Paris - During World War II and 2022

1940s - Jacques Duval resurrected a neglected shop in 1939, determined to make it into a place that book lovers would adore. He called the shop La Page Cachee, The Hidden Page. Jacques believed that there was magic in each book. An apartment above the business was also available, which suited Jacques just fine as he intended to ask the love of his life to marry him. He and Mathilde, a curator at a museum, were married on an ominous day - Britain and France declared war against Germany.

Despite the German invasion soon after the war starts, Jacques keeps his bookshop open, although he has to remove any books written by Jews. And then Mathilde is threatened with arrest, and flees the city. Jacques cannot leave his elderly, ill mother, so he remains, continuing to sell books to Parisians and Germans alike. One day, though, a young mother and her child come into the shop and beg him to help them from being arrested by the Nazis. His one storeroom is hidden behind one of the large bookshelves, and so starts Jacques's heroic works as he aids dozens of people fleeing from arrest.

2022 - Juliette has finally convinced her husband, Kevin, to travel to Paris, the birthplace of her grandmother. The couple have grown apart, and this vacation hasn't been the answer to save it. Juliette knows that Kevin has been cheating on her, and when he gets a phone call from the woman he's seeing, that is it for Juliette. She refuses to return to the states with him, and sets about finding herself in the City of Light. Her grandmother had left her a picture of a small square in Paris that she obviously related to. When Juliette finds the square, she also notices an empty store that was in the picture too. It's an old bookstore, long since closed. This has Juliette mulling over an idea to open her own bookstore. With help from locals, she manages to obtain the store. She calls it The Forgotten Bookshop.

THE FORGOTTEN BOOKSHOP IN PARIS is heartwarming and yet, heartbreaking, as readers learn of the travails Jacques must go through during the occupation. Juliette is discovering much about her grandmother's life, as she never wanted to discuss her past. With a growing circle of friends in Paris, Juliette is coming to terms with her own life, feeling a freedom she's never really known.

Beautifully written, and with emotionally realistic characters, readers will relish THE FORGOTTEN BOOKSHOP IN PARIS.

This is one of those books that you read, and you find yourself laughing, smiling, and crying all throughout. I don’t often read books surrounding the Holocaust and the Nazi’s campaign against anyone non-Aryian across Europe. It’s disturbing, and quite frankly, too many horrible things happen all the time that make me think we’ve forgotten our heritage as a worldwide community. However, The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris is a story that tugged at my heart and reminded me of why we have to keep remembering.

A SHORT PREVIEW:
A bookseller from the 1940s opens a bookshop and marries the love of his life right before the German occupation takes over France. When the Germans settle in Paris, Jacques and Mathilde become unlikely heroes in the Resistance, although their paths tear them apart.
Fast forward to the future, Juliette has decided to explore her French heritage and searches far and wide for the streets in a painting her grandmother once kept. Once she finds it, she decides to honor the place's memory by reopening a bookshop in honor of what was. As Juliette falls further into her life in Paris, past secrets begin to slowly unravel – leading to shocking discoveries and connections within her new life in Paris.

THOUGHTS:
- As a whole, I loved the alternating timeline and how the stories connected. Sometimes it’s hard to imagine that there are still places and secrets of the past being discovered? The world is so connected, and everyone is always documenting everything.. stories like this one remind us of the wonders we’re still yet to find. There is magic in the mystery of the world.
- The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris also highlights the absolute heart-wrenching feeling of letting someone you love go so they can do what they must. As the daughter of a retired military officer, that’s a feeling I know well. You want so badly to keep your loved ones home and safe, but someone must fight against tyranny, terr0rism, and gen0cide.

CHARACTER BUILDING:
I think what I loved most about this story is that, for me the main focus was on one simple man. A simple man of simple wants and means. He wanted to open a bookshop to do what he loved, love his wife and have a happy family. Life didn’t give him those options, so instead, he became a hero. I think we’d all like to say that we could become the hero, but in watching Jacques's transformation through the pages, I know that it takes great courage to do what people did in scheming, fighting, and standing up for what was right.

HISTORICAL NOTES:
During WWII, France was under German occupation, and many did lose their lives fighting in the Resistance. Along with the genocide of the Jews, there were many other persecuted groups, including disabled people, British people (or any political opponents), Jehovah’s Witnesses etc. The Nazi persecution was swift and brutal, so through stories like this, we keep alive the memories that will keep us from repeating the past.

FAVORITE QUOTE:
“Think about it, Emily. I’ve lived a whole life and now I’ve been given the chance of another. Isn’t that just extraordinary?” – I think what I loved so much about this book is that while everything is wrapped up neatly in the end, we’re reminded that life is too sacred to waste on not taking chances and reaching out to grab hold of happiness when we can.

NOTES:
- There is to date no historical evidence of a bookshop having a secret room but there are other examples where people have been hidden.
- Alternating timeline
- A somewhat happy ending. (I wouldn’t call this a happy ever after ending because I think that would be disrespectful to the historical facts etc.)
- TWs: As with any book detailing war in general and WWII more specifically, heavy topics are discussed. Be cautious 🖤

**I received this book as an advanced reader copy, but all reviews are my own. - SLR

The alternating perspectives added so much to the story, making me more and more eager to find the missing link tying these seemingly different stories together. Jacques’ perspective is set during the beginning of the German occupation in Paris, a different time period than most books set in Paris during World War II fiction novels I have read. Since the time period differs from what I am most used to, it stood out immediately, but the writing and drama that unfolds took my breath away. While one perspective focused on Juliette, who decided to make a life for herself in Paris after the collapse of her marriage, I craved the story of Jacques, his bookstore, and his courage. Both of these people look large leaps that could end in peril, but decided for themselves this is what they were meant to do. I loved the ending, as Juliette’s grandmother's identity wasn’t given away until the very last second. I hope others read this book and realize what a masterpiece it is.

Publisher’s description: Paris, 1940: War is closing in on the city of love. With his wife forced into hiding, Jacques must stand by and watch as the Nazis take away everything he holds dear. Everything except his last beacon of hope: his beloved bookshop, La Page Cachée.

But when a young woman and her child knock on his door one night and beg for refuge, he knows his only option is to risk it all once more to save a life…

Modern day: Juliette and her husband have finally made it to France on the romantic getaway of her dreams – but as the days pass, all she discovers is quite how far they’ve grown apart. She’s craving a new adventure, so when she happens across a tiny, abandoned shop with a for-sale sign in the window, it feels fated.

And she’s about to learn that the forgotten bookshop hides a lot more than meets the eye.

**************************************************
My review: The story is told in two time periods-1940’s occupied Paris and 2022 modern Paris. I was immediately drawn into the wartime story. Jacques and Mathilde and their peers were brave, brilliant and amazing. My guesses about what would happen and how their actions tied into the 2022 story were like a roller coaster. I was holding my breath because I knew what was coming but wasn’t sure how it would play out and come together.

Modern day Juliette’s story took a bit longer to get into but once her intuition and determination take hold I was hooked. Wood writes realistically about Juliette and her modern day marriage woes and heartbreakingly about Jacques and his marriage. Being separated from one you love and having no way to communicate? That is something in this day, we can’t imagine. My heart hurt for Jacques while I silently cheered his bravery during this dark period in history.

5 stars absolutely! Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for access to this ebook in exchange for my honest review.

THE FORGOTTEN BOOKSHOP IN PARIS is extremely addictive, intriguing and emotional. It is 1940 in France during the Nazi occupation. Jacques, owner of a bookshop, La Page Cachee, is risking his life saving poor souls in need of protective shelter. Jacques' wife is forced into hiding, and they make a promise when the war is over they will meet again. What does the future hold?

It's present day, and Juliette is yearning for adventure in Paris. Her and her husband have grown apart, so the timing is right to move to France. Juliette wants to get back to her roots and do research about her relatives. By happenstance, she discovers an abandoned building on a walkabout, that looks really similar to a painting hanging in her beloved Grandma's house. Upon further investigation, Juliette learns it once was a bookshop. Juliette's dreams have come true. She loves books and to own her own store would be heaven! While renovating the derelict gem, with the help from a handsome male friend, they discover something fascinating that holds a key to her past. What do they find?

Oh my gosh, if you are looking for a captivating historical read with a splash of romance, let it be this book! THE FORGOTTEN BOOKSHOP IN PARIS is so riveting and provocative, it's unputdownable! The story is emotionally gripping, a little bit romantic, very absorbing and more! The story stars many colorful characters, plus true facts depicting the horrors of war and the sad conditions many faced. Many lost their homes, their lives and their hope for a better future.

This story perfectly portrays the startling conditions of many during the Nazi occupation and the horrors they faced. Although, many brave souls fled the country and made it safely abroad. Jacques and his wife did their part to help as many people as they could. Juliette discovers some fascinating things about her heritage and quite possibly romance too! Ms. Wood does a lovely job creating a story that tells about compassionate people in the world and how they risked their life to save others. The book is absolutely, positively fabulous!

Thanks to NetGalley for access to an advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Daisy Wood is back with another riveting WWII story, this time with Paris in the starring role, in The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris. With a duel timeline between the 1940s and 2022, you are swept away to a quaint, off the tourist track area of Paris where one can hide and possibly forgotten.

Paris 1940: Jacques has married the love of his life, Mathilde and operates a small bookshop he calls The Hidden Page. When Germany invades Paris and government officials roll over and give up their power, Mathilde is outraged and vows to do what she can to fight back. Jacques and Mathilde take the approach to each other’s day-to-day work of don’t ask, don’t tell, so he doesn’t know the level that her resistance has reached until she leaves Paris with the help of some of the other players in the resistance organization. Jacques has asked his best friend to help him build an inconspicuous hidden room in his bookshop and he begins to take a more active part in helping those who are on the wrong end of the Nazis’ radar.

Paris 2022: After discovering the area of Paris that was in a painting her grandmother had and then catching on that her husband was having an affair with the neighbor across the street, Juliette decides to stay in Paris a few months to explore where her grandmother grew up. Along the way, she meets new friends and finds a closed up store for lease. With the idea of opening an English speaking bookstore, Juliette finds purpose in a possible reboot of her life. Upon speaking to the grandmother of one of her new friends, she finds a connection to her bookstore and a previous owner of the huddling during WWII.

Seeing the bravery develop in Jacques and the determination of Juliette as she stays in Paris to discover her second act, Wood brings the story full circle by the satisfying conclusion of the book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins 360 for the advanced copy. Opinions expressed are my own. This book is set for publication on March 6, 2023.

#netgalley #arc #daisywood #theforgottenbookshopinparis #harpercollins360

Lovely WWII historical fiction which has memorable characters and a well written plot which engages the reader from the get go. Easy recommendation for the book club this spring.

I was initially drawn to this book my some of my favorite things to read about - WWII, PARIS, and a BOOKSHOP. This was a very enjoyable dual timeline story that turned out to be a fairly quick read. Just lovely! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader's copy of this book exchange for an honest review

3.75 (rounded up to 4) - There are a lot of appealing subjects in this book for me: WWII, Paris, and a bookshop. Needless to say, I was instantly drawn in by the cover and title.

Following a duel timeline, the story is set in both 1940s and modern-day France. During the war, we see Jacques and Mathilde's story. While Mathilde seeks safety in the country, Jacques uses his bookshop, La Page Cachée, as a front to hide not only banned books but also refugees. In 2022, the bookshop is rediscovered by Juliette while on vacation in Paris. As she renovates it, she uncovers its past.

Though I typically enjoy duel timelines, the WWII plotline was strong and good enough not to need the modern-day addition. I found myself hurrying through Juliette's part of the story so I could get back to Jacques and Mathilde's. Having to jump back and forth made the book drag in places. Otherwise, the writing was strong and engaging, even if I didn't particularly like certain bits and pieces of the story.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper360/Avon for providing a free digital ARC of this book to read and review.

A dual time period book which is quite interesting! The story takes place in the 1940’s during the war in Paris. A couple is afraid of what may be lost including life and their beloved bookshop. Then it switches to modern day where Juliette comes across the little store with a for sale sign. She isn’t in the best relationship with her husband and decides to stay in Paris and buy the bookshop. What secrets and interesting things will she find in that old shop? Great read!

Oh my goodness! This is such a good read. I love how Author Daisy Wood wove the storyline of the past and the present together for this book. These characters are wonderful, each well defined. Wonderful historical fiction book. This book has it all, suspense, trials, righting of wrongs, romance, friendships. Very heartwarming read. I was given this advanced reader copy by NetGalley and am freely leaving my review.

dual story line about a couple during World War 11 who lost their book shop, and fast forward to the couple who buy it. really good story.

This was stunning! The plot was well-paced and captivating from start to finish. The characters were well-developed; complex, and intriguing. I highly recommend this beautiful telling of the power of friendship and love. Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.

A non-linear book taking place during World War II in Paris, France and current day. The connection between current day and WWII is the Forgotten bookshop. WWII story follows the owner of the bookshop, Jacques and his wife Mathelide , as they resist the German occupation. The current day story follows Juliette as her marriage crumbles and she starts her life over in Paris. Juliette feels a connection to Paris do to her grandmother being Parisian. Juliette finds a store and is determined to open The Forgotten Bookshop.

I enjoyed the book, both stories and felt the author did a good job of connecting the 2 stories.

***The Forgotten Bookshop explores secrets of the WWII Paris resistance by a couple who ran a bookstore and the present day American who buys it. While not the fastest moving or most exciting story using this trope, the author does a good job describing the horrors of Nazi rule on the French population. Who was trustworthy? This reader was less interested in the present day story and the connections between past and present were almost anti-climatic when finally revealed. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley.

A wonderful historical novel for those readers who have enjoyed books by authors similar to Kate Quinn.. Set in two time periods (WWII and the present), this little Forgotten Bookshop in Paris will connect the main two characters and their love for the little shop. The reader will meet the character from the past and what he needed do to survive and keep the people around him safe.. In the present, the main character is going thru a life change and in finding the book store, she will discover who she is and what is important to her. A good read and I highly recommend.