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When Darkness Comes by John Anthony Miller

Have you ever stood up for someone at work?  In When Darkness Comes by John Anthony Miller one of the main characters, Rachel does this not just to her boss but also to the French Police and the Nazi officers!  (the epic scene is on page 122) And she’s only 16!  I loved this historical fiction set in France during WWII.  Several things set this book apart from all the other historical fiction WWII books.  First, the dynamic duo cousins named Paul and Claire.  Not many books celebrate cousins and this one beautifully portrays their familial love from the time they were children romping in the fields to adults fighting the Nazi occupiers in France.  Second, not many books give you the perspective of the “bad guy” yet in When Darkness Comes we meet the astute businessman Julian Junot.  This deeply layered character will have you in tears.  Third, the strong heroine Rachel shows not just self-sacrifice but self-love.  She reminded me that you cannot take care of others if you aren’t taking care of yourself.  Lastly, it had a bookstore featured.  I know, us book lovers love a book about a bookstore.  Overall this is a sweeping power-packed 381 pages that fly by quickly.  What I loved was that it had numerous main characters yet I connected and felt like I knew all of them.  Those that love closed-door romance will enjoy the explosive sexual tension.  (Page 287 had me swooning).  This one also wraps everything up nicely and gives closure to most of the characters.  The landmarks featured in the story will be great for those familiar with Paris.  I also loved how the title is also used in passages in the book.  Many thanks go to @authorjamiller @bythebookvbp for sending me this great read.  

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