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The Paris Affair
Born to a French mother and an English father, Charlotte Bray has always felt like an outsider in her small Cornish fishing village. She spends her days on her father’s fishing boat, helping to feed a nation at war.
But the war brings devastation, and it’s not long until it reaches Charlotte’s front door. Her world is rocked and forever changed by tragedy.
With nothing left to lose, she accepts a mysterious invitation to work for the War Office as a spy. Nothing is as it seems, and she finds herself in Nazi-occupied Paris with a new identity.
Charlotte begins working under the sombre but handsome Frenchman Pierre Lesieur. But do his allegiances lie elsewhere?
With the Gestapo at every corner and networks falling all around her, Charlotte feels danger closing in on her.
And nothing is more dangerous than her growing feelings for Pierre.
Charlotte has been taught how to defend herself from the enemy. But not how to protect her heart . . .
But the war brings devastation, and it’s not long until it reaches Charlotte’s front door. Her world is rocked and forever changed by tragedy.
With nothing left to lose, she accepts a mysterious invitation to work for the War Office as a spy. Nothing is as it seems, and she finds herself in Nazi-occupied Paris with a new identity.
Charlotte begins working under the sombre but handsome Frenchman Pierre Lesieur. But do his allegiances lie elsewhere?
With the Gestapo at every corner and networks falling all around her, Charlotte feels danger closing in on her.
And nothing is more dangerous than her growing feelings for Pierre.
Charlotte has been taught how to defend herself from the enemy. But not how to protect her heart . . .
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 7, 2023
278 people are currently reading
305 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Cornwall
19 books50 followersVictoria Cornwall grew up on a farm in Cornwall and can trace her Cornish roots as far back as the 18th century. It is this background and heritage which is the inspiration for her Cornish based novels.
Following a fulfilling twenty-five year career as a nurse, a change in profession finally allowed her the time to write. She initially self-published two novels, Old Sins Long Shadows and The Gossamer Trail under the name B.D.Hawkey. In 2016, award winning publisher, Choc Lit, acquired both novels as part of a four book deal. Old Sins Long Shadows is now published under a new title, The Captain's Daughter, and The Gossamer Trail has been released under the new title The Daughter of River Valley.
Victoria is married and has two grown up children. She likes to read and write historical fiction with a strong background story, but at its heart is the unmistakable emotion, even pain, of loving someone.
She is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association.
Following a fulfilling twenty-five year career as a nurse, a change in profession finally allowed her the time to write. She initially self-published two novels, Old Sins Long Shadows and The Gossamer Trail under the name B.D.Hawkey. In 2016, award winning publisher, Choc Lit, acquired both novels as part of a four book deal. Old Sins Long Shadows is now published under a new title, The Captain's Daughter, and The Gossamer Trail has been released under the new title The Daughter of River Valley.
Victoria is married and has two grown up children. She likes to read and write historical fiction with a strong background story, but at its heart is the unmistakable emotion, even pain, of loving someone.
She is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
November 12, 2023
Charlotte Bray's life in the Cornish village where she'd lived her whole life changed when her mother died. Her father was a fisherman, often away for days at a time, so when Charlotte had driven her teachers mad once too often, her father pulled her from school and set her up on his fishing vessel. She loved fishing with her father and it didn't take the crew long to accept her as one of the guys. Charlotte received a mysterious invitation and when her life changed irrevocably, she decided to accept and headed for London. What followed was intense training which culminated in her heading to Paris with a new identity, undercover and fighting the Nazis at every turn.
Charlotte wasn't sure about her handler, Pierre. He was half French, half German - could she trust him? Her French was impeccable as her mother was French, but she didn't understand German. And it seemed someone within their Resistance group was a traitor. With the Germans always close by, prepared to shoot at the slightest thing, she needed to keep her wits about her...
The Paris Affair by Victoria Cornwall is another excellent historical novel which I liked very much. It was easy to see its direction early in the story, but I was able to appreciate Ms Cornwall's depiction of events as I came to the conclusion. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Charlotte wasn't sure about her handler, Pierre. He was half French, half German - could she trust him? Her French was impeccable as her mother was French, but she didn't understand German. And it seemed someone within their Resistance group was a traitor. With the Germans always close by, prepared to shoot at the slightest thing, she needed to keep her wits about her...
The Paris Affair by Victoria Cornwall is another excellent historical novel which I liked very much. It was easy to see its direction early in the story, but I was able to appreciate Ms Cornwall's depiction of events as I came to the conclusion. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
November 3, 2023
Born to a French mother and an English father, Charlotte Bray has always felt like an outsider in her small Cornish fishing village. She spends her days on her father's fishing boat, helping to feed a family at war. But war brings devastation, and it's not long until it reaches Charlotte's front door. Her world is rocked and forever changed by tragedy. With nothing left to lose, she accepts a mysterious invitation to work for the war office as a spy. Nothing is as it seems, and she finds herself in Nazi-occupied Paris with a new identity. Charlotte begins working under the somber but handsome Frenchman Pierre Lesieur. But do his allegiances lie elsewhere?
At the age of twenty-three, Charlotte has already suffered a lot of tragedy in her life. The year is 1943, and Charlotte gets a mysterious invitation to work for the war office as a spy. There are plenty of twists, likable characters, and the plot line was engaging. We get descriptive descriptions of France, England and Scotland. This is a spy story mixed with romance. It has also been well researched, but it could also be a bit predictable. I quite enjoyed this story about two SEO recruits working in France during WWII.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #VictoriaCornwall for my ARC of #TheParisAffair in exchange for an honest review.
At the age of twenty-three, Charlotte has already suffered a lot of tragedy in her life. The year is 1943, and Charlotte gets a mysterious invitation to work for the war office as a spy. There are plenty of twists, likable characters, and the plot line was engaging. We get descriptive descriptions of France, England and Scotland. This is a spy story mixed with romance. It has also been well researched, but it could also be a bit predictable. I quite enjoyed this story about two SEO recruits working in France during WWII.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #VictoriaCornwall for my ARC of #TheParisAffair in exchange for an honest review.
November 15, 2023
"Life and death balanced on a wire of chance at the best of times, but the war had taken any illusion of control and turned it on its head." This quote from the first chapter helped me get into the right mindset to understand the main character, Charlotte. She is only 23 but has already been hammered by tragedy, one before the war and one directly caused by the war. It spurred her on to become an SOE agent in 1943, instead of drowning in sorrow.
I've read many books about SOE agents but I thoroughly enjoyed following Charlotte's training, especially at Arisaig House in Scotland. For me, that's when she showed what she was made of, physically, intellectually, and emotionally. Viewing Nazi-occupied Paris through her eyes was also enlightening because Charlotte was so perceptive, noticing nuances between her mother's memories and what lay just below the surface of what she saw now. If you like romance with your historical fiction, this is a good one because it is unpredictable yet believable. With her Cornwall background, Charlotte is unlike other SOE agents but that very background has honed her instincts. This is well-paced, well-researched and I highly recommend it.
Many thanks to NetGalley & Joffe Books for the digital ARC. All opinions and the review are my own.
I've read many books about SOE agents but I thoroughly enjoyed following Charlotte's training, especially at Arisaig House in Scotland. For me, that's when she showed what she was made of, physically, intellectually, and emotionally. Viewing Nazi-occupied Paris through her eyes was also enlightening because Charlotte was so perceptive, noticing nuances between her mother's memories and what lay just below the surface of what she saw now. If you like romance with your historical fiction, this is a good one because it is unpredictable yet believable. With her Cornwall background, Charlotte is unlike other SOE agents but that very background has honed her instincts. This is well-paced, well-researched and I highly recommend it.
Many thanks to NetGalley & Joffe Books for the digital ARC. All opinions and the review are my own.
September 24, 2023
I got confused reading the book at some points, and the romance felt forced more then anything
September 24, 2023
First and foremost, I would like to thank NetGalley and the author for providing me with an early copy of this book for an honest review.
I went in with an open mind and no expectations, as I don't usually read historical fiction and/or spy novels, although I do find them extremely interesting.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that the more I read, the more I loved - the characters, the plot, the twists and turns, the banter and teasing, the detailed descriptions of England, Scotland and France.
If you love spy, mixed with romance novels, this is the book for you.
Although some parts I could see coming, I thoroughly enjoyed the story.
I absolutely loved the word and character building - I especially enjoyed how Charlotte's character developed and grew alongside her relationship with Pierre. Their chemistry was quite clear and strong from the start. Their teasing and tension only made the story richer.
I was excited and impatient to find out what would happen next, both with Charlotte and Pierre, and also with the plot side of the book.
It kept me guessing and invested until the very last page.
The book was beautifully written. I highly recommend it.
5 out of 5 stars 🌟
I went in with an open mind and no expectations, as I don't usually read historical fiction and/or spy novels, although I do find them extremely interesting.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that the more I read, the more I loved - the characters, the plot, the twists and turns, the banter and teasing, the detailed descriptions of England, Scotland and France.
If you love spy, mixed with romance novels, this is the book for you.
Although some parts I could see coming, I thoroughly enjoyed the story.
I absolutely loved the word and character building - I especially enjoyed how Charlotte's character developed and grew alongside her relationship with Pierre. Their chemistry was quite clear and strong from the start. Their teasing and tension only made the story richer.
I was excited and impatient to find out what would happen next, both with Charlotte and Pierre, and also with the plot side of the book.
It kept me guessing and invested until the very last page.
The book was beautifully written. I highly recommend it.
5 out of 5 stars 🌟
October 19, 2024
Although I enjoyed the general plot and Charlotte’s development, there wasn’t enough depth in this story. Despite the well researched historical aspect of it, the romance felt forced. Some topics were briefly brushed upon. It left me wanting more! I was captivated by the plot as soon as I read the blurb, however the story didn’t live up to my personal expectations.
October 4, 2023
Do you like WWII history? SOE (the British Spy people)? How about broad-shouldered French men with dark eyes?
If you don’t why are you here?
