Darkness Falls

The Resistance Sisters #1

by Rachel Wesson

Paris, 1940: As the German soldiers march down the Champs-Élysées, the Bélanger twins know there is no escape – their lives are about to change forever. But while Sophie, a third-year medical student, works long days and nights saving casualties of war at the American hospital, and waits anxiously for news of her fiancé from the front line, her recently widowed twin, Adèle, is determined to enjoy her freedom. Nothing – not the bombs, the curfews or the Nazi officers sidling up to her in nightclubs – can stop her from indulging in the temptations of Parisian society as she accompanies their father to glamorous parties. But rumours are flying through the streets of occupied Paris about their father’s murky business interests, and soon Sophie learns the shocking truth of what’s really happening to their Jewish friends and neighbours. And then tragedy their beloved brother is arrested for his involvement in the resistance. Devastated and unable to save him, the family is torn apart – and the girls’ lives are changed forever. Broken-hearted, the sisters must each find their own way to fight back. As they too are drawn to the resistance, will Sophie learn to break the rules – risking her own life to save as many innocent children as she can? And Adèle faces her toughest challenge yet when she’s recruited as a special agent for the British. Can she overcome her stubborn nature and use her charms to avenge her brother’s death? One false step and the twins could lose everything they’re fighting for – and each other. A heartbreaking page-turner based on real-life events, this is a devastating story of lives torn apart by war – and of finding the courage to do what is right, even at the darkest of times. Fans of Kate Quinn, Shari J. Ryan and Siobhan Curham will be captivated by this unforgettable historical novel. Readers totally love Darkness Falls : “Hands down the best book I’ve read all year … I found myself holding my breath... Please read this book… you won’t be sorry . I’m on to the next book in this series.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “ I enjoyed this powerful story so much! One family, so many emotions. It shows how some people shine with heroism through the war while others so easily succumb to darkness. I highly recommend this beautiful book and I look forward to reading the second one in the series.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “ Omg, I just loved this book, could not put it down . The storyline is great – you get so involved with the characters you could be there. On to the next one!” Online reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “An excellent, well written and researched read; heartwrenching and suspenseful .” Sandy’s Book Talk , ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Great storyline that has so many twists, turns and heartbreaks . Leaves you wanting more. Glad there's a second book." Online reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “With a lot of research and beautifully written Rachel Wesson has given us a book hard to put down once you start reading it … making you long for the next book in the series.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “ I highly recommend this beautiful book and I look forward to reading the second one in the series.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “ Deserves more than five stars!!! ” Online reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “ Awesome book .” Goodreads reviewer , ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “An emotional and excellent read … brought on tears and many other emotions .” Goodreads reviewer , ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This was such a powerful read ! I enjoyed every second of it. Wesson is an exceptional storyteller! I highly recommend this beautiful book .” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ " Brilliant and gripping ... I got so involved in the story that I found myself crying at times ." Online reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres: Historical Fiction, World War II, Historical, Family, Fiction

452 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2023

About the author

Rachel Wesson was born in Kilkenny, Ireland but considers herself to be from the capital, Dublin as that's where she spent most of her life. Her dad brought Rachel and her two sisters out every Saturday to give their mother a break. He took them to the library and for ice-cream after. It took a long time for her sisters to forgive her for the hours she spent choosing her books!
She grew up driving everyone nuts asking them questions about what they did during the War or what side they were on in the 1916 rising etc. Finally her Granny told her to write her stories down so people would get the pleasure of reading them. In fact what Granny meant was everyone would get some peace while Rachel was busy writing!
When not writing, or annoying relatives, Rachel was reading. Her report cards from school commented on her love of reading especially when she should have been learning. Seems you can't read Great Expectations in Maths. After a doomed love affair and an unpleasant bank raid during which she defended herself with a tea tray, she headed to London for a couple of years. (There is a reason she doesn't write romance!). She never intended staying but a chance meeting with the man of her dreams put paid to any return to Ireland. Having spent most of her career in the City, she decided something was missing. Working in the City is great but it's a young person's dream. Having three children you never see isn't good for anyone. So she packed in the job and started writing. Thanks to her amazing readers, that writing turned into a career far more exciting and rewarding than any other.
Rachel lives in Surrey with her husband and three children, two boys and a girl. When not reading, writing or watching films for "research" purposes, Rachel likes to hang out with her family. She also travels regularly back home - in fact she should have shares in BA and Aerlingus.

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

“How could someone be her mirror image in looks and not understand her?”

They may share the same genes, but identical twins, Sophie and Adèle Bélanger, are different in every other way. Author Rachel Wesson highlights how their differences drove these 23-year-olds apart during a tumultuous time in history when they really needed each other.

Sophie is a medical student in training to become a doctor and is working horrific hours tending to wounded French soldiers at an American hospital low on supplies. Wesson was immediately able to place me in the converted casino and make me part of the action. I’ve read many books with similar settings, but Wesson tops them all with her attention to detail and her ability to sweep me into the action and wow me with her careful attention to setting detail which enriched the plot with atmosphere and mood. She’s anxious to receive news about her charming beau, Jules Stein, a medic at one of the casualty stations near the front. When readers learn of his Jewish heritage, it ramps up the tension and leads to unforeseen dissension.

Adèle is the polar opposite. She’s the indignant twin, a widow, who only harbours a morsel of fear and has reluctantly moved back to her family home. Where Sophie has her eyes focused on the future, Adele is all about living in the moment. Unfortunately, her frustration at her circumstances leads her to make some questionable choices, affecting not only herself but others. The interplay between the twins is fascinating.

Inspired by the real-life contributions of Dr. Sumner Jackson, Rene Senechal, Jacques Bonsergent and Sister Marie-Laurence, Wells has highlighted female heroines, honouring their memory and ensuring that their contributions aren’t forgotten. Her well-paced story with fantastic characterization and vivid setting detail showcases how differences drive people apart, how reality is often very different from expectations and how the decisions and actions of a single person can affect so many. I was in awe of how my understanding of people, places and events changed as ‘darkness falls.’ Amazing story and great cover! Congratulations.

I’m really looking forward to reading more about the twins’ story in the Resistance Sisters sequel, Light Rises.

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

[linda hole · Rating 4 out of 5]

i just love rachel wessons well researched books. it is more to the point than others, maybe even a little bit more raw. but i really loved this book. you will fall in love with the twins, identical but oh so different from each other. one is strong and the other one is more like a brat. But they both develop through the book. it is a light in the end of the tunell book, even though the road to getting there is hard.
thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

[diane mary mccabe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good writer. Excellent storyteller.

Great story to read. I could not put it down.Can not wait for the complete story to bed able finish.

[Vivian · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would you do if your world is no longer recognizable? If you are no longer free to live in your country as free but under the occupation of a deadly army from another country? And on top of that you learned a family secret that will shattered your beliefs and endangers your life and everyone else’s in your family? These are the core questions in Rachel Wesson’s book about a Parisian family during the first two years of the German occupation of France during WWII.
While one twin, Sophie, spends her days working at the hospital and trying to get news of her fiancée’s fate, the other twin, Adele, spends her days and nights indulging in the Parisian society, even if it involves mingling with the Germans.
All changes when a family secret comes out and threatens the lives of the family, we see the will and power to survive in the family, each on their own pace, but at the end reaching the same goal, destroy the German occupiers by joining the resistance.
With a lot of research and beautifully written Rachel Wesson has giving us a book hard to put down once you start reading it and ending on a cliffhanger, making you long for the next book on the series.

[Carey Mundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first in a series by Wesson, and u am moving on to the second book immediately. This is the story of two French women who discover at the start of WWII in Paris that they have Jewish blood. Both take very different paths that lead them to support the Resistance. Excellent book!

[Cheryl Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from the author as a follower of her social media to provide feedback. The story is told from the point of view of each of the twin sisters in the family. The struggle in the family between political and social ideals becomes more complex throughout the novel. If you enjoy historical fiction based during WWII involving collaborators and members of the resistance you should add this book to your TBR (to be read) pile. I plan to read book 2 in the series, Light Rises as soon as it is available in November.

[Sandy McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent and informative read.

