Sisters of the Resistance

A Novel of Catherine Dior's Paris Spy Network

By: Christine Wells

Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld

One of PopSugar's Best Books of June!

Two sisters join the Paris Resistance in this pause-resisting new novel inspired by the real-life bravery of Catherine Dior, sister of the fashion designer and a heroine of World War II France - perfect for fans of Kate Quinn and Jennifer Chiaverini.

"As dazzling as a Dior gown! With a gorgeous blend of fashion, heartbreak, heroism, and love this book will transport you to France...." (Natasha Lester, New York Times best-selling author of The Paris Secret)

Paris, 1944: The war is nearly over, but for members of the Resistance in occupied France, it is more dangerous than ever before. Twenty-five-year-old Gabby Foucher loathes the Nazis, though as the concierge of 10 rue Royale, she does her best to avoid conflict - unlike her bolder sister Yvette, who finds trouble at every turn.

Then they are both recruited into the Resistance by Catherine Dior and swept into a treacherous world of spies, fugitives, and intrigue. While Gabby risks everything for the man she is hiding from the Nazis, Yvette must decide whether to trust an enigmatic diplomat who seems to have guessed her secret. As the threat of betrayal draws ever-closer, one slip could mean the deaths of many, and both sisters must make choices they might regret.

Paris, 1947: Yvette returns from New York to reunite with Gabby and begin life anew as a mannequin for Dior, who is revolutionizing fashion with the New Look. But first she must discover the truth behind Catherine’s terrible fate, while Gabby finds that there are many kinds of courage, and that love is always worth fighting for.

©2021 Christine Wells (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers

Not enough character development

I love this genre and the setting of occupied Paris during WWII. The fashion and Dior aspect added some fun, especially since it was based on true events. But the story and characters felt halfheartedly thrown together. Not enough background or character development maybe. I didn’t feel invested in them. It was just okay.

Gabby

Interesting read, would read again. Took a little while to get into this book. Yet enjoyed it nonetheless

PHENOMENAL STORY

Loved this story. Wished we could have seen a little more from some of the other characters points of view as well, especially Kathleen's and Lillian's. but understood this is about the sisters

Excellent Historical Fiction

Based on a true story, the author delivers a superb account of this family & the dangers & challenges during this horrible time in history. Excellent narration.

Sisters of the Resistance

The WWII historical fiction genre is a favorite of mine. I've read so many that I've lost count. I have read the very dark ones where there are details of the torture of the people in the camps and the resistance. I have an intellectual understanding of the horrors of Nazi Germany. I believe that it is an integral part of learning the atrocities of what happened so that history will not repeat itself. Though I prefer the books which tell the triumph of the human spirit without the need for grotesque details. This is one such book. It mixes haute couture, specifically Christian Dior and his sister, Catherine. She is part of the resistance. Though she isn't the main character, she is integral to the story. The sisters grow up in a building where Dior lives. The girls’ mother is the Concierge there. Then the oldest sister takes on her mother’s job after their father dies. The younger sister works for Dior making deliveries and such. As they grow up during the war, they invariably become a part of the resistance but in different ways. It's a wonderful story. It is interesting to watch their lives unfold as they become women during the war. I have never read about the different stages of young people
becoming of age during the war.

Interesting story

It was a bit confusing at first so you have to be in a place where you pay extra close attention at the beginning. Names tend to sound similar and easy to get people confused but once you get the just of who’s who it works out. Ending was just ok.

I wanted more

Very good book, not a great one. Good character development, excellent use of factual history. But I felt the end was a bit rushed.

Unexpectedly good

Sometimes it pays to read the reviews. I thought I was very tired of WWII era chick lit, but this was diverting and not too grim. Light listening with some nice twists of plot.

A different perspective

really loved the story switching between time periods. i had to pay attention to which time period was happening. to hear off Hitler's atrocities to the French was something i had not read much about.

Must read

Another wonderful book written by Christine wells!! Love they way she sucks you in to all characters!!