intertwined with the Jewish family next door, and Ruby must decide if she will risk all she has in order to do what she knows is right for those she cares about.

Highly recommended! Thank you for my copy to review through Net Galley!

One of the better WW2 resistance stories. Seemed to be well researched with likable characters. I am not a fan of romance books, but the romance in the background added to the suspense. I thought that the writer managed to bring out the atmosphere of living in an occupied country. There were a few small mistakes, for instance, how did the first airman walk into Paris in a RAF uniform.

I could not even bear to make it past the 50 page mark of this. Insensitive, badly handled topics, with characters who react woodenly.

Oh, how I adored The Room on Rue Amélie by Kristin Harmel. Such a beautifully told story set during World War II. I listened to the book and found that to be the perfect way to enjoy the accents and put me "in" the story. I would highly recommend the audio version. For me, it enhanced the story all that much more. A couple of years ago, I was in Paris and discovered The Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation (behind Notre Dame) and throughout this book, could not help but think about that and the 200,000 lights. What a sad, sad part of Paris's history, but listening to how Ruby (based on a real person) helped so many pilots (RAF, American, & South African) to safety and also her young Jewish neighbor was touching. Learning about the escape lines was fascinating, this is something I was not aware of until now. I will suggest you not finish the book on a break from work and if you do, be ready to blame really bad allergies on how red and puffy your eyes will be, have some tissue handy. I highly recommend this book, it is heartbreaking and inspiring all at the same time.

This book was so moving, so heart sweeping, and so very real. I felt as if I was watching a movie while I read; my eyes just flew over the pages. It broke my heart in so many ways but left me feeling joyful and very much at peace. Very much like our main character at the end of the book, I like to think. Thank you to the author for her note at the end; I was surprised and pleased to read that Ruby is based on a very real person. This book was a wonderful read, I highly recommend it.

Beautiful book. It’s one where words can’t ever be put down on paper to show the justice it deserves. It’s one that won’t be leaving me any time soon.

I recommend this book to guest and author Tiffany King on episode 38 of What Should I Read Next: https://modernmrsdarcy.com/38

3.5 stars overall. I have never read anything by this author, but was interested in the subject matter. I was happy to see for once in a while a historical fiction novel that was almost entirely strictly historical fiction. Also, we don't see WWII through this lens often and as such I found myself appreciate of this perspective through an American resistance fighter in France. I am glad Harmel pulled this perspective in, because at first, I was having a lot of trouble with this novel just being set in Paris during the beginnings of the war. Ruby needed more. Once this picked up and the story progressed, I felt the characters fleshed out a lot more. I think my biggest letdown came two-fold. A. I felt the story dragged really hard in between Ruby and Thomas meeting up, which may have been the point. I also was super disappointed by both of them dying. I mean, I kind of figured Ruby may have after she ended up in the concentration camp but when she came so far. And that cop out with Thomas. I almost quit reading the book both times. It just took the fire right out of the story. It made it seem ... like even though their child survived and Charlotte did... they completed their work. They helped good souls live. But they didn't get all the happiness they should have. And that's just disappointing. I know it's realistic. But still.

I thought this book added to my current reading genre obsession: World War II. The characters were compelling and I wanted to know more about them. The story is a fictional account on the experience of an American woman in German occupied France. This American woman became part of the French resistance that created the line to helping pilots exit safely. I enjoyed it very much!

I didn't absolutely love Rue Amelie but I liked it a lot. The female characters were strong, and the plot kept me flipping pages to find out what happened next. But parts were utterly unbelievable (I won't tell you which parts), and the ending, though not exactly unfitting considering the era, was no HEA.

Was it worth the time I spent reading it? Yes. Did I think about it after I finished it? Yes. And really, what more do you want?

*ARC via netgalley*

This is a very heart warming story of friendship and human connection of ordinary people in extra ordinary times. told through the eyes of a young girl, Charlotte has much to teach us as adults. Friendship and loyalty are so important to her and they drive the story. I think this would be a great book for young adult readers for these reasons.
The French Resistance is strong and very risky. Could you and I do what these characters did during WWII? That's what comes to mind as you read their tale.
This is not just another WWII story but one that is very different as the main character is this young Charlotte and her relationship with Rudy, the American.
It is easy to read and quite a page turner and the author Kristin Harmel wraps it all up in the end. You may or may not like the ending, but there are no loose ends.

Historical fiction is usually hit or miss for me. This one was a hit! I loved this entire story. It's a love story but not cheesy at all. I felt like I was back in the 40s living through World War II. The writing was beautiful and emotional. I highly recommend this book if historical fiction is your thing. What a hear wrenching book but so lovely!

Absolutely loved this book!
Fans of The Alice Network and The Nightingale will fall in love with this book!
Set In Paris during WW2 we become part of the French Resistance and see how non military people took a stand to help and flight alongside the allied troops. Filled with secrets, love, and moments of holding your breath, this is a must read for historical fiction readers!

“The Room on Rue Amélie” by Kristen Harmel

A truly magnificent novel. Set in World War II, it tells the journey of two remarkable women, the men in their lives, and the paths they lead together and individually.

It is heartwarming, heart wrenching, realistic, and a novel I could not put down.

Based on one woman’s life and much research into this time period, the author brings the storyline and characters to life in a way that touches the reader and make each person in the novel, minor or major, an important one. An emotional read that will touch all readers no matter what age or gender. “The Room on Rue Amélie,” is a definite must read.

Rating: 4.8
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


** I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.