Sophie and Adele are twins, but the exact opposite in nature. Sophie is a trainee doctor, while Adele is only interested in a social life. When Paris is occupied by the Germans in 1940, everyone's lives are turned upside down.
An excellent well written and researched read; heart-wrenching and suspenseful at times, with an interesting blend of fact and fiction which I love.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and am very happy to recommend it to lovers of this genre.

[Gosia Nealon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring story

“People laughed, shouted, and haggled, their lives just the same as they had been that morning. Yet hers was over.”

I enjoyed this powerful story so much! One family, so many emotions. It shows how some people shine with heroism through the war while others so easily succumb into darkness. I highly recommend this beautiful book and I look forward to reading the second one in the series.

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I forgot this was a series! Now I can't wait to read the next one. These WWII books are hard to read but the resilience of the people is so heroic. I particularly enjoyed the characters of Jules, Dr. Murphy, and Sophie. The author gives a startling look into this difficult time period without being gory.

Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

[Patricia A Lozier · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning of this book was a little difficult to follow. Twin sisters are both going separate ways in France as World War II is beginning. But as the story develops it becomes easier and then more important. Now reading Light Rises also by Rachel Wesson.

[Kathryn Gauci · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I began this story which begins in Paris, I was struck by the fact that this family must have been representative of so many French families during the early days of the occupation; differing opinions and not realising what was in store for them. The story centers around twins, Sophie and Adele, both as different as night and day. Each one is forced to make a decision on which road to take after learning of a dark secret and the terrible fate of their brother.
This is Book One and ends in the terrible camp of Rivesaltes, built for Spanish refugees but now housing Jews. Having recently visited this camp I can vouch for the absolutely terrible conditions these people endured. Lots of action and I look forward to Book Two.

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing start of a new series! This book describes the first two years of the German invasion of France and in particular, Paris. With families divided on the seriousness of WWII, this story entails the dedication of medical staffs, the safety of lifelong friends no matter the race and the mixture of friends and foe in collaborator social events. Know who your friends are and be aware of destructive enemies is at the heart of not only this storyline but of life during the war. The Belanger family is the true picture of diversity found in blood, beliefs and heartache. I especially thank the author for her research and notations at the end of the book. Thanks for a great story!

[Lisa A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - what an amazing story of the French Resistance! An insightful look at life in Paris as the German occupation began and tightened their grip. This is part one of a two part series - a heartbreaking story of families torn apart, strength, courage, survival, and a great example of how fear can change a person into someone else entirely. The characters are well developed, and I was drawn into their story from page one. I read this book at every possible moment, finished it in two days and immediately ordered part 2, Light Rises. I highly recommend this series!
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and author for an advanced copy to review.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging historical fiction set in France during WWII. I enjoyed the plot and the story was well paced. The characters are likable and interesting. Highly recommended.

Thank you to Rachel Wesson, NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the arc of this book

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darkness Falls: A Completely Gripping WW2 French Resistance Novel About Two Sisters: The Resistance Sisters Book 1 is by Rachel Wesson. The story is based in Paris and then leads to Unoccupied France and expands as the sisters travel to fulfill their fates.
The apartment house they lived in contained three families which basically tells the basis of the novel. On the first floor, lived the concierge, Madame Garnier who was hiding her son in an upstairs room. He was a deserter from the French Army and had been slightly wounded and came home to “recuperate” but failed to tell anyone. She was a gossip and would turn on someone as fast as a snake if she thought it would help her situation.
The Belanger’s lived on the second floor. Noel Belanger was a businessman who was very concerned about no one in the family blemishing the family name. He was conceited, pompous, egotistical, and cared for himself only. However, he put on a good act as a family man and friend; but would turn his back on his family and friends if it helped him get ahead. Madame Belanger, Anne, loved her children dearly; but was definitely partial to her son and Sophie. She constantly criticized Adele; but it didn’t work because Noel overrode any punishment she doled out to Adele. Anne was a typical French wife who stayed home and raised her children and oversaw the house and servants. She was always well-put-together and a cup of tea solved everything. The twins, Sophie and Adele, although identical, seemed to be nothing alike. Sophie was studying to be a doctor when the war broke out and the schools closed. She went to work for Dr. Murphy at the American hospital as an intern. She was unofficially engaged to Jules Stein, another medical student, who was with the French Army as a medic. Adele, the other twin, was spoiled, egotistical, and self-centered. Her husband was a con artist that maneuvered her into marriage. She got his family’s status in society and he got her money. After his death, she was forced to return to her parents’ home when his brother took over the family home. She hated being here and being treated like a child. When the Nazis invaded Paris, she continued to go to parties and dine out as she did before, even though the Nazis had taken over the cafes and restaurants. She thought nothing of flirting and dancing with them as long as she had a good time. At seventeen, Jean-Pierre hadn’t figured out what he wanted to do in the future. Now, he came and went as he pleased and told no one where he was going or what he was doing. All they knew was he spent a lot of time at the museum. Little did they know what he was a member of the French Resistance. Zeldah was the maid. She was Jewish and had known or been with the family since she was a child. The four children grew up together. Thus, Adele could get away with nothing around Zeldah and Zeldah thought Sophie was wonderful and could do no wrong. Nothing in their lives so far would lead anyone to believe what they would do during the war.
The third floor housed the Litwak family. It consisted of a husband and wife and their two young daughters, Alette and Minette. The family kept to themselves but were friendly when they crossed paths with the Belangers. They kept a low profile because they were Jewish. Sophie talked to them when their paths crossed and became friends with the two girls. Sophie could occasionally take them food from what her father brought home from the black market when food became scarce in Paris.
It was when Madame Belanger’s parents’ secret was finally revealed that the family really began to break apart. It also put them in mortal danger. The fire works are just starting.

This book deserves more than 5 stars!!!

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paris, 1940: As the German soldiers march down the Champs-Élysées, the Bélanger twins, Adèle & Sophie know there is no escape – their lives are about to change forever. Sophie, a third-year medical student, works long days and nights saving casualties of war at the American hospital, and waits anxiously for news of her fiancé from the front line, whereas recently widowed Adèle, is determined to enjoy her freedom. But rumours are flying through the streets of occupied Paris about their father’s murky business interests, and soon Sophie learns the shocking truth of what’s really happening to their Jewish friends and neighbours. And then tragedy strikes: their beloved brother is arrested for his involvement in the resistance. Devastated and unable to save him, the family is torn apart and the girls’ lives are changed forever. As they too are drawn to the resistance. One false step and the twins could lose everything they’re fighting for – and each other.
Well written & researched book that pulled at my heart strings & I found myself totally engrossed in it & couldn’t put it down & nearly pulled an all nighter to finish it, now I’m impatiently awaiting the sequel even more so as the book does end on a cliffhanger. The twins are strong characters who find the strength to survive & in different ways fight the Germans. I laughed, I cried, I was on the edge of my seat & I SO wanted to turn to the last page to find out what the ending was – I didn’t.
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Elaine Fearnley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was totally immersed in this very powerful and moving book, from the first to the last page. It tells the story of the occupation of Paris in World War II, and watching the story unfurl, and seeing how everything changed so quickly for the citizens is horrifying. The Belanger famil, consisting of Papa, Maman, twins Adele and Sophie, and Jean-Pierre are hugely impacted by the events unfolding around them. Sophie is almost a qualified doctor who works tirelessly, Adele is a spoiled, shallow society beauty, and Jean-Pierre works at the museum. Papa is a businessman with a finger in lots of pies, and is a very forceful and brash character. For me, watching the community turn on each other, the distrust, the suspicion and the denial of what was happening as the Nazis invaded every part of their lives was horrible to see. The collaborators ensured that they had everything they needed, not caring about their compatriots. Ultimately, loyalties are tested, decisions have to be made, and danger is everywhere. The story is very well written, and kept my interest throughout. The brutality and cruelty is strongly portrayed, and I was left with an overwhelming feeling of sadness, and also admiration for the Resistance movement.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unexpected beginning had me crying in the first few chapters, it was the start of this gripping novel that drew me in, I was unable to put it down. Darkness Falls the first book of the, The Resistance Sisters is a well written book following twins Sophie and Adele Belanger during WW2 as the Germans march into Paris. The twins maybe identical but are so different in personalities. Sophie a strong, caring, independent women involved with helping the resistance after losing her beau and brother. Adele is a naïve, selfish child enjoying the presents of nazis until losing her friend and brother who are killed by them, does something that at the beginning of the book you would have never have guessed. A story of love, courage and loss. I’m really looking forward to continuing the twin’s story in Light Rises.

