The characters were really one-dimensional and their friendship was too much, too fast.

The plot was interesting, but there was nothing unique about this story vs the many other WWII rescue stories out there.

Lastly, it was completely anticlimactic. Elsa is in a camp and then poof, rescued, with no details into how or what was needed to accomplish it or what prisoner was released in exchange for her freedom. It was like the author gave up on the story and just wanted to wrap it up as fast as possible with a pretty “happily ever after” ending.

The Secret Society of Salzburg is historical fiction at its finest. Renee Ryan is a phenomenal storyteller and her talent as an author shined in this book. I loved the perspective of this WW2 novel, through the lens of an opera singer and an artist helping Jews escape Germany. It was powerful, compelling, and all around inspiring through the courageous women and sacrifices made. A book I couldn't put down from start to finish. I couldn't recommend this one more for my fellow hist fic lovers!

Beautifully written and impactful. This book is based off of the Cook sisters, who helped save and relocate close to 30 Jews during World War II. She really brings the characters to life.

For some reason or other, it did take me quite a while to get through this book. Likely, just due to being busy and having a harder time focusing. So my attention tapered off somewhere around the middle. I did come back to the book though and the last half was a quick and engaging read.

Definitely worth the read! I love that the book brings indirect attention to the real life equivalents to the characters who risked their lived to save others.

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. This was a fantastic historical fiction set in WWII. I loved the relationships in this novel and how things are not always what they seem.

The story of two women, an opera singer and an aspiring artist who risk it all to help Jews escape the wrath of the Nazis.

A gripping historical read, compelling characters and courageous women, as they face the growing unrest in Austria and Germany in the first rumblings of WWII. Based on a true story this is a rich historical novel of love and sacrifice.

Elsa is a gifted singer, admired by Hitler, but she hides a dangerous secret of Jewish heritage. Her unlikely friendship with Vera and Hattie Featherstone allows them to work together to help Jews escape Germany. The story follows Elsa in two separate timelines, and I admired her strength throughout.

Overall, a engaging and heartbreaking read, compelling and well written. Bringing to life treacherous times, and the courage of remarkable women.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Secret Society of Salzburg by Renee Ryan was a most spell-binding novel. This story is loosely based on the true story of the Cook sisters, British sisters who were enamored by opera. They made many trips to Bermand and Austria to go to the opera in Munich, Salzburg, Berlin, and other European cities, and eventually were clandestine smugglers of possessions and people of the Jewish faith.

This novel is about the Featherstone sisters who develop a love for opera and for one special soprano, Else, who becomes a favorite of all opera-goers and even der Fuhrer. She is married to a famous conductor and he becomes her manager and conductor, although he is autocratic and manipulative she loves him. After the Anschluss, he decides that their fortunes lie with the German Nazis and does everything in his power to become a favorite of theirs. Else is more interested in smuggling Jewish fortunes, jewelry, and expensive items out of Germany before they can be confiscated by the Nazis. The Jewish people are trying to immigrate to other countries where they may be safe.

Else and the Featherstone sisters go one step further and start smuggling Jewish people who are in imminent danger out of the country. They need papers, a sponsor, and the promise of a job to go to England.

All of this combines to make a non-stop thrilling story. Ms. Ryan is very adept at writing about the terror and danger that is involved in this endeavor. I was captivated by this story, especially after the borders were closed and the war was declared. Betrayals of Else and her work brought the Gestapo to arrest all those involved. My heart was in my throat as I read of the heart-breaking struggles of the people of German and Austria and those who were trying to see to the survival of as many as possible.

This is a new to me author, but I will definitely be looking for more of her works. As I have said before, I love reading stories where there is fact and fiction blended together, and this book is right up there with the best of them. The author pulls you in from the start, and does not let you go to the very end. In between are all kinds of surprises. if you love history and enjoy a good story, I know you will like this book.


I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.

FULL REVIEW HERE:
https://aishasbookworld.wordpress.com/2023/02/26/review-the-secret-society-of-salzburg-by-renee-ryan-harlequinbooks-historical-harlequinloveinspiredtrade/

A fictional story inspired by true events and real characters as the Cook sisters, who made a remarkable job fighting against injustice, The Secret Society of Salzburg has a smart writing, an alluring argument, fabulous scenes full of passion, intense moments, flawless transitions and a little dose of drama. Also, I have to mention the impecable research Ms. Ryan did for this book. It was so good you can feel it as if you were there and not simply reading another historical fiction book. And I have to say this because that’s my biggest problem with this kind of books: I can’t fully connect with the historical aspects of the story (although I read all genres, that’s the reason I’m not a big fan of this one specifically) but that wasn’t a problem with this marvelous book.

My first experience with Ms. Ryan’s books is a pleasurable one. Looking forward for more from this author.

ARC given by Renee Ryan and Harlequin Books via Netgalley. Thanks for your trust.

What a powerful story based on true events. Two women from very different backgrounds pulling together to help as many Jews as possible escape at constant risk to themselves immediately swept me up into the story and I couldn’t put it down.

Elsa and Hattie have their own secrets to hide and yet their priority is helping others. Such a beautiful example of sacrifice.

I knew of various ways people helped Jews escape but this story and the way that was accomplished was new to me. The raising of money, the using festivals as cover stories for what was really going on. The secrecy that came so close to being exposed so many times.

I cannot imagine living in constant fear like so many characters in this novel. Renee Ryan has once again crafted a story that made me feel like I was right there watching it all unfold. To learn at the end the story behind this one only added to how well done this story was. Five stars!!

Thank you to Harlequin Love Inspired for the copy of this book. All views are my honest opinion.

This is the first book of Renee Ryan's I've read, and it won't be the last. She writes well, and quickly engages the reader in the characters, plot, and setting. I had no idea that _The Secret Society of Salzburg_ was based on a true story until I read the author's note at the end, so hey guess what! :) It's based on a true story! LOL.

This was also a very pleasant surprise, to be hooked so quickly after a read by another author that I, surprisingly, really couldn't get into; it was great to just dive right in and go, "I need to find out what happens here."

For all the build-up and detail prior to the climax, I will say that the denouement felt a little rushed and lacking. "Here it is! The big question is resolved! And ... scene." The story easily could have been fleshed out more after--or some balance achieved by less detail from the get-go. I'm not sure what would have been best in either direction.

That being said, the read is worthwhile and powerful. It's a story primarily about friendship; yes, there's romance, but the friendship is at the forefront, and that was a beautiful thing.

Being a European Studies major and huge "White Collar" TV-series fan, I really enjoyed the insight into art and music during WWII (especially also given the amount of art theft during that time).

(Note of caution, I will add there was a scene depicting a female character's intake into a concentration camp. The entire scene was maybe a page, and certainly light on details--but also didn't gloss over what the character went through, including a guard forcing himself on her. A brief and factual accounting, but in case it's problematic for the reader: it's there.)

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

*VERY SOFT SPOILERS INCLUDED*

THE GOOD:
A pleasant tale with a feel good ending. A story of being moved to do what is right. And of being knocked down but not broken.

Elsa and Hattie's friendship is moving and inspiring. The have such "brotherly" love for each other. It's so nice to see a strong, healthy friendship portrayed, these days, without the author feeling the need to make it a romantic attraction as well.

A great cast of supporting, and interesting, characters as well. From Hattie's sister to Elsa's opera cast mates, to romantic interests for our two leading ladies; even a cranky coworker or two.

Even though the book takes on gritty topics, the reader isn't really shoved into the devastation. Caution that there is a rape scene, but is extremely well handled in "fade to black" method.

Thankfully free of the "diversity checklist" of modern stories.

THE BAD:
The book's title does not appear in the story, which is always a faux pas, in my opinion.

Also, the characters narrating frequently use more modern day language, such as "your truth" or "hate" (in reference to prejudice); I found this distracting.

I was a bit confused at the beginning, as well, because the tale starts in 1943 and then flashes back to 1934. The years looked similar to me, and the story didn't make it clear that we were switching time frames. But, thankfully that quickly cleared up. The main thrust of the story is the 1934 and onward timeline, with the 1943-1945 timeline there as a sort of foreshadowing.

CONCLUSION:
Well worth a read.

The opera makes a significant part of the story's backbone and that was a unique and layered angle.

A little more emotional impact, or a tighter tethering to the true facts that inspired the tale, would have pushed this over to a 5-star read for me.

But, overall, a really good novel, with a different perspective, that makes it stand-out in the overcrowded WWII fiction genre. Well done!

