This is the story of two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle during World War Two in France. The Nazis have occupied their small village of Carriveau. Both sisters struggle with their relationship to each other. Isabelle is far more daring and outrageously impulsive than her older sister who simply wants to lead a quiet life with her husband and her daughter, Sophie. It is Isabelle who meets the danger of Nazi occupation head on and soon joins the resistance unwittingly putting Vianne and her family in danger. It is with quiet courage and grace that Vianne finally faces the day to day dangers that threaten her and her family. Kristin Hannah has written a heartbreaking novel centering on resilience of two women and the indomitable spirit in war time.