From the time I read the first page of “Good Night from Paris” I gladly slipped back into the 20th century as often as possible. I was transported in time and place to 1940s France. I longed to sit at a cafe in the heart of beautiful Paris. I was truly fascinated by the story of newlywed Drue Leyton, an aspiring American actress, who was spending her honeymoon in the homeland of her husband. And then, World War II changed everything. Jane Healey develops her characters so fully that it was easy to understand Drue’s unanticipated commitment to saving her adopted country while she waited for the return of her husband. The novel explores how ordinary people - friends, acquaintances, and strangers bind together in common purpose in the face if aggression, trading personal safety for the greater good.
In “Good Night from Paris” Jane has achieved achieved a tension level not found in previous novels. I cannot tell you how many nights l would reach a very late hour of reading and then decide - just one more chapter!
There are enduring lessons in this tale. Aggression continues if unchecked. Each of us has choices. All of us need support. We are braver than we realize.
This book is one that will capture you!

'Goodnight from Paris' is a fictional account or Drue Leyton Tartiere's life during World War II in France. A successful American actor, Drue falls in love with Jacques Tartiere and she also falls in love with his home country, France. When the war comes to France, both Jacques and Drue discover their desire to help the cause. World War II historical fiction is my favorite genre and I have never read anything about Drue Leyton before. I found her story to be inspiring and the author obviously did research on events. The characters were fully created and sympathetic. I enjoyed the various relationships explored but felt the dialogue was a bit stiff at times. The threat of Germany and German sympathizers was real and palpable in the book. I give 'Goodnight from Paris' 4 stars for character depth, interesting portrayal of Drue, and fluid pacing.

Long story short, I couldn't put this down. I was utterly absorbed by Drue Leyton Tartière and her life in Paris before and throughout World War II. (I'd never heard of her before this, and I can't wait to learn more about her!) Even though Healey's by no means sugar-coated the story, Goodnight in Paris overall left me feeling heartened. Days after finishing, I remain inspired by Drue's genuine patriotism, compassion, and commitment to facing down evil no matter the cost.

If you liked Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale, I fully recommend adding this to your list.

Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I was provided an eBook by Net Galley in return for an honest review. I enjoy reading historical fiction books about women of World War II. Goodnight from Paris by Jane Healey fit the bill perfectly. The author chose to focus on the American actress, Drue Leyton Tartiere’s life in France before and after the Nazi’s invaded. The story includes the true once-in-a-lifetime love of her husband Jacque Tartiere. This enduring love led her to stay in France despite the dangers. She fights for France throughout the war, but her first effort was to be the voice of a radio program designed to create American sympathy and assistance for France. The story focuses also on Drue’s found family and the efforts they made to keep each other safe while contributing to the Resistance. I found the book to be consistently engaging. Drue Leyton Tartiere accomplished much during this perilous period of her life. I was unfamiliar with her story, but I am so thankful that the author captured it for us to read, learn, and come to love Drue through her brave efforts. I highly recommend the novel.

Goodnight from Paris by Jane Healey is an excellent WWII-era historical fiction that places a splotlight on the fascinating real-life heroine Drue Drue Leyton Tartière.

I knew nothing about this fabulous and heroic woman before reading this novel. I loved learning about her life, her passion, her selfless acts, and her work with radio during WWII in France.

The writing was engaging, free-flowing, and wonderfully presented. I researched so much more about Drue after finishing, and the author’s note at the end helped give reference for what characters/events were inspirations vs real-life.

I just loved this. Another great book by Ms. Healey.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Lake Union Publishing for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 3/7/23.

I just finished Goodnight From Paris by Jane Healey and it was wonderful. I have loved all her books this far and this is no exception. I was completely engrossed in the story and felt all the anxiety in the dangerous situations Drue and her friends put themselves in! Jane Healey is as great storyteller and this book will have you on the edge of your seat the entire time!
This is not another WWII story, it is about the strength of women who did their part to save as many people as they could during the war. Drue is an inspiration.
I just wish there was more to the ending. It felt very abrupt, but maybe I was hoping for the “perfect” ending (which is probably not very realistic). This was still a great book overall. I highly recommend it.

Goodnight from Paris by Jane Healey is a powerful read. If you love reading historical novels like I do, this book is a must. Based on real facts this novel explains what a person will do for the love of their country. Drue, an American actress falls in love with a Frenchmen while living in Paris. He becomes a liasion for the British military, Drue is determined to due her part for the French resistance. She becomes a radio broadcaster to let the Americans know what the French are suffering because of their living conditions due to the Nazis. After losing her husband during the war, she falls for Jean who is also under suspicion and both are face threats of execution. Read how Drue's life is changed by her actions. Her bravery to risk everything for the love of her adopted country. Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this novel prior to its publication date.

Okay, okay, yes it's another historical fiction novel set in WWII France but wow, is it so worth the read! What an incredible story. I did not know who Drue Leyton Tartiére was before reading this novel and now I am so glad I do.

Goodnight From Paris tells the story of the real Drue Leyton and her journey as an expatriate member of the French Resistance. This novel is so compelling in story and style and I appreciated learning a new piece of history through great storytelling. (Note that while many details and some characters were imagined, the story overall is true.)

I love that this novel focuses on Drue's bravery, patriotism, and sense of purpose. She is a full character because she was a full person. Yes, love and relationships are plot points, but the author was able to depict Drue's love in a way that strengthed her as her own character, rather than as someone else's wife.

I would highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves a good historical fiction war novel with strong feminist characters!

Bonus surprise: there is an appearance from Sylvia Beach, owner of the iconic Shakespeare & Company bookstore!

I’m a historical fiction junkie and this book delivered. The story was rich and it was incredible to read about Drue’s journey.

GOODNIGHT FROM PARIS is a lovely historical novel that does a fantastic job of immersing the reader in the storyline.

Before reading this, I did not know anything about Drue Leyton. I really enjoyed learning more about her through this well-written novel. Based on the description, I thought the story would focus on the radio show. However, there was much more to the narrative, and the author explores how the war impacted Drue and others in and around Paris. The setting is rendered perfectly, and the historical details flesh out the scenes.

Ultimately, the sweep of the novel feels epic and many years in Drue's life are covered. She becomes quite well known to the reader.

Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction.

The premise of this book was inspired by the true story of Drue Leyton, an American actress living in Paris. Soon after marrying, Drue's husband starts working for the military in France. Drue is given a chance to work for a radio station in France or return to America and star in a film. She chooses to stay in France and takes the radio job so she be near her husband. She thrives in this new role. This is just the start of an amazing life.

Drue's bravery, selflessness and perseverance was inspiring and fascinating to read about. This woman overcame major losses and yet continued helping others during the time the Nazi's occupied France. She became involved the The Resistance and while her own life was at stake many times, she continued to help so many.

The whole time I was reading this book, I could picture it all, which is a true sign of a great author. I really enjoyed the notes at the end and learning even more about the life if Drue Leyton Tartiere. I absolutely loved this novel and can’t recommend it enough. This is a must read!!!

I so appreciate getting to read this book early, thank you NetGalley!

Former Hollywood American movie star Drue Leyton is living her dream come true in Paris in 1939. She is married to the love of her life, she lives in a charming apartment in a picturesque neighborhood in Paris. She has it all. But as the war in Europe begins and France fears the Germans will rage war with them, her husband joins up to defend his country and is shipped off to Brittany, leaving Drue alone. She is offered a spot to host an American broadcast via the Paris Mondiale program and to occupy her time away from her husband, Drue takes.

Fueled by the anger, hurt and fear of the pending invasion by the Germans, as Drue begins her broadcasting each one becomes more bold then the last. Before she knows it, the Nazi’s have her on their radar and make it clear when they get to France, she is to be done away with.

The novel follows the events of Drue’s life as she chose to stay in Occupied France during the war, working with The Resistance and shows the bravery, courage, selflessness and dedication to France; despite knowing she could very well die or sent to a camp if she’s discovered.

I truly adored and loved this novel. Jane Healey has a profound and excellent way with her words and she is so good at making it easy to envision the story and truly bring the story to life page after page. Healey had me emotionally invested from page 1 to the very end. This is a must read for WW2 and Historical Fiction fans.

Such a good read with so much tension ever increasing with the plot!! I have been very impressed, saddened, angered, moved, amazed by Drue's life! To think about all that led her to resistance activities might seem unbelievable but all events are true ! The author has done a terrific job in researching about her life and personality. Jane Healey created a convincing and fascinating Drue all the while remaining faithful to what is known about her. Highly recommended !
I received a complimentary ARC of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.

“Goodnight from Paris” is a historical fiction book by Jane Healey loosely based upon Drue Leyton’s WWII activities in France. Ms. Leyton’s name may not be familiar to many, but for some old movie buffs they’ll recognize her name from a number of Charlie Chan movies (I didn't recognize her name, but upon seeing a still, recognized her face and hair). What I enjoyed about this book was learning more about the “free France” movement. Ms. Healey did a wonderful job tying together Ms. Leyton’s story - from turning her back on Hollywood, to marrying a Frenchman, joining a radio station, being an enemy of the Nazi party, being a POW due to being an American, and still working to help France (and America) defeat the Nazis. This was a very informative read (and I wish someone would update Ms. Leyton’s Wiki page - I didn’t know, for instance, that she had a child) and I so enjoyed learning more about Ms. Leyton’s work. A solid book that held my attention. Do read Ms. Healey’s Author’s Note at the end of the book for her sources and more information.

Goodnight from Paris
By: Jane Healey
5

Paris, 1939. Drue Leyton is living in Paris with her French husband Jacques Tartiere. She is a Hollywood actress who is living in France as the Nazis invade Europe. Her husband is sent to Brittany to work as a liaison for the British military. They were newly married when he went off to Brittany and she is left with housekeeper.

Drue accepts this opportunity to broadcasts radio programs to the United States. She works with Jean Fraysse. During her time Drue wants to get more political and let the Americans know what is truly going on in Europe and Paris and not do “fluff” piece. In one interview she talks with journalist Dorothy Thompson, another outspoken women and their broadcast gets the attention of a powerful person in the US.

As Drue continues to push the boundaries, Hitler marks her for assassination. Can Drue and Jean remain safe? They end up moving their broadcast to another location and start up a farm to acquire food, which is scare during the war. Living on the farm, Drue starts a new adventure where she feels she is needed.

I adored this novel from the beginning until the end. I could even see a sequel on the main character. Healey always draws me in emotionally and I am always invested in her character. A story of love, loss and resilience of this character based on a real life actress. I enjoyed the author notes as well.

I loved the use of World War 2 and the use of Hollywood actresses. It was a great plot and I was invested in what was going on and loved the reading experience. The characters were what I was hoping for and worked in this time-period. Jane Healey has a great writing style and I was invested in their writing style.

"I thought back on my former life in Hollywood—the way I had competed with other actresses for roles, how I would obsess about press coverage and film reviews; things that were so important to me back then seemed so trivial now. My new life began the day I met Jacques Tartière. And now I had plans of my own as I awaited his return."