What do you think?
Rate this book
Sisters of the Resistance #2
The Secret Nurse of Paris
Paris, 1940. She did not look back. She did not check to see if she was being followed. She simply walked, one foot in front of the other, steadily down the street.
As darkness falls over Europe, Rose Hartwell answers a call for nursing volunteers on the Western Front. Desperate to do her part in the war effort, she sees little of the dangers that lie ahead.
Soon, though, the role she signed up for becomes something much bigger and far more dangerous as she is recruited to travel to a hospital in Paris to spy on the enemy and feed intelligence back to London.
With the Nazi regime tightening its grip on the city, Rose knows she must trust no one, not even those she works alongside. But as her limits are tested, she discovers a resistance group working at the heart of the hospital - in a way she could never have imagined.
While they each have secrets, they unite in their mission. One that leads Rose to a dangerous choice that could expose an entire network and cost her more than just her life.
From the bestselling author of The Codebreaker's Daughter comes a powerful and inspiring story of one ordinary woman's astonishing bravery as she is faced with the ultimate choice, and the sacrifices she must make in the name of love and hope.
The Secret Nurse of Paris is the second standalone novel in the Sisters of the Resistance collection.
As darkness falls over Europe, Rose Hartwell answers a call for nursing volunteers on the Western Front. Desperate to do her part in the war effort, she sees little of the dangers that lie ahead.
Soon, though, the role she signed up for becomes something much bigger and far more dangerous as she is recruited to travel to a hospital in Paris to spy on the enemy and feed intelligence back to London.
With the Nazi regime tightening its grip on the city, Rose knows she must trust no one, not even those she works alongside. But as her limits are tested, she discovers a resistance group working at the heart of the hospital - in a way she could never have imagined.
While they each have secrets, they unite in their mission. One that leads Rose to a dangerous choice that could expose an entire network and cost her more than just her life.
From the bestselling author of The Codebreaker's Daughter comes a powerful and inspiring story of one ordinary woman's astonishing bravery as she is faced with the ultimate choice, and the sacrifices she must make in the name of love and hope.
The Secret Nurse of Paris is the second standalone novel in the Sisters of the Resistance collection.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 27, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Secret Nurse of Paris by Suzanne Fortin was an emotional, suspenseful, and beautifully written story of courage, sacrifice, and hope during one of history’s darkest periods. Suzanne Fortin has written a wonderful novel that kept me completely engrossed and reminded me of the extraordinary bravery of ordinary people during World War II.
Set in 1940, The Secret Nurse of Paris followed Rose Hartwell, a young nurse who volunteered to serve on the Western Front, and was determined to do her part for the war effort. What began as a nursing assignment soon became a dangerous mission when Rose was recruited to work in a Paris hospital while she secretly gathered intelligence for London. As the Nazis tighten their grip on Paris, Rose discovered a resistance network that operated within the hospital, where she soon learned that everyone had secrets and that trusting the wrong person could result in devastating consequences.
I particularly admired Rose’s strength, compassion, and determination. Rose faced impossible choices and I found myself worrying about her safety. Suzanne Fortin was able to capture the fear, uncertainty and humanity of life the people faced under Nazi occupation. I also enjoyed how the relationship between Rose and Dr. Bernard developed and grew.
The Secret Nurse of Paris was the second book in the Sisters of the Resistance series. Although I had not read the first book, The Secret Midwife of Berlin, I had absolutely no trouble following this book. It worked beautifully as a standalone novel. However, because I enjoyed this one so much I will probably go back and read the first book in this series. I am already looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I highly recommend this unforgettable novel to readers who enjoy historical fiction, particularly stories about strong women, the French Resistance, and the incredible sacrifices made during World War II.
Thank you to Embla Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this wonderful book in exchange for my honest review.
Set in 1940, The Secret Nurse of Paris followed Rose Hartwell, a young nurse who volunteered to serve on the Western Front, and was determined to do her part for the war effort. What began as a nursing assignment soon became a dangerous mission when Rose was recruited to work in a Paris hospital while she secretly gathered intelligence for London. As the Nazis tighten their grip on Paris, Rose discovered a resistance network that operated within the hospital, where she soon learned that everyone had secrets and that trusting the wrong person could result in devastating consequences.
I particularly admired Rose’s strength, compassion, and determination. Rose faced impossible choices and I found myself worrying about her safety. Suzanne Fortin was able to capture the fear, uncertainty and humanity of life the people faced under Nazi occupation. I also enjoyed how the relationship between Rose and Dr. Bernard developed and grew.
The Secret Nurse of Paris was the second book in the Sisters of the Resistance series. Although I had not read the first book, The Secret Midwife of Berlin, I had absolutely no trouble following this book. It worked beautifully as a standalone novel. However, because I enjoyed this one so much I will probably go back and read the first book in this series. I am already looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I highly recommend this unforgettable novel to readers who enjoy historical fiction, particularly stories about strong women, the French Resistance, and the incredible sacrifices made during World War II.
Thank you to Embla Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this wonderful book in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was drawn to this book for a number of reasons. I'm a retired nurse myself and my great aunt served in Europe as a nurse in WW1 and my father served in Europe as a doctor in WW2. I am a believer in the healthcare workers promise to "Do No Harm". This novel left me with lots of food for thought and reflection . As a nurse, what would I have done if I found myself in a similar situation as Rose Hartwell, the heroine of this story?
Rose trained as a nurse in England but her language skills made her an ideal candidate to send overseas to serve on the Western front and led to her being asked to stay when troops were withdrawn and travel to a hospital that was in the charge of the Nazi's, where she could nurse, but also spy on the Germans and see that her information could be sent back to England. Imagine what it would have been like...how would you know who to trust? What would you be willing to risk to protect your patients and how would you deal with the horrors you could never unsee?
Rose kept her eyes and ears opened and managed to connect with others who shared her concerns. One was a doctor with secrets of his own to hide but seemed to be on the side of good.
This book was a gripping read and forced me as a reader to think about things that were difficult to consider. To do the job she was assigned meant Rose put herself in places where evil was in command and she had no power to stop it. Sometimes we have to challenge ourselves to act in ways we would normally avoid. Lots of room for discussion for book clubs here. As we are called more and more to choose sides and align ourselves with others, this explores the strength of one woman. While she is a fictional character, I suspect the choices that she faced were all too real. I highly recommend this book for those interested in difficult times in history.
Many thanks to #NetGalley and #EmblaBooks for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Rose trained as a nurse in England but her language skills made her an ideal candidate to send overseas to serve on the Western front and led to her being asked to stay when troops were withdrawn and travel to a hospital that was in the charge of the Nazi's, where she could nurse, but also spy on the Germans and see that her information could be sent back to England. Imagine what it would have been like...how would you know who to trust? What would you be willing to risk to protect your patients and how would you deal with the horrors you could never unsee?
Rose kept her eyes and ears opened and managed to connect with others who shared her concerns. One was a doctor with secrets of his own to hide but seemed to be on the side of good.
This book was a gripping read and forced me as a reader to think about things that were difficult to consider. To do the job she was assigned meant Rose put herself in places where evil was in command and she had no power to stop it. Sometimes we have to challenge ourselves to act in ways we would normally avoid. Lots of room for discussion for book clubs here. As we are called more and more to choose sides and align ourselves with others, this explores the strength of one woman. While she is a fictional character, I suspect the choices that she faced were all too real. I highly recommend this book for those interested in difficult times in history.
Many thanks to #NetGalley and #EmblaBooks for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
September 26, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, Embla Books and the author for this arc. This was my first Suzanne Fortin book and I will definitely be reading her entire backlist!
This book is set during WWII and the German occupation of France. Rose is a newly qualified nurse and due to her impressive language skills has been sent on a secret mission to Paris to gather intelligence. She has been given strict instructions not to draw attention to herself and to follow orders no matter what, but Rose’s moral compass and empathetic nursing values mean that she faces huge dilemmas whilst working on the wards.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I am particularly fond of WWII historical fiction and this was done really well. I loved the character of Rose; she did every thing in her power to care for her patients, no matter what nationality they were and I really felt her conflict between saving one life or saving the network.
