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Arlette's Story: A powerful and emotional WW2 historical novel
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A powerful, compelling, spellbinding and poignant love story that will stay with me forever.’ Reader review
With the threat of war closing in, how far will she go to protect those she loves?
France, 1940. Arlette Blaise has always lived a peaceful life on her family’s farm in the unoccupied south, sheltered from the horrors of war. But as Nazi forces sweep across the country, that fragile calm shatters. Harvests are seized, rationing tightens, and the German occupation creeps into even the quietest corners of France.
When Arlette’s brother joins the Resistance, Arlette and her father are left to protect their home from the ever-present threat. But Arlette’s courage pushes her to take a dangerous risk. She shelters Saul, a Jewish man marked for death by the Nazis, and discovers love in a time when every decision carries deadly consequences.
As the authorities close in, Arlette must decide how far she’s willing to go to protect those she loves. But when violence reaches her doorstep, can she save her family—or will the war destroy everything she’s fought to protect?
This powerful historical saga of family bonds, quiet heroism and the resilience of ordinary women in extraordinary times is perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah, Fiona Valpy, Kate Quinn or Rhys Bowen.
Readers love Angela
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Breathtakingly beautiful.’ Toscana
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Will always stay with me . . . A must read!’ Carol
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A story that everyone should read.’ Barry
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Rich in historical content and so immensely touching.’ Stephen
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘The best book that I've read this year.’ coco
With the threat of war closing in, how far will she go to protect those she loves?
France, 1940. Arlette Blaise has always lived a peaceful life on her family’s farm in the unoccupied south, sheltered from the horrors of war. But as Nazi forces sweep across the country, that fragile calm shatters. Harvests are seized, rationing tightens, and the German occupation creeps into even the quietest corners of France.
When Arlette’s brother joins the Resistance, Arlette and her father are left to protect their home from the ever-present threat. But Arlette’s courage pushes her to take a dangerous risk. She shelters Saul, a Jewish man marked for death by the Nazis, and discovers love in a time when every decision carries deadly consequences.
As the authorities close in, Arlette must decide how far she’s willing to go to protect those she loves. But when violence reaches her doorstep, can she save her family—or will the war destroy everything she’s fought to protect?
This powerful historical saga of family bonds, quiet heroism and the resilience of ordinary women in extraordinary times is perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah, Fiona Valpy, Kate Quinn or Rhys Bowen.
Readers love Angela
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Breathtakingly beautiful.’ Toscana
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Will always stay with me . . . A must read!’ Carol
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A story that everyone should read.’ Barry
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Rich in historical content and so immensely touching.’ Stephen
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘The best book that I've read this year.’ coco
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 8, 2026
128 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 9, 2026
I always have trouble finding the words to describe war fiction - it’s heavy and hard to read yet powerfully important to grapple with. I found it as a Kindle deal and it had good ratings.
Big trigger warnings - especially SA, cruelty to small children and a gruesome attack on women and children war scene. For those reasons it would not be one that I readily recommend - read with care for yourself as you encounter these parts of the story.
My takeaway - feeling even more emboldened to fight against fascism for equality and freedom for all.
Big trigger warnings - especially SA, cruelty to small children and a gruesome attack on women and children war scene. For those reasons it would not be one that I readily recommend - read with care for yourself as you encounter these parts of the story.
My takeaway - feeling even more emboldened to fight against fascism for equality and freedom for all.
February 5, 2026
A story you need to read
Arlette's Story is an intensely moving story about a young French woman living under Nazi occupation in France. It shows a very human perspective to how life was lived under the Nazis, with the rationing of food, and the confiscation of land, crops, animals. There is also the fear and reality of deportation to death camps and reprisals. In this scenario, caring for and helping others, and finding love, become highlights in a darkened world.
Arlette's Story is an intensely moving story about a young French woman living under Nazi occupation in France. It shows a very human perspective to how life was lived under the Nazis, with the rationing of food, and the confiscation of land, crops, animals. There is also the fear and reality of deportation to death camps and reprisals. In this scenario, caring for and helping others, and finding love, become highlights in a darkened world.
February 2, 2026
a beautiful account written of Ww2
Written so beautifully and captivatingly. I felt like I was there. Multiple events were incorporated and I was still in suspense at what would happen to arlette and her family
Written so beautifully and captivatingly. I felt like I was there. Multiple events were incorporated and I was still in suspense at what would happen to arlette and her family
February 22, 2026
Arlette's Story
Wonderful story of a young French girl & her family & friends lives in a small French town during WW2. Romance, suspense, war time horrors, & loss are woven throughout. Have your tissues ready because you will cry. Strongly recommend.
Wonderful story of a young French girl & her family & friends lives in a small French town during WW2. Romance, suspense, war time horrors, & loss are woven throughout. Have your tissues ready because you will cry. Strongly recommend.
January 25, 2026
I loved this book
This book was so good, very sad in places when we saw the atrocities of world war 2, but also the pain that people can come back from.
This book was so good, very sad in places when we saw the atrocities of world war 2, but also the pain that people can come back from.
February 9, 2026
An important read
I learned so much. Well written and hard to put down. I definitely recommend this book though it is hard to read in parts because it is so real.
I learned so much. Well written and hard to put down. I definitely recommend this book though it is hard to read in parts because it is so real.
February 24, 2026
A Story of love and loss
The reader will feel that they live with this French family and the entire village. You will shed tears of joy and sorrow—that is war and life!
The reader will feel that they live with this French family and the entire village. You will shed tears of joy and sorrow—that is war and life!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews