Fleeing France

by Alan Hlad

A WWII novel of sacrifice and rescue in the French Ambulance Service

Driving an ambulance in France after the fall of Dunkirk, an American nightclub singer races to evacuate a British pilot and a Jewish orphan across more than 4,000 miles towards a precarious freedom in this emotional, action-packed story of sacrifice, hope, and devotion inspired by real wartime events.

France, 1940: A talented singer, Ruth Lacroix has left Maine to live with her aunt and uncle, dreaming of performing at the Casino de Paris. But with the outbreak of war, and the heartbreaking news that her cousin has been killed by German forces, that goal is supplanted by another—to support France in any way she can.

Though Ruth has never driven a vehicle larger than the tractor on her parents’ farm, she joins a friend in enlisting as a driver for the French Ambulance Service. On their way to transfer injured soldiers to Dunkirk for evacuation, they encounter Jimmie, a British Royal Air Force pilot with No. 73 Squadron RAF, who has bailed out of his burning plane. As Dunkirk falls, blocking off the route to the northern coast, word spreads of a daring Allied plan to rescue the remaining troops and civilians from ports in western code name Operation Aerial.

Over two hazardous weeks, Ruth and Jimmie will journey hundreds of miles together, helping other refugees as they rush to reach the sea before they are overtaken by the Germany army. But all their courage and resilience offer no certainty in wartime, when a single stroke of luck, or a split-second decision, can mean the difference between life and death . . .

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, World War II, France, Romance, War

384 pages, Paperback

First published July 23, 2024

About the author

Alan Hlad is the internationally bestselling author of historical fiction novels inspired by real people and events of WWI and WWII, including The Book Spy, Churchill’s Secret Messenger, A Light Beyond the Trenches, and the USA Today and IndieBound bestseller The Long Flight Home. A member of the Historical Novel Society, Literary Cleveland, Novelitics, and the Akron Writers' Group, he is a frequent speaker at conferences, literary events, and book club gatherings. He currently divides his time between Ohio and Portugal and can be found online at AlanHlad.com.

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It’s not the Phony War - it’s the Twilight War.” ~ Winston Churchill

𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐮𝐭 𝐀𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐇𝐥𝐚𝐝’𝐬 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐒𝐀𝐏!

In addition to American SOE agent Virginia Hall and French Nurse Nancy Wake’s experience in France, Fleeing France was inspired by the secrecy surrounding the RMS Lancastria disaster. Although masterful in its entirety, Hlad’s writing particularly shines in his crafting of the personal stories of hardships faced by refugees. I won’t forget James “Jimmie” Quill, Ruth Lacroix, Lucette Soulier, or Aline Cadieux and her grand-père, Pierre, any time soon.

𝙎𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙘𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙧𝙚:

I was capably placed:
✔️ in the shoes of a 9-year-old French Jewish girl as she walked hundreds of miles in anticipation of safety.
✔️in the Cabinet Room feeling the tension between Churchill, Ismay, and Chamberlain
✔️in the cockpit of a Hurricane bomber experiencing sorties and ejection over enemy territory
✔️in an ambulance retrieving fallen soldiers in enemy territory
✔️in the shoes of a courageous woman who served for both Britain and France in WW2

Added to my knowledge base:
✔️Operation Royal Marine, Operation Wilfred, Operation Cycle, and Operation Aerial (I already knew about Operation Sea Lion mentioned, too)
✔️the term ‘Twilight War’
✔️the United States Neutrality Act
✔️Kriegsmarine
✔️Saar Offensive
✔️France’s invasion of Germany
✔️the tragedy of the largest loss of life in British maritime history

I was surprised
✔️to read that refugees feared being left behind more than they feared being killed in an air raid!
✔️to find myself reading Churchill’s words in his distinctive accent (in my head) as I read!
✔️how much I loved Piglet and watched to see if he’d show up when needed
✔️how Ruth was initiated!

Hlad’s spectacular book honors those courageous individuals who served and is a reminder that huge successes in wartime came at a great cost.

I was gifted this copy by Kensington Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth Lacroix left her parents apple orchard in Lewiston, Maine to live with her Aunt Colette and Uncle Julian, in Paris. With the outbreak of the Second World War, and they receive heartbreaking news that her only cousin who she considers a brother has been killed by the Germans, Ruth decides she needs to do more than sing in a nightclub.

