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The Glovemaker's Daughter
Paris, 1943. German soldiers drag me out onto the cobbled street and push me towards the waiting truck. I force myself to face forward as tears stream down my cheeks. If I look back, they'll know. I can't let them find my baby girl...
Raya bends over a delicate glove in her beloved shop in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. It's the only place she still feels safe. When the Nazis snatched control of Paris, Raya knew she had to fight to protect the few things she had left. And so far, her support of the resistance has gone undetected. But now, the door bangs open and three German soldiers lunge towards her. Raya's blood turns to ice.
Hauled onto the cobbled street, she struggles against their rough hands as they accuse her of organizing meetings in the tunnels below her shop. Raya can think only of her baby daughter Amalia , hidden beneath the shop's front desk. She has a heart-wrenching choice to make. Reveal Amalia's existence and risk her life, or leave her behind and pray someone protects her. It's the hardest decision she's ever faced...
Transported to Ravensbruck concentration camp, every day is a desperate battle for survival. The only thing that keeps Raya going is the thought of being reunited with her blue-eyed, innocent baby girl. But did someone with a kind soul uncover Amalia's hiding place and keep her safe? And in the darkest of places, is the power of a mother's love enough to keep Raya alive until she can see her daughter again?
An unputdownable and totally heartbreaking World War Two page-turner about sacrifice, the powerful and unbreakable love of a mother, and a glimmer of hope amongst the never-ending darkness of war. Fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz , The Nightingale and The Choice will be gripped.
Raya bends over a delicate glove in her beloved shop in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. It's the only place she still feels safe. When the Nazis snatched control of Paris, Raya knew she had to fight to protect the few things she had left. And so far, her support of the resistance has gone undetected. But now, the door bangs open and three German soldiers lunge towards her. Raya's blood turns to ice.
Hauled onto the cobbled street, she struggles against their rough hands as they accuse her of organizing meetings in the tunnels below her shop. Raya can think only of her baby daughter Amalia , hidden beneath the shop's front desk. She has a heart-wrenching choice to make. Reveal Amalia's existence and risk her life, or leave her behind and pray someone protects her. It's the hardest decision she's ever faced...
Transported to Ravensbruck concentration camp, every day is a desperate battle for survival. The only thing that keeps Raya going is the thought of being reunited with her blue-eyed, innocent baby girl. But did someone with a kind soul uncover Amalia's hiding place and keep her safe? And in the darkest of places, is the power of a mother's love enough to keep Raya alive until she can see her daughter again?
An unputdownable and totally heartbreaking World War Two page-turner about sacrifice, the powerful and unbreakable love of a mother, and a glimmer of hope amongst the never-ending darkness of war. Fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz , The Nightingale and The Choice will be gripped.
352 pages, Paperback
Published September 13, 2023
1170 people are currently reading
809 people want to read
About the author
Shari J. Ryan
65 books2,015 followersShari J. Ryan is a USA Today and International Bestselling Author of over 40 novels, with more than 700,000 copies sold and translations in 13 languages. She writes emotionally evocative WWII fiction inspired by true stories that have resonated with readers around the globe. Her work has earned Top 100, Top 10, and #1 chart rankings, as well as two Rone Awards.
As the granddaughter and great-granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, Shari brings a deeply personal connection to her work. Her stories are rooted in truth and remembrance, written to ensure history is never forgotten.
For Shari, writing is more than a passion; it is her way of expressing herself and connecting with others. She strives to share every emotion she experiences with each reader who picks up one of her books.
Shari holds a bachelor's degree from Johnson & Wales University and began her career as a graphic artist and freelance writer until 2012, when she discovered her true calling in novels.
Some of Shari’s bestselling books include The Nurse Behind the Gates, The Stolen Twins, The Bookseller of Dachau, The Doctor’s Daughter, and The Last Words Series—gripping stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
A lifelong Boston girl, Shari now lives in a small town in the suburbs with her adored husband and two incredible sons, who make her feel like the luckiest woman in the world.
As the granddaughter and great-granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, Shari brings a deeply personal connection to her work. Her stories are rooted in truth and remembrance, written to ensure history is never forgotten.
For Shari, writing is more than a passion; it is her way of expressing herself and connecting with others. She strives to share every emotion she experiences with each reader who picks up one of her books.
Shari holds a bachelor's degree from Johnson & Wales University and began her career as a graphic artist and freelance writer until 2012, when she discovered her true calling in novels.
Some of Shari’s bestselling books include The Nurse Behind the Gates, The Stolen Twins, The Bookseller of Dachau, The Doctor’s Daughter, and The Last Words Series—gripping stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
A lifelong Boston girl, Shari now lives in a small town in the suburbs with her adored husband and two incredible sons, who make her feel like the luckiest woman in the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
September 18, 2023
Raya Pasqual had been alone in the leather goods shop and her home above, ever since her parents had died and she'd sent her younger brother Alix to Zurich to obtain his teaching degree. Now with the Germans in close proximity, and terror in everyone's hearts, Raya took each day as it came. The young man she'd met, Nicolas Bardot, had become very special to her, and she to him. Nicolas worked with the Resistance, and while Raya did nothing with them, she knew what was going on. But the day the Germans trashed her shop and arrested her for working with the Resistance was the worst of her life. What would happen to Amalia? Would someone find her and keep her safe?
The next days and months at Ravensbruck were terrifying, exhausting and absolutely bereft of any hope. But somehow Raya stayed alive, with the desire of returning to Amalia and Nicolas always forefront in her mind. It seemed doubtful her hope would be fulfilled as death came closer each and every day...
The Glovemaker's Daughter is another breathtaking, heartbreaking rendition of WWII in Paris by Shari J. Ryan, about how the French people coped, what happened to the Jewish population in the two years between 1943 and 1945, and how a caring young woman kept strong in the face of all that was thrown at her and those she loved. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
The next days and months at Ravensbruck were terrifying, exhausting and absolutely bereft of any hope. But somehow Raya stayed alive, with the desire of returning to Amalia and Nicolas always forefront in her mind. It seemed doubtful her hope would be fulfilled as death came closer each and every day...
The Glovemaker's Daughter is another breathtaking, heartbreaking rendition of WWII in Paris by Shari J. Ryan, about how the French people coped, what happened to the Jewish population in the two years between 1943 and 1945, and how a caring young woman kept strong in the face of all that was thrown at her and those she loved. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2023
The Glovemaker’s Daughter highlights a brave woman who put others’ needs first and risked everything to fight an enemy she loathed.
Upfront and honest:
This book would have worked better for me had it been written in a chronological timeline. I was so frustrated trying to keep characters straight in my mind that I didn’t need the added agony of trying to figure out how it all fits together. It did not, however, affect my appreciation of the book.
Yes, the Holocaust had been featured in the majority of wartime historical fiction published in the past few years.
Yes, the resistance movement has been examined in depth, too. Especially French resistance.
But. Hear me out.
1) Few have brought this level of emotion and insight into this heartbreaking and astounding part of our history. I can’t imagine the panic Raya felt at having no control over the ‘treasure’ she left hidden in the shop nor the urgency she felt in seeing that it was safe. We have little concept of the pain in making tough decisions with little time and few options like those in wartime experienced. It’s important to read about what enabled them to endure.
2) Furthermore, Ryan is careful not to portray stereotypes but focuses on how antisemitism gains strength. It’s important to be aware of how an evil seed can spread if left unchecked. She crafts each character with a sense of “this is my story” and readers can’t help but be pulled in with Ryan’s writing ability. I always look for how Ryan crafts the tension between her characters, their faith and their community. An individual's faith played no part in how she treated everyone; she acted out of human kindness and decency, with little regard to how it would affect her.
3) I can be certain that she’ll raise timeless moral questions that give her writing urgency and relevancy.
I finished this book with a fresh appreciation of the connection between past and present and of the Jewish identity that has been shaped by history. Equally important, I loved reading about selfless people who took a stand to help the innocent and didn’t allow anything to step in the way of what they wanted to be remembered for - their love and compassion for their fellow man.
