I'm a sucker for historical fiction and especially any geared towards WWII, but I have never read one like this before. I found the aspect of illusionists and how their skill sets were helpful during the war absolutely fascinating! This was intriguing and heartfelt. Definitely recommend!

Fenna Vos is a woman who is no stranger to heartache and loss. Her childhood, full of unrest and trauma, leaves Fenna clinging to her passion and propensity for magic to offer comfort, while a blossoming friendship with a neighbor boy, Arie, offers a sense of comradery. After the loss of her father Fenna finds herself residing in an orphanage where she finds herself alone and unhappy. Upon deciding to run away, Fenna tasks herself with finding her old friend Arie, who, once found along with his family, offers her a home full of care and safety.

Time passes, and due to Fenna's skill of designing magic tricks and performing the art of deception, , Fenna finds herself recruited to join MI9 in Great Britain during WW2 as an inventor of gadgets and escape aids to assist members of allied forces.

Soon, Fenna is called upon to assist allied forces in finding a member of their team who they suspect of being a traitor. The suspect turns out to be none other than Arie himself.

Kristina McMorris' writing is hypnotic as she weaves the threads of this story together. Inspired by true encounters , it is easy for a reader to envision these events unfolding during war time, and maybe beyond.

If one chooses to listen to the audio version, narrator Cassandra Campbell does a stunning job of telling the author's story with incredible tone, inflection, and care. It is well performed.

✨Audiobook Review✨

The Ways We Hide
Kristina McMorris
Pub Date: Out Now!

🪄Blurb:
A sweeping World War II tale of an illusionist whose recruitment by British intelligence sets her on a perilous, heartrending path.

💭Thoughts:
The narration for this book was fantastic! The narrator really brought all of the characters to life, which was no easy fete with so many different side characters.

This book has so many different stories, woven so well into each other by the author. The flow of the story is great. Gemma is a fantastic character. She has gone through so much in her life and just keeps going. Her will and determination is unmatched.

Her work as an illusionist is fascinating and an aspect of the war I didn’t know a lot about.

On a side note, I was able to go to an author event for this book when it published at the beginning of the month. Kristina McMorris gave a very interesting presentation about the book and what motivated her to write it. She includes lots of pictures and items from the war. I also was excited to learn she is a local author as well.

I highly recommend this book, especially the audiobook to anyone who loves historical fiction.

This was such an interesting WWII historical fiction story! Unique in plot, with a strong female main character. I loved how this story was about a female inventor with a background working with an escape artist. She gets hired by British intelligence to help with the war and has an incredible career. Great on audio narrated by Cassandra Campbell. I was intimidated by the length of this one (over 17hrs) but the story was definitely worth the listen! Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

Thank you to NetGalley and RB Media for an ARC of this audiobook.

As soon as I saw that Cassandra Campbell was the narrator of this book, I knew that I wanted to listen to it rather than read it. She has a real talent for voices and believable accents and a way of engaging the reader in the story.

I have read this author's previous novel, Sold On a Monday and loved it and this one did not disappoint. There are many WWII historical fiction novels on the market now and I always look for something that will bring a different perspective and allow me to learn something new. I knew nothing about the use of the many gadgets and devices mentioned in this novel that the British intelligence department used to help win the war. I also did not know about some of the other tragic historical events that happen around this time period in the novel. To me, it is always a good sign of a well researched novel when I want to look up and learn more about the historical events. I gave the book 4 stars, rather than 5 because I found at times some of the things happening with the main character somewhat unbelievable. All in all, I found the story very engaging. If you enjoyed Sold on a Monday, I am sure that you will enjoy this one too.

The Ways We Hide by Kristina McMorris (Goodreads Author)
by Colleen Chi-Girl: review Sep 20, 2022
MY GR bookshelves: 2022, audio, england-uk, michigan, netgalley, women-centered, ww2/holocaust

I want to thank NetGalley, the publisher, and author, Kristina McMorris, for an advanced copy of this story in return for my honest review. (I'm a Sagittarius -lol ....that's exactly what you get.) I rated this 3-1/2 stars rounded to 4 stars.

This novel, set in the 1940's and WWII, focuses on a young Dutch immigrant girl, living with her father in the beautiful state of Michigan, but in a very poor copper-mining area. Fenna lost her mother as an infant and soon loses her father. With no family in the USA, and as an orphan, Fenna has an extremely difficult childhood, which I'll save for you to read about, but she's a strong, spunky girl that you can't wait to succeed. As a young adult, Fenna works as an assistant for an illusionist in a "magic show". She's actually the brains behind the operation, but it's the 1940's where women play the role they're given, while her male partner takes the credit (gritting teeth). To be honest, this part of the story didn't pull my interest. However....

In the audience one night is a member of British intelligence who notices Fenna's abilities and asks her to work for them in M19 England as an inventor creating items to foil the Nazi's. This story is based on true stories, which makes it even more real and exciting. I really enjoyed this spy/intelligence work.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark, RB Media/Recorded Books for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest historical fiction book by Kristina McMorris, wonderfully narrated by Cassandra Campbell - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Fenna survived a disaster growing up in copper country in Upper Michigan, saved by her best friend, Arie. Her love of magic took her to be the brains behind a magician show. It was there where she was noticed by an MI9 agent and approached to help the war effort by creating devices to help those behind enemy lines during WWII. However, her loyalty and subterfuge are tested when Arie could be in harm's way.

This was yet another unheard story of brave Americans helping the war effort in ways we couldn't imagine. It was so interesting to read and hear about all the devices that were created to hide things and people from the enemy as well as keep troops safe and in better spirits (hot soup!). This was the beginnings of Q of James Bond fame. As with so many historical fiction books, this one will educate you with disasters in our own country that may be unknown as well as events taking place across the world. Fenna was such a loyal, strong, resilient character. I felt this book was maybe a tad too long and it jumped around a bit from current events to Fenna's past but was another winner from this author. The audiobook even includes recipes!

Wow, just wow! This book had some of the most incredible historical facts and events that I knew nothing about, like the monopoly boards! I was hooked from the beginning as the book opens with a magic act that shows the main character’s skill and obsessions with escape. The characters were like able and the story was captivating. The author has impeccable writing skills and I loved her other book as well (Sold on a Monday). If you want to learn more about this book and hear the author talk about the story behind the story, you must listen to her recent interview on the Friends and Fiction podcast. Superb! Post on Instagram coming soon @tiffanyvt4

This started off strongly but I lost interest midway the book. Loved everything connected to magic. Was bored by almost everything set in Holland. But yes, this isn’t a typical WWII fiction, so there is some novelty to the plot. Also, the audio quality for me was POOR!

What an absolute trooper Fenna was!
God, we can all learn a thing or two about perseverance, courage and loyalty from characters like her.

Such an interesting story, another side of WW2 that I didn't know anything about, coming from the POV of a woman that was doing her best to survive it and help others survive it too.

No spoilers, but ughh, it made me cry.

Even the authors notes at the end were fascinating.
I'm so glad I was gifted this copy by the author and RB Media, via Netgalley. Thank you.

“As a little girl raised amid the hardships of Michigan’s Copper Country, Fenna Vos learned to focus on her own survival. That ability sustains her even now as the Second World War rages in faraway countries. Though she performs onstage as the assistant to an unruly escape artist, behind the curtain she’s the mastermind of their act. Ultimately, controlling her surroundings and eluding traps of every kind helps her keep a lingering trauma at bay.

Yet for all her planning, Fenna doesn’t foresee being called upon by British military intelligence. Tasked with designing escape aids to thwart the Germans, MI9 seeks those with specialized skills for a war nearing its breaking point. Fenna reluctantly joins the unconventional team as an inventor. But when a test of her loyalty draws her deep into the fray, she discovers no mission is more treacherous than escaping one’s past.”

Honestly, I wasn’t expecting to be dazzled by this book. While I love historical fiction, I thought the whole Beautiful Magician’s Assistant thing was a bit gimmicky.

Consider this review my formal apology.

If history is to fiction, as a skeleton is to muscle, a lot of stories are pretty scrawny. After a few Google tangents, I realized this one had quite a bit of meat.

The Italian Hall Disaster?
Board Games as Tools of War?
Illusionists as spies?

Then, marry all those real-life tales with a story of ingenuity, heroism, and romance?

Put that stuff right in my veins.

8.5/10

Thanks to NetGalley and RB Media for this fantastic ARC.

Heart wrenching and beautifully told, this will appeal to fans of Martha Hall Kelly and Kristin Hannah. Fans of WWII fiction will appreciate the unique but harrowing take on a tale of survival in which a little girl’s life is at stake. I enjoyed the fact that the main character was a magician and felt that it added flavor to the story. I did not really like the voice of the narrator. I’ve listened to many audiobooks performed by her and her voice can get a bit shrill at times, which grates on my nerves. Still, this was an outstanding book.

4.5

Fenna Vos has not had an easy life. Her mother died when she was very young. She survived a tragedy where dozens of people died. Her father died. She was sent to an orphanage. Throughout her difficulties, she held on to two things- her love of Houdini and his tricks and memories of her best friend, Arie. These things drive her life- prompting her to become a performer, and later, take her talents to join the war effort. Recruited to help design tricks, she suddenly finds herself volunteering to go on a mission- in order to save Arie.

This was so close to 5 stars for me. There are a couple of things that make me unable to do it. The first few chapters and the epilogue were not as good as the rest of the book. Honestly, the beginning could have been paired way down and the epilogue was completely unnecessary. Once the timeline flashed back to Fenna's childhood, things were great. (Well, until the end, lol)

My second issue, which the author does address in an author's note after the book, is that there are true events/people woven into the story, but altered greatly- mostly for timeline purposes. I kind of fall into the mindset of either sticking to history or using it to inspire something similar but different.

I listened to the audiobook. Cassandra Campbell is brilliant, as always. She is one of the narrators that cause me to choose a book that I may not have otherwise read (listened to, lol)

I received an audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Ways We Hide was an incredible story following Fenna Vis who have big talents to become mind behind illusionist stage. Told from two timeline Fenna tragic childhood backstory was reveal. This part of plot give readers chance to follow each events which make this girl grew strong since young age. The present plot presented us with Fenna adventure using her skill to working through WW2. Personally I enjoyed her journey so much.

Fact this book was inspired by true event was appealing me. This is my first read from the author and I enjoyed her writing so much. I appreciate her ability to draw my emotions when reading it. I love her characters, the pace is suited the plotline. This is a long story HF but offered unique coming age vibe. The audio is great. I enjoyed listening the narrator performances, she capable delivered emotions from each characters so well. I need the switch between timeline narrate clearly, read the year as written in book will become great help.

I enjoying my reading time, and would love to recommend this book to my fellow bookish.
Thank you Netgalley and RB Media for provided this copy.

Based on a surprising number of factual events, expertly woven together, The ways we hide is an engrossing piece of historical fiction. The two main parts of the story almost read like different genres but connect in each piece and detail by the end. Don’t miss the authors note, it’s fascinating how many events actually happened. The take on this WWII novel is unique in many ways as well.
I’ve always loved when an author is able to surprise in a way that makes literary sense, especially in an area where there are so many books on the subject.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 starts

I just don't know where to start with this book. I think I would've liked it better if it were written chronologically. I loved the beginning with the magic setup and the offer to help the war effort based on our heroine's proclivities for magic and engineering of her magic tricks. The abrupt return to her past was interesting, but disconcerting and then the abrupt fast-forward to working in the war effort was also jarring. I did like the narrator of the audio version a lot and wish I could rate it higher, but it was just too disjointed for my taste. Thank you to Recorded Books, Sourcebooks, and NetGalley for the early copy in return for my honest opinion.

The Ways We Hide by Kristina McMorris
Narrated by Cassandra Campbell

Fenna Vos has not had an easy life. But at the beginning of the book we find her doing something close to her heart. She is a skilled magician, the brains behind a magic show where she portrays the male star's assistant, with Charles getting all the accolades while she fumes because he's started veering off script. It's finally too much and the duo have harsh words for each other. When British military intelligence asks her to join M19 so her expertise can be used to design items to aid the military, she's open to trying something new.

There is an event in her past that colors Fenna's life. She was one of the few children who survived a tragedy that has left her with moments of fear and panic. And there is a man who is never really out of her thoughts but her fears caused her to run away from him. Arie was a childhood friend who became more but Fenna couldn't handle the risk of what he was asking of her. If there is one thing that Fenna is good at it's running away.

I enjoyed the historical touches of this story, Fenna's inspiration of all things Houdini, the mentions of real life events and people, even when some of the real details were altered for sake of the story. The time and place and happenings ring true and this story has given me more trails to follow as I will dig deeper into the things that happen in this story.

I do think I would have enjoyed the story more, though, if we were privy to fewer of Fenna's thoughts and reflections. Right smack dab in the middle of very dangerous action scenes, we get long detailed jaunts down memory lane or angst ridden reflections on what might have been. Fenna can lose focus at the most inconvenient times, forgetting to speak the correct language, forgetting to take important papers, making what could be deadly mistakes at the worse moments. It seems like the biggest obstacle in Fenna's life just might be Fenna herself and I would have liked to have been inside her head less because so many of her thoughts were very repetitive.

Cassandra Campbell's narration seems to fit Fenna and her journey very well. Overall, this is a story of family and one thing that Fenna does well is understand the importance of family. Actually, that understanding is part of what makes her afraid to reach for a future family, when there has been so much loss in her past. There may be a war going on around Fenna but she has her own war going on inside her heart and head, too.

Thank you to RB Media/Recorded Books and NetGalley for this ARC.

Thank you Net Galley for the audiobook version of The Ways We Hide by Kristina McMorris. The narrator is Cassandra Campbell and I enjoyed listening to her performance of this tale. This book was inspired by true events and people which I love. Fenna Vos was an assistant to an escapologist even though she designed and planned the illusions. Then she left the show to go to London to take a job that was offered to her to help in the war effort. That job was to create gadgets to assist airmen escape and survive in enemy territory to return to Britain. When she volunteered to parachute into Holland to search for a friend that the British intelligence believed had turned, the story became her adventure and survival. The real events that inspired the author to create the various parts of the book were the Italian Hall tragedy, Bethnal Green tube station calamity, and the numerous gadgets that the soldiers used to get back home, A few examples of those escape tools would be the game Monopoly, card decks that become maps, and self-heating soup. The author describes the real people and events in the Author's Notes at the end of the book and that was so enlightening to read how she wove all the different components into a well done story. This is a long book, and basically a linear timeline (for those that don't enjoy dual timelines), except for the part about of Fenna's time in an orphanage. I highly recommend this book, even for those who are a little weary of WW2 books because this goes beyond the war and focuses on relationships and people helping others.
At the end there are a few recipes from the story, discussion questions, and in the physical copy of the book, pictures that help bring the story depth.

Four Stars for The Ways We Hide by Kristina McMorris. I am always game for a coming of age story where our heroine diverges from the well-tread path. Historical novels, such as this one, often bring to mind Lord Byron's truth is stranger than fiction - using illusionists to fight Nazi's is certainly an interesting string to pull.

Fenna is a well-depicted character with an incredible and tragic backstory, shown through flashback scenes. The way her character was so thoroughly fleshed out, often made many of her supporting characters appear as caricatures of people (Charles and Hutton come to mind). The pace felt steady throughout, though the flashbacks felt a little bit drawn out, yet provided rich material for Fenna's raison d'etre. All in all, a solid read, especially for those who enjoy historical fiction.

I am always ready to enjoy a traditional love story, but I will read a familial love story any day of the week, and The Ways We Hide is a solid family love story; plus a bonus of "found family" love, too. * Chef's kiss*

Thank you to RB Media for sharing a digital ARC with me via NetGalley!

Wow! I just finished THE WAYS WE HIDE by Kristina McMorris and I am spent. Ms. McMorris took me on an emotional roller-coaster that shook my soul. Her writing is beautiful and full of imageries. It was like I was walking beside the characters, seeing what they saw and feeling what they felt. It was surreal. This WWII tale is extraordinary. Fenna’s story was beautiful and heartbreaking. I loved her intelligence, determination, and courage. This story of family, friendship, and love is magical, and it is a must read.

The narration was absolutely perfect for this book! Well done!