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The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris #2
The Secrets of Provence: The must-read emotional WW2 historical fiction novel for book lovers, perfect for fans of Kate Quinn and Evie Woods
Not yet published
Expected 26 Mar 26An unforgettable, heart-wrenching story tying together past and present, from the bestselling author of The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris
Provence, 1940.
Thrown out of occupied Paris by the Nazis, brave, beautiful Mathilde finds refuge with her cousin in Provence, where she’s soon drawn into the Resistance movement. Secrecy and subterfuge are her constant companions in her life on the run, where passions run high and betrayal is a constant threat.
But Mathilde’s greatest pain and greatest joy are wrapped up in the most heartbreaking secret of one she must hide even from her beloved husband, and keep for the rest of her days.
Paris, present day. Juliette’s life should be perfect, with her bookshop established and her long-term relationship feeling settled, but something just isn’t clicking. Her thoughts turn to tracing her roots. Why did her French grandmother spend most of the war in Provence, after being expelled from Paris?
An old photograph will lead Juliette to a crumbling château, where she uncovers a story that will change her life in the most unexpected way…
A heart-wrenching tale of love, loss and the realities of war, perfect for fans of Kate Quinn and Evie Woods.
Readers love Daisy Wood!‘Oh my!!! This is one of those books you just can’t put down or stop thinking about. A must read.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘One of my favourite reads of the year. The two timelines are seamlessly [woven] together… I loved it!’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A truly wonderful read that you will not want to put down!’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘This book had me mesmerised from beginning to end. Highly recommended.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A heck of a good story filled with hope, and heartbreaking at the same time. Brilliantly written!’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Such a stunning read! Five stars.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
But Mathilde’s greatest pain and greatest joy are wrapped up in the most heartbreaking secret of one she must hide even from her beloved husband, and keep for the rest of her days.
Paris, present day. Juliette’s life should be perfect, with her bookshop established and her long-term relationship feeling settled, but something just isn’t clicking. Her thoughts turn to tracing her roots. Why did her French grandmother spend most of the war in Provence, after being expelled from Paris?
An old photograph will lead Juliette to a crumbling château, where she uncovers a story that will change her life in the most unexpected way…
A heart-wrenching tale of love, loss and the realities of war, perfect for fans of Kate Quinn and Evie Woods.
Readers love Daisy Wood!‘Oh my!!! This is one of those books you just can’t put down or stop thinking about. A must read.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘One of my favourite reads of the year. The two timelines are seamlessly [woven] together… I loved it!’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A truly wonderful read that you will not want to put down!’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘This book had me mesmerised from beginning to end. Highly recommended.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A heck of a good story filled with hope, and heartbreaking at the same time. Brilliantly written!’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Such a stunning read! Five stars.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- GenresHistorical Fiction
380 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 26, 2026
2 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 22, 2025
I really enjoyed this continuation of The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris. It was lovely returning to the story and seeing it expand into the beautiful setting of Provence, which felt vivid and atmospheric throughout.
The dual timelines worked well, especially the historical storyline, which was emotional and quietly tense. I liked how the secrets from the past were revealed gradually, keeping me interested and invested in the characters. The modern timeline added a nice balance and sense of connection.
It did slow down a little in places, but overall it was an engaging and satisfying read. A great pick if you enjoy historical fiction with mystery, heart, and strong settings.
The dual timelines worked well, especially the historical storyline, which was emotional and quietly tense. I liked how the secrets from the past were revealed gradually, keeping me interested and invested in the characters. The modern timeline added a nice balance and sense of connection.
It did slow down a little in places, but overall it was an engaging and satisfying read. A great pick if you enjoy historical fiction with mystery, heart, and strong settings.
December 22, 2025
Some parts of the past cannot be hidden. This book is intense at times and yet it reveals a realistic historical account. Two timelines -- WWII and the present -- show how a woman’s life can abruptly pivot from unexpected circumstances.
In 1940, Mathilde Duvall, a museum curator, was feisty with an attitude towards a German Nazi officer. Big mistake; he detested her. She was forced to immediately leave the area. Her husband had no idea where she went. The story followed her involvement with the French Resistance during the heart-wrenching days of WWII. She struggled to survive and changed her identity several times.
In 2025, Juliette’s life also shifted. She was on a trip celebrating 25 years together with her husband in Paris when she discovered that he was having an affair. She decided to leave her husband and America and follow her French grandmother’s path who once lived in Paris. She was curious and wanted to find out about the untold story during WWII. The author balanced the harshness of the war with this timeline which included a delightful wedding.
It's beautifully written with both stories that merged together perfectly revealing deep connections from past events. Secrets were unveiled one by one which explored several cases involving fear, trust and love. It was packed with the painful images of the war.
This story gives you anxiety with the feeling of uneasiness. It wasn’t that long ago when there was blood, death and destruction in Paris and many parts of the world. Can this happen again? This is a must read.
My thanks to Avon Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of March 26, 2026.
In 1940, Mathilde Duvall, a museum curator, was feisty with an attitude towards a German Nazi officer. Big mistake; he detested her. She was forced to immediately leave the area. Her husband had no idea where she went. The story followed her involvement with the French Resistance during the heart-wrenching days of WWII. She struggled to survive and changed her identity several times.
