I found this to be an unique and original story considering the amount of WWII historical fiction books published. The author, James Tucker, did an excellent job with the plotting and characters in this story. The writing flowed well, and I found it to be a compelling story. I think the narration helped to give it a much deeper edge to the story. I can't wait to read more from this author. I recommend this audio book to the history/historical fiction readers.

Thank you Net Galley ARC, Brilliance Publishing, and James Tucker

The Paris Escape is a thrilling and emotionally resonant historical fiction novel that blends espionage, romance, and suspense with a rich, atmospheric setting. James Tucker’s portrayal of Nazi-occupied Paris is immersive, and the story’s well-developed characters and emotional depth elevate it beyond the typical wartime thriller. With fast-paced action, unexpected twists, and a compelling hero, this novel will appeal to fans of historical espionage fiction and anyone looking for an engaging, high-stakes read.

What sets The Paris Escape apart from other historical thrillers is its focus on the human element. While there are plenty of action scenes and twists, the novel also delves into the emotional toll of espionage. Max’s personal struggles, his internal conflicts about duty, and his growing feelings for those around him add layers to the story, making it more than just a simple action-packed narrative. The romance subplot adds an additional layer of complexity, heightening the emotional stakes of the mission.

The novel’s pacing is quick, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Max races against time. There are several unexpected twists that keep the plot fresh, and the conclusion is both satisfying and thought-provoking, leaving readers to reflect on the true costs of war and the sacrifices made by those involved in secret operations.
Huge thank you to James Tucker, NetGalley, and Brilliance Publishing for this advanced copy.

I have read MANY fiction books set during WWII. This one is by and far the most unique! We follow the heiress to an American arms dealer, her chaperone, and a Jewish orphan. The heiress is is on a ship bound for Paris, with the hope of experiencing singing in cafes and clubs in Europe before she has to return to the US to marry and "settle down." Her chaperone, an employee of her father's company is a man hoping to gain influence. They meet the orphan stowaway on ship and instantly form a connection with him.

I enjoyed this book immensely! The first half dragged on a bit, but the last flew by as the characters decided to extend their stay in Paris, then got caught up in the Nazi occupation. While I have read many accounts and fictional representations of what it was like to be a spy, a soldier, or a Jewish person during WWII, this was the first I have read about being an (sort of)average person living in France during the first stages of war and the occupation.

I liked The Paris Escape, but I didn't love it. The story was original and touching but not altogether plausible (a young Jewish boy successfully stows away and crosses the Atlantic twice and then gets taken in by an American heiress and her . . . male chaperone)?! And while it did, indeed, eventually chronicle an escape from Paris, it left the story unfinished with much of the war still to endure. I assume the author plans or has written a sequel, but that's not made explicitly clear. I never came close to giving up on the story, but I did find myself rolling my eyes frequently.

Good historical fiction. I think it’s difficult to write a compelling WWII story that hasn’t already been told. This was a good plot with good characters, although I wish some had been fleshed out a bit more. 3.5 stars bumped to 4 because of the excellent narration.

Thank you to NetGalley for my review copy.

This book related the story of a woman, her escort and a kid that come together at the beginning of WWII. For me, it is a different story since I have mostly read books about people during the war.
However, it felt like a very long build up to the main events that unravel in the last quarter of the book. I would have enjoyed much more for it to take most of the book.

It is incredibly rare for me to not like a book, but this was my least favorite read out of the entire year. I have read so many different historical fiction books, especially ones set during WW2, but this one doesn't deserve to be categorized as a historical fiction. Yes, it was set during WW2. Yes, it featured a Jewish boy. But really, it was just an American couple playing house and playing at being a spy. Some of the stereotypes were just disgusting. One of the minor characters was depicted as overweight, but this was described repeatedly in detail as being disgusting. Another minor character spewed terrible things about Jews. I realize that this was the worldview of many people during this time, but it felt grotesquely uncalled for and incredibly insensitive. Every time that the main couple in the story said that they "were in love," I had to laugh. What they were in love with was each other's bodies. It was lust, not love. They went from hating each other to being in love ridiculously fast. If I had had literally any other audiobook to listen to while I did my daily tasks, I would have DNFed this book.

--I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.--

Lauren and Henry travel together to Paris Lauren bring wealth and Henry bring employed by Lauren father and chaperoning this trip meet David a young boy who is a German Jew refugee. When they arrive at Paris David finds them and Lauren and Henry bring him along in their journey. When hitler invades Paris they run away to escape as Henry work and David status invites Germans at their door but do they really escape in time


Thanks NetGalley for the advance readers copy in audiobook form.

This book was okay how ever you could tell a man wrote it. Also found it predictable and uneventful.

I love historical fiction, so it’s no surprise that I enjoyed this one.
Although Hitler is featured in this, there is another side that shows tenderness, caring, and maybe even love in one of the most difficult periods in time.

Laura is from a wealthy family, but she has some ideas that she wants to try, and no fears that a war is coming.

David works for her father, and does not have a lot of money,or fame. But, he is enlisted to protect Laura.

They do not care for each other…at all.

As they are traveling, they meet up with David. He’s a young, smart Jewish boy who’s traveling on the train with them. His parents were both killed by Hitler’s men, and unfortunately, he’s witnessed things that no young boy should ever have to.

The two grow close to David and vow to protect him…and then, everything changes…

This is a beautiful yet heartbreaking story of friendship, love and camaraderie during wartime in France.

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #BrilliancePublishing, #BrillianceAudio for an ARC of the audiobook which is due to be released in about a week…on 10/29/24!

#TheParisEscape by #JamesTucker and narrated beautifully by #CarolineHewitt.

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!

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Many thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review. Caroline Hewitt does a fantastic job narrating this story! I highly recommend the audiobook!!!

Its 1938 and Laura Powell is an heiress who is on her way to Paris for 3 months with Henry Salter, her chaperone Henry is her father's best salesmen for his armaments company. Once Laura returns to Minneapolis, it is agreed that she will find a suitable husband and marry well. Henry is a chaperone only and not of the correct status for Laura, as her parents have informed her. On the ship to France, they encounter a dusty little stowaway boy who has sticky fingers and an impressive knowledge of jewelry, courtesy of his jewish father. The setting is the impending siege of Paris by Germany and WWII.

Listening to this story was similar to watching one of the fantastic Cary Grant movies. The story setting is perfectly matched to the time period, and the characters are very lovable. I enjoyed listening to the relationships develop between the characters. The pacing is also very good. Overall a very enjoyable read!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an audio copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. While I am glad to have listened to this story, I was hoping that the plotline would pick up speed all the way until the end; the whole book moved a little too slowly for me. I was hoping for more chemistry between the main characters throughout, as well.