I am a big fan of Daisy Wood's World War 2 historical fiction books. She takes me back in time, but keeps me anchored in the present with her dual time lines. Daisy Wood's words bring the past to life. Along with Juliette, Mathilde's granddaughter, the reader discovers Mathilde's bravery. I get glimpses into the fear, the danger, the loss th suffering. The glimpses are important, encouraging me to learn more and more about the war and the results. The more we all learn, the more my hope grows that it will not be repeated.

I was first introduced to Mathilde in The Forgotten Bookshop when she was forced to flee Paris in order to save her husband, Jacques. Her actions were putting him at risk, but it was much more. A Nazi wanted her gone, pathing a safe way for her to go the Provence.

She doesn't lead a quiet life. She wants her country back. She wants her life back. She finds herself helping the resistance and in very unique situations. She is frequently in danger. I thought it was all over for her when she ended up in prison.

It was just the beginning. The Provence is no longer independent from the Nazis. The reader experiences the changes along with Mathilde and those around her. They go to extreme lengths to save the innocent, the allies and themselves. With every chapter I feared the loss of those that I had come to care about. The reality created had me in tears more and more as I got lost in the story.

Having read The Forgotten Bookshop, which I loved, I was thrilled to have the opportunity, thanks to NetGalley and Avon, to return to France and discover what Mathilda had endured in Vichy controlled Southern France as part of the Resistance. Her granddaughter, Juliette’s curiosity to uncover Mathilde’s past, interspersed with her own path of self-discovery as the owner of the original bookshop and her son’s plans to wed a local girl blend beautifully, and help connect her to the past. A wonderfully written story and a definite recommended read.

The Secrets of Provence is a suspenseful historical fiction novel following Mathilde Duval through adventures during WWII. This is a dual timeline also following her granddaughter Juliette who is American, but now lives in Paris. Juliette is trying to figure out more about her grandmother and her time in France.

This book tells three different romances. It is well written and the tragedies of WWII are prominent in these pages. Daisy Wood tells a though provoking story, while also painting a vivid picture of the tragedies of war and the effects it has on those involved. I enjoyed this story, but as a warning it it very intense and filled with tragedy. I really appreciated the strength depicted by Mathilde Duval and honestly think that all women can learn what it truly means to be strong from her.

If you are a fan of WWII historical fiction, especially that involving the French Resistance- I highly recommend. Thank you Avon and NetGalley for the ARC!

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I really liked this book. I enjoyed the first book in the series and it was nice to revisit through the lens of a different character. This plot was entirely unique so nothing felt repetitive. Additionally camera this book could completely stand on its own even if you hadn't read the other book. This was a very enjoyable historical fiction read for those who enjoy world war two historical fiction.