Between Moons: A gripping WW2 historical novel

by Claire Anders

In the dark days of war, who can you trust?When journalist Marlene Villeret parachutes into Nazi-occupied France by moonlight, her role is to observe the French way of life until her departure at the next full moon. With swastikas draped around Paris and families torn from their homes in front of helpless friends and neighbours, Marlene wants to do more with her short time in the city.But when she forms a bond with Niklas, a German soldier, she has cause to question all that she thought she knew about the war.With every passing day, Marlene is drawn further into danger. When she is betrayed and her secret revealed, she’s no longer sure who to trust and where to turn. Can Marlene trust her instincts and get to safety with no one getting hurt?

Genres: Historical Fiction, World War II, Fiction

408 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2021

Reviews

[Kayla Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Between Moons tells the story of Marlene, a French women living in London who loses everything when her husband is killed in action. After making some split decisions, she finds herself back in war-torn France and she finds out that France is no longer the country it was when she last lived in it.

What is meant to be a short time in France winds up being much longer as Marlene encounters the French Resistance, new friends, the enemy and an unexpected relationship with someone. What began as a journey of journalism to report on life in occupied France turns into much more.

My only complaint is that I feel the author left some lose ends. The book ends before WWII ended, so it would have been nice to know the outcome for all the characters. Especially Benjamin, Adrienne and Marlene and Niklas. Although one could assume, it’s always nice to see an author tie up loose ends. Regardless, the book is still worth a read!

[Diane Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book, but the beginning dragged on too long. Marlene is given an odd assignment that seems to put her in danger far above what she's tasked to do. She finally does become involved in the Resistance, which moves the story along faster.
I liked Marlene, and rooted for her. But some plot threads were left dangling, or vague. Henri remains an enigma, and Etienne isn't fleshed out enough. And her brother is almost a villain, yet he's not.
Niklaus is a believable character, a German caught up in war who just wants to return home.
Their relationship is sweet, despite the dangers around them. I wanted to know what happened, thus the four stars.

[Julie Chadwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely absorbing

I started this book at 5.30am this Sunday morning and finished it at 2pm the same day. Literally couldn't put it down as I was gripped from the very first chapter. I've loved all of Claire Anders books and I'm so pleased that I saved this one until last. What a great read to finish with. I'm hoping for the next book to feature George's adventures.

[Chris Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't do book reviews


I don't do book reviews like you keep seeing, as I find that some give too much of the plot away and I personally hate that, as it makes the book not worth reading. I much prefer to take the authors back cover write up as a review as it can either intrigue you enough to read the book of provide you enough information to make you decide that the book is not for you.
My review rules are: The more stars, the more I liked it.
If there are too many typos or errors the less stars I give
If the storyline or plot is poor or contains too many errors, the characters are too weak, the ending lacking something, then the less stars I give.
Simple, uncomplicated and to the point without giving anything away.
Some of the books I read have been given to me by the author as a pre-release copy and this does not bias my reviews in any way.

[Carey Mundy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read a lot of books about WWII and especially the Resistance France so this one piqued my interest. Although a bit slow at start, it was an interesting book about a French widow who returned to Paris during the war. Although a journalist by trade, she ended up doing work that led her to a German soldier. It was a good read.

[Hollie Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this book, I enjoyed the story and the characters. I liked how it gave a slice of life in occupied Paris with a few twists and turns. The story didn’t drag and kept at a steady pace. There were a few twists I didn’t see coming which was nice. If you people like a light hearted but interesting read this is the book for you.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Between 2 moons

This is the first I've read a novel set in the 2nd World War and in France it was an eye opener and we'll written love all the descriptions yes it was a gripping novel

[maureen cowie · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent

A very interesting and well written book which l enjoyed very much and had to keep reading to see what happened next lots of information about life. In France during the second world war well done for the the first book

[brenda clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Between Moons

This was an enlightening book with many highs and lows with breath holding moments , new experiences life changing times with multiple changing experiences strong people to undertake the risk of survival. Finding love in an unexpected way.

[Mrs. Bridget Wiltshire · Rating 4 out of 5]

An extremely good first novel.

[Jeff Petar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very enjoyable book

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this charming tale. Perhaps a sequel needs to be written about Adrienne and Tomas as I'm left wondering

[julie futcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

This book was definitely full of intrigue. Believable and, I think, realistic. Not especially gritty which was what I enjoyed this time. I would recommend it.

[Susan Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book despite the slow start. The final pages were very good. However there are quite a few unfinished questions. Maybe a sequel?

[Jackie]

It was a good story though at times I did wonder why the SOE decided to use her as she was so scared of everything and everywhere she went.

[Mrs P E Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

great

A brilliantly written book lt had me wanting to keep reading and not put it down cannot wait to read the next one

[Judith Nicholls · Rating 2 out of 5]

As I have read a lot of books about SOE etc I had trouble in finding this book credible as I felt the research was decidedly lacking.

[JANE THOMAS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping

Great book, with a different aspect from the usual ww2 books. I hope the is a sequel in the pipeline

[Ina Tuscano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different story

Refreshing to read a story about WWII from this idea. Very enjoyable! Wonder about the second book she will write.

[peter walton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this novel but it had so many twists & turns that it almost read like "An A. Christie book" and took ages to get into. Nice to see that goodness prevailed at the end.

[Lillian Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarminng

I say heartwarming because despite all Marlene & Nicolas went they they found each other. And there was a happy ending.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous

Wonderful written. It kept me on the edge of my seat, wondering what trouble Marlene would get into next
If you like WW II novels, I highly recommend this book

[ann betts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Between moons

A story about flying into France on a bystander on a moonlit night and fighting to survive with limited skills in wartime France.

[Roselle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great read kept me gripped throughout hard to put down at times.

[Helen Waggoner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't too impressed with this story. The characters weren't very likable or believable. I kept forgetting they were supposed to be French not British.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was interested in the beginning but midway it kinda fell flat. It was ok.