THE SECRET SOCIETY OF SALZBURG by Renee Ryan

“Dear God, please. This is bigger than us. We need your help.”

This slow burn WWII story happened in a span of about nine years. It’s a dual timeline with one in 1943 and a backstory from 1934. I was so intrigued with the turn of events. The pacing was good but I wanted to rush the backstory to tell me what I needed to know. There were multiple characters that added interest to the plot. I enjoyed the contrasting personalities of Vera and Hattie. But they were both talented and had a good heart.


I haven’t been to an opera theatre before. The narratives were good and it made me want to be there to hear Elsa sing. She was loved by many including Hitler. It was nice that the settings were in London and Salzburg. It added to my knowledge of how the war affected the people there. The air raids and bombings were scary.


I can’t imagine what all the compassionate people like Elsa and Hattie did, who braved fear and danger, to do what they felt was right. It wasn’t easy helping the Jews but they tried their very best. The faith content was not many but included in the book in the form of prayers. Forgiveness was hard with pain everywhere but it was very meaningful when given. God had been gracious to these ladies. The reopening of the Salzburg Festival was a happy and emotional event.


Historical fiction readers will surely enjoy this book. I liked the author’s note that explained how this story started so don’t skip it.

Thank you LoveInspired and Netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

4 stars

In The Secret Society of Salzburg, Renee Ryan gives readers a taste of some of the art and operas during World War II while crafting a tale of the friendship and courage of two women connected by those creative endeavors.

Ryan captures the uncertainty and the unknown that most people must have experienced during World War II, as well as the danger and bravery. The author writes the emotional concern for others and mistrust of those in power without getting too graphic with the atrocities of that era.

With its unique twist on the genre, plenty of tense moments, and a sprinkling of romance, The Secret Society of Salzburg gives readers another perspective about the trials, tragedies, and fear so many people experienced during this time.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own.

What a fantastic read. From the very first chapters, Renee Ryan was able to create characters that are completely unlikeable in our conductor Hoffmann and opera singer Frieda, while other characters we were made to love instantly, in Hattie, Vera, Malvina and of course Elsa. The descriptions of the people & environment were just enough to paint the picture without being overly excessive. The back and forth timeline created an aura of mystery and flowed very quickly, making this a quick and enjoyable read. I will highly recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction.

Woven within intriguing historical elements, Renee Ryan pens a story filled with heart. A Secret Society of Salzburg is a seamless tale of intrigue, a tribute to the many real-life heroes who helped Jewish refugees escape war-torn Europe. While there is a romance, that is not at the focus of the story. It is one of the unbreakable bonds of friendship. The emotional range the author gives her characters, their strong beliefs and fears, endeared them to me. The author gets to the heart of grace and forgiveness in a most compelling way-providing light amidst one of the darkest moments of mankind.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher through Netgalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Beginning in 1934, The Secret Society of Salzburg takes you through the lives of three very different women who find a common cause. Elsa, a world famous opera singer and sisters Hattie and Vera, both frustrated civil servants, meet through their love of the arts. The rise of Hitler and the Nazi Party inspires the women to do what they can to help those threatened with pogroms and death camps. Their courage and bravery during that dark time is inspirational. Renee Ryan has hit a home run, a must read!

I'm always excited to discover a new WWII historical fiction story, and especially if it seems to offer a refreshing angle. As soon as I read the blurb of The Secret Society Of Salzburg, I knew that I was in for a treat. I loved the sound of the Salzburg setting, the opera singer, the unlikely friendship and their secret society created to rescue Jews... And my instincts didn't fail me, because I ended up having an excellent time reading this story.

One of the things that made me want to read this story was the Salzburg setting. I have fond memories of this Austrian city, and I was looking forward to revisit it in this historical fiction read. I do have to say that I expected more descriptions of the Austrian setting to truly make it come alive (the same goes for the Germany/Sweden settings). The focus in The Secret Society Of Salzburg is clearly on the 1933-1945 time period instead of location; not a bad thing, and the time period descriptions and references were very well handled, but more in dept descriptions of the settings would have given the story even more flavor. This is just a personal preference though and the story didn't lack dept because of it.

The Secret Society Of Salzburg uses a dual POV structure, where we switch between the two different main characters Elsa and Hattie. On top of this, the story also switches between locations and different points in time; this adds both dept and suspense to the plot without being too confusing (each switch is clearly stated). We slowly get to learn both Elsa and Hattie better and see their relationship grown and evolve over time. I loved that both women are artists and how this isn't just used as background information, but actually plays a big role in the plot. Music and art is always present, and I enjoyed seeing the elements incorporated into the story.

The story mainly takes place in a linear order, although there are 'flashforwards' to 1943 that give the story a certain urgency and feeling of dread of what is to come. It definitely makes you turn those pages faster! The writing style itself is lovely as well, and it kept me engaged throughout. I could have done without the romance myself, but thankfully it only played a small part in the plot and mostly in the second half of the story. The Secret Society Of Salzburg is more about strong friendships and using their talents for something good... All with the threat of war and danger lurking around every corner.

All in all I ended up having an excellent time with this WWII historical fiction story with a refreshing angle and strong female friendships. I can highly recommend it to fans of the genre!

n 1933 London, Austrian-born opera singer Elsa Mayer-Braun doesn't have much in common with the English typist Hattie Featherstone. Even so, the two instantly become friends and use that friendship as a cover to rescue as many Jews as possible from Nazi persecution. WWII threatens their network, draws the attention of the British government, and also creates opportunities to thwart the Germans. Elsa’s now Hitler’s favorite opera singer, however, and is secretly of Jewish descent. She is now both a weapon and a target, her future in the balance.

Elsa is arrested by the Gestapo in chapter one, which is startling and unsettling as an opening. From there, we skip back and forth between the past and the present of WWII, so we see how Elsa and Hattie develop their friendship. We also see how the tension in Europe is high and grows even higher as the SS and Hitler gain power. The stories told by the Jews within the context of the novel are heartbreaking, as is Elsa's treatment, no matter how much it's only minimally told. 

The time period had its devastating tales of triumph and despair, and this novel contains them both. I feel like that aspect is given more weight than the romances; Wilhelm is controlling from the start and Oliver worked for MI6 but at least valued Hattie's autonomy. The two women's lives are contrasted as the book goes on, and it's based on real-life sisters that had smuggled people out of Europe. This book honors their efforts and shows us the legacy they leave behind.

Hello all!
I hope everyone had a happy holiday. Today I bring to you The Secret Society of Salzburg by Renee Ryan. I was graciously given a copy by the publisher (no review was required). Here's a synopsis from Goodreads:



London, 1933

At first glance, Austrian opera singer Elsa Mayer-Braun has little in common with the young English typist she encounters on tour. Yet she and Hattie Featherstone forge an instant connection—and strike a dangerous alliance. Using their friendship as a cover, they form a secret society with a daring goal: to rescue as many Jews as possible from Nazi persecution.

Though the war’s outbreak threatens Elsa and Hattie’s network, their efforts attract the covert attention of the British government, offering more opportunities to thwart the Germans. But Elsa’s growing fame as Hitler’s favorite opera singer, coupled with her secret Jewish ancestry, make her both a weapon and a target—until her future, too, hangs in the balance.

From the glamorous stages of Covent Garden and Salzburg to the horrors of Bergen-Belsen, two ordinary women swept up by the tide of war discover an extraordinary friendship—and the courage to save countless lives.

This was one of those books where I felt the characters were so real. I also found that it was one of those rare times where I didn't want to "leave" them at the end of the book. I've read other books that take place during that horrible time in history and I am always so saddened. I think it's important that authors write about this and educate as many as they can about this topic.

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the storyline, the characters and the way everything was described. I thought it was perfectly paced and honestly, I would like to see more about these characters!

Thank you to the publisher for this opportunity. It was a great book and it's available now! I hope you all have a Happy New Year!

I really enjoyed The Secret Society of Salzburg. It was very well written and held my attention throughout. A gripping tale involving opera fans and an opera star leading up to and continuing on through the Nazi occupation of Austria. Their worlds collide in dramatic fashion forcing each to deal with the Nazi's hatred of the Jews and its impact on their lives. It was a very emotional roller coaster with a surprising end. Honestly, if I had known this was a Harlequin Romance book, I would have passed on bothering to read it, but it was so much more than that in the end. I'm glad I took the opportunity to read it.

This book is magnificent. The scope of the story will amaze the reader. Parts of the story are true, which makes it even more fantastic. I am a history buff and especially love anything about WWII. The plight of the German, Austrian and Polish people during that time is heart wrenching to me. Their story cannot be told enough. Elsa is a famous opera singer, but her heart becomes increasingly engaged with the plight of her people and the Germans as Hitler rises to power and makes living conditions horrible for Jews in all the places where she sings. She takes a huge risk and decides to do something about it. Something akin to an underground railroad begins as she gets a number of people out of these countries through elaborate ways. Of course, she has help. She has made a dear friend in Hattie Featherstone years before, who lives in England. Hattie is an artist but first, she was just a civil servant. However, when she first heard Elsa sing, it changed her life. Their friendship was such a special part of this story. It touched my soul. Hattie and her sister, Vera, begin to help Elsa with the transportation of Jews out of these ravaged countries when they have a singular experience where they witness an injustice against two Jews themselves. The single-mindedness of Hattie in helping others was inspiring to me. She never wavered, even when Vera did. When Elsa is arrested and unspeakable things happen to her, how will things turn out? The last part of the book is soul stirring and makes you wonder what you would do yourself in the same circumstances. The theme of forgiveness is threaded through the ending until tears were coursing down my cheeks. How this book impacted me! I am better for having read it.

Elsa is a renowned Austrian opera singer. Hattie is an up and coming artist. These two become great friends because Hattie admires Elsa so very much and Elsa is a kind person who sort of takes Hattie under her wing. But, these two have a big secret. They are doing everything they can to smuggle Jews out of Nazi occupied territories.

Elsa is one of the strongest characters I have ever had the pleasure of knowing! And there are quite a few places where this shows up front and center. Then there is Hattie. She can be a bit “holier than thou” in places but she truly ignores the danger to save as many as she can.

Y’all! This book is AMAZING! I know this sounds cliché…but I was hooked from start to finish! And to be honest, I was on the edge of my seat for most of it! This is tagged by Harlequin as “Love Inspired”. But this is more of a love of all people not romance.

Need a novel which will have you reading faster and faster…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today

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

This story moves back and forth along the timeline of 1934 to 1945. At first I found that confusing, but after further reading I was enthralled with how the author, Renee Ryan, used that to build tension and suspense as the reader develops a relationship with the two main characters and longs to discover the betrayer of one of them. The story honors the bravery of the men and women who took great risks to save the lives of many Jews leading up to and during World War II. It also showcases the importance of creative expression through the arts in our human experience. Most importantly, the story demonstrates the importance of faith in God during the toughest of times.

The Secret Society of Salzburg is very well written and researched. It is believable with dialogue that rings true and content that creates vivid mental images and evokes strong emotions. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Love Inspired via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

This moving story starts in 1943 in Salzburg, Austria when opera star Elsa Mayer-Braun is arrested moments before performing and is accused of treason against the Third Reich. Back in 1934, Elsa met Londoner Hattie Featherson and her sister Vera while on tour after the sisters had made the acquaintance of Elsa's great aunt Malvina Kremer-Lehman. Aspiring artist Hattie becomes entranced by Elsa's music, and it inspires her own artwork. As a close friendship develops between Elsa and Hattie, the sisters help Elsa protect her Jewish aunt as antisemitism continues to rise. And soon, Elsa and Hattie create a network for rescuing Jewish Germans from being persecuted, helping them escape to England. Once their plan is uncovered and Elsa is arrested, she fears it was her Nazi sympathizer husband Wilhelm Hoffman who has betrayed her.

The Secret Society of Salzburg is a highly engaging story inspired by the real-life story of the daring Cook sisters, Ida and Louise, who rescued twenty-nine Jews from Nazi Germany in the 1930s. Author Renee Ryan's well-researched book takes place during a terrible period in history yet offers an inspiring story set during the darkest of times. I read so many books that have taken place during this period that having a backdrop within the world of the arts added to its appeal. And while the tragedy of the times is presented, the focus is on the strength and resiliency of the main characters and their friendship.

I decided to read this book because it is in one of mine and my son's favorite time period. We're both obsessed with WWII although for different reasons but this book touches on both sides of the War and the addition of art and opera made for an intriguing read. I enjoyed watching the story unfold and seeing two strong women during this chaotic time period. I also like that it is inspired by true events. I highly recommend this book for those who love reading about strong women, historical fiction inspired by true events and WWII era but I think no matter what genre you prefer should give this book a try!

A page-turner! Ryan has done it again with her latest title, The Secret Society of Salzburg. Like her previous title The Widows of Champagne, this book is filled with strong women who are determined to face any danger to do the right thing. I was swept into Elsa's world of opera and her friendship with Hattie, an artist from London as they worked to help Jews escape Germany and Austria. This is a story of courage, friendship, and the true meaning of forgiveness that will stay with you long after you finish the book. Highly recommend.

I think that this was one of my favorite WWll novels. I loved Elsa and Hattie. I loved learning a little bit about some of the operas. I laughed and cried throughout this story. I love that there were such brave women and men that wanted to see a difference made. I did not want to put this book down. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Based on the story of two sisters who used a love of opera to rescue Jews from Germany in the 1930s, Renee Ryan has presented a story that is both gripping and heartbreaking. Hattie Featherstine worked as a typist by day and studied art in the evenings. With discouraging comments from her instructor she begins to doubt herself until the day that she discovers opera. It stirs something in her soul that shows in her artwork. Hearing a tape recording of Elsa Mayer-Braun, she is entranced. When Elsa comes fr9m Austria to perform in London, Hattie sketches her as she imagines her performing. Presenting the sketch to Elsa begins a friendship that will last through WWII and beyond.

Elsa is married to Wilhelm Hoffmann, a conductor. As Hitler rises to power, Hoffmann makes connections to powerful Germans to further his own ambitions. Elsa was raised by Malvina, her Jewish aunt, and fears the rise of anti-semitism. When Hattie and her sister Vera come to Salzburg to see Elsa perform at the music festival they are witness to the cruelty and changing conditions. The sisters assist Malvina’s escape to England but this effort is not enough. Word of their actions spreads through the Jewish community and the three women plan to save as many people as they can. They are assisted by Oliver, the owner of the art galleries responsible for displaying Hattie’s art throughout Europe. He has a connection to the British government, one that sees an opportunity to benefit from the women’s activities. When Britain declares war on Germany Hattie and Elsa must find a way to continue their efforts. Then someone betrays Elsa and it becomes a desperate race to save her life.

From the glittering opera houses and beautiful gallery displays to the desperation of the Jewish communities and the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, Ryan’s story is one of loyalty between friends and a determination to do the right thing in the face of danger. It is a story that is beautifully told and will hold you from the first page to the last. I would like to thank NetGalley and Harlequin Publishing for providing this book for my review.

This was a really good book. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to everyone. I could not put it down! It has a strong storyline and great character development. Get your copy today!

The Secret Society of Salzburg by Renee Ryan is a brilliant story, loosely based on the true story of two women who took it upon themselves to risk their lives saving people during Hitler’s regime. This riveting plot will have you immediately immersed in the lives the two women, Elsa Mayer-Braun, an up-and-coming European opera singer and Hattie Featherstone, an English civil worker who aspires to become a famous painter. A chance meeting between the two will change both their lives forever as well as some Jewish families who were able to escape Hitler and find freedom because of the two.

When Hattie hears a recording of an opera Elsa sang, she is immediately moved. She also begins to find her painting style changing. Then she and her sister are able to go to a concert together to witness that beautiful voice in person, and a friendship is born.

As their friendship progresses, as does Hitler’s hold. Hattie has an experience on a train in which she sees a Jewish couple humiliated and then dragged away. She will never forgive herself for not trying to do something to help them. Elsa (who herself has a hidden Jewish heritage which only her husband is aware) is having a personal reaction to what is going on. Her aunt who is part Jewish is trapped in a country in which she is not welcomed and in danger. Elsa must figure out how to get her aunt to safety. She does this with Hattie’s help and thus begins their secret society.

What ends up happening is this “secret” becomes very popular and as Elsa and Hattie try to help as many as they can, they need a bit of help. That’s when they meet a British gentleman who owns an art gallery, and their plan is secured.

But unfortunately for Elsa, her husband begins to align himself with Hitler and puts her in the position of having to sing for him. She becomes Hitler’s favorite singer. Hating herself for that and for her husband’s alliance she feels she is at her breaking point.

Suddenly something goes terribly wrong. Elsa’s life is in jeopardy and Hattie must try and save her. But Hattie is in England. With all their success in helping people find the safety and security and freedom they needed, Hattie feels helpless to do the same for Elsa.

In the Secret Society of Salzburg, these two courageous women who are strong willed and selfless, take on a nation and a man filled with hate and endanger their own lives to save people they don’t even know. A wonderfully engrossing story with a powerful message.

Thank you #NetGalley #Harlequin #ReneeRyan #TheSecretSocietyofSalzburg for the advanced copy.

Not until I read the author’s letter at the end did I realize she’d been inspired by two older English sisters who loved opera, sacrificed to listen to it, and aided Jews trapped in the Third Reich. I recently read the new book, The Opera Sisters, which gives this novel new meaning.
The story begins when Austrian opera singer Elsa Mayer-Braun is arrested on stage by the Gestapo. It then backtracks to 1934 when Elsa meets Hattie and Vera Featherstone in England. Together they rescue Jews, and Elsa is herself part Jewish. By starting out with the arrest, the novel has a haunted feel because you know things are going to go badly.