My favorite time period for Historical Fiction books is WW2, so right off the bat this book was meant for me. I enjoyed reading the entire book. I was excited everyday during my reading time to see what adventures Regina was facing. The book offered a perspective I hadn’t been familiar with - the USSR during WW2, Birobidzhan, Soviets in Nazi camps. I was enlightened, I was engulfed and most of all I was charmed by the love story throughout the book. Great love comes at great sacrifice.

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for my advanced copy.

First of all, wow. Just wow. I’d never heard of Birobidzhan before. How is this possible? Author Alina Adams explores the depths one will go to save a loved one and manages to provide a history lesson for those of us who know little about this region.

In this fascinating family saga, Adams informs readers of the origins of the Jewish Autonomous Region on the border of Russia and China and invites her readers to follow 18-year-old Regina on her journey from Moscow to the Jewish homeland in Russia. Along the way, readers gain a greater understanding of Josef Stalin’s Great Terror purges and help Regina make sense of her father’s dying words..

Secondly, the character growth is amazing. It was a slow-building friendship, but I finally appreciated Regina and all she faced. For me, it’s important to see a character question themselves, their religious beliefs, and, in this case, socialism and those in power, in their progression. It must have been such a heartbreaking realization to discover that, after years of unquestioning acceptance, those you thought were keeping your best interests at heart…weren’t. Never were.

I felt like I was back in university, Googling every unfamiliar term and trying to get a sense of what was happening in Russia at the time. I wonder if other readers, whose curiosity wouldn’t let them read further until they understood, felt like it interrupted the flow. This was a ‘meaty’ book with lots to digest and it definitely deserves a re-read to understand it better. I felt like I was treading water in the deep end. Don’t get me wrong, this is a good thing. I love books that show me a piece of history I didn’t know about and force me to look into it further.

At times a bit unbelievable, the romance was a timely break from Soviet politics.

I was in awe at the determination and sacrifice Regina displayed in her quest to find herself, find answers, and find courage on her way to safety.

If you are curious about the 20th century’s first Jewish state or have read The Nesting Dolls, this is a great novel to add to your reading list.

Congratulations on a great cover, Christine Horner! One of the best historical fiction covers I’ve seen.

I was gifted this copy by History Through Fiction and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

This book was sent to me electronically by Netgalley for review. Thanks to the publisher for the copy. An absolutely heartbreaking, gripping and beautiful story about how love shines brightly even in the darkest times, and the incredible sacrifices people make.

Reading is about exposure to things you never knew about and experiences you would never have in real life. From that perspective, I really enjoyed this novel. It provided insight into Russia (USSR) in the 1930s and Birobidzhan, the 20th Century’s Jewish state.

Interwoven into the story is the main character, Regina’s experiences with war, love, loss and sacrifice. It is interesting to see how people can be led to believe certain ideals that don’t stand up.

