I enjoy historical fiction, especially when it features dual timelines that connect past and present. This book checked my boxes, but the story and the characters weren't engaging for me.

Colette Marceau was taught to be a thief at a young age. The women in her family believe they are descendants of Robin Hood, so they make a practice of stealing from those they deem unworthy and giving the proceeds to a good cause. Beginning in World War II in Paris, young Colette and her mother steal from Nazi sympathizers to support the resistance. Flash forward to 2018, and octogenarian Colette is still practicing her craft, but this time donating to charitable causes. There are subplots galore, among them the hunt for Colette's missing sister.

I liked the idea of the story, but the execution was questionable. There is the moral implication of vigilante justice, and the coincidences were hard to swallow. The writing and pacing are adequate, but I never felt attached to the characters, of which there are many. I finished the book, but it was a struggle. I understand the author has a following and specializes in historical fiction, but based on this book, I don't see the attraction. The book is well-researched, and I think many readers will enjoy the premise--it just wasn't for me. 2/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and Gallery Books, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is June 17, 2025.

A terrific book! It kept me on the edge of my seat and I wanted to read faster! A great storyline that keeps you guessing! I highly recommend this book!

Listen, you’re not going to read a Kristin Harmel novel without crying a few times. So start with a Kleenex

This was such a moving and heartfelt story of courage, familial love, loss, grief, healing – all set against a historical backdrop that truly lends itself to the narrative.

A definite must read!

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

To be honest, I wasn't sure if I was ready for another WWII, historical fiction novel or one about a jewel thief but I loooove Kristin Harmel and so I read it and I'm so glad that I did. With dual timelines of 2018 and late 1930's and early 40's, I felt that most of the story was more modern with the flashbacks to the WWII timeline that gives us the background information on the bracelets and the mystery surrounding the lost half. I appreciated the way Robin Hood was tied into the story as well. The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau is sad and heartbreaking but was filled with much hope and the ending was uplifting. I found it educational as well. I rarely highlight quotes but this book has several that made me stop to do just that. My favorite was, "It is in the times of greatest danger that we must summon out greatest courage."

I've read a few Kristin Harmel books and they never disappoint. Late 1970's Colette is still not over the loss of her little sister in Paris during the war. Colette is also a jew thief carrying on her family Robinhood legacy. From helping fund the French Resistance and a Holocaust foundation in the future Colette has tried to move on and get over the loss of he family. A unique set of bracelets brings up old wounds and a chance at finding answers. I loved the pacing and merging of past and present in a way that didn't make me want to rush to return to one time over the other. The plot kept me interested and guessing to the end.

Kristin Harmel has written another winner. This is the story of Collette, a woman who lived through horrors during WWII. This is about perseverance and family.

I highly recommend this book for any historical fiction lover. Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the ARC. This is a must read!

I'm not typically a fan of WWII fiction, but enjoyed this historical mystery from Kristen Harmel. It got off to a slow start (for me) but once I got a few chapters in, I finished it in two days. I love a feisty, strong, older female protagonist and Collette has such an interesting character arc.

I liked meeting both the young and old versions of Collette and I'm fascinated by the impact of the choices she makes based on the experiences and assumptions of youth. The connection to the Robinhood legend made for such a great story, and the connection between jewel thieves and the resistance opened up a whole world of questions that led me straight to Google. I'll definitely pick up more books by this author!

I love Kristin Harmel, and I love WW2 books. This book, while good, wasn't my favorite.

The premise is great. A modern-day Robin Hood steals jewelry taken by the Nazis and either returns them to their original families or uses them to fund charities. One day, while reading a magazine, she learns of a bracelet that will be displayed at a local show and recognizes it immediately. It's the mate of a bracelet she's been keeping for nearly 70 years. The last time she saw the bracelet, it was in the hem of her 4-year-old sister's nightgown, the same sister who was kidnapped and murdered the same night the Nazis arrested their mother. If she can track down the owner of the bracelet, she might finally learn who killed her sister 70 years earlier.

There's only one problem. The donor wishes to remain anonymous.

THE STOLEN LIFE OF COLETTE MARCEAU is an intriguing mystery that unfolds over two timelines. Harmel throws in enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end.

My complaint with this book is two-fold.

I love that the story involves an older heroine, but Colette is 88 years old. Except for two characters in the mid-forties, all the other players are 88-100 years old. It strained credulity that all these people from WW2 France - some of whom endured the concentration camp - would be alive and kicking within a few hours' drive. Colette is quite possibly the spryest 88-year-old jewel thief in the world. Her memory and instincts are still as sharp as when she was a girl. At one point Colette and another octogenarian travel to France for 36 hours. Neither is worse for wear. Meanwhile, my 86-year-old mother-in-law - who is pretty sharp herself - needs a day to recover after attending a family barbeque.

