This action packed novel about a ballerina turned bookstore owner living in German occupied France is a tale of resistance, love, and a journey to safety. I could not put it down! Being a ballerina who loves to read I enjoyed some of the descriptions that were exactly how I would teach ballet (although at first the way an arabesque was described as an arm movement was kinda strange, but later it was correct.)
The entire novel is so clever with many twists and turns that I am in awe of not just her writing style and imagery, but her ability to write a crazy plot that reads entirely believable.
I had never read a book by her, but I have already started my next one!

American dancer Lucie buys a bookshop in Paris at the start of WW2 to enable the Jewish owners to escape to the USA. She continues to run it as the Nazis invade Paris. Car maker Paul is also American and is running a factory in Paris that the Nazis have commandeered. Widower Paul has a young daughter who loves the bookshop and he and Lucie meet there.

The book details life under the Nazis in Paris very well, and deftly chronicles Lucie & Paul's growing closeness. They become involved in helping the resistance but eventually have to flee Paris as the US enters WW2. How all this develops and what happens next is well-written with a good period feel. I found myself wantingto know what happens next when this particular tale comes to an end.

Loved, loved, loved this book! American born Lucie is such a caring protagonist who gives up the life she loves at the ballet to buy a beloved bookstore so the Jewish owners can escape! As the Germans place more and more restrictions on bookstores, Lucie finds ways to assist the resistance. Widower American Paul Aubrey has run an automobile factory but is persuaded by the US Army to produce and sell trucks to the Germans and obtain information. His main concern is keeping his four year old daughter safe. Sarah Sundin is an expert at war-time fiction. I learned so much about this period and the dangers faced by many. I recommend Until Leaves Fall in Paris even if you don't think you like war-time stories. I received a complimentary e-book through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

Highly recommended! Well thought out and very well executed.Thank you for the opportunity to review this story.

Set in Paris during the German occupation in 1940, Sarah Sundin’s newest book, Until Leaves Fall in Paris, is a heart-wrenching, poignant tale of courage, intrigue, adventure, and love. Sundin is a master at creating riveting historical fiction with colorful, realistic, and engaging characters. She’s also a master at plopping them down in dangerous, suspenseful situations and then skillfully bringing them out the other side while turning the reader’s heart upside down in the process.

Lucie Girard is a plucky, courageous, talented dancer who takes over Green Leaf Books when her friends, the Jewish owners, flee Germany. When an opportunity presents itself to aid the resistance, she takes it, although it puts her in great danger. Paul Aubrey, an American widower with a small daughter, owns an automobile factory and is gathering information against the Germans, even while he’s selling them trucks. I enjoyed the interaction between Paul and Lucie and seeing their relationship change and grow, even though doubts and mistrust plague them both.

Sundin’s vast knowledge of World War II events and settings and her impeccable research add a compelling quality to her stories as they come to life through her beautiful writing. Filled with historical detail, intrigue, suspense, and a dash of romance, this tale is one you don’t want to miss.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Revell through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

In the early days of World War II, Lucie Girard forgoes her career as a ballerina at the Paris Opera Ballet to run her Jewish friends’ bookstore when they flee Paris as it falls to the Nazis. Paul Aubrey’s wife makes him promise as she was dying that he would take their young daughter back to the US before the Nazis came. However, his commitment to his factory, his workers, and his country won’t allow him to let the Nazis requistion his factory, so he allows people to believe him to be a collaborator as he carries out his mission. What unfolds is a story of resistance and sabotage in the bohemian left bank and the bourgeois right bank of the Seine River during 1940-41.

I thoroughly enjoyed this upcoming release by Sarah Sundin. The stakes continuously rise throughout the whole book to the point where I was holding my breath constantly through the final chapters. There was one particular point where I was literally biting back a scream over something that happened to one of the characters. I read a handful of books about the French Resistance last year, but what I thought was interesting about this one was that it took place during the early days of the resistance as opposed to the books that I read last year that were more focused towards the end of the war. The characters were extremely likable and bounced well off of each other, constantly learning from one another, and had wonderful natural chemistry that didn’t feel forced.

If you love:
•Books that include an infusion of art
•High-stakes danger
•Espionage and sabotage
•Clean romance

Then this book is for you!

It is 1940 and Lucille Girard and Paul Aubrey, both Americans, are living in Paris. Lucille's career as a ballerina was put aside when she bought an English-language bookstore from her friends. They were Jewish and needed money to leave Paris. Paul, a widower and car factory owner, wants to take his young daughter back to America. They met at the bookstore, and neither could have foreseen what was ahead for them.

