Decent WWII novel. Likable heroine, beautiful descriptions of the topography that make one wish they could visit. More Women's Fiction than Literary or deeply-researched Historical Fiction. Recommended for those who enjoy historical settings and lively female leads. ( )

The dress on this cover... it's just... gorgeous! I don't think I could pull it off, but I'm so attracted to this cover! It feels so elegant... And THEN I read the summary and knew I had to request it! Thank you @AtriaBooks for allowing me to read this and offer my honest opinion!⁠
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First, I cannot imagine going through what Lana goes through in Lana's War. Her internal war is certainly traumatizing and heartbreaking. This leads her to taking the risks necessary to potentially help the resistance.⁠
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This is a breathtaking view of the internal workings of WWII. It's emotional, heartbreaking, and beautifully written. If you're someone who loves historical fiction, read this. I don't want to give it all away though. It published yesterday, so be sure to get your copy now! ( )

Lana Antonova is the daughter of a Russian countess who fled from Russia during the Civil War, after Lana's father was killed. Lana is in Paris in her last year as a chemistry student, and married to Frederic, a musician and piano teacher, when the Nazis take over. Frederic is killed in 1943 for harboring Jewish girls in the convent where he taught. Lana is recruited to the French Resistance to go to the French Riviera and pose as the mistress of Guy Pascal in order to discover when raids on Jewish citizens in the area would be conducted. Lana befriends a Jewish mother, Sylvia, and her daughter Odette. The story takes place primarily November 1943 through January 1944. I had not realized that the French Resistance extended to the Riviera. ( )

Every character in Lana's War by Anita Abriel has great potential for depth and emotion. This book skims the surface, providing more of an overview. An opportunity for a much more powerful emotional connection and impact is missed. On the other hand, this book is an interesting look into the French Resistance in the Riviera. I am glad for fiction to point me in the direction of history.

Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2021/05/lanas-war.html

Reviewed for NetGalley. ( )

I so enjoyed the first book by Anita Abriel and was looking forward to this one and it did not disappoint.
Paris 1943: Lana Antanova is on her way to see her husband with the thrilling news that she is pregnant. But when she arrives at the convent where he teaches music, she’s horrified to see Gestapo officers execute him for hiding a Jewish girl in the piano.

A few months later, grieving both her husband and her lost pregnancy, Lana is shocked when she’s approached to join the resistance on the French Riviera. As the daughter of a Russian countess, Lana has the perfect background to infiltrate the émigré community of Russian aristocrats who socialize with German officers, including the man who killed her husband.

Lana’s cover story makes her the mistress of Guy Pascal, a wealthy Swiss industrialist and fellow resistance member, in whose villa in Cap Ferrat she lives. Together, they gather information on upcoming raids and help members of the Jewish community escape. Consumed by her work, she doesn’t expect to become attached to a young Jewish girl or wonder about the secrets held by the man whose house she shares. And as the Nazis’ deadly efforts intensify, her intention to protect those around her may put them all at risk instead.

This is a heartbreaking tale of survival and second chance during World War II and such a great example of how strong so many women were during this time. ( )