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The Girl from Normandy
A BRAND NEW World War Two novel of love, courage and family secrets from the BESTSELLING author of The Last Boat Home ❤️ Must-read for fans of Fiona Valpy and Lorna Cook! 'Spanning continents and decades, this sweeping epic stole my heart' Renita D'Silva ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Paris, 1940: Marie-Claire steps into the Gare de Lyon, not knowing it will be the last time she'll see her husband and son. Fleeing occupied Paris, she travels into the countryside of Normandy, and stumbles upon a chateau near Caen and a growing resistance movement.
Soon, Marie-Claire finds herself working in a cafe in the quiet village of Sainte-Mère-Église, where she tries to come to terms with all she has lost – but little does she realise that her presence in Normandy will change the course of history…
1998: Half a century later, Esther is returning to the Normandy village she visited as a teenager, seeking a break from her monotonous life. Back then, she'd fallen in love with a rustic farmhouse and the family that lived there – not least the charming eldest son, Jules Joubert.
But now, when Esther discovers an old annotated cookbook in the family kitchen, she begins to realise that the place she holds so close to her heart may hide more secrets than even the Jouberts realise...
What stories does the area carry? And could this trip change Esther’s life for ever?
Praise for Rachel
'I was swept up by this beautiful story of love, loss and the courage of so many during WW2' – Helen Parusel
‘I loved this dual time-line read. Set in the start of WW2 and present day it deals with loss and war and finding love when you don't expect to ever love again. This was a great book and I highly recommend this one.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Loved this book. I got totally immersed in the characters and their lives, loves and loss. The mix of fact and fiction and the two different time lines worked very well.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘A brutally honest account of how both men and women coped with the changes in their lives. This author writes so authentically about grieving that at times I simply had to stop reading. Anyone who has lost someone will immediately identify with the visceral pain felt by the characters. The settings were gorgeous and the descriptions of French food made me long to go back.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Loved it, sadness and joy, ups and downs. Hope there will be a sequel!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Fantastic read, was enjoyable – even cried at one part I felt I was inside the book.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Paris, 1940: Marie-Claire steps into the Gare de Lyon, not knowing it will be the last time she'll see her husband and son. Fleeing occupied Paris, she travels into the countryside of Normandy, and stumbles upon a chateau near Caen and a growing resistance movement.
Soon, Marie-Claire finds herself working in a cafe in the quiet village of Sainte-Mère-Église, where she tries to come to terms with all she has lost – but little does she realise that her presence in Normandy will change the course of history…
1998: Half a century later, Esther is returning to the Normandy village she visited as a teenager, seeking a break from her monotonous life. Back then, she'd fallen in love with a rustic farmhouse and the family that lived there – not least the charming eldest son, Jules Joubert.
But now, when Esther discovers an old annotated cookbook in the family kitchen, she begins to realise that the place she holds so close to her heart may hide more secrets than even the Jouberts realise...
What stories does the area carry? And could this trip change Esther’s life for ever?
Praise for Rachel
'I was swept up by this beautiful story of love, loss and the courage of so many during WW2' – Helen Parusel
‘I loved this dual time-line read. Set in the start of WW2 and present day it deals with loss and war and finding love when you don't expect to ever love again. This was a great book and I highly recommend this one.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Loved this book. I got totally immersed in the characters and their lives, loves and loss. The mix of fact and fiction and the two different time lines worked very well.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘A brutally honest account of how both men and women coped with the changes in their lives. This author writes so authentically about grieving that at times I simply had to stop reading. Anyone who has lost someone will immediately identify with the visceral pain felt by the characters. The settings were gorgeous and the descriptions of French food made me long to go back.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Loved it, sadness and joy, ups and downs. Hope there will be a sequel!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Fantastic read, was enjoyable – even cried at one part I felt I was inside the book.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 27, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
June 29, 2025
3 Stars
One Liner: Interesting premise!
1940
Marie-Claire steps into the Gare de Lyon to flee Paris, knowing it will be the last time she will see her husband and son. She moves to Normandy and starts working in a café in the quiet village of Sainte-Mère-Église. She may think she lost it all, but her presence in the region could change the future.
1998
Esther returns to Normandy, a place she loved in her teens. It was where she fell in love with a rustic farmhouse and the family that lived there, especially the elder son, Jules Joubert. Now, back there, Esther discovers a cookbook that reveals many secrets about the place.
The story comes in the third-person POVs of Esther, Marie-Claire, and a couple of other characters.
My Thoughts:
It has been a long time since I read WWII fiction, that too with the popular dual timeline setting. This one sounded good as I could explore another region of France, Normandy.
The premise is solid. There’s no denying that. The alternating chapters for each track also work well to bring some suspense and keep the reader hooked.
However, both timelines have so much going on that neither gets a chance to be fully explored. Everything happens at 4x speed, one event after another.
Though you’ll want to slow down and feel the emotions, the narration (which is mostly ‘telling’) doesn’t give you that chance. We see how the Nazis were, what they did, et al. However, we cannot fully experience what the characters are going through.
Of course, the setting is lovely. I enjoyed the glimpses into the places mentioned. Some of the events in the book are based on real ones, which is a bonus.
A couple of developments were strange, like an awkward kind. I couldn’t really understand the reasons, TBH. That said, the book ends on a happy/ hopeful note, which I appreciate.
The side characters were lovely, especially the ones from the historical timeline. I liked them all.
To summarize, The Girl from Normandy is a decent read if you want a lighter version of WWII fiction. I finished it sooner than expected, so no complaints.
Thank you, Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley
One Liner: Interesting premise!
1940
Marie-Claire steps into the Gare de Lyon to flee Paris, knowing it will be the last time she will see her husband and son. She moves to Normandy and starts working in a café in the quiet village of Sainte-Mère-Église. She may think she lost it all, but her presence in the region could change the future.
1998
Esther returns to Normandy, a place she loved in her teens. It was where she fell in love with a rustic farmhouse and the family that lived there, especially the elder son, Jules Joubert. Now, back there, Esther discovers a cookbook that reveals many secrets about the place.
