What do you think?
Rate this book
The Wedding Tree #2
The French War Bride
World War II Paris serves as the backdrop of a story of compassion, betrayal, and forgiveness from the national bestselling author of The Wedding Tree . . .
“I never knew what he saw in you.”
At her retirement home in Wedding Tree, Louisiana, ninety-one-year-old Amelie O’Connor is in the habit of leaving her door open for friends. One day she receives an unexpected visitor—Kat Morgan, the ex-fiancée of her late husband, Jack.
Kat and Jack were high school sweethearts who planned to marry when Jack returned from France after World War II. But in a cruel twist of fate, their plans were irrevocably derailed when a desperate French girl overheard an American GI’s confession in a Parisian church. . .
Now, Kat wants to know the truth behind a story that’s haunted her whole life. Finding out how Amelie stole Jack’s heart will—she thinks—finally bring her peace. As Amelie recalls the dark days of the Nazi occupation of Paris, The French War Bride reveals how history shapes the courses of our lives. . .for better or for worse.
“I never knew what he saw in you.”
At her retirement home in Wedding Tree, Louisiana, ninety-one-year-old Amelie O’Connor is in the habit of leaving her door open for friends. One day she receives an unexpected visitor—Kat Morgan, the ex-fiancée of her late husband, Jack.
Kat and Jack were high school sweethearts who planned to marry when Jack returned from France after World War II. But in a cruel twist of fate, their plans were irrevocably derailed when a desperate French girl overheard an American GI’s confession in a Parisian church. . .
Now, Kat wants to know the truth behind a story that’s haunted her whole life. Finding out how Amelie stole Jack’s heart will—she thinks—finally bring her peace. As Amelie recalls the dark days of the Nazi occupation of Paris, The French War Bride reveals how history shapes the courses of our lives. . .for better or for worse.
480 pages, Paperback
First published August 2, 2016
186 people are currently reading
1608 people want to read
About the author
Robin Wells
22 books185 followers Robin Wells is the USA TODAY best-selling author of nineteen critically-acclaimed novels that have been translated into nineteen languages. Her books have won RWA's Golden Heart Award, two National Readers’ Choice Awards, the Award of Excellence, the Golden Quill, and the Holt Medallion. Her next novel, She Gets That From Me, will be published by Berkley/Penguin/Random House September 22 2020.
She holds a B.A. in liberal arts from the University of Oklahoma, lived in Louisiana for 27 years and now resides in Houston, Texas. She and her husband are proud parents of two daughters and a very spoiled maltipoo. Before becoming a full-time writer, Robin worked as an advertising and public relations executive for a major hotel chain.
She holds a B.A. in liberal arts from the University of Oklahoma, lived in Louisiana for 27 years and now resides in Houston, Texas. She and her husband are proud parents of two daughters and a very spoiled maltipoo. Before becoming a full-time writer, Robin worked as an advertising and public relations executive for a major hotel chain.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
June 9, 2023
I remember thinking, How can an old man fall in the street when the Nazis are invading? How can everyday tragedies still happen, while our country is under attack? The very least God could do, it seemed, was to grant a reprieve on non-war disasters. (PG 68)
This book was in my library for so many years. I decided it was time to get it over with and give it away, thinking it was a lame chick-lit. But was it? No. It was WWII France. It was a different type of story with strong women and hard choices. The narrator was Amelie and she was telling the story to Kat, the angry ex-fiancee to Amelie's husband, both in their elderly years.
I enjoyed how Amelie told the story. Her story was sad, juicy, astonishing and so well told. I wanted more. It had a little bit of romance but it wasn't off putting. I don't like romance so I can honestly say this wasn't that. The story is told in pre-war to post-war and how Amelie met Jack. It seems Amelie only told the story to Kat because Kat has six months to live and she couldn't die knowing Jack left her for another woman. (Let it GO, lady!)
We start in France and end in Wedding Tree, Louisiana. Both backdrops were great. From a big city to a small, gossipy town and an invading hussie of a Frenchie.
Recommend for lovers of historical fiction (WWII)
This book was in my library for so many years. I decided it was time to get it over with and give it away, thinking it was a lame chick-lit. But was it? No. It was WWII France. It was a different type of story with strong women and hard choices. The narrator was Amelie and she was telling the story to Kat, the angry ex-fiancee to Amelie's husband, both in their elderly years.
I enjoyed how Amelie told the story. Her story was sad, juicy, astonishing and so well told. I wanted more. It had a little bit of romance but it wasn't off putting. I don't like romance so I can honestly say this wasn't that. The story is told in pre-war to post-war and how Amelie met Jack. It seems Amelie only told the story to Kat because Kat has six months to live and she couldn't die knowing Jack left her for another woman. (Let it GO, lady!)
We start in France and end in Wedding Tree, Louisiana. Both backdrops were great. From a big city to a small, gossipy town and an invading hussie of a Frenchie.
Recommend for lovers of historical fiction (WWII)
August 1, 2016
There are some people who are natural storytellers. My husband been happens to be one of them. I am not. However, Robin Wells is a beautiful story teller and has taken this series to a new level with her beautiful stories of old.
Reaching into the history and the memories of our older generation is a wonderful way to tell a story that is rich with memories and the history of the time. Reading one of Robin’s books is like listening to the story that your grandmother or grandfather would tell you. Stories about family, love, struggle, loss, and even survival. This is what The French War Bride is about.
A beautifully written story that draws you right into the lives of the characters so you can feel what they felt and endured throughout their long life.
This book is not one that you’re going to just run through in an evening. You better make a date for several nights of reading when you sit down and crack the cover of this book. This is definitely a book that will give you major feels and leave you a little sad at the end but also leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling as well.
Not one to be missed if you love a wonderful women’s fiction story loaded with historical facts.
full review and a giveaway of a copy http://amidlifewife.com/the-french-wa...
Reaching into the history and the memories of our older generation is a wonderful way to tell a story that is rich with memories and the history of the time. Reading one of Robin’s books is like listening to the story that your grandmother or grandfather would tell you. Stories about family, love, struggle, loss, and even survival. This is what The French War Bride is about.
A beautifully written story that draws you right into the lives of the characters so you can feel what they felt and endured throughout their long life.
This book is not one that you’re going to just run through in an evening. You better make a date for several nights of reading when you sit down and crack the cover of this book. This is definitely a book that will give you major feels and leave you a little sad at the end but also leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling as well.
Not one to be missed if you love a wonderful women’s fiction story loaded with historical facts.
full review and a giveaway of a copy http://amidlifewife.com/the-french-wa...
February 13, 2019
Wedding Tree, Louisiana is a charming small town. Amelie O'Connor has called it home since arriving in the US as a war bride following WWII. Now living in an assisted living facility, she is surprised by the arrival of Kat Thompson, the ex fiance of her late husband, Jack. Kat, the daughter of the town's doctor, got to know Jack when he expressed an interest in becoming a a small town GP. They became engaged before Jack shipped off to war, and she dreamed of a big wedding upon his return. Kat confronts Amelie, seeking the story of how Amelie ended up as Jack's war bride. As Amelie recounts her life in Paris under Nazi occupation, you come to understand the difficulties she faced. In an act of desperation she deceives Jack into believing she is someone else, and convinces him to bring her to America as a war bride. Amelie's story reveals the risks, sacrifices and hardships she faced. Kat also remembers the courtship between her and Jack that led to their engagement, and the hurt she felt being jilted. It is peace and the ability to forgive that she seems from Amelie.
A great book for fans of historical fiction.
A great book for fans of historical fiction.
November 20, 2016
I had no idea this was part of a series when I started to read this book, but as far as I know is the books not linked to each other than that they take place in the town of Wedding Tree. All I knew was that I wanted to read this book the first time I saw the cover and then read the description of the book. I have a deep love for books with parallel timelines and I found the description of the book fascinating with two women, old now, finally confronting the past...
READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION
READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION
December 11, 2017
I don’t even know how to describe how wonderfully written this book was. I was drawn in almost instantaneously and could not put it down. Life during occupied France always interests me. The survival of those women and children .... I almost can’t wrap my head around that it truly happened. Gripping. Emotional. Engaging. Wonderful read.
August 23, 2016
This might be one of those "it's not you, it's me" scenarios but honestly I just couldn't get into this book. Since it was part of a series and I did read the first book, I was hoping it was a mixture of current times and WWII-- because to tell the truth, as much as I loved WWII stories three years ago, I'm getting tired of them now. Be that may --that's not the author's fault.
Robin Wells has a engaging storytelling style -but in this novel I didn't really care for the premise or the characters. From the very beginning of the book, I just couldn't suspend belief that a ninety plus woman would confront another woman almost seventy years later. Thinking about someone holding a grudge for over ¾ of her life just seemed far-fetched or incredibly sad. Already having difficulty with the set-up for the story it was disconcerting to immediately have the juxtaposition of perfect heroine vs. ill-tempered, cranky other woman.
I do understand the author was going for contrast --- showing how right the heroine was for the other woman’s ex-fiancé. However, Kat’s action didn’t seem like a woman facing death.
Of course I’m not an expert on how all different personalities act in this scenario, but I have worked with the elderly and also people in hospice, so Kat’s character seemed far from authentic.
I also had some problems with the hero’s honor regarding his actions once he and his war bride was back in the States. And then the way the heroine saves the day.
I would like to thank the publisher for the opportunity to read this book. I did received a free copy
Robin Wells has a engaging storytelling style -but in this novel I didn't really care for the premise or the characters. From the very beginning of the book, I just couldn't suspend belief that a ninety plus woman would confront another woman almost seventy years later. Thinking about someone holding a grudge for over ¾ of her life just seemed far-fetched or incredibly sad. Already having difficulty with the set-up for the story it was disconcerting to immediately have the juxtaposition of perfect heroine vs. ill-tempered, cranky other woman.
I do understand the author was going for contrast --- showing how right the heroine was for the other woman’s ex-fiancé. However, Kat’s action didn’t seem like a woman facing death.
Of course I’m not an expert on how all different personalities act in this scenario, but I have worked with the elderly and also people in hospice, so Kat’s character seemed far from authentic.
I also had some problems with the hero’s honor regarding his actions once he and his war bride was back in the States. And then the way the heroine saves the day.
I would like to thank the publisher for the opportunity to read this book. I did received a free copy
March 6, 2018
This was a book I couldn’t stand to put down. I really enjoyed it from the beginning and never wanted it to end. It is well-written and tells an amazing story.
August 4, 2016
I have to say the cover of this book is beautiful, isn't it! It fits in with the rest of the story! So, imagine a few years after losing your husband, after he has passed away, after spending all those years with the love of your life with him. You happen to still be living at the Assisted Living place because that is what your husband needed at the time, and you normally leave your door open so your friends know you are home and perhaps you can get together and do something together, and look who shows up at your door! The last person you ever would expect to show up there is your husband's jilted ex-fiance' who is now 91 years old. Her name is Kat, and she is still looking for answers as to, "why?" Amelie never expects to see this! Yes, Kat was the fiance’ of her late husband, Jack. Kat has to be around the same age as Amelie is, and has been handed a sentence of cancer, with less than six months to live. With her doctor having her get her affairs in order, there is only one thing that Kat wants to know, and that is why Jack proposed to her, making her his fiance’ prior to the World War II, then ended up marrying another woman instead of her? Knowing she cannot go to her grave without getting the answers from Amelie, she confronts her in her own home. (I thought that was quite brazen, but she did it.) Amelie surely feels put on the spot, and where I would have told her it’s none of her business, but in words much nicer than that, Amelie proceeds to try to get Kat to understand. I felt if Kat did not understand by then, after living through the War herself and seeing what it did to people, then she clearly doesn’t have a clue about love. Amelie tells Kat what the love of her life did to end up marrying her instead.
Yikes! I would have died! I mean they are 91 years old, can’t they just drop it by now? Nope! I guess drama never goes away no matter what your age is! However, this makes for hearing a wonderful love story between Amelie and Jack, but why would Kat want to put herself through finding out her fiance’ left her without marrying her, yet married another woman? Kat demands to find out the answers from Amelie, so Amelie gives her the answers she requests. I honestly don’t know that I could dig all that up all over again and have someone judging me at my 91 years of age??? What’s the point? Her husband has past and yes, it’s nice to remember those types of things, but not when you have another angry woman who is demanding answers from you!)
This is not a book you are going to read through in a matter of hours, but days because this book covers a lot, it goes much deeper than your regular thriller or other types of books and is actually beautiful, despite Kat. Tune her out and enjoy! (This author has made a note in the beginning of this book about the huge amounts of research this book took in order to write it. I was pretty impressed by what she had to say.) I think most everyone would love this book, and I highly recommend reading it! You'll enjoy this very much.
I received this book for FREE from the Publisher, Berkley/Penguin Random House LLC and NetGalley, in exchange that I read then write a review about this book/what I read. "Free" means I was provided with ZERO MONIES to do so, but to just enjoy the sheer pleasure of reading this book and then writing an honest review about what I thought about this book, regardless if my opinion is positive or negative. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the law set here: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa...
The Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, 16 CFR 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising Federal Acquisition Regulation.
Yikes! I would have died! I mean they are 91 years old, can’t they just drop it by now? Nope! I guess drama never goes away no matter what your age is! However, this makes for hearing a wonderful love story between Amelie and Jack, but why would Kat want to put herself through finding out her fiance’ left her without marrying her, yet married another woman? Kat demands to find out the answers from Amelie, so Amelie gives her the answers she requests. I honestly don’t know that I could dig all that up all over again and have someone judging me at my 91 years of age??? What’s the point? Her husband has past and yes, it’s nice to remember those types of things, but not when you have another angry woman who is demanding answers from you!)