The author has crafted two extraordinary characters who when faced with difficult choices and options don't put themselves first. This is their story of when they became part of the resistance, each playing a different role. One woman and one man, could they make a difference? Precisely crafted and emotionally stirring, tension builds steadily. Ever constant is the element of fear. The risks they took could bring dire consequences. Heart pounding action, suspense, romance and faith all blend together in this absorbing novel. This book is well worth reading. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Have you ever read a book that wraps you up so completely that you forgot that you are even reading? Until Leaves Fall in Paris is that book. Sundin is a splendid storyteller and she beautifully built Lucie and Paul’s world. I felt like I was a part of it and walking the streets of Paris with them. I could see Greenleaf Books, Lucie dancing ballet, and Josie writing her Feenee stories while Paul worked at the factory. Sundin easily transports the reader to Paris and the character’s lives that it becomes real. So real that I cried at parts and my heart was pounding at others. The reader feels all of the emotions in this World War II set story. Sundin easily weaves in the thread of faith while describing the resistance movement in Paris. This is an absolute must read for historical Christian fiction fans. This one will win awards because it is a book that will change your life. Run and get your copy, they get cozy because you won’t be getting up until you have finished the last page. I received a copy of this book for free; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

An excellent and immersive story. Really enjoyed the plot of this one, and I loved the characters. There were surprises along the way and I got teary eyed at least a couple of times. Fantastic read!

Three things I loved about Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin

I like to give balanced reviews. I really do. I like to think that even when I am just writing about the things I love about a book I am able to be just a little bit objective. Nup. Not here. Not with this one. With this one I am going to fangirl HARD.

Sarah Sundin is one of my go to authors. I’ve written before about how in the past I have had to ration myself on her books. Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing when you write in similar genres! But I came to this book after watching The Dressmaker and Atonement back-to-back. Now they are both great movies (and wow! Kate Winslet’s Australian accent was flawless in the Dressmaker!) but they don’t exactly have HEA’s at the end. (Sorry about the spoilers, but the movies are a few years old now!). So I came to this book wanting high drama, espionage, a bit of swoon-worthy kissing and a satisfyingly romantic ending. Sarah Sundin delivered on all counts.

What’s it about?
Until Leaves Fall in Paris is a sweet, historical romance set mostly in Paris between 1939-1942. Lucille Girard is a French-American who quits her job with the Paris Opera Ballet to buy a bookshop off her Jewish family friends who leave France as the Nazis draw ever nearer to the French capital. After the inevitable German invasion she meets American industrialist Paul Aubrey, who has a public face as a conspirator but a private life as a member of the resistance. He can’t tell her the truth about his work, but his four year old daughter’s regular attendance at the bookstore keeps them in contact, long enough for them to both learn there is more that meets the eye to each of them. They fall for eachother, but the war makes Paris a very dangerous place for two resistants in love…

Research
Sarah Sundin’s research ethic is, quite frankly, amazing! She is super serious about details. It shines through in this book, where I was almost as excited at getting to the Author’s notes as I was to read the final chapter.

Green Leaf Books
I haven't been to Paris for over 20 years, but for ages after I went I had a photo on my wall of a sign out the front of the Shakespeare and Company English-language bookshop, which was the store that inspired Green Leaf. I recognised it straight away and loved it. And I was particularly intrigued by the mentions of the American Colony in Paris as I hadn’t known about this before.

Everything else
Yes, I know it’s cheating to write a three things review and have this as my final thing…but really there isn’t anything NOT to love in this book. There were plenty of twists, turns and reveals that I didn't see coming. There were some wonderful swoon-worthy moments (oh my goodness: the reunion!). There was well drawn romantic tension and high stakes escapes. After visiting Munich and Paris with Sundin as my guide, I can’t wait for her next book set in Copenhagen

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley.

As the Nazis march toward Paris in 1940, American ballerina Lucie Girard buys her favorite English-language bookstore to allow the Jewish owners to escape. Lucie struggles to run Green Leaf Books due to oppressive German laws and harsh conditions, but she finds a way to aid the resistance by passing secret messages between the pages of her books.

Widower Paul Aubrey wants nothing more than to return to the States with his little girl, but the US Army convinces him to keep his factory running and obtain military information from his German customers. As the war rages on, Paul offers his own resistance by sabotaging his product and hiding British airmen in his factory. After they meet in the bookstore, Paul and Lucie are drawn to each other, but she rejects him when she discovers he sells to the Germans. And for Paul to win her trust would mean betraying his mission.

My review: I found this book to be very good. It seemed a little slow paced at first. But once I got into it it picked up and I couldn't put it down. The first part of the book was setting the scene for the rest of the book. Ms. Sundin seems to get into how bad things were in France during the Nazi occupation without going into much detail. How Lucie was always hungry, and Paul always had the best. The trials of their escape from France kept me reading.

I recommend this book to all who love history, mystery, and a little romance thrown in.

I was given this book by Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

Beautiful, heartwarming, and an aspirational novel about war, books, love, and survival.

At the beginning of WWII, an aspiring ballerina of the Palais Garnier buys an English bookshop from her dear Jewish friend. The provided funds buy the family a ticket to freedom. Just like people say - you save one jew - you save them all. And with that thought in mind and heart, Lucie leaves her beloved dream and begins a new journey as a bookstore owner. Thru the American/English-speaking customers, Lucie meets a widower Paul and his little girl. As sparks of mutual affection between Lucie and Paul grow, Lucie suddenly learns of Paul's collaboration with the Nazi. But all is fair in love and war. And despite their differences, the two create a plan to escape the Nazi occupying country. Will their love survive the journey?

The fact this novel took place during WWII and in a bookshop was the reason I requested this novel. I loved everything about "The Green Leaf" shop: the coziness, books, and support of french resistance. American born but Franch raised young girl with no family throws herself into the most dangerous position, just proves her pure love for the country and its people. Lucie's selfishness thru the war and her journey to America has inspired me. A beautiful novel, filled with joy, love, courage, and fearlessness. I would recommend this novel to any historical fiction lover like myself. Thank you NetGalley and Baker Publishing for a free and advanced copy of the book.

Are you a history buff or a fan of historical fiction? Are you learning about World War II before the Americans entered the war? Desire to find out more about Nazi Germany and what Hitler did in France. Well, this book “Until Leaves Fall in Paris” by Sarah Sundin will take you on a lovely adventure and danger of two people trying to flee and get home save to America.

At this point, we have to meet Lucille and Paul. Will they learn to work together and see if they are made for each other? Will Lucie’s friends influence her to stay away from the new friend she meets and enjoy the company of?

Hitler and Germany are now really somewhat abetted in Paris, France. Is America still unaligned, or are they getting ready to jump in and fight? Both Paul and Lucie have stayed in Paris for two different reasons. The other was convinced to remain; and help the US, while the other chose to help her fled friends.

We are dealing with more resistant and some Germans. The Germans are occupying more of Parisians. Lucille and Paul are doing some dangerous work. Will they be found out?

Paul seems to have detected bad things in his factory. But Will his worker blackmail him? Lucille finds out Paul is working for the US. Paul finds out the bookseller is involved.

What will happen to Josie? Will they all get out safely?

I was captivated from the very beginning. It was a book I had a hard time putting down. I usually like historical fiction blood and though I know this is fiction it is so well written that it seemed it could be true. The characters were very well described and filled out. They seemed very real.

The story flowed well. It's a good mix of history, a love story, and intrigue. It gives a good depiction of what life might have been like for Americans living in Paris when the Germans invaded and how life there deteriorated quickly.

I don't give a synopsis of a book as that is in the description and 5-star reviews are saved for the very best books. I wish there were half stars as I would give this book a 4.5 out of 5. I have read several of Sarah Sundin's books, all with a WWII theme and I've liked them all. This book is as good or maybe better than those I've read.

I was given an ARC copy through Netgalley and Revell Reads program. I requested to read this book and this review is my own, honest opinion. Even though this was an ARC copy, the editing was very well done.

Sarah Sundin again provided an emotional and captivating story set in France during WW2. Every time I read a novel by this author, I learn about a different aspect of WW2. This time I learned about how even though Paris allowed the Germans to invade peacefully, the French still resisted in a quieter, underground way.

At first I was a bit irritated with how Lucie treated Paul, but as the story slowly developed, Lucie did redeem herself. I loved Josie and her "stone-monsters" and how good Lucie and Josie connected.

Paul, I loved him and how he just took the judgment of everyone with integrity though he felt the rejection and loss of friends, especially for his little girl.

The story is beautifully written and for 80% it was slowly developing which matched well with the events - people living in Paris, quietly doing their small part in resisting the Germans, but then the danger grew and the last 20% I was really hoping these characters will be getting their HEA.

I loved that we were able to catch up to Peter and Evelyn from When Twilight Breaks by Sarah Sundin . Each book is a stand alone, even though there is a brief mention of the characters we met in the previous story.

Another great Historical fiction which fans of Sarah Sundin will love.

Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin is an emotional look at the effects of war for the Americans who were living in Paris at the time of the German occupation during World War II. Lucie is an American ballerina at the Paris Ballet when the Germans come. Her very good friends, who had allowed her to stay with them while she attended school at the ballet, are Jewish and will have to leave the country, leaving their beloved bookstore behind. When Lucie offers to purchase the store, they are free to leave the country to find safety. However, she has never had a mind for business. She does, however, have a love for books and people. One of the people that she meets is Paul. He is also an American, a businessman who builds cars that the German military buys, and seems to be a collaborator. But, all is not as it seems. When Lucie begins helping the Resistance, she also discovers that Paul is doing the same, and they find more than attraction between them. However, they must pretend to be nothing to each other so that they aren't discovered and don't ruin any of the resistance work they are doing. When America and Germany go to war, they must find a way out of France and to their future together. This is only my second book by Sundin, but I truly enjoyed it. I love historical WWII fiction and I am glad to find authors who write clean fiction and embrace the hope of the Lord in their stories. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review the book. All opinions are my own.

This book was fabulous from start to finish! I was hooked from the very beginning, and my interest never waned; I was just captivated by everything, from the terrific characters to the plot to the historical details. Everything about it just drew me in! I really liked seeing the contrast between serious, business-minded Paul and artsy, creative Lucie and how they complimented each other. I adored sweet Josie and her stories. I am not a book-crier--I just don't cry when reading books very often at all--but this one got me! I was just invested in the story and the characters who felt so real.
This book is easily one of my picks for the best books of 2022 and the one I've enjoyed most so far this year.
5 stars.

I read an ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Until Leaves Fall in Paris
by Sarah Sundin
Pub Date 01 Feb 2022 | Archive Date 01 Mar 2022
Revell
Christian | Historical Fiction | Romance


I am reviewing a copy of Until Leaves Fall In Paris through Revell and Netgalley:


American ballerina Lucie Girard buys her favorite English-language bookstore to allow the Jewish owners to escape. This as the Nazis march toward Paris in 1940. Lucie struggles to run Green Leaf Books due to oppressive German laws and harsh conditions, but she finds a way to aid the resistance by passing secret messages between the pages of her books.




Paul Aubrey Is a widower who wants nothing more than to return to the States with his little girl, but the US Army convinces him to keep his factory running and obtain military information from his German customers. As the war rages on, Paul offers his own resistance by sabotaging his product and hiding British airmen in his factory. After they meet in the bookstore, Paul and Lucie are drawn to each other, but she rejects him when she discovers he sells to the Germans. And for Paul to win her trust would mean betraying his mission.



I give Until the Leaves Fall In Paris five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Such a fabulous read! I usually read for a couple of hours before going to sleep, to relax. Not with this book! It's breath taking and so very hard to put down, especially as the story builds. It's 1940 Paris where Lucie is in the ballet. Born American, she is staying with friends of her family, had been for years, studying ballet, living above their American bookstore. Then the occupying Germans made the Jews leave. The family friends were Jews. So Lucie bought the bookstore from them and left the ballet to run it. Paul is also an American, their family making luxury automobiles, but forced by the Germans to convert their factory to making trucks. Both have to adjust their way of life as the Germans cut back and restrict everything. Their loyalty to America, ideals and the people around them, plus being willing to sacrifice themselves to help defeat the Germans is basically the same. But they don't know it, until little by little. A huge last quarter of the book will leave you breathless and unable to put it down. When you try you can almost feel the action and danger pulsing, waiting to be picked up again. Such torture! But if you're like me you wouldn't have it any other way. As always a fabulous author, this is amazing Sarah!
I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#UntilLeavesFallinParis #NetGalley.

Having just finished Sarah Sundin’s Until Leaves Fall in Paris, I must say that I think it is one of her best books yet. Set during the onset of World War 2 in occupied France, Sundin has created a story of depth, of intrigue, and of courage. The incredible bravery of those men and women who fought against Nazi tyranny both overtly and covertly, in spite of the severe consequences, was illuminated within the pages of this book, inspiring and challenging every step of the way. I could hardly put the book down.

Sundin has succeeded in putting flesh on a period of history that was fraught with danger but also with hope. My heart and mind were moved by the story, and I will continue to dwell on its message for days to come.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.