Thank you to Kristin Harmel, Gallery Books, and NetGalley for an advanced reader's copy of this stunning book!

This story is told in varying chapters between past and present with the past being France during the initial stages of the Holocaust and the present being now. While one might argue, "oh, another Holocaust book" it goes unsaid that this one is another tale from the Holocaust that has to be heard.

Colette Marceau is a jewel thief; she has been a jewel thief for her entire life. As a kid growing up in Paris, her mother taught her how to steal jewels from the bad in order to help the good. An every day Robin Hood. Colette and her mother were living in Paris, during the start of the Holocaust, and they would steal jewelry from Nazis or Nazi supporters in order to help fund the underground (the same underground movement that helped Jews and other marginalized groups get to safety). One night, Colette loses everything due to a small error her mother makes while stealing two prized bracelets from a Nazi sympathizer. She loses her mother, her younger sister, and her father. One thing she was left with, though, was half of that prized bracelet that her mother risked her life to steal. The other half of that bracelet vanishes into thin air, never to be seen again.

And, yet, years later Colette is in her 80s when the bracelet suddenly reappears in a museum collection leaving Colette stunned to see it. It also leaves her begging to understand how it came to be in the museum because its history is so closely tied with the tragic ending of her family.

I absolutely loved this book. In another life, perhaps I'd have been a jewel thief! I have always been intrigued by this activity (think the Ocean's Eleven series, for example). While this book is a work of fiction, I love the idea that there would be people out there risking their lives to help fund the underground movement that supported the marginalized community.

I also found this book to have quite a bit of intrigue and mystery. I could NOT put it down.

Overall, despite being "another book" based on the Holocaust, I like that this one tells another perspective.

Kristin Harmel has crafted something truly extraordinary in The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau—a novel that proves there's still fresh ground to explore in WWII fiction. This isn't just another wartime story; it's a breathtaking blend of historical drama, mystery, and family saga centered around Colette, a jewel thief whose lineage traces back to Robin Hood himself. When a diamond bracelet surfaces in a Boston museum decades later, it unlocks memories Colette has spent a lifetime burying, forcing her to confront the night she lost everything: her mother to the Nazis and her four-year-old sister Liliane to a tragedy that has haunted her for seventy years. The premise alone is irresistible, but Harmel's execution elevates it into something unforgettable.

The dual timeline structure works brilliantly, seamlessly weaving between 1942 occupied France and present-day America as we witness both young Colette learning the art of stealing for the French Resistance and the elderly woman she's become—still sharp, still determined, still carrying the weight of survivor's guilt. Harmel handles the historical elements with remarkable skill, making the wartime setting feel authentic and lived-in while never losing sight of the deeply personal story at its heart. What makes this book so compelling is how it transforms the familiar Robin Hood legend into something entirely new: a family tradition of redistribution that becomes an act of resistance, survival, and ultimately, healing.

The character development is exceptional, particularly in how Harmel presents Colette as both a vulnerable young girl and a formidable elderly woman whose quest for answers drives the entire narrative. The mystery surrounding the bracelet and Liliane's fate kept me completely absorbed, turning pages late into the night because I simply couldn't put it down. While the ending ties up perhaps a few too many threads in neat bows, the emotional journey is so satisfying that any minor contrivances are easily forgiven. This is Harmel at her finest—a master storyteller who understands that the best historical fiction doesn't just teach us about the past, but reminds us of the extraordinary resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of love and hope even in the darkest times.

I am always excited for a new Kristin Harmel book, and this time was no exception! Colette Marceau is one of my all-time favorite characters, and I wish I could go back and read this book for the first time!

As usual, Kristin’s writing is beautiful, the book is impeccably researched, and the story is fascinating.

I would highly recommend this historical fiction novel to all!

This book! It was definitely a 5 star read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I haven’t read a historical fiction that I’ve loved in a long time. This is a beautiful book, wonderful character development, it’s mysterious, it was hopeful, very emotional with dual timelines. I would say it’s a medium paced book. This beauty releases next week and I highly recommend it.

Thank you NetGalley and Gallery books for providing me with an arc in exchange for my honest review

Colette Marceau is an accomplished jewel thief—trained by the best: her mother, Annabel. The women descend from a long line of thieves going back to none other than Robin Hood himself. Like their legendary ancestor, they steal from the greedy and cruel to “redistribute” wealth to those in need.

When Hitler takes over France, the mother-daughter duo joins the French Resistance, using their skills to help innocent Jews escape the death camps. But one theft changes everything. Annabel makes it personal, stealing an exquisite diamond bracelet taken from a friend by a high-ranking Nazi. The bracelet, part of a matching pair, brings the wrath of the German military straight to their doorstep, altering the course of their lives—and stealing the future Colette might have had in a single night.

Decades later, now in her nineties, the bracelet resurfaces, unearthing old wounds and long-buried memories Colette has spent a lifetime suppressing. As she traces the provenance of the unique piece of jewelry, she is forced to confront the ghosts of her past and decide whether she can finally make peace with her story.

Once again, Kristin Harmel proves herself a masterful storyteller. If you think you’re tired of WWII novels—think again. Colette and the unforgettable cast of characters around her will “steal” your heart. Do not miss this one, s’il vous plaît!

Thank you to NetGalley, Gallery Books, and of course the author Kristin Harmel for the advanced copy of the book. The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau is out on June 17th. All opinions are my own.

This is a masterpiece! Once again, Kristin Harmel delivers a heartfelt and engaging adventure. Across dual timelines, the character development, interweaving of stories, twists, and turns are thrilling. I couldn't wait to pick up this book each day and am still sad to have finished it. Brava! Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review.

Wow, what a great story! This one really kept the pages turning. Colette was a child in Paris when she lost her mother. Her father abandoned her and she thinks that she was responsible for her sister's death. Now she is in her 90s in America when she sees a bracelet that brings memories of her childhood. Where has the bracelet been all these years and who had it? All these questions drive Colette.
This story is told in two timelines, one in the past and one present. We see what happened in the past and the resilience of Colette to make a new life in America. She has always grieved her mother and sister. Colette has always wanted to know what happened to her sister. This may be her last chance to find out everything. This book is for anyone who likes historical fiction or just wants to give it a try. I would highly recommend this book!

Thank you to #NetGalley, #KristinHarmel and #GalleryBooks for a copy of this book.
#TheStolenLifeofColetteMarceau

It's a story of love, family, secrets, perseverance, friendship, hardship and so much more!! Loved the dual timeline, beautifully written.
I was so grateful to be an ARC reader for this book.
Thank you Kristin Harmel, Net Galley and Gallery Books for the arc. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

This is an exquisite dual-timeline work of historical fiction. We jump back and forth between Paris during World War II and the Boston area in 2018. While the story covers the mystery behind a previously missing bracelet, it also examines the gray area of doing something wrong for a just cause. Colette may be a jewel thief, yet you will root for her 100%.

It is clear from this book that Kristin Harmel is an expert at historical fiction. This was my first book by her, but I doubt it will be my last.

Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Can Kristin Harmel write a story or what? I love her books but for some reason, The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau didn't hit the mark for me. It's ok, we can't love them all!

Thank you Netgalley & Gallery Books for an eARC ♥️♥️♥️♥️


There are books that entertain you, books that make you think, and then there are rare, shining stories like *The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau* that do something even more precious—they remind you of the incredible resilience of the human spirit, and how love can endure even in the darkest of times. Kristin Harmel has woven something truly special here: a tale that feels like a whispered secret, passed from heart to heart, leaving you both achingly tender and profoundly uplifted.
At its core, this is a story about the extraordinary lengths we go to for those we love. Colette Marceau isn’t just a thief; she’s a daughter, a sister, a woman whose life has been shaped by the quiet heroism of everyday people in impossible circumstances. The way she inherits her mother’s mission—stealing not for greed, but to protect, to provide, to *resist*—will make your heart swell. It’s impossible not to root for her, not to feel every triumph and heartbreak as if it were your own.
The dual timelines are stitched together with such care, moving between the terror and hope of 1942 France and the bittersweet reflections of Colette’s later years. When that lost bracelet resurfaces, it’s not just a mystery—it’s a spark of long-buried hope, a chance for healing that had seemed lost forever. Harmel writes these moments with such gentleness and grace, letting the warmth of memory soften even the hardest truths.
What stayed with me most was the tenderness in the small details—the way Colette’s mother taught her to steal with a purpose, the fierce love between sisters, the quiet acts of kindness that became acts of rebellion. Even in the shadow of war, there’s light here: the unbreakable bonds of family, the courage of ordinary people, and the idea that no act of love, no matter how small, is ever wasted. 💔
By the end, I wasn’t just moved; I was *changed*. This book is a testament to the idea that even when life takes from us, we can choose to give back—to turn our pain into something beautiful.♥️
Kristin Harmel has given us a gift with Colette’s story, one that will leave you with a full heart and maybe, just maybe, a little more faith in the goodness of people. If you’re looking for a story that feels like a embrace, this is it. Don’t miss it.😍

Wow, I was so excited to receive this as an ARC! I have read so many books about WW2, but this one will have a special place in my heart. This story is one I haven't seen done before.

Colette is a jewel thief. Think Robin Hood. Literally! Her family descends from Robin Hood.

When I am 80, I hope I am as cool, collected, and accomplished as Colette. What an incredible woman with an incredible story.

Especially in times like these, reading books about WW2 should remind us of the inhumanity of hating and punishing someone for their religion, skin color, country of origin, sexuality, etc.

Fave quote: "Because when we find ourselves in darkness, we can't wait for the light to find us."

This review will be posted on my booksta, toomanyfivestarreads.

Such a lovely story set in two timelines. The story follows Colette - she is taught to be a jewel thief to give to the poor - like Robin Hood! WW2 begins and her family is torn apart, her sister is killed, and her life is completely upended. Fast forward many years, elderly Colette has continued thieving, and has funded many foundations with the proceeds! A piece from her past is discovered, which sends her on a search for who killed her sister. What she discovers is life changing!

THIS BOOK ❤️❤️❤️

THESE CHARACTERS 🥰🥰🥰

THAT ENDING 😭🥹🥹

I cannot even begin to review this book and do it justice. I was hooked from the beginning, and I quickly fell in love and became obsessed with Colette’s life.

This book has something for everyone, so even if you’re not a historical fiction fan, I urge you to read it! There is also MYSTERY - what happened to other half of the bracelet, and who killed Colette’s sister?? There is ROMANCE - told in dual timelines, and you get a sweet young romance. The past leads you up to the night it all went wrong, and the present is seeking to find answers.

And yall!!! Colette is a jewel thief!!! Her and her mother stole expensive jewelry to fund the French Resistance - I found it fascinating and I loved how Kristin portrayed this plot.

The writing is exquisite and emotional. You’ll feel it all from anger and sadness to hope and joy. Colette will be a character I remember forever.

This book had me in a trance, and it’s the kind of obsession where I had to ignore my family to finish because I could not out it down!

What a fantastic read. I've enjoyed Kristin Harmel's books in the past, but this one really got to me. As the story unfolded, I was pulled deeper into the mystery of Colette's past and was very glad that the ending wrapped everything up as nicely as it did. Lots of smiles, a few gasps and tears, and overall a book I'd recommend to anyone. Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC.

This is not just another story of survivor during and after WWII. Several generations of jewel thieves, people who steal exquisite jewelry right from the necks or wrists of the wealthy, are reselling these pieces to support causes to help needy people. It is a saga of tracing a particular hand made designer bracelet that may contain the clue to the disappearance of a sibling. I highly recommend this read and my thanks go to the author and NetGally for a complimentary copy of this book.

Kristin Harmel’s most recent novel is a historical drama involving jewel thieves, a priceless diamond bracelet, and a seventy year old murder. Told in two timelines from the main characters point of view as both a teenager and an octogenarian, the mystery shows a different, thought provoking side of what it means to do what’s right. I found it refreshing that this novel delved into the Holocaust while not focusing the atrocities of war. I highly recommend to anyone looking for a lighter historical fiction novel.

This is my third 5 STAR book by Kristin Harmel. Kristin - I know this was a hard couple of years for you - and we are grateful that you fought to keep giving us, the readers, your gift of writing - but you truly have the talent to captivate your reader and make the reader immersed in the story. You are my all-time favorite author and I am already looking forward to your next book (whenever that may be!). I loved Colette and her family (well, not her dad! lol) and the story flowed so well. I didn't want to put it down (but I had to because of life!).

If you are new to historical fiction, I highly recommend Kristin Harmel books! This book and The Forest of Vanishing Stars are two books that will be sticking with me for always!

And FINALLY! A NetGalley book I can GUSH over! I feel like most of the books I have received have not lived up to the hype for me, and I am overjoyed to be able to rate my first 5 star book on NetGalley.

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy. I am not a reviewer who will retell the plot, just my feelings towards the book as the reader can look up the plot themselves.

Oh my heart! This book broke me and I cannot wait to reread it! All the stars! I think this is my new all time, #1 favorite WWII book!

In this historical fiction, Collette Marceau is a jewel thief who is descended from Robin Hood. This book travels through history to show her current life in 2018 and then back to her life in France during WWII. When a matching bracelet turns up in a local museum, Colette pulls out the partner bracelet and is returned back to the night in 1942 to the chain of events that caused the death of her sister and mother. This book is the unraveling of the mystery of how the missing bracelet reappeared. This book is heartbreakingly beautiful and you HAVE to read it!

This wasn't what I was expected but I greatly enjoyed this book.

I appreciated how the author did not hold back from the dark parts of the story and didn't gloss over then or rush past them. Because this one was tragic.

Some of the language was a little bit disjuncted in the sense that it could've flowed better. I completely understand why she wrote the book in the way that she did however I just feel like I wanted to be gripped more and some of the language attributed to why I was not.

Overall great mixture of WW2 Historic and Family fiction.