A Rose for the Resistance is a very well written historical novel and a great addition to the Heroines of WWII series. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and Netgalley. This if my unbiased review.

The Singed Bible

A fast paced , action packed, novel of the French Resistance during WWII. Two young siblings that worked for the resistance, a downed American pilot and a German Officer. Filled with courage, love of country, faith and a bit of romance.

Rosalie's father is in a POW camp somewhere in Germany, her mother is in a depressed mood over the loss of her father and it is up to Rosalie to look after her preteen brother Marcel that is determined to get himself in trouble with the Germans while working with the French Resistance.

Slowly Rosalie is drawn into helping the resistance. Franz is a German soldier that is disillusioned with the Nazi army. He helps Rosalie and Marcel and brings them a downed pilot he found wounded for them to hide named Robert.

Rosalie has a bible that she found in a pile of burned books that was singed on the edges, when Marcel ran from the soldiers and hid in a barn with Rosalie. She feels this bible helped them hide from the Nazi officer that opened the door and then shut it pretending he didn't see them. Now she carries the bible on all her resistance jobs. She reads her bible and prays for all in this awful war.

So many things happen in the time the war is going on and always she has faith. It is a story of what it was like for the people in France when it was occupied by the German soldiers. The cruel treatment by the Nazi's , the rationing and scarcity of food, the danger in their fight for their country against unsurpassed odds.

This was a good book about the French resistance and I did enjoy reading about these brave young characters. I would recommend this book.

Thanks to Angela K. Couch for writing a great story, to Barbour Publishing for publishing the book and to NetGalley for making it available to me.

As many books will tell you, either non-fiction or fiction, the nation of France was quite surprised at the invasion by the Germans in 1940, as were the Belgians and Luxembourg. However, for Rose, she thought she could just keep her head down, keep working, on her father's garden and survive. But when her younger brother comes home shortly after helping Resistance fighters in Normandy, will she ignore the urge to protect him? And after assistance from Franz, a German soldier, a man who doesn't believe he should even be alive, let alone in France, Rose finds a calling to help the resistance, her brother, France and Franz.

This book takes one on a ride from the beginnings of problems in Europe in the late 1930s all the way to the end of the war, including the invasion by Allied forces on Normandy. It also takes one on a ride with the Barrieau family including its history and some hidden secrets.

An exciting read, with a hero one doesn't expect in World War II historical fiction.

This was an amazing novel and I did NOT get the ending I was expecting - Angela's is was way better!

The story lines had you second-guessing yourself - what would I do if I were these characters?

And with everything happening in Ukraine right now, I'm hopeful that folks like this are real too.

I thought I knew what to expect with this read, and where it was going, when I picked it up--and indeed for probably 2/3 of the read. It was familiar territory, especially given the amount of WWII fiction I've found myself reading over the last year--between Sarah Sundin's books snd other reads in the "Heroines of WWII" series!

And yet, the last third of the book caught me entirely by surprise and went in new directions. Hallelujah, on all the levels! I love being surprised like that in a book, and I frankly should have known better--again (and especially), given that I've read the other books in the "Heroines of WWII" series. They are all standalone reads, but each focuses on unsung heroines. And this one is no exception, and a fine addition to the series.

A lot ends up happening in that last third of the book, and I almost wish it could have gone on a bit longer to flesh out events near the end a little more. But, it did do a very nice job at tying up the events it did; I just wanted more! :D

Entirely rando aside, I'm geeking out a little bit to see (while writing up this review) that Couch has martial-arts training; I desperately want to know more about that, as I've begun to thoroughly enjoy that aspect of my current workout regimen.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I can’t say I loved this book as I found it to be a difficult read. It is WW2 and Germans have begun to invade France. Marcel Barrieau is working undercover to help the French overcome the occupation of their towns by the Germans. His father has joined the French forces and is away fighting. Marcel’s sister, Rosalie and their mother are running the nursery, greenhouse and planting as many edible plants as they can. Rosalie is against Marcel’s involvement as it is too dangerous. Will he be imprisoned or put before the firing squad? Help does come e through prayer and a surprising source on earth.
Like I said this is a hard book to read. That said, I couldn’t put it down. I had to know what would happen next. It is a look at how living in a war zone affects the people who are there, caught in the middle in many ways. This is a novel though the author uses real places and events in developing the story. I give this book 5 of 5 stars for excellent writing in a style that brings history and fiction together in a book that will make the reader think deeper about war and probably stay up late reading. I know it had that effect on me.
I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Rosalie is a quiet, unassuming French woman tending to her father’s garden, her mother, and her 16 year old brother as the Germans invade France. She learns from a friendly German soldier that her father has died in a work camp. Rosalie joins her brother Marcel in the French Resistance effort during the German occupation of France. The author reminds us that most soldiers just follow orders and many don’t want to fight and kill—even in war. After much soul-searching the German officer (Franz) decides to help and not hinder the efforts of the Resistance. One minor dissonance for me was the use of Franz Kafka as the name of the German soldier. In real life he was a Jewish man who died in 1924—and certainly would never have fought for the Nazis. This name seems an odd choice for the German officer.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