The story comes in the third-person POVs of Esther, Marie-Claire, and a couple of other characters.
My Thoughts:
It has been a long time since I read WWII fiction, that too with the popular dual timeline setting. This one sounded good as I could explore another region of France, Normandy.
The premise is solid. There’s no denying that. The alternating chapters for each track also work well to bring some suspense and keep the reader hooked.
However, both timelines have so much going on that neither gets a chance to be fully explored. Everything happens at 4x speed, one event after another.
Though you’ll want to slow down and feel the emotions, the narration (which is mostly ‘telling’) doesn’t give you that chance. We see how the Nazis were, what they did, et al. However, we cannot fully experience what the characters are going through.
Of course, the setting is lovely. I enjoyed the glimpses into the places mentioned. Some of the events in the book are based on real ones, which is a bonus.
A couple of developments were strange, like an awkward kind. I couldn’t really understand the reasons, TBH. That said, the book ends on a happy/ hopeful note, which I appreciate.
The side characters were lovely, especially the ones from the historical timeline. I liked them all.
To summarize, The Girl from Normandy is a decent read if you want a lighter version of WWII fiction. I finished it sooner than expected, so no complaints.
Thank you, Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley
June 13, 2025
Paris, 1940: Marie-Claire is married and has a young son and life has become unbearable in the capital since the Germans invaded and they make plans to leave. This unravels at the train station and Marie-Claire is forced to travel to Normandy alone, and stumbles upon a chateau near Caen and joins growing resistance movement.
Marie-Claire is a wonderful cook and later she begins working in a cafe in the small village of Sainte-Mère-Église, here she’s to pay attention to what the Germans movements and what they are talking about and pass it on and as the war drags on Marie-Claire becomes more involved and is prepared to fight.
The story has a dual timeline, it’s told from both Marie-Claire and Esther’s points of view and almost six decades apart and is easy to follow and ties together perfectly.
1998: Esther had a wonderful time staying with the Joubert family as a teen at their farm near Sainte-Mère-Église, drinking hot chocolate and she had a massive crush on Giselle’s older brother Jules. Esther is returning to have a much needed break from work and be her long-time friend Giselle’s second child’s godmother and while visiting she discovers an old cookbook and inside an odd note in the family kitchen. Someone at the farm and possibly members of the family must have been involved in the French resistance during the war, intrigued she looks for more clues and wants to solve the mystery.
I received a copy of The Girl from Normandy from NetGalley and Boldwood Books in exchange for an honest review. The inter-generational narrative covers topics such as the Second World War in France, treatment of Jewish people and how families were torn apart, and many kept what happened to them a secret or was too painful to share?
I liked reading about Esther’s and grand-mères growing relationship, and the unexpected links to Dorset Coast and Poole and the D-Day landing.
Rachel Sweasey's writing quality has improved, and the structure and the flow of her plots, since she wrote her first book The Last Boat Home and five stars from me and I highly recommend The Girl from Normandy.
Marie-Claire is a wonderful cook and later she begins working in a cafe in the small village of Sainte-Mère-Église, here she’s to pay attention to what the Germans movements and what they are talking about and pass it on and as the war drags on Marie-Claire becomes more involved and is prepared to fight.
The story has a dual timeline, it’s told from both Marie-Claire and Esther’s points of view and almost six decades apart and is easy to follow and ties together perfectly.
1998: Esther had a wonderful time staying with the Joubert family as a teen at their farm near Sainte-Mère-Église, drinking hot chocolate and she had a massive crush on Giselle’s older brother Jules. Esther is returning to have a much needed break from work and be her long-time friend Giselle’s second child’s godmother and while visiting she discovers an old cookbook and inside an odd note in the family kitchen. Someone at the farm and possibly members of the family must have been involved in the French resistance during the war, intrigued she looks for more clues and wants to solve the mystery.
I received a copy of The Girl from Normandy from NetGalley and Boldwood Books in exchange for an honest review. The inter-generational narrative covers topics such as the Second World War in France, treatment of Jewish people and how families were torn apart, and many kept what happened to them a secret or was too painful to share?
I liked reading about Esther’s and grand-mères growing relationship, and the unexpected links to Dorset Coast and Poole and the D-Day landing.
Rachel Sweasey's writing quality has improved, and the structure and the flow of her plots, since she wrote her first book The Last Boat Home and five stars from me and I highly recommend The Girl from Normandy.
September 13, 2025
First and foremost, I am so glad that a dear friend of mine challenged me early this year to read something “out of my comfort zone”. Like me, she is an avid reader and for many years, we have affectionately referred to ourselves, and our love of talking about the books we read, as a book club of two. It was during one of these book gab fests that she said, “have you thought of broadening your reading interest”? At which point I responded, “my reading interests are very broad”. On that note, I read a variety of genres from crime thrillers and murder mysteries to romance to the paranormal and supernatural to some sci-fi. Sounds pretty broad, right? Anyway, she challenged me to read some books on subjects that are “out of my comfort zone”. For me that would be biographies and memoirs, some horror, and war stories. I am so glad that I accepted her challenge because it has (begrudgingly) broadened my reading interests
One of my fave “out of my comfort zone” genres have now become historical war stories. Not the non-fiction ones that revel in the telling of strategies and battles and all the gore and bloody war scenes that goes with those stories. No, I prefer the fiction stories that tend to lean more into the drama of those who were involved and affected by the death and destruction of the war. I especially like the ones of the small bands of resistance groups that worked behind the scenes to thwart the Nazi German army. That is what The Girl from Normandy is about.
Marie-Claire is a French Catholic woman married to a half Jewish man (on his mother’s side) and was mother to a baby boy. On the night they tried to escape German captured Paris, her husband was killed and she never saw her son again. Marie-Claire escapes the Germans that night and sets off to try and reach her family in the south and ends up west in Caen, cold, tired, hungry and nowhere else to go. She is taken in by a French resistance group and she eventually becomes a part of their group.
