France, 1942: With Europe struggling under German occupation, Sophie Bélanger, grieving the deaths of her brother, fiancé and friends, is no longer prepared to stand on the sidelines. Risking everything, she becomes increasingly involved in helping to save those on the run – even though that means persuading Jewish parents to hand over their children, in the desperate hope of saving their lives.
When she is forced to flee to the non-occupied zone, her medical skills take her to the French camp of Rivesaltes, where she cares for the injured and unwell – until one day her luck runs out. Meanwhile her twin, Adèle, has shed her socialite pretensions and completed her special agent training, and is poised to begin her first mission. Ready to set France ablaze, she parachutes into occupied territory and begins work drilling maquisards in guerrilla warfare, determined to thwart the Nazis at every turn – whatever the cost – and avenge the death of her beloved brother.
Soon both sisters are fighting for their survival – unsure if they’ll live to see each other again. Will the twins’ secret be their undoing?
An epic, awe-inspiring and heartbreaking story of courage against all the odds which will have you on the edge of your seat. Fans of The Alice Network , The Nightingale and The Dressmaker’s Gift won’t be able to put this captivating book down.
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.
Light Rises is the sequel to Darkness Falls. Both books are part of The Resistance Sisters series written by Rachel Wesson.
For the Bélanger twins, Sophie and Adèle, the loss of family and friends is the catalyst for their tremendous growth and willingness to risk it all for the war effort. One twin risks it all to enter the Riversaltes camp to ensure unity and the other twin orchestrates destruction and breaking things apart - two halves of the same whole doing different things for the same reason.
I was on the edge of my seat reading about the danger the girls found themselves in, had my preconceived notions blown away by the character growth (especially Adèle), was in awe of the research (came across authentic) and was heartbroken reading about the torture some had to endure. Wesson ensured I was emotionally invested in the story.
I learned about the resilience, courage and sacrifice of women, the Izieu rafle and the evil Klaus Barbie, the Oradour-sur-Glane tragedy and the Tulle tragedy and the Musee De L’Homme resistance circuit.
This was a fantastic sequel to Darkness Falls and again, loved the connection of the title to the story. Lights shine the brightest when it’s dark.
I was gifted this copy by Storm Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Rachel Wesson is one of my favorite authors. I've read all of her books and loved them all but she really outdid herself with this series!
The books were very well researched and I learned a lot from them. The characters became so dear to me that my heart was in my throat more than a few times while reading! If you like historical fiction, then this is a series that you will LOVE!
This was the sequel to the first book in the series about two twin sisters and the roles they each played in the French resistance during WWII. It was as riveting as the first book as these sisters fight against all odds, heartbreak and treachery. Their story reaches a very satisfying conclusion - I read most books in this genre and Wesson does a fine job in capturing the great sacrifice many people made during the war. I’m a fan!
Excellent writing! This being the second book in the series which focused on the resistance activities not only in the France heartland of sisters Sophie and Adele, but other countries affected by war. Death, despair and finally salvation! Unspeakable atrocities! No wonder the world calls WWII the great war with thousands lost. Despicable savagery by Germans and the troops that carried out Nazi orders of deaths. The Historical Notes in the end of the book brought out not only harsh facts but areas of creative license which enhanced activities during the era of 1941 to 1945 - the Great War. Thanks to the author for all the research and presenting a story that is sure to awake all of us not to let this happen again. Pray for peace!
Light Rises is the sequel to Darkness Falls, which I previously read and reviewed. I am thankful to have received an advanced reader copy. The first book set up the story and family relationships. This sequel went deeper into Adele and Sophie as they each worked with the resistance. I enjoyed watching as Adele became a powerful woman as opposed to the spoiled sister she was in Darkness Rises. There were several surprising scenes as I read the book. I enjoyed the twists and turns through to the end. I would love to say more but do not want to give anything away. I suggest pre-ordering this book, in order to read it as soon as it releases. I also hope that Rachel Wesson will consider a continuation of the series based on additional characters from these books.
