OUTCAST ARTIST IN BRETAGNE by Diane Scott Lewis

Fiction, Historical Romance (371 pages)

4****

Blurb: Unwed and pregnant, Norah Cooper flees England to hide with her cousin in Brittany just before Germany’s 1940 invasion of France. After her baby is stillborn, she’s trapped under the Occupation as war expands across Europe. Norah grieves and consoles herself by sketching wildlife. When she’s caught too near the coast, she comes under scrutiny of the German commandant, Major August von Gottlieb. August loathes what Hitler is doing to his country and France but is duty-bound to control the people in his jurisdiction. The lively young Englishwoman piques his interest. Is she a spy? He questions her and asks her to sketch his portrait so he might uncover the truth. Soon, their relationship evolves into a passion neither of them can deny. She endures taunts from the villagers. His superiors warn him of not being harsh enough—he could be transferred or worse. He plans to sabotage a major war machine of the Reich, while she secretly helps the Resistance. Both acts are fraught with danger while kept secret from one another. Will their love ruin her and end in heartbreak? Or will they overcome the odds and survive the surging threats on all sides?

Thoughts: This story takes place during WWII in Brittany. The author does an amazing job with world building, placing us in the small fishing village during German occupation. Pregnant Norah moved in with her cousin and her family in Brittany right before the Germans took over. She lost the baby but is still stuck there with short rations that are getting sparser. Norah wants to find some way to help the family so she draws pictures of different people and areas around town—including August, the German commandant in the village. Romance ensues between the two, even in the face of opposition. August doesn’t like Hitler’s policies, but has to walk a very narrow path so he doesn’t get into trouble himself. Meanwhile, the underground is doing their thing and undermining the Germans any way they can.

This is a sad romance full of drama and love between “enemies”. It’s excellently done and the characters are amazing. As well as the situations. The emotions are real. The only thing I wish had been done differently was the end. I refuse to give it away, but… it’s good, but kind of left me wanting more. Still, that is the only negative thing I have to say about this otherwise excellently written story.

Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”