I received a complimentary copy of this book from Random House Publishing Group through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[ABOUT] Mistress of the Ritz follows manager of the Ritz (Claude Auzello) and wife (Blanche Auzello) before, during, and after the German occupation of Paris, France. We see how the couple meets, their struggles as they try to salvage a marriage where both have strikingly different personalities and ideals, and the brave ways in which they attempt to resist the enemy occupation.

[PROS] Melanie Benjamin is a wonderful storyteller who can engage the audience by creating very realistic characters one can connect to. The story flows seamlessly and does not contain many holes in the plot. Furthermore, the author makes you feel as if you're there, in the 1930's/40's Ritz, describing the opulence and intrigue. It is a treat to get to read a fictional portrayal of a very real event with individuals such as Hemingway and Coco Chanel gracing the pages.

[CONS - SPOILER ALERT] The way in which Blanche is finally caught by the Gestapo in her final act of resistance feels more like the author is trying to lead the plot into the final chapters. We see Blanche growing throughout the book from being childish to becoming a responsible woman who speaks and acts for herself, but her final act speaks volumes. I presumed that her growth would be a highlight of the book, and instead she throws it all away with one simple and idiotic act. It was a major disappointment for me, especially as Blanche, with this act, fit the mold her adulterous and macho husband was casting her in. Speaking of her husband, Claude Auzello was NOT likeable at all. He cheated on his wife multiple times, yet Blanche continuously sought his approval and love. This, to me, directly contradicted the person whom she was trying to become. By the end of the book, and as Claude begins his introspection once his wife is detained, to me, sadly, it is too late. His positive actions do not outweigh the negative and I continue to see him as cowardly, and unable to truly see the value of a wife. Perhaps not his wife, because she is not so great either.

[FINAL THOUGHTS] If you are looking for a book focusing on the relationship/marriage of a couple in their early/mostly mid years set during WWII Paris, France, you will enjoy this book. It gives you an alternative view of the occupation (from the eyes of the rich and famous) that you do not normally get. Personally, I enjoy strong heroines who fight against all odds and create names for themselves, but that is my own preference. If you would like a more subtle/ mundane depiction of the resistance in France, again, read this book. If you are an ardent fan of historical fiction who is expecting to read a story about grit, perseverance, and nerve rattling danger, this book is not for you. I definitely know that there will be a market for this type of book, but fellow lovers of danger and action beware!

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Anticipated date for review to be posted: 1st week of April

This novel tells the story of a real life couple named Claude and Blanche Auzello. Blanche is an American but she marries a French man. The story tells the story of the events that they go through during World War II. This was a very hard read. Usually, I find Melanie Benjamin’s novels easy to read, but I don’t think she did an excellent job in fleshing out the characters. I did not particularly care for Blanche and Claude. They were very self-centered, and the relationship tension seemed very drawn out. Still, the writing is beautiful as always. I recommend this for fans of Hazel Gaynor, Kate Quinn, and Melanie Dobson. Full review to come!

This book is a great example of why I love reading historical fiction. There are the big not uncommon themes of star-crossed love, family loyalty, class, political, and cultural differences. Been there, read that. But the setting of Iran in 1953, during the overthrowing of the Prime Minister was new to me. I was captivated by the vivid descriptions: the sights, scents and food of Iran and the plight of the characters.

A captivating, fictionized account of the real-life American, Blanche Auzello, who was the wife of the Managing Director of the Paris Ritz. During World War II, Blanche works for the Resistance, despite (and because of) the Ritz serving as the headquarters of the Luftwaffe. Fans of Kate Quinn will surely reach for this title.

Another good historical fiction read by this author. She picks known, but not overly famous subjects, researches them deeply, and produces a very readable, believable story about them. Have enjoyed her other books. Looking forward to recommending this one to library patrons.

Mistress of the Ritz is by a favored author of mine, Melanie Benjamin, and is also a World War II story, so it was a perfect set up of a book for me to love. Unfortunately, that was not the case. I felt like the beginning was very slow moving and drawn out as it set up the rest of the story. Then, all the exciting rescues and covert operations with the resistance were somewhat glossed over and scant details were provided. I would have preferred to have had those daring deeds fleshed out in more detail and to have had less information on the couple’s marital struggles. Although it was a historical fiction work, the fiction seemed to overtake the historical by a mile. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

I'm a Historical Fiction junkie and was so looking forward to reading this one. I was a bit disappointed. It seems to take extremely long to get to the part where the action (so to speak) begins. With numerous mentions of historical figures like Coco Chanel, Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso... it was a bit dense for my taste.

Melanie Benjamin’s books are always awesome. This one did not disappoint. She is a very smooth writer and her stories always hold my interest. I highly recommend this author and book.

I love Melanie Benjamin's books, but this one was a bit of a snooze. Very sad in many ways, and a quite depressing ending.

This is a compelling read about a couple living in Paris at the Ritz P.O. during WWII. Faced with trying to survive while helping the French Resistsnce leads to problems, especially since neither one knows the other is doing dangerous work. The story, based on actual events, is well-told,
I was disappointed in the writing. Some events were just inserted to make the story flow, instead they made it awkward. The events needed more development or smoother transitions. However, that does not prevent me from giving the book a high recommendation. Sincere thanks to Netgalley for giving me an advanced reader’s copy.

The "Mistress of the Ritz" takes place mainly during the German occupation of Paris during WWII. Several German officers took over the famous Ritz hotel in Paris. The manager and his wife, Claude and Blanche Auzello, have to find a way to help their beloved country while catering to the dreaded Nazis. The Ritz, pre-war, was home to several famous individuals like: Hemingway, Picasso, and CoCo Chanel, just to name a few.

There were times that I thought Claude and Blanche were extremely selfish and self-centered but yet at other times, they both did what they could do for the French Resistance while keeping each of their rolls secret. I hate to judge a person on choices made during times of war or oppression. You do what you have to do in order to survive. After I have had time to think about the book, I realize that Claude and Blanche are heroes and possibly a lot braver than I would ever be.

Oh this book; it was AMAZING. Another fabulous war genre story that I knew very little about and certainly not the details you share. I could not put it down and of course many tears where shed. I too love Paris, and I think the author really captured why so many, especially Parisians do not talk of the war. 5 huge stars and this goes right at the top of all time favorite war genre novels. It has everything a great book needs, a great story, a fabulous setting and memorable characters.

Another wonderful Melanie Benjamin novel the characters the Paris Ritz came alive.I was transported back in time to a time when the French resistance existed a time when the Ritz was fantastic historical fiction at its best,#netgalley #randomhouse,

This book started out a bit slow for me, but eventually everything tied so beautifully together and I could not put it down. Although I knew that The Ritz was occupied by the Germans during WWII, I never knew much about it, nor did I know anything about Claude and his American wife Blanche. Their story was incredibly interesting and having not known anything about them, the ending totally shocked me. I have read a lot of WWII novels and novels about Paris, but not too many about the occupation of Paris and how life was for those living through it. It was an interesting perspective to see it from the inside of a fancy and wealthy place such as The Ritz. Thank you to Netgalley and Random House for the ARC.

I am 40% through the book, and will not be continuing. After reading books like The Huntress, Resistance Women, etc., there are enough World War II novels that are more serious about the topic. The first 40% is too gossipy, too focused on the obnoxious behavior of chauvinistic Claude, and frivolous Blanche. I am sure that as the book describes their involvement in the Resistance it gets more serious, but I have little interest in the characters or the story at this point. Sorry for the negative review, which I won't be sharing elsewhere.

This is another story of World War II that I was unfamiliar with. It is a powerful love story, a war story and a story of Resistance. It tells the story of a husband and wife, an American flapper and a Frenchman, who kept secrets from one another while both working to undermine the Germans who took up residence at the Ritz Hotel in Paris. The author’s meticulous research is evident throughout the book as she methodically layed out the story. #mistressoftheritz #netgalley

Once again the magnificent Melanie Benjamin introduces us to a behind the scenes hero only this time it is a husband and wife team of hoteliers who help out the resistance. Claude and Blanche Auzello are the caretakers to the famous Ritz hotel in Paris which has become overrun with Nazi officers who have taken up residence there. Through subtle ways, the American born Blanche and her French husband seemed to be hospitable to the Nazis but behind the scenes took an active role in resistance activities without the other even being aware. Marriage is difficult enough but during a war, it is almost impossible. The bravery of ordinary people in wartime always makes for an interesting story but to see it from so many different people and backgrounds made this one special. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.

If you enjoy a good novel set during World War II, Mistress of the Ritz by Melanie Benjamin needs to be on your MUST READ list. This is a story about the real-life Blanche Rubenstein, a beautiful young woman from New York who longed for a glamorous life. While in Paris, she met Claude Auzello, who became the assistant manager of the Ritz Hotel which hosted many well known and famous people from around the world.

Synopsis:

Nothing bad can happen at the Ritz; inside its gilded walls every woman looks beautiful, every man appears witty. Favored guests like Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Coco Chanel, and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor walk through its famous doors to be welcomed and pampered by Blanche Auzello and her husband, Claude, the hotel’s director. The Auzellos are the mistress and master of the Ritz, allowing the glamour and glitz to take their minds off their troubled marriage, and off the secrets that they keep from their guests—and each other.

Until June 1940, when the German army sweeps into Paris, setting up headquarters at the Ritz. Suddenly, with the likes of Hermann Goëring moving into suites once occupied by royalty, Blanche and Claude must navigate a terrifying new reality. One that entails even more secrets. One that may destroy the tempestuous marriage between this beautiful, reckless American and her very proper Frenchman. For the falsehoods they tell to survive, and to strike a blow against their Nazi “guests,” spin a web of deceit that ensnares everything and everyone they cherish.

But one secret is shared between Blanche and Claude alone—the secret that, in the end, threatens to imperil both of their lives, and to bring down the legendary Ritz itself.

I had never heard about Blanche and Claude and found their story very interesting. I like that the author created a whole story about these fascinating people. Well done!

Due out May 21.

A book filled with drama, secrets and betrayal, this is Melanie Benjamin at her best!

When the Nazis entered Paris in June 1940, their leaders headed straight for the only hotel that mattered: the Ritz. Located in the city’s First Arrondissement, it was the height of luxury and style, the center of haute society. Designer Coco Chanel and writer Marcel Proust lived at the hotel, which also hosted artists and celebrities. Why wouldn't the Nazi's want to occupy the most famous hotel in Paris? This fictionalized account of Claude and Blanche Auzello is one that history has little knowledge of. Theirs was a whirlwind marriage, Blanche coming to Paris seeking a career in film, Claude as Assistant Manager at the Claridge Hotel, and then moving up to Manager at the Ritz. As a couple they had their secrets, not only did they undertake resistance work, but they had a troubled marriage. While the Auzellos take center stage, they are also accompanied by an equal being, that being the Ritz Hotel. It would seem that this glorious edifice was almost a living, breathing partner, pulsating and throbbing with all those who inhabited her in that year, 1940 and beyond.

Ms. Benjamin never disappoints and in this latest novel, she brings an obscure couple to the forefront. While the occupation of The Ritz Hotel is common knowledge found in other historical novels, this one if quite different, centering around a couple that history has kept hidden. Her research is excellent as is the drama of this story.

My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

*Mistress of the Ritz: A Novel* by Melanie Benjamin tells us the story of Blanche and Claude Auzuello during WWII. This book is based upon a true story. Claude was the manager of the Ritz in Paris and during WWII the Nazi's took it over for the most part. Told from alternative views of both Claude and his American wife Blance this is a book of secrets, and stories not told. It is a book of a tumultuous marriage in an already tumultuous time.

I loved this book and couldn't put iy down, I kept wanting to know what would happen. I love that it is based upon a true story. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is interested in historical fiction.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book free of charge. This is my honest and unbiased opinion of it.