In this book we follow 2 sisters during ww2. Marie and Louise. We follow their decisions and journey through bleak days, but also through happy days. We get to see the human race, from all sides, kindness, darkness, brutality. It never stops to amaze me how far people are willing to go.
I sobbed when I read this book, I wanted to scream out loud because of all the cruelness and unfairness. This book is straight to the point, and do not sugarcoat anything. A must read.
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

This was everything that I was looking for and enjoyed about a historical fiction novel. The concept was strongly written and cared about what was happening to the characters. S.E. Rutledge was able to weave a strong writing style and had that feel that I was looking for.

A large box of tissues is defiantly required as you melt into The Girl Who Saved Them. An emotional, heartwarming, heartbreaking, unputdownable novel that sweeps you into Marie and Louise's world of courage, friendship, love, loss, and so much more. A beautiful, well written historical novel that will have you reaching for tissue after tissue, and just when you think you can stop crying, there is more. This is the author's second book, and I will definitely be looking out for more. I so wish I could give it more than 5 stars.
I would like to thank the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.

This was a fabulous book. It was a gritty look at the WW2 era in France during the time of the resistance. this explored the same time period and events but from the view of two sisters: Marie and Louise. Each with their own thoughts about what is happening and about each other. Louise is the older sister who has had to step in as Mom for years since their mother died. Marie is 5 years younger and annoyed at her sister's oppressive behavior. The book starts when their brother decides to join their father in fighting--he leaves his son behind for the sisters to care for.

We start seeing a deviation in opinions by the sisters once Louise decides to join the resistance and use their home as a stopping point for the allied men shot down and needing to be moved. Louise and Marie are very different in their thoughts about what should be done--but Marie agrees--to save Louise from herself. As the story expands we see them both grow apart at first. Louise believes they need to keep doing the job helping as many as possible no matter what--and Marie believes they need to take care of themselves and their nephew no matter what.

As the book continues we then get to experience labor and POW camps in all their evilness. The officers' behaviors are so vile and disturbing. It's not for the weak to read those sections. But necessary to have a small taste of what the survivors lived through and how it shaped their future lives.

The book has a LOVELY arc of growth for both characters...but it wasn't really until the very very end that tears flowed.

4.5 stars for me. But I will give it 5 stars for netGalley

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC of this novel. All opinions are 100% my own.

This is a heartbreaking story of two sisters in France during WWII. They join the Resistance after their father and brother are off to war, fighting against the Germans. They become part of the underground, taking in American soldiers and working to get them to safety. One sister (Marie) volunteers to go to Germany to work, thinking that she'll earn money to send home to her sister Louise who is taking care of their nephew Andre, and also caring for the soldiers currently hiding in their home.
Marie is taken to a labor camp where she is a prisoner.
The story alternates between Marie and Louise and the struggles, danger, and horror they face as they try to survive to find one another again.
This has all the feels, at times tense and horrific, and other times tender and full of love and care. Admittedly I felt like it was a bit slow for the first 30%, but afterwards, it really picked up and I couldn't read it fast enough!
Excellent writing and story telling.
Thank you, NetGalley, and the publisher, for access to this eARC.

Oh my goodness what can I say about this book it had everything romance, heartbreak and a bit of intrigue.

Louise & Marie are sisters who are looking after their nephew Andre as his Father and Grandfather have gone off to the War. Louise & Marie decide to help in the War effort by taking in pilots who have evaded capture until they can be moved on. As more and more difficulties happen the sisters decide on different things. Will they survive the War or not only time will tell.

The story was wonderful I don’t have any bits in the book where I thought we’re not right. It had a bit if intrigue and also hardship which was interesting and sad at the same time.

The book was well written and certainly kept my interest in it that I kept wanting to find out what happened to them all.

Would recommend the book.

The Girl Who Saved Them by S.E. Rutledge is a compelling and emotionally charged tale of courage, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bond between sisters during one of history’s darkest periods. Set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied France during World War II, this novel brings to life the harrowing experiences of two sisters as they risk everything to shelter and aid downed Allied pilots.

The story is a masterful blend of historical detail and deeply human emotions. Through the eyes of the two sisters, readers are transported into the heart of the French Resistance, where every action is fraught with danger, and every decision carries life-or-death consequences. Rutledge’s vivid descriptions of occupied Paris and the complexities of life under the oppressive regime paint an authentic and immersive picture of wartime France.

Highlights:
Powerful Themes: The novel beautifully explores themes of loyalty, love, and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.
Well-Drawn Characters: The two sisters are portrayed with depth and nuance, their courage and determination shining through even as they grapple with heartbreak and loss.
Historical Authenticity: Rutledge’s meticulous attention to historical detail enhances the realism of the story, providing a vivid glimpse into the lives of ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances.
Emotional Impact: The story is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, striking a delicate balance between despair and hope.
Minor Drawbacks:
While the novel is gripping, some readers may feel that certain secondary characters or subplots could have been explored further to add more layers to the narrative. Additionally, while the historical detail is impressive, it occasionally slows the pacing of the story.

Overall, The Girl Who Saved Them is an unforgettable and inspiring novel that sheds light on the courage and humanity of those who stood against tyranny. Whether you are a fan of historical fiction or simply enjoy stories of resilience and hope, this book is a must-read. Highly recommended!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This new book by SE Rutledge is one of her best so far.
It was an excellent read and you could imagine what the 2 sisters were going through..it's heartbreaking but with a love story and a twist at the end. I couldn't put it down.
Definitely recommend.

Captivating and suspenseful. I finished this book in less than day and 85% of it in a single sitting. One is immediately immersed into the world of Louise, Marie, and even Andre - seeing the world through each of their perspectives. Visiting Paris, you'll hear that 5% of Parisians were part of the Resistance, 5% were collaborators, and 90% of people were just trying to get by. This book makes all those groups real - and what it felt like to fight against all the complex feelings that were exacerbated by the daily realities of occupied France. While many stories from the concentration camps have been written from the Jewish perspective, very little has been written from other perspectives. There is so much depth to this book - from the Russian and Soviet perspective, to the Polish respective, to the "volunteer" perspective, to the Resistance perspective. The stories from each character are engaging, believable, and above all else, human. An engaging read to the very end.

This is the story of two courageous sisters who helped downed allied pilots in France during the Second World War. Beautifully written, heartbreakingly sad but also full of hope. I really enjoyed this book, it’s my first by this author and it didn’t disappoint. It gives a feeling of what it would have been like in occupied France and how these brave people fought for their freedom. Excellent read, highly recommend.

This is a story of sisters who worked with the underground in Paris. They sheltered pilots shot down over France until they could be moved on, hopefully to a safe place. The book is riveting nd heartbreaking at the same time. It is an incredible story of people who won’t give up, despite their circumstances. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

The amazing and hard to put down story of two sisters fighting for France by rescuing pilots trapped behind enemy lines. However, none of the clothes Christian Dior created during the 1940s would have carried his name, before 1942 he worked under the Balmain label, then after 1942, Lelong. The Dior label didn’t exist until 1946.