A novel that is heartbreaking while also being uplifting and heartwarming, too. A historical fiction story that is told over a dual timeline during the Second World War and in the 2000s. This is the second book I have read by Jina Bacarr, and her previous book was historical fiction also. One that immersed me in France of the past. I was looking forward to spending some more time with Jina Bacarr’s characters and the tale she has woven.
‘I will never forget what the Nazi did to me. Never’
1940, Nazi-occupied Paris. A powerful story of love, tragedy and incredible courage, about one woman whose life is ripped apart by war and risks everything to seek justice. Brand new from the bestselling author of The Resistance Girl.
As Nazis patrol the streets of the French capital, Tiena is alone, desperate and on the run. After defending herself against the force of an officer, she must find a new identity in order to survive.
An accidental meeting with members of the Resistance gives her a lifeline, as she is offered the chance to reinvent herself as perfumer Angéline De Cadieux.
However Angéline will never forget what happened to her, and will do everything she can to seek revenge. But vengeance can be a dangerous game, and Angeline can only hide her true identity for so long before her past catches up with her, with some devastating consequences…
Paris, 2003. When the opportunity arises for aspiring journalist Emma Keane to interview world renowned perfumer Madame De Cadieux about her life during World War Two, she is determined to take it. There are secrets from her own family history that she hopes Angéline may be able to help unlock.
But nothing can prepare Emma for Angéline’s story, and one thing is for certain – it will change her own life forever…
An absolutely heartbreaking, unforgettable historical novel of war, sacrifice and survival. Perfect for fans of Suzanne Goldring, Ella Carey and Catherine Hokin.
Yet another immersive engrossing novel that has been meticulously researched. This may be fiction, but you really feel like it could have been real. The characters tugged at my heartstrings, particularly Madame De Cadieux. Her story is one that will stay with me for a while. Her tale is of a young Roma girl who transforms into a famous perfumer. The vivid details Jina Bacarr brings adds to the authenticity and realism of the characters.
Jina Bacarr has this time brought us a tale of the Romani people during the Holocaust. I already knew that the Romani were treated as badly as the Jewish people, and this just highlighted how much the Nazi regime affected an enormous number of people during the time they were in power.
I was almost hypnotised by this book. It’s a riveting read that had me flipping the pages with eagerness to discover how the story would go. The author has transformed a story on paper easily into something that played out in my mind. She weaves this story so carefully with a perfect balance of history and action that brings everyone to life so easily.
The retelling of Madam De Cadieux’s life to Emma, an American journalist, takes us on a rollercoaster of heartbreak, love, joy, and sadness. We see her trying to get through World War Two even when she is sent to concentration camps. The emotions are almost palpable as the twists and turns of the story begin to unfold.
An addictive, immersive, and very all-consuming book that I am happy I was invited to be a part of this books journey. Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the copy of the book.
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Author Bio
Jina Bacarr is a US-based historical romance author of over 10 previous books. She has been a screenwriter, journalist and news reporter, but now writes full-time and lives in LA. Jina’s novels have been sold in 9 territories.
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sharonbeyondthebooks.uk 
Thank you so much, Sharon!! I’m so glad you made the journey with me on a second Paris book…it’s an era and place that I love and I try to bring to it my own experiences (I’ve stayed in the Hotel Vendome, e.g.) and weave a story of these times when courage was more than a word… I’m working on a third Paris WW 2 book — new characters and a unique perspective that begins in 1936 Paris… again, merci!
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Jina, I can’t wait to read the next book! I am grateful for being able to join you on your Parisian journey and hope to join you on the third also! Thank you for writing such exquisite, heartbreaking, and heartwarming books.
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How very kind of you, Sharon! I’m in the throes of research on the next book while writing the opening chapters… it’s a time that continues to fascinate me — I have two heroines again,– this time a childless American heiress who finds herself trapped in Paris and her heartbreaking journey saving the children from the occupiers… I love to write glamour, adventure, family… and of course, romance!
I can’t tell you how much your support means to me. Feel free to reach out at any time if you have questions…. you can always reach me on Twitter @jinabacarr.
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