Light Rises by Rachel Wesson (book #2 of The Resistance Sisters) is a heart-wrenching novel taking place during WWII. Realistic scenes of the roundups and camps for the Jewish people and for the resistance and for anyone else the Nazis deemed 'undesirable' are included. Reading The Resistance Sisters #1 Darkness Falls is recommended as it sets the stage for a lot of what occurs in Light Rises. Twins Sophie and Adele each take different paths during the war but are fighting for the same cause.
Such a difficult topic and yet, so necessary for remembering.
A copy was provided for my review, but all opinions are my own.
I have read about all Ms. Wesson's books and these two are just about the two most amazing books ever! Thank you so very much for all your research that has taught me even more about WWII. It was be great to read about how the sisters help bring Paris back...hint hint!
Light Rises is the continuation story of Darkness Fall, in this book we see the full transformation of the two sisters into tour de force women defending their country against the enemy. Would you, when facing the destruction of your country and your old way of life, leave your old self behind and transform into someone who is the complete opposite as how you were? Would you disregard your own life and fight to death for your country and your people? This is what we see in this book with both Adele and Sophie, both of them on their own journey fight for France and their people against the Nazis, both so courageous in their acts, and both suffering under the enemy's hands. From the two sisters journeys, I'm biased to Adele's, between the two of them I felt that hers was an amazing transformation from spoiled socialite to expert in explosives and commander of several guerrillas groups. The writing again was superb, the knowledge of the period and attention of detail superb, making this book an amazing book to read and one not to bi missed.
I throughly enjoyed reading these 2 books. I found Rachel to be a master storyteller. Tje characters were rich. The main characters of the twins was inspired so alike but so different but, united in their mission. This time period was truly awful and it is surprising that anyone survived. I highly recommend this books to anyone interested in WW 2.
Covering WW2 in France from 1942 onwards, this very moving story continues on from "Darkness Falls". It follows the lives of twins Sophie and Adele and their involvement in the resistance. The author has captured this horrific era extremely well and has included many actual events, places and people. The atrocities which occurred during this horrendous time brought on tears and many other emotions. This well written and researched book cannot be recommend highly enough. I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Light Rises: The Resistance Sisters Book 2 is by Rachel Wesson. This book is as wonderful as the first one, Darkness Falls. Sophie continues to find work that helps others and hopefully allows her to use her medical expertise at the same time. She has still managed to keep the fact that she is ½ Jewish a secret. Her last name is known throughout France and helps her with the Nazis; but not so much with the native French. She does constantly worry about her sister Adele and wonders if she is still alive. Surely as a twin, she would know if she was in immediate danger or dead. Besides being her twin, she is the only sibling she has left. Right now, Sophie is working in a camp where Jews are kept. She is working with Mary Elmes of Ireland. Working with what little they have, they give what medical help they can and also try to get parents to give them their children so they can get them out of the camp and possibly save their lives. As expected, it is very difficult to get parents to give control of their children to others, especially strangers. Mary has had a little more luck than Sophie, so Sophie plans to move into the camp where she is there at night to help with the sick and get to know the parents better. The commandant of the camp thinks she is nuts; but allows her to move in and even has a hut set up for her use. He does instruct her to stay away from the Jewish camp at night; but she has no plans to so as he instructs. As they take children out of the camp, Sophie makes a list of names of parents and children and the name they change the children’s to and buries the list. She is determined to reunite as many parents and children as possible after the war. Soon it is her turn to leave the camp and take her work to the convents, orphanages, and homes to help arrange for the children to move to safer places and hopefully out of France. Meanwhile, Adele is creating a leadership role in the Resistance. As their explosive expert, the men look up to her and begin to follow her instructions without problems. She has proved herself as a formidable opponent against the Nazis. In spite of the acts of revenge against the innocent French for the resistance’s activities, they push on with their goal of getting the Nazis out of France. Adele becomes known as the “White Witch” and becomes one of the top people the Nazis want to capture. She has no idea where her twin is and worries about her; but she believes she is working in a hospital in the Paris area where she will be relatively safe. She knows her grandmother and mother are somewhere safe in hiding and being taken care of by the resistance; but she doesn’t know where. She knows her father is a collaborator and has cut all ties with him. As the twins fight their way through World War II, doing the work they chose to do for France, they still yearn to be together just once to know that the other is alright. What will be their ultimate end?
Outstanding WW2 and The French Resistance. This is the second book in the series and is a beautifully written book by Rachel Wesson. This book Light Rises is the very moving story which continues from "Darkness Falls." It follows the lives of twins Sophie and Adele and their involvement in the resistance during the war in France. The book has so many twists turns and heartache but once you start reading this book you will find you cannot put it down. Adele and Sophie are both on their own journey to fight for France and their people against the Nazis. Sophie carries on nursing helping to treat anyone who is injured also whilst smuggling children between convents and putting her life at risk on so many separate occasions. Her twin sister Adele parachutes into occupied territory in France from England and Adele is then charged to begins work drilling maquisards in guerrilla warfare teaching them how to pack explosives, blow up buildings and many more useful skills to fight against the Nazis. Both the sisters are so courageous in their acts, and both will sufferer under the enemy's hands before the war is over. The author has captured this horrific era extremely well and has included many actual events, places, and people. The atrocities that occurred during this horrendous time bring tears to your eyes as well as being very emotional. The writing once again was superb, and the knowledge of the period and attention of detail is excellent. This is a professionally written and researched book. An exceptionally relevant story about the French people and how the Germans treated the French Jews during the Second World War. I found this book to be an amazing read with strong characters. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
1942 France and occupied Europe groan under the weight of the German yoke. Sophie Bélanger, grieving the deaths of her brother and friends, has questions nobody has answers to. She cannot stand on the sidelines and gets increasingly involved in helping save those on the run, be they downed airmen or Jewish children, until she is forced to flee to the non-occupied zone. There, her medical skills take her to the French camp of Rivesaltes, until one day her luck runs out. The death of her brother at the hands of the Germans makes Adèle Bélanger shed her socialite pretensions. She draws on an unexpected, inner well of courage to help her avenge her brother’s death. Her ambition is to rid her country of the German occupiers. Trained by the SOE to set France ablaze, she in turn trains maquisards in guerrilla warfare, despite the horrendous cost to innocent civilians. This is the second book about the Bélanger twins & I’d recommend reading in order. Another very well written often harrowing story that kept me on the edge of my seat. I found it very hard to put down, I loved how the sisters grew throughout the book. The book was well research & at times an uncomfortable read as the author didn’t hide her punches & I was reaching for tissues more than once. A compelling read My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Light Rises is the sequel to Darkness Falls and continues the story of twins Sophie and Adele and their fight to not only save others, but also themselves. I loved this story even more than Darkness Falls, which I didn't think was possible! Both unputdownable, insightful, heartbreaking stories about the French Resistance during WWII. This part of the story delves more into the world of the resistance fighters & gives great insight into the impact of this war - the sacrifices made, fear, deceit, horror and absolute evil. But there is also strength, hope, friendship & love. I loved Adele more in this part of the story, she was so strong, no longer the spoilt brat of book one, yet also showed vulnerability- it was great to see this side of her. I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys WWII historical fiction - this story & the characters will stay with me for a very long time. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher & the author for an advanced digital copy to review.
Light Rises continues the story of twins Sophie and Adele as Europe continues to struggle at the hands of the Nazis. As Sophie continues to work to save as many Jewish children possible, Adele has finished her training and returned as the leader of a resistance group. This edge of your seat, gripping, unputdownable novel takes you on a emotional journey as the twins grow and experience the ups and downs of war. Light Rises is the second book of The Resistance Sisters its filled of courage, love, loss and sacrifice. I did feel that the epilogue was a little rushed however is a highly recommended WW2 historical fiction book.
