This story follows the lives of Violette and Virginia, two heroines who bravely risk their lives in an effort to stop the Nazi regime and end WWII. Throughout the novel, we see each woman's story unfolds, and we get to know them intimately...their upbringing, emotions, and what motivates them. Ultimately, their lives intersect, and the events are brought to a climax.

It's clear that the author did extensive research to bring authenticity to her fictional interpretation of the story. Not only was it historically accurate (with back matter to explain adjustments to the actual timeline of events), but the characters were brought to life with heart and depth.

It was refreshing to read a story of real women whose realities had not yet been brought to life. I read a lot of WWII historical fiction, but this was special and unique. Thank you to the publisher, NetGalley, and the author for an advance reader e-copy of this book!

I like to think I’d be brave and strong in the face of unimaginable horror but Ms. Robuck highlights two women who were exactly that. Virginia and Violette each did their part to fight the Nazi’s but in different ways. Each take their own pain and fight to ensure that others can be safe or make it to safety. They risk their own lives for the lives of others.

I’ve been a big fan of Ms. Robuck’s books for a long time but this novel and The Invisible Woman are her finest to date. I can’t wait to read what she writes next.

Robuck is a best-selling author of many books including "The Invisible Woman" and "The House of Hawthorne". This new release is an historical fiction based on the lives of two real heroic women of WWII, Virginia d'Albert-Lake and Violette Szabo. Virginia was an American woman living in France with her French husband, who when France was invaded chose to stay and get involved with the resistance. Violette is part French and living in England, but desperate to serve her country and fight the Nazis. With her French language skills and shooting prowess, she is accepted into the Special Operations Executive and trained to parachute into France to carry out missions. While the author has taken some literary license, the story does a great job of telling the story of these women. Robuck ends the book by listing the things she changed and summarizes some of the actual events that occurred after the novel's timeline ends. This is a wonderful recommendation for fans of the genre and in particular readers of Kate Quinn.

Virginia and Violette are characters that you will think about long after you finish reading this book. In essence this book asks the question: what do you do when the world gets turned upside down? For Virginia that meant holding onto the love she had for her husband and doing everything she could to stay with him, even if that meant forgoing an opportunity to escape. For Violette it meant embracing her defiant will and choosing to find justice what was taken from her French family.
Safety was set aside by both women as they each embraced the various means by which they could contribute to the Resistance. Virginia found that hiding wasn't enough and Violette found that she had more to give than sulking in her grief and despair. This book was gripping in all the ways that matter. Robuck shows her brilliance in both the depth of her research and her understanding of the human will.

I received a copy of this title via NetGalley.

I have read and enjoyed a couple of Erika Robuck’s books over the years. She has proven to me that she is a solid writer who doe wonderful research on her historical fiction novels. So I am typically on board for a review whenever one of her books comes across my desk for review! I really enjoyed Hemingway’s Girl and the Invisible Woman, though I didn’t love The House of Hawthorne as I had hoped, it was still full of great research and things to enjoy.

When her latest novel came up for review, I was excited to see what topic and historical period she would go with next! The Invisible Woman was set in WWII and I recall how well researched and new it felt, even in a world full of WWII novels, Robuck’s stood out as memorable and well defined for me.

Women spy novel have really been a thing over the last few years and I love reading about some of these untold narratives in historical fiction. Even if they are fictional narratives many are inspired by real narratives and with that in mind I was super excited to read about the French resistance and some of the more clandestine activities that went on during the war!

Summary
1940. In a world newly burning with war, and in spite of her American family’s wishes, Virginia decides to stay in occupied France with her French husband. She’s sure that if they keep their heads down they’ll make it through. But as the call to resist the enemy grows around her, Virginia must decide if she’s willing to risk everything to help those in need.

Nineteen-year-old Violette is a crack shot with an unquenchable spirit of adventure, and she’s desperate to fight the Nazis however she can. When her mother sends her to find an exiled soldier, Violette meets the man who will change her life. Then tragedy strikes, and Britain’s clandestine war organization—the Special Operations Executive—learns of Violette’s dual citizenship and adept firearm handling and starts to recruit her. But Violette is no stranger to loss and must decide whether the cost of defiance is too great a price to pay.

