Daughters of Paris

by Elisabeth Hobbes

Paris 1930s

Colette – daughter of a wealthy Parisian. No-one expects her to amount to anything other than socialite wife. But there’s more to Colette than meets the eye…

Fleur – daughter of a maid in Colette’s household. Her life will not be one of service! She wants an education, to travel and become something more…
The two young girls see in each other what no-one else can: intelligence, strength and courage. They form a forbidden friendship. They become secret sisters.

But as the Nazis occupy their beloved Paris, the bond between them is severely tested. One fights with the resistance, the other protects her family at all costs. Soon they find themselves embroiled in espionage, murder and treason, risking everything to save those they love, their people and their country.

Will their friendship survive the ultimate betrayal?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, World War II, Audiobook, War

437 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 5, 2022

About the author

Author for Harlequin Historical.
Falling For Her Captor October 2014
A Wager for the Widow July 2015
The Blacksmith's Wife May 2016
The Saxon Outlaw's Revenge December 2016
Redeeming the Rogue Knight August 2017

I grew up in York where I spent most of my teenage years wandering around the city looking for a handsome Roman or Viking to sweep me off my feet. Sadly it never happened but I developed a love of the past and went on to read History and Art History at university before venturing into the world of teaching. These days I hold down jobs as a teacher and mum. I live in Cheshire with my husband, two young children and two cats with ridiculous names.
I love historical fiction and have a fondness for dark haired, bearded heroes. When I'm not writing, I spend a lot of my spare time reading and have become something of a pro at cooking one-handed while holding a book!

You can find me on Facebook and Twitter
https://www.facebook.com/ElisabethHob... and Twitter https://twitter.com/ElisabethHobbes

Reviews

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colette Nadon and Fleur Bonnivard, grow up together in 1930’s Paris, they play games, explore their surroundings and get dirty. Despite Colette’s father Louis being a wealthy businessman, orphaned Fleur’s Aunt Agnes is the Nadon’s cook and they come from different backgrounds. The girls promise to be best friends forever and they become secret sisters.

Colette’s mother Delphine is a snob, she wants her daughter to marry well and establish her place in Parisian society. As time goes on Delphine introduces her daughter to the right people, Colette turns into a party girl, and she travels and sees less of Fleur. At first Fleur is hurt, but she knows she and Colette come from different circumstances, and she doesn’t want her Aunt to lose her job..

Fleur loves to read and finds work in a bookshop, she hangs out at Café Morlaix and admires the handsome waiter Sebastien. When the Germans easily take Paris, Colette and Fleur are stunned, scared and don’t know what the future holds. Colette’s posh friends own a hotel, German soldiers move in, and Fleur’s shocked Colette would want to mix with collaborators.

Fleur is one of the Parisians who fight back, carrying out small acts of defiance, and eventually she becomes involved with the resistance. Colette isn’t as self-cantered as everyone believes, she notices the food shortages, arguments breaking out in the long ration lines, hungry children, and German soldiers harassing young women not interested in their advances.

Soon both women form an alliance, Fleur realizes she has judged Colette harshly, slowly they rebuild their friendship and both take risks. With their hearts on the line, they both become involved in the fight to free France, espionage, helping the resistance, keeping secrets, and people hiding from the Germans, and if caught the punishment is torture, and they could be shot!

I received a copy of Daughters of Paris by Elisabeth Hobbes from NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter in exchange for an unbiased review. I have read the authors previous book The Secret Agent and her latest novel is outstanding. Told from the points of view of two young women, it’s full of relevant information and facts about the difficult war years in France, it emphasizes how women needed friendship, support and a confidant during the time to deal with the hardship and cope with the uncertainty of the war, losing loved ones, and not knowing when the suffering would end? Five stars from me and I highly recommend reading this book.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paris, 1930s, Colette - daughter of a wealthy Parisian. No-one expects her to amount to anything other than the socialite wife. But there's more to Colette than meets the eye.

Fleur - daughter of a maid in Colette's household. Her life will not be one of service! She wants an education, to travel and become something more....

The two young girls see in each other what no-one else can: intelligence, strength and courage. They form a forbidden friendship. They become secret sisters. But as the Nazis occupy their beloved Paris, the bond between them is severely tested. One fights with the resistance, the other protects her family at all costs.

This is a story about true friendship, love, bravery, loyalty, strength and resilience. Colette and Fleur grew up together but from very different backgrounds. Colette is to England and the girls loose touch. But as the war begins, Colette returns to Paris. This is a well written and researched novel. I did prefer Fleur's character, Colette took a little more time to warm to. I did enjoy learning more about the resistance movement.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #ElisabethHobbes for my ARC of #DaughtersOfParis in exchange for an honest review.

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book from page one until the end. Set during war-time in France and what happens to the two women who are friends during this terrible and frightening times. This book was well written and the author researched it well. Highly recommended. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daughters of Paris by Elisabeth Hobbes is a great WWII-era historical fiction that has it all: mystery, suspense, history, strong female characters, and kept me engaged throughout.

I really enjoyed this book that presented such strong lead female characters. The fundamental concepts of loyalty, friendship, sacrifice, moral decisions, and forgiveness are present throughout.

Fleur and Collette are excellent characters. The bravery, strength, and courage exhibited was impressive. The high stakes intrigue and risks taken during the war, the occupation, and against the enemy in Paris was engaging and kept my interest. The threads of romance added another element to the narrative that continued to add to the complexity. I also enjoyed the ending.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and One More Chapter/ Harper Collins UK or this wonderful 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, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 8/5/22.

[Amanda Hupe · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Life is going to get hard, Fleur. Not everyone is strong enough to bear that and war changes people. Some for the worst, and some for the better. I believe you are one of the strong ones.”

DAUGHTERS OF PARIS
Thank you, Elisabeth Hobbes, NetGalley, and HarperCollinsUk for the opportunity to read this book! It will release on August 5th, 2022.

I absolutely adored Elisabeth Hobbes’s previous novel, Daughter of the Sea. While I am really particular about World War II novels, I just had to pick up Daughters of Paris. This one begins before the German invasion of France with two girls, Colette and Fleur becoming best friends but are from two totally different backgrounds. Colette comes from a wealthy family, with a doting father but a disconnected mother. Fleur’s parents have passed away and now she lives with her aunt who is the housekeeper for Colette’s family. But then the war comes to France and their lives change. Colette and Fleur have grown apart but now they have to band together to survive. It turns out that they have it easier than others. Fleur is not willing to go down without a fight and joins the Resistance, but it means that their lives will be filled with danger.

So in terms of World War II novels, it isn’t the best. This book fell prey to romancing the war. However, I did absolutely love the aspects of friendship and courage. At first, I could not stand Colette and pretty much all of the characters except for Fleur. But the one thing that Elisabeth Hobbes does so well is character development. I won’t lie, Colette and Sebastian’s relationship didn’t affect me. However, I was so invested in Laurent and Fleur’s relationship. They were both so dedicated to helping others and France. That came first and they made smart decisions, unlike Colette and Sebastian. But she can definitely write a scene. I could picture myself in Paris. I was completely immersed and felt every emotion.

I can’t lie the Resistance movement within Paris is what interested me the most. I plan to look more into it as I studied Jewish Forest Camps in college. To make a difference, all it takes is one person. Like this book, every person is a link in a chain.

[Jeanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Collette Nadon is the daughter of well-to-do parents. Her father, Louis, pampers her but her mother, Delphine, is distant and selfish, seems to drink a lot and only wants Collette to make a good marriage. Fleur is an orphan being raised by the Nadon's housekeeper. As children Collette and Fleur are close but as they get older Collette becomes more of a party girl and Fleur is more serious, wants to get an education and travel the world. Then the war starts and the Germans are in Paris. It doesn't seem like their lives change very much. Collette hangs out at a hotel with her friends, Sophie and Josette. All she wants to do is dance and she doesn't care if she is dancing with Germans. I found Collette to have a good heart and even though she hid a Jewish person in their "secret garden" I don't think she really understood the danger she put everyone in and is actually very shallow. Fleur takes over the bookstore she worked in and starts working with the resistance but still made sacrifices to her happiness for Collette.

Overall I liked the book, it was easy to read but I don't think the horrors of Paris during the war are really depicted. They mentioned having to stand in long lines for food but they never really seemed hungry. There wasn't a fear of the German soldiers, most of the time they seemed darned amiable. What Fleur did in the resistance was dangerous but you couldn't tell that from this book. When she had a mission she just said she was going to work and it was never said what her actual purpose was. The most exciting part for me was the romance between Fleur and Laurent.

Then the ending was a big turnaround for Delphine and then we jump to June of 1944, then to August of 1945 and then 1994. There were so many questions I felt were unanswered like what happened to the books in the garden? Why didn't they ever go get the strawberries out of there and eat them?

