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Marie-Madeleine
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!
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!
432 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2023
About the author
Kit Sergeant
17 books120 followersLike 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
July 1, 2023
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.
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.
August 18, 2026
Marie-Madeleine by Kit Sergeant is a historical novel and part of the Women Spies in World War II series, based on the true story of Marie-Madeleine Fourcade and her role in the French Resistance.
This is a poignant and thought-provoking story about courage, sacrifice and the extraordinary lengths people were willing to go to aid the war effort. What struck me most was the reminder that behind the larger events of history were ordinary people making incredibly brave decisions, often knowing that the consequences could be devastating.
Sergeant's writing is descriptive and immersive, bringing wartime France vividly to life. There is a real sense of danger running through the story, as trust becomes precious and every decision carries consequences. I found myself thinking about the enormous courage it must have taken to continue fighting when the risks were so high and the possibility of losing everything was always present.
What also makes this story particularly moving is the human side of the resistance. These weren't simply spies carrying out missions; they were people with families, relationships, fears and hopes, forced to make impossible choices between those they loved and the cause they believed in. Marie-Madeleine's determination and resilience make her a fascinating central character, and her story highlights just how significant the contribution of women to the resistance was.
I always find historical fiction based on real people particularly powerful because it encourages you to look beyond the history books and remember the individuals behind the events. Marie-Madeleine certainly did that for me, a testament to Kit Sergeants writing . It left me with an even greater appreciation for those who risked their lives, often in secrecy, so that others could have a future.
Overall, this is a moving and immersive historical read that shines a light on a remarkable woman and the courageous people who stood against Nazi occupation. A story of bravery, sacrifice and resilience that reminds us why these often-overlooked stories deserve to be remembered.
This is a poignant and thought-provoking story about courage, sacrifice and the extraordinary lengths people were willing to go to aid the war effort. What struck me most was the reminder that behind the larger events of history were ordinary people making incredibly brave decisions, often knowing that the consequences could be devastating.
Sergeant's writing is descriptive and immersive, bringing wartime France vividly to life. There is a real sense of danger running through the story, as trust becomes precious and every decision carries consequences. I found myself thinking about the enormous courage it must have taken to continue fighting when the risks were so high and the possibility of losing everything was always present.
What also makes this story particularly moving is the human side of the resistance. These weren't simply spies carrying out missions; they were people with families, relationships, fears and hopes, forced to make impossible choices between those they loved and the cause they believed in. Marie-Madeleine's determination and resilience make her a fascinating central character, and her story highlights just how significant the contribution of women to the resistance was.
I always find historical fiction based on real people particularly powerful because it encourages you to look beyond the history books and remember the individuals behind the events. Marie-Madeleine certainly did that for me, a testament to Kit Sergeants writing . It left me with an even greater appreciation for those who risked their lives, often in secrecy, so that others could have a future.
Overall, this is a moving and immersive historical read that shines a light on a remarkable woman and the courageous people who stood against Nazi occupation. A story of bravery, sacrifice and resilience that reminds us why these often-overlooked stories deserve to be remembered.
August 23, 2026
How much would you be willing to sacrifice for freedom?
Your home?
Your safety?
Time with your children?
Your life?
Marie-Madeleine Fourcade faced those choices in Nazi-occupied France—and went on to lead one of the largest intelligence networks in the French Resistance.
Meanwhile, I had never even heard her name. 😳
History, I have questions 🙋🏼♀️
WHO WOULD LOVE THIS BOOK:
📚 Love WWII historical fiction based on real people, female spies, secret identities, espionage & the French Resistance? Put this one on your TBR.
WHAT I LOVED:
🇫🇷 Discovering Marie-Madeleine. How does a woman do ALL of this and somehow escape my radar for 61 years?!
🕵️♀️ The inner workings of the Resistance. Secret messages, safe houses, intelligence gathering, aliases upon aliases. I occasionally needed a scorecard. 😂
💪 Marie-Madeleine’s moxie. She was hunted by the Gestapo and repeatedly put herself back in danger. I would like to think I possess this level of nerve. There is currently insufficient evidence. 😏
👥 The enormous cast of real-life heroes. So many everyday people quietly did extraordinary things—and many paid an unimaginable price for it.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
💭 This book left me thinking less about what happened and more about what I would have done in their place.
It’s comfortable to imagine we’d be the ones hiding people, carrying intelligence and standing up to evil.
But when doing the right thing could cost you everything?
I genuinely don’t know what I would have done.
Marie-Madeleine knew what she was willing to risk.
