The Room on Rue Amélie

You all know what I thought of Kristin Harmel's The Life Intended (just in case you inadvertently missed it(!), you can go to my post from February 3 and read all about it). Now along comes Kristin's latest, The Room on Rue Amelie. She completely shifts gears from contemporary fiction to historical fiction. And, might I add, she does it seamlessly. I happen to be a big fan of historical fiction, especially that which centers on WWII. I have learned a bunch of history this way. And I would even add The Alice Network to that group, even though that was geared toward WWI. But Room fits in with my other favorites extremely well. Here's the synopsis:

When newlywed Ruby Henderson Benoit arrives in Paris in 1939 with her French husband, Marcel, she imagines strolling arm in arm along the grand boulevard, awash in the golden afternoon light. But war is looming on the horizon, and as France falls to the Nazis, her marriage begins to splinter too.
Charlotte Dacher is eleven when the German roll into the French capital, their sinister swastika flags snapping in the breeze. After the Jewish restrictions take effect and Jews are ordered to wear a yellow star, Charlotte can't imagine things getting much worse. But then the mass deportations begin, and her life is forever ripped apart.
Thomas Clarke joins the Royal Air Force to protect his country, but when his beloved mother dies in a German bombing during the waning days of the Blitz, he wonders if he's really making a difference. Then he finds himself in Paris, in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, and he discovers a new reason to keep fighting - and an unexpected road home.
When fate brings them together, Ruby, Charlotte, and Thomas must summon the courage to defy the Nazis - and to pen their own broken hearts - as they fight to survive.

What did I like about The Room on Rue Amelie, you ask? A whole mess a' stuff. To wit:

1. I loved learning all about the escape lines out of Paris. In this book, these were largely for downed pilots to get back across the channel. Fascinating.
2. I loved that the 1st chapter starts with an older couple in the present (2002) and then goes right to 1938 Paris. And that the rest of the book, except for the last 5 pages, takes place just prior to, and all during, the war. My initial reaction to the couple in chapter 1 was that they were going to be one of my favorite literary couples ever.
3. I loved the emotional connection I got to make with the characters immediately. And how that did not abate all the way through the end. In fact there might have been a tear or two in a few (dozen) places throughout the book.
4. I loved the progression of dates from December of 1938 to August of 1944. I am in awe of how Kristin (and other authors) seem to know almost instinctively how much time should lapse from one chapter to the next. Kristin did it masterfully, as far as I was concerned. I remember making comments to myself like "Wow. 6 months have elapsed." Or "They are still in the same month." Very cool.
5. I loved how she somehow slipped in a few chuckle-inducing moments. Not an easy thing to do with a piece of history that is so serious.
6. I loved how I accidentally thought I figured out on page 284 (out of 383) who the old couple was. And then it turned out I was right. You all know that I usually can't figure out anything until the author chooses to tell me.
7. And I loved/unloved how my self-revelation led me to be very worried over the last 100+ pages about other main characters. I had much foreboding.
(8. I loved how distraught I was as certain circumstances unfolded, leading to a whole bunch of expletives.

So, I guess if you've got nothing to do and want to learn a little bit about Germany-occupied France during WWII, you can pick up The Room on Rue Amelie...I'm pulling your leg. Pick this sucker up immediately. You will transition from swearing at me to singing my (limited) virtues. Seriously.

Poignant and moving, The Room on Rue Amélie is the compelling story of an American woman caught in Paris at the dawn of World War II. She is a woman who against all the best advice, and over the pleas of her parents to return home, chooses to stay, who even as the city and the natural order of the world around her crumbles, is forced by circumstance and her own sense of moral obligation to take subversive and ever more increasing risks to advance the Allied cause. But even more this is a story about hope in the face of unimaginable losses. It is a story of courage and love in unimaginable circumstances when there is no more time to count on than the moment in your hand. Peopled with a cast of beautifully nuanced characters, The Room on Rue Amélie grows from page one into a heart-stopping, page-turning, heartrending story of suspense that will keep you reading till the emotionally resonant end.

As a fan of historical fiction, this latest novel by Kristin Harmel is another winner, for both the genre and this gifted author. The publisher’s review suggests that if you loved Nightingale and Lilac Girls, you will want to read this book. I agree. Since the story lines have been summarized by the publisher quite eloquently, I will not go into great detail but will share my opinion and what I love most about this story.

