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Arlette's Story
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.
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.
319 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 8, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
July 3, 2018
5☆ A Poignant Must Read for historic fans
Arlette’s Story is a beautifully poignant WWII story.
When German invaded France, Arlette's life was about to change. France would never be the same for her again.
Change is heart breaking especially when it's from the effects of war.
This is a beautifully written emotive story, It tugged on my heartstrings, it was rich in history, drama, it was uplifting. The relationships between characters were perfectly written, I felt for the characters they was believable and relatable
WWII is one of my favourite eras to read. So when I starting reading I felt drawn into the reality of the war times and the emotions and heartache that came with it.
This is Angela's Debut novel and I have to say I'm very excited to read more from her.
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website:-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
Arlette’s Story is a beautifully poignant WWII story.
When German invaded France, Arlette's life was about to change. France would never be the same for her again.
Change is heart breaking especially when it's from the effects of war.
This is a beautifully written emotive story, It tugged on my heartstrings, it was rich in history, drama, it was uplifting. The relationships between characters were perfectly written, I felt for the characters they was believable and relatable
WWII is one of my favourite eras to read. So when I starting reading I felt drawn into the reality of the war times and the emotions and heartache that came with it.
This is Angela's Debut novel and I have to say I'm very excited to read more from her.
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website:-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
June 8, 2018
Arlette and her best friend Francine were sure the war wouldn’t affect them in the south of France – occupation was in the north. Arlette and her father, Henri ran their little farm, along with her brother Gilbert. The crops were bountiful, and harvesting had just completed when the Germans arrived, demanding all crops to feed their troops. The war had arrived.
With Gilbert gone, Henri hired a young Jewish man to help with the chores, who had had to flee his home. Saul Epstein was a kind and gentle man, and Arlette found herself beginning to care for him. But with danger in the form of Germans at the nearby manor, Arlette knew Saul wasn’t safe.
What would happen to their tranquil countryside existence? The brutality of the Germans shocked the quiet, peaceful French people – how could one human be so cruel to another?
Arlette’s Story is the debut novel by Angela Barton and I found it an exceptional read. Another WWII story, yes, but from the French perspective. The occupation of France; the betrayal of his people by Pétain; the horrors inflicted – all combined with a beautiful, compassionate story of Arlette, her family and friends, made Arlette’s Story one to remember and recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read and review.
With Gilbert gone, Henri hired a young Jewish man to help with the chores, who had had to flee his home. Saul Epstein was a kind and gentle man, and Arlette found herself beginning to care for him. But with danger in the form of Germans at the nearby manor, Arlette knew Saul wasn’t safe.
What would happen to their tranquil countryside existence? The brutality of the Germans shocked the quiet, peaceful French people – how could one human be so cruel to another?
Arlette’s Story is the debut novel by Angela Barton and I found it an exceptional read. Another WWII story, yes, but from the French perspective. The occupation of France; the betrayal of his people by Pétain; the horrors inflicted – all combined with a beautiful, compassionate story of Arlette, her family and friends, made Arlette’s Story one to remember and recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read and review.
June 28, 2018
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
This is an absolutely gorgeous story!
The writing this book made the story really special. It is a brilliantly woven tale that takes you through a full range of emotions. It really helps to justice to a well researched and well thought out story that will play with your heartstrings.
The main characters are excellent and they work so well together. The scene setting is great and you do feel as though you have been transported back to walk the streets the characters do. It really is a lovely book.
I am lucky to have been born well after WWII and can only imagine what it must have been like for the people affected at the time, an excellent book that really brings home just how horrific it must have been...
Five stars from me - and it is one that I will be recommending again and again!
This is an absolutely gorgeous story!
The writing this book made the story really special. It is a brilliantly woven tale that takes you through a full range of emotions. It really helps to justice to a well researched and well thought out story that will play with your heartstrings.
The main characters are excellent and they work so well together. The scene setting is great and you do feel as though you have been transported back to walk the streets the characters do. It really is a lovely book.
I am lucky to have been born well after WWII and can only imagine what it must have been like for the people affected at the time, an excellent book that really brings home just how horrific it must have been...
Five stars from me - and it is one that I will be recommending again and again!
April 5, 2019
Many thanks to #NetGalley and the Choc Lit & Ruby Team for allowing me to read this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I was drawn to this novel by it’s cover art which spoke to me of war. Arlette’s Story is set in a small village in France which is located near the town of Oradour-sur-Glane. This name was not new to me. I have heard of it and read of it before and I knew that this story would be one that would be gut-wrenching.
Arlette Blaise is a young woman who lives on a farm with her father and brother. Her mother has died some years previously and she has taken on the role of woman of the house. Her best friend is falling in love with her brother and news of war doesn’t seem to be very personal to her as the story begins. That changes very quickly as the Germans eventually arrive in her village. All the food her family and friends have just finished harvesting as well as their animals are requisitioned by the Germans to help feed German soldiers. Her brother cannot stomach what has happened and leaves to join the local maquis in hiding.
The farm is much harder to manage without the assistance of her brother, so when her father learns that Jewish workers are being assigned to labour at local farms, they are happy to find Saul Epstein, a third year medical student, has been assigned to live and work with them. Arlette and Saul bond over the extremely difficult delivery of a calf and a loving relationship begins to develop. Sadly, Arlette has also caught the eye of the local German officer in charge of their area and he demands that she come and work for him. He uses his power to help her but has high expectations of what she will give in return.
When news comes that all Jewish people are to turn themselves in, Arlette and her father hide Saul in a hidden room they have built in their barn. Life is not easy and soon Arlette’s father is sent to Germany to work leaving her more unprotected than ever. The presence of her grandmother, visiting from Oradour-sur-Glane does little to protect Arlette as she faces constant pressures to give in to the German officer’s demands.
This story was inspired by the true story of what happened at Oradour-sur-Glane. One can still go and see the ruins of this town where everyone (except a small number who managed to escape) was killed by the Germans and the buildings razed. One can only imagine the effects this must have had on those who lived in the surrounding areas.
The author has done an excellent job of researching what it was like to live in this area during the war and what the different hardships were that the people faced on a daily basis. This book is her story of what it was like for a young woman to find love in the middle of chaos and how she managed to find the strength and courage to resist the pressures put on her to submit to the desires of German soldiers, all the while protecting those she loved while her own life was at risk.
This novel was not always easy to read because of the subject matter, but I was glued to it until I finished. It left me with a feeling of hope that in spite of all manner of horrible things happening, love could survive and life could continue. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in this time period and in particular to those who have never faced war and have no real understanding of its consequences.
I was drawn to this novel by it’s cover art which spoke to me of war. Arlette’s Story is set in a small village in France which is located near the town of Oradour-sur-Glane. This name was not new to me. I have heard of it and read of it before and I knew that this story would be one that would be gut-wrenching.
Arlette Blaise is a young woman who lives on a farm with her father and brother. Her mother has died some years previously and she has taken on the role of woman of the house. Her best friend is falling in love with her brother and news of war doesn’t seem to be very personal to her as the story begins. That changes very quickly as the Germans eventually arrive in her village. All the food her family and friends have just finished harvesting as well as their animals are requisitioned by the Germans to help feed German soldiers. Her brother cannot stomach what has happened and leaves to join the local maquis in hiding.
The farm is much harder to manage without the assistance of her brother, so when her father learns that Jewish workers are being assigned to labour at local farms, they are happy to find Saul Epstein, a third year medical student, has been assigned to live and work with them. Arlette and Saul bond over the extremely difficult delivery of a calf and a loving relationship begins to develop. Sadly, Arlette has also caught the eye of the local German officer in charge of their area and he demands that she come and work for him. He uses his power to help her but has high expectations of what she will give in return.
When news comes that all Jewish people are to turn themselves in, Arlette and her father hide Saul in a hidden room they have built in their barn. Life is not easy and soon Arlette’s father is sent to Germany to work leaving her more unprotected than ever. The presence of her grandmother, visiting from Oradour-sur-Glane does little to protect Arlette as she faces constant pressures to give in to the German officer’s demands.
This story was inspired by the true story of what happened at Oradour-sur-Glane. One can still go and see the ruins of this town where everyone (except a small number who managed to escape) was killed by the Germans and the buildings razed. One can only imagine the effects this must have had on those who lived in the surrounding areas.
The author has done an excellent job of researching what it was like to live in this area during the war and what the different hardships were that the people faced on a daily basis. This book is her story of what it was like for a young woman to find love in the middle of chaos and how she managed to find the strength and courage to resist the pressures put on her to submit to the desires of German soldiers, all the while protecting those she loved while her own life was at risk.