Ruth and her friend Lucette enlist as drivers for the French Ambulance Service and are sent to pick up wounded near the Maginot Line. On their way to transfer injured soldiers to Dunkirk for evacuation, they encounter Jimmie Quill, a shot down British Royal Air Force pilot with No. 73 Squadron RAF, and he flew Hawker Hurricanes to support the French Air Force. Jimmie hears that Dunkirk has fallen, blocking off the route to the northern coast, word spreads of a daring plan to rescue the remaining troops and civilians from a port near St. Nazaire.

Over two weeks, Ruth and Lucette, Jimmie and a young girl Aline and her grandfather Pierre travel hundreds of miles together, walking and catching rides when they can, sleeping in barns, vacant farm houses and trying to stay ahead of the advancing German army. They witness so many terrible things along the way, with millions of people fleeing their homes, mainly women, children and the elderly and trying to find a safe place somewhere in France.

Inspired by real events, Alan Hlad has written an emotional and fast paced story, it covers the outbreak of war, the battle for France, how the French military thought the Maginot Line and the Ardennes Forrest was impassable and would protect the country from being invaded, women joining the Ambulance Corps, English Pilots being deployed, the evacuation of Dunkirk or Operation Dynamo and Aerial and the sinking of the Lancastria.

I received a copy of Fleeing France from Edelweiss Plus and Kensington Publishing in exchange for an unbiased review. The perfect title for Alan Hlad's latest novel, the well written narrative focuses on the early days of the war in France and how people felt, the French army fought valiantly, and they really didn’t have a hope against the mighty German army.

A spectacular book honours those courageous individuals who served and it’s a reminder that victory in wartime always comes with a great cost, suffering and overcoming adversity despite the odds and five stars from me.

[TL *Humaning the Best She Can* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Won via goodreads giveaways, all my opinions are my own.
-----


The author did a fabulous job with everything in the book ..
He really makes you feel like you've traveled back in time and experiencing everything alongside the people.

It all felt so alive .. you can feel the earth beneath your feet, the fear of the planes flying overhead and diving for safety, trying to survive in water, feeling exhausted and scared...I can't the words out like my thoughts are in my head but I hope you get the idea.

Have your tissues ready for a few Tearjerker moments ✨️.


The ending is open but it leaves you with a sense of what will happen afterwards with the characters... the uncertainty of war and not knowing if you will live to the end, see your loved ones and friends...

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fleeing France by Alan Hlad
Historical WWII fiction. Inspired by real events.
American born singer Ruth Lacroix has lived in Paris for many years so when the war arrives in France, she wants to help rather than sail home. She volunteers to support France and when desperate needs occur, she ends up driving an ambulance and transporting the injured. She encounters Jimmie, a British Royal Air Force pilot after he bails out of his burning plane and they travel together to Dunkirk, caring for the wounded, and orphaned.
They travel hundreds of miles together, but courage and resilience offer no protection. A single stroke of luck, or a split-second decision, can mean the difference between live and death.

🎧 I listened to an audiobook of this narrated by Moniqua Plante. The performance is wonderfully done with different voices for the main characters as well as accents both American and French, the latter being impressive with the name of the restaurant, towns and names. Emotions of worry and sadness, and contained terror were clearly heard as the story progressed through the war and difficult times. I could feel the exhaustion from both the storyline and the voices.
I listened to this audiobook at 1.5 which for me matches the local speech patterns and made the narration compelling and attention grabbing.

Heroes of history, many stories that may be lost, but this book reminds us that millions were impacted and many stepped up with their lives. It was a sad time around the world. The heroes should not forgotten.
Riveting storytelling. I wish it could be a happier ending but wars certainly are not.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher RBmedia.

[Marilyn (not getting notifications) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 glowing stars for Alan Hlad’s newest book, Fleeing France. I feel very lucky to not only have discovered author, Alan Hlad, but to have read each and everyone of his books. Fleeing France was Alan Hlad’s newest historical fiction novel and it was a good one. It was fast paced, well written and very well researched. Alan Hlad's novels usually include a little known aspect about World War II that has not yet been fully explored. Fleeing France was inspired by the real events of the evacuation of Dunkirk or Operation Dynamo, the Nazi invasion of France, the formation and volunteering of French women to the French Ambulance Corps, the defeat at the Battle of France and Operation Aerial which occurred during several days in June of 1940. I listened to the audiobook of Fleeing France that was narrated very well by Moniqua Plante. Her performance was excellent and made my experience of listening to this audiobook even more enjoyable.

Ruth Lacroix was the daughter of a French born mother and an American father. Her parents lived in Maine on a farm that boasted a beautiful orchard full of apples. Growing up on the farm, Ruth learned how to drive and repair the tractor that serviced the farm as soon as she was old enough. Ruth was born with a special gift. She was a very talented singer. As soon as she was old enough, Ruth left her parents in Maine and went to live with her Aunt Colette and Uncle Julian and her cousin in Paris. Uncle Julian was a doctor and Aunt Colette was a nurse. They worked together at the same hospital. Both Aunt Colette and Uncle Julian welcomed Ruth into their home and offered her a place to live for as long as she wanted to remain in Paris. Ruth considered herself very lucky to be offered a singing role at Casino de Paris. During her time at Casino de Paris, Ruth made the acquaintance of a dancer named Lucette Soulier. The two women forged a meaningful friendship with each other.

All was going well for Ruth in Paris and with her singing career until Hitler and the Nazis threatened to invade France. Ruth’s cousin enlisted in the French Army and not long after he had enlisted the family received the devastating news that he had been killed in action. Ruth was inconsolable. She had been very close with her cousin. He was more of a brother to Ruth than a cousin. His death was a terrible shock and loss. With the threat of a Nazi invasion, the casino where Ruth had been performing, was forced to close. Ruth lost her job but she was determined to remain in France and help with the war effort. Both Ruth and Lucette applied to become ambulance drivers in the French Ambulance Corps. Ruth’s parents tried to encourage her to come home to the States where she would be safe but Ruth was determined to stay in France. Her parents finally relented and gave Ruth their support and blessing to do her part in the war effort.

As ambulance drivers, Ruth and Lucette saw their fair share of injured soldiers. When news of the evacuation of Dunkirk reached Ruth and Lucette, their orders were to bring all injured soldiers there for evacuation from France. Before Ruth and Lucette had a chance to head towards Dunkirk, they witnessed a British Royal Air Force pilot bailing from his burning plane. The pilot was Jimmie Quill and he had been part of Squadron Number 73 RAF. Jimmie had suffered a broken arm that Ruth and Lucette did their best to set. Jimmie’s main goal was to get back to his Squadron but after he discovered that his squadron had evacuated their base he agreed to accompany Ruth and Lucette to the port near St. Nazaire. They learned that a ship had been commissioned to transport any troops that remained in France and any civilians that wished to escape from France and the Nazis to England. Churchil had named this endeavor, Operation Aerial.

Ruth, Lucette and Jimmy drove the ambulance toward the port. Along the way, they encountered lots of French people trying to get to the port. There were mostly women and children and the elderly crowding the roads. One young girl and her grand pere caught Ruth’s attention when the elderly man began to fall. The girl was Aline Cadieux the man was her grand pere and was called Pierre. They were French Jews. Aline was nine years old. She had lost her mother in a bombing raid and her father had been taken to a camp by the Nazis. Aline and Pierre joined Ruth, Lucette and Jimmie in their quest to reach the port. It took the group over two weeks to reach their destination. After the ambulance broke down, they were forced to walk and they found refuge in barns and anywhere they could to sleep. When they finally reached the Port near St. Nazaire, Lucette and Aline were among those that were allowed on the first evacuation ship. Ruth and Jimmie had to wait until the next day to board a ship that was leaving France. On that fateful day, the Luftwaffe attacked the evacuation ship, the RMS Lancastria. So many did not survive as the RMS Lancastria sank. What was the fate of Ruth and Jimmie? Had they been among those that survived?

Fleeing France was a compelling yet heartbreaking story. I enjoyed all the historical details Alan Hlad was able to include in this book. I admired Ruth’s courage, strength and determination. It was interesting to witness Churchill’s thought process and planning throughout the war years. I was quite receptive to the romance that began with Ruth and Jimmie. They were destined to find one another. Fleeing France encompassed the acts of courage, resilience, bravery, sacrifice and determination.. If you enjoy a well written and researched historical fiction book that takes place during World War II then I highly recommend Fleeing France by Alan Hlad to you.

Thank you to High Bridge Audio for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of Fleeing France by Alan Hlad through Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entertaining, well-written, WWII historical fiction novel which is based on an actual event. It is fast paced, with a likable, strong and capable female protagonist, an engaging and caring male protagonist, wonderful secondary characters, the horrors of war, heartbreak, strength, resilience, and hope. I was not familiar with the historical event which is a focal point of this novel, and Mr. Hlad's depiction of it has prompted me to research it further. I listened to the audio book, and the narrator, Ms. Moniqua Plante, has a captivating voice and does a phenomenal job voicing the characters.

[Kellie O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

" It's not the Phony War -- it's the Twilight War."
--------- Winston Churchill

It's hard to find the right words to describe this amazing true story and I am struggling with finding the right words to do this book the justice it deserves.

I absolutely loved it and Alan Hlad is one of my " go to authors." I pre-ordered this the minute I knew it was coming out! I knew it would be a great read! This book fulfills one of my goals
for this year to read more books at home 💚

Ruth is a Jewish American singer living with her aunt and uncle in France during WW2. Her friend, Lucette, is a beautiful French dancer. They give up their careers to join the French ambulance corps. They are both very courageous and strong women and I really liked their friendship and willingness to serve. Their dedication to save lives on the Front Lines of war is amazing! On their way to help injured soldiers to Dunkirk for evacuation, they encounter Jimmie. Jimmie is a British Royal Air Force pilot with the No. 73 Squadron RAF, who bailed out of his burning plane. Jimmie carried his younger sister's, Nora, Piglet as a good luck charm!! Nora overcame Polio and gives him her Piglet! Too sweet!

" And having your Piglet with me is a constant reminder that the most splendid things in life come through toil, diligence and faith." ---- Jimmie

Shortly after this, the three travel for two weeks over hundreds of miles, mostly on foot, joining the thousands of evacuees during the evacuation of France. A split second decision can mean the difference between life and death....do they make it to safely? " We're at war. Our people and countries come first, and we have our duties to uphold."
------- Jimmie

This is a must read for Historical Fiction lovers! This story is based on real people and events. It's powerful, gripping and action packed. I truly had a hard time putting it down. I read it in a handful of days because it's so amazingly great!!

Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫 ✨

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another thrilling WWII novel by the author, who makes the heroic effort to save soldiers at Dunkirk come fully alive. I could not put FLEEING FRANCE down. Highly recommended for fans of daring war fiction.

[Elizabeth Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite authors and he did not disappoint!

[Eadle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read this book in fits and starts. The author has the ability to place a reader right there in the action and my ridiculous anxiety would appear and say,”That’s enough!” and off I’d go in search of the Calgon or a Xanax. Creating—or recreating—such situations and surroundings—with words is a gift not all authors have, and Alan Hlad has definitely got it. I read THE LONG WAY HOME quite some time ago, and it had me sniffling (alright, weeping) for a bird.

Another talent he has is in giving us strong, forthright characters that are not only likable, but admirable. They are very real to life and you will quickly begin bonding with those you “meet,” and find yourself invested and caring deeply about what happens to them. Beyond that, these are characters to respect, for their courage, compassion and capability. The MC, Ruth, and THE LONG WAY HOME’s Susan are cut from the same cloth. And how could anyone not just love Jimmie?

The amount of research and author’s familiarity with the subject often has it reading almost like nonfiction, but story built into strategic fact lends itself to an appropriate balance.

I’ve developed a magnetic, undeniable attraction to WWII,especially the battle in the air, as my dad was part of a crew that flew thirty missions over Germany. As a child born in peace time, I grew up taking the USAF and my dad’s involvement very much for granted. Imagining my dad in the same skies as Jimmie multiplies the awe.

The dialog is kinda rough and unnatural. I switched back and forth from reading and listening. The narrator breathy voice is quite pleasant and capable—until she’s required to take on a male role. I wish they’d stretched the budget to hire a British gent. What a difference it would have made!

I’m also mad at the author for not providing a sequel!! The final sentence squeezed all the feels from my heart, but there’s way too war left, way too much story!! Bring back Ruth and Jimmie!!

This is not one to miss.

[Star Gater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Kensington Publishing )A John Scognamiglio Book) for accepting my request to read and review Fleeing France, A WWII Novel of Sacrifice and Rescue in the French Ambulance Service, by Alan Hlad.

Published: 07/23/24

Stars: 4.5 (The ending).

Full disclosure -- Alan Hlad is a favorite. He is the author I wish had a huge backlog.

This is his fifth book and this story centers around a young woman who does her duty in the war driving an ambulance. The premise is simple, the characters are realistic, and the story is for smart people. Hlad maneuvers the characters throughout war torn France. He deals with male versus female roles, the prejudices of citizenship, and societal class boundaries.

The story is not over inflated. It is as stated a woman drives an ambulance picking up soldiers, it breaks down, and now she has patients and no vehicle with bombs and soldiers around. There are other scenes similarly that warp into a good book. There is no swearing.

This is a Masterpiece Theatre Production verses an r-rated movie.

I recommend for those who like great, smart and clean storytelling. Oh yes, I would gift this and the other four.

[Tracy Eyles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank Edelweiss for the ARC! Fleeing France by Alan Hlad is a historical novel about one of the lesser known tragedies of the Second World War. The sinking of the Lancastria is the worst naval disasters in history with an estimated 4000-7000 lives lost. The story begins with Ruth, a nightclub singer, who volunteers to drive for the French Ambulance Service. While out working one day, she stumbles across a downed pilot and with the help of her friend, Lisette, rescue him from harm. Throughout there arduous journey, Jimmie, the pilot, and Ruth discover strength they never could have imagined. The story was very easy to read and, at times, the author was able to build enough suspense that I just had to keep reading. The secondary love story, though somewhat predictable, threaded into the action, helped to lighten the tension I felt while reading about the lesser known events. Overall, a great read that highlights a disaster that most of us have never either heard or read about and worth the read.

[Rmplift, Rachel Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given a free copy from NetGalley. It was an OK book, and writing. I didn't fall in love with the story, nor did I completely hate it.

[Ilona * ksiazka_w_kwiatach * · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do dziś pamiętam, jak ogromne wrażenie wywarła na mnie debiutancka powieść Alana Hlada, „Światło nad ciemnościami”. Od tamtej pory sięgam po jego książki bez wahania, mając pewność, że historia, którą przelał na papier, w pełni mnie usatysfakcjonuje. Alan Hlad po raz kolejny udowadnia, że potrafi łączyć poruszającą opowieść o zwykłych ludziach z dramatyzmem wielkiej historii. Po sukcesie „Agentki” i „Światła nad ciemnościami” autor powraca z nową powieścią osadzoną w realiach II wojny światowej.

Francja, 1939 rok. Utalentowana piosenkarka Ruth Lacroix przyjeżdża do Paryża z marzeniem o karierze w Casino de Paris. Jednak wybuch wojny i tragiczna strata w rodzinie zmieniają jej plany – teraz pragnie wspierać Francję w każdy możliwy sposób.
Ruth dołącza do przyjaciela, aby pracować jako kierowca we francuskim korpusie karetek pogotowia. W drodze do Dunkierki ratują pilota Jimmiego, który wyskoczył ze swojego płonącego samolotu.
Przez kolejne dwa tygodnie Ruth i Jimmie przemierzają setki kilometrów, niosąc pomoc uchodźcom i ofiarom wojny. W obliczu niebezpieczeństwa każdy dzień wymaga odwagi, a jeden przypadkowy wybór może decydować o życiu lub śmierci.

„Ucieczka” to powieść, w której Alan Hlad ponownie zabiera czytelników w podróż, która wciąga od pierwszej strony i nie pozwala zapomnieć, że za fikcyjnymi bohaterami kryją się dramaty tysięcy prawdziwych ludzi. Styl autora jest lekki i przystępny, dzięki czemu książka trafia zarówno do miłośników literatury historycznej, jak i do tych, którzy poszukują emocjonującej, a zarazem poruszającej powieści obyczajowej. Choć niektórzy mogą zarzucić Hladowi pewną schematyczność – znów bohaterka-amerykanka, znów wojna i zakazana miłość – trudno odmówić mu talentu do tworzenia angażujących opowieści, które przybliżają dramatyczne realia XX wieku w sposób bardzo osobisty.
Ruth Lacroix, młoda kobieta marząca o karierze estradowej w Paryżu, musiała w jednej chwili porzucić swoje plany. Jej przemiana z piosenkarki w kierowcę karetki wydaje się nieprawdopodobna, a jednak Hlad prowadzi ją tak wiarygodnie, że trudno nie uwierzyć w jej determinację. Byłam pod ogromnym wrażeniem, jak autor ukazuje siłę bohaterki – nie w patetycznych gestach, ale w drobnych decyzjach, w chwilach zawahania, w lęku, który nie znika, ale mimo to nie zatrzymuje.
Spotkanie Ruth z Jimmim, młodym pilotem, mogłoby łatwo popaść w schemat romansowy. Tymczasem ich relacja rozwija się powoli, naturalnie, w cieniu wojny i cierpienia. Nie odczuwałam, że autor narzuca mi wątek miłosny – wręcz przeciwnie, towarzyszyłam bohaterom w ich trudnych wyborach, kibicując im nie tylko jako parze, ale przede wszystkim jako ludziom, którzy starają się zachować choćby namiastkę człowieczeństwa w świecie ogarniętym chaosem.
Najmocniejsze wrażenie zrobiły na mnie opisy drogi do Dunkierki. Hlad nie epatuje brutalnością, ale sugestywnie oddaje atmosferę strachu, pośpiechu i nieustannego zagrożenia. Każda kolejna scena budziła we mnie niepokój, który towarzyszył mi przez całą lekturę i sprawiał, że trudno było odłożyć książkę na bok.
Podobało mi się również to, że „Ucieczka” nie jest tylko historią o wojnie. To także opowieść o marzeniach, które w obliczu katastrofy muszą zejść na dalszy plan, oraz o tym, że człowiek w ekstremalnych warunkach odkrywa w sobie siłę, o której wcześniej nie miał pojęcia. „Ucieczka” to powieść, którą warto przeczytać: Alan Hlad koncentruje się nie tylko na wojnie, ale przede wszystkim na człowieku – jego zdolności do miłości, odwagi i poświęcenia.

[Cameron Charping · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️s. Wonderful story of how hard love is to find. Especially in the midst of World War II. Also, let us not forget the hardships portrayed so many endured. May we continue to learn from the past and seek better.

Ruth’s dream is the be a singer at the Casino de Paris. Unfortunately, that dream must be put on a shelf as war has come to France. When news of family dying in the war comes, Ruth knows she has to do something. She hears a need for volunteers with the French ambulance corps, and not so easily makes the cut. Jimmie is a British Royal Air Force pilot. When his plane catches on fire he must bail out quickly. Thankfully for him, Ruth is close by. They both spend two weeks trying to get back to their posts while helping refugees and facing a disaster that could change everything they found.

A wonderful narration by Monique Plante. So grateful for the advanced listener copy from @netgalley @highbridgeaudio and @alanhlad

#netgalley #advancedlistenercopy #fleeingfrance #bookstagram #book #audiobook #alanhlad

[Kaleigh Belz · Rating 4 out of 5]

1. As a general note, I won this book in a giveaway, so 5 stars for the expansion of free literature.
2. As an actual review, I was happy with how the novel ended up capturing the story of evacuations in France during WWII, especially in correlation with the military perspectives of Ruth (volunteer ambulance corps) and Jimmie (RAF pilot). The beginning of the story felt a bit slow, but picked up pace and narrative drive as it continued. While I felt that the ending was a bit more open ended than I would have liked, I enjoyed all of the character choices that Hlad made for his novel. It reflected a holistic understanding of war, inclusive of pain, death, and grief, but also of the comfort of companionship and belonging, and the need to find joy even during times of strife. The fact of the matter is that in real life, the fates of many people during WWII were left a mystery, and Hlad introduces that unknown into his novel in a way that still makes narrative sense. Any historical changes felt relevant and still true to history, and there was an obvious dedication to exploring the real experiences of people during this time and showcasing that in the novel.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner by this distant relative of my husband’s though unsure of the connection but both having ancestors immigrate to America from Czech and Hungary areas. This book is rich with researched detail, based on real characters, exploding off the page with scenes from real life. It is unputdownable reading!

