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The Resistance Girl #1
The Watchmaker's Daughter
I have to help them,’ Valérie says, her eyes filling with tears at the thought of the frightened children shivering in the rain and hiding from the Nazis. ‘I know you do,’ Philippe replies as he pulls her tight, ‘And I love you so much for that. But will you promise to be careful? Remember how precious your life is too?’
1942: Gazing out of her shuttered bedroom window towards the snow-covered Alps, Valérie Hallez feels like a traitor to her beautiful country. France has fallen to the Nazis, and everyone knows that Switzerland could be invaded next. But her father Albert is a local watchmaker who relies on German trade. As she helps him entertain German customers, she sees their Nazi insignia sparkling in the firelight. And guilt fills her heart as she listens to her crackling radio which speaks of terrible camps in Germany. So when a friend asks her to hide Jewish refugee children who will be sent back to the Nazis if they are discovered, Valérie knows she must join the fight against evil…
In defiance of her father, Valérie smuggles messages for the French Resistance, hidden among his watch deliveries. And when darkness falls, she runs through narrow cobbled streets to hide children in his old workshop. Her heart is broken by their terrified faces, and it pains her to feel so distant from her father. But she finds comfort in letters from Philippe, her childhood sweetheart who is a soldier based in secret military fortresses in the mountains. And in his brief hours of leave, they snatch precious moments on their favourite bench by Lake Geneva.
Then a hidden document that could alter the course of the war tells her Philippe is in grave danger. And Valérie faces an impossible choice. Will she betray the Resistance to save the man she loves?
A completely gripping and heart-wrenching novel about love and bravery in a time of terrible danger. Fans of The Alice Network, The Nightingale and We Were the Lucky Ones will be swept away by The Watchmaker’s Daughter.
1942: Gazing out of her shuttered bedroom window towards the snow-covered Alps, Valérie Hallez feels like a traitor to her beautiful country. France has fallen to the Nazis, and everyone knows that Switzerland could be invaded next. But her father Albert is a local watchmaker who relies on German trade. As she helps him entertain German customers, she sees their Nazi insignia sparkling in the firelight. And guilt fills her heart as she listens to her crackling radio which speaks of terrible camps in Germany. So when a friend asks her to hide Jewish refugee children who will be sent back to the Nazis if they are discovered, Valérie knows she must join the fight against evil…
In defiance of her father, Valérie smuggles messages for the French Resistance, hidden among his watch deliveries. And when darkness falls, she runs through narrow cobbled streets to hide children in his old workshop. Her heart is broken by their terrified faces, and it pains her to feel so distant from her father. But she finds comfort in letters from Philippe, her childhood sweetheart who is a soldier based in secret military fortresses in the mountains. And in his brief hours of leave, they snatch precious moments on their favourite bench by Lake Geneva.
Then a hidden document that could alter the course of the war tells her Philippe is in grave danger. And Valérie faces an impossible choice. Will she betray the Resistance to save the man she loves?
A completely gripping and heart-wrenching novel about love and bravery in a time of terrible danger. Fans of The Alice Network, The Nightingale and We Were the Lucky Ones will be swept away by The Watchmaker’s Daughter.
291 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2022
1837 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
April 19, 2022
It's so very hard watching atrocities being done right outside your window and for Valérie Hallez this was her reality. She is aware of the atrocities of the camps through listening to a radio, but she is torn as her father, a watchmaker, relies on the Germans for his business and their living. She knows that in some way she must help, fight the wrongs, and get involved in what puts her in a very dangerous position.
Valerie embarks on a plan to help the French Resistance, as she secrets away messages in watch part deliveries. She even ventures out at night and hides Jewish children in his workshop. She grows distant from her father, as she can't understand his seeing acceptance of the way things are. She does find consolation in a childhood friend, Philippe, who is a soldier. Every so often, he gets leave and comes to her and their love and affection grows as each worry about the safety of the other. When Valerie comes across a secret document, she realizes that her beloved Phillipps's life is in danger and she must decide if he is the one to save or is it the French Resistance that she owes her loyalty?
This well written book kept me engaged in the heartbreaking story and once again offered up the way in which people fought oppression each one in their own way. I definitely recommend this one to those who enjoy a WW 2 book with a slightly different look at the participants in the struggle for freedom.
Thank you to Diane Hailey, Bookouture, and NetGalley for the audiobook of this story due out April 25, 2022.
Valerie embarks on a plan to help the French Resistance, as she secrets away messages in watch part deliveries. She even ventures out at night and hides Jewish children in his workshop. She grows distant from her father, as she can't understand his seeing acceptance of the way things are. She does find consolation in a childhood friend, Philippe, who is a soldier. Every so often, he gets leave and comes to her and their love and affection grows as each worry about the safety of the other. When Valerie comes across a secret document, she realizes that her beloved Phillipps's life is in danger and she must decide if he is the one to save or is it the French Resistance that she owes her loyalty?
This well written book kept me engaged in the heartbreaking story and once again offered up the way in which people fought oppression each one in their own way. I definitely recommend this one to those who enjoy a WW 2 book with a slightly different look at the participants in the struggle for freedom.
Thank you to Diane Hailey, Bookouture, and NetGalley for the audiobook of this story due out April 25, 2022.
September 9, 2023
4.5 stars
This historical fiction had a lot of great elements that made it an enjoyable read. Though the story started out slow, it soon picked up and turned out to be quite action-packed! The book took some unexpected twists and turns, and with multiple revelations in the second half, everything came together nicely. The end was both sad and sweet. It was a little disappointing that the ending had a loose end that left you hanging. However, it made sense, as the story continues as part of a series. I’m excited to read the other two books!
Based in Geneva, Switzerland, Valerie is the daughter of a skilled watchmaker. During WWII, her and her friends help the resistance by aiding in the transportation of refugees across the border. They also provide temporary shelter and hiding places. This is important but dangerous work that they could be gravely punished for if caught.
When a Frenchwoman turns up with a mysterious list of Swiss traitors, she is determined to give it to the English allies, even if it means risking her life. Who is on this list and will it end up in the right hands? Valerie must help assist this mission.
Phillip and Valerie are sweethearts. Phillip works as a cartographer in the Swiss alps. Soon suspicious activity starts happening leading then to believe that a traitor is amongst the group. Who would betray their country? Can they identify and convict the correct person?
Both Valerie and Phillip get caught in a web of deception. Everyone has secrets and unclear motives. They must uncover and expose the truth to protect Switzerland and the resistance. I liked how their parts came together as the book progressed. They were both very courageous in their actions. There were a variety of characters that each added to the storyline. The story was the perfect length with no parts dragging.
Overall, this was a fun and educational historical read. I felt I learned a lot about Switzerland’s part in the war. The author was skilled at combining history and mystery to create a captivating story.
This historical fiction had a lot of great elements that made it an enjoyable read. Though the story started out slow, it soon picked up and turned out to be quite action-packed! The book took some unexpected twists and turns, and with multiple revelations in the second half, everything came together nicely. The end was both sad and sweet. It was a little disappointing that the ending had a loose end that left you hanging. However, it made sense, as the story continues as part of a series. I’m excited to read the other two books!
Based in Geneva, Switzerland, Valerie is the daughter of a skilled watchmaker. During WWII, her and her friends help the resistance by aiding in the transportation of refugees across the border. They also provide temporary shelter and hiding places. This is important but dangerous work that they could be gravely punished for if caught.
When a Frenchwoman turns up with a mysterious list of Swiss traitors, she is determined to give it to the English allies, even if it means risking her life. Who is on this list and will it end up in the right hands? Valerie must help assist this mission.
Phillip and Valerie are sweethearts. Phillip works as a cartographer in the Swiss alps. Soon suspicious activity starts happening leading then to believe that a traitor is amongst the group. Who would betray their country? Can they identify and convict the correct person?
Both Valerie and Phillip get caught in a web of deception. Everyone has secrets and unclear motives. They must uncover and expose the truth to protect Switzerland and the resistance. I liked how their parts came together as the book progressed. They were both very courageous in their actions. There were a variety of characters that each added to the storyline. The story was the perfect length with no parts dragging.
Overall, this was a fun and educational historical read. I felt I learned a lot about Switzerland’s part in the war. The author was skilled at combining history and mystery to create a captivating story.
April 25, 2022
Debut author Dianne Haley has written a superb book.
There have been many WWII books written and they are good but one that has a different topic covered such as this one really catches your attention.
What keeps your attention is the page after page reading of danger,heart wrenching heartbreak the characters face though not of their own causing. Such injustice done to children just trying to escape to a better life.
You get very invested in the character's lives,holding your breath as you read the risks they are taking through espionage and secret communications.
France has fallen to the Nazi's and Switzerland's people know they could be next but a long time jeweler needs the business with the Germans to survive. As his daughter does bike deliveries for him she, unknown to her father ,smuggles messages for the French Resistance, hidden among his watch deliveries.
It is a huge risk she is taking but she does it while thinking of Philippe, her childhood sweetheart who is a soldier based in secret military fortresses in the mountains.
When unexpected danger strikes will she stay safe, will her father?
Highly recommended!
Pub Date 25 Apr 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
There have been many WWII books written and they are good but one that has a different topic covered such as this one really catches your attention.
What keeps your attention is the page after page reading of danger,heart wrenching heartbreak the characters face though not of their own causing. Such injustice done to children just trying to escape to a better life.
You get very invested in the character's lives,holding your breath as you read the risks they are taking through espionage and secret communications.
France has fallen to the Nazi's and Switzerland's people know they could be next but a long time jeweler needs the business with the Germans to survive. As his daughter does bike deliveries for him she, unknown to her father ,smuggles messages for the French Resistance, hidden among his watch deliveries.
It is a huge risk she is taking but she does it while thinking of Philippe, her childhood sweetheart who is a soldier based in secret military fortresses in the mountains.
When unexpected danger strikes will she stay safe, will her father?
Highly recommended!
Pub Date 25 Apr 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
March 13, 2022
“We cannot survive on our principles and the sooner you learn that the better.”
“Valerie sighed. It seemed like everyone was sacrificing their principles to keep their businesses afloat.”
When thousands of Jews sought refuge in Switzerland during WW2 many Swiss residents helped them cross the border to safety. At the time, offering help was a crime and Valérie Hallez was one of those in Geneva who helped even though it was at great risk to herself. What began as an act of defiance towards her father, soon became her heartfelt mission. Albert Hallez, a watchmaker, relies on the German trade to survive and often entertained Nazi customers at home. Little did he know that his daughter was smuggling messages for the French Resistance in his watch deliveries and hiding refugees in his workshop!
When she discovers a hidden document that puts her sweetheart, a soldier based in a secret military fortress, at risk, she’s forced to choose between the man she loves and the organization she’s been supporting.
My heart was pounding and I’d resorted to nail-biting before chapter one was finished! The author immediately put me right in the midst of the action and I became part of the Resistance for the duration of the novel. I was anticipating danger, wary of everyone’s behaviour and protective of the protagonist’s life. The author is certainly gifted at placing her readers in the setting! When I see the humanity in the world at the moment, strangers taking children across borders to safety and many offering Ukrainian refugees help and a place to stay, I can understand a little of what Valerie and Emile supported. I can’t imagine, however, what was involved in aiding at risk of prison or death. They truly were heroes.
I enjoyed Valerie and Philippe’s incredible tale of love and bravery and look forward to another book by this author.
“Valerie sighed. It seemed like everyone was sacrificing their principles to keep their businesses afloat.”
When thousands of Jews sought refuge in Switzerland during WW2 many Swiss residents helped them cross the border to safety. At the time, offering help was a crime and Valérie Hallez was one of those in Geneva who helped even though it was at great risk to herself. What began as an act of defiance towards her father, soon became her heartfelt mission. Albert Hallez, a watchmaker, relies on the German trade to survive and often entertained Nazi customers at home. Little did he know that his daughter was smuggling messages for the French Resistance in his watch deliveries and hiding refugees in his workshop!
When she discovers a hidden document that puts her sweetheart, a soldier based in a secret military fortress, at risk, she’s forced to choose between the man she loves and the organization she’s been supporting.
My heart was pounding and I’d resorted to nail-biting before chapter one was finished! The author immediately put me right in the midst of the action and I became part of the Resistance for the duration of the novel. I was anticipating danger, wary of everyone’s behaviour and protective of the protagonist’s life. The author is certainly gifted at placing her readers in the setting! When I see the humanity in the world at the moment, strangers taking children across borders to safety and many offering Ukrainian refugees help and a place to stay, I can understand a little of what Valerie and Emile supported. I can’t imagine, however, what was involved in aiding at risk of prison or death. They truly were heroes.
I enjoyed Valerie and Philippe’s incredible tale of love and bravery and look forward to another book by this author.
September 8, 2023
4.5 🌟
This book started out slowly, but then it finally picked up and didn't slow down!! It's full of believable characters who are fully developed and likable, except for the Nazis.
This story takes place in Switzerland in 1942 during WW2. Switzerland is a neutral country but the Germans still found a way in! The main characters are Valerie, her Dad Albert who is the watchmaker and Philippe, Valerie's childhood sweetheart. Valerie, unknown to her Dad, is part of the Resistance who helps deliver messages in the packages of watch parts she's carrying for her Dad. Philippe is in the Swiss Army and looks up to a famous war hero named Favre. Valerie and Philippe long for the war to be over so they can be together. When will this be and when the war is over, will they stay together?
Valerie teams up with Emile, another one in the Resistance to help smuggle children to Switzerland and hides them so they can be free and hopefully returned to their families once the war is over. I truly enjoyed Valerie's character! She's smart, courageous, strong and determined to help whoever she can. Meantime, Philippe is worried about Valerie because she's putting her life in danger and is slowly learning that the hero he looks up to can't be trusted! Oh no!! Soon Philippe's own life is in danger... arrested for treason and facing a firing squad!! Things are really heating up and can anyone save his life? Valerie is also in danger and unknowingly puts her Dad in harms way!! What is going to happen now? 🤫 The ending was extremely exciting and action packed!! I'll just say this, things happened that I didn't expect!! Read the Authors letter at the end of the book to see how this story came to be. It's the first book in a series of three, but can be read as a stand alone. However, when the library gets my book in, I can't wait to read Under A Brighter Sky ( book 2). It's a beautiful, gripping and fantastic story of love, survival and courage!
Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫✨
This book started out slowly, but then it finally picked up and didn't slow down!! It's full of believable characters who are fully developed and likable, except for the Nazis.
This story takes place in Switzerland in 1942 during WW2. Switzerland is a neutral country but the Germans still found a way in! The main characters are Valerie, her Dad Albert who is the watchmaker and Philippe, Valerie's childhood sweetheart. Valerie, unknown to her Dad, is part of the Resistance who helps deliver messages in the packages of watch parts she's carrying for her Dad. Philippe is in the Swiss Army and looks up to a famous war hero named Favre. Valerie and Philippe long for the war to be over so they can be together. When will this be and when the war is over, will they stay together?
Valerie teams up with Emile, another one in the Resistance to help smuggle children to Switzerland and hides them so they can be free and hopefully returned to their families once the war is over. I truly enjoyed Valerie's character! She's smart, courageous, strong and determined to help whoever she can. Meantime, Philippe is worried about Valerie because she's putting her life in danger and is slowly learning that the hero he looks up to can't be trusted! Oh no!! Soon Philippe's own life is in danger... arrested for treason and facing a firing squad!! Things are really heating up and can anyone save his life? Valerie is also in danger and unknowingly puts her Dad in harms way!! What is going to happen now? 🤫 The ending was extremely exciting and action packed!! I'll just say this, things happened that I didn't expect!! Read the Authors letter at the end of the book to see how this story came to be. It's the first book in a series of three, but can be read as a stand alone. However, when the library gets my book in, I can't wait to read Under A Brighter Sky ( book 2). It's a beautiful, gripping and fantastic story of love, survival and courage!
Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫✨
October 26, 2022
In this incredible debut novel by Dianne Haley, we meet the incredibly strong Valérie as she uses deliveries on her bicycle for her fathers watch making business to smuggle secrets in the role that she finds herself playing in the Resistance. While Valérie places herself in danger time and again, she is desperately missing her sweetheart Philippe. They both are playing dangerous roles in this devastating war and it is unlikely that they’ll ever be reunited.
Under the guise of her father’s watchmaking business, Valérie places herself in danger time and again, especially helping young Jewish children by having them in her fathers workshop. She does whatever she can to get these children to safety even when Phillipe warns her of the dangers involved.
In this compelling read the level of danger never drops, the level of fear never lets up, all while Valérie’s strength shines through again and again. While it is abundantly clear that she will have a difficult time, she showed that she would take any measures she could to help as many people as she could. I was so glad to have read this first book in this series and was very pleased to be able to go right into book number two to see what else what other dangers faced Valérie and whether or not she would ever be reunited with Phillipe.
Under the guise of her father’s watchmaking business, Valérie places herself in danger time and again, especially helping young Jewish children by having them in her fathers workshop. She does whatever she can to get these children to safety even when Phillipe warns her of the dangers involved.
In this compelling read the level of danger never drops, the level of fear never lets up, all while Valérie’s strength shines through again and again. While it is abundantly clear that she will have a difficult time, she showed that she would take any measures she could to help as many people as she could. I was so glad to have read this first book in this series and was very pleased to be able to go right into book number two to see what else what other dangers faced Valérie and whether or not she would ever be reunited with Phillipe.
April 26, 2022
What is a Watchmakers Daughter to do when her home town of Geneva is crawling with German soldiers and refugees desperate to escape over the mountains to safety? Valerie must walk a fine line between helping those who need it more than anything and being cordial to the German officer whose business her father insists he needs to keep his small watchmaking company afloat during these unpredictable times. Secrets, lies, betrayal, redemption and so much more are to be found on the pages of this captivating story. It will keep you on the edge of your seat trying to figure out who betrayed those trying to help.
I was instantly drawn to this story because of its location…Switzerland. While I’ve read many WWII stories that mention or briefly visit the neutral…I had yet to come across one that takes place entirely in the country. I never knew just how close it came to being invaded so the history lesson that came with this story was much appreciated! I love the character of Valerie. Her determination to help despite the danger painted a vivid picture of just how far ordinary people would go to do the right thing and help those who needed it most.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Bookouture and Dianne Haley for early access to this engaging story!
I was instantly drawn to this story because of its location…Switzerland. While I’ve read many WWII stories that mention or briefly visit the neutral…I had yet to come across one that takes place entirely in the country. I never knew just how close it came to being invaded so the history lesson that came with this story was much appreciated! I love the character of Valerie. Her determination to help despite the danger painted a vivid picture of just how far ordinary people would go to do the right thing and help those who needed it most.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Bookouture and Dianne Haley for early access to this engaging story!
April 18, 2022
I enjoyed this Historical Fiction book. Trust is everything! Imagine thinking your father is a traitor.
1942: Valerie Hallez lives in Switzerland and knows France has been invaded by the Nazis, and she realizes her country is next. Her father Albert, is the local watchmaker and relies on German trade. How can her father continue to service and entertain the Nazis?
Valerie hears a radio announcement about camps taking in children. Valerie is given the chance to hide Jewish refugee children, and this becomes her life. She starts smuggling messages in his watch deliveries for the French Resistance. Her boyfriend Philippe a soldier comforts her in letters.
As a hidden document is found Valerie realizes her sweetheart Philippe is in danger. She is torn in what she should do.
This novel is beautifully written, heartwarming and gives us an inside look into what people had to do to save lives at any cost.
1942: Valerie Hallez lives in Switzerland and knows France has been invaded by the Nazis, and she realizes her country is next. Her father Albert, is the local watchmaker and relies on German trade. How can her father continue to service and entertain the Nazis?
Valerie hears a radio announcement about camps taking in children. Valerie is given the chance to hide Jewish refugee children, and this becomes her life. She starts smuggling messages in his watch deliveries for the French Resistance. Her boyfriend Philippe a soldier comforts her in letters.
As a hidden document is found Valerie realizes her sweetheart Philippe is in danger. She is torn in what she should do.
This novel is beautifully written, heartwarming and gives us an inside look into what people had to do to save lives at any cost.
April 24, 2022
Dianne Haley is a new-to-me author, and I found this book very interesting. Little is written about World War 2 and its role in Switzerland which made this book quite different. Switzerland was neutral in World War 2 due to its mountainous nature. Consequently, it was of considerable interest to belligerent states as the scene for diplomacy, espionage, and commerce, as well as being a safe haven for refugees. The Swiss did have a resistance force that mainly focused on assisting refugees that were fleeing from nearby France.
Valerie is the daughter of a watchmaker and is involved in the resistance. Her boyfriend, Phillipe, is in the Swiss Army and stationed in the mountains where the Germans might try to break through. Each of them plays a role in this suspense filled novel as they attempt to discover who the traitor is that is leaking military information to the Nazis while playing innocent with people they believe are Nazi spies. Haley leaves us hanging at the end of Book 1 with both Valerie and Phillipe vowing they will continue to do their parts to keep their country and the refugees safe. Glad to know that Book 2 has already been released.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
Valerie is the daughter of a watchmaker and is involved in the resistance. Her boyfriend, Phillipe, is in the Swiss Army and stationed in the mountains where the Germans might try to break through. Each of them plays a role in this suspense filled novel as they attempt to discover who the traitor is that is leaking military information to the Nazis while playing innocent with people they believe are Nazi spies. Haley leaves us hanging at the end of Book 1 with both Valerie and Phillipe vowing they will continue to do their parts to keep their country and the refugees safe. Glad to know that Book 2 has already been released.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
March 21, 2022
I cannot recommend this book enough and I will jump on the next book by this author!
It tells the story of Valérie who lives with her Father, a watchmaker, in Geneva, Switzerland.
This story is full of danger and very tense as the Germans have occupied nearby France and they could be coming closer.
It's heartbreaking, more so, as concentration camps existed and I know that if I had been alive in the war that I would have tried to protect Jewish people if I could.
Valérie helps her Father deliver watch parts and her and her friends are putting their lives in danger, they don't know who they can trust or if their secrets will be safe!
Not everyone is honest and I didn't know who Valérie could turn to for help.
Her love, Philippe, is in the Swiss army, based in the Alps protecting their country - will their love survive? Will any of them survive? It's a dramatic read that is sad in parts and made for a very interesting read with believable characters that I couldn't have enjoyed more!
This is written well and the descriptions of people and places were brought to life so much so, that I was wary of everyone and would be looking behind me!
This is my honest and unbiased review.
It tells the story of Valérie who lives with her Father, a watchmaker, in Geneva, Switzerland.
This story is full of danger and very tense as the Germans have occupied nearby France and they could be coming closer.
It's heartbreaking, more so, as concentration camps existed and I know that if I had been alive in the war that I would have tried to protect Jewish people if I could.
Valérie helps her Father deliver watch parts and her and her friends are putting their lives in danger, they don't know who they can trust or if their secrets will be safe!
Not everyone is honest and I didn't know who Valérie could turn to for help.
Her love, Philippe, is in the Swiss army, based in the Alps protecting their country - will their love survive? Will any of them survive? It's a dramatic read that is sad in parts and made for a very interesting read with believable characters that I couldn't have enjoyed more!
This is written well and the descriptions of people and places were brought to life so much so, that I was wary of everyone and would be looking behind me!
This is my honest and unbiased review.
April 16, 2022
I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook.
The narrator was perfect.
I thought Valerie was a very brave individual and her bravery got her into trouble but it didn’t stop her.
The story was built upon the lengths the resistance went to to help strangers in Switzerland. I assumed as Switzerland was neutral they didn’t have any issues. How wrong was I?
My only issue was I felt it was too short a story, that said, it was well written and I look forward to more by this author.
The narrator was perfect.
I thought Valerie was a very brave individual and her bravery got her into trouble but it didn’t stop her.
The story was built upon the lengths the resistance went to to help strangers in Switzerland. I assumed as Switzerland was neutral they didn’t have any issues. How wrong was I?
My only issue was I felt it was too short a story, that said, it was well written and I look forward to more by this author.
April 26, 2022
This is the first time I’ve read a book that speaks of the people of Switzerland during WWII. The Watchmaker’s Daughter is about Valerie Hallez who is faced with an incredible dilemma. Going against her father’s wishes, Valerie feels she cannot stand by and watch what the Nazi’s are doing to the people of France. With Switzerland being a neutral country during WWII, yet constantly concerned the Nazi’s are going to invade, Valerie decides she must do something to help those trying to escape the Nazi’s.
Dianne Haley does a wonderful job keeping the reader engaged and interested. A wonderful addition for those who read WWII historical fiction.
Thank you to #netgalley and #bookouture for allowing me to read the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed above are my own.
Dianne Haley does a wonderful job keeping the reader engaged and interested. A wonderful addition for those who read WWII historical fiction.
Thank you to #netgalley and #bookouture for allowing me to read the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed above are my own.
August 18, 2024
** THIS IS A REVIEW OF AN UNCORRECTED ARC ***
Are easy-to-read & no-long-descriptive thriller books part of your TBR / read interest? If yes, then congratulations, you found the right book for you!
“The Watchmaker’s Daughter” follows the story of Valérie and her friends during WWII in their attempt to help the French Resistance in smuggling messages between France and Switzerland. I think that the element that makes this book stand out is the clear and direct writing style and lack of ambiguity of its characters. I was really impressed!
Also, did I mention that this is a debut book?
Special thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture Audio, and the editorial team for giving me the opportunity to review the ARC in audiobook format and to you, my reader, for taking the time to read this honest personal book review.
If you are interested in other of my book reviews, make sure to follow me on GoodReads!
#LifeLongLearning #TheWatchmakersDaughter #NetGalley
Are easy-to-read & no-long-descriptive thriller books part of your TBR / read interest? If yes, then congratulations, you found the right book for you!
“The Watchmaker’s Daughter” follows the story of Valérie and her friends during WWII in their attempt to help the French Resistance in smuggling messages between France and Switzerland. I think that the element that makes this book stand out is the clear and direct writing style and lack of ambiguity of its characters. I was really impressed!
Also, did I mention that this is a debut book?
Special thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture Audio, and the editorial team for giving me the opportunity to review the ARC in audiobook format and to you, my reader, for taking the time to read this honest personal book review.
If you are interested in other of my book reviews, make sure to follow me on GoodReads!
#LifeLongLearning #TheWatchmakersDaughter #NetGalley
March 11, 2022
I love books that are set in this period of history and this book didn't disappoint. It was well written with a compelling story and well developed characters that i was rooting for. It was such an emotive read and it was truly heartbreaking and yet also inspiring with the courage that people showed during a dark and dreadful time. A really enjoyable read.
June 6, 2023
Oh dear - how could one person endure all that and just say “oh well” onto the next death and disaster. Very contrived dialogue, one dimensional characters and dull.
January 4, 2025
THERE BETTER BE A SECOND ONE!
May 1, 2022
Wow, is all I can say. How on earth can this only be the debut novel from Dianne Haley? Where has she been all this time? Why hasn’t she had many more books published as The Watchmaker’s Daughter was a brilliant read from beginning to end. So much so that I read it in one sitting barely coming up for breath and was completely gutted when it ended. Thankfully, I learned at the end of the book that this is the first in a planned series because Valerie and Philippe are two fantastically constructed characters that I am desperate to read more about.
The entire book was so tightly plotted with no room for filling in pages or just chapters there to pad out the story. Right from page one, the author has you in the palm of her hands and that grip does not relinquish until you reluctantly reach the last page. There is no messing around with a long drawn out introduction informing the reader of background information to the characters or what is going on. This story didn’t need that at all. Instead, the action starts right from the get-go and anything you need to know is told as you read along whilst the plot keeps moving forward at a rapid pace that never lets up.
What I loved about this story was the setting of Switzerland. I’d never read a book set here before and especially not during World War Two. Everyone knows, that Switzerland was neutral during the war and I naively thought oh right then not much occurred there as the country kept out of what was going on its doorstep. Well this book proves the opposite and sheds a light on the bravery, courage and resilience of so many who put their own lives on the line to help those in need. Countless Swiss citizens secretly helped Jewish refugees escape from occupied France.
Our main female character, Valerie, lives in Geneva with her father who makes mechanisms for watches. As the city is near to the boarder with France and in the winter of 1942 when this book begins the Germans have occupied the Vichy region of France and many refugees are desperately trying to escape over the border. Valerie, alongside her friends Emilie and Marianne, is involved with the resistance and she hides those who Emilie has managed to smuggle over the border. She keeps everything secret from her father and can use the excuse of delivering parcels for him around the city to pass messages and gather information for the resistance group. At first I found Valerie to be quite nervous and apprehensive about what she was doing and you couldn’t blame her for if she was discovered by the Swiss authorities or indeed the Germans than the consequences didn’t bare thinking about. But as the story progressed I found she went through such a transformation. She became brave and fearless and the love she had for Philippe who was away in the Alps working on top secret defences for the country to be remarkable and very strong.
Valerie can’t understand why her father doesn’t seem to have the same stance that she has when it comes to what the Germans are doing. It’s like he is hiding under a rock working away on his watches and just hoping the war and its affects will not hinder his life. But even though Switzerland is neutral the war still has far reaching consequences and the threat of invasion is real and even more so if any Swiss citizen is found to have collaborated with the Allies or the resistance. Valerie put her life on the line time and time again to help those less fortunate than herself and so did her friends. She is a character who deserves nothing but admiration and respect and although she may be stubborn at times she is mighty and fierce as is demonstrated when she sets off to try and prove Philippe’s innocence. This quote really sums up the dedication and bravery of Valerie. ’I can’t sit on the side-lines and watch events as they happen. I have to try and change them’. And change them she does with danger, intrigue, mystery, terror and mistrust at every turn. Her love for Philippe and wanting to help the war effort in any way she can is what drives her on and makes her a character that you want nothing but a positive outcome for. Although there are plenty of people who would like to see the worst befall her.
I loved how the male perspective of the book wasn’t brushed over. Too often we just read of the woman’s man away fighting in the war and we never learn of what they go through. Instead here, Philippe is given a strong voice and he makes a great team with Valerie when they are together although circumstances keep them far apart rather than in each other’s arms where they wish to be. Philippe is away in the mountains at a fortress of sorts and it really blew my mind that this existed. That the Swiss were so fearful of invasion that they had top secrets plans set in motion if the worst did happen. I had a real soft spot for Philippe and loved when the story returned to where he was stationed. It was like himself and Valerie were on an even keel and of the same mind when it came to the outcome they wanted for the causes they believed so firmly in. Because they were so invested the reader feels likewise.
I found the descriptions of where Philippe was and what work was being done utterly fascinating and I loved the thriller/suspense aspect where sabotage and underhand tactics are suspected, and the blame falls on him. It seemed like it was a forgone conclusion as to the outcome for Philippe but the author led the reader to believe that there were several characters who could be the culprit. It was all so cleverly done and extraordinarily woven alongside Valerie’s aspect of the story and together combined to make a read that blew me away time and time again. So much so that you forget everything going on around you and just have to keep on reading to discover what would happen next.
Without doubt The Watchmaker’s Daughter is an absorbing, thrilling, tense and powerful read where the characters take you on an exhilarating, nail-biting and dangerous journey. You are rooting for them every step of the way, literally on the edge of your seat in fear of what the next turn of the page will bring. So often, the tag lines of historical fiction books can say gripping and heart wrenching and they never live up to that description but this book certainly does. I began reading expecting another run of the mill World War Two book which I have read so many of and don’t get me wrong I love this genre but at some points you feel like this has all been done before so I was surprised and excited by how much I became so deeply invested in this book and for all the characters.
I got that buzz that I love of discovering a new author and you wish that you could read more and more of their work and that’s why I find it hard to believe that this is a debut as it reads as if the author has been publishing books for years. Dianne Haley has written a very accomplished first novel which is packed full of action, twists and turns, mystery, suspense and of course romance and I was there for every moment of it loving what was unfolding and never guessing how the story would pan out. The Watchmaker’s Daughter had me from page one and these days that occurs few and far between so that’s a sign of how good this book really is. I hope we won’t be kept waiting for book two for too long because Valerie seems to have lots more work to do and I am dying to know what is next around the corner for her.
The entire book was so tightly plotted with no room for filling in pages or just chapters there to pad out the story. Right from page one, the author has you in the palm of her hands and that grip does not relinquish until you reluctantly reach the last page. There is no messing around with a long drawn out introduction informing the reader of background information to the characters or what is going on. This story didn’t need that at all. Instead, the action starts right from the get-go and anything you need to know is told as you read along whilst the plot keeps moving forward at a rapid pace that never lets up.
What I loved about this story was the setting of Switzerland. I’d never read a book set here before and especially not during World War Two. Everyone knows, that Switzerland was neutral during the war and I naively thought oh right then not much occurred there as the country kept out of what was going on its doorstep. Well this book proves the opposite and sheds a light on the bravery, courage and resilience of so many who put their own lives on the line to help those in need. Countless Swiss citizens secretly helped Jewish refugees escape from occupied France.
Our main female character, Valerie, lives in Geneva with her father who makes mechanisms for watches. As the city is near to the boarder with France and in the winter of 1942 when this book begins the Germans have occupied the Vichy region of France and many refugees are desperately trying to escape over the border. Valerie, alongside her friends Emilie and Marianne, is involved with the resistance and she hides those who Emilie has managed to smuggle over the border. She keeps everything secret from her father and can use the excuse of delivering parcels for him around the city to pass messages and gather information for the resistance group. At first I found Valerie to be quite nervous and apprehensive about what she was doing and you couldn’t blame her for if she was discovered by the Swiss authorities or indeed the Germans than the consequences didn’t bare thinking about. But as the story progressed I found she went through such a transformation. She became brave and fearless and the love she had for Philippe who was away in the Alps working on top secret defences for the country to be remarkable and very strong.
Valerie can’t understand why her father doesn’t seem to have the same stance that she has when it comes to what the Germans are doing. It’s like he is hiding under a rock working away on his watches and just hoping the war and its affects will not hinder his life. But even though Switzerland is neutral the war still has far reaching consequences and the threat of invasion is real and even more so if any Swiss citizen is found to have collaborated with the Allies or the resistance. Valerie put her life on the line time and time again to help those less fortunate than herself and so did her friends. She is a character who deserves nothing but admiration and respect and although she may be stubborn at times she is mighty and fierce as is demonstrated when she sets off to try and prove Philippe’s innocence. This quote really sums up the dedication and bravery of Valerie. ’I can’t sit on the side-lines and watch events as they happen. I have to try and change them’. And change them she does with danger, intrigue, mystery, terror and mistrust at every turn. Her love for Philippe and wanting to help the war effort in any way she can is what drives her on and makes her a character that you want nothing but a positive outcome for. Although there are plenty of people who would like to see the worst befall her.
I loved how the male perspective of the book wasn’t brushed over. Too often we just read of the woman’s man away fighting in the war and we never learn of what they go through. Instead here, Philippe is given a strong voice and he makes a great team with Valerie when they are together although circumstances keep them far apart rather than in each other’s arms where they wish to be. Philippe is away in the mountains at a fortress of sorts and it really blew my mind that this existed. That the Swiss were so fearful of invasion that they had top secrets plans set in motion if the worst did happen. I had a real soft spot for Philippe and loved when the story returned to where he was stationed. It was like himself and Valerie were on an even keel and of the same mind when it came to the outcome they wanted for the causes they believed so firmly in. Because they were so invested the reader feels likewise.
I found the descriptions of where Philippe was and what work was being done utterly fascinating and I loved the thriller/suspense aspect where sabotage and underhand tactics are suspected, and the blame falls on him. It seemed like it was a forgone conclusion as to the outcome for Philippe but the author led the reader to believe that there were several characters who could be the culprit. It was all so cleverly done and extraordinarily woven alongside Valerie’s aspect of the story and together combined to make a read that blew me away time and time again. So much so that you forget everything going on around you and just have to keep on reading to discover what would happen next.
Without doubt The Watchmaker’s Daughter is an absorbing, thrilling, tense and powerful read where the characters take you on an exhilarating, nail-biting and dangerous journey. You are rooting for them every step of the way, literally on the edge of your seat in fear of what the next turn of the page will bring. So often, the tag lines of historical fiction books can say gripping and heart wrenching and they never live up to that description but this book certainly does. I began reading expecting another run of the mill World War Two book which I have read so many of and don’t get me wrong I love this genre but at some points you feel like this has all been done before so I was surprised and excited by how much I became so deeply invested in this book and for all the characters.
I got that buzz that I love of discovering a new author and you wish that you could read more and more of their work and that’s why I find it hard to believe that this is a debut as it reads as if the author has been publishing books for years. Dianne Haley has written a very accomplished first novel which is packed full of action, twists and turns, mystery, suspense and of course romance and I was there for every moment of it loving what was unfolding and never guessing how the story would pan out. The Watchmaker’s Daughter had me from page one and these days that occurs few and far between so that’s a sign of how good this book really is. I hope we won’t be kept waiting for book two for too long because Valerie seems to have lots more work to do and I am dying to know what is next around the corner for her.
April 30, 2022
My Musings
Great characters and an absorbing plot. I am so glad I found this one in Kindle Unlimited. The pacing pulled me in from the first page to the last. Happy reading!
Great characters and an absorbing plot. I am so glad I found this one in Kindle Unlimited. The pacing pulled me in from the first page to the last. Happy reading!
July 6, 2023
Well worth reading
October 17, 2024
Not what I expected. The writing and story were a bit too simplistic and cookie-cutter-ish.
October 21, 2024
Good ww2 story set in Switzerland.
May 31, 2023
Predictable and unrealistic. There was nothing that drew the reader emotionally into the life of any of the characters. Would not recommend this read to friends.
July 30, 2024
Compelling, action packed, thrilling, emotional, sweet, scary and so many more adjectives could describe this book! This book needs to be on your must read or must listen list! The narrator on the audiobook does an outstanding job of bringing the authors well crafted characters and storyline to life. I truly felt that I was walking alongside Valerie as she navigated life in Geneva, Switzerland while the Nazi war waged all around her country causing her country's neutrality to bend to the point of breaking. This story was especially compelling to me as I just recently had the honor to visit the Holocaust exhibit at Union Station in Kansas City. After seeing the heart shattering evidence of the deplorable treatment and murders of the people deemed "unfit" by the Nazi regime, this story struck me as incredibly insightful while managing to instill hope for the future. To my abject delight, this is only the first book of these characters' and I am already impatiently anticipating the next! I can't wait to see how Valerie continues to navigate life as a young woman in a war torn world who wants to do all that she can to make a difference and help those who need it most. This book seriously has a little bit of something for everyone, history, action, love, betrayal, murder and more to entertain while shining a light of remembrance on a horrible part of the world's history. I am absolutely hooked!
July 1, 2022
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.
Valerie, the watchmaker's daughter, secretly helps Jews escape into Austria, despite the fact Austria has closed its borders to Jews trying to escape Hitler's carnage. She does this knowing the risks to herself, her father, and her loved ones. As Austria becomes cozier with the Nazis, Valerie feels her duty to protect the helpless and forsaken more profoundly, despite the dangers it brings to her doorstep. At the same time, her longtime boyfriend Phillippe faces his own struggles amid the treachery of Nazi sympathizers among his army colleagues. Neither knows who to trust and when Phillippe is framed and Valerie's father appears to be in league with the Nazis, Valerie doesn't know who she can trust anymore.
I really enjoyed the story, especially told from a viewpoint of WWII not entirely familiar to me. If I was aware of Austria's antipathy about the Nazi's at best (complicity at worst), it was only as a brief inkling. The fresh perspective was nice. Though Goodreads doesn't allow half-star ratings, I rate this novel a 3.5. 3 stars on their system. I liked Phillippe's story perhaps better than Valerie's, possibly because Valerie at times felt too timid and unsure of her own convictions.
I do recommend this novel, though, for those historical fiction lovers, especially those who love reading about WWII and would enjoy a new perspective.
Valerie, the watchmaker's daughter, secretly helps Jews escape into Austria, despite the fact Austria has closed its borders to Jews trying to escape Hitler's carnage. She does this knowing the risks to herself, her father, and her loved ones. As Austria becomes cozier with the Nazis, Valerie feels her duty to protect the helpless and forsaken more profoundly, despite the dangers it brings to her doorstep. At the same time, her longtime boyfriend Phillippe faces his own struggles amid the treachery of Nazi sympathizers among his army colleagues. Neither knows who to trust and when Phillippe is framed and Valerie's father appears to be in league with the Nazis, Valerie doesn't know who she can trust anymore.
I really enjoyed the story, especially told from a viewpoint of WWII not entirely familiar to me. If I was aware of Austria's antipathy about the Nazi's at best (complicity at worst), it was only as a brief inkling. The fresh perspective was nice. Though Goodreads doesn't allow half-star ratings, I rate this novel a 3.5. 3 stars on their system. I liked Phillippe's story perhaps better than Valerie's, possibly because Valerie at times felt too timid and unsure of her own convictions.
I do recommend this novel, though, for those historical fiction lovers, especially those who love reading about WWII and would enjoy a new perspective.
April 25, 2022
Rating: 3.5 rounded up
Pub day: 4-26-2022 - Tomorrow!
It’s 1942 in Geneva, Switzerland and a Nazi invasion is looming. Valerie helps her father, a local watchmaker, by delivering packages all over the city. She might not be able to join the army but she is determined to do what she can to help the French Resistance.
You all know I read a lot of historical fiction so when I see one that sounds a bit unique I snatch it up. I enjoyed getting a perspective from inside the Swiss border, until this book I didn’t realize that Switzerland was actually preparing their troops, including training in ski warfare, for an invasion. I googled (no surprise) and found out that “Switzerland was able to remain independent through a combination of military deterrence, economic concessions to Germany and good fortune as larger events during the war delayed an invasion.”.
This book is filled with history, mystery, and even some romance. All of which will continue into book two of this historical series. I think the audio would have benefited from multiple narrators. Having the male perspective in a different voice than the female would have brought the story to life more. Maybe grab this on for your kindle or your bookshelf!
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for this advanced listening copy in exchange for an honest review!
Pub day: 4-26-2022 - Tomorrow!
It’s 1942 in Geneva, Switzerland and a Nazi invasion is looming. Valerie helps her father, a local watchmaker, by delivering packages all over the city. She might not be able to join the army but she is determined to do what she can to help the French Resistance.
You all know I read a lot of historical fiction so when I see one that sounds a bit unique I snatch it up. I enjoyed getting a perspective from inside the Swiss border, until this book I didn’t realize that Switzerland was actually preparing their troops, including training in ski warfare, for an invasion. I googled (no surprise) and found out that “Switzerland was able to remain independent through a combination of military deterrence, economic concessions to Germany and good fortune as larger events during the war delayed an invasion.”.
This book is filled with history, mystery, and even some romance. All of which will continue into book two of this historical series. I think the audio would have benefited from multiple narrators. Having the male perspective in a different voice than the female would have brought the story to life more. Maybe grab this on for your kindle or your bookshelf!
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for this advanced listening copy in exchange for an honest review!
April 19, 2022
Name of Book: The Watchmaker’s Daughter
Author: Dianne Haley
Genre: Historical Fiction/ Mystery
Publisher: Bookouture Audio
Pub Date: April 25, 2022
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5 Stars
In 1942 Valerie a watchmaker’s daughter living with her father Albert in Geneva, Switzerland, often makes deliveries for her father. When not making deliveries she is helping Phillipe, a soldier she loves who is with the French Resistance and they want to protect the village in case the Nazis invade Switzerland.
I really am not a big WW2 fan (stories are usually so depressing) but the narrator made this very interesting.
The end indicates that this is the first in the series of Valerie and Phillipe’s heart breaking story of love and bravery!
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for this audio eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for an honest professional review. Publishing Release Date scheduled for April 25, 2022.
Author: Dianne Haley
Genre: Historical Fiction/ Mystery
Publisher: Bookouture Audio
Pub Date: April 25, 2022
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5 Stars
In 1942 Valerie a watchmaker’s daughter living with her father Albert in Geneva, Switzerland, often makes deliveries for her father. When not making deliveries she is helping Phillipe, a soldier she loves who is with the French Resistance and they want to protect the village in case the Nazis invade Switzerland.
I really am not a big WW2 fan (stories are usually so depressing) but the narrator made this very interesting.
The end indicates that this is the first in the series of Valerie and Phillipe’s heart breaking story of love and bravery!
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for this audio eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for an honest professional review. Publishing Release Date scheduled for April 25, 2022.
April 25, 2022
What a great book! Full of action, twists and turns, this novel has kept me on tension all through my reading! Publication day : heute!
Reading this WWII novel, I learned quite a few details about Switzerland during WWII (which sometimes greatly surprised me!), and also about what a watchmaker's job involve/might involve....
In a country supposedly neutral, this book very clearly shows that loyalty has more than one meaning, and that to help save Jewish people from across the border is definitely no easy task!
The conclusion is not fully a conclusion, only because there is a sequel... I can't wait for it!
I received a digital ARC of this thrilling novel from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you very much!
Reading this WWII novel, I learned quite a few details about Switzerland during WWII (which sometimes greatly surprised me!), and also about what a watchmaker's job involve/might involve....
In a country supposedly neutral, this book very clearly shows that loyalty has more than one meaning, and that to help save Jewish people from across the border is definitely no easy task!
The conclusion is not fully a conclusion, only because there is a sequel... I can't wait for it!
I received a digital ARC of this thrilling novel from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you very much!
April 16, 2022
This book was written well and added the eerie feeling of being followed/watched.
Were all of the secrets worth it. I really liked the character and how this story unfolded. It made me feel like I was part of their time. I've read a lot of WWII books and this one gave a different perspective than most due to location and the method the characters impacted the war.
My only critical thoughts would have been to have the secrets via the watchmaking be drawn-out a little longer. Overall a very enjoyable book.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy of this Audiobook for my honest review.
Were all of the secrets worth it. I really liked the character and how this story unfolded. It made me feel like I was part of their time. I've read a lot of WWII books and this one gave a different perspective than most due to location and the method the characters impacted the war.
My only critical thoughts would have been to have the secrets via the watchmaking be drawn-out a little longer. Overall a very enjoyable book.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy of this Audiobook for my honest review.
December 28, 2022
While I do love historical fiction this one did not make my favourites list. I found the story line to be rather slow and lacked interest. Valerie’s side of the story was more appealing to me and I would have liked to have more details revealed about her and her fathers side of things.
An ok read but fell a little short for me.
Thanks to Net Galley and Bookouture for the advanced copy.
An ok read but fell a little short for me.
Thanks to Net Galley and Bookouture for the advanced copy.
May 23, 2022
Almost 30 years ago, my Master's Thesis was on the French Resistance and the women who risked their lives in defiance of the Nazi regime. So little was written on the topic at that time, it was incredulous how these amazing stories were lost to time. Well how things have changed in the last five years. Novels abound about these plucky, brave women who fought during WWII in occupied Europe. Their tales of intrigue and danger can be found on numerous book lists and publishers keep churning them out. Most of the time, I love these stories based on the brave women almost forgotten in history. The novelization of their lives is a great way to keep their legacy alive. As a historian and book reviewer, I thought I had read almost every version of this narrative but I was wrong. The Watchmaker's Daughter adds a new twist to the oft told tale of the French Resistance. Set in Switzerland, Haley's work provides a new and different context to examine the role of the underground movements of the resistance. The problem is Switzerland was neutral during WWII and was not occupied by Nazi Germany. In many ways, it was a collaborative regime that provided the Germans an ally and a banking system to keep the Third Reich alive. It is hard to generate much sympathy for the Swiss during this horrific time in history as they really did not suffer as the rest of Europe did.
Still, The Watchmaker's Daughter provides an interesting perspective of the Swiss people during that difficult time. The Swiss themselves didn't have a "resistance" unit per se; instead they helped the various other resistance groups by providing a safe haven for their fighters and for Jews escaping the occupation of nearby countries. Swiss neutrality provided a different reality than most countries during the war. Set in 1942-1943 Geneva, the Swiss live in fear of a German takeover. Their way of life was slowly being overwhelmed by compliance with Nazi Germany's policy. With the borders closed and life in the cantons turning dangerously dark, a few brave Swiss defied the unofficial occupation with their willingness to join the French Underground. The brave heroine of our story, Valerie, risks everything to help the French Resistance as they spill over the border. Her work is complicated by her fiancee Philip, a soldier in the Swiss Army. Their intertwined tales are the backbone of Haley's novel.
Valerie, a very likable character, uses her father's watchmaking business to provide a cover for her illicit activities as she darts around Geneva delivering watch parts and partisans. She has to carefully skirt Dieter, her father's friend and German stooge, who feigns romantic interest in Valerie. His suspicions of Valerie's behavior endangers not only her life but her father's. Adding to that, Valerie keeps her secret from her beloved Philip until one of her actions embroils him in a very dangerous way. Part of Valerie and Philip's story shows how ordinary day to day activities can turn so dangerous and deadly very quickly. This was so true of partisans who needed to watch every step they took to keep any collaborators from reporting their suspicious behavior. The slightest hint of resistance activity often resulted in horrific tortures and sure death. Valerie's life, slipping in and out of the shadows, highlights how even the smallest chore carries dangerous consequences.
I listened to The Watchmaker's Daughter as I drove back and forth to work. It provided a simple espionage escapist tale to listen to as the miles rolled by. The narration was good and I appreciated the correct pronunciation of the French and Swiss names. Her clipped British accent provided a smooth rendition of the novel. Sometimes the cloying romantic melodrama irritated me but not enough to stop listening. I am one of those historians who find love stories in the middle of my war tales bothersome. I am sure many of the readers will be captivated by the star crossed romance of the two lovers, Valerie and Philip. One aspect of the story I wish more time was spent on was the role of the Swiss army and its relentless training in case of a German attack. Still, all in all, I enjoyed the book and recommend it. There are tons of stories about the French Resistance available now. The Watchmaker's Daughter provides a little different view. One of the best things about Haley's story is that it ends before the war is over, leaving the reader guessing what the next phase is. While this is clearly to set up the reader for the next in the series, I like to leave it where it is. Reminds me of the end of Casablanca--you don't know what the next stage of the story will be. That's good enough for me.
Still, The Watchmaker's Daughter provides an interesting perspective of the Swiss people during that difficult time. The Swiss themselves didn't have a "resistance" unit per se; instead they helped the various other resistance groups by providing a safe haven for their fighters and for Jews escaping the occupation of nearby countries. Swiss neutrality provided a different reality than most countries during the war. Set in 1942-1943 Geneva, the Swiss live in fear of a German takeover. Their way of life was slowly being overwhelmed by compliance with Nazi Germany's policy. With the borders closed and life in the cantons turning dangerously dark, a few brave Swiss defied the unofficial occupation with their willingness to join the French Underground. The brave heroine of our story, Valerie, risks everything to help the French Resistance as they spill over the border. Her work is complicated by her fiancee Philip, a soldier in the Swiss Army. Their intertwined tales are the backbone of Haley's novel.
Valerie, a very likable character, uses her father's watchmaking business to provide a cover for her illicit activities as she darts around Geneva delivering watch parts and partisans. She has to carefully skirt Dieter, her father's friend and German stooge, who feigns romantic interest in Valerie. His suspicions of Valerie's behavior endangers not only her life but her father's. Adding to that, Valerie keeps her secret from her beloved Philip until one of her actions embroils him in a very dangerous way. Part of Valerie and Philip's story shows how ordinary day to day activities can turn so dangerous and deadly very quickly. This was so true of partisans who needed to watch every step they took to keep any collaborators from reporting their suspicious behavior. The slightest hint of resistance activity often resulted in horrific tortures and sure death. Valerie's life, slipping in and out of the shadows, highlights how even the smallest chore carries dangerous consequences.
I listened to The Watchmaker's Daughter as I drove back and forth to work. It provided a simple espionage escapist tale to listen to as the miles rolled by. The narration was good and I appreciated the correct pronunciation of the French and Swiss names. Her clipped British accent provided a smooth rendition of the novel. Sometimes the cloying romantic melodrama irritated me but not enough to stop listening. I am one of those historians who find love stories in the middle of my war tales bothersome. I am sure many of the readers will be captivated by the star crossed romance of the two lovers, Valerie and Philip. One aspect of the story I wish more time was spent on was the role of the Swiss army and its relentless training in case of a German attack. Still, all in all, I enjoyed the book and recommend it. There are tons of stories about the French Resistance available now. The Watchmaker's Daughter provides a little different view. One of the best things about Haley's story is that it ends before the war is over, leaving the reader guessing what the next phase is. While this is clearly to set up the reader for the next in the series, I like to leave it where it is. Reminds me of the end of Casablanca--you don't know what the next stage of the story will be. That's good enough for me.
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