Synopsis:
France is in Germany’s grip, but Bernard Rousseau and his fellow members of the Resistance are determined to see France freed from Nazi control and restored to its pre-World War II glory. Bernard would do anything to secure his country’s liberation, including risking his own life to stop a train loaded with priceless French works of art from leaving Paris, bound for Germany.
Two years later, August 1944, liberation is assured. Swiss agents Eric Hofstadler and Gabi Mueller are en route to France to deliver supplies on behalf of the Red Cross. Meanwhile, Colette Perriard is hard at work as a curator in the Louvre, from which some of France’s most famous valuable works of art were secreted away when Nazi occupation of France became an eventuality. Now she struggles through each day, eagerly anticipating the departure of the Germans who direct her work at the famed museum.
The world’s most treasured painting, the Mona Lisa, is tucked safely away at a secret location, but is about to become the object of intrigue and sabotage — a bargaining chip in Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring’s desperate plan to escape Germany and the punishment that surely awaits him for his war crimes and a pawn in a high-stakes political gambit led by Bernard to discredit Charles de Gaulle and the Gaullists in order to prevent them from assuming power after Allied troops liberate France.
Review:
The story begins with Bernard’s exploits. He is principled, dedicated, and prepared to risk his very life for the sake of seeing France freed from German control so that it can reemerge as a Communist nation. Meanwhile, Eric and Gabi are OSS agents who have faced danger and found love together, while Colette is determined to endure the German occupation for the sake of her career as a curator in which she has worked hard to establish herself and the precious artworks she is equally determined to safeguard. Although she knows the whereabouts of the paintings that were whisked away to safekeeping, she is sworn to secrecy. It is not immediately apparent how the three stories relate to each other, but patient readers are rewarded when Eric and Gabi encounter Bernard, who has been involved with Colette.
Chasing Mona Lisa is a well-researched thriller loaded with narrow escapes, shocking plot developments, and poignant moments in which the characters’ humanity makes them hauntingly sympathetic, all set against the backdrop of a proud country torn apart by war. The story was inspired by real events — the Mona Lisa was spirited from place to place to keep it from falling into Germans hands and indeed did hang over a little girl’s bed for a time — as well as actual historical figures. But Goyer and Yorkey have vividly imagined and expertly brought to life an escapade that could have unfolded during that tumultuous period. That is what makes Chasing Mona Lisa so entertaining.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one copy of Chasing Mona Lisa free of charge from the author. I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own. This disclosure complies with 16 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Enter to Win a Copy of Chasing Mona Lisa
Authors Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey have generously provided one copy of Chasing Mona Lisa to be awarded to a lucky Colloquium reader! To enter, post a comment in which you answer this question:
Have you read any of Tricia Goyer’s other books? If so, which is your favorite?
Submit your entry utilizing the Rafflecopter widget. Note: The book can only be mailed to a United States street address. It cannot be mailed to a post office box.
23 Comments
Tricia is a new to me author, so I haven’t read anything by her yet. I do like thrillers, so I’ll have to look her up.
i love tricia goyer as an author, and this novel sounds like a keeper. i loved your post. Thanks for a great one, and the opportunity to win Chasing Mona Lisa
I’ve never read one of her books.
I have never read A Tricia Goyer novel. This book sounds compelling.
This author sounds incredibly talented. I have never read a book by her but would enjoy this novel.
I have never read any of her books but I would love to.
Have not read any yet, but I have some from her Liberator series and I am excited to read them!
I love Tricia’s books and WWII stories. I read “Love Finds You In Victory Heights, WA” and “Songbird Under A German Moon” which were awesome stories. I have “Dawn Of A Thousand Nights” in my TBR stack and can’t wait to read “Chasing Mona Lisa”. Tricia’s books just draw me into the story and I can’t put them down.
Great post and Thanks for the opportunity to enter giveaway.
ps: Since my 69th birthday is Feb 2, this would be a perfect gift for me. lol
I have not read any of his books.
I have not read any of Tricia’s books–yet.
I enjoy stories based on actual events. This sounds like a fast-paced and fun read.
I haven’t read any of Tricia Goyers books yet but I will definitely have to try one out.
I have never read any on Tricia’s books…but sounds like a great book.
Sounds like a great book.
I have read one that I really enjoyed and would l love to read this one!
I haven’t read any of her books, but this looks like a good one. Thanks for the giveawya.
Beside Still Waters!
Karen, I loved Beside Still Waters, too! Gave her a great review here.
i never read any of her books yet but i would love to..sounds like a good read
Thanks for the kind words and the great review of Chasing Mona Lisa. Mike and I appreciate it!
Book Review and Giveaway: Chasing Mona Lisa http://t.co/ixm60rv8
I have never read any of her books, or heard of them, but this one sounds great! Thanks for the chance to broaden my horizons!
I have never read any of Tricia Goyer’s books.
I have never read any of Tricia Goyer’s novels