In a world where selfies and entitlement take precedence, this is an essential and poignant read. We need more people like Raya and Nicholas. This is a spellbinding and moving story of enduring love, remarkable sacrifice and unfaltering resolve - it needs to be on every historical fiction lover’s night table.
I was gifted this copy Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Upfront and honest:
This book would have worked better for me had it been written in a chronological timeline. I was so frustrated trying to keep characters straight in my mind that I didn’t need the added agony of trying to figure out how it all fits together. It did not, however, affect my appreciation of the book.
Yes, the Holocaust had been featured in the majority of wartime historical fiction published in the past few years.
Yes, the resistance movement has been examined in depth, too. Especially French resistance.
But. Hear me out.
1) Few have brought this level of emotion and insight into this heartbreaking and astounding part of our history. I can’t imagine the panic Raya felt at having no control over the ‘treasure’ she left hidden in the shop nor the urgency she felt in seeing that it was safe. We have little concept of the pain in making tough decisions with little time and few options like those in wartime experienced. It’s important to read about what enabled them to endure.
2) Furthermore, Ryan is careful not to portray stereotypes but focuses on how antisemitism gains strength. It’s important to be aware of how an evil seed can spread if left unchecked. She crafts each character with a sense of “this is my story” and readers can’t help but be pulled in with Ryan’s writing ability. I always look for how Ryan crafts the tension between her characters, their faith and their community. An individual's faith played no part in how she treated everyone; she acted out of human kindness and decency, with little regard to how it would affect her.
3) I can be certain that she’ll raise timeless moral questions that give her writing urgency and relevancy.
I finished this book with a fresh appreciation of the connection between past and present and of the Jewish identity that has been shaped by history. Equally important, I loved reading about selfless people who took a stand to help the innocent and didn’t allow anything to step in the way of what they wanted to be remembered for - their love and compassion for their fellow man.
In a world where selfies and entitlement take precedence, this is an essential and poignant read. We need more people like Raya and Nicholas. This is a spellbinding and moving story of enduring love, remarkable sacrifice and unfaltering resolve - it needs to be on every historical fiction lover’s night table.
I was gifted this copy Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
August 6, 2023
From the very first sentence, Shari Ryan transports you to German occupied Paris and into the shoes of one of the most selfless characters I have come across as of yet.
I am so grateful to Shari, Bookouture and her entire team for allowing me the opportunity to read her historical novels before they hit the shelves. It never fails how quickly I’m lost within the pages, seeing the world through the eyes of her characters. I’m always surprised when I come to the last sentence because I simply cannot put her books down. They’re that good.
The Glovemaker’s Daughter is the story of Raya Pascal, a selfless young woman left to keep the family business afloat after the death of her parents and ensure that her younger brother achieves his dreams…even at the expense of her own. When the Germans invade and then begin enforcing racial laws, she’s determined to keep her Jewish best friend and her parents safe from the imminent round ups. By hiding them in a hidden room in her home, she puts herself at great risk but she simply won’t let anything happen to them if she can help it. When she meets Nicolas, she lets down her guard just a bit. He is a part of the resistance and she wants to do more to help regain France’s freedom. When she is wrongly arrested and sent to a camp, it’s her skill as a glove maker that keeps her alive but it’s her love for Nicolas and the thoughts of the future that keep her from not giving up.
Nicolas wants to do his part for a free France but the need to keep Raya safe often leaves him torn between the two and he’s often in the wrong place when he is needed in the other more. And then the unthinkable happens, Raya is arrested and his is too late to save her from the trap she fell into. In her absence, he works to keep this Raya cares about safe as well as trying to find her.
While this story is purely fiction, it does paint a picture of the small acts of resistance that happened all around Europe during the war. The people that risks everything to save the innocent, the people that tried to stall the Germans and eventually stop them in their tracks and the people that still looked forward to a future after the war…that hope that carried them from one day to the next.
Thank you so much Shari for this incredible story!
I am so grateful to Shari, Bookouture and her entire team for allowing me the opportunity to read her historical novels before they hit the shelves. It never fails how quickly I’m lost within the pages, seeing the world through the eyes of her characters. I’m always surprised when I come to the last sentence because I simply cannot put her books down. They’re that good.
The Glovemaker’s Daughter is the story of Raya Pascal, a selfless young woman left to keep the family business afloat after the death of her parents and ensure that her younger brother achieves his dreams…even at the expense of her own. When the Germans invade and then begin enforcing racial laws, she’s determined to keep her Jewish best friend and her parents safe from the imminent round ups. By hiding them in a hidden room in her home, she puts herself at great risk but she simply won’t let anything happen to them if she can help it. When she meets Nicolas, she lets down her guard just a bit. He is a part of the resistance and she wants to do more to help regain France’s freedom. When she is wrongly arrested and sent to a camp, it’s her skill as a glove maker that keeps her alive but it’s her love for Nicolas and the thoughts of the future that keep her from not giving up.
Nicolas wants to do his part for a free France but the need to keep Raya safe often leaves him torn between the two and he’s often in the wrong place when he is needed in the other more. And then the unthinkable happens, Raya is arrested and his is too late to save her from the trap she fell into. In her absence, he works to keep this Raya cares about safe as well as trying to find her.
While this story is purely fiction, it does paint a picture of the small acts of resistance that happened all around Europe during the war. The people that risks everything to save the innocent, the people that tried to stall the Germans and eventually stop them in their tracks and the people that still looked forward to a future after the war…that hope that carried them from one day to the next.
Thank you so much Shari for this incredible story!
September 28, 2023
This novel had me reading to the late-night hours. I was so invested in Raya’s story.
Paris, 1943
Raya’s family own a leather shop and she is trying to save her families business after her parents die and her brother is in college. The Germans are running the streets and she is harboring a Jewish family. At the hands of a Nazi Raya is violated and becomes pregnant. Her boyfriend has no idea she was raped and thinks she betrayed him.
She is sent to Ravensbruck concentration camp and is struggling to survive. Her glove making skills come in handy at the camp. She has no idea what has happened to her baby or her boyfriend as she is taken from her shop.
Will she survive the camp? This novel is so hard to read, but at the same time so important. We must never forget.
Paris, 1943
Raya’s family own a leather shop and she is trying to save her families business after her parents die and her brother is in college. The Germans are running the streets and she is harboring a Jewish family. At the hands of a Nazi Raya is violated and becomes pregnant. Her boyfriend has no idea she was raped and thinks she betrayed him.
She is sent to Ravensbruck concentration camp and is struggling to survive. Her glove making skills come in handy at the camp. She has no idea what has happened to her baby or her boyfriend as she is taken from her shop.
Will she survive the camp? This novel is so hard to read, but at the same time so important. We must never forget.
February 7, 2025
This is another powerful read from Shari Ryan. It covers most of the Nazi occupation of Paris through the end of the war and the immediate aftermath as well as two years of internment in Ravensbruk. We view all of this through alternating chapters of a barely dual timeline that begins with Raya's story in October 1943 and that of Nicholas in May 1942. I found the barely separate time periods frustrating for the first half of the story but then the pace picked up rapidly, fully grabbing my attention. I suggest a large box of tissues for the last few chapters unless your heart is made of stone.
Both Raya and Nicholas are noble characters, ultimately making the kinds of choices we all hope we'd make in dire circumstances. I think this quote from the father of Nicholas sums it up best: "Promise me you'll always stand up for the innocent. Never let something bigger than you get in the way of what you want to be remembered for. This world needs love & compassion, and far less hate." Words to live by, for all of us.
Many thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for the opportunity to read the digital ARC. All opinions and the review are my own.
Both Raya and Nicholas are noble characters, ultimately making the kinds of choices we all hope we'd make in dire circumstances. I think this quote from the father of Nicholas sums it up best: "Promise me you'll always stand up for the innocent. Never let something bigger than you get in the way of what you want to be remembered for. This world needs love & compassion, and far less hate." Words to live by, for all of us.
Many thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for the opportunity to read the digital ARC. All opinions and the review are my own.
September 19, 2023
The Glovemaker’s Daughter is heartbreaking but beautifully written in the most spectacular way that I’ve come to appreciate from Shari Ryan! She makes reading about difficult but necessary topics bearable and pulls you in until the very last word! This story stole my breath many times and I also shed some tears. The way this couple fought for themselves & for others was admirable! Raya was such a strong, brave and selfless woman that endured more than anyone should have to and I was so proud of her for her resiliency! The turmoil and pain as every day is unknowing of what’s next is gut wrenching. The wisdom Nicolas’s father passed on to him was so important, definitely profound & still absolutely necessary & relevant even today! Nicholas and Raya kept pushing forward and didn’t give up because their love for each other gave them hope for a better day and a better life. Thankfully Ms. Ryan took the shredded pieces of my heart & healed then back together in the best way that only she can!
Tracey, Life Reads with Friends Book Blog
Tracey, Life Reads with Friends Book Blog
September 9, 2023
It was my first book from this author, but I definitely enjoyed this story very much, despite the hard to digest subject. The struggles through which people had to go during the Paris occupation were terrible and the author manages to capture them very well.
What I would have changed is the structure as I found the changes in POV, without any way to differentiate them, quite confusing and difficult to follow.
What I would have changed is the structure as I found the changes in POV, without any way to differentiate them, quite confusing and difficult to follow.
August 15, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley for a pre read of this book. I have never read anything by this author but love books about WWII. I was immediately drawn into the story of Raya and Nicholas and all their struggles during the war.
Raya runs a leather shop in Paris and Nicholas is a writer. The story is their love story as they fight the Germans and fight to save those whom they love around them. They risk their lives and put others before themselves ultimately costing them. This was a super easy read.
Things I loved:
The storyline was very easy to follow despite toggling between two main characters. Often times I find that when books toggle between two characters and different time periods they can be hard to follow. This was not the case at all. It was so easy to follow. I found it hard to put the book down once I started.
Super clean read despite having a rape victim. The rape scene isn’t graphic at all just alludes to what has happened. This would be an excellent high school book to read to learn more about the resistance fighters during the war. Also no language which I appreciated.
Things that could have been better
Character development/descriptions of people and places were lacking at times. I felt the author missed an opportunity especially when Hugo was found to describe the dire conditions. Yes, he was chained and appeared dead, and there was some description of the smells, but I felt it was still flat. Also I felt there could have been more about Raya’s life at the concentration camp. The author did a phenomenal job describing the roll call and I can envision these women standing there holding each other up, but I felt like there could have been more descriptions like that.
Overall captivating story and I am already looking forward to reading another book by the author. One of my favorite books this year.
Raya runs a leather shop in Paris and Nicholas is a writer. The story is their love story as they fight the Germans and fight to save those whom they love around them. They risk their lives and put others before themselves ultimately costing them. This was a super easy read.
Things I loved:
The storyline was very easy to follow despite toggling between two main characters. Often times I find that when books toggle between two characters and different time periods they can be hard to follow. This was not the case at all. It was so easy to follow. I found it hard to put the book down once I started.
Super clean read despite having a rape victim. The rape scene isn’t graphic at all just alludes to what has happened. This would be an excellent high school book to read to learn more about the resistance fighters during the war. Also no language which I appreciated.
Things that could have been better
Character development/descriptions of people and places were lacking at times. I felt the author missed an opportunity especially when Hugo was found to describe the dire conditions. Yes, he was chained and appeared dead, and there was some description of the smells, but I felt it was still flat. Also I felt there could have been more about Raya’s life at the concentration camp. The author did a phenomenal job describing the roll call and I can envision these women standing there holding each other up, but I felt like there could have been more descriptions like that.
Overall captivating story and I am already looking forward to reading another book by the author. One of my favorite books this year.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2023
When I started this one, I wasn't in the "mood" for historical so I put it aside for a bit. BUT once I got started on it, I could not put it down. Another great historical story by Shari J. Ryan from a perspective that I don't usually read about. The occupation of France by the Germans. While there is a love story, it is truly a story of strength. The main character, Raya, has lost a lot, not just to the war but in life. The war brings more loss and she has to deal with trying to protect those she loves along with surviving unspeakable acts. She will do everything she can to save her friends, protect her remaining family and her love. As I was reading, I found I was putting myself in her shoes knowing that I could never have survived what she did. This story IS heartbreaking, but as always, Shari finds a way to put our hearts back together.
September 18, 2023
5+ stars!
Shari J Ryan has done it again! She has pulled at my heart strings in another WWII historical fiction novel.
I loved the story, the characters and the way Shari tells the story. She takes such care in her details to tell this horrific tragedy while giving the reader hope and love in time of grief.
The main character, Raya, was strong, brave, courageous. She was a fighter, a caring soul and beyond selfless.
Nicholas was strong in his beliefs and showed the same fight and care as Raya when it mattered.
Their story was one of the most selfless, heartbreaking ones I have read of Shari’s. I couldn’t put it down. It is a must read.
Shari J Ryan has done it again! She has pulled at my heart strings in another WWII historical fiction novel.
I loved the story, the characters and the way Shari tells the story. She takes such care in her details to tell this horrific tragedy while giving the reader hope and love in time of grief.
The main character, Raya, was strong, brave, courageous. She was a fighter, a caring soul and beyond selfless.
Nicholas was strong in his beliefs and showed the same fight and care as Raya when it mattered.
Their story was one of the most selfless, heartbreaking ones I have read of Shari’s. I couldn’t put it down. It is a must read.
August 24, 2023
Paris, 1943
French Resistance
A totally heartbreaking World War Two novel about the unbreakable love of a mother. Can hope be found with the darkness of war hanging over?
The story is told in past and present day.
Highly recommended reading for historical fiction and World War Two readers.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
French Resistance
A totally heartbreaking World War Two novel about the unbreakable love of a mother. Can hope be found with the darkness of war hanging over?
The story is told in past and present day.
Highly recommended reading for historical fiction and World War Two readers.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 12, 2025
Awesome read!
September 18, 2023
what else can I say then; SHE DID IT AGAIN! 😭
I have yet not not loved one single line Shari wrote. She’s amazing and needs so much more credit and love.
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this story is amazing. it started off a bit slow and I was confused with the timeline but right after about 25% I couldn’t put it down anymore until the very very very end. This story broke me but also gave me so much hope and love 😭 Raya is such a beautiful and STRONG woman! I admired her so so so much during the entire book and my love and admiration grew so much for people that hid and helped jewish families during the WW2 !
Also the love story between Nicolas and her 😭 my absolute favorite ! it was truly meant to be! their love will never be forgotten !
Raya, a glovemaker and shop owner falls in love with Nicolas, a handsome man, who’s a part of the ftench resistance ! the rest is for u to read. will love win again? will Raya survive Ravensbrück concentration camp, for hiding her jewish best friend and her family? You’ll have to read to find out.
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Thankyou Shari for providing me with ARCs everytime. It’s a blessing and I’m super thankful. Thankyou to Bookouture. ❤️
I have yet not not loved one single line Shari wrote. She’s amazing and needs so much more credit and love.
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this story is amazing. it started off a bit slow and I was confused with the timeline but right after about 25% I couldn’t put it down anymore until the very very very end. This story broke me but also gave me so much hope and love 😭 Raya is such a beautiful and STRONG woman! I admired her so so so much during the entire book and my love and admiration grew so much for people that hid and helped jewish families during the WW2 !
Also the love story between Nicolas and her 😭 my absolute favorite ! it was truly meant to be! their love will never be forgotten !
Raya, a glovemaker and shop owner falls in love with Nicolas, a handsome man, who’s a part of the ftench resistance ! the rest is for u to read. will love win again? will Raya survive Ravensbrück concentration camp, for hiding her jewish best friend and her family? You’ll have to read to find out.
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Thankyou Shari for providing me with ARCs everytime. It’s a blessing and I’m super thankful. Thankyou to Bookouture. ❤️
September 28, 2023
I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy through NetGalley of The Glovemaker's Daughter by Shari J. Ryan. I am a huge fan of historical fiction set during World War II and this one did not disappoint. I was immediately swept up in the life of Raya and her existence in Nazi-occupied France. She is the type of person who puts the needs of others ahead of herself and always gives of herself unselfishly. The book is set up to go between the perspectives of Raya before she is captured by the Nazis and while she is imprisoned. It also shares the perspective of Nicolas who becomes a special friend to Raya. I felt like I was living right beside Raya through it all and even caught myself holding my breath while Raya endured the horrors of a concentration camp. It has been a busy few weeks for me but I was still trying to find a few minutes to read about Raya's journey because I needed to know how her story ended.
September 24, 2023
Shari J. Ryan’s new book, The Glovemaker’s Daughter, explores life in Paris during the German occupation in World WarTwo. It provides the reader with a fascinating and heart wrenching insight into the persecution and suffering that the residents of the City of Lights endured with Jewish people being a specific target but no one was spared from the agony torment and emotional pain. The story opens with a brief prologue. It’s October 1943 and Raya has been imprisoned in Ravensbruck concentration camp. She continues to protest her innocence, the Germans do not believe her nor have they any time for her words or pleas. ’Pain is all I know now-a constant companion of this war’.
Throughout the book there are chapters from Raya’s point of view as she tries to survive the horrors of the camp. I had read of this camp before but still some of the descriptions and images that came to mind whilst reading were truly appalling. Yet they were essential in order to show what Raya was going through. ’The most unthinkable sacrifice a person can make is to give up their life hoping to save another’. That’s exactly what Raya did. But was it worth it and will she ever be able to survive the torture and brutality and return to those she loved or will Ravensbruck ensnare her indefinitely in its evil clutches?
The story then moves back to May 1942 and from that point on smoothly moves back and forth between the time leading up to Raya’s capture and the period where she is in the camp. The chapters move back and forth between her point of view and Nicolas’ which I thought was brilliant as it didn’t allow things to become one sided. Instead it allowed the reader to understand and comprehend the bigger picture as to what was going on. You could see what fuelled the main characters actions and you were also provided with a good insight into their thought processes and opinions.
Raya has been on her own in Paris since her brother Alix left for university in Switzerland. She had been a mother figure and protector to him since her mother passed away with her father having died many years previously. She wanted the best for Alix and she was the one who insisted he take up the university place. She takes comfort knowing that he is safe in Switzerland but at the same time she does long for company and to have someone to have her back. She has been independent for so long and the pressure of keeping the family leather goods shop running increases daily as life in Paris under German occupation becomes even more of a struggle.
The business has been in her family for generations and this is what attempts to sustain her through the difficult and challenging times. It is her reason for getting up every morning and even more so when laws are introduced banning Jews from living in certain areas and owning property. Life for the Jewish population of Paris has become untenable and soon round ups occur with families taken from their homes and they subsequently disappear with their eventual fates unknown. Raya throughout every part of the book always puts others first before herself. It’s one of the characteristics that define her and others can see these qualities in her also. She is selfless and courageous and constantly thinks of others safety but at times I thought she was just too foolhardy and needed to think of herself or else let others do that for her. After all, if she had been more careful she may not have ended up in the camp but then saying that at the same time she wouldn’t have stood by and let those she cared so deeply for suffer and in turn the worst befall them.
Charlette works alongside Raya in the shop making leather gloves and goods and doing any repairs. They have been best friends since school and share a special bond that makes them almost like sisters. When Charlette fails to turn up for work one day Raya goes to her family home where she finds Charlette and her parents in a state of fear and shock. Being Jewish they now must vacate their home and are to be branded Jews of Paris and wear a yellow star. Raya knows that this news is not good and here is where her selflessness and awareness of others comes into play. She offers the family a place to stay in her apartments above the shop. There is a secret room where they can be concealed for the duration of the war but doing this will put everyone’s lives in peril. But ‘with times of war, come stronger acts of devotion’. The fear of concealing people eats away at Raya and I thought she lived on her nerves for the majority of the book. At times she didn’t seem stable or strong enough to keep going as she always had to look over her shoulder and one day when Germans come to the shop, well, that alters the course of her life forever.
Alongside Raya’s chapters are chapters told from Nicolas’ viewpoint. He is a journalist for a Parisian newspaper although he is no longer free to write the stories he wishes. Censorship is in strict force and the realities of what is occurring on the streets of German occupied Paris are never allowed to be revealed in news articles. Nicolas feels curtailed in his profession but away from his job, he is a fighter and a battler determined to do his bit for his country in order to see the Germans gone from the city he loves. To this end he is involved in a Resistance group - the Lion Rebelles - who work underground delivering communications and engaging in actions that will hinder the Germans. Nicolas is always dogged, brave and determined in his actions and a man that you would want by your side in times of trouble and anxiety. He is fuelled by the actions of his father, he wants to do his best in every situation he finds himself in and does not want history to repeat itself.
When Raya and Nicolas meet on the street outside the shop one day there is an instant attraction between the pair which sparks off the pages of the book. Raya has an air of innocence about her when to comes to the romantic things in life and there is also an atmosphere of caution too. But I loved how the relationship developed between the pair. It felt genuine and natural and it was lovely to see some light amidst the darkness enshrouding them. ‘Like a deep root buried beneath soil, love doesn’t just die, it finds another path, to grow around whatever obstacle is in its way’. These words couldn’t be truer for both Raya and Nicolas and there are numerous obstacles placed in their way especially when the worst occurs regarding Raya. I detested what happened to her and one scene in particular was especially difficult to read. But again the word sacrifice plays a very important role here and I just wished that Raya wasn’t always trying to protect others and battle through on her own. If she was honest and shared the load a lot of suffering could have been prevented. But I suppose that is what makes Raya a special and remarkable character, that is the lengths she goes to, to protect those she loves.
The Glovemaker’s Daughter, although not my favourite book by Shari J. Ryan, was still a very good read. The storyline kept me turning the pages because I wanted to know the exact reasons as to why Raya ended up in the camp and of course would she make it out or would the suffering, degradation and emotional and physical agony prove too much for her? If you enjoy historical fiction than The Glovemaker’s Daughter is one for you as it is heartbreaking and suspenseful in equal measure.
Throughout the book there are chapters from Raya’s point of view as she tries to survive the horrors of the camp. I had read of this camp before but still some of the descriptions and images that came to mind whilst reading were truly appalling. Yet they were essential in order to show what Raya was going through. ’The most unthinkable sacrifice a person can make is to give up their life hoping to save another’. That’s exactly what Raya did. But was it worth it and will she ever be able to survive the torture and brutality and return to those she loved or will Ravensbruck ensnare her indefinitely in its evil clutches?
The story then moves back to May 1942 and from that point on smoothly moves back and forth between the time leading up to Raya’s capture and the period where she is in the camp. The chapters move back and forth between her point of view and Nicolas’ which I thought was brilliant as it didn’t allow things to become one sided. Instead it allowed the reader to understand and comprehend the bigger picture as to what was going on. You could see what fuelled the main characters actions and you were also provided with a good insight into their thought processes and opinions.
Raya has been on her own in Paris since her brother Alix left for university in Switzerland. She had been a mother figure and protector to him since her mother passed away with her father having died many years previously. She wanted the best for Alix and she was the one who insisted he take up the university place. She takes comfort knowing that he is safe in Switzerland but at the same time she does long for company and to have someone to have her back. She has been independent for so long and the pressure of keeping the family leather goods shop running increases daily as life in Paris under German occupation becomes even more of a struggle.
The business has been in her family for generations and this is what attempts to sustain her through the difficult and challenging times. It is her reason for getting up every morning and even more so when laws are introduced banning Jews from living in certain areas and owning property. Life for the Jewish population of Paris has become untenable and soon round ups occur with families taken from their homes and they subsequently disappear with their eventual fates unknown. Raya throughout every part of the book always puts others first before herself. It’s one of the characteristics that define her and others can see these qualities in her also. She is selfless and courageous and constantly thinks of others safety but at times I thought she was just too foolhardy and needed to think of herself or else let others do that for her. After all, if she had been more careful she may not have ended up in the camp but then saying that at the same time she wouldn’t have stood by and let those she cared so deeply for suffer and in turn the worst befall them.
Charlette works alongside Raya in the shop making leather gloves and goods and doing any repairs. They have been best friends since school and share a special bond that makes them almost like sisters. When Charlette fails to turn up for work one day Raya goes to her family home where she finds Charlette and her parents in a state of fear and shock. Being Jewish they now must vacate their home and are to be branded Jews of Paris and wear a yellow star. Raya knows that this news is not good and here is where her selflessness and awareness of others comes into play. She offers the family a place to stay in her apartments above the shop. There is a secret room where they can be concealed for the duration of the war but doing this will put everyone’s lives in peril. But ‘with times of war, come stronger acts of devotion’. The fear of concealing people eats away at Raya and I thought she lived on her nerves for the majority of the book. At times she didn’t seem stable or strong enough to keep going as she always had to look over her shoulder and one day when Germans come to the shop, well, that alters the course of her life forever.
Alongside Raya’s chapters are chapters told from Nicolas’ viewpoint. He is a journalist for a Parisian newspaper although he is no longer free to write the stories he wishes. Censorship is in strict force and the realities of what is occurring on the streets of German occupied Paris are never allowed to be revealed in news articles. Nicolas feels curtailed in his profession but away from his job, he is a fighter and a battler determined to do his bit for his country in order to see the Germans gone from the city he loves. To this end he is involved in a Resistance group - the Lion Rebelles - who work underground delivering communications and engaging in actions that will hinder the Germans. Nicolas is always dogged, brave and determined in his actions and a man that you would want by your side in times of trouble and anxiety. He is fuelled by the actions of his father, he wants to do his best in every situation he finds himself in and does not want history to repeat itself.
When Raya and Nicolas meet on the street outside the shop one day there is an instant attraction between the pair which sparks off the pages of the book. Raya has an air of innocence about her when to comes to the romantic things in life and there is also an atmosphere of caution too. But I loved how the relationship developed between the pair. It felt genuine and natural and it was lovely to see some light amidst the darkness enshrouding them. ‘Like a deep root buried beneath soil, love doesn’t just die, it finds another path, to grow around whatever obstacle is in its way’. These words couldn’t be truer for both Raya and Nicolas and there are numerous obstacles placed in their way especially when the worst occurs regarding Raya. I detested what happened to her and one scene in particular was especially difficult to read. But again the word sacrifice plays a very important role here and I just wished that Raya wasn’t always trying to protect others and battle through on her own. If she was honest and shared the load a lot of suffering could have been prevented. But I suppose that is what makes Raya a special and remarkable character, that is the lengths she goes to, to protect those she loves.
The Glovemaker’s Daughter, although not my favourite book by Shari J. Ryan, was still a very good read. The storyline kept me turning the pages because I wanted to know the exact reasons as to why Raya ended up in the camp and of course would she make it out or would the suffering, degradation and emotional and physical agony prove too much for her? If you enjoy historical fiction than The Glovemaker’s Daughter is one for you as it is heartbreaking and suspenseful in equal measure.
June 28, 2024
2.25 stars
I wasn't expecting most of this book to be in the past or about Raya & Nicholas' love story in Paris rather than the time in the concentration camps--and I also didn't like the writing style. I skimmed through most of this book. I wouldn't recommend reading this book.
I wasn't expecting most of this book to be in the past or about Raya & Nicholas' love story in Paris rather than the time in the concentration camps--and I also didn't like the writing style. I skimmed through most of this book. I wouldn't recommend reading this book.
August 18, 2023
I've read a LOT of WWII historical fiction, but I'm hard-pressed to think of one that was *this* emotional, astounding, harrowing, and agonizing. I don't say that negatively - yes, we read about the Holocaust and examine the Fresh resistance, which has been covered in other novels. But "The Glovemaker's Daughter" really exemplifies the pain of making difficult decisions, what those in wartime had to endure, how hate can spread quickly, and most importantly, how people will stand up and fight for their fellow man with compassion and selflessness. Through excellent writing, you're immediately transported into German-occupied Paris and introduced to two of the most likable, selfless characters I've ever read.
The first character is Raya Pascal, a young woman keeping her family's leather/glove-making business afloat after the death of her parents. She's also recently encouraged her brother to move to Switzerland to pursue education - a selfless move as she wants Alix to achieve his dreams, even if that means she may not. The Germans invade during wartime, pushing Jewish Parisians out - and to save the last bit of closeness she has left to her family friends, the Levi's, she hides them upstairs, putting herself at significant risk. Then she meets our second character, Nicholas, who she learns is part of the French resistance. She's initially nervous about helping regain France's freedom from the Germans, but she slowly lets down her guard - both to Nicholas and to the idea of joining the resistance. At the same time, as the book weaves through both Raya and Nicholas's perspectives, we see him juggling the idea of participating in the opposition and keeping his great love, Raya, safe.
When the unthinkable happens, when Nicholas isn't there at the right time, and it's too late to save Raya, we follow along in his journey of keeping all who are essential to Raya safe, all the while continuing his efforts to find her and remain active in the resistance.
It's one of the more detailed novels I've read regarding a look inside a concentration camp in Ravensbruk, Germany. It's a harrowing look, yes, but descriptive and gripping. The author phenomenally described roll call for the women in the barracks; for example - you can picture these women (Raya included) - exhausted, malnourished, nearly unconscious - holding each other up, doing anything to help one another survive another day. It's examples like this that show the true, noble character of Raya, and there are so many other moments we see deep commitment and nobility from Nicholas, too.
I've seen some reviews from people saying that the timeline (and switching from past to present day) was frustrating. However, I didn't have a problem with it and found it easy to keep up as there were only two perspectives, and the time jumps were clearly laid out with dates and locations, etc. Worth noting!
"The Glovemaker's Daughter" is an emotional read, and you're transported to a feeling of fear, despair, sacrifice, courage, and, most importantly, love. Get the tissues ready. I feel thankful to have read this book.
Big thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The first character is Raya Pascal, a young woman keeping her family's leather/glove-making business afloat after the death of her parents. She's also recently encouraged her brother to move to Switzerland to pursue education - a selfless move as she wants Alix to achieve his dreams, even if that means she may not. The Germans invade during wartime, pushing Jewish Parisians out - and to save the last bit of closeness she has left to her family friends, the Levi's, she hides them upstairs, putting herself at significant risk. Then she meets our second character, Nicholas, who she learns is part of the French resistance. She's initially nervous about helping regain France's freedom from the Germans, but she slowly lets down her guard - both to Nicholas and to the idea of joining the resistance. At the same time, as the book weaves through both Raya and Nicholas's perspectives, we see him juggling the idea of participating in the opposition and keeping his great love, Raya, safe.
When the unthinkable happens, when Nicholas isn't there at the right time, and it's too late to save Raya, we follow along in his journey of keeping all who are essential to Raya safe, all the while continuing his efforts to find her and remain active in the resistance.
It's one of the more detailed novels I've read regarding a look inside a concentration camp in Ravensbruk, Germany. It's a harrowing look, yes, but descriptive and gripping. The author phenomenally described roll call for the women in the barracks; for example - you can picture these women (Raya included) - exhausted, malnourished, nearly unconscious - holding each other up, doing anything to help one another survive another day. It's examples like this that show the true, noble character of Raya, and there are so many other moments we see deep commitment and nobility from Nicholas, too.
I've seen some reviews from people saying that the timeline (and switching from past to present day) was frustrating. However, I didn't have a problem with it and found it easy to keep up as there were only two perspectives, and the time jumps were clearly laid out with dates and locations, etc. Worth noting!
"The Glovemaker's Daughter" is an emotional read, and you're transported to a feeling of fear, despair, sacrifice, courage, and, most importantly, love. Get the tissues ready. I feel thankful to have read this book.
Big thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 24, 2026
10 🤩The Glovemaker's Daughter tells the tale of Raya Pascal, a kind young woman who, after her parents' passing, is left to carry on the family company and see to it that her younger brother fulfills his goals, even at the sacrifice of her own. She is desperate to protect her Jewish best friend and her parents from the impending roundups when the Germans invade and start implementing racial laws. She puts herself in danger by concealing them in a secret room in her house, but she will do whatever in her power to prevent anything bad from happening to them. She slightly lowers her guard when she meets Nicolas. She wants to do more to aid in the restoration of France's freedom and he is a member of the resistance. Her ability to knit gloves saves her alive when she is unjustly detained and transported to a camp, but her love for Nicolas and her outlook on the future keep her from giving up.
Nicolas wants to contribute to a free France, but he frequently finds himself at the wrong place when he is more needed in the other due to the need to protect Raya. When Raya is arrested, the unthinkable occurs, and it is too late to save her from the trap she slipped into. While she is away, he works to ensure the safety of this person Raya cares about while also looking for her.
Shari Ryan takes you to another time and continent in this amazing work of heart surrounding the holocaust and the French resistance. Shari makes you feel as if you are one of the characters and not just a reader, you are transported from the very first word until the last word. I found myself flipping through the pages, I couldn’t put this book down. I wanted to know what happened, often found myself waking up in the middle of the night and wanting to reach for this book so finish it. I have been highly recommending this book even though its just not released.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC from NetGalley and this is my completely unbiased opinion on this book. Thank you for the opportunity to read such a beautiful piece of artwork.
Nicolas wants to contribute to a free France, but he frequently finds himself at the wrong place when he is more needed in the other due to the need to protect Raya. When Raya is arrested, the unthinkable occurs, and it is too late to save her from the trap she slipped into. While she is away, he works to ensure the safety of this person Raya cares about while also looking for her.
Shari Ryan takes you to another time and continent in this amazing work of heart surrounding the holocaust and the French resistance. Shari makes you feel as if you are one of the characters and not just a reader, you are transported from the very first word until the last word. I found myself flipping through the pages, I couldn’t put this book down. I wanted to know what happened, often found myself waking up in the middle of the night and wanting to reach for this book so finish it. I have been highly recommending this book even though its just not released.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC from NetGalley and this is my completely unbiased opinion on this book. Thank you for the opportunity to read such a beautiful piece of artwork.
September 18, 2023
The Glovemaker’s Daughter, written by Shari Ryan, tells the story of the horrific events that occurred during the war. This story may be fiction, but it does explain what transpired all around Europe during the war. The innocent souls who risked everything to save people from the clutches of the Germans. The Glovemaker’s Daughter is told in dual POV, Raya and Nicolas. I love Shari’s writing and her ability to make me feel what the characters are going through.
Raya Pascal is a selfless young woman. She was left to keep her family business going after the death of her parents. At her expense, she made sure her younger brother could attend college and achieve his dreams. Raya puts her loved ones first above everything else. When the racial Germans invade and begin enforcing laws against the Jews, Raya does what she can to protect her Jewish best friend and parents. She hides them in a room hidden in her home. In doing so, Raya puts herself at great risk. She is determined to keep them safe, even if it causes trouble for her.
Nicolas is part of the French resistance and a writer for the local newspaper. Like Raya, Nicolas puts others ahead of himself. There isn’t anything he wouldn’t do to protect his loved ones. When he first meets Raya, he’s intrigued and wants to learn more about her.
Raya is wrongly arrested and sent to a concentration camp, where the conditions are deplorable. Her skill as a glove maker will help her stay alive, as well as her will to get back home to Nicolas, especially the one she made the ultimate sacrifice of protecting. Nicolas vows to keep Raya’s loved ones safe and find the love of his life.
Will Raya survive Ravenbruck concentration camp? Will Raya and Nicolas be reunited and continue their love story? Read this amazing story!!
Raya Pascal is a selfless young woman. She was left to keep her family business going after the death of her parents. At her expense, she made sure her younger brother could attend college and achieve his dreams. Raya puts her loved ones first above everything else. When the racial Germans invade and begin enforcing laws against the Jews, Raya does what she can to protect her Jewish best friend and parents. She hides them in a room hidden in her home. In doing so, Raya puts herself at great risk. She is determined to keep them safe, even if it causes trouble for her.
Nicolas is part of the French resistance and a writer for the local newspaper. Like Raya, Nicolas puts others ahead of himself. There isn’t anything he wouldn’t do to protect his loved ones. When he first meets Raya, he’s intrigued and wants to learn more about her.
Raya is wrongly arrested and sent to a concentration camp, where the conditions are deplorable. Her skill as a glove maker will help her stay alive, as well as her will to get back home to Nicolas, especially the one she made the ultimate sacrifice of protecting. Nicolas vows to keep Raya’s loved ones safe and find the love of his life.
Will Raya survive Ravenbruck concentration camp? Will Raya and Nicolas be reunited and continue their love story? Read this amazing story!!
October 15, 2023
Ⓑⓞⓞⓚ Ⓡⓔⓥⓘⓔⓦ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝔾𝕝𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕞𝕒𝕜𝕖𝕣’𝕤 𝔻𝕒𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕖𝕣
𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶 𝗝 𝗥𝘆𝗮𝗻
Historical Fiction
352 pages
Sʜᴏᴿᴛ Sʏɴᴏᴘsɪs
All Raya has left is her parents’ leather shop and a brother who lives elsewhere. In Paris in 1943, she experiences life filled with German soldiers everywhere as she tries to run her store and hide her Jewish friend and her parents.
While all of this is happening, Raya meets someone special who disagrees with what is happening to Jews, as she does. Will she be able to keep her shop? Does the family she’s hiding get caught?
Mʸ Tᴴᴼᵁᴳᴴᵀs
This was a sad and straight forward look at life in Paris during WWII. Those left in Paris felt the loss of their friends who had been taken to concentration camps. Those who were caught helping their Jewish friends were taken to concentration camps too.
The character that really stood out and grabbed me by the heartstrings was Raya, the main character. Her emotions bring on empathy as she tries her best to do what is best.
Time in the concentration camp wasn’t described in detail and wasn’t the main focus of the story. Even without it, I could feel the tension that the characters were experiencing.
Although this wasn’t a fast-moving story, it was excellent and worth the read. I have read numerous historical fiction books about the Holocaust. In each one, I learn something new that brings an even greater sadness to that period of time. In this case, it was those who weren’t Jewish but whose towns were invaded by German soldiers.
There is a rape in this story. It isn’t written in detail, but it is a big part of the story.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing this ebook for me to read and review.
𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝔾𝕝𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕞𝕒𝕜𝕖𝕣’𝕤 𝔻𝕒𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕖𝕣
𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶 𝗝 𝗥𝘆𝗮𝗻
Historical Fiction
352 pages
Sʜᴏᴿᴛ Sʏɴᴏᴘsɪs
All Raya has left is her parents’ leather shop and a brother who lives elsewhere. In Paris in 1943, she experiences life filled with German soldiers everywhere as she tries to run her store and hide her Jewish friend and her parents.
While all of this is happening, Raya meets someone special who disagrees with what is happening to Jews, as she does. Will she be able to keep her shop? Does the family she’s hiding get caught?
Mʸ Tᴴᴼᵁᴳᴴᵀs
This was a sad and straight forward look at life in Paris during WWII. Those left in Paris felt the loss of their friends who had been taken to concentration camps. Those who were caught helping their Jewish friends were taken to concentration camps too.
The character that really stood out and grabbed me by the heartstrings was Raya, the main character. Her emotions bring on empathy as she tries her best to do what is best.
Time in the concentration camp wasn’t described in detail and wasn’t the main focus of the story. Even without it, I could feel the tension that the characters were experiencing.
Although this wasn’t a fast-moving story, it was excellent and worth the read. I have read numerous historical fiction books about the Holocaust. In each one, I learn something new that brings an even greater sadness to that period of time. In this case, it was those who weren’t Jewish but whose towns were invaded by German soldiers.
There is a rape in this story. It isn’t written in detail, but it is a big part of the story.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing this ebook for me to read and review.
September 18, 2025
1943, Raya is sent for Ravensbruck but she is sure there has been a mistake. But when she is tattooed, shorn and disinfected, reality hits home…
The Glovemaker’s Daughter is an historical book about the occupation of France by the Nazis.
Raya owns a leather shop in war-torn Paris. Her parents are dead and her brother abroad. Her only friend Charlette is Jewish and Raya offers the family a hiding place when the Nazi rules threaten their freedom and lives. Meanwhile Raya befriends journalist Nicolas who is secretly distributing anti Nazi propaganda.
The book is written from the first person perspectives of Raya and Nicolas. Raya’s timeline moves between 1942 when she is in her home and 1943 as she arrives in and adjusts to Ravensbruck. I liked the use of the first person to show us their emotions and give us a better understanding of their choices and actions.
The year in between the two timelines brings significant change (major spoiler in the blurb!). Raya and Nicolas are both brave, undermining the Nazi rules whilst trying to survive and protect those they love. Falling in love with each other challenges the fear and hatred that they see every day and offers hope in the darkness.
The author has researched the history and geography thoroughly to provide an authentic setting for the plot. I felt immersed in the lives of the characters in particular Raya, fearful for her safety especially in the camp.
The Glovemaker’s Daughter is a tense and dramatic historical novel about the strength of love in the face of adversity.
The Glovemaker’s Daughter is an historical book about the occupation of France by the Nazis.
Raya owns a leather shop in war-torn Paris. Her parents are dead and her brother abroad. Her only friend Charlette is Jewish and Raya offers the family a hiding place when the Nazi rules threaten their freedom and lives. Meanwhile Raya befriends journalist Nicolas who is secretly distributing anti Nazi propaganda.
The book is written from the first person perspectives of Raya and Nicolas. Raya’s timeline moves between 1942 when she is in her home and 1943 as she arrives in and adjusts to Ravensbruck. I liked the use of the first person to show us their emotions and give us a better understanding of their choices and actions.
The year in between the two timelines brings significant change (major spoiler in the blurb!). Raya and Nicolas are both brave, undermining the Nazi rules whilst trying to survive and protect those they love. Falling in love with each other challenges the fear and hatred that they see every day and offers hope in the darkness.
The author has researched the history and geography thoroughly to provide an authentic setting for the plot. I felt immersed in the lives of the characters in particular Raya, fearful for her safety especially in the camp.
The Glovemaker’s Daughter is a tense and dramatic historical novel about the strength of love in the face of adversity.
September 19, 2023
Raya finds solitude in her shop in Paris, it’s her safe place, and her favorite place to be. She finds herself alone these days and after her parents died, she sent her younger brother Alex to Zurich to get his teaching degree. The war is far from over and as the German’s close in on France, Raya is in extreme danger. Nicolas Bardot, whom she has become very fond of, worked for the Resistance and although she herself was not a member of the Resistance she did everything possible to help and protect Nicolas. When the Germans trashed her shop, she was arrested for working for the Resistance. She wondered if that horrible, frightening day would ever end. Her only hope was the man Nicolas whom she loved, and wondering if she would ever see him again.
The Glovemaker’s Daughter written by author Shari J. Ryan was a heart wrenching story of people that survived the most horrific of times. The hope that they never seemed to lose and the smallest bit of strength they held onto to survive was amazing to me. This heartbreaking story of love and endurance was a tough topic to read, but the author does an amazing job of bringing back together a lifetime of sorrow. The survival of those that lived through the horrible war, and survived, still warms my heart. Keep the Kleenex nearby because you will surely need it. I loved this story and I highly recommend it.
The Glovemaker’s Daughter written by author Shari J. Ryan was a heart wrenching story of people that survived the most horrific of times. The hope that they never seemed to lose and the smallest bit of strength they held onto to survive was amazing to me. This heartbreaking story of love and endurance was a tough topic to read, but the author does an amazing job of bringing back together a lifetime of sorrow. The survival of those that lived through the horrible war, and survived, still warms my heart. Keep the Kleenex nearby because you will surely need it. I loved this story and I highly recommend it.
August 7, 2023
This is my first time reading work by this author. It has been a very long time since I've read a historical fiction.
After seeing this book and fancying a change, I decided to give it a go.
At first, I found the book frustrating due to bouncing back and forth between 1942 and 1943. I don't personally like bouncing around in time, least of all in such a small time frame, I am easily muddled these days.
Despite this in the beginning, the story drew me in and comes together. It had me rooting for Raya, Nicolas, the people of Paris, the resistance, and the prisoners of war. It is an emotional and fraught read, filled with immense fear, sacrifice, despair, courage and above all love, which you expect from such a turbulent time in our history. It is a stark reminder and gets you mulling things over. Providing you're not a heartless soul you will shed tears.
'A girl’s dream should never be based on what she can do for everyone else around her because there comes a time when there is no more time, and no one can repay her for each selfless deed.'
This book may not be a five star read but it is worth the time to read, as it is as real as you can get in that time period.
After seeing this book and fancying a change, I decided to give it a go.
At first, I found the book frustrating due to bouncing back and forth between 1942 and 1943. I don't personally like bouncing around in time, least of all in such a small time frame, I am easily muddled these days.
Despite this in the beginning, the story drew me in and comes together. It had me rooting for Raya, Nicolas, the people of Paris, the resistance, and the prisoners of war. It is an emotional and fraught read, filled with immense fear, sacrifice, despair, courage and above all love, which you expect from such a turbulent time in our history. It is a stark reminder and gets you mulling things over. Providing you're not a heartless soul you will shed tears.
'A girl’s dream should never be based on what she can do for everyone else around her because there comes a time when there is no more time, and no one can repay her for each selfless deed.'
This book may not be a five star read but it is worth the time to read, as it is as real as you can get in that time period.
September 18, 2023
Set mainly in Paris and Ravensbruck Concentration Camp during WWII this is an emotional and at times upsetting read. Told from multiple POV’s but mainly those of Raya Pasqual and Nicolas Bardot and in dual timelines, the present starting in 1943 and one year ago. Well written with a compelling storyline this was a good read.
Briefly, in the past Raya owns a leather goods shop and since the Nazi invasion of Paris she has been sheltering her best friend Charlette and her parents from the German soldiers. When she meets Nicholas, a journalist, the attraction is immediate and soon they are meeting on a regular basis. But their lives are shattered when Raya is arrested, accused of helping the resistance and sent to Ravensbruck.
The descriptions of Raya’s life in the camp are heart wrenching particularly as we know that the descriptions are a true testament to the atrocities committed by the Nazis in the camps. Raya is a great character, she is so much stronger than she realises, and always more concerned about others than herself. It’s a bittersweet story which acts as a reminder to everyone of the horrors committed during war and it’s a pity that lessons haven’t been learned. A very good read that kept me engaged from the shocking start to the end.
Briefly, in the past Raya owns a leather goods shop and since the Nazi invasion of Paris she has been sheltering her best friend Charlette and her parents from the German soldiers. When she meets Nicholas, a journalist, the attraction is immediate and soon they are meeting on a regular basis. But their lives are shattered when Raya is arrested, accused of helping the resistance and sent to Ravensbruck.
The descriptions of Raya’s life in the camp are heart wrenching particularly as we know that the descriptions are a true testament to the atrocities committed by the Nazis in the camps. Raya is a great character, she is so much stronger than she realises, and always more concerned about others than herself. It’s a bittersweet story which acts as a reminder to everyone of the horrors committed during war and it’s a pity that lessons haven’t been learned. A very good read that kept me engaged from the shocking start to the end.
August 13, 2023
Raya has been taking care her entire life. She raised her brother after their parents deaths, she has taken care of the leather goods shop they left them to ensure their family legacy. She sent her brother to university while she pays for his education. And as the Germans impose more and more restrictions on Paris, and it’s Jewish citizens she will hide her best friend and her parents to keep them safe. When she meets a reporter with ties to the resistance she will have someone to lean on for the first time. But Raya has yet to face her greatest challenge and sacrifice, which will test every ounce of strength she has.
Definitely a tear jerker. Raya is such kind and genuine of a character. The romance was endearing and beautiful. This is one of those stories that showcases love and kindness in the midst of chaos and fear.
I’ve never read a Shari J Ryan book before but I will definitely seek out some of her other books based on this one.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for letting me read this one early in exchange for a review.
If this sounds like your kind of book it hits shelves September 18 2023.
Definitely a tear jerker. Raya is such kind and genuine of a character. The romance was endearing and beautiful. This is one of those stories that showcases love and kindness in the midst of chaos and fear.
I’ve never read a Shari J Ryan book before but I will definitely seek out some of her other books based on this one.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for letting me read this one early in exchange for a review.
If this sounds like your kind of book it hits shelves September 18 2023.
August 18, 2023
This was quite a hard subject to read about, with a mother doing her best to survive a German concentration camp, to get back to her baby daughter.
Like many Parisiens Raya is quietly supporting the resistance when the Nazis gained control of Paris. She is secretly helping Jewish friends whilst keeping her shop open and trying to get on with life the best she can. Whilst there she meets Nicolas, who is also helping the resistance, and they get very close.
But the Germans are everywhere and one day she is dragged from her shop accused of aiding the resistance and transported to a concentration camp. But she made the heartbreaking decision to leave her baby daughter in the shop, hidden, as she was dragged away, in the hope that someone would find her.
The story centres around the day to day life of occupied France, and the fight for survival for most people, trying their best to secretly resist the Nazis wherever they could, however small the action. I can't say it was an enjoyable story, because of the subject matter, and a couple of parts did irritate me a bit, but all in all a good read.
Like many Parisiens Raya is quietly supporting the resistance when the Nazis gained control of Paris. She is secretly helping Jewish friends whilst keeping her shop open and trying to get on with life the best she can. Whilst there she meets Nicolas, who is also helping the resistance, and they get very close.
But the Germans are everywhere and one day she is dragged from her shop accused of aiding the resistance and transported to a concentration camp. But she made the heartbreaking decision to leave her baby daughter in the shop, hidden, as she was dragged away, in the hope that someone would find her.
The story centres around the day to day life of occupied France, and the fight for survival for most people, trying their best to secretly resist the Nazis wherever they could, however small the action. I can't say it was an enjoyable story, because of the subject matter, and a couple of parts did irritate me a bit, but all in all a good read.
September 20, 2023
When it comes to historical fiction with an unique perspective, Shari J Ryan is one of the best and that continues to be true in The Glove Makers Daughter.
This story follows Raya (and Nicholas) in alternating time lines through the German occupation of Paris to the end of WWII. Ms Ryan paints a vivid picture that lets us experience the trepidation of sheltering Jewish friends, the fledgling resistance, and the reality of being a young French woman without the protection of family. Readers should experience this well written story for themselves, so I won’t go into too many details.
I will say that the thing that kept this from being a 5 star read was mainly at the end - and these are probably personal preference deals. There was a slight rushed feel to the very end that didn’t seem right after the pacing from the rest of the book.
Stories like this, even while fiction, are important to keep the reality of what happened during WWII alive in the minds of society. These individual stories represent real people and we owe them a debt to remember and never let similar things happen again.
This story follows Raya (and Nicholas) in alternating time lines through the German occupation of Paris to the end of WWII. Ms Ryan paints a vivid picture that lets us experience the trepidation of sheltering Jewish friends, the fledgling resistance, and the reality of being a young French woman without the protection of family. Readers should experience this well written story for themselves, so I won’t go into too many details.
I will say that the thing that kept this from being a 5 star read was mainly at the end - and these are probably personal preference deals. There was a slight rushed feel to the very end that didn’t seem right after the pacing from the rest of the book.
Stories like this, even while fiction, are important to keep the reality of what happened during WWII alive in the minds of society. These individual stories represent real people and we owe them a debt to remember and never let similar things happen again.
September 21, 2023
This is another amazing read by Shari J Ryan, taking us back in time to WWII. The story is about Raya, her family and friends. Raya lives in Paris and is working in the shop her parents left her to carry on. The story is heartbreaking, how humanity ceased to exist for the less fortunate. Great characters that fit into the story. It surely is descriptive of the horrors going on during WWII, would some of them even have a next meal? The story also takes us to Ravensbrück in Germany, where many of the captured people ended up.
During the time as the story unravels we get to know more about how Paris is taken by the Germans. The book is descriptive of how difficult it was for the people and even more the jews, that were caught and deported. Many people lost their lives and others hanging on with all their force. At the same time there were people who tried to fight this, hidden meetings, with the scare of getting caught. The story evolves and you are there feeling the scare the life, the horrible treatment and how the characters were trying to survive.
It's a book that keeps you turning the pages and I can definitely recommend this read.
Thanks,
Charlotte N
During the time as the story unravels we get to know more about how Paris is taken by the Germans. The book is descriptive of how difficult it was for the people and even more the jews, that were caught and deported. Many people lost their lives and others hanging on with all their force. At the same time there were people who tried to fight this, hidden meetings, with the scare of getting caught. The story evolves and you are there feeling the scare the life, the horrible treatment and how the characters were trying to survive.
It's a book that keeps you turning the pages and I can definitely recommend this read.
Thanks,
Charlotte N
October 18, 2023
I really liked The Glovemaker's Daughter. It is well-written and kept my interest. I normally do not care for dual-timeline stories, but the two timelines in this novel are very close together, and they are well done. The main characters in the story, Raya and Nicolas, go through terrible experiences in their interactions with the Nazis and risk their lives for those things that are important to them, whether hiding Jews, being part of the resistance, or caring for and protecting the young child that entered their lives.
There are so many thoughts, morals, and messages contained in this story having to deal with life, and I highlighted so many because they are important, and that I think is the biggest value in this story. It is not just a story to entertain, but one to enlighten us about the tragedies of World War II on a very personal level, to get us to think in depth about what is described in the story, to become part of the story and ask "what would we do in similar circumstances?"
This is one of the most moving books I have read about World War II, a book I highly recommend to the reader, and I thank the author for writing such an important story.
There are so many thoughts, morals, and messages contained in this story having to deal with life, and I highlighted so many because they are important, and that I think is the biggest value in this story. It is not just a story to entertain, but one to enlighten us about the tragedies of World War II on a very personal level, to get us to think in depth about what is described in the story, to become part of the story and ask "what would we do in similar circumstances?"
This is one of the most moving books I have read about World War II, a book I highly recommend to the reader, and I thank the author for writing such an important story.
September 6, 2023
The first chapter of this book immediately grabs your attention as it describes Raya being taken by German soldiers from her home and work. It sets the stage for a gripping and intense read. Raya is taken to Ravensbruck concentration camp and her determination to survive for the sake of her daughter is inspiring.
The way the book jumps back and forth between different years is done seamlessly and adds depth to the story. It explores Raya and Nicholas's journey, keeping the reader engaged and eager to know more.
As someone who had never read anything by this author before, I was pleasantly surprised by how hooked I was from the beginning. The constant state of anxiety I felt while reading (in a good way!) kept me turning the pages, desperate to find out what would happen next.
To say that my heart was in my mouth for much of the book would be an understatement. The emotional intensity and suspense were palpable.
I would like to express my gratitude to netgalley, Bookouture, and Shari J Ryan for providing me with an advance copy of this book.
The way the book jumps back and forth between different years is done seamlessly and adds depth to the story. It explores Raya and Nicholas's journey, keeping the reader engaged and eager to know more.
As someone who had never read anything by this author before, I was pleasantly surprised by how hooked I was from the beginning. The constant state of anxiety I felt while reading (in a good way!) kept me turning the pages, desperate to find out what would happen next.
To say that my heart was in my mouth for much of the book would be an understatement. The emotional intensity and suspense were palpable.
I would like to express my gratitude to netgalley, Bookouture, and Shari J Ryan for providing me with an advance copy of this book.
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