This book is set during WW2. An opera singer and her two friends are helping the Jews escape the Nazi concentration camps and death.

Sisters Hattie and Vera meet Elsa quite by accident. The three become good friends and work together during one of the worse times in history.. Elsa is an Opera singer that the sisters adore. They have been saving up to see her concert and Elsa gets them tickets. This story keeps a good pace and keeps you wanting to know what happens next. As with all books set in this time this one is very sad. It has a lot of good things but the sad is horrible. Elsa gets arrested for being a spy and is sent away. She is kept for the intention of trading her for Nazis.

This book takes you inside the lives of these three characters. Their ups and downs. The loves they have and the losses they endure. It’s very well written and will leave you breathless. It’s told with such grace that you won’t want to put it down.

This author has done a great job with this book. This is my first book by her and I will be reading more hopefully.

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

5 big stars.

This book covers the tragic years between 1933 and 1945, when the world was torn apart by one man's desire to destroy anyone who was Jewish. Author Renee Ryan transports us to England, Austria, and Germany, in a captivating tale that's based on true life events. She explains in her author's note that she patterned Elsa Mayer-Braun and Hattie Featherstone after the real-life Cook sisters who orchestrated the rescue of twenty-nine Jews from Nazi Germany in the 1930s. As we're drawn into Elsa and Hattie's strong beliefs and witness their daring efforts to save others, we are reminded of the courage, love, and determination that were so prevalent during this time of persecution, betrayal, and death.

The Secret Society of Salzburg is truly a story of the heart, but its focus isn't romantic love. It is, instead, a moving portrayal of a bond of friendship and trust that couldn't be broken! I've always been fascinated by the events that surrounded World War II and I highly recommend this inspiring book to all who enjoy historical fiction!

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

I love World War II fiction so this book fit right in my reading plan. I enjoyed the story of how Austrian opera singer Elsa and British sisters Hattie and Vera came together to save so many during such a terrible time in history. Their friendship and power of the arts made this book stand out. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to the publisher, Harlequin, for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was an amazing read about a pair of British sisters who meet a famous German opera singer and form the unlikeliest of friendships that grows into an alliance as they form a network to help Jews escape Nazi persecution and bring them safely to England. WWII novels feature frequently on my TBR now, but as I always say, each both has something new and brings a different perspective, and this book is partly based on a true story too, of two sisters who helped many Jewish refugees. The characters were well developed and both Elsa and Hattie’s POVs were interesting with the story flowing smoothly. The author has done a very good job with setting the scene and it was easy to visualize this time period, making this an immersive read.

The one thing I thought could have been done better with this book was using a linear narration instead starting with a future timeline cliffhanger. While I’m usually a fan of dual timelines, it just didn’t work for this story and the tension could have been better maintained with a single timeline. And speaking of maintaining tension, the premise certainly set up an exciting set of events, but once the story really got started, I felt that Elsa and Hattie’s friendship and interactions kind of took center stage over the secret network they built and their covert operations to rescue Jews. There wasn’t enough focus or page time on it so it became, in my opinion, more of a tell rather than show and reduced some of the excitement of the whole thing. Overall though, this was a solid read and I loved reading about the historical background it was based on. I would definitely recommend this book for fans of the genre!

Quick and Dirty⁣⁣
-WWII-era fiction ⁣⁣
-strong female friendships ⁣⁣
-opera and art galore⁣⁣
-⁣dual timeline⁣
⁣⁣
Synopsis⁣⁣
Once named Hitler's favorite opera singer, Elsa now finds herself being escorted out of the great opera hall in the hands of Nazi soldiers. Charged with treason, she faces certain death. But no matter how they torture her, she'll never give the name of her dearest friend, Hattie, or divulge any of their secret anti-Nazi activities. They've saved many lives, but she's not sure she can save her own.⁣
⁣⁣
Musings ⁣⁣
I'm a sucker for two types of books: 1) WWII fiction and 2) books with strong female friendships. This book is both of my favorites wrapped into one pretty package. I couldn't put it down, which says a lot about the pacing and the intensity. Some histfic feels slow at first, but this book came out of the gate at a fast trot and only quickened from there. The dual timeline felt more like flashbacks, which enhanced the story rather than distracting from the action. The characters are memorable, as is the plot. It's full of art and opera references, which adds an extra layer of pizzazz. One of the things I enjoyed the most about this book was the idea of discovering one's great love is in bed with the enemy (so to speak). With themes of bravery and betrayal laced throughout the story, the tale of Hattie and Elsa's friendship shines like a beacon of hope. I must add that this book is marketed as Christian fiction, but I didn't find it overly religious. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I'm convinced anyone who enjoys WWII stories will, too.

A few months ago, I was chatting with a friend about books. We agreed that neither of us really likes the Love Inspired books because neither of us likes romance all that much. However, she told me about the new line of Love Inspired that was coming out and that she had heard a lot of good about The Widows of Champagne. I haven’t been able to read that one yet, but when I was offered The Secret Society of Salzburg, also by Renee Ryan, I decided to give it a try. I’m glad I did! This was a good book.
Elsa was excited when, as an aspiring young singer in Salzburg, she was given a chance at the leading role in an opera. As she rose to fame, Hattie and her sister Vera, in London, fell in love with her singing. They came to Elsa’s attention when Hattie, an English civil servant and aspiring artist, gave the opera star a quick sketch she’d made. Over the next few years, Elsa and Hattie became close friends.
As Hitler came to power, Elsa and Hattie both begin to see first hand the effects his regime was having on the Jews. Neither of the two was able to turn a blind eye, and they found ways to work together to save lives. Meanwhile, Elsa became Hitler’s favourite opera singer. Would that be enough to save her from betrayal? How long could the two do their secret work without being caught?
What a story. So many books about World War II focus on the horrors and atrocities of the Holocaust. While this book has one or two chapters about the Holocaust, the horrors of it do not show up very much. There are a couple of chapters set in the Bergen Belsen concentration camp, and references to some of the atrocities that happened. However, the bad is not the main focus of this book. Rather the focus is the women’s friendship and how they worked together to help people. I also liked that romance was not the focus of the story. There is a romance,  but it didn’t start until halfway through the story. Instead, the theme is doing what you know is right even if it costs you enormous personal consequences. The Secret Society of Salzburg, I believe, is considered a Christian fiction book, but there is very little that I would consider overtly Christian in it. It is clean with good morals, however.
I received a review copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.
WARNING: A kiss is described in chapter 24. In chapter 25, there is a rape. In chapter 30, Hattie thinking about all the lies she and Elsa had told.

There's always those unique gems in ww2 fiction. I loved this story, at once heartbreaking and beautiful, this story will keep you wanting more.

A beautiful opera singer meets an aspiring artist who becomes her dearest friend and confidant. Both find themselves fighting for the rights of Jews and struggle to keep their secrets from others.

*thank you to #netgalley for a previous copy of this book to read and honestly review.

“It’s a question I ask myself every day. If not us, who then will stand?”

An absolute gem of a read! This book gripped my heart and mind from the first page and didn’t let go until the very last. It was my introduction to the author’s writing - I’ll be sure to read her backlist and be on the lookout for future novels.

I am not an opera fan but loved being transported to that world on the cusp of WWII. The author made that environment come alive and the passion in opera came across beautifully. I loved both Elsa and Hattie - two strong heroines who risk all to rescue those in need. There are plenty of surprises in the plot which kept it moving at a good pace. Heartache, betrayal, loyalty, true friendship, and desperation to help those in need fill the pages of this book and it’ll surely become one of your favorites as well.

I received the book from the publisher via JustRead Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

In her second historical fiction, Ryan steps up her game and produces a deeply complex story about Jewish refugees and the civilians who risked their lives to save them prior to World War 2.

In The Secret Society of Salzburg we meet German opera singer Elsa Mayer-Braun Hoffmann and British civil servant and aspiring artist Hattie Featherstone. When the two women meet, they form an instant bond. As the winds of war begin sweeping Europe, both women find their lives changed dramatically. For Elsa, the attacks on Jews hits close to home. For Hattie, witnessing the prejudice awakens her fighting spirit. Together, they form a network to bring Jewish refugees to Britain. The book was inspired by Ida and Louise Cook, two real-life Holocaust heroines.

As interesting as the story is, however, it's the meticulous research and the way Ryan weaves in the themes courage, justice, moral ethics and forgiveness that gives the book its real weight.

I recommend this book highly, and can't wait for Ryan's next novel.

Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin books for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.