In 2025, Juliette’s life also shifted. She was on a trip celebrating 25 years together with her husband in Paris when she discovered that he was having an affair. She decided to leave her husband and America and follow her French grandmother’s path who once lived in Paris. She was curious and wanted to find out about the untold story during WWII. The author balanced the harshness of the war with this timeline which included a delightful wedding.
It's beautifully written with both stories that merged together perfectly revealing deep connections from past events. Secrets were unveiled one by one which explored several cases involving fear, trust and love. It was packed with the painful images of the war.
This story gives you anxiety with the feeling of uneasiness. It wasn’t that long ago when there was blood, death and destruction in Paris and many parts of the world. Can this happen again? This is a must read.
My thanks to Avon Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of March 26, 2026.
February 15, 2026
**review to come**
Read
December 15, 2025I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Many thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for this opportunity.
Another delightful read by Daisy Woods, one of family intrigue, lost love, wartime and resistance. This is a follow up from The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris, however, this book can stand alone for those not familiar with the first one…..but to recap; 1940 Jacques and Mathilde, married just one year, are celebrating at a restaurant when two Nazi officers walk in. Much to the dismay of Jacques he realises he knows one of them, who in turn recognises Mathilde from the museum where she works, Herr Schmidt.
Jacques has a bookshop and during its renovation he had designed a secret hidden hold, a tiny room. Herr Schmidt is a regular customer, a man with a keen interest in collectable books for which Jacques is able to supply. This is very dangerous for Jacques who hides banned books in his basement and refugees/fugitives in the tiny locked room.
The couple witness atrocities to their fellow Parisians, Mathilde is determined to become involved with any sort of resistance. However, after she is taken in by the Police and brought home by Herr Schmidt, he makes it perfectly clear that she is to leave Paris and for which he has arranged a pass. As things turn out the couple are hiding an English woman in the secret room and it's decided for Mathilde to take her on the train south with her. Jacques has to stay in Paris to look after his ailing mother as well as running his bookshop.
The train trip to the unoccupied zone is fraught with danger for Mathilde and Madame SJ, the English woman for although she is overly dressed with numerous scarves to hide her features based on health reasons when a German official demands to see her face and the interaction that follows is only saved by Mathilde’s quick thinking in diverting the man’s attention.
Arriving into the unoccupied zone, Mathilde is amazed at the difference, not a Nazis flag in sight. Here she is met by her cousin's wife Renée for it's with this family that Mathilde will stay.
Present day, Juliette has remained in Paris, is now divorced from her husband and living in a small apartment above the bookshop which she manages. Her children are grown up and she has a new love in her life, Nico. Zizi, Nico's grandmother, aged and in care has not lost any of her feistiness seems to barely tolerate Juliette but for Juliette the relationship is important for Zizi knew her grandmother Mathilde Duval who went under several names including Marie Ganier. It’s difficult for Juliette to gain much information from Zizi who is at times recalcitrant towards her. Juliette’s quandary about her grandmother is why after starting a whole new life with her American husband in the United States why she had never revealed anything about her past life during the war.
However, at this time Juliette's mind is occupied on a totally different event after having been informed by her son that he intends to marry his French girlfriend, plans are beginning to take shape which see Juliette and Sophie in Provence visiting Sophie's parents.
Avignon 1941 Mathilde finds employment with the local winemaker who trains her into all aspects of the industry. However, it's not long before the Nazis begin their heavy handed tactics in demanding all the wine that has been produced by this small vineyard, conditions agreed upon by the Vichy government. Mathilde has already discovered a small resistance group's stash of goods and in putting two and two together realises her cousin is involved. She keeps her eyes peeled for activities but realises too late that a collaborator has reported the group, which sees her cousin killed; Renée and Mathilde are imprisoned. Renée is able to escape with help from Mathilde who remains in prison. It's here that she learns of her husband's death in Paris. During a prison transfer an ambush takes place where Mathilde is able to escape and begins a new chapter in her life and finally part of the Maquis resistance.
Back to modern day, during dinner with Sophie's parents Juliette produces a photo of the Château where her grandmother had lived and to her amazement learns that the Château still exists and that it had recently been sold. With the insistence of the family, Juliette finds herself in front of the new owner, Alison who, in discovering information about the Chateau, takes Juliette to meet the daughter of the housekeeper whose mother would have known Juliette's grandmother and who still lives on the grounds. It's here that the history of her grandmother and a silver pendant add further intrigue to this story and for the realisation that sometimes difficult and heartbreaking decisions, all for the better good have to be made.
Another delightful read by Daisy Woods, one of family intrigue, lost love, wartime and resistance. This is a follow up from The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris, however, this book can stand alone for those not familiar with the first one…..but to recap; 1940 Jacques and Mathilde, married just one year, are celebrating at a restaurant when two Nazi officers walk in. Much to the dismay of Jacques he realises he knows one of them, who in turn recognises Mathilde from the museum where she works, Herr Schmidt.
Jacques has a bookshop and during its renovation he had designed a secret hidden hold, a tiny room. Herr Schmidt is a regular customer, a man with a keen interest in collectable books for which Jacques is able to supply. This is very dangerous for Jacques who hides banned books in his basement and refugees/fugitives in the tiny locked room.
The couple witness atrocities to their fellow Parisians, Mathilde is determined to become involved with any sort of resistance. However, after she is taken in by the Police and brought home by Herr Schmidt, he makes it perfectly clear that she is to leave Paris and for which he has arranged a pass. As things turn out the couple are hiding an English woman in the secret room and it's decided for Mathilde to take her on the train south with her. Jacques has to stay in Paris to look after his ailing mother as well as running his bookshop.
The train trip to the unoccupied zone is fraught with danger for Mathilde and Madame SJ, the English woman for although she is overly dressed with numerous scarves to hide her features based on health reasons when a German official demands to see her face and the interaction that follows is only saved by Mathilde’s quick thinking in diverting the man’s attention.
Arriving into the unoccupied zone, Mathilde is amazed at the difference, not a Nazis flag in sight. Here she is met by her cousin's wife Renée for it's with this family that Mathilde will stay.
Present day, Juliette has remained in Paris, is now divorced from her husband and living in a small apartment above the bookshop which she manages. Her children are grown up and she has a new love in her life, Nico. Zizi, Nico's grandmother, aged and in care has not lost any of her feistiness seems to barely tolerate Juliette but for Juliette the relationship is important for Zizi knew her grandmother Mathilde Duval who went under several names including Marie Ganier. It’s difficult for Juliette to gain much information from Zizi who is at times recalcitrant towards her. Juliette’s quandary about her grandmother is why after starting a whole new life with her American husband in the United States why she had never revealed anything about her past life during the war.
However, at this time Juliette's mind is occupied on a totally different event after having been informed by her son that he intends to marry his French girlfriend, plans are beginning to take shape which see Juliette and Sophie in Provence visiting Sophie's parents.
Avignon 1941 Mathilde finds employment with the local winemaker who trains her into all aspects of the industry. However, it's not long before the Nazis begin their heavy handed tactics in demanding all the wine that has been produced by this small vineyard, conditions agreed upon by the Vichy government. Mathilde has already discovered a small resistance group's stash of goods and in putting two and two together realises her cousin is involved. She keeps her eyes peeled for activities but realises too late that a collaborator has reported the group, which sees her cousin killed; Renée and Mathilde are imprisoned. Renée is able to escape with help from Mathilde who remains in prison. It's here that she learns of her husband's death in Paris. During a prison transfer an ambush takes place where Mathilde is able to escape and begins a new chapter in her life and finally part of the Maquis resistance.
Back to modern day, during dinner with Sophie's parents Juliette produces a photo of the Château where her grandmother had lived and to her amazement learns that the Château still exists and that it had recently been sold. With the insistence of the family, Juliette finds herself in front of the new owner, Alison who, in discovering information about the Chateau, takes Juliette to meet the daughter of the housekeeper whose mother would have known Juliette's grandmother and who still lives on the grounds. It's here that the history of her grandmother and a silver pendant add further intrigue to this story and for the realisation that sometimes difficult and heartbreaking decisions, all for the better good have to be made.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Wat een mooi verhaal is dit. The secrets of the Provence is een soort vervolg op het boek The forgotten bookshop in Paris. Dat verhaal begint met het echtpaar Jacques en Mathilde, die in Frankrijk een kleine boekwinkel hebben. Maar Mathilde wordt door de Nazi’s verdacht van deelname aan het verzet en vlucht naar de provence. Jacques blijft achter en zijn verhaal wordt verder verteld, terwijl dat van Mathilde open blijft. Nu wordt haar verhaal verteld.
In The secrets of the Provence, wordt haar tijd in de Provence en het werk dat ze doet voor het verzet uitgewerkt. Het is een indrukwekkend verhaal over een sterke vrouw die te maken krijgt met moeilijke dilemma’s en zware tijden doormaakt. Daarnaast is er de tweede verhaallijn die tachtig jaar later speelt en gaat over Juliette, die naar Frankrijk afreist voor de trouwerij van haar zoon. Ze maakt van de gelegenheid gebruik om het verleden van haar oma Marie uit te pluizen, en ja dat is Mathilde. De beide verhalen complementeren elkaar en zo ontstaat een puzzel met alle stukjes op hun plek en er ontvouwt zich een geschiedenis over het leven van WOII in Frankrijk. De personages zijn goed uitgewerkt, de zoektocht en het verleden zijn meeslepend, de omgeving is prachtig beschreven en dialogen en scènes zijn goed geschreven. Het is een heel mooi verhaal om te lezen en blijft na het lezen nog een tijdje nazinderen.
What a beautiful story this is. "The Secrets of Provence" is a kind of sequel to the book "The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris." That story begins with Jacques and Mathilde, who own a small bookshop in France. But Mathilde is suspected by the Nazis of participating in the resistance and flees to Provence. Jacques stays behind, and his story continues, while Mathilde's remains open. Now her story is told.
In "The Secrets of Provence," her time in Provence and her work for the Resistance are explored. It's a compelling story about a strong woman facing difficult dilemmas and enduring hard times. A second storyline, set eighty years later, centers on Juliette, who travels to France for her son's wedding. She uses the opportunity to unravel the past of her grandmother Marie—yes, that's Mathilde. The two stories complement each other, creating a puzzle with all the pieces in place, and a story unfolds about life during WWII in France. The characters are well-developed, the quest and the past are captivating, the setting is beautifully described, and the dialogue and scenes are well-written. It's a truly beautiful story to read and lingers long after you've finished.
In The secrets of the Provence, wordt haar tijd in de Provence en het werk dat ze doet voor het verzet uitgewerkt. Het is een indrukwekkend verhaal over een sterke vrouw die te maken krijgt met moeilijke dilemma’s en zware tijden doormaakt. Daarnaast is er de tweede verhaallijn die tachtig jaar later speelt en gaat over Juliette, die naar Frankrijk afreist voor de trouwerij van haar zoon. Ze maakt van de gelegenheid gebruik om het verleden van haar oma Marie uit te pluizen, en ja dat is Mathilde. De beide verhalen complementeren elkaar en zo ontstaat een puzzel met alle stukjes op hun plek en er ontvouwt zich een geschiedenis over het leven van WOII in Frankrijk. De personages zijn goed uitgewerkt, de zoektocht en het verleden zijn meeslepend, de omgeving is prachtig beschreven en dialogen en scènes zijn goed geschreven. Het is een heel mooi verhaal om te lezen en blijft na het lezen nog een tijdje nazinderen.
What a beautiful story this is. "The Secrets of Provence" is a kind of sequel to the book "The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris." That story begins with Jacques and Mathilde, who own a small bookshop in France. But Mathilde is suspected by the Nazis of participating in the resistance and flees to Provence. Jacques stays behind, and his story continues, while Mathilde's remains open. Now her story is told.
In "The Secrets of Provence," her time in Provence and her work for the Resistance are explored. It's a compelling story about a strong woman facing difficult dilemmas and enduring hard times. A second storyline, set eighty years later, centers on Juliette, who travels to France for her son's wedding. She uses the opportunity to unravel the past of her grandmother Marie—yes, that's Mathilde. The two stories complement each other, creating a puzzle with all the pieces in place, and a story unfolds about life during WWII in France. The characters are well-developed, the quest and the past are captivating, the setting is beautifully described, and the dialogue and scenes are well-written. It's a truly beautiful story to read and lingers long after you've finished.
January 9, 2026
Thank you so much to Avon Publishing/Harper Collins for inviting me to read this book ahead of its publication. This is the third novel I’ve read by Daisy Wood, and they just keep getting better and better.
I picked up this novel not knowing it is a spinoff from a previous novel by Wood - The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris. I have not read that novel, and can share that readers can definitely enjoy this book without having read the previous book. I am very excited to go back and read The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris for the other side of this amazing story!
The Secrets of Provence is the story of Mathilde in the 1940s, and Juliette in the 2020s. Mathilde is the wife of bookstore owner Jacques from the previous novel. When Mathilde decides to leave Paris to join the Resistance against the Gestapo, she finds herself on the run. When she arrives at Chateau Albertine, her life changes in ways she never saw coming, and the secrets she must hold will change her world forever. Juliette is Mathilde’s granddaughter. A photograph of Juliette, alongside her mother and grandmother at a chateau in France leads her on a discovery tour of her family history - with answers that will also alter her life forever.
This novel had me hooked from the first page. Both the present-day and historical tales were interesting and gripping, and while the reader quickly knows how Mathilde and Juliette are connected, it took me until almost the end of the novel to put all the pieces together - and I did so through tears. Wood’s ability to make her readers connect with her characters, while also creating imagery of their world through her words is excellent. I loved getting lost in this story.
My only critique is that there were many names of which to keep track. I felt grateful that I was reading this electronically so I could search up names I hadn’t seen in a while to remind myself of the character.
Overall, this was a beautiful, heartbreaking, and nostalgic family tale, and my favorite Daisy Wood novel (that I have read!) to date.
Thank you again for the opportunity to read this story!
I picked up this novel not knowing it is a spinoff from a previous novel by Wood - The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris. I have not read that novel, and can share that readers can definitely enjoy this book without having read the previous book. I am very excited to go back and read The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris for the other side of this amazing story!
The Secrets of Provence is the story of Mathilde in the 1940s, and Juliette in the 2020s. Mathilde is the wife of bookstore owner Jacques from the previous novel. When Mathilde decides to leave Paris to join the Resistance against the Gestapo, she finds herself on the run. When she arrives at Chateau Albertine, her life changes in ways she never saw coming, and the secrets she must hold will change her world forever. Juliette is Mathilde’s granddaughter. A photograph of Juliette, alongside her mother and grandmother at a chateau in France leads her on a discovery tour of her family history - with answers that will also alter her life forever.
This novel had me hooked from the first page. Both the present-day and historical tales were interesting and gripping, and while the reader quickly knows how Mathilde and Juliette are connected, it took me until almost the end of the novel to put all the pieces together - and I did so through tears. Wood’s ability to make her readers connect with her characters, while also creating imagery of their world through her words is excellent. I loved getting lost in this story.
My only critique is that there were many names of which to keep track. I felt grateful that I was reading this electronically so I could search up names I hadn’t seen in a while to remind myself of the character.
Overall, this was a beautiful, heartbreaking, and nostalgic family tale, and my favorite Daisy Wood novel (that I have read!) to date.
Thank you again for the opportunity to read this story!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
France, 1940. Mathilde fled German occupied Paris, leaving behind her husband Jacques to run his bookshop and look after his sick elderly mother. They promise to meet up on the evening of their anniversary and on the 3rd of September and is this even possible? Mathilde travels south to Avignon and she has no clue she's jumping from the frying pan into the fire, her cousin Pierre was once a member of the Communist party, he takes part in acts of defiance and his actions bring her unwanted attention.
Mathilde changes her name to Marie, she finds refuge at Château Albertine, owned by Madame de Courcy and here she meets Yves an English agent. Mathilde works outside in the vineyards and garden, but feelings are heightened and she worried about being betrayed or tricked and it’s hard to know who she can trust and she has to make a heartbreaking decision.
The narrative has a dual timeline, set in the 1940’s and present day and told from the points of view of Mathilde (Marie) and her granddaughter Juliette and is easy to follow.
France, 2025. Juliette decided to stay in Paris when three years ago she discovered her husband of twenty five years was cheating on her, she lives in a one bedroom apartment, runs a bookshop called La Page Cachée and it was once owned by her grandmother’s first husband. Her new partner Nico is a builder, but she misses her children Emily and Ben and American plumbing and air conditioning. Juliette has always wondered why her French grandmother spend most of the war in Provence, what did she do there and she finds an old photo from the 1970’s of a château, and she uncovers a story that will change her life in the most unexpected way.
I received a copy of The Secrets of Provence from NetGalley and Avon Books UK in exchange for an honest review. It follows on from Daisy Wood’s bestselling novel The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris and what happened to Mathilde during the war, it’s a story of how many French men and women fought for their freedom, survival, and sacrifice and kept it a secret.
I really like stories set in France, in the French countryside and with family members like Juliette uncovering the truth and five stars from me.
The Secrets of Provence can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend diving into both and you won’t regret it.
Mathilde changes her name to Marie, she finds refuge at Château Albertine, owned by Madame de Courcy and here she meets Yves an English agent. Mathilde works outside in the vineyards and garden, but feelings are heightened and she worried about being betrayed or tricked and it’s hard to know who she can trust and she has to make a heartbreaking decision.
The narrative has a dual timeline, set in the 1940’s and present day and told from the points of view of Mathilde (Marie) and her granddaughter Juliette and is easy to follow.
France, 2025. Juliette decided to stay in Paris when three years ago she discovered her husband of twenty five years was cheating on her, she lives in a one bedroom apartment, runs a bookshop called La Page Cachée and it was once owned by her grandmother’s first husband. Her new partner Nico is a builder, but she misses her children Emily and Ben and American plumbing and air conditioning. Juliette has always wondered why her French grandmother spend most of the war in Provence, what did she do there and she finds an old photo from the 1970’s of a château, and she uncovers a story that will change her life in the most unexpected way.
I received a copy of The Secrets of Provence from NetGalley and Avon Books UK in exchange for an honest review. It follows on from Daisy Wood’s bestselling novel The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris and what happened to Mathilde during the war, it’s a story of how many French men and women fought for their freedom, survival, and sacrifice and kept it a secret.
I really like stories set in France, in the French countryside and with family members like Juliette uncovering the truth and five stars from me.
The Secrets of Provence can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend diving into both and you won’t regret it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In a few words:
Provence 1940
Malthide finds refuge with her cousin in Provence after the Nazis occupation of Paris. Once there she is soon drawn into the Resistance movement. Now force to live a life on the run, where betrayal is a constant threat. Malthide soon discovers that deceit has to be her constant companion.
Paris, present day
Juliette thoughts are turned to tracing her roots. Curious to why her grandmother spent most of the war in Provence. What is Malthide up to? When an old photograph leads Juliette to a crumbling château what she uncovers will change her life.
My thoughts:
This book continues the story of Jacques and Malthide whom we met in “The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris”. No worries if you didn’t read it first “The Secrets of Provence” stands well by its own.
The seamless blend of two timeline: the past and present are said with emotional depth one that has kept my attention from start to finish. The warm narrative is filled with so much heart wrenching moments of the reality of war that will inevitably break your heart, I found it to be quite an emotional read. Of course, I love books highlighting resistance movements and this story does honour to the various organisations that existed. Malthide is just an example of courage and determination needed to survive. In alternate chapters, the voices of our main characters shine and their stories will hold everyone captive till the very last page.
The action of men and women of the resistance was to the point and excellently depicted. At times, the tempo seems to slow down mainly for greater effect and did this pretty well IMO. On a final note, the characters couldn’t have played their roles better.
Well said and well-done
My thanks to Avon Book UK and Netgalley for providing me with this ARC
Provence 1940
Malthide finds refuge with her cousin in Provence after the Nazis occupation of Paris. Once there she is soon drawn into the Resistance movement. Now force to live a life on the run, where betrayal is a constant threat. Malthide soon discovers that deceit has to be her constant companion.
Paris, present day
Juliette thoughts are turned to tracing her roots. Curious to why her grandmother spent most of the war in Provence. What is Malthide up to? When an old photograph leads Juliette to a crumbling château what she uncovers will change her life.
My thoughts:
This book continues the story of Jacques and Malthide whom we met in “The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris”. No worries if you didn’t read it first “The Secrets of Provence” stands well by its own.
The seamless blend of two timeline: the past and present are said with emotional depth one that has kept my attention from start to finish. The warm narrative is filled with so much heart wrenching moments of the reality of war that will inevitably break your heart, I found it to be quite an emotional read. Of course, I love books highlighting resistance movements and this story does honour to the various organisations that existed. Malthide is just an example of courage and determination needed to survive. In alternate chapters, the voices of our main characters shine and their stories will hold everyone captive till the very last page.
The action of men and women of the resistance was to the point and excellently depicted. At times, the tempo seems to slow down mainly for greater effect and did this pretty well IMO. On a final note, the characters couldn’t have played their roles better.
Well said and well-done
My thanks to Avon Book UK and Netgalley for providing me with this ARC
December 8, 2025
This was a solid historical fiction read. I always like the dual timeline plot, and I like how Daisy Wood connected them through the grandmother. I give this book a 3.5, rounded up to 4, because I am fascinated with historical fiction that tells unknown stories or strong women during WWII. But there are some points that keep this from being a solid 4 in my mind. The first one is that there was nothing in the back of the book that said who was real and who was fake. I wanted to know if Mathilde, who went by the name "Lionne," was. a real person of if she was just based on real women of the time, and the same could be said for Jacques and Yves. They were all such strong characters with such strong convictions - but were they real people or made up?
The second problem I had with this novel were the characters who seemed to really have no important role, yet when you first meet them, you think they are going to. The example for this is the character of Alison. I understand that there had to be a way for Juliette to get into the chateau and that Alison was her way in, but then she is not developed, and yet, you think she is going to play a real role. She is introduced, and immediately, you don't really like her or the way she interacts with Juliette or Esme, but what is her purpose, really? The reader is not really sure, and this is why the book does not rate higher for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
The second problem I had with this novel were the characters who seemed to really have no important role, yet when you first meet them, you think they are going to. The example for this is the character of Alison. I understand that there had to be a way for Juliette to get into the chateau and that Alison was her way in, but then she is not developed, and yet, you think she is going to play a real role. She is introduced, and immediately, you don't really like her or the way she interacts with Juliette or Esme, but what is her purpose, really? The reader is not really sure, and this is why the book does not rate higher for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
January 18, 2026
I was honored to have received this ARC through Avon/Harpercollins publishing. After reading The Burned Books of Berlin, I felt a special connection to the author’s writing (Daisy Wood). So to be able to read and review yet another captivating story of hers brought me much joy.
I was unaware, at the time, that The Secrets of Provence was a continuation of The Lost Bookshop in Paris so I quickly went on to read that first. However, readers can certainly read them out of order.
The Secrets of Provence tells a story through the eyes of a heroine name Mathilde. Having left her husband behind in war torn Paris to hide and later join the resistance against the Nazi regime. We are able to see how her life is shaped and changed forever, the secrets she had kept, and the new life she made after the war had ended. That is until her Granddaughter, Juliette, finds a picture that shows her, along with her mother and grandmother in front of a chateau. This leads her on a journey to discovering her family history and finding answers that are sure to change everything she has ever known.
These stories have left me wishing to found out more about my family history in Germany, so getting to read these dual timeline stories really make me feel apart of these characters lives. Daisy Wood has an amazing way of pulling the reader into the lives once lived while also connecting to those living in present day.
I was unaware, at the time, that The Secrets of Provence was a continuation of The Lost Bookshop in Paris so I quickly went on to read that first. However, readers can certainly read them out of order.
The Secrets of Provence tells a story through the eyes of a heroine name Mathilde. Having left her husband behind in war torn Paris to hide and later join the resistance against the Nazi regime. We are able to see how her life is shaped and changed forever, the secrets she had kept, and the new life she made after the war had ended. That is until her Granddaughter, Juliette, finds a picture that shows her, along with her mother and grandmother in front of a chateau. This leads her on a journey to discovering her family history and finding answers that are sure to change everything she has ever known.
These stories have left me wishing to found out more about my family history in Germany, so getting to read these dual timeline stories really make me feel apart of these characters lives. Daisy Wood has an amazing way of pulling the reader into the lives once lived while also connecting to those living in present day.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have found that Daisy Wood has a writing style that pulls the reader into the story from the very beginning and this story was no different. As I began to read this dual timeline story, I realized that this story revisits characters from the author's The Forgotten Bookshop of Paris, which I had really enjoyed. This time, Jacques' wife Mathilde is the main character in the 1940s timeline and we learn about her life from when she traveled to Provence from Paris, leaving Jacques after being threatened by a Nazi. And what a life Mathilde led - working her fingers to the bone while also working for the French Resistance to help to free France from the German occupation. In the current day timeline, Mathilde's grandaughter Juliette is still happily living in Paris in the bookshop that her grandmother's first husband Jacques had owned during the war years and she is researching her grandmother's lifem trying to put together all the puzzle pieces since her Meme never talked about the war years. No spoilers - but there was a surprise twist at the end that I had not anticipated. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
January 1, 2026
ARC of The Secrets of Provence granted by Avon Books UK.
WHAT A GREAT READ.
To start: this book perfectly blends historical fiction, romance, and the weight of searching for your own roots into a chilling story about love and family during war times.
I read the first book to this story, The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris, and greatly enjoyed the read from Jacques and Juliette’s dual perspectives.
The Secrets of Provence was a great follow up, intermeshing the perspectives of Mathilde (Jacques’s wife) and Juliette to tell a story full of family secrets and the choices certain characters had to make during and after WWII. I found myself open mouth gasping by the end of the book, where it felt like anything could’ve happened to the characters at any moment. The detailed character development was something that held me the closest to this story and I found myself really invested in how this was going to resolve.
If you enjoy dual timelines, historical WWII fiction, and the suspense of discovering hidden family history, this story is for you!
WHAT A GREAT READ.
To start: this book perfectly blends historical fiction, romance, and the weight of searching for your own roots into a chilling story about love and family during war times.
I read the first book to this story, The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris, and greatly enjoyed the read from Jacques and Juliette’s dual perspectives.
The Secrets of Provence was a great follow up, intermeshing the perspectives of Mathilde (Jacques’s wife) and Juliette to tell a story full of family secrets and the choices certain characters had to make during and after WWII. I found myself open mouth gasping by the end of the book, where it felt like anything could’ve happened to the characters at any moment. The detailed character development was something that held me the closest to this story and I found myself really invested in how this was going to resolve.
If you enjoy dual timelines, historical WWII fiction, and the suspense of discovering hidden family history, this story is for you!
February 4, 2026
I have read several books by Daisy Wood, so I was delighted to be offered The Secrets of Provence. This book is a dual timeline. Mathilde is living through the Second World War, lives in France and is married to a bookseller who owns a shop in Paris. She becomes noticed by the Gestapo, so leaves Paris for the relative safety of Provence, where she joins the Resistance .
Juliette is American, has a French grandmother, but knows nothing of the family history. Her part of the story is set in 2025 and is centred on the forthcoming marriage of her son Ben to Sophie a French girl. Juliette is interested in discovering her roots. She meets Madame Leclerc and another French lady and gradually she fits together the puzzle of her family members.
I really enjoyed this book in spite of some horrible truths about the Gestapo and their cruelty. To compensate there is also romance and friendship of the locals and family.
I am grateful to NetGalley, Daisy Wood and Avon Books for an arc of The Secrets of Provence.
Juliette is American, has a French grandmother, but knows nothing of the family history. Her part of the story is set in 2025 and is centred on the forthcoming marriage of her son Ben to Sophie a French girl. Juliette is interested in discovering her roots. She meets Madame Leclerc and another French lady and gradually she fits together the puzzle of her family members.
I really enjoyed this book in spite of some horrible truths about the Gestapo and their cruelty. To compensate there is also romance and friendship of the locals and family.
I am grateful to NetGalley, Daisy Wood and Avon Books for an arc of The Secrets of Provence.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As mentioned in the authors notes this novel continues the story of Jacques and Mathilde Duval, who the author first wrote about in The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris.
This new title can be read as a stand alone title however I would recommend you reading the first book as it is a great read.
This new title is a dual time line through WWII and present day. In present day Juliette lives in Paris after her marriage breakup and she owns the that Jacques and Matilde Duval ran in WWII. She is interested in her family history particularly her grandmothers time during the war period. In the WWII time line we learn of Mathilde’s life when she is forced to leave Paris, her bookshop and her husband Jacques. She goes to live with her cousin in Provence and becomes involved with the Resistance.
It is an emotional read - family secrets, betrayals, loyalty and love.
It is one of those books that you can’t put down and highly recommend it to historical fiction readers.
This new title can be read as a stand alone title however I would recommend you reading the first book as it is a great read.
This new title is a dual time line through WWII and present day. In present day Juliette lives in Paris after her marriage breakup and she owns the that Jacques and Matilde Duval ran in WWII. She is interested in her family history particularly her grandmothers time during the war period. In the WWII time line we learn of Mathilde’s life when she is forced to leave Paris, her bookshop and her husband Jacques. She goes to live with her cousin in Provence and becomes involved with the Resistance.
It is an emotional read - family secrets, betrayals, loyalty and love.
It is one of those books that you can’t put down and highly recommend it to historical fiction readers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"The Secrets of Provence" by Daisy Wood is such a wonderful Historical Fiction read! There is so much in this well paced duo time line story! It is the story of Mathilde, who is desperately missing her husband and trying to survive on the run with her friends and cousin in Avignon, France in 1941. She is being hunted by the Gestapo, and is managing to stay a couple of steps away from them until a fateful day which changes her direction completely.
The second timeline is about Juliette, who along with her husband, is visiting France. Juliette is trying to figue out what happened to her distant relative, Mathilde. These two stories are woven together seamlessly, through many twists and turns.
There is heartbreak, hope, and lots of action in this book. I highly recommend it. 5 Stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon publishing for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
The second timeline is about Juliette, who along with her husband, is visiting France. Juliette is trying to figue out what happened to her distant relative, Mathilde. These two stories are woven together seamlessly, through many twists and turns.
There is heartbreak, hope, and lots of action in this book. I highly recommend it. 5 Stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon publishing for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Read
January 1, 2026A great read, very difficult to put down!
The book is set in a dual timeline
Mathilde - married to a book seller in Paris - the Nazi's become interested in her, so for her and her husband's safety she leaves Paris to stay with her cousin in Provence and a promise to meet her husband on their wedding anniversary at Sacre Coeur
Juliette is American, her grandmother was French, although she knew nothing of what happened during the war.
Juliette's son Ben is getting married to Sophie, a young girl from Provence. Juliette remembers a holiday with her grandmother, mother and brother when they were quite young. She decides to find out why they went there.
A romantic and lovely story.
The book is set in a dual timeline
Mathilde - married to a book seller in Paris - the Nazi's become interested in her, so for her and her husband's safety she leaves Paris to stay with her cousin in Provence and a promise to meet her husband on their wedding anniversary at Sacre Coeur
Juliette is American, her grandmother was French, although she knew nothing of what happened during the war.
Juliette's son Ben is getting married to Sophie, a young girl from Provence. Juliette remembers a holiday with her grandmother, mother and brother when they were quite young. She decides to find out why they went there.
A romantic and lovely story.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this ARC. This is book 2 of the Forgotten Bookshop in Paris, however, I didn't read book 1. I do know this is a continuation of Mathilde and Jacques story. 1941: Mathilde is strong armed by a German to move to the south of France and leave Jacques and Paris behind until the war is over. Once in Provence, she continues working for the resistance where her life takes a series of twists and turns. Present Day: Juliette is living in Paris working at the bookshop of her grandparents. She knows there is more to her grandmother's story and she hope she can find out the details on her next trip to Provence. Really good read! #TheSecretsofProvence #DaisyWood #AvonBooksUK #March2026 . Preorder of this book is $2.99!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A satisfying historical fiction novel which continues on a previous book, The Forgotten Bookshop of Paris. This book I believe can stand alone but I felt while reading that perhaps if I read the first book, I have enjoyed this one more.
The book alternates between the past (WWII) and present focusing on Mathilde (who appears in the first book) and her work with the resistance, and Juliette who is seeking to learn more about her grandmother. The story lines weave together beautifully and we learn a lot about Mathilde and the secrets of her past.
This is a book for WWII historical fiction lovers and especially those who love to have secrets unraveled.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Avon Books for allowing me the pleasure of reading this ARC.
The book alternates between the past (WWII) and present focusing on Mathilde (who appears in the first book) and her work with the resistance, and Juliette who is seeking to learn more about her grandmother. The story lines weave together beautifully and we learn a lot about Mathilde and the secrets of her past.
This is a book for WWII historical fiction lovers and especially those who love to have secrets unraveled.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Avon Books for allowing me the pleasure of reading this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Having read The Forgotten Bookshop ,I was delighted to be given the opportunity to read The Secrets of Provence following Mathilde's story. However it is a good stand alone, told in two timelines 1940 and 2025 this is a wonderful story of bravery, love lost and new beginnings atmospheric emotional Family secrets and betrayal. This is a story that won't be forgotten. Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC.
December 21, 2025
Another Daisy Wood book that does not disappoint! I loved every single one of her books and I am a huge fan of her work, so I was very excited when I received an early copy of her newest book, The Secrets of Provence. I loved reading about characters I already knew a little about, Mathilde’s story was so heartbreaking and full of emotions. You should definitely read it if you enjoy WWII books!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received a free copy of, The Secrets of Provence, by Daisy Wood, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Its the 1940's in France and Mathilde is not having a great time, running from the law. In present day Juliette and her husband travel to France to trace Mathilde. This book has so much going on, it was and interesting and enjoyable read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Secrets of Provence by Daisy Wood is a sequel to The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris. It can be read as a standalone although I do recommend reading the prequel.
Written in dual timelines 1940's and 2025 it is a story of love, compassion, heartbreak and hope and it will appeal to lovers of historical fiction, especially France during WWII.
4 stars
Written in dual timelines 1940's and 2025 it is a story of love, compassion, heartbreak and hope and it will appeal to lovers of historical fiction, especially France during WWII.
4 stars
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book is told through dual timelines. I thought it was well written. There’s plenty of action set in the past with the war. In the present we learn about the connections to the past. It’s filled with lots of emotion! I couldn’t put it down!
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