Cover Image: Sisters of the Resistance

Sisters of the Resistance

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Member Reviews

I wanted to love this one so much - it seemed like a more unique take on the Resistance in Paris in WWII and to be fair it started off strong and I had taken time off from WWII era Historical Fiction novels so I was ready to be swept off my feet! I was quite interested in Catherine Dior and her role and hoped to learn more about her or have her be more of a central figure to the story. I also did find the back and forth of the timeline confusing at times, possibly because there wasn't a large gap of time in between to differentiate much of the storyline. I will say, however, I thought the immediate post-war timeline was more interesting and that tends to be lesser focus of most WWII novels (if at all) so that was a bit refreshing and kept me engaged. Overall, I was hoping for something a bit different than the norm but this just didn't hit the mark for me. Great story and story-telling with likeable characters, but given the amount of time it took me to get through it, I just think it wasn't the book for me.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read in exchange for my honest review!

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Riveting and a page turner! I read this book from cover to cover! The Resistance Fighters were always of interest to me and whenever there was ever a book written about them, I definitely picked up the book. However, not all were good, but this one was Spectacular and will keep your interest. two sisters had totally different accounts and expectations and their lives were never the same after the war.

The author kept the book flowing between the years in different chapters, but you were able to keep track of what was going on and with whom without any trouble. I have not had to many authors who kept my interest without me having to keep notes along the way to keep track of what was going on between the different characters and years. It went along seamlessly.

I would unquestionably recommend this book to anyone wanting a fantabulous read!!

I received a free advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions.

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Sisters of the Resistance is a historical fiction novel about two sisters, Gabby and Yvette, who are in Paris during WW2 and navigating their individual roles as part of the resistance. The story toggles between the perspective of each of the sisters and also between the time during the war and the time after the war.

Overall I enjoyed the book, however, I found it hard to stay engaged in certain parts. As the book mentions that it's a story about Catherine Dior's Paris spy network, I expected to read more about Catherine Dior (Christian Dior's sister), however, she is not a significant character within the book.

I was delayed at reading this but thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for an ARC of this book.

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While I liked this book and loved the story it presented (as it's one I rarely get to read about in relation to World War II), I had a hard time staying engaged. I feel that the author presented a lot of details to the point of almost being overwhelmed. The story was both heartwarming and heartbreaking but there were times where I felt that it was dragging. Overall a good read but wanted more.

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This tells the story of 2 sisters during World War II and the dangers they faced working with the Paris Resistance. I thought there was going to be more details about Catherine Dior, sister of the famous designer, Christian Dior. I did enjoy reading about the resistance and some of the details of how they operated and helped hide people. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.

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Sisters of the Resistance chronicles the story of sisters Gabby and Yvette during WWII and the occupation of France. We get pulled in as they navigate their places in the Resistance and as they try to figure out the roles their acquaintances and friends are playing in this terrible time. At times, a bit hard to keep up with, the story pulls in some real life figures and makes a very believable story.

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Another WWII book that is more fictional and sometimes even outlandish than historical. It's a nice escape or beach read.

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Thank you to the publishers for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book! I really enjoyed it! When I read the description, I couldn't help but wonder how the author would weave a story line about fashion into a book about World War II, but it worked! I loved the relationship between the sisters, as well as the role their mother played. Stories about normal people who took risks and made sacrifices during times of war are always so fascinating to me! I would definitely recommend this book to fans of WW2 historical fiction.

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This was a terrific historical fiction novel. This tells the story of two sisters both during WWII and a few years after. It keeps going back and forth. I really was on board with Gabby and Yvette's stories. I love how they wove in and out.

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Oh how I loved this book! I love historical fiction about female spies, and I was fascinated by the connection to the Dior family. The author seamlessly tied together the two timelines and I had no trouble keeping them straight. This was my first book by this author but it definitely won’t be my last! I received a free copy of this book from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

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This is a fictional narrative written around the true experience of Christian Dior's sister during the German occupation of Paris during World War II. It centers around the lives of two ordinary sisters who are drawn into doing what they can to help the Resistance effort. Told in alternating views of the two sisters, the timeline also goes back and forth between 1944 and 1947. The changes were clearly marked, which was very helpful. Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.

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A wonderful story about the resistance women in Paris, including Christian Dior's sister. Two other sisters were torn apart with their involvement but are able to see each other and forgive many years after the war.

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I have read a lot of historical fiction set in WW2 so my expectations are always high when I read a new one. This novel about female spies in Paris was an interesting concept but fell flat for me. I found some of the actions hard to believe and I felt like the story was incomplete - that I was missing a bigger piece of the story. I liked the fashion house as the backdrop but there wasn't enough of it. Some of the minor characters were not fleshed out enough for me.

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Sisters of the Resistance is the first book I have read by Christine Wells. I thought it was a good read. Three and a half stars.

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Perhaps I’ve just read too many books about Paris during WW2 that focused on the Resistance. I had hoped that this one would be a bit different due to its subtitle: A Novel of Catherine Dior’s Paris Spy Network. It does indeed feature Catherine Dior, but she really isn’t the focus of most of the book. The focus is on the titular sisters, Yvette and Gabby, who both become involved, in different ways, in the resistance through Catherine Dior who happens to live in their apartment building. (They are part of the family who serve as the building’s concierges.) I didn’t learn very much about Catherine Dior’s network other than it existed and that she was arrested (not a spoiler, as this is historical fact) and sent to a concentration camp but survived. The book is told in two timelines, bouncing back and forth between June/July 1944 (shortly before Paris was liberated) and February 1947. I didn’t love the constant bouncing back and forth between 1944 and 1947. I think I would have preferred the story to unfold naturally instead. I did enjoy the parts of the book that focused on fashion and Christian Dior’s atelier, as that was certainly something different to read about, amidst wartime occupation, and the sensation of his 1947 New Look.

While I received the eARC from NetGalley, I wound up mostly listening to the published audiobook by Harper Audio. The narrator is one of my favorites, Saskia Maarleveld, and she did an excellent job with the many voices. Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

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I've read bits about Catherine Dior's work in the resistance during WWII in other books so was so excited to read this one focused on women who worked with her. Told in a dual timeline (1944 and 1947) and dual POVs, getting a look at how two sisters worked to undermine the Nazis and help free France was riveting. I wish there had been more of Catherine but Gabby and Yvette were wonderful characters and I couldn't put their story down. Highly recommend for historical fiction fans!

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A different look at the WW2 era, following women in the later stages of the war and the Resistance in France.

In 1944, Gabby and Yvette have joined the Resistance at the behest of Catherine Dior, Paris at the time is dangerous and both sisters are drawn into the underground movement fighting the Nazis. 3 years later, in 1947, the sisters return to Paris, where Gabby begins working for the Dior fashion house, while trying to find the truth behind what happened to Catherine.

It's definitely another winner in the WW2 genre of historical fiction, especially looking at the roles of women and the roles of the Resistance in Nazi occupied countries. France isn't the typical setting in most WW2 stories, so it was definitely a great look into that area.

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I was in complete suspense at all times while reading this book I felt like I was reading more of a thriller, suspense novel than a WW2 novel, I did enjoy it, it was different as the book was more intriguing.

so many characters especially the Dior part was keeping me on my toes, I wanted to know more about her. about the real-life spy.

Two different characters trying to survive the war and helping the resistance to finally dismantle many Germans and Atrocities that were happening and not many knew about it.. the world was oblivious of many of the things that happened during the war.

Gabby and Ivette are two British spies and fugitives, running for their lives and at the same time hiding from the world in order to help win the war

The heroic help of many women helped to spread the news and the evil plans of many of the Germans and Gabby and Ivette were two of many who helped to conquer the war.

Great book really recommended

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This was a very well executed WWII historical fiction novel addressing the heroic war efforts of a non-fiction woman, Catherine Dior (sister to the famous Christian Dior of fashion fame), and two other young women, sisters Gabby and Yvette. This book actually inspired me to go to Google and Wikipedia to read further about the war efforts of Catherine Dior. 

This novel is told from two viewpoints, Gabby and Yvette, and in a past and present timeline. The writing and imagery are stunning. There is political intrigue and espionage, and a little romance along the way. This book also highlights what women were able to do to resist the Nazis. 

I also "read" some of this on audio and Saskia Maarleveld did an outstanding job, as always. 

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for this advanced reader's eBook copy.

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I actually ended up really liking this story after starting out not really knowing what direction it was headed in. Set over a 3-5 year period, the tale follows Yvette and Gabby, 2 young French girls who find themselves in the middle of occupied France toward the end of WW11. Both girls end up fulfilling different roles as street level members of the French resistance. The story begins in 1947 with an exiled Yvette returning to France to serve as a star witness in the trial of disgraced film star Louis Dulac who is facing charges related to her open relationship with a high ranking Nazi officer during the war. Alternating between current events and the last years of the war, we learn all about the secret activities of these 2 sisters. Activities that ultimately drove Yvette to flee France out of concerns for her safety. An engaging story which becomes more interesting as the story builds through the pages. Yvette and Gabby are the perfect sister pair, one a carefree rebel who always seems to land on her feet, the other a nurturing worrier consumed with taking care of all whom need help. Should appeal to fans of the genre. Review posted to Amazon, Litsy, LibraryThing, Facebook, Instagram and Goodreads.

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