Be prepared for a very long read before starting WAYS WE HIDE by Kristina McMorris because it is a very long story. While this novel has a romantic aspect, it is primarily historical fiction based on people and events from 1928 through World War II. The characters are well developed and the novel has a solid closing. The information in the Author’s Note at the end was so important I regret not reading it earlier, perhaps prior to the third section. In fact, reading the Author’s Note moved my opinion of this novel from 3 to 4 stars. The author obviously did a tremendous amount of in-depth research. The story was very different from the war story that I expected. I was amazed many so many similar events actually occurred.

I was very excited to read this book. I had no idea what it was about I just knew that I loved Sold On A Monday and would read anything by this author. And I was not disappointed. Historical fiction at it's best. Could a magician in a traveling show make a difference in the war ? A woman at that ! See how she became a spy and made a difference. And at the very heart of this story, is a love story. A story of survival. Highly recommend. Very unique story line. Beautifully written.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Let me start with I have not read a book by this author I did not enjoy. This was a new view to look at World War II and the people lives it changes. I could not put this down.

Having loved every word of Sold on a Monday, I was disappointed in The Ways we Hide. The author had a lot to work with, beginning with Fenna’s childhood trauma of a deadly party hall stampede which was then exacerbated by her beloved father’s death and her incarceration in an orphanage. The author had a wealth of material to draw on with the Depression, poverty, homelessness all of which led into Fenna’s amazing career as an illusionist/magician/escape designer.

With all of Fenna’s accomplishments and with the love and protection showered on her by Arie and his family, she never grew out of the Terrible Twos! Not only was she stuck in her two year old mindset, she couldn’t seem to let those who helped her the most enjoy their selflessness. Maybe the author was portraying the ME! – ME! – ME!!! mindset of today’s women. I’m not sure what was going on, but it wasn’t pleasant reading, that’s for sure. Most of the book seemed pointless and shallow.

I did not enjoy this and can not recommend it to anyone.

NetGalley and the publisher, Sourcebooks Landmark, provided this ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

This was another good book by Kristina McMorris. I was so happy to get an ARC copy of this book after reading her book "Sold on a Monday" which I loved. This one started out strong with a wonderful main character, Fenna Vos.. She is faced with some tragedies early in life and I really enjoyed McMorris mixing fact with fiction and bringing in some parts of history that are not well known. I really enjoyed the magician storyline and her skills as an illusionist. I have read a lot of WWII books and always like a new story about the war and the lesser known heroes. This book slowed down a bit for towards the end. I can't quite put my finger on what it was and hence the 4 vs 5 stars. Still a great book worth reading! Thank you NetGalley for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is such a good read! Have your hanky close. There are so many emotions this book will pace you through. Fenna and Arie are a match for the ages. Their love for each other is overwhelming for the trials placed before them. This book has it all. Romance, suspense, growing of characters, happiness, sadness it’s all there. I was given the book for free and am leaving a voluntary review.

I loved reading about MI9 and the ingenuity and resourcefulness that team had to have to smuggle things into the hands of officers and enlisted men during WW2. I’ve never heard about but it really is incredible what they came up with and I think I could have read a whole book on it. This book only dealt with a little of that in detail but I did enjoy what I read, and it’s the first to introduce it to me.

There were parts of the book that were a little slow, especially in the 1928 portion, and I sort of had to tread thru but for the most part it was interesting and well written. I also enjoyed hearing more about WW2 in the Netherlands. I’m finding more and more books start to focus their stories around that area while previously the majority of the focus has been only on the mainland of Europe.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. Opinions are mine alone.

My one of my favorite genres to read is historical fiction about WWII. Just one of the many reasons why I love this genre is that I enjoy learning something about that time period. This book did not disappoint! It was obviously well researched and the characters/settings were well written. Definitely highly recommend!

What a beautiful and touching story that has it ALL - history, friendship, magic, illusion, bravery, suspense, romance, and more. McMorris has written a most unique and fresh work of WWII historical fiction that is based on lesser-known facts that are truly fascinating.

The young, female protagonist, despite a childhood of trauma and hardship, is an exceedingly brave, courageous, intelligent, and caring heroine whose tenacity and fortitude amazed me at every turn. An excellent example of how even everyday citizens became unsung war hero during the World Wars. In her early 20's, while working as the mastermind, and on-stage assistant for a traveling illusionist/escape/magic show, she is recruited for the British Military Intelligence Agency to design aids to help Allied prisoners of war. Her instinct for survival and ability to examine and rationalize her feelings carries her through countless physical and mental battles. I celebrated her accomplishments, laughed with her, cried with her and was in awe at her ability to battle through adversity and loss.

The author seamlessly combines fiction and historical facts (no doubt due to excellent research) that makes the story relatable. The presentation of German and Dutch phrases, and military jargon, are presented in such a manner that they are easily understood, explained, or deciphered, without feeling like a school lesson or a line from a dictionary!

The author's notes at the story's conclusion were much appreciated. They related the inspiration for the story, numerous facets of her research, and how pieces of the story were related to actual facts.

This story is one of those that will be with me for a long time. I highly recommend it, even if historical fiction is not a genre that a reader typically enjoys.

Thank you NetGalley, Kristina McMorris, and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for the advanced reader's copy.

Kristina McMorris has written another wonderful historical novel taken from the pages of true, yet obscure, stories of World War II. Historical truths that we should all know about.

Fenny Vos, of Dutch heritage, grew up poor amid the copper mines of Michigan. A series of traumatic experiences—the death of her father, escaping from a cruel orphanage—molds her into a young woman who depends on no one but herself and is protective of her feelings. Working as an illusionist’s assistant, she is the true designer of the magic tricks he performs which brings her to the attention of a British spymaster who offers her a position with the famous spy agency. Disillusioned with her partnership with the magician, she accepts. In England, she is instrumental in devising various secret tools which are then smuggled into Nazi occupied Europe to aid POW’s in their escape attempts. Soon, however, circumstances from her past make it necessary for her to do more than work behind the scenes and she is smuggled into occupied Netherlands to put her escape artist skills to the test.

I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to read a pre-publication of Kristina McMorris’s historical novel. .Thank you NetGalley.

We meet Fenna Vos as a child in Copper Country living with her father after her mother died in childbirth.

Her father worked in the copper mines, and they were on strike so life was hard.

Fenna meets Arie during a Christmas Party that turned deadly...a true event.

A little later, we follow Fenna as she escapes from an orphanage and goes back home to live with Arie and his family.

Fenna and Arie are in love, but Fenna can't marry because she said she would never be a good mother since the screams from the Christmas event of screaming children still rings in her ears.

She then leaves Arie...she is heartbroken and she knows he will be too

Fenna learns tricks and is in a Vaudville show when she is approached by an intelligence officer who wants her to help them defy the Germans.

We follow her through the war as she helps invent gadgets for soldiers that look like one thing but could be a razor or a compass or anything to help soldiers escape.


The turned down edge of the cover gives a clue about one of the clever gadgets created.

Fenna was a very determined, brave girl and woman.

Despite the historical aspect and the interesting facts about the inventions and the as-always marvelous writing style and extensive research of Ms. McMorris, THE WAYS WE HIDE was not that attention-grabbing for me.

It moved along slowly and took a while for me to be fully engaged in the story line, but the last quarter of the book pulled me in.

Those readers who enjoy historical fiction and want to learn something new will definitely enjoy this book that I think could have been a bit shorter.

Her author notes give wonderful facts you won’t want to miss reading.

Of special interest is the meaning of Fenna's last name. 4/5

This book was given to me by the publisher and Book Browse for an honest review.

The Ways We Hide is a very aptly named book.

I loved the authors notes and part way through reading this book, I skipped ahead to read them (and was glad that I did). Many parts of the book are based on actual events and have been collected over the books and woven together (seamlessly) in The Ways We Hide.

As a Michigander I appreciated the ties to the tragedy in in Calumet, Michigan in 1913.

The main character was the brains behind a magic act and had a falling out with the magician. She ends up being recruited to Britain to assist with war efforts and ends up trying to bring a long lost friend out of hiding.

So many creative touches in this book. This book has been extremely well written.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read the advance read copy (ARC) of The Ways We Hide by Kristina McMorris. The ARC copy was read in exchange for an honest review. Also thank you to SourceBooks Landmark, the publisher, who approved my request to read The Ways We Hide. Publication date is September 6, 2022.

I love that NetGalley introduces me to "new to me authors". Kristina McMorris has written several other books (including Sold on a Monday, a best seller that I've not yet read). Its on my list.

*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review*

Heartbreaking. Astonishing.

I'm not sure where to start with this book. I went through so many emotions while reading The Ways We Hide, my heartbreaking multiple times. I have heard about Kristina McMorris for some time now, and she has been on my to-read list. When I started to read The Ways, We Hide , I didn't know what to expect because this was the first book I had read by the author. I love historical fiction; it's one of my favorite genres. The title, cover, and summary caught my attention and why I requested the book. I was in love with the story and the characters within the book's first few pages. I wanted to find out more about these characters, and I wanted to see what would happen with Fenna next. I felt this book would be an emotional read, but I had no idea how passionate it would get. However, I couldn't get enough of the story, and I forced myself to put the book down because it was getting late. Even as I put the book down, I would think about the story and wonder what's in store for Fenna next.

Fenna. She was my favorite character in the book. I love reading books that feature strong women, and Fenna was one of these women. I loved her from the moment she was introduced in the book; there was something about her that I knew I would love her. She was fierce, and even if she knew that there was a danger to what she was doing, not once did she give up. I feel that Fenna was one of the most developed characters in the book, and I felt as I watched her grow through the book. Fenna wasn't the same person at the end of the book as she was at the start. Fenna's emotions were vivid throughout the book, making me feel all her feelings. It felt as if I was experiencing everything that Fenna was at that moment. I found myself thinking about Fenna long after I turned the book's last page.

I loved the relationship/friendship between Arie and Fenna. I loved watching how their relationship developed and how it took time. I found myself rooting for the two of them right from the beginning. The Ways We Hide is one of the best historical fiction books I have read this year; it was filled with suspense, twists, and turns. A part of me was eager to see how the book would end, but another part didn't want it to end. I would highly recommend this book to any historical fiction fans. Now that I have read The Ways We Hide , I cannot wait for a chance to check out the rest of Kristina McMorris's works.

"For me it all passed in an emotionless blur..."
Sadly, that quote from the book sums up my experience reading it.

There were some moments in this book that I liked but I wasn't deeply moved or swept up in the story at all. The writing is choppy, clustered, and dragged on and on. I'm positive this book could have been 200 pages shorter. (Its 497 pages, paperback)

The MC was unlikable for me. She made choices that didn't make sense/confused me/angered me and I never cared for her.

there's SOO much inner monologuing and info dumping, which is fine sometimes, but I couldn't handle it here.
I love books that have little dialogue and lots of descriptions. I read Orlando by Virginia Wolf for heaven's sake and loved it. But the difference here is the writing. Orlando was poetic, lyrical and passionate. This was mostly one note, and uninspiring. I'm not trying to be mean. I'm just being honest. I'm genuinely happy for anyone who enjoys this book. Maybe I just can't see what other 4- and 5-star reviewers see. I appreciate the plot and the real historical events, but overall, not a book for me.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Characters - 6
Atmosphere/Setting - 5
Writing Style - 2
Plot - 7
Intrigue - 3
Logic/Relationships - 5
Enjoyment - 3

Total: 31
Divided by 7 = 4.4 (2 stars)
1.1-2.2 *
2.3-4.5 **
4.6-6.9 ***
7.0-8.9 ****
9.0-10 *****

Fenna Vos is the child of Dutch immigrants living in Michigan Copper Country. Fenna’s mom died in childbirth, so she is being raised by her father. In 1928, 11-year-old Fenna and her dad live in poverty, struggle through a mining strike and survive a town tragedy. These experiences shape Fenna into a courageous, determined and resilient young woman. Fenna befriends a neighbor, Arie, and the two quickly become best friends sharing secret codes and a love of magic and the great Houdini. Fenna develops her skills with the help of a carpenter and soon is the mastermind of a traveling magic show. Although she is the brains and talent behind the show, she exists in the shadows as an assistant. Her skills as an illusionist are noticed by Major Hutton, a British member of M19. Major Hutton recruits Fenna to use her skills to aid the war effort. Fenna moves overseas and creates gadgets, hidden compartments and invisible maps to aid allied POWs during WWII. Throughout the years, her relationship with Arie changes yet when she is asked to be an operative on the ground in the Netherlands to help her friend, Fenna accepts the challenge.

Review:
I love WWII historical fiction and was delighted to read a fresh and unique story, based upon actual events. During the war, monopoly boards were used to smuggle items to Allied POWs to aid their survival and escape. Fenna, as a skilled illusionist, is the perfect person to develop hidden gadgets amongst ordinary items. The story takes us from Fenna’s childhood to present through flashbacks. This is a well crafted historical fiction novel filled with suspense, danger and a lifelong friendship turned romance. The two main characters are well developed, the story is well researched and based upon actual events. The idea of magic saving allied troops is a magical one. If you enjoy historical fiction, this is a fresh take with a strong female lead.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for allowing me to review this ARC. This book will be published on 9/6/22.

Kristina McMorris has done it again!! Just like Sold on a Monday, #wayswehide deserves blockbuster status and would make a wonderful, enlightening, war movie that I would pay to watch. In fact, I would reread this book again which is something I rarely do (so many books, so little time). Everything in this story, from the true bits, to the characters, to the interweaving of the fiction into history is spot on! The characters are believable, likable, and I found myself getting emotionally involved with their story.
I received an advance reading copy of this book from #netgalley and the publisher and this review is completely my own.

I enjoyed this book. I can not wait for more by this author! Thanks to publisher for allowing me the opportunity to read this book!

A sweeping WWII novel with a female illusionist protagonist, “The Ways We Hide” follows Fenna Vos from her childhood in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, through her early career as an illusionist’s assistant, and then as her skills lead her to be recruited by British intelligence. Fenna’s story is one of family love, romantic love, loyalty, danger, and espionage.

WWII novels are all the rage in the historical fiction genre right now, but Venna’s fascinating illusion and escape skills make this novel stand out in a crowd. Though Fenna herself is fictional, many of the plot points and characters are based on actual events. The author did an incredible amount of research, inspired by the Italian Hall Disaster and Bethnal Green Tube Disaster, as well as the true story of Clutty and how his gadgets and inventions influenced the trajectory of the war. Really interesting stuff! I’d have liked a little more of Fenna and her military intelligence work and a little less romance, but her relationship with Arie is necessary to the plot since it motivates many of her decisions.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me an advance copy of this book.

Thanks to NetGalley for a pre-publication copy of this book.

This novel follows Fenna, a young woman from girlhood into adulthood as she navigates a desire to explore her chosen profession on her own terms, juxtaposed against the precarious time of World War 2. We have the world of magic (as in magicians) , some romance, and an exciting foray into the world of espionage. All of these were handled extremely well by the author. I would say that even though the story largely takes place during WW2, I wouldn’t necessarily describe it as WW2 fiction because it is so much more.

We follow our heroine through a challenging childhood in a few well chosen flashbacks, into her chosen profession of stage magic. Fenna was raised by her father, a Dutch immigrant, after her mother dies in childbirth. Left on her own after the untimely death of her father, Fenna is resourceful enough to fend for herself. She is a huge fan of Harry Houdini and enlists her childhood friend Arie as she explores this world. She and Arie form an unbreakable bond that follows them into adulthood.

I know nothing about the world of magicians and thought the author did a brilliant job describing the routines and preparation taken by this stagecraft. It is apparent that she did her homework. Equally impressive was the blending of fact and fiction as our heroine goes undercover for the British Military Intelligence during war time. After I finished the book, I was fascinated to read the background on the story. This is fiction but with ties to real events.

I have to admit I needed to put the book aside now and again as the suspense grew so acute, I needed to catch my breath. If I had been watching this on the screen versus reading the book, I would have had to hit pause. That being said, this story was told so effectively that I could easily see that it would translate well to the screen. The writing was wonderful, the characters well developed, and I was still thinking about the story days after finishing the book. I will definitely be reading more of this author.

Started very slow for me and never really took off enough for me to be engaged in the story. Just because it was not my favorite does not mean someone else won’t love it. A historical novel with likeable characters and some mystery