But Charlotte. Ahh Charlotte. I cared about these characters straight away. It took maybe a few pages, and I cared like I knew them. I’m not sure by which Wizardry Victoria Cornwall did this (must be good writing)?
The balance between comforting and action packed was finely tuned. Making this book simultaneously a brisk walk and a warm bath.
Oh and the Romance! I needed this. I needed just some good people falling in love. Disclaimer no spice, but I felt the attraction, closeness, and all the stomach flipping moments us lovers of this genre crave. I read romance to feel the very twinkly feeing this book provides. I’m happy with the lack of spice as all else (else being tension and intimacy) is provided. Often, I feel some books with spice rely too much on the steam to build the romance and THIS dear readers is pure romance. I wouldn’t say this was true enemies to lovers rather angst to lovers. All the trust issues, intrigue, and tension were captivating.
The WWII setting from Britain to occupied France was well written and researched. Their relationship still being front and centre. As a bit of a history interested person, I could have done with a little more espionage but this is not that type of book. This reminds me of Ken Follet but written by a woman, very much a good thing.
The prose was modern with not much 1940s vernacular when compared to something like ‘Dear Mrs Bird’. This gave less of a historical feel but made it far easier to read and I’m not mad about it.
The only criticisms I have, which in all honesty are niggles more than anything else, are that it could be longer, slower burning, with more spy operations. Two history points: 1. I thought Breton fishing boats had a German escort. (Based on a novel ‘Most Secret, by Nevil Shute in 1942) 2. If one was to lose course in the middle of a sea your bearing would not be enough to find your way. Or you might find yourself going the right direction but in the Atlantic.
Describe in one word: Charming!
Would I recommend: If you like historical romance and this Era, I will lend you my copy. But I’d want it returned.
Why you might enjoy The Paris Affair: You want an exhilarating yet comforting Romance which is full of action and tension but doesn’t give you an ulcer. You are interested in WWII, and you fancy French men.
Why you might not enjoy The Paris Affair: If you are a ‘spice or I’m going home’ sort of person. You like more of a plot driven, rather than relationship, driven book.
The Paris Affair by Victoria Cornwall. Release date: 2nd November 2023. Reviewed through Netgallery.
If you don’t why are you here?
But Charlotte. Ahh Charlotte. I cared about these characters straight away. It took maybe a few pages, and I cared like I knew them. I’m not sure by which Wizardry Victoria Cornwall did this (must be good writing)?
The balance between comforting and action packed was finely tuned. Making this book simultaneously a brisk walk and a warm bath.
Oh and the Romance! I needed this. I needed just some good people falling in love. Disclaimer no spice, but I felt the attraction, closeness, and all the stomach flipping moments us lovers of this genre crave. I read romance to feel the very twinkly feeing this book provides. I’m happy with the lack of spice as all else (else being tension and intimacy) is provided. Often, I feel some books with spice rely too much on the steam to build the romance and THIS dear readers is pure romance. I wouldn’t say this was true enemies to lovers rather angst to lovers. All the trust issues, intrigue, and tension were captivating.
The WWII setting from Britain to occupied France was well written and researched. Their relationship still being front and centre. As a bit of a history interested person, I could have done with a little more espionage but this is not that type of book. This reminds me of Ken Follet but written by a woman, very much a good thing.
The prose was modern with not much 1940s vernacular when compared to something like ‘Dear Mrs Bird’. This gave less of a historical feel but made it far easier to read and I’m not mad about it.
The only criticisms I have, which in all honesty are niggles more than anything else, are that it could be longer, slower burning, with more spy operations. Two history points: 1. I thought Breton fishing boats had a German escort. (Based on a novel ‘Most Secret, by Nevil Shute in 1942) 2. If one was to lose course in the middle of a sea your bearing would not be enough to find your way. Or you might find yourself going the right direction but in the Atlantic.
Describe in one word: Charming!
Would I recommend: If you like historical romance and this Era, I will lend you my copy. But I’d want it returned.
Why you might enjoy The Paris Affair: You want an exhilarating yet comforting Romance which is full of action and tension but doesn’t give you an ulcer. You are interested in WWII, and you fancy French men.
Why you might not enjoy The Paris Affair: If you are a ‘spice or I’m going home’ sort of person. You like more of a plot driven, rather than relationship, driven book.
The Paris Affair by Victoria Cornwall. Release date: 2nd November 2023. Reviewed through Netgallery.
November 15, 2023
ADVANCED KINDLE READER COPY REVIEW
Did I volunteer to preview this "Choc Lit" imprint release? Is it penance for the 50 crime works I've enjoyed/endured over the past twelve months for publisher Joffe (rhymes with coffee) or is the Universe just telling me to give something different a go?
Well, penance or no it was a pleasant distraction from my normal round of murder and mystery; entering the Second World War and the journey of a young woman, Charlotte Bray, from Cornish trawler to Nazi Occupied France, and of course the Paris of the title.
N
I was happy enough until I got to Chapter 8 - 25% into the yarn when I was jolted back to my own reality by what I can best describe as a Mills & Boon moment (not that I've ever read one of their masterpieces BUT I'm a gentleman of a certain age and I'm well aware of their content)...an experienced agent under threat of torture has a secret weapon "which he carried in his mind"; that being the memory of our heroine who he has met precisely twice before, and then has an "is he or isn't he" conversation with a German officer...and from that point my belief (and general interest) dissipated to nothing...there's certainly a yarn to be told , our heroines training to get mission ready is well described, as is the subsequent channel crossing from which point the lead characters are reacquainted
I skim read from there...Victoria Cornwall has a good narrative style, she details their journey to Paris well, painting a picture of a country and it's capital undergoing a traumatic invasion. I've not researched the facts but the story has resonance with my understanding of how things might have been...the tension builds and the couple get closer, the "is he or isn't he" develops as events and missions evolve. There are many twists and turns along the way with the underlying relationship being explored and challenged.
No spoilers as to the outcome; you need to keep your wits about you whilst reading as Charlotte is routinely referred to using her undercover alias names and I couldn't work out the narrative device determining which was to be used when.
Did I volunteer to preview this "Choc Lit" imprint release? Is it penance for the 50 crime works I've enjoyed/endured over the past twelve months for publisher Joffe (rhymes with coffee) or is the Universe just telling me to give something different a go?
Well, penance or no it was a pleasant distraction from my normal round of murder and mystery; entering the Second World War and the journey of a young woman, Charlotte Bray, from Cornish trawler to Nazi Occupied France, and of course the Paris of the title.
N
I was happy enough until I got to Chapter 8 - 25% into the yarn when I was jolted back to my own reality by what I can best describe as a Mills & Boon moment (not that I've ever read one of their masterpieces BUT I'm a gentleman of a certain age and I'm well aware of their content)...an experienced agent under threat of torture has a secret weapon "which he carried in his mind"; that being the memory of our heroine who he has met precisely twice before, and then has an "is he or isn't he" conversation with a German officer...and from that point my belief (and general interest) dissipated to nothing...there's certainly a yarn to be told , our heroines training to get mission ready is well described, as is the subsequent channel crossing from which point the lead characters are reacquainted
I skim read from there...Victoria Cornwall has a good narrative style, she details their journey to Paris well, painting a picture of a country and it's capital undergoing a traumatic invasion. I've not researched the facts but the story has resonance with my understanding of how things might have been...the tension builds and the couple get closer, the "is he or isn't he" develops as events and missions evolve. There are many twists and turns along the way with the underlying relationship being explored and challenged.
No spoilers as to the outcome; you need to keep your wits about you whilst reading as Charlotte is routinely referred to using her undercover alias names and I couldn't work out the narrative device determining which was to be used when.
August 11, 2024
The Paris Affair is the latest book from author Victoria Cornwall, exploring themes such as bravery, betrayal and love after loss set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Paris.
The chapters exploring Charlotte’s SOE training were very interesting and well-researched. I also liked the chapters following Charlotte entering France and starting to establish herself in Paris. The setting descriptions were very vivid and made Paris come alive on the page.
Charlotte was a courageous female protagonist who was very likeable. I liked the Cornish fishing village setting the book opens with and the way that fishing gave Charlotte some of the valuable skills that would end up aiding her in her SOE work. I perhaps would have liked her grief at the loss of her father to have been explored in even greater depth though.
I did also like Pierre as a character and I thought the exploration of his grief following the death of his wife and young child were a real asset to the story. One thing I was disappointed with was the fact that his interesting relationship with the Nazis wasn’t explored in the full depth I was craving, particularly as it was given such a prominent reference in the book synopsis.
This next section of the review will contain spoilers. Although I try to avoid this in my reviews it is necessary to explain my point unfortunately.
Unfortunately, around two thirds into the story the narrative started to feel very disjointed.
This was a real turning point where it felt like the novel became more about the romance plot than substance, which really missed the mark for me. I think if you are going to include a romantic element in a historical fiction novel of this nature you have to find the line between where it aids the plot and where it just completely takes over from the rest of the story. Unfortunately, it did feel like this was missed in The Paris Affair. It felt like the SOE agent plot was too complex to be competing with the romance and it therefore meant that it couldn’t be explored in the depth it needed to be.
I did also start to find the plot very predictable at this point, particularly who was betraying their circuit of SOE agents. Everything also became very convenient for Charlotte and Pierre, such as the events as they are trying to escape back to England, so any real tension was really lacking and I did roll my eyes at several points. This was an ultimately disappointing way to end the book as, as I said at the start of the review, the first two thirds of the story were much stronger.
Overall, The Paris Affair was a 3* read for me. Some fans of Second World War historical fiction and historical romances might enjoy it as a relatively easy read but for me it really needed more substance than it had.
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I have posted an extended review on my blog www.yourschloe.co.uk
*I received a copy of this book in eBook format via NetGalley in return for this review. All reviews published are completely honest and my own, and are in no way influenced by the gifting opportunity. Thank you to NetGalley, Victoria Cornwall, Joffe Books and Choc Lit.
The chapters exploring Charlotte’s SOE training were very interesting and well-researched. I also liked the chapters following Charlotte entering France and starting to establish herself in Paris. The setting descriptions were very vivid and made Paris come alive on the page.
Charlotte was a courageous female protagonist who was very likeable. I liked the Cornish fishing village setting the book opens with and the way that fishing gave Charlotte some of the valuable skills that would end up aiding her in her SOE work. I perhaps would have liked her grief at the loss of her father to have been explored in even greater depth though.
I did also like Pierre as a character and I thought the exploration of his grief following the death of his wife and young child were a real asset to the story. One thing I was disappointed with was the fact that his interesting relationship with the Nazis wasn’t explored in the full depth I was craving, particularly as it was given such a prominent reference in the book synopsis.
This next section of the review will contain spoilers. Although I try to avoid this in my reviews it is necessary to explain my point unfortunately.
Unfortunately, around two thirds into the story the narrative started to feel very disjointed.
This was a real turning point where it felt like the novel became more about the romance plot than substance, which really missed the mark for me. I think if you are going to include a romantic element in a historical fiction novel of this nature you have to find the line between where it aids the plot and where it just completely takes over from the rest of the story. Unfortunately, it did feel like this was missed in The Paris Affair. It felt like the SOE agent plot was too complex to be competing with the romance and it therefore meant that it couldn’t be explored in the depth it needed to be.
I did also start to find the plot very predictable at this point, particularly who was betraying their circuit of SOE agents. Everything also became very convenient for Charlotte and Pierre, such as the events as they are trying to escape back to England, so any real tension was really lacking and I did roll my eyes at several points. This was an ultimately disappointing way to end the book as, as I said at the start of the review, the first two thirds of the story were much stronger.
Overall, The Paris Affair was a 3* read for me. Some fans of Second World War historical fiction and historical romances might enjoy it as a relatively easy read but for me it really needed more substance than it had.
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I have posted an extended review on my blog www.yourschloe.co.uk
*I received a copy of this book in eBook format via NetGalley in return for this review. All reviews published are completely honest and my own, and are in no way influenced by the gifting opportunity. Thank you to NetGalley, Victoria Cornwall, Joffe Books and Choc Lit.
September 23, 2023
“I hope you will never need to learn what makes a good agent, but if you do…I hope they teach you well. Be a good student. If you don’t, it may cost you your life and that of all those around you.”
As much as I wanted to love this story, it fell flat. It was a well researched historical novel, but the romance felt forced and very trope filled (more than I enjoyed.) The book is something that could’ve had much potential, I was hoping it would be like others that are very much my favourites of this genre.
The way the author wrote the form of speech tended to throw me off a lot of the time, as its not the norm. I would’ve liked more French references within the talking to remind the reader that they were speaking French and not English.
The trope of running from the Nazi’s while falling in love caused it to feel so forced and a poor lack of natural development between the two characters.
What I did enjoy about this novel was being able to see Charlotte’s growth as a person and also noticing similarities between her mothers stories from her life in France compared to her own journey in France while working as an SOE agent. Her background felt very believable along with all the history tied in with the plot.
This was a proof draft that was given to me, and I hope that before release the book is edited due to a lot of grammatical errors and phrases/speech that don’t make sense.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the digital ARC!
As much as I wanted to love this story, it fell flat. It was a well researched historical novel, but the romance felt forced and very trope filled (more than I enjoyed.) The book is something that could’ve had much potential, I was hoping it would be like others that are very much my favourites of this genre.
The way the author wrote the form of speech tended to throw me off a lot of the time, as its not the norm. I would’ve liked more French references within the talking to remind the reader that they were speaking French and not English.
The trope of running from the Nazi’s while falling in love caused it to feel so forced and a poor lack of natural development between the two characters.
What I did enjoy about this novel was being able to see Charlotte’s growth as a person and also noticing similarities between her mothers stories from her life in France compared to her own journey in France while working as an SOE agent. Her background felt very believable along with all the history tied in with the plot.
This was a proof draft that was given to me, and I hope that before release the book is edited due to a lot of grammatical errors and phrases/speech that don’t make sense.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the digital ARC!
bought-not-read
November 20, 2023Charlotte Bray loves the sea, and is a valued member of the crew on her father's fishing trawler in Cornwall in the early 1940's. Although she is content with helping on the trawler, she wonders if there shouldn't be more to her life. When circumstances uproot her life, she vows to help the war effort however she can. Fluent in both English and French, she is recruited as a special agent, and is sent to occupied Paris. There she is assigned to a Resistance network operated by one of the men who had interviewed her and assessed her skills for an agent, Pierre. Both Charlotte and Pierre are playing roles as their covers, but when she finds out things about him, she begins to wonder if she can really trust him. With the Nazis approaching, Charlotte must make a decision to trust him to survive.
I enjoyed this book very much - it moved at a good pace and had good character development. I especially liked how the story takes a different angle, as it brings into play the sea and how Charlotte's navigational and mariner skills proved vital to surviving. Highly recommend for those who enjoy historical fiction! Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this one; all opinions are my own.
