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Hearts of Resistance
At the height of World War II, three women must come together to fight for freedom, for the men they love—and for each other.
When Hazel is given the chance to parachute into Nazi-occupied France, she seizes the opportunity to do more for the British war effort than file paperwork. Alongside her childhood friend, French-born Rose, she quickly rises up the ranks of the freedom fighters. For Rose, the Resistance is a link to her late husband, and a way to move forward without him. What starts out as helping downed airmen becomes a bigger cause when they meet Sophia, a German escapee and fierce critic of Hitler who is wanted by the Gestapo. Together the three women form a bond that will last a lifetime.
But amid the turmoil and tragedy of warfare, all three risk losing everything—and everyone—they hold dear. Will their united front be strong enough to see them through?
When Hazel is given the chance to parachute into Nazi-occupied France, she seizes the opportunity to do more for the British war effort than file paperwork. Alongside her childhood friend, French-born Rose, she quickly rises up the ranks of the freedom fighters. For Rose, the Resistance is a link to her late husband, and a way to move forward without him. What starts out as helping downed airmen becomes a bigger cause when they meet Sophia, a German escapee and fierce critic of Hitler who is wanted by the Gestapo. Together the three women form a bond that will last a lifetime.
But amid the turmoil and tragedy of warfare, all three risk losing everything—and everyone—they hold dear. Will their united front be strong enough to see them through?
318 pages, Paperback
First published January 10, 2018
3255 people are currently reading
5275 people want to read
About the author
Soraya M. Lane
135 books2,153 followersSoraya M. Lane is the Amazon Charts & Kindle #1 bestselling author of THE SECRET MIDWIFE and THE ITALIAN DAUGHTER.
Soraya is the author of The Lost Daughters series, as well as best-selling historical women's fiction.
As a child, Soraya dreamed of becoming an author. Fast forward more than a few years, and Soraya is now living her dream! Soraya describes being an author as "the best career in the world", and she hopes to be writing romance and women's fiction for many years to come.
Soraya loves spending her days thinking up characters for books, and her home is a constant source of inspiration. She lives with her own real life hero and two sons on a small farm in New Zealand, surrounded by animals and with an office overlooking a field where their horses graze.
Add Soraya's latest novel, THE HIDDEN DAUGHTER, to your Goodreads shelf today!
For more information about Soraya, her books and her writing life, visit sorayalane.com or www.facebook.com/SorayaLaneAuthor, or follow her on Instagram @SorayaLaneAuthor. She would love to hear from you.
Soraya is the author of The Lost Daughters series, as well as best-selling historical women's fiction.
As a child, Soraya dreamed of becoming an author. Fast forward more than a few years, and Soraya is now living her dream! Soraya describes being an author as "the best career in the world", and she hopes to be writing romance and women's fiction for many years to come.
Soraya loves spending her days thinking up characters for books, and her home is a constant source of inspiration. She lives with her own real life hero and two sons on a small farm in New Zealand, surrounded by animals and with an office overlooking a field where their horses graze.
Add Soraya's latest novel, THE HIDDEN DAUGHTER, to your Goodreads shelf today!
For more information about Soraya, her books and her writing life, visit sorayalane.com or www.facebook.com/SorayaLaneAuthor, or follow her on Instagram @SorayaLaneAuthor. She would love to hear from you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 531 reviews
May 3, 2018
4.5 stars! This was a captivating and powerful book!
This novel tells an unforgettable story about three courageous young women whose lives intersect as part of the Resistance during WWII. Sophia, Hazel and Rose come from very different backgrounds and are each determined to become part of the Resistance during WWII.
I am very drawn to WWII stories, especially those that involve the brave members of the Resistance. For me, this book is a stand-out story in this genre. The writing was exquisite. The characters were unforgettable. The story was deeply touching.
This is my first novel by Soraya Lane and I look forward to reading more from her. Her writing drew me in from the first chapter, her characters had my heart from the first page, her story had my full attention from the first sentence. The novel was highly intriguing and suspenseful from the first to last page.
A big thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Soraya Lane for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review! It was a true pleasure to read this story.
This novel tells an unforgettable story about three courageous young women whose lives intersect as part of the Resistance during WWII. Sophia, Hazel and Rose come from very different backgrounds and are each determined to become part of the Resistance during WWII.
I am very drawn to WWII stories, especially those that involve the brave members of the Resistance. For me, this book is a stand-out story in this genre. The writing was exquisite. The characters were unforgettable. The story was deeply touching.
This is my first novel by Soraya Lane and I look forward to reading more from her. Her writing drew me in from the first chapter, her characters had my heart from the first page, her story had my full attention from the first sentence. The novel was highly intriguing and suspenseful from the first to last page.
A big thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Soraya Lane for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review! It was a true pleasure to read this story.
February 15, 2018
4.5 stars.
Hearts of Resistance starts with a short prologue filled with danger that immediately starts me both worrying and asking questions about will these women survive?
Then we are taken back in time and introduced one by one to three women, whom by the time the book finished I did not want to leave. Three women - one English, one German, one French and their lives are utterly changed by WW11.
There is Hazel - English - engaged and watching her fiance go off to war, and in an environment that did not believe women were capable of contributing significantly to the cause. Hazel will prove that wrong, once recruited by the SOE.
There is Sophia - a young German girl already helping Jewish people to escape from Berlin and hiding her Jewish boyfriend in her apartment. The horrors of the Nazi regime and her own father drive her from Germany and into the Resistance.
Finally Rose a young French woman married to her dearly loved husband and as the war carries on also finds herself by circumstance caught up in the covert operations against the Germans.
Eventually these three come together - work together - carry out mind and heart stopping work that really counts. They are highly trained, ready to kill if necessary and hugely passionate about the extremely dangerous work they do. Three powerful women.
These three women, while fictitious, do represent so many women who showed that they were very capable and courageous during this period of history. Soraya M. Lane obviously researched this well, and she has presented an extremely wonderful tribute to these brave women.
I loved the strength of these three women and the bonds of friendship that they formed. While not always an easy read it was a very realistic and eye opening read. If you coped with Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale - you'll manage this one too.
Hearts of Resistance starts with a short prologue filled with danger that immediately starts me both worrying and asking questions about will these women survive?
Then we are taken back in time and introduced one by one to three women, whom by the time the book finished I did not want to leave. Three women - one English, one German, one French and their lives are utterly changed by WW11.
There is Hazel - English - engaged and watching her fiance go off to war, and in an environment that did not believe women were capable of contributing significantly to the cause. Hazel will prove that wrong, once recruited by the SOE.
There is Sophia - a young German girl already helping Jewish people to escape from Berlin and hiding her Jewish boyfriend in her apartment. The horrors of the Nazi regime and her own father drive her from Germany and into the Resistance.
Finally Rose a young French woman married to her dearly loved husband and as the war carries on also finds herself by circumstance caught up in the covert operations against the Germans.
Eventually these three come together - work together - carry out mind and heart stopping work that really counts. They are highly trained, ready to kill if necessary and hugely passionate about the extremely dangerous work they do. Three powerful women.
These three women, while fictitious, do represent so many women who showed that they were very capable and courageous during this period of history. Soraya M. Lane obviously researched this well, and she has presented an extremely wonderful tribute to these brave women.
I loved the strength of these three women and the bonds of friendship that they formed. While not always an easy read it was a very realistic and eye opening read. If you coped with Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale - you'll manage this one too.
January 10, 2018
4.5 stars.
This if my first official book of 2018….the first one that I read and reviewed this year. I read Lane’s earlier novel, Wives of War, back in June and was really impressed with her ability to write interesting characters and a romance that I was invested in.
When Hearts of Resistance came up, it was an easy yes for me to review and I was thrilled to read it and see how Lane’s writing grew in the next book and what sort of romance was in store.
This time we meet very different female leads than we did is her earlier book. Often women were only allowed to help the war effort as nurses, but in this novel the women we meet are practically daredevils…..parachuting into occupied France? Badass. Rose and Hazel were awesome. I loved their pluck and courage.
Sophia was also an interesting female lead, she was brave and courageous in her own way. Speaking out agent Hitler, and a woman to boot, would have been beyond embarrassing for the Nazi regime. I think for me her story was the most compelling because she would likely have been in the most danger. Yes helping rescue down airmen would have been dangerous as well, but Sophia was speaking out against Hitler deep in Nazi territory….the threat to her wellbeing was very real and made her story the most interesting for me.
Even though these three women were ‘fictional’ they had a ring of authenticity in their stories and characters. I love books with strong women at the forefront and even though this was a fictional book, their bravery and spunk shined without seeming fake or made up. I love that about Lane’s writing. She has a wonderful ability to create well thought out characters with memorable stories.
Like her previous book, the romances formed quick and moved at a fast pace. Some might prefer a slow burn romance in war time books but for me I love the ‘whirlwind’ feel in this book. To me war time romances should be more whirlwind because who has time to wait when you are getting shot at and taking risks with your life? When I encounter ‘slow burn’ war romances they frustrate me. So while some felt that the romances in this book were too fast, I happened to like it and felt that it was very fitting.
Overall this was a well written book and I loved how the three main characters were such strong women with believable stories. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves war romances and strong women who don’t backdown from challenges. Inspiring!
This was a great book to kick off my new year reading! Don’t miss this one!
See my full review here
This if my first official book of 2018….the first one that I read and reviewed this year. I read Lane’s earlier novel, Wives of War, back in June and was really impressed with her ability to write interesting characters and a romance that I was invested in.
When Hearts of Resistance came up, it was an easy yes for me to review and I was thrilled to read it and see how Lane’s writing grew in the next book and what sort of romance was in store.
This time we meet very different female leads than we did is her earlier book. Often women were only allowed to help the war effort as nurses, but in this novel the women we meet are practically daredevils…..parachuting into occupied France? Badass. Rose and Hazel were awesome. I loved their pluck and courage.
Sophia was also an interesting female lead, she was brave and courageous in her own way. Speaking out agent Hitler, and a woman to boot, would have been beyond embarrassing for the Nazi regime. I think for me her story was the most compelling because she would likely have been in the most danger. Yes helping rescue down airmen would have been dangerous as well, but Sophia was speaking out against Hitler deep in Nazi territory….the threat to her wellbeing was very real and made her story the most interesting for me.
Even though these three women were ‘fictional’ they had a ring of authenticity in their stories and characters. I love books with strong women at the forefront and even though this was a fictional book, their bravery and spunk shined without seeming fake or made up. I love that about Lane’s writing. She has a wonderful ability to create well thought out characters with memorable stories.
Like her previous book, the romances formed quick and moved at a fast pace. Some might prefer a slow burn romance in war time books but for me I love the ‘whirlwind’ feel in this book. To me war time romances should be more whirlwind because who has time to wait when you are getting shot at and taking risks with your life? When I encounter ‘slow burn’ war romances they frustrate me. So while some felt that the romances in this book were too fast, I happened to like it and felt that it was very fitting.
Overall this was a well written book and I loved how the three main characters were such strong women with believable stories. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves war romances and strong women who don’t backdown from challenges. Inspiring!
This was a great book to kick off my new year reading! Don’t miss this one!
See my full review here
September 25, 2018
2.5 stars
This book was okay but I was a little disappointed.
I expected a gritty story from three different woman who join the resistance in WWII and become friends in the face of adversity and horror.
What I got was a superficial version of this story where it was difficult to differentiate between the three main characters.
I liked some of the drama and settings but all three women felt like the same person which distanced me from them and made the story seem unreal.
It's an easy read but too romanticised for my personal taste.
This book was okay but I was a little disappointed.
I expected a gritty story from three different woman who join the resistance in WWII and become friends in the face of adversity and horror.
What I got was a superficial version of this story where it was difficult to differentiate between the three main characters.
I liked some of the drama and settings but all three women felt like the same person which distanced me from them and made the story seem unreal.
It's an easy read but too romanticised for my personal taste.
February 27, 2023
Three very different women, all fighting for the same cause. Rose is fighting because they killed her husband, Hazel is fighting because she is the best in radio. Sofia is fighting because her father killed her mother. All come together to fight in France in German territory.
Though Rose and Hazel do know each other, they haven't seen one another for quite awhile. Though it is Rose who recommends Hazel. The Resistance needs good radio operators, and Hazel is one of the best. Sofia comes after running from Berlin to get her Jewish boyfriend out. After seeing her Nazi father hang her mother for hiding Jews, Sofia knew with her fluent French, she had to leave and she had to fight against him. Coming together by happenstance, all three form a tight bond that withstood the evil and horrors they endured.
I enjoyed this story, though I knew there were women in the Resistance, I don' think I have read a book solely on them. I also enjoy Ms. Lane's writing and bringing each story to life.
Though Rose and Hazel do know each other, they haven't seen one another for quite awhile. Though it is Rose who recommends Hazel. The Resistance needs good radio operators, and Hazel is one of the best. Sofia comes after running from Berlin to get her Jewish boyfriend out. After seeing her Nazi father hang her mother for hiding Jews, Sofia knew with her fluent French, she had to leave and she had to fight against him. Coming together by happenstance, all three form a tight bond that withstood the evil and horrors they endured.
I enjoyed this story, though I knew there were women in the Resistance, I don' think I have read a book solely on them. I also enjoy Ms. Lane's writing and bringing each story to life.
January 18, 2018
The history books would have you believe that wars are won only because of the men on the front lines while the women are at home knitting socks and growing gardens. This wonderful book puts an end to that myth because its about three strong women working in the French resistance during WWII. They all have different backgrounds and different reasons for fighting against the Nazi regime but their goal is the same.
Rose lives in luxury in France. Her beloved husband died and she found out afterwards that he had been helping the Resistance. She decides to carry on his role and is soon hiding British pilots in her home and helping them return to England. Hazel is engaged to a man in the British Army and wants to do more to help Britain win the war. She gets trained as an agent and dropped into France to help the resistance. Sophia has been hiding her Jewish boyfriend in her apartment in Germany. Her father was a high ranking Nazi and she was aware of what the results would be if she was discovered so she and Alex escape Germany - he goes into hiding and she vows to work with the French. All three of these women were tough and brave on their own but when they joined forces, they were a force to be reckoned with.
This is a wonderful, well researched book about WWII in France and the French resistance. I loved the three main characters and their firm belief that they were willing to give up their lives to get the Germans defeated. This is a wonderful book about war and bravery and friendship between strong women.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
Rose lives in luxury in France. Her beloved husband died and she found out afterwards that he had been helping the Resistance. She decides to carry on his role and is soon hiding British pilots in her home and helping them return to England. Hazel is engaged to a man in the British Army and wants to do more to help Britain win the war. She gets trained as an agent and dropped into France to help the resistance. Sophia has been hiding her Jewish boyfriend in her apartment in Germany. Her father was a high ranking Nazi and she was aware of what the results would be if she was discovered so she and Alex escape Germany - he goes into hiding and she vows to work with the French. All three of these women were tough and brave on their own but when they joined forces, they were a force to be reckoned with.
This is a wonderful, well researched book about WWII in France and the French resistance. I loved the three main characters and their firm belief that they were willing to give up their lives to get the Germans defeated. This is a wonderful book about war and bravery and friendship between strong women.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
April 30, 2018
I enjoy books set during WW2 about the Resistance - but not this one. It was so formulaic and superficial. It's about three Resistance workers in France who become close friends. The chapters move between the perspectives of Sophia (who is German), Hazel (who is English) and Rose (who is French), but they are so poorly characterised that they all felt like the same person. I read an online interview with the author that she spends one month doing research...which is not a lot, and it shows. It doesn't ever feel real or credible.
Moreover, the writing is so clunky and wooden! Here are some examples:
- "What are you most looking forward to, once this is over?" Hazel asked. Rose wasn't sure. She honestly wasn't sure. "I don't know"...she sighed.
- She hated the feeling of being a sitting duck, as if they were inviting the enemy to find them by staying in the same place for too long.
- Hazel tripped on a tree root or something sticking out of the ground.
Time and again, people say things like "the night I lost my unborn baby feels like a lifetime ago" - nobody talks like that!
All that this book did for me was to remind me of similar books that are so much better: The Girl Who Fell From The Sky, Code Name Verity or Restless.
Moreover, the writing is so clunky and wooden! Here are some examples:
- "What are you most looking forward to, once this is over?" Hazel asked. Rose wasn't sure. She honestly wasn't sure. "I don't know"...she sighed.
- She hated the feeling of being a sitting duck, as if they were inviting the enemy to find them by staying in the same place for too long.
- Hazel tripped on a tree root or something sticking out of the ground.
Time and again, people say things like "the night I lost my unborn baby feels like a lifetime ago" - nobody talks like that!
All that this book did for me was to remind me of similar books that are so much better: The Girl Who Fell From The Sky, Code Name Verity or Restless.
February 24, 2018
Wow! I am still swirling with emotions having just finished reading this extraordinary book! My heart has leaped with fear, in awe of these empowered women, Hazel, Rose and Sophia as they fight for freedom against the Nazis during WWII. They were strong women, courageous, facing unimaginable dangers, willing to risk their lives each for their own reasons and loves. Achingly beautiful stories for each women kept me reading with tears and cheers as many cliffhanger chapters kept the pages turning far into each night. This is one incredible book, I have not read any of this authors other books but I certainly look forward to doing so. Soraya M. Lane writes with believable passion, making this a book although fiction seem so very real you just keep all of her characters in your heart and mind... they won't be leaving me soon. I highly recommend this book, for all those who love historical fiction.
January 10, 2022
I loved this story of incredible women during Nazi-occupied France. French-born Rose and Hazel are childhood friends and find their own way to help during the war. Hazel gets to parachute into France and work and do her part. Rose, who has lost her husband and finds a way through the Resistance to move forward. They both help out downed airmen. While fighting for the cause they meet Sophia, a German escapee who is wanted by the Gestapo, and is very outspoken on her hate of Hitler. During their time the women form a bond that last a lifetime. They risk everything. Who will survive? What differences will they make?
May 20, 2025
Soraya has done it again with a story of three very different women who work with the Resistance in Nazi-occupied France. The author skillfully portrays the bravery of these women in the face of horrific danger. Descriptive imagery is used to immerse the reader throughout. This story will stay with me for a long time.
January 4, 2018
Wow, I loved this! I was skeptical when picking this up since historical fiction is not always my cup of tea, but now I'm so happy I read this.
Hearts of Resistance is a story set in the times of World War II that perfectly features, includes and revolves around women.
The plot is centered around three women—Sophia, Rose and Hazel—who work against their expected roles at the time of a war. Instead of waiting on their partners to return from the battlefield, sewing socks for the soldiers or working in the farms, they take up front-row roles in the underground movement against the Nazis, called The Resistance.
Let's start with the best aspect of this story, the one that won my heart straight away—strong women. I can't emphasize enough about how important it is for me, as a reader, to come across characters who are not just magically or fictionally strong, but realistically powerful. These three women, and a few others who supported them through the story, were exactly that. Each one of them is from a different country—Rose is from France, Sophia is from Germany, and Hazel is from England—and how they end up together as a team in this crusade is a story different for all the three.
Characters in this book grow and a good character development is one of my favorite things to gush about.. There are circumstances, instances and situations that crafts all three of them over the course of the story. Rose was an outspoken wife of a rich businessman and pregnant, Sophia had a Nazi in the name of father and a Jewish boyfriend, while Hazel was engaged to a fighter who clearly didn't deem women fit enough to take up a role that she was intending to. When they first sign up for this, with or without training, they are scared and they don't know if this would eventually be successful, if they'll ever be able to return home, but they fight anyway. And they don't look dumb at all. More often than not, when characters take impulsive decisions especially risky ones, I tend to consider them a bit stupid but here, they appear willed and positively adamant on playing their roles in this war.
The realism in this book! I love a story that not only touches the practical aspects of the setting but also incorporate those in the plot. People get caught, shot, and brutally killed, because isn't that what happens in a war? Characters die, even when you don't expect them to, because that's bound to happen. In fact, the author didn't overuse the advantage of having female main characters who could use their seductive skills while being undercover; I was so glad to not always have the three of them put on some lipstick and flirt with the Nazis to get out of situations. Kudos for a well thought, well planned and well written novel.
Which brings me to yet another appreciable thing about this: writing. Everything from the dialogues to the prose is so precisely concise and yet detailed that nothing reads over-the-top for me. The novel is written in a third person POV and alternates between the three main leads. It's beautifully planned out with the peaks at all the right places and the revelations at the right pace. Being a war story, there's also enough action and thrill in addition to the women-focused fiction. You keep wondering if they'll be caught in the next scene or if someone's gonna die in the next moment. Also, there aren't any plot holes, the credit for which I think would go to the ideas loosely based on facts because the general story line was actual during the time of WWII.
Overall, this was one amazing read and I would recommend this to all those who like a good historical fiction that doesn't solely revolve around the battlefield but is centered around the unenlightened underground movements, and of course, strong female protagonists.
Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this book via Netgalley but that in no way influences my rating and/or opinions about it. Thank you Lake Union Publishing and Soraya M. Lane!
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January 18, 2018
Hearts of Resistance, by Soraya M. Lane, follows three women through the devastation of WWII as they fight against the Nazi’s across Europe. The first third of the book is one long extended recruiting montage (in a good way, as we get to know the characters and their motivations). Sophia is in love with a Jewish man, Alex, but that won’t go over well with her Nazi father. When Alex’s family is taken away, Sophia hides him in her Berlin apartment and helps ferry other Jews out of the city for months until she’s almost found out. She and Alex have to flee, and she vows to continue fighting the evil regime in any way she can. Rose lost her husband Peter to the war in France, and heads out to their house in Brest to find some comfort, but instead finds wounded Allied soldiers and the Resistance. Hazel is feeling confined by the expectations for women in Britain, and the desire to do more than just sit at a desk translating French documents. She signs up for a covert mission, and soon finds herself fighting alongside Rose and Sophia in France in the lead up to D-Day.
I thoroughly enjoyed this tale. The pacing was fast and exciting, and it was interesting to experience the war from a woman’s point of view. So many of the books and movies about WWII involve the men fighting (naturally), or the women pining back home and dealing with loss. It was refreshing to read about some ladies who were out there trying to make a difference, and interesting to learn that there really were woman doing all this, and more probably, in that time.
I thoroughly enjoyed this tale. The pacing was fast and exciting, and it was interesting to experience the war from a woman’s point of view. So many of the books and movies about WWII involve the men fighting (naturally), or the women pining back home and dealing with loss. It was refreshing to read about some ladies who were out there trying to make a difference, and interesting to learn that there really were woman doing all this, and more probably, in that time.
January 18, 2018
I have always felt a pull to WW II; the era has always interested me. In Hearts of Resistance, that pull was very strong.
From the prologue to the very end, I was drawn into the lives of Sophia, Hazel and Rose. These three women exemplified what it meant to be a survivor during a time of war and hatred. All of them were of such strong character; I know that the story is considered fiction; however, the attention to detail and to history of the time was spot on.
Ms. Lane has written another heart wrenching, heart warming story that brings to life three women who must endure and survive.
Reviewed by: Dana D.
From the prologue to the very end, I was drawn into the lives of Sophia, Hazel and Rose. These three women exemplified what it meant to be a survivor during a time of war and hatred. All of them were of such strong character; I know that the story is considered fiction; however, the attention to detail and to history of the time was spot on.
Ms. Lane has written another heart wrenching, heart warming story that brings to life three women who must endure and survive.
Reviewed by: Dana D.
March 25, 2021
A beautiful story of three female World War Two resistance fighters. The plot switched between the three women, whose stories and resistance efforts became intertwined. The characters faced devastating loss, but together they each found the courage to carry on with the hope of building a better future. I loved the female friendship and empowerment aspects as well as being brave enough to fight for what is right. The novel had a nice ending, and the loose ends were tied up well. It was a lovely and quick read. However, it was just missing something extra to make the story more intricate.
May 1, 2020
Sophia is in love with a Jewish man, Alex, but that won’t go over well with her Nazi father. When Alex’s family is taken away, Sophia hides him in her Berlin apartment and helps ferry other Jews out of the city for months until she’s almost found out. She and Alex have to flee, and she vows to continue fighting the evil regime in any way she can. Rose lost her husband Peter to the war in France, and heads out to their house in Brest to find some comfort, but instead finds wounded Allied soldiers and the Resistance. Hazel is feeling confined by the expectations for women in Britain, and the desire to do more than just sit at a desk translating French documents. She signs up for a covert mission, and soon finds herself fighting alongside Rose and Sophia in France in the lead up to D-Day. I love this time period and I love historical fiction. I also love the courageous women who resisted to help Jewish and Allied Forces. I am at awe in the strength on these women the risk they took to do the right thing.
June 10, 2018
As a historical novel featuring predominantly women during the Second World War, this was typical of the type of fiction I lean towards. I found the first half of the book much better than the second half, when my attention began to waver and I found myself losing track of the complexities of the storyline.
The story is based on the female resistance fighters for the allies during the war. Although loosely based on reality, the women are fictional. The book intrigued me to find out more about the brave women who risked their lives to rescue soldiers and disrupt German tactics up to and including the Normandy invasion. Such women were also responsible for sending and receiving coded messages and were a fundamental part of the war effort, although often forgotten in the history books.
I enjoyed parts of the authors writing here, although as the three women’s stories became more entwined I found it difficult to keep track of what was happening. Having said that, I appreciate the attempt to create a sense of what it was really like for real life resistance fighters during the war. Nothing was as simple as it seems. I may read another book by this author in the future, I just sit firmly on the fence on my recommendation of this one.
The story is based on the female resistance fighters for the allies during the war. Although loosely based on reality, the women are fictional. The book intrigued me to find out more about the brave women who risked their lives to rescue soldiers and disrupt German tactics up to and including the Normandy invasion. Such women were also responsible for sending and receiving coded messages and were a fundamental part of the war effort, although often forgotten in the history books.
I enjoyed parts of the authors writing here, although as the three women’s stories became more entwined I found it difficult to keep track of what was happening. Having said that, I appreciate the attempt to create a sense of what it was really like for real life resistance fighters during the war. Nothing was as simple as it seems. I may read another book by this author in the future, I just sit firmly on the fence on my recommendation of this one.
