*will post on instagram closer to pub date* THE STOLEN LIFE OF COLETTE MARCEAU by Kristin Harmel ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The easiest 5 stars from me. This was one of THOSE books. The ones where you love every. single. page. and know you’ll remember it! I was hooked from the very beginning. I loved the story happening in both timelines. I loved the mystery. I loved the characters. I did predict part of the mystery towards the end, but it didn’t make it any less enjoyable for me. If you love historical fiction with romance, mystery, and unique characters… then RUN to buy this as soon as it is released!

Colette grew up in Nazi-occupied France during the 1940’s and endured loss and heartbreak. She lost her mother, sister, and her father abandoned her. Now, a bracelet has resurfaced that was with her sister when she went missing decades before, and Colette is determined to find out what happened to her.

Pub. Date: June 17, 2025.

Perfect if you like:
•Back and forth timeline.
•Family of Jewel Thieves!
•Nazi-occupied France.
•Strong FMC.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: No 🌶️
Mood: 🍜🍫🫗

I’ve long been a fan of Kristen Harmel’s work, so immediately jumped at the chance to read an early copy “The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau”. In line with her earlier work, the novel is a work of historical fiction that centers around a female protagonist during WWII, told across dual timelines.

In present-day 2018, Colette Marceau is a 90 year-old woman who lives outside Boston. At first glance, she appears to be a regular senior enjoying her older days and volunteering at the Boston chapter of a nonprofit dedicated to Holocaust research and support. However, in reality she’s a descendent of Robin Hood, and the tradition of stealing from the rich and unworthy to benefit the poor and needy has been passed down across the women in her lineage. Colette has continued to steal jewels in secret, using her gains to benefit organizations and individuals who have been harmed by the Holocaust - a worthy albeit illegal action. Her life is forever changed when she hears that a unique bracelet, the partner to one that she currently has in her possession, has re-appeared… one which was last sewn into the dress of her younger sister Lilianne who was kidnapped and killed over 70 years ago.

In 1942 Paris, Colette is just a young girl who’s been trained by her mother Annabel into the family tradition. Despite her mother’s careful attempts, Annabel makes an impulsive and risky decision to steal back a pair of diamond bracelets from a German official who confiscated them from a family friend during the Jewish raids. Her actions eventually lead to her own demise, but not before she sews a bracelet into each of her daughter’s dresses - a final attempt to keep them safe to ensure both her children and the bracelets will be reunited. But young Lilianne disappears the night of her mother’s imprisonment and her fate is discovered days later when her body is discovered in the Seine days later, the bracelet gone from its hiding place.

As the story progresses, more details emerge about both the past and present, and Colette’s past family and her current friends begin to enter the storyline in full force to help her unravel the truth. I loved the focus given to found families and the message that it’s never too late for anything, and the overall focus of the novel on questioning what is right and moral - and how it isn’t always what is legal. Harmel’s storytelling was strong throughout, and I appreciated how well-crafted and complex the central characters were. My only complaint about the novel was just how much focus was spent on the male romantic interests - both the physical attributes (comparing them to celebrities even well into their 90s) and the somewhat forced pairings for the female characters. In my opinion, this was neither needed nor beneficial to the storyline and took focus away from the main protagonists.

Overall a compelling novel that I’m sure many readers will enjoy when “The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau” is published in June 2025!

One of my catnip tropes is jewel thieves. This isn’t a heist novel, but it’s a fresh take on the French resistance in World War 2; I found the addition of purported descendants of Robin Hood and the (stolen!) jewelry that defined their lives intriguing. The theme throughout the book of diamonds outliving us all and being witness to many different lives in many different places is such a beautiful idea to build a novel around.

I was especially moved by the chapters where Colette, at age 90, travels back to Paris for the first time since 1945. To read about her full circle journey back to the place of her birth made me cry! And if that made me cry, don’t get me started on the ending, which I won’t spoil. I’d guessed one twist, but not realized there was a second, so I was shocked and burst into tears.

This was my first Kristin Harmel novel – I have The Book of Lost Names on my shelf and can’t wait to dive into it next!

Kristin Harmel’s newest release follows Colette, a jewelry thief who has dedicated her life to stealing from Nazis and seeking justice against those who have done wrong. Set in both the 1940s and the “present” in 2018, the story offers a glimpse into her life over time, especially when a missing bracelet from her childhood unexpectedly resurfaces at a museum.

Colette was a wonderfully developed character, and I found myself rooting for her nonstop as her story unfolded. The mystery kept me hooked, and I loved learning about Harmel’s inspiration for the story and its connection to Robin Hood in her author’s note. Get ready to feel it all and be completely absorbed in her words!

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy of The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau. This was a beautiful story of family, lost love and redemption. I couldn’t wait to read each chapter and find out how the story ended. Colette’s search of discovery was really heartwarming (and so was the Author’s Note). A must read!

Kristin Harmel has done it again! The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau is a breathtaking historical fiction novel that masterfully blends past and present, weaving a story of resilience, justice, and the unbreakable bonds of family. While I wasn’t sure if I was emotionally ready for another WWII novel given the current state of the world, I’m so glad I picked this one up because it was absolutely stunning.

