What a force! This book is amazing, steeped in history and time with the flawless talent of this particular author. It is a part of the WWII story I had not read about before, and it was riveting.
The audio version, provided to me by the publisher and Netgalley, was fabulous as well. The narrator was able to provide distinct voices for every single character.
I’ll have to give myself a minute before I begin another book. I want to stay in these characters’ circle just a bit longer!

The Rose Code is an amazing work of historical fiction by Kate Quinn. I was not familiar with this author until I listened to this book; I'm thrilled to discover I have The Alice Network and The Huntress in my audiobook library. It started slowly, but soon I was totally enthralled. I highly recommend the audiobook version of this novel; I've listened to many, many audiobooks, and Saskia Maarleveld is one of the most talented narrators I've ever heard. Her female voices all sound marvelously unique, and the male voices actually sound like men. The pairing of this author with this narrator is absolute genius!

The timeline of this book is nonlinear, switching back and forth between the period beginning with 1940 and one set in 1947. (Trust me, the back-and-forth switch isn't in the least confusing.). Osla Kendall is a rich debutante recently returned from Canada; she works building planes to assist in the war effort. Prince Philip of Greece is a beau...yes, THAT Prince Philip, who is married to Queen Elizabeth. Mab Churt, aka "Queen Mab", is a poor East Londoner who worked her way through secretarial school, but she wants more, like a husband with social standing, so she can give a better life to her little sister Lucy. Osla and Mab meet on the train on the way to Bletchley Park, where they both have secretive new jobs (Osla as a fluent German translator and Mab who works the codebreaking machines) which are covered under the Official Secrets Act. They are being housed in the home of the Finch family, where they meet quiet and cowed Beth, who seems to be brilliant with puzzles. She also soon has a job in Bletchley Park as one of the few female cryptanalysts. The women become fast friends, but that friendship will be tested as they are all increasingly affected by the war and their work. In 1947 we see Beth in Clockwell asylum, where she has been placed for having a breakdown. Except she hasn't had a breakdown; she is being silenced for having found proof of a traitor in BP! Her time is running out, and she sends coded messages to her former friends asking for help. Will they help her, or will Beth lose her brilliant mind to a lobotomy?

I really can't go into more of the story without giving so much away! There were many WHAT?! moments that I never saw coming. The beginning of the book was a little slow in setting up the relationships between the women, but it's necessary in order to show the bonds between the three. The descriptions of the Enigma and other code breaking machines and how they worked made my eyes cross a bit - that's not exactly my forte - but it was fascinating. It was so hard for these women to have relationships when they couldn't discuss their jobs with anyone, even each other. They did have romantic relationships (my lips are sealed), though, and other friendships, such as The Mad Hatters, the BP book club. This book had me in turns spellbound, laughing and sobbing. Many of the supporting characters were also outstanding, especially war poet Francis Grey, little Lucy, Harry Zarb and Boots the dog. Some of the characters were based on real people (like Osla), but many real-life people also made an appearance, such as Dilly Knox and Winston Churchill. Stories of the war and code breaking were important aspects of the book, but its main theme and draw for me was the resilience of woman and friendships. Don't let this gripping audiobook pass you by.

I received an ARC of this audiobook courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Kate Quinn has done it again! Outstanding historical fiction coupled with strong characters and a riveting plot make this novel a compelling read. The Rose Code is a fascinating look into the world of the codebreakers who worked tirelessly in England during WWII. The novel follows dual timelines (1947 and 1939) through the eyes of three girls: Oslo Kendall, a Canadian debutante dissatisfied with her life; Mab Church, an East End girl with a secret and powerful desire to improve herself; and Beth Finch, a shy, insecure girl dominated by an overly religious mother who berates and belittles her daughter. These girls room together as they work at Bletchley Park forming a strong bond, despite their differences.

The novel begins as Beth has been committed to Clockwell Sanitorium for close to three years but finds a way to contact Oslo and Mab, pleading for their help in breaking a code.. However, a sense of betrayal before the end of the war had severed the girls from Beth. But Beth is desperate; she must have their help in finding a traitor, one who worked with them during the war, someone they all knew. As the story moves between the two timelines, the girls’ backgrounds, personal lives, and challenges working as codebreakers are revealed. As the two timelines move closer, the novel builds in tension and suspense.

I listened to the audio narrated by Saskia Maarleveld who is marvelous at creating unique voices for the many characters. Her ability to distinguish the characters made this a gripping, engrossing read. Highly recommended! Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Audio for an advanced copy of this audiobook.

Can we all just accept that Kate Quinn is a BRILLIANT historical fiction writer, and if she so much as writes on a napkin - we should all read it?! Reading - or rather listening to the audiobook - of The Rose Code was just share pleasure. It's 650+ pages and I'm telling you that you will feel everything in this book. I was completely immersed ... more like submerged, and I only came up for food and water. This book came everywhere with me as I couldn't leave behind the World of Bletchley Park and the 3 women recruited to work as female code breakers. Osla - the wealthy debutante; Mab - with the weight of her family on her shoulders; and Beth, whose mother is so overbearing and makes her think she is dumb and worthless. Life before, during and after WWII is very different for each of these ladies and we get treated to the intimate details of their lives - their personal lives as well as what it's like working for the wartime effort in secrecy.

This book was everything I love in historical story. Captivating well drawn characters who offer a personal and intimate perspective along with a unique aspect of the war that is lesser known. She had me with the book's premise; three female code breakers at Bletchley Park and the spy they must root out after the war is over. Quinn's writing pulled me in from the first chapter. I think I would've preferred to read instead of listen to this story but I'm appreciative of my ALC nonetheless. Thanks to Netgalley for my free audiobook!

OH my...

this was a long one for me. It has a dual time line and it goes back and forth. It took me a little while to situate myself but then i was good. The story is very detailed and well researched. I will check out BP if i ever go to England. It started to pick up a bit more towards the end.

Kate Quinn does an amazing job at historical fiction. I love her books.

This was a well-written, engaging story with interesting characters that I enjoyed getting to know.

We have three main characters, all women: Osla, a wealthy debutante who can't stand the thought of being just a silly deb, Mab, who has worked hard to make a better life for herself and is looking for a husband and stability, and Beth, who believes she is stupid and worthless due to her mother's treatment of her. In a split timeline you see these three women when they all meet and begin doing secret intelligence work at Bletchley Park during WWII and seven years later when one of them has ended up in an asylum. The story progresses until the timelines come together until you learn how and why one ended up shut away and what becomes of her.

There are a few side characters in the story and you get to know their interests and personalities. Plus, they have a book club that mentions classic novels so you know what they are discussing which gives you a feeling of being part of the group. It really works to draw you in.

I love Quinn's writing. She is terrific at building characters. I loved these characters and wanted to know what happened to them and who was to blame. I did guess the 'bad guy' was before it was disclosed, but I wasn't 100% certain and it did not take away from the story at all. There was so much more going on than that one mystery and a there were a couple of other twists that I did not expect.

I thought this was another excellent historical fiction from Kate Quinn and I can't wait to see what she comes out with next. She has become a go-to author for me.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Saskia Maarleveld and I thought she was excellent. She was perfect for this book. Her voices distinguished the main characters perfectly and suited their personalities. It was definitely an enjoyable listen.

Excellent story of three friends trying to navigate war, men and friendship.
Beth, Osla and Mab are working as code breakers at Bletchley center but the secrecy makes it hard to have a true relationship even with each other. There are a lot stories going on so I don’t want to try to go into all of them too much. This book has some great twists and turns and a bit of a mystery and the romance level is low which I enjoyed. It was really fascinating to learn about these women’s jobs. Also what happens when the war is over and so is your job? Especially a job that meant so much and took over your life.

Saskia Maarleveld’s narration was wonderful she did so many accents and different voices you honestly would have thought it was more than one narrator. Saskia is always a favorite!

This was a really good story. I highly recommend this one especially on audio!

4 Stars

There is something about World War II historical fiction that sucks me right in and tugs at all of my heart strings. Kate Quinn is no exception to this and I loved this even more Than the Alice Network.

We are following three very different women: Mab, Osla, and Beth, as they navigate through the war as codebreakers at the prestigious Bletchley Park. Filled with lots of love, heartbreak, and struggles this is sure to keep you guessing and fall in love with all of the characters. It even has a tie-in with Prince Phillip and the royal family which is so fun!

Kate Quinn's writing is always enthralling and had me hooked from the very first page. This books is over 600 pages but it definitely flew by and felt much shorter. There were definitely parts that I felt should have bene longer which is weird to say for such a chunky book! You can tell she puts so much research into her projects before she starts and it really pays off. This has made me want to learn all I can about Bletchley Park and will definitely be picking up some non fiction now! If you are going to only pick up one historical fiction this month I highly suggest this one!!!

Thank you to Net Galley and Harperbook audio for the gifted audiobook!

I really enjoyed the plot of this book, but it was a bit hard to get into at times. I loved the perspectives from the three different characters, and I LOVED the descriptions of them working as code breakers. The characters did seem kind of superficial at times, though. I found myself wanting more from them that would set them apart from characters in similar historical fiction books set in the same time period, but overall had a hard time really connecting with them.

The Rose Code is exhilarating, engaging, and full of suspense. Quinn does a fabulous job of weaving history and drama together to form a spellbinding story with characters that could literally walk off the page and a plot so intriguing, I couldn't possibly put it down. Well done! Fantastic narration as well.

Codebreakers, WWII, secrecy and fighting the Nazis. This is the mix which provides the base for this WWII novel. Based in Bletchley Park, where there were many brilliant men such as Alan Turing, the creator of the Turing machine, the use of young, the use of bright female students was unheard of. England was scoured and the best of the best were brought to Bletchley to serve their country. This book revolves around three codebreakers, Osla, Mab, and Beth, whose talents were dedicated to help change the course of World War II Along the way, Beth realizes that there is a traitor in their midst and receives the ultimate punishment to keep that information hidden.

This book was a little slow moving for me and a tad bit too long. I have read some other novels based on female code breakers during WWII that seemed to have much better pacing.

The Rose Code, Kate Quinn
Pub Date: March 8, 2021

Kate Quinn has once again stolen my heart and solidified her place in my mind as the reigning queen of historical fiction. The Rose Code had me completely enthralled and I was engrossed from cover to cover. Making this one of my most anticipated and most coveted reads of 2021.

This book had all the elements that I love about historical fiction: researched plot and narrative, multi-faceted character development, dual timelines, strong female protagonists, and a strong reminiscent pull of time spent over tea with my Nana as she reflected on her own wartime stories, the monarchy and so much more. Tea, fascinators and the Royal family ever present in our home (as well as on our Canadian Currency). As such this rich tale of the Bletchley Park code-breakers with ties to Prince Phillip and the forthcoming nuptials with our Queen was completely captivating and will be hard to beat in my 2021 best of historical fiction.

There are a plethora of reviews, all gushing about The Rose Code and with good merit. The Rose Code was so well executed and finely layered with skilled craftsmanship with a dalliance of play. I laughed, cried, cheered, pinned and grieved the relationships forged and fractured. I absolutely adored the Mad Hatter’s Book Club (Alice is a dear treasure and I truly wish to belong to such a raucous group) and bits of Gone with Wind (I’m named after Melanie - she was the “good girl”) and all the tidbits that made this narrative so real! And, despite having a good idea of how it would end for some, you still rooted for the alternative as you were swept away in this stunning tale. How could you possibly seek more? Unfathomable, in my opinion.

