Review: Beyond the Lavender Fields

Title: Beyond the Lavender Fields

Author: Arlem Hawks

Publisher: 1st February 2022 by Shadow Mountain Publishing

Pages: 368 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: historical fiction, culture France, romance

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

1792, France

Rumors of revolution in Paris swirl in Marseille, a bustling port city in southern France. Gilles Étienne, a clerk at the local soap factory, thrives on the news. Committed to the cause of equality, liberty, and brotherhood, he and his friends plan to march to Paris to dethrone the monarchy. His plans are halted when he meets Marie-Caroline Daubin, the beautiful daughter of the owner of the factory.

A bourgeoise and royalist, Marie-Caroline has been called home to Marseille to escape the unrest in Paris. She rebuffs Gilles’s efforts to charm her and boldly expresses her view that violently imposed freedom is not really freedom for all. As Marie-Caroline takes risks to follow her beliefs, Gilles catches her in a dangerous secret that could cost her and her family their lives. As Gilles and Marie-Caroline spend more time together, she questions her initial assumptions about Gilles and realizes that perhaps they have more in common than she thought.

As the spirit of revolution descends on Marseille, people are killed and buildings are ransacked and burned to the ground. Gilles must choose between supporting the political change he believes in and protecting those he loves. And Marie-Caroline must battle between standing up for what she feels is right and risking her family’s safety. With their lives and their nation in turmoil, both Gilles and Marie-Caroline wonder if a révolutionnaire and a royaliste can really be together or if they must live in a world that forces people to choose sides.

My Thoughts

Beyond the Lavender Fields by Arlem Hawks is fantastic French historical fiction. It is set in Marseille in the year 1792, three years on from the initial Revolution. The violence is ongoing with the two factions becoming more and more polarised in word and deed. I find this period of history to be infinitely fascinating with not nearly enough fictional writing offered, especially when compared to WWII as an example. 

‘France is in tatters. Your glorious revolution has left us no closer to stability than we were before.’

I am happy to report that there are no major information dumps but rather facts fictionally weaved throughout the narrative all testament to Arlem’s research. She does an excellent job of highlighting the political factions, the fallout and the complications in their attempt to reform France. 

“If France falls, it is because her so-called friends have turned into the very despots they claim to despise. If the upholders of liberty only protect liberty for those who think as they do, can they really call themselves champions of freedom? Or are they no better than the tyrants who reigned before?”

Whilst this is a wonderful historical tale it is also equally a historical romance. Arlem takes her two protagonists and places them on opposing political sides (which again lends itself to not only providing balanced viewpoints but also educates readers regarding all aspects of this revolution). I would also venture to suggest this read is YA given the leads' age, dialogue, their feelings and actions - not a problem but something to bear in mind with the romance being very light. As an aside, for this most violent period of history the details are alluded to and not elaborated upon. Arlem does a superb job of portraying the people from all sides with their fears and determination for their ideals and beliefs. This is yet another positive as our two sparring protagonists take the time to learn from each other and soften their views towards reconciliation. 

“Doing what is right is more important than who is right, I think.”

The tale is told from Gilles' point of view, however, readers get to know Caroline's feelings through her letters. This latter aspect I was not a fan of and saw it only as a means to share Caroline’s viewpoint which took away from the smooth storytelling. The book also starts off somewhat slow but by the end it comes together most satisfactorily. I really appreciated how, even as young as they were, Gilles and Caroline worked through mutual respect, starting out as friends, to find new ground to work on together. 

‘A Jacobin and a Royaliste make for a dangerous friendship. And I think we have reached the breaking point.’

Beyond the Lavender Fields was a refreshing take on the French Revolution with its strength being to highlight, through the range of characters and their varying perspectives, the impact of the Revolution on all people - socially, emotionally, financially and politically. If a balance of history and young romance of this period appeals to you then I would definitely recommend this book. 

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: The Paris Bookseller

Title: The Paris Bookseller

Author: Kerri Maher

Publisher: 25th January 2022 by Hachette Australia 

Pages: 306 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: historical fiction, culture France

My Rating: 5 cups

Synopsis:

Discover the dramatic story of how a humble bookseller fought against incredible odds to bring one of the most important books of the 20th century to the world in this new novel from the author of The Girl in the White Gloves.

