Raven is shipped off to her grandmother’s for the summer and discovers who she really is.
I want crazy how Raven snooped in her grandmother’s possessions because her true story comes out in dribs and drabs.
Coralie was gutsy but played a very dangerous game.
I loved all the 80s references and that the book had a happy ending.

I received an advanced copy of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley.

4.5 Stars

This book skillfully intertwines two timelines—Paris in 1943 and San Francisco in 1984—creating a captivating narrative of family, secrets, and survival. The story begins in Nazi-occupied Paris, where Coralie, a brave baker, hides not only her precious recipes but also the coded locations of people she’s secretly been helping escape German capture. Her leather-bound recipe book is her lifeline, and she swears to protect its contents at all costs.

Decades later, in 1984, Raven is reluctantly sent to spend the summer with her estranged French grandmother in San Francisco. Unfamiliar with the woman who has kept her past under lock and key, Raven stumbles upon an old, tattered recipe book filled with handwritten notes and a faded photograph. As she begins to piece together the mystery behind the book, Raven uncovers a connection to her grandmother’s secretive past during World War II.

The alternating timelines are masterfully handled, with each one bringing to life strong, complex women who persevere through their challenges. Coralie’s harrowing experiences during the war and Raven’s journey to reconnect with her grandmother blend seamlessly. The discovery of wartime secrets in the recipe book doesn’t just provide insight into history, but also becomes a means for healing, bridging the gap between generations.

This novel excels not only in its engaging plot but also in its evocative descriptions. The vivid portrayals of Parisian patisseries, with their mouth-watering pastries, transported me into the heart of France, making it almost impossible not to crave a trip to Paris (again). Moreover, I loved the 80s references!

*Warning: Do not begin this book if you have food cooking or housework to do! Your food will burn and your house will stay dirty, because you will not be able to put it down!*
One of the best historical fiction novels I’ve read (and I’ve read a lot of them!)
The author very skillfully navigates between two timelines, Paris during the Nazi Occupation, and the other in 1984. The young protagonist of the 80’s period was around my same age, so the references to pop culture in those chapters brought back a flood of memories. And the strategy of having the grandmother reveal her WW2 experiences to her granddaughter through flashbacks was a brilliant device!
I highly recommend this novel to any history buff!

* I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Resistance Bakery. A dual timeline story which is set in Paris during the German occupation and the present.

Coralie, who is a French pastry chef sees first hand what is going on when she’s working at the Lutetia hotel.

The friends she makes are strange whilst she’s finding her way, she does get some help from Madame Monteux, who is like a grandmother to her. Coralie thinks she’s got to know exactly what’s happening, but things are not that straightforward.

Now, in 1984, Coralie, a grandmother herself, relates what life was like for her as a pastry chef during the war to her granddaughter.

The story had me hooked from the beginning, made you think about what was happening and why.

I loved Madame Monteux because of how she was towards Coralie, as well as Coralie herself.

I highly recommend this book.

Another great WW2 resistance novel by Siobhan. A dual timeline with the early 1940s in Paris, & 1984/5 in America & Paris. It’s a riveting & intriguing story of courage & resilience. More people than maybe realise disliked Hitler, & actively worked against him. The baking is beautifully & deliciously described, & very creative. Coralie, Raven’s French Grandma, has wonderful bonding with Raven, as she tells her wartime story. There’s plenty of danger & edge of seat moments; sadness & triumph. Reconnection is a strong theme. Highly recommend this inspiring book.

This book was so good! It’s told thru dual timelines and both are interesting. It’s an emotional story set during a difficult time. It moves fairly quickly and you won’t be able to put it down. There are a few surprises along the way. Definitely recommend!

This has not been my favourite ww2 read. I found the initial chapters quite boring, and I almost gave up on it, but I’m glad I didn’t. Once the story began for real it was gripping in the race to find out the family story. As the details of events in Paris unfold the author tries to divert us with the making of macarons and the contract with the Abwehr, as the resistance activities begin to emerge. However, it isn’t until chapter 61 that everything comes together. Raven in the 1980s is mouthing off about nuclear war and learning about her Grandmother. For me the jumping backwards and towards between he 1940s and the 1980s distracted from the story but others might find that entertaining.

Thank you NetGalley for the advance copy, and to bookuture for publishing this and to Siobhan for writing the story. I have freely written an honest report having read the book to the end. While it was not my cup of tea this would appear to those diverted by the fresh smell of French pastry and for those who can cope with the dual mystery.

THE RESISTANCE BAKERY by SIOBHAN CURHAM is a WW11 story that takes place in Paris during the German occupation, where Mme Monteux, her dearest friend, buys Coralie Donnadieu a patisserie, which they call the Patisserie Resilience, where Coralie creates “the best desserts in Paris, even in the world,” according to German chef Reinhardt who works with her at the Lucretia hotel on Sundays, where she prepares delicious desserts for the members of the Abwehr who have taken over the hotel as their headquarters. The horrors of Nazi occupation, with their arrogance and hatred of the Jews, is well described, as Coralie and her friend Baptiste do all they can to keep the Jewish Mme Monteux safe and in good spirits.
Coralie makes the most of her time working at the Lutetia helping the surly sommelier Raphael with his work in the resistance. She is befriended by Inga, Canaris’ secretary and agrees to pass notes for her, hoping to find out information for the resistance. Her friendship with Reinhardt starts out in the same way, but leads to something more………
In 1984, Raven is sent far from home and her best friend Melissa, to stay with her grandmother, Coralie. Raven is a troubled young girl largely due to her parents’ continual fighting She feels she is in the way and the cause of their marital strife. She is terrified of rhe Russians and nuclear warfare, but no one takes her feelings seriously until she meets her amazing grandmother……..
The cookery book and photo album from the war years fascinate Raven, and her grandmother’s courage and honesty bring healing to them both as she tells her story…….
I do not want to tell you any more in case I spoil you read.
I found this novel both heartbreaking and heartwarming, with a good dose of hope in the midst of danger and sadness.
I waa given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bookouture. The opinions in this review are copetely my own.

I have read many world war II historical novels over the last two decades and I must say, “The Resistance Bakery”, is now at the top of my list of favorites. There are some stories that are so engaging, thought provoking, and so brilliantly told, one can’t exactly find the right words to express their appreciation for such immersive story-telling. This is one of those stories in my opinion.

One of the many topics explored in this story I admire Curham depicting is of forbidden love or love in the most dire and dangerous scenarios-if you will- and the consequences that results either in its tragic end or happy ends and new beginnings. I must say she also touches greatly on relationships and interactions between people that we consider the enemy or evil at best during war and afterwards. It is certainly a taboo subject and even today more times than not, people still can’t have an open and honest conversation about the subject. You see, Curham brings humanity to the table and gives you food for thought. No pun intended. In this story, not everything is cut and dry and often times not everything is what it seems. I respect that aspect of the story and it allows us to know-as humans-how wrong or misinformed our personal assumptions and beliefs can be towards a person or people and the situation they’re in themselves. This just goes to show that our hearts will deceives us.

Curham’s descriptions of the pastries Coralie baked activated my senses of wonderful scents and imagination of being transported to a bakery so much so I immediately thought of the French bakery not four miles from my home and the delectable treats it has to offer. This just goes to show how atmospheric this story is told.

I love a good resistance story and a French one to boot. There is suspense, mystery, secrets, courage, forgiveness, love, laughter, music, sorrow, anger, danger, heroism, and then some… A truly beautiful story. I will be thinking about, “The Resistance Bakery” for a very long time.
Stephanie Hopkins

This is a dual time line novel only by virtue of the fact that Coralie tells her story, the story of what happened in Paris during WWII, to her granddaughter in 1984. Coralie was a baker, a pastry chef, who found herself working at a grand hotel used by the Nazis and in close proximity to a German chef. She was also working for the resistance, collecting information. The outlines of her story will be familiar but Curham has created a strong and brave character. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

Paris 1943, Coralie smells fresh baguettes as she opens the door to her bakery. She needs to hide her recipe book from the Germans. In the present, Raven is sent to live with her grandmother in the countryside and she finds the recipe book not knowing that her grandmother could even bake. What happened in Paris all those years ago? Secrets and family.