The first half of the story takes place during WWII and has Marie-Claire establishing a role in the resistance and assisting the other local members, like Louie Jubert with passing messages and assisting in covert missions of bringing in other resistance members. There is also the secondary storyline that takes place in the late 90’s of Esther and Jules rekindling their teenage friendship/crush 13yrs later as adults. Jules’s grandmother is Marie-Claire who is now the kind, wise, old matriarch who loves to cook for the family and guests at the family farm in the south and who is loved and cared for by the younger generations.
The story flips back and forth between the two timelines, including the D-Day operation. I liked the Marie-Claire timeline more than the Esther and Jules timeline; Marie-Claire was simply more interesting than Esther and Jules. The finale was bittersweet, wish it could have ended differently! The character development for Marie-Claire, Esther and Jules was well done. The pacing was steady, with Esther and Jules’ timeline being a little slower and not enough to have a negative impact on the flow of the story. I’m looking at an overall rating of 3.8 that I will be rounding up to a 4star review.
One of my fave “out of my comfort zone” genres have now become historical war stories. Not the non-fiction ones that revel in the telling of strategies and battles and all the gore and bloody war scenes that goes with those stories. No, I prefer the fiction stories that tend to lean more into the drama of those who were involved and affected by the death and destruction of the war. I especially like the ones of the small bands of resistance groups that worked behind the scenes to thwart the Nazi German army. That is what The Girl from Normandy is about.
Marie-Claire is a French Catholic woman married to a half Jewish man (on his mother’s side) and was mother to a baby boy. On the night they tried to escape German captured Paris, her husband was killed and she never saw her son again. Marie-Claire escapes the Germans that night and sets off to try and reach her family in the south and ends up west in Caen, cold, tired, hungry and nowhere else to go. She is taken in by a French resistance group and she eventually becomes a part of their group.
The first half of the story takes place during WWII and has Marie-Claire establishing a role in the resistance and assisting the other local members, like Louie Jubert with passing messages and assisting in covert missions of bringing in other resistance members. There is also the secondary storyline that takes place in the late 90’s of Esther and Jules rekindling their teenage friendship/crush 13yrs later as adults. Jules’s grandmother is Marie-Claire who is now the kind, wise, old matriarch who loves to cook for the family and guests at the family farm in the south and who is loved and cared for by the younger generations.
The story flips back and forth between the two timelines, including the D-Day operation. I liked the Marie-Claire timeline more than the Esther and Jules timeline; Marie-Claire was simply more interesting than Esther and Jules. The finale was bittersweet, wish it could have ended differently! The character development for Marie-Claire, Esther and Jules was well done. The pacing was steady, with Esther and Jules’ timeline being a little slower and not enough to have a negative impact on the flow of the story. I’m looking at an overall rating of 3.8 that I will be rounding up to a 4star review.
May 19, 2025
heartwrenching
June 28, 2025
The Girl From Normandy was a dual time-lined book.
Set between wartime Normandy and later, in 1988, Rachel does a great job of tying the lives together.
The book starts in Paris, 1940. Marie-Claire stepped into the Gare de Lyon and had no idea it would be the last time she saw her husband and young son.
She then fled the enemy's grip in Paris; she took a journey deep into the Normandy countryside. There, she finds refuge in a chateau and gets swept into the centre of the Resistance. She then settles into life in the village of Sainte-Mère-Église, working at a little café.
Marie-Claire dreams of hope while also grieving all she has lost. Her story was truly emotional to me. The amount of grief she faced and how she still carried on was awe-inspiring.
Later, in Normandy, 1998, a girl named Esther returns to the same village she used to visit as a teenager. She's returned to the farmhouse from her teenage life, the family she spent time with then, and Joules.
Esther finds an old cookbook in the kitchen, steeped in history, which unravels secrets from the past. Reading the farmhouse family's secrets was mouth-opening and full of twists and secrets.
Marie was incredibly brave and strong. I loved how the old cookbook connected the two timelines.
If you enjoy historical fiction with strong female characters, secrets, and all the emotions, I recommend this one.
Set between wartime Normandy and later, in 1988, Rachel does a great job of tying the lives together.
The book starts in Paris, 1940. Marie-Claire stepped into the Gare de Lyon and had no idea it would be the last time she saw her husband and young son.
She then fled the enemy's grip in Paris; she took a journey deep into the Normandy countryside. There, she finds refuge in a chateau and gets swept into the centre of the Resistance. She then settles into life in the village of Sainte-Mère-Église, working at a little café.
Marie-Claire dreams of hope while also grieving all she has lost. Her story was truly emotional to me. The amount of grief she faced and how she still carried on was awe-inspiring.
Later, in Normandy, 1998, a girl named Esther returns to the same village she used to visit as a teenager. She's returned to the farmhouse from her teenage life, the family she spent time with then, and Joules.
Esther finds an old cookbook in the kitchen, steeped in history, which unravels secrets from the past. Reading the farmhouse family's secrets was mouth-opening and full of twists and secrets.
Marie was incredibly brave and strong. I loved how the old cookbook connected the two timelines.
If you enjoy historical fiction with strong female characters, secrets, and all the emotions, I recommend this one.
June 27, 2025
Another great read from Sweasey, again set in Poole and also Normandy. A dual-timeline, I felt invested in both characters as we experience the Second World War Resistance in Normandy, as well as a lost love that is rekindled.
In fact, although I am starting to think the Dorset setting is becoming part of Sweasey’s signature, the majority of the action takes place across the Channel. In present day, Esther is returning to a Normandy village to visit a friend and their family. Within this family, it soon becomes clear that there was a potential relationship between Esther and Jules, except nothing really came from it. Years later, they unexpectedly cross paths again and the couple find themselves drawn to one another, as if time had not passed.
In contrast, Marie-Claire is forced to flee Paris after the Nazi occupation means her family’s life is at risk. However, rather than making it to the Southern coast, she ends up in a small village in Normandy – minus her husband and young son. Very quickly, Marie-Claire becomes a part of the Resistance, except in a way that I had not anticipated. She runs a café and, from listening in to Nazi conversation, passes on any intelligence. Yet, her most significant role was through her recipes and writing, where Marie-Claire would use these to pass on codes that other members of the Resistance would interpret. It was fascinating to read about and made this Second World War book different to others that have focussed on the Resistance.
