RESISTANCE: BOOK 1 LIBERTY

Resistance #1

by Eilidh McGinness

Bravery, courage, fear, treachery and love in a time of war.A chance meeting draws Sabine Faure into the shadowy world of the French Resistance where she meets the charismatic Hérisson and his intriguing comrade Loup.
Set in Dordogne in South-west France during World War II, the friends’ relationships and strengths are tested to the very limits as life changes in unbelievably horrific ways, The friends find themselves facing frightening situations and responding in ways they never thought possible as bravery and resistance take different forms in each of their actions.
Vivid and exquisite in its illumination of a time and place that was filled with atrocities but also humanity and extraordinary bravery, Eilidh McGinness’s novel will evoke reader’s to ask -What would I have done?

Genres: Historical Fiction, World War II, Fiction

266 pages, Paperback

First published June 7, 2021

About the author

I write thriller, historical and romance books, also non-fiction about moving to France where I am an independent estate agent. I am a co-presenter on Talking Books Ex-PatRadio.com on Thursdays from 10.30-11.30 GMT.
I was born in the Highlands of Scotland where I went to school. I moved to Aberdeen to study law. After completing my law degree, I obtained a Diploma in Legal Practise and completed a two year trainee-ship with an Aberdeen-shire law practise. Once a fully qualified lawyer I moved to Glasgow then Edinburgh as I wanted to specialise in court work. After twelve years as a court practitioner specialising latterly in criminal defence I moved to South West France where I set up my own estate agency firm.
I have lived in South West France for 11 years and began writing about 4 years ago.
It has always been my dream to write. I have a wide range of reading interests and am always ready to enjoy a good book regardless of genre.

Reviews

[Tissie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Resistance #1 – Liberty features a deep dive into WWII and the French resistance. Sabine and Hérisson have to navigate through a dangerous historical moment, balancing their private lives and the ongoing war.

[Keep reading @ Bookshelves & Teacups]

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man, am I happy to have discovered this first book of three. I'll just say it straight away. If you are at all considering reading it, please do. In 2021 so far I have read 100+ WWI and WWII books and have adored many. RESISTANCE has a dash of uniqueness from the perspectives of guerilla soldiers and Resistance fighters. It is about fear, desperation, secrets, loss, perseverance, courage and love.

Set in German-occupied France from 1941-1944, Sabine is a young cheese maker who is determined to help in the war effort by fighting back. So, the Resistance really appeals to her. She puts one of the few available bicycles into use on her clandestine errands and keeps many secrets from family. Especially her family. It is in everyone's best interest to keep secrets so if one person is captured, information cannot be gleaned by any means. She meets guerilla fighter Herisson who basically lives in shadows of forests but is conflicted as she is engaged to be married to a soldier fighting for his country. We see the push and pull of the consequences of decisions in war. We meet minor characters such as Miriam, Sabine's close friend and the group of four including Herisson.

I love the map showing the free and occupied zones in the front of the book as well as the wise Josephine Baker quote. The names and ages of the victims at the end is very sobering. Do read it all and let the gravity sink in. I also appreciate the importance of community including communal meals and harvest. Do prioritize this book if you are interested in Historical Fiction and Nonfiction and even General Fiction. It is THAT good. How pleasing to know there are two more books on the way!

My sincere thank you to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this fascinating book. I enjoyed it immensely.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liberty is the first book in the author’s Resistance trilogy set in south-west France during World War 2. The second book, Equality, was published in November 2021 and the final book, Fraternity, will be published in May 2022.

The book alternates between Hérisson’s experiences at the sharp end of the Resistance movement, taking part in acts of sabotage against the Germans from a camp in the vast forest close to the demarcation line between the occupied zone of France and the ‘free’ zone, and Sabine’s role delivering messages and leaflets using her cheese deliveries as cover.  Sabine’s involvement with the Resistance highlights the contribution women made to the fight against the Nazi regime. I could see how it gave Sabine a feeling of pride that she was doing something for the war effort and also gave a her a taste of independence.  ‘She was no longer a young girl, trapped in the countryside with no destiny other than to repeat the tedious life of her mother. Now she was a girl who would form her own future. She was a rebel, with a purpose and a future of her own choosing.’

What the book does particularly well is to convey the realities of life under German occupation: the constant fear of reprisals for acts of sabotage by the Resistance, the shortage of food and fuel, the threat of betrayal or denunciation.  It’s a time of distrust and divided loyalties, evident in Sabine’s own family. Her father believes anything is better than war, even submission to the German occupiers; he also shares some of their vile prejudices against minority groups.

Given no-one knew what tomorrow might bring, who can forgive people for snatching brief moments of happiness when they present themselves, as is the case with Hérisson and Sabine. But their relationship is not without consequences.

The sabotage missions carried out by Hérisson’s Resistance group, either alone or in conjunction with other groups and British special forces, are vividly described.  There are some shocking scenes towards the end of the book – closely based on real-life events – that demonstrate just how ruthless the Nazis were in responding to attacks by the Resistance.

Clearly a lot of research has gone into the book in order to give a vivid picture of what it was like to live under German occupation and highlight the dangers faced every day by those who bravely joined the Resistance movement. As might be expected from the first instalment in a trilogy, the book ends on a dramatic note leaving a number of storylines to be resolved in later books.

Bringing to life a turbulent period in history, Liberty (and the Resistance trilogy of which it forms part) will appeal to those who love to immerse themselves in a different time and place.

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exciting

this is a very nice book about French resistance during World War II. The characters are very easy to get used to.

fast paced with lots of twist and turns.

I recommend.

[Heather Copping · Rating 5 out of 5]

We join in the first few pages Herisson being transported in a wine barrel to avoid discovery as he crossed the bridge at Castillion-sur-Dordogne, this was part of his training. He hadn't been called up at the start of the war because he was an agricultural worker, now he is prepared to fight for his country (France). But first he and his three friends must find the resistance group that they wish to join. Then they must learn to fight, fight hard like in guerrilla warfare and only the strongest and fittest will survive.
Sabine lives with her family on their goat farm at Saint-Antoine-de-Double, her fiance is in a German pow camp and she now realises that she made the decision to marry him in haste. Now she wants excitement in her life, could joining the resistance be what she needs and craves? Making cheese and then transporting it gives Sabine the cover she needs. We follow these two young people in their quest to join the Free French resistance group, doing dangerous attacks on German military bases and along the way they find themselves attracted to each other. By November 1942 the town of Mussidan is under German rule, the soldiers are being billeted in the school, making Sabine and the rest of the town scared for their own lives and those of their families. When Sabines fiance Rene returns home from the pow camp, Sabine realises that she does no longer loves him and in all honesty never has, when she tells him, he says his mother has seen her with a communist, is he going to betray her? Some really moving moments along the way as the group does it's best to defeat the Germans, will it be enough though?
Full of wartime excitement, romance and adventure, this is a WW2 account of life for the many French people who were made to live under German rule and fought back putting themselves into great danger but nevertheless they were driven by the need to survive and protect themselves and their families. I was sad that the book ended where it did, but relieved that the story continues in book two of the series "Equality " as I must find out what happens next.
I think this is the best book yet by Eilidh McGinness, I really enjoyed reading it. She is also the popular author of The Cypher Bureau (the story of the Polish involvement with the Enigma code) and Josephine (the life of a singer and her involvement with the French Resistance in WW2). This book will appeal to anyone who enjoys WW2 books, especially involving the French Resistance.

[Karen Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

As this is the first book in the Resistance trilogy, I will refer to it by its subtitle; Liberty for this review.

The vintage looking cover of Liberty evokes the spirit of the time in which the book is set beautifully. This is echoed by the narrative and the sense of time and place is a highlight of this engaging novel which follows a young French woman, Sabine Faure who lives in a rural Dordogne village and an idealistic Communist, Hérisson who is introduced in the opening chapter as he and his three friends undertake a daring – and terrifying across the demarcation line into the Free Zone of France.
Anybody who speaks French will guess that Hérisson is not his real name, particularly as his friends are known as Loupe, Cerf and Pinot; the reason why they have chosen these noms de guerre is explained early on and helps reinforce the sense that this first part of the Resistance trilogy is predominantly a coming-of-age tale. Both Sabine and Hérisson join the Resistance with a rather romanticised view of doing their bit while revelling in the chance for adventure and excitement but as the book and war progresses, they discover just what they – and others – are really capable of.
Sabine is the main and strongest character in the story, with most of the chapters following her. It's soon evident that she has never truly embraced her role on her family's farm, dreaming instead of Paris fashions and refusing to don her wooden clogs in public, seeing them as indication the wearer is an unstylish peasant. However, when she is asked to become a courier for the Resistance, she quickly realises that her daily routine delivering the cheeses she makes around the local area, provides her with the perfect cover. The development of her character during the course of the book is fascinating, particularly regarding her feelings towards her farm and family whom she clearly loves but often finds herself at odds with. As the war comes much closer to home, she has to reassess what she is willing to do and what her family really means to her; something I'm looking forward to being explored further as the trilogy progresses.
Hérisson is more of an enigma but this is hardly surprising, given his need for secrecy as a member of the Maquis. Nevertheless, his evolution from the enthusiastic, naïve young lad he is at the start of the story, to the skilled, ruthless combatant he becomes is compelling. Eilidh McGinness really captures the irony of the situation that both Hérisson and Sabine find themselves in, which means that even as they discover their immense courage and resourcefulness, they lose something of who they once were. Liberty is undoubtedly a recognition of the bravery of those who supported the Resistance but it's also a thoughtful, even melancholic look at the way the lives of these people were irrevocably changed by what they saw and did. The secret relationship between the pair reinforces this further and although their shared passion brings some romance to proceedings, it remains to be seen whether they can survive not just the Nazis but also what their choices and actions have turned them into.
The supporting characters are just that, with Sabine's rather overbearing, dogmatic father and the well-named Loupe being perhaps the most interesting. However, I suspect we may learn more about Sabine's sister, Josette who takes a very different path in this book, and I found the powerful unit leader, Carlos to be an intriguing character so I hope to see more of him later too.
Though set in the fictional village of Saint-Antoine-de-Double, the rich descriptions of the area bring the place to life, with the forest that provides shelter and sustenance for the maquisards being especially memorable. Eilidh McGinness makes it bleakly clear that the hidden presence of the Resistance brings danger as well as hope to the community and the dark recesses of the forest underline this perfectly.
I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend Liberty, it's a captivating, intimate portrait of living under and opposing the Occupation in France. I look forward to reading the rest of the Resistance trilogy; Equality and Fraternity in the near future.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a dramatic novel of a significant time and place in twentieth century history, Occupied France during the Second World War. The stories of resistance by “official” groups and determined individuals is told from the fictional experiences of two young people, and it is their bravery that this book largely celebrates against a background of brutality and betrayal. Sabine Faure works on the family farm outside a fictional village of Saint-Antoine-de Double in Dordogne in South-West France. As befits someone who has grown up in the area, she has an excellent knowledge of the people and places, the routes and secrets of the mainly wooded area. The same cannot be said for the charismatic Herisson, who has to learn how to cope in an environment that is at once bountiful in hiding places and food but is also filled with danger as various German groups seek to hunt down anyone who opposes them. The other characters that fill this book, whether quietly trying to resist the occupation or seemingly willing to accept the status quo, are also drawn as real people. The pace of the book is admirable, as the two young people encounter potentially life changing challenges. I was pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this impressive book.

The book opens in July 1941 when Herisson is being smuggled in a wine barrel by sympathetic men out of the Occupied Zone of France. He has abandoned his home and any family to find and join a Resistance group, being determined to fight for a free France and a Communist dream. He is joined by three friends, all young men determined to risk everything to fight. As they walk towards a village in which they have been told is a contact, they are a little frightened by the unusually dense woodland that surrounds the road. Meanwhile Sabine is working on the family farm, resenting her peasant status and wishing she could do more than prepare and deliver cheeses. Meeting a good friend, she is shocked to be given a mission for the local resistance which she is uniquely able to complete. While keen to take action, she is painfully aware that her overbearing father is keen to keep his head down and not endanger the family at whatever cost. She knows that her actions will endanger not only herself but many people around her, but she is still determined to embrace the opportunity. Her first meeting with Herisson is not a positive experience for either, as both realise that so much depends on absolute secrecy, and he and his friends have made a lot of assumptions about how easy it will be to become involved. Indeed, their first encounter in the woods with a group is not something that they could have predicted, and they are swiftly left in no doubt as to the realities of resisting the German forces.
This is a novel which is firmly anchored in the realities of communities largely at the mercy of occupying forces. It is not the world of British agents though there is a supporting role in the background; most of those who are active in the operations and deliveries are aware of the possible impact on their communities of discovery and reprisals. This is a well-paced novel of those who risked so much behind the lines, with a solid base of research which never intrudes into the narrative. I recommend this book to anyone who wants a fictionalized picture of the French people under occupation and all those who tried to make a difference, often at great personal cost.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just when I think I'm getting tired of WWII fiction, another book comes along that grabs my attention.
This one looks at a small town in France and the French resistance in that area. It's told by two main characters: Sabine Faure and Hérisson. They are both part of the French Resistance even though they became part of it for different reasons.

Sabine is part of a farm family and her main job is selling the cheese she makes. She is against the war and wants to help France regain freedom but isn't sure what she can do until her best friend admits she is part of a resistance group and asks Sabine to deliver a message. Of course, Sabine needs to keep everything secret but it's difficult on a day to day basis because her father refuses to become involved and her sister is dating a German officer. She continue to work with the Resistance even as life gets more dangerous for her and for her family and small town.

Herisson and three friends have escaped into the free zone to try to find a resistance group that they can join. The want to do anything they can to help France be free of the German armies. They meet a small group in the woods and after extensive training, they are invited to join. Their operations to harm the enemy gets more dangerous as the Germans tighten the noose around the town and work to destroy the resistance groups in the area.

Of course, Sabine and Herisson meet and fall in love. She ended her engagement to another man because she was so enamored with Herisson. True love is hard to maintain during war time when people are busy performing dangerous missions and their romance is very rocky. At the end of the book, the main question is whether they will ever be able to have a life together after the war is over. This book is a look at bravery, courage, fear, treachery and love in a time of war.

At the end of the story, the author lists all of the French how died in this area in France during the war. It's very emotional to see so many names on the list and it really hits home how many people were getting killed to make France free again.

This is the first book in a new trilogy set in France during WWII. It's basically a family sage of small town life during the war. It's apparent that the author did considerable research before writing this book. I am looking forward to reading the next books in the trilogy.

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do like my historical fiction and I am always on the lookout for authors that can bring something different. This author has done just that with this first book in the Resistance series.

Set during WWII, the story concerns a young woman, Sabine and a resistance fighter known as Hérisson. The two meet as Hérisson is looking to join the resistance in the fight against Hitler. Sabine finds herself doing her part to help and is uniquely placed to do so.

This is a fabulous read and one where I found myself thinking about consequences, it is something that the characters battle with as there are reprisals from the German forces when attacks are made from the resistance. Trying to keep their activities secret means keeping an eye out at all times. No one is safe especially when Germany occupies the French town of Saint Antoine de Double, while the town is fictional, many of the events are not.

The author has woven fiction around the factual and has created a book that flits between Sabine and Hérisson. They make two very distinct sides of the same story, one trying to carry on as normal and trying not to court any attention while the other is putting himself in harms way.

The author has created a story that shows the fear and also the proud determination a this most horrendous point in history. Persecution, torture, execution, deportation and death is something that all are in fear of and this is something that comes across very well in the story as well as the disbelief of some of the events that happen.

This is a wonderful start to this series and I am definitely looking forward to continuing it. It is one for readers who like their historical fiction to be based around or to include actual events. It is hard reading in some places and it had me on edge as I read about the two main characters and the people they know. It is one I would definitely recommend.