I enjoyed this book very much - it moved at a good pace and had good character development. I especially liked how the story takes a different angle, as it brings into play the sea and how Charlotte's navigational and mariner skills proved vital to surviving. Highly recommend for those who enjoy historical fiction! Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this one; all opinions are my own.
October 19, 2023
Not a fan of war stories, I might not have read this if I hadn't vowed to read every book published by Choc Lit, but it would have been a shame to miss out on meeting Charlotte, the half-British (Cornish, of course, like most of Victoria Cornwall's characters), half-French heroine, and Pierre, the half-French, half-German (such an uncomfortable mix in that context!) hero.
It was interesting to see how Charlotte was recruited as an agent and to follow parts of her training before she was sent to Paris, and I liked how not only her flawless French but also her experience as part of her father's fishing crew helped her more than once. The "trust no one" atmosphere could have made the whole part set in France way too stressful for me to enjoy, but of course this being a romance novel means that at least the reader knows, even when Charlotte has doubts, that Pierre is entirely trustworthy.
Also, I'm thankful that torture only happens off-page and more generally that there's nothing too graphic (either violence- or love-related).
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It was interesting to see how Charlotte was recruited as an agent and to follow parts of her training before she was sent to Paris, and I liked how not only her flawless French but also her experience as part of her father's fishing crew helped her more than once. The "trust no one" atmosphere could have made the whole part set in France way too stressful for me to enjoy, but of course this being a romance novel means that at least the reader knows, even when Charlotte has doubts, that Pierre is entirely trustworthy.
Also, I'm thankful that torture only happens off-page and more generally that there's nothing too graphic (either violence- or love-related).
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 10, 2023
I've read several of Victoria Cornwall's novels and enjoyed them, and this is no exception. Charlotte has lost much in her twenty three years. Her mother died when she was young and now her fisherman father has been lost as sea, his trawler going down with all hands on board. This motivates Charlotte to use her fluent French to join the war effort. She soon finds herself undergoing training and joining a resistance cell in northern France. There she is reunited with Pierre Lesieur, who tested her language abilities back in London. Unfortunately her first meeting with him left her with the impression he was both arrogant and rude. Now they have to learn to work together.
It's a story of passion, of danger and bravery. Well researched, with great atmosphere and detail, it's an excellent read, especially for those who enjoy novels about the Second World War. Recommended.
I would like to thank Choc Lit, the author and Netgalley for an ARC of The Paris Affair in exchange for an honest review.
It's a story of passion, of danger and bravery. Well researched, with great atmosphere and detail, it's an excellent read, especially for those who enjoy novels about the Second World War. Recommended.
I would like to thank Choc Lit, the author and Netgalley for an ARC of The Paris Affair in exchange for an honest review.
November 15, 2023
Very enjoyable!
Charlotte Bray spends her time as sea on her father's trawler since her mother died. As her mother was french, Charlotte is bilingual and seeks to teach french, placing a local advert for pupils. However, things don't quite turn out as expected and she finds herself being interviewed by a most disagreeable man who makes it quite clear that, as a woman, she should expect to play a minor part in the war. However, with her language skills she is chosen to train as a spy and travel to France to work undercover where, once more, she comes face to face with Pierre Lesieur - the same unpleasant man who didn't want her to travel to France.
I'm rather keen on women's WWII fiction, and it's clear that this one has been well researched. I learned a few bits that I didn't know previously! Interesting and well-written, this kept me not only glued to the page but very reluctant to put the book aside. A thrilling and exciting read, thoroughly enjoyed and earning both my recommendation and 4.5*.
Charlotte Bray spends her time as sea on her father's trawler since her mother died. As her mother was french, Charlotte is bilingual and seeks to teach french, placing a local advert for pupils. However, things don't quite turn out as expected and she finds herself being interviewed by a most disagreeable man who makes it quite clear that, as a woman, she should expect to play a minor part in the war. However, with her language skills she is chosen to train as a spy and travel to France to work undercover where, once more, she comes face to face with Pierre Lesieur - the same unpleasant man who didn't want her to travel to France.
I'm rather keen on women's WWII fiction, and it's clear that this one has been well researched. I learned a few bits that I didn't know previously! Interesting and well-written, this kept me not only glued to the page but very reluctant to put the book aside. A thrilling and exciting read, thoroughly enjoyed and earning both my recommendation and 4.5*.
October 12, 2023
Charlotte Bray of Cornwall, England accepts an offer to work for the War Office during WWII and trains as a British agent to be sent inside occupied France. She has necessary qualities including fluent French and a desire to serve her country.
I liked that her background helping her father on numerous fishing trips out to sea came in useful when she faces danger in France. I also liked that the skills the British trained her for included more dangerous jobs, like handling and setting explosives.
I leaned more about the situation of Allied agents and spies in Europe during the war, how they tried to blend in, the risks and dangers they faced daily, and the things they were supposed to observe to report back to the Allies.
The writing was very good, and described the places and settings so well that you felt you were there with the agents, seeing what they saw, and going through the dangers as they lived them. Excellent characterization and plot as well.
I liked that her background helping her father on numerous fishing trips out to sea came in useful when she faces danger in France. I also liked that the skills the British trained her for included more dangerous jobs, like handling and setting explosives.
I leaned more about the situation of Allied agents and spies in Europe during the war, how they tried to blend in, the risks and dangers they faced daily, and the things they were supposed to observe to report back to the Allies.
The writing was very good, and described the places and settings so well that you felt you were there with the agents, seeing what they saw, and going through the dangers as they lived them. Excellent characterization and plot as well.
December 2, 2023
The Paris Affair is a well-written book about two people caught up in World War II in France. Charlotte Bray from England, and Pierre, who is part-German and part-French, both having faced their own personal tragedies, become involved with the spy and resistance network in France, fighting against the Nazis. Charlotte, the daughter of a fisherman, is trained in self-defense, spying, and all she needs to know to survive and actively work for the spy network. The story is one of pain and loss, small victories and hope. It is a good story. I would rate it 4.5 if that score were available, only because of the bedroom scenes, and the sexual tension/frustration described at different points in the novel. I choose a 4.0 because of these situations which I think take away from the storyline itself, and are unnecessary to the flow of the story.
September 8, 2024
The Paris Affair pulled me into Charlotte's world almost immediately, immersing me in her journey from a small Cornish fishing village to the vivid settings of 18th-century Paris. The author does an excellent job at capturing the essence of the time period, making you feel as though you are walking the cobbled streets alongside the characters.
Charlotte's journey is one filled with intrigue, danger, and emotion, and I found her character to be well-developed and compelling. The narrative and pacing are, for the most part, engaging and effective, keeping me hooked from start to finish.
While there were a few slower sections, they didn’t detract much from the overall experience. Cornwall’s attention to historical detail and her ability to craft strong, dynamic characters make this book a good read for fans of historical romance.
Charlotte's journey is one filled with intrigue, danger, and emotion, and I found her character to be well-developed and compelling. The narrative and pacing are, for the most part, engaging and effective, keeping me hooked from start to finish.
While there were a few slower sections, they didn’t detract much from the overall experience. Cornwall’s attention to historical detail and her ability to craft strong, dynamic characters make this book a good read for fans of historical romance.
October 19, 2023
I quite enjoyed reading this book about two SEO recruits who had been working in France during WW2, but some parts felt like a real chore to read. I guess for me a great book is one that I don’t want to put down, I just want to keep reading until the end, but this one just missed that feeling for some reason. Maybe it was because the whole story moved quickly and there wasn’t enough detail? Maybe it was because the ‘problem’ didn’t really seem all that big and then was quite easy to solve apart from a storm which put a (little) spanner in the works. Maybe it was because the chemistry seemed off between the two main characters. I’m not sure. Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 24, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and felt as if I was actually Charlotte, the heroine as she negotiated the sadness, excitements and uncertainties of her life and relationship with Pierre.
The Parisian scenes, particularly the characters’ visit to The Sacre Coeur took me right back to a long ago visit to Paris.
Victoria Cornwall is a skilled storyteller who makes you care about her characters and root for them as they tackle dangers and challenges.
I have always wondered how I would have coped in times of war and hope that I would step up to the challenge of helping with the war effort just as Charlotte, Pierre and their colleagues did in the book.
A thoroughly enjoyable read that made me reflect on the war experiences of members of my family.
The Parisian scenes, particularly the characters’ visit to The Sacre Coeur took me right back to a long ago visit to Paris.
Victoria Cornwall is a skilled storyteller who makes you care about her characters and root for them as they tackle dangers and challenges.
I have always wondered how I would have coped in times of war and hope that I would step up to the challenge of helping with the war effort just as Charlotte, Pierre and their colleagues did in the book.
A thoroughly enjoyable read that made me reflect on the war experiences of members of my family.
October 13, 2023
Charlotte Bray has grown up on the Cornish coast and has been part of her father’s fishing crew. She wonders if there is more to life. Little does she know that her life is about to change. She is recruited into the war effort because of her ability to speak French fluently since her mother was French. She is trained in all sorts of warfare and sent to France to help the resistance there. Her nemesis and partner, .Pierre, is drawn to her but fights his feelings. They embark on some dangerous missions and ultimately need to flee France.
A good WW2 story where women played a larger role than originally thought.
A good WW2 story where women played a larger role than originally thought.
November 13, 2023
I love Historical Romances so when i came upon this book I had to see if I could get my hands on one! I liked the suspense of the story. Charlotte already had a pretty tough life and seeing her become a spy was something I was really nervous about reading, or more so anxious! I love how Victoria was able to write descriptively because it made me imagine everything. Even the description of Germany, Paris and I believe Scotland. And honestly the whole time I just kept thinking of the movie Anthropoid, that starred Jamie Dornan and Cillian Murphy. Loved that movie as well!
I would like to thank Net Galley for sending this ARC for an honest review!
I would like to thank Net Galley for sending this ARC for an honest review!
November 18, 2023
The Paris Affair is a fast paced, exciting story of a female spy in war time France. It follows Charlotte from her Father's fishing trawler in Cornwall, through her training to be a secret agent, and into Nazi occupied France. Will she help her country? Will someone betray her? Will she make it safely back home again? You'll have to read it to find out!
I was hooked almost immediately. Any book with a main character called Charlotte is a win for me. And this also had all the things I love. Its set during the war, mentions the beautiful Cornish coast, suspense, romance, some fighting. What more could a girl ask for!
I was hooked almost immediately. Any book with a main character called Charlotte is a win for me. And this also had all the things I love. Its set during the war, mentions the beautiful Cornish coast, suspense, romance, some fighting. What more could a girl ask for!
August 14, 2024
The Paris Affair is set during the Second World War and tells the story of a Cornish young woman Charlotte who after her French mother died began working in fishing with her father.
Charlotte receives a mysterious invitation from the war office. They would like her to work as a spy based in Paris, France under the command of half Frenchman, half German Pierre Lesieur. However, it isn’t long before Charlotte realises that someone within the group is a traitor and could it be Pierre, a man she has found herself falling for?
The Paris Affair is an engaging and exhilarating read. Our protagonist Charlotte is well-developed and realistic and you’ll soon find yourself rooting for her and wanting her to succeed in her work.
The pace of the novel is quite fast which for me was spot on as I hate slow-burn stories. The setting and historical aspects have been well researched and thought out and I felt like I was in 1940s France.
Overall, this was a book I enjoyed the whole way through. I loved the drama and the romance just as much as the twists and turns that were ever-present.
Charlotte receives a mysterious invitation from the war office. They would like her to work as a spy based in Paris, France under the command of half Frenchman, half German Pierre Lesieur. However, it isn’t long before Charlotte realises that someone within the group is a traitor and could it be Pierre, a man she has found herself falling for?
The Paris Affair is an engaging and exhilarating read. Our protagonist Charlotte is well-developed and realistic and you’ll soon find yourself rooting for her and wanting her to succeed in her work.
The pace of the novel is quite fast which for me was spot on as I hate slow-burn stories. The setting and historical aspects have been well researched and thought out and I felt like I was in 1940s France.
Overall, this was a book I enjoyed the whole way through. I loved the drama and the romance just as much as the twists and turns that were ever-present.
November 12, 2023
Charlotte has worked on her father’s fishing boat since her mother died when she was nearly 14. As her mother was French, Charlotte intends to put her language skills to use and advertises to teach French, her advert draws one response. It is cause of this meeting that she does not go out with the boat, it’s last ever trip.
The meeting is not with a prospective student but with a man from the war office offering her a different way to help the war effort.
With her father dead at sea Charlotte phones the number in London and her life as an agent has begun.
The meeting is not with a prospective student but with a man from the war office offering her a different way to help the war effort.
With her father dead at sea Charlotte phones the number in London and her life as an agent has begun.
December 8, 2023
Evocative story set during the second world war; historic story telling at its best.
Charlotte has been working with her father's fishing crew almost as long as she can remember; but suddenly the crew is no more and she is left all alone. Trying to find her new meaning and place in life, she volunteers for the war effort. After some serious training she's sent undercover to France, to the front line.
Commitment, danger and unknown allegiances are perfectly interlinked up in this fantastic historical novel.
Charlotte has been working with her father's fishing crew almost as long as she can remember; but suddenly the crew is no more and she is left all alone. Trying to find her new meaning and place in life, she volunteers for the war effort. After some serious training she's sent undercover to France, to the front line.
Commitment, danger and unknown allegiances are perfectly interlinked up in this fantastic historical novel.
November 16, 2023
I enjoyed this book as it was a reasonably accurate story of SOE but with a charming romance added in. The characters were mostly very believable and the heroine for once was a true heroine! Paris under German occupation was well described and viewed both through the eyes of someone who knows the city and Charlotte's new ones. Other reviews have told the story so I won't, but a very good read.
Thank to Jofffe for an advance copy for an honest review.
Thank to Jofffe for an advance copy for an honest review.
May 27, 2024
This style for me was in the light reading . Easy to read and was just ok. Interesting parts about trawler fishing. The training to become an agent for the SOE section was well written . It is a love story with a happy ending and not many had that in the war years. The agents who were sent to France were the bravest people I have read about over the years. Knowing that their life span was short they still did more than their best
October 18, 2023
This was a novel set during WWII, and it was a very light, easy read. The protagonist, Charlotte, struck me as a strong, determined character, and I was interested in her. It wasn't long before I became invested in the story, and reading this felt like a little escape.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
April 12, 2024
What a great WWII fiction read! Charlotte is part French and part English and lives in Cornwall helping her father with his fishing business. When he suddenly it dies and she has a chance to join the SOE as a spy, she jumps at it. Her story helping the French Resistance is heartwarming, frightening and fascinating. Loved it!
December 10, 2023
Very enjoyable novel re. WW2 - the French Resistance & that true love was discovered during this horrible time. So pleased that evil was finally beaten by goodness thankfully & that true love was found & blossomed eventually.
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