The Watchmaker's Daughter ~ by Dianne Haley, 2022, historical fiction (Switzerland), 280 pages
Hiding the worn piece of paper among her father’s watch deliveries, her eyes fill with tears at the memory of her brave friend walking towards the Nazi soldiers, and the sharp sound of gun fire. Her friend sacrificed herself so that she could deliver this message. But if she hands it over, the love of her life will die.
1942, Geneva: As her radio crackles with heart-breaking news from occupied France, Valérie Hallez gazes towards the snow-covered Alps after a long day helping her father, a local watchmaker. With a Nazi invasion looming, she is sick with worry for the future of her country, and for Philippe, her childhood sweetheart with soft brown eyes. Valérie might not be able to join the army like him, but she is determined to play her part in the fight against evil.
In defiance of her father, Valérie helps the French Resistance by smuggling messages among her father’s watch deliveries. And when darkness falls, she risks everything to hide Jewish refugee children in his old workshop. Philippe fears for her safety, as her work for the Resistance could come with a heavy price. But nothing will stop her delivering vital information and getting terrified children to safety before they are sent back to the Nazis.
But when Valérie is entrusted with an urgent letter for the Allies, she finds herself in an impossible position. The information it contains could alter the course of the war. But if she hands over the message now, it will cost Philippe his life. With Nazi spies closing in on her, Valérie must act now. But can she really trust the man she loves, and will she find a way to save both him and her country before it’s too late?
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5 comments:
Yet another woman heroine in WWII... and it sounds really good!
How exciting that your building is almost ready; I do hope they are getting you all help to move your stuff to the new apartments.
Yes, Helen, the movers will pack our stuff, move it, and put it where we indicate.
I hope the move goes smoothly!
Wishing you a great reading week.
Good historical fiction is such fun. It's always surprising when an author can take me to both a new place and a new time.
I'm eager to see your new place. Glad you don't have to pack everything up! Moving books, for me, and rocks, for my husband, was always such a challenge.
Glad you'll be in your new place soon and that you won't have to do all the packing and unpacking. I hope everything goes smoothly.
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