A WWII Historical Novella
WINNIE'S REVIEW:
“Sometimes it was only against a backdrop of darkness that human eyes could even see the light they needed to focus on. Sometimes it was in the hardest times that they could see the Lord most clearly too.”
One of the reasons historical fiction is my favorite genre is that I enjoy learning about little slices of history while reading an engrossing story. Roseanna M. White is a pro at using unusual and interesting historical settings, facts, and people to wrap her stories around. It was fascinating to learn of the traboules in Lyon, France—hidden, covered passageways that residents of the city would use to cut through buildings and stairwells to get from one street to another. They were used by the French Resistance in WWII and also by workers in the silk trade to keep the fabric clean and dry while transporting it
The Christmas Courier features Resistance members Madeleine Perrin and Daniel Raymond, longtime friends who smuggle messages to the Resistance leaders. I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow and change amid the danger of their activities. They are realistic and engaging, and I was quickly swept up in their story.
White’s stories are always well-researched and intriguing, and this one is true to form. Elements of faith, courage, family ties, and forgiveness add depth to the tale. Although this is a novella, it feels complete, satisfying, and unrushed.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Tyndale through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
BackCover Blurb:
In World War II France, the future Madeleine Perrin and Daniel Raymond hope for is in grave peril when the Nazis imprison Daniel, a courier for the Resistance network. But a centuries-old law soon paves the way for a Christmas Eve wedding that becomes both a celebration and a daring rescue in this historical romance.
1943. Lyon, France. After bidding her students farewell for the holidays, Madeleine Perrin is looking forward to a quiet, simple Christmas at home with her mother. With the war raging on and rations tight, she knows it will be up to her to make the day festive and find special ways to remember the papa she lost and honor his love for Christmas. But first, Madeleine must smuggle secret messages hidden in her students' essays to the Resistance network. She never expects the person waiting to receive them is her childhood best friend, the man who broke her heart.
Daniel Raymond has thrown himself into his work as courier for the Resistance, carefully concealing his Jewish ancestry that, if discovered by the Nazis, could put his life at risk. Haunted by regret about the day Madeleine professed her love and he turned her away, Daniel longs to make things right. When he sees her again, he dares to hope for reconciliation―and realizes the love he once denied has only grown deeper.
As Christmas nears and Daniel recovers from a wound sustained in a courier run, forgiveness and romance soon blossom between Daniel and Madeleine and the two begin planning a future together. But when a mission goes wrong and Daniel is captured by the Gestapo, Madeleine must turn to her Resistance allies―and a centuries-old law―to attempt a dangerous rescue before it's too late.
-A standalone WWII historical Christmas novella inspired by true events
-A low-spice second-chance holiday romance with a friends-to-lovers trope
-Compelling Christian fiction about brave spies and daring escapes for fans of Sarah Sundin, Kristen Harmel, Lynn Austin, and Sara Ackerman
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