Member Reviews

Thank you to the publisher, Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Lien Vinke lives a quiet life in the town of Haarlem with her mother and sister, but is haunted by the recent loss of her baby sister Madi, and she blames herself for the accident that caused her death. When it becomes clear that the Netherlands can no longer stay neutral in the war, Lien and her older sister Elif are recruited to the Dutch resistance movement by an old friend of her late father’s. Driven by the horrific treatment the Nazis inflict upon the Dutch citizens, the sisters train and are sent on crucial missions from transporting information, to saving Jewish families and even killing Nazis. But these missions begin to take their toll on Lien and it will only take one mistake for everything to unravel, placing all their lives in danger.

Although I go through several WWII novels each year, this was my first time reading a book by this author. The writing style was really good and it kept me engrossed in the story throughout, even the story initially took a few chapters to start moving. I was so intrigued to learn that this book was actually based on a real life story of two sisters who worked in the Dutch resistance as teenagers. The author brought their tale to life wonderfully, depicting how these ordinary girls took part in the war effort and made significant contributions towards its success. Reading this book has definitely made me want to seek out more WWII novels about the Dutch resistance, which I hadn’t read about until now.

Lien was an excellent protagonist and her arc was so well portrayed. It was interesting to see her and Elif grow from schoolgirls into assassins as they learned to do what was necessary to survive and help other around them even though they were far too young to be called to such responsibility. I would have actually like to see some POVs for Elif. So much of this story revolves around Lien’s feelings of guilt over Madi’s death and how it affects her and drives her to join the resistance and it would have been nice to see Elif’s perspective on this and how she dealt with it all, especially as she was shown to be initially reluctant to get involved but is later fully committed to it.

The reason I’m rating this 3.5 stars instead of 4 is because I feel like this book had much more potential. While the narrative kept me turning the pages, there weren’t really any big scenes or missions that set it apart from other novels in this genre. The pace of the story could have been a bit faster as well, perhaps allowing some room for more action scenes.

Overall, this was an engaging read and I enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to checking out other books by this author at some point and I would definitely recommend this novel to fans of the genre!

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Angels of the Resistance is historical fiction based on some real young woman who did amazing things during WWII. Whenever I think about Holland during the war, I think of Anne Frank. Lien and her sister are in a small town outside of Amsterdam. And they train to set off bombs, fight with knives and shoot to kill- as teenagers! At times the story moved too slowly for me but for the most part I was enthralled with their adventures and praying for their safety.

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I have learned that evil cannot be bargained with - to destroy it, one must almost become it. Where will I be when this is all over? Will I even know who I am? — thoughts from Lien as she becomes more and more involved in the resistance.

Taken from true events, this novel will keep you awake and very observant of what is going on around you even at this time. Learning who could be trusted, how to hide in the shadows while making a difference and more importantly how to survive were lessons no parent wanted for a young lady. But during wartime, they were so very important. I found myself needing to set this story aside until the morning as the shadows started to fall around me and even the smallest noise became a distraction. What an incredible thing to have survived! War truly provides a devastating education.

This ebook was received through Harlequin and NetGalley. These thoughts and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.

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An absolutely riveting story of sisterhood and resistance. This story is about two sharp-shooting sisters who join the underground resistance when the war comes to their homeland, in the Netherlands. These sisters risk everything to fight for what they believe in.
This is an awe-inspiring story of courage and resilience when faced with impossible odds. Lien and Zelig will capture your heart with their heroic story of sacrifice, bravery and redemption.
I was captivated by their story from page one. This is everything I want to find in a WWII historical fiction novel. The courageous spirit of the sisters as they wage their own personal war against the evil of Hitler’s regime is awe inspiring. Both sad and happy, their story shows a not often told side of WWII, the resistance in the Netherlands and how citizens came together to fight for what was right and good. Written with flair and understanding all historical fiction fans will enjoy this fast paced adventure.
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and to Net Galley for the free ARC, I am leaving my honest review in return.

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This book is beautifully written. Set during one of the most painful eras of recent history, this book tugged at ALL my heartstrings. I was near tears for a good portion of the book, but it is so so good. The story is haunting and tragic but still there is hope within as well. If you enjoy WW2 era books, definitely don't miss this one!

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I’m happy to be taking part in the blog tour for a new WWII read of Dutch Resistance against the Nazis- Angels of the Resistance by Noelle Salazar. This was as great read – very compelling – telling the story of two sisters who do their part to save their town, and themselves, from the Nazis. It is based on true events.

I couldn’t put this one down — don’t miss it!

Thanks for making me part of the tour and for my copy!

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Fascinating story inspired by two teenaged Dutch sisters in WWII who worked for the resistance. Courageous, heart-breaking, yet inspiring.

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Absolutely loved this one. The characters became my friends and I enjoyed spending so much time with them and witnessing their acts of bravery. Stories like this will never cease to amaze me.

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This is the first book I have read by Noelle Salazar, and I was blown away. It was beautifully written with wonderful characters.

Set in the Netherlands during WWII, it follows teenage sisters Elif and Lien Vinke as repressive changes come to their homeland. Their family has a history of standing up for what is right, so it is natural that the sisters become part of the Dutch Resistance. Lien also feels guilty for a tragedy that took the life of her baby sister and feels she has to help save lives now. The training they went through was grueling. They began by passing messages and forging identity cards. But they soon moved up to killing Nazi soldiers and their collaborators, blowing up railroads, and helping transport Jews and downed pilots to freedom.

Elif and Lien have an innocent look that makes them appear much younger than they really are. Their now-deceased father always called them his “angels.” Because of their appearance, they are often overlooked which aids them in their mission.

I was astounded by the courage and fortitude the Dutch Resistance members had and their loyalty to each other. It is hard to even contemplate the changes these innocent teens went through to become the brave young men and women of the Resistance. So many completely lost their childhoods, forced to grow up much too quickly.

This riveting and suspenseful book is the result of a newspaper article about the real-life Dutch sisters Truus and Freddie Oversteegen who were courageous and played a vital role in the Resistance. It is obvious that Salazar did extensive research in creating this powerful novel. She even included the Ten Boom family of whom much has been written about.

Perfect for fans of Kristen Harmel and Pam Jenoff. I highly recommend this book.

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Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA for the advanced copy of this book!

A powerful story of teenage sisters in the Netherlands who joined the Resistance during WWII. I simply could not put this down: it was such a compulsive read, full of moments that made me gasp and made my heart swell in a perfect balance to make this an exceptional and emotional historical fiction read. If you like strong female characters, enjoyed Noelle Salazar's last book The Flight Girls, or are into WWII historical fiction at all, this book is for you.

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I have read many WW II books about the different resistance groups in different countries but this on is in Holland and different as it has teenage girls as the main characters. They, Lien and Elif, had been trained by their father to use guns so they do far more dangerous things then teens should have to do. the book includes the hatred of the Jews. It has a little romance. At times the story isn't very tight but just a bunch of events. The story is based on actual events by 2 teens.

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Angels of The Resistance is a World War II historical fiction about two sisters in the Dutch Resistance movement.

I like how Noelle Salazar tells a story. This book had both suspense as the sisters Lien and Elif undertake increasingly dangerous missions and also a little romance.

I love that the author's motivation to write this came from a newspaper article about two sisters Truus & Freddie Oversteegen and the book is very loosely inspired by these sisters and their courageous acts.

If you're a historical fiction fan I highly recommend reading this one!

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Quick & Dirty
-book
-of
-the
-year

Synopsis
In the midst of the upheave that came with the Nazi occupation of The Netherlands, sixteen year-old Lien is desperate to do something worthwhile. So, when her older sister, Elif, is invited to join the local Resistance Forces, Lien begs to be allowed to join alongside her. Because she’s so young her mother refuses her request, requiring Lien to take matters into her own hands. She follows Elif the day of her first training session, determined to be part of the action. When her cover is blown, Lien’s invited to participate in a shooting exercise. Trained to shoot by her father, Lien destroys every mark she’s given, setting her apart from other recruits and positioning her to be one of the youngest Resistance fighters.

Musings
Simply put, this book is unputdownable and unforgettable. Buy it. Read it. Cherish it. Give it to all your friends who love fierce female main characters and WWII fiction. Make your daughters read it (when they are old enough). It’s beautiful. It’s thrilling. It’s moving. It’s exactly what I want in a WWII novel plus some. I won’t soon forget brave Lien and her sister Elif. I’ve already ordered my hardback copy. Don’t sleep on this book. It’s a masterpiece.

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This is my first book by Noelle Salazar. I expect it won't be my last.

This book starts out with a teen watching a couple two small children. They are in the park and come across some boys who hurt a bird. Lien doesn't like to see anything hurt or mistreated. She tells the children to build a nest for the bird in the bushes. They then place the hurt bird in very carefully. She's a very tender hearted young lady. Just a child herself.

This book is about two young girls, teens, who join the Dutch resistance. They are taught how to do things that you would hope your child would never have to learn. How to protect. How to kill. How to take care of the ones that came to hurt them and their friends. These to girls are sisters, Lien and Elif, who are living with their widowed mother. The Nazi's land in their country and soon take over. They lose friends and see things that no child should ever have to see. But it happens. In wars things are different. You do what you must to be safe and to keep your loved ones safe.

I have read quite a few WW2 books but this is my first set in this area. As with most that I have read I did learn a few things. I do know that we should never forget that things have happened. There was a world war and many people died. People were killed because they are considered less than human. Because they were Jews. Because a little man named Hitler decided they were an inferior race and should be done away with. I hope this never happens again but if you forget then it very well could.

This book is very well written and researched. It pulls at your heartstrings many times and has very vivid descriptions of what these girls had to do. What they went through to help. To protect. It is a big gruesome in places but not to the point you can't keep reading. It was war after all. Nothing about war is pretty. This book is inspired by two girls who did this very thing. They fought to protect and to do away with horrible people. While this is a fiction story, a historical fiction/women's fiction, it is based on two actual sisters. Based on actual events. Things that did happen.

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

5 stars and I do highly recommend this. If you like reading historical's set in WW2 you will like this.

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When I read this authors debut novel The Flight Girls, I knew I wanted to read her next one.

1940’s-Based on true events. Two young sisters in their teens live their mother in the Netherlands. Lien and Zelig watch bombs fall around their community and the Nazis invade. They start to help with the resistance. Who would suspect two young teenage girls?

Their father had taught them how to shoot which becomes invaluable as they fight to survive. Lien meets Charlie during the resistance and emotions run high.

I was invested in these young sisters and rooted for them as they faced dangerous situations with the Nazis and learned whom to trust.

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Lien and her older sister, Elif, are recruited to be in the Dutch resistance. Both are very young, so they are perfect for passing messages and other various forms of espionage. But, Lien struggles with the death of her young sister. She feels it is her fault so she tends to take unnecessary risks. This invariably puts everyone’s lives at stake.

I really enjoyed the setting of the Netherlands during WWII. Now, I did feel there are a good many day to day, unimportant details in this story. But, that is a minor issue. The characters and the setting kept this novel moving for me.

I loved Lien. She is one tough young lady. And her struggles just enhance the story and create a bond with the reader. She and her sister make a great team. And these two young ladies grew up on the pages of this book.

Need a unique WWII novel…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

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Thank you Net Galley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC of Angels of the Resistance by Noelle Salazar in exchange for an honest review. As a fan of WW2 historical fiction, I am always amazed at the number of unique stories that come out of that time period. This story was powerfully told about two teenaged sisters who joined the Resistance during the War in the Netherlands. I love that it is a fictionalized account of a real story. The author wonderfully wrote about the hardships and accomplishments of the members of this Resistance group in Haarlam. Lien and Elif, the sisters, had to overcame the loss of their father and were so dedicated and strong to do what needed to be done to survive. That was the ultimate goal-survival. I could feel the anguish of the sisters as they carried out their tasks. I could feel their personal growth and relief when the tasks were done. My favorite part was the epilogue that wrapped up the story to make the reader's journey come to a satisfying end. I will definitely be looking forward to her next story.

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I loved The Flight Girls and was so very excited to get approved for Noelle Salazar’s second novel. Angels of the Resistance. Though different, this novel did not disappoint, and Ms. Salazar has become one of my must-read authors.

LIen and Elif Vince are teenagers in Haarlem when the Nazis invade the Netherlands. Both girls want to do their part to help fight in any way they can, and the Dutch resistance becomes that way to fight back.

Soon the sisters are part of the underground. They help get people to safety, eliminate targets, and do anything they can to try and stop the Nazis, often at great personal cost.

As the war continues and Lien and Elif continue in the resistance, the stakes increase. This does not deter them. The result is a powerful story about two sisters and their determination to make a difference.

I absolutely loved this story. Elif and Lien changed and grew in so many ways. Their confidence in their abilities and determination to hone their skills advanced as circumstances required. The decisions they had to make to survive tricky situations or to protect others left me wondering if I would be able to do the same.

I highly recommend reading the author’s note at the end. It shed light on the inspiration for this book and was so fascinating to read.

I voluntarily received a copy of this book from Harlequin Mira. All views are my honest opinion.

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Happy Pub Day to this thrilling and heartbreaking story by Noelle Salazar! If you love historical fiction, you need to purchase it! Thank you to NetGalley & Harlequin Trade Publishing for this ARC!

Set in WWII, Angels of the Resistance follows a dynamic family of women who have shown that they can survive some of life’s toughest situations. When whispers of Hitler’s propaganda start seeping its way into the Netherlands and then the Nazis invade, sisters Elif and Lien rely on their marksmanship taught by their beloved father. The sisters join the Dutch resistance to help fight the Nazis and defend their friends, coworkers, and fellow countrymen from the Nazi rule.

This story is one that started out kind of slow for me, but picked up as I read more. I enjoyed this story overall and the overall theme of resilience stuck with me. In the face of uncertainty and near death danger, people showed courage and bravery to defy the Nazis. I’m always in awe of those brave people who carried out such brave tasks.

** my review is what was posted on my Instagram account.**

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This story had me crying through much of it. I loved Lien and Elif and Charlie. I wonder how people get the courage to do what these young women and men did during this horrible time. I enjoyed that this book took place in the Netherlands. This was my first WWll book based in the Netherlands. I really enjoyed this book. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

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