[Jane McNamara Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just completed reading the first novel ‘Liberté; of the trilogy Liberté, Égalité and Fraternité by Eilidh McGuiness. Eilidh has depicted the German Occupation of South West France during the 2nd World War with both acute historical accuracy and an insight into ‘almost real’ characters which form the basis of this mostly fictional novel. French farm life and subsistance living seems to have little altered over the decades and Edith has definitely succeeded in capturing the essence of the country way of life through her story telling. Her inside knowledge of the characters she portrays, capture French village customs; undoubtedly gained by her personal observations through many years living in the region herself. Her pragmatic no nonsense understanding of the circumstances during this era causing ‘dog to eat dog’ and for one neighbour to denounce another, is apparent from the onset and portrayed to the reader. Although mostly fictional, Eilidh has skilfully merged fact with fiction and has highlighted through her depiction and personal knowledge of the area, some of the true atrocities which took place and what a dangerous place France was to be under German occupation at that time. No place was safe and no one was to be trusted; not even the clergy. Everyone was a potential ‘whistle blower.’ This book certainly leaves you with the desire to delve further and to find out more. I look forward to reading the concluding novels of the trilogy, ‘Égalité’ and ‘Fraternité’.



With

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 1 of the Trilogy ( Liberty, Equality and Fraternity) and is a work of fiction but based on real events. I haven’t read this author before but I’m certainly going to be checking out the rest of this series. Well written,from the perspectives of Sabine, a young girl passing messages when on her cheese deliveries and Hérisson, a Spanish boy who is now a member of the French resistance taking part is acts of sabotage.

Briefly, Sabine who lives with her family in the village of Saint- Antoine-de-Double in the Dordogne is engaged to a soldier who is away fighting. It is shortly after France submitted to the Nazis in 1941. The village sits just inside the demarcation line in Vichy France across from the German controlled part of the country. When she meets Hérisson it is clear there is an attraction but Sabine although she tries to remain loyal these are not normal times...

The realities of living in German occupied countries is brilliantly portrayed the constant fear of reprisals. Unable to trust anyone, even your nearest and dearest. The local who agree with some of the German ideals, and collaborators. This is a story of bravery, treachery and murder on a scale almost unbelievable. However we know it to be based on fact thanks to the memorial at the end of the book. A strong tale very well written and I look forward to reading Books 2 and 3 to resolve the loose threads left at the end ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Daniel Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Resistance, part 1, by Eilidh McGinness

I must confess to a long-held fascination with the French resistance, probably, as with many men of my age, due to a childhood diet of WWII books, comics, and movies, and the dramatic and dangerous idea of living a double life of subterfuge. This tale brings to life the struggles of that age, a nation torn in half by collaboration and resistance, in a France which had already borne a tremendous cost from The Great War of 1914. From the wine fumed anxiety of his claustrophobic entrance, to his transformation from young, adventure seeking patriot to seasoned resistance fighter, to his romance with the equally adventurous and patriotic Sabine, in Hèrrison, McGinness has created a well researched story of a believable character living under occupation and daring to resist. Set against the backdrop of the Vichy regime and the occupied zone, the author also reveals the scenery of the Dordogne, a land so lovely and bucolic that it is almost hard to imagine that such events took place there. But take place they did, and this novel is a testament to the bravery, stoicism, and sometimes awful treachery, the tragedy which befalls a nation under war.

Danny Campbell.

[Le Book Rat · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5
RESISTANCE (#1 LIBERTY) by Eilidh McGinness weaves the stories of French resistance members during World War II. This engrossing novel demonstrates the sacrifices of the resistance and how war strips everyone—even the youth—of their childhood innocence. Overall, McGinness skillfully describes the surroundings to bring her novel to life.
However, I found the premise of RESISTANCE (#1 LIBERTY) ordinary and the writing style too plain. After all, there are already many historical fiction novels depicting Western resistance during World War II. As a person of color with a disability, I struggled to relate to the characters. Furthermore, the romance between Sabine and Hérisson seemed rush (and unwise given the resistance's dependence on secrecy). In general, I found the characters two-dimensional.
Nonetheless, the relationships in RESISTANCE (#1 LIBERTY) are incredibly strong. The readers can picture the different types of close-knit communities such as Sabine's intermediate family versus the soldiers of the resistance. The readers can also relate to Sabine's love for both her sister and France's liberation.

I received a free ARC copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much, NetGalley!

[Chelsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t wait to read the other two in this series! Sabine is really getting sick of being just a peasant girl on her parents farm. She has taken over the cheese making, and deliveries into town but she wants more. She cannot imagine living the rest of her life like this, but with war breaking out there is not much else for her to do. There is fear everywhere as the Nazi’s continue to take over.

One day her friend asks her to complete a mission. She knows that this will change the course of her life going forward, and if she says yes- she will then become one of them. But how can she refuse? Accepting what has been asked of her, she delivers on her promise and competes the drop and soon it is like second nature. Her cheese delivers serve a great cover, as nothing has changed with her routine, and so there is no suspicion being cast.

As she proves to be capable of deliveries, she soon is being asked to help with other things that could put her more in danger, as well as her family if found out. But Sabine will do almost anything for this mysterious resister she has befriended, and a romance also starts to bloom between them- but she has guilt and does not know if she can pursue anything with him.

Sabine has been able to stay off any radar, meanwhile her sisters has upended her families life to run away with a German soldier- and although this could potentially protect them from the Nazi’s, she also fears that if anyone knows this, they may think she is no longer trustworthy and has she been a spy for the other side the whole time instead?

As the resistance group gets more daring and dangerous in their missions, roundups and death is now happening within their town. Neighbors can no longer trust each other – as anyone will turn in anyone to save their own life. Sabine also has to make some tough decisions on her future and whether she is making the right decision.

Thank you to HFVBT for the invite, and to the author for the free novel. I felt it kind of left at a cliff hanger and looking at the titles of the next ones and the little excerpt at the end of the book, I cannot wait to read the next part of the story!

[Kirsty Hutchison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love the cover of Resistance Book 1 Liberty, the first book in Eilidh McGinness’s World War II trilogy; I think it is so gritty, eye catching and unique. I was attracted to it straight away. And now that I have I read the novel, I find the story just as unique and captivating as the cover.

As I have been reading a lot of wartime fiction lately and just wanted a bit of a break from the genre, I picked up Resistance Book 1 Liberty a bit later than planned as my review date was looming. However I soon found it impossible to put down as I was totally gripped, resenting normal life as that snatched me away from this great novel. I don’t want to sound cliché but Resistance Book 1 Liberty is a true page turner!

To read my full review, go to my book blog via https://noveldelights.com/2022/01/19/...

[Chris Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't do book reviews like you keep seeing, as I find that some give too much of the plot away and I personally hate that, as it makes the book not worth reading. I much prefer to take the authors back cover write up as a review as it can either intrigue you enough to read the book of provide you enough information to make you decide that the book is not for you.
My review rules are: The more stars, the more I liked it.
If there are too many typos or errors the less stars I give
If the storyline or plot is poor or contains too many errors, the characters are too weak, the ending lacking something, then the less stars I give.
Simple, uncomplicated and to the point without giving anything away.
Some of the books I read have been given to me by the author as a pre-release copy and this does not bias my reviews in any way.

[julie young · Rating 4 out of 5]

This first book in the 'Resistance' trilogy is set in a village in southern France during WW 2 and the German occupation. Sabine is a young girl ,living on her family farm, making cheese but also secretly delivering messages for the Resistance. Herisson is a young man,who with his friends joins the resistance as a fighter. Raw, chilling and shocking in its content, the horror and brutality of war, the awful consequences suffered because of resistance to the occupation , the differing views and beliefs within families and neighbours make this a really intense but gripping read. It makes the love story between Sabine and Herisson deeply poignant. The information at the end of the book of the actual events and people affected by them really added to this hard hitting story.

