Member Reviews

Hewitt has a knack for writing emotional historical fiction. This is no exception. While it's part of a series it's entirely enjoyable as a standalone. Thanks to Netgalley for the Arc. For fans of the WWII story.

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My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘The Girl Who Risked It All’, The Emerald Sisters book 3 written by Kate Hewitt, in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

When the four friends finally disembarked the SS St Louis they promised to meet in a café in Paris despite not knowing what country they were going to be living in. It’s now June 1946 and Hannah is waiting in the café but when the others don’t arrive she walks away not knowing what happened to them.

Other than a brief summary at the beginning, ‘The Girl Who Risked It all’ goes straight into the continuing story of the four young women who each carry a sliver of emerald. This part of the story is mainly of Hannah who meets Sophie again, as it tells of the people of France who struggle to survive against oppression and the bravery of those ordinary people working for the Resistance who face certain death if their identities are discovered. This beautifully written story relates the true facts of World War II making it feel far too real for comfort, and the characters are so perfectly described that I had to keep reading. The next part of the women’s lives is still to be told so I’m anxiously awaiting book 3 to find out if they finally meet.

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Even only half Jewish on their father's side was enough to cause trouble for Hannah Lerner and her younger sister Lotte. Their arrival in France, knowing no one, was fraught with difficulties, but when Lotte was offered housing with an orphanage which took Jewish children, Hannah realised her sister would be much safer there. Hannah herself had no idea where to go, and sheltering on a park bench in the middle of the night began her acquaintance with Michel and his parents. Hannah helped Michel's dad with sewing repairs, as she was an excellent seamstress. But the day a Nazi arrived in the shop was the day they knew Hannah needed to vanish.

Living in a house where resistance activities operated - living in plain sight - Hannah quickly joined their ranks. Delivering messages, making sure to be back before curfew, keeping her nerves strong and fears at bay, Hannah tried to see Lotte as often as she could. But it would be eighteen months before she saw her again, and Lotte was now a teenager. She was thriving in the environment with the other children, helping out with the younger ones. They continued to move as danger loomed, but the night Hannah heard the distressing news there was to be a raid the following morning and all children removed to the camps, Hannah was frantic in her rush to rescue Lotte. But could she do it; could she keep them both out of the Nazis' hands?

The Girl Who Risked It All is #3 in The Emerald Sisters series by Kate Hewitt and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Heartbreaking, filled with courageous people who were determined to best the Germans, one step at a time; Klaus Barbie, the Butcher of Lyon, was a part of this story, and what a horrible, cruel and vicious man he was. Hannah was a strong and determined character who joined the resistance ranks despite being frightened. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review.

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Kate Hewitt has written another fantastic book. The Girl Who Risked it All is a great continuation of the Emerald Sister series. An inspirational novel with strong female characters. I loved reading Hannah’s story, her courage during a time of hardship and the unknown had me swept away, unable to put the book down. I can’t wait to read the next book. If you enjoy reading gripping WW2 historical novels filled with romance, bravery, suspense and grief I highly recommended this series.

I would like to thank the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for my copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.

#TheGirlWhoRiskedItAllTheEmeraldSistersBook3 #NetGalley.

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I love how this series shadows previous books in the series. I am reminded about the past books in the series in away that adds so much to the story. It added more excitement to the story.

The story began on the SS Louis as people attempted to escape Germany. When Cuba refused them a safe haven, the passengers were distributed in different countries. Hannah and her little sister, Lotti, were transported to France, a place that should have been safe.

Hannah and Lotti faced numerous challenges from the moment they stepped off the ship. They struggled with the language. They had little money. They had no where to go until the government intervened sheltering Lotti in an orphanage leaving Hannh in shock without a roof over her head.

Like so many homeless, Hannah takes refuge on a park bench. She is rescued by Michel before she found herself in jail. Meeting Michel is the beginning of a journey riddled with danger, intrigue and spying. She is the victim of circumstances. Her stumbling into the resistance gave her a life full of adventure and uncomfortable moments.

Hannah finds herself deeper and deeper in the resistance in Lyon. Her life got more complicated. She risked much to help France. I never realied some of the ways that people acquired information from the Germans. I never realized to what extent some would go to help prisoners escape. I don't know how Hannah was able to keep going, surviving. Hannah had me on the edge of my seat as she worked within the shadows.

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A brilliant story and the third in the series. I love these books and this one didn't disappoint. So interesting and sad. Highly recommend this one. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

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This is the 3rd book in the series and was so pleased to be able to reconnect with the characters. This book did not disappoint and I look forward to more by this lovely author. I will be reading the series of these books again and again.

My thanks as always to Netgalley and Publisher Bookouture for the early read.

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Excellent… I was totally involved in the story, the characters and their lives. Emotional and poignant… beautifully written and so evocative. A truly fantastic read!

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THE GIRL WHO RISKED IT ALL is the third novel in the Emerald Sisters series by KATE HEWITT, but it can easily stand alone. This series is quite outstanding as the author gives us the story of four young women who pledged their friendship on the ill-fated St Louis which was forced to turn around, having been refused landing in Cuba, and in fact everywhere else, with Jews who were escaping the Nazis. Each of them with a piece of a broken emerald, promising to meet up at Henri’s cafe in Paris when the war was over……..
On the 20th June 1939 Hannh Lerner and her younger sister Lotte arrive in Boulogne. While Hannah is trying to book passage to go back to Cuba to their father, Lotte is taken away to a Jewish children’s home in Monmorency, which proves to be a blessing in Lotte’s case, but upsets Hannah who goes to find her.
The handsome and kind Michel Dubois finds her sleeping on a park bench and takes her to his home where she works as a seamstress in his father’s tailor’s shop.
She flees to Lyon where she works as a seamstrss at Germaine Guerain’s brothel. She works with Germaine and other resistants and meets Sophie, one of the four emerald sisters……..
I am not going to tell you any more excepting to say that the courage of these resistants as they fight against the horrors of the German occupation of France is well contrasted with the cowardice of the Nazi bullies.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bookouture. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

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I read and enjoyed the first two books in The Emerald Sisters series, so I had high hopes for this one. Believe me when I say that not only did it live up to the expectations I had in my head, but it SURPASSED them. I really and truly enjoyed Hannah’s story so much. While I know she wasn’t an actual person, I do know that there were many women during WWII that lived the life portrayed in this book.

This book had a brave FMC, it has romance, it had suspense, it had sorrow…it was just absolute PERFECTION. Make sure you add this one to your TBR.

So many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book early. I’m so glad I was able to share my thoughts on this one!

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This is my favorite series set in WWII. Each book regales the tale of one of four friends who met on the St Louis, hoping to escape Hitler. This is Hannah’s story, and like the others, it is captivating and heartbreaking. She is left to care for her younger sister, alone in France. She is strong, courageous and brave, and her story is about surviving against all odds.
Highly recommend this series. A must read. I cannot wait for Rachel’s story.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for ,y honest review.

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This is a great historical read! Right from the start, I was interested in Hannah's story and didn't want to put the book down. It was an interesting perspective, with Hannah as an older sister having to pivot, find safety and her path to enduring and surviving WW2. There are many heavy topics, as to be expected in a WW2 story and there are certainly some dark moments when reading. However, I think Kate Hewitt did a great job of telling truths and sharing a story of survival. There are vibes of The Nightengale, so if you enjoyed that story I highly recommend this.

I did find the ending left me wanting a bit more. So much took place to get to the end, I wanted to learn a bit more of what took place afterwards and how everyone came together.

Review will posted on Goodreads now and will be posted in Instagram next week.

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Hannah Lerner and her younger sister Lottie are on a ship, leaving Germany to meet their father in Cuba. The authorities deny access to many Jewish and Mischling passengers. They sail to France and Hannah promises that they will not be separated.

A children's home offers refuge to Lottie, so Lottie moves in there. Hannah meets a young man, Michel, and moves in with his family. But when a Nazi offer realizes that Hannah has Jewish heritage, Hannah must leave. She is moved to a brothel, where the madam is working with the resistance, and Hannah takes photographs of items in the pockets of the Nazi officers and soldiers who frequent.

Hannah continues her work with the resistance, and when she finds out that the children in her sister's home will be arrested, she travels all night to find her. The sisters survive, only because of Lottie's Mischling status.

This was a quick read. At times, it was heartbreaking, while at other moments, there were cheers for the protagonist and her community.. Kate Hewitt is a talented author who brings you right into the story, imagining that you are there!

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Oh wow, I loved this book so much. It was tense, dark in places, heartbreaking and a tough one to put down. I really enjoy WWII fiction so was really excited to read this. Was not disappointed it was such a riveting read. The main characters were very likeable and the storyline held my interest. Highly recommend this book and the two earlier books in the series.

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This is book 3 in the series by Kate Hewitt,and it doesn't disappoint..the characters will remain within me for a while and I am looking forward to reading more on the series .

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This is book number 3 in the emerald sisters series. You get hooked by the Main characters, you can in some ways relate to them. Their strength Will leave an imprint on your heart. Looking forward to book number 4. . Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

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Thank you NetGalley for the ACR, having read the other 2 books in this series this one was just as amazing, This book made me feel so many feelings, be sure to keep tissues nearby. I love the stories Kate Hewitt tells in this series, From the first page I am hooked and have a hard time setting this down. I am anxiously awaiting book 4!

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The third amazing and heartbreaking installment in an amazing series! I’m glad there wasn’t so much of a recap this time. Can’t wait for part Four!

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