Colette Marceau is no ordinary thief. Raised to believe she’s a descendant of Robin Hood, she and her mother used their skills to steal from the cruel and corrupt, funding the French Resistance during WWII. But when a fateful night in 1942 leads to her mother’s execution and her four year old sister’s disappearance—along with a priceless diamond bracelet—Colette’s life is forever changed. Now, seventy years later, that same bracelet resurfaces in a museum exhibit, pulling Colette back into the past she’s never been able to escape.

Harmel’s storytelling is, as always, exquisite. The dual timeline flows seamlessly, with the historical sections rich in detail and emotion, while the present day mystery adds an irresistible pull. Colette is a deeply compelling protagonist and her lifelong mission of justice, her grief, and her unshakable determination make her a character you can’t help but root for. While some plot twists were a bit predictable, they didn’t take away from the emotional impact of the story.

And then, after reading the author’s note and learning Harmel wrote this book while going through cancer treatment? I was even more blown away. The strength and heart she poured into this novel shine through every page.

This book is less about WWII itself and more about one woman’s lifelong pursuit of truth and justice, making it feel unique compared to other historical fiction novels. It ties everything up beautifully, and the ending left me deeply satisfied. If you loved The Paris Daughter, you’ll be just as captivated by this one. Highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley, Kristin Harmel, and Gallery Books for the eARC of this book.

3.5 stars rounded down.

I do really love Kristin Harmel, and will definitely keep reading and recommending her books, but I could not get into this one. It wasn't anything against the writing or the story. I did see that some didn't get on board with the thieving or the idea that it's Robin Hood's descendants.
For whatever reason that I can't quite grasp, I just couldn't get myself hooked on this enough to pick up. I think it took me about a month to read.
I also appreciate that everything wrapped up in the end, but it was too quick, too predictable, and too unbelievable- I'm all for a happy ending, but this was too happy (which is why I'm rounding down instead of up).

The premise of this book immediately drew me in, generations of women stealing jewels from the nefarious to fund the needy. Told in dual timelines, switching between occupied France in the 1940s and more the more present 2018, Harmel tells us the tale of Colette as she merges the timelines together to create a full and detailed picture. Colette, is a wonderful character. She is well developed, spunky, quirky, and fierce of heart who believes and feels deeply. This was a truly wonderful historical fiction novel that is excellently written. Harmel delivers to us a character who has lived a life of tragedy, but has continued on with strong and deep convictions. This book beautifully weaves together the themes of love, loss, family, betrayal, and identity. Harmel brings into question what truly defines right and wrong and does it in a beautiful way. Harmel has crafted a tale that is as alluring as it is heatbreaking and I couldn’t put it down.

I received a copy of this novel from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I love Kristin Harmel’s writing and always enjoy the dual timeline historical fiction novels, especially those that take place during World War II. I love how an elderly person. Colette was such a formidable character. I found both the past storyline and the present storyline to be very compelling and unpredictable. The emotion of the time and the loss for families was conveyed strongly. I highly recommend this book and think it will be a great success..

Kristin Harmel adds another World War II novel to her growing collection. The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau centers on the definition of right and wrong and the gray areas that are personal to each reader. The Marceau family legacy of stealing jewelry to rebalance justice is based on the legend of Robin Hood. This moral deliberation is embedded in every jewelry heist and the lives of Annabelle and Colette are the resulting outcomes of very debatable decisions and choices. This theme of morality, combined with survival guilt, self-discovery, and the power of ordinary people makes this novel a treasure trove of discussions for book clubs.
The timeline alternates between the war in Paris,1838 and Boston, 2018. Kristin Harmel’s mystery puzzle is framed by four corners: Annabell’s family heritage of stealing, Colette’s later life including the Tristan love story, the twin bracelets’ provenance, and the murder of Colette’s little sister, Lilianne. The puzzle pieces slowly fall into place, leaving readers in great emotional suspense and anticipation as the complete picture comes into view. We know “diamonds are forever” and Kristin Harmel proves this beautiful sentiment once more in The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau.

The stolen Life of Colette Marceau is another "can't put it down" book by Kiristin Harmel. Colette Marceau was a teenager during the Nazi occupation of Paris. Many tragic things happen to her during this time period. The story goes back and forth in time as Colette tries to figure out the story of a part of a bracelet that has resurfaced 70+ years later after it was last seen. This is another 5 star read by Harmel.

Loved this! Had an #arc thanks to @gallerybooks - all opinions are my own.

Told in 2018 Boston and flashbacks to WW2 Paris, this is the story of Collette Marceau, a jewel thief who steals from the bad to give to the virtuous. Haunted by her mother and sister’s deaths in the war, she has made it her mission to donate the proceeds of her theft to worthy organizations. A local museum features a bracelet that she recognizes as the one hidden in the hem of her sister’s nightgown when she was kidnapped. Collette starts investigating - stirring up the past uncovers more than she expects.

This one packed a punch - I didn’t want to stop reading. The characters all felt so real, and the Parisian wartime setting was 😚 - Harmel clearly has a gift for place.

