One life-changing choice. A lifetime of love, loss, and longing.

The Emerald Twins is a profoundly moving story told across two timelines — the dark days of World War II and the sun-drenched present of the South of France — about twin sisters separated by war, but never separated in heart.

As war tears their world apart, the twins are forced apart by an impossible choice. Yet across the years and the miles, their bond never fades. Through every hardship, they hold on: "I'm only half when she's not here."

In the present day, Fleur inherits a beautiful villa in the South of France — a home she never knew existed. Her journey to uncover her family’s hidden past is poignant, beautifully layered, and ultimately healing.

This novel is rich with unforgettable scenes of heartbreak and hope. From the building of the Berlin Wall to the shadowy reach of the Stasi, it captures the devastating ripple effects of history on ordinary lives. I found myself aching for the characters — for the near-misses, the lives derailed, and the fierce love that refused to be extinguished.

Helen Fripp masterfully weaves love, loss, secrets, and hope across generations. The characters felt so real that I didn’t just read about them — I felt them.

If you love historical fiction packed with emotion, hope, and unforgettable characters, The Emerald Twins is a must-read.

This heartbreaking read is set in two timelines of present day and WW2.

Telling the story of twins who are separated during the war and what follows.

Each story is different and you have to be prepared to cry this book is a tearjerker and very emotional

The author is a brilliant stroyteller and I was hooked from the start. I cannot wait to tell people about this book..

First off a big thank you to the publisher Bookouture as well as to the author Helen Fripp an to Netgalley for the invite to read The Emerald Twins because I'm so glad that I didn't hesitate and said yes when I was invited, because as you know I love reading historical fiction books that are based on WW 2 wither it's based on people or actually events that took place as long as it's done right and the author has done her research and in this story it shows 100% . Which means be prepared to have feel all of the emotions as well as having your heartstrings pulled especially since story is Heartbreaking and captivating at the same time . Plus it's told in two different time-lines so you literally get to see it come to life not just the places, or the time-line but also the people themselves.

This is a beautiful read but get the tissues ready.
It will remain with me for a while. Heartbreaking and captivating.

The Emerald Twins by Helen Fripp is a powerful dual timeline novel that I absolutely adored. It consumed my every waking moment.
The novel is set in 1944 and present day. The earlier period also jumps forwards in time at pivotal moments in the character’s life.
We witness the unbreakable love that transcends time and space, as we see the invisible bond that links twins – twins that were cruelly wrenched apart in Paris in 1944 by a greedy S.S. officer.
Throughout their lives, both twins searched for the other. “I’m only half when she’s not here.” They kept each other alive in their thoughts, often speaking out loud. “I don’t know where you are, but I’ve kept you alive all this time in my thoughts.”
There are some truly heart-wrenching scenes. The mother inside me wept for lives torn apart. And there were near-misses, but not close enough.
Black hearts were born, and continued in a similar vein to their father.
The reader witnesses the building of the Berlin wall in 1961. We see the far-reaching and underhand tactics of the Stasi.
In present day a granddaughter receives a surprise inheritance that sends her delving into the past for answers.
All the characters were well drawn, realistic and the majority were likable. The love of the characters reached from the pages to encompass the reader.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Emerald Twins. It is a book showing that true love never dies.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

I gave this book five stars it about two twins quest to find each other after being separated as children due to world war two. The book kept me engaged all the way through and deeply touched me and made me cry. i can’t wait to read more of helen’s books.

Historical fiction lovers will appreciate this fresh look at Coco Chanel, the Lebensborn program and the cost of uniting loved ones separated by war.

Told in alternating timelines, this story explores the journey of a ring given to a child in an attempt to keep track of her in the theatre of war and the quest to reunite a set of twins with one of the most pristine emeralds ever mined.

The storytelling was fantastic! I was caught up in a heartbreaking story and couldn’t set the book down until I discovered if reunification had been possible. In a fabulous blend of mystery and history, this story stands tall beside other 5-star novels in its genre. If an emotional read about impossible choices, three generations of secrets, and the lure of France piques your interest, you’ll want to make sure this one is on your reading list!

I’ve been dreaming about Pissaladiere and finding places to insert ‘stonking’ into my communications since finishing this amazing book!

I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.