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The Watchmaker's Daughter

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Hiding the worn piece of paper among her father’s watch deliveries, her eyes fill with tears at the memory of her brave friend walking towards the Nazi soldiers, and the sharp sound of gun fire. Her friend sacrificed herself so that she could deliver this message. But if she hands it over, the love of her life will die...

1942, Geneva: As her radio crackles with heart-breaking news from occupied France, Valérie Hallez gazes towards the snow-covered Alps after a long day helping her father, a local watchmaker. With a Nazi invasion looming, she is sick with worry for the future of her country, and for Philippe, her childhood sweetheart with soft brown eyes. Valérie might not be able to join the army like him, but she is determined to play her part in the fight against evil...

In defiance of her father, Valérie helps the French Resistance by smuggling messages among her father’s watch deliveries. And when darkness falls, she risks everything to hide Jewish refugee children in his old workshop. Philippe fears for her safety, as her work for the Resistance could come with a heavy price. But nothing will stop her delivering vital information and getting terrified children to safety before they are sent back to the Nazis.

But when Valérie is entrusted with an urgent letter for the Allies, she finds herself in an impossible position. The information it contains could alter the course of the war. But if she hands over the message now, it will cost Philippe his life. With Nazi spies closing in on her, Valérie must act now…But can she really trust the man she loves, and will she find a way to save both him and her country before it’s too late?

An utterly gripping and heart-breaking novel about love and bravery in a time of terrible danger. Fans of The Alice Network, The Nightingale, and We Were the Lucky Ones will be swept away by The Watchmaker’s Daughter.

©2022 Dianne Haley (P)2022 Bookouture, an imprint of Storyfire Ltd.
20th Century Fiction Historical Fiction

Critic reviews

"Heart pounding...will have you feeling all of the emotions from happy to sad to fear, with each turn of the page." (Spooky’s Maze of Books, five stars)

"Amazing...will have your emotions on a wild roller coaster!" (@busymoms-readtoo)

All stars
Most relevant
Enjoyed this book so much. It was fascinating to read about the Swiss attitude to the war. Really looking forward to the follow up.

Really enjoyed this book

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I was really enjoying the beginning Different country Geneva It was on course but somewhere the writing just went downhill l felt impatient that the male character was suddenly the villian I was thinking Just tidy it up and let me go now The narration was neither good or bad

Started well

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