I could overlook the age thing because the story sucked me in. What I didn't like was how everything - and I mean everything - was tied up in a neat bow at the end. Every single story thread had a happy ending. I am all for happy endings, but as a reader, I would much rather have a believable ending or a sad yet satisfying ending than one that has too many coincidences and contrivances to be believed.

Other readers' experiences may vary.

Btw, if you read the author's note, you'll learn that this is Harmel's first book post-chemotherapy so it's not a surprise that she's mildly off her game here. I look forward to the next one because I'm sure she'll be back in form.

Overall, the mystery gets a 5. The writing a 5. The ending is a 3. Hence the 4-star rating.

Thank you Netgalley for the advanced read in exchange for this honest review.

The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau is an absolutely captivating and deeply moving novel that I found impossible to put down. From the very first page, the narrative pulled me into Colette's world, a journey that is both heartbreaking and incredibly inspiring.

What truly fascinated me was the historical relevance woven throughout the story. The author does a brilliant job of immersing the reader in a specific historical period, making the setting feel authentic and lived-in. I was completely engrossed in learning about the time, and how the broader historical events shaped Colette's individual experiences and choices. This wasn't just a backdrop; the history felt like a vital character, enriching the plot and adding immense depth to Colette's struggles and triumphs. The careful research and seamless integration of historical details truly elevated the reading experience.

Beyond the historical context, the characters are richly drawn and incredibly compelling. Colette herself is a testament to human resilience and the enduring power of the spirit. You'll find yourself rooting for her, feeling her pain, and celebrating her small victories. The supporting cast is equally well-developed, adding layers to an already intricate and engaging plot.

This is a powerful story that beautifully explores themes of survival, identity, and the profound impact of historical events on individual lives. It's a truly memorable read that resonates long after you've turned the final page. If you're looking for a novel that combines a compelling human story with fascinating historical insight, The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau comes highly recommended!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for sharing a part of history with me.

Another amazing novel by Kristin Harmel. I always enjoy her historical fiction and this story about a jewel thief who steals from the Nazi’s to fund projects for holocaust survivors was a great storyline.

Annabel Clement was descended from the real Robin Hood. Annabel Clement taught Colette how to steal, just as Annabel's mother taught her. Annabel normally sold her stolen pieces to finance the French Resistance during WWII. In true Harmel form, this is a book about resistance efforts during WWII.

This is a story about Colette trying to find what happened to her little sister and other important aspects during WWII through a rare and valuable diamond butterfly bracelet. The design, ownership, and search of this bracelet are the backbone of the story that the threads of the story are woven from. This is a story of survival, love, family, and relationships. The chapters alternate between the 1940s with WWII and "current" day. The search for loved ones and this bracelet proceeds throughout the book, which ends with all loose ends nicely tied up. Colette uses the proceeds from the stolen jewelry to fund worthy causes. Her volunteer work is extensive.

In the Author's Note, at the end of the book, Ms. Harmel states that the "search for self goes to the very heart of this story," and that is very true. Colette's search for loved ones is constant. If you enjoy a good WWII book with a different twist, this is a book you will probably enjoy. I did.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Many thanks to the publisher, Simon & Schuster, and the author, Kristin Harmel, for the privilege to listen to this advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I send best wishes to Ms. Harmel on a successful and full recovery from breast cancer!

Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau—Kristin Harmel has done it again!

This gripping novel follows Colette, a spunky octogenarian jewel thief with a hidden past that dates back to Nazi-occupied Paris. What begins as a story of wartime resistance and family legacy becomes a decades-long mystery when a long-lost bracelet resurfaces, unraveling secrets Colette thought were forever buried.

This is heartfelt, suspenseful, and beautifully written—it is historical fiction at its finest. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough!

Kristin Harmel is becoming a must-read author for me. Her newest book involves a Robin Hood-esque jewel thief, dual timelines, family secrets, and the Holocaust. Somehow it all comes together, and the story sucks you right in! Some pieces did get a little bogged down with some technical wording regarding jewels, museums, and legal issues. Otherwise, fabulous story!

Ninety one year old Colette has been a Robin Hood jewel thief since her childhood in France during WWII where she and her Mom were funding the Resistance with their bounty. Her mother was unable to protect their friends, The Rossman’s, from the Germans but they did give beautiful matching bracelets to them before. Colette’s family was going to save them for their return so her mother sewed one into each daughter’s dress. However as her mother was being arrested for theft, Colette’s little sister disappeared and was found dead in the river with the bracelet gone. When the bracelet turns up at a Holocaust museum exhibit, Colette goes on a journey to find out where it has been and what happened to her sister all those years ago. Mystery, history and romance - Kristin Harmel has done it again as she weaves present day with the past in a magical way!

Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for ARC! #thestolenlifeofcolettemarceau #netgalley

Jewel thieves, a missing bracelet, and the Holocaust come together in this historical mystery. This was an interesting twist on historical fiction about the Holocaust, and although the plotline stretches believability, it was compelling and easy to read.