[Elize Becker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Resistance: Book 1 - Liberty by Eilidh McGinnis provides an extraordinary account of the French Revolution and its impacts on people's lives. The author uses Dordogne in South-west France to describe the events played out during the World War II years. The author's writing style allows the reader to understand the challenges individuals faced when they joined the revolution. In addition, the storyline provides an interesting encounter and allows the reader to want to read more continuously. Any person who enjoys historical fiction, relationships, social-political events and impacts on individuals' everyday existence most definitely will enjoy this book.

[Natalie "Curling up with a Coffee and a Kindle" Laird · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Random Things Tours for my paperback copy and my spot on the blog tour!
I really enjoyed this one- having read lots of WWII fiction, I was hoping for something a little unusual and riveting.
And riveting is what I got. An opening that will stay in my mind for a while.
The book then takes a sharp turn, following a different character but who captured my heart and imagination! The plot came thick and fast, but not without drama and horrors that come with this genre. At times, I couldn't exactly say it was 'enjoyable', but certainly moving.
This was a strong addition to the saturated genre of WWII fiction, and I look forward to the next book!

[Peggy Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy and this is the first of a three book series and I am so looking forward to Book 2.
If you like World War 2 Historicals this is a good one.
Set in France in the early 40s Sabine a farm girl gets involved with a resistance group led by Carlos and she befriends a young man Herisman who is in the resistance
. Sabine is a messenger and is very brave and puts her life at risk many times.
she breaks up with her fiance Rene and after that threats are made against her and her family and German soldiers invade their farm.
This book is also a learning experience.

[Holly Reynolds · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was interested in this book when reading the blurb as I always find stories about the War interesting and I especially like them from the point of view of people who stood against the Nazis.

Resistance was no exception. I loved the characters and I particularly loved learning all the French words and terms. The author painted the picture of the countryside and surroundings perfectly with the writing and I could close my eyes and imagine the scenery.

An interesting read, and I’ll definitely be reading the next book in the series.

[Dorothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read based around the villagers based in Occupied France. The story of those in the resistance or helping as couriers all faced uncertain futures, whether they would be discovered or a collaborator would hand them over to the German forces all leads to an intense frightful existence. To trust is not easy, love is tenuous and people change during times of war. This is a good first novel in the trilogy, well researched and a story well told.

[vitoria · Rating 2 out of 5]

Even though Resistance is a fast reading, I couldn't find myself to actually enjoy the book. Maybe it was just because I'm not actually used to historical fiction but it didn't work for me. The only character I could like (and not even that much) was Sabine. I liked the author's writing but at all it wasn't nithing out of ordinary. May look out for the next volumes though.
2.5/5.0 stars
Thank you Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Mike Pendarvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating!

I was completely captivated by this book…..this story! The beginning descriptions paint a picture of a country with deep family roots, of a time when living was easy, then progresses to the horrors of a war that led men to do unbelievable horrors to innocent people and with absolutely NO regrets! With a love story woven throughout the tales of horrors that makes the reader hunger and thirst for more!

[Jan · Rating 2 out of 5]

A good story but needs refining

I was fascinated by the plot line of Resistance: Liberty and the characters. WWII is one of my favorite eras for both fiction and non-fiction, and Eilidh MCGinnes created a fabulous and informative storyline. However, the dialogue needs work, as does the character development- and the book itself requires additional editing.

#goodreadsgiveaway

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is set in a village in southern France during WW2 and it’s main characters work with the resistance.
Although this book is, at heart, a love story it is a hard hitting, thoughtful, poignant, gripping page turner.
The list of names and ages at the end of the book had me in tears and stayed with me for a long time.
This is a truly great read, I am looking forward to book 2.

[Beccy Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent read that pushed me out of my comfort zone
Well written with a good historical background and characters that appealed to the reader
A great first book in the series

[Kelly Knapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gripping read from beginning to end. Courage and resilience throughout. Some inaccuracies but great historical fiction.

[Pauline Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

Ever a dull moment. So many young men and women prepared to sacrifice their lives to free the wold from the the evil of Germany

[Susan Stoepel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on a true story

I f you like history, you will love this book. The story of a French town and its inhabitants and how the war changed them.