This is not a book you are going to read through in a matter of hours, but days because this book covers a lot, it goes much deeper than your regular thriller or other types of books and is actually beautiful, despite Kat. Tune her out and enjoy! (This author has made a note in the beginning of this book about the huge amounts of research this book took in order to write it. I was pretty impressed by what she had to say.) I think most everyone would love this book, and I highly recommend reading it! You'll enjoy this very much.
I received this book for FREE from the Publisher, Berkley/Penguin Random House LLC and NetGalley, in exchange that I read then write a review about this book/what I read. "Free" means I was provided with ZERO MONIES to do so, but to just enjoy the sheer pleasure of reading this book and then writing an honest review about what I thought about this book, regardless if my opinion is positive or negative. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the law set here: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa...
The Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, 16 CFR 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising Federal Acquisition Regulation.
August 6, 2016
http://openbooksociety.com/article/th...
The French War Bride
The Wedding Tree, Book #2
By Robin Wells
IBSN# 9780425282441
Author’s Website: http://robinwells.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Una
Description:
World War II Paris serves as the backdrop of a story of compassion, betrayal, and forgiveness from the national bestselling author of The Wedding Tree . . .
“I never knew what he saw in you.”
At her retirement home in Wedding Tree, Louisiana, ninety-one-year-old Amelie O’Connor is in the habit of leaving her door open for friends. One day she receives an unexpected visitor—Kat Morgan, the ex-fiancée of her late husband, Jack.
Kat and Jack were high school sweethearts who planned to marry when Jack returned from France after World War II. But in a cruel twist of fate, their plans were irrevocably derailed when a desperate French girl overheard an American GI’s confession in a Parisian church. . .
Now, Kat wants to know the truth behind a story that’s haunted her whole life. Finding out how Amelie stole Jack’s heart will—she thinks—finally bring her peace. As Amelie recalls the dark days of the Nazi occupation of Paris, The French War Bride reveals how history shapes the courses of our lives. . .for better or for worse.
Review:
This is a story that grips your soul as a reader, as you become immersed in the complexity of characters, the horrors and desperation of war, and the survival of those who lived through it. Through a backdrop of World War II Paris you follow the life and tragedies of Amelie and her family and friends as they fight to survive during the Nazi occupation. As Amelie relates this story on her terms, to Kat, her dying husband’s ex –fiancée, you hear why she was forced to make the choices that would ultimately change so many lives.
In retrospect, although Kat lived a relatively happy life with her own husband it has always bothered her why Jack had changed his mind about marrying her. Kat’s hospice had suggested that for peace of mind before death she find out the truth about what happened and thus she arrives unexpected at Amelie’s retirement residence.
Amelie knows what Kat is about to hear is not what Kat has preconceived to have happened however feels the story needs to be told.
The story makes you want to cry as you listen to Amelie’s story and I must say Kat comes across as a bit narcissistic as she seems to constantly ask “Did he really say I was beautiful” however when you take in the times, an engagement was a binding thing and to break it would be devastating as a jilt at the altar for the injured party. When Amelie comes to America, again she is met with injustice as she is portrayed by small town minds as the “Frenchie” who stole someone else’s beau. Her strength of character again comes through and she does survive.
I definitely would recommend this book. It certainly is not a light read but a well written and thought provoking novel. I know I am looking forward to other books by Robin Wells.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for providing a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
The French War Bride
The Wedding Tree, Book #2
By Robin Wells
IBSN# 9780425282441
Author’s Website: http://robinwells.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Una
Description:
World War II Paris serves as the backdrop of a story of compassion, betrayal, and forgiveness from the national bestselling author of The Wedding Tree . . .
“I never knew what he saw in you.”
At her retirement home in Wedding Tree, Louisiana, ninety-one-year-old Amelie O’Connor is in the habit of leaving her door open for friends. One day she receives an unexpected visitor—Kat Morgan, the ex-fiancée of her late husband, Jack.
Kat and Jack were high school sweethearts who planned to marry when Jack returned from France after World War II. But in a cruel twist of fate, their plans were irrevocably derailed when a desperate French girl overheard an American GI’s confession in a Parisian church. . .
Now, Kat wants to know the truth behind a story that’s haunted her whole life. Finding out how Amelie stole Jack’s heart will—she thinks—finally bring her peace. As Amelie recalls the dark days of the Nazi occupation of Paris, The French War Bride reveals how history shapes the courses of our lives. . .for better or for worse.
Review:
This is a story that grips your soul as a reader, as you become immersed in the complexity of characters, the horrors and desperation of war, and the survival of those who lived through it. Through a backdrop of World War II Paris you follow the life and tragedies of Amelie and her family and friends as they fight to survive during the Nazi occupation. As Amelie relates this story on her terms, to Kat, her dying husband’s ex –fiancée, you hear why she was forced to make the choices that would ultimately change so many lives.
In retrospect, although Kat lived a relatively happy life with her own husband it has always bothered her why Jack had changed his mind about marrying her. Kat’s hospice had suggested that for peace of mind before death she find out the truth about what happened and thus she arrives unexpected at Amelie’s retirement residence.
Amelie knows what Kat is about to hear is not what Kat has preconceived to have happened however feels the story needs to be told.
The story makes you want to cry as you listen to Amelie’s story and I must say Kat comes across as a bit narcissistic as she seems to constantly ask “Did he really say I was beautiful” however when you take in the times, an engagement was a binding thing and to break it would be devastating as a jilt at the altar for the injured party. When Amelie comes to America, again she is met with injustice as she is portrayed by small town minds as the “Frenchie” who stole someone else’s beau. Her strength of character again comes through and she does survive.
I definitely would recommend this book. It certainly is not a light read but a well written and thought provoking novel. I know I am looking forward to other books by Robin Wells.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for providing a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
May 3, 2018
voto 3.5
Cari lettori, eccomi nuovamente con un’altra lettura in anteprima grazie alla casa editrice Newton Compton. Questa volta si tratta di un romanzo storico ambientato in Francia durante la seconda guerra mondiale dal titolo “Una moglie francese”, scritto da Robin Wells, Dell'autrice, questo è l’unico libro pubblicato in Italia.
"Le aspettative spianano la strada della delusione."
Amèlie, ormai anziana, vuole lasciarsi il suo brutto passato alle spalle e dimenticare tutto ciò che c’è stato nella sua vita prima dell’incontro con il marito Jack, ma una mattina si presenta alla sua porta Kat, la storica ex fidanzata di suo marito. Kat, nonostante siano passati tanti anni, ancora non si dà pace, vuole sapere il reale motivo che ha spinto il suo ex fidanzato a sposare una donna francese alla fine della guerra. Ha perdonato Jack per il tradimento, ma non riesce a perdonare Amèlie, la incolpa di essere la rovina della sua vita. Adesso che entrambe sono anziane vorrebbe provare a lasciarsi alle spalle il rancore che prova verso la donna francese e andare avanti senza avere rimpianti a causa del passato. La francese, però, non vuole subito raccontare com’è stato l’incontro con il suo amato, vuole che Kat capisca tutto ciò che è successo e per capirlo dovrà raccontarle la storia a modo suo e partire da molti anni prima dell’incontro con Jack. Amèlie si ritrova così a ripercorrere tutto il suo passato e a ricordare cose che avrebbe voluto cancellare dalla memoria, un viaggio nel tempo in una Francia devastata dalla guerra, combattuta su cosa sia giusto o sbagliato.
Leggere questo romanzo è stato come fare un ripasso della storia della seconda guerra mondiale, vivere tutto ciò dal punto di vista di una giovane donna, seppure la ragazza non sia realmente esistita, ha reso il tutto molto forte e crudo. Per un momento mi è parso di essere seduta anche io insieme alle due anziane signore, immergendomi nella storia di Amèlie e vivendo la sua angoscia e il suo dolore. Ogni episodio era arricchito da particolari che viveva in prima persona la protagonista da piccola; assistiamo alla crescita non solo anagrafica ma anche emotiva della giovane donna, si percepisce il dolore delle sue scelte man mano che si va avanti nella lettura. La scrittrice è stata molto brava, ha reso la lettura meno pesante interrompendo ogni tanto il racconto della donna per tornare al presente e fare intervenire anche Kat, che con la leggerezza di una ragazzina racconta qualche episodio della sua adolescenza in compagnia di un giovane Jack. Ogni aspetto di questo romanzo è curato nei dettagli: gli ambiente e i personaggi sono descritti in maniera impeccabile e il contesto storico è molto ben rappresentato. Chi adora i romanzi storici non può lasciarsi sfuggire la storia che Amèlie e Kat hanno da raccontare. Buona lettura e a presto!
Cari lettori, eccomi nuovamente con un’altra lettura in anteprima grazie alla casa editrice Newton Compton. Questa volta si tratta di un romanzo storico ambientato in Francia durante la seconda guerra mondiale dal titolo “Una moglie francese”, scritto da Robin Wells, Dell'autrice, questo è l’unico libro pubblicato in Italia.
