Though the title and barbed-wire-wrapped rose on the cover suggest an emphasis on romance, the World War II setting of Arianne and Luc's love story informs most of the plot. The story feels slow at first but picks up quickly when the backlash against Luc's resistance activities leads to a village massacre. The final scenes are compelling but not for the fainthearted.

Gr 9 Up-By February of 1944, the small, quiet French town of Samaroux had endured rationing but had thus far been spared the terror of German invasion. After five years away, Luc Belleville and his mother return there under a cloud of mystery and suspicion. Arianne and her cousin Solange are intrigued by the return of the hot-headed and attractive Luc, but quickly learn that he has no interest in interacting with anyone. However, through a series of chance meetings, Luc and Arianne develop a mutual, yet contentious attraction. Luc's rival Romy, the son of a supposed German informant, remains unsuccessful at keeping the couple at odds. When a train crashes close to Samaroux, provoking the attention of the German military, Romy's father collaborates with the Nazis to uncover the saboteurs. While spying on Arianne and Luc, Romy overhears information that implicates Luc, but that could put the whole town in danger. The violence and turmoil that ensue closely follow the true story of the massacre in the French town of Oradour-sur-Glane in June of 1944. Though the story offers a different lens through which to view World War II, the love story is not drawn well enough to be compelling. Collections in need of additional sources to complement social studies curricula may find this to be a unique addition. However, teens will be unlikely to pick it up for general-interest reading. Lynn Rashid, Marriotts Ridge High School, Marriottsville, MD