This novel was not always easy to read because of the subject matter, but I was glued to it until I finished. It left me with a feeling of hope that in spite of all manner of horrible things happening, love could survive and life could continue. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in this time period and in particular to those who have never faced war and have no real understanding of its consequences.
February 17, 2019
Breathtakingly beautiful
I loved the writing in this compelling story. To know one of the main tragic events of the war is true, makes Arlette's Story so harrowing. The chapter covering this event should be read by anybody who thinks war is the solution.
Angela Barton's descriptions are touched with painterly brushstrokes. Beautiful. Descriptions of the French countryside, farmyard and village scenes are like Impressionist images and she is mistress of everyday glimpses: a sheet that 'flaps like an angry bird,'; 'midges danced in the last days of sunshine,'; 'a petal falls suddenly from a flower onto the tablecloth.' So that the reader is totally immersed in this corner of French countryside, with a landscape where the sky is 'the colour of Sèvres blue porcelain', and 'the air was perfumed with sweet chestnuts, moss and pine needles,' and ' Summer passed leaving parched and puckered bronze leaves to cartwheel across the farmyard.' Gorgeous.
All the characters are utterly believable: the heroes and the villains, from baby Estelle Fleur with her ' hair as fine as a dandelion seed', to Steiner and his ' pungent arrogance'.
There are many layers to this story and grief is inevitably one: Arlette's father tried to console her by explaining that letting go of grief is by no means forgetting. He tells her it is like, 'wrapping a gift with delicate sheets of paper, folding the layers with your grief.' 'Memory is love's last light.' How beautiful is this?
The author has dedicated this tragic, uplifting, harrowing book to the ordinary, innocent people murdered in the Oradour Massacre. She should be so proud of her bittersweet tribute.
I recommend this book to all.
I loved the writing in this compelling story. To know one of the main tragic events of the war is true, makes Arlette's Story so harrowing. The chapter covering this event should be read by anybody who thinks war is the solution.
Angela Barton's descriptions are touched with painterly brushstrokes. Beautiful. Descriptions of the French countryside, farmyard and village scenes are like Impressionist images and she is mistress of everyday glimpses: a sheet that 'flaps like an angry bird,'; 'midges danced in the last days of sunshine,'; 'a petal falls suddenly from a flower onto the tablecloth.' So that the reader is totally immersed in this corner of French countryside, with a landscape where the sky is 'the colour of Sèvres blue porcelain', and 'the air was perfumed with sweet chestnuts, moss and pine needles,' and ' Summer passed leaving parched and puckered bronze leaves to cartwheel across the farmyard.' Gorgeous.
All the characters are utterly believable: the heroes and the villains, from baby Estelle Fleur with her ' hair as fine as a dandelion seed', to Steiner and his ' pungent arrogance'.
There are many layers to this story and grief is inevitably one: Arlette's father tried to console her by explaining that letting go of grief is by no means forgetting. He tells her it is like, 'wrapping a gift with delicate sheets of paper, folding the layers with your grief.' 'Memory is love's last light.' How beautiful is this?
The author has dedicated this tragic, uplifting, harrowing book to the ordinary, innocent people murdered in the Oradour Massacre. She should be so proud of her bittersweet tribute.
I recommend this book to all.
July 2, 2018
Just stop a moment and absorb the exquisite cover, poppies are always so poignant, the image of a girl standing alone amidst the flowers just spoke to me and urged me to read Arlette’s Story.
Set in World War 2 the threat of invasion is filling the hearts of those in the South of France with fear. Arlette and her family have felt safe running their farm, a quiet, simple life until the Germans move through.
Whatever I say about this book is never going to give it the full justice it deserves, the author has immense skill, she can pull the reader into the minds of the characters to such a point that you are there living with them. The sights, sounds, smells all permeate the pages.
A loving family, Arlette, her brother, father and Grandma work the farm, tragedy has already taken the mother’s life. While farm labourers were exempt from joining up, brother Gilbert still felt he should do his bit in the war, much to the horror of his family. Arlette’s best friend Francine had a sweet spot for Gilbert and as teenagers the girls would talk about all their hopes, dreams and secrets and being rather naive they whispered about the concept of love.
Because Gilbert had left the farm an extra helping hand was needed, Saul arrives and very quickly Arlette is smitten .. the problem is Saul is a Jew, so in great danger from the German forces.
As the story progresses and the tension mounts the reader is swept up in all the passion, fear, heartache and violence. How do you hold yourself and you family, friends and love ones together in such dreadful times while coping with rationing and a true fight for survival?
The levels of emotions unfurl as you read each page faster than the last in the desperate need to find out what happens. I cannot tell you how intense the writing is. I found this to be an historical education as well as a beautiful love story almost swept away by the evil hands of the Nazis. The sheer brutality, humiliation and visions of horror they inflict on innocent humans is beyond comprehension.
I read this from cover to cover extremely fast, time stood still as my emotions took a hammering, tears of joy or desperation fought their way down my cheeks. I loved the entire family all in their own way have found a place in my hear and will remain there for ages after finishing reading about them. Arlette’s Story gets all the stars and more .. this will be in my top books list of the year for sure.
I encourage anybody who enjoys a brilliant story full of history and emotion to read this now!
My thanks to the author, publisher, netgalley and Rachel from Random Resource’s for my copy which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Set in World War 2 the threat of invasion is filling the hearts of those in the South of France with fear. Arlette and her family have felt safe running their farm, a quiet, simple life until the Germans move through.
Whatever I say about this book is never going to give it the full justice it deserves, the author has immense skill, she can pull the reader into the minds of the characters to such a point that you are there living with them. The sights, sounds, smells all permeate the pages.
A loving family, Arlette, her brother, father and Grandma work the farm, tragedy has already taken the mother’s life. While farm labourers were exempt from joining up, brother Gilbert still felt he should do his bit in the war, much to the horror of his family. Arlette’s best friend Francine had a sweet spot for Gilbert and as teenagers the girls would talk about all their hopes, dreams and secrets and being rather naive they whispered about the concept of love.
Because Gilbert had left the farm an extra helping hand was needed, Saul arrives and very quickly Arlette is smitten .. the problem is Saul is a Jew, so in great danger from the German forces.
As the story progresses and the tension mounts the reader is swept up in all the passion, fear, heartache and violence. How do you hold yourself and you family, friends and love ones together in such dreadful times while coping with rationing and a true fight for survival?
The levels of emotions unfurl as you read each page faster than the last in the desperate need to find out what happens. I cannot tell you how intense the writing is. I found this to be an historical education as well as a beautiful love story almost swept away by the evil hands of the Nazis. The sheer brutality, humiliation and visions of horror they inflict on innocent humans is beyond comprehension.
I read this from cover to cover extremely fast, time stood still as my emotions took a hammering, tears of joy or desperation fought their way down my cheeks. I loved the entire family all in their own way have found a place in my hear and will remain there for ages after finishing reading about them. Arlette’s Story gets all the stars and more .. this will be in my top books list of the year for sure.
I encourage anybody who enjoys a brilliant story full of history and emotion to read this now!
My thanks to the author, publisher, netgalley and Rachel from Random Resource’s for my copy which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
February 7, 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.
July 23, 2021
Such a beautiful and heart breaking story!
I will definitly read more books by this author.
I will definitly read more books by this author.
April 5, 2019
If you are interested in novels set against WWII, which render history accurately while having a good story, then do not bother with this book. But if you like fantasy novels, you can read this book. In the first five chapters the historical errors are too much for me to read on. There is a definite lack of research. Also there is no indication of the time period as the story progresses.
Just a few beefs:
- A 22-year-old Frenchman wouldn’t have been lounging at the farm but would have been away in the army right at the start of the war.
- French language – if you can’t speak it don’t use it. Grande Masse = Grande Messe
"my peach" in English doesn’t have "ma pêche" as a French equivalent. He’d have said ma poulette (young chick)
- From the Pétain handing over Paris to the Germans “this morning”, this means the action is taking place in June 1940. At that time there were no fuel shortages, not yet.
- Suddenly at the end of chapter two the harvest is requisitioned for the German soldiers out of the blue.
- And BTW French police do not wear berets.
- Chapter four. "...the Ministry of Agriculture... asking French farmers to raise silkworms with the slogan “French parachutes woven with French silk” After the armistice, there were no parachute made. The Vichy controlled France (free zone) had a small army of professional soldiers but no arms or aviation whatsoever. The silk industry came to a standstill.
- And Hitler never lead a victory parade on the Champs-Élysées.
After that I couldn't keep on reading. The story sounds very good, but historical errors turn me off.
Just a few beefs:
- A 22-year-old Frenchman wouldn’t have been lounging at the farm but would have been away in the army right at the start of the war.
- French language – if you can’t speak it don’t use it. Grande Masse = Grande Messe
"my peach" in English doesn’t have "ma pêche" as a French equivalent. He’d have said ma poulette (young chick)
- From the Pétain handing over Paris to the Germans “this morning”, this means the action is taking place in June 1940. At that time there were no fuel shortages, not yet.
- Suddenly at the end of chapter two the harvest is requisitioned for the German soldiers out of the blue.
- And BTW French police do not wear berets.
- Chapter four. "...the Ministry of Agriculture... asking French farmers to raise silkworms with the slogan “French parachutes woven with French silk” After the armistice, there were no parachute made. The Vichy controlled France (free zone) had a small army of professional soldiers but no arms or aviation whatsoever. The silk industry came to a standstill.
- And Hitler never lead a victory parade on the Champs-Élysées.
After that I couldn't keep on reading. The story sounds very good, but historical errors turn me off.
August 14, 2018
Arlette's Story is an emotional novel about life for a farmer's daughter in a village near Limoges during the war and occupation. Arlette is naïve to begin with when war breaks out, but we follow her as she matures from an innocent girl to a strong, independent young lady. She is resilient, brave and experiences far more than she should, thanks to the harsh way farming families were treated by the occupying Germans.
When the Germans arrive, Arlette draws the unwelcome attention of the Komandant, and as her grandmother wisely said, “no good will come of this”, but despite the risks involved she was able, up to a point, to use the situation to her advantage. Life was extremely hard, those she loved were forced away, tearing her family apart, their food and animals were requisitioned and despite rationing there was often nothing left to buy in the village shops. They also lived with deceit, hiding knowledge of the underground movement, knowing the harsh consequences involved if they were discovered.
I became rather attached to Arlette, who always remained strong despite facing tragedy more than once, and knowing the real history of where she lived, I wasn’t searching for a happy ending. Although upsetting in places, this is a beautifully written, well researched novel, that showed a real empathy for what life was like not too far from where I live in France now.
Arlette stayed in my head long after I finished reading her story and if you’re a lover of historical fiction, I’m sure you will enjoy this book too.
When the Germans arrive, Arlette draws the unwelcome attention of the Komandant, and as her grandmother wisely said, “no good will come of this”, but despite the risks involved she was able, up to a point, to use the situation to her advantage. Life was extremely hard, those she loved were forced away, tearing her family apart, their food and animals were requisitioned and despite rationing there was often nothing left to buy in the village shops. They also lived with deceit, hiding knowledge of the underground movement, knowing the harsh consequences involved if they were discovered.
I became rather attached to Arlette, who always remained strong despite facing tragedy more than once, and knowing the real history of where she lived, I wasn’t searching for a happy ending. Although upsetting in places, this is a beautifully written, well researched novel, that showed a real empathy for what life was like not too far from where I live in France now.
Arlette stayed in my head long after I finished reading her story and if you’re a lover of historical fiction, I’m sure you will enjoy this book too.
August 3, 2018
A beautifully written novel, so rich in detail it made me feel I was actually in war-torn France living with Arlette Blaise and her family and viewing at first hand their experiences – some of them quite terrible. Saul Epstein, a young Jewish medical student is sent to work on Arlette’s father’s farm. Their romance is set at a very gentle pace not taking away the main focus: the family’s daily struggle to survive during the German occupancy of the nearby town. Arlette is a tough and resilient young woman whose life, with the arrival of war and German soldiers in her town is faced with many challenges. One of the worst is the unwanted attentions of Kommandant Steiner who has requisitioned the local manor house for himself and his soldiers.
There’s a good supporting cast of characters who work well within this story of German Occupation in a small French town. Parts of this story are quite harrowing– the massacre at Oradour-sur-Glane (which actually happened) being the worst of them. All in all a compelling and very realistic read – an amazing debut. Can't wait to read more from Angela Barton
There’s a good supporting cast of characters who work well within this story of German Occupation in a small French town. Parts of this story are quite harrowing– the massacre at Oradour-sur-Glane (which actually happened) being the worst of them. All in all a compelling and very realistic read – an amazing debut. Can't wait to read more from Angela Barton
June 26, 2018
Best book of the year! This tells the story of one woman's fight to survive during the Nazi brutalities in France. It is beautifully written and really makes you think about the difficult choices such women had to face during the war. An emotional story which sucks the reader into this troubled and harsh time, and looks at how people were still able to hold onto their humanity. Very moving story.
A brilliant debut novel!