[Breeze Horr · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 rounded up. not great, the content was sad obviously but lacked anything really gripping in the writing. i never connected to the story or characters. old lady at work recom this book. i won’t wake any recommendations from her again.

[Sue Gosland]

This was a wonderful book. about a young woman who goes to Paris to sing. When the World War II breaks out, she volunteers for the French Ambulance Corp with her friend, meets a young man who is an RAF pilot after he ejects from his Hurricane fighter and must travel across France to escape the German invasion. While the ending leaves you hanging, the story is harrowing, inspirational, and enlightening. I've loved all the Alan Hlad books I've read so far, and I hope to read the two I'm missing. Thank you #KensingtonBooks and #BetweenTheChapters!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story about the first year of WWII in France. Most stories of the war focus on the middle or last few years. Interesting to read about how France’s control of the country was taken so quickly and the brave men and women who fought against the take over. Had all the necessary elements - suspense, danger and romance, of a fun historical fiction novel.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. I enjoy historical fiction, especially the World War II era, this book did not disappoint, as always I learned more about the Dunkirk invasion than I had previously known. This book centers on a young American woman Ruth Lacroix who lives in Paris and entertains in a nightclub as a singer, when her French cousin dies in the early days of the war she leaves the nightclub scene and becomes an ambulance driver with her best friend . The main focus of this book is how Ruth and her friend transport patients to the French coast so that the patients can be transported to Britain. The story focuses on Ruth, her friend and the injured RAF pilot they rescued and the harrowing trip they undertook to escape France. This story was excellent, it was well written, it had great character development, excellent pace for the story, it kept me interested. This book had it all, great historical fiction, bit of romance, it showed the grit, determination and the fortitude of people who were impacted by the war. I would highly recommend this book.

[Donna Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alan Hlad has written several excellent history novels about WWII. This great book focuses on the fall of France, specifically from 1939-1940. The rise of Winston Churchill plays a prominent role in the action, as does the British Royal Air Force (RAF) and France’s civilian women ambulance drivers.

Woven through these real events is a story of danger, death, courage, tenacity, loyalty, friendship, and love. Excellent story.

[Laurie Bower Lupin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read! Prepare to be transported to occupied France during WWII in this spellbinding, and page-turning story about lesser known heroes from the French Ambulance Corps. The main characters stories of sacrifice and rescue will be with me long after I’ve finished this book. Definitely encourage other fans of historical fiction to read this book! #fleeingfranceanovel

***I received an advanced copy of this book, all ideas and commentary is purely my own.

[Katie Hoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Alan Hlad book. I got it through a Goodreads giveaway. I am a huge historical fiction reader. It was a quick read for me, meaning i didnt love it but didnt hate it. I will definitely read another of his books!

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly could not put this book down! I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and it was my first from this author, but it surely will not be my last. I enjoyed following Ruth and her dedication to serve others.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

a long journey of hope and purpose as an ambulance driver. a book of hope of both the young but old

[Gary Parkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Another well written, fast moving novel by Hlad.

[Karen Rajczewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not typically really into stories that are set in the midst of war but this one I enjoyed. It was not just about the war but relationships that formed during it. I was enthralled by the patriotism of the characters as well as the budding romance and friendships that formed. I was very happy for a semi happy ending and I have come with my own idea of what occurred after.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this riveting novel which hooked me from page one! The characters are very likeable as well as relatable giving the story a heartwarming touch. The plot was so compelling that I read and finished the book late at night! I also found extremely interesting all the historical details regarding WWII which I was not aware of!! This novel has been thoroughly researched which gives quality to the story. The end was a bit too easy to be fully realistic, but very pleasant nevertheless... A great read!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.

[Pam Mooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best for me for the year! I love the rich history, and the characters are so real and just a bit not real. I want to say thank -you to the author for this part and then for that part. Then there would be spoilers. This is a book best read with a blank slate. Rich in the spirit of the times and how people really felt pre-war, post-war, and dealt courageously with the war with unexpected heroes. Don't forget the author's notes - it is a bonus you will also enjoy. A good read.