And after spending an entire book wondering how I’d never heard of this woman, I finished with a very different question:
How many more Marie-Madeleines are missing from the stories we know?
Apparently I have some reading to do. 📚😏
❓Had you heard of Marie-Madeleine Fourcade?
I received an advanced copy from the author. A positive review was not required.
______
𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐃𝐄
🟢 𝙇𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙪𝙖𝙜𝙚: Mild. A couple of mild profanity.
🟢 𝙍𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚/𝙎𝙚𝙭𝙪𝙖𝙡 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩: Romantic elements; no explicit sexual content.
🟢 𝙑𝙞𝙤𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚: Wartime violence and deaths. Nothing graphic or gruesome.
🥺 𝙎𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙨: Nazi occupation, Gestapo, bombings, arrests, imprisonment, death, grief, loss and family separation.
🎬 𝙏𝙑/𝙁𝙞𝙡𝙢 𝙀𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙫𝙖𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙩: PG-13 for wartime themes, peril and violence.
𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑 𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆
📖 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝟰/𝟱 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀. Fascinating, meticulously researched, and an eye-opening tribute to a remarkable woman whose story deserves to be known. The history-forward storytelling and large cast sometimes kept me at a distance from the characters.
Your home?
Your safety?
Time with your children?
Your life?
Marie-Madeleine Fourcade faced those choices in Nazi-occupied France—and went on to lead one of the largest intelligence networks in the French Resistance.
Meanwhile, I had never even heard her name. 😳
History, I have questions 🙋🏼♀️
WHO WOULD LOVE THIS BOOK:
📚 Love WWII historical fiction based on real people, female spies, secret identities, espionage & the French Resistance? Put this one on your TBR.
WHAT I LOVED:
🇫🇷 Discovering Marie-Madeleine. How does a woman do ALL of this and somehow escape my radar for 61 years?!
🕵️♀️ The inner workings of the Resistance. Secret messages, safe houses, intelligence gathering, aliases upon aliases. I occasionally needed a scorecard. 😂
💪 Marie-Madeleine’s moxie. She was hunted by the Gestapo and repeatedly put herself back in danger. I would like to think I possess this level of nerve. There is currently insufficient evidence. 😏
👥 The enormous cast of real-life heroes. So many everyday people quietly did extraordinary things—and many paid an unimaginable price for it.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
💭 This book left me thinking less about what happened and more about what I would have done in their place.
It’s comfortable to imagine we’d be the ones hiding people, carrying intelligence and standing up to evil.
But when doing the right thing could cost you everything?
I genuinely don’t know what I would have done.
Marie-Madeleine knew what she was willing to risk.
And after spending an entire book wondering how I’d never heard of this woman, I finished with a very different question:
How many more Marie-Madeleines are missing from the stories we know?
Apparently I have some reading to do. 📚😏
❓Had you heard of Marie-Madeleine Fourcade?
I received an advanced copy from the author. A positive review was not required.
______
𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐃𝐄
🟢 𝙇𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙪𝙖𝙜𝙚: Mild. A couple of mild profanity.
🟢 𝙍𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚/𝙎𝙚𝙭𝙪𝙖𝙡 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩: Romantic elements; no explicit sexual content.
🟢 𝙑𝙞𝙤𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚: Wartime violence and deaths. Nothing graphic or gruesome.
🥺 𝙎𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙨: Nazi occupation, Gestapo, bombings, arrests, imprisonment, death, grief, loss and family separation.
🎬 𝙏𝙑/𝙁𝙞𝙡𝙢 𝙀𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙫𝙖𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙩: PG-13 for wartime themes, peril and violence.
𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑 𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆
📖 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝟰/𝟱 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀. Fascinating, meticulously researched, and an eye-opening tribute to a remarkable woman whose story deserves to be known. The history-forward storytelling and large cast sometimes kept me at a distance from the characters.
August 28, 2026
4.5
Known by many names throughout the war, her purpose was singular. Defeat the Nazi's and make the world a better place for her children to grow up in.
Yes, she had children- and yes, she left them with family members and sent them away to keep them safe. Could I do the same. Doubtful. Did that decision make a big difference in changing the tide of the war? She was powerful, strong, fearless (outwardly at least), organized, and a leader in a time that women weren't known to have the ability to be. And don't forget- it's true. It happened. She was real.
Her bravery was unmatched as she navigated the treacherous landscape of France during war. She trained, was hunted, learned languages, escaped, saw unimaginable horrors, watched as colleagues were captured, fell in love, spied, experienced loss, and still kept her determination alive. She would not let them win by causing fear and stopping her efforts.
"We must keep going."