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.
Continuing the story of the Belanger sisters, Sophie and Adele, and their lives during World War II, this is a harrowing story of the inhumanity that was prevalent in those very dark times. The brutality and suffering is redolent throughout the book, however so is hope. Throughout the darkness, the sisters never stop believing, never stop fighting, and never stop hoping that one day, there will be an end to the war, and to all the cruelty and killing. This is a very powerful story, that made me cry at times, and despair at the treatment meted out to people for no other reason than their religion. It gave me a lot to think about, and hit me hard. Recommended.
I don't usually read additional books of a series but in this case I really liked the story in Darkness Falls and had to find out more by reading the second volume of the series. The continuing story is just as exciting and dramatic as Darkness Falls, and also just as sad, horrific and sorrowful. Love and hope keep the characters moving forward with determination and strength. The only thing I wish was better was a longer ending and conclusion to the story. What happened after the war with the main characters? This is a great two volume series and I highly recommend it.
This is the best series that I’ve read all year. I was blown away with the way this was written. It showed me how lucky we are to live in a democracy and will never have to go through what the twin sisters did. These girls were awesome to help the French and the Jewish people and children to stay safe during the German invasion during WW2. Rachel is so careful to research her facts before printing. You will know as you read just how terrible the years of war was. I can’t wait to start another of her books. They are thrillers!! A Must Read..!!!!
I'm so glad I was able to read this book so quickly after reading the first book. This one was harder to read as the torture has escalated. The strength of the Belanger girls and those around them was amazing and inspiring. We should not forget the past and seek to ensure that we advocate for those around us.
Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.
This review will be published on my blog kroosreadsandreviews.blogspot.com. I will also post the blog review on the publication date
This book continues Sophie and Adele’s story and made for a riveting sequel. I found the depth of detail about WWII France made it a riveting read and one that pulled on my heartstrings. There were some moments that really highlighted the despair, cruelty and injustice of war as well as the heroism and will to survive. Another powerful book and I read it in two days as I really didn’t want to put it down. I’ll look forward to reading more books by this author. I’m grateful to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC which I received in exchange for an honest review.
There have been a lot of stories in this genre recently, and I’ve read quite a lot of them, as the period is one that I believe we should all read about. Despite that, this one still has the power to make me cry, bring goosebumps to my skin and despair at man’s inhumanity to man, yet still believe that there are mainly good people out there. Sophie and Adele are a mix of all the women who lived during these times, and they are portrayed so well, it feels really authentic. A definite must-read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Sophie and her twin sister are both working with the resistance but have no idea that the other twin is doing this work. Sophie is mistaken for her sister, and suffers greatly in torture and then in the concentration camps. Not until after the war do the sisters discover one another. Amazingly, they both survived as did the respective men that they fell in love with. Sadly, their mother and grandmother were in a house that was hit when an Allied plane had to empty its load prior to crashing. A satisfying eonclusion to the war years for these two sister.
I finished this book and the first book Darkness Falls. They were both very good. I usually listen to my books from Audible, but these I decided to read. I love my World War II books and was very satisfied. I liked the characters, the story line and the settings. Very well written and very good.
Darkness Falls and Light rises are so well written and engaging books. I am a bit biased as a huge fan of Rachel Wesson. I've read almost all of her books and have never been disappointed. I've learned history I never knew and lost myself in a world where although dark show how things can become bright and hopeful.
A great sequel to the first book in the series. A story of a pair of identical twin girls with totally different interests in pre WWII Paris who ended up being heroes of the resistance fighting the Nazies each in their own way. Lots of twists and turns. Heart wrenching and finally heartwarming. Both books are fast, excellent reads.