Cover Image: Goodnight from Paris

Goodnight from Paris

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Good Night From Paris is about the American actress, Drue Leyton, and her time in France during WWII. Drue's marriage to a french man finds her making a home in her newly adopted country of France.

The love of her life enlists to protect the borders from the Germans. Through her loneliness, Drue finds a job as a radio host. The show is broadcast to the American's, and soon becomes a favorite of the US President. The only problem is the "what" she's saying about Germany. Drue becomes a marked women as the War comes to her city.

Encouraged to take refuge back in the states, Drue stays to fight. She is selfless with her actions as she fights with the resistance. She faces imprisonment, forced hiding and extreme loss. Like many WWII novels, Goodnight From Paris is heartbreaking. While slow in the beginning, the novel brigs to life the great many warriors during this period in Europe.

Thank you Lake Union Publishing and GetRedPRBooks.for the complimentary copy.

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“𝘐𝘧 𝘐 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯, 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘴𝘬 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦, 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘐 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘥.”

One thing I enjoy about reading WWII novels is learning about little-known heroes of the war. Goodnight From Paris by Jane Healey is focused on the story of Drue Leyton Tartière, an American actress who left Hollywood for love and ended up becoming a key figure in the French Resistance.

In this novel, we follow Drue from her days working for Paris Modiale, broadcasting to America the truth about Germany and the war in Europe, to her arrest and internment at Vittle, a German camp for American expatriates, to her work assisting downed pilots. It is believed that she helped at least 42 American, British, and Canadian pilots escape and assisted over a hundred more Allied fliers. Drue Leyton Tartière was a true hero whose name I’m glad to now know.

I have enjoyed all of Jane Healey’s books and this one is no exception. It is clear the amount of love and research she puts into all her books. If you haven’t read them, be sure to check them out.

Thank you to the author and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. Goodnight from Paris is available now.

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I was immediately taken by this compulsively readable WWII novel based on the true story of American actress Drue Leyton, a brave woman I'd not read about before. Married to a Frenchman who joins England in the war effort (France turned him down due to health issues), she refuses to return to America and instead stays to help her adopted country survive against the Nazis.

Drue joins a radio program and begins broadcasts to America from Paris, encouraging the U.S. to support Europe in its fight for life. She infuriates Germany, which puts a price on her head, and becomes even more involved in the French Resistance, helping nearly 150 American, Canadian and British pilots and soldiers escape to freedom.

Beautifully written, meticulously researched, GOODNIGHT FROM PARIS has such heart that I cried when Drue and her compatriots suffered shattering losses, and cheered when they carried on with hope and purpose. A profoundly inspiring tale that makes you ask, "Would I have their courage?" Highly, highly recommended!

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Jane Healey has become a favorite historical fiction author. Goodnight From Paris did not disappoint. Once again I learned about more unsung women's courageous efforts to help defeat the Nazis during WWII. I never tire of these stories!

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4.5 Stars

Goodnight From Paris shares the story of how Drue Leyton, a real-life Hollywood actress, came to join the Resistance.

Thanks #NetGalley #LakeUnionPublishing #AmazonPublishing for a complimentary e ARC of #GoodNightFromParis upon my request. All opinions are my own.

Inspired by a real-life hero, Goodnight From Paris is the fictionalized story of Hollywood actress, Drue Leyton. After Jacques Tartiere and Drue marry, they live in Paris. As WWII breaks out, Jacques leaves Paris to work with the British military as a liaison. Drue determines to stay in Paris and accepts a job in radio, broadcasting programs to the United States. The broadcasts which start out with a cultural focus quickly become a tool to shake America from its apathy and to push for resistance and aide. Drue becomes more outspoken and increasingly involved with the resistance while working closely on the broadcast with Jean Fraysse.They soon come under suspicion and targets of Hitler. Will Drue run for safety and return to America or will she risk everything to fight the enemy no matter the danger?

Drue Leyton is independent. She is loyal. Drue is a caring and supportive friend. She is brave and smart. I’m celebrating Drue and other inspiring women on International Women’s Day 2023.

Some of my favorite historical fiction stories are inspired by real-life heroes. Drue led a privileged and glamorous life until her love for France compelled her to join the Resistance Movement during WWII. In her work with the Resistance, Drue shelters downed allied pilots and assists them in connecting with the network that will guide them safely out of France.

Jane Healey is a straight forward story teller. A story with one simple timeline and told from one perspective makes for a fast read. In addition, the content is well-researched and realistic and likable characters round out the captivating story. Drue’s gradual transformation from actress to working with the resistance is believable. In fact, Drue doesn’t join the Resistance until quite late in the story, but this slow-paced development contributes to her overall believability. I wonder what I would do in similar circumstances. What causes one person to make sacrifices and act bravely despite the consequences and another person to seek safety?

In addition to common themes found in WWII stories, I appreciated the themes of friendship, supportive community, grief, bravery, and sacrifice.

I loved Beantown Girls by Jane Healey and eagerly requested an ARC of Goodnight From Paris. I’m recommending Goodnight From Paris for fans of riveting WWII historical fiction and for readers who appreciate stories of strong, independent, and brave real-life women. Book clubs might also enjoy this one.

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Finished ✔️ Goodnight from Paris by Jane Healey!

5 ⭐️’s
Publish Day: March 7th, 2023
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Great historical fiction novel
Talks about loyalty and resistance
Based on a true story
Beautifully written
Brilliantly written
Well told story
Held your attention beautifully
Yes, I’d recommend it.

#DeesReading #DeesRecs #DeesBookRecommendations #BookNerds #BookNerdProblems #BookNerdsUnited #BookProblems #BookProblems101 #BookNerds #Bookworms #BookwormProblems #BooksOfFacebook #DeeTheBookReviewer #BookReviewer #NewToMeAuthor #ReadOfTheDay #BookOfTheDay #GoodnightFromParis #NetGalley #JaneHealey

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This historical fiction is based on a real person. Drue is a Hollywood actress who is living in Paris because of her marriage. Set in Paris during WWII, it is a story of resilience, resistance and bravery. I am a big fan of this author! Beautifully written and well researched.

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I have a deep love for WWII novels when they are well done, and "Goodnight from Paris" is a prime example.

This is a beautifully written story of love, bravery and defiance in the face of evil. Knowing it is based on a true story made me even more invested as I was reading, and I found myself reading this entire book in a day because I simply couldn't put it down. Drue is a spirited lead throughout the story and there are fascinating appearances of other significant historical figures who appear in Drue's interviews and her sphere of existence.

Fans of "The Nightingale", "Flight Girls" and "The Secret Stealers" will love this moving and inspiring story.

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Title: Goodnight From Paris
Author: Jane Healey
Genre: Historical Fiction

My Review:

Based on a real person's story, Goodnight from Paris is a historical fiction set in Paris during the second world war.

Drue Leyton Tartière, a Hollywood actress, leaves the United States to settle down in France with her French husband. But goes to Brittany, and Drue is left alone. She gets pulled into broadcasting radio programs for financial stability. These programs are broadcasted to the American people to give them an insight into what is happening in France. She takes starts taking risks, which makes her a liability for the Nazis. She still goes ahead and saves Allied forces in an act of courage

I love to hear about true stories of resiliency and survival. This is no exception. An American who had an option to leave a country that was in danger decides to stay back for love and fights to protect the Allied forces fits definitely that description. The book is a little slow paced, though, but once it picks up, it's an amazing book. I had to look up this amazing woman after reading this book. If you love historical fiction based on real people, this is the book for you.

Thank you, Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley, for this book in exchange for my review.

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Drue Leyton is a Hollywood film star living in Paris in 1939. Her French husband, Jacques Tartière, has been dispatched to Brittany to work as a liaison with the British army. Sick with worry for her husband and the fate of her adopted country, Drue makes the brave decision to stay in France, broadcasting radio programs to the United States in an effort to make the US aware of the situation in France.
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Then Hitler names Drue as one of the people who will be executed once the Nazis conquer France. The American ambassador in Paris advises her to flee. But Drue has other ideas.
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This book was entirely immersive. Not only was it well written and informative, I felt like I was really there in France along with Drue. The settings were so well described, as were the characters. This book has adventure, tension, feats of bravery, and a dash of romance, as well as being a celebration of found family and female friendship. I absolutely loved this book!
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And to top it off, Goodnight From Paris is inspired by the true story of American film star, Drue Leyton, who was a member of the French Resistance during WWII. Can someone please turn this book into a film?!
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Lake Union Publishing provided me with a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much @amazonpublishing and @netgalley for making this possible!

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Inspired by a true story, Hollywood actress Drue Leyton, who is married to Frenchmen Jacques Tartiere, stays in France during WWII. As an American living under her French name (Drue Tartiere), she risks everything she loves to help the French Resistance’s underground network.

Goodnight From Paris underscores the determination, courage, and risks citizens went through to help the war effort in France. Not only does the reader witness Drue’s bravery, but we also discover the countless other American and French women who Drue asks to help the movement. Very fascinating!

Jane Healey’s impeccable research truly highlights an unsung hero, especially during Women’s History Month. Please don’t forget to read the author’s note as she highlights facts from fictional liberties.

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I wanted to love this book as her previous book, The Beantown Girls was a 6 star favorite read for me and it still lives rent free in my head. However, this book just missed the mark for me. The pacing was a little off and the time jumps took me out of the story. The character work wasn't as great as it was in the Beantown Girls and I didn't find myself rooting for the character. The plot was great though and I enjoyed the radio aspect of this book. Overall if you enjoy WWII historical fiction, i think you will enjoy this slower paced book. 3 stars.

**Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced review copy. All opinions are my own.**

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Inspired by a true story, Goodnight From Paris follows Drue Leyton Tartière, an American Hollywood actress who moves to Paris with her French husband in the late 1930’s. When he’s sent off to war, Drue’s political passion is ignited - she starts hosting radio broadcasts to America telling the truth about what’s really happening, and starts working with the French Resistance.

Drue was a badass and I’m amazed I’ve never heard her story before! It’s clear Jane Healey did an incredible amount of research for this book. I’m a big fan of historical fiction books, and I love when the authors note touches on what was real vs. fiction. Never skip the authors notes friends!

“By the end of the war, Drue Leyton Tartière had overseen the escape of at least forty-two American, British, and Canadian pilots, and assisted in helping over one hundred other Allied fliers escape France via the French Resistance’s underground network.”

When the OMP Book Club hosted Jane Healey back in January of 2022 to discuss her book, The Beantown Girls, I asked her what she was working on next - she said it was about a Hollywood actress who worked in the Resistance during WWII, and I was instantly intrigued!

Thank you Jane Healey, NetGalley, and Lake Union Publishing for an eARC of Goodnight From Paris - it’s out today (3/7/23)! I highly recommend adding it your list!

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This book was very interesting how this woman was an actress from Hollywood came to marry a man named JAC QU EST ART ERE. The war came to Paris with the Germans coming in Her husband was sent off to Fight in New York. She was very lonely but she made the best of things she could D UEL Was doing really good. She was doing a radio show but that had to stop because of her opinion and Dorothy Thompson opinion on the nazis They left the powers and went to the villa and this is when things got really crazy. She worked with the resistance by bringing food and medicine into Paris. She met a German Nancy in the bar one night and he said I remember you from Hollywood Her reply was I don't know who you are I'm just a typical wo This is how these women survived they kept together they network together in the camps. They learn how to network and how to help each other They knew how to networkman from America. Her husband dies and then this thing gets really intense. She's put under constant watch and then she was taken to a prisoner war ca I knew hand she had to lie about her conditions.. This woman had a survive a lot of crazy stuff but she managed to pull it off but she lost a lot of people along the way especially our friend Jean who Who helped her and she fell in love with them. He was also killed. But the book had a lot of good interesting points in it and how she managed to keep goig on. These women had to be very strong at this time because if they were not they would just dyingThey also knew how To survive because they also network between themselves and figure out ways to keep A Oh to keep Them self alive Title says it all good night Paris it's a very interesting time in Paris

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No matter how hard or how often I tried, this book just didn't grab my attention. The pace felt slow and drawn out and the characters were hard for me to get close to. They all felt closed off and aloof.

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Yes, this is another WWII story, and another one about a real woman being heroic, so my regular readers already know that this is going to be a winner for me because it is women’s, biographical, historical fiction. Since I’d already read a couple of Healey’s novels (Beantown Girls and The Secret Stealers), and enjoyed them so much that I had her do a Countdown Questions for my blog! Obviously, all this made this a “must read” for me, and I’m so glad that I got the ARC.

Now, let’s be specific here. As I was reading this, I knew that it would get at least four stars. Somewhere in the middle of my reading, I had upped it to 4.5 stars. But it wasn’t until the very end that realized I had to push this up to five stars. So, first of all, Congratulations to Ms. Healey for my first 5/5-star review of 2023! Secondly, you have to give kudos to Healey for so subtly inserting these characters into the hearts of her readers. I mean, I really didn’t see it coming – I was practically sure that I’d finish this book without sheading a tear, but no! with the ending of this book, Healey had bought me hook, line, and sinker and there I was blubbering like a baby, starting with the last paragraphs, and into the authors notes and acknowledgements!

Now, you should know that Healey’s prose isn’t highly poetic, and in fact, is pretty straight forward. But Healey really knows how to make her characters sympathetic to her readers, even when we aren’t realizing that we’re falling for them. This is true even when, on the surface, they might be less than totally loveable. Here we have a woman – privileged in every way, shape, and form – and yet she shows her devotion and caring at every step of the way. She gives up a budding Hollywood career to marry the man she loves and move half-way across the world to be with him. She refuses to move back to the US when the war begins, and thereby gets embroiled into much more than she ever bargained for. Mind you, she does get imprisoned, but as Healey points out, she ended up in a “model” camp and so her suffering wasn’t anywhere near as harsh as what Jews and other enemies of the Nazis had to endure. Even so, she had the chance to get out, and decided to stay and fight. That’s moxie for you, and you have to admire that in anyone.

Most importantly, what you’ll get here is a new angle of things that happened during WWII in France, and how people worked to help one another – as well as how terrorized the population was by both the occupying Nazis and their collaborators. I know that we already have read dozens of books about the resistance, but sometimes the heroism isn’t about blowing things up, spreading anti-Nazi propaganda, or sabotaging the oppressors. In this case, it is about helping people stay alive, be it by distributing food that everyday people from the rural areas shared with their urban counterparts, and hiding downed allied air force soldiers until they could either escape to safety, or ultimately be rescued. These were the things that the real Drue did, and I’m glad that Healey brought her story to light. As noted above, she did make me cry, so I’m wholeheartedly recommending this novel with a full 5/5 stars!

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American film star Drue Leyton has made a home of France after marrying Jacques Tartiere. At the onset of war, her husband quickly discovers his weaken lungs prevent him from serving in the French Army and he volunteers his services as a translator with the British military. Staying loyal to her husband and new home, Drue chooses to stay in Paris when many American expatriates flee to the states.

Drue, like her husband, realizes she wants to do more for the war effort than sit at home waiting on Jacques’ letters. Given a job that initially feels somewhat beneath her, Drue works for a local radio station during the overnight hours so that she can broadcast to the United States and attempt to help Americans realize what is actually happening to France as the Nazi’s get dangerously close to the border. Her boss Jean Fraysse realizes that they must tread a fine line to be able to say what they want and remain on air.

When Paris is taken over by Germans, Drue, her maid and friend Nadine, and Jean flee to the countryside to continue the work for the unorganized French resistance who recognize a need to do what they can to take back their country, even if the US chooses not to help.

Drue Tartiere’s wartime experience is a treacherous and heartbreaking one. Her courage to stand up to the Nazi’s both in their faces at times, and in more subtle and devious ways at other times, is admirable. Her work with the underground resistance for years without being caught is almost unbelievable. The stories of individuals who made such a difference during the German occupation never cease to amaze me.

Thank you to Netgalley, Lake Union Publishing, and of course Jane Healey for the advanced copy of the book. Good Night From Paris comes out on Tuesday. All opinions are my own.

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What would you do if you were an American married to a Frenchman at the start of WWII? Would you flee back to America, while your husband is shipped off to Britain? Or would you stay, trying to be as close to your loved one as possible. Slowly doing your own good, changing the mind of fellow Americans to enter the war, and become involved in the French Resistance. Drue Layton choose the latter. Even though she had many ways to get out of the country, she chooses to stay. Good Nigh from Paris is based on the life of actress Drue Layton. A woman who made it in Hollywood and choose to step out of the limelight for love in France. Will she be able to blend in during the war, as a small-time actress. Or will her past and her telltale blond curls give her away?

Jane Healey brings to life this phenomenal woman from the past. I have never heard of Drue, but I definitely went down the google tunnel after reading this book. She was strong, charismatic, and lost so much in the war. Yet she was able to set herself aside and help others through their darkest days. This book had some sections that tended to wander and were drawn out. It does come back around. Thank you to Jane Healey, Get Red PR Books, and Amazon Publishing for putting this courageous woman on my radar.

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Another great book by Jane Healey. While fiction, this book contained well researched events and people and was hard to put down. I love reading about people, places and events in history that often get overlooked and the story of Drue Leyton Tartiere was inspiring, fascinating and heartbreaking. Jane Healey writes in such a way that you feel like you know her characters and care about their stories. I really enjoyed this book! Thanks #NetGalley #LakeUnion

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Jane Healey is one of my go to historical fiction authors and an auto read author for me and this was one of my most anticipated books of the year!

The story is a fictional account of the real life of American actress Drue Leyton that takes place in France during WW2, from October 1939 - August 1944. The story begins with Drue and her resistance work as an overnight radio broadcaster on a station that broadcasts to the United States and follows her resistance work through the war, with the occupation of France by the Germans until the liberation of France in 1944.

Drue's work as a radio broadcaster was so fascinating - the show was a persuasive broadcast to the US trying to convince the American public not to be apathetic. I loved this section and learning more about their efforts - their show was gaining interest and made a difference with Roosevelt and Congress. Drue's character is compelling and she shows so much resiliency and bravery throughout so many situations she is found in.

In the author's note, I was blown away to read that the character this is based on, Drue Peyton Tartiere is in fact a real person who was imprisoned at a zoo outside Paris, then at the Vittel internment camp with several hundred other Americans. She was a movie star that left Hollywood and became a key figure in one of the underground networks that helped pilots escape France.

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