Book Review - Until Leaves Fall in Paris

To stand up for what you believe is a difficult thing. To do it while giving the appearance that you are living a life in direct opposition to your beliefs and shoulder the burden of judgement is exceptionally difficult. This is precisely what Paul Aubrey must do when he finds himself called upon to remain in Paris and collaborate with the Nazis for the sake of his own country. As an American living in France, a widower with a young and creative daughter, Paul walks that fine line for the greater good, always keeping a watchful eye for the moment when he must take sweet little Josephine to safety back in the States. It is no wee complication when he finds himself drawn to the beautiful and lively Lucie Girard, owner of Green Leaf Books, the American bookstore in Paris where Paul takes Josie to look at storybooks and encourage a creativity he doesn’t quite understand.

Though she was born in America and remains a citizen, Lucie has lived in France most of her life, dedicating herself to the ballet. As American Jews, her friends Hal and Erma must quickly escape Paris and leave behind their beloved bookshop, which stands to be a total loss until Lucie decides to quit the ballet and purchase Green Leaf Books from them. Though she knows nothing of owning a shop, she is determined to keep it open and safe until the Greenblatts are able to safely return and resume their business. The shop takes on a new vibrance the day Paul Aubrey and little Josie enter it, bringing the child’s vivid imagination and inspiration, but beneath the facade Lucie has fashioned flow the undercurrents of resistance. Though handsome and charming Mr. Aubrey provokes a favorable response in Lucie, she must distance herself from the collaborator and avoid risking the chance he might discover the secret she holds on the very shelves he peruses.

When their world comes crashing down, what will Paul and Lucie discover about themselves and each other?

Sarah Sundin is my hands-down go-to author for World War II era historical fiction. Her research is phenomenal and her dedication to bringing the Greatest Generation into our hands and hearts is admirable.  Her tales of grit, determination, and perseverance never cease to thrill me and Until Leaves Fall in Paris is no exception. I enjoyed the appearance of our friends Peter and Evelyn from When Twilight Breaks and look forward to meeting Baron Henrik Ahlenfeldt, friend of Peter and Paul, in Sundin’s upcoming release.

Until Leaves Fall in Paris is available now from your favorite local bookseller or online:

Baker Book House            Christian Book            Barnes & Noble            Amazon

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me a copy to read and review. All opinions expressed here are my own and are completely genuine.