The Soldier's Girl
A gripping, heart-breaking World War 2 historical novel
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4.2 • 72 Ratings
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- $3.99
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- $3.99
Publisher Description
France 1944 and the streets are filled with swastikas. The story of a brave English girl behind enemy lines, a German soldier, and a terrible sacrifice…
English nurse Sibyl Lake is young but skilled and confident. Resolving to do everything she can to help her country she begins to spy to support the French Resistance. She arrives in Colmar, a French town surrounded by vineyards and swarming with German soldiers, but her fear is dampened by the joy of being reunited with her childhood sweetheart. Jacques is now a French Resistance fighter, risking his life to free his friends and family from German occupation.
Sibyl’s arrival has not gone unnoticed by Commander Wolfgang von Haagan, the commandant of the Colmar region. She realises letting him get closer is her best chance of learning enemy secrets. Yet despite her best intentions, Sibyl soon finds betrayal does not come easy to her. Commander von Haagen is a soldier who yearns for poetry, music, something beyond the war, and Sibyl begins to enjoy the company of the man she’s spying on...
Determined to do what is right for her country, Sibyl knows what she must do. But will it put both the men she loves into terrible danger?
A beautifully written, heart-wrenching and unforgettable tale of love and loss in a time of war. Perfect for fans of The Letter by Kathryn Hughes and The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah.
What readers are saying about The Soldier’s Girl:
‘The Soldier's Girl is a gripping and heart wrenching read that I couldn't tear myself away from… A moving and at times touching read that will stay with me for some time.’ By the Letter Book Reviews
‘This book brought tears to my eyes and every chapter was a new twist to the story… I could not stop reading this book and I know everyone is sure to love it.’ The Lovely Library
‘The Soldier’s Girl is a captivating, historical fiction novel… I was wholly engrossed until the very end.’ Write Escape
‘I loved this book a wonderful and heartbreaking tale which drew me in; it has strong characters and a beautiful story’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
‘A fantastic book. I also loved reading about the Alsace Region. Makes you think "what would you do in her shoes.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
‘I really enjoyed this book and all of the characters. What an exciting book with many twists and turns. This book kept me on the edge of my seat and it was hard to put down.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
‘Really enjoyed this book. Great characters, very well written and it was fascinating and informative with the Resistance theme. Highly recommend!’ Netgalley Reviewer, 5 stars
What readers are saying about Sharon Maas:
‘Wow! … Such a powerful story, so brilliantly narrated, in such a way that you feel part of it all and are left bereft when it is finished … I LOVED this story so much. So poignant and touching and heartbreaking … All the descriptions are so visceral and beautiful. I loved this book. I lived it.’ 5 stars – Renita D’Silva
‘A powerful and emotional story … truly heartbreaking. The writing was so beautifully descriptive and at times I felt as though I was right there in India. Wonderful … truly stunning … I can highly recommend this book.’ Goodreads Reviewer
‘This has everything … great characters … strong settings … serious issues. Put all these together with a fantastic writing style and this easily makes my top 10 books of 2016 list.’ 5 stars – Lexi Reads
‘Simply perfect! … from the first few pages I was drawn in and hooked! … I was blown away by how much I was affected by the story … a fantastic, emotional, evocative read … I urge you to pick up this book, you won't be disappointed!!!’ Dash Fan Book Reviews, 5 stars
‘I absolutely loved everything about this book … beautifully and evocatively written ... , this is a definite 'can't put it down' read.' 5 stars – Goodreads Review
‘A beautiful, mesmerising work of fiction ... I was completely transported.' Krafti Reader
‘A powerful story with so much depth your ears might pop, I absolutely loved this book. I was completely absorbed by this stunning story, I was there in India, living everything ... Another exceptional read from Sharon Maas, 5*.’ Purple Book Stand
‘WOW I think Winnie is the biggest hero ever ... This truly was a masterpiece.' Reading Renee
‘I loved, loved, loved this. An easy 5 stars. One of my top reads of this year… wonderful’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
Customer Reviews
Gripping story
There is quite a history between France and Germany over Alsace and I so enjoyed the history lesson within this story which sent me on a quest to learn more. Sharon did not hold back in painting the picture with her prose of a gloomy, horrifying time in humanity. Then to lighten things up she also gave us a love triangle like no other between Sibyl, Jacques (her childhood sweetheart), and Major Wolfgang von Haagen (a German officer). How Sibyl kept her different persons straight (Sibyl, Jeanne, and Marlene) amazed me, as I waited for a slip. If I had to pick a favorite character it would be Wolfgang as he was so complex and the interaction between him and Sibyl kept me reading.
To be honest I actually read this story prior to its release date and only gave it 3 stars and didn’t publish my review which I am glad I did not because after reading it again it deserves 4 stars. Since I read an ARC copy both times I am hoping that what bothered me so much the first time I read this book was re-edited and corrected...in the first quarter there was some redundancy making me think that my bookmark was not working which took away from the beginning for me. However, once Sibyl arrived in France the story took off and I mean really took off.
I have had the honor of reading the Quint Chronicles Series by Sharon Maas and at first was hesitant as to whether a story about WWII spies would be a stretch for this author. Thank you Sharon for proving me wrong, for writing such a captivating, heart-wrenching story with parts with so much emotion I clenched my fists, gritted my teeth, held my breath... Best writing by this author thus far. I recommend this different take on a WWII spy novel to those who really enjoy reading gripping historical stories based on actual facts.
I received a complimentary copy (or ARC) of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Wonderful story
Sharon Maas never disappoints. I was a little reserved when I bought this book. I did not know whether Sharon would write a heartfelt story about world war II which is so different and far from the cultures that she wrote about in her previous book. But it was simply wonderful and the love story was beautiful. She always gives a balanced and human view of us human beings. She is compassionate and philosophical in all her book. A must read