Set in Paris during the WWII occupation by the Nazis, the protagonist, Ruby, is an American who came to Paris with her husband. Her marriage, however, gradually disintegrates amidst the stresses of impending war. When her husband is shot by the Nazis, she is left alone and broken. The horror of war has become personal and is now surrounding the city. Ruby sees greater suffering than her own and she is compelled to help the war effort by continuing the underground work her husband had been involved in.

Ruby has gotten to know her young neighbor, Charlotte, quite well and when Charlotte suffers a huge loss and is herself at great risk, Ruby takes her into her home with little regard for her own safety. Their relationship is one of the things I love most about the book.

The third main character is Thomas, a British RAF pilot, who is brought via the underground to Ruby’s secret room on the Rue Amelie. The two become close as he recovers from injuries and the bond that forms is healing and hopeful for both. The confluence of these two characters and their unique needs and broken dreams is another favorite aspect of this story.

As with all of Kristin Harmel’s novels, the characters come alive and the reader cares deeply about the story. There is much more to this intelligent, well-written novel than what I have sketched out here, of course, so I would highly recommend you read the book and learn the rest of the story.

“The Room on Rue Amélie” by Kristen Harmel

A truly magnificent novel. Set in World War II, it tells the journey of two remarkable women, the men in their lives, and the paths they lead together and individually.

It is heartwarming, heart wrenching, realistic, and a novel I could not put down.

Based on one woman’s life and much research into this time period, the author brings the storyline and characters to life in a way that touches the reader and make each person in the novel, minor or major, an important one. An emotional read that will touch all readers no matter what age or gender. “The Room on Rue Amélie,” is a definite must read.

Rating: 4.8
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

** I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Just before the start of World War II, Ruby, a young American graduate of Barnard College, falls in love with Marcel, a Frenchman, marries him and moves into his family's apartment on Rue Amelie in Paris. The plot of this book deals with Ruby's experiences throughout the war, during which time she helps provide safe haven to downed allied pilots and deals courageously with personal tragedy.

I read this book, cover to cover, in one day. It is an excellent read, and I recommend it highly.

3.5 stars

I love historical fiction about WW2 and was looking forward to reading The Room on Rue Amelie. I did enjoy this book but I didn’t love it. The characters were likable enough and the story was interesting but I found the pacing of the book a little off. All the events and relationships developed too fast, especially in the first half of the book. Because the story was progressing so rapidly I didn’t really connect to it or the characters. The pacing in the second half was much better. I also didn’t love the ending of the book. I can’t say much about it because of spoilers but I just wish it was different.

The Room on Rue Amelie is compared to The Nightingale, both books are about French Resistance during WW2, and both books have a similar atmosphere. People who loved The Nightingale will enjoy this book too.

*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley

American Ruby Henderson comes to Paris with her new husband Marcel Benoit in 1939. Paris is a gay place to be. They live in an apartment his family has lived in for many years. As time goes by things change in Paris. The Germans invade and life completely changes. Ruby is friends with the Dacher family next door. Especially their daughter, Charlotte who is ten becomes friends with Ruby. Their problem is they are Jewish. As life changes in Paris Marcel is gone very often and will not tell Ruby why. She finds out he is helping pilots from England escape through the underground. Ruby starts to help when Marcel is killed. Then she takes Charlotte in before her parents are arrested. Ruby meets a pilot she falls in love with and we hear his story on going through the underground. The story gives you love, history and so much more but helps to realize what it was like in those years. .

Recently, I have started to read more novels with World War II as a back drop. Each has been stunning and heart-wrenching in its own way, and this was no exception.
The story is told via flashback, centered in Paris as the main characters’ lives intersect with the War and each other: an American woman determined to remain in Paris, at her husband’s side; a Jewish teen girl, and a British Pilot. Each was determined to do whatever they could for the War effort, and never imagined how their lives would change.
This novel highlights the amazing actions of everyday people in extraordinary circumstances. The ending was not what I expected, but added to the tears that were flowing freely from my eyes. This was a beautifully written novel that kept my emotions in a tangle as I turned the pages.
#TheRoomonRueAmelie #NetGalley

THE ROOM ON RUE AMELIE BY KRISTIN HARMEL is a historical fiction/romance novel set in the Paris of WWII. The story revolves around Ruby and Charlotte. Ruby is an adult American married to a Frenchman & Charlotte is a young Jewish girl. We see what the Nazi occupation of France was like for the people of France, brutal oppression, near starvation & Jews being rounded up and taken to camps.

