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Colette
A game of cat and mouse in which the cost of losing is death.
Eighteen-year-old Colette's peaceful life in France is shattered when the Nazi panzers steam-roll across her country. As her world crumbles around her, Colette escapes to England and is thrust into the dangerous world of espionage.
She undergoes intensive training to become a radio operator in France, a perilous role and one for which her superiors – and Colette herself – doubt her aptitude. It seems impossible that she will ever receive her first mission, until one moonlit night she's infiltrated into France.
During her mission, Colette overcomes her fears and self-doubts and her work saves countless lives. However, as D-Day approaches, she is given a new mission in France, where her worst fears are realised. She is captured.
In the hands of the enemy, Colette faces the ultimate test of her training and courage.
A gripping tale of bravery and self-sacrifice.
Eighteen-year-old Colette's peaceful life in France is shattered when the Nazi panzers steam-roll across her country. As her world crumbles around her, Colette escapes to England and is thrust into the dangerous world of espionage.
She undergoes intensive training to become a radio operator in France, a perilous role and one for which her superiors – and Colette herself – doubt her aptitude. It seems impossible that she will ever receive her first mission, until one moonlit night she's infiltrated into France.
During her mission, Colette overcomes her fears and self-doubts and her work saves countless lives. However, as D-Day approaches, she is given a new mission in France, where her worst fears are realised. She is captured.
In the hands of the enemy, Colette faces the ultimate test of her training and courage.
A gripping tale of bravery and self-sacrifice.
111 pages, ebook
Published January 28, 2023
12 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 20, 2023
In this new book by Robert Hart we learn the story of Colette, her name appears in previous books by him and we know she is an important person in the life of Mutti, so much so that she names her daughter after her. Having said this, the book Colette can be read as a standalone, even though it can be considered as part of the series.
Even though we know Colette's fate since the opening of the book Mr. Hart takes us in a journey of Colette's life and the path that takes her to her fate.
As is the norm with all of his books you get engrossed in the story since the beginning of the book until the last pages, regardless of how hard to read are the details contained in the book.
I enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to read more books by this author.
Even though we know Colette's fate since the opening of the book Mr. Hart takes us in a journey of Colette's life and the path that takes her to her fate.
As is the norm with all of his books you get engrossed in the story since the beginning of the book until the last pages, regardless of how hard to read are the details contained in the book.
I enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to read more books by this author.
December 12, 2025
An unforgettable story of courage, fear, and the unbreakable spirit of a young woman caught in the fire of war
I don’t usually leave reviews, but this book pulled something out of me that I couldn’t keep quiet about. Robert Hart is more than a historical thriller it’s an emotional journey that sinks its hooks into you from the very first chapter and refuses to let go.
From the moment eighteen year old Colette’s world collapses under the weight of the Nazi invasion, I found myself holding my breath. The author paints her fear, her confusion, and her quiet inner strength so vividly that it almost felt like I was standing beside her, watching the panzers roll in, feeling her desperation as she fled everything she had ever known.
What struck me most was how real Colette felt. She isn’t written as some flawless war hero; she’s hesitant, insecure, and doubting her own abilities at every turn. And that’s exactly what makes her transformation so powerful. When she joins the world of espionage and endures the intense training of a radio operator, you can feel her battling not just the enemy, but her own fears. It’s gritty, raw, and incredibly human.
The scenes set during her first mission in France had my heart pounding. You can practically taste the danger in the air, and yet you watch Colette rise above the version of herself she once believed she was. Her work quiet but crucial becomes a lifeline for so many, and the author makes sure you feel the weight of every whisper sent across the radio waves.
And then comes the capture. That moment hit like a punch to the chest. Even though I knew the stakes were high, seeing her worst fear come true was devastating. The tension, the dread, the sheer uncertainty of what would happen next kept me glued to the pages long after I should’ve fallen asleep. Her courage in the face of such unimaginable circumstances is something I’ll be thinking about for a long time.
This story isn’t just about war; it’s about bravery, sacrifice, and the quiet strength of a young woman who never believed she had it in her. It’s about the kind of resilience that only shows itself when everything else is stripped away. Colette’s journey is painful, inspiring, and absolutely unforgettable.
If you love historical fiction that feels alive not just dates and events, but heartbeat-level storytelling this book is a must-read. It’s gripping, emotional, and beautifully written. Robert Hart gave me chills, made me tear up more than once, and ultimately left me grateful for stories that remind us of the extraordinary bravery ordinary people can carry within them.
I don’t usually leave reviews, but this book pulled something out of me that I couldn’t keep quiet about. Robert Hart is more than a historical thriller it’s an emotional journey that sinks its hooks into you from the very first chapter and refuses to let go.
From the moment eighteen year old Colette’s world collapses under the weight of the Nazi invasion, I found myself holding my breath. The author paints her fear, her confusion, and her quiet inner strength so vividly that it almost felt like I was standing beside her, watching the panzers roll in, feeling her desperation as she fled everything she had ever known.
What struck me most was how real Colette felt. She isn’t written as some flawless war hero; she’s hesitant, insecure, and doubting her own abilities at every turn. And that’s exactly what makes her transformation so powerful. When she joins the world of espionage and endures the intense training of a radio operator, you can feel her battling not just the enemy, but her own fears. It’s gritty, raw, and incredibly human.
The scenes set during her first mission in France had my heart pounding. You can practically taste the danger in the air, and yet you watch Colette rise above the version of herself she once believed she was. Her work quiet but crucial becomes a lifeline for so many, and the author makes sure you feel the weight of every whisper sent across the radio waves.
And then comes the capture. That moment hit like a punch to the chest. Even though I knew the stakes were high, seeing her worst fear come true was devastating. The tension, the dread, the sheer uncertainty of what would happen next kept me glued to the pages long after I should’ve fallen asleep. Her courage in the face of such unimaginable circumstances is something I’ll be thinking about for a long time.
This story isn’t just about war; it’s about bravery, sacrifice, and the quiet strength of a young woman who never believed she had it in her. It’s about the kind of resilience that only shows itself when everything else is stripped away. Colette’s journey is painful, inspiring, and absolutely unforgettable.
If you love historical fiction that feels alive not just dates and events, but heartbeat-level storytelling this book is a must-read. It’s gripping, emotional, and beautifully written. Robert Hart gave me chills, made me tear up more than once, and ultimately left me grateful for stories that remind us of the extraordinary bravery ordinary people can carry within them.
February 15, 2023
Colette is a book that will leave you feeling shattered and conflicted. It is heart-wrenching and inspiring all at one time. World War II has so many untold stories, that while ultimately tragic are intensely life changing and inspiring. One might pick up this book and think that the shortness of it will equal a simple story. And, one would be so terribly wrong. Packed into the pages of this book is a story so powerful that it will take your breath away and leave you pondering Colette for long after you have put the book away.
Colette is a young lady who, at the start of the book, is facing imminent and certain death. She has done as much for her country and the cause as each man that took the field with arms. And her story is one of patriotism, love of others and country, sacrifice and courage. I do not know that I could have done what she did.
From the first page to the last the reader will be hooked, drawn in and immersed into the thoughts, heart and emotions of Colette. And when the book is closed the message, the journey, the heartache and sacrifice and love will resonate in the reader leaving them inspired
Colette is a young lady who, at the start of the book, is facing imminent and certain death. She has done as much for her country and the cause as each man that took the field with arms. And her story is one of patriotism, love of others and country, sacrifice and courage. I do not know that I could have done what she did.
From the first page to the last the reader will be hooked, drawn in and immersed into the thoughts, heart and emotions of Colette. And when the book is closed the message, the journey, the heartache and sacrifice and love will resonate in the reader leaving them inspired
January 28, 2023
by Barbara Kelley
"Colette" by Robert Hart is an account of a young French woman who was a switchboard/radio operator during World War II. It starts off in the prologue with Colette facing certain death. She is a young woman who sent switchboard/radio messages to the French Resistance and Britain against the Nazis. This was a really good book, letting you wonder throughout if she would escape death. I gave this book 5 stars, and even though it was a short book, it covered much information about what women did for their country and allies against Nazi Germany and Hitler. I recommend this book to history buffs of war torn countries. I received an advanced reader copy and have posted my honest review voluntarily.
"Colette" by Robert Hart is an account of a young French woman who was a switchboard/radio operator during World War II. It starts off in the prologue with Colette facing certain death. She is a young woman who sent switchboard/radio messages to the French Resistance and Britain against the Nazis. This was a really good book, letting you wonder throughout if she would escape death. I gave this book 5 stars, and even though it was a short book, it covered much information about what women did for their country and allies against Nazi Germany and Hitler. I recommend this book to history buffs of war torn countries. I received an advanced reader copy and have posted my honest review voluntarily.
January 26, 2023
Colette is 18 years old and trying to find a way to help the war effort. She tries her hand at learning to be a radio operator. With this ability she can help troops in the United Kingdom know what they are up against. She loves the work but still she finds herself looking for more. Because of her dedication she is offered a mission to serve in France where her knowledge of the language would help. While worried, she accepts, and her dedication is put to the test.
While thus is a novel, it does help portray some dedicated women who performed this job during World War II. A fantastic and fast-moving read.
While thus is a novel, it does help portray some dedicated women who performed this job during World War II. A fantastic and fast-moving read.
January 31, 2023
Collette was a thrilling story of a young girl driven to do her part following her father's service in the war. This is a well written story with a strong but vulnerable female protagonist. The training alone was torture. After demonstrating her intelligence and strong will, she was sent into the occupied French countryside to transmit intelligence to the allies. I thoroughly enjoyed Collette. I've read many books that are set during WWII. This is the best with such a relatable female character.
December 17, 2022
Another great novel from Robert, could easily be a version of the truth for some of the agents who worked against the Nazi regime. Like the previous novel it has lots of emotional moments, a good mix of fact and fiction, and some interesting twists. I particularly liked the epilogue which completed the book nicely and tied it into some of the others in the series. Again it can be read as a standalone.
March 14, 2023
Colette is an engrossing tale of one woman's role in WWII and her fight to end the Nazi regime. It's fiction, but with excellent historical accuracy. You really feel as though you're there with Colette, and although we know her ultimate fate from the beginning, I found myself rooting for her and hoping the end changed. The last chapter was a beautiful way to end the book, and I am looking forward to reading Hart's other books, especially "Through My Eyes. Again" & "Through Different Eyes".
January 2, 2023
An excellent story. I love that the story is told by Collette. The description of her experiences made me feel like I was there. I wanted to meet her and thank her for her service. If you like stories set in World War two or true stories from that time you will want to read this story about Collette.
July 23, 2024
The Autumn of a Life
Reading this short story brought tears to my eyes, but warmth to my heart. Knowing so many men and women knowingly put their lives in jeopardy during WWII, so others could be free; is a much needed reminder that for freedom to survive, we must all do what we can.
Reading this short story brought tears to my eyes, but warmth to my heart. Knowing so many men and women knowingly put their lives in jeopardy during WWII, so others could be free; is a much needed reminder that for freedom to survive, we must all do what we can.
October 26, 2025
Colette by Robert Hart is a stunning World War II tale of bravery, resilience, and sacrifice. Colette’s transformation from frightened girl to courageous spy is both inspiring and heartbreaking. Hart’s storytelling pulls you into occupied France with tension, heart, and humanity. A must-read for fans of historical fiction and stories of unsung heroes.
November 9, 2022
This is a very good story. It was not a story that was easy to put down once started - it pulled me in and kept me engrossed until the end.
I received a free ARC copy of this book and am under no obligation to review it.
I received a free ARC copy of this book and am under no obligation to review it.
January 30, 2023
Short story about the girl who worked for English secret service during WWII. Colete is brave, even if sometimes she doubts herself, and strong, young women. She is good exemple how to persevere in difficult situations, even if you need to make big sacrifice.
July 21, 2024
Loved the historical view as well as the story of the courageous young girl.
January 29, 2023
Great story line with believable characters that make that era come alive
February 11, 2023
When Colette is sent to Britain at the outbreak of the war she is determined to do her bit towards the war effort. Training as a radio operator she is eventually sent behind enemy lines knowing full well what the consequence is if she is caught by the occupying Nazi army.
This is a well written story of bravery that follows Colette's training in the UK and subsequent missions in occupied France which has echoes right up to the present day.
I challenge the reader not to feel the emotion at some point during the tale. Well worth its 5 stars
This is a well written story of bravery that follows Colette's training in the UK and subsequent missions in occupied France which has echoes right up to the present day.
I challenge the reader not to feel the emotion at some point during the tale. Well worth its 5 stars
February 13, 2023
Wonderful story. I liked it because it told what the Nazi's did without the gory details
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews