This was an impulsive purchase, I will admit. There are many other books on my shelf that I need to read, but it had been some time since my last book purchase…and what can say? I craved the thrill of holding a new book in my hands and seeing it join the other treasures on my shelf.
Previously, I read The Forest of Vanishing Stars and quite enjoyed it so I hoped that this one would be likewise enchanting. I was not disappointed.
Don’t get me wrong, this book is heartbreaking. It’s a story about WW2 and its atrocities, but in a way, it was also beautiful because it was about those who fought for what was right no matter the cost. Eva is a strong female lead who despite the danger and her mother’s discouraging comments, bravely defies the enemy by forging many, many documents for Jewish children and underground agents. While her mother’s negativity hurt her, she knew she had to do what was right. I’m not sure how I felt about Remy. I think that we didn’t get to know him extremely well; although, from what we saw of him, he seemed sweet and also determined to fight for freedom.
The writing was good, but perhaps a bit on the plain side. Personally, I prefer writing that has a few more flourishes, especially with this audience in mind. However, Harmel effectively told the story and had me captured by this beautiful tale.

This was mostly a clean read until Eva and Remy “slept” together—it was briefly mentioned and there were no explicit details. I didn’t think this was needed to, in a sense, “prove” their love, and is the main reason I will be bumping this review down to 4 stars.
Despite this, I did enjoy Harmel’s ability to spin a convincing historical piece and am interested in reading another of her stories.