I am in awe of the women that Kit Sergeant has brought to light in her stories. They were strong in an era that it was not expected, and gentle in their care of those that were working for them. It always makes me wonder how many other women sacrificed so much that we don't know about; I also wonder what I would have done in similar circumstances. One can never predict.
If you enjoy WWII stories, strong women, engaging true stories, and book gripping experiences that you don't see a way out of, this book and series is for you. Be aware, there is a closed door scene between 2 adults and wartime violence and death.
Known by many names throughout the war, her purpose was singular. Defeat the Nazi's and make the world a better place for her children to grow up in.
Yes, she had children- and yes, she left them with family members and sent them away to keep them safe. Could I do the same. Doubtful. Did that decision make a big difference in changing the tide of the war? She was powerful, strong, fearless (outwardly at least), organized, and a leader in a time that women weren't known to have the ability to be. And don't forget- it's true. It happened. She was real.
Her bravery was unmatched as she navigated the treacherous landscape of France during war. She trained, was hunted, learned languages, escaped, saw unimaginable horrors, watched as colleagues were captured, fell in love, spied, experienced loss, and still kept her determination alive. She would not let them win by causing fear and stopping her efforts.
"We must keep going."
I am in awe of the women that Kit Sergeant has brought to light in her stories. They were strong in an era that it was not expected, and gentle in their care of those that were working for them. It always makes me wonder how many other women sacrificed so much that we don't know about; I also wonder what I would have done in similar circumstances. One can never predict.
If you enjoy WWII stories, strong women, engaging true stories, and book gripping experiences that you don't see a way out of, this book and series is for you. Be aware, there is a closed door scene between 2 adults and wartime violence and death.
June 10, 2026
I finished this book nearly unable to read through the tears. It is a heartbreakingly beautiful piece of historical fiction that is also one of the best researched I’ve read in years. In capturing the story of Marie-Madeleine, author Kit Sergeant has resurrected the memory of so many true heroes whose stories have largely been lost to history. Knowing the true foundation of it all is heartbreaking.
The conversations are so well written, and the imagery so evocative that I was drawn deeply into Marie-Madeleine’s story. It felt like I was right there in the midst of it all, the weight of the decisions on my shoulders, grief and hope competing tides.
I can’t recommend this enough. The author has struck the perfect balance between the historical framework and the necessary imagination to fill out the story in a way that’s easily read, entertaining, and honors the the profound truths that can only be undated through the experience of feeling it.
The conversations are so well written, and the imagery so evocative that I was drawn deeply into Marie-Madeleine’s story. It felt like I was right there in the midst of it all, the weight of the decisions on my shoulders, grief and hope competing tides.
I can’t recommend this enough. The author has struck the perfect balance between the historical framework and the necessary imagination to fill out the story in a way that’s easily read, entertaining, and honors the the profound truths that can only be undated through the experience of feeling it.
December 4, 2023
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.
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.
December 4, 2023
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.
July 11, 2023
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.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, especially when it's centered on strong women and/or WWII.
August 13, 2023
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.
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.
June 25, 2024
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 !
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 !
September 17, 2024
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?
September 4, 2025
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.
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.
August 1, 2026
Another great historical fiction read by the author! This is my 2nd book I've read by her and how she makes these real life heorines actually come to life is incredible. Marie-Madeleine was truly and unsung hero of WWII and the French Resistance. The things she gave up, the challenges she faced, her unwavering courage is truly amazing. This was another book that took me thru the Google rabbit hole to learn more about this unstoppable woman!
January 6, 2025
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!
July 28, 2023
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
July 30, 2023
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.
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.
September 7, 2023
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.
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.
October 11, 2023
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.
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.
October 22, 2023
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.
January 6, 2024
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.
August 29, 2024
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.
September 4, 2024
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.
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.
September 8, 2024
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.
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.
September 20, 2024
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!!
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!!
July 26, 2026
Thank you @kitsergeant for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest opinion. What an incredible story about an incredible woman. Marie-Madeleine’s bravery, leadership, and unwavering dedication to protecting her agents was deeply inspiring. I have such an appreciation for the French Resistance and the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom during World War II. Highly recommend this for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, especially stories centered on courageous women and the untold heroes of history.
July 6, 2023
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.
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.
July 15, 2023
Just finished this book
An incredible read.
An incredible read.
September 27, 2023
I didn’t finish the book, I just couldn’t get into it.
October 25, 2023
Just didn't do it for me. I never finished it.
November 6, 2023
ok
This book started good, was slow and repeated itself in the middle and ended ok. Nice female heroin in the book.
This book started good, was slow and repeated itself in the middle and ended ok. Nice female heroin in the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews