157 dogs rescued from kill shelters in 2020. From my family to you and yours a very healthy, Happy New Year.

I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has purchased, read, and taken the time to review one of my books. All profits from my books go to help get dogs like Neve, Ernie, siblings Max & Mila, Merry, Choca, Dixie, senior girl Georgia & Luke (see photos below) out of kill shelters.  In 2020 157 dogs have been rescued. In 2019 409 dogs have been rescued. In 2018 670 dogs have been rescued. In 2017 we’ve helped free 904 dogs. In 2016, 250 dogs were freed. In 2015, 149 dogs were freed.

LINK TO PURCHASE ALL MY BOOKS and to see all reviews for all my books click on the books cover:

AMAZON U.S.http://www.amazon.com/Paulette-Mahurin/e/B008MMDUGO/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1467744666&sr=8-1 

AMAZON U.K.https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_pdt_bl_sr?ie=UTF8&field-keywords=Paulette+MahurinAnd on all other Amazon sites around the world.

AMAZON RANKING

My books have been ranked in the best seller lists on Amazon U.S., U.K., & Australia in their categories (historical fiction, teen and young adult, and literary fiction).  What an honor to be ranked #87  MOST POPULAR BOOK IN LITERARY FICTION next to Paulo Coelho; incredible author of The Alchemist and The Pilgrimage.

AMAZON MOST POPULAR BOOKS IN HISTORICAL FICTION: THE SEVEN YEAR DRESS & TO LIVE OUT LOUD

AMAZON U.S. U.K. & AUSTRALIA RANKING FOR THE SEVEN YEAR DRESS

AMAZON RANKING #3 FOR A DIFFERENT KIND OF ANGEL

AMAZON RANKING #38 FOR THE DAY I SAW THE HUMMINGBIRD

AMAZON RANKING #86 FOR THE OLD GILT CLOCK

AMAZON RANKING #11 FOR WHERE IRISES NEVER GROW

RECENT REVIEW FOR MY BOOKS

WHERE IRISES NEVER GROW

AMAZON U.S.

Marina Osipova5.0 out of 5 stars *****Heart-stopping. A story I will never forget. Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2020Verified Purchase A skillful introduction to the story, the prologue is instantly intriguing, suspense mounting with every page. And how wonderfully the author weaved Aesop’s Fables in the tapestry of the major characters’ lives!
A most disgraceful and tragic time for France: the year is 1942. The author writes, “Desperation. Deportations. Jews in hiding betrayed. Ravenous citizens who joined the human hunt for food and to protect themselves . . .” Paulette Mahurin introduces to the reader Charlotte and Victor Legrand, well-to-do Lyon citizens, Agnes and Jacques, young Jewish people, along with several other fascinating characters (Resistance members and the famous Klaus Barbie and his henchmen) whose actions are expertly woven into the historical context.
In this world filled with nightmares there is remarkably also trust and kindness, self-sacrifice and even emerging love, and, sadly, the situation when a mother wants for her daughter: “Never tell her she is Jewish.” There are heart-ripping scenes between the young mother and her newborn who has come to this world of Nazi-infested France to be annihilated and the life-protecting love of another woman who risks her own life to save the baby who otherwise was doomed. You have to read the book to find out how it all ended.
Realistic—nothing held back—descriptions brought a feeling of being there, experiencing the every-moment danger of being seized, brutalized, and destroyed. The torture scenes (everyone interested in the genre knows the name of the notorious Butcher of Lyon) are blood-freezing. The descriptions of animosity toward Jewish people and Resistance members are unbearable. An emotional, disturbing, touching tale.
The reader parts with Monica, the first character we meet as the story unfolds, at the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust, feeling deep appreciation to the remarkable author who writes stories that must never be consigned to oblivion. This book deserves the highest recommendation.

reader20105.0 out of 5 stars***** It leaves you speachless Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2020Verified Purchase And will stay with you for days. At odd times you will recall things. A dark and terrible time in the history of the world is brought to life through the lives of the people battered and bruised. Forces greater then themselves twist their lives into distorted caricatures. It is a wonderfully written book and as with all great stores, the protagonist grows and changes. A great read.

Sherrie HansenVINE VOICE5.0 out of 5 stars***** A Beautiful Tribute to Bravery Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2020Verified Purchase Where Irises Never Grow is one of the most impactful books I have ever read. It is honest, raw, and insightful in a way that will affect you deeply. Filled with flawed, but completely loveable heroes and heroines, purely evil villians, and a supporting cast of incredible men and woman straight from the pages of history, the story of the Legrand family, the French Resistance, and endangered Jews, Agnes and Jacque, will break your heart and inspire you at the same time. I was mortified at the lethal influence of the puppet goverment and the media’s propganda – and the realization that although these innocent people thought it could never happen to them, or their country, it did. Where Irises Never Grow is a story of betrayal and loyalty, good and evil, of lives saved for a time, and then lost, all undergirded by a grand effort to help one another. Mahurin’s insights and intensely real characters renewed my perspective and allowed me to experience the world through someone else’s eyes, and reminded me of the simple yet enduring truths learned from Aesop’s Fables, where a glimmer of hope and truth is always to be found.

JJ5.0 out of 5 stars *****What a read. Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2020Verified Purchase Incredible. I can’t stop thinking about the story, the cruelty that the Nazis did to Jews. And resistance members or anyone who helped Jews. What I found especially compelling was the way the author presented relationships with all the human emotions and reactions we possess. There was nothing cut out or cardboard about any of the characters for they were unique and ran deep. I loved the interplay between Agnes and the Legrands, the support, kindness, frustration and gratitude. I really like the subtle unfolding that showed emotions migrating from what appeared to be cold and uncaring/immature to deep and selfless. A realistic ending left me wanting to go to the Holocaust Museum to see photos, listen to stories, honor the victims. This is such a great read.

C F Brown5.0 out of 5 stars *****Ms. Mahurin’s Next Great Read Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2020Verified Purchase This book is not an ‘easy’ read. The emotions you will feel will only be a shadow to the suffering people endured. With her words you will travel to that horrendous time and back again to wonder ….how. Why.

PeaceLoveHopeVINE VOICE5.0 out of 5 stars *****Compelling Read 4.5/5 Stars Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2020Verified Purchase I had no doubt when diving into Mahurin’s latest work, Where Irises Never Grow, that I would find myself in a story rich with complex, believable characters and steeped in history. It is apparent the amount of research Mahurin put into this piece; even though this is a heartbreaking story, I learned a lot about the German occupation of France. I enjoyed the way the author wove the story of a beloved book from present, to the past, and again back to present day; it was well done.

Kell Frillman5.0 out of 5 stars***** This book will test your soul Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2020Verified Purchase This is the first I’ve heard or read of this author and I was definitely not prepared for the roller coaster ride that this book sent me on. As someone once said to me, “Our own history is far more horrific than anything your imagination can come up with” and I’ve found that to be entirely true. This book intentionally fails to sugarcoat the darkest aspects of our Jewish history while stabbing you in the gut with its realism, but it also shines a light on the trials, tribulations, and extreme bravery of the heart-felt, flushed out characters that it focuses on. Despite being almost impossibly brave, none of the characters come across as “Mary Sue’s” or as if their choices are unrealistic. This book showcases the worst of humanity, but it also showcases the great potential that we have to do GOOD, instead.
I read this in about two and a half days, and for hours after I finished it, I found myself lost in thought and reflection. Its impact will stay with me well into the future. Bravo, this author has my utmost respect for choosing such an incredibly sensitive subject matter and bringing out the themes that we all need to reflect on in our current modern-day society.

AMAZON U.K.

bookworm815.0 out of 5 stars *****Powerful writing Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 December 2020Verified Purchase Where Irises Never Grow is a harrowing yet beautifully written book about a period in history that should never be forgotten. Impeccably researched, Paulette Mahurin’s latest novel takes the reader from 21st century California to Lyon at the height of the German occupation. The characters are multi-layered and realistic, their flaws and ultimate humanity emphasising the horrors of the holocaust. The juxtaposition of the modern-day narrative was a powerful reminder of the lingering effects of this period in history, and as readers experience the story of Charlotte, Agnes, Jacques and Madeline alongside Monica, they cannot helped but be moved.

Bill5.0 out of 5 stars *****Emotional and brilliant! Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 December 2020Verified Purchase I am a great fan of this author and am always eager to read her latest book. Once again, I have not been disappointed! This is another gem of a book, which is beautifully written and tells a story that grips your heart and stays with you long after you finish turning the pages. A story set during the second world war, which is focused on one family, but in its telling provides a wider historical portrayal of the persecution of Jews in France during the occupation by Nazi Germany. A story I would encourage everyone to read, especially younger people, so that we learn from the past and don’t repeat the same terrible mistakes. The author is particularly adept at writing emotional stories and most readers will find it hard not to shed a tear or two. Highly recommended!

Maria5.0 out of 5 stars***** Where Irises Never Grow Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 December 2020Verified Purchase A harrowing story from the period France was occupied during WW2.
I do enjoy books that have a double timeline as this one does. To complete her dissertation a modern-day student, Monica buys a French edition of Aesop’s Tales. Monica discovers a newspaper cutting and handwritten note hidden in the book and sets out to discover the original owner. Monica is an interesting character with doubts about her boyfriend and is determined to unravel the book’s secrets even if it causes friction.
Along with Monica, the reader discovers the history of the book hidden by the Legand family to prevent it being destroyed by the Nazis. As the occupation progresses the family find themselves at the centre of the resistance movement and not only hiding books to ensure they survive.
A moving tale that doesn’t sugarcoat the situation and the hard decisions people were forced to make. I really appreciated that while brave and noble the characters also had basic flaws whether it was regret, jealousy or selfishness. Having these “normal” flaws made them more relatable and emphasised how courageous they were.

Amazon Customer5.0 out of 5 stars *****Quite Incredible Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 December 2020Verified Purchase The story I have just read has vacillated emotionally like a rollercoaster ride through the turns and twists with ups and downs of despair. Sometimes I had to put the book down for several days, because the horrors were just too much to bear. Even though we all know of the holocaust and the atrocities committed, somehow reading about it happening to a family one has come to know through an authors hand, was somehow much more painful.
But the sweet moments between Victor and Charlotte, Jaqueline and Agnes, and all those other beautiful moments of love and hope, balanced it out and I invested several hours at a time.
This is an incredible story, told through the experiences of survivors. The love, support and bravery of all the characters in the book are are testament to all those who lost their lives, or were willing to risk their lives in the pursuit of freedom.
Surely one of the most painful episodes in history, this book has been written honestly, sensitively and masterfully. Everyone should read it.
I am left with the feeling that I am so lucky to live when I do, and where I do, with the knowledge that none of my war-time family had to suffer such awful acts of barbarity.
A brilliant book and if I could give it ten stars I would.

Books R Best5.0 out of 5 stars***** ANOTHER NOVEL TO READ AND REMEMBER Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 December 2020Verified Purchase I always enjoy this author’s books set during World War II. This one is set in Lyon, France and features a young Jewish girl who is taken into hiding. One huge difference in her case to Ann Frank is that she is pregnant. How do cope in a situation like that? And what if her protectors are themselves part of the French Resistance? A nail-biting, page-turning book that will keep you up far into the night.

Helen Devries5.0 out of 5 stars *****When ordinary people have to be heroes. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 December 2020Verified Purchase The central characters reminded me so much of the Resistance members I was privileged to meet in France. Ordinary people, unremarkable people, who had been willing to take unimaginable risks to try to preserve civilised values, and some of whom suffered the consequnces, lucky to survive the camps.
The courage of the couple who took in the young girl, the wife suffering her own agony of mind as, unable to have a child herself, she finds that the girl has become pregnant, shows complex characterisation…you feel you know these people.
The brutality of the Barbie regime is not toned down, nor should it be. We need to remember – or realise – that once you demonise a person, or a group, once you can see them as the ‘other’ you permit yourself a licence you would hold unthinkable in respect of people ‘like us’.
We are all ‘like us’.

Trypsin5.0 out of 5 stars *****Out of the deepest darkness comes brightness Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 December 2020Verified Purchase This is a historical fiction book giving a passionate insight into the horrors of the German occupation of France. Where Irises Never Grow tells the story of how one book a French edition of Aesop’s Tales escaped Nazi confiscation, and moved through time while harbouring a cryptic note. When a Californian student, Monica Chastain, finds the book in 2017, she uncovers an incredible story of horrendous events befalling a family in war-ravaged France. This is an emotional and gripping story with memorable characters (Charlotte in particular). It is evident the story was thoroughly researched, and research adds chilling authenticity to the narrative such that some torture scenes make harrowing reading. But out of the darkness comes hope and brightness.

AMAZON CANADA

JJF5.0 out of 5 stars Marianne Dessis’ review, echos my thought, sentements and positive reaction for a fabulous read ! Reviewed in Canada on December 20, 2020Verified Purchase Marianne Dessis’s Reviews > Where Irises Never Grow
Where Irises Never Grow by Paulette Mahurin
Dec 19, 2020 it was amazing*****

I have just finished reading this gripping book that transports us to the awful times of German occupation of France – my own country – during WWII. The story unveils the dark hours of the town of Lyon where the butcher Klaus Barbie settled with his barbaric methods. It also reveals how some people from the French resistance had to compromize themselve with the enemy, until the ultime sacrifice, in order to help the secret network to survive.

We follow, page after page , the moving destiny of a recomposed family entangled between duty, love and survival, linked around the Aesop Fables book and a mysterious first name Madeline with two surnames, one of them being jewish .

I really enjoyed this book and I even learned that the symbol of French Royalty was first an Iris before becoming a lilly !

GOODREADS

Dec 13, 2020Yesh rated it it was amazing  *****·  review of another edition I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Mahurin s newest book. It was well researched,extremely informative, and engrossing until the last page. Her characters are relateable, interesting and multidimensional. Her use of language is vivid and colorful. I will definitely pass this book along to friends and family.

DOGS RESCUED FROM KILL SHELTERS

Neve has been rescued

Neve’s freedom photo

Ernie has been rescued

Ernie’s freedom photo

Max & Milas’ shelter info

Max has been rescued

Max’s freedom photo

Mila has been rescued

Mila’s freedom photo

Merry has been rescued

Merry’s freedom photo

Choca’s been rescued

Choca’s freedom photo

Dixie has been rescued

Dixie’s freedom photo

Senior girl Georgia’s been rescued

Senior girl Georgia’s freedom photo

Luke’s been rescued

Luke’s freedom photo