A gripping dual timeline story! Jewel thief Collette Marceau has endured the loss of family. friends, and a traditional life. There are missing pieces and unanswered questions that have lingered for over 70 years. New information comes to light, and all starting with a mesmerizing diamond bracelet.

I had difficulty putting this book down, it was that good. I’m knocking off one star because the last 30% was very complicated. But still very worth the read.

When it comes to writing historical fiction, author Kristin Harmel has, once again, proven herself to be quite the consummate storyteller. In “The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau, she spins an intriguing tale of jewelry thieves that’s set against a Paris backdrop during WWII. And despite the all-too-familiar historical theme, it boasts quite a unique premise that held me captive from start to finish.

Colette Marceau descends from a long line of jewelry thieves and spends her life trying to fulfill her family’s legacy of stealing from the corrupt to help those in need--think Robin Hood with a historical twist. And as a tragic casualty of war-torn Paris, she continually endeavors to atone for past sins while striving to make those she’s lost proud.

Flashforward 70 years, and Colette is living in Boston when an opportunity to finally right the wrongs of the past presents itself. The unexpected discovery of a long lost bracelet holds the key to getting answers to questions that have haunted Colette throughout the years. And, ultimately, the search for those answers sends Colette on a path that will lead her to finding so much more than she ever dared to hope for.

“The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau” is a face-paced, well-written saga with well-developed characters. It is also a tragic, unforgettable journey that will break your heart and then slowly piece it back together.

Beautifully written, well thought out, and moving, The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau will steal your heart as well as having you turning the pages! Colette Marceau has been stealing since her childhood. Her mother stole as did her grandmother. It is a unique family tradition of taking from the cruel and evil and giving to those in need. If you are getting strong Robin Hood vibes you are not alone!

Colette has lived a long life and has stolen a massive amount and has given to to worthy causes. She can steal just about anything. But when a long missing bracelet from her past shows up at a museum in Boston, her past comes rushing back to her.

1942 - Occupied France

Annabel Marceau has taught her daughter, Colette to be a successful thief in order to fund the French resistance during WWII. But one horrible and fateful night, Annabel is caught by the Germans and Colette's four-year-old sister, Liliane has disappeared with half of a diamond bracelet sewn into her nightgown. Colette is told that her sister's body was found floating in the Seine.

Told in two timelines, The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau shows the horrors of occupied France, the holocaust, and the quest for survival. It also shows the bonds of family, and those doing what they can to help those in need. It shows us Colette as a young girl and as a woman who has lived a long life. A woman with a heavy heart and survivor's guilt. She has spent her life stealing to help those in need even though the most precious things of all have been stolen from her - her mother and sister.

Kristin Harmel has written another gripping, moving, and thought-provoking tale about family, loss, grief, love, history, and survival. This is the second book I have read by Kristin Harmel, and I look forward to reading many more in the future.

Simply, Historical Fiction at its best. I was immediately drawn to Colettes life as a jewel thief. The dual timelines focusing on present day and when she was younger through WWII worked well and added the right amount of mystery to keep you hooked. This book was so unputdownable. If you love HF, this book is for you.

5 stars

I just love Kristin Harmel books and this one did not disappoint. It is a dual timeline of WWII and present day being 2018. It centers around a beautiful butterfly bracelet that can be split into two pieces which will look like lilies. The bracelet was made by a prominent jeweler commissioned by a Jewish man for his wife who had twins. The initials of the two children was on each bracelet so when they were grown they would both have a bracelet but before that their Mom would wear it as a single piece. Helene, the mom is Jewish and best friends with Annabel who is part of the underground network in Paris. Annabel is a jewel thief. She is like Robin Hood. She steals from the cruel and helps others in need. When her best friend and her family are seized by the German's Annabel is beside herself with grief. When she sees her friend's bracelet on the wrist of a German's girlfriend she decides to do what she thinks is right. She steals it. She then sews it into the hems of her girl's (Colette and Liliane) nightgowns for safe keeping. Unfortunately, someone reports her to the police and she is taken into custody. Her daughter Liliane is taken and found dead and her husband left town and Colette. Poor Colette has been filled with grief since that happened. She does though, still have the one bracelet that was in her nightgown. Oh, did I mention that Colette followed in her mother's footprints and steals jewelry. Getting into the present day, Colette sees that the other half of her bracelet will be on display in a museum and she is determined to find out who the original owner is. She feels that maybe she can find out what happened to her beloved sister, Liliane. From there you can not put the book down. Ms. Harmel does her magic of intertwining the lives of her characters and leaves you feeling thankful that you picked up this book. It is a beautiful story that I highly recommend.
Thanks to #netgalley, #gallerybooks and @kristinharmel for an ARC of this great read. All opinions are my own.