Marie-Madeleine

by Kit Sergeant

Can a lone woman stop the Nazis’ advance?
1940: The air is dense with the thick, acrid smoke of German bombs as Marie-Madeleine departs Paris, utterly alone in the world. Her destination is hundreds of kilometers away, where Navarre told her to meet him. Surely he would have a plan to get back at the Boches and fight for their freedom…

But is she willing to sacrifice everything for the cause? Torn between defending her country and safeguarding those closest to her, a startling twist of fate forces Marie-Madeleine to make a heart-wrenching decision…

Based on the true story of Marie-Madeleine Fourcade, this stirring novel delves into the depths of one woman’s bravery as she navigates the treacherous landscape of wartime France during one of history's darkest periods. Perfect for fans of The Nightingale and The Alice Network!

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, World War II, Ebooks, Historical, France, Espionage

432 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2023

About the author

Like her character Addy in Thrown for a Curve, Kit has a practically useless degree in marine biology. A teacher by profession and at heart, she loves to impart little-known facts and dares you to walk away from one of her "light-hearted" chick-lit books without learning at least one new thing. Kit's female leads are all intelligent, strong, and stand fine on their own... but then again, a Prince Charming waiting in the background is always appreciated. As long as he puts the toilet seat down.

Reviews

[Mary Kay Wooten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible

I have literally just finished Marie Madeleine. What an incredibly amazing woman & book. I was hooked after the first page and couldn't put it down until I finished it. I have such an appreciation for the French Resistance and the Maquis. They were the real French heroes of World War II. I truly believe their courage, honor, loyalty, and dedication to making France free of the Nazis is something to aspire to. I have read all of Kit's books, but this, to me, is by far her best. Marie Madeleine was a true example of a member of the Greatest Generation. She did not accept failure and sacrificed more than what my generation can imagine. Please read this book.

[Linda Rowlett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I knew nothing about Marie-Madeleine before I read this historical fiction. She was an amazing woman, head of the Alliance resistance network in France in WW II.

I wish Kit Sergeant was a better writer. His narrative style was pedantic and dull. His grammar was not always perfect.

My interest in Marie-Madeleine was strong throughout the book, but the plethora of characters was sometimes difficult to keep straight, particularly because many of them had numerous aliases. The list of characters at the opening of the book helped some.

I want to read more about this strong woman who sacrificed so much for her country.

[Melinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kit Sergeant is the author of Marie-Madeleine: World War II Women Spies that I finished last night. This is another book based on a real person Marie-Madeleine Fourcade. It was hard to keep track of all the different names Marie-Madeleine had to assume in her life as a spy in the Alliance and escaping from the German's. The network she ran lost numerous members and this was hard to absorb. I would like to read another of her books, gave this one 3 stars just because it was sometimes difficult to follow some of the characters.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this suspenseful novel. It told the story of a remarkable, real-life woman who led a large resistance network in WWII France. I found both the scope of the network and its duration (from the fall of Paris until the end of the war, though in various iterations) impressive, and I was moved by Marie-Madeleine's bravery and deep desire to protect and care for her agents.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, especially when it's centered on strong women and/or WWII.

[Debbie Trammell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book

All gave some and some gave all for the freedoms we still enjoy today. This is a wonderful book that tells of heroic deeds of many women and men in WW 2. Those of us alive today could never image the trials they went through and I am sure they would not want us to. What they did was so we would never have to do what they did. I highly recommend this book and the series "The Spark of Resistance". Kit is a master storyteller.

[Beverley Latimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story

This is an amazing story about the courageous men and women of the Alliance in France who fought against Nazis domination throughout WW11. Many of them died in a most brutal and inhumane way at the hands of the German Gistapo. The Alliance was led by a fearless woman, whose courage and determination in the face of the enemy was truly remarkable. Although heartbreaking in parts, this is a highly recommended read !

[Susanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was exceptional, and mostly believable. The idea that Leon kept escaping from prison by sawing the bars off makes zero sense. Did he just have a saw hidden in his pants? Still, overall the book was amazing. I was sad that Leon did, though I saw it coming. The mention of her marriage in the epilogue didn’t quite make sense. I don’t remember her meeting anyone in the book, so maybe I just don’t remember?

