The Room on Rue Amélie by Kristin Harmel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this book so much! It’s a historical novel that takes place during WWII. Ruby is an American who is married to Marcel, a Frenchman, and living in Paris. Their balcony connects with the Dasher family’s balcony and she often chats with Charlotte, the 12 year old daughter.
As the war gets closer and closer, Marcel joins the resistance. He keeps it all a secret but eventually, Ruby finds out and wants to help. Marcel is captured and put to death for working against the Germans. At this point, Ruby starts working for the resistants, helping downed airmen to find their way out of France. Precocious Charlotte insists on helping but Ruby says no until Charlotte’s parents are rounded up and taken to Auschwitz along with other Jews on the street.
The story follows Ruby and Charlotte’s work through the war. Ruby ends up being able to bring Charlotte safely through and undetected. She also has a second chance at love and motherhood. I’m sad this book is over. It was wonderful.