When bookish young American Sylvia Beach opens Shakespeare and Company on a quiet street in Paris in 1919, she has no idea that she and her new bookstore will change the course of literature itself.

Shakespeare and Company is more than a bookstore and lending library: Many of the most prominent writers of the Lost Generation, like Ernest Hemingway, consider it a second home. It's where some of the most important literary friendships of the twentieth century are forged--none more so than the one between Irish writer James Joyce and Sylvia herself. When Joyce's controversial novel Ulysses is banned, Beach takes a massive risk and publishes it under the auspices of Shakespeare and Company.

But the success and notoriety of publishing the most infamous and influential book of the century comes with steep costs. The future of her beloved store itself is threatened when Ulysses' success brings other publishers to woo Joyce away. Her most cherished relationships are put to the test as Paris is plunged deeper into the Depression and many expatriate friends return to America. As she faces painful personal and financial crises, Sylvia--a woman who has made it her mission to honor the life-changing impact of books--must decide what Shakespeare and Company truly means to her.

My Thoughts

‘… a life for and among books was not just possible but worthy.’

What an incredible read! This is everything I love about historical fiction - while fictionalised, it contains so many facts and details and when it involves Paris and a bookstore it becomes a sure-fire winner. The Paris Bookseller grew and grew on me until the Author’s Note at the very end had me completely enraptured. 

This fictionalised biographical tale is of Sylvia Beach, of whom I knew nothing about (historical fiction for the win again!) She set up an English bookstore in Paris, ‘Shakespeare and Company’ at the end of WWI.  This would go on to become a gathering place for famous literary heroes of the twenty-first century! Let yourself be transported back to Paris of the 1920s and sit around discussing the world with the likes of Gertrude Stein, Ezra Pound, James Joyce, Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald and others.

There is such depth and stunning detail on a variety of issues and themes all handled so deftly by the pen of Kerri. At its heart is the story of Sylvia and her decision to publish James Joyce's controversial, Ulysses. The strength of character Sylvia demonstrated not only in managing her store and personal life but the heartache and anguish, the financial turmoil to support this writer and the precedent it set comes to life thanks to Kerri’s masterful writing. I have heartfelt admiration for Sylvia's sacrifices and the commitment she demonstrated in her resolve to support writers of the era. 

‘Your Ulysses is home at last.” He let out a labored sigh, and she could hear all the wet, raw emotions he was trying to contain. “Thank you, Sylvia.” “It is my absolute honor and pleasure,” she said, meaning every word. She’d taken a gamble, and it had been the right one. It had all been worth it. This moment, this book, this writer, this city.’

Be sure to read Kerri’s Author’s Note at the end as she explains her research with the differentiation and liberties taken between fact and fiction. What convinced me of Kerri’s finesse and style was her commentary on providing a summary of the years that followed right up to the present day. I was captured by the sentiments she expressed regarding a writer and readers journey together and how ‘reading promotes empathy, helps us relax, shows us the world, educates us.’

So … calling all book lovers who appreciate sensational historical fiction that transports you back to the Roaring 1920s and allows you to walk the streets of Paris with such a wonderful sense of time and place. If you love all things literature you simply must read The Paris Bookseller.

‘ … a place of exchange between English and French thinking, we get to enjoy the spoils of peace: literature, friendship, conversation, debate. Long may we enjoy them and may they - instead of guns and grenades - become the weapons of new rebellions.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: Celebrations at the Chateau

Title: Celebrations at the Chateau

Author: Jo Thomas

Publisher: 28th October 2021 by Random House UK, Transworld Publishers

Corgi

Pages: 386 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: contemporary romance, chick lit, culture France

My Rating: 5 cups

Synopsis:

When their grandfather dies, Fliss and her sisters are astonished to inherit a French chateau! Travelling to Normandy to visit the beautiful if faded house, they excitedly make plans over delicious crepes and local cider in the town nearby.

They soon discover the chateau needs major work and a huge tax bill is due . . . Unable to sell but strapped for cash, Fliss determines to spruce up the elegant old rooms and open a B&B.

But Jacques, the handsome town mayor, is opposed to her plan. When it becomes clear that the only way to save the magnificent castle is to work together, Jacques and Fliss discover that they have more in common than they think...

My Thoughts

Who do you turn to when you are in search of a ‘breather’ book … you know the type .... one that whisks you away where new ventures are to be had? Jo Thomas of course! And for this trip we are off to rural France. Yup … inheriting and renovating an old French Chateau can now be ticked off my bucket list. Thanks Jo!

‘Reluctantly, I move down the steps, looking back at the stone façade, my hand running down the lichen covered balustrade. At the bottom, I turn back to the château. I’m buzzing with questions and curiosity. I want to see it all. I want to find out who lived there.’

There is just so much to love about a Jo Thomas book … all the requisites are there of course …. idyllic location, gourmet cuisine, romantic love interest … but Jo always adds those extra elements that take this genre to the next level. Firstly, there are a range of loveable (and not so lovable) characters that are sure to keep you entertained - special mention to Jason (teenage nephew) and Charlotte (intimidating 70yo chatelaine). How wonderful to have this cross section of age and storylines! Even the chateau itself is a character - I’m talking to you Boris the Boiler! This obviously brings with it a range of engaging subplots that bring real depth to the narrative. How did the sisters come to inherit the chateau? Can they save and bring back to life the chateau? Will Fliss be able to win over the locals?

‘Some memories shouldn’t be shut away. They should be enjoyed.’ She smiles. ‘Among the bad, there are still good ones that should be celebrated.’

Being in France brings all kinds of reader benefits - everything from apple harvesting and cider making, to cheese making, to life on the land. I love the inclusion of so much French vernacular that I now have some impressive conversational dialogue and credit Jo with once more avoiding that ‘little Britain’ in rural France. 

‘I don’t have a plan B. This has to work. I don’t want to walk away from it. Right now, it’s my happy place. I can’t give up on it.’

I simply adored this refreshing book that had me smiling from cover to cover. Oui! It did! Whilst romantic I believe it is the romance with the chateau that is front and centre on this occasion. Make a subtle start to this festive season (a magical Christmas and Bonne Année for all) with yet another winning feel good escape by Jo Thomas. 

‘It’s beautiful,’ is all I say, as, despite the cold and damp, the ivy creeping round the door, I see how this place must once have been. The original ceiling rose is still in place, with a chandelier and ornate cornices. The craftsmanship that had gone into building the place is stunning. I’m in awe.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: Sisters of the Resistance

 

Title: Sisters of the Resistance

Author: Christine Wells

Publisher: 8th June 2021 by HarperCollins Australia

Pages: 388 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: historical fiction, women’s fiction, World War II, romance, culture France

My Rating: 4.5 cups

Synopsis:

Set in the thick of the Paris Resistance movement during WWII, this exciting novel tells of the deep involvement of Catherine Dior and two young women who risked their lives to support her efforts—perfect for fans of Kate Quinn and Jennifer Chiaverini.

France, 1944: The Nazis still occupy Paris, and twenty-five-year-old Gabby Foucher hates these enemies, though, as the concierge of ten rue Royale, she makes it a point to avoid trouble, unlike her sister Yvette. Until she, like her sister, is recruited into the Resistance by Catherine Dior—sister of the fashion designer, Christian Dior.

Gabby and Yvette are both swept into the world of spies, fugitives, and Resistance workers, and it doesn't take long for the sisters to realize that their lives are in danger.

Gabby discovers an elderly tenant is hiding a wounded British fugitive, and Yvette becomes a messenger for the Resistance. But as Gabby begins to fall in love with her patient and Yvette’s impulsiveness lead her into intrigue at an ever-higher level, both women will discover that their hearts and even their souls hang in the balance as well.

This page-turning novel is perfect for any reader fascinated by the role of women during World War II, whose stories are often untold, and introduces us to Catherine Dior, the fearless real-life Resistance hero.

My Thoughts

Sisters of the Resistance is a great WWII historical fiction read - a story filled with suspense, intrigue and some romance as well. Set in two time periods - but only three years apart - it highlights what women went through in their efforts to fight Nazism and also the immediate impact once the war was over. If you love this time period you will not be disappointed with Christine’s book. 

Always looking for something fresh that sets stories from this era apart, on this occasion it was the inclusion of the very real Catherine Dior - sister of the famous designer and a real-life heroine of the French Resistance. This book is filled  with many brave and courageous women - sisters in its many forms - who played such valuable roles in helping swing the tide against the Nazis. 