[Lori Guerrieri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action pact and very well written.

Kit knows how to write you into the action and emotion. The story was fast paced and full of action. I enjoyed all the characters, and the fact that they were based on real people, made them even more endearing. I don't know how much was true to life, or expanded upon for a good story, but that doesn't detract from any of it. If you enjoy stories based on real people, I highly recommend this one.

[Lesa Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating story of a French woman who led the largest Resistance network in France throughout most of WWII. The author shares Marie-Madeleine’s story in a gripping tale of suspenseful intrigue with characters that you either care for or strongly dislike, proving her character development is well done. I highly recommend this book!

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cant put down book. Misty eyed by all the agents went through after being arrested. As I was reading I kept wishing the end would be different for Leon and Marie. Thank you Kit for a wonderful novel

[Mary Sue Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This EXCELLENT

This is a long book but very worth the time. It is well written and keeps the readers interest.
This is the true story of a French Resistance leader who ran quite a successful group during
W W 2 providing the British with vital intelligence. I highly recommend.

[Jodi C. Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing women

This book makes me realize how incredibly strong the women of WWII were. The sacrifices they were willing to make were inspiring. There were a few spots in the book that seemed to drag but overall, a very good read.

[gerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible story about a remarkable leader who happens to be a woman.

The importance of the Alliance to the outcome of WW2 comes to light in this story of Marie-Madeleine, who led hundreds of agents, dodged the Gestapo and managed to stay alive until the war ended.

[Margaret Wray · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story. A woman running a resistance group in France battling the Nazi’s, London and her own French people. I intend to read up on this lady as her strength like other women in WW11 was truly amazing, some parts of the book were a bit so so but overall very good.

[Ursula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marie-Madeleine and many of the other members of the Alliance network must have been very interesting people. Unfortunately the book is quite dry and more a narration of what happened. I would have loved to get more into the people and some character building/dimensions.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful story about a character who was highlighted in the After Dunkirk series. Although this was a novel it highlighted the live of Marie-Madeleine, the chief of a French Resistance group known as Alliance.

[Mike Sternad · Rating 5 out of 5]

WWll epic you have’s read

As a result of this book my understanding (and respect for) the French during WWII has measurably improved. A fascinating story of resilience and heroism led by a woman.

[Rebecca Gaddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

empowering

The fortitude of the women of the resistance in France during WWII is undeniably fascinating. In the present time it is difficult to fathom what these women sacrificed and accomplished.

[Gloria Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marie-Madeleine

This was well written and obviously researched thoroughly. Stories like this must continue to be published to remind us that history such as this must not be repeated. How very brave this network of people were!!

[Christine George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

I have read many books about the women in resistance during well and this one is excellent. I look forward to reading more books from Kit Sergeant in the future.

[Marcia Ditter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this book
An incredible read.

[Sue Pelham · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t finish the book, I just couldn’t get into it.

[Deborah O'Regan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just didn't do it for me. I never finished it.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

ok

This book started good, was slow and repeated itself in the middle and ended ok. Nice female heroin in the book.

[Brenda Hancock · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first it read like a history book, all details and little insight into the characters. The characters didn't come alive for me until about halfway through the book.

[Rebecca K. Barnhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting

Wow! As the story unfolded, I felt breathless with anticipation as to what the heroine would encounter next. I adore WWII novels and this one didn’t disappoint.

[Madeleine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story but very flat characters that the reader doesn’t get to know very well.

[Terri Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read

Amazing truth. A must read fo, br everyone. Loved this as it broadened my knowledge of the the resistance in France. Remarkable women, men sacrificing all for freedom.

[patricia sendelbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved these stories. Women of character who were brace and courageous. Women throughout history have had these same qualities and are long overdue their recognition.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always nice to read a nonfiction book. Fascinating group of people who risked their lives during World War 11 to help report to the British about thebNazis in France.