Historical drama set during World War Two in Paris and present day America. Coralie and her granddaughter embark on a journey of remembrance.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I began The Resistance Bakery. I hadn't expected the story to grab hold of me and keep me entertained until the very end. I expected to have tears. I expected to be angry. What I didn't expect was to become intrigued by the French Resistance during the early years of the war, only to learn things aren't always as they seem.

The Nazis entered Paris in June 1940 with lots of fanfare. Those in power took over the Lutetia Hotel. They took over the kitchens. The French fled the hotel to the safety of their beloved city. Even Coralie, a pastry chef that worked in a bakery within the hotel had plans to flee the hotel.

When an opportunity presented itself, Coralie agrees to make her pastries at the hotel on Sundays. She becomes the eyes and ears for the resistance. She is doing what she can to save her city and her friends. Coralie's story is full of adventure and danger. She risks much, including her heart, to discover the secrets of the Abwher located within the hotel.

The story is told through a dual timeline. I loved how the past comes to life as Coralie tells her granddaughter her story. It is a story that she has never shared before. The story is full of her struggles with the past and acceptance of her actions. All of the heartache within the story was worth it when Coralie returns to Paris and finds her past.

The Resitance Bakery maybe a historical fiction but it was so believable that I couldn't put it down. I had such fun playing researcher, attempting to discover what was true and what was fiction. Now if I can find a French bakery so I can try all that Coralie created.

The Resistance Bakery by Siobhan Curham is a historical fiction that transports the reader to Paris during the German occupation. Coralie, the main character, is a French pastry chef that gets an insider view on what is happening while working at the Lutetia hotel. She makes unlikely friendships while navigating this new world and with the help of Madame Monteux, a grandmother figure to Coralie. Coralie might think she has it all figured out but nothing is as it seems. Fast forward to 1984 and Coralie is now a grandma who unexpectedly shares her time as a pastry chef during the war to her granddaughter.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I haven’t been reading many historical fiction books lately and this one has got me hooked on them again! I want more. The beginning was captivating and made you question what was happening by sharing a vital piece of information that you don’t understand yet. At first I didn’t love the granddaughter “Raven” character but as the story went on I found her endearing. My favorite character starting out was Madame Monteux because she was fabulous and gave relatable advice to Coralie. Then my favorite became Coralie as I learned more about her. This story has strong characters and a storyline you won’t forget. I would read this book over and over again. It was a real TREAT! Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I am beyond grateful!

The Resistance Bakery by Siobhan Curham

The Resistance Bakery by Siobhan Curhan is an endearing story spanning two different time periods. The story follows Coralie who works as a pâtissier during the German occupation of Paris. She also works for the resistance effort.
The story shifts to the present day, where Coralie meets her granddaughter for the first time. Raven yearns to know more about her grandmother’s life upon discovering an old, weathered cookbook that contains notes and a photo with a German soldier.
The story unfolds as Corlie shares her experiences during the war. It is a moving story of love, redemption, and forgiveness, The story includes recipes and delightful treats that Coralie makes throughout her time as a bakery chef in the hotel Lutetia,
This story gives you a warm cozy feeling at times, but then fills you with dread and concern as you experience Coralie’s struggles during the war.
This book is a must read for lovers of historical fiction. It will warm your heart and give you hope that life can change for the better against all odds.

WWII novels can be very depressing. Although there are unpleasant events, overall the tone of this book is encouraging. It highlights the lives of normal people who were in a place and time where they didn’t want to be, but played the cards they were dealt. I loved the well-developed characters. Sweet Baptiste, flamboyant and optimistic Madame Monteux, daring and creative pastry maker Coralie, chef Reinhardt, the German, and the rebellious granddaughter. Loved the descriptions of the desserts. What a nice touch. The story takes place in WWII Paris, in the early 1940s and in the U.S. in the early 1980s. Great dual timeline with a teenager struggling with her identity and a grandmother who comes clean about her past.

Favorite line by Madame Monteux, “In a world ruled by hatred and fear, happiness is an act of rebellion.” Favorite scene, the opera in the metro. Coralie’s character shows so well how life changes as the war progresses. You get a sense of the constant fear as she sneaks through the hotel on her spying missions or is taking risks in her patisserie. Liked that through the “regular” Germans, as well as Admiral Canaris and his secretary the reader finds out that not all Germans were proponents of the war. You see how the characters start to realize that many of the invading army are people just like them. Another favorite scene was when Coralie challenges one of the “regular” Germans when she says, “I don’t see any of you disagreeing” to which he responds, “You have to understand what would happen to us if we did.” Isn’t that the truth. After all that the French (or any other country for that matter) went through, it’s easy to see why so many people wanted to leave their country in search of a life in the new world. There’s a lovely ending that will make you wish the book wasn’t finished yet. WWII lovers, you will thoroughly enjoy this book.

Many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an ARC. All opinions are my own. I was not required to leave a positive review, but was very happy to do so!

The Resistance Bakery by Siobhan Curan is a powerful dual timeline historical novel that totally consumed me.
The action is set in Paris during the Nazi occupation from 1940 and also in America in 1984. Chapters alternate between the two time periods which are linked by a granddaughter hearing of her grandmother’s wartime exploits.
We see that not all Germans are Nazis who agree with Hitler. “I was … taken aback by how normal they [Nazis] looked.” Evil does not look so different from anyone else.
As young French and German people mixed in a hotel kitchen, hatred did not come easily. They were all united in their love of cooking. “The whole point of war is to get us to hate each other, but for what?” War seemed even more futile when the enemy was just like us.
A young French pastry chef is conflicted in her mind between the dreadful treatment of her Jewish friend and also the kindness of a German cook. Her emotions are tossed by the wind.
The non-Jewish pastry chef shows her loyalty to her Jewish friend by wearing the star of David on her clothes too. “I’m choosing not to see it as a target … I’m choosing to see it as a sign of how much I love you.” Resistance comes in many forms as seen when the two women dress up in their posh frocks, wear a smile and sing.
In 1984 there was the fear of a nuclear war between Russia and the United States. No one wants war but politicians drag the people into it. “It gives me hope that ordinary people are the same all over the world, it’s just our leaders that get us into these messes with their crazy power games.”
The granddaughter in 1984 feels misunderstood and invisible to her parents but bonds with a grandmother she has not seen for five years. Despite the generational gap, the two are united especially as the grandmother ‘sees’ and ‘gets’ her granddaughter. We see the importance of listening and of letting people express their individuality.
As the characters bond over food, the reader’s taste buds are tempted. Creating food and pastry dishes can be seen as an art form.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Resistance Bakery. It was an engaging read with a delightful set of characters.
I will leave you with my favourite quote:
“In a world ruled by hatred and fear, happiness is an act of rebellion.”
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

Such a great read! I loved how this was written- fluctuating between Paris in 1940s and San Francisco in 1984. The characters really came to life, especially the strong females. The mouth watering descriptions of the patisseries and menu items has me yearning for a trip to Paris. Although most can’t comprehend what life during the wars years would’ve been like, reading historical fiction like The Resistance Bakery not only affords one the opportunity to think/reflect on some of the horrors of that period in history, it can also create an appreciation the strength/determination of the people during that time. I highly recommend it.
Thank You to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Siobhan Curham for the opportunity to read and thoroughly enjoy this ARC.

Loved this book, couldn’t put it down! Have been reading a lot of books based on the resistance in Paris and this was one of the best!
Full of drama, lies, revenge, forbidden love and of course my fave Judy Blume quotes! It had it all and totally drew
Me into it. I could taste the food that was being made with the vivid descriptions.
It’s the first book I’ve read of this author and it definitely won’t be the last! Away to order her earlier books now!
Highly recommend!

The very epitome of page-turner with a great storyline that grips from the first and kept me reading right up to the heart-racing denouement STUNNER ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️