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Stella Bled #5
A Quiet Little Place on Rue de Lille
Paris 1940
The Reich is moving in and Stella Bled Lawrence can’t get out.
Stella has proved adept at the double agent game, too adept as it turns out. The British want her to stay where she is, even though she’s about to be trapped, and worse, the Nazis want to expand her work into a distressing direction.
When two Nazi agents go rogue, Stella is at the right place at the wrong time. She ends up on the worst mission possible and her Nazi handler Villemain demands success or else.
Stella thinks she can use this new mission to get herself and her poodle, Bijou, out of Paris. It isn’t the best place to be between food shortages, roaming packs of abandoned dogs, and desperate people with the Wehrmacht marching ever closer.
One problem leads to another and Stella’s assigned to work on the Reich’s plan for theft on a grand scale with sidelines into documenting Jewish art and apartments. Everyone wants something and Stella thinks she has nothing left to give until she realizes her wretched assignments might be used to help the people she cares about instead of hurting them. It's a huge gamble, but she’s willing to take it.
Once she’s on the job, her expertise in art gets noticed and delivers an opportunity that the British never thought they’d have. The ultimate sacrifice is always on the table and Stella will have to make a devastating choice. People won’t survive. The question is…will Stella?
The Reich is moving in and Stella Bled Lawrence can’t get out.
Stella has proved adept at the double agent game, too adept as it turns out. The British want her to stay where she is, even though she’s about to be trapped, and worse, the Nazis want to expand her work into a distressing direction.
When two Nazi agents go rogue, Stella is at the right place at the wrong time. She ends up on the worst mission possible and her Nazi handler Villemain demands success or else.
Stella thinks she can use this new mission to get herself and her poodle, Bijou, out of Paris. It isn’t the best place to be between food shortages, roaming packs of abandoned dogs, and desperate people with the Wehrmacht marching ever closer.
One problem leads to another and Stella’s assigned to work on the Reich’s plan for theft on a grand scale with sidelines into documenting Jewish art and apartments. Everyone wants something and Stella thinks she has nothing left to give until she realizes her wretched assignments might be used to help the people she cares about instead of hurting them. It's a huge gamble, but she’s willing to take it.
Once she’s on the job, her expertise in art gets noticed and delivers an opportunity that the British never thought they’d have. The ultimate sacrifice is always on the table and Stella will have to make a devastating choice. People won’t survive. The question is…will Stella?
478 pages, Paperback
Published November 19, 2021
About the author
A.W. Hartoin
48 books233 followersUSA Today bestselling author A.W. Hartoin grew up in rural Missouri, but her grandmother lived in the Central West End area of St. Louis. The CWE fascinated her with its enormous houses, every one unique. She was sure there was a story behind each ornate door. Going to Grandma’s house was a treat and an adventure. As the only grandchild around for many years, A.W. spent her visits exploring the many rooms with their many secrets. That’s how Mercy Watts and the fairies of Whipplethorn came to be.
As an adult, A.W. Hartoin decided she needed a whole lot more life experience if she was going to write good characters so she joined the Air Force. It was the best education she could’ve hoped for. She met her husband and traveled the world, living in Alaska, Italy, and Germany before settling in Colorado for nearly eleven years. Now A.W. has returned to Germany and lives in picturesque Waldenbuch with her family and two spoiled cats, who absolutely believe they should be allowed to escape and roam the village freely.
As an adult, A.W. Hartoin decided she needed a whole lot more life experience if she was going to write good characters so she joined the Air Force. It was the best education she could’ve hoped for. She met her husband and traveled the world, living in Alaska, Italy, and Germany before settling in Colorado for nearly eleven years. Now A.W. has returned to Germany and lives in picturesque Waldenbuch with her family and two spoiled cats, who absolutely believe they should be allowed to escape and roam the village freely.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 21, 2021
Enthralling
Every Stella Bled book is amazing, but this one kept me breathless as I turned the pages and tried to keep hope. Stella’s encounters with friend and foe alike are riddled with danger as the Nazis take over Paris. The physical and emotional exhaustion she and her Parisian neighbors and acquaintances suffer is palpable. An outstanding story.
Every Stella Bled book is amazing, but this one kept me breathless as I turned the pages and tried to keep hope. Stella’s encounters with friend and foe alike are riddled with danger as the Nazis take over Paris. The physical and emotional exhaustion she and her Parisian neighbors and acquaintances suffer is palpable. An outstanding story.
March 13, 2022
I love all of the Stella Bled books, it's stories, plots, mysteries and thrills. They all were very hard to put down and I really did not want the books to end. I hope the series will continue, I am so looking forward to the next!!
November 23, 2021
Stella is back, but this is not the Stella Bled Lawrence we met on her honeymoon: clever, fun-loving, a little naïve. Nor is this the extraordinary young woman we followed through seeing Abel in the boxcar, the Sorkines in the canal, Rosa on the train station floor, little Anna starving in her crib, and Marion screaming herself hoarse in terror. This Stella is still extraordinary, but there is a lot of war left and it is slowly, painfully, inexorably taking its toll on her. Her actions are still strong, brave and fearless because they have to be, but she feels the fear every moment of every day. This Stella seems desperate, overwhelmed and frightened right from the start. She’s survived the frostbite on her feet from flying the plane, the infections from the water in Venice, the deaths, more and more deaths, Peiper’s unstable, unbridled rage and hatred and much more, but how much more can she take? Now she is always near death, never out of danger. And she is still so, so young.
When A Quiet Little Place on Rue de Lille opens Stella is still in Paris, posing as Micheline Dubois, an antiques expert and art buyer for a New York firm. But it’s hardly playing a role anymore; she has had to become Marceline morning, noon and night. She can barely remember the young bride she was, the joy she felt embarking on her honeymoon. Instead, everything in her life has become subterfuge, pretending, plotting, planning, playing at both sides to defend the side she is loyal to. It feels like she will never be just Stella again. It also feels like Paris will never be Paris again. Lively, warm, exciting Paris is lively and warm no more, and the excitement is only of the negative kind. Paris has been overrun, overtaken but the government says this is only temporary until the armistice is signed. Stella knows better. She’s seen what has happened firsthand as The Reich has rolled along.
Author A. W. Hartoin paints a vivid, heartbreaking picture of people, places and emotions. She instills a sense of dread and suspense that are full-on from first page to last. Until now, Stella has stayed one step ahead of the Nazis’ relentless push across Europe, but now she is feeling discouraged and exhausted. Peiper was the most frightening man she ever met, and he’s back, back in her face. Will he recognize her? Hitler is the most evil man she has ever seen. If she has the chance to eliminate him but at the cost of losing her own life, will she take it?
In addition to a do-not-stop-reading, do-not-put-down page turner, Hartoin once again fills this book with horrifyingly accurate real-life history and an amazing knowledge of art and artists, including a look at how organized, efficient and ruthless the Nazis were in stealing all the art they could in Europe, making sense of the desperation to smuggle books, paintings, and any works of art out, or a truly heart-stopping song about sharpening the long knives to go better into the Jewish belly sung by Hitler Youth for girls between the ages of 10 and 14. Nazi rules and Hitler’s orders were often followed without thought or question.
A Quiet Little Place on Rue de Lille is haunting, tragic, inspiring, riveting, moving from one horror to another so fast you can barely catch your breath. We glimpse bits of Stella’s humor, but not the joyous bursts from before but something now understated, wry, ironic. Makes us wants to see the old Stella, that real Stella that might have been if not for this war, but will that ever be? She has lost so many people and doesn’t know where Nicky is or if he is even alive. So that young, elite American couple, Mr. & Mrs. Nicky Lawrence, is probably no more. Her sense of duty surpasses everything so what will their future hold?
As always the writing and plot structure are superb. There is so much going on, so many characters and events and unknowns but author A. W. Hartoin once again expertly weaves them together flawlessly, bringing in events from the past and adding hints and surprises for the future. This book is complicated and complex but never confusing; everything and everyone has a purpose. I continue to be impressed with how well Hartoin manages the people and the plot and the details and historical accuracy to present a smooth, compelling, satisfying read. Stella’s thoughts in italics is an addition I especially enjoyed. When her German contact looks at a print and says, “What am I missing?” Stella thinks: A soul. A heart. And when she thinks to herself, “If this isn’t hell, I can see it from here.” that is sobering insight into her state of mind.
Thanks to the author for providing an advance copy of A Quiet Little Place on Rue de Lille for my reading pleasure and a fair and honest review. While the subject matter may not be joyful this series is definitely a joy to read. There were a couple of plot twists and hints I didn’t see coming, which make me even more anxious for the next book in the series. I recommend this book and the rest of the series (and all the other books A. W. Hartoin writes – think Mercy!) without hesitation. All opinions are my own.
When A Quiet Little Place on Rue de Lille opens Stella is still in Paris, posing as Micheline Dubois, an antiques expert and art buyer for a New York firm. But it’s hardly playing a role anymore; she has had to become Marceline morning, noon and night. She can barely remember the young bride she was, the joy she felt embarking on her honeymoon. Instead, everything in her life has become subterfuge, pretending, plotting, planning, playing at both sides to defend the side she is loyal to. It feels like she will never be just Stella again. It also feels like Paris will never be Paris again. Lively, warm, exciting Paris is lively and warm no more, and the excitement is only of the negative kind. Paris has been overrun, overtaken but the government says this is only temporary until the armistice is signed. Stella knows better. She’s seen what has happened firsthand as The Reich has rolled along.
Author A. W. Hartoin paints a vivid, heartbreaking picture of people, places and emotions. She instills a sense of dread and suspense that are full-on from first page to last. Until now, Stella has stayed one step ahead of the Nazis’ relentless push across Europe, but now she is feeling discouraged and exhausted. Peiper was the most frightening man she ever met, and he’s back, back in her face. Will he recognize her? Hitler is the most evil man she has ever seen. If she has the chance to eliminate him but at the cost of losing her own life, will she take it?
In addition to a do-not-stop-reading, do-not-put-down page turner, Hartoin once again fills this book with horrifyingly accurate real-life history and an amazing knowledge of art and artists, including a look at how organized, efficient and ruthless the Nazis were in stealing all the art they could in Europe, making sense of the desperation to smuggle books, paintings, and any works of art out, or a truly heart-stopping song about sharpening the long knives to go better into the Jewish belly sung by Hitler Youth for girls between the ages of 10 and 14. Nazi rules and Hitler’s orders were often followed without thought or question.
A Quiet Little Place on Rue de Lille is haunting, tragic, inspiring, riveting, moving from one horror to another so fast you can barely catch your breath. We glimpse bits of Stella’s humor, but not the joyous bursts from before but something now understated, wry, ironic. Makes us wants to see the old Stella, that real Stella that might have been if not for this war, but will that ever be? She has lost so many people and doesn’t know where Nicky is or if he is even alive. So that young, elite American couple, Mr. & Mrs. Nicky Lawrence, is probably no more. Her sense of duty surpasses everything so what will their future hold?
As always the writing and plot structure are superb. There is so much going on, so many characters and events and unknowns but author A. W. Hartoin once again expertly weaves them together flawlessly, bringing in events from the past and adding hints and surprises for the future. This book is complicated and complex but never confusing; everything and everyone has a purpose. I continue to be impressed with how well Hartoin manages the people and the plot and the details and historical accuracy to present a smooth, compelling, satisfying read. Stella’s thoughts in italics is an addition I especially enjoyed. When her German contact looks at a print and says, “What am I missing?” Stella thinks: A soul. A heart. And when she thinks to herself, “If this isn’t hell, I can see it from here.” that is sobering insight into her state of mind.
Thanks to the author for providing an advance copy of A Quiet Little Place on Rue de Lille for my reading pleasure and a fair and honest review. While the subject matter may not be joyful this series is definitely a joy to read. There were a couple of plot twists and hints I didn’t see coming, which make me even more anxious for the next book in the series. I recommend this book and the rest of the series (and all the other books A. W. Hartoin writes – think Mercy!) without hesitation. All opinions are my own.
November 20, 2021
I really enjoyed this book, it is the type of book that stays with you, in fact even after I finished reading it I still had Stella running through my mind. I would say you definitely need to have read the previous books to know or understand all the characters and the relationships but even though this has been my favourite book, they are just as good. The author paints a very vivid picture with her words making you feel like you are experiencing the struggles along side Stella. I must admit I wanted to jump to the end to see if there was a happy ending for the characters or for a certain little pet. Stella is just a strong, capable main character that it is a pleasure to spend time with her, even during war time. My main reading genre is cozy mysteries, so joining Stella is a big change for me but well worth coming out of my comfort zone, I can't wait to join her on her next big adventure.
To help her friends Stella Bled has to work for the enemy. This means going through files looking for art and apartments that the Nazis would be interested in. That is unless you are Stella, then it means changing files to protect not only priceless art but also the families that own them, right under the enemies noses. But working for two master's might prove to be to difficult even for a well trained double agent like Stella. Especially with people fleeing the city, leaving behind elderly loved ones, the sick and damaged and even pets. Can Stella help everybody in need? When even with her skills she is struggling to find food and the will to go on. Getting out of Paris is the only option but with boots marching up and down the street even that might prove difficult.
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
To help her friends Stella Bled has to work for the enemy. This means going through files looking for art and apartments that the Nazis would be interested in. That is unless you are Stella, then it means changing files to protect not only priceless art but also the families that own them, right under the enemies noses. But working for two master's might prove to be to difficult even for a well trained double agent like Stella. Especially with people fleeing the city, leaving behind elderly loved ones, the sick and damaged and even pets. Can Stella help everybody in need? When even with her skills she is struggling to find food and the will to go on. Getting out of Paris is the only option but with boots marching up and down the street even that might prove difficult.
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
January 24, 2022
Really enjoyed the series
I thoroughly enjoyed the series. I found the writing (in particular the sarcasm and humor that develops in the final book) to be really engaging. The writer describes the civilian wartime conditions in graphic detail, and as I imagine they were, having lived in Austria in the mid 1980's and talking with people who were young adults during the war. The only thing I just can't get past is the age of Stella. When the series starts she is a socialite bride of just 18 who speaks no other languages. She transforms into a very astute, multilingual spy by books 2 and 3. Book 5 sees her with the wisdom of someone 20 years her senior. Even in wartime, I just don't see someone with her background --- an intelligent mimic or not --- with the judgment Stella has, learning multiple languages and speaking them like a native, in a little less than 2 years. I have an aptitude for languages and in my mid 20's learned German in an intensive environment (2 month immersion) and became fluent after living in Austria for 16 months. I never was able to fully lose my accent (I sound Dutch) and still didn't have the ability to catch every nuance like a native would. I just don't find it plausible that Stella could go from speaking nothing but English to learning natively fluent French AND German in a period of under 2 years. I think the author would have done better to make Stella mid-twenties and at least conversant in French in the first book. Then her youth and inexperience vs wisdom and language capability would not stick out as an implausibility. Nonetheless, the series was really fun to read, very engaging, and kept me up reading many nights because I just couldn't put it down. I am hoping for book #6 and 7...
I thoroughly enjoyed the series. I found the writing (in particular the sarcasm and humor that develops in the final book) to be really engaging. The writer describes the civilian wartime conditions in graphic detail, and as I imagine they were, having lived in Austria in the mid 1980's and talking with people who were young adults during the war. The only thing I just can't get past is the age of Stella. When the series starts she is a socialite bride of just 18 who speaks no other languages. She transforms into a very astute, multilingual spy by books 2 and 3. Book 5 sees her with the wisdom of someone 20 years her senior. Even in wartime, I just don't see someone with her background --- an intelligent mimic or not --- with the judgment Stella has, learning multiple languages and speaking them like a native, in a little less than 2 years. I have an aptitude for languages and in my mid 20's learned German in an intensive environment (2 month immersion) and became fluent after living in Austria for 16 months. I never was able to fully lose my accent (I sound Dutch) and still didn't have the ability to catch every nuance like a native would. I just don't find it plausible that Stella could go from speaking nothing but English to learning natively fluent French AND German in a period of under 2 years. I think the author would have done better to make Stella mid-twenties and at least conversant in French in the first book. Then her youth and inexperience vs wisdom and language capability would not stick out as an implausibility. Nonetheless, the series was really fun to read, very engaging, and kept me up reading many nights because I just couldn't put it down. I am hoping for book #6 and 7...
