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Flight Before Dawn
Before there was D-Day...
For over two years, she's watched him.
Now he's on her doorstep.
This is life in the Resistance.
In Normandy in 1943, Victoire leads a band of the Resistance. When Leal, the man she's had watched for over two years, arrives at her doorstep, she'll have to face new challenges in war and in love.
Robberies, a kidnapping and clandestine night adventures were not at all what Victoire planned for her life. And she most certainly never planned to be betrayed. But war — and love — are unpredictable. Joined by her friend Rainier who is mistrusted by Leal, the mysterious Voleta, and Father Pierre, Victoire and Leal must struggle for survival, the grounds of France, and the material of their souls.
When Leal unearths a twenty-five-year-old secret, with Victoire at the center, her whole life is shaken. As the Allies approach, the past, present and future hang in the balance. Can anyone be trusted when the world spins upside down?
For over two years, she's watched him.
Now he's on her doorstep.
This is life in the Resistance.
In Normandy in 1943, Victoire leads a band of the Resistance. When Leal, the man she's had watched for over two years, arrives at her doorstep, she'll have to face new challenges in war and in love.
Robberies, a kidnapping and clandestine night adventures were not at all what Victoire planned for her life. And she most certainly never planned to be betrayed. But war — and love — are unpredictable. Joined by her friend Rainier who is mistrusted by Leal, the mysterious Voleta, and Father Pierre, Victoire and Leal must struggle for survival, the grounds of France, and the material of their souls.
When Leal unearths a twenty-five-year-old secret, with Victoire at the center, her whole life is shaken. As the Allies approach, the past, present and future hang in the balance. Can anyone be trusted when the world spins upside down?
- GenresHistorical FictionAmazon
402 pages, ebook
Published November 14, 2016
About the author
Megan Easley-Walsh
23 books25 followersMegan Easley-Walsh is a bestselling author of historical fiction, a researcher, and a writing consultant and editor at www.ExtraInkEdits.com. She is an award-winning writer and has taught college writing in the UNESCO literature city of Dublin, Ireland. Her degrees are in history-focused International Relations. She is a dual American and Irish citizen and lives in Ireland with her Irish husband. Megan is a professional member of the Irish Writers Centre and a member of the Historical Novel Society.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 21, 2017
Find all my book reviews, plus author interviews, guest posts and book extracts on my blog: https://whatcathyreadnext.wordpress.com/
Set in occupied France in World War II, this is an exciting story of life in the French Resistance which has as its chief character the brave and resourceful Victoire.
The author effectively conveys the atmosphere of suspicion experienced by those living through those times and, for those involved in Resistance activities, the constant fear of discovery, the difficulty of knowing who to trust and the consequences of the wrong move or careless word. There are twists and turns aplenty and sudden reveals which are effectively positioned by the author to wrong foot the reader. Plus, not everyone turns out to be exactly who they say they are!
The author has clearly done her research into the structure and activities of the French Resistance during that period because the detail of their operations is convincing. The book also sheds a light on the different motives of those who joined the Resistance: fighting for freedom as a principle, the desire to rid the world of the evil excesses of fascism or revenge of a more personal nature.
It was a really entertaining story set in a period of history I love with all the loose ends satisfyingly brought together. At times, the writing didn’t quite flow for me, however the story of Victoire and the other characters drew me in, the book is well-paced and well-structured so this didn’t significantly affect my enjoyment.
I received a review copy courtesy of the author in return for an honest review. (3.5 stars)
Set in occupied France in World War II, this is an exciting story of life in the French Resistance which has as its chief character the brave and resourceful Victoire.
The author effectively conveys the atmosphere of suspicion experienced by those living through those times and, for those involved in Resistance activities, the constant fear of discovery, the difficulty of knowing who to trust and the consequences of the wrong move or careless word. There are twists and turns aplenty and sudden reveals which are effectively positioned by the author to wrong foot the reader. Plus, not everyone turns out to be exactly who they say they are!
The author has clearly done her research into the structure and activities of the French Resistance during that period because the detail of their operations is convincing. The book also sheds a light on the different motives of those who joined the Resistance: fighting for freedom as a principle, the desire to rid the world of the evil excesses of fascism or revenge of a more personal nature.
It was a really entertaining story set in a period of history I love with all the loose ends satisfyingly brought together. At times, the writing didn’t quite flow for me, however the story of Victoire and the other characters drew me in, the book is well-paced and well-structured so this didn’t significantly affect my enjoyment.
I received a review copy courtesy of the author in return for an honest review. (3.5 stars)
October 25, 2016
An interesting tale set in the dark time of WWII Occupied France, Flight Before Dawn is full of intrigue, deception, and hope. Twists abound as you follow several characters through a maze of secrets on their quest for freedom.