I would probably recommend this book but as far as historical fiction of Paris during the war I found it lacking. If you read it as a book about a friendship it makes more sense.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Harper Collins UK One More Chapter for providing me with a copy.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever had a secret sister? A BFF that lived as much at your place as her own home?

Colette Nadon and Fleur Bonnivard are ‘soeurs secrètes’ because, although they’re bookends of Parisienne society, they grew up together in the same house. Fleur’s guardian, Tante Agnes, is the Nadon family’s housekeeper.

The author sets the scene with such vivid detail and wonderful characters that I was immediately pulled into the story. I identified more with Fleur and felt like I was Colette’s BFF as I read. I watched as the girls grew up and society’s ideals forced them to part ways. The author’s journey of female friendship and support was incredible. As the girls matured and war broke out, the story took a different tone and segwayed into an exploration of the differing attitudes of French women living under German rule. I read about some who enthusiastically resisted, some who actively collaborated and many who attempted to maintain a path of neutrality between the two extremes in an effort to survive.

How would you fare if you lived in Paris between 1944 - 2012?

❗ Women didn’t get the right to vote until the summer of 1944
❗ Women weren’t allowed to work outside the home without their husband’s consent until 1965
❗ Wearing pants/trousers was technically illegal until 2012

What I learned was that with the men gone to fight war, the new independence and opportunities were a heavy load on the women. I was shocked to discover that some “would rather face their end on their own terms than wait for it to trap them unawares.” I saw many similarities between the attitudes portrayed in this story and attitudes we’ve seen develop since the pandemic.

You’ll have to read this character-focused in depth examination of Parisienne wartime society and see how it affected the sisterly bond between the girls.

I was gifted this advance copy by Elisabeth Hobbes, Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Wendy(Wendyreadsbooks) Robey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful story of the friendships of women in such a hard time in history. I loved the relationship between Colette and Fleur - such different backgrounds and shared childhood but really brought together in the terrible years of war. The strength found in eachother was wonderful to read about and the development of Colette from selfish and shallow teenager to calm and caring adult was brilliant to see - spending time with Fleur was certainly a good influence on her. The horrors of occupied Paris are not ignored in this charming story but covered in such a empathetic way as to share this important part of history.

[Tanya R · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the beginning of the story Fluer, the maid's niece, and Collette, the daughter of the house, were great friends and I couldn't way to see how their story would progress through the years.

Unfortunately, as they grow older, they grow apart, but are later forced back together due to circumstances.

This WW2 Historical Fiction novel was a good story but it went in a different direction than I had hoped.

Thank you to #RachelsRandomResources for having me on this Book Tour. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Tammy O · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story about Paris under German occupation, during WW2. I liked the strong, well developed characters—especially Fleur. The author gives readers a good sense of the constant unease and fear Parisians experienced under Nazi rule. The ending moved quickly, but was good. The epilogue was terrible—it could have been so much better.

Advanced reader copy courtesy of the publishers at NetGalley for review.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written novel about the hardships faced by Parisiennes during the Second World War, I really enjoyed the juxtaposition between the protagonists, Colette and Fleur. Rich girl and maid, this explores how the drastic events forced both women to change and re-evaluate what is most important in their lives.

Whilst I have read a lot of books set during this period, I enjoyed Hobbes’s characterisation. It is evident pretty quickly how privileged Colette is with her wealth and superficial values. In contrast, Fleur, living with her aunt as a maid in Colette’s household, knows her place in society and that she has very little voice. Of course, the invasion of France stripped these values back and I loved seeing how initially Fleur is the one who changes, knowing she can make a difference – albeit a small impact – to the progress of the war. Gradually it is Fleur’s influence that encourages Colette to follow in her footsteps and I admired how she comes stronger and more independent.

Romance is threaded through this novel, reflecting that desperation for warmth and humanity. I didn’t initially believe in Colette’s connection, instead feeling incredibly sorry for how this impacted Fleur. However, Sebastian is a character that brings out the best in Colette and this is proven later in the story. In contrast, Fleur remains alone but knowing she has the support of her best friends. Like Colette, I wanted to see Fleur have her own happy ever after and I think the delay in this happening was a reflection of the uncertainty and fear during the times.

The bravery demonstrated by these women is a theme throughout. From the disastrous night that brings Colette and Fleur truly back together, the jobs undertaken by Fleur demonstrates how this resilience was so important to survival. The uncertainty of who would come knocking at the door, as well as the rumours of what happened when the Germans took people away, meant that the atmosphere in this book was constantly charged. Whilst I already had knowledge of this historical situation, Hobbes’s fictionalisation made it incredibly vivid and emotional.

