Sisters of the Resistance
Sisters of the Resistance by Christine Wells is an excellent WWII historical fiction novel that kept me riveted and turning the pages as fast as I could.
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.
What an amazing story full of mystery, suspense, intrigue, and a bit of romance beginning in 1947, post-war as Yvette arrives in Paris, France to testify in the trial of Louise Dulac, a French film star accused of treason. Yvette's last memories of Paris are when she worked undercover as a courier, riding her bike all through Paris, when she was actually working for the Resistance as a spy.
As this compelling story unfolds, the chapters alternate between focusing on the post-war era of 1947, and during the war in 1944. Gabby and Yvette are two amazing women and sisters. While Yvette, the more courageous of the two is out risking her life each day, Gabby is also working for the Resistance while caring for an severely wounded Englishman who is also a spy.
One of my favorite inclusions to this story is the lesser known truth behind Catherine Dior’s resistance work during the war in France. Catherine is the sister of the well-known fashion designer, Christian Dior and she plays a prominent role in this fascinating story as she pulls both sisters into undercover resistance work in the final year of the German occupation. Catherine is a real hero in history, and I’m so glad that her efforts are finally getting more recognition.
And oh the fashion!! I just loved all of the gorgeous descriptions of the Dior gowns, fabrics, designs, and fashion during this pivotal point in history. The details were meticulous, and I was able to fully imagine the stunning and creative Dior creations. Christian Dior himself even makes several appearances in the novel too!
All in all a wonderful historical fiction novel that I highly recommend.
Thank you William Morrow Books for the gifted copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
