A great historical fiction novel
This novel has been researched extensively by the author.
This book shows what life was like in Paris during the Second World War

I couldn't get into this book. The protagonist seemed to me very self centered and very much believed that she was a victim because she got roped into helping the resistance.

Genevive Dumont, better known across Paris as her stage name ‘The Black Swan’ is a show-biz star, touring her way through Paris delighting the German Officers who make up the numbers at her shows in 1944 occupied Paris.

Little do the officers know, that the dazzling Black Swan singing before them is not all she appears to be. Genevra de Rocheford, is secretly working as part of the French Resistance, with a small entourage of unlikely agents.

The story follows her fight to rescue her captured mother, and the hard and fierce love story between her and her agent Max, as he helps to unravel Genevive’s Past. Love, fear, betrayal, trust, family...all of these are at play here as Robards brings us a dramatic historical ww2 story accompanied by all the emotions of a rollercoaster journey. I laughed, I cried and I kept reading in chock at places which is testament to the way in which the story is delivered.

I found the book a little too long for my liking which is why I’ve knocked a star off, and a lot of the action only picks up halfway through. I found the ending slightly rushed in its manner of tying up all the loose ends also, but I did enjoy the book overall. Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin publishers for the arc for a review.

The Black Swan of Paris by Karen Robards
I have not read anything written by this author before but I was attracted by the description of the novel and I was not disappointed. Set at the end of WWII this is the story of Genevieve Dumont who is a celebrated singer known as The Black Swan. She is used to entertaining the German troops whilst she is in Paris but her ability to access places which would be unavailable to others is being used by the Resistance to pass on secrets as they plot the downfall of their oppressors.
As the novel opens Genevieve takes her life in her hands by smuggling away a young baby whose mother is sent off to her inevitable death in one of the Nazi prisons. Her manager, Max, is in fact an army major who is working for the resistance after being injured when shot down. He is furious with Genevieve as he feels her rash behaviour could have jeopardised their true purpose.
Gradually the complexities of Genevieve’s past are revealed and she is led into further danger. The book seems to be well researched and apart from a few phrases which seem too modern it is very well written. I was fully involved with the characters and keen to know how things would be resolved. I would definitely recommend this book to members of my various book groups and would like to thank the author, the publishers and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

I struggled with this book even though initially I really wanted to read and enjoy it. The characters were too intense and the back story of their lives just too complicated for me to want to sit and relax with it. Sadly, I gave up no even half way through as I just did not get to grips with it.

I got the Black Swan of Paris by Karen Robards, free from NetGalley for and Honest Review


The Black Swan of Paris is set in wartime Paris, in 1944 just before the allied invasion of France in June of that year. The book tells the story of Genevieve Dumont, other wise known as The Black Swan of Paris, a French singer who is loved by the Germans. Genevieve’s Manager Max, however is a British agent, you met her in Casablanca, shortly after France had fallen to the Germans in 1944 and eventually, Max her what he did and since then They both have worked with the resistance networks
around Europe using her fame to move easily through security and pass messages.

Genevieve all so has her own past, which she has kept hidden from not only from Max but herself as well. Then one day a French Resistance fighter is captured by the Germans, who not only knows about where the allied invasion will happen but is closely connected to Genevieve’s past, so a race to release the captured resistance fighter, which may bring Genevieve back to her family.

Karen Robards, has written a more than a wartime thriller, which gives an insight into what it was like to live under occupation as the allied invasion of France comes closer, the pressure on the occupiers have on them to find out when and where the allies plan to invade Europe, and the dangerous lives that the resistance had to live. The writer all so talks about how the normal French citizens are only just have enough to eat, and are at risk of both been used as hostages by the Germans and being shot by them, in addition there is the danger of being bombed and being killed by the allied bombers.

The main story it self is not only about the Rescue of a French Resistance fighter but all so, a story about family reunions and forgiveness not only of Relations but of yourself as well.

As the book got to the end it started to remind me of an Alistair MacLean, novel however if the author has read the book or seen the film then, it seemed to me as the reader to an homage to the work.

All in all Karen Robards has written a well thought out wartime novel, which evolves around not only the French Resistance but also the bond between family members, which makes The Black Swan of Paris an enjoyable read.

The Black Swan sings in Paris and works undercover for the Resistance. Her manager Max has an undercover mission which could put them both in danger. The book is wrapped in secrets, lies and tensions as they plan to extract Lillian who has been captured by the Nazis and holds valuable information that could put the Allies in jeopardy. A high octane read which is a real page turner and captures the heightened tension of the war perfectly. A brilliant read that I would recommend. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me review this book.

The Black Swan of Paris by Karen Robards is an excellent historical fiction from beginning to end. This novel also keeps the reader engaged and enthralled due to the mystery, suspense, and the romantic aspects that are added as well.

This book takes place in the thick of it: Paris under occupation in 1944. Genevieve Dumont is an excellent female protagonist. She is smart, strong, fiery, loyal, loving, flawed, and a fighter. I enjoyed her relationship and chemistry with Max. The things we do to fight for those we love and for what is right. She is truly brave.

I enjoyed the plot and the suspense associated with the attempt of survival during the women’s mission kept me on edge throughout.

I enjoyed the pace, the intricate and exciting plot, the cast of characters, and I truly did enjoy the ending.

This is an excellent WWII historical fiction novel and it is for anyone that loves a good plot, suspense, and anyone that loves to read about the impressive underdog of the Resistance in France during the Occupation.

Excellent 5/5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub (links are posted here with the review) accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon and B&N accounts upon publication.

Interesting look at wartime Paris, good characters. Very well described. A bit of romance,a bit of a mystery in a story which moved quickly along.