I enjoyed this book because it felt like it was an exploration of relationships during the war and how everything felt so temporary. This was reflected in present day, where Esther’s new-found relationship with Jules seems just as fragile – obviously for very different reasons. I thought Sweasey’s opening chapters were incredibly heart-wrenching and I admired Marie-Claire’s strength and resilience – something you needed bucket loads of during the war.
Not only this, I don’t think it was very heavy on the historical element. It made for a very enjoyable read and I appreciated the romances woven in the timeframes. Indeed, as the writer provided further clues about Marie-Claire, I was desperate to see how this would be discovered in the present day, especially as she is so tight-lipped about her role during the war.
I was absorbed into this story of love and courage. Despite the time difference, both Esther and Marie-Claire demonstrate these qualities and I loved how the past became embedded in the present. An engaging read that shows strength in the darkest times of humanity.
With thanks to Boldwood books, NetGalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In fact, although I am starting to think the Dorset setting is becoming part of Sweasey’s signature, the majority of the action takes place across the Channel. In present day, Esther is returning to a Normandy village to visit a friend and their family. Within this family, it soon becomes clear that there was a potential relationship between Esther and Jules, except nothing really came from it. Years later, they unexpectedly cross paths again and the couple find themselves drawn to one another, as if time had not passed.
In contrast, Marie-Claire is forced to flee Paris after the Nazi occupation means her family’s life is at risk. However, rather than making it to the Southern coast, she ends up in a small village in Normandy – minus her husband and young son. Very quickly, Marie-Claire becomes a part of the Resistance, except in a way that I had not anticipated. She runs a café and, from listening in to Nazi conversation, passes on any intelligence. Yet, her most significant role was through her recipes and writing, where Marie-Claire would use these to pass on codes that other members of the Resistance would interpret. It was fascinating to read about and made this Second World War book different to others that have focussed on the Resistance.
I enjoyed this book because it felt like it was an exploration of relationships during the war and how everything felt so temporary. This was reflected in present day, where Esther’s new-found relationship with Jules seems just as fragile – obviously for very different reasons. I thought Sweasey’s opening chapters were incredibly heart-wrenching and I admired Marie-Claire’s strength and resilience – something you needed bucket loads of during the war.
Not only this, I don’t think it was very heavy on the historical element. It made for a very enjoyable read and I appreciated the romances woven in the timeframes. Indeed, as the writer provided further clues about Marie-Claire, I was desperate to see how this would be discovered in the present day, especially as she is so tight-lipped about her role during the war.
I was absorbed into this story of love and courage. Despite the time difference, both Esther and Marie-Claire demonstrate these qualities and I loved how the past became embedded in the present. An engaging read that shows strength in the darkest times of humanity.
With thanks to Boldwood books, NetGalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 1, 2025
What a lovely book from Rachel. I enjoyed her last one but, this was far far better. It was so interesting and a dual timeline as well. Highly recommend this one.
April 22, 2026
This is an emotional story about a French woman during the second world war who has a jewish husband and tries to escape the Nazis with her toddler son. When she is separated from her son on the train journey she finds herself in Normandy alone and becomes involved with the resistance. This is beautiful but heartbreaking historical fiction, which highlights the courage and resilience of so many people.
August 25, 2025
I love reading historical fiction books, and especially those that take place during WWII. Then the fact it has a dual timeline always appeals to me. This particular book was a little different than the books I typically read in this genre. While there are some emotionally difficult moments in the book, you do not experience the typical horrors of the concentration camps. There are scary incidents and the work that the resistance workers do to help stop Hitler’s reign of terror is admirable. This is a story of love, loss, courage, family, commitment, and secrets. Watching Marie-Clair grow and mature through the pages was inspiring. There is a wonderful twist at the end that had tears streaming down my face. This is definitely a book to get lost in as you journey with Marie-Claire, Esther, and the people who become family.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!
June 22, 2025
The Girl from Normandy is a powerful story of love, friendship, bravery and survival.
The two timelines and the family connections are beautifully woven together.
The historical aspects of the story are informative, well-researched and bring so much relevant depth to the story. And the book cover is truly stunning!
Marie-Claire is my favourite character - despite such heartbreaking loss, she displayed enormous strength; care towards others and achieved so much, through both her French Resistance efforts and her family legacy. I like the way this story really demonstrates the power of teamwork between the French Resistance and the Allies - together they were able to do amazing things. Marie-Claire’s story is proof of why they fought for freedom; for peace, and for the future happiness of later generations.
“Be grateful for the blessings you have today.”
Thank you to Boldwood Books for an advance digital copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The two timelines and the family connections are beautifully woven together.
The historical aspects of the story are informative, well-researched and bring so much relevant depth to the story. And the book cover is truly stunning!
Marie-Claire is my favourite character - despite such heartbreaking loss, she displayed enormous strength; care towards others and achieved so much, through both her French Resistance efforts and her family legacy. I like the way this story really demonstrates the power of teamwork between the French Resistance and the Allies - together they were able to do amazing things. Marie-Claire’s story is proof of why they fought for freedom; for peace, and for the future happiness of later generations.
“Be grateful for the blessings you have today.”
Thank you to Boldwood Books for an advance digital copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2025
3.5 Stars
Told in two timelines (1940 and present day), The Girl from Normandy is the story of survival, grief, and courage.
In 1940, Marie-Claire loses her husband and young son as they attempt to escape occupied Paris. Her husband dies in front of her, and to keep her son safe, she passes him to a friend on a train that is headed to the country. Marie-Claire is rescued by a stranger who escorts her to a nearby farm where she grieves her losses, works in a cafe, and finds herself caught up in the Resistance Movement.
In the present day, Esther visits her dear friends who live in a Normandy village and discovers an old, annotated recipe book. Fascinated, she suspects that the farm and members of the family might have been involved in the resistance. Esther works to unravel the mystery.
As usual in a dual timeline story, one timeline is more compelling than the other. In this case, I loved the 1940 timeline and following the life of Marie-Claire. The old cookbook connects the two timelines. At the story’s end, the two timelines intersect in surprising ways.
WWII stories always involve themes of resilience, bravery, loss, grief, and hope. It makes me wonder what I would have done in similar circumstances. Stories from the past certainly build empathy for what individuals in war-torn countries are facing in 2025. Will war ever end?
You will be happy with the satisfying conclusion! (no spoilers)
Content Consideration: Death, grief, war
Fans of dual timeline stories set during WWII and present day will enjoy speculating about how the timelines connect in this compelling story.
Thanks #NetGalley @BoldwoodBooks for a complimentary eARC of #TheGirlFromNormandy upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.
Told in two timelines (1940 and present day), The Girl from Normandy is the story of survival, grief, and courage.
In 1940, Marie-Claire loses her husband and young son as they attempt to escape occupied Paris. Her husband dies in front of her, and to keep her son safe, she passes him to a friend on a train that is headed to the country. Marie-Claire is rescued by a stranger who escorts her to a nearby farm where she grieves her losses, works in a cafe, and finds herself caught up in the Resistance Movement.
In the present day, Esther visits her dear friends who live in a Normandy village and discovers an old, annotated recipe book. Fascinated, she suspects that the farm and members of the family might have been involved in the resistance. Esther works to unravel the mystery.
As usual in a dual timeline story, one timeline is more compelling than the other. In this case, I loved the 1940 timeline and following the life of Marie-Claire. The old cookbook connects the two timelines. At the story’s end, the two timelines intersect in surprising ways.
WWII stories always involve themes of resilience, bravery, loss, grief, and hope. It makes me wonder what I would have done in similar circumstances. Stories from the past certainly build empathy for what individuals in war-torn countries are facing in 2025. Will war ever end?
You will be happy with the satisfying conclusion! (no spoilers)
Content Consideration: Death, grief, war
Fans of dual timeline stories set during WWII and present day will enjoy speculating about how the timelines connect in this compelling story.
Thanks #NetGalley @BoldwoodBooks for a complimentary eARC of #TheGirlFromNormandy upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.
May 2, 2026
A Must Read for Readers of WWII Historical Fiction
I’ve just finished The Girl from Normandy and wanted to pass along this 5 Star novel to all. The way that the dual time story unfurls is brilliant and has such a beautiful ending whose message is one for all time. I couldn’t recommend it more highly.
I’ve just finished The Girl from Normandy and wanted to pass along this 5 Star novel to all. The way that the dual time story unfurls is brilliant and has such a beautiful ending whose message is one for all time. I couldn’t recommend it more highly.
June 27, 2025
This story is told with dual timelines. I thought the story set in the past was more interesting. It had some heart breaking moments too. It was a good historical fiction book.
April 19, 2026
This book surprised me - it was romantic, suspenseful (not in the traditional sense), adventurous. It brought up feelings of longing, inner strength, faith. Not religious faith, but faith in believing in and fighting for something with meaning and the sacrifices you’re forced to make.
I shy away from novels with anything sad in them, but I was able to feel safely emotional without being too scared to continue reading. It was a page turner and I loved reading between the past and present. The characters were mostly very charming and more inspiring than I anticipated. As you read, you really do want a happy ending for the characters. I don’t think I could have emotionally handled it if the book ended in more loss.
I’m surprised that this book was able to feel relatable and inspiring even if you don’t have family stories from wars fought, religious/cultural similarities, etc. It’s the bigger themes I think many of us share similarities in.
I shy away from novels with anything sad in them, but I was able to feel safely emotional without being too scared to continue reading. It was a page turner and I loved reading between the past and present. The characters were mostly very charming and more inspiring than I anticipated. As you read, you really do want a happy ending for the characters. I don’t think I could have emotionally handled it if the book ended in more loss.
I’m surprised that this book was able to feel relatable and inspiring even if you don’t have family stories from wars fought, religious/cultural similarities, etc. It’s the bigger themes I think many of us share similarities in.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2026
A Must Read Book
This book was compelling from start to finish as each theme was woven together beautifully. Each page seamlessly built the story of war, resistance, love and family. Excellent read and I highly recommend it.
This book was compelling from start to finish as each theme was woven together beautifully. Each page seamlessly built the story of war, resistance, love and family. Excellent read and I highly recommend it.
April 18, 2026
The girl from Normandy.
What a brilliant read, well done Rachel Sweasey, what a beautiful story and of the work of the resistance at that time in history. Absolutely loved it. I felt like I was there at times, will definitely be reading more of your books.
What a brilliant read, well done Rachel Sweasey, what a beautiful story and of the work of the resistance at that time in history. Absolutely loved it. I felt like I was there at times, will definitely be reading more of your books.
July 2, 2025
This was a book that enthralled me from its opening pages – dual time writing at its very best, tying together a powerful wartime story of love, loss and exceptional bravery and a really engaging present day story with intriguing links to the past.
Leaving Paris, her family under threat from the Nazi occupation, a series of distressing events at the railway station find Marie-Claire alone, heading for Normandy rather than the safety of the South. A series of chance events – the kindness of strangers – finds her willingly caught up in the work of the Resistance, running a cafe where the occupying force are regular visitors, passing on intelligence she’s able to gather from their conversations, at night setting flares to guide the planes bringing much needed assistance. And she’s a writer – capturing her recipes and their inspiration, but also including coded messages that support the dangerous work of her friends in the Resistance.
As a teen, Esther spent a fondly remembered holiday with the Joubert family at Sainte-Mère-Église – very much in need of a holiday, she returns (in 1998) from Dorset to be godmother to her friend Giselle’s child. But there are some embarrassing memories too – the crush she had on Giselle’s brother Jules, a potential romance that petered out and came to nothing. His busy life keeps him away at first – but when he arrives, and after some initial awkwardness, they find their feelings for each other are as strong as they ever were. But there’s also an intriguing mystery – a note on the back of a recipe in an old and treasured cookery book, and a series of clues to follow about the family’s wartime past.
The wartime story is a particularly emotional one, quite beautifully told – and the author avoids any wrenches between the gripping events of the past and the lighter feel of the present day story by entangling them so seamlessly. There’s romance in both timelines – wonderfully handled, with the most perfect emotional touch, and I felt particularly deeply for Marie-Claire. And, as the two storylines gradually came together, I particularly liked the fact that the author didn’t tie the loose ends into the neat bow I was rather expecting – there were surprises throughout, and it was a book I was entirely unable to set aside until I’d read to the very end.
This really was an exceptional read – superb storytelling, impeccably researched, heart wrenching at times, really immersing the reader in the lives of its wonderfully drawn characters and the vividly drawn Normandy setting. Every single relationship – in the past and present, whether friendship, family or romance – was something I really believed in. A book I’d very much recommend to others, and an author now firmly on my favourites list – I loved every moment.
Leaving Paris, her family under threat from the Nazi occupation, a series of distressing events at the railway station find Marie-Claire alone, heading for Normandy rather than the safety of the South. A series of chance events – the kindness of strangers – finds her willingly caught up in the work of the Resistance, running a cafe where the occupying force are regular visitors, passing on intelligence she’s able to gather from their conversations, at night setting flares to guide the planes bringing much needed assistance. And she’s a writer – capturing her recipes and their inspiration, but also including coded messages that support the dangerous work of her friends in the Resistance.
As a teen, Esther spent a fondly remembered holiday with the Joubert family at Sainte-Mère-Église – very much in need of a holiday, she returns (in 1998) from Dorset to be godmother to her friend Giselle’s child. But there are some embarrassing memories too – the crush she had on Giselle’s brother Jules, a potential romance that petered out and came to nothing. His busy life keeps him away at first – but when he arrives, and after some initial awkwardness, they find their feelings for each other are as strong as they ever were. But there’s also an intriguing mystery – a note on the back of a recipe in an old and treasured cookery book, and a series of clues to follow about the family’s wartime past.
The wartime story is a particularly emotional one, quite beautifully told – and the author avoids any wrenches between the gripping events of the past and the lighter feel of the present day story by entangling them so seamlessly. There’s romance in both timelines – wonderfully handled, with the most perfect emotional touch, and I felt particularly deeply for Marie-Claire. And, as the two storylines gradually came together, I particularly liked the fact that the author didn’t tie the loose ends into the neat bow I was rather expecting – there were surprises throughout, and it was a book I was entirely unable to set aside until I’d read to the very end.
This really was an exceptional read – superb storytelling, impeccably researched, heart wrenching at times, really immersing the reader in the lives of its wonderfully drawn characters and the vividly drawn Normandy setting. Every single relationship – in the past and present, whether friendship, family or romance – was something I really believed in. A book I’d very much recommend to others, and an author now firmly on my favourites list – I loved every moment.
April 10, 2026
What a beautiful ending
All I can say is wow. I am not a cryer, but oof this ending almost got me. What a beautiful story of resilience and love. Having grandparents in the war who did land at Normandy, parts were particularly poignant. Great read.
All I can say is wow. I am not a cryer, but oof this ending almost got me. What a beautiful story of resilience and love. Having grandparents in the war who did land at Normandy, parts were particularly poignant. Great read.
June 11, 2025
In a well-researched historic fiction, The Girl from Normandy from Rachel Sweasey takes a step back to a time when the world was a dark place, evil roamed throughout Europe in the form of Nazism and to be of the Jewish faith was a death sentence.
Marie-Claire and Benjamin Debois have just become parents welcoming their son Antoine into the world on the eve of Kristallnacht. They were concerned as Benjamin was of Jewish decent but hoped they would be all right.
1940 saw the German army invade and win Paris beginning their steady but systematic search for anyone of the Jewish faith, no matter how small. Deciding now was the time to leave Paris; they arrive at the station only to find the Germans there checking and rechecking everyone’s documents.
In a fleeting moment Benjamin is shot and killed by a German soldier, baby Antoine passed through a window to friends on the departing train and Marie-Claire left a widow. As she flees Paris to try and follow her son, she is caught up in an incident which will change her life forever as she learns to fight back and make a difference.
1998 sees Esther deciding to return to France, a place she loves and learned to love as a young teenager on a school trip. While there she met Joules Joubert, handsome, charming, the brother of Giselle her penfriend and fell instantly in love.
Returning to Normandy for the christening of Giselle’s second child they meet up once again and hope that what they had young teens has stood the test of time.
As both stories slowly come together Marie Claire, the grandmother of Giselle and Joules begins to slowly tell her family about the War years in Normandy and a little about the role she once played. A chance conversation with an old friend of Esther’s in Poole also helps the pages of time to a heartwarming conclusion.
Well written and constructed Rachel Sweasey brings to life the dangerous days of the French Resistance, the bravery of the people who fought and died and the life-changing circumstances face by many throughout Europe and Britain during World War 2.
Marie-Claire and Benjamin Debois have just become parents welcoming their son Antoine into the world on the eve of Kristallnacht. They were concerned as Benjamin was of Jewish decent but hoped they would be all right.
1940 saw the German army invade and win Paris beginning their steady but systematic search for anyone of the Jewish faith, no matter how small. Deciding now was the time to leave Paris; they arrive at the station only to find the Germans there checking and rechecking everyone’s documents.
In a fleeting moment Benjamin is shot and killed by a German soldier, baby Antoine passed through a window to friends on the departing train and Marie-Claire left a widow. As she flees Paris to try and follow her son, she is caught up in an incident which will change her life forever as she learns to fight back and make a difference.
1998 sees Esther deciding to return to France, a place she loves and learned to love as a young teenager on a school trip. While there she met Joules Joubert, handsome, charming, the brother of Giselle her penfriend and fell instantly in love.
Returning to Normandy for the christening of Giselle’s second child they meet up once again and hope that what they had young teens has stood the test of time.
As both stories slowly come together Marie Claire, the grandmother of Giselle and Joules begins to slowly tell her family about the War years in Normandy and a little about the role she once played. A chance conversation with an old friend of Esther’s in Poole also helps the pages of time to a heartwarming conclusion.
Well written and constructed Rachel Sweasey brings to life the dangerous days of the French Resistance, the bravery of the people who fought and died and the life-changing circumstances face by many throughout Europe and Britain during World War 2.
June 19, 2025
The Girl From Normandy is a dual time-line story set during WWII in Normandy and the late 1990s in Dorset and France.
In the 1940s we meet Marie-Claire who has become separated from her family as they try to leave Paris for the South of France. To avoid the occupying forces, Marie-Claire heads north and ends up taken in by a group of resistance fighters. She agrees to help this resistance cell and is sent to Sainte-Mère-Église where she works in a café gathering information and helping with "Petite Résistance" to hinder and undermine the occupying forces.
In the 1990s we meet Esther, an Englishwoman, who as a school-girl visited Sainte-Mère-Église on a school exchange. Esther has kept in touch with the family she stayed with and has returned for her penfriend Giselle's baby's christening. Originally, Esther was not able to converse with Giselle's grand-mère, Marie-Claire, but now that she is proficient in French, she is better able to understand the older woman's dialect. A scribbled note unlocks secrets from Marie-Claire's past.
I loved this story. The war years in particular had me gripped. Marie-Claire was exceedingly brave and selfless in her undercover activities. In common with many of her time, Marie-Claire has not divulged the part she played during these dark times to her family, but the note that Esther found in a cookbook encourages Marie-Claire to talk a little about her early life.
I thought the WWII years of The Girl From Normandy were well researched and delivered, and that the plot felt very plausible. This part of the story really tugged on my heartstrings. I felt great sadness at each loss Marie-Claire experienced and hoped against hope that she would find her own happiness.
The Girl From Normandy is a story for lovers of historical fiction, in particular the WWII years, with a strong female lead in Marie-Claire, which takes the reader on an emotional journey, and one that I would whole-heartedly recommend.
In the 1940s we meet Marie-Claire who has become separated from her family as they try to leave Paris for the South of France. To avoid the occupying forces, Marie-Claire heads north and ends up taken in by a group of resistance fighters. She agrees to help this resistance cell and is sent to Sainte-Mère-Église where she works in a café gathering information and helping with "Petite Résistance" to hinder and undermine the occupying forces.
In the 1990s we meet Esther, an Englishwoman, who as a school-girl visited Sainte-Mère-Église on a school exchange. Esther has kept in touch with the family she stayed with and has returned for her penfriend Giselle's baby's christening. Originally, Esther was not able to converse with Giselle's grand-mère, Marie-Claire, but now that she is proficient in French, she is better able to understand the older woman's dialect. A scribbled note unlocks secrets from Marie-Claire's past.
I loved this story. The war years in particular had me gripped. Marie-Claire was exceedingly brave and selfless in her undercover activities. In common with many of her time, Marie-Claire has not divulged the part she played during these dark times to her family, but the note that Esther found in a cookbook encourages Marie-Claire to talk a little about her early life.
I thought the WWII years of The Girl From Normandy were well researched and delivered, and that the plot felt very plausible. This part of the story really tugged on my heartstrings. I felt great sadness at each loss Marie-Claire experienced and hoped against hope that she would find her own happiness.
The Girl From Normandy is a story for lovers of historical fiction, in particular the WWII years, with a strong female lead in Marie-Claire, which takes the reader on an emotional journey, and one that I would whole-heartedly recommend.
March 30, 2026
Great World War Two saga and love story
This was a really great book. It basically has two storylines going, one from the past and one in the present. Make sure you read the title of each chapter so you know will know where you are in the story. The focus of the book was on the characters and their lives, families, and connections as opposed to the war.
This was a really great book. It basically has two storylines going, one from the past and one in the present. Make sure you read the title of each chapter so you know will know where you are in the story. The focus of the book was on the characters and their lives, families, and connections as opposed to the war.
June 27, 2025
A very enjoyable dual timeline novel. Meet Marie-Claire, who in trying to escape war torn Paris in 1940, tragically loses her husband and son. Heading north to Normandy to evade the German soldiers, she reaches a chateau where she finds resistance fighters and agrees to work with them to gain revenge for the death of her husband and son. In 1998 Esther is planning a trip to Normandy where she will spend some time with her old friend, Giselle, whom she met whilst on a school trip to France and where she fell in love with Giselle’s brother. The two timelines are deftly interwoven and, as the two stories continue, long held secrets are revealed.
A very easy to read, enjoyable story. Hard hitting at times, especially when detailing life in the resistance, but overall, a very satisfying story. This the first book I have read by this author but based on this book, I will look for more of her books to read.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and Net Galley for an ARC for my honest review
A very easy to read, enjoyable story. Hard hitting at times, especially when detailing life in the resistance, but overall, a very satisfying story. This the first book I have read by this author but based on this book, I will look for more of her books to read.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and Net Galley for an ARC for my honest review
June 1, 2025
This was absorbing historical fiction. From the start, Marie- Claire's life is turned upside down when her husband is shot by Nazis and her infant son is on a train south without her. Subsequently, hearing that that train was bombed, she starts life afresh and joins the Resistance. Present day Esther has a French friend, whose farm she stayed at as a 16 year old, still has a firm place in her heart. The dual times work together for a very heartwarming ending. I find stories of the Resistance moving, for their courage to fight for the things that we all hold dear; family, freedom and love, especially in such hard times. I enjoyed the range of characters and the qualities they brought to the story. Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
June 5, 2025
A big thank you to NetGallery for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this intriguing historical fiction novel.
I absolutely loved this book! Set over several time lines and in some of my favorite locations - Paris, Sainte - Mere -Eglise, Normandy, Paris and London. I now want to travel to the south of France.
A young woman from Paris loses both her husband and son in a series of terrible events on the same day. Marie-Claire, in her grief, finds a group of Nazi resistors and goes on to join them. The dual timeline is also of Marie-Claire now an old great grandmother and her extended family and their connections to her past.
Thank you, thank you again!! Ironically I read this during the preparations of the Normandy invasion 80 years ago.
I absolutely loved this book! Set over several time lines and in some of my favorite locations - Paris, Sainte - Mere -Eglise, Normandy, Paris and London. I now want to travel to the south of France.
A young woman from Paris loses both her husband and son in a series of terrible events on the same day. Marie-Claire, in her grief, finds a group of Nazi resistors and goes on to join them. The dual timeline is also of Marie-Claire now an old great grandmother and her extended family and their connections to her past.
Thank you, thank you again!! Ironically I read this during the preparations of the Normandy invasion 80 years ago.
June 29, 2025
This was a wonderful historical fiction read with a dual timeline, which I loved. We travel between Normandy in the 1940’s and late 1990’s. This for me was a heart breaking read at times and I did admittedly shed a few tears . I found the life that Marie Claire led as a young woman in Normandy to be such a difficult time for her and everyone else who she was involved with. These people were so brave in spite of everything that was going on. The author has done a wonderful job of describing all the characters and I quickly become very caught up in their lives. The present day story involving Esther and her travels back to Normandy was also wonderful to read and how she went about uncovering the secrets of the past.
July 1, 2025
This story faces both the past and the future with one woman’s look at life through war and family.
When Marie Claire faces an undeniable loss during the war, she is surrounded by people who comfort her and offer her a new life. Although she is still reeling from what has occurred, she forms a new life cooking which is a love she has and will forever use to bring people around her happiness.
The next generation, although aren’t facing the war Marie Claire did, are still dealing with trying to work out their future, but Marie Claire, has a way of ensuring lives are happy even when you hurt the most.
I received this book for a honest review.
When Marie Claire faces an undeniable loss during the war, she is surrounded by people who comfort her and offer her a new life. Although she is still reeling from what has occurred, she forms a new life cooking which is a love she has and will forever use to bring people around her happiness.
The next generation, although aren’t facing the war Marie Claire did, are still dealing with trying to work out their future, but Marie Claire, has a way of ensuring lives are happy even when you hurt the most.
I received this book for a honest review.
March 22, 2026
What a saga! Wrapped up into a little too much of a bow at the end, but still a great read.
June 12, 2025
The Girl from Normandy is a historical fiction featuring a dual timeline, set in France during WW2 and in the late 1990s. It tells an emotional story of resilience and strong women. Rachel Sweasey has written a page turning novel. The inclusion of the cookbook joining the family together was a thoughtful addition, and the ending a surprise. 4 stars
I would like to thank the author, Boldwood and NetGalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.
#TheGirlfromNormandy #NetGalley
I would like to thank the author, Boldwood and NetGalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.
#TheGirlfromNormandy #NetGalley
July 3, 2025
The troubled years of WW2 are brought to life in this dual time story which gives us Marie-Claire’s poignant time in France during the German occupation, together with Esther’s story in 1998 when she returns to the farm house in Normandy where she spent a happy time with the Joubert family as a teenager.
With both time frames fitting so smoothly together the transition between past and present is seamless and I enjoyed spending time with Marie-Claire in the 1940s witnessing her time in the Normandy village of Sainte-Mère-Église and the vital role she plays in the safety of the townsfolk. Esther’s gentle reawakening and her burgeoning relationship with her childhood sweetheart is done with a light touch which doesn’t detract from the difficult time experienced during the war years by some members of the Joubert family. It’s a poignant read particularly Marie-Claire’s story which tugs away at the heartstrings and reminds us of the danger people in this part of France experienced during this troubled time and of the stalwart bravery of ordinary people doing extraordinary things in order to help those who were in danger.
I have thoroughly enjoyed spending time reading this lovely story, being immersed in the history of the area and the added significance of the church at Sainte-Mère-Église which was blended nicely into the story. I enjoyed the modern day gentle romance and the uncovering of Joubert family secrets which had been buried for far too long. Beautifully written, The Girl from Normandy is an absorbing story which kept my attention from first page to last.
May 29, 2025
The Girl From Normandy by Rachel Sweasy is a powerful dual timeline that enthralled me from the start.
The novel is set during World War II in France, and also in 1998 in Poole and France. We see the intertwining lives that have come down the ages.
Fleeing Nazi-occupied Paris, the lead character suffers an unthinkable tragedy. She is made of strong stuff and uses the pain to propel her into working for the Resistance. We see the bravery and daring that was needed as well as the ability to hide her true thoughts as smiles whilst listening to Nazi secrets.
The Resistance was vital to the war machine. Everyone had a unique role to play. Without the Resistance, there would have been no D-Day.
In present day a grandmother’s family do not realise all that she went through. She is the matriarch of the family. Her strength is built on her sadness.
There are parallels between 1998 and the war years in the lives of the two lead characters. Both are fiercely independent and both fall deeply in love.
The ugliness of war contrasts with the beautiful French countryside. It seems incredible that beauty and ugliness exist side by side.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Girl From Normandy. It entertained me from the start. I read it in just two sittings, pausing only to sleep.
I received a free copy. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The novel is set during World War II in France, and also in 1998 in Poole and France. We see the intertwining lives that have come down the ages.
Fleeing Nazi-occupied Paris, the lead character suffers an unthinkable tragedy. She is made of strong stuff and uses the pain to propel her into working for the Resistance. We see the bravery and daring that was needed as well as the ability to hide her true thoughts as smiles whilst listening to Nazi secrets.
The Resistance was vital to the war machine. Everyone had a unique role to play. Without the Resistance, there would have been no D-Day.
In present day a grandmother’s family do not realise all that she went through. She is the matriarch of the family. Her strength is built on her sadness.
There are parallels between 1998 and the war years in the lives of the two lead characters. Both are fiercely independent and both fall deeply in love.
The ugliness of war contrasts with the beautiful French countryside. It seems incredible that beauty and ugliness exist side by side.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Girl From Normandy. It entertained me from the start. I read it in just two sittings, pausing only to sleep.
I received a free copy. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
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