Kristen Harmel is a popular author with easy to read engaging books. The Stolen Life sounded promising to me. But I think I realized quickly it wasn't my cup of tea, personally. I realized too late that Robin Hood and the idea behind the story aren't much of a draw for me. So while the writing was good as always, the story dragged for me. Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

As with all Kristin Harmel books, this one was a page turner. Her historical fiction is always well-researched and I always walk away learning something new. This time, I learned about jewelry thievery during WWII. Collette, was a self-proclaimed Robin Hood, stealing from the Nazis, and later criminals, and using the proceeds of the stolen jewelry to support a good cause. During the war, she funded false documents for Jews, helping many survive the war. I enjoyed the story and the characters. I finished the book in one setting. The only issue I had was that everything cleaned up a little too nicely, with many coincidental relationships, which I found hard to be realistic. Other than that, this book was entertaining and informative. I recommend it to anyone wanting to learn about the French resistance during WWII. 4/5 Stars.

Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for a free advanced copy in exchange for my unbiased review.

Colette Marceau was told by her mother that they are descendants of Robin Hood, and she is trained from a young age to be a jewel thief with a conscience, stealing only from those who are wicked or cruel or otherwise found to be lacking, with the gains from the theft to be used to support those who are disadvantaged. This book is told in a dual timeline, in the 1940s in Paris when Colette is a young teenager, and in 2018 when Colette is nearly 90 years old, and centers around Colette's determination to locate the matching bracelet to a set her mother stole from a Nazi officer that led to her arrest and subsequent death. The last time the bracelet was seen, it was sewn in the hem of Colette's little sister's nightgown, but her sister was tragically lost to the Seine with the bracelet nowhere to be found, until in 2018 the bracelet resurfaces as part of an exhibit.
This was an enjoyable bit of historical fiction, although the focus is not really on WWII as a whole, or even really about Colette's experience living in occupied Paris, as it was so focused on her experience learning to be a jewel thief under her mother's tutelage, and then the tragic death of both her mother and sister, her survival after up until 2018 is quickly touched upon. There is some predictable plotting as well, with a couple revelations that were not unexpected at all. For me, Colette's work as a jewel thief is almost unbelievable, simply because she is presented as being this incredibly prolific thief who has never been caught or even come close in nearly 80 years of work. That said, I did enjoy the book and was quite satisfied with the happy ending that neatly tied up all the loose threads of the story.
Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for the electronic ARC of this novel for review.

Kristin Harmel has written many books set during WWII that focus on the bravery of civilians in different ways—but I never expected to encounter a “Robin Hood” style thief among them! This unexpected premise intrigued me and I found this concept an interesting component to the Resistance activities that populate historical fiction set during this period. This is a dual timeline story that traces the life of jewel thief Colette Marceau during the war and many years later, as she steals jewels from Nazis and other unsavory characters to fund worthy charities, and searches for answers about who betrayed her family and murdered her younger sister. I loved the cast of characters and the way in which the story unfolded. This book truly captivated me, and I’d say that it is the best one Harmel has written in years! Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Highly recommended!

Colette has lived her entire life as a jewel thief. Don’t worry though, she only steal from terrible people, and uses the money to help charities and non-profits. She learned to steal and worked side by side with her mother during WWII, when he mom would sew jewels into her and her sister’s dresses in case anything happened and they needed to bribe their way out. When the Germans show up a man takes off with her young sister, Colette blames herself. Now it’s 70 years later and one piece in particular has shown up. Colette knows it had been sewn into the hem of her sisters dress before she died, and is determined to find out where the owner got the bracelet from.

Oh man. I’m not sure I can read World War II books right now. It is so hard to read the stories and see the parallels between it and what we are facing currently in our country. However, this book was absolutely perfection. Like I always come to expect, Harmel blends the past with the present in such a beautiful way, and writes a story that you can’t put down. I was so mad for Colette and just wanted to her to get the answers she was seeking. The Paris Daughter left Harmel with big shoes to fill, and fill them she did! I was extra blown away once I read the authors note and realized she wrote this book during the worst of cancer treatment. Beyond impressive!

Thank you to @gallerybooks for my gifted copy of this book!

There are not enough stars to rate Harmel’s books - each one gets better and better - and this one is no exception!. She is the Queen of historical fiction and her information is always well researched. Against all odds this book is truly one of her best ever! Thank you so much for the ARC!

I have read several of Kristin Harmel's novels about World War II, and I believe that this is the best one yet! The way she intertwines the lives of her characters feels almost as though you are witnessing the interactions first hand. The notes of romance, betrayal, love, and loss carry this novel beyond ordinary historical fiction to an exceptional example of a masterpiece, just as the butterfly bracelet was a masterpiece that impacted so many lives. This book will remain with me for quite some time.

A beautifully written story set in WWII Paris and modern day America. Colette’s mother is a direct descendant of Robin Hood. Her family, including a teenaged Colette, continued the tradition of stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. This lifestyle leads to plenty of trouble.

Kristin Harmel is one of my favorite historical fiction writers, and The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau is no exception.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kristin Harmel, and Gallery Books for the opportunity to read and ARC of The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau.