My parents and their families lived through World War II, so I find stories set during that time of special interest because it brings the world of that day to life and helps me picture what so many faced during that horrific era. When I read about the injured pilot who crashed in France, I think of my uncle who flew behind enemy lines from that area and another who fought with the army in the area. This novel gives an authentic portrayal of the local French citizens and the ground-roots resistance that plagued the Germans. It also shows that not all enemy soldiers were in favor of the war and the things they were ordered to do. The realistic characters and plot offer suspense and explores the struggles of relationships, including navigating falling in love. I think this book would make a good choice for a book club discussion. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own. #ARosefortheResistance #NetGalley

Lilly inherits her aunt Agatha's estate, Rosenli Manor in 1898. Lilly is quite accomplished as a bookkeeper in spite of working in a predominately man's profession. Lilly barely remembers her aunt and through a series of letters and townspeople, she tries to learn about her life.

The storyline is filled with many secrets. There were dark periods of suspense where Lilly was confused and afraid. Her staff at the manor were her refuge. I enjoyed the descriptions of the town in and the grounds of the manor. It made me feel as though I was there with her.

The ending was surprising and unlocked the many secrets, all but one. Can't wait to find that out as the series continues. If you love mysteries, this one is for you. The characters will have you mesmerized from the beginning. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of the book and a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

What a phenomenal look into history. While this book is fiction, there are elements here that everyone should take into consideration. Two people on opposite sides of war. Can they find a way through their own history? Rosalie is a tough woman. Her resistance to helping is understandable, but then she's tossed into the thick of it. For Rosalie, nothing seems more important than family. She would do anything to keep her brother safe. Those qualities enhance the story and kept me turning pages. Even as the end drew near, I wasn't quite sure what might happen or how the story might turn out. I received a copy of this book from the author through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

When I read novels like this, I wonder what it was like to live in one’s own country when it has been overrun by and under control of an enemy. While we can’t truly know without being there, the author has written a fabulous account based on her extensive research.

This emotionally charged novel, set during WWII, has everything I would want in historical fiction. The characters invited me in from the first page. The primary characters dealt with definite spiritual challenges and demonstrated the work the Lord was doing in them. The writing is so descriptive, I could almost smell the rose garden and the rain and see the countryside and village. Experiencing the feelings of some of the characters was easy, sometimes painfully so, with the beautiful writing style.

Most events occur in occupied France in 1943. We see changes the Germans made to France and the effects on the residents. We meet Rosalie, who lost her fiancé, Lucas, on the day the Germans took over the village. Her younger brother, Marcel, was going to join up with Lucas and his friend but was hit by shrapnel and barely escaped the same fate as Lucas.

Franz is a German soldier who almost lost his leg in battle. His father died in the Great War before he was born when saving the life of Ernst Rintelen, now an SS major. Ernst watched over Franz and his mother ever since, making sure their needs were taken care of. Franz, still recovering from his injuries, is sent to a village in occupied France. Before he left, Ernst and his mother got married. Rintelen is not one of Franz’s favorite people, but he has been good to his mother and will take care of her.

Throughout the novel, we see some of Rosalie’s treasured memories of her father. He had gone off to fight and they have not heard from him in three years. We see glimpses of her mother’s life and how she lost much of her family in the Great War, but most of her life is a secret. We also see Franz tormented by a memory from five years earlier, the death of his best friend Heinrich.

Franz and Rosalie meet in the village when she purchased food rations and Franz’s superior officer damaged some of them. Later that day, he brought replacement rations plus some to their home. She wanted nothing to do with him, but finally accepted the foods with the assurance he wanted nothing in return. He realized where he had first met her and her brother a few years earlier he was impressed by her courage. They forged a fragile friendship when he brought her an injured British pilot to care for whose plane crashed nearby, and he couldn’t let the man be killed by his superiors. He smuggled supplies to help them, and over time, they began to have feelings for one another. In the meantime, Rosalie joins her brother on secret Resistance work that could cost their lives.

If you like Christian novels set during WWII, this one is well worth reading, especially during this season of world events. Watching people struggle with whether the Lord is real or whether He really loves them in time of war is enlightening and encouraging. I see how very different our lives are than those in war-torn countries and can learn from Rosalie. I highly recommend this to women of all ages who appreciate well written Christian fiction set in WWII Europe with faith struggles, family challenges, and a touch of romance.

From a thankful heart: I received an ARC of this book from Celebrate Lit and the publisher, and this is my honest review.

I enjoyed this book and the unique spin that had as a WWII story, with having characters from different countries coming together in France during the war.

tional that it brought tears to my eyes. I read these books with much interest as my mother lived in England during WW2. She was young but it left an lasting impression on her that is just as vivid over 80 years later.
Rose wanted no part of the Resistance. She preferred to keep out of it. But as the Germans invaded her town and her heart, she had to do something.
It is difficult to really believe that this happened. We need to remember. We have to remember.
Psalm 121:7-8
Contemporary English Version
7 The Lord will protect you
and keep you safe
from all dangers.
8 The Lord will protect you
now and always
wherever you go.



I received this book from Celebrate Lit to review.

I never understood before this book what "beautiful ache" meant. I do now.

I'm finding it difficult to put all my thoughts into words, regarding this book. I loved seeing things from a German soldier's point of view; we don't often see that. The decisions with everything, the impossibility of a romance between opposing sides...my heart ached for them, and I didn't envy Franz or Rosalie.

I love how the author drew me in. It wasn't difficult to see myself in each scenario, right along with the characters, and I found myself holding my breath so many times to see how things would work out in the various confrontations. At chapter 30-heck even in the next to last chapter, I still wasn't sure how things were going to end up, as there were so many possibilities!

I loved the lessons Papa taught Rosalie, and her memories of him.

I have both chills and tears by the end of this book. Well done, Angela K Couch. This is a book that will end up on my shelves in hard copy.

*I received this ebook from Net Galley to review. All opinions are my own.

What a great read. The tension is high throughout which keeps the reader reading. So many questions, who can Rosalie trust? How could a relationship ever work between her and Franz? I even started to wonder if she could really trust the British soldier? Her and her family were really living on the edge and seemed like there was a chance at any moment they could be found out.

Just reading about how Germany took over France was so heartbreaking. I can’t imagine living that way yet people really did. What a scary time and Angela did a great job bringing this story to life.

If you like WWII stories I am sure you will enjoy this one.


A copy of this book was given to me through Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

Though this is the 5th book of the Heroines of WWII by Author Angela K Couch,it is the first I've had the privilege of reading but it definitely won't be the last. Thanks to Celebration Tours giving me an opportunity to be apart of this tour,The Publisher and Netgalley for copy and intruding me to this author and series! My son and I share a special appreciation for this time period, both of us after reading Anne Frank in school and learning a little bit of what happened during the War that caused us to be consumed with intrigue of both sides that suffered tragedies, hardships and loss as well of how it all came to be,why the War happened,how the people became so overtaken by such a devious man, why the Jews were targeted,how people risked their lives to help hide people or be part of the Resistance,what fueled the German/Russian conflict on the other side of the War that helped weekend Nazi forces,and how borders were drawn that caused families to be separated for decades and how it led to the Cold War and finally the fall of the Berlin Wall,but unfortunately in my kids' time in school they skipped the The Berlin Wall,which I had a middle school bestie's mother who was separated from sisters and possibly other family members from this which always struck in my mind and led to my intrigue about it and I was a witness to its fall on live tv and felt the joy with the people there,so I taught my children about it and my son and I saw a YouTube video that showed the attempts of those to cross it and the technology before its time that made it essentially impossible to cross over the ground, some succeeded crossing underground and we got to see a piece of the Wall at Ft Leonardwood where he went to basic training.He did learn about a set of twins who survived the horrors done through experiments and had we not ended up sick on the day the Twin Sister still living visited their school, I was prepared to beg the Principle to join the assembly, all caused a shared want of knowledge of those secret heroes and heroines, survivors and those forced into service and those who jumped into service for freedom. This story shows such knowledge through storytelling skills of the author to bring to life a story of people trying to survive the war,do the right thing for others,stand for justice and freedom,deal with hardships and occupation leading up to the day Normandy was stormed upon which became a monumental turning point in the War. Through syory this you'll see faith,adventure, twists,and even romance blossom. I highly recommend this book!

Set in Normandy, France, Rosalie Barrieau has just learned from Lucas Fournier her boyfriend that France has surrendered and that their Prime Minister Reynaud is stepping down and giving the government over to Pétain.

Rosalie’s family ( her mother and brother Marcel). is left with no choice but to leave their home for a friend, the Fourniers in a nearby village.
Rosalie’s town depends on the produce from their family greenhouse and Rosalie would make flower and plant deliveries to nearby towns in exchange for eggs and vegetables.

Back in Germany, Frank Kafka who sustained an injury on his leg from a Soviet mortar has been informed by his commanding officer that he’s being transferred to an infantry division in Normandy France.

Following a confrontation between Frank’s boss Bayerlin and Rosalie over her food rations, Frank shows up at Rosalie’s family cottage to apologize to her. He brings with him flour sugar salt and chocolate.

Then Frank’s major promotes him to Lieutenant and assigns Frank the task of confiscating radios to prevent an alliance between the Resistance and the English.

Following the discovery of a British pilot whose plane was shot down, instead of handing him to his fellow Germans, Frank carries the wounded pilot back to Rosalie’s house.

Rosalie soon finds herself working for the Resistance and even though she knows she’s putting herself and her family in danger. She believes she’s doing it for the good cause: to liberate her motherland France.

A well-written historical fiction. Highly recommend

Thank you to Angela K. Crouch NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the ARC of this book

A Rose for the Resistance, by Angela K. Couch ,is part of the Heroines of WWII series. This is a series of stand alone stories based around the second world war and the women who helped. I really enjoyed reading this story. It has action and suspense but shows the length people would go to during the time to help the war. Rosalie is so strong to help with the French resistance with riding her bike through German check points to deliver communications. She carried a Bible with her, thinking the Bible is what is keeping her safe. But she has flashes of things her father said about God. Franz is a Nazi officer that cares for Rosalie and her family. He secretly is using his position to help her with her work.

I enjoyed this story and enjoyed learning more about this time in our history. I especially enjoyed the gardening parts of the story, With how the family uses their plants and produce to help themselves and others. I was caught off guard for the secret Rosalie’s parents kept from her.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this story, this is my honest review.

I have loved all of the books I’ve read in the Heroines of WWII series. This is the first one that was set outside of the United States. As is typical with WWII historical fiction, you find yourself emotionally invested in the story and the lives of the characters. The willingness of everyday people to risk their lives to oppose the atrocities inflicted upon too many innocent people by Hitler’s regime. From the very beginning you experience sadness and begin the journey with Rosalie, Franz, Marcel, and Robert. It is easy to see how Rosalie struggles with her brother’s (Marcel) involvement with the resistance. And you watch her grow as she realizes the part she must play to help end the war. She is a strong individual and her dedication is admirable. While you get a peek into some of the uglier aspects of the German occupation, this book gives you more of a glimpse into how people worked together to end the war and that there were some individuals who wore the Nazi uniform who realized the evil deeds needed to stop. They put their lives on the line working from within the Gestapo to make a difference.

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

Set in Normandy France in June 1940 before the German's invaded France, Rosalie Barrieu feels she and her mother and brother just need to wait things out and they won't be affected by the war. But when the first troops enter France, Rosalie realizes her brother who has joined the Resistance effort has been correct, and she soon finds herself involved as well. Franz Kaufka has been a German soldier since the beginning of the war, but the brutality and cruelty of the Nazi philosophy has turned him against what Germany stands for. Can a French resistor and a disillusioned German soldier make a difference in how this war will end?

Well written, enjoyable World War 2 read that shows that not all German military personnel supported what the Nazis believed

A Rose for the Resistance tells the story of a handful of brave men and women who dared stand up against Nazi rule.

I enjoyed Rosalie’s and Franz’s character growth as they found the courage to put their own fears aside and fight for freedom in the face of immense danger. This was a bit of a slow read for me, especially in the beginning, and I felt that there was a little too much going on at some points. That said, this was a sweet, inspiring story with enjoyable characters anyone can root for.

I’d recommend it to fans of WWII fiction (especially set in France), sweet romance with a good dose of intrigue, and inspirational tales of sacrifice and love.

Sweeping across history the author drops us into a time where WWII was blazing across France with soldiers, prisoners, danger and a young woman who desperately wanted to keep her family safe. Rosalie’s brother is so determined to join in the fight that he sometimes becomes reckless in his decisions. I thought the author did a great job in making the story authentic with historical facts. I couldn’t wait to see what would happen with Rosalie and her family.

Rosalie is caught in a situation when a German soldier brings a British pilot to her doorstep. What did this German solider think Rosalie was suppose to do? Certainly trust was a big issue but I was very surprised at the hostility and suspicions the British pilot expressed towards Rosalie. I can’t imagine what danger awaits Rosalie but I did admire her compassion to help a stranger even though it put her and her family in danger.

Frank is hard to figure out at times. He seems dedicated to serving Germany but then he befriends Rosalie and helps an enemy who is injured. Some may think he could be dangerous but the author keeps us guessing for a bit. I like how the author developed Frank’s character slowly while letting us see his struggles. For some reason I felt drawn to Frank. Perhaps it was his inner struggle with the war or his faith but he has this compassion for others that really makes him stand out as he struggles through difficult situations. As Franz gets deeper into helping Rosalie he finds himself starting to fear. That fear is directed at God. It is interesting to hear his thoughts about being judged by God.

The story is intriguing and full of danger as Rosalie starts to help in ways that could find her life in danger. Franz is worried about her safety but doesn’t know how much longer he can keep up the charade of hiding what she does. The battle between these two are emotionally focused and I held my breath as they try to find a way to work together and stay safe.

The book goes into details about the war and how dangerous it was to keep from getting hurt or captured by the enemy. I loved how a certain soldier became an ally and helped deter his own men away from Rosalie and her brother. Bravery of the men and women who fought this battle for freedom are to be honored. Though some of the story is fiction we still feel the burden people faced each day trying to survive. I honor those who fight for our freedom everyday. They are the heroes we need to respect and thank them for their sacrifice.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

This is my first Heroines of WWII book... but it won't be my last. Now. I wasn't confident going into this book. I knew I'd love parts of it, but I've never read anything by Angela K. Couch, and I didn't know what to expect.

Well, I know now that I expect I'll be reading more by her. Whoa.

A short read, this book tells the powerful story of Normandy and the D-Day invasion from several perspectives--those who survived WWI in France, several Germans, other Frenchmen, a British airman, and a few others. In the end, you're left rejoicing in who you can trust and wanting to protect everyone from those you cannot.

Some WWII books show that the people everyone thought were loyal to the death were actually the enemy within. And those are important and riveting books. Others show everyone for who they are and let you see how it plays out because there is no unreliable narrator. Equally fascinating if and when done well. Both styles have strengths, and I think Angela chose her method of storytelling well for this story. You'll have to read it to find out.

If you love a gentle, deep, meaningful faith element, you will not be disappointed. If you like characters that you want to shake, root for, and love to hate... you'll get those, too. But best of all, if you like a book that you can read in one sitting... A Rose for the Resistance is it.. And be glad. Because let me tell you, you won't want to put it down.

If I put on my critical hat, I'd probably pull a star off for various reasons, but I simply cannot do it. I loved the book. It was an inspiring, deeply moving story, and I refuse to pick it apart for the sake of "saving stars" for reasons that never make sense to me.

Recommended for lovers of WWII fiction, lovers of varying viewpoints, and for people who recognize the importance of keeping freedom close to our hearts lest we hand it over in the name of fear or security.

Well done, Angela K. Couch. Very well done.

3.5 Stars

We all know about World War II’s D-Day. Many books and movies have depicted the fighting, the loss, and the history of this battle on the beach in France. But what about the people who lived in France? Those who toiled and loved and existed before and after this well-known piece of history? In A Rose for the Resistance, Angela K. Couch gives us a picture of the fear, uncertainty, and daily struggles of the French citizens as German occupies their homes.

Rosalie’s determination to keep her brother safe and her family fed is one many of these people probably held. And when German soldiers show up at their home, of course fear and mistrust are primary. But Franz isn’t like the other soldiers, doesn’t support the war or the atrocities happening.
The two people fight in the only way the can—through the French resistance. And as their paths continue to cross, the two begin to see the motives and the heart and the courage in the other.

Though I wasn’t a fan of the love triangle, it was (thankfully) short lived. The book is well-researched and gives the reader a peek at daily life through the main characters. The courage, strength, and loyalty of Rosalie and her brother are admirable, and I couldn’t help but root for Franz as he is caught between his country—even when he hated what was happening—and protecting the woman he loved.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

An impossible situation in WWII France. A German soldier helping his French enemies. A young French boy, not quite man, deeply involved in the Resistance. His older, beautiful sister wants nothing but to pacify the Germans, certainly not to engage the enemy. What difference could one person make?

In A Rose for the Resistance, Angela K Couch brings to vivid life the danger and deprivation of occupied France. The hatred each opposing group held for each other, the inability to see the humanity of one for the deeds of the whole group. At one point, Franz tells Rosalie, “But I am not this uniform.” Can Rosalie look past his hair, his complexion, and see his heart? A timely question for our country and times.

I enjoyed seeing how Couch slowly lets the reader see what events and traumas of the past formed Rosalie and Franz into who they are when we meet them. I also appreciated the considerable growth of both characters throughout the book. The suspense is real, and fear seems omnipresent. Franz is afraid, maybe more than others. “I’m not ready to meet God. The truth of it settled, heavy in Franz’s chest. It really wasn’t death he feared. Truthfully, death might even be a release from the misery of this world. But to stand and be judged by God? His hands were too stained for that.”

Someone we never see during the book was my fave character. How could he not be?!! Rosalie keeps having flashbacks to her father’s tender ways and times with her. He taught her in small bits of teachable moments and assured her of his love. A father’s steady love can mirror the Father’s love for His children.

I cannot imagine the bleakness of an occupied land. I could understand why Rosalie felt useless against the evil in her land. Yet, she would learn the truth of these words:
“No one soldier will win this war. But each is needed for victory.”

While the Nazis could take their crops, ration their food, and change the future she had expected, Rosalie discovers a shining light amidst the darkness. “‘Don’t give up hope,’ she whispered. That was the one thing the Nazis could not take from her unless she allowed them.”

Hope spurred on by faith. Why these stories of WWII are so powerful and worth reading!

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

“There is no going back.”

“We can only go forward.”

If I had to pick a ‘thesis statement’ for this book, it would be the above statements, said by one character to another in A Rose for the Resistance. It perfectly encapsulates the themes of this book, especially as our characters are fighting to live through World War II.

A Rose for the Resistance is the first book I read by Angela K. Couch, and it won’t be the last. In this book, Ms. Couch has written an entertaining, heartwarming, and enjoyable book, though it does have some flaws.

The book takes place in occupied France during World War II, which is a very common setting for historical fiction. The first chapter of the book sets up the beginning of the occupation, but then skips ahead to three years later. In my opinion it would have been interesting to see more of the initial feelings of the people in Normandy prior to the time jump.

Rosalie is the main character and I will admit it took me awhile to warm up to her. At the beginning of the story, she is not willing to step out of her comfort zone, even after three years of occupation. It rang true, of course, as not everyone is willing to be directly involved in the Resistance, but once she committed to it, she was all in.

Franz, the other main character, is introduced as conflicted regarding his role in the war. He’s a German soldier who is disillusioned with fighting and the war itself. He is a good foil for Rosalie as he tries to help her without bringing attention to her.

Rosalie and Franz are aware that every interaction between them is fraught and it comes through very clearly on the page. The romance is sweet and believable, and I was rooting for them to make it through.

The story does take a while to get going, and I wasn’t really engaged in it until about page 75. If I wasn’t reading this for a review, I’m not sure I would have stuck with it. But I’m glad I did!

I give this book 4 stars and recommend it to those who like stories about World War II, sweet romances, and themes of love, faith, and how we can impact the world around us.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit Publishing and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.**

Normandy, France 1940-1946

Good! Nice introduction to a new to me author.

The fifth of the Heroines of WWII Series provides a view of living in Normandy prior to and during D Day. It's tough to imagine what life would be like to live in constant fear and have diminished food supplies.

Rosalie Barrieau strives to take care of her mother and younger brother while her father is serving to protect France. As her brother becomes an older teenager, he yearns to be a part of the Resistance.

Lots of tension in the pages as Rosalie navigates life the best she can. Engaging storyline and well crafted characters. The flashbacks to conversations with her father were a great way to give readers a better glimpse of Rosalie and her father as well.

Lovely cover.