Set across the European theater of WWII, Sisters of Night and Fog tells the story of two women whose clandestine deeds come to a staggering halt when they are brought together at Ravensbrück concentration camp (summary from Goodreads)

Review
During the pandemic, I really found myself reaching for more ‘fluff’ reading but when I read books like this one with more substance and emotion, I am reminded how much I love a great emotional read! This book instantly stood out as memorable for me. Having read some of Robuck’s other books, this one for me was the stand out in a her books. It was well research (which I never expected less!), had heart, as well as some well developed characters! This book is based on real life events and I was so engrossed in the story and fascinated by the untold historical narrative, but the best part is, that while this book is based on a true story, it is very much a readable story rather than reading like a history book it reads like what it is—a fun fiction novel!

Having read a lot of other historical fiction books with the Special Operations Executive playing a part in the stories, I felt familiar with the SOE and some of the things that it did during the war, but reading about it here made it feel even more intriguing and interesting. I loved reading about both Virginia and Violette’s stories. Each character was very different but their drive and bravery had it’s similarities. I usually shy away from the term ‘gripping read’ but I think in this case it’s very fitting. Each character had so much courage and it’s rare for me to read a book where I can’t choose between the characters I love the most! Many times I find myself identifying with one character or another but in this book I found drawn and connected to bThis book is oth but in different ways.

This book is an emotional read. It took me on a rollercoaster of emotion, smiling, laughing, anger, sadness, frustration—-all of it. If you like your historical fiction with more heart and emotion then you will no doubt find lots to love in this book. I personally feel this is Robuck’s best novel to date. I love that she has really hit on a time period that she thrives in! I felt a little done in emotionally by the end of this book but in a good way. This is a book not to be missed by historical fiction fans. The stories of both Virginia and Violette are so compelling and intense, there is so much goodness in this one! Don’t miss it!

Book Info and Rating
Paperback, 480 pages

Published March 1st 2022 by Berkley Books

ISBN 0593102169 (ISBN13: 9780593102169)

Free review copy provided by publisher, Berkley Book, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and in no way influenced.

Rating: 5 stars

Genre: historical fiction

Historical author Erika Robuck has followed up her World War II saga of American-socialite-turned-Allied spy Virginia Hall, last year’s Invisible Girl, with a story about another American named Virginia who worked for the allies in World War II. Sisters of Night and Fog is actually about two women, American Virginia d’Albert Lake and Briton Violetta Szabo, who worked separately to defeat the Nazis but came together at the notorious female concentration camp, Ravensbruck. It’s a meticulously researched, engrossing book that forces readers to ponder the questions of evil and endurance in the world.

For the rest of the review, click on the link below.

Thanks #NetGalley @BerkleyPub for a complimentary eARC of #TheSistersOfNightAndFog upon my request. All opinions are my own.

An American socialite in France meets a British secret agent…..

Sisters of Night and Fog is the story of two real life, brave young women who join the Resistance Movement during WW11. Virginia d’Albert-Lake is married and lives in France, and adventure-seeking, nineteen-year-old Violette Szabo is a French citizen but lives in England. Because Violette is an expert with firearms and has dual citizenship, she is recruited by Britain’s secretive Special Operations organization. The two women eventually meet at Ravensbruck concentration camp.

March is Women’s History Month in the United States, and International Women’s Day is March 8. Sisters of Night and Fog is a well-written and well-researched historical fiction story that highlights and represents the brave women in history who worked as spies or with the Resistance Movement during WW11.

I became acquainted with the work of Erika Robuck when I had the opportunity to read and review The Invisible Woman. I jumped at the chance to read this new release, and I’ll be watching for more historical fiction from this author!

Sisters of Night and Fog is told in a fairly straightforward timeline from Virginia’s and Violette’s alternating points of view. Each of the young women is brave, independents, resourceful, and smart. They capture your heart from the first pages! The title may be misleading because Virginia and Violette are not biological sisters or related in any way. They are sisters in adversity, intrigue, mission, espionage, and survival. ***spoiler*** Their paths do not cross until late in the story (I mention this because I kept expecting them to meet before they did).

When I know d.that characters are based on real people, you have my attention! I greatly appreciated the research, the vivid details and descriptions, and the unputdownable and engaging story! It’s well-paced and structured. I love a story that grabs me from the first page and one that is a good balance of plot-driven and character-driven. I liked that most of the story is devoted to their espionage activities and only a small portion of the story describes the concentration camp experience.

Highly Recommended for fans of compelling historical fiction, for readers who appreciate stories of strong and inspiring women, and for book clubs.

The recent tragic events in Ukraine (Russia vs. Ukraine 2/2022) and the writing of this review in the midst of the coverage triggers me to ponder what I would do in difficult and impossible circumstances. Do you ever think about the dramatic turn your ordinary life could suddenly take when reading a book like this?

Content Considerations: WW11 atrocities and hardships

Sisters of Night and Fog tells the tale of two daring women who sacrifice everything to help support the war effort during World War II. Two women from drastically different backgrounds yet both of them share such a love for the country they live in and the people who live there. When World War II breaks out both are faced with opportunities that could keep them safe during the battles, yet sitting back and doing nothing is not an option. Violette longs to save her precious France. It is her home and though she has fled to England she knows that she could do some amazing things if someone would just give her the chance to fight. Virginia though not a native European loves her husband so much that she knows even though she could return home to America that she would not feel complete without her husband by her side. Both women are swept up into a world that is filled with danger when they start to support the resistance, one by becoming a spy, the other by becoming part of underground railroad that helped trapped solders get back to safer ground. Each story is filled with beautiful highs and some really sad lows. Yet the strength that both women show throughout their stories is one that is not only admirable, but inspiring. When their worlds collide the support that they receive from each other is just beautiful. To be faced with such horrid circumstance and to show such strength and love is just so beautiful.

Thank you so much to Berkley Publishing Group and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.

Based on true stories of the lives of an American socialite and a British secret agent, Sisters of Night and Fog shows the triumph of the human spirit through years of sacrifice, deprivation, and horror. The author, knowing that most of us would not know these stories, scattered a chapter here and there throughout the book about a nameless woman returning to Ravensbrück concentration camp for a ceremony in 1995. I think readers were supposed to be kept on tenterhooks, wondering which one of these two women survived. It didn't take me long to make up my mind since the Robuck did such an excellent job of describing each woman's personality.

Sometimes it can be the smallest detail that brings a book to life for me, and that's what happened to me while reading Sisters of the Night and Fog. A small detail, something I'd never given a second's thought brought home how brilliant the Nazis were at degrading and humiliating human beings who did not meet their ideals. The small detail involves blood, and that's all I'm going to say.

The first half of the book drags as the author sets the scene, and the pace doesn't begin to pick up until both women actively start participating in fighting the Nazis. After reading what these people had to do to survive and to emerge victorious, I only hope we never have to face such a situation again. We've been so spoiled since World War II that I wonder if we still have such strength and determination within us.

The Sisters of Night and Fog is the story of two very determined, very different women that fought in their own ways the Nazi’s during WWII. The story is based on two real women and their heroic and fearless determination to save lives at any cost including the possibility of them giving of their own lives in the process.

The first woman is Virginia D’Albert-Lake, an American, that decides to stay in occupied France with her husband Phillipe. In spite of all his protests that Virginia should go back to the US, she is determined to stay by his side. As a couple, they decide to work for the French Resistance and help downed Allied soldiers through a network that will lead them back to their home bases.

The second is a young French woman by the name of Violette Szabo. Her anger and rage toward the Nazi’s leads her to become a member of the SOE, the French version of the OSS, and becomes a courier in the spy network of the French Resistance.

As you follow these two women and their exploits through WWII, the bravery they show and the things that they accomplish, you are left to wonder through three quarters of the book what they have in common and why these two were written about together. That part of the book is why for me this was originally only going to be a 4 star read instead of a 5, but as soon as you get to the end you will see why the author wrote this book they way she did.

Erika Robuck has given a story that not only shows the bravery, but also the heartbreak and devastation that occurred during this time period. The research that went into the telling of this story was incredible and you can tell by the way the Author characterizes the people you meet that she spent a very long time contemplating how to write the story of these two very noteworthy women. You are left thinking and wondering how such evil and sadistically people can treat one another and how can we keep it from ever happening again.

This story will have you rooting for both women’s success and leave you drained and heartbroken in the end. This is definitely a MUST read for those that love WWII historical fiction. The two women of note are people that’s story needed to be told and remembered.

Thank you to #netgalley, #berkleypublishinggroup,berkley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review. All statements above are my own and are no way influenced by anyone but myself.

Another very good and well written historical book by Erika Robuck. This one just like her last one will leave you will lots of tears. Heartfelt sorry and wonderment. Wonderment of just how people could be so mean and cruel. Without any thoughts of what they did. Without any feelings toward the people, the humans, they slaughtered. How could there be such cruel people? How can anyone say these things did not really happen???

This is the story of two women. Violette and Virginia. Two women who lived ordinary lives. Until they didn't. Until the war happened. Until their lives changed forever. Two very brave women. Don't get me wrong, there were lots of brave women in this story. In this time period. Men also. But this story is about these two and what they went through. To survive. To help innocent people survive. To help them find freedom. To put their lives on the line. Their lives on hold. They went through things that we would never be able to survive. But they did it so hopefully we won't ever have to attempt to survive it. Each chapter is told from one of their prospectives. Through several years of horrors.

This story will bring so many tears to your eyes. So much hope to your heart. It will rip your heart out and still keep you turning the pages. The things that happened in this time are atrocious. The unthinkable. And the ultimate sacrifices. So many died. So many were unmercifully slaughtered. A few survived to tell.

This author put a lot of her heart into this story. If you read the Author's notes and the acknowledgements at the end you will see that. You will see what she went through to write this. The heartache is raw in her account of trying to tell Violette's story. How hard it was to write. Even that brought fresh tears to my eyes.

NEVER EVER FORGET... History should never be repeated. Never!

Thank you #NetGalley, #ErikaRobuck, #Berkley for this ARC. This is my own true thoughts about this book.

5/5 stars and a high recommendation. Read it and have tissues handy.

This book is WWII historical fiction based on the lives of two fascinating and courageous women. Virginia d' Albert' Lake is an American living in Paris, and Violette Szabo is a British secret agent working in France.

It took me a while to get into the story, but after a few pages, I was hooked and could not put the book down. I was constantly amazed by the bravery, heroism, and strength exhibited by these two women as they worked to fight Nazi aggression in France.

I finished reading this book several days ago but cannot stop thinking about it. To me, this is the mark of a great book. I was not familiar with Erika Robuck before I read this book., I now want to read more of the other books she has written.

Thank you, Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for an advance copy of this amazing book.

This book has rendered me speechless. Erika Robuck took my heart in her hand and led me through WWII. The horrors that they witnessed, the terror in which they endured, the way in which they survived will bring you to tears. I am having a challenging time putting into words just how truly astounding this book is. It has left an imprint on my soul. Well done Erika Robuck, this is now one of my favorite WWII reads I have ever experienced.

Erika Robuck brings to life two truly heroic women of history, Virginia d'Albert-Lake and Violette Szabo. Virginia an American who feel in love with her French husband, refuses to go back to America at the start of the war. Where one is the other should be, no matter what is going on around them. They move to their country home to settle in and hide from the rest of the world. Establishing a false sense of security while hiding out. They come to the decision that they need to do more. Violette Szabo is a force to be reckoned with. She is a true lover of life. She wants to experience everything and anything. Fear is not in her vocabulary, but courage is. Her love of France comes from her mother, it is the place she wants to be, needs to be. Her French husband is killed leaving her with a newborn baby girl. The years tick slowly by, leaving Virginia and Violette wanting to do something to help protect their fellow man and not go insane themselves. Virginia becomes heavily involved with the French Resistance and Violette joins the Special Operations Executive. Both women putting their lives on the line for the good of others. They take to the shadows, blending in with their surroundings. The fog adding another layer of protection. Will this be enough to keep them safe?

This is an extremely powerful, intense, humbling read. That is balanced with the good times that shines through the dark. Where courage, bravery, and dedication come through. You can tell that Robuck spent time researching these two women. I did not realize until the end that this book is based on two real heroes. Who stood up and courageously fought back against the Germans. This will now be one of my go to recommendations for historical fiction readers. I am giving it all the stars! I am so grateful to Erika Robuck and Berkley Books for sending me this mesmerizing read.

Courage and bravery are on full display in Sisters Of Night And Fog, a historical fiction account of two extraordinary women eschewing personal safety to join the resistance against the Nazis during WWII. Erika Robuck has crafted a thrilling tale full of intensity and emotional suspense, balancing the depiction of beautifully heroic actions against gut-wrenching deplorable events in a way that leaves you breathless and tearful, but appreciative that this story has been told.

It’s the early 1940’s and WWII is underway. Virginia D’Albert Lake is an American married to a French man living in Occupied France. Violette Szabo is a woman living in the UK, soon to be married to a French solider involved in fighting the Nazi’s. The two women have not met but are tied together by their deep desire to join the fight rather than sit on the sidelines hoping they make it through the war. So, Virginia joins a French underground resistance movement to help downed piolets escape their Nazi pursuers. And Violette enlists in a British clandestine organization that inserts her into France to subvert and sabotage the enemy. Their individual valor is on full display, but they also know the risks involved with this incredibly dangerous work, leading to their paths crossing in heartbreaking fashion.

While Sisters Of Night And Fog is technically classified as historical fiction, this book is every bit a thriller due to brilliant storytelling of the amazing actions Virginia and Violette undertake against the Nazis. Their drive to resist the enemy, the missions they voluntarily sign up for, the fearlessness that they display again and again, the ability to move on from loss and overcome the odds – all of this stacks up against, and even exceeds, the exploits of the greatest thriller characters ever created. Remember, these women are real and their daring actions have been recorded in the annals of history. Which makes this book more than just a compelling story. By reading Sisters Of Night and Fog, you keep Virginia and Violette’s memories alive and learn incredibly important lessons about selfless service and resisting tyranny and oppression to make this world a better place.

At times, this book will make you smile and stand up and cheer. Other times it’ll make you cry and seethe with anger. And some of it is very difficult to read due to the sensitive nature of the content. But in the end, you are rewarded with an incredible story that will stick with you long after you put the book back on the shelf. It’s an emotional experience that will leave you speechless. And that’s what makes Sisters Of Night And Fog truly special.

Many risked their lives during WWII to sabotage the Nazis as told in this novel. Based on true events this novel shows the true spirit of these patriots. I do wish the story had been just about Violette. The back and forth and overload of information was a bit much at times. Violette's story was sad but her purpose was vital.

based on the true and courageous stories of an American socialite and a British secret
agent. The stories of these two determined resistance fighters were inspiring. Fans of
WWII dramas will appreciate the strength of these women and the roles they actually
played in real life. The book will motivate you to read more about them.
 multiple plot lines are smartly structured
Told as memories reflected on during a trip back to Ravensbruck we are given a
glimpse into the selflessness and bravery of these women and the people that they
affected during the occupation of France.
Violette Szabo
he focus on the French Resistance juxtaposed with the SOE was a refreshing and
fascinating combination. I learned a great deal about French geography, spy networks,
and underground resistance efforts. The setting and the plot were absolutely
fascinating.
Soe agent???

The parallel storylines are suspenseful. The character development is superb. The appearances of
other women spies add to the drama and heartbreak. This is a powerful, well-researched book that
will keep you reading late into the night.
Virginia d’Albert’Lake, an American socialite living in France, and Violette Szabo, a British secret
agent, and how they courageously navigated resistance against the Nazis in the darkest days of World
War II.

In 1940, the world is immersed with war, and in spite of her American family’s wishes, Virginia d’Albert-Lake decides to stay in occupied France with her French husband. She’s sure that if they keep their heads down, they’ll survive. Nineteen-year-old Violette Szabo has seen the Nazis’ evil up close and is desperate to fight them. But when she meets the man who’ll change her life only for tragedy to strike, Violette’s adrift. Until she enters the radar of Britain’s secret war organization—the Special Operations Executive—and a new fire is lit in her as she decides just how much she’s willing to risk to enlist. As Virginia and Violette navigate resistance, their clandestine deeds come to a staggering halt when they are brought together at Ravensbrück concentration camp.

I was not familiar with this author but having been reading a lot of WWII fiction over the last couple of years and especially those dealing with the contribution of women, I was drawn to this book and thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read it. The story was very well written and described the areas so well that you felt like you were there with them. The author's notes were especially interesting as she describes the real lives of the people depicted in the book, and I highly recommend anyone reading this book to read them. I highly recommend this book.

Intense! Powerful! This is what fortitude feels like. Two feisty women fight to protect, not only their own lives, but the valuable lives of airmen who have fallen behind enemy lines. Sisters of Night and Fog is a deeper engagement with the resistance and a perfect follow up to The Invisible Woman. Robuck deepens the tracks she laid, taking us deep into the terrifying prisons and torture chambers where Virginia and Violette struggle to survive in the enemy camps of Germany. Fading away until they weigh almost nothing, within days of death, each hour losing a little more of their humanity. Robuck keeps you inside the courageous hearts of these women, waiting and listening for the sounds of freedom. Robuck has created a fascinating and satisfying body of work with The Invisible Woman and Sisters of Night and Fog.

–Dianna Rostad, USA Today bestselling author of You Belong Here Now

I appreciate #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Sisters of Night and Fog. Sisters of Night and Fog was couldn't put it down good! It features Violette, a Brit with ties to France and American Virginia, who has married a Frenchman and decides to stay in France with her husband after the Germans invade. They each fight in their own way against the Germans and end up meeting towards the end of the book. Will they be successful or captured? What will happen to their families? Erika Robuck does an amazing job with the story and leaves you wanting more at the end of each chapter.

Sisters of Night and Fog by Erika Robuck

It's 1940 and American Virginia d’Albert-Lake is being urged by her husband and family to return to the United States so she can be safe from danger in war ravaged France. But Virginia has no desire to leave her husband Philippe or his family and their friends. She knows she belongs in her adopted country of France and she is not going to run away. At first Virginia and Philippe mostly watch what is happening around them, once soldier Philippe is sent home after the French army surrenders to Germany, their hearts sinking at how their country is being destroyed. But once they decide to join the Resistance and help those fighting for their freedom, they know they have done the right thing and won't be turning back.

Nineteen year old Brit Violette is fluent in French, having spent half her life in France. She meets and marries Étienne Szabo, a non-commissioned officer in the French Foreign Legion, and after a very short courtship he's back to the front line in South Africa. Violette had already wanted to be an active part of resisting the enemy and once tragedy strikes she is determined to fight for her freedom and for what was taken from her.

The story is told in alternating chapters following these two very different women. Different but dedicated and brave, once they are involved in fighting for what is right and keeping others safe, there is no holding either woman back. This time period is heartbreaking and the oppression is never ending. We follow Virginia, her husband, and others as they work to save Allied pilots and thwart the enemy, at great risk to themselves. We follow Violette as she is recruited for the SOE, and during her training and her two missions. Eventually both women are captured and suffer greatly at Ravensbrück concentration camp and other facilities.

It was an excellent choice to feature both women in this way. As France is suffering, being crushed under the German occupation, there is no escape for most of the people. But we get to see what can be done, sacrificing all to help one another, fighting from moment to moment in any way possible. These two women aren't the only heroes and I spent a lot of time after reading this story, researching many of the real people we meet. Bravery comes in all shapes and sizes, all ages, and this story introduces us to heroes and some traitors, too. Virginia and Violette were real women, real heroes and their stories are amazing.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for this ARC.