Goodnight From Paris [Book Review] #HistoricalFiction #WW2 #LakeUnionPublishing

Goodnight From Paris shares the story of how Drue Leyton, a real-life Hollywood actress, came to join the Resistance.

Goodnight From Paris by Jane Healey

Goodnight From Paris by Jane Healey (cover) Image: a young woman with blond hair and wearing a red dress and black shawl stands gazing at planes in the sky with her back to the camera

Genre/Categories/Setting: Historical Fiction, WWII, France, Resistance Movement

*This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

My Summary of Goodnight From Paris:

Thanks #NetGalley #LakeUnionPublishing #AmazonPublishing for a complimentary e ARC of #GoodNightFromParis upon my request. All opinions are my own.

Inspired by a real-life hero, Goodnight From Paris is the fictionalized story of Hollywood actress, Drue Leyton. After Jacques Tartiere and Drue marry, they live in Paris. As WWII breaks out, Jacques leaves Paris to work with the British military as a liaison. Drue determines to stay in Paris and accepts a job in radio, broadcasting programs to the United States. The broadcasts which start out with a cultural focus quickly become a tool to shake America from its apathy and to push for resistance and aide. Drue becomes more outspoken and increasingly involved with the resistance while working closely on the broadcast with Jean Fraysse.They soon come under suspicion and targets of Hitler. Will Drue run for safety and return to America or will she risk everything to fight the enemy no matter the danger?

Hollywood actress, Drue Layton

My Thoughts:

 Drue Leyton is independent. She is loyal. Drue is a caring and supportive friend. She is brave and smart.
I’m celebrating Drue and other inspiring women on International Women’s Day 2023.

International Women's Day (graphic picture of a boup of women holding and raising hands and holding a banner)

Real-Life Heroes

Some of my favorite historical fiction stories are inspired by real-life heroes. Drue led a privileged and glamorous life until her love for France compelled her to join the Resistance Movement during WWII. In her work with the Resistance, Drue shelters downed allied pilots and assists them in connecting with the network that will guide them safely out of France.

Well-told Story and Likable Characters

Jane Healey is a straight forward story teller. A story with one simple timeline and told from one perspective makes for a fast read. In addition, the content is well-researched and realistic and likable characters round out the captivating story. Drue’s gradual transformation from actress to working with the resistance is believable. In fact, Drue doesn’t join the Resistance until quite late in the story, but this slow-paced development contributes to her overall believability. I wonder what I would do in similar circumstances. What causes one person to make sacrifices and act bravely despite the consequences and another person to seek safety?

Themes

In addition to common themes found in WWII stories, I appreciated the themes of friendship, supportive community, grief, bravery, and sacrifice.

Recommending Goodnight From Paris

I loved Beantown Girls by Jane Healey and eagerly requested an ARC of Goodnight From Paris, especially after reading Davida’s enthusiastic recommendation. I’m recommending Goodnight From Paris for fans of riveting WWII historical fiction and for readers who appreciate stories of strong, independent, and brave real-life women. Book clubs might also enjoy this one.

My Rating:  4.5  Stars (rounded to 5)

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Goodnight From Paris by Jane Healey (cover) Image: a young woman with blong hair wears a red dress and black shawl and stands with her back to the camera gazing at planes overhead

More Information Here

Meet the Author of Goodnight From Paris, Jane Healey

Author of Goodnight From Paris and Beantown Girls, Jane HealeyJane Healey is a best-selling author of historical fiction. Her novels include her debut The Saturday Evening Girls Club and The Beantown Girls, a Washington Post and Amazon Charts bestseller. Healey’s third novel The Secret Stealers, a WWII spy thriller, was an Amazon First Reads Editor’s Pick and a Historical Novel Society’s Editors’ Choice pick. Her latest novel, Goodnight from Paris, inspired by the life of Hollywood actress Drue Leyton, releases in March 2023.

Jane is also the host of Historical Happy Hour, a monthly webinar and podcast featuring premiere historical fiction authors and their latest books.

A graduate of the University of New Hampshire and Northeastern University, Jane shares a home north of Boston with her husband, two daughters, two cats and one teacup golden doodle.

Website: https://janehealey.com

Podcast: https://www.historicalhappyhour.com/

Facebook: https://facebook.com/JaneHealeyBooks/

Twitter and Instagram:@healeyjane

YouTube: https://bit.ly/2O3c72b



QOTD:

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I purchase or borrow from the library all books I review unless explicitly stated that the book is free (arc)

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9 comments

  1. Wonderful review, Carol. I didn’t realize this was the same author who wrote Beantown Girls, I loved that book as well. I am adding this one to my Want to Read shelf and hopefully I will find it at the library. Great post for International Women’s Day.

    • I was a bit worried because while I loved Beantown Girls, I didn’t like the profanity. This one has a refreshing lack of profanity! Enjoy!

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