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

I usually enjoy historical fiction, but I'm not a big fan of magic shows. I struggled to get through the first few chapters of this book for that reason. I have decided not to try and finish the book or to review it in fairness to the author. Many thanks to the author, publisher, and to NetGalley for providing a copy of this ebook.

This was a very enjoyable read; the first I have read by Kristina McMorris.
This story has it all:
1. Traumatic Childhood
2. Magic
3. War Spies
4. Puzzle Solving
5. Bonds of Friendship

The tale starts when Fenna Vos is a young girl in Michigan. Her mother is dead and she's raised by her immigrant Father. She has a best friend, Arie, whose family helps her navigate her difficult childhood. Her love of magic and solving puzzles leads her to becoming an assistant to an Illusionist in her adult life. Then someone spots just how clever she is and recruits her to solve puzzles in WW2.

Although fictional, the reader is quickly swept up in the details and taken on an emotional roller coaster. Rooting for Fenna comes easy throughout the novel. McMorris does a fine job of developing her characters as well as bringing the story together without plot holes. I highly recommend this thrilling ride of intrigue!

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for the digital ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

I loved this book!! First I want to say I met Kristina this year at a luncheon where she discussed how she became a writer and why she wrote Sold on a Monday. She is just a sweetheart!! She also gave us a teaser for this book, so I was quite anticipating this one. Then I saw her again on a zoom meeting and REALLY wanted to read it. I finally joined Netgalley and got an e ARC and how excited was I!?
A first person narrative begins with Fenna Voss being the brains behind an illusionist show. After she is invited to come to London to put her talents to a good purpose helping the war effort.
We then go back to her childhood to find out how she came to this point, including a historical event that shaped the rest of her life.
The war sections were based on a real life inventor who used everyday things to send maps and other necessities through care packages sent to POW's in German prison camps.
The daily life of Londoners during the blitz is shown to great effect.
The story becomes quite nail bitingly suspenseful when a situation arises where Fenna must became an actual spy and her journey to save a fiend is fraught with danger.
I sobbed through most of the last chapters, but the ending is quite satisfying. Be sure to read the author's notes at the end. It is always interesting to learn of the facts that a historical novel on.which it is based.
I highly recommend this book.

What a great book! All the characters were so easy to relate to, or understand, the action never stopped, and the author had me pulled in from the beginning. I spent the better part of two days reading this book because I just could not put it down. From the great depression to World War II, Fenna Vos grew up and became a young adult in difficult times, both in her own young life personally and with the struggles of the world at large. The two things that she held onto and that kept her steady through most of it were her talent for magic and escapism, and her friend Arie. From the US to London to the streets of Holland, Fenna struggled to do what was right for herself and for the war effort, but not without consequences. Historical fiction at its best, this book needs to be at the top of everyone’s must read list. Thank you to NetGalley for the advance read copy.

Oh, the ways we hide things – from ourselves and from others. McMorris does a great job of taking true tidbits of history and weaving them together into a fast-paced, intriguing, sensitive portrait of people at their best and at their worst. She brings us into the illusory world of the world of magic, where things aren’t as they might appear and where a sleight of hand can be used to achieve more than just entertainment. It is a riveting tale and unlike any other World War II fictional work. Fenna Vos, the main protagonist, is a strong, independent and capable woman. And the Dutch translation of her surname is just another of the author’s clever devices of concealing something in plain sight. I highly recommend this book! Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for an Advanced Readers Copy. The opinions expressed in this book are entirely my own.

Fascinated since a young age with magic and illusions, young Fenna Vos finds that navigating through life isn't as easy as one of her magic tricks which she carefully designs and practices; leaving nothing to chance. Learning that her lifelong childhood friend is in danger from being captured by the Nazis in occupied Holland, Fenna uses her skills as a designer of "impossible" illusions to parachute behind enemy lines in an effort to find and bring him back to safety in England. But unlike one of her illusions, nothing goes according to plan and Fenna must fight her own childhood demons and learn to build an escape in which nothing is certain. The characters are well drawn, giving enough background that the reader can understand the decisions that each one makes. The fear of a sudden Nazi Gestapo raid is palpable as is the fear of one tiny slip-up leading to discovery and certain death. The tension builds after Fenna's parachute team is captured and shot and Fenna is now left to her own devices to complete her mission. Well researched, the extensive notes lead the reader to wanting to know more about the British Intelligence agency, MI9 and the unusual recruits that they sought out to aid in the escape and recovery of British soldiers in World War II.