If you enjoyed ‘The Nightingale’ by Kristin Hannah you might like to try this. I would highly recommend especially if you like:
💛 Historical fiction with a love interest
💛 WWII era specifically the French resistance
💛 strong FMCs
This book is set during WWII and the German occupation of France. Rose is a newly qualified nurse and due to her impressive language skills has been sent on a secret mission to Paris to gather intelligence. She has been given strict instructions not to draw attention to herself and to follow orders no matter what, but Rose’s moral compass and empathetic nursing values mean that she faces huge dilemmas whilst working on the wards.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I am particularly fond of WWII historical fiction and this was done really well. I loved the character of Rose; she did every thing in her power to care for her patients, no matter what nationality they were and I really felt her conflict between saving one life or saving the network.
If you enjoyed ‘The Nightingale’ by Kristin Hannah you might like to try this. I would highly recommend especially if you like:
💛 Historical fiction with a love interest
💛 WWII era specifically the French resistance
💛 strong FMCs
November 2, 2026
The Secret Nurse of Paris by Suzanne Fortin
It is not often that I come across a book I simply do not want to put down, but The Secret Nurse of Paris was one of those captivating reads. From the very beginning, I found myself immersed in Rose Hartwell’s story, drawn to her courage, determination, and unwavering sense of purpose.
Rose is a compelling and believable protagonist. I particularly appreciated her decisiveness and the clarity with which she approaches her life. She knows what she wants and is not easily swayed by the expectations of others. As her circumstances become increasingly dangerous, she is forced to navigate impossible choices that challenge both her professional training and her conscience. I admired her strength, compassion, and willingness to risk everything for what she believes is right.
Suzanne Fortin does a wonderful job of introducing the story and its supporting characters, each of whom adds depth and meaning to the narrative. The relationships develop naturally, and I especially enjoyed the evolving connection between Rose and Dr. Bernard. The story beautifully balances mystery, suspense, romance, and the emotional realities of life under Nazi occupation. The atmosphere of wartime Paris is compelling, and the danger, uncertainty, and sacrifices faced by those involved in the Resistance make the story all the more moving.
Although The Secret Nurse of Paris is the second book in the Sisters of the Resistance series, I had not read the first installment and thoroughly enjoyed this novel as a standalone. The story was engaging and complete on its own, without leaving me feeling that I had missed anything essential. That said, I am now interested in going back to read the first book and look forward to exploring more of this series.
My hooray to Suzanne Fortin for a wonderful, absorbing story that kept me engaged until the very end! I also extend my sincere thanks to NetGalley and Embla Books for providing me with an advance copy of this novel.
Highly recommended for readers who enjoy historical fiction, wartime stories, mystery, and romance, especially those who appreciate narratives that highlight the extraordinary bravery of ordinary people during some of history’s darkest moments.
It is not often that I come across a book I simply do not want to put down, but The Secret Nurse of Paris was one of those captivating reads. From the very beginning, I found myself immersed in Rose Hartwell’s story, drawn to her courage, determination, and unwavering sense of purpose.
Rose is a compelling and believable protagonist. I particularly appreciated her decisiveness and the clarity with which she approaches her life. She knows what she wants and is not easily swayed by the expectations of others. As her circumstances become increasingly dangerous, she is forced to navigate impossible choices that challenge both her professional training and her conscience. I admired her strength, compassion, and willingness to risk everything for what she believes is right.
Suzanne Fortin does a wonderful job of introducing the story and its supporting characters, each of whom adds depth and meaning to the narrative. The relationships develop naturally, and I especially enjoyed the evolving connection between Rose and Dr. Bernard. The story beautifully balances mystery, suspense, romance, and the emotional realities of life under Nazi occupation. The atmosphere of wartime Paris is compelling, and the danger, uncertainty, and sacrifices faced by those involved in the Resistance make the story all the more moving.
Although The Secret Nurse of Paris is the second book in the Sisters of the Resistance series, I had not read the first installment and thoroughly enjoyed this novel as a standalone. The story was engaging and complete on its own, without leaving me feeling that I had missed anything essential. That said, I am now interested in going back to read the first book and look forward to exploring more of this series.
My hooray to Suzanne Fortin for a wonderful, absorbing story that kept me engaged until the very end! I also extend my sincere thanks to NetGalley and Embla Books for providing me with an advance copy of this novel.
Highly recommended for readers who enjoy historical fiction, wartime stories, mystery, and romance, especially those who appreciate narratives that highlight the extraordinary bravery of ordinary people during some of history’s darkest moments.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have read this as an ARC recieved from Netgalley ahead of publication.
I knew this was going to be a good one as anything written by Suzanne Fortin guarantees a great read.
You can read this as a stand alone or after reading The Secret Midwife of Berlin which is about Rose's sister Clara.
The Secret Nurse of Paris tells a story of a remarkable women who is hired by MI6 to uncover intellegience in Paris from German officers whilst serving as an undercover nurse.
The story includes romance and bravery. Rose struggles with her duty to care for her patients, what she is intructed to do by MI6 and what she feels she needs to do.
Suzanne Fortin has a way of writting that always transports you into the book. You really feel you are there amongst the characters.
If you enjoy historical fiction then I highly recommend you read The Secret Nurse of Paris.
This story has a strong FMC, romance, historical fiction and espionage.
I knew this was going to be a good one as anything written by Suzanne Fortin guarantees a great read.
You can read this as a stand alone or after reading The Secret Midwife of Berlin which is about Rose's sister Clara.
The Secret Nurse of Paris tells a story of a remarkable women who is hired by MI6 to uncover intellegience in Paris from German officers whilst serving as an undercover nurse.
The story includes romance and bravery. Rose struggles with her duty to care for her patients, what she is intructed to do by MI6 and what she feels she needs to do.
Suzanne Fortin has a way of writting that always transports you into the book. You really feel you are there amongst the characters.
If you enjoy historical fiction then I highly recommend you read The Secret Nurse of Paris.
This story has a strong FMC, romance, historical fiction and espionage.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the second book I have read by Suzanne Fortin. It is also the second book in what I'm hoping will be a trilogy.
This story is about Rose who decides she can't sit back and do nothing when the war is coming closer. As she is trained as a nurse (and can speak French and German) she can be of use in many places and ends up being placed in Paris where she can send what she learns/overhears back to London.
She meets people who will become very important to her and also to the resistance movement rising up throughout the area.
She finds herself working with someone that she never would have imagined she would, which shows just how much her life has changed since arriving in Paris.
This story had me on the edge of my seat, I had to keep reading to find out how it would end.
Thank you to Embla, NetGalley and Suzanne Fortin for the eARC of this book which I received for free in exchange for my review.
This story is about Rose who decides she can't sit back and do nothing when the war is coming closer. As she is trained as a nurse (and can speak French and German) she can be of use in many places and ends up being placed in Paris where she can send what she learns/overhears back to London.
She meets people who will become very important to her and also to the resistance movement rising up throughout the area.
She finds herself working with someone that she never would have imagined she would, which shows just how much her life has changed since arriving in Paris.
This story had me on the edge of my seat, I had to keep reading to find out how it would end.
Thank you to Embla, NetGalley and Suzanne Fortin for the eARC of this book which I received for free in exchange for my review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I really enjoyed this second instalment of the Sisters of the Resistance series. This time, Rose Hartwell, a nurse, is the sister in Paris risking her life.
Co-opted by MI6, Rose is given a new identity and sent to work in Paris after the German occupation of the country. Fluent in both French and German she is to spy on the German patients and size up the French staff for useful informants.
By accident she discovers a resistance group at the hospital and working alongside Dr Bernard becomes part of it. She is forced to work alongside one of the Nazi interrogators keeping suspects alive long enough for him to question them. Alongside this she helps Dr Bernard save several from interrogation.
She is forced to make choices which go against all her training and conscience to ensure their survival and ultimately her own.
An absorbing read - hard at times but ultimately hopeful.
Co-opted by MI6, Rose is given a new identity and sent to work in Paris after the German occupation of the country. Fluent in both French and German she is to spy on the German patients and size up the French staff for useful informants.
By accident she discovers a resistance group at the hospital and working alongside Dr Bernard becomes part of it. She is forced to work alongside one of the Nazi interrogators keeping suspects alive long enough for him to question them. Alongside this she helps Dr Bernard save several from interrogation.
She is forced to make choices which go against all her training and conscience to ensure their survival and ultimately her own.
An absorbing read - hard at times but ultimately hopeful.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Secret Nurse of Paris by Suzanne Fortin was every bit as good as the first book in the series! This story follows the sister of the main character from the first book, and I was so invested in her journey from beginning to end.
There was so much emotion throughout this story. Seeing the sacrifices the nurses and doctors made during the war and how hard they fought to help others really put things into perspective. I can’t imagine what it would have been like to live through something like that!
The relationships were so strong, and I loved all the historical details woven throughout the story. This was such a moving, engaging read, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction!
There was so much emotion throughout this story. Seeing the sacrifices the nurses and doctors made during the war and how hard they fought to help others really put things into perspective. I can’t imagine what it would have been like to live through something like that!
The relationships were so strong, and I loved all the historical details woven throughout the story. This was such a moving, engaging read, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction!
October 29, 2026
The Secret Nurse of Paris by Suzanne Fortin - a French Resistance novel of World War 2. Nurse Rose Hartwell is approached by M16 and asked to go undercover to a hospital in Paris as. French nurse. Her adventures begin there, especially after meeting Doctor Gabriel Bernard. Not knowing who to trust Rose, or Yvonne as she is now, relies on instinct. Coming into the radar of Herr Schneider who is interrogating patients using torture, Rose fights with her conscience. I felt some of this was too simplistic but overall the story held my attention, caused me discomfort and made me gasp. #thesecretnurseofparis #netgalley #arc
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed this book it was so interesting learning how the French Resistance worked in hospitals to rescue military personnel that were in danger from the Nazis. The story had it all, danger, intrigue, helplessness, empathy, love and hope. It was a very emotional story especially the way the Nazis tortured and brutalised the French and Allied service men. I found myself so engrossed I had a hard time putting it down, I highly recommend The Secret Nurse of Paris it’s a great read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. Publication date 27 October 2026.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. Publication date 27 October 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Suzanne Fortin brings the early days of World War II with this suspenseful story about Rose, a young British nurse who volunteers to serve when Britain enters the war. Rose soon discovers that nursing near the front lines is anything but ordinary.
I really enjoyed watching Rose face the challenges and dangers of wartime while trying to do her part. There were plenty of twists and moments of suspense that kept me turning the pages.
A very enjoyable historical fiction read and definitely a page-turner!
I really enjoyed watching Rose face the challenges and dangers of wartime while trying to do her part. There were plenty of twists and moments of suspense that kept me turning the pages.
A very enjoyable historical fiction read and definitely a page-turner!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
**Thank you NetGalley, Embla Books, and Suzanne Fortin for this ARC**
I might be in the minority here, but while I think the story itself was great and worth telling, the characters and Rose in particular felt under-developed. I generally love WWII historical fiction, but the depth wasn't there for me in the main characters and that made it mlre difficult to connect with the story.
I might be in the minority here, but while I think the story itself was great and worth telling, the characters and Rose in particular felt under-developed. I generally love WWII historical fiction, but the depth wasn't there for me in the main characters and that made it mlre difficult to connect with the story.
November 5, 2026
yet another fantastic gripping read
I absolutely loved this book. It was great that it crossed over with book one and carried on the story. It was a gripping and horrifying read. Loved the way Rose kept trying to help the soldiers no matter the danger to herself. I’m hoping we get a book three located in Poland
I absolutely loved this book. It was great that it crossed over with book one and carried on the story. It was a gripping and horrifying read. Loved the way Rose kept trying to help the soldiers no matter the danger to herself. I’m hoping we get a book three located in Poland
September 15, 2026
This book was good! There are some WW2 historical fiction books that I have read that stuck with me more, but this was a good read. It kept me interested the whole time. I kind of wished we would know that stays of her sisters though.
October 4, 2026
England, 1939. Rose Hartwell is a nurse and when they asked staff to travel to France as members of the Queen Alexandra’s Nursing Service reserves and she volunteers.
Then Rose is given an opportunity to work for the M16, they want her to pose a French nurse in Paris, and gather intelligence from German soldiers and send it back to London. At first her job isn’t hard but a Gestapo agent arrives, he wants her to be present when he “chats” to French civilians who have been caught taking part in acts of resistance.
Rose discovers a doctor and an orderly are smuggling patients out of the hospital and those who are most at risk, it’s dangerous and she joins them. This goes against what London wanted her to do, both she and Doctor Bernard have secrets, they can’t revel them to each other yet and it will only be a matter of time before they do.
I received a copy of The Secret Nurse of Paris (Sisters of the Resistance #2) by Suzanne Fortin from Embla Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I read and enjoy the first book in the series called The Secret Midwife of Berlin and I can’t wait for the third.
You really get a sense for what it was like for medical staff working in French hospitals at the time, via he character’s in this narrative both Rose and Doctor Bernard were inspirational, brave, courageous, hated what the Germans were doing and did as much as they could to stop it.
I highly recommend this novel if you like historical fiction, with an emphasis on surveillance, intelligence, spying, resistance, medicine, ethics, righting the wrongs and a budding romance.
Five stars from me and I’m sure the next book will be about the youngest sister Evie Hartwell.
Then Rose is given an opportunity to work for the M16, they want her to pose a French nurse in Paris, and gather intelligence from German soldiers and send it back to London. At first her job isn’t hard but a Gestapo agent arrives, he wants her to be present when he “chats” to French civilians who have been caught taking part in acts of resistance.
Rose discovers a doctor and an orderly are smuggling patients out of the hospital and those who are most at risk, it’s dangerous and she joins them. This goes against what London wanted her to do, both she and Doctor Bernard have secrets, they can’t revel them to each other yet and it will only be a matter of time before they do.
I received a copy of The Secret Nurse of Paris (Sisters of the Resistance #2) by Suzanne Fortin from Embla Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I read and enjoy the first book in the series called The Secret Midwife of Berlin and I can’t wait for the third.
You really get a sense for what it was like for medical staff working in French hospitals at the time, via he character’s in this narrative both Rose and Doctor Bernard were inspirational, brave, courageous, hated what the Germans were doing and did as much as they could to stop it.
I highly recommend this novel if you like historical fiction, with an emphasis on surveillance, intelligence, spying, resistance, medicine, ethics, righting the wrongs and a budding romance.
Five stars from me and I’m sure the next book will be about the youngest sister Evie Hartwell.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Secret Nurse of Paris is absolutely compelling. I was gripped throughout and raced through this book on the edge of my seat. The dilemmas faced by Rose, the main character, were heartbreaking and made me question how I would behave if ever faced with the same choices. Rose is a brilliant character and I felt for her and rooted for her throughout.
Although the book is part of a series, I only found that out once I’d finished it and it no way affected my enjoyment - the story definitely works as a standalone.
This is one of my favourite historical fiction reads of the year and deserves a place on any WW2 fiction fan’s bookshelf. Highly recommended and an unhesitating five stars from me.
Although the book is part of a series, I only found that out once I’d finished it and it no way affected my enjoyment - the story definitely works as a standalone.
This is one of my favourite historical fiction reads of the year and deserves a place on any WW2 fiction fan’s bookshelf. Highly recommended and an unhesitating five stars from me.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews