I have no idea how I missed submitting my review for this book back in 2021. I LOVED it!

What do you get when you cross espionage with romance and bathe it in post-WWII history that's so rich you come away feeling as though you've somehow warped through time? The Mozart Code.

This isn't your average marriage of convenience story though. It's a beautifully choreographed song and dance featuring two strong, memorable characters whose love story resonates through the years with passion, loyalty, and surrender. Set within the captivating landscape of Vienna, The Mozart Code is a delight for readers who appreciate classy heroines, swoon-worthy heroes, and a storyline that twists and turns from beginning to end.

McMillan's talent extends beyond her use of language to paint vibrant pictures of lasting romance in historical times. She has a way of digging in soul-deep and carving out the essence of what makes us human. It's a fantastic experience I highly recommend.

This book opened my eyes to the unrest and turmoil of post-war Europe. I would recommend reading The London Restoration first, since this book picks up where it left off, just focusing on different characters. But the friendships and characters in the first book are helpful in understanding some details in this story. Like the previous book, the style is hazy and ambiguous, reflecting much of the uncertainty in Simon and Sophie's work and relationship. Communism is an ideology that influential people in Austria are considering for the next political era since being released from Nazism. Somehow the arts and culture, especially Mozart's legacy and identity is seen as a gateway to instill the ideology that will reign. I would have liked to know more details about how Sophie acquired antiques and artifacts for her clients, but much of her work remained vague. I was glad to learn about Simon's past, and how it influenced him. He and Sophie have a kind of yearning and longing in their relationship, and I was happy to see Sophie reconcile herself to allow her feelings to be valid, after being raised with the idea that love is dangerous. The story picks up toward the end and once the mysteries are revealed, I enjoyed the book more, rather than the majority of the time feeling like I'm wandering.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

A sweeping spy suspense thriller set in post-WW2 Austria. Simon and his wife-of-convenience, concert pianist Sophia, are in Austria after the war ends, and each has a task to do. A top-secret one, that neither can speak of to the other. Both keep denying the feelings that they have for each other, and the secrets between them are driving them further apart. But when Sophia disappears, only Simon will be able to find her. Can he come in time?

I literally couldn't put this book down. Every page built the suspense deeper and kept me stuck to the page. I need a hard copy so I can re-read it again! Whew. Wonderfully intense and colorful story.

Content: violence, a very intense torture scene

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.

The author has done an amazing job in developing a story that takes place immediately after WWII and as we edge into the period of the Cold War. Getting immersed in the setting ... Vienna and Prague ... you will find yourself drawn into the story. I fell in love with Simon. His character was so intriguing and he was such a classy man. And Sophie was an amazing individual. The tension of the relationship between Sophie and Simon will keep you hooked. There is mystery, intrigue, danger, loyalty, music, political tensions. You will experience it all. This is definitely one to put on your to-be-read list.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

Simon Barrington and Sophie Huntington Villiers captured my interest in The London Restoration, and their post-World War II Cold War romance proved to be a riveting and consuming read in The Mozart Code.

While the flashbacks to 1930’s England establish their discomfort with their places and expectations in society, they also add a bit of amusement in contrast to their darker, tenser lives in the divided cities of Vienna and Prague, respectively on the cusp of aligning with the West and Communist Russia. As Simon seeks to unmask conspiracies and Sophie uses her contacts to help restore artifacts to their rightful owners, the mysteries that separate and entangle them complicate a relationship already fraught with agitation over the shared secret of their marriage of convenience.

For all the espionage and danger, this is first and foremost a romance between two people encumbered by their upbringing and the secrets that come between them, as they make their way to each other and the acceptance and passion they find together.

The Mozart Code is a stand-alone romance, though I am glad that I first met Simon Barre and Villiers in The London Restoration.

Highly recommended.

I was approved for a temporary NetGalley digital galley, courtesy of the publisher. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.

Due to a personal difference in beliefs (WITH THE PUBLISHER) I will not be reviewing this book outside of Netgalley nor do I plan to support Thomas Nelson in the future due to their decisions of late and the lack of fiction with good Biblical values.

This does not mean I do or do not like the book, it just means I will not be reviewing books for this publisher anymore as I do not care to support them when I do not agree with the way they have left their former standards.

The Mozart Code absolutely blew me away! This is a historical fiction read at its finest and it checked every single box for what makes a memorable read. Set in post WWII Vienna as the Cold War is at is cusp, this story offered a fresh and unique perspective within the genre that was a delight to get lost in.

Let me start by saying that I so enjoyed the characters here. From the MC’s to the secondary characters, I really found them to be unique, interesting, and wonderful to come alongside. While mentioning characters, I can’t help but mention how I loved the way Vienna felt like another character itself. The author really brought the city to life on the page!

This story offers romance and a touch of mystery and a whole lot of intrigue alongside rich history. With twists and turns along the way, I truly couldn’t put the book down and had to know what happened next. I will say the build up is a bit on the slower side, but that only added to the story and I felt the pacing was perfect as a whole.
With the beautiful writing I was completely transported into it all. What a memorable read! This would be the perfect book for somebody new to or just dabbling in historical fiction, or even for hist fic lovers looking for something just a bit different within the genre.

Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the gifted e-copy!

I am a member of the American Library Association Reading List Award Committee. This title was suggested for the 2023 list. It was not nominated for the award. The complete list of winners and shortlisted titles is at <a href="https://rusaupdate.org/2023/01/2023-reading-list-announced-years-best-in-genre-fiction-for-adult-readers/">

The Mozart Code is a kind-of sequel to The London Restoration.
The two main characters of The London Restoration also feature as minor characters in The Mozart Code, and the characters all know each other (and have done since the War).

It’s also a kind-of sequel in that both novels are set in post-World War II Europe. Both feature characters who worked at Bletchley Park. Both feature couples in unconventional marriages. Both flit between the post-war setting, and scenes before or during the war. And both stories are ostensibly Christian, but the themes are subtle. Very subtle (I’ve read general market historical fiction with more obvious faith elements).

I listened to the audiobook version of The London Restoration, and found it very slow. However, that’s a common issue I have with audiobooks, so I put it down to the fact audiobooks (even on double speed) are slower than I read. I also found aspects of the story difficult to follow, but again put that down to the audiobook experience. I know a lot of people love audiobooks. I am not one of them, but that’s on me, not the author.

I therefore made a conscious choice to read The Mozart Code, not listen to the audiobook. Unfortunately, I found that I had the same issues with the written version.

The writing is beautiful. Outstanding.
But the story was slow, and the book didn’t deliver what I was expecting: suspense and espionage in post-war Europe. The book description suggests the story is about Sophia searching for Mozart’s death mask for two competing clients, but there was little searching or investigating. Instead, there was a lot of focus on Mozart (not unexpected, given the title), chess, and Simon’s background, and nothing to show what Sophia was or wasn’t doing to find the mask.

I’ve read and very much enjoyed Rachel McMillan’s contemporary romance novels. But I’m not a fan of her historic novels, despite the beautiful and literary style of writing. Or perhaps because the beautiful and literary style of writing got in the way of delivering on the plot promised in the book description.

Finally, I will add a content warning: there was some torture, which I skipped/skimmed. That came late in the story, so didn’t impact on my view of the novel.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson for providing a free ebook for review.

Have been unable to review due to illness. Review coming soon! This novel looks fantastic and I highly recommend this author to everyone! Can't wait to read this one!

While I have only read a few books by Rachel McMillian in the past, those books have certainly made an impression and cemented her name in my mind as one to watch. Between that and admittedly the gorgeous cover, I was excited to check this one out as well. This certainly helped to strengthen my opinion of the author. She does a wonderful job of creating stories that are exciting and will draw the reader in...and keep them intrigued through to the end. It felt well researched, and I felt like I was traveling back in time through the pages. I will certainly be looking forward to more from this author in the future. If you enjoy a good historical read, this is certainly one to add to your TBR.

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

Wonderful story set at the start of the Cold War. I learned a lot about Vienna and this time period as I read the book. I thought it was well written and one that I would recommend others reading.

The London Restoration was one of my favourite books of 2020, and given that we were in lockdown for most of the year and I read 150+ books, that is no small statement. McMillan is an exceptionally talented writer, and brings the setting to life. While I adore London and could picture most things in TLR, I unfortunately have not made it to Vienna yet. (Hopefully on my next European trip!) However, despite never having been there, she brought Vienna to life in my mind, and very few authors are able to do that with cities I haven’t visited.

I also think Simon and Sophie may be two of my favourite fictional characters, period. They are complex and dark and sometimes sad, but also snarky and funny and entertaining. I was truly sad to “leave them” when I finished the book, and keep my fingers crossed for another appearance!

In terms of historical fiction, you cannot find a better author than McMillan right now, and The Mozart Code is the perfect book to grab for an upcoming long weekend.

I enjoyed this historical romance full of intrigue, twists and turns. Information about Mozart I had never heard and beautiful descriptions of post war Prague and Vienna. I had a bit of a hard time getting fully immersed in the story, the host of secondary characters was a bit confusing for me. It is not an easy read but well worth sticking with.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and honestly review.

This book has an interesting plot and some interesting characters. However, this story didn’t engage me. I had a lot of trouble getting into it. I don’t know why? Maybe just too much going on. I think a lot of people would like this book, it just wasn’t for me.

A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

The Mozart Code by Rachel McMillan is well researched historical fiction. Set in Vienna as the Cold War is set to begin, this novel is rich in descriptions and interesting characters. The plot will keep you reading throughout. I found it difficult to start reading this book and to feel connected with the characters, which made it further difficult to keep reading. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

I will be giving feedback on my other account in which I request most fiction titles and requested this one.

There is so much to love in this book. It is an engaging story, with characters enduring the changing tides of history.
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is supposed to be a companion novel to The London Restoration, but it could very much be a standalone. I had not read The London Restoration before reading this, but I ran to my library after putting this one down. It is so much fun. This is definitely plot-driven rather than character-driven, but the plot was so well done, there was no issues.

I had high hopes for this one. It’s set in post WWII Vienna as the Cold War starts to ramp up. But the story unfolded so slowly that I kept losing interest.