The Watchmakers Daughter

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The Watchmaker's Daughter by Dianne Haley-WW II historical novel

Valerie lives with her watchmaker father in Switzerland during the war. A neutral country and one who is torn between the two sides but seeing what the Germans are doing and hearing the BBC news leaves many of them forming a resistance group to help where they can to pass on information and sometimes people. Valerie is in love with Phillipe who is in the army. She is helping with the resistance movement and there is news of a traitor- someone who is passing information to the Germans and if found out would be shot. Who in the town would do this and why?

I quickly got into this and like Valerie and her loyalty to doing justice. There's a nice tension of anticipation when the resistance are in action- to me showing the skill of a good author. It's an emotive read and one with some wonderful scenic descriptions that put the reader at the heart of the book. I'm sure there is more to come from Valerie and Phillipe and I look forward to the next one. A very interesting, enjoyable read.

For more reviews please follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

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The Watchmaker's Daughter: An utterly gripping and heart-wrenching World War II historical novel

 

Hiding the worn piece of paper among her father’s watch deliveries, her eyes fill with tears at the memory of her brave friend walking towards the Nazi soldiers, and the sharp sound of gun fire. Her friend sacrificed herself so that she could deliver this message. But if she hands it over, the love of her life will die…

1942, Geneva: As her radio crackles with heart-breaking news from occupied France, Valérie Hallez gazes towards the snow-covered Alps after a long day helping her father, a local watchmaker. With a Nazi invasion looming, she is sick with worry for the future of her country, and for Philippe, her childhood sweetheart with soft brown eyes. Valérie might not be able to join the army like him, but she is determined to play her part in the fight against evil…

In defiance of her father, Valérie helps the French Resistance by smuggling messages among her father’s watch deliveries. And when darkness falls, she risks everything to hide Jewish refugee children in his old workshop. Philippe fears for her safety, as her work for the Resistance could come with a heavy price. But nothing will stop her delivering vital information and getting terrified children to safety before they are sent back to the Nazis.

But when Valérie is entrusted with an urgent letter for the Allies, she finds herself in an impossible position. The information it contains could alter the course of the war. But if she hands over the message now, it will cost Philippe his life. With Nazi spies closing in on her, Valérie must act now… But can she really trust the man she loves, and will she find a way to save both him and her country before it’s too late?

An utterly gripping and heart-breaking novel about love and bravery in a time of terrible danger. Fans of The Alice Network, The Nightingale and We Were the Lucky Ones will be swept away by The Watchmaker’s Daughter

 

Buy link:

 

https://geni.us/B09R4PX5DNsocial

 

About the author

 

Originally from the north of Scotland, Dianne now lives with her husband in Edinburgh and has two grown-up children. After a thirty-year business career in London and Edinburgh when Dianne wrote between projects, she is now writing full-time.

Dianne and her family have been visiting the area round Lake Geneva since 1992 and love the Alps in all seasons. The inspiration for her series set in WW2 Switzerland came from a drive through Geneva’s old town on a rainy October evening, the cobbled lanes a perfect setting for secrets and hiding places.

Author social media

 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dhaley30

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dianne-Haley-Author-105318942048374

 

Website: www.diannehaley.com

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