I would like to thank Storm Publishing, NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this complimentary copy for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Michelle LeKander · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wanted to love it, but couldn’t

I love historical fiction, especially about World War II, so I was excited to read this book and know there was another one to follow. But sadly, this book just fell short. The book has the storyline and the characters to make it a great book, but the writing is so disjointed. It just jumps from situation to situation introducing new characters but not ever really laying any foundation down. There is no character development especially with the main characters (the Belanger sisters and their family). If you can get past all that, the story has some interest and there is part of me that really wants to read the next book to find out the conclusion, however I’m pretty sure I’ll be just as disappointed.

[Kathleen Gallant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting Perspective

This book is special, as it reads from an entirely different perspective from most WW2 historical novels. It shows the true Zionist spirit in the face of impossible odds, and involves three generations of one family, alongside courageous Allies, both under Nazi occupation and those in opposition. Intertwined are many personalities, especially in four of the main characters; profiter, devotee, indifference and hero. The excitement comes in the evolution of each under circumstances unimaginable in this generation. Can't wait to read the next book in the series

[Ronald · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story!

You really need to read Darkness Falls! It is an intense story about World War II, taking place primarily in France. It revolves around two very different sisters and their approach to and involvement with the French resistance. The level of detail described is amazing, the thoughts, feelings and actions really involve the reader in what it was like to live under Nazi occupation. It is an intense story, filled with a lot of heartache and loss, but also determination and hope. This is a book I heartily recommend!

[Lewis Romesburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one review I’m anxious to write. This was hands down the best book I’ve read all year. I learned so much….. found out something new every chapter. So much work went into this book as the history behind it was awesome. Twin sisters have found themselves involved in the Hitler invasion of France. I found myself holding my breath as the horrible conditions and dangerous episodes were unbelievable. Please read this book… you won’t be sorry.
I’m on to the next book in this series….🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
…. Linda Romesburg…..

[Vicki F · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darkness Falls by Rachel Wesson is a very realistic story of the invasion of Paris during WWII. Each member of a family takes a different path - some a path of resistance, some a path of collaboration with the enemy, and some just try to live in the past. Twin sisters, who are so different in their outlooks on life, must discover what path each must take. Read to find out what path Sophie and Adele choose.
A copy was provided for my review, but all opinions are my own.

[Sheila Dailie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twin sisters Sophie and Adele have widely differing views on the beginnings of Germany's infiltrating Europe country by country. Sophie who is nearly done with her doctor's training works tirelessly to help the poor and hungry people in Paris. Adele parties with her father, who is most likely a colaborator.
Everything changes when their brother is executed by the Germans for printing a resistance newspaper. And the controls surrounding the Jews begin to tighten ever more quickly.

[Debbie Trammell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book

The characters are wonderful and stories are very emotional moving. It is always so hard to imagen what all these poor people with through. But, God bless all those who tried to help. Looking forward to reading next book in series. I highly recommend this series.

[Luisa Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a gripping read - I was enthralled throughout and can’t wait to read the sequel. Adele and Sophie are very different but both captivating protagonists, and the story of occupied France was beautifully written and very well paced. I’m grateful to the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this one via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

[Emily · Rating 1 out of 5]

A terribly slow start and when it finally ends, it’s as if the author was mid-thought. Seriously, this is reminiscent of some of my students who hit the minimum required word count and stop mid-sentence. Even though now I am interested in what happens next with Sophie and Adele I don’t think I want to read this author’s nonsense again.

[ann betts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darkness Falls

A very good story about the French people and how the Germans treated the French Jews during the Second World War. How France was divided at First into an occupied and unoccupied country.

[Mary Sue Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Book

World War 2 in France brings normal life to a halt. The well to do Ballinger family members are forced to take sides. The very different twin sisters react in different ways. But one thing for sure, they love France and want to help. I recommend this book.

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Musings

An absorbing novel with bringing characters and an awesome plot. Adele is such a brat, but one with grit and determination. I look forward to reading the next one in this series. Happy reading!