I call this novel a two hankie book. The story of a love affair between Ruby, Thomas(a pilot) Charlotte and Lucien .
Not only do we get the romance, the history but we also get a healthy dose of intrigue, for you see, Ruby and eventually Charlotte are part of the underground rail that gets pilots out of France and back into the skies to fight another day. THE ROOM ON RUE AMELIE is a really good story and I very much recommend it.

Kristin Harmel brings us a wonderfully fact-filled story of an American bride who finds herself still living in Paris in the summer of 1940 after the Germans invaded France, and chooses to stay in France even after the death of her husband to do all that she can do to contribute to the war effort through the French Underground. This is a well crafted tale, giving us much information on the Underground in France and the costs paid by the population of Paris throughout the years of
German occupation. It is a story I am pleased to have read, and find great satisfaction in recommending it to friends and family.

I received a free electronic copy of this historical novel from Netgalley, Kristin Harmel, and Gallery - Threshold - Pocket Books in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me.

This story was fantastic, I don't usually read this type of books but from the moment I read the synopsis I wanted to read it and I'm so glad I did!The Room on Rue Amelie was a heartbreaking and emotional story!The writing was beautiful and flawless and the story touched me in so many ways!

The beginning was a little bit slow in my opinion but after a few chapters I couldn't put it down wondering what will happen next!The Room on Rue Amelie is a powerful story, I was emotional while I was reading it, especially in the end!The characters felt so realistic!I loved Ruby and Charlotte but especially Ruby because she was such a strong heroine!Thomas was also an interesting character!

This book is definitely a must read!If you are looking for a unique story this is definitely for you!

Kristin Harmel has written a spellbinding novel of bravery and compassion, one providing us with insights into characters who represent many affected by the war in Paris. Harmel has based this novel partially on the experiences of Virginia d’Albert-Lake, who worked on the Comet escape line in 1943 and 1944 before her arrest and imprisonment, and additional research Harmel conducted on the lives of people and the tense situation in Paris during the German occupation. As a result, fast-paced action and high tension is woven throughout Room on Rue Amélie, making it a story of passion and courage, and one of the best books I’ve read this year.

For my full review, please visit MyShelf.com

This book is absolutely amazing. It held me captive from the first chapter until the author's note at the very end. A story of love, courage and bravery that will stay with me for a long time. I came to love the main characters, Ruby, Thomas and Charlotte, and hoped there would be a happy ending for all despite the setting in WWII France. There were tender, happy moments, and some had me in tears. Beautifully written and researched, Kristin Harmel is an amazing storyteller and has become a favorite author for me. And this book is going on my Favorites 2018 shelf! The Room on Rue Amélie is not to be missed. I highly recommend it!!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Disclaimer: Thank you to Gallery Books. I won an ARC copy of this via Goodreads giveaways.

One-Line Summary:

Despite betrayal—from her country and her husband—Ruby just wants to survive World War II, but what she doesn’t expect is to find love, strength, and a reason to live.

Summary:

“My dear, it is not your fault. Sometimes all the love in the world can’t protect a person against his fate.”

Ruby is young and naive when she allows Marcel Benoit to sweep her off her feet and whisk her away, from America to France, where they would make a life. As World War II ramps up, Ruby refuses to head back to America, secure in her belief that the Nazis won’t make it as far as France and refusing to abandon her husband. Shortly after that, she’s proven wrong, as the Nazis roll through Paris. Slowly, the Jews living in the city have their rights stripped away, one by one, and dissenters are taken care of. The only thing Ruby knows is she doesn’t want to sit by and do nothing while her city, and the people living there, are destroyed.

Meanwhile, in Britain, Thomas enlisted in the British Royal Air Force planning on fighting Nazis and winning the war for the Allies. What he doesn’t expect is his mother to be killed in a bombing, and him being helpless to stop it. When his plane is shot down over France, he has to rely on the kindness of others to survive Nazi-ridden France, and in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, in a room on Rue Amelie, he remembers exactly why he wanted to fight in the first place.

The Positives:

- No, that’s okay, I didn’t really need a heart, anyway. It’s a purely overrated organ, after all. From the very first chapter, it was beaten, bruised, tugged on, and eventually ripped out, fileted, stomped, and obliterated. But, like, in a good way? Right from the start, it’s clear that at least one of the main characters is going to die, because the first chapter is written without names and the woman says, “She should be here, though, not me. It always should have been her.” While reading, this was constantly looming over my head, and I knew I wasn’t going to like the ending, but World War II happened and we all know what went on, so of course I wasn’t going to like the ending. But good god, I cried like you would not believe and just … ugh. No one asked for all these feels, okay?

- I had to force myself to put it down every now and then so I could go pretend to function like a normal human. Once I’d started, I didn’t want to stop reading. I just had to know what was going to happen. Actually, this is partly a lie, because I did set it down for a while to adult, but by day two of reading it, I rearranged my schedule so I could read it because I HAD TO KNOW. I just had to. Even though I was sure it was going to break my heart (and rest assured, it did).

- Ruby and Charlotte are smart, strong characters, at a time when this totally wasn’t okay if you happened to be female. More than that, they dared to be American and Jewish, respectively, in German-occupied France during World War II. I KNOW! The nerve. They made really strong lead characters, and the way others treated them made me want to kick someone. Their relationship was beautiful and well done, and I just absolutely fell in love with these characters and wanted everyone to have a happy ending.

- I cheated because I JUST HAD TO KNOW, DARN IT. I totally skipped ahead and spoiled things for myself because I was so invested in the darn characters that I just wanted to know how it was going to end for them. Not all of it, but when I was 75% of the way through, I did just sneak a little peak towards the end, and it almost made the build-up all the more bittersweet. I knew there would be no happy ever after, but I was so in love with the characters that I kept hoping that just maybe . . .

- Despite the characters being fictional, the struggle was real, and the emotional roller coaster ride is well worth it. Even if you puke once or twice along the way. I laughed. I cried. My chest blossomed full of hope and joy. I made all the requisite “awww” sounds at the meet-cutes. I have no fingernails left because I imagined biting them would somehow spare the characters’ suffering (it did not, I’m sad to report). At this point, I am one big jumble of spent emotions and I don’t know what to do with myself. But the bigger thing to keep in mind is: THIS WAS REAL. The exact situations, no, but the emotions: the fear, the hope, the hopelessness, the faith, and the loss. Any book like this is really hard to read, but that’s part of what makes it so important.

- God, I’m so sad; I need cake and a tub of ice cream and probably a pack of tissues. This book hit home on sooo many issues. So. Freaking. Many. Right from the start, anyone who’s been happily married understands the constant turmoil over the fact that one of you will eventually die and the other has to watch it. THAT’S HOW IT OPENS. This book pulls no punches. It wasn’t all doom and gloom, of course, and there were a lot of really heartwarming moments, but the characters were all so relatable and I was pulled in so many different directions. It. Was. FABULOUS.

The Negatives:

- This should go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway: TRIGGER WARNING. It’s not really a negative. I mean, most people go into reading a book about World War II with certain expectations, but one thing in particular caught me by surprise and I wasn’t quite ready for it. TRIGGER WARNING: miscarriage, death, war, racial slurs.

Overall:

THERE WERE SO MANY FEELS. I just didn’t know what to do with myself. Ultimately, the book was fabulous in all the best and worst ways. It dealt with the subject matter tastefully, but in a way that was true to the brutality and darkness of the time period. Harmel did a wonderful job of making World War II come alive, and I just fell in love with most of the characters. The ending tore me up, but I have to say that it was a beautiful, fitting ending, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. I’d highly recommend this, as long as you can handle the subject matter.

4.5 stars

I have read two other books by Kristin Harmel. So I am familiar with her writing. I think this books is my favorite so far. This is a story about an American in Paris during WW2. Ruby helps with the escape line of downed pilots.

The only reason that I am not giving this 5 stars is that I felt like there were too many clique sayings in the book especially by Charlotte. It just felt too unnatural. I have read many reviews that compares The Room an Rue Amelie to The Nightingale. It is the same in some ways but different in others. But both made me get a lump in my throat and the tears flow.

I received an ARC from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own

This is another books that illuminates a part of WWII about which I knew very little. It is based in small part of the life of a true American heroine who spent the war years helping Allied pilots escape France, when she could just as easily have escaped it all by going home. It’s a story about courage, resilience, the family we create and two beautiful love stories. Have a tissue for the end.