‘Sometimes turning away from a fight is the bravest thing to do.’

If you make reference to the Dior’s then, of course, the world of haute couture is included providing a luxurious backdrop to this otherwise chilling tale. The descriptions of the fabrics, designs and gowns provide not only light to the dark but also a perfect entry to a tale of resistance and espionage. 

‘Once she left the Maison Dior, the spell would be broken for good. By contrast with this wonderland of exquisite and extraordinary beauty, her ordinary life seemed to  yawn before her like a desert canyon.’

The two sisters are fictional but once again provide that yin and yang of the female trope from the period. Both strong and patriotic in their own unique ways, they play their part in the guerilla tactics with a world full of spies and double agents, never knowing who to trust. The story comes full circle with the sisters' actions combining to highlight the strength of female bonds in the fight against the enemy. Sisters of the Resistance is a well developed, complex tale inspiring to all women of any era.

‘… the door handle rattled. She was about to call out to ask what the landlady wanted when Gabby walked in. The look on her face made Yvette’s heart give a single, hard ache. "Let’s go home,’’ she said, opening her arms to her sister. Gabby nodded and walked into her embrace.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: Escape to the French Farmhouse

Title: Escape to the French Farmhouse

Author: Jo Thomas

Publisher: 9th July 2020 by Random House UK, Transworld Publishers

Pages: 352 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: romance, women’s fiction

My Rating: 3.5 cups

Synopsis:

Can she find her recipe for happiness?

Del and her husband Ollie moved to a beautiful village in Provence for a fresh start after years of infertility struggles. But six weeks after they arrive, they’re packing the removal van once more. As Del watches the van leave for England, she suddenly realises exactly what will make her happier…a new life in France – without Ollie.

Now alone, all Del has is a crumbling farmhouse, a mortgage to pay and a few lavender plants. What on earth is she going to do? Discovering an old recipe book at the market run by the rather attractive Fabian, Del starts to bake. But can her new-found passion really help her let go of the past and lead to true happiness?

A heart-warming tale about reclaiming your life, set amongst the lavender fields of Provence. 

My Thoughts

‘I may not have everything I want in life, but I’ve got a lot that makes me smile. I have enough to be content.’

Every now and again you just need that ‘breather’ of a book. You know the type ... one that whisks you away where the sun is shining, people support each other and new ventures are undertaken. Escape to the French Farmhouse is just the fresh air I was searching for.

‘I get out my pastry and take a bite. I shut my eyes and enjoy the moment, which takes me back to a time when food was fun, when I wasn’t worried about what I ate, before food became a battle, not a pleasure.’

If you enjoy books set in France, rural France with loads of lavender, then this really is the book for you. You will find yourself immersed in lavender fields and scrumptious bakery goodies from macaroons to croissants - and that’s just the sweet items. The range of characters are good - I particularly enjoyed the author's social commentary on the English in France. Do you come just to make a ‘little Britain’ or are you there to contribute and immerse yourself in French culture? Once again our heroine is of an older age and it’s refreshing to see the journey she sees herself on.

‘I can’t help but think the people of the town must be laughing at the likes of me and Ollie. Another British couple moving here for the good life, wanting to make a Little Britain beyond the Channel, then packing up and moving back when it all goes wrong.’

This book had me to the very end when it seemed everything was tied up too quickly and too neatly. Of course this is pure escapism and who would not want to run away to a romantic and picturesque ‘lockdown’ in the French countryside! However, I just feel the ending was a bit rushed with some of the secondary characters' story arc tying together too neatly.

If you are after some pure escapism of sunny filled, lavender scented locales where your only decision is what delicacy to munch on next, then runaway to this small French village for a few hours. 

‘... it’s just me, Fabien and a bottle of rosé, looking out over the valley to the setting sun. The smell of the pines and the lavender are all around us, and the cicadas are chirping in the trees. I don’t think there is anywhere I’d rather be right now ...’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: The Paris Library

Title: The Paris Library

Author: Janet Skeslien Charles

Publisher: 2nd June 2020 by Hachette Australia/Two Roads

Pages: 380 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: historical fiction, cultural, France, world war II

My Rating: 3.5 crowns

Synopsis:

IN THE DARKNESS OF WAR, THE LIGHT OF BOOKS - PARIS 1939

Odile Souchet is obsessed with books, and working at The American Library in Paris for the formidable director Dorothy Reeder is all she has ever dreamed of. The Library and its thriving community of students, writers, diplomats and book lovers provide her with a safe haven. When war is declared, the Library is determined to remain open. But then the Nazis invade Paris, and everything changes. The Nazi 'Library Protector' changes the rules overnight, declaring a war on words and making the librarians risk their lives to do their jobs.

Under the courageous guidance of Miss Reeder, Odile and her fellow librarians defy the authorities to make sure all their subscribers, even those deemed no longer desirable, get access to books and remain part of their community, whatever the cost.

Choices as black and white as the words on a page become a murky shade of grey - choices that will put many of the wrong side of history, and the consequences of which will echo for decades to come.

The Paris Library illuminates a seldom-seen slice of history: the role of women and their fate during the war. It also recounts the consequences of unspeakable betrayal, when the people we count on for understanding and protection fail us.

My Thoughts

‘How can you stay?’ Gently, she cupped my cheek. ‘Because I believe in the power of books – we do important work, by making sure knowledge is available, and by creating community.’

A story about books and Paris ... too good to pass by! This is a dual time narrative, one that is both well researched and written, exploring a librarian during WWII and an American high school student who meets up with the Parisian librarian many years later. 

‘Sometimes I like books more than people.’ ‘Books don’t lie or steal,’ he said. ‘We can depend on them.’ I was surprised, and heartened, to hear an echo of my own feelings.’

The thing I probably admired most about this tale was the focus on books and their impact during dark times. The importance of libraries and the power of literature to see a person through difficult days at any stage in  life is something I support. The author herself states that ‘... language is a gate that we can open and close on people. The words we use shape perception as do the books we read, the stories we tell each other and the stories we tell ourselves.’ To bring to people's attention this unique story from WWII and the courage demonstrated by these Parisian librarians was notable.

‘People read,’ the Directress said. ‘War or no war.’

The Author’s Notes at the conclusion of the story reveal that many of the characters are in fact based around real people and actual events that occurred during Nazi Occupation. Having worked for a time in the American Library in Paris in 2019, the author committed to following up on stories she learnt of what occurred during this time and the result is this most insightful book.  Odile makes for a fascinating lead character who is a master of the Dewy Decimal system and thrilled to be working her first job at the library in 1939. The range of secondary characters who work or volunteer at the library is broad and eclectic. As they are determined to stay open during occupation, Odile and the staff work to provide books to recovering soldiers and as many of their Jewish subscribers as possible. There will be risks and there will be sorrows.

‘We must serve in the field of morale.’ ‘Morale? Then why books? Why not wine?’ a redhead quipped. ‘That’s what I’d want.’ ‘Who says it’s either or?’ I asked. They laughed. ‘But seriously, why books. Because no other thing possesses that mystical faculty to make people see with other people’s eyes. The Library is a bridge of books between cultures.’

My problem with the book was the modern day timeline. I just didn’t like it. Montana USA 1983 sees an older Odile as seen through the eyes of teenager Lily and the relationship they embark on.  I thought there would have been better ways to make the connections of past to present and confess not to be interested in Lily’s story at all. I truly feel that the American Library in Paris contained enough material and merit without having to bring in teenage angst from the 1980s.

‘I was needed at the Library. I was happy there. ‘I can’t rest,’ I told my father. ‘Miss Reeder says books promote understanding, which is important now more than ever.’

All up bibliophiles and  lovers of historical fiction will appreciate this window into a little known part of the Nazi occupation of Paris. Told from such a unique perspective, it was gratifying to learn of the librarian's courageous enterprise through literature and how the devastation of war impacts upon people. Most certainly  a tale of betrayal and loss but also one of hope and the power of friendship. 

‘You were brave,’ I told Odile. ‘Keeping the Library open and making sure all people could check out books.’ She sighed. ‘I merely did the minimum.’ ‘Le minimum? What you did was amazing. You gave subscribers hope. You showed that during the worst of times, people were still good. You saved books and people. You risked your life to defy the fricking Nazis. That’s huge.’ ‘If I could go back, I would do more.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.