ExpiredHachette While Paris Slept

On a platform in occupied Paris, a mother whispers goodbye.
It is the end. But also the beginning.

Beautiful. Powerful. Unforgettable.

A stunning portrait of the brutality of war and the tenacity of love. In the tradition of Virginia Baily's Early One Morning and M. L. Stedman's The Light Between Oceans.Santa Cruz 1953. Jean-Luc thought he had left it all behind. The scar on his face a small price to pay for surviving the horrors of Nazi occupation. Now, he has a new life in California, a family. He never expected the past to come knocking on his door.Paris 1944. A young woman's future is torn away in a heartbeat. Herded on to a train bound for Auschwitz, in an act of desperation she entrusts her most precious possession to a stranger. All she has left now is hope.On a darkened platform two destinies become entangled. Their choice will change the future in ways neither could have imagined.Beginning on an ordinary day and ending on an extraordinary one.

WHILE PARIS SLEPT is an unforgettable read.

'While Paris Slept made me think and cry and rage and smile at mankind's capacity for both beautiful, selfless love and terrible, heartbreaking cruelty. It is at once a story of wartime courage and desperation, and of the many ways in which war reverberates through people's lives for years after the fact. Prepare to be thoroughly engrossed in this compelling book in which four adults and one child grapple with the true meaning of love and family' - Natasha Lester

'Both epic and intimate, this unexpected story of two couples' sacrifices in war-torn France had me completely and utterly enraptured. You'll have your heart in your mouth and tears on your cheeks as it reaches its rich, life-affirming conclusion' - Louise Candlish

'What a book... Emotional and heartrending...absolutely phenomenal. I was on tenterhooks throughout. A wonderful achievement' - Jill Mansell

'A heartbreaking debut, While Paris Slept will appeal to fans of The Light Between Oceans. The novel delves into eternal questions: How far will we go to protect our child? Is love holding tightly or letting go?' - Janet Skeslien Charles, author of The Paris Library

'A powerful and poignant debut from a brilliant and bold new novelist. Expertly weaving together multiple storylines, author Ruth Druart fills each page with thrilling suspense, uncommon emotional depth, and fascinating characters' - Imogen Kealey, author of Liberation

EARLY 5 STAR READER REVIEWS FOR WHILE PARIS SLEPT...'This book was beautiful - a book on love and courage demonstrated in different ways, showing that there is no one way to love or be brave. I was unable to stop reading *****' Goodreads reviewer

'For fans of Sophie's Choice and Sarah's Key, While Paris Slept is an atmospheric debut about the cost of war and the consequences of love. Impressive *****' Goodreads reviewer

'I loved this novel, I'm still crying. A truly beautiful book that captures the meaning of parental love in all its forms. I highly recommend this book to all my book groups. Exquisite *****

' Goodreads reviewer'I loved While Paris Slept. It's a novel that keeps you turning the pages to find out what happens next but also stops you short at times as you wonder what you would have done in the situations facing the protagonists. I finished the novel with tears in my eyes. An uplifting novel and will be great for book clubs' *****

' Goodreads reviewer'I really liked this book. It felt a lot like The Alice Network. Very well done. Highly recommend' Goodreads reviewer

'An excellent and thrilling novel *****' Goodreads reviewer