March 29, 2022
Book 5 in the Stella Bled Lawrence Series
Paris 1940
Stella is stuck in Paris, working as a double agent, when the Nazis invade invade the city.
The British want her to stay and play out her dangerous role as an art expert for the Nazis. She plays her role well, too well it seems when her expertise gets noticed in the highest ranks.
This time even Stella finds it impossible to escape the wretched assignments until she is faced by one last assignment.
Will she have the strength to do the ultimate sacrifice? Can she stop the war and Hitler? A devastating choice.
~Nancy Huber, author of Days of Fire and Homeschooling Against All Odds
Paris 1940
Stella is stuck in Paris, working as a double agent, when the Nazis invade invade the city.
The British want her to stay and play out her dangerous role as an art expert for the Nazis. She plays her role well, too well it seems when her expertise gets noticed in the highest ranks.
This time even Stella finds it impossible to escape the wretched assignments until she is faced by one last assignment.
Will she have the strength to do the ultimate sacrifice? Can she stop the war and Hitler? A devastating choice.
~Nancy Huber, author of Days of Fire and Homeschooling Against All Odds
August 22, 2023
And the Story Continues
Stella Bled has transformed from society debutante to spy in this fascinating series. Those of us who have not been through war don’t realize the extent of interwoven people and agencies providing information, escaping terror, or the intense joy of learning one you thought was dead is in fact alive. Follow Stella as she works in Germany to gather information about Nazi movements while her husband is a pilot in the war. Exciting, terrifying, Stella will lead you on a journey you will long remember!
Stella Bled has transformed from society debutante to spy in this fascinating series. Those of us who have not been through war don’t realize the extent of interwoven people and agencies providing information, escaping terror, or the intense joy of learning one you thought was dead is in fact alive. Follow Stella as she works in Germany to gather information about Nazi movements while her husband is a pilot in the war. Exciting, terrifying, Stella will lead you on a journey you will long remember!
February 9, 2022
This is another great story about Stella Bled. The author has really developed a character that evolves as the story and plot evolves. Stella is on a personal inner journey as well as a journey as a double spy during the war. All the people around her, she tries to save in some way from the reich. The supporting characters in this book again are thoughtfully developed to enrich the plot. The plot had me holding my breath with my fingers crossed hoping that she would not be caught. I can not wait to see what happens next to Stella.
December 1, 2021
The Stella Bled Series
I have read all of the Mercy Watts books and her curiosity about the life of Stella was intriguing to say the least. I was surprised to realize how very little I actually know about World War II and the behind the scenes work that took place. Stella is a very interesting and believable character. k
I have read all of the Mercy Watts books and her curiosity about the life of Stella was intriguing to say the least. I was surprised to realize how very little I actually know about World War II and the behind the scenes work that took place. Stella is a very interesting and believable character. k
January 15, 2022
These are such fun books to read. I saw it tagged recently as a thriller. I don’t read thrillers. But it is definitely a page turner. I remember with the first book in the series not liking the main characters. But they are well developed through the series you can’t help but love the characters and the story line. Lots of history to learn and some art history too!
April 29, 2022
shell bled
I came across this series and fell in love with Stella! Each character touched me but I held my breath at stellas near get aways! Everything her and nicky did in the first book kept me on the edge of my seat. From then on I was hooked! I didn't want it to end! I wanted her to see abel and talk to him! I wanted more more more lol
I came across this series and fell in love with Stella! Each character touched me but I held my breath at stellas near get aways! Everything her and nicky did in the first book kept me on the edge of my seat. From then on I was hooked! I didn't want it to end! I wanted her to see abel and talk to him! I wanted more more more lol
October 30, 2022
Love the Stella Bled Spy Series
This series of books is so gripping it is impossible to put down. Stella is such an engaging young woman, with uncanny instincts and unbelievable luck. Her exp!lots as a WWII SIS agent will keep you totally engrossed, and sitting on the edge of your seat.
This series of books is so gripping it is impossible to put down. Stella is such an engaging young woman, with uncanny instincts and unbelievable luck. Her exp!lots as a WWII SIS agent will keep you totally engrossed, and sitting on the edge of your seat.
December 22, 2021
Love the character of Stella. Watching her mature beyond her young years in war torn Europe is intriguing. Still not sure how she is related to Mercy Watts and would love more books that would clear that up!
December 29, 2021
This latest in the Stella Bled series was intriguing. Stella, now in Paris as a double agent, and ends up playing both sides In her latest escapade. It’s 1940 and she has to play the game right to succeed in her mission. Keeps you turning the pages that’s sure!
January 1, 2023
Stimulating
Breathtaking scenes that placed the reader right into the middle of the action. I instinctively reacted whenever the coat exploded, and fretted with Bijou at the disruption of his security and routine. A complete must-read!
Breathtaking scenes that placed the reader right into the middle of the action. I instinctively reacted whenever the coat exploded, and fretted with Bijou at the disruption of his security and routine. A complete must-read!
August 2, 2023
Great Story
This is about the detailed everyday life in Paris mixed with espionage. I can not imagine the emotions involved in your world being invaded and turned upside down, nor the confusion that involves. This story gave good evidence of that world.
This is about the detailed everyday life in Paris mixed with espionage. I can not imagine the emotions involved in your world being invaded and turned upside down, nor the confusion that involves. This story gave good evidence of that world.
September 10, 2023
This series is absolutely fascinating ....An incredible writer...I read this book completely in one sitting!!
The Mercy Watts series is fabulous too and the Whipplethorne books...
Afavorite author!!
The Mercy Watts series is fabulous too and the Whipplethorne books...
Afavorite author!!
January 17, 2024
An insight into the world of evil
Fiction relies on reality to create a compelling story and that is what author Heroin had done in this book. It holds your attention and even wears you out at times. Stella is an undaunted character on a mission. Well told.
Fiction relies on reality to create a compelling story and that is what author Heroin had done in this book. It holds your attention and even wears you out at times. Stella is an undaunted character on a mission. Well told.
February 14, 2024
Beautifully written
Ms. Harrison's series is one of the best adventure/ history works out. She manages to take a person inside a horrendous time in history, making the reality strike immense anger and pain . It's beautifully written but heartbreaking.
Ms. Harrison's series is one of the best adventure/ history works out. She manages to take a person inside a horrendous time in history, making the reality strike immense anger and pain . It's beautifully written but heartbreaking.
February 16, 2026
Terrific
Great continuation of the Stella Bled Story. The interaction of characters, knowledge of silent thoughts and telling of history was exceptional. Quite enjoyed this book and look forward to the next!
Great continuation of the Stella Bled Story. The interaction of characters, knowledge of silent thoughts and telling of history was exceptional. Quite enjoyed this book and look forward to the next!
November 21, 2021
As always AW Hartoin has written a beautiful story. Continuing on Stella's quest as a spy for the British this books gives you laughs and tears a definite 5 star read thank you
December 4, 2021
Stella
Stella's life and determination have my full attention. I'm learning so much about history and people. I have to put it down every so often to be able to think and go on.
Stella's life and determination have my full attention. I'm learning so much about history and people. I have to put it down every so often to be able to think and go on.
January 8, 2022
This is a great series. I just wish there were more Stella Bled Lawrence books, I hated to see it end.
April 28, 2022
Very good, but will there be a book 6 or a spinoff???
June 8, 2022
An absolutely brilliant read. I have read all five of this series and have enjoyed everyone of them.
July 11, 2022
Stella Bled Book 5
Excellent story line, have thoroughly enjoyed every book, including the Mercy Watts series. What a ride! She's back and he's alive. Ready for number 6.
Excellent story line, have thoroughly enjoyed every book, including the Mercy Watts series. What a ride! She's back and he's alive. Ready for number 6.
April 17, 2023
I love the Stella Bled series and this time she's in Paris as the Reich moves in. A thrilling page-turner.
August 15, 2023
Wonderful series
The saga continues and I just want it to go on and on to see who makes it. Excellent details to the time period.
The saga continues and I just want it to go on and on to see who makes it. Excellent details to the time period.
February 6, 2024
One of the best in the series
Stella gross as a dog .the detailss of France during the occupation are excellent . .any twists and turns .
Stella gross as a dog .the detailss of France during the occupation are excellent . .any twists and turns .
October 17, 2025
Too quiet for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews