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The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris #2
The Secrets of Provence
An 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.
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.
380 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
March 26, 2026
I enjoyed this novel from Wood and was keen to see what happened to Jacques’s wife, who readers barely meet in the first book. It’s been a while since I read the first story; thankfully Wood gives enough clues in the early chapters that jogged my memory and, if I’m being truly honest, I think you could simply treat this book as a stand-alone without having read about Jacques and his bookshop.
Whilst I appreciated following Mathilde’s story, I don’t believe it had the same power as Jacques’s. Perhaps because Mathilde is removed to the relative safety of Provence, I got the impression that the war was less intense than the suffering experienced in Paris. Although the Resistance was growing and Mathilde is impacted, the majority of the plot felt more relaxed and not with the heightened fear that Jacques experienced.
That aside, I enjoyed reading about war efforts from a different part of France. The experience was noticeably different: food rationing does not impact Mathilde as harshly thanks to the the chateau’s vegetable garden and, after escaping prison, Mathilde largely goes undetected. However, her desire to help with the Resistance sees her become involved in Yves and his friends, ultimately changing Mathilde’s life forever.
At the same time, readers are taken back to present day where Juliette is preparing for a family wedding. I loved how Juliette finds herself in the same area of France that Mathilde had been in and, having settled in her bookshop in Paris (formerly Jacques’s), she is keen to retrace the footsteps of her grandmother and find out what happened to her during the war. It was a refreshing element to the story and I liked how Woods ties the two timelines together, particularly with the revelations near the end of the book.
However, this book did not grab my attention like the bookshop and I found the pace a little slow in places. Sometimes I struggled to keep track of the different characters, especially as Mathilde becomes more involved in the Resistance. However, her bravery was admirable in the story and I thought there were some particularly poignant moment where Mathilde is really tested. Overall, I felt there was something a little lacking and despite enjoying a historical novel taking place in a different area of France, it didn’t resonate with me as much as Jacques’s story.
With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Whilst I appreciated following Mathilde’s story, I don’t believe it had the same power as Jacques’s. Perhaps because Mathilde is removed to the relative safety of Provence, I got the impression that the war was less intense than the suffering experienced in Paris. Although the Resistance was growing and Mathilde is impacted, the majority of the plot felt more relaxed and not with the heightened fear that Jacques experienced.
That aside, I enjoyed reading about war efforts from a different part of France. The experience was noticeably different: food rationing does not impact Mathilde as harshly thanks to the the chateau’s vegetable garden and, after escaping prison, Mathilde largely goes undetected. However, her desire to help with the Resistance sees her become involved in Yves and his friends, ultimately changing Mathilde’s life forever.
At the same time, readers are taken back to present day where Juliette is preparing for a family wedding. I loved how Juliette finds herself in the same area of France that Mathilde had been in and, having settled in her bookshop in Paris (formerly Jacques’s), she is keen to retrace the footsteps of her grandmother and find out what happened to her during the war. It was a refreshing element to the story and I liked how Woods ties the two timelines together, particularly with the revelations near the end of the book.
However, this book did not grab my attention like the bookshop and I found the pace a little slow in places. Sometimes I struggled to keep track of the different characters, especially as Mathilde becomes more involved in the Resistance. However, her bravery was admirable in the story and I thought there were some particularly poignant moment where Mathilde is really tested. Overall, I felt there was something a little lacking and despite enjoying a historical novel taking place in a different area of France, it didn’t resonate with me as much as Jacques’s story.
With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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.
April 9, 2026
*Thank you to the publisher, Avon Books UK for providing with e Arc via Netgalley. All opinions are my own*
A story that will stay with you, long after you turn the last page.
The Forgotten Bookshop In Paris was the first book that I read by Daisy Wood, and the one that got me into her books. I loved Jacques’s story, but I was curious about how his wife was after she left. When I came across Secrets Of Provence, I had a feeling that I was going to love the book. Yet, it still took me by surprise. This story was so beautifully written, with descriptions, characters, and the challenges they faced. Despite the hard subject, I didn’t want to put the book down, but also didn’t want the story to end.
Out of all the characters in the book, Mathilde was my favorite. She had to leave her husband behind and then endure so much afterward. What I adored about her was her courage and how willing she was to help others. I loved all descriptions from Mathilde’s perspective; making me feel as if I was there beside her; experiencing it all. Daisy Wood did an amazing job of merging Juliette’s and Mathilde’s timelines. Although, I enjoyed Juliette’s story too, I was more pulled into Mathilde story; eager to see where she end up at end of war.
Every page in this story was an adventure. I cried, I got angry, and I laughed with all the characters throughout the story. I also liked the fact that there were a few surprises within the story that I didn’t see coming. Secrets of Provence is an outstanding book, and if I could, I would give it more than five stars. Daisy Wood is officially one of my favorite historical fiction authors, and I cannot wait to see what she has for us next!
A story that will stay with you, long after you turn the last page.
The Forgotten Bookshop In Paris was the first book that I read by Daisy Wood, and the one that got me into her books. I loved Jacques’s story, but I was curious about how his wife was after she left. When I came across Secrets Of Provence, I had a feeling that I was going to love the book. Yet, it still took me by surprise. This story was so beautifully written, with descriptions, characters, and the challenges they faced. Despite the hard subject, I didn’t want to put the book down, but also didn’t want the story to end.
Out of all the characters in the book, Mathilde was my favorite. She had to leave her husband behind and then endure so much afterward. What I adored about her was her courage and how willing she was to help others. I loved all descriptions from Mathilde’s perspective; making me feel as if I was there beside her; experiencing it all. Daisy Wood did an amazing job of merging Juliette’s and Mathilde’s timelines. Although, I enjoyed Juliette’s story too, I was more pulled into Mathilde story; eager to see where she end up at end of war.
Every page in this story was an adventure. I cried, I got angry, and I laughed with all the characters throughout the story. I also liked the fact that there were a few surprises within the story that I didn’t see coming. Secrets of Provence is an outstanding book, and if I could, I would give it more than five stars. Daisy Wood is officially one of my favorite historical fiction authors, and I cannot wait to see what she has for us next!
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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
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5★s
When Juliette's son Ben told his mother he was proposing to Sophie, Juliette was ecstatic. Sophie's family lived in Provence; Juliette's grandmother, Meme, had lived in Provence during the war years, after being exiled from Paris and her husband by the Germans. Staying first with a cousin, then moving onto a Chateau, she became deeply involved with the Resistance. Juliette was determined to discover her grandmother's secrets of the life she'd lived during the war, and after it was all over.
As Juliette dug deeply into the past, meeting old people who had known her grandmother, Juliette surrounded herself with family, both hers and Sophie's. She knew the two families would blend together well, when the past came fully to light, she'd be happy...
The Secrets of Provence is the 2nd in The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris by Daisy Wood and once again the author has written an exceptional historical novel. With excellent characters - although there are quite a lot of them - beautiful countryside, which of course was destroyed by the Nazis, determination, love and loss from start to finish, I have no hesitation in recommending this one (which can easily be read as a standalone).
With thanks to NetGalley & Jessica Whitehead of Avon Publishing, - HarperCollins UK - for my digital ARC to read and review.
When Juliette's son Ben told his mother he was proposing to Sophie, Juliette was ecstatic. Sophie's family lived in Provence; Juliette's grandmother, Meme, had lived in Provence during the war years, after being exiled from Paris and her husband by the Germans. Staying first with a cousin, then moving onto a Chateau, she became deeply involved with the Resistance. Juliette was determined to discover her grandmother's secrets of the life she'd lived during the war, and after it was all over.
As Juliette dug deeply into the past, meeting old people who had known her grandmother, Juliette surrounded herself with family, both hers and Sophie's. She knew the two families would blend together well, when the past came fully to light, she'd be happy...
The Secrets of Provence is the 2nd in The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris by Daisy Wood and once again the author has written an exceptional historical novel. With excellent characters - although there are quite a lot of them - beautiful countryside, which of course was destroyed by the Nazis, determination, love and loss from start to finish, I have no hesitation in recommending this one (which can easily be read as a standalone).
With thanks to NetGalley & Jessica Whitehead of Avon Publishing, - HarperCollins UK - for my digital ARC to read and review.
March 12, 2026
✨3 stars✨
The Secrets of Provence follows two timelines (Mathilde in Nazi occupied France during World War Two and her Granddaughter Juliette in the modern day). Therefore, as you may imagine, this covers the themes of sacrifice, resistance, strength and uncovering long-kept family secrets.
I’ve read The Banned Books of Berlin by this author last year and I remember really enjoying it so when the publishers sent me this I was excited to try a new book by this author. However, nowhere on the publisher’s email or on NetGalley did it mention that this was book 2 or a continuation of a previous book, namely The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris. It wasn’t until I read the author’s note that that became apparent. I thought it may be an interconnected standalone where we follow different characters that appear in that book yet it seems we follow the same characters from that book but just filling in the gaps of what Mathilde gets up to while Jacques is in Paris running the bookshop.
As a result, I would say my reading experience was impacted by me not reading the previous book so take this review with a bucketload of salt.
If you enjoyed The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris then I think you’ll really enjoy this book! Especially if you enjoyed books that follow a similar dual timeline structure where secrets from the past are uncovered in the present day. Personally, I found this book to just be okay, but still engaging enough that I finished it!
I received an ARC from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
The Secrets of Provence follows two timelines (Mathilde in Nazi occupied France during World War Two and her Granddaughter Juliette in the modern day). Therefore, as you may imagine, this covers the themes of sacrifice, resistance, strength and uncovering long-kept family secrets.
I’ve read The Banned Books of Berlin by this author last year and I remember really enjoying it so when the publishers sent me this I was excited to try a new book by this author. However, nowhere on the publisher’s email or on NetGalley did it mention that this was book 2 or a continuation of a previous book, namely The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris. It wasn’t until I read the author’s note that that became apparent. I thought it may be an interconnected standalone where we follow different characters that appear in that book yet it seems we follow the same characters from that book but just filling in the gaps of what Mathilde gets up to while Jacques is in Paris running the bookshop.
As a result, I would say my reading experience was impacted by me not reading the previous book so take this review with a bucketload of salt.
If you enjoyed The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris then I think you’ll really enjoy this book! Especially if you enjoyed books that follow a similar dual timeline structure where secrets from the past are uncovered in the present day. Personally, I found this book to just be okay, but still engaging enough that I finished it!
I received an ARC from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
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 am a big fan of Daisy Wood's World War 2 historical fiction books. She takes me back in time, but keeps me anchored in the present with her dual time lines. Daisy Wood's words bring the past to life. Along with Juliette, Mathilde's granddaughter, the reader discovers Mathilde's bravery. I get glimpses into the fear, the danger, the loss th suffering. The glimpses are important, encouraging me to learn more and more about the war and the results. The more we all learn, the more my hope grows that it will not be repeated.
I was first introduced to Mathilde in The Forgotten Bookshop when she was forced to flee Paris in order to save her husband, Jacques. Her actions were putting him at risk, but it was much more. A Nazi wanted her gone, pathing a safe way for her to go the Provence.
She doesn't lead a quiet life. She wants her country back. She wants her life back. She finds herself helping the resistance and in very unique situations. She is frequently in danger. I thought it was all over for her when she ended up in prison.
It was just the beginning. The Provence is no longer independent from the Nazis. The reader experiences the changes along with Mathilde and those around her. They go to extreme lengths to save the innocent, the allies and themselves. With every chapter I feared the loss of those that I had come to care about. The reality created had me in tears more and more as I got lost in the story.
I was first introduced to Mathilde in The Forgotten Bookshop when she was forced to flee Paris in order to save her husband, Jacques. Her actions were putting him at risk, but it was much more. A Nazi wanted her gone, pathing a safe way for her to go the Provence.
She doesn't lead a quiet life. She wants her country back. She wants her life back. She finds herself helping the resistance and in very unique situations. She is frequently in danger. I thought it was all over for her when she ended up in prison.
It was just the beginning. The Provence is no longer independent from the Nazis. The reader experiences the changes along with Mathilde and those around her. They go to extreme lengths to save the innocent, the allies and themselves. With every chapter I feared the loss of those that I had come to care about. The reality created had me in tears more and more as I got lost in the story.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Daisy Wood is simply brilliant. Her stories come to life, transporting the reader to a place where magic happens.
The Secrets of Provence is another shining example of Wood’s masterful storytelling. Told in a dual timeline, this is a story is set in France during WWII and in present day. It is a story of strength, resistance, survival, found family and so much more.
This book took me through a flurry of emotions. It was intense, packed with adventure, while at the same time heartbreaking and heartwarming. There were moments where I wanted to cheer or shout at someone while at other times, I had tears streaming down my face.
What I loved about The Secrets of Provence is that it included parts of WWII that are not talked about as much and there was a bit of a mystery in there to be solved as well.
With Daisy Wood’s attention to detail and masterful character development, she was able to paint the perfect backdrop with characters you cannot help but connect with. As a reader, I was whisked away to the city of Paris and the French countryside and could see the pages come alive in front of my eyes.
