The Secret History of Audrey James By Heather Marshall



Wow, this had a huge emotional impact on me.  I have read lots of historical fiction fiction set during World War II but I don't think I have ever read one that had several huge twists like this one.  There is so much to unpack and I will be thinking about this book for days.  


This novel is a dual timeline book with one story about Kate in 2010 and the other about Audrey in the late 1930s. Kate needs to leave London as she tries to escape her failed marriage and tries to deal with her past.  She has lost both her parents and she is trying to retrace their steps.  This brings her to Oakwood Inn where she meets Audrey.  After a rough start, Audrey begins to confide in Kate about her past. Audrey was in Berlin, living with a Jewish family right before WWII began.  Her story is heartbreaking but also incredible with what she went through to protect those that she loved and to try and make a difference for those in need.  


This is an amazing work of historical fiction.  It is thought provoking and even more inspiring is the fact that it was loosely based on real women. If you love books about World War II or just about strong women in general, I highly recommend this book. 

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