This is a good work of historical fiction, and I am appreciative all I learned about Jewish history. I did find areas within the novel that fell flat or maybe the characters weren’t full developed and I felt there was more. For that reason, I am only giving this novel 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My Mother’s Secret by Alina Adams is a novel that tells the story of a young Soviet Jew, Regina during the pre-World War II years and after as well as all the events during WWII. This book spans the time before, after, and during WWII; Alina Adams does a seamless job at making these transitions between each of the actions of the book. This book begins during what is known as Josef Stalin’s Great Terror Regina begins to fear for her live as she has become very friendly with her new neighbor who can be considered to be a revoluntionist. She decided to leave Moscow and head to Birobidzhan and how the beginning of World War II affected the citizens of Birobidzhan and the USSR overall. We are also shown how the Soviet Union was involved in World War II and how the events of The Holocaust and of the war effected the Soviets. After Regina’s husband passes away, she proceeds to tell her daughter her story and how they came to be in America. We follow the story of Regina living in the USSR, modern day Russia pre-WWII, during the war, and how she immigrated to the United States.
There were many aspects that I enjoyed while reading Adams' novel including the development of the characters. As I progressed through the novel I could definitely see Regina's character arc change from when she was first introduced to when she had to become involved in the war effort. When we first met Regina she was a very naive and sometimes self-centered young lady as she believed anything the Soviet leaders relay to the citizens. As she continues on her journey while at the same time faces new situations by herself she becomes more independent as a character. Regina’s character also becomes more independent in regards to her role as a woman during this time. Many women during this time period were seen as objects and property of men. Adams does an exceptional job at showing her readers how the circumstances that Regina faces during her time in the USSR, Birobidzhan, and the Prisoner of War Camp (POW Camps) has changed her and how she responds to various situations. However, we are also able to see how Regina still retreats back to her younger self-centered and naive self . When thinking about the men in this novel and their characters - they do not go through major character arcs like Regina did. I really enjoyed this as when thinking about the man’s role in a pre-historic role in society they did not really go through major changes as they were seen as the central figure. This is accurately portrayed in Alina Adams novel as Aaron and Felix characters do not undergo any major changes, but stay very true to the character that we were introduced to in the beginning.
The main atmosphere of My Mother’s Secret was Russia's Jewish Autonomous Region/Oblast (JAR) Birobidzhan which was a region where the USSR wanted to contain all the Soviet Jews and Stalang K-3 - a POW camp in Poland. There was not a lot of detail about Moscow, however as seen in the summary Regina was trying to flee Moscow, however we are not given a clear description on where she was going or why. I did find this a little frustrating as I like to know everything that is going on. However I did appreciate this as what I was feeling was exactly how many USSR citizens felt like during this time. As I continued to progress through the story I was able to clear my original thoughts and ideas on what the JAR and Birobidzhan were. In regards to the POW camp, I was able to have a better grasp on this, as I am more familiar with the POW camps than I was with the USSR attempt to create a Jewish homeland before Israel was established. When Regina arrived at each of these places, Adams was able to convey a very descriptive of each of them in a way where I was able to understand each of these places and how they were different from where Regina was and where she was heading. When the Soviets were talking about The United States, many of the Soviets had a negative image of The United States. This helped to add to the authenticity of the novel.
I think that this book helps to bring attention to what happened to many of the Soviet Jews during the during World War II as well as a couple years before and after. I found the beginning of this novel a little challenging personally as I was not as historically familiar with the events that occurred during this time period in the USSR . I have read many book about WWII in regards to The Holocaust and Germany, however this was the first time that I read about what was happening over in the USSR. I did enjoy learning about the JAR, Birobidzhan, and about the treatment of prisoners of the POW camps. I think that my main problem with this novel was my limited knowledge, however going back into the summary I think that many readers will be able to have a better understanding of what the JAR and Birobidzhan was and how it plays an important role in the novel. There will be certain words that are not familiar to the readers, however they are not as integral to the plot as the JAR and Birobidzhen were. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this novel and have learned about Russia’s past. I would recommend this book for anyone who is willing to take the time to learn about Russia’s history during and around World War II. I am looking forward to purchasing My Mother’s Secret for my own personal library.
I would like to thank Alina Adams, Net Gallery, and History Through Fiction for the opportunity to read My Mother’s Secret.

Few people know about Russia's Jewish Autonomous Oblast, the USSR's failed attempt to create a Jewish homeland several decades before the establishment of Israel. "My Mother's Secret" shines a light on the locality's early days, as well as on the horrors of the Soviet army during World War II and the horrific treatment of Soviet POWs, by both the Germans during the war and their own government afterward.

The depiction of all this seems to be impeccably researched and authentic. What felt less authentic to me was the love story at the center of the book. There were enough convenient coincidences to make Dickens blush, and the character Aaron seemed more wish fulfillment than flesh-and-blood. What's more, at times the language of 1930s and '40s Regina was jarringly glib and modern. Nonetheless the pace was quick and my attention rarely wavered, and though I think most dual-timeline novels are lazy—if the main, historical story were strong enough, would it need the contemporary framing device?—here the flanking present-day sections of the book enhanced and completed the already solid historical core.

Thank you, History Through Fiction, IBPA, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was a very interesting story. (There are mild spoilers below)

The story is about a daughter who finds out more of her parent's story and how they survived WW2 after her father's death. The death of her husband requires Regina to tell her daughter about her growing up in Russia pre-WW2, fighting in the war, and how she came to America post WW2. I have read many stories of WW2, but hadn't previously read anything about the JAR (Jewish Autonomous Region) or about German POW camps.

I really appreciate the author's notes in the "Fact from Fiction" section, where she details how her own history shaped the story and also the research.

I received a copy of this book from netgalley.

Wartime Historical Fiction is a favourite genre of mine so I was already starting this one on the right foot, but this book definitely rose to the occasion!

I love it when a book's narrative switches between time periods and the seamless swap from past to present times was done beautifully here. From the desperate wartime love to the present search for answers, I was wrapped up in the story from start to finish. So much so that I found myself researching the Jewish Autonomous Region and Birobidzhan, things that I was not overly familiar with. It lead to an absolutely fascinating deep dive that I would not have otherwise discovered!

When I continue to think of a book's characters long after I close a book, I know that it's a good one. The stories of Lena and Regina have continued to stick with me which is an absolute credit to Alina Adams for weaving such a captivating tale!

I've read many historical fiction WWII novels and Adams' book touches on an area that I was not familiar with at all; the Jewish Autonomous Region which was located on the boarder of Russia and China. It was an area set in Far East Russia for Jews to pursue cultural autonomy.

My Mother's Secret is historical fiction based on facts novel that had me feel as though I was a shadow following Regina in her life's journeys as she fled Moscow to give aid in the JAR camp. From there she finds herself on a journey following a man she loves who serves in the Russian military.

I'll say that I was deeply affected by Regina's determination to pursue nursing in order to remain close to her loved one, to have worked in a German camp treating and saving the lives of Russian, American, and yes, Nazi military, and finally, once American tanks arrived to save them, she reluctantly left her love behind in order to keep her young daughter safe. Although the bond of love may be the background of the story, the war and the treatment of the characters was the main focus for me.

This novel was very well researched, well written, and had me experiencing many different emotions. It did take a little while for the book to start flowing but do not pass it by due to the slow start. I felt numb once I finished reading the last 9 chapters in one sitting. This true to life heroine was stronger and more determined than I could ever be. Kudos to her and to Alina Adams for telling her story. I'm waiting for a production team to pick up the movie option because this one is a winner!

Thanks to #NetGalley and History Through Fiction for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This opinion is my own.

Unfortunately for me, I couldn't get into this book. I didn't finish it for this reason and I find this hard to admit. I think it was the right book, however wrong time for me. As my mind wants something light and airy, rather then the heavy that I found in here. (I do know I requested this book, however that was a over a month ago).

Thank you to Alina and NetGalley for the ARC.

My Mother’s Secret begins with the passing of Lena’s father who leaves Lena with questions that her mother must answer. Regina begins her story as she is fleeing Moscow for Birodibzhan. Regina tells the story of surviving during WWII.
Alina Adams provided a detailed description of the USSR during WWII. Many of my own preconceived notions were put to test and leading me to read more information about The Jewish Autonomous Region. Not only did Adams bring awareness to the Jewish Autonomous Region, but she also provided a different side of individuals during World War II. I was aware of the Russian POWS, but I was not aware of the treatment they received from the Germans and their own country. Adams did an amazing job transitioning between time periods. It was smoothly done and gave just enough information for the reader to be looking for clues in the other time periods.
Thank you to NetGalley and History Through Fiction for the advance reader copy.

When it came to an overall rating, I had slightly mixed feelings about this book, bouncing between 4 and 5 stars. In terms of portraying life in the Soviet Union and in Birobidzhan and in terms of explaining the origins of the Jewish Autonomous Region, the book is fabulous. I learned so much, which is actually one of the goals of the publisher History Through Fiction. I found the writing quite compelling and generally excellent, except for the occasional passages that went beyond excellent. These I would re-read several times. My one problem with the book is that I did not like the inner thoughts of the protagonists, although I think it was necessary in order to show their growth. But the historical aspect of the book was extraordinary and outweighed the negatives. Thank you to Netgalley and History Through Fiction for the advance reader copy.

My Mother’s Secret by Alina Adams To begin with I am neither Jewish or female. I think this book is best read by someone who is both. And yet, I enjoyed this book. Based upon the notes after the completion of the book, this novel falls into the category of historical fiction. My Mother’s Secret is about the love between two people who meet in the Birobidzhan, the Jewish Autonomous Region created in the Soviet Union between Siberia and China. I have seen pictures of this region and Ms. Adams has provided links to some YouTube videos about the region. I do not wish to spoil the story but will only say it is how these two young people were torn apart by WW II including the fight as well as the capture of the young man and how he loved her so much he forced her to go to America with a GI along with their baby. The story ends nearly 50 years later. If it sounds interesting, please read the book. You might even shed a tear.