February 12, 2017
Flight Before Dawn is one of the best books I have ever read! Couldn't put it down. Lots of twists and turns and an ending I didn't see coming! Well written and a "must" read for any book lover!
Teresa Barwick, M.Ed
Teresa Barwick, M.Ed
January 2, 2017
I am loving this book! It has everything, romance, adventure and subtle humor thrown in. The characters are wonderfully passionate people that will do anything to help the Resistance.
Finished it! Wow! This was a fabulous book. Loved it!
Finished it! Wow! This was a fabulous book. Loved it!
January 9, 2017
What a fabulous book! Megan has really brought the French Resistance and WWII to life without having written a history book. She keeps you entrenched in the love, passion and conflict of living through a war one will not concede to while enticing the mind with reminders of history and literature.
December 11, 2016
Flight Before Dawn is a great read. I'd highly recommend it to others, especially those who enjoy a good historical fiction read. :) Top stuff.
February 15, 2017
Megan Easley-Walsh does a wonderful job entwining fact and fiction in this novel set on the eve of DDay. There is so much detail you feel like you are there with the characters, seeing what they are seeing, feeling what they are feeling.
November 12, 2016
Because my mother lived in occupied Holland and because my grandfather was part of the Dutch Resistance, novels about World War II and the resisters have always been a favorite of mine. So I was eager to read Ms. Easley-Walsh’s debut novel, Flight Before Dawn.
The novel tells the story of several members of the French Resistance through the darkest days of the war until their liberation and does a lovely job of evoking the French countryside, the ’40s ethos and the tension of living in an occupied country.
In the midst of a complex plot, filled with spies, lies, and a double agent, the author deals with the nuances of the war and those involved in it, exploring what it means to be ready to sacrifice your life for your country and strength to do so. The novel is a poignant reminder that freedom has a tremendous cost.
The novel tells the story of several members of the French Resistance through the darkest days of the war until their liberation and does a lovely job of evoking the French countryside, the ’40s ethos and the tension of living in an occupied country.
In the midst of a complex plot, filled with spies, lies, and a double agent, the author deals with the nuances of the war and those involved in it, exploring what it means to be ready to sacrifice your life for your country and strength to do so. The novel is a poignant reminder that freedom has a tremendous cost.
July 2, 2020
Flight Before Dawn
I enjoyed this book. It had many surprises, twists and turns! Well researched and explained. Captured the war and the French Resistance. Engaging characters and a happy ending !!
I enjoyed this book. It had many surprises, twists and turns! Well researched and explained. Captured the war and the French Resistance. Engaging characters and a happy ending !!
January 3, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed this WW2 novel, that showed the very brave courage of all Resistances against the
the evil of the Nazis. Although in places characters were some-what intertwined --- not quite knowing who was who ; but so pleased that goodness overcame evil at the end, after an evil war.
the evil of the Nazis. Although in places characters were some-what intertwined --- not quite knowing who was who ; but so pleased that goodness overcame evil at the end, after an evil war.
October 11, 2021
The book came to a haltingly quick finish after an intriguing story line.
May 19, 2022
a great read
I am not sure whether l enjoyed this book or not it took me a while to get into it and parts of it l skipped but on the hole am glad I read it
I am not sure whether l enjoyed this book or not it took me a while to get into it and parts of it l skipped but on the hole am glad I read it
October 25, 2017
This Review is from the Author for the Narrator in the Audio book!
Paula Faye Leinweber does an exceptional job of narrating Flight Before Dawn. She infuses the characters with the determination and commitment that their work within the French Resistance demands. Suspense is kept high and a variety of accents for the various male and female characters from different nations is done exceptionally well. Be sure to listen for her chattering mouse voice- it's sheer perfection in the scene. If you love audiobooks, you'll be sure to appreciate her mastery. Or, if you're new to them, her narration is a real treat. Flight Before Dawn's audio book shines through Ms. Leinweber's narration and is available at Audible and Amazon.
Paula Faye Leinweber does an exceptional job of narrating Flight Before Dawn. She infuses the characters with the determination and commitment that their work within the French Resistance demands. Suspense is kept high and a variety of accents for the various male and female characters from different nations is done exceptionally well. Be sure to listen for her chattering mouse voice- it's sheer perfection in the scene. If you love audiobooks, you'll be sure to appreciate her mastery. Or, if you're new to them, her narration is a real treat. Flight Before Dawn's audio book shines through Ms. Leinweber's narration and is available at Audible and Amazon.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews