I enjoyed reading historical fiction books based on WWII. The ones that deal with the resistance are appealing in the way individuals were willing to put their lives on the line to stop the atrocities that were occurring. That being said, I did not connect with the primary character, Adèle. The author, however, should be commended for bringing to light the efforts so many women made as part of the resistance movement. The real-life Mother Superior, Elise Rivet, and Marie-Madeleine Fourcade played a significant role in building a strong force against Hitler’s regime. To be honest, I felt that Adèle was an unbelievable character in that her actions, if they had occurred in real life, would have resulted in her and her cohorts to be arrested early in the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Aria for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

This might require a bit of patience in the beginning (it might seem slow) but hang in there. Its WWII Vichy France and Adele, fleeing an unwanted marriage, finds herself in a covent. And best of all, she finds herself working with the resistance. There's some interesting atmospherics with the nuns and a positive spirit. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

I received a copy of this book to review from Netgalley. Thank you for the opportunity.
This book was slow to start but once the stage was set, it got a lot better. I enjoyed reading about Vichy and the Nuns. It was full of drama and fast paced with some interesting characters.
Overall, a good read.

With the amount of books I have been reading in this genre lately, this book just didn’t connect with me. It is well written, but just lacked the connection I look for in my books I read. Adele was a good character having to play many different parts. I would certainly try another book by this author in the future.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by NetGalley.

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. This was a historical fiction set during WWIi that tells the take of a daughter who joins the resistance to avoid a marriage to a Nazi. This was a a bit slow in the beginning but got better the deeper into the novel. Great read about a time period I love!

For fans of historical fiction, this is a must-read! What is especially appealing about this novel is that most of the main characters are strong females who each have a huge impact on the events in the story.

Set in France during the second world war, ‘The Girl from Vichy’ tells the story of Adele, a young woman who finds herself caught up in the new regime when her father agrees to let her marry Gerard, an officer in the police.

When she initially flees to Lyon in order to avoid the marriage, she seeks refuge in a convent, little knowing that she is soon to become a key player in the resistance.

A particular strength of the writing is the depiction of the ideologies of the different characters and how these impact on family relationships with Adele and her mum contrasting so starkly with her father and sister.

With drama and suspense throughout, this is a book the reader finds themselves truly immersed in from beginning to end!

2,5 stars

I was looking forward to reading this because I don’t think I’ve read a book set in there before. The book started rather slowly, and I never connected with the characters. I don’t really know what to say about it and I can’t tell exactly what my problem was with it. It just left me feeling “meh” afterwards.

I love historical fiction, and I’m often drawn to books set during World War II, and in particular, feeding my francophile nature, set in France. I was immediately drawn to this, especially because it was set in the southern part of France, controlled by the Vichy government. I would say that you don’t need to already know about that specific part of history, because it is clear that Andie Newton has well-researched this aspect, and her descriptions were so comprehensive and easy, that I felt like I was immediately thrown into the book. The Vichy government not only split the country, but it also divided families, pitting husbands against wives, and siblings against one another, and this is a book that highlights that divide.

This book was a wild ride, keeping the tension high from the start. I loved the involvement of the nuns in assisting the resistance, and enjoyed seeing how Adèle developed as a character, from an indulged young woman fleeing from a potential marriage to a cruel member of the Vichy police, to a fearless member of the resistance, willing to stand up and be counted, and willing to sacrifice herself to protect others. I also loved Marguerite, who I actually found hard to like at first, but whose story arc was incredible.

The Girl from Vichy gives you romance, intrigue and lots of dramatic moments. It will make you want to join the resistance, and as for the ending of the book, it took me through ALL the emotions, but no spoilers!

1942 occupied France is not a good place for a patriot. There are the Nazis and then there are Petain supporters even more dangerous than the Germans. They could be anyone and everyone around you. You never knew when someone had turned, for whatever reason. It could even be your sister.


Adele is a courageous young woman, trying to live an independent life but finding it hard. Her marriage has been promoted by her father for strategic if no other reason, her mother finds it abhorrent but is helpless, her sister is all for it as it promotes both her and her husband's well being in the current political climate but Adele is looking for a way out.

Escaping to a convent, acting as a postulant, getting embroiled in Resistance activities and then finding love and consolation in the arms of another is good. Having to return to her former fiancée and pretend to be in love with him and then go on planning a wedding with him is very hard for anyone and for Adele it is the breaking point in her work for the Resistance and for herself as well.

The extent to which people work for the love of their country, never mind their own loves is boundless and inexplicable. To sacrifice all for love of country has happened countless times and will happen again and again and it is a huge sacrifice. This is that story.

Part history, with threads of a love story as well and a family striving to survive amidst so many threats.

I am a lover of historical fiction and was quite excited when I saw this book available, the author is familiar to me so I knew I would enjoy it.
The research done was in depth and it showed.
The characters were interesting and you could tell that the author was incredibly fond of them .

All in all a good book which I would recommend

Thank you to Netgalley, Aria and Andie Newton for this e-copy in return for my honest review. I'm a massive fan of historical fiction and this beautiful story 100% lived up to this blurb. An emotional and heartbreaking novel, somewhat reminiscent of Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale. A beautiful story, that when I had finished, I had to catch my breath,

As the story of The Girl from Vichy unwinds, it begins as the story of a slightly spoiled young woman whose family is divided between the different factions within unoccupied France in World War II. Fleeing an arranged marriage with a member of the Vichy police, Adèle journeys to a convent where she becomes involved with the resistance - only to be sent back to face her spurned fiancé. As her life becomes increasingly dangerous, Adèle voices her story with growing maturity, depth, and an unflinching narration.

There are works of historical fiction that get me in the heart, but this is one that got me in the gut. Andie Newton has crafted a story that is emotional, thrilling, surprising, and ultimately gut wrenching. There was a moment that caught me unaware, though it had been skillfully built up to, and having to pause for a breath before reading on, and that same reaction is how this book left me in the end.

Highly recommended.

This review refers to a NetGalley e-galley I voluntarily read. A positive review was not required and these are simply my own honest opinions.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishing house and the author for the opportunity to read a complimentary advance reader copy of this book in return for a review based upon my honest opinion.

This book was so good. Usually when I finish one book, I start the next one right away; with this book, I needed time to think about and absorb what I read. It was haunting and heartbreaking, it was filled with love and hope, it showed the horrors of war from the perspective of Adele, a young woman in Vichy who was watching her country be torn apart, watching her family be torn apart by the decisions of government. We follow her through the decisions she makes for herself and eventually for the resistance. Knowing that this was based on real events made it even more heartbreaking, what these women did, the strength of character, not just standing on the sidelines hoping for change but actually risking their lives for what they believe in.
I will definitely be reading more books by this author.

Last year I read Andie Newton’s debut novel, The Girl I Left Behind, and I loved it. After reading that debut, I was so excited to see what she came up with next.

Newton is a strong and rising voice in the historical fiction genre so when I saw this was her next book, I couldn’t wait to check it out! Not only is this cover absolutely stunning, but the summary sounded incredible.

Obviously I am a big fan of historical fiction and I am always looking for a new and exciting author’s to watch and this author is right up there at the top of my up and coming hot authors.

Summary
1942, occupied France.
As the war in Europe rages on, Adèle Ambeh dreams of a France that is free from the clutches of the new regime. The date of her marriage to a ruthless man is drawing closer, and she only has one choice – she must run.

With the help of her mother, Adèle flees to Lyon, seeking refuge at the Sisters of Notre Dame de la Compassion. From the outside this is a simple nunnery, but the sisters are secretly aiding the French Resistance, hiding and supplying the fighters with weapons.

While it is not quite the escape Adèle imagined, she is drawn to the nuns and quickly finds herself part of the resistance. But her new role means she must return to Vichy, and those she left behind, no matter the cost.

Each day is filled with a different danger and as she begins to fall for another man, Adèle’s entire world could come crashing down around her.

Adèle must fight for her family, her own destiny, as well as her country. (summary from Goodreads)

Review
As many of you know, the historical fiction genre is dominated by WWII books, many with a romantic element. But there is also a reason they are so popular and to be honest I never get tired of reading war time historical fiction with a little romance. What sets Newton’s book apart from others though is her talented storytelling and prose. I absolutely love the voice and tone of her novels, not to mention the setting. In this book the main characters flees to a nunnery and right away I was whisked away into a story of resistance fighters, war time France and a little romance.

I absolutely loved this one just as much as I loved Newton’s debut novel. In this one, I loved how much details she incorporated about the resistance. This is where she shines, the research and the detail to the inner workings of the organization were believable and well developed. I was completely invested in the resistance story but when all the other details and plot points were added in, it felt like a bonus because the central story was so well done.

While the historical details are exciting and well researched, which would have been enough for me, but then Newton takes it a step further and creates wonderfully developed and well written characters that readers can;’t help but enjoy and sympathize with. I felt like I knew them intimately and that we would be friends in real life, especially Adele. I really enjoyed her character and felt all of her struggles and triumphs.

Overall this book was such a treat to read. It took me a little while to read it but that was because I was trying to savor it when my instincts just wanted to devour it, I had to force myself to slow down and enjoy it. Absolutely fantastic!

Book Info and Rating
Kindle Edition
Published August 13th 2020 by Aria
ASIN B081HFF19R
Free review copy provided by publisher, Atria in partnership with HFVBT, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and in no way influenced.
Rating: 5 stars
Genre: historical fiction

After enjoying the author’s first novel I was excited to get a copy of The a Girl From Vichy. This is a story of a girl named Adèle living through the WWII in France. The book is set in Vichy and Lyons. I enjoyed stepping in to these cities to get a better view of life during this awful time period. Unfortunately, I did feel lost a times with situations going on, timing between events, and connecting with the characters. Thank you to NetGalley and Aria for my digital copy.