Although I was given the Audio version with Saskia Maaeleveld’s (which was FANTASTIC!) I simply had to get the paperback version for my collection. I often flipped between the two listening to Saskia but also wanting to hold Kate’s words and visual extras. What made this experience exceptional for me was my good fortune to meet Kate via Zoom! Hearing her discussing her work in detail was a privilege not soon to be forgotten. It was amazing to hear about her meticulous and fascinating research that made The Rose Code perfection as historical fiction. She also hinted about her forthcoming book due Spring 2022 and let me tell you - it sounds phenomenal!!!

My thanks to #Netgalley and #HarperAudio for an advance copy of this audio book in exchange for an honest review.

Kate Quinn never disappoints. I was introduced to Quinn when I devoured The Huntress and all of her other novels are just as good. The Rose Code is riveting and exciting. The three main characters are fully fleshed out and all of their backstories are interesting. I love how Quinn alway has such strong female protagonists. Her women are never meek or mild. Taking place from 194- through 1947, Quinn seamlessly spins a war story, using real life names and places to lend credence to her fiction. Highly recommended for anyone who not only loves historical fiction but wants a great story that will keep you turning the pages!

I have only read a handful of Kate Quinn’s books, and while I have enjoyed them, it wasn’t until I read The Alice Network that I really fell in love with her books. After reading The Alice Network, I saw that The Rose Code was coming out and I knew that I had to get my hands on this one.

Not only did I love the idea of women code breakers but Quinn’s writing ability has really grown over her books so I was so excited to check this one out! Quinn is a great writer but the polish she put in The Alice Network really shined and I was eager to check this one out and I have also bought a copy of The Huntress to read soon!

Quinn has a wide range of historical novels that she has written, some are set in ancient Rome, some during the Borgia era, and of course now WWII. Clearly she loves history and all of her novels have been well researched but her WWII era novels seem to have a little something extra special about them which is why I was so thrilled to read The Rose Code!

Summary
The New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Huntress and The Alice Network returns with another heart-stopping World War II story of three female code breakers at Bletchley Park and the spy they must root out after the war is over.

1940. As England prepares to fight the Nazis, three very different women answer the call to mysterious country estate Bletchley Park, where the best minds in Britain train to break German military codes. Vivacious debutante Osla is the girl who has everything—beauty, wealth, and the dashing Prince Philip of Greece sending her roses—but she burns to prove herself as more than a society girl, and puts her fluent German to use as a translator of decoded enemy secrets. Imperious self-made Mab, product of east-end London poverty, works the legendary codebreaking machines as she conceals old wounds and looks for a socially advantageous husband. Both Osla and Mab are quick to see the potential in local village spinster Beth, whose shyness conceals a brilliant facility with puzzles, and soon Beth spreads her wings as one of the Park’s few female cryptanalysts. But war, loss, and the impossible pressure of secrecy will tear the three apart.

1947. As the royal wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip whips post-war Britain into a fever, three friends-turned-enemies are reunited by a mysterious encrypted letter–the key to which lies buried in the long-ago betrayal that destroyed their friendship and left one of them confined to an asylum. A mysterious traitor has emerged from the shadows of their Bletchley Park past, and now Osla, Mab, and Beth must resurrect their old alliance and crack one last code together. But each petal they remove from the rose code brings danger–and their true enemy–closer (summary from Goodreads)

Review
This book started out so strong! It follows three friends, Beth, Osla, and Mab as they work at the top secret Bletchley Park during the war. Each character’s story is strong, as are the three personalities. For me personally, I liked Osla the best. She seemed the most approachable of the three. She was intelligent and sassy, someone who I could see myself being friends with. Then you had Mab who I just didn’t care for at all. She was this scrappy, rags to riches sort of character with a darker history and while I should have loved her, I found her personality off putting to some degree. Lastly, there was Beth who was meek and quiet but fiercely intelligent although she was one of those intelligent people that just couldn’t understand social queues etc and I had a hard time relating to.

While I might not have loved each of the characters, they were all well written, developed and thought out. And together they all worked well together and even though I didn’t love every single characters, I felt fully invested in their stories. Often when there are a lot of main characters, I find myself drawn to just one story line but in this one I felt equally interested in all of their stories.

I loved getting to know how things worked at Bletchley Park and what their secret facility did behind the scenes. It was exciting and historically so captivating. I loved that aspect of this novel and again I saw the same polish in this one that I have seen in Quinn’s other WWII novels. Bletchley Park and all the characters (central and minor) were colorful, well thought out, explained, and researched. I loved so many parts of this novel, but I have to say, the ending was abrupt considering all the build up that went into it.

The ending felt rushed and I would have liked to have explored some of the reasons the traitor had for betraying their country and I would have liked to have seen a little more justice, it felt rather open ended. I thought things wrapped up a little too neatly and again, just too quickly. I would have liked to have seen maybe one less leading female part so that the author only had to wrap up two main plots rather than three. I mean, it wasn’t horrible by any means, but considering how much built up went into identifying the traitor, I would have liked to have seen a little more resolution and time devoted to the ending.

So where does that leave me for a rating? Well I loved the story and the content was so interesting and I especially loved the epilogue. It was a great story overall with realistic, flawed characters who really had nothing in common except love of country who had to work together. But yet they became a family, so the story was beautiful in that regard. But the ending just didn’t do it justice. Ultimately I went with 4.5 stars because it was a great book just wished the ending would have been a little less rushed.

Book Info and Rating
ebook, 656 pages

Expected publication: March 9th 2021 by William Morrow Paperbacks

ISBN0062943480 (ISBN13: 9780062943484)

Free review copy provided by publisher, William Morrow Books in partnership with Bibliolifestyle, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and in no way influenced.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Genre: historical fiction

I received a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review
This was simply fabulous. Just enough intrigue and seduction to hold me and my goodness did it! Saskia Maarlaveld is an amazing narrator.

The Rose Code is the story of three very different women who all come together to work at Bletchley Park during WWII. I can’t say much more without giving things away, but I will say that this has everything we’ve come to expect from Kate Quinn. Strong female characters. Check. Intrigue. Check. Just a smidge of romance. Check. Imagery that makes you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. Double check. The audiobook is performed by the incomparable Saskia Maarleveld and she kills it. With so many characters I was afraid that the audio would be hard to follow, but the voices are so distinct that I never had to rewind to find out who was speaking. If you enjoy historical fiction with a lot of action go pick this up! Thank you NetGalley and HarperAudio for the ALC. #netgalley #therosecode

This book starts in Bletchley Park and the addition of women into the super secret ranks of the enigma code breakers. This book takes you through the lives of three of these women and the trial and tribulations they must all face during the time of war, where each just wants to make a difference.

I have always loved stories of this time period but this book comes with such a different perspective, one of civilian women just wanting to do something for the war effort, something that makes a difference. The three main characters could not be more different if they tried, but at the same time they bond in ways only they could. Even when things go really bad they might be mad but still have each others backs. Even after they defeat the Nazis and the Japanese during WWII their biggest adversary might just come after the war. This is a great book that is full of suspense some twists you will see coming, other will be a surprise. If you happen to get lucky enough to get the audio narrated by Saskia Maarleveld than start it up, and you won't want to get out of your car anytime soon it is that good. All in all I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.

This was absolutely phenomenal. I don’t use that word often but as someone who actually does not like audio books, this is everything an audio book should be. Fabulous narrator, fabulous story. Amazing.

Another Kate Quinn well written historical fiction book. Many intertwining plots. This all was taking place around the time of the wedding of Queen Elizabeth to Prince Phillip. Coding is described and how women were doing the work. Multiple relationships. The book was a long one for me as it had lots of descriptions with many details. The length of the book was the only negative. It was still a good educational historical fiction worth reading.

I read this as an advanced reader. Somehow the review did not remain here.