The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Thank you so much to Netgalley St Martin's Press and Kristin Hannah for allowing me an advanced reader copy of "The Nightingale" in exchange for an honest review.  World War II France provides an elegant and tragic backdrop for an elegant and tragic story.  Viann and Isabelle's story of resilience and survival under extreme circumstances is such an inspiration for how strength and faith in love can overcome the worst odds.  Although the sisters were separated for a good deal of the novel, their stories and experiences run parallel yet divergent paths through the book.  I loved seeing how the women used their gender invisibility to their advantage to help as many people as possible survive the atrocities of the Nazi occupation.  I want to believe that I would be able to be that strong under the same settings, I pray that this is true.

The beautiful ending destroyed me in the best possible way.  I had never read Kristin Hannah in the past, but it will certainly not be the last time I pick up her novels.

Goodreads Rating: 5 stars.