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The Girl from Vichy
She's done running. Now she fights.
1942, occupied France.
With the war raging in Europe, Adèle Ambeh dreams of a France that is free from the clutches of the Nazis. As the date of her marriage to a ruthless man draws closer, she only has one choice: she must run.
Adèle flees to Lyon and seeks refuge at the Sisters of Notre Dame de la Compassion. From the outside this is a simple nunnery, but the sisters are secretly aiding the French Resistance, hiding and supplying the fighters with weapons. Adèle quickly finds herself part of the efforts to take down the regime.
As each day fills with a different danger and she begins to fall for another man, Adèle's entire world could come crashing down around her.
She must fight for her family, her country – and her own destiny.
1942, occupied France.
With the war raging in Europe, Adèle Ambeh dreams of a France that is free from the clutches of the Nazis. As the date of her marriage to a ruthless man draws closer, she only has one choice: she must run.
Adèle flees to Lyon and seeks refuge at the Sisters of Notre Dame de la Compassion. From the outside this is a simple nunnery, but the sisters are secretly aiding the French Resistance, hiding and supplying the fighters with weapons. Adèle quickly finds herself part of the efforts to take down the regime.
As each day fills with a different danger and she begins to fall for another man, Adèle's entire world could come crashing down around her.
She must fight for her family, her country – and her own destiny.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 13, 2020
2176 people are currently reading
1596 people want to read
About the author
Andie Newton
9 books249 followersAndie Newton is a USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction. Her work has been published in multiple languages and has topped e-book bestseller charts around the world. She holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Washington State University and a master’s in teaching. When she’s not writing gritty war stories about women, you can usually find her trail running in the desert and stopping to pet every dog that crosses her path. She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
August 19, 2020
The Girl From Vichy had been on my most anticipated reads. I fell in love with Andie Newton's beautiful book, The Girl I Left Behind. I still think about that book to this very day and remember how much I enjoyed it. I am probably going to re-read right away because I am definitely going to have some withdrawals after reading this, and will be anxiously awaiting for Andie Newton's next release.
In The Girl From Vichy we are introduced to our heroine, Adele Ambeh escaping Vichy, escaping Gerard whom she is to marry and leaving her family behind to seek refuge in Lyon to a convent ran by the Sisters of Notre Dam del la Compassion. While there, Adele helps in the fight by rallying with the Resistance.
There is just something so special about Newton's writing that really tugs at my heart, for the incredibly strong female characters, the hardships and sacrifice they face, and the triumph of overcoming evil and difficulties, written in a beautiful and hopeful story that stays with you long after you have finished reading.
The writing was poignant, immersive, and rich in detail. This incredible well researched historical fiction took my breath away. From the first page, the suspenseful atmosphere kept me turning those pages and my heart pumping. What a fantastic story that everyone should read.
I highly recommend this book!
In The Girl From Vichy we are introduced to our heroine, Adele Ambeh escaping Vichy, escaping Gerard whom she is to marry and leaving her family behind to seek refuge in Lyon to a convent ran by the Sisters of Notre Dam del la Compassion. While there, Adele helps in the fight by rallying with the Resistance.
There is just something so special about Newton's writing that really tugs at my heart, for the incredibly strong female characters, the hardships and sacrifice they face, and the triumph of overcoming evil and difficulties, written in a beautiful and hopeful story that stays with you long after you have finished reading.
The writing was poignant, immersive, and rich in detail. This incredible well researched historical fiction took my breath away. From the first page, the suspenseful atmosphere kept me turning those pages and my heart pumping. What a fantastic story that everyone should read.
I highly recommend this book!
August 12, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley, Aria and Andie Newton for my copy of: The Girl from Vichy.
1942 France. Adèle Ambeh's father has arranged a marriage for her to Gerard Baudoin a member of the hated Vichy police, as her wedding day approaches to the collaborator she’s filled with dread and her mother organizes for her to escape to Lyon. Here she seeks refuge at the Sisters of Notre Dame del la Compassion convent and the sisters are involved in the French resistance, they hide weapons and people.
Here she meets Marguerite a member of the resistance; as part of her new role she is sent back to Vichy and has to tell her fiancé she had a bad case of pre wedding nerves. Her father Albert, sister Charlotte side with the new regime and Adèle and her mother Pauline are against it. This tears their family apart, many of the locals take different sides and it’s hard to know who is a collaborator and who isn't.
Vichy France is a spa town ruled by a puppet government and in charge of it is an elderly WW I French hero Philippe Petain. The area is referred to as the free zone; it’s far from free and many of the French people opposed the regime and continue to fight against the German occupation.
Adèle is caught up in the desperate fight to free her country from the Nazi regime; the resistance fighters are involved in small forms of sabotage it’s risky and very dangerous and at any time they could be dobbed in by a local collaborator and captured by the Germans.
The Girl from Vichy is a story about one brave woman standing up for what she believes in, and her loyalty to her country, Adèle knows the end of the war is very close; she and Luc need to stay one step ahead of the Germans until the allies arrive and avoid being captured.
I really liked the book; it has a strong female protagonist, interesting story with lots of twist and turns and it's filled with suspense, intrigue, tragedy, danger, and four stars from me.
I have shared my review on Goodreads, NetGalley, Amazon Australia, Kobo, Twitter and my blog.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
1942 France. Adèle Ambeh's father has arranged a marriage for her to Gerard Baudoin a member of the hated Vichy police, as her wedding day approaches to the collaborator she’s filled with dread and her mother organizes for her to escape to Lyon. Here she seeks refuge at the Sisters of Notre Dame del la Compassion convent and the sisters are involved in the French resistance, they hide weapons and people.
Here she meets Marguerite a member of the resistance; as part of her new role she is sent back to Vichy and has to tell her fiancé she had a bad case of pre wedding nerves. Her father Albert, sister Charlotte side with the new regime and Adèle and her mother Pauline are against it. This tears their family apart, many of the locals take different sides and it’s hard to know who is a collaborator and who isn't.
Vichy France is a spa town ruled by a puppet government and in charge of it is an elderly WW I French hero Philippe Petain. The area is referred to as the free zone; it’s far from free and many of the French people opposed the regime and continue to fight against the German occupation.
Adèle is caught up in the desperate fight to free her country from the Nazi regime; the resistance fighters are involved in small forms of sabotage it’s risky and very dangerous and at any time they could be dobbed in by a local collaborator and captured by the Germans.
The Girl from Vichy is a story about one brave woman standing up for what she believes in, and her loyalty to her country, Adèle knows the end of the war is very close; she and Luc need to stay one step ahead of the Germans until the allies arrive and avoid being captured.
I really liked the book; it has a strong female protagonist, interesting story with lots of twist and turns and it's filled with suspense, intrigue, tragedy, danger, and four stars from me.
I have shared my review on Goodreads, NetGalley, Amazon Australia, Kobo, Twitter and my blog.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
July 6, 2020
In 1942, Adele from Vichy hides out at convent in Lyon, fleeing arranged marriage by her father. At convent she helps with girls that need “rehabilitation,” the ones who “had strayed in God’s eyes.” – During a war time you’re concerned with that?
Adele later at convent gets involved with Resistance since the convent cooperates with them. But her attitude, at least, at the beginning is as they are nuisance. I did not like the protagonist from the very beginning.
On the train, from Vichy to Lyon, Adele puts her feet up on someone’s seat. Really? There are quite a few things that raise an eyebrow in this story. 1940s Europe and a woman puts her feet up on a train? I don’t see this happening. Someone on a train saying casually that people from Resistance just entered – not believable.
On the train, Adele’s feet land on Marquerite’s seat, who is also on the way to the convent. And from the start Marquerite dislikes Adele for that. At convent, Marquerite has tendencies to accuse Adele of ruining things for her. Mother Superior gets involved between two young women to encourage amends. Sounds pretty immature.
Adele feels sorry for a young nun, who didn’t give herself a chance to fall in love, missing on those love feelings. Missing “the touch of a man, a brush of his finger on your bare shoulder, the smell of his cologne on a warm day-“ I never connected with the protagonist, but the more she said the less I liked her.
Some word choices just didn’t fit right, for example, Adele thinking of someone and hoping “she won’t be so nasty.”
I got interested in this story, because of the Resistance. I wanted to read more about it. However, the protagonist and the style of writing is not something I connected with.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Adele later at convent gets involved with Resistance since the convent cooperates with them. But her attitude, at least, at the beginning is as they are nuisance. I did not like the protagonist from the very beginning.
On the train, from Vichy to Lyon, Adele puts her feet up on someone’s seat. Really? There are quite a few things that raise an eyebrow in this story. 1940s Europe and a woman puts her feet up on a train? I don’t see this happening. Someone on a train saying casually that people from Resistance just entered – not believable.
On the train, Adele’s feet land on Marquerite’s seat, who is also on the way to the convent. And from the start Marquerite dislikes Adele for that. At convent, Marquerite has tendencies to accuse Adele of ruining things for her. Mother Superior gets involved between two young women to encourage amends. Sounds pretty immature.
Adele feels sorry for a young nun, who didn’t give herself a chance to fall in love, missing on those love feelings. Missing “the touch of a man, a brush of his finger on your bare shoulder, the smell of his cologne on a warm day-“ I never connected with the protagonist, but the more she said the less I liked her.
Some word choices just didn’t fit right, for example, Adele thinking of someone and hoping “she won’t be so nasty.”
I got interested in this story, because of the Resistance. I wanted to read more about it. However, the protagonist and the style of writing is not something I connected with.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2020
The Girl from Vichy by Andie Newton is an excellent historical fiction novel about some of the Resistance members that lived in the “free zone” or the southern part of France during WWII that was under the Petain administration (aka a front for German occupation).
It was interesting to read about some of the brave members of these groups that were French, and foreign, citizens that tried to help liberate and save each other against difficult odds. It is always hard to see people being treated this way, especially by their fellow neighbors. It must have taken unbelievable courage and strength to risk their lives for this cause. Their stories are vital to the turning of tides during this time.
I enjoyed reading about Adele’s specific story. To go against part of her family’s beliefs into what she and her mother felt was right, is unthinkable to us today. She is a strong, realistic, intelligent, independent, flawed, and like able character and I felt invested into her story throughout the novel. I enjoyed the mystery, plot twists and turns, and also the ending.
This book is a must if you enjoy strong female characters, light romance, WWII historical fiction, and an addictive plot.
5/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Aria for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon and B&N accounts upon publication.
It was interesting to read about some of the brave members of these groups that were French, and foreign, citizens that tried to help liberate and save each other against difficult odds. It is always hard to see people being treated this way, especially by their fellow neighbors. It must have taken unbelievable courage and strength to risk their lives for this cause. Their stories are vital to the turning of tides during this time.
I enjoyed reading about Adele’s specific story. To go against part of her family’s beliefs into what she and her mother felt was right, is unthinkable to us today. She is a strong, realistic, intelligent, independent, flawed, and like able character and I felt invested into her story throughout the novel. I enjoyed the mystery, plot twists and turns, and also the ending.
This book is a must if you enjoy strong female characters, light romance, WWII historical fiction, and an addictive plot.
5/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Aria for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon and B&N accounts upon publication.
August 14, 2020
Last year I fell in love with Andie Newton's debut novel, The Girl I Left Behind, and now she's back with her sophomore novel, The Girl from Vichy, which proved to be just as amazing!
The story follows Adèle Ambeh, a young woman that lives with her family in Vichy, France. At this time in history, France signs a treaty with the Third Reich, and their country is split in half - one part is occupied by the German and the other is under the rule of Phillippe Petain, who is secretly collaborating with the Germans unbeknownst to the locals. Adèle is against the deal with the Germans and is desperate to get away from her upcoming marriage to an officer in the French police, which her father arranged. With the help of her mother, Adèle travels to a convent so that she may ask for refuge. Along the way, she meets another woman on the train - and oh boy, what a meeting that was! The woman, Marguerite, turns out to be heading to the convent as well. After their tense first meeting, the women aren't exactly fans of each other but once Adèle finds out that Marguerite is part of the French Resistance she is brought into the fold and trained to be part of the Resistance. I don't want to give too much of the plot away, but I will say that you will be sitting at the edge of your seat for some scenes! It's so good!
Between The Girl I Left Behind and The Girl from Vichy, Andie Newton has proven to be an exciting new voice in Historical Fiction and I cannot wait to see what she writes next!
The story follows Adèle Ambeh, a young woman that lives with her family in Vichy, France. At this time in history, France signs a treaty with the Third Reich, and their country is split in half - one part is occupied by the German and the other is under the rule of Phillippe Petain, who is secretly collaborating with the Germans unbeknownst to the locals. Adèle is against the deal with the Germans and is desperate to get away from her upcoming marriage to an officer in the French police, which her father arranged. With the help of her mother, Adèle travels to a convent so that she may ask for refuge. Along the way, she meets another woman on the train - and oh boy, what a meeting that was! The woman, Marguerite, turns out to be heading to the convent as well. After their tense first meeting, the women aren't exactly fans of each other but once Adèle finds out that Marguerite is part of the French Resistance she is brought into the fold and trained to be part of the Resistance. I don't want to give too much of the plot away, but I will say that you will be sitting at the edge of your seat for some scenes! It's so good!
Between The Girl I Left Behind and The Girl from Vichy, Andie Newton has proven to be an exciting new voice in Historical Fiction and I cannot wait to see what she writes next!
June 18, 2020
If you enjoyed Newton's debut, 'The Girl I Left Behind', you will love 'The Girl from Vichy'. This is a fast paced, action filled book which hooks you in from the opening lines and keeps you enthralled until the last. Full of unexpected twists and turns, there was nothing predictable about this plot! Protagonist, Adèle, is a brave heroine and reading her story, one must wonder how we would all behave in such circumstances. Collaborate, or risk everything for the resistance. A powerful and thoughtful novel, which doesn’t shy away from the hardships and cruelty of the time. If you enjoy WWII fiction, then this is a book for you.
August 12, 2020
A page-turning historical drama, The Girl from Vichy is a deeply moving and inspiring story about the unsung heroes of the French Resistance during WWII, the women who made heart-wrenching sacrifices in their fight for freedom.
Adele, the main character, is strong, brave, and throughout everything she endures, she manages to keep her humanity and continue fighting for what she believes in. Her friendship with Marguerite, who is seemingly very different from her, is surprising and touching.
This is the kind of story that has you gripped from the very first pages until the satisfying ending. If you enjoy historical fiction novels with a touch of romance, I highly recommend this book.
Adele, the main character, is strong, brave, and throughout everything she endures, she manages to keep her humanity and continue fighting for what she believes in. Her friendship with Marguerite, who is seemingly very different from her, is surprising and touching.
This is the kind of story that has you gripped from the very first pages until the satisfying ending. If you enjoy historical fiction novels with a touch of romance, I highly recommend this book.
November 5, 2020
First of all the women of the french resistance stories I always felt needed to be told. They were always Hero's to me. Second this book had me crying a lot because it really effected me in ways I forgot effect me with these kind of books. Third Kudos too Andie For writing about these Heroic people in harsh time while trying to make sure that there is hope never give up.
Adele The main character runs away with her Moms help to Saint Pierre Nuns to escape marrying a Nazi collaborator. For numerous reasons, one is of course she found it a betrayal to side with the germans against France and numerous others politically she couldn't stomach it. These nuns are also something else they are part of rescuing people and helping a cover up resistance ring. Adele joined the resistance to help fight Nazi occupied France and to right the wrongs they were doing to jewish and other people they hated.
The French collaborators working with the germans to get better positions once the Germans took over before they were welcomed into Paris to avoid war. Many heroes worked secretly in forms, little ways and large or even one time only. Also to root out corruption in any town. Many sacrified their life to also make sure the Americans and other countries help the french take back Paris. What is worth fighting for your freedom for others and not just yourself?
I am very glad that these people will always be remembered by writing it down on paper. This was a selfless act.
I do so thank Net gallery for giving me this Arc to rate and read it.
Adele The main character runs away with her Moms help to Saint Pierre Nuns to escape marrying a Nazi collaborator. For numerous reasons, one is of course she found it a betrayal to side with the germans against France and numerous others politically she couldn't stomach it. These nuns are also something else they are part of rescuing people and helping a cover up resistance ring. Adele joined the resistance to help fight Nazi occupied France and to right the wrongs they were doing to jewish and other people they hated.
The French collaborators working with the germans to get better positions once the Germans took over before they were welcomed into Paris to avoid war. Many heroes worked secretly in forms, little ways and large or even one time only. Also to root out corruption in any town. Many sacrified their life to also make sure the Americans and other countries help the french take back Paris. What is worth fighting for your freedom for others and not just yourself?
I am very glad that these people will always be remembered by writing it down on paper. This was a selfless act.
I do so thank Net gallery for giving me this Arc to rate and read it.
August 13, 2020
Adèle Ambeh desperately flees her home the night before her wedding. She has been betrothed to Gerard, a collaborator and ruthless member of the Vichy police in 1942, France. Adele is given a letter by her mother and sent to the Sisters of Notre Dame de la Compassion. On her way, Adele meets Marguerite, a postulant also heading to the convent. The two get off to a rocky start, but once at the convent, Adele finds her place leading the delinquent girls that have been placed with the sisters. However, something seems off at the convent and when Adele is brought into their confidence she becomes a member of the Resistance. Earning the name Catchfly, Adele dives into danger and puts herself right back into the situation she ran from in order to help her country.
Passionate and engaging, The Girl from Vichy tells a riveting story of the very real Alliance nicknamed Noah's Ark in France during WWII. Adèle's character is vivid, strong and thoughtful. The writing kept me intrigued through all of Adèle's journey from her narrow escape to her imprisonment, I felt like I was part of the action and clearly able to see everything through Adèle's eyes. I was intrigued about this part of France's history as I did not know much about France at this time, the Free Zone and it's leadership under Petain. The Resistance activities kept up the suspense as it divided Adèle's family and put her in grave danger with Gerard. I was constantly amazed by Adèle's creativity and bravery when standing up to the Regime. I loved the themes of friendship and family and loyalty that run throughout the story. The romantic aspects of the story were done just right, not taking over the story line but adding another layer of daring to Adele's activity during with the Resistance. In addition, though Adèle's character was fictional, the historical aspects of the story were well researched and fit into Adèle's story line. With amazing female protagonists and an exciting plot, The Girl from Vichy is a breathtaking historical fiction read about France during World War II.
This book was received for free in exchange for an honest review.
Passionate and engaging, The Girl from Vichy tells a riveting story of the very real Alliance nicknamed Noah's Ark in France during WWII. Adèle's character is vivid, strong and thoughtful. The writing kept me intrigued through all of Adèle's journey from her narrow escape to her imprisonment, I felt like I was part of the action and clearly able to see everything through Adèle's eyes. I was intrigued about this part of France's history as I did not know much about France at this time, the Free Zone and it's leadership under Petain. The Resistance activities kept up the suspense as it divided Adèle's family and put her in grave danger with Gerard. I was constantly amazed by Adèle's creativity and bravery when standing up to the Regime. I loved the themes of friendship and family and loyalty that run throughout the story. The romantic aspects of the story were done just right, not taking over the story line but adding another layer of daring to Adele's activity during with the Resistance. In addition, though Adèle's character was fictional, the historical aspects of the story were well researched and fit into Adèle's story line. With amazing female protagonists and an exciting plot, The Girl from Vichy is a breathtaking historical fiction read about France during World War II.
This book was received for free in exchange for an honest review.
July 10, 2020
This book is beyond incredible. It is heartbreaking, moving, and so much more. Whenever I picked up "The Girl from Vichy", I was whisked back in time, and I learned so much from this novel.
This is the first book I have read by Andie Newton, and it certainly won't be my last. Her writing is simply beyond words. She truly knows how to immerse the reader in the story, characters, and time period, and she makes the past vividly jump off of the page. Her characters felt like real people, and their interactions felt so authentic to who they are. I can only imagine the amount of research Ms. Newton must have done, as every single word and moment seemed so real to the era.
Adéle is such an incredibly strong, courageous, and hopeful woman who knows she must fight for what is right. The fact that she is able to stay strong through what she endures, and helps those she cares about was mesmerizing. The friendship in this novel between Adéle and Marguerite is absolutely beautiful to read as well. Two seemingly very different women come together to realize they are similar in many more ways than they could ever imagine, and their strength is something I do not even have the words to express.
Parts of this novel were very difficult to read, as the brutality many people experienced is absolutely heartbreaking. I don't want to spoil anything in this review, but, many scenes had my heart pounding and racing. There are also many people who are not who they seem, in some cases, this is good, and in some, it is absolutely horrific.
If you enjoy historical fiction novels, I highly recommend this book. It kept me up late turning the pages to find out what happened next, and I absolutely could not put it down. There is a touch of romance as well, and these scenes certainly made me smile.
Thank you so much to Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours, NetGalley, and Aria for the ARC of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This is the first book I have read by Andie Newton, and it certainly won't be my last. Her writing is simply beyond words. She truly knows how to immerse the reader in the story, characters, and time period, and she makes the past vividly jump off of the page. Her characters felt like real people, and their interactions felt so authentic to who they are. I can only imagine the amount of research Ms. Newton must have done, as every single word and moment seemed so real to the era.
Adéle is such an incredibly strong, courageous, and hopeful woman who knows she must fight for what is right. The fact that she is able to stay strong through what she endures, and helps those she cares about was mesmerizing. The friendship in this novel between Adéle and Marguerite is absolutely beautiful to read as well. Two seemingly very different women come together to realize they are similar in many more ways than they could ever imagine, and their strength is something I do not even have the words to express.
Parts of this novel were very difficult to read, as the brutality many people experienced is absolutely heartbreaking. I don't want to spoil anything in this review, but, many scenes had my heart pounding and racing. There are also many people who are not who they seem, in some cases, this is good, and in some, it is absolutely horrific.
If you enjoy historical fiction novels, I highly recommend this book. It kept me up late turning the pages to find out what happened next, and I absolutely could not put it down. There is a touch of romance as well, and these scenes certainly made me smile.
Thank you so much to Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours, NetGalley, and Aria for the ARC of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
August 5, 2020
A gripping tale of wartime sacrifice and innocence lost… in the cause of freedom
The Girl from Vichy is a realistic portrayal of résistants who risked everything to free France from German rule and the coming of age story of a young girl caught up in the middle of it. A marvelous blend of mystery and the inner workings of the Resistance… the story doesn’t begin in Paris, but in the Unoccupied Zone of France in 1942.
A spa and resort town called Vichy.
The best way to describe life in Vichy comes from Mama, mother of the heroine, Adèle Ambeh, ‘The Vichy government is a puppet regime ruled by German policy, not French.’
When the story opens, Adèle is determined not to be sold like a bolt of silk and forced into marriage to an abusive man known for his allegiance with the Nazis. With her mother’s help, she runs away and escapes to a convent… she has no idea her mother harbors secrets of her own linked to the sisters.
There Adèle meets the elusive Marguerite, a postulant, who’s not what she seems. Before she knows it, Adèle is getting Resistance training. I found this part of the story to be a fascinating asset to the telling of these brave fighters – so many women’s stories remain untold (only six female Resistance fighters were recognized by Charles de Gaulle in the Order of Liberation after the war). This was a time when women’s roles were in transition – Frenchwomen didn’t get the vote until October 1944 and married women were forced out of the job market and back into the kitchen. ‘Flying under the radar’ of the Germans and French police provided women the perfect opportunity to be valuable assets in the fight.
Especially a young woman like Adèle. She discovers the flame of resistance burns within her and grows brighter as the war goes on… she faces unbelievable challenges in her fight to free France that become a matter of life and death.
Also impressive is how the author handles the delicate line Adèle and her family walk trying to cope with the new ‘normal’, where any wrong move can pit them against the French police and reported to the Gestapo.
The author knows her subject well with carefully researched details that will enlighten the reader about this terrifying time in history. But it’s the grit and humanity of Adèle that will steal your heart and make you cheer for her… and pray she survives the war.
I thoroughly enjoyed this excellent and heart-wrenching story of The Girl from Vichy that reminds us how dear freedom is… the sacrifices made to keep us free… and why we should never forget.
The Girl from Vichy is a realistic portrayal of résistants who risked everything to free France from German rule and the coming of age story of a young girl caught up in the middle of it. A marvelous blend of mystery and the inner workings of the Resistance… the story doesn’t begin in Paris, but in the Unoccupied Zone of France in 1942.
A spa and resort town called Vichy.
The best way to describe life in Vichy comes from Mama, mother of the heroine, Adèle Ambeh, ‘The Vichy government is a puppet regime ruled by German policy, not French.’
When the story opens, Adèle is determined not to be sold like a bolt of silk and forced into marriage to an abusive man known for his allegiance with the Nazis. With her mother’s help, she runs away and escapes to a convent… she has no idea her mother harbors secrets of her own linked to the sisters.
There Adèle meets the elusive Marguerite, a postulant, who’s not what she seems. Before she knows it, Adèle is getting Resistance training. I found this part of the story to be a fascinating asset to the telling of these brave fighters – so many women’s stories remain untold (only six female Resistance fighters were recognized by Charles de Gaulle in the Order of Liberation after the war). This was a time when women’s roles were in transition – Frenchwomen didn’t get the vote until October 1944 and married women were forced out of the job market and back into the kitchen. ‘Flying under the radar’ of the Germans and French police provided women the perfect opportunity to be valuable assets in the fight.
Especially a young woman like Adèle. She discovers the flame of resistance burns within her and grows brighter as the war goes on… she faces unbelievable challenges in her fight to free France that become a matter of life and death.
Also impressive is how the author handles the delicate line Adèle and her family walk trying to cope with the new ‘normal’, where any wrong move can pit them against the French police and reported to the Gestapo.
The author knows her subject well with carefully researched details that will enlighten the reader about this terrifying time in history. But it’s the grit and humanity of Adèle that will steal your heart and make you cheer for her… and pray she survives the war.
I thoroughly enjoyed this excellent and heart-wrenching story of The Girl from Vichy that reminds us how dear freedom is… the sacrifices made to keep us free… and why we should never forget.
August 14, 2020
What a wonderful read! The author has done her research on this one, and it pays off with a very informative read which kept me spellbound until the very last page.
Adele Ambeh is young, French and, thanks to her father's recent announcement, on the cusp of marrying a man she's not sure of at all. Her mother doesn't like the idea either, and helps Adele to flee the situation by packing her off to a convent to take refuge. But all is not as it appears at the nunnery and it doesn't take long for Adele to become embroiled in the goings on which she discovers are connected to the French Resistance. Before long Adele must return to Vichy and pretend to be enchanted with the man she ran away from . . .
