The Paris Code

A breathtakingly beautiful story of love and sacrifice set in wartime Paris, from the bestselling author of The Paris Secret A strong woman. A dangerous city. A fight for freedom . . . 1928. Eighteen-year-old Marie-Madeleine is not the kind of woman who goes through life sitting down, something her new husband can attest. Her unconventionalities - rally car driving, flying planes and dabbling in intelligence work for the French government - earn her a reputation, but she knows who she is at heart: an adventurer. Ten years later, as Europe teeters on the brink of war, a chance encounter with a mysterious man codenamed Navarre turns Marie-Madeleine's life upside down. Recruited to help build a resistance network known only as Alliance, she conceals her identity - and gender - as she navigates a perilous double-life away from her children and the man she loves. Capture and death are only ever a heartbeat away. But when the resistance finds themselves without a leader, Marie-Madeleine steps into the role, heedless of the many men who doubt her abilities. Will she, a young mother from Paris, help turn the tide of war? Internationally bestselling author Natasha Lester passionately brings to life the true story of one of history's unsung heroes: Marie-Madeleine Fourcade, the only woman to lead a resistance network in WWII France. Her story is one of epic love, tragic loss and magnificent leadership.