A brilliant debut novel!
June 26, 2018
Review to follow
July 27, 2026
a very sad story the writer either live through all this or had some very good input about what they went through. May those who lived and died be well in life and their survivors can be well in their memory
Just a wonderful wonderful story. Although this book has so many wonderful parts to it it is also very sad. I cannot even imagine what these people have lived for just to be back with their loved ones and have a life again. God bless them all and may be a reminder to us what they went through. I know I couldn’t have gone through all of this, even as a book very hard to imagine that they made it through. May-they. put all of this behind them, though it is not an easy they come back to a good life with their families. They live a good life. God bless them all.👍
Just a wonderful wonderful story. Although this book has so many wonderful parts to it it is also very sad. I cannot even imagine what these people have lived for just to be back with their loved ones and have a life again. God bless them all and may be a reminder to us what they went through. I know I couldn’t have gone through all of this, even as a book very hard to imagine that they made it through. May-they. put all of this behind them, though it is not an easy they come back to a good life with their families. They live a good life. God bless them all.👍
April 30, 2026
Powerful. The best single-word descriptor of Angela Barton's Arlette's Story. Barton follows the journey of one woman from the early days of France's German occupation to the celebration of the fifth anniversary of Hitler's loss. Arlette suffers greatly at the hands of the occupiers, but she emerges somewhat victorious.
Know that Arlette's Story includes one of the most atrocious actions Hitler ordered. Reading the account from the perspective of a survivor tears a reader's guts right out, makes her soul ache, and definitely brings tears. Nevertheless, it's a book well worth one's time.
Know that Arlette's Story includes one of the most atrocious actions Hitler ordered. Reading the account from the perspective of a survivor tears a reader's guts right out, makes her soul ache, and definitely brings tears. Nevertheless, it's a book well worth one's time.
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.
April 4, 2026
To capture the essence of the tragedy of Orlando in WW11 this book covers it all. A young girl living on the farm and living day to day and along come the Nazi’s with their brutal demands. This book is do well written and it takes you on this journey to life in rural France. A must read if you wish to learn about that awful event in June 1944.
April 11, 2026
An emotional and inspiring read
A great insight into the life under German occupation and the inhumanity inflicted on and suffered by the population, especially the Jews.
Lived were irreparably altered but love and resilience enabled
survivors to live and celebrate freedom.
A great insight into the life under German occupation and the inhumanity inflicted on and suffered by the population, especially the Jews.
Lived were irreparably altered but love and resilience enabled
survivors to live and celebrate freedom.
August 9, 2026
I enjoyed reading this book, it was very interesting and informative. I loved the fact that it was not set in a city but a small rural farming community and is loosely based on an actual historical event. Sometimes ot seemed cliche but at the same time engrossing enough for me to speed read it in a couple of days. There are some quotable musings that resonated with me and obviously others.
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.
March 9, 2026
Unable to put it down
This was one of the most interesting stories about France under Nazi control. I loved the characters especially Grandma Blaisse because I could relate as a grandma myself.
This was one of the most interesting stories about France under Nazi control. I loved the characters especially Grandma Blaisse because I could relate as a grandma myself.
March 18, 2026
a must read
From the front cover to the last page I was enthralled with the whole book ,I feel I know everyone and feel their pain.god bless everyone who went through this living hell .
From the front cover to the last page I was enthralled with the whole book ,I feel I know everyone and feel their pain.god bless everyone who went through this living hell .
August 15, 2026
The story was well written. I liked how the characters were written into these towns that still exist today . We truly must not forget the unimaginable brutality & destruction that happened to these people.
We must never allow this to happen again!!
I highly recommend this book!
We must never allow this to happen again!!
I highly recommend this book!
September 11, 2026
This was such a great read, harrowing at times but this is the era of harrowing times that we’re reading. No spoilers as like me you should read and take it in and read as a journey. The characters though are amazing and I will be thinking about them until I engage in my next read. Lovely book.
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!
May 8, 2026
A Great Read
What a powerful yet wonderful novel. Great from beginning to end. A believable story of love during war. Loved it
What a powerful yet wonderful novel. Great from beginning to end. A believable story of love during war. Loved it
June 28, 2026
harrowing but compulsive read.
After reading a book like this l question the trivia people get upset about nowadays. Who said what, who did what, it’s pathetic!
After reading a book like this l question the trivia people get upset about nowadays. Who said what, who did what, it’s pathetic!
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