Thank to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark Publishing for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

The first book I read of Kristina McMorris was "The Edge of Lost" and I loved it! "Sold on a Monday" is also on my TBR and I'm looking forward to it. That said however, I did not enjoy this story as much as I had hoped.
The topic was intriguing and there was so much material to work with that it was disappointing to read the final assemblage.

The focus of the story is Fenna who should be a fascinating character and would be if we could see more of her skill building and application as an illusionist but instead we are simple told she learned from a carpenter and a locksmith and occasionally makes a few gadgets to assist the Allies in WWII. The majority of the book of the book is dealing with her childhood trauma of a deadly party hall stampede and her feelings for her childhood mate Arie. I wish the author had cut out unnecessary part such as her stay at an orphanage in favor of seeing her grow as magician.

Even her time undercover in The Netherlands seemed pointless and rushed. Very little of her skill set was put to use and even Arie's story at this juncture was shallow. Remember his sister? No? Ok, well let's have Fenna do a quick flashback to try to make it relevant.

By the end, it didn't matter to me what happened to any of the characters. Just glad it was over. It almost seemed as if the book itself was Fenna telling her story from the outside instead of living it. Don't just tell me all she knows and has done, SHOW ME HER JOURNEY.

The positive I will say is that the Author's Note at the end explained several historical events where she got her ideas like "How Monopoly Helped Win the War" and it peaked my interest to look into those.

Kristina McMorris' book The Ways We Hide is a touching work of historical fiction. Set during World War II, the book follows the story of Fenna, an illusionist who joins the British army intelligence. She uses her specialized expertise as an inventor designing escape aids for the military. Fenna embarks on the most dangerous mission of her life as she is forced to come face-to-face with her past.

The Way We Hide takes a few chapters to get into, but quickly becomes a page-turner. For those that enjoy magic and illustration, the premise is extremely interesting. Additionally, the story is an emotional retelling of WWII events. For a captivating side note, there are elements of romance sprinkled throughout. Be sure to read the author's notes regarding the history behind the novel. It is a fascinating source of information.

Kristina McMorris is the author of six books, two of which are bestsellers. This is my second book by this author. I also enjoyed Sold on Monday which is McMorris' New York Times best-selling book published in 2018.

Ways We Hide by Kristina McMorris is available on September 6th.
(4.25 ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫)

Thank you, NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark, for sharing this very interesting look back in history. Your kindness is appreciated!

Thanks to Netgalley for the preview of this book.

This book got me at the very beginning- an illusionist's assistant, a survivor of the Children's Christmas tragedy in Copper County MI (well, based on that tragedy) and WWII spy. I was caught right away, and kept the pages turning.

The book has intelligent science, interesting ins and outs, spy curiosities (I wanted pictures!) and heart pounding excitement. At times it got a little long and wordy, but I found myself wanting to get back and pick it up. Finally I had a chunk of time and read about the last 40% in one day. The book held my attention, a different perspective to WWII. I wanted to know more about the Dutch soldiers that got recruited against their will, and those working underground for the resistance. I liked the characters and their stoic back stories. Great authors notes at the end, much of the book is based on real people and real occurrences.

Definitely will be recommending this book, and I can see it being a good discussion for book club.

The Ways We Hide is a very well done book that primarily takes place in Holland (the Netherlands) during World War II, but starts its journey in the United States with Fenna Vos and her father in a small Dutch mining community. McMorris does a fantastic job integrating both historical events and people into this story, and tying little known real events into the path of her protagonist. Fenna discovers a love for magic as a child and after being caught up in a riot that leaves her with a paralyzing fear of enclosed spaces and the subsequent loss of her father, it is the one small thing that she can hold tight to in her life. She eventually makes her way to her best friend Arie, and his parents take her in - but the love for magic stays. Fenna eventually follows Arie into military intelligence, which lands her with MI9 coming up with secrets and tricks to help save and guide soldiers behind enemy lines. But when Arie goes behind enemy lines himself with a secret mission, Fenna decides to follow to get him out, and prove that he isn't a traitor. Not surprisingly, things don't go smoothly, and Arie's reason for being there means Fenna has to put together a daring and risky plan to try and get everyone out. Can her love of Houdini and her magic and illusionist skills save the day? The magic elements help this stand out from the WWII crowd some, and it was interesting to learn that one of the characters Fenna works with in MI9 is based on a real person that was an inspiration for Q in Ian Fleming's James Bond novels. There's a part of me that the magic and illusion element could have been a larger part of the book, because despite the book taking place partly in Holland (instead of the very popular France and Germany) it's still a woman that's going on a dangerous mission in the middle of Nazi occupied Europe, and my capacity for these stories being spun a slightly different way over and over again is starting to get exhausted. The book is well done, but because I've read many books in this very specific genre, I did find myself tuning out to the details in the story. I fully acknowledge that this is likely just me, as the reviews for the book are excellent. A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are expressly my own.

What a wonderful book! I was captivated by Fenna's story - her sorrows were many but her joy, perseverance, and determination truly changed her life. This book was a keeper from beginning to end. I really enjoyed the supplemental characters along the way, especially all the folks she worked with in London during the war. Fenna's love story with Arie over the years definitely took a backseat to her work as a magician and espionage during WWII. But it definitely was an important part of the story and one I enjoyed. I thought this book was an excellent read all around!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced ebook copy. All opinions are my own.

Arriving on bookshelves in September 2022, The Ways We Hide is an incredibly researched and compelling WWII historical fiction novel. Following Fenna Voss's journey from a stage magician to designing hidden safety tools for the war effort, it's a lesson in resiliency because this woman DID. NOT. QUIT. As a Wisconsin girl, I loved all of the scattered mentions of towns in the Fox Valley and imagined that Fenna would be tickled to know about Appleton's Houdini Museum.

For me, this novel kicked off strong and I was hooked immediately...but I lost steam when the author took a long detour into Fenna's backstory. It was necessary information, but all of the action and momentum is in the current story. Hang in there if you feel the same way! The current timeline comes back strong.

Thank you to NetGalley for early access to this novel.

What an intriguing read! Fenna has experienced a lot in her lifetime, but her strength is inspiring. In the author’s note, she explains which parts were based on true stories. This was very well written historical fiction, where the author really did her research. I was immersed into this read from the start to end! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC for my honest feedback.

When I first received access to The Ways We Hide, I had no idea what to expect. I had never read anything by this author (although that is definitely about to change) but my love for historical fiction certainly drew me in. Once I started reading, I was unable to put this book down. Kristina McMorris’ ability to create relatable characters had this reader crying with them, feeling their anxiety, and experiencing emotions that these fictional characters surely would have been feeling. While I often complain about a lack of character development in the work of some authors, Ms. McMorris has thoroughly done her research and spent time creating characters with depth and a detailed backstory to make the reader care about each and every one of them.

The Ways We Hide introduces us to the character of Fenna Vos who, is one half of a team entertaining people with illusions and miraculous escapes. In fact, she is the mastermind behind the team’s productions while acting as the assistant to the escape artist. Fenna grew up in Michigan’s Copper Country where her father worked in the mines. A life of financial hardship during the 1920’s, has taught her how to look out for herself and shaped her as a person. Upon her father’s death, Ven’s life is set upon a trajectory where she will have multiple opportunities to hone her skills and become an expert in escape and evasion. This expertise is what sets her apart and leads to her being called upon to join British intelligence to help with the war effort. Her ability to dissect illusions and gadgets will place her in danger as she embarks on a journey to help a childhood friend on the mission of a lifetime. The story hooked me from the start and kept pulling me along. I can’t wait for everyone to have access to this book!

Expected release date: September 6, 2022. Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this ARC.

"Ways We Hide" is a creative change to the typical WWII novels of the last few years. It is the story of a young woman who grew up during the hardships of The Great Depression and develops a skill for illusion and magic. As the story continues she becomes an orphan and finds a family and a lover. World War II intervenes and she is recruited by her country to use her skills to develop ways to hide tools that can assist POWs and others in the war. All this is intertwined with the love of her life and her own creative skills for survival. I found it an intriguing story, albeit, a long one. The plot is creative, and the characters for the most part likable and interesting. There are layers upon layers in the story and I found myself having to reread its part to keep up. It is a story with many phases and lots of history interwoven in its pages. If you enjoy history, magic, and illusion you will love this book. Thanks to #NetGalley#WaysWeHide for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Fans of McMorris' Sold On A Monday will LOVE The Ways We Hide. Protagonist Fenna is haunted by her past, including the early loss of her parents. She finds comfort in a book about Houdini and hones her skills in the art of illusion, eventually attracting the attention of a recruiter from MI9 - a branch of British intelligence that provides escape and evasion support. Her harrowing journey into Nazi-occupied territory will keep readers up late!

I'll start by saying that the "Ways We Hide" is one of the best books that I have read in a long time. The story of Fenna Vos an illusionist/magician who is recruited by Christopher Hutton to join his team in London's War Office in creating escape-and-evasion gadgets for airmen, POWs and others who are fighting for the war. Without giving too much away, the first part of the book focuses on Fenna's tragic upbringing in the US as well as her fear of committing to the one man she truly loves Arie Jansen. The rest of the novel portrays Fenna's plight to clear Arie's name and help him rescue his young niece Evelien. This story is riveting and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. Kristina McMorris has managed to take real life events with a bit of narrative license and weave a fictional story that is utterly captivating.

“The Ways We Hide” felt like a 2-part story to me. The first half covers Fenna’s early years in America. It sets up the story but moves slowly. The second half drops Fenna into the middle of WW2 and takes off for quite a ride. I liked Fenna more in the second half and had trouble putting the book down once she arrived in Holland.
Advanced reader copy courtesy of the publishers at NetGalley for review.

A story about an immigrant from the Netherlands who becomes fascinated by Houdini and his illusions. The story tracks history in disturbing ways by uniting claustrophobic crushes resulting from panicked people responding to non-emergent situations. In real life, as in this fictional piece, many lives were lost. Illusion binds the story together in myriad ways. She works with an illusionist, creating illusions, then is conscripted to do the same for England’s military even though she lives in the US. The book’s theme made me often think of the song, Both Sides Now, with its refrain, ‘I’ve looked at life/love from both sides now, from win and lose and still somehow, it’s life’s/love’s illusions I recall. I really don’t know life/love at all.’ In my mind, I call this book Illusion, since that is where my attention went. Not only is the main character an illusionist, but so are many sub characters who pass through. Do we see them? Are they reality or illusion? Is that glimpse of a passerby someone you know or an illusion? Most of all illusion features prominently in the spy game and in making escapes — whether from a closed crate or a true danger. A brilliant brilliant book. Highly recommended.

Ways We Hide is the second novel by Kristina McMorris that I've tried to read and as with the first one I just couldn't get into it, I don't know if it the writing style or what but I can't seem to get past the first 50 pages.

Thank you to netgalley.com for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Kristina McMorris has wrote another excellent historical fiction book, The Ways We Hide. Is inspired by true events that deal with spies, World War II, gadgets used in the world (so interesting), hardships, loss, friendship, and family issues. So lots of emotions in this book! It is also a bit action packed, definitely a turn pager, one that is hard to put down – just one more chapter, and then another…

I will warn you, I found the first couple chapters a bit slow, but those do provide meaning that will tie in, as the story takes place and you learn about Fenna, and her childhood and how that has affected the choices she makes later in life. She lost her mom at a very early age, her dad later to alcoholism, ended up in a horrible children’s group home, escape and raised by her best friend’s parents, whom had survived a near death experience together. She loves magic, Houdini, and ends up working for the British Intelligence Agency to design gadgets. Connects with the best friend she almost marries and then puts herself in danger to save him.

The author provides some great notes at the end to give the background of the story, those make the book more memorable and in bringing things together.

Much thanks to NetGallery for providing me with a kindle version to review.

A Great World War II Female Agent

I love reading about what women did to fight the Third Reich during the war. This is a very different take, and it is the fact that our female protagonist is a magician that gives her her clout. It is a romance, historical story, and is quite fast paced. Most of the characters are well developed, though from time to time, they do not behave in a manner I have come to expect.
While Fenna and Arie are the most interesting characters, the author fills the book with other wonderful characters, too. Particularly in the Netherlands. There were many people who would risk their own lives to end the hold of the Nazis.

The title alone draws you in. Who is hiding or what is being hidden? Is what we see the truth of what’s being presented? So much to explore and unload in McMorris’ latest novel. Characters are richly detailed and the storyline quite memorable. This is a book we will hear talked about for sure!

What a great book! I loved the female protagonist and the tie into the real life historical elements. It was fun to read, full of twists and turns, and hard to put down.

From the time she was a young Dutch girl growing up in Michigan, Fenna Vos was always intrigued by Harry Houdini and his illusions. By the time she was twelve years old, Fenna had survived two traumatic events and learned to rely on magic and illusion as a balm for her troubles. Her best friend, a Dutch boy named Arie Jansen was a constant in her childhood who helped to ground her in times of need. As an adult, Fenna partnered with a man named Charles to create a popular new touring show featuring illusions such as the Milk Can Escape. Fenna was approached at one of her shows and recruited to join a covert war operation in England. There, she created gadgets to support the Allied troops during World War 2. At one point, Fenna's involvement in the war efforts reached new heights as she traveled to the Netherlands and risked her own life to assist her childhood friend Arie. This historical fiction novel was poignant, adventurous, and fast- paced. The characters were well developed and very believable. Two thumbs up!

Ways We Hide is another WW2 book, which I personally have some WW2 fatigue in this genre. I wanted to read this book because I enjoyed Ms. McMorris' first book, Sold on a Monday. This book did not disappoint.

Fenna Vos learned how to take care of herself and protect her heart from disappointment. I enjoyed that Fenna's job was an assistant to an escape artist but she was the brains behind the act. When her partner becomes a lot to handle she is approached by British intelligence to work for them to design items to help the war effort. Think '007 gadgets and seemingly normal item having alternative uses. The book is a bit far fetched when Fenna can parachute into Norway and save her childhood friend with a couple of weeks training.

Overall, I would recommend this book if you are looking for more WW2 in your life. It is well written and I did feel engaged with the characters. I would like to thank NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. #NetGalley #KristinaMcMorris #WaysWeHide