I have always been fascinated by how ordinary people survived the Second World War domestically, and my interest extended to the French Resistance since reading about Edith Cavell and Violet Szabo when I was a young girl, admiring their selfless actions. The writing in this novel manages to convey the horrors of war, the terror of those living in occupied France whilst producing an absolutely gripping tale! My emotions were all over the place by the time I reached the final page, alternatively covering my mouth with a tissue with the horror of it all one moment and mopping up my tears the next. I can't imagine anyone reading this and not being greatly touched. Andie Newton has produced a fine novel which earns everyone of the five glittering stars I'm so very happy to give it. I cannot recommend this one highly enough - a must read.
Adele Ambeh is young, French and, thanks to her father's recent announcement, on the cusp of marrying a man she's not sure of at all. Her mother doesn't like the idea either, and helps Adele to flee the situation by packing her off to a convent to take refuge. But all is not as it appears at the nunnery and it doesn't take long for Adele to become embroiled in the goings on which she discovers are connected to the French Resistance. Before long Adele must return to Vichy and pretend to be enchanted with the man she ran away from . . .
I have always been fascinated by how ordinary people survived the Second World War domestically, and my interest extended to the French Resistance since reading about Edith Cavell and Violet Szabo when I was a young girl, admiring their selfless actions. The writing in this novel manages to convey the horrors of war, the terror of those living in occupied France whilst producing an absolutely gripping tale! My emotions were all over the place by the time I reached the final page, alternatively covering my mouth with a tissue with the horror of it all one moment and mopping up my tears the next. I can't imagine anyone reading this and not being greatly touched. Andie Newton has produced a fine novel which earns everyone of the five glittering stars I'm so very happy to give it. I cannot recommend this one highly enough - a must read.
July 22, 2020
I very quickly fell in love with this story. As many of you know, I love a good historical fiction, and this one didn't disappoint.
Adele is a French girl from Vichy. Her father has promised she will marry Gerard, a member of the French police in the Free Zone. On the night before her wedding, Adele runs away to a nunnery to escape her fate.
Little does she know that several of the nuns at the nunnery are part of the Resistance! Once Adele joins the Resistance, they send her back to Vichy to win Gerard back. She is to learn as much information from him and funnel it back to the Resistance.
This is a beautiful story about how when France, and even families, were divided, love and friendship brought us together.
Favorite quote: "I wanted to fight with this war with all my bones. Now my bones are all I have left."
If you are a fan of the Nightingale, definitely pick this one up!
Adele is a French girl from Vichy. Her father has promised she will marry Gerard, a member of the French police in the Free Zone. On the night before her wedding, Adele runs away to a nunnery to escape her fate.
Little does she know that several of the nuns at the nunnery are part of the Resistance! Once Adele joins the Resistance, they send her back to Vichy to win Gerard back. She is to learn as much information from him and funnel it back to the Resistance.
This is a beautiful story about how when France, and even families, were divided, love and friendship brought us together.
Favorite quote: "I wanted to fight with this war with all my bones. Now my bones are all I have left."
If you are a fan of the Nightingale, definitely pick this one up!
July 17, 2020
Catchfly
This is an emotional read, heartbreaking and inspiring at the same time. The book is written about the French Resistance during WWII. It is especially about the women's role in the resistance, and the dangerous roles they played. How many times they had to pretend to be collaborating with the German's in order to gain information for the resistance. In doing so their own countrymen labeled them collaborators and were often mean to them. Even within families and friends the war split families apart.
The characters in this story are realistic and believable. Adele, Marguerite, Luc, the mother superior and the priest, and even Adel's own mother worked with the resistance. Adele had to pretend to like a French policeman, Gerard, that collaborated with the Germans to gather information.
The saddest part of the story is when she finds out her own sister Charlotte turned her in for working with the resistance. She is than on the run from the Gestapo with Marguerite and eventually captured and put in prison. The women of the resistance were taught to never speak when interrogated and they withstood severe torture.
It is sad what the captured went through and what the Jewish people went through. It is inspiring that so many of the French fought back in the resistance, especially the women.
This book kept me reading late at night and all the next day until I finished it. It was a page turner, and a tear jerker. It had a bit of romance and a lot of suspense. I know that if you read it you will be inspired by these women in the resistance. I would recommend this book.
Thanks to Andie Newton, Aria Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of the book in return for an honest review.
This is an emotional read, heartbreaking and inspiring at the same time. The book is written about the French Resistance during WWII. It is especially about the women's role in the resistance, and the dangerous roles they played. How many times they had to pretend to be collaborating with the German's in order to gain information for the resistance. In doing so their own countrymen labeled them collaborators and were often mean to them. Even within families and friends the war split families apart.
The characters in this story are realistic and believable. Adele, Marguerite, Luc, the mother superior and the priest, and even Adel's own mother worked with the resistance. Adele had to pretend to like a French policeman, Gerard, that collaborated with the Germans to gather information.
The saddest part of the story is when she finds out her own sister Charlotte turned her in for working with the resistance. She is than on the run from the Gestapo with Marguerite and eventually captured and put in prison. The women of the resistance were taught to never speak when interrogated and they withstood severe torture.
It is sad what the captured went through and what the Jewish people went through. It is inspiring that so many of the French fought back in the resistance, especially the women.
This book kept me reading late at night and all the next day until I finished it. It was a page turner, and a tear jerker. It had a bit of romance and a lot of suspense. I know that if you read it you will be inspired by these women in the resistance. I would recommend this book.
Thanks to Andie Newton, Aria Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of the book in return for an honest review.
July 1, 2020
Adèle Ambeh had an idyllic childhood, growing up in an estate nestled among the family vineyards. But when Nazi-controlled Philippe Pétain came to power, residents of Vichy had to choose whether to become collaborators or resisters. Members of Adèle’s family turn against one another. To avoid an arranged marriage to a collaborator, Adèle goes into hiding in a convent, where she is recruited to join the resistance. And that’s just the beginning!
I loved watching Adèle grow from a pampered young girl to a strong woman who learns to see people for who they really are: a sister who becomes a stranger, her mother who passes on a powerful legacy, an antagonist who becomes an ally Adèle is willing to die beside.
There’s also a romance, with someone I couldn’t help picturing as a young Brad Pitt. And there’s even a plot thread involving a woman’s art, a subject dear to my heart. Author Andie Newton has a gift for making the deprivations and life-or-death decisions of WWII real and present for us. The Girl from Vichy offers the reader fully-formed characters, a heart-pounding plot, and an ending that brought a tear to my eye.
I loved watching Adèle grow from a pampered young girl to a strong woman who learns to see people for who they really are: a sister who becomes a stranger, her mother who passes on a powerful legacy, an antagonist who becomes an ally Adèle is willing to die beside.
There’s also a romance, with someone I couldn’t help picturing as a young Brad Pitt. And there’s even a plot thread involving a woman’s art, a subject dear to my heart. Author Andie Newton has a gift for making the deprivations and life-or-death decisions of WWII real and present for us. The Girl from Vichy offers the reader fully-formed characters, a heart-pounding plot, and an ending that brought a tear to my eye.