In her most recent novel, author Angela K Couch has honoured the lives of the 90, 000 French who were killed, tortured or deported for their efforts in resisting the occupation or aiding the transportation of weapons and assisting the sharing of information in WW2. She highlights those who went above the call of duty and aided the Allies' war efforts to save the oppressed. I appreciate the different lens each author in this series gives readers to view the war effort and the heroines.

Franz and Rosalie’s story is the perfect mix of faith, adventure, romance and intrigue. The writing was amazing! I loved the vivid imagery stuffed with poetic devices in “her words detonated within him like mortar fire, scoring his soul instead of his flesh.” Couch’s writing also affected me emotionally. My heart was racing as the German soldier, Leutnant Franz Kafka found where Rosalie Barrieau and her brother, Marcel, were hiding. What a serendipitous moment! I also felt Rosa’s trepidation in trusting Franz. His actions didn’t fall in line with his uniform. I did love that despite serving the enemy, he knew where to bring Captain Robert Wyndham, a rescued British pilot, to ensure his safety. Crouch writes to remind us of the hand of God and his role in even the darkest days of humanity and allows us to question how much we’d risk for freedom.

I appreciated the sensitivity with which Couch wrote the romance and loved the push and pull of the three in the love triangle and the two opposing perspectives. I felt the tug on my heartstrings as they acknowledged their feelings and untangled themselves. What a clever tool to use in giving readers a unique look at unlikely people aiding in the war effort! I especially loved Rosa and Franz’s conversations and highlighted many of them on my kindle. If I had a magic wand, I’d change the German soldier’s name. It’s a small thing, I know. I understand the author’s attachment to that character, but my mind reeled back to another Franz Kafka in history and this provided a distraction for me while I was reading.

A thoughtfully written and well-plotted, albeit short, novel that was inspired by John Steele and Henry Langrehr who lived to tell their tales of adventure.

I was gifted this advance copy by Angela K. Couch, Barbour Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

Occupied France is dangerous for the French. Rosalie’s father was taken prisoner when the army surrendered and is never part of the story except in her memories. She tries to protect her younger brother who wants to join the Resistance.
Franz Kafka is a German soldier who feels obligated to do his duty, but is disillusioned with the war. He has the courage of his convictions, aiding Rosalie and the allies at considerable personal risk.
It was nice to have a German who is not “the bad guy.” Not all Germans were Nazis or heartless monsters. Rosalie’s mother was puzzling, so distant from her children and only animated in hostility when Franz was around.

I love books set during WWII, so I was really excited to get the chance from NetGalley to read this one.

This book is so touching and really highlights the various struggles those during the war faced. I also loved that this book gave a different perspective than most other books about WWII. Franz is a German soldier, who hates the war, but feels he has not other choice but to do "his duty". Until he meets Rosalie and her courage to fight for freedom and what's right encourages him to take a stand.

There were a few moments I questioned how the book was going to end. But, I will say that the ending was very satisfying.

I definitely recommend this to those who love historical fiction with faith weaved throughout the story.

A Rose for the Resistance is a World War II historical novel, set in France. Rosalie is the main character, a young French woman trying to survive during the war and protect her younger brother Marcel. She gets connected with Franz, a Nazi soldier stationed in her town with sympathies for the Resistance, as well as Robert, a British soldier shot down in their region that Franz rescues. This book is on the short side and easy to read. I generally like books of this era, including this one. Couple of items that were confusing to me - the character named Franz Kafka - why is that his name? At first I thought it was supposed to be the actual Kafka, but he was dead by then. Seems odd to use that name. Also the character of Rosalie's mother and their relationship and history were never fully explained. How Rosalie got involved with the Resistance felt truthful, but her relationship with Franz did not. I had a hard time with the Nazi as a sympathetic character.

