DAZZLING!

Award-winning author Sarah Sundin is one of the most important and accomplished voices in writing WWII historical war romances. Her novels are based on meticulous research, have substantial, realistic plots, and are filled with characters that come alive and live in your mind long after you have finished reading the last word. Her latest release, Until Leaves Fall in Paris, is another DAZZLING example of her excellence in sharing a story. This story is set in 1940 as the Nazis continue their march to Paris. Sundin shares the lives of American ballerina Lucie Girard and widower Paul Aubrey, an industrial engineer factory owner and his precious little girl, Josie. Lucie is struggling to keep her beloved Green Leaf Books (English language bookshop) open. Paul is struggling with being a single parent as well as not letting his company be taken over by the Nazis. Each of them wants to be a part of the resistance but the risks are enormous. Lucie decides to allow her Bookshop to be used clandestinely and Paul agrees to work with the US Army through his factory. During these perilous times, the children seem more vulnerable than ever before. Lucie and Paul have met and it becomes clear that they are kindred spirits but they live in fear of being able to trust anyone for any reason. Lucie begins The Children's Hour where she reads stories, has a puppet show and play games with the children. This hour proves to be a turning point in the lives of Josie, Lucie and Paul. Lucie can incorporate her creative gifts of writing, dance, drama, and her compassionate spirit to guide Josie’s own story from the darkness of life. Sundin paints exquisite word pictures to describe the growing relationships between these three characters and it is a beautiful and reverential telling. Sundin will leave readers dazzled with this story!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this novel by Revell and NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.

This was so good!
I love the way Sarah Sundin writes WW2.
She has that ability to pull you into the lives of people who lived this period of history.
I loved how the tension in the story kept me wondering what was going to happen next. The romance is one of my favorite from her!
It had the action, and the suspense that kept me flipping through the pages.
And that ending left me so satisfied!
A very happy reader!
I recieved a complementary copy of this book from the publisher through Netgally. All opinions in this review are honest and completely my own.

Until Leaves Fall in Paris is the first book I've read by this author, but it won't be the last! It was beautifully written and captured me immediately.

I've read a lot of WWII books and I appreciated the different perspectives that Ms. Sundin gave us in this book. A lot of the books I've read are from a "locals" POV. This book is about two Americans living in Paris before America entered the war. It's interesting to see how they were treated differently than those born in Paris.

The author does an amazing job of weaving a tale of sorrow, hope, and love during the unsettled times of war. The characters are well-developed and real. You can feel their struggles as they have to battle with always having to look over their shoulders, always having to take care of your words and actions, and who you keep company with.

While this seems to be the second book in a series, it can be read as a stand-alone. I plan on going back and reading the first book now as the characters from that book are briefly mentioned in this one.

**Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for offering a copy of this book for my honest opinion and feedback.

Until Leaves Fall in Paris is a page turner. A book I was happy to stay up late to read. A historical story that took me on a journey through time. I really enjoyed the charming characters and story. Highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more from Sarah Sundin.

I have been a fan of Sarah Sundin's for some time, but this is by far her best book yet! I am sure my husband is tired of hearing about these characters, but I just had to talk to someone about them, someone who wouldn't object to spoilers. Lucie, a ballerina turned book shop owner; Paul, an engineer and automobile factory owner; and Josie, a creative storyteller and four-year-old, all seem so real as they strive to remain faithful to God, France, America, and one another while surviving in Paris during the occupation. Readers will be compelled to remain in the story, fully engaged, as they follow these characters through dangerous times, and while being led to consider what their own choices might be under similar circumstances.

I most highly recommend Until Leaves Fall in Paris and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Until Leaves Fall in Paris is a historical WWII novel. At first, the book was slow and there was not as much suspense and adventure, and more romance than in most books set in this time frame. But things picked up and during the end, this book kept me turning pages. Thanks to author Sarah Sundin. publisher Revell, and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book for an honest review.

Paul, an American widower with a young daughter, wanted to leave Paris in the early days of the war, but was persuaded by the US army to stay because of the intelligence he could get for them in his position as an auto manufacturer. But to do this, he must be seen as a collaborator - understandably unpopular among fellow Americans in Paris. Lucie has always wanted to be a ballerina, and danced with the Paris Opera Ballet for years until leaving to help her Jewish friends by buying their bookshop, which she's always loved. When a new customer, complete with delightful young daughter, comes in, she's attracted to him - until she discovers at church that he's a collaborator! Of course, the two are so different, he brilliant, rich and 'in society', she creative, poor and with only a basic education, that there could never be anything between them anyway, could there? As each works to resist Germany in any way they can, will they escape alive? And can two such different people have a future together even if they do escape?

I think this might be my favourite book by the author to date. Not only does she bring to life the effects of war and the German invasion on Americans in Paris, she also takes two characters who are likeable but fixed in their opposing ways and uses each to show the other a wider, richer view of life - the two sides of a leaf. The resistance work each did was also interesting, and added some good suspense throughout, but particularly towards the end. All in all, with characters one quickly comes to care for (including a delightful young girl bent on matchmaking), an inspiring message, an intriguing setting, an expertly woven plot and more than a hint of suspense, what more could one want? Highly recommended.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

I enjoyed Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin. The characters were well developed and the storyline was believable. The storyline gave us fear, love, anticipation, and suspense. Everything a good novel should have. I thought the book was a bit long and would have been just as wonderful condensed in a few areas. It was a great book and I would recommend it. I rated it 4 out of 5 stars.

Until Leaves Fall in Paris is historical fiction from the WW II era, with romance thrown in. Sarah Sundlin is a gifted storyteller, but this was not one of my favorites.

I received a copy from the publisher and Net Galley. The opinions are my own.

#BookReview: UNTIL LEAVES FALL IN PARIS by Sarah Sundin

“Nothing of any worth lies on the easy path.”

If you have read When Twilight Breaks, this story occurred after that. It’s nice to read Paul’s story. I truly enjoyed these books. They can be read as a standalone.

This book took me on a journey into the lives of foreigners and French alike during the onset of German occupation in 1940 Paris. Fear, uncertainty, hunger and chaos were prevalent. Paul, a single dad, had to make hard decisions for his auto factory.. Lucie, a ballerina, bought a bookstore to help her friends. Options were limited but their conscience led them to make risky choices that aligned with their beliefs.

A story set in a bookstore made my bookish heart happy. Paul and Lucie met there. The romance was kept a secret but with sweet moments that left my heart melting. Josie was cute as well as her stories. I love these characters and I was invested in their lives. I kept reading because I wanted them to have a HEA. It was not an easy path but they had faith and hope. I cried and laughed with them.

This is a slow burn story with the inclusion of many historical details. The emergence of the resistance groups was interesting. People did different things to survive during these uncertain times. It was sad.

This book is full of quotable lines. I really enjoyed reading Paul and Lucie’s story. Love it. I look forward to more books by the author.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pub date: 01 Feb 2022

Thank you Revell for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

#netgalley

Set during World War II, this story will be hard for readers to put down. The author weaves the lives of Lucie, a ballerina/bookshop owner and Paul, an automobile factory owner together beautifully. The story gives a different insight into life in Paris during the war. The effort and determination to survive and thwart the enemy is amazing. Loved four year old Josie, her imagination and insight into the German occupation. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction.

Another stunning WWII book from Sundin.

This book had such a fabulous setting in wartorn Paris and the characters were so unique. I truly loved how she used two Americans who chose to stay in Paris as the couple. I loved that Lucie owned a bookstore and Paul owned a automobile manufacturing plant. It was such a great combination.

The espionage, intrigue, secrets, and the like were so well done. I was so sucked into the book that it flew by even though it was long. The tension kept me on the edge of my seat too.

I loved the passion between Paul and Lucie, but truly Josie stole the show. I was so thrilled how everything played out in the book.

If you love WWII historicals you won't want to miss this one.

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest review

Eccentric American ballerina, Lucie Girard, has lived in Paris since her childhood. Out of a love for the city and her friends, she buys a local bookstore to allow the Jewish owners to escape while the Nazi regime occupies France. Meanwhile, Paul Aubrey has his successful automobile factory requisitioned for German use. Both Lucie and Paul have opportunities to stealthily join resistance causes, endangering their lives and the ones they love. When their paths cross, they must carefully navigate their growing feelings towards each other and their sense of duty to undermine Nazi Germany.

This novel fully captured my attention and left me wanting to turn pages past my bedtime. It was well paced for the most part, although I feel the intense ending could have been more detailed. I enjoyed the clean and sweet romance that budded between Paul and Lucie. I shed tears and smiled throughout, particularly enjoying Josie's character. As a fellow lover of books, I felt a strong connection to Lucie's fears and dreams. Full of tragedy, suspense, and forbidden romance, Sarah Sundin writes a lovely historical fiction that will capture your heart.

This book has an interesting historical context as it is told from the viewpoint of Americans living in Paris at the start of the second World War. As some return home to the USA and others stay, life becomes increasingly difficult for those remaining in their adopted country. Part of the jeopardy of the story is that we know when the attack on Pearl Harbour will happen, and that life for Americans in occupied France will become impossible. The alternatives are to flee or risk internment.

Against this background we have romance, resistance and reprisals. A good read.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this book.

I absolutely devoured this book, with its vivid descriptions of war-torn Paris under the Nazi regime. The prose was written so well that I felt as though I became a part of the story, walking the streets of Paris and listening with bated breath for the arrival of Nazi soldiers. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Lucie and Paul, both Americans who joined the resistance in France in order to try to make a difference in the war effort. Putting their lives in danger repeatedly, they are dedicated to the cause and slowly learn to trust each other. Their love story is one for the ages, one that is unforgettable and poignantly bittersweet. I loved the story, the characters and the atmosphere that was so realistically portrayed. The author is a master at research and at pulling the reader into the story in such a way that I embraced the story and was sad to see it come to the end. I wanted to continue to follow the delightful and precocious Josie who wrote about Rock Monsters and a heroine named Feenee. Thus, the author sneaked in a story within a story, one from the viewpoint of a child that was insightful. Anyone who enjoyed historical fiction will want to get this book and add it to your collection of memorable stories to cherish and share.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Revell Reads Blogger Program via Netgalley. I also purchased my own copy of the book by pre-order since I love this author’s style and the lessons that I learn from her books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Until Leaves Fall in Paris
by Sarah Sundin
Pub Date: February 1, 2022
Baker Publishing

Sarah Sundin brings another compelling WWII novel with her latest release, Until Leaves Fall in Paris.
We have many library patrons that enjoy reading Sarah Sundin. They will be so excited to see this new release.
This is one of the best books she has written. I highly recommend it to readers that enjoy historical fiction.
Thanks to BakerPublishing and NetGalley for the ARC.
5 stars

Overview: Lucie Girard, an American ballerina in Paris, has pledged to keep her Jewish friends’ bookstore afloat, even as Nazis gain more and more control over the city. American automobile maker and widower Paul Aubrey secretly helps the United States government keep tabs on the Germans, but alienates all of his friends when he poses as a collaborator. The two bond when Paul brings his daughter to Lucie’s bookstore and eventually find themselves dangerously enmeshed in resistance efforts.

Favorite Character and Why: I loved little Josie! She brought these two characters together and gave them a shared purpose. I enjoyed her creativity and determination.

Rating and Why: This book was a follow up to Sundin’s When Twilight Breaks, which I loved, but I enjoyed Until Leaves Fall in Paris even more. I’m a huge fan of World War II set romances, and this one lived up to all my expectations, plus I thought the characters were well-developed and just so charming. Five big stars for this book!

Until Leaves Fall in Paris is just why I love books by Sarah Sundin. I loved this book and am giving it five plus stars.

"Stories, dancing, music--they nourish. They make us think and feel. They distract us from the harness of life. That's a gift from God. And math and science and business--they make things run. They're necessary. Weighty, Gifts from God."

This story was everything I love from Sarah Sundin. Our heroine, Lucie was delightful and the heroine, Paul a man of principle even in the face of unearned disdain from his peers. Paul's little girl absolutely stole the show. Her and Lucie's mutual understanding of one another was precious. Paul's journey to really, truly seeing his little girl in all her uniqueness couldn't have been more satisfying. I loved my time with these characters and the journey they went on. Excellent story!

Thank you, Netgalley and the author/publisher, for the opportunity to read and review an advanced reader's copy of this book. This in no way affects my review, all opinions are my own.

I think I went into this book with the expectation that it would keep me at the edge of my seat like When Twilight Breaks did. Unfortunately, this book only started doing this at around 70% or so. This book had a lot more romance in it too (a genre that I try to avoid if possible). With that being said, the book was great but it didn't reach the "I want to hug this book" status that When Twilight Breaks had for me. If you love romance and WW2, this book is definitely for you. If you want subtle romance with lots of action, chose When Twilight Breaks.