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The Room on Rue Amelie
For fans of Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale and Martha Hall Kelly’s Lilac Girls, this powerful novel of fate, resistance, and family—by the international bestselling author of The Sweetness of Forgetting and When We Meet Again—tells the tale of an American woman, a British RAF pilot, and a young Jewish teenager whose lives intersect in occupied Paris during the tumultuous days of World War II.
When newlywed Ruby Henderson Benoit arrives in Paris in 1939 with her French husband Marcel, she imagines strolling arm in arm along the grand boulevards, 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 Germans 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 the yellow star, Charlotte can’t imagine things getting much worse. But then the mass deportations begin, and her life is ripped forever apart.
Thomas Clarke joins the British 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 open their own broken hearts—as they fight to survive. Rich with historical drama and emotional depth, this is an unforgettable story that will stay with you long after the final page is turned.
When newlywed Ruby Henderson Benoit arrives in Paris in 1939 with her French husband Marcel, she imagines strolling arm in arm along the grand boulevards, 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 Germans 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 the yellow star, Charlotte can’t imagine things getting much worse. But then the mass deportations begin, and her life is ripped forever apart.
Thomas Clarke joins the British 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 open their own broken hearts—as they fight to survive. Rich with historical drama and emotional depth, this is an unforgettable story that will stay with you long after the final page is turned.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published March 27, 2018
4185 people are currently reading
59361 people want to read
About the author
Kristin Harmel
32 books15.3k followersKristin Harmel is the New York Times bestselling, USA Today bestselling, and #1 international bestselling author of The Paris Daughter, The Forest of Vanishing Stars, The Book of Lost Names, The Winemaker’s Wife, and a dozen other novels that have been translated into more than 30 languages and are sold all over the world.
Kristin has been writing professionally since the age of 16, when she began her career as a sportswriter, covering Major League Baseball and NHL hockey for a local magazine in Tampa Bay, Florida in the late 1990s. In addition to a long magazine writing career, primarily writing and reporting for PEOPLE magazine (as well as articles published in numerous other magazines, including American Baby, Men’s Health, Woman’s Day, and more), Kristin was also a frequent contributor to the national television morning show The Daily Buzz. She sold her first novel in 2004, and it debuted in February 2006.
Kristin was born just outside Boston, Massachusetts and spent her childhood there, as well as in Worthington, Ohio, and St. Petersburg, Florida. After graduating with a degree in journalism (with a minor in Spanish) from the University of Florida, she spent time living in Paris and Los Angeles and now lives in Orlando, with her husband and young son. She is also the co-founder and co-host of the popular weekly web show and podcast Friends & Fiction.
Kristin has been writing professionally since the age of 16, when she began her career as a sportswriter, covering Major League Baseball and NHL hockey for a local magazine in Tampa Bay, Florida in the late 1990s. In addition to a long magazine writing career, primarily writing and reporting for PEOPLE magazine (as well as articles published in numerous other magazines, including American Baby, Men’s Health, Woman’s Day, and more), Kristin was also a frequent contributor to the national television morning show The Daily Buzz. She sold her first novel in 2004, and it debuted in February 2006.
Kristin was born just outside Boston, Massachusetts and spent her childhood there, as well as in Worthington, Ohio, and St. Petersburg, Florida. After graduating with a degree in journalism (with a minor in Spanish) from the University of Florida, she spent time living in Paris and Los Angeles and now lives in Orlando, with her husband and young son. She is also the co-founder and co-host of the popular weekly web show and podcast Friends & Fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,944 reviews
October 25, 2018
4.5 stars! I adored this novel!
This was a touching and unforgettable WWII story revolving around Ruby Benoit, a brave young American newlywed woman, living in occupied Paris during wartime devastation and desperation. The story is narrated through her perspective, along with a British RAF pilot and a neighboring Jewish teenage girl. I enjoyed the way the story unfolded overlapping through their perspectives in alternating chapters.
One of the things I most enjoyed about this novel was learning that Ruby’s character was based on a real woman named Virginia d’Albert-Lake. I found her story so captivating and inspiring and to discover that much of what unfolds in this book was based on real events made me appreciate this novel so much more. The author, Kristin Harmel, writes with such beauty and clarity. I felt the intensity of wartime loss and devastation, yet didn’t feel overwhelmed with sadness. There was much sorrow and grief throughout the story but it was presented in such a hopeful manner - this hope being what these characters focused on to survive.
I read this wonderful book along with Brenda and Jennifer and it was an absolute pleasure. They offered such intriguing insight that deeply enhanced my reading experience. To find this review, along with the other Traveling Sister reviews, please visit Brenda and Norma’s fabulous blog at:
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com/2...
A big thank you to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster Canada and Kristin Harmel for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was a touching and unforgettable WWII story revolving around Ruby Benoit, a brave young American newlywed woman, living in occupied Paris during wartime devastation and desperation. The story is narrated through her perspective, along with a British RAF pilot and a neighboring Jewish teenage girl. I enjoyed the way the story unfolded overlapping through their perspectives in alternating chapters.
One of the things I most enjoyed about this novel was learning that Ruby’s character was based on a real woman named Virginia d’Albert-Lake. I found her story so captivating and inspiring and to discover that much of what unfolds in this book was based on real events made me appreciate this novel so much more. The author, Kristin Harmel, writes with such beauty and clarity. I felt the intensity of wartime loss and devastation, yet didn’t feel overwhelmed with sadness. There was much sorrow and grief throughout the story but it was presented in such a hopeful manner - this hope being what these characters focused on to survive.
I read this wonderful book along with Brenda and Jennifer and it was an absolute pleasure. They offered such intriguing insight that deeply enhanced my reading experience. To find this review, along with the other Traveling Sister reviews, please visit Brenda and Norma’s fabulous blog at:
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com/2...
A big thank you to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster Canada and Kristin Harmel for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
October 8, 2019
4 stars to this historical drama of WWII, The Room on Rue Amelie!
I have enjoyed other books by Kristin Harmel, but The Room on Rue Amelie may just be my favorite from her.
Set in World War II, my favorite time period of which to read, the Epilogue of The Room on Rue Amelie set the intriguing stage, as it was not until the end of the book that I knew which loving elderly couple was portrayed.
In 1939, Ruby falls in love with a Frenchman and moves to Paris, against her parents’ wishes because the political climate of the time is uncertain. By 1940, Ruby’s marriage also becomes uncertain and now the Nazis have invaded her beloved Paris.
Ruby becomes close friends with a girl who is Jewish in her apartment who did not evacuate, and later in time, a shot-down RAF pilot appears who needs to make his way back to England. The story that unfolds is one of two fearless women who help others no matter the cost. I was inspired to find out that the story was loosely based on a real person.
The Room on Rue Amelie is an endearing story of WWII, lovingly told, of bravery and the utmost sacrifice. Historical fiction is my favorite genre, and it’s delightful to have a well-researched, beautifully-written account that’s “lighter.” This does not mean that this novel was lacking in depth, but instead, I could read and enjoy with ease without re-reading at times in order to absorb all the content.
Thank you to Kristin Harmel, Gallery Books, and Netgalley, for the ARC. The Room on Rue Amelie is available now!
I have enjoyed other books by Kristin Harmel, but The Room on Rue Amelie may just be my favorite from her.