As soon as I saw this book, I knew I had to read it, and the author did not disappoint! Thank you to so much to Avon Books and Net Galley for the ARC of this book. I cannot wait to get my hands on the finished copy and add it to my growing collection!
The Secrets of Provence is another shining example of Wood’s masterful storytelling. Told in a dual timeline, this is a story is set in France during WWII and in present day. It is a story of strength, resistance, survival, found family and so much more.
This book took me through a flurry of emotions. It was intense, packed with adventure, while at the same time heartbreaking and heartwarming. There were moments where I wanted to cheer or shout at someone while at other times, I had tears streaming down my face.
What I loved about The Secrets of Provence is that it included parts of WWII that are not talked about as much and there was a bit of a mystery in there to be solved as well.
With Daisy Wood’s attention to detail and masterful character development, she was able to paint the perfect backdrop with characters you cannot help but connect with. As a reader, I was whisked away to the city of Paris and the French countryside and could see the pages come alive in front of my eyes.
As soon as I saw this book, I knew I had to read it, and the author did not disappoint! Thank you to so much to Avon Books and Net Galley for the ARC of this book. I cannot wait to get my hands on the finished copy and add it to my growing collection!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Secrets of Provence is a captivating and compelling read that will have you not wanting to put the book down.
Its simply said historical fiction at its best.
The book is written it two timelines.
The first is WWII where Mathilde Duvall has spoken out one too many times against the Nazi's and they ban her from Paris . She travels south to Avignon to her cousin Pierre's where all is not what it seems.
Pierre is part of the French Resitance and Mathilde soons joins him.
Danger lurks around every corner and you will be holding your breath and hoping for the best.
I cried with Mathilde , I laughed with her on occasion but most of all I admire her strength, her seemingly endless lack of fear and her determination to do her part to bring down the Nazi's.
In present time we meet Juliette who has moved from America to Paris and after finding an old picture of her grandmother in the War she was determined to learn Mathilde's story.
Daisy Woods does a marvellous job of merging both timelines as you slowly learn the story behind Mathilde and the Resistance.
I hated the book to end and I can certainly see that many Book Clubs will choose this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK/ Avon for the privileg of reading and reviewing The Secrets of Provence.
Its simply said historical fiction at its best.
The book is written it two timelines.
The first is WWII where Mathilde Duvall has spoken out one too many times against the Nazi's and they ban her from Paris . She travels south to Avignon to her cousin Pierre's where all is not what it seems.
Pierre is part of the French Resitance and Mathilde soons joins him.
Danger lurks around every corner and you will be holding your breath and hoping for the best.
I cried with Mathilde , I laughed with her on occasion but most of all I admire her strength, her seemingly endless lack of fear and her determination to do her part to bring down the Nazi's.
In present time we meet Juliette who has moved from America to Paris and after finding an old picture of her grandmother in the War she was determined to learn Mathilde's story.
Daisy Woods does a marvellous job of merging both timelines as you slowly learn the story behind Mathilde and the Resistance.
I hated the book to end and I can certainly see that many Book Clubs will choose this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK/ Avon for the privileg of reading and reviewing The Secrets of Provence.
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
This is the follow up to The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris and I think I may have enjoyed it more than the first. Technically you don't have to read the first to follow the plot but I think you'll miss a lot of reasoning behind characters' behavior if you don't!
On to the review.
This book continues in a dual POV with Juliette now living in Paris and running Jacques' bookstore in the present day. She wants to uncover the truth about her grandmother's life during World War 2. The second POV is during Mathilde's time in Provence during the War.
I found myself slightly more invested in Mathilde's story line but still loved Juliette's hunt for the truth and how the pieces came together. It really made me think about how many stories of bravery were lost after the war.
It was a very emotional book and one that I'll be thinking about for a very long time.
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC
On to the review.
This book continues in a dual POV with Juliette now living in Paris and running Jacques' bookstore in the present day. She wants to uncover the truth about her grandmother's life during World War 2. The second POV is during Mathilde's time in Provence during the War.
I found myself slightly more invested in Mathilde's story line but still loved Juliette's hunt for the truth and how the pieces came together. It really made me think about how many stories of bravery were lost after the war.
It was a very emotional book and one that I'll be thinking about for a very long time.
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Secrets of Provence is a suspenseful historical fiction novel following Mathilde Duval through adventures during WWII. This is a dual timeline also following her granddaughter Juliette who is American, but now lives in Paris. Juliette is trying to figure out more about her grandmother and her time in France.
This book tells three different romances. It is well written and the tragedies of WWII are prominent in these pages. Daisy Wood tells a though provoking story, while also painting a vivid picture of the tragedies of war and the effects it has on those involved. I enjoyed this story, but as a warning it it very intense and filled with tragedy. I really appreciated the strength depicted by Mathilde Duval and honestly think that all women can learn what it truly means to be strong from her.
If you are a fan of WWII historical fiction, especially that involving the French Resistance- I highly recommend. Thank you Avon and NetGalley for the ARC!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book tells three different romances. It is well written and the tragedies of WWII are prominent in these pages. Daisy Wood tells a though provoking story, while also painting a vivid picture of the tragedies of war and the effects it has on those involved. I enjoyed this story, but as a warning it it very intense and filled with tragedy. I really appreciated the strength depicted by Mathilde Duval and honestly think that all women can learn what it truly means to be strong from her.
If you are a fan of WWII historical fiction, especially that involving the French Resistance- I highly recommend. Thank you Avon and NetGalley for the ARC!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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!
April 1, 2026
The secrets of Provence is a follow up novel to Daisy Wood’s first book, also set across modern day and WW2 Paris. I hadn’t read the first one but it didn’t stop me from enjoying this one!
When Mathilde makes the Nazis suspicious for appearing to collaborate with the resistance in Paris in 1941, she and her husband Jaques agree that it is best for her to leave the city for the south of France for awhile.
It doesn’t take her long to pick up the thread in Avignon and this impacts and directs the next few years during the war.
Meanwhile in modern day Paris, Juliet (Mathilde’s granddaughter) is rebuilding her life after the devastating collapse of her marriage - she is now with Nico, running a bookshop and discovering who she is. When a family wedding is booked in the south of France it gives her a chance to investigate who her family really was.
A good ww2/modern day dual narrative with a couple of unexpected twists and turns. It has made me want to read the first in the series! Many thanks to the publishers and netgalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
When Mathilde makes the Nazis suspicious for appearing to collaborate with the resistance in Paris in 1941, she and her husband Jaques agree that it is best for her to leave the city for the south of France for awhile.
It doesn’t take her long to pick up the thread in Avignon and this impacts and directs the next few years during the war.
Meanwhile in modern day Paris, Juliet (Mathilde’s granddaughter) is rebuilding her life after the devastating collapse of her marriage - she is now with Nico, running a bookshop and discovering who she is. When a family wedding is booked in the south of France it gives her a chance to investigate who her family really was.
A good ww2/modern day dual narrative with a couple of unexpected twists and turns. It has made me want to read the first in the series! Many thanks to the publishers and netgalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Secrets of Provence is the next part of the story begun in the forgotten bookshop in Paris. As a dual timeline book it worked well, Daisy uses this to deliver the secrets of the past and to keep the reader’s interest. However, the story does drag at times and there were rather a lot of characters to keep track of. Despite this, I would recommend perseverance and you will be rewarded with this historical fiction with mystery, nostalgia, hardship and war.
Thanks to Daisy Wood for writing this story and to NetGalley, Avon Publishing, for my digital ARC to read and review. This review contains my own opinions and it is given freely.
Thanks to Daisy Wood for writing this story and to NetGalley, Avon Publishing, for my digital ARC to read and review. This review contains my own opinions and it is given freely.
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 Netgalley
A fabulous second book in this short series. Starting in Paris as war has broken out Marie needs to flee as the Germans take over. Jaques her husband an owner of a Bookstore needs to stay to look after his Mother. Marie joins the resistance and travels around until the war ends. In another timeline Juliette buys the bookshop but goes on her own journey as her son is getting married in Provence which gives Juliette the opportunity to find out about her family tree. Well written and interesting characters. Thanks to Daisy and her publisher.
March 26, 2026
Against the evil and fear of the war, how did so many people manage to be so brave in the fight for good? This book certainly shows us. In fact we follow our characters stories through the decades which separate them, to discover what held them together through war and peace.
It’s ultimately a gentle story. Love and affection flows through it but there is also pain and sadness because, in life, there has to be a balance.
I enjoyed it so much, and I liked how the end is wrapped up and completes the story.
It’s ultimately a gentle story. Love and affection flows through it but there is also pain and sadness because, in life, there has to be a balance.
I enjoyed it so much, and I liked how the end is wrapped up and completes the story.
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