Off the Wild Coast of Brittany

Embark on a captivating journey with this poignant tale of resilience and sisterhood set against the stunning backdrop of the wild coast of Brittany. This gripping WWII historical fiction novel intertwines present-day life with the past, telling the story of Natalie Morgen, a woman who, after overcoming her tumultuous childhood in Paris, finds herself heartbroken and financially devastated in the quaint fishing village where she and her chef partner had planned to build a new life.

Struggling to navigate her emotions and circumstances, Natalie’s world is turned upside down when her estranged sister Alex arrives unannounced. As the sisters join forces to renovate the guesthouse, they delve into their shared history, confronting long-buried secrets. This enchanting narrative is enriched by the discovery of a forgotten WWII-era cookbook, which unveils buried truths about Violette, a young islander, and her unexpected connection with Rainier, a German official haunted by his own past.

With beautifully crafted characters and an exploration of the impact of wartime memories, this book resonates with those looking for stories of reclaimed hope and familial bonds. Perfect for fans of historical romance and women's fiction, this novel captures the essence of life's challenges while immersing readers in the rich culture and history of Brittany. Don’t miss your chance to own this compelling story that seamlessly blends past and present while highlighting themes of resilience, love, and reconciliation.

Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780593097854
Format: Trade paperback (UK)
Year: 2021
Publisher: Penguin Group USA
Pages: 464


Description:
An unforgettable story of resilience and resistance set during WWII and present-day France on a secluded island off the coast of Brittany

Natalie Morgen made a name for herself with a memoir about overcoming her harsh childhood after finding a new life in Paris. After falling in love with a classically trained chef, they moved together to his ancestral home, a tiny fishing village off the coast of Brittany.

But then Francois-Xavier breaks things off with her without warning, leaving her flat broke and in the middle of renovating the guesthouse they planned to open for business. Natalie's already struggling when her sister, Alex, shows up unannounced. The sisters form an unlikely partnership to save the guesthouse, reluctantly admitting their secrets to each other as they begin to heal the scars of their shared past.

But the property harbors hidden stories of its own. During World War II, every man of fighting age on the island fled to England to join the Free French forces. The women and children were left on their own...until three hundred German troops took up residence, living side-by-side with the French women on the tiny island for the next several years.

When Natalie and Alex unearth an old cookbook in a hidden cupboard, they find handwritten recipes that reveal old secrets. With the help of locals, the Morgen sisters begin to unravel the relationship between Violette, a young islander whose family ran the guesthouse during WWII, and Rainier, a German military customs official with a devastating secret of his own.