June 14, 2020
This is another incredible page turning read from Andie Newton. The protagonist, Adele Ambeh runs away from the ruthless man to whom she is betrothed to a nunnery, where she becomes involved in the work of the French Resistance, whilst her beloved family is torn apart by the Vichy regime.
Andie's style of writing is utterly compelling, she effortlessly draws her reader into a vividly described world of secrets and lies, where it is impossible to know who to trust. The characters are brilliantly drawn, with a plot which twists and turns right up to the end of the story.
If you love gripping historical drama, this book is a must read but be warned, it is really hard to put down!
Andie's style of writing is utterly compelling, she effortlessly draws her reader into a vividly described world of secrets and lies, where it is impossible to know who to trust. The characters are brilliantly drawn, with a plot which twists and turns right up to the end of the story.
If you love gripping historical drama, this book is a must read but be warned, it is really hard to put down!
June 26, 2020
I am breathless, having just finished this stunning book. Newton has a wonderful command of language, evoking time, place and character with a distinctive and creative turn of phrase. I was immediately immersed in the characters, vicariously championing the cause of the Resistance and even knowing the outcome of the war, Newton creates tension and intrigue throughout.
This is a true page turner for fans of Natasha Lester and Deborah Carr. Highly recommended.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the early read of this novel.
This is a true page turner for fans of Natasha Lester and Deborah Carr. Highly recommended.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the early read of this novel.
August 17, 2020
Set in World War 2, The Girl from Vichy is a drama-filled story of life in the French Resistance. The girl of the title is Adèle Ambeh who, having taking sanctuary in the convent of Notre Dame de la Compassion to escape marriage to a man she has come to despise, soon discovers there is more going on there than prayer and painting. In fact, the convent is cover for a Resistance network. Soon Adèle is recruited into the Resistance and witnesses first-hand the consequences of discovery or betrayal.
A novel featuring the French Resistance enters a fairly crowded field, jostling for attention with books such as Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale or Kate Mosse’s Citadel. However, being set after the armistice with Germany and France’s separation into “Free” and “Occupied” zones provides a fresh slant. The author vividly conveys the divisions between those who supported the Vichy regime led by Marshall Pétain and those who opposed it, seeing it (rightly) as little more than a puppet of the Reich. These were divisions that were played out within communities, within families, between friends and even between husbands and wives.
The mission Adèle is given underlines those divisions only too clearly when she is asked to get close to the man from whom she originally fled, now an influential member of the Vichy police force. Able to receive or grant favours on a whim, he’s also a ruthless hunter of Resistance members.
I liked the way the book sheds a light on the different motives of those who joined the Resistance, whether that’s fighting to restore the freedom of France, the desire to rid the world of evil or for reasons of a more personal nature. And conversely how, in a time of uncertainty and scarcity, it may take very little for someone to be tempted into the role of informer.
The Girl from Vichy is set in a fascinating period of history with many dramatic, occasionally shocking moments, especially towards the end of the book. I found myself drawn into Adèle’s story, applauding her bravery (and that of the real-life women on whom her character is based) and wondering how events would unfold. As the book illustrates, even in time of war people experience loss and find love but they also learn what human beings are capable of – both the worst and, more importantly, the best. As her mother reminds Adèle, “We do what we have to do. When we have to.”
A novel featuring the French Resistance enters a fairly crowded field, jostling for attention with books such as Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale or Kate Mosse’s Citadel. However, being set after the armistice with Germany and France’s separation into “Free” and “Occupied” zones provides a fresh slant. The author vividly conveys the divisions between those who supported the Vichy regime led by Marshall Pétain and those who opposed it, seeing it (rightly) as little more than a puppet of the Reich. These were divisions that were played out within communities, within families, between friends and even between husbands and wives.
The mission Adèle is given underlines those divisions only too clearly when she is asked to get close to the man from whom she originally fled, now an influential member of the Vichy police force. Able to receive or grant favours on a whim, he’s also a ruthless hunter of Resistance members.
I liked the way the book sheds a light on the different motives of those who joined the Resistance, whether that’s fighting to restore the freedom of France, the desire to rid the world of evil or for reasons of a more personal nature. And conversely how, in a time of uncertainty and scarcity, it may take very little for someone to be tempted into the role of informer.
The Girl from Vichy is set in a fascinating period of history with many dramatic, occasionally shocking moments, especially towards the end of the book. I found myself drawn into Adèle’s story, applauding her bravery (and that of the real-life women on whom her character is based) and wondering how events would unfold. As the book illustrates, even in time of war people experience loss and find love but they also learn what human beings are capable of – both the worst and, more importantly, the best. As her mother reminds Adèle, “We do what we have to do. When we have to.”
August 11, 2020
This novel begins in 1942 in occupied France. Vichy had been in the free zone but is now governed by the Vichy police and the Nazis. Adele was due to marry Gerard, a member of the Vichy police who was cruel and ruthless in carrying out the orders of Germany. She knew that she couldn't marry him so she ran off to Lyon and entered the convent there. She very quickly finds out that the sisters at the convent are part of the French resistance. Once she decides that she wants to work with them, she is told to go back to her home and continue to see Gerard because he will have important information that can be passed back to the resistance fighters. Once she goes back, life becomes very complicated. Gerard can't decide whether to marry her or punish her for leaving. The more she works with the resistance, the more dangerous and risky her life becomes. She knows that if she's caught, her parents and sister will also be in danger but she feels like she must help free her country.
This was an interesting, well researched book about the war in France and the brave women who put their lives on the line to save their country. It was based on the lives of two real women. Be sure to read the author's notes at the end to learn more about these women.
This was an interesting, well researched book about the war in France and the brave women who put their lives on the line to save their country. It was based on the lives of two real women. Be sure to read the author's notes at the end to learn more about these women.
August 16, 2020
Secrets, Lies, love, in Vichy France at the beginning of the German occupation. I know my history, but I somehow always wish that France with its beauty and splendor was overlooked by the Germans; that General Petain hadn't cut a deal with Hitler so that one half of France would be occupied and the other half would be unoccupied or a "free zone" which committed the people of France to the horror it experienced not only by the Nazi's but by their own friends, family, and police. So many Vineyards were destroyed by lack of water or taken to be used for the entertainment of the German's and French Shadow Puppet Regime. So many lives ruined because of French Leadership. It breaks my heart.
The Girl from Vichy is one of those books that bring out a wide range of emotions. My first emotion was gladness for the fairytale vision of Adele's father's vineyard and all the nooks and cranny's his wine cellar held. Then it was disgust and rage from encounters that young Adele has in forms of forced relationships. Most of all I am in awe of Adele's found strength, how she takes risks that show she understands the situations that the people of Vichy are placed in and wants to encourage them to hold strong against the Milice and the Nazi regime.
When I read, The Girl I Left Behind by Andie Newton I was enthralled by the depth of research to detail and setting that Ms. Newton had done and the characters that she had created, especially Ella, who you watch grow from a young naive teen to a confident young woman. The Progression of Ella's strength, maturity, compassion, and how the story was written made me want more from this debuted Author. So when I read that Ms. Newton was writing a new book, It was placed on my "watch-for and must-read" list!
The Girl from Vichy hasn't let me down. Once again, Andie Newton has created a world that you can smell, breathe, taste. A world where you want to slap the smugness off a character's face when they walk into their scene and hug those who desperately need it. I wanted to outright cheer (and I actually did, my husband thought. I was nuts when I told him it had to do with something that happened in a book. 😂) You will want to take weeds and turn them into symbols of hope right alongside Adele.
Summer is a time for love and this is also a summer read. If you love Historical Fiction, learning about different countries and it's people, love characters you grow to appreciated and care for and find escape through danger and intrigue than this book is for you!
The Girl from Vichy is one of those books that bring out a wide range of emotions. My first emotion was gladness for the fairytale vision of Adele's father's vineyard and all the nooks and cranny's his wine cellar held. Then it was disgust and rage from encounters that young Adele has in forms of forced relationships. Most of all I am in awe of Adele's found strength, how she takes risks that show she understands the situations that the people of Vichy are placed in and wants to encourage them to hold strong against the Milice and the Nazi regime.
When I read, The Girl I Left Behind by Andie Newton I was enthralled by the depth of research to detail and setting that Ms. Newton had done and the characters that she had created, especially Ella, who you watch grow from a young naive teen to a confident young woman. The Progression of Ella's strength, maturity, compassion, and how the story was written made me want more from this debuted Author. So when I read that Ms. Newton was writing a new book, It was placed on my "watch-for and must-read" list!
The Girl from Vichy hasn't let me down. Once again, Andie Newton has created a world that you can smell, breathe, taste. A world where you want to slap the smugness off a character's face when they walk into their scene and hug those who desperately need it. I wanted to outright cheer (and I actually did, my husband thought. I was nuts when I told him it had to do with something that happened in a book. 😂) You will want to take weeds and turn them into symbols of hope right alongside Adele.
Summer is a time for love and this is also a summer read. If you love Historical Fiction, learning about different countries and it's people, love characters you grow to appreciated and care for and find escape through danger and intrigue than this book is for you!
August 16, 2020
Fight to my bones
This read made me laugh and cry.
I didnt realize what an importance women were to the resistance. This book bought it to life. I didnt know I could have a emotional response to a book this strong. You wanted to reach into the pages and interact with the characters. I even dreamed of them last night. I will never smell rose water again without thinking of The Girl from Vichy or smell a cigarette. Her characters are so well written they have a life of their own. You know what everyone looks like and feels, it is amazing what Andie did with her characters. BRAVO Andie Newton
This read made me laugh and cry.
I didnt realize what an importance women were to the resistance. This book bought it to life. I didnt know I could have a emotional response to a book this strong. You wanted to reach into the pages and interact with the characters. I even dreamed of them last night. I will never smell rose water again without thinking of The Girl from Vichy or smell a cigarette. Her characters are so well written they have a life of their own. You know what everyone looks like and feels, it is amazing what Andie did with her characters. BRAVO Andie Newton
August 18, 2020
I found ’The Girl from Vichy’ a compelling and powerful read. In Adele Ambeh Andie Newton has created a strong yet vulnerable character whose story we are completely invested in. The novel is set during a turbulent time in history and Andie has captured the dangers and realities of life for French resistance fighters with memorable and gut-churning detail. This is edge of the seat stuff - you won’t be able to put it down!
August 5, 2020
Andie Newton has followed up her brilliant debut, The Girl I Left Behind, with this equally enthralling tale of war time resistance, unsung heroines and romance.
The action sets off at a breathless pace, with heroine Adéle running away from prospect of marriage to a bully of a man she doesn't love, and it never lets up. I felt for the characters and their struggles, and I read the last few pages with my heart in my mouth (and I'm not ashamed to admit that I cried at the end!).
A wonderful read, not just for fans of historical fiction, but also for lovers of a cracking tale of any genre.
The action sets off at a breathless pace, with heroine Adéle running away from prospect of marriage to a bully of a man she doesn't love, and it never lets up. I felt for the characters and their struggles, and I read the last few pages with my heart in my mouth (and I'm not ashamed to admit that I cried at the end!).
A wonderful read, not just for fans of historical fiction, but also for lovers of a cracking tale of any genre.
August 23, 2020
Last year I read Andie Newton’s debut novel, The Girl I Left Behind, and I loved it. After reading that debut, I was so excited to see what she came up with next.
Newton is a strong and rising voice in the historical fiction genre so when I saw this was her next book, I couldn’t wait to check it out! Not only is this cover absolutely stunning, but the summary sounded incredible.
Obviously I am a big fan of historical fiction and I am always looking for a new and exciting author’s to watch and this author is right up there at the top of my up and coming hot authors.
As many of you know, the historical fiction genre is dominated by WWII books, many with a romantic element. But there is also a reason they are so popular and to be honest I never get tired of reading war time historical fiction with a little romance. What sets Newton’s book apart from others though is her talented storytelling and prose. I absolutely love the voice and tone of her novels, not to mention the setting. In this book the main characters flees to a nunnery and right away I was whisked away into a story of resistance fighters, war time France and a little romance.
I absolutely loved this one just as much as I loved Newton’s debut novel. In this one, I loved how much details she incorporated about the resistance. This is where she shines, the research and the detail to the inner workings of the organization were believable and well developed. I was completely invested in the resistance story but when all the other details and plot points were added in, it felt like a bonus because the central story was so well done.
While the historical details are exciting and well researched, which would have been enough for me, but then Newton takes it a step further and creates wonderfully developed and well written characters that readers can;’t help but enjoy and sympathize with. I felt like I knew them intimately and that we would be friends in real life, especially Adele. I really enjoyed her character and felt all of her struggles and triumphs.
Overall this book was such a treat to read. It took me a little while to read it but that was because I was trying to savor it when my instincts just wanted to devour it, I had to force myself to slow down and enjoy it. Absolutely fantastic!
See my full review here
Newton is a strong and rising voice in the historical fiction genre so when I saw this was her next book, I couldn’t wait to check it out! Not only is this cover absolutely stunning, but the summary sounded incredible.
Obviously I am a big fan of historical fiction and I am always looking for a new and exciting author’s to watch and this author is right up there at the top of my up and coming hot authors.
As many of you know, the historical fiction genre is dominated by WWII books, many with a romantic element. But there is also a reason they are so popular and to be honest I never get tired of reading war time historical fiction with a little romance. What sets Newton’s book apart from others though is her talented storytelling and prose. I absolutely love the voice and tone of her novels, not to mention the setting. In this book the main characters flees to a nunnery and right away I was whisked away into a story of resistance fighters, war time France and a little romance.
I absolutely loved this one just as much as I loved Newton’s debut novel. In this one, I loved how much details she incorporated about the resistance. This is where she shines, the research and the detail to the inner workings of the organization were believable and well developed. I was completely invested in the resistance story but when all the other details and plot points were added in, it felt like a bonus because the central story was so well done.
While the historical details are exciting and well researched, which would have been enough for me, but then Newton takes it a step further and creates wonderfully developed and well written characters that readers can;’t help but enjoy and sympathize with. I felt like I knew them intimately and that we would be friends in real life, especially Adele. I really enjoyed her character and felt all of her struggles and triumphs.
Overall this book was such a treat to read. It took me a little while to read it but that was because I was trying to savor it when my instincts just wanted to devour it, I had to force myself to slow down and enjoy it. Absolutely fantastic!
See my full review here
August 23, 2020
After enjoying the author’s first novel I was excited to get a copy of The a Girl From Vichy. This is a story of a girl named Adèle living through the WWII in France. The book is set in Vichy and Lyons. I enjoyed stepping in to these cities to get a better view of life during this awful time period. Unfortunately, I did feel lost a times with situations going on, timing between events, and connecting with the characters. Thank you to NetGalley and Aria for my digital copy.
August 18, 2020
I found this book to have been well researched, I have only read one other book based in Vichy during WW2 so it was good to see a different part of France and how the resistance worked there.
I liked the characters and their story.
All in all, a good book
I liked the characters and their story.
All in all, a good book
August 17, 2020
I couldn't wait to read this! I loooooove spy novels and wwii stories.
The story follows Adele who started as a girl just running away from a terrible man who she is being forced to marry as war in Europe rages on. She hides and takes refuge at the Sisters of Notre Dame de la Compassion. From the outside this looks like a simple nunnery, but the sisters are secretly helping the French Resistance. Adele is drawn to the nuns and quickly finds herself part of the resistance, but her new role means she has to return home. Adele must fight for her family, destiny, love, and for her country.
I will admit the beginning did not capture me right away. It took a while for me to really warm up to our characters and the story itself. It was a little slow while we were waiting for Adele to figure out the truth about the nunnery.
Once a certain event happened and Adele's world went spiraling to the spy world then I was invested and finished reading the rest of the book in one day. I simply could NOT put this down!!! SOOOO good.
Poor Adele. I was so mad at her dad and her sister. They were just soooooo blind. I would've had a hard time dealing with them and keeping a straight face. I get it...family is family....but still.....they needed a good shaking.
I adored Luc. I wish we had more time with him overall.
Adele's partner (I won't name names because that is a huge spoiler) was my hero. I felt so bad for this character but I had to applaud for the character's bravery and loyalty.
OOOOoooOOOOoooOOOOooooOOOOOO that ending was amazing. I did get a little tear of joy there. That was so powerful.
Overall, I really liked this book. The beginning was a little rough for me but after a certain event I simply could not put it down. This had everything you would want in a spy novel during wartime. Action, romance, drama. That ending even gave me a little tear of joy. I'll give this 4 stars.
The story follows Adele who started as a girl just running away from a terrible man who she is being forced to marry as war in Europe rages on. She hides and takes refuge at the Sisters of Notre Dame de la Compassion. From the outside this looks like a simple nunnery, but the sisters are secretly helping the French Resistance. Adele is drawn to the nuns and quickly finds herself part of the resistance, but her new role means she has to return home. Adele must fight for her family, destiny, love, and for her country.
I will admit the beginning did not capture me right away. It took a while for me to really warm up to our characters and the story itself. It was a little slow while we were waiting for Adele to figure out the truth about the nunnery.
Once a certain event happened and Adele's world went spiraling to the spy world then I was invested and finished reading the rest of the book in one day. I simply could NOT put this down!!! SOOOO good.
Poor Adele. I was so mad at her dad and her sister. They were just soooooo blind. I would've had a hard time dealing with them and keeping a straight face. I get it...family is family....but still.....they needed a good shaking.
I adored Luc. I wish we had more time with him overall.
Adele's partner (I won't name names because that is a huge spoiler) was my hero. I felt so bad for this character but I had to applaud for the character's bravery and loyalty.
OOOOoooOOOOoooOOOOooooOOOOOO that ending was amazing. I did get a little tear of joy there. That was so powerful.
Overall, I really liked this book. The beginning was a little rough for me but after a certain event I simply could not put it down. This had everything you would want in a spy novel during wartime. Action, romance, drama. That ending even gave me a little tear of joy. I'll give this 4 stars.
August 24, 2020
As the story of The Girl from Vichy unwinds, it begins as the story of a slightly spoiled young woman whose family is divided between the different factions within unoccupied France in World War II. Fleeing an arranged marriage with a member of the Vichy police, Adèle journeys to a convent where she becomes involved with the resistance - only to be sent back to face her spurned fiancé. As her life becomes increasingly dangerous, Adèle voices her story with growing maturity, depth, and an unflinching narration.
There are works of historical fiction that get me in the heart, but this is one that got me in the gut. Andie Newton has crafted a story that is emotional, thrilling, surprising, and ultimately gut wrenching. There was a moment that caught me unaware, though it had been skillfully built up to, and having to pause for a breath before reading on, and that same reaction is how this book left me in the end.
Highly recommended.
This review refers to a NetGalley e-galley I voluntarily read. A positive review was not required and these are simply my own honest opinions.
There are works of historical fiction that get me in the heart, but this is one that got me in the gut. Andie Newton has crafted a story that is emotional, thrilling, surprising, and ultimately gut wrenching. There was a moment that caught me unaware, though it had been skillfully built up to, and having to pause for a breath before reading on, and that same reaction is how this book left me in the end.
Highly recommended.
This review refers to a NetGalley e-galley I voluntarily read. A positive review was not required and these are simply my own honest opinions.
August 16, 2020
The Girl from Vichy is loosely based on the lives of two women in the French Resistance of WWII. Newton explores the emotion and lives of people living under the puppet government set up in Vichy by President Petain. The book opens with Adele running away the night before she is being forced to wed Gerard, a Vichy Policeman and German Collaborator. She hides in a local nunnery, where all is not as it seems. The nuns are helping the Resistance and Adele soon becomes a part of it. I was unsure when I picked up this book as another WWII book, but it pulls you in from the very first chapter, and it keeps you interested in Adele's story. It was also nice to read about a different angle, and look closer at what it was like living under the Vichy government. Thank you #NetGalley for allowing me to give my honest review on #TheGirlfromVichy.
July 12, 2020
I’m not sure what to say about this book. It seemed almost like every other book I’ve read about the resistance.
It did keep my interest and I wanted to find out what happened to the main characters.
Thanks to Netgalley for the early copy
It did keep my interest and I wanted to find out what happened to the main characters.
Thanks to Netgalley for the early copy
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