Set in World War II, my favorite time period of which to read, the Epilogue of The Room on Rue Amelie set the intriguing stage, as it was not until the end of the book that I knew which loving elderly couple was portrayed.
In 1939, Ruby falls in love with a Frenchman and moves to Paris, against her parents’ wishes because the political climate of the time is uncertain. By 1940, Ruby’s marriage also becomes uncertain and now the Nazis have invaded her beloved Paris.
Ruby becomes close friends with a girl who is Jewish in her apartment who did not evacuate, and later in time, a shot-down RAF pilot appears who needs to make his way back to England. The story that unfolds is one of two fearless women who help others no matter the cost. I was inspired to find out that the story was loosely based on a real person.
The Room on Rue Amelie is an endearing story of WWII, lovingly told, of bravery and the utmost sacrifice. Historical fiction is my favorite genre, and it’s delightful to have a well-researched, beautifully-written account that’s “lighter.” This does not mean that this novel was lacking in depth, but instead, I could read and enjoy with ease without re-reading at times in order to absorb all the content.
Thank you to Kristin Harmel, Gallery Books, and Netgalley, for the ARC. The Room on Rue Amelie is available now!
July 21, 2019
Cliches abound: “You must forgive yourself. Knowledge is power. It’s a mother’s job to protect her child. It’s what’s inside a person that counts. Better safe than sorry. I still believe in the goodness of mankind. What matters is what’s in your heart. Your life depends on it.” At one point. I wanted to place the back of my hand to my forehead with a dramatic sigh.
To be fair, this was my fault. I went into this thinking that it would be similar to The Nightingale. Given what I do for a living, I should have known better. This is a straightforward romance and not up my street in the least. I awarded four stars because it succeeds within this genre and romance readers will positively swoon.
To be fair, this was my fault. I went into this thinking that it would be similar to The Nightingale. Given what I do for a living, I should have known better. This is a straightforward romance and not up my street in the least. I awarded four stars because it succeeds within this genre and romance readers will positively swoon.
March 7, 2018
This is supposed to be historical fiction about the resistance in Paris during WWII, but in reality it's just a bad romance story using the above premise as a backdrop to tell the story. There is very little character development, and all the characters are mostly stereotypes. There is a young girl, Charlotte, who is wise beyond her years, and says things that no young teenager would ever say.
For me, it's as if The Nightingale and The Lilac Girls were mashed together into one bad novel, taking the worst parts of each book. (I was not a fan of either.) The writing is just awful, utilizing ever bad cliche the author can think of. I am not a fan of romance novels and this book just reinforces that dislike. I really like historical fiction about WWII, but this book should not be a part of this genre based on its shallowness. For me, it was a struggle to get through it.
Thank you, Goodreads giveaways for the free book. I'm glad I didn't have to pay for it.
Don't bother with it, my friends.
For me, it's as if The Nightingale and The Lilac Girls were mashed together into one bad novel, taking the worst parts of each book. (I was not a fan of either.) The writing is just awful, utilizing ever bad cliche the author can think of. I am not a fan of romance novels and this book just reinforces that dislike. I really like historical fiction about WWII, but this book should not be a part of this genre based on its shallowness. For me, it was a struggle to get through it.
Thank you, Goodreads giveaways for the free book. I'm glad I didn't have to pay for it.
Don't bother with it, my friends.
November 2, 2020
The Room on Rue Amelie is an easier lighter more dramatic WWII story of the sacrifices and bravery of the heroes who take a stand against injustice. It was a nice change of pace for me and I really enjoyed the lighter, endearing and easier side to a WWII story that still had the depth and layers to make it an intriguing story for us.
Kristin Harmel does a fantastic job creating brave, strong and interesting characters here with our three main characters Ruby, Charlotte, and Thomas. All fighting to survive and protect each other. I could feel their courage, love, fear and the danger they faced with bravery and i was touch by the emotional depth of this story.
I loved the heartbreaking and heartwarming ending and Kristen Hamel gave me a bit to think about with this insightful unforgettable story. I highly recommend.
This is my first book by Kristin Harmel but not my last. I just ordered three more books by her and can’t wait to get them!
Published on March 27, 2018
Thank you, NetGalley, Simon & Schuster Canada and Kristin Harmel for a copy to read and review.
August 7, 2019
Read this review and many more at: Ashes Books & Bobs.
Many thanks to Gallery Books and Netgalley for the chance to read and review this novel.
By now many of you may know how much I love World War II Historical Fiction. There's something about this period in history I find incredibly captivating. Each story is so immersive in the human experience, offering some form of tragedy I've never before been able to imagine. After having made my way through countless WWII novels, I still find myself dumbfounded at the horrors humans inflicted upon one another. The suffering is unimaginable, no matter how many books I read. However, the constant that keeps me coming back to these horrifying stories shrouded in truth remains the same - the persistence of good. The people who fight for strangers above themselves, the stories of people offering food to someone weaker, those who harbored strangers in their homes for the sake of the cause, and countless other good deeds that may never find their way into the pages of a book. Every story, even if fictional, holds truth.
The Room on Rue Amélie hooked me from the very first page and was no exception to everything mentioned above. Though I've read several books in this genre, often from the same settings, each story is new and unique. Kristin Harmel did an exquisite job of capturing this dismal time in history through multiple characters, though mainly from the perspective of Ruby, an American woman living in Paris. Shortly before the war, Ruby moves to Paris with her French husband to start a life of love and independence. Quickly, life becomes less than she imagines as her marriage starts to crumble with the start of the war. Given the chance and urged to leave the country multiple times, Ruby is determined to be part of the Resistance against the Germans instead, helping in any way she can. Finally, she is trusted with the chance to be part of the escape line for downed airmen in the enemy territory. Ruby is constantly put to the test, but her faith and perseverance never waver.
"The Room on Rue Amélie tells the tale of an American woman, a British RAF pilot, and a young Jewish teenager whose lives intersect in occupied Paris during the tumultuous days of World War II."
I prefer to go into stories as blind as possible. I simply requested this novel through Netgalley for the beautiful cover and the first few lines of the blurb (mentioned above). I was pleasantly surprised with the unexpected additions of romance during this wartime setting. I was completely engulfed in the emotions of the characters and could not stop reading this beautiful book. The story begins with an elderly couple recounting their past as one of the character's final days approach. As the story continues, readers are taken through the expanse of the war, from start to finish. I have to give high praise on this aspect, as a lot of ground was covered in surprisingly minimal pages. Some authors struggle to fit this impressive length of time into one novel, but Kristin Harmel was able to do the effortlessly, without making the story feel rushed or as if the reader has missed important events in the gaps of time. Readers are able to feel the characters growing and changing as the war makes them weary, allowing them to feel a personal connection to the people in the story.
As I got closer to the conclusion, I was nervous all of the ends would not be able to be tied up in the few remaining pages. Luckily, my fears were completely unfounded because the ending was unexpectedly beautiful while simultaneously heartwrenching. I never saw the end events coming and was rocked to my core. I truly loved everything about this story and was touched by the writing on the deepest level. I hate to compare novels because each is unique, but I daresay this one will stick with me for years to come, with the likes of novels such as The Nightingale, From Sand and Ash, and Sarah's Key. I truly cannot recommend this amazing book enough!
Many thanks to Gallery Books and Netgalley for the chance to read and review this novel.
By now many of you may know how much I love World War II Historical Fiction. There's something about this period in history I find incredibly captivating. Each story is so immersive in the human experience, offering some form of tragedy I've never before been able to imagine. After having made my way through countless WWII novels, I still find myself dumbfounded at the horrors humans inflicted upon one another. The suffering is unimaginable, no matter how many books I read. However, the constant that keeps me coming back to these horrifying stories shrouded in truth remains the same - the persistence of good. The people who fight for strangers above themselves, the stories of people offering food to someone weaker, those who harbored strangers in their homes for the sake of the cause, and countless other good deeds that may never find their way into the pages of a book. Every story, even if fictional, holds truth.
The Room on Rue Amélie hooked me from the very first page and was no exception to everything mentioned above. Though I've read several books in this genre, often from the same settings, each story is new and unique. Kristin Harmel did an exquisite job of capturing this dismal time in history through multiple characters, though mainly from the perspective of Ruby, an American woman living in Paris. Shortly before the war, Ruby moves to Paris with her French husband to start a life of love and independence. Quickly, life becomes less than she imagines as her marriage starts to crumble with the start of the war. Given the chance and urged to leave the country multiple times, Ruby is determined to be part of the Resistance against the Germans instead, helping in any way she can. Finally, she is trusted with the chance to be part of the escape line for downed airmen in the enemy territory. Ruby is constantly put to the test, but her faith and perseverance never waver.
"The Room on Rue Amélie tells the tale of an American woman, a British RAF pilot, and a young Jewish teenager whose lives intersect in occupied Paris during the tumultuous days of World War II."
I prefer to go into stories as blind as possible. I simply requested this novel through Netgalley for the beautiful cover and the first few lines of the blurb (mentioned above). I was pleasantly surprised with the unexpected additions of romance during this wartime setting. I was completely engulfed in the emotions of the characters and could not stop reading this beautiful book. The story begins with an elderly couple recounting their past as one of the character's final days approach. As the story continues, readers are taken through the expanse of the war, from start to finish. I have to give high praise on this aspect, as a lot of ground was covered in surprisingly minimal pages. Some authors struggle to fit this impressive length of time into one novel, but Kristin Harmel was able to do the effortlessly, without making the story feel rushed or as if the reader has missed important events in the gaps of time. Readers are able to feel the characters growing and changing as the war makes them weary, allowing them to feel a personal connection to the people in the story.
As I got closer to the conclusion, I was nervous all of the ends would not be able to be tied up in the few remaining pages. Luckily, my fears were completely unfounded because the ending was unexpectedly beautiful while simultaneously heartwrenching. I never saw the end events coming and was rocked to my core. I truly loved everything about this story and was touched by the writing on the deepest level. I hate to compare novels because each is unique, but I daresay this one will stick with me for years to come, with the likes of novels such as The Nightingale, From Sand and Ash, and Sarah's Key. I truly cannot recommend this amazing book enough!
April 7, 2018
3.5 sad wartime story stars
Life was ever so hard in Europe living during the war years. When Ruby, a young American girl, meets and falls in love with Marcel, a young Frenchman, she doesn't realize the changes she will have in her life. Moving to Paris with Marcel, she is excited to be in the city of lights. However, war is looming and as the months pass, she and Marcel are embroiled in the beginnings of war.
The marriage starts to fall apart as Marcel becomes more and more secretive, disappearing for days at a time until tragedy occurs and Ruby is left on her own. Ruby lives next door to a Jewish couple and their daughter, Charlotte. They become close and as the atrocities against the Jews escalate, Ruby takes charge of Charlotte as her parents are imprisoned and taken to one of the camps in Poland. Ruby needs to do something to help and help she does as she becomes involved in the resistance movement. Through her work, she hides pilots shot down over France and one of the pilots Thomas, becomes quite special to her.
As the story plays out with the backdrop of war, Ruby falls in love with Thomas and they vow to be waiting for each other when the war ends.
This was quite a nice story, one that showed how good people are when times are evil and life has turned in a horrible direction. This book was loosely based on a woman who had experienced what the main character presented in this book goes through. It was an enjoyable read but it was more of a love story than anything else, a lovely story nevertheless.
Thank you to Kristin Harmel, Gallery Books, and netgalley for making an advanced copy of this novel available to me.
Life was ever so hard in Europe living during the war years. When Ruby, a young American girl, meets and falls in love with Marcel, a young Frenchman, she doesn't realize the changes she will have in her life. Moving to Paris with Marcel, she is excited to be in the city of lights. However, war is looming and as the months pass, she and Marcel are embroiled in the beginnings of war.
The marriage starts to fall apart as Marcel becomes more and more secretive, disappearing for days at a time until tragedy occurs and Ruby is left on her own. Ruby lives next door to a Jewish couple and their daughter, Charlotte. They become close and as the atrocities against the Jews escalate, Ruby takes charge of Charlotte as her parents are imprisoned and taken to one of the camps in Poland. Ruby needs to do something to help and help she does as she becomes involved in the resistance movement. Through her work, she hides pilots shot down over France and one of the pilots Thomas, becomes quite special to her.
As the story plays out with the backdrop of war, Ruby falls in love with Thomas and they vow to be waiting for each other when the war ends.
This was quite a nice story, one that showed how good people are when times are evil and life has turned in a horrible direction. This book was loosely based on a woman who had experienced what the main character presented in this book goes through. It was an enjoyable read but it was more of a love story than anything else, a lovely story nevertheless.
Thank you to Kristin Harmel, Gallery Books, and netgalley for making an advanced copy of this novel available to me.
September 8, 2020
The Room on Rue Amelie by Kristin Harmel has been on my list to read for so long. A teacher at my school had just finished reading it and asked if I would like to read it. We often exchange books. I jumped at the opportunity and was so glad that I did. Kristin Harmel is a favorite author of mine. I don't think I have read anything that she has written that I haven't liked. The Room on Rue Amelie was no exception. I was hooked from the beginning to the end. It was so hard to put down. I marvel at Kristin Harmel's research for this story and her character development. It was a true page turner.
This historical novel set during World War II in Paris, France portrayed the strength and bravery of those men and women that chose to help pilots, mostly from England, find their way back home from France along complex escape routes and undermine the Nazis any way they could. Kristin Harmel based her main character, Ruby, on the real life story of Virginia d'Albert-Lake. Like Ruby, Virginia married a man from France and she moved away from her family to live in Paris in 1937. She also became an active member of the resistance that worked on the Comet escape line. Virginia ultimately was arrested and imprisoned at Ravensbruck similarly to Ruby Henderson Benoit. Ruby's friendships with Charlotte, her young Jewish neighbor, Thomas, the British pilot she nursed back to health, helped escape France and ultimately fell in love with and Lucien, the fifteen year old forger who became Charlotte's rock and first and only love worked together to defy the Nazis. They all summoned up unbelievable amounts of courage, bravery and determination to survive, succeed, win and defy those Nazis that occupied France.
The Room on Rue Amelie was a beautifully written book that made me cry, cheer and feel anger. It taught me about the escape routes ordinary citizens established and risked their lives when they helped stranded pilots and soldiers find their way to them to get back home. This was a story about trust, friendship, love, compassion, survival and putting other's needs before your own. The ending was so sad and unexpected. I highly recommend this book and look forward to Kristin Harmel's next book.
This historical novel set during World War II in Paris, France portrayed the strength and bravery of those men and women that chose to help pilots, mostly from England, find their way back home from France along complex escape routes and undermine the Nazis any way they could. Kristin Harmel based her main character, Ruby, on the real life story of Virginia d'Albert-Lake. Like Ruby, Virginia married a man from France and she moved away from her family to live in Paris in 1937. She also became an active member of the resistance that worked on the Comet escape line. Virginia ultimately was arrested and imprisoned at Ravensbruck similarly to Ruby Henderson Benoit. Ruby's friendships with Charlotte, her young Jewish neighbor, Thomas, the British pilot she nursed back to health, helped escape France and ultimately fell in love with and Lucien, the fifteen year old forger who became Charlotte's rock and first and only love worked together to defy the Nazis. They all summoned up unbelievable amounts of courage, bravery and determination to survive, succeed, win and defy those Nazis that occupied France.
The Room on Rue Amelie was a beautifully written book that made me cry, cheer and feel anger. It taught me about the escape routes ordinary citizens established and risked their lives when they helped stranded pilots and soldiers find their way to them to get back home. This was a story about trust, friendship, love, compassion, survival and putting other's needs before your own. The ending was so sad and unexpected. I highly recommend this book and look forward to Kristin Harmel's next book.
October 5, 2017
This book broke my heart into little, tiny pieces.
That being said, "The Room on Rue Amélie" is one of the best books I have read this year. You know you have found something special when you find an author who can make you cry and yearn to continue reading within a few short paragraphs. When I read my first book by author Kristin Harmel a few years ago, my heart was broken and put back together so many times I lost count - and that was in one book! The characters and the worlds built by Harmel are transporting. And really, that’s what I look for in a book. I want to be sitting in one spot reading while being taken elsewhere, living lives alongside the beautifully real people I meet through Harmel’s words.
In her latest book, "The Room on Rue Amélie" which will be published in March of 2018, We meet a couple in 2002. A pair who have been married for five decades of love, laughter and family. Now, it seems, the failing health of one half of this couple is looming to separate them forever.
A literary device that Harmel has used in her books that I really enjoy are flashbacks. In this book, readers travel from 2002 to the late 1930’s where the book moves forward in time. Throughout the book you don’t know who the man and woman we meet in the first chapter grow up to be.
As you read, you “meet” the other characters of the story. I grew to love each and every one of them and, as I read, hoped they would survive.
Young college student Ruby Henderson is living in New York City in 1938. She has moved from her childhood home in California to broaden her horizons. A whirlwind relationship with a frenchman named Marcel Benoit finds her married and living in Paris by the next year. Europe is on the cusp of World War II, and in the beginning, that does not bother Marcel. He believes France will hold strong against Germany - a belief that later proves false.
Ten year old Charlotte Dacher and her family live in the same apartment building as the Benoit’s. Young Charlotte is teased and mocked by classmates because her family is Jewish. On a cold December night, she meets Ruby who is standing on the neighboring terrace.
Thomas Clarke is a member of the Royal Air Force. He is ready to take to the skies and into the war. As the war rages on, Ruby stays in Paris, much to the chagrin of her husband who all but ordered her to leave for her safety. Ruby, in her words, is stubborn. She refuses to leave her home or her husband. Also, still in Paris, is the Dacher family. As the year progresses and war and fear is all around, Ruby and Charlotte become closer. Ruby becomes pregnant and loses her baby all while her husband is sneaking around and keeping secrets.
After finding an injured allied soldier in her hallway, and helping hide him while he recovers, Ruby discovers that her husband has been helping downed soldiers escape Paris and find their way back home and back into the battle. Marcel is found out and executed and his wife takes his place in the escape line.
Countless soldiers and pilots come and go but one sticks with her heart long after he is back in the skies. As the Germans crack down on Jewish families, Charlotte is taken in by Ruby just before they are taken by the Germans. Doing her part to help, Charlotte meets a young forger -Lucien - who teaches her his trade and offers her his friendship and affection at a time when she needs it the most.
This is a story of heartbreak and survival, of rebirth and resolve. Who is this couple we met at the beginning of the story? One thing I both love and greatly mourn is that Harmel's characters do not all survived. They do not all have happy endings. Life does not have happy endings all the time either.
I feel like I learn more about myself when I read Harmel's stories. I can ask myself if I would ever be brave enough to do the things that these characters do. What I have that kind of strength of character? You can read this book in March of 2018.
For anyone who likes history, especially history told from a different point of view than the view you get out of a history book, this is a book for you.
That being said, "The Room on Rue Amélie" is one of the best books I have read this year. You know you have found something special when you find an author who can make you cry and yearn to continue reading within a few short paragraphs. When I read my first book by author Kristin Harmel a few years ago, my heart was broken and put back together so many times I lost count - and that was in one book! The characters and the worlds built by Harmel are transporting. And really, that’s what I look for in a book. I want to be sitting in one spot reading while being taken elsewhere, living lives alongside the beautifully real people I meet through Harmel’s words.
In her latest book, "The Room on Rue Amélie" which will be published in March of 2018, We meet a couple in 2002. A pair who have been married for five decades of love, laughter and family. Now, it seems, the failing health of one half of this couple is looming to separate them forever.
A literary device that Harmel has used in her books that I really enjoy are flashbacks. In this book, readers travel from 2002 to the late 1930’s where the book moves forward in time. Throughout the book you don’t know who the man and woman we meet in the first chapter grow up to be.
As you read, you “meet” the other characters of the story. I grew to love each and every one of them and, as I read, hoped they would survive.
Young college student Ruby Henderson is living in New York City in 1938. She has moved from her childhood home in California to broaden her horizons. A whirlwind relationship with a frenchman named Marcel Benoit finds her married and living in Paris by the next year. Europe is on the cusp of World War II, and in the beginning, that does not bother Marcel. He believes France will hold strong against Germany - a belief that later proves false.
Ten year old Charlotte Dacher and her family live in the same apartment building as the Benoit’s. Young Charlotte is teased and mocked by classmates because her family is Jewish. On a cold December night, she meets Ruby who is standing on the neighboring terrace.
Thomas Clarke is a member of the Royal Air Force. He is ready to take to the skies and into the war. As the war rages on, Ruby stays in Paris, much to the chagrin of her husband who all but ordered her to leave for her safety. Ruby, in her words, is stubborn. She refuses to leave her home or her husband. Also, still in Paris, is the Dacher family. As the year progresses and war and fear is all around, Ruby and Charlotte become closer. Ruby becomes pregnant and loses her baby all while her husband is sneaking around and keeping secrets.
After finding an injured allied soldier in her hallway, and helping hide him while he recovers, Ruby discovers that her husband has been helping downed soldiers escape Paris and find their way back home and back into the battle. Marcel is found out and executed and his wife takes his place in the escape line.
Countless soldiers and pilots come and go but one sticks with her heart long after he is back in the skies. As the Germans crack down on Jewish families, Charlotte is taken in by Ruby just before they are taken by the Germans. Doing her part to help, Charlotte meets a young forger -Lucien - who teaches her his trade and offers her his friendship and affection at a time when she needs it the most.
This is a story of heartbreak and survival, of rebirth and resolve. Who is this couple we met at the beginning of the story? One thing I both love and greatly mourn is that Harmel's characters do not all survived. They do not all have happy endings. Life does not have happy endings all the time either.
I feel like I learn more about myself when I read Harmel's stories. I can ask myself if I would ever be brave enough to do the things that these characters do. What I have that kind of strength of character? You can read this book in March of 2018.
For anyone who likes history, especially history told from a different point of view than the view you get out of a history book, this is a book for you.
July 24, 2022
Room on Rue Amelie by Kristin Harmel is a fast paced easy to read WW2 story. My favorite part was the very beginning which was set in the preset and led to the story. Let’s go back to visit Rue Amelie. Don’t die on me before we go. (Paraphrased) That set the pace for this story.
July 18, 2025
I have always enjoyed Kristin Harmel’s books. I have read many of them. This one has been on my TBR for a very long time. This is a WWII story with a lighter romantic side. Ruby is a young American woman who falls in love with a Frenchman and moves to Paris, not knowing that the war was about to begin. She doesn’t know Marcel that well they had a whirlwind romance and married quickly.
He is very secretive and disappears from time to time. Eventually Ruby is left on her own. She becomes involved in the war effort with the Resistance.
This story is based on the real life story of Virginia d’Albert-Lake who became involved with the Comet escape line.
It is a beautifully written book that draws you in. A heartwarming story but also sad. It has more of a romantic side but very enjoyable.
I can’t wait to read her new book The Secret Life of Colette Marceau.
He is very secretive and disappears from time to time. Eventually Ruby is left on her own. She becomes involved in the war effort with the Resistance.
This story is based on the real life story of Virginia d’Albert-Lake who became involved with the Comet escape line.
It is a beautifully written book that draws you in. A heartwarming story but also sad. It has more of a romantic side but very enjoyable.
I can’t wait to read her new book The Secret Life of Colette Marceau.
April 2, 2018
4,5 stars
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!
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!
April 9, 2023
This is an entertaining, well-written, WWII historical fiction novel, which is based on an actual person and events. It has a likable, courageous, strong and capable female protagonist, a wise and engaging child, a likable, heroic male protagonist, heartbreak, loss, love, hope and a bittersweet ending. I listened to the audio version of this novel and the narrators, Madeleine Maby and Jacques Roy, have wonderful voices and do an excellent job portraying the characters and their personalities.
April 2, 2018
3.5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced ebook in exchange for an honest review.
"The Room on Rue Amelie" is a World War II romance that takes place mainly in Paris and is triple narrated by three different characters that quickly take hold of the pages. As the author acknowledges in her Afterword pages, the character of Ruby was based on a real American woman -Virginia d'Albert Lake. Thanks to Kristin Harmel for bringing to reading audiences attention another person that many people did not know about.
I find myself using a colloquialism from my region, this book can be described as "fairly decent." Simply I would recommend this book to others but I would caution that the romance seems to dominate the book. I also felt the characters were all a bit free with information given that it was a time of war and all resistance members risked getting caught by the Gestapo. But maybe that is just me! I must confess though that the ending did make me shed a few tears.
Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced ebook in exchange for an honest review.
"The Room on Rue Amelie" is a World War II romance that takes place mainly in Paris and is triple narrated by three different characters that quickly take hold of the pages. As the author acknowledges in her Afterword pages, the character of Ruby was based on a real American woman -Virginia d'Albert Lake. Thanks to Kristin Harmel for bringing to reading audiences attention another person that many people did not know about.
I find myself using a colloquialism from my region, this book can be described as "fairly decent." Simply I would recommend this book to others but I would caution that the romance seems to dominate the book. I also felt the characters were all a bit free with information given that it was a time of war and all resistance members risked getting caught by the Gestapo. But maybe that is just me! I must confess though that the ending did make me shed a few tears.
February 13, 2018
I won this title in a Goodreads giveaway & was quite excited, as I particularly enjoy historical fiction and WW2-era stories. Alas, the enthusiasm waned quickly.
I won’t summarize the synopsis here as it can be easily read online; however, I do want to note that it wasn’t a particularly original plot. The heroine falls in love not once, but TWICE “at first glance.” Writing is simplistic and juvenile; the story takes on a tedious “tell, don’t show” nature; clichés run rampant; action takes a backseat to dialogue.
I won’t summarize the synopsis here as it can be easily read online; however, I do want to note that it wasn’t a particularly original plot. The heroine falls in love not once, but TWICE “at first glance.” Writing is simplistic and juvenile; the story takes on a tedious “tell, don’t show” nature; clichés run rampant; action takes a backseat to dialogue.
August 1, 2018
Disclaimer: all the opinions are my own, and if you like this book, I am happy that this book met your emotional needs. Now straight to my ranting.
Oh, boy, it was so sub par that I had to return my Audible book, and I hardly ever do this even though I have been an Audible member for 7 years. I also think that I have been conned ... by publishers, by book marketers, and by the book cover ... Yes, I am willing to admit that I am stupid like that.
The book is marketed as WWII historical fiction ... Mildly speaking, this might qualify as historical fiction as the events took place during WWII, but I wonder what happened to one of my favorite genres. Recently, it has become a place for everything lackluster in the publishing industry. Romance is often masqueraded as historical fiction; Christian fiction is often marketed as historical fiction; some preachy books are often marketed as historical fiction. There is a reason why ... There are still good historical novels that tell us the stories of the past while romance novels and Christian historical fiction are often nauseatingly baaaaad. So, it is a nice gimmick to sell books under the umbrella of historical fiction to make more money. Mea culpa - I simply should have researched better! As the numbers show, it looks like I am in the minority here as the majority of the people love the book, and the book found its audience, but I was not its intended audience.
As for me, I found the dialogue stilted and primitive. It sounded as it was a bad YA book with clumsy overstated and over-explanatory conversations. In addition, the characters were all unbelievably flat and very formulaic. Somehow, Ruby was surrounded only by good people, and there were no bad guys around her. The only semi-grey character was her husband, who was trying to shelter her by not telling her that he was in Resistance, but guess what - he is described as insensitive and callous because of his clumsy attempts to protect his wife.
All the other characters ( if they were characters and not just the soldiers marching by) were people who sacrificed their everything to undermine German efforts. So tell me how it works in the world of big numbers that if everyone you know is against the Nazi even at the Nazi camps and in Germany, how come the world had succumbed to the deadly cancer of fascism? It would have been rationally impossible, but somehow Ruby lives only in the world of angels who are confined to live in the world of the Nazi.
Now ask yourselves how realistic is the next part. Ruby repeats repeatedly ( I know the tautology is bad, but I can not help myself imitating the author's style) that she is not very religious, but she prays all the time, and she does not forget to mention that she is a Catholic right into a reader's face ... multiple times.
Plus, her perennial wonderment every times she got pregnant made me roll my eyes quite loudly. Really? Why did it come as a surprise? Plus, why did she give birth TWICE while she was asleep? On the other hand, we are also dealing with the precocious Charlotte who knows the answer to all questions, and her thought process is inconsistent with her age.
Another thing that kept nagging me is sustenance. Did Ruby work? How did she survive? Where and why did she get the ration card? Did they give them to everyone in Nazi occupied France? Was Paris one big commune? Or is it a poetic license to not discuss social issues and believe that the character can live out of space and time of earthly needs?
The only consistent thing is a plot. It is not exactly the believable plot, but at least it has the modicum of consistency.
Let me be quite informal but blunt here - do not read this book if you have high literary expectations. The prose is pedestrian, and the writing is immature, and the book is not what it seems to be. If you like to be shown not told, then this book is not for you. If you like when the author uses different words to express similar concepts, then this book is not for you.
Finally, if you want to read WWII fiction that will haunt you in its beauty and pain as good books should, please read The invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer.
Oh, boy, it was so sub par that I had to return my Audible book, and I hardly ever do this even though I have been an Audible member for 7 years. I also think that I have been conned ... by publishers, by book marketers, and by the book cover ... Yes, I am willing to admit that I am stupid like that.
The book is marketed as WWII historical fiction ... Mildly speaking, this might qualify as historical fiction as the events took place during WWII, but I wonder what happened to one of my favorite genres. Recently, it has become a place for everything lackluster in the publishing industry. Romance is often masqueraded as historical fiction; Christian fiction is often marketed as historical fiction; some preachy books are often marketed as historical fiction. There is a reason why ... There are still good historical novels that tell us the stories of the past while romance novels and Christian historical fiction are often nauseatingly baaaaad. So, it is a nice gimmick to sell books under the umbrella of historical fiction to make more money. Mea culpa - I simply should have researched better! As the numbers show, it looks like I am in the minority here as the majority of the people love the book, and the book found its audience, but I was not its intended audience.
As for me, I found the dialogue stilted and primitive. It sounded as it was a bad YA book with clumsy overstated and over-explanatory conversations. In addition, the characters were all unbelievably flat and very formulaic. Somehow, Ruby was surrounded only by good people, and there were no bad guys around her. The only semi-grey character was her husband, who was trying to shelter her by not telling her that he was in Resistance, but guess what - he is described as insensitive and callous because of his clumsy attempts to protect his wife.
All the other characters ( if they were characters and not just the soldiers marching by) were people who sacrificed their everything to undermine German efforts. So tell me how it works in the world of big numbers that if everyone you know is against the Nazi even at the Nazi camps and in Germany, how come the world had succumbed to the deadly cancer of fascism? It would have been rationally impossible, but somehow Ruby lives only in the world of angels who are confined to live in the world of the Nazi.
Now ask yourselves how realistic is the next part. Ruby repeats repeatedly ( I know the tautology is bad, but I can not help myself imitating the author's style) that she is not very religious, but she prays all the time, and she does not forget to mention that she is a Catholic right into a reader's face ... multiple times.
Plus, her perennial wonderment every times she got pregnant made me roll my eyes quite loudly. Really? Why did it come as a surprise? Plus, why did she give birth TWICE while she was asleep? On the other hand, we are also dealing with the precocious Charlotte who knows the answer to all questions, and her thought process is inconsistent with her age.
Another thing that kept nagging me is sustenance. Did Ruby work? How did she survive? Where and why did she get the ration card? Did they give them to everyone in Nazi occupied France? Was Paris one big commune? Or is it a poetic license to not discuss social issues and believe that the character can live out of space and time of earthly needs?
The only consistent thing is a plot. It is not exactly the believable plot, but at least it has the modicum of consistency.
Let me be quite informal but blunt here - do not read this book if you have high literary expectations. The prose is pedestrian, and the writing is immature, and the book is not what it seems to be. If you like to be shown not told, then this book is not for you. If you like when the author uses different words to express similar concepts, then this book is not for you.
Finally, if you want to read WWII fiction that will haunt you in its beauty and pain as good books should, please read The invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer.
July 2, 2018
3.5 stars
When Ruby Henderson visits Paris, she falls in love with Marcel Benoit. Ruby marries Marcel and moves to the city with which she has also fallen in love with. As the war advances, her marriage begins to unravel and her resolve is put to the test. Charlotte Dacher, Ruby's next door neighbour, is eleven, Jewish and has grown close with Ruby. As the war atrocities pile up, these two women will become inseparable.
This book was yet another historical fiction work to add to my repertoire. I love historical fiction, particularly that set during WWII. Ruby is an American woman that moves to Paris when she marries a Frenchman. Loving the city and all that is has to offer, she envisons a romantic and idyllic life as Mrs. Ruby Benoit but war will foil these plans. As Paris comes under siege, so does her marriage. When tragedy strikes, Ruby steps up and becomes part of the resistance movement helping downed pilots leave Paris safely. I do like this book and, to be fair, have very liitle negative thoughts about it. The comparisons to Kristin Hannah's 'The Nightingale' and Martha Hall Kelly's 'Lilac Girls' had my expectations set much higher though. The prose is nice. By no means is this a bad book but the romance was heavy handed when I wanted more historical content. I found that the book contained one too many coincidences and certain aspects were somewhat cliched. Overall, I found this book enjoyable.
I was pleased to learn that Ruby Benoit is partially based on a real woman. Virginia d'Albert-Lake was a Florida woman that married and moved to Paris. Along with her husband Philippe, they formed part of the Comet Line and helped get about 60 downed pilots out of France. Virginia's heroics made her a vital part of the resistance movement. Unfortunately, it also made her a target for the Nazis and she was eventully captured and sent her to many camps, Ravensbruck among them. She survived, barely weighing 76 pounds, when the camp was liberated. She was awarded the Legion d'Honneur (the higest honor awarded by France), the Croix de Guerre and the Maltese Cross for her brave participation in the war. She died in 1997 in Paris. Having learned about Virginia's story, I really wish Harmel had stuckk more to it. Maybe write a fictionalized account of her life. It definitely would have warranted a higher rating from me.
When Ruby Henderson visits Paris, she falls in love with Marcel Benoit. Ruby marries Marcel and moves to the city with which she has also fallen in love with. As the war advances, her marriage begins to unravel and her resolve is put to the test. Charlotte Dacher, Ruby's next door neighbour, is eleven, Jewish and has grown close with Ruby. As the war atrocities pile up, these two women will become inseparable.
This book was yet another historical fiction work to add to my repertoire. I love historical fiction, particularly that set during WWII. Ruby is an American woman that moves to Paris when she marries a Frenchman. Loving the city and all that is has to offer, she envisons a romantic and idyllic life as Mrs. Ruby Benoit but war will foil these plans. As Paris comes under siege, so does her marriage. When tragedy strikes, Ruby steps up and becomes part of the resistance movement helping downed pilots leave Paris safely. I do like this book and, to be fair, have very liitle negative thoughts about it. The comparisons to Kristin Hannah's 'The Nightingale' and Martha Hall Kelly's 'Lilac Girls' had my expectations set much higher though. The prose is nice. By no means is this a bad book but the romance was heavy handed when I wanted more historical content. I found that the book contained one too many coincidences and certain aspects were somewhat cliched. Overall, I found this book enjoyable.
I was pleased to learn that Ruby Benoit is partially based on a real woman. Virginia d'Albert-Lake was a Florida woman that married and moved to Paris. Along with her husband Philippe, they formed part of the Comet Line and helped get about 60 downed pilots out of France. Virginia's heroics made her a vital part of the resistance movement. Unfortunately, it also made her a target for the Nazis and she was eventully captured and sent her to many camps, Ravensbruck among them. She survived, barely weighing 76 pounds, when the camp was liberated. She was awarded the Legion d'Honneur (the higest honor awarded by France), the Croix de Guerre and the Maltese Cross for her brave participation in the war. She died in 1997 in Paris. Having learned about Virginia's story, I really wish Harmel had stuckk more to it. Maybe write a fictionalized account of her life. It definitely would have warranted a higher rating from me.
January 5, 2020
This was a really wonderful book and it was surprise that it was so good. I had read good reviews on this and I also knew it was another novel about WWII, set in France during the Nazi invasion. But this story so sweet and surprising and was so pleased. The characters were wonderful and the story really great. A young widow and a teenage Jewish girl help smuggle pilots out of France when they've had to make an amergency landing. The friendship between the woman and the girl and what happens to them and their relationships was really good and the surprise ending is very moving. Definitely recommend.
November 10, 2018
A remarkable WW2 story about an American woman in Paris who hides both a dashing RAF pilot and a young Jewish girl, with life-changing repercussions for all.
March 31, 2018
➳I cannot believe I just finished this book in two days... This was such an emotionally sweet, semi-romantic, historic novel that took my breathe away with it's sweetness and adoration towards the writing...
➳ARC kindly provided by Gallery Books in exchange for an honest review...
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➳ARC kindly provided by Gallery Books in exchange for an honest review...
➳Follow Me On:
Blog ♕ Instagram ♕ Facebook ♕ Twitter
December 16, 2017
Heartbreaking. And beautiful. And I can’t believe I binged the entire thing in one night...that’s how good it was. I kept saying, oh I’ll just stop after this chapter. And I didn’t! It was just so GOOD! This is one piece of historical fiction that gets it right. The characters were believable, the settings were magnificent (and horrifyingly real), and the story was incredible. It releases in March 2018...get it. You won’t be sorry. For fans of Kate Quinn’s The Alice Network, this is your next binge, trust me.
HUGE thanks to NetGalley for allowing me a sneak peek in exchange for an honest review.
HUGE thanks to NetGalley for allowing me a sneak peek in exchange for an honest review.
June 6, 2020
The Room on Rue Amélie by Kristin Harmel is a heartbreaking and inspiring tale of love, loss and survival during the tumultuous times of World War II.
"That's one thing faith is especially good for: giving us strength in times of crisis"
I have always found stories based during this era of time to be extremely emotional. I think the one thing they all have in common is how we get to see the best and the worst of humanity simultaneously. It's distressing to just read about the horrors inflicted on humans during that turbulent era, and yet it is also comforting to know that even amidst those dark times, kindness and compassion was not lost.
The Room on Rue Amélie tells the story of Ruby, an American in Paris; Charlotte, an eleven year old Jewish girl and Thomas, a British RAF pilot, and how their lives get interlaced with each other. I believe Kristin Harmel has beautifully captured that bleak age and put into words the fears, hopes and dreams of these three very different characters. It could be majorly classified as a romance, but I believe it is so much more than just that.
"Perhaps that was what it was like to love someone deeply; to feel that no matter how many moments together you were granted, there would never be enough"
I don't want to say much about the story, what you read in the blurb is sufficient, just know this, that in the midst of all the gloom and oppression, towards the end, it reprises the goodness of mankind, strength of faith and the enduring power of love. There is danger, drama and a depth of feeling that'll stay with its readers.
To all historical fiction and romance readers, I'd definitely recommend this.
**Thank You Gallery Books for providing me with a copy of this book**
"That's one thing faith is especially good for: giving us strength in times of crisis"
I have always found stories based during this era of time to be extremely emotional. I think the one thing they all have in common is how we get to see the best and the worst of humanity simultaneously. It's distressing to just read about the horrors inflicted on humans during that turbulent era, and yet it is also comforting to know that even amidst those dark times, kindness and compassion was not lost.
The Room on Rue Amélie tells the story of Ruby, an American in Paris; Charlotte, an eleven year old Jewish girl and Thomas, a British RAF pilot, and how their lives get interlaced with each other. I believe Kristin Harmel has beautifully captured that bleak age and put into words the fears, hopes and dreams of these three very different characters. It could be majorly classified as a romance, but I believe it is so much more than just that.
"Perhaps that was what it was like to love someone deeply; to feel that no matter how many moments together you were granted, there would never be enough"
I don't want to say much about the story, what you read in the blurb is sufficient, just know this, that in the midst of all the gloom and oppression, towards the end, it reprises the goodness of mankind, strength of faith and the enduring power of love. There is danger, drama and a depth of feeling that'll stay with its readers.
To all historical fiction and romance readers, I'd definitely recommend this.
**Thank You Gallery Books for providing me with a copy of this book**
January 7, 2018
The Room on Rue Amelie by Kristin Harmel is an historical fiction novel that takes the reader back to WWII. Reading historical fiction novels are my favourite genre and this book reinforces why I love this genre. It s a stunning, inspiring novel about love, loss and the worst and best of humanity.
The main characters are well developed, realistic and engaging. As the reader, I was transported back in time and expended their anguish, fear and passion. In the beginning of this brilliant novel, I wondered how Charlotte, a young Jewish girl in Paris, Thomas a RAF pilot based in England and Ruby a young American married and living in Paris could meet. Kristin Harmel answered by musings and brilliantly intertwined their lives.
In any good book, I feel that the reader must relate to the characters. This was especially true for me! My father was in the RAF in WWII and was shot down over Germany. He was a POW for the last four years of the war. I kept wishing he had met a Ruby.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kristin Harmel for the privilege to read this brilliant 5 star novel.
The main characters are well developed, realistic and engaging. As the reader, I was transported back in time and expended their anguish, fear and passion. In the beginning of this brilliant novel, I wondered how Charlotte, a young Jewish girl in Paris, Thomas a RAF pilot based in England and Ruby a young American married and living in Paris could meet. Kristin Harmel answered by musings and brilliantly intertwined their lives.
In any good book, I feel that the reader must relate to the characters. This was especially true for me! My father was in the RAF in WWII and was shot down over Germany. He was a POW for the last four years of the war. I kept wishing he had met a Ruby.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kristin Harmel for the privilege to read this brilliant 5 star novel.
September 17, 2018
Thank you Goodreads and author Kristin Hammel for awarding me the novel from the book giveaway.
A breathtaking WWII historical fiction where strangers meet and conspire together to attempt an escape from Nazi occupied Paris. I enjoyed the author’s story telling ability, the exceptional descriptions of Paris as well as the noteworthy research on WWII history.
Highly recommended.
A breathtaking WWII historical fiction where strangers meet and conspire together to attempt an escape from Nazi occupied Paris. I enjoyed the author’s story telling ability, the exceptional descriptions of Paris as well as the noteworthy research on WWII history.
Highly recommended.
February 1, 2023
tried out this HF darling on audiobook and wished i read the physical copy—didn’t love the narrator and really was hopeful the male POV stayed in a male POV every time a male talked but alas, no 🥹
i would say the reviews are true—this is a romance set in a historical fiction time (WW2) and much more of a romance plot (with a bit of “family” drama) than historical fiction which is fine! just adjust expectations going in, especially if you’re craving historical fiction.
i say this all the time, but my favorite part of historical fiction is how much it teaches and educates me. i knew about the resistance and some various ways people helped, but i had no idea about the specific resistance plot mentioned as the focus of this book (escape lines along The Freedom Trail across the Pyrenees moutains) and the ways normal civilians tried to help the wounded, the innocent and Jewish people throughout World War II, especially in France.
this book was so hopeful and truly inspiring, and it showed that even though the war was so awful there were SO many good people who were doing whatever they could to help even though it truly risked their lives 🥹😭 gives you a lot more hope in humanity that’s for sure.
my favorite quote: “What if she was just a woman standing on the beautiful streets of Paris with a man she loved? It was a wonderful fantasy, but it could never be true. Not as long as the war raged on around them.”
i think the character development was off for me… i enjoyed the main MC but the other two POVs didn’t quite land for me. heads up, there are also major pregnancy and birth TWs but the author handled those scenes with a lot of care.
my second fave part was the ending—holy emo😭😭😭 was not expecting that at all. so sad but also beautiful and peaceful 🙏🏼 that’s all ill say 🤐
to summarize—liked it and recommend it, but didn’t love it. i also recommend the hard copy over the audio!
i would say the reviews are true—this is a romance set in a historical fiction time (WW2) and much more of a romance plot (with a bit of “family” drama) than historical fiction which is fine! just adjust expectations going in, especially if you’re craving historical fiction.
i say this all the time, but my favorite part of historical fiction is how much it teaches and educates me. i knew about the resistance and some various ways people helped, but i had no idea about the specific resistance plot mentioned as the focus of this book (escape lines along The Freedom Trail across the Pyrenees moutains) and the ways normal civilians tried to help the wounded, the innocent and Jewish people throughout World War II, especially in France.
this book was so hopeful and truly inspiring, and it showed that even though the war was so awful there were SO many good people who were doing whatever they could to help even though it truly risked their lives 🥹😭 gives you a lot more hope in humanity that’s for sure.
my favorite quote: “What if she was just a woman standing on the beautiful streets of Paris with a man she loved? It was a wonderful fantasy, but it could never be true. Not as long as the war raged on around them.”
i think the character development was off for me… i enjoyed the main MC but the other two POVs didn’t quite land for me. heads up, there are also major pregnancy and birth TWs but the author handled those scenes with a lot of care.
my second fave part was the ending—holy emo😭😭😭 was not expecting that at all. so sad but also beautiful and peaceful 🙏🏼 that’s all ill say 🤐
to summarize—liked it and recommend it, but didn’t love it. i also recommend the hard copy over the audio!
February 8, 2018
I fell in love with the prologue of this book because it was so beautifully written and heart wrenching. I hoped the rest of the book was like that, but it fell sort of flat. I didn’t really connect with any of the characters, and they all seemed to have swallowed a book of clichés that were thrown about like ordinary conversation and lost all meaning. The plot was fairly predictable, too. I’m not a huge fan of romance stories or WWII stories to begin with (which makes you wonder why I was reading this, but again, the prologue was beautiful), so the fact that this was mainly a romance with a bit of WWII thrown in wasn’t exactly my cup of tea. It was likened to The Nightingale, which I actually enjoyed quite a bit, and while there were similar elements in here, it didn’t have the same emotional punch.
April 4, 2018
The Room on Rue Amelie focuses on the lives of three different people during World War II.
Ruby Henderson meets and falls in love with Marcel Benoit. When she moves with him to Paris in 1939 she imagines a very romantic life for them. But Paris is on the cusp of becoming involved in World War II and this changes both of their lives forever.
Charlotte Dacher is a young girl who lives with her family next to Ruby and Marcel. The Dacher's are Jewish and start to see their world closing in on them as the war progresses.
Thomas Clarke is a member of the British Royal Air Force who ends up in Paris after his plane is shot down.
These three lives collide during World War II as they fight for their lives. An extraordinary novel by Kristin Harmel - I couldn't put it down.
Ruby Henderson meets and falls in love with Marcel Benoit. When she moves with him to Paris in 1939 she imagines a very romantic life for them. But Paris is on the cusp of becoming involved in World War II and this changes both of their lives forever.
Charlotte Dacher is a young girl who lives with her family next to Ruby and Marcel. The Dacher's are Jewish and start to see their world closing in on them as the war progresses.
Thomas Clarke is a member of the British Royal Air Force who ends up in Paris after his plane is shot down.
These three lives collide during World War II as they fight for their lives. An extraordinary novel by Kristin Harmel - I couldn't put it down.
March 28, 2021
Exceptional!
And the ending? The plot twist blow my mind....
And the ending? The plot twist blow my mind....
November 18, 2023
I really enjoyed this while reading it, but don't think it will stick with me. 3.5 stars.
March 27, 2018
*3-3.5 stars--which is a rating of good + in my rating scale. This was a goodreads giveaway win for me; many thanks to the author and publisher!
Kristin Harmel has written a very nice story of historical fiction, which takes place in Paris during WWII. Ruby Henderson is a college girl from California who meets a Frenchman named Marcel Benoit in NYC. She is swept off her feet; they marry and move into an apartment on the Rue Amelie in Paris. Next door lives an older Jewish couple with an inquisitive young daughter named Charlotte who becomes Ruby's friend/confidante.
When war breaks out, Marcel becomes more and more secretive and distant and he reacts badly when Ruby discovers she's pregnant. What is really going on in their building? And what can Ruby do to help her husband, to help her Jewish friends?
More than anything, this is a love story set against improbable odds. It is also a tale of great bravery and courage, of good trying to overcome evil--even if just in small, defiant ways. The story doesn't have a great deal of depth but is very touching and enjoyable nevertheless. Keep the hankies ready for the ending!
Recommended for those who enjoy the historical fiction of Kristin Hannah and Martha Hall Kelly. Harmel's story was inspired by the adventures of an American woman named Virginia d'Albert-Lake who married a Frenchman, moved to Paris and worked behind the scenes during the war.
Kristin Harmel has written a very nice story of historical fiction, which takes place in Paris during WWII. Ruby Henderson is a college girl from California who meets a Frenchman named Marcel Benoit in NYC. She is swept off her feet; they marry and move into an apartment on the Rue Amelie in Paris. Next door lives an older Jewish couple with an inquisitive young daughter named Charlotte who becomes Ruby's friend/confidante.
When war breaks out, Marcel becomes more and more secretive and distant and he reacts badly when Ruby discovers she's pregnant. What is really going on in their building? And what can Ruby do to help her husband, to help her Jewish friends?
More than anything, this is a love story set against improbable odds. It is also a tale of great bravery and courage, of good trying to overcome evil--even if just in small, defiant ways. The story doesn't have a great deal of depth but is very touching and enjoyable nevertheless. Keep the hankies ready for the ending!
Recommended for those who enjoy the historical fiction of Kristin Hannah and Martha Hall Kelly. Harmel's story was inspired by the adventures of an American woman named Virginia d'Albert-Lake who married a Frenchman, moved to Paris and worked behind the scenes during the war.
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