What an epic historical journey Adams takes us on with this gripping novel. So many of us know so little about the Soviet Union in the years prior to and during WWII. The main character, Regina , takes us from Moscow to the first semi independent Jewish State next to China called Birobidzhan. Idealistic Regina has gone there with ideas about socialism and Judaism and works as a slave laborer in an attempt to make the isolated, impoverished state survive. As her hopes are destroyed and she falls in love, she becomes a refugee and walks hundreds of miles of dangerous enemy territory and freezing conditions with her new baby to find her love, Aaron who has been captured by the Germans.

She ends up in a prisoner of war camp where conditions are even more dangerous.

Regina has courage and fortitude beyond words. Adams develops her character extremely well such that the reader can feel her pulse and predict her next move.

The story is in 3 parts : present day in the 1980’s, WWII era, and back to the 1980’s. This organization is very effective and gives the flashback closure.

The author’s own experience as an immigrant from Russia ( now Ukraine) provides the authenticity that makes the story so powerful. . I highly recommend. Rating 5

I really enjoyed this, a lot more than I expected! After a slowish start, by the middle of the book I was hooked!

This book is basically split into three parts; the present where we are introduced to Lena and the main character Regina, her mum, starts and ends the story. The past is split into two; following Regina’s time in Birobidzhan and then her time in a German Prisoner of War camp.

I had never heard of Birobidzhan and knew little of life in the USSR at the beginning of World War II so the first half of the book was a fantastic learning opportunity built into a great story, would definitely recommend if you want to know more and I will be looking at some of the resources in the authors note.

I loved the MC Regina but felt frustrated with her at the same time! Her development throughout the first half of the book is written so well, you can almost feel her questioning herself and everything she knows. I highlighted quite a few paragraphs from this part as it gives great insight into how people may have felt at the time. In Regina you can see the change from believing in those in positions of power, to realisation that maybe the decision makers are not always correct and how votes can be influenced.

I enjoyed the romantic side to the story as well, I thought it was just enough to add a bit of lightness to it but didn’t detract from the historical side.

I would definitely recommend this book to other historical fiction fans! I would say that at the beginning I felt a bit overwhelmed with the amount of different names and acronyms that I was unfamiliar with and it did feel a bit off putting but that eases off and I got into the story quite quickly!

The book starts off promisingly. But it gets a bit lost in my opinion on the 2nd part. The style of different and I find myself flicking through pages as there was less story and a lot about soviet rules. I must admit that I wasn't sure if it was the book for me. I persevered however, and the story that I had been enjoying at the beginning re-appeared. The rest of the book was gripping and very enjoyable. An odd book in some ways.

I always have been a fan of historical novels, and My Mother's Secret is an excellent novel about the Holocaust. This book shows how ordinary people place themselves in danger to help others.. This is based on a true story.There was so much hatred during WWII but there was compassion in loads of people who wanted to help the Jewish people. This book gives examples of kindness and courage.Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book by Alina Adams prior to its publication.

I know so little of Russian history, I decided to read this book. Set during Stalin's great terror purge, the novel follows a young woman(Regina) to Birobidzhan, the first Jewish Autonomous region. It is a story of survival and the harsh realities to establish a Jewish homeland in Russia. Not an easy read at times, one might have trouble with some of the storyline. What Regina did to save her daughter and what consequences she faced will make the reader wonder if you would do the same. I gave the book 4 stars as I did have problems with parts that I had to look up( geography etc.) However it was a wonderful historic read that I will recommend.

This book started out slow for the first half, and I did not have a good outlook for the second half, but I was pleasantly surprised when it picked up and the character development grew.

This is a fabulous book. It gave insight into a failed attempt to establish an autonomous Jewish homeland in prewar Stalinist Russia. It then took you into the problems of living under an autocratic despotic regime, yet cultivated a powerful love story where the protagonists demonstrated bravery, determination and self sacrifice above the call of duty. It deserves to be read