A novel of moral and physical integrity, Paris at First Light by Amanda Lees will leave you on the edge of your seat. I promise you will constantly be wondering, “what would I choose? How would I approach this situation?”
This is my synopsis and book review of Paris at First Light by Amanda Lees, released on November 23rd, 2022 – I wish Amanda Lees all the best with her promotion of the WWII Resistance Series. I can’t wait to read this series in order!
Let’s dive in…
Synopsis of Paris at First Light:
Paris, 1944—secret agent Juliette is on her most harrowing operation yet. After her children are taken, she may have to sacrifice France to bring them back.
Juliette left her two children to fight the Nazis four years ago. As a spy in Paris, she must collaborate with Captain Daniel Diaz, an American agent she claims to detest, to unravel riddles to uncover a Nazi scheme.
Juliette and Daniel become closer as they perform their roles. As love blooms, Juliette gets a ransom letter that alters everything. Someone took her children, but she knows who did it. However, the message is quite clear: Betray your country and your children will die.
Juliette swore to protect France at any costs, but she would never sacrifice her children. To her, s he attempts the impossible: save her children and continue her perilous Nazi-fighting activities.
But when the mission pulls Juliette and Daniel to the very edge, can they succeed on all fronts? Will Juliette or France pay the ultimate price?
A thrilling, heartbreaking historical tale about hope, treachery, and one mother’s unwavering bravery, all while still having to choose between her family, France, and the love of her life.
Merrill’s Takeaway of Paris at First Light:
Paris at First Light is the second book in Amanda Lees WWII Resistance Series. However, it was the first book I read by Lees, and I think I’m absolutely hooked.
If you love WWII historical fiction, a slow-burn romance, and novels filled with detailed action scenes all wrapped up in a pretty bow with a happy ending, then this book is for you! The storyline and plot are well thought out and heavily researched — and it shows!
I should mention that I didn’t necessarily feel as if the characters were fully developed out. I would have loved to learn more about Dan Diaz and his inner thought processes. Maybe even Juliette’s as well. Some character development and description in Paris at First Light would have been much appreciated for these two!
Also, I got lost a few times while reading it, but I suspect it is because I didn’t read the first book in the series. So, if you’re reading this or want to read it, I might suggest grabbing the first book and following the storyline.
Regardless of the holes in the story that I couldn’t quite fill, the storyline was captivating. I stayed up well into the night and took longer lunch breaks than I should have to read this novel. One of the elements of the book that is quite captivating to me is the use of symbolism and imagery. Much of the symbolism and imagery used were so well-researched. Such as Nazi sympathizers wearing blue cornflowers in the buttonholes of their shirts. This may seem innocent. However, it was to signify that they were fighting for the Nazi party and were sympathetic to Nazi ideals. Let me tell you – I went down a Google rabbit hole researching this one element of history.
It was also very evident that Lees personified her ex-husband Phillipe as the darkness that continuously crept throughout the book. Juliette continued to listen to the darkness by essentially gaslighting herself and telling herself she wasn’t able to love again. However, her children were the light that set her free. Once her children expressed their love and approval, Juliette collapsed by the love she felt in her heart and finally accepted the love and admiration she so deserved.
I should warn you that there are a few trigger warnings: sexual assault, cheating, divorce, war, and death. If you aren’t a fan of these tropes, then I wouldn’t recommend this one to you.
Favorite Quotes:
“I looked away first, my heart beating against my chest like a trapped baby sparrow.”
“There was so much I wanted to say. So much I had to hold back.”
“After five years of war, nothing should have surprised us.”
“Back there on that ridge, it was perfumed with promise. It was only later it became the scent of betrayal.”
“Paris may have been liberated, but its people were still enslaved by their memories.”
“Oversexed, overpaid and over here.”
“But even if he were dead, I would never truly be free.”
“But no matter how much she bargained with the gods, Marianne knew there were no guarantees and no safety nets. Jack would live or die depending on the fates. They could be cruel or kind according to their whim.”
“Forever, I whispered in my head, even as a bold of fear shot through my heart.”
“Perhaps love really did conquer all.”
“The avenue of trees stood like sentries on either side of me, guardians of those who lay under the earth behind.”
“There was only love and duty and pain, all mixed up together.”
“I may have been ambushed, but I was dressed for battle.”
“Outside, the snow kept falling faster and faster, but in here I could feel myself slowing, the demons that had driven me for so long receding into the distance, driven out by the love that flowed around and between us, a love that bound us together as one family.”