1943, Nazi-occupied France. Clinging to her little girl’s hand, a young woman runs through the forest and stumbles in the dark. Behind her there are angry shouts in German and shots ringing through the pine trees. Her heart in her mouth, she prays desperately that her husband and son are safe, and that they will see each other again…
As the mountains come alive with bright alpine flowers, Jewish families flee into Switzerland from Nazi-occupied France. Young Resistance fighter Valérie Hallez has hidden Pierre and his little son in the dusty attic of her mother’s bookshop. At night, by flickering candlelight, Pierre tells Valérie of his fear that his precious wife and daughter have been captured. And as they both look to more hopeful days ahead, Valérie writes letters to her soldier fiancé Philippe, dreaming of the day when they can be safely reunited.
With the police going door to door hunting refugees, Pierre and his son must go further into Switzerland before they are caught. But Pierre will not leave without his wife and daughter, and nobody in the Resistance knows what has happened to them. Desperate to reunite the family, Valérie puts herself in more and more danger. But when Philippe discovers that the Germans have her listed as a key Resistance fighter, he begs her not to go back to the border. If she does, he might never see her again.
Valérie knows the Nazis will kill her if they find her, but she cannot bear to abandon the mother and child. Breaking her promise to Philippe, she crosses over into France to look for them. But one of Valérie’s friends in the Resistance is betraying secrets to the Nazis, and her life is in terrible danger. When Philippe hurries to save her life, will they both survive? And will Valérie’s efforts to reunite the family be in vain?
A completely unputdownable and heart-wrenching novel about a woman who risks everything to reunite a family torn apart by war. Fans of The Alice Network, The Nightingale and We Were the Lucky Ones will be swept away by Under a Brighter Sky.
What readers are saying about Under a Brighter Sky:
‘Oh my GOSH!!!!!! I read this emotionally charged, compelling book in one sitting. Whoa, my emotions are ALL over the place!!! Wow!!! Wow!!! Wow!!!… a total page-turner… will keep you guessing with every page. I love this incredible novel.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Heart-wrenching… I could not put this down… my heart was beating fast and I was holding my breath… I was hooked.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Heart-breaking… Phenomenal… Unputdownable… I completely devoured it… Had me so emotional… Keep the Kleenex nearby because you will surely need them… I love this… I wish I could rate ten stars. Will remain in my heart for years to come.’ Page Turners ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I was completely hooked from beginning to end… Incredibly gripping… Brilliant… Stunning.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Wow… pulled my emotions in every direction… Made me feel like I was actually there.’ @spookysmazeofbooks ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