This is a fantastic read! Set in a small village in France, the Nazis occupy the area. Against her will, Rosalie is thrown into the French underground thanks to her brother’s involvement.
Hiding a downed British pilot and carrying forbidden contraband to Resistance fighters keeps Rosalie busy when she is not working in the green house desperately trying to raise extra food for the table.
There are a lot of twists and turns throughout the story. Can Franz, a German soldier, be trusted? As the Germans tighten their reign of terror and hunt down members of the French Resistance, the French are desperately waiting for the Americans to come rescue them.
I enjoyed the ending of the book.

A Rose for the Resistance

Heroines of WWII #5

by Angela K Couch

Barbour Publishing, Barbour Fiction

Rated: 4

Back of the Book: “A French Woman and German Soldier Create a Truce
Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this new series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.
With her father in a German POW camp and her home in Ste Mere Eglise, France, under Nazi occupation, Rosalie Barrieau will do anything to keep her younger brother safe. . .even from his desire to join the French resistance. Until she falls into the debt of a German solder—one who delivers a wounded British pilot to her door. Though not sure what to make of her German ally, Rosalie is thrust deep into the heart of the local underground. As tensions build toward the allied invasion of Normandy, she must decide how much she is willing to risk for freedom.”

Impressions: This was an exciting addition to the Heroines of WW2 series. I enjoyed the suspense and romance in this story. I easily slipped into Rosa’s insecurities and the tug of war going in her heart while trying to balance the angst and tension of Marcel's character as I read. I was reminded that life is not as black and white as we might think. All in all, it was a clean romance with some reference to faith and impactful messages of hope and love.

Quotes: …" was it possible God truly did exist, and that He might take an interest in someone as simple and unimportant as her?” - Although I have no doubt in God, I often have self-doubt which makes me question why God would care for insignificant me. I imagine that we must all wonder that at times.

“’ Don’t you get it, Rosa? It doesn’t matter what you do, how docile and weak you pretend to be, it won’t save you. If they don’t kill you, they will work or starve you to death.’” - This reminded me to be bold in my faith. People will accept God or deny Him but being silent does not help anyone.

“Germany will not stop draining the life from France and her people until either they are pushed out or there is nothing left of us.” - So much of this war talk reminds me of the spiritual battle going on around us. Satan too will not stop perusing us until there is no life in us. There is hope because God will not stop pursuing us either.

“Maybe one person alone can do nothing. That is why we must come together, organize and plan.”

“The only thing I really know about you is that uniform.” -What we support, what we wear, who we speak up for creates a picture that people use to identify us. This was a reminder for me to be mindful of who or what I am representing.

“I wasn’t always one of them. But I’m not sure how to go back. I can’t change the past four years, though I might wish for it.” -Back to the spiritual battle- sin can creep into our lives so guilefully that we don’t realize what's happened until we feel hopeless to turn back. Jesus gives us hope that no matter how far we might be we can still be His.

“No one soldier will win this war. But each is needed for victory.” -From the first quote in questioning one's importance, we can see through this quote how we are a body, working together to achieve a goal. Not an individual having to do it all, but one individual being called to work their part. That is how God calls us as well.

I received this ARC via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review shared here.

For more book reviews visit: https://simplyannehere.wordpress.com

I really enjoyed A Rose for the Resistance by author Angela K Couch. Full of intrigue, risks, and fear has Rosalie Barrieau trying to keep her mother and brother together and safe in occupied France while they await news of her father in a prisoner of war camp. Working their gardens and trading for other foods, they try to stay alive with ever decreasing rations and a strong Nazi presence in their town.

A German officer is uncharacteristically helpful to them after finally having a wake-up moment where he knows he can't undo all the wrongs he's committed in this war, but this turning point has him wanting to make the right choices going forward before he meets his maker.

Angela K Couch paints a vivid picture of the dangerous, stressful, and fightening life under German occupation, the authentic characters, and the beautiful French countryside. Her skilled pen makes you feel like you are right there!

Timely message that freedom has to be fought for. " All the propoganda and lies they've rammed into that head of yours. You're smarter than that, think for yourself for one minute. These people, The French, the Poles, the Dutch, have done nothing against us. They just want their freedom. Safety for their families. We've taken that from them. And for what? Because a few power hungry men in Berlin decided they should rule all of Europe?"

I highly recommend this story for fans of WWII historical fiction! (And a sweet romance!)

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for allowine me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

Took me two attempts to read this, The first I gave up but I am so glad I returned to it again. Once it got going this was a lovely story of redemption and love. It proved the point that not all Germans were Nazis - some joined up to defend their home and only realised later that Hitler wasn't pro Germany but pro a stupid, idiotic "ideal" where only some people mattered. Would recommend to anyone interested in resistance stories set during the war.

This is a story set in the last years of WWII in northern France. This is a Christian book that shows how Rosalie learns to depend on God. This is Christian but not preachy. A well written, clean book.

The characters are well defined. You learn to feel like you might know them. The book flows well and kept my interest throughout. It did start with a bang and I wasn't sure how I was going to like it, but I did enjoy the story.

The book was an ARC edition and it was very well done. The editing was good. Though I have not read Angela K Couch before, I look forward to reading more of her work.

I give this book a 4 out of 5-star review. If you've read my reviews before, you know I save 5 stars for the best of the best and rarely give them or 1 stars which is the worst of the worst.

Riveting Romantic Drama!

I have read a few books in Barbour’s Heroines of World War II series and love how each one has examined a different way in which the heroine has contributed to the war effort. A Rose for the Resistance focused on the German occupation of France in 1943-44 and how local citizens covertly banded together in an attempt to stop the Nazis. This page-turning book held my attention from beginning to end, had me holding my breath at times while sighing at the sweet romance and routing for Rosalie and Franz to succeed in love and in life. A beautiful, inspirational thread was naturally woven into the story as characters confronted issues of life and death and sought introspection on these topics as well as matters of faith and what truly defines a person’s worth and identity. This is the first book I have read by this author and I look forward to reading more of her books! If you like historical fiction filled with drama, suspense, romance and inspiration, then this is a must-read book for you to try!

I received an advanced review copy of this book via the publisher, NetGalley, and Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed here are completely my own.

Such a masterpiece!!
I loved the writing style and the way the action built up
And Franz and Rosalie aww
And the love triangle 👀
Overall the way the war was depicted with all the soldiers wanting an end too and the meaning behind it was expressed so beautifully.
Loved reading it!
Thank you Netgalley and publisher for an advanced reader copy!
My rating a complete 10 out of 5 (its that good)

A Rose for the Resistance is Angela K. Couch’s contribution and the fifth installment from the Heroines of WWII series. I have enjoyed books by this author in the past and this one is no different. I was transported back in time to the Second World War era France. I liked the pace of the story that kept me intrigued, the struggles of the characters and how they were able to overcome, and the suspense that made me want to keep going. I loved it!

A Rose for the Resistance will be getting five stars from me. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical fiction. I look forward to continuing to the sixth book from the Heroines of WWII series, Naomi Dawn Musch’s Season of My Enemy.

I received a digital copy of A Rose for the Resistance from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Barbour’s heroines of WWII books continue with this one. It was well researched with interesting characters set in Nazi occupied France.

Rosalie is a French woman trying to keep her family together after the occupation. She doesn’t know his name yet, but she briefly meets a reluctant German soldier, Franz, during the initial Nazi occupation when he saves Rosalie and her brother Marcel. Three years later, their stories connect again when Franz brings a wounded British pilot, Robert, to Rosalie’s house to recover. That’s when Rosalie starts to realize there’s more to Franz than an enemy. As Rosalie works with the Resistance, Franz aids them as well.

I have mixed feelings about this book. Overall, Rosalie’s strength at keeping her family intact, especially when she learns a family secret, is incredibly done. What’s not so great about her character is just how quickly she trusts a Nazi soldier and gives him access to Resistance secrets, plots and movements. As a result, she appeared to be much more naive than she was probably meant to be. Because of that, I had a hard time getting into the romance, especially because love triangles tend to annoy me, unless they’re exceptionally well written. A positive to this book is that Angela K Couch did a wonderful job de eloping her characters and making them multi dimensional and we got to experience their fears, hopes and resilience.

A solid 3 stars from me, this book held my attention and the premise was good, but considering that the book really centers around Rosalie and Franz, I just wasn’t sold on their relationship.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.