Until Leaves Fall in Paris - by Sarah Sundin

Book Review--Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin I really loved this book! I had never read this author's works before, but I surely will look forward to reading more of her books now! She is an exceptional writer! If you are looking for suspense, romance, history, war stories, injustice, intrigue, spy stories, mystery, Paris settings and believable, endearing characters, you will find them all, and more, in this book. This is a bittersweet story of two American people who fall in love in Paris in the 1940's when the Germans are occupying this part of France. It is not a true story, but it very well could be. You will be saddened by the atrocities and injustices of war, as you read of Hillter's conquests during this time. You will be intrigued by those who choose to participate in the resistance movement and learn how they operate their undercover spying operations. You will be held on the edge of your seat as you turn pages that might lead the main characters into danger, imprisonment or death. You will shed a tear for those who give up everything to fight for freedom, for those who lose and for those who win, because everyone's lives are affected and changed by war. This book is a definite stunner, and you will be captivated until the very last word. This book was sent to me free by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.

This is another winner from Sarah Sundin! She always surpasses my expectations and delivers a book that quickly becomes a keeper! They are so realistic, meticulously researched, and she combines historical details with an inspiring love story where the characters, who are flawed in different ways, have the opportunity to grow into better, bolder, strong faithed persons.The book is set in Paris, 1940, during the German occupation. Lucille Girard is an American that has lived in Paris since she was nine years old. Her dream of becoming a ballerina of the Paris Opéra Ballet School is what kept her in Paris when her parents returned to America. Staying with a Jewish couple, friends of her parents, Hal and Erma Greenblatt, who ran the Green Leaf Books bookstore, when she learns that their lives are at risk because they are Jewish, and are planning to sell the bookstore to have the money to flee, she offers to buy the bookstore herself. But when she notices the resistance is exchanging messages through her books, she decides to aid them in their passing of secret information, so she must find the way to keep the bookstore running.Paul Aubrey manages a car factory. Now a widow, with a four-year old-child, and a war looming, he longs to return to America to a safe home for his little girl. But the US Army convinces him to keep the factory to make civilian trucks, so he can continue his connections and gain information that can help the US. It’s risky but he decides to take the chance, even if this causes him to be rejected, because he's seen as a collaborator. But when he meets Lucie, while visiting the bookstore, he is instantly captivated, not only by her beauty, but also by her courage and her kind, compassionate heart. When Lucie learns he is a collaborator, she spurns him, and it hurts Paul. But little Josie loves the bookstore and Lucie can’t deny anything to the sweet girl. As I said, this was an incredible story! I’d say it’s a real page turner, and the second half was absolutely nail-biting intriguing! What makes it more engaging is that you know the historical events are real. The historical details are plenty and accurate, it’s amazing how much and how deeply the author knows about the war. I discovered so many things about how things were lived in France during this war that I didn’t know about. The characters were lovable and relatable. Lucie has a heart of gold, and I loved how she understood Josie and what her imaginary friend Feenee signified and made her feel treasured and understood, while Paul learned to see his daughter differently through Lucie’s eyes. Josie was a sweet and adorable little girl and I loved her innocence and antics. Paul was a swooning hero, with a brave heart, willing to sacrifice, even his reputation, to help the war resistance. I loved how he called Josie different candy names as a pet name. He proved to be a true hero, throughout the story, especially at the end! The story had a faith inspired message of trusting God, amidst the risks they had to take, and even when things became deadly dangerous. Also, about our true worth that relies inside our heart and how God sees us. I was amazed to discover the story was based, on a real American woman who managed an English language bookstore and kept it open until 1941. I definitely recommend this novel to Historical Romance Lovers!

I have read two other World War II books by Sarah Sundin which I enjoyed and is why I wanted to read this book. This novel is also set during World War II. The main characters in this story are Lucie Girard and Paul Aubrey. Sarah Sundin does an amazing job of drawing you into these characters’ lives. She also gives you reasons as the reader to feel empathetic toward them and their situations. I also felt so much empathy for the French citizens who do not want the Germans in Paris taking over everything. My favorite character in this novel was the four year old daughter of Paul Aubrey. Her name is Josie. Because I have a daughter about the same age, I found my heart hurting for this little girl that was unfortunately being snubbed because of her dad and cheering for her when Lucie helped her make friends. My favorite quote in the book comes from the lesson that Lucie derives from Josie’s story. It is on page 106. Lucie tells the children “‘Remember sometimes we have to lose what we most love before we can find what we most need.’” Overall, I would definitely recommend this book. Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in order to give an honest review.

I was captivated from the very beginning. It was a book I had a hard time putting down. I usually like historical fiction blood and though I know this is fiction it is so well written that it seemed it could be true. The characters were very well described and filled out. They seemed very real. The story flowed well. It's a good mix of history, a love story, and intrigue. It gives a good depiction of what life might have been like for Americans living in Paris when the Germans invaded and how life there deteriorated quickly. I don't give a synopsis of a book as that is in the description and 5-star reviews are saved for the very best books. I wish there were half stars as I would give this book a 4.5 out of 5. I have read several of Sarah Sundin's books, all with a WWII theme and I've liked them all. This book is as good or maybe better than those I've read. I was given an ARC copy through Netgalley and Revell Reads program. I requested to read this book and this review is my own, honest opinion. Even though this was an ARC copy, the editing was very well done.