Let's get started with my questions!
R: What genre do you typically read? Why?
H: I love Historical Fiction, not just WW2 which is the genre I write, but all eras. I’m fascinated by tales of past lives and enjoy being swept away into worlds different to today. That said, I also enjoy a pacy thriller or speculative fiction; sliding doors stories are so clever and intriguing.
R: Share a favourite childhood memory.
H: I have very fond memories of our family summer trips to visit my grandparents in Austria, which inspired my book, The Austrian Bride.
R: Do you have any shameless addictions? ie. Tea, Books, Shoes, Clothes?
H: My shameless addictions are chocolate and dresses with pockets!
R: Do you aim for a set amount of words/pages a day?
H: I aim for a set amount of words per month, but procrastination and life invariably gets in the way and it’s usually a mad rush to meet my deadline.
R: What are your thoughts on writing a book series?
H: The thought of writing a series terrifies me and I admire authors who do!
R: Tell us about your latest release.
H: The Lost Orphans of Lyon is based on the true events that occurred in the remote village of Chambon-sur-Lignon, France. From December 1940 to September 1944, the small Huguenot community and surrounding villages in the Haute-Loire provided refuge from the Nazis for an estimated 5,000 people, including 3,500 Jews. A large number of these were children. The operation was led by Pastor André Trocmé, his wife, Magda, and his assistant, Pastor Edouard Theis. Other members of the community forged identification and ration papers for the refugees, and in some cases escorted them to neutral Switzerland.
Today, a museum and memorial stand monument to the courage and non-violent resistance of the remarkable community.
A hidden tunnel. Two frightened children. One woman who must risk everything.
Lyon, Occupied France, 1942
When Yvette Dubois’s husband inherits a remote chateau, she reluctantly leaves Lyon behind – only for Armand to abandon her there to manage the vineyard alone. Isolated among unfamiliar staff, Yvette feels trapped in a life she never wanted.
Everything changes the day she hears a mysterious knocking in the library. Behind a tapestry, she discovers a hidden tunnel – along with two frightened orphans. Yvette learns the chateau once acted as an escape route for Jewish children and others fleeing Nazi persecution.
Yvette vows to continue the important work, wanting to honour the legacy. But Armand insists their safety depends on appeasing the occupiers. And defying him could destroy their future – and their freedom.
As German patrols tighten their grip on the area and whispers of betrayal grow louder, Yvette must risk everything to protect the innocent – even if the day may come when she’ll need to use the tunnel to save herself...
Book link: mybook.to/LostOrphansLyon
I’m on facebook and Instagram under Helen Parusel.
Thank you Rachel for inviting me on your blog. Have a great weekend everyone.
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