October 21, 2018
Oh my heart! This book is SUCH an emotional rollercoaster and there is not a single boring page! All three MCs are extremely relatable and heartbreaking and tough and ughhhhh its been almost a week since I finished and I think I'm STILL in an anxiety attack!
Okay, enough fangirling.
Soraya M Lane is EXCELLENT at conveying emotion. I love how varied each MCs story is, and I adore the strength and independence of each of them. The ending- we're talking epilogue here, not end of the main story- felt a little flat after the extreme drama and intensity of the story itself, but that it really the ONLY thing I can say even a bit negative here. Each character was believable- even the insa-love between Hazel and Harry I normally abhor in realistic fiction that isn't romance. Everything ended exactly as I felt it should end.
If you are AT ALL interested in WW2 realistic fiction or looking for a strong female MC this is a must read. The only reason I am not giving this a 5 star rating is because it was so hard to put down!
Okay, enough fangirling.
Soraya M Lane is EXCELLENT at conveying emotion. I love how varied each MCs story is, and I adore the strength and independence of each of them. The ending- we're talking epilogue here, not end of the main story- felt a little flat after the extreme drama and intensity of the story itself, but that it really the ONLY thing I can say even a bit negative here. Each character was believable- even the insa-love between Hazel and Harry I normally abhor in realistic fiction that isn't romance. Everything ended exactly as I felt it should end.
If you are AT ALL interested in WW2 realistic fiction or looking for a strong female MC this is a must read. The only reason I am not giving this a 5 star rating is because it was so hard to put down!
January 17, 2018
I have always felt a pull to WW II; the era has always interested me. In Hearts of Resistance, that pull was very strong.
From the prologue to the very end, I was drawn into the lives of Sophia, Hazel and Rose. These three women exemplified what it meant to be a survivor during a time of war and hatred. All of them were of such strong character; I know that the story is considered fiction; however, the attention to detail and to history of the time was spot on.
Ms. Lane has written another heart wrenching, heart warming story that brings to life three women who must endure and survive.
From the prologue to the very end, I was drawn into the lives of Sophia, Hazel and Rose. These three women exemplified what it meant to be a survivor during a time of war and hatred. All of them were of such strong character; I know that the story is considered fiction; however, the attention to detail and to history of the time was spot on.
Ms. Lane has written another heart wrenching, heart warming story that brings to life three women who must endure and survive.
December 21, 2022
This was such a powerful read about the women who were the part of the resistance during world war 2.
By now, I have read several books set during the war, some about the awful concenteration camps while the others about the nurses and the soldiers in the army but this was the first book about the resistance itself and the important role women played in fighting against the Germans.
The lives of these 3 women - Sophia, Rose and Hazel were woven together in the most inexplicable way and I was captivated by their bravery and resolve. All three of them were so valiant in their efforts to save people and chase away the Germans. It was a deeply touching tale of loss, survival and courage of women at a time when most people believed it was only men who fought and were part of the war.
Every character of this book has left a mark upon me and are unforgettable in every way. The ending made me so very happy and the reunion gave me happy tears ngl.
Absolutely amazing book. 5 stars.
By now, I have read several books set during the war, some about the awful concenteration camps while the others about the nurses and the soldiers in the army but this was the first book about the resistance itself and the important role women played in fighting against the Germans.
The lives of these 3 women - Sophia, Rose and Hazel were woven together in the most inexplicable way and I was captivated by their bravery and resolve. All three of them were so valiant in their efforts to save people and chase away the Germans. It was a deeply touching tale of loss, survival and courage of women at a time when most people believed it was only men who fought and were part of the war.
Every character of this book has left a mark upon me and are unforgettable in every way. The ending made me so very happy and the reunion gave me happy tears ngl.
Absolutely amazing book. 5 stars.
December 2, 2025
3.78 stars!
I love books with different characters, perspectives, and backgrounds, who find a way to come together to build the plot. I wish I knew more about Hazel and Rose's background and how they knew each other and I feel like the way Sophia and Rose came together was abrupt and I was just a little confused.
I love books with different characters, perspectives, and backgrounds, who find a way to come together to build the plot. I wish I knew more about Hazel and Rose's background and how they knew each other and I feel like the way Sophia and Rose came together was abrupt and I was just a little confused.
December 26, 2017
Three women from three diverse backgrounds make the decision to become involved in the war effort in 1944. Their shared goal is to do whatever they can to stop the Germans, and help the Allies to win this seemingly-endless conflict. Rose is Parisian, fluent in French. Sophia is desperate to do something after her Nazi father catches his wife hiding Jews and hangs her along with all of them. Hazel is looking for a way to help after her fiancée leaves to join the troops.
These three wonderfully strong, tough and courageous women are trained, sent to France to work with the Resistance, and there become the stuff of legends.
You'll find yourself totally immersed in their lives, rooting for them every step of the way.
I read this Ebook courtesy of Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley. pub date 01/10/18
These three wonderfully strong, tough and courageous women are trained, sent to France to work with the Resistance, and there become the stuff of legends.
You'll find yourself totally immersed in their lives, rooting for them every step of the way.
I read this Ebook courtesy of Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley. pub date 01/10/18
March 5, 2023
Women agents and the French Resistance
Another excellent book on WW2 by Soraya Lane. This is a great view of the dangers of being part of the French Resistance during WW2. She really makes you feel the dangers encountered by her three heroines as they do everything possible to upset things for the German Occupation Forces especially on the days before the invasion of Normandy in June of 1944. The plight of the three Resistance Fighters is well researched and based on actual events during the war. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an accurate representation of what it would be like to be a woman in the French Resistance during WW2.
Another excellent book on WW2 by Soraya Lane. This is a great view of the dangers of being part of the French Resistance during WW2. She really makes you feel the dangers encountered by her three heroines as they do everything possible to upset things for the German Occupation Forces especially on the days before the invasion of Normandy in June of 1944. The plight of the three Resistance Fighters is well researched and based on actual events during the war. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an accurate representation of what it would be like to be a woman in the French Resistance during WW2.
January 16, 2018
At the height of World War II, three women come together to fight for freedom. Amid the turmoil and tragedy of warfare, they risk losing everything—and everyone—they hold dear.
The book starts with Rose, Hazel, and Sophia in the middle of a very tense situation - and then jumps back in time and introduces us to the 'girls' and tells us how they got into that situation. I found myself liking each of the young ladies, especially Hazel, and crossing my fingers that they would defy the odds and make it out of the war alive. They shared a special bond because of the life and death situations they faced, on a daily basis, and the reliance they had to have on one another in order to stay alive.
It had me wondering how many young people (men or women) in today's world would be willing to step up and do half of what so many people were doing during WWII. The world could have looked so much different if people hadn't done all they could do to defeat the Nazis.
This book kept me reading until the very end - not wanting to put it down. There were some light-hearted moments, plenty of heart-in-your-throat action, love, loss, and tears. A good book always brings the tears somewhere along the line. This is the first book I've read by Soraya M. Lane, but it won't be the last.
Thanks to Lake Union Publishers and NetGalley for the review copy. I enjoyed it very much!
The book starts with Rose, Hazel, and Sophia in the middle of a very tense situation - and then jumps back in time and introduces us to the 'girls' and tells us how they got into that situation. I found myself liking each of the young ladies, especially Hazel, and crossing my fingers that they would defy the odds and make it out of the war alive. They shared a special bond because of the life and death situations they faced, on a daily basis, and the reliance they had to have on one another in order to stay alive.
It had me wondering how many young people (men or women) in today's world would be willing to step up and do half of what so many people were doing during WWII. The world could have looked so much different if people hadn't done all they could do to defeat the Nazis.
This book kept me reading until the very end - not wanting to put it down. There were some light-hearted moments, plenty of heart-in-your-throat action, love, loss, and tears. A good book always brings the tears somewhere along the line. This is the first book I've read by Soraya M. Lane, but it won't be the last.
Thanks to Lake Union Publishers and NetGalley for the review copy. I enjoyed it very much!
January 9, 2018
Set during WW2 'Hearts of Resistance' follows three women from different backgrounds, exploring their roles in the resistance movement against the Nazis.
It reads a lot like a contemporary romance, so you might enjoy it even if historical fiction isn't usually your thing.
At times this novel was very suspenseful and each character had a distinct voice and background which was intriguing! However, the entire plot fast became unrealistic for me and characters didn't quite fully develop, and unfortunately I DNF at 59%
I'd have liked to see more in the way of individual motivation for our different characters, which was too vague for me personally. Yes of course the atrocities committed during WW2 are completely abhorrent, that goes without saying! But in terms of investing characters in a novel I feel like the author relies on the readers assumed knowledge of the historical subject too heavily. I wanted to 'see' what these ladies experienced in their day to day lives to drive them to such drastic, dangerous measures.
Sadly not for me, but I think there's enough there that I'd still encourage you to give it a shot if you've never read anything set during this time period before.
It reads a lot like a contemporary romance, so you might enjoy it even if historical fiction isn't usually your thing.
At times this novel was very suspenseful and each character had a distinct voice and background which was intriguing! However, the entire plot fast became unrealistic for me and characters didn't quite fully develop, and unfortunately I DNF at 59%
I'd have liked to see more in the way of individual motivation for our different characters, which was too vague for me personally. Yes of course the atrocities committed during WW2 are completely abhorrent, that goes without saying! But in terms of investing characters in a novel I feel like the author relies on the readers assumed knowledge of the historical subject too heavily. I wanted to 'see' what these ladies experienced in their day to day lives to drive them to such drastic, dangerous measures.
Sadly not for me, but I think there's enough there that I'd still encourage you to give it a shot if you've never read anything set during this time period before.
December 9, 2022
Page turner
Horrific at times but a fantastic insight of lives of the the Brave women in the War and how cruel life can be some time
Horrific at times but a fantastic insight of lives of the the Brave women in the War and how cruel life can be some time
April 24, 2024
I'm giving this a score of 'meh.' As others have said, the three main characters were hard to distinguish from each other. And the epilogue where everything was neatly tied in a bow was a bit much.
August 14, 2018
I began reading this book with pretty high hopes. I love WWII fiction, and this book was so highly rated on Goodreads. I’ve been disappointed by the last few pieces of WWII fiction I’ve read, and I was hoping this one would be better. Unfortunately, it really missed the mark.
My biggest issue with it is the lack of character development. The three main characters- Rose, Hazel, and Sophia- were very one-dimensional. They all had the same “strong woman” personalities, but there was very little to distinguish each one from the other. Aside from their separate backstories, I didn’t feel like the author did anything at all to show us who each woman was as an individual. They might have been the same person, just from different countries.
I also felt that, compared to other WWII books I’ve read, this one was poorly and inadequately researched. The author missed an opportunity to really dig deep into the history of women’s role in the resistance, but instead, she glazed over it. It annoyed me that we see the three women as the were before they joined the resistance, and then again once they are deeply entrenched in it, with little insight into the training and experiences that it took to get them to that point. I feel like it was laziness on the part of the author, and it did little to show us how the characters developed into the strong women they had become. I also feel like there were aspects of the story that were really implausible, like Sophia’s mother, wife of a high ranking Nazi official, hiding a Jewish family in their home. How could he not know?! Seems very unlikely.
This was a very watered-down piece of historical fiction, clearly meant for readers who just want a romanticized version of actual historical events. It was full of trite phrases, cheesy scenes, cardboard characters, and implausible occurrences.
My biggest issue with it is the lack of character development. The three main characters- Rose, Hazel, and Sophia- were very one-dimensional. They all had the same “strong woman” personalities, but there was very little to distinguish each one from the other. Aside from their separate backstories, I didn’t feel like the author did anything at all to show us who each woman was as an individual. They might have been the same person, just from different countries.
I also felt that, compared to other WWII books I’ve read, this one was poorly and inadequately researched. The author missed an opportunity to really dig deep into the history of women’s role in the resistance, but instead, she glazed over it. It annoyed me that we see the three women as the were before they joined the resistance, and then again once they are deeply entrenched in it, with little insight into the training and experiences that it took to get them to that point. I feel like it was laziness on the part of the author, and it did little to show us how the characters developed into the strong women they had become. I also feel like there were aspects of the story that were really implausible, like Sophia’s mother, wife of a high ranking Nazi official, hiding a Jewish family in their home. How could he not know?! Seems very unlikely.
This was a very watered-down piece of historical fiction, clearly meant for readers who just want a romanticized version of actual historical events. It was full of trite phrases, cheesy scenes, cardboard characters, and implausible occurrences.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2022
I really wanted to like this book. This is my genre, and I love stories about WWII and the resistence and even women doing their share to help in the war. I have read so many of these type of books that maybe, just maybe, I am starting to compare more.
I enjoyed the history part of this book. That never gets old. The crap these people had to go through during the occupation of France was just ridiculous. I can't even imagine how people lived with no food, no security, no comforts.
The story revolved around three women, Hazel, Rose and Sophia. They all came from different backgrounds and came together under the most unusual circumstances. But I have to say I really didn't care for any of the characters. I didn't feel an attachment so it was hard to 'fight' for them in what they were doing in the war effort.
It also just seemed so far fetched that I caught my eyes rolling a little too much in some parts.
But I read so many 5 star reviews, I may have just not been in the right frame of mind when reading this one.
I still finished it and there were a few parts that were 'nice'. Other than that, the history for me just solidifies the fact that I am grateful not to have been born during that time.
I enjoyed the history part of this book. That never gets old. The crap these people had to go through during the occupation of France was just ridiculous. I can't even imagine how people lived with no food, no security, no comforts.
The story revolved around three women, Hazel, Rose and Sophia. They all came from different backgrounds and came together under the most unusual circumstances. But I have to say I really didn't care for any of the characters. I didn't feel an attachment so it was hard to 'fight' for them in what they were doing in the war effort.
It also just seemed so far fetched that I caught my eyes rolling a little too much in some parts.
But I read so many 5 star reviews, I may have just not been in the right frame of mind when reading this one.
I still finished it and there were a few parts that were 'nice'. Other than that, the history for me just solidifies the fact that I am grateful not to have been born during that time.
July 12, 2019
The story of three brave women in WWII and how they did their part, joining the resistance.
What I really enjoyed about the book was that is was three women. And their stories.
The beginning where they flushed out their stories, made a lot of sense. At one point in the story their stories started to blend, but too much. It completely jumped over a major part in how Sophia and Rose met, and then doubled back further into the book, but it made things muddled. I feel if she had stayed with their individual stories chronologically, like she had in the beginning, not jumped forward and back in the past - it would have made each woman more unique and a stronger character. She did gloss over some portions, compared to other WWII novels I've read.
The women become life long friends due to the war and their parts in it.
I DID enjoy that it was from three women's point of view's. And how they contributed.
What I really enjoyed about the book was that is was three women. And their stories.
The beginning where they flushed out their stories, made a lot of sense. At one point in the story their stories started to blend, but too much. It completely jumped over a major part in how Sophia and Rose met, and then doubled back further into the book, but it made things muddled. I feel if she had stayed with their individual stories chronologically, like she had in the beginning, not jumped forward and back in the past - it would have made each woman more unique and a stronger character. She did gloss over some portions, compared to other WWII novels I've read.
The women become life long friends due to the war and their parts in it.
I DID enjoy that it was from three women's point of view's. And how they contributed.
January 18, 2018
This work of historical fiction takes you on a wild, often difficult ride following three women as they make their mark on history as members of the Resistance in World War 2. Seemingly tough as nails and yet still feminine, these women are also shown to be human. Grief, fright, love, sisterhood. The story keeps the pages turning.
I’ve seen some reviews that call this a romance novel, but that part of the story is mostly in the epilogue and I would definitely not characterize the book as such. Again, it shows the women are human, despite the state of the world and the tasks they are given.
I would recommend this book.
I’ve seen some reviews that call this a romance novel, but that part of the story is mostly in the epilogue and I would definitely not characterize the book as such. Again, it shows the women are human, despite the state of the world and the tasks they are given.
I would recommend this book.
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