Headline Books

On a platform in occupied Paris, a mother whispers goodbye.

It is the end.

But also the beginning.

Beautiful. Powerful. Unforgettable. A stunning portrait of the brutality of war and the tenacity of love. In the tradition of Virginia Baily's Early One Morning and M. L. Stedman's The Light Between Oceans.

Santa Cruz 1953. Jean-Luc thought he had left it all behind. The scar on his face a small price to pay for surviving the horrors of Nazi occupation. Now, he has a new life in California, a family. He never expected the past to come knocking on his door.

Paris 1944. A young woman's future is torn away in a heartbeat. Herded on to a train bound for Auschwitz, in an act of desperation she entrusts her most precious possession to a stranger. All she has left now is hope.

On a darkened platform two destinies become entangled. Their choice will change the future in ways neither could have imagined.

Beginning on an ordinary day and ending on an extraordinary one, WHILE PARIS SLEPT is an unforgettable read.

'Both epic and intimate, this unexpected story of two couples' sacrifices in war-torn France had me completely and utterly enraptured. You'll have your heart in your mouth and tears on your cheeks as it reaches its rich, life-affirming conclusion' Louise Candlish

'What a book... Emotional and heartrending...absolutely phenomenal. I was on tenterhooks throughout. A wonderful achievement' Jill Mansell

'While Paris Slept made me think and cry and rage and smile at mankind's capacity for both beautiful, selfless love and terrible, heartbreaking cruelty. A story of wartime courage and desperation, and of the many ways in which war reverberates through people's lives for years after the fact. Prepare to be thoroughly engrossed in this compelling book' Natasha Lester

'A heartbreaking debut, While Paris Slept will appeal to fans of The Light Between Oceans. The novel delves into eternal questions: How far will we go to protect our child? Is love holding tightly or letting go?' Janet Skeslien Charles, author of The Paris Library

'A powerful and poignant debut from a brilliant and bold new novelist. Expertly weaving together multiple storylines, author Ruth Druart fills each page with thrilling suspense, uncommon emotional depth, and fascinating characters' Imogen Kealey, author of Liberation

EARLY 5 STAR READER REVIEWS FOR WHILE PARIS SLEPT...

'This book was beautiful - a book on love and courage demonstrated in different ways, showing that there is no one way to love or be brave. I was unable to stop reading *****' Goodreads reviewer

'For fans of Sophie's Choice and Sarah's Key, While Paris Slept is an atmospheric debut about the cost of war and the consequences of love. Impressive *****' Goodreads reviewer

'I loved this novel, I'm still crying. A truly beautiful book that captures the meaning of parental love in all its forms. I highly recommend this book to all my book groups. Exquisite *****' Goodreads reviewer

'I loved While Paris Slept. It's a novel that keeps you turning the pages to find out what happens next but also stops you short at times as you wonder what you would have done in the situations facing the protagonists. I finished the novel with tears in my eyes. An uplifting novel and will be great for book clubs' *****' Goodreads reviewer

'I really liked this book. It felt a lot like The Alice Network. Very well done. Highly recommend' Goodreads reviewer

'An excellent and thrilling novel *****' Goodreads reviewer

On a platform in occupied Paris, a mother whispers goodbye.

It is the end.

But also the beginning.

Beautiful. Powerful. Unforgettable. A stunning portrait of the brutality of war and the tenacity of love. In the tradition of Virginia Baily's Early One Morning and M. L. Stedman's The Light Between Oceans.

Santa Cruz 1953. Jean-Luc thought he had left it all behind. The scar on his face a small price to pay for surviving the horrors of Nazi occupation. Now, he has a new life in California, a family. He never expected the past to come knocking on his door.

Paris 1944. A young woman's future is torn away in a heartbeat. Herded on to a train bound for Auschwitz, in an act of desperation she entrusts her most precious possession to a stranger. All she has left now is hope.

On a darkened platform two destinies become entangled. Their choice will change the future in ways neither could have imagined.

Beginning on an ordinary day and ending on an extraordinary one, WHILE PARIS SLEPT is an unforgettable read.

'Both epic and intimate, this unexpected story of two couples' sacrifices in war-torn France had me completely and utterly enraptured. You'll have your heart in your mouth and tears on your cheeks as it reaches its rich, life-affirming conclusion' Louise Candlish

'What a book... Emotional and heartrending...absolutely phenomenal. I was on tenterhooks throughout. A wonderful achievement' Jill Mansell

'While Paris Slept made me think and cry and rage and smile at mankind's capacity for both beautiful, selfless love and terrible, heartbreaking cruelty. A story of wartime courage and desperation, and of the many ways in which war reverberates through people's lives for years after the fact. Prepare to be thoroughly engrossed in this compelling book' Natasha Lester

'A heartbreaking debut, While Paris Slept will appeal to fans of The Light Between Oceans. The novel delves into eternal questions: How far will we go to protect our child? Is love holding tightly or letting go?' Janet Skeslien Charles, author of The Paris Library

'A powerful and poignant debut from a brilliant and bold new novelist. Expertly weaving together multiple storylines, author Ruth Druart fills each page with thrilling suspense, uncommon emotional depth, and fascinating characters' Imogen Kealey, author of Liberation

EARLY 5 STAR READER REVIEWS FOR WHILE PARIS SLEPT...

'This book was beautiful - a book on love and courage demonstrated in different ways, showing that there is no one way to love or be brave. I was unable to stop reading *****' Goodreads reviewer

'For fans of Sophie's Choice and Sarah's Key, While Paris Slept is an atmospheric debut about the cost of war and the consequences of love. Impressive *****' Goodreads reviewer

'I loved this novel, I'm still crying. A truly beautiful book that captures the meaning of parental love in all its forms. I highly recommend this book to all my book groups. Exquisite *****' Goodreads reviewer

'I loved While Paris Slept. It's a novel that keeps you turning the pages to find out what happens next but also stops you short at times as you wonder what you would have done in the situations facing the protagonists. I finished the novel with tears in my eyes. An uplifting novel and will be great for book clubs' *****' Goodreads reviewer

'I really liked this book. It felt a lot like The Alice Network. Very well done. Highly recommend' Goodreads reviewer

'An excellent and thrilling novel *****' Goodreads reviewer

On a platform in occupied Paris, a mother whispers goodbye.

It is the end.

But also the beginning.

Beautiful. Powerful. Unforgettable. A stunning portrait of the brutality of war and the tenacity of love. In the tradition of Virginia Baily's Early One Morning and M. L. Stedman's The Light Between Oceans.

Santa Cruz 1953. Jean-Luc thought he had left it all behind. The scar on his face a small price to pay for surviving the horrors of Nazi occupation. Now, he has a new life in California, a family. He never expected the past to come knocking on his door.

Paris 1944. A young woman's future is torn away in a heartbeat. Herded on to a train bound for Auschwitz, in an act of desperation she entrusts her most precious possession to a stranger. All she has left now is hope.

On a darkened platform two destinies become entangled. Their choice will change the future in ways neither could have imagined.

Beginning on an ordinary day and ending on an extraordinary one, WHILE PARIS SLEPT is an unforgettable read.

'Both epic and intimate, this unexpected story of two couples' sacrifices in war-torn France had me completely and utterly enraptured. You'll have your heart in your mouth and tears on your cheeks as it reaches its rich, life-affirming conclusion' Louise Candlish

'What a book... Emotional and heartrending...absolutely phenomenal. I was on tenterhooks throughout. A wonderful achievement' Jill Mansell

'While Paris Slept made me think and cry and rage and smile at mankind's capacity for both beautiful, selfless love and terrible, heartbreaking cruelty. A story of wartime courage and desperation, and of the many ways in which war reverberates through people's lives for years after the fact. Prepare to be thoroughly engrossed in this compelling book' Natasha Lester

'A heartbreaking debut, While Paris Slept will appeal to fans of The Light Between Oceans. The novel delves into eternal questions: How far will we go to protect our child? Is love holding tightly or letting go?' Janet Skeslien Charles, author of The Paris Library

'A powerful and poignant debut from a brilliant and bold new novelist. Expertly weaving together multiple storylines, author Ruth Druart fills each page with thrilling suspense, uncommon emotional depth, and fascinating characters' Imogen Kealey, author of Liberation

EARLY 5 STAR READER REVIEWS FOR WHILE PARIS SLEPT...

'This book was beautiful - a book on love and courage demonstrated in different ways, showing that there is no one way to love or be brave. I was unable to stop reading *****' Goodreads reviewer

'For fans of Sophie's Choice and Sarah's Key, While Paris Slept is an atmospheric debut about the cost of war and the consequences of love. Impressive *****' Goodreads reviewer

'I loved this novel, I'm still crying. A truly beautiful book that captures the meaning of parental love in all its forms. I highly recommend this book to all my book groups. Exquisite *****' Goodreads reviewer

'I loved While Paris Slept. It's a novel that keeps you turning the pages to find out what happens next but also stops you short at times as you wonder what you would have done in the situations facing the protagonists. I finished the novel with tears in my eyes. An uplifting novel and will be great for book clubs' *****' Goodreads reviewer

'I really liked this book. It felt a lot like The Alice Network. Very well done. Highly recommend' Goodreads reviewer

'An excellent and thrilling novel *****' Goodreads reviewer

On a platform in occupied Paris, a mother whispers goodbye.

It is the end.

But also the beginning.

Beautiful. Powerful. Unforgettable. A stunning portrait of the brutality of war and the tenacity of love. In the tradition of Virginia Baily's Early One Morning and M. L. Stedman's The Light Between Oceans.

Santa Cruz 1953. Jean-Luc thought he had left it all behind. The scar on his face a small price to pay for surviving the horrors of Nazi occupation. Now, he has a new life in California, a family. He never expected the past to come knocking on his door.

Paris 1944. A young woman's future is torn away in a heartbeat. Herded on to a train bound for Auschwitz, in an act of desperation she entrusts her most precious possession to a stranger. All she has left now is hope.

On a darkened platform two destinies become entangled. Their choice will change the future in ways neither could have imagined.

Beginning on an ordinary day and ending on an extraordinary one, WHILE PARIS SLEPT is an unforgettable read.

'Both epic and intimate, this unexpected story of two couples' sacrifices in war-torn France had me completely and utterly enraptured. You'll have your heart in your mouth and tears on your cheeks as it reaches its rich, life-affirming conclusion' Louise Candlish

'What a book... Emotional and heartrending...absolutely phenomenal. I was on tenterhooks throughout. A wonderful achievement' Jill Mansell

'While Paris Slept made me think and cry and rage and smile at mankind's capacity for both beautiful, selfless love and terrible, heartbreaking cruelty. A story of wartime courage and desperation, and of the many ways in which war reverberates through people's lives for years after the fact. Prepare to be thoroughly engrossed in this compelling book' Natasha Lester

'A heartbreaking debut, While Paris Slept will appeal to fans of The Light Between Oceans. The novel delves into eternal questions: How far will we go to protect our child? Is love holding tightly or letting go?' Janet Skeslien Charles, author of The Paris Library

'A powerful and poignant debut from a brilliant and bold new novelist. Expertly weaving together multiple storylines, author Ruth Druart fills each page with thrilling suspense, uncommon emotional depth, and fascinating characters' Imogen Kealey, author of Liberation

EARLY 5 STAR READER REVIEWS FOR WHILE PARIS SLEPT...

'This book was beautiful - a book on love and courage demonstrated in different ways, showing that there is no one way to love or be brave. I was unable to stop reading *****' Goodreads reviewer

'For fans of Sophie's Choice and Sarah's Key, While Paris Slept is an atmospheric debut about the cost of war and the consequences of love. Impressive *****' Goodreads reviewer

'I loved this novel, I'm still crying. A truly beautiful book that captures the meaning of parental love in all its forms. I highly recommend this book to all my book groups. Exquisite *****' Goodreads reviewer

'I loved While Paris Slept. It's a novel that keeps you turning the pages to find out what happens next but also stops you short at times as you wonder what you would have done in the situations facing the protagonists. I finished the novel with tears in my eyes. An uplifting novel and will be great for book clubs' *****' Goodreads reviewer

'I really liked this book. It felt a lot like The Alice Network. Very well done. Highly recommend' Goodreads reviewer

'An excellent and thrilling novel *****' Goodreads reviewer

On a platform in occupied Paris, a mother whispers goodbye.