The Girl From Vichy is an intense and emotional novel, filled with family relations and betrayal. It is also a story of strong women with a dynamic plot. My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I am always interested in reading novels about women who fought in the resistance or were involved in spy work during the world war. Author, Andie did a good job with combining her inspiration of real life Elise Rivet, Mother Superior who hid weapons and ammunition in her convent's crypt for the French Resistance and Marie-Madeleine Fourcade, who recruited 3,000 agents across France for an Alliance system, she created. As well as, building a setting around the political division in the Free Zone that not only torn apart people but families.

The flow of the story, I found a bit too fast paced where conveniently every chapter something was happening which to me, made the story jumpy. I wasn't a fan of the main character. Her character didn't fit with her role in the story. She wasn't the humble and gritty female I've read in similar novels.

Overall, Andie combined a lot into one novel which is absolutely commendable. After reading the Author's Note, I thought it would have been interesting if she wrote the novel in three perspectives, one- Mother Superior, two- the Alliance leader and three- (Adele) the setting of political division. This way, she keeps the story but her research gets elaborated on more.

My knowledge of WW2 grows with my appetite of reading books based in this era but this is the first book I have read a book based in the `Free zone` of occupied France. I was able to learn how the locals adapted and survived during the German occupation. The story starts in Vichy with Adele leaving Vichy as she does not want to be married, and this is her intriguing beginning of her involvement with the war. The story twists and turns and leads you down many different lanes which enables you to get a feel of how people become intwined in secrets and wanting to do good. I enjoyed all the characters and you felt that the storyline had been well researched and the author wasn't afraid of telling the grittier side of the story. One to read.

As soon as I read Andie’s debut; The Girl I Left Behind, last year, I was completely enthralled with her writing. I love her passion for the era and the stories she is telling which shines through every word, so I was super excited to be invited to be apart of her new book’s blog tour, I couldn’t wait to read this book and I am so pleased to say that once again Andie Newton has gone above and beyond with her excellent and atmospheric writing.
I am a huge fan of WW2 set novels which feature stories from the resistance, especially when those stories give voices to the brave women who gave and sacrificed so much to fight for freedom and peace. I can’t remember a day in my life when I haven’t been fascinated by the French Resistance – yes, it has to be said that my first introduction to them was through watching Allo-Allo as a child, but then I started learning more about these brave men and women who fought so bravely in the shadows and since I have devoured many – and I mean many books set during this era and then I discovered the brilliance that is Andie newton who has really given this genre a fresh new voice.
Set during the occupation of France where the country has been torn in two, there is the ‘Occupied’ zone and the ‘Free’ zone, but to be perfectly there is little difference as the man in charge of the ‘Free’ zone is actually collaborating with the German’s. In Vichy Adele is hating the new regime, she wants a Free France, she detests those who are collaborating with the German’s she is facing the prospect of an arranged marriage to one of those she detests the most, her only option is to run.
She flees her beloved Vichy and takes refuge in the convent of; Sisters of Notre Dame de la Compassion, what she doesn’t realise is that the sisters who actually helping the French Resistance and soon Adele finds herself enrolled into the cause. I can’t say too much about what Adele does and what happens as it would give too much away about the plot, but if you know anything about the French Resistance then you will have an idea of what’s to come and what Adele and the others in her group must come up against. There is
This is a stunning and compelling book, at times while reading it did bring a lump to my throat and I could feel my eyes going misty. There are times while reading and you become so absorbed into Adele’s story that you are gasping and you get goose-bumps, my heart broke so many times, Adele really goes through the mill she is one of the bravest women, she gives so much for happiness and love. This is right up there with three of my whole time favourite books of this time in history; Citadel by Kate Mosse, In Darkness Look for Stars by Clara Benson and Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky.
Overall, The Girl from Vichy is an emotional, thrilling, nerve-shattering and utterly engrossing story about a group of extraordinarily brave people doing all they can to fight a brutal regime and fight for freedom, they sacrifice everything for the good. This book is astonishingly beautiful, If you only read one book for the rest of the year, then do make it this one.

I am so happy to be reading another one of Ms. Newton’s books! After reading The Girl I Left Behind, I knew I had to put her on my short list of authors to always read… and she did not disappoint with The Girl From Vichy!

Adele is a bit of a dream, a free spirit. Her father has helped her secure a marriage to a local man, a man whose regard for others is dwindling as the war progresses. Adele knows she won’t be able to go through with the marriage and, with the help of her mother, escapes to a nunnery. Little does she know, the people she meets there will change her path significantly as she finds herself in the resistance and fighting for a future she believes in.

I cried at the end of this book. What an emotional journey Adele and her family goes on! We can all relate to Adele’s entire family; everyone is making decisions that they feel is best to secure their future and to take care of those they love. Sadly, this drives a wedge between them. There are moments of love, heartbreak, deep loss, and selflessness.

If you are looking for a book that is World War II-Era with familial turmoil, resistance and love, you’ve got to add The Girl From Vichy to your must-read list!