Thx to Netgalley, Gallery books, and Kristin Harmel for this ARC. I have followed this author since I picked up my first book of hers “Italian for Beginners” so many years ago, those who know be, know that historical fiction is not my favorite read, but this book is an exception. The author gives us history, though not to much, and romance and mystery as well. I love that the character comes into her own in the book. She’s an American who decides to stay in a Paris even with the war approaching. She goes from a naive young woman to become a force in the underground. The ending was a definite “wow”, and other then that, it left me a bit speechless. I really loved it. Maybe this authors best book to date.

The room on Rue Amelie is told from multiple viewpoints, it focuses on the French Resistance's escape lines used to help Ally pilots escape Nazi territory. The book is also very heavy with romance. I would rate the story at 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars. I found it to be an entertaining story overall. That being said, some parts were unrealistic and I think further research could have improved this novel, I was left wanting more historical details. I wouldn't consider this to be a must read for any history buff. Ultimately, this was a quick and simple read that I enjoyed, although obviously there are some sad parts, it wasn't as heavy as I was expecting.

Harmel mentioned that her inspiration for the character of Ruby was loosely based on the real-life Virgina d'Albert-Lake who I hadn't previously heard of and look forward to researching further.

Kristin Harmel’s The Room on Rue Amélie is a fantastic book. I’ve read over 50 books in the past two years. The Room on Rue Amélie ranks as one of the two or three best I’ve read. Every sentence, every paragraph, every chapter builds the story. I’m telling everyone who’ll listen to READ THIS BOOK.

I was hooked in the first chapter and never disappointed from the beginning to the end. Chapter One begins with an elderly couple who met in Paris in WWII and have been married and living in the United States for 50 years. My parents met in Trieste in WWII and were married almost 50 years and living in the United States. The elderly couple’s daughter is named Nadia. I have a cousin named Nadia. So easy for me to relate to the characters. For these and other reasons.

One sentence from Chapter One haunted me until I figured out halfway through who the “she” in this sentence is: “She should be here, though, not me.”

I could go on. But I want to stress what a thrill it was to read this book. Do yourself a favor and read it.

I absolutely loved this book! I didn't want to put it down while I was reading it and I didn't want it to end.
This is the story of Ruby Benoit. She met the man of her dreams and moved to Paris with him. The book goes on to tell of her life during WW2 , Nazi occupied France.
Kristin Harmel did much research in giving great detail on this time period. It is shown all throughout the book. She made it seem as if I was actually there, as if the story was really playing out to me. I will definitely be looking for more books from her.
I highly recommend this book for those who like historical fiction, and good happy love stories.

This is a book about the German occupation of Paris during World War II, and an American woman, Ruby who is caught up in the war and the Jewish girl and British pilot that she protects.

What I loved about this book was the hope that I saw and felt in the story. The main characters are willing to risk their lives to do the right thing to protect people through the Resistance, despite the risk to their own lives. It is that willingness to sacrifice that provides the hope that seems to fill the story. The book was not without its tense moments, but overall the feeling that I got from book encouraged me and made me eager to get back to the story.

I did receive a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

If you want to read this book because you loved Kristin Hannah's THE NIGHTINGALE, then you can skip this one. The only thing these two books have in common are that they are set during WW II. I was not impressed at all with this book. The romance was extremely contrived and the ending was awful. If you adore WW II novels, you can do better than this book.

Ruby marries Marcel and moves to his home in Paris in 1939. Charlotte is 11 years old and lives next door to Ruby with her parents. Ruby becomes friends with Charlotte and her family. They are Jewish. As the threat of war becomes real, the courage of Ruby and Charlotte astounds me. They are so very brave in these scary circumstances. I truly loved this book. I felt Charlotte and Ruby's emotions. As the scenery is described, you see what they see is becoming of their beautiful Paris as the war continues. I received an advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Gallery Books. All opinions are my own.

As much as I thought the book was enjoyable and fast moving, I found many parts to be unrealistic.In particular,the dialogue of Charolette ( majority of book covers age 10 to 15 years old) is written in such a way that is does not sound like she is talking like a child her age. No child has the maturity or insight that Charlotte displays. Also, I had a hard time believing that when Ruby escaped from prison being pregnant with fever, she was able to endure safety , only to die after she gave birth. The story kept my interest but it was not great.

I don't know where to start with this review! Even though this is another WWII story, it was absolutely fantastic. It did not read like "another" WWII story.

The characters were so believable and well developed. I was completely immersed in this story. I loved who I was supposed to love and I hated who I was supposed to hate! I can't stop using exclamation points!!!!!!!!!

Run do not walk to your favorite book seller and make sure that you purchase this book! This book was wonderful!

The Room on Rue Amelie by Kristin Harmel is a lovely story set during World War II. After an American woman marries and moves to Europe, she quickly discovers that nothing is what she thinks it is. This is a story of hope and resilience, of overcoming despite the odds. I highly recommend this book to readers who love World War II novels. This one is for you! I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher. These opinions are entirely my own.

I as fortunate to receive an ARC of The Room on Rue Amélie. Kristin’s prologue immediately interests the reader. My favorite genre is WW II historical Fiction. The author did her research. I enjoyed reading about a young American, Ruby, who chose to stay in Paris after her husband Marcel died while working with the resistance. Rubie’s courage helping pilots along an escape route were interesting as well as the young Jewish girl Rubie helps kept me on the edge of my seat. After investing so much time in Ruby’s story, I did feel a little cheated with the ending.

I've read a lot of great WWII books, but this story stunk, and the ending was ridiculous! Too corny and too much fluff throughout. Too many trite cliches. Tried too hard to be sentimental. Did not work. There are much better stories out there. Don't waste your time on this one.

The author seems to be able to put sentences together, but needs to come up with better, more realistic stories if she wants to be taken seriously.

Another excellent book written by Kristin Harmel. I love "The Nightengale" and this book is as good if not better. The three main characters are Ruby, Charlotte and Thomas. Thomas is a pilot and when his plane is shot down he is rescued by Ruby. She hides him from the Germans and helps him find his way back to his base. There is a lot of suspense as Ruby also hides many other pilots. She is also hiding Charlotte, a Jewish child when her parents are captured. Great book.

The Room on Rue Amélie 
by Kristin Harmel (Goodreads Author) 

Laurice's review 

Dec 20, 2017  ·  edit

it was amazing

This as such a great story. The opening paragraphs were so intriguing. I was hooked from the start. It was well told and intricate. I didn't want the end to come even though I was anxious to find out how everything worked out. VERY GOOD!

The Room on Rue Amélie was a fascinating read. If you like historical fiction, you will enjoy this read. The characters were complex, the story was compelling, and the setting took you back to a time period that will always leave you emotionally drained.
This extremely well written novel will be with you long after the last sentence is read. Highly recommended!

I would have given this book 5 stars except for the first 4 pages and the last 15 pages. A happy ending would have been nice, as well. I get the feeling that the author got tired of writing this on page 368, and said, "OK, I'm done".

This novel truly surprised me, and I'm glad I didn't stop reading it in the second chapter! In my opinion, some writers of Historical Fiction lean heavier on the romantic fiction side of a story, with only sprinkles of history thrown in. That is definitely not the case with Kristin Harmel's writing! The Room on Rue Amélie is a story of the French Resistance, specifically the escape lines for RAF pilots. There is romance, but this book contains more about love than sappy candlelight dinners.
The writing is good, the story is better, the research is great, and it was a fairly quick read.

The Room on Rue Amelie is a heartbreakingly beautiful, compelling novel. It takes place during WWII in Paris and tells the story of a group of courageous friends who become part of the Resistance, sacrificing so much along the way. I fell in love with each of the characters, and felt their fears and their joys in my heart. I was completely swept away by this emotional, unforgettable story.

I love Kristin Harmel's novels. They pull you in right away, and get you connected to the characters. Ruby is an amazing woman, so brave. She faces a war in another country when she could have easily returned to the safety of America. But she never regrets her decision, because her life is in France. She adopts a young Jewish girl, and helps the Resistance. She proves that everyone can make a difference in this world. Excellent read!

In the last few years I've come to appreciate and enjoy historical fiction and this is just excellent. Hard to put down and in the back of my mind I keep thinking that this would make a great movie. As a side bonus, if you've ever been to Paris, you will appreciate what went on there during Hitler's march through Europe. Scary stuff.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. I felt, however, that some of the dialogue was contrived, especially with the words that came out of the mouth of a child. The dialogue stopped the flow of the story in many areas. It wasn't believable. The narrative parts of the book were believable and well-written. The ending was certainly a surprise.

I ienjoyed Kristin Hamel’s book immensely. I identified myself with the characters and long after I finished it, I still find myself thinking about them. The hardships and day to day struggles during this time of history was very shattering. The strength and danger that the characters put themselves in was bravery and courageous acts of humanity. So many who survived this war were the lucky ones, thanks to the human spirit of survival given to them by these remarkable people.
I praise Kristin Harmel's beautiful writing of this tragic time.

A book I will never forget. It's the story of an American named Ruby who moves to France with her new husband...not knowing that WWII looms. What follows is the unforgettable, and at times heartbreaking, tale of a young woman who finds a strength and courage within herself that most of us couldn't even imagine. A beautiful, searing book.

Extremely moving and detailed account of life in occupied Paris during World War II. Great character development and research. You will feel the tension of daily life in Paris during this time. Recommend for anyone that enjoys a moving story that grips you from page one. Historical fiction at is best. 4..5 stars.

The Room on Rue Amelie was a stay up late reading kind of book. Kristin Harmel has penned a tragically beautiful story of the Resistance in Paris in WWII. I am always in awe reading stories of survival during WWII. "I am not sure of anything. But if we don't have hope, we don't have anything."

This book is so full of life in so many ways. The characters are so real, and so special at the same time. Their determination to live, to love, and to believe in a better world than the one they are in is such a powerful message throughout.

Wonderful story! I was able to walk with her and experienced all the sorrow, happiness, excitement in Paris on Rue Amelie. We should never forget what has happened during WWII when humanity failed. Despite how people like Ruby tried to be a torch at the darkest moment in the human history.

I picked this up yesterday at the library and couldn't put it down. An easy read and a genre that I really enjoy. Great story line but really sad twist at the end. Had me crying. Thank you for allowing me to escape for a few hours.

Absolutely loved this book. It was a great story. I loved the setting; each and every character; and the relationships that developed. It spanned the entire period of WWII in Paris, and yet moved at a quick pace and very smoothly. It was great.

I received this book from the publisher in return for an honest review.

The strong characters, raw, honest emotion, and realistic story line tie the book into a neat little bow. This is a book I will definitely read again (and again and again); for fans of historical fiction, THE ROOM ON RUE AMELIE is a must read.

Hauntingly heartbreaking. That is The Room on Rue Amelie by Kristin Harmel. This novel takes the reader to the heart of the savagery and destruction of Paris during World War II. Ruby is an American whose marriage to a Frenchman is falling apart. He is later executed for being part of an escape line. Ruby decides to continue his work as she craves a purpose after having recently lost a baby. This includes taking care of and hiding fallen soldiers in a secret room. She meets Thomas, an RAF pilot whom she helps to escape. They fall in love but Thomas must return to the fight. Ruby and her ward, Charlotte, continue with their efforts until tragedy strikes and Ruby is arrested. This novel was superb at portraying the emotions of the characters--love, hate, sorrow, and patriotism. Readers of Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale will appreciate this novel, as will Rosamunde Pilcher fans.

If you enjoy an historical fiction that takes place during the Nazi occupation in France, you will enjoy this novel. Although predictable in parts, I still wondered what would be happening to the main character. Worth the read.

I love books set in Europe during WWII, and this one isn't an exception. Right from the start, The Room on the Rue Amelie is a wonderful story. The characters are so well written that the story seems completely real. I felt like I was transported back in time to Paris during the war. I read this book very quickly because I wanted to know how the story ended. It is sad and happy at the same time. I definitely recommend this to lovers of books set during this time period. You'll be mesmerized.

Like Harmel's previous novels -- "The Sweetness of Forgetting," "The Life Intended" and "When We Meet Again" -- she creates an intriguing story along with a nice history lesson. Once again, she's created another page turner. I couldn't put the book down.

Hated it. Could not even finish 20 pages. I hate when a book shows up in my “must read” and makes me think after I opened it up that I would have been better off reading a harlequin romance novel!!!

I did like the story from a historical fiction perspective. I just felt like a lot of it was very predictable which took the suspense out of it. If it wasn’t for my book club I don’t think I would have finished it.