Another very good historical account of a terrible time, I highly recommend this story that shows how two contrasting women come together during the war.

With thanks to One More Chapter, Harper Collins and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 5 out of 5]

DAUGHTERS OF PARIS is a story of friendship between two girls of different classes at a difficult time - the German occupation of France during WWII.

Colette is the socialite - not expected to do anything but marry into money and be beautiful. Fleur is the niece of the housekeeper. Their lives change as they grow up and apart, with Colette leaving for a sojourn to England. By the time she returns to Paris, they have changed in so many ways, that their friendship seems to be a thing of the past. But then Paris is declared an open city with curfews, ration books, and checkpoints. Being so different, how will the two of them cope?

I was thoroughly immersed in their story. If you read it as a war story then I think you may be slightly disappointed as the conditions and atrocities of war aren't mentioned in much detail. There is always an edge to the writing though, giving the impression of nerves and danger around every corner. What this story is, is about friendship in adversity. It's about standing up for what you think is right, even if it could be - and is - dangerous. It's about realising the world is filled with grey, not just black and white.

I was left with questions at the end - what happened to Josette? Michal? Monsieur Ramper? I really wish I had found out, but then I guess I'm in the same position so many were by the end of the war - not knowing where people were or if they were still alive.

A story of friendship first and foremost, with different threads of love woven through it. This was a story I lost myself in and thoroughly enjoyed every word. Highly recommended by me.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

[Tara Alemany · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story was not a winner for me. There was very little to like about most of the characters, and I found it very hard to finish the book.

The primary relationship between childhood friends Fleur and Collette was unbalanced when they were children since Fleur was the niece of the housekeeper, while Colette was the daughter of the homeowners. But it became painfully moreso as Colette grew up to be a self-centered, inconsiderate woman. And Fleur was her codependent partner, always making excuses for Colette and putting Colette's happiness before her own.

While it was good to see Colette mature in the latter half of the book, it was still often at the expense of Fleur's happiness. And Fleur just kept enabling her!

I do appreciate the opportunity Elisabeth Hobbes, One More Chapter and NetGalley provided by offering me an advance review copy.

[Maggie Boyd · Rating 2 out of 5]

Elisabeth Hobbes’ Daughters of Paris is a story of intrigue, romance, and redemption. I found it to be an enjoyable if somewhat predictable read till the end of the novel, where things took a turn for the worse.

While playing in the yard of the high-end Parisian apartment building in which they live, best friends Fleur and Colette make a delightful discovery: There is a gate, hidden behind an overgrowth of vines and shrubberies. It takes all they have to push the door open and squeeze through but it is worth the effort – beyond that barrier is a small, hidden walled garden with a dilapidated greenhouse full of strawberries. The girls eat their fill and swear to keep the place a secret.

Initially, it is one of many secrets they keep between them, but as they age it isn’t long before they are keeping secrets from each other as well. Colette, the daughter of a wealthy manufacturer, has a life filled with dance clubs, risque friends, endless nights out, and dashing beaus. Fleur, the orphaned niece of the housekeeper, is far more studious. Her friends are students and fellow book enthusiasts who congregate in cafés to discuss politics and reform. Where once Colette and Fleur spent all day talking to each other, their adult selves find they have nothing to say to one another.

And then the unthinkable happens and France is occupied. German soldiers sit at the café tables where Fleur and her friends used to meet. The clubs Colette frequented are now the gathering places of Nazi officers. As their nation is slowly suffocated by the enemy, Fleur and Colette once more find they have something in common – a deep desire to see France free from the fascists who have taken it over. See the rest of my review at https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...

[Judy Christiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story takes place 1930 through 1945. At its core, it is a tale of perhaps an unlikely friendship of two very different women. One is from a wealthy household, Colette, and the other, Fleur, is an orphan living with her aunt who is the maid of that household and she is expected to help in the work. Colette is spoiled not having to earn anything she receives, while Fleur works for and appreciates every thing in her life. Due to living in the same house and being close in age, they do become friends and that is what I think this book is about, the bond of friendship. Sometimes regardless of backgrounds, people make the family they desire.

This story is very emotional since it has WWII in the background and life in occupied Paris. I was constantly wondering if I could be as brave as these two women. Definitely a well written, thought provoking book. Everyone should read this, if only to remind ourselves how very fortunate we are for the brave people that fought, how different our lives would be if they had not been successful, and to be grateful for the cherished friends in our lives.

Thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for giving me the pleasure of reading the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.

[Nora Massey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to @netgalley, Harper 360, One More Chapter and Elisabeth Hobbes for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I'm a historical fiction and historical romance fan, and for the former I read a lot of WWII era books! So with that in mind, I had high expectations for this one.
Fleur and Colette are best friends from different worlds - Fleur's mother died when she was young and Fleur goes to live with her aunt, the housekeeper/cook for Colette's family, in Paris. And while they are thick as thieves as children, with age comes changing priorities, dreams and ultimately, the war. The book mainly follows them both throughout wartime and examines how each woman copes, struggles and fights back. Will it bring them together or pull them apart?

I think the concept has a lot of potential and there were moments that I loved, but the structure was hard to follow at times. You get both girls' perspectives but all in third person and often mixed together. I also found Colette to be frustrating and out of touch. It's worth noting that while this is WWII focused, it's very palatable - so there isn't much that is overly intense, upsetting or traumatizing.

It's an easier read, if that makes sense.
I enjoyed the themes of platonic love, friendship, and finding your place in the world. But this was a like not a love for me. I would probably say 2.5l if I could!

[sathvika · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 for Daughters of Paris by Elisabeth Hobbes

Fleur and Colette, the main characters in the book, blew my mind away. They are so loving and brave, yet so flawed in character in manner. Perhaps, that is why they feel so relatable and real. I really enjoyed how not all the thoughts and overall personalities of the girls are given right away. Much of who they really are as people is slowly revealed as the story progress. This made the read a whole lot more interesting because I was constantly thirsting for new information.

Of course, the plot and time period the book is set in, World War Two makes everything even more nail-biting. Nazi Paris is already a fascinating place as it was gilded glamour at the time. Exploring the time with the perspectives of both a rich young woman and poorer one give two every unique but clashing accounts that bring the perfect amount of "spice" to the book.

This was also a new author for me, but her writing style, flow and character portrayal was so so good. I would totally recommend this to all WW2 geeks, historical fiction lovers, and women's fiction queens.

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins, and Elisabeth Hobbes for this advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

[Ari Damoulakis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok no, this book description sort of suggests more than what this book is. It doesn’t put the friends against each other, especially in the larger scheme of things. I would classify this mostly as a family saga come romance. Look, if you sort of want a sort of feel-good type book with a bit of troubles, read it. If you want a thriller, no.

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 3 out of 5]

Daughters of Paris follows two women who grow up in the same house. One is considered rich and the other is the relative of the housekeeper.
I liked the historical aspect of this story. The relationship between the two main characters wasn’t one I overly liked.
Definitely a book you should pick up and read if you are a fan of historical fiction.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions and thoughts expressed are my own

[Joanne McIntyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you read the outline of the story, it is intriguing; the niece of the housekeeper, Fleur, and the spoiled, rich daughter, Collette, form a secret bond to be secret sisters forever. The bond is interrupted when Collette is shipped off to England to give birth to a child. Collette and Fleur plan to keep in touch via letter. The mother does not pass on the letters to the daughter or to the niece. When Collette returns to Paris, their friendship is not the same as it was and their hurt feelings do not allow their bond to come back into effect. They are cordial to each other. The sisterly bond that they developed during their teenage years is rekindled as the war starts. It is a little wavering at first but soon they must regain that trust that they had in one another as they participate in the Resistance and help other friends.
Fleur is the strong one in this book, in my opinion. Her life has not been an easy one but she still puts others happiness first. Fleur falls for Sebastien but he does not feel the same for her; she never tells him how she feels. It is evident that when Collette and Sebastien meet, it is an instant attraction; love for Sebastien and Collette is very flirtatious with him and looking for a lover only. She does know that Fleur is interested in him and she still decides to peruse him and follow through on her physical attraction to him.
Fleur knows that she cannot compare with Collette and feels inadequate. She does not pursue her feelings for Sebastien. She hopes that Collette falls in love with Sebastien, as he is a good man. Flyer believe that Collette needs a good man in her life to help settle her down. Sebastien falls in love with Collette. Collette ends up pregnant and her mothers is furious that Collette is in this position again. Collette leaves her parents’ house as she doesn’t agree with her mother’s plan for the termination of her pregnancy. Sebastien proposes but Collette declines. A short time later Sebastien has to flee Paris. Collette is determined to have this baby. Once the baby is born, she decided to keep her. She eventually re-establishes her relationship with her father but not her mother. Her mother is still furious at her and is even more upset when she finds out the Collette had decided to keep the baby.
Fleur eventually finds another man, Laurent, who is part of the Resistance. Fleur meets him as she wants to do her part for France and become part of the Resistance. He loves her as well but never admits it; he tells her that he wants to be a part of her life but he can’t and he never tells her why.
Laurent has to leave Paris as he has been compromised. He asks Fleur to go with him; she said that she can not go. Fleur believes that she has to look after Collette and the baby.
As time passes and the allies move into Paris, Sophie, Collette’s friend, reports that she listened to the broadcast on BBC. The code name for Laurent was used and also the code name for Fleur. Fleur has renewed faith knowing the Laurent is still alive.
Collette agrees to move back in with her mother upon hearing of her father’s death with conditions. The conditions are the Fluer, Sophie and Sophie’s child move in as well. prior to them moving from the bookstore and into Collette’s mother’s house, Sebastien returns to Paris and is reunited with Collette, Collette expresses her love to Sebastien and they eventually marry. They continue to have children.
The tears flowed from me, as I read that Laurent returns to Paris to find Fleur. Laurent gets assistance from Collette to convince Fleur to move to Britain to be with Laurent. Finally a happy ending for Fleur, someone who deserves a happy ending. She wanted to see more of the world than Paris and to be loved.
The book started a bit slow but soon picked up. It is worthy the read.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Collette and Fleur are best friends growing up together. Life separates them and then the war starts. Fleur starts doing her part in the fight against the Germans. Collette finds love where she least expects it.
It’s a nice love story set against the backdrop of the war.
It’s nice to see the girls grow and find their way in life.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

[Shanon Yeo · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a while since I cried at a book! Daughters of Paris follows a high society girl, Colette, and her housekeepers niece, Fleur from a young age through the trials and tribulations that occurred as a result of WW2.

As young girls sharing secrets, thoughts, and friendships they become 'Secret Sisters', until Colette became of age and started spending time with other girls like herself, and also attending parties in her mothers, Delphine, salon. On the off chance that Fleur was allowed to attend such a party, Colette betrayed their 'Secret Sisters' bond by taking a young man, Gunther, to their secret garden which they discovered when they were younger.

Not long after this, Colette is sent to England - for reasons we find out later (pregnancy). As war starts to rear its ugly head, Colette's parents request Colette to journey back to Paris. As both Fleur and Colette start to reconnect, the war starts becoming more real to the both of them. On the first night that Paris was bombed, Agnes, Fleur's aunt and housekeeper to Colette's family, sadly takes her own life.

This was an especially important point in the book for me, as Fleur was starting to make decisions about her life which would have been quite bold, such as becoming the owner of the bookshop where she used to work a couple of days a week, becoming part of the Resistance, then also the heartbreak of falling in love with someone who doesn't love her back. All of this was being kept a secret from Colette. But Colette had many secrets of her own. As the book moves on, we follow how Colette and Fleur face decisions of whether to do what was right, or something that could end up having them killed.

As much as I despised Colette in the beginning and found her to be a frightfully, awful rich girl, she turned out to be such as endearing character, that brought out so much overall from Fleur and other characters too.

The epilogue was bittersweet as it showed life way after the war, and highlighted the sacrifices and journey they have both been through since childhood.

[Catie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review copy provided by publisher - March 2023

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Colette and Fleur became best friends as children, although they were at different stations in life (Colette as the daughter of the house and Fleur as the niece of the housekeeper). As they grew up, they also grew apart, and then World War II began. The two women both resist German occupation in different ways, coming to understand that they have to fight for their country to protect themselves and their way of life. The war brings the two women back together in ways they never would have expected.

I was rather disappointed in this book. It felt very superficial, as if the author hadn’t done enough research about Paris during the Second World War. While I realize the author’s goal was to focus on the tie between these two women during wartime, I don’t think the author went deep enough into the experiences of Parisians for this book to be successful. For example, while there was discussion about the rationing and queuing early on in the book, it’s as if that was just forgotten as the years of war went on—even though, in reality, the lack of food (and coal for the stoves, something that is never mentioned) just got worse.

Additionally, beyond the first couple years of the war, there is little mention of the Germans and the terror the citizens of Paris experienced at their hands. Fleur gets involved in the Resistance and her activities are briefly mentioned, although to no depth, but she rarely seems concerned that she’ll get caught. Also, after the Allies land at Normandy, Fleur and Colette act as if nothing bad will ever happen to them again—when in reality, we know that the Allied landing actually made the Germans even more dangerous than they were when they could pretend they were still winning the war. In fact, as the Allies came closer to Paris following the Normandy invasion, the Germans cracked down even harder on those in the Resistance, but Fleur seems unaffected by that occurrence.

While I didn’t detest this book—overall, I liked the idea of it and I also appreciated the characters, both their strengths and their foibles—I also didn’t find it to be an impressive addition to the World War II historical fiction about Paris and the Resistance. There are much better books out there to describe the experiences of Parisians during the Second World War.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley for review.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daughters of Paris is many things: sobering, sad, frightening, heartbreaking, and heartwarming and inspirational at the same time. It feels so authentic, just as you would imagine life might have been for ordinary, normal people living in Paris who thought their lives and futures were set. Who discovered things were not set when the Germans occupied their beautiful city. These ordinary people learned things about themselves and those around them, good things and bad things. Unexpected selflessness and bravery, sometimes not-so-unexpected selfishness and cowardice.

Fleur and Colette are two of those ordinary people. Different stations in life – Colette is the daughter of the house, used to pretty things and getting her way while Fleur is the orphan niece of the housekeeper, thoughtful, always feeling on the outside looking in – but Colette and Fleur have been best friends since they were children. They have pledged to be friends forever, but then Colette mysteriously goes away for a year and things change. She returns to Paris and picks up her exciting life. Fleur has developed interests and a life of her own. Each feels the other ignored her during Colette’s absence and it doesn’t look like they will ever be close again.

But then war comes. The occupation of Paris. The death of Fleur’s aunt. The seizure of Colette’s father’s business by the Germans. Fear and deprivation become the norm. Will the French government stand up to the Germans and resist? Will things ever be like they once were?

Daughters of Paris is a fascinating story, a little look at life for a varied handful of Parisians and the different ways in which they responded and adapted to this new way of life. Some volunteered to fight and went away. Some resisted behind the scenes. Some pretended nothing was happening. And some decided making friends with the occupiers was the best method of survival. Both Fleur and Colette responded as their conscience, need and inner strength dictated. They came together, pulled apart, did what they could to just hang on.

Thanks to Harper Collins One More Chapter UK for providing an advance copy of Daughters of Paris via NetGalley for my enjoyment and honest review. It is an enlightening story about life during war, about friendships, hardships – and love. I recommend it without hesitation. All opinions are my own.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daughters of Paris is an epic, heart-breaking, and gripping World War II novel new for 2022. This novel is by Elisabeth Hobbes. This novel is about the fierce and wonderful friendship that women can create between themselves that transends all other events in their lives. It is about friendships that begin when they are young and doesn’t end until the end of their long lives. It is about how women bonding together in times of adversity can overcome all problems places before them and remain faithful to each other.
Fleur Bonnivard and Colette Nadon have that type of relationship. Fleur lived in the Nadon home with her Aunt Agnes. The Nadons graciously allowed Fleur to be brought up in the house with their daughter so they could keep the fantastic Agnes on as housekeeper. The girls grew as close as sisters and even found their own “Secret Garden” on the house grounds. However, it was always known and accepted that they were not sisters and not equals. At least by the grownups.
Their friendship grows apart some when Colette is sent to England for a long visit with her former nanny. Although the girls swear they will keep in touch, Colette’s mother makes sure this doesn’t happen. Colette was sent to England to have her baby and give it away. Only then was she allowed back home. It was a secret that she kept from Fleur for many years.
When World War II breaks out, things begin to change. Fleur takes over a bookshop from her Jewish boss and runs it throughout the war for him. Eventually, she and Colette move into the upstairs apartment and begin working for the Resistance as they fall in love with their counterparts.
As the war rolls on, the girls have their adventures and meet the loves of their lives who may or may not be able to help them. Will they end up with happy lives if they survive the war? What might be the price for this dream?

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

While books about the German Occupation of Paris in WW2, or efforts of the French resistance, are not unusual, I have not read a book that portrays the power of female friendship during those times for a long time.

Colette and Fleur grow up together but are from very different worlds. Colette’s family are wealthy and Fleur is an orphan who resides with her aunt, Collette’s family’s housekeeper. The book shows how both Fleur and Colette grow up to become very different people, with different goals in life, but ultimately become shaped by the war around them.

Aspects of this book are refreshing. It is great to see female strength and resilience as well as how ordinary individuals had their lives interrupted by war, motivating them to become members of the resistance in different forms.

However, parts of the book also left me feeling a little dissatisfied. I think the book would have benefited from more detail of the acts of espionage, to really show character development, and it would have highlighted the danger in the work that was done. As it was, the resistance efforts seemed a little lacking and superficial, glamorizing them rather than making them seem realistic. I also think that the real danger of living during occupied Paris was not fully represented; it seemed to me that the book created a sense of inconvenience rather than an enemy invasion.

Despite that, I do think that this book is worthy of a read for fans of historical fiction. It was a quick read, with plenty to hold attention, and discussed events (such as Vel d’Hiv) that have not always been addressed in mainstream fiction. I would particularly recommend this to fans of Tatiana de Rosnay.

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the eARC.

[Michelle Petteys · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a story of two women that form a bond during WWIIl. Collette is the spoiled daughter of a wealthy Parisian and Fleur is the orphaned niece of the family’s housekeeper. As young girls they form a friendship that becomes strained as they grow older. However as the war begins and changes life in Paris as they know it, they are once again brought together and begin to rely on one another to survive the day to day challenges of war.

This is a historical ROMANCE novel and I have to remind myself of that when critiquing the book because as WWII novels go, this book seemed a tad superficial. But then I remind myself that for many people WWII was surviving the day to day challenges that war brought: food rationing, checkpoints, standing in line to get food, loss of work, housing German soldiers and existing in an occupied city. These may not be the worst things that people saw or had to endure during WWII but it WAS the day to day reality for most people living in France and it did change people as it did for Colette and Fleur. Sometimes helping the war effort was not big or obvious but smaller, less obvious acts of defiance. Just because these acts were not as grandiose or dangerous as topics discussed in other novels, they were still the realities for lots of people.

Ultimately, this is a book about courage, resilience, friendship and finding love in the hardest of times. It’s about surviving and adapting when the world is changing around you and life as you know it ceases exist. Sometimes the dialogue seemed a bit superficial and contrived but I think overall it was a solid book of friendship, love and the day to day realties of living in Paris during WWII.

Thank you to @harpercollins360 for the ARC of this novel.

[Lori Sinsel Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Colette and Fleur were raised together, Colette the daughter of a wealthy businessman had all the luxuries her father's money could buy, while Fleur was an orphan being raised by her Aunt Agnes who worked for Colette's parents as their live in housekeeper.
As they grow up they begin to drift apart, and when Colette leaves suddenly for England it all but ends their close friendship. When Colette returns 18 months later, just as war is breaking out, the two find they have very little or nothing to say to each other.The divide between them feels like more than they will ever be able to cross. The girls take very different approaches to how they cope with the terrifying changes that are dealt upon their city. Will the war divide them even further or will they once again find common ground and unite, their friendship even stronger than before as they fight the Nazis in their own ways?
I enjoyed this novel. It is well written and researched. The author sets time and place well so the reader feels as if they are in occupied Paris, it is well paced and holds the attention well. Fleur is very relatable straight off, where as Colette takes a bit more time to warm up to, but overall bothe prove themselves to be good friends that you would love to know. This is an uplifting book about friendship and family and the everlasting bond created in spite of the evil in the world.
I recommend this one to historical fiction fans who enjoy reading WWII books set in the beautiful city of love, Paris!
Thank you to the publishers at Harper Collins and to Net Galley for the free ARC, I am leaving my honest review in return.

[Jessica Higgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

The bonds of friendship last beyond the tides of war.

Collette is the daughter of wealth and privilege growing up in post Great War Paris. She lacks for nothing but is often underestimated by her peers and the socialite scene that she is thrust into. She carries secrets that weigh on her conscience but must not let anyone know what has happened in her past to prevent her future.

Fleur is the daughter of a maid in Collette’s parent’s estate. After her mother dies, Fleur continues to live at the estate with her aunt. She and Collette are fast friends when they are young, but as time moves on, they grow apart. When Germany marches into Paris, they realize that they must trust each other and rely on the early friendship they once had if they are going to survive.

As World War II fiction goes, this was a quick read with a look into the occupation of Paris and how people of different classes dealt with it. Hobbes does a good job of balancing the book between both Collette and Fleur, giving each character a chance to tell their tale. I think Fleur was my favorite character as she had to overcome so much adversity to be able to get ahead and life even when she was set back. Collette also showed more resolve than I originally thought she would have, but still fell second to Fleur. The book had a few historical references that I was glad to see and kept the romance to a minimum, which was nice for this type of story.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.