It is the end.

But also the beginning.

Beautiful. Powerful. Unforgettable. A stunning portrait of the brutality of war and the tenacity of love. In the tradition of Virginia Baily's Early One Morning and M. L. Stedman's The Light Between Oceans.

Santa Cruz 1953. Jean-Luc thought he had left it all behind. The scar on his face a small price to pay for surviving the horrors of Nazi occupation. Now, he has a new life in California, a family. He never expected the past to come knocking on his door.

Paris 1944. A young woman's future is torn away in a heartbeat. Herded on to a train bound for Auschwitz, in an act of desperation she entrusts her most precious possession to a stranger. All she has left now is hope.

On a darkened platform two destinies become entangled. Their choice will change the future in ways neither could have imagined.

Beginning on an ordinary day and ending on an extraordinary one, WHILE PARIS SLEPT is an unforgettable read.

'Both epic and intimate, this unexpected story of two couples' sacrifices in war-torn France had me completely and utterly enraptured. You'll have your heart in your mouth and tears on your cheeks as it reaches its rich, life-affirming conclusion' Louise Candlish

'What a book... Emotional and heartrending...absolutely phenomenal. I was on tenterhooks throughout. A wonderful achievement' Jill Mansell

'While Paris Slept made me think and cry and rage and smile at mankind's capacity for both beautiful, selfless love and terrible, heartbreaking cruelty. A story of wartime courage and desperation, and of the many ways in which war reverberates through people's lives for years after the fact. Prepare to be thoroughly engrossed in this compelling book' Natasha Lester

'A heartbreaking debut, While Paris Slept will appeal to fans of The Light Between Oceans. The novel delves into eternal questions: How far will we go to protect our child? Is love holding tightly or letting go?' Janet Skeslien Charles, author of The Paris Library

'A powerful and poignant debut from a brilliant and bold new novelist. Expertly weaving together multiple storylines, author Ruth Druart fills each page with thrilling suspense, uncommon emotional depth, and fascinating characters' Imogen Kealey, author of Liberation

EARLY 5 STAR READER REVIEWS FOR WHILE PARIS SLEPT...

'This book was beautiful - a book on love and courage demonstrated in different ways, showing that there is no one way to love or be brave. I was unable to stop reading *****' Goodreads reviewer

'For fans of Sophie's Choice and Sarah's Key, While Paris Slept is an atmospheric debut about the cost of war and the consequences of love. Impressive *****' Goodreads reviewer

'I loved this novel, I'm still crying. A truly beautiful book that captures the meaning of parental love in all its forms. I highly recommend this book to all my book groups. Exquisite *****' Goodreads reviewer

'I loved While Paris Slept. It's a novel that keeps you turning the pages to find out what happens next but also stops you short at times as you wonder what you would have done in the situations facing the protagonists. I finished the novel with tears in my eyes. An uplifting novel and will be great for book clubs' *****' Goodreads reviewer

'I really liked this book. It felt a lot like The Alice Network. Very well done. Highly recommend' Goodreads reviewer

'An excellent and thrilling novel *****' Goodreads reviewer

On a platform in occupied Paris, a mother whispers goodbye.

It is the end.

But also the beginning.

Beautiful. Powerful. Unforgettable. A stunning portrait of the brutality of war and the tenacity of love. In the tradition of Virginia Baily's Early One Morning and M. L. Stedman's The Light Between Oceans.

Santa Cruz 1953. Jean-Luc thought he had left it all behind. The scar on his face a small price to pay for surviving the horrors of Nazi occupation. Now, he has a new life in California, a family. He never expected the past to come knocking on his door.

Paris 1944. A young woman's future is torn away in a heartbeat. Herded on to a train bound for Auschwitz, in an act of desperation she entrusts her most precious possession to a stranger. All she has left now is hope.

On a darkened platform two destinies become entangled. Their choice will change the future in ways neither could have imagined.

Beginning on an ordinary day and ending on an extraordinary one, WHILE PARIS SLEPT is an unforgettable read.

'Both epic and intimate, this unexpected story of two couples' sacrifices in war-torn France had me completely and utterly enraptured. You'll have your heart in your mouth and tears on your cheeks as it reaches its rich, life-affirming conclusion' Louise Candlish

'What a book... Emotional and heartrending...absolutely phenomenal. I was on tenterhooks throughout. A wonderful achievement' Jill Mansell

'While Paris Slept made me think and cry and rage and smile at mankind's capacity for both beautiful, selfless love and terrible, heartbreaking cruelty. A story of wartime courage and desperation, and of the many ways in which war reverberates through people's lives for years after the fact. Prepare to be thoroughly engrossed in this compelling book' Natasha Lester

'A heartbreaking debut, While Paris Slept will appeal to fans of The Light Between Oceans. The novel delves into eternal questions: How far will we go to protect our child? Is love holding tightly or letting go?' Janet Skeslien Charles, author of The Paris Library

'A powerful and poignant debut from a brilliant and bold new novelist. Expertly weaving together multiple storylines, author Ruth Druart fills each page with thrilling suspense, uncommon emotional depth, and fascinating characters' Imogen Kealey, author of Liberation

EARLY 5 STAR READER REVIEWS FOR WHILE PARIS SLEPT...

'This book was beautiful - a book on love and courage demonstrated in different ways, showing that there is no one way to love or be brave. I was unable to stop reading *****' Goodreads reviewer

'For fans of Sophie's Choice and Sarah's Key, While Paris Slept is an atmospheric debut about the cost of war and the consequences of love. Impressive *****' Goodreads reviewer

'I loved this novel, I'm still crying. A truly beautiful book that captures the meaning of parental love in all its forms. I highly recommend this book to all my book groups. Exquisite *****' Goodreads reviewer

'I loved While Paris Slept. It's a novel that keeps you turning the pages to find out what happens next but also stops you short at times as you wonder what you would have done in the situations facing the protagonists. I finished the novel with tears in my eyes. An uplifting novel and will be great for book clubs' *****' Goodreads reviewer

'I really liked this book. It felt a lot like The Alice Network. Very well done. Highly recommend' Goodreads reviewer

'An excellent and thrilling novel *****' Goodreads reviewer

On a platform in occupied Paris, a mother whispers goodbye.

It is the end.

But also the beginning.

Beautiful. Powerful. Unforgettable. A stunning portrait of the brutality of war and the tenacity of love. In the tradition of Virginia Baily's Early One Morning and M. L. Stedman's The Light Between Oceans.

Santa Cruz 1953. Jean-Luc thought he had left it all behind. The scar on his face a small price to pay for surviving the horrors of Nazi occupation. Now, he has a new life in California, a family. He never expected the past to come knocking on his door.

Paris 1944. A young woman's future is torn away in a heartbeat. Herded on to a train bound for Auschwitz, in an act of desperation she entrusts her most precious possession to a stranger. All she has left now is hope.

On a darkened platform two destinies become entangled. Their choice will change the future in ways neither could have imagined.

Beginning on an ordinary day and ending on an extraordinary one, WHILE PARIS SLEPT is an unforgettable read.

'Both epic and intimate, this unexpected story of two couples' sacrifices in war-torn France had me completely and utterly enraptured. You'll have your heart in your mouth and tears on your cheeks as it reaches its rich, life-affirming conclusion' Louise Candlish

'What a book... Emotional and heartrending...absolutely phenomenal. I was on tenterhooks throughout. A wonderful achievement' Jill Mansell

'While Paris Slept made me think and cry and rage and smile at mankind's capacity for both beautiful, selfless love and terrible, heartbreaking cruelty. A story of wartime courage and desperation, and of the many ways in which war reverberates through people's lives for years after the fact. Prepare to be thoroughly engrossed in this compelling book' Natasha Lester

'A heartbreaking debut, While Paris Slept will appeal to fans of The Light Between Oceans. The novel delves into eternal questions: How far will we go to protect our child? Is love holding tightly or letting go?' Janet Skeslien Charles, author of The Paris Library

'A powerful and poignant debut from a brilliant and bold new novelist. Expertly weaving together multiple storylines, author Ruth Druart fills each page with thrilling suspense, uncommon emotional depth, and fascinating characters' Imogen Kealey, author of Liberation

EARLY 5 STAR READER REVIEWS FOR WHILE PARIS SLEPT...

'This book was beautiful - a book on love and courage demonstrated in different ways, showing that there is no one way to love or be brave. I was unable to stop reading *****' Goodreads reviewer

'For fans of Sophie's Choice and Sarah's Key, While Paris Slept is an atmospheric debut about the cost of war and the consequences of love. Impressive *****' Goodreads reviewer

'I loved this novel, I'm still crying. A truly beautiful book that captures the meaning of parental love in all its forms. I highly recommend this book to all my book groups. Exquisite *****' Goodreads reviewer

'I loved While Paris Slept. It's a novel that keeps you turning the pages to find out what happens next but also stops you short at times as you wonder what you would have done in the situations facing the protagonists. I finished the novel with tears in my eyes. An uplifting novel and will be great for book clubs' *****' Goodreads reviewer

'I really liked this book. It felt a lot like The Alice Network. Very well done. Highly recommend' Goodreads reviewer

'An excellent and thrilling novel *****' Goodreads reviewer

At night, in Huda's fragrant garden of apricot trees, a breeze sweeps in from the desert, carrying warning of visitors at her gate . . .

Huda, a secretary at the Australian embassy, has been ordered by the mukhabarat - the secret police - to befriend Ally Wilson, the deputy ambassador's wife. Huda has no wish to be an informant, but she fears for her teenage son, who may be forced to join a deadly militia. Little does she know, Ally has dangerous secrets of her own.

Meanwhile, Huda's former friend, Rania, enjoyed a privileged upbringing as the daughter of a sheikh. Now her family's wealth is gone, and Rania, too, is battling to keep her child safe and a roof over their heads.

As the women's lives intersect, their hidden pasts spill into the present. Facing possible betrayal at every turn, all three must trust in a fragile, newfound loyalty, even as they discover how much they are willing to sacrifice to protect their families.

At night, in Huda's fragrant garden of apricot trees, a breeze sweeps in from the desert, carrying warning of visitors at her gate . . .

Huda, a secretary at the Australian embassy, has been ordered by the mukhabarat - the secret police - to befriend Ally Wilson, the deputy ambassador's wife. Huda has no wish to be an informant, but she fears for her teenage son, who may be forced to join a deadly militia. Little does she know, Ally has dangerous secrets of her own.

Meanwhile, Huda's former friend, Rania, enjoyed a privileged upbringing as the daughter of a sheikh. Now her family's wealth is gone, and Rania, too, is battling to keep her child safe and a roof over their heads.

As the women's lives intersect, their hidden pasts spill into the present. Facing possible betrayal at every turn, all three must trust in a fragile, newfound loyalty, even as they discover how much they are willing to sacrifice to protect their families.

'A truly gripping chiller of a thriller. Sensational ' PETER JAMES

'A white-knuckle-ride through a dangerous world full of deadly ambition' ERIN KELLY

'A knife-sharp locked room mystery' HARRIET TYCE

'An exciting, twisty page-turner that will keep you guessing all the way to the end' C.L. TAYLOR

PRE-ORDER THE MOST EXHILARATING THRILLER OF THE YEAR

They don't know what I did. And I intend to keep it that way.

How far would you go to win? Hyper-competitive people, mind games and a dangerous natural environment combine to make the must-read thriller of the year. Fans of Lucy Foley and Lisa Jewell will be gripped by spectacular debut novel Shiver.

When Milla is invited to a reunion in the French Alps resort that saw the peak of her snowboarding career, she drops everything to go. While she would rather forget the events of that winter, the invitation comes from Curtis, the one person she can't seem to let go.

The five friends haven't seen each other for ten years, since the disappearance of the beautiful and enigmatic Saskia. But when an icebreaker game turns menacing, they realise they don't know who has really gathered them there and how far they will go to find the truth.

In a deserted lodge high up a mountain, the secrets of the past are about to come to light.