"Le aspettative spianano la strada della delusione."
Amèlie, ormai anziana, vuole lasciarsi il suo brutto passato alle spalle e dimenticare tutto ciò che c’è stato nella sua vita prima dell’incontro con il marito Jack, ma una mattina si presenta alla sua porta Kat, la storica ex fidanzata di suo marito. Kat, nonostante siano passati tanti anni, ancora non si dà pace, vuole sapere il reale motivo che ha spinto il suo ex fidanzato a sposare una donna francese alla fine della guerra. Ha perdonato Jack per il tradimento, ma non riesce a perdonare Amèlie, la incolpa di essere la rovina della sua vita. Adesso che entrambe sono anziane vorrebbe provare a lasciarsi alle spalle il rancore che prova verso la donna francese e andare avanti senza avere rimpianti a causa del passato. La francese, però, non vuole subito raccontare com’è stato l’incontro con il suo amato, vuole che Kat capisca tutto ciò che è successo e per capirlo dovrà raccontarle la storia a modo suo e partire da molti anni prima dell’incontro con Jack. Amèlie si ritrova così a ripercorrere tutto il suo passato e a ricordare cose che avrebbe voluto cancellare dalla memoria, un viaggio nel tempo in una Francia devastata dalla guerra, combattuta su cosa sia giusto o sbagliato.
Leggere questo romanzo è stato come fare un ripasso della storia della seconda guerra mondiale, vivere tutto ciò dal punto di vista di una giovane donna, seppure la ragazza non sia realmente esistita, ha reso il tutto molto forte e crudo. Per un momento mi è parso di essere seduta anche io insieme alle due anziane signore, immergendomi nella storia di Amèlie e vivendo la sua angoscia e il suo dolore. Ogni episodio era arricchito da particolari che viveva in prima persona la protagonista da piccola; assistiamo alla crescita non solo anagrafica ma anche emotiva della giovane donna, si percepisce il dolore delle sue scelte man mano che si va avanti nella lettura. La scrittrice è stata molto brava, ha reso la lettura meno pesante interrompendo ogni tanto il racconto della donna per tornare al presente e fare intervenire anche Kat, che con la leggerezza di una ragazzina racconta qualche episodio della sua adolescenza in compagnia di un giovane Jack. Ogni aspetto di questo romanzo è curato nei dettagli: gli ambiente e i personaggi sono descritti in maniera impeccabile e il contesto storico è molto ben rappresentato. Chi adora i romanzi storici non può lasciarsi sfuggire la storia che Amèlie e Kat hanno da raccontare. Buona lettura e a presto!
August 8, 2016
My Thoughts…
WW II is my favorite. I love to read the history of the war, the history of the people in Europe and how the war affected them, the history of the people in the US left behind by the soldiers fighting the war in the but mostly I love to read about women in the war. I love to know how women coped with their men leaving, what those who were living with the fighting going all around them, and how life can go on with all the horrors they are witnessing. The French War Bride has everything I love within its pages.
This story was uniquely written. There are two points of views. Both women had a love in common, Jack. I was enthralled with Amelie’s story of war, Joshua, being a spy, and being a woman in Nazi occupied Paris. Her story was heart breaking, eye opening, and truly remarkable. She lost her entire family in WWII yet she never gave up on life. The friendship with Yvette, her best friend, was amazing. From childhood neighbors and best friends to both working against the Nazi’s during the war their friendship never wavered. The way the two of them worked together and trusted each other is amazing. Kat, the one Jack left behind, is jilted. With her death, due to cancer, looming in the near future she is looking for closure. She wants to know why she was jilted. I felt like Kat was extremely selfish. She listened to Amelie tell the story and jumped on anything that was said in a positive way about her. I didn’t dislike her; I just didn’t really like her. I felt like she was the prom queen, mean girl who just assumed everything revolved around her. The war affected both women in different ways and caused changes to their lives that were not expected.
The French War Bride is fiction yet there was so much history in it. Robin Wells did her homework. The descriptions of the war planes in the sky, the treatment of Jews, and so many other happenings were true to life. There was so much description in the paragraphs that I could picture the life that those in France were living with the Germans in charge. This is an incredible WWII story. I recommend everyone who loves this era as much as I do to pick up a copy today.
WW II is my favorite. I love to read the history of the war, the history of the people in Europe and how the war affected them, the history of the people in the US left behind by the soldiers fighting the war in the but mostly I love to read about women in the war. I love to know how women coped with their men leaving, what those who were living with the fighting going all around them, and how life can go on with all the horrors they are witnessing. The French War Bride has everything I love within its pages.
This story was uniquely written. There are two points of views. Both women had a love in common, Jack. I was enthralled with Amelie’s story of war, Joshua, being a spy, and being a woman in Nazi occupied Paris. Her story was heart breaking, eye opening, and truly remarkable. She lost her entire family in WWII yet she never gave up on life. The friendship with Yvette, her best friend, was amazing. From childhood neighbors and best friends to both working against the Nazi’s during the war their friendship never wavered. The way the two of them worked together and trusted each other is amazing. Kat, the one Jack left behind, is jilted. With her death, due to cancer, looming in the near future she is looking for closure. She wants to know why she was jilted. I felt like Kat was extremely selfish. She listened to Amelie tell the story and jumped on anything that was said in a positive way about her. I didn’t dislike her; I just didn’t really like her. I felt like she was the prom queen, mean girl who just assumed everything revolved around her. The war affected both women in different ways and caused changes to their lives that were not expected.
The French War Bride is fiction yet there was so much history in it. Robin Wells did her homework. The descriptions of the war planes in the sky, the treatment of Jews, and so many other happenings were true to life. There was so much description in the paragraphs that I could picture the life that those in France were living with the Germans in charge. This is an incredible WWII story. I recommend everyone who loves this era as much as I do to pick up a copy today.
October 28, 2017
I could not put this novel down! I didn't know it was part of a series until I came to this site to write a review!
September 30, 2017
Loved this book
I love historical/romance novels. This book told of the atrocities of World War II and the horror of the Holocaust. Highly recommend The French War Bride to those who enjoy history and romance.
I love historical/romance novels. This book told of the atrocities of World War II and the horror of the Holocaust. Highly recommend The French War Bride to those who enjoy history and romance.
August 7, 2016
I absolutely loved this story!
This story is set during world war 2 and if your like me and don't particularly care for the history part of the story just bare with it for a bit you won't be sorry.
Kat and Jack were planning to marry when Jack got back from the war but things change when Jack's life is changed when Amelie steals his heart.
Now many many years later Kat confronts Amelie wanting to know the truth how did she get Jacks heart, Jacks love. The story unfolds as Amalie tells Kat how it all happened.
This story is set during world war 2 and if your like me and don't particularly care for the history part of the story just bare with it for a bit you won't be sorry.
Kat and Jack were planning to marry when Jack got back from the war but things change when Jack's life is changed when Amelie steals his heart.
Now many many years later Kat confronts Amelie wanting to know the truth how did she get Jacks heart, Jacks love. The story unfolds as Amalie tells Kat how it all happened.
April 15, 2020
One of the better WWII books I have read recently.
October 4, 2020
I would rate about 4.8.
The French War Bride takes place in a senior living center. When Amelie’s husband’s ex-fiance’ Kat Thomson wants the full story of how Amelie O’Connor had stolen Jack O’Connor her fiancé in France after he had promised to marry her a when he came home from WWII. He had promised to marry Kat and join her father’s medical practice in Wedding Tree, Louisiana. Amelie promises to tell the story, but that she would tell it in her own way, and at her own pace.
Some parts of the book moved slowly and were painful, but what a clever way to tell the story of what the everyday citizens of Europe suffered during WWII. I lived in W. Germany ten years after WWII and heard many of the same type stories from the common citizens of Germany, who had suffered many of the same things.
I would label Amelie as one of those book characters which can be put in the column of strong woman book characters. No wonder Jack fell in love with her. This book was much better than first I had expected it would be.
The French War Bride takes place in a senior living center. When Amelie’s husband’s ex-fiance’ Kat Thomson wants the full story of how Amelie O’Connor had stolen Jack O’Connor her fiancé in France after he had promised to marry her a when he came home from WWII. He had promised to marry Kat and join her father’s medical practice in Wedding Tree, Louisiana. Amelie promises to tell the story, but that she would tell it in her own way, and at her own pace.
Some parts of the book moved slowly and were painful, but what a clever way to tell the story of what the everyday citizens of Europe suffered during WWII. I lived in W. Germany ten years after WWII and heard many of the same type stories from the common citizens of Germany, who had suffered many of the same things.
I would label Amelie as one of those book characters which can be put in the column of strong woman book characters. No wonder Jack fell in love with her. This book was much better than first I had expected it would be.
January 25, 2018
Gran parte del romanzo è riservata al periodo storico della seconda Guerra Mondiale, tra cui l’invasione da parte dei tedeschi in Francia, subito dopo quella del Belgio e dell’Olanda. La loro resa… E’ difficile immaginare che qualcuno possa privarti di compiere azioni naturali come mangiare, dormire, lavorare, passeggiare. Ogni volta che mi soffermo su uno di questi pensieri, mi si accappona la pelle.
Ho adorato gli intermezzi in francese, i quali rendevano sicuramente la storia più realistica e l’ambientazione francese tangibile. Il libro è suddiviso in due parti: la prima dove viviamo per lo più la vita francese, la vita di Amélie prima di incontrare il bel dottore americano Jack; nella seconda parte l’ambientazione è quasi prevalentemente americana!. Un romanzo che farà palpitare il cuore d’amore ai lettori appassionati di quest’epoca.
Ho adorato gli intermezzi in francese, i quali rendevano sicuramente la storia più realistica e l’ambientazione francese tangibile. Il libro è suddiviso in due parti: la prima dove viviamo per lo più la vita francese, la vita di Amélie prima di incontrare il bel dottore americano Jack; nella seconda parte l’ambientazione è quasi prevalentemente americana!. Un romanzo che farà palpitare il cuore d’amore ai lettori appassionati di quest’epoca.
July 17, 2018
Amelie O'Connor is 93 years old when she is visited by Kat Thompson who is the ex-fiancée of her late husband, Jack. Kat comes to learn why Jack picked Amelie, the French war bride instead of herself as his wife. Amelie tells the story in her own way, of her childhood, her family, her first love and the terrible times in war-torn France when the Germans invaded and occupied the land. She and her friend, Yvette worked for the resistance in different ways but both contributed to the cause. Jack was an American doctor serving during the war and Amelie devised a plan to get him to help her go to America with Yvette's baby, Elise. Besides the interesting historical story of the people suffering in the war, a love story emerges. The last part of the novel is especially entertaining and makes for a very good read.
August 24, 2021
3.5 stars
A compelling read throughout, but the first half was markedly superior to the latter half. Once Amélie and Jack got to America, a lot of their decisions became a bit questionable and I struggled to see any real development in their relationship aside from a couple oddly placed love scenes. Their physical interest in each other was in fact pretty much the only thing I saw that kept drawing them to each other and ‘resolving’ disagreements so the overall statement of the book that they had a long, happy marriage was a bit difficult to realistically believe. The reader isn’t given much in the book itself to see the groundwork of that.
A compelling read throughout, but the first half was markedly superior to the latter half. Once Amélie and Jack got to America, a lot of their decisions became a bit questionable and I struggled to see any real development in their relationship aside from a couple oddly placed love scenes. Their physical interest in each other was in fact pretty much the only thing I saw that kept drawing them to each other and ‘resolving’ disagreements so the overall statement of the book that they had a long, happy marriage was a bit difficult to realistically believe. The reader isn’t given much in the book itself to see the groundwork of that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2024
Well this was kind of a war novel turned romance novel! That long drawn out “romantic” ending - was the author trying to make it more dramatic than World War II? Lol. I just didn’t buy Jack deciding to stay in the fake marriage out of some weird sense of obligation. The love thing needed to happen much sooner for it to make sense.
June 29, 2017
Loved the story. Although fictional, you get the feel that the characters really did experience World War Two. The story is between two women the wife of medic and the jilted lover. Emotions run the gamut.
November 30, 2017
Could definitely be enjoyed without her first book in this series. A great read.
January 12, 2018
I absolutely loved this book! There was a lot of historical events in the story some I had heard about before and some I had not. The story was very interesting I loved the characters and I was so happy that Amelie and Jack got a happy ending. Highly recommend.
January 15, 2018
Such a good read! It almost feels like two books in one. Amelie's life during the war and then after. Both parts of the story I enjoyed...but by the second half...I couldn't put it down!
February 26, 2019
good read - highly recommend
October 13, 2017
An awesome book. I got hooked in the beginning and could not put it down. It is a good story line and I loved the author's style.
September 16, 2018
Very good read! The beginning was a little confusing, but when I really got into the story, enjoyed it very much.
April 20, 2017
I LOVED this book! The main character, Amelie, is from a pretty affluent family in Paris. Her world is turned upside down when Hitler begins his invasion, and the family has to flee their home. Amelie matures pretty quickly because of the war situation. And then tragedy strikes, not once but twice. The 'love' aspect of the book is very sweet. You must read this book!
December 5, 2018
What a wonderful story! This is #2 in the series, but not really. Some people are mentioned and it's the same town, that is about it. Love how the 2 women "compete" in their memories of the same man. Well written and we'll formed characters.
March 6, 2018
Excellent! Didn't want it to end. Great writing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews