The Keeper of Hidden Books by Madeline Martin is a thrilling novel set during World War II. In Nazi-occupied Warsaw, Zofia discovers that books are in need of saving. After destruction from the war, she strives to save her friend and salvage whatever books she can from the wreckage. They hide them away and start a book club. She and her dearest friend never surrender their love of reading, even when Janina is forced into the newly formed ghetto.

Martin does a wonderful job creating an inspirational story of bravery and courage during World War II. The Keeper of Hidden Books had me turning the pages to the very end. This book is an easy 4 stars. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves historical fiction.

I received a free advanced copy and all opinions are my own. I would like to offer my sincerest gratitude to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

The Germans invaded Warsaw - something no one thought would happen.

No one was safe, and neither were the books.

Zofia and her family were safe until her father, a physician, was arrested for just being there.

Zofia worked in the library where they were ordered to take all the books off the shelves that the Germans deemed inappropriate.

Zofia wanted to do something to resist and found a group called The Gray Ranks, an underground resistance group of Boy Scouts and Girl Guides, that worked with the Polish Underground.

Zofia had previously belonged to the Girl Guides so it was a difficult but easy decision to join.

Besides joining this resistance group, Zofia helped hide books from the new German librarian who had taken over for the librarian who was fired.

She did have to worry about not letting her Jewish friend Janina found out about the group because if she were arrested, it would be bad if she knew about the group.

We follow Zofia and Janina as they and the citizens of Poland live under the German occupation.

Zofia is a character you will love. She saves books and people.

Another marvelously researched gem by Madeleine Martin focusing on the love of books, enduring hardships, friendship, and family.

Be sure to read the author’s notes.

This book was given to be by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.

A vivid description of Poland and particularly Warsaw from the time of Nazi occupation during WWII. It is the dedication and lover of books that enabled people to momentarily escape into a beloved book or secretly reading banned books as dictated by the Nazis. Yes, you will need tissues to finish this book and ponder the implications found in this historical fiction. Books that were secretly hidden in forgotten warehouse; personal libraries, whether a huge collection or a well-worn single copy; and books carried in suitcases and distributed in the ghetto. Young people fighting the Nazis if only to create disturbances or actual combat for several months to finish the occupation and restore the flag of Poland. The author, Madeline Martin, truly had her writing style centered on the plight of Poland. Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trades Publishing for an ARC; the review is my honest opinion.

All her life, Zofia has found comfort in two things during times of hardship: books and her best friend, Janina. But no one could have imagined the horrors of the Nazi occupation in Warsaw. As the bombs rain down and Hitler’s forces loot and destroy the city, Zofia finds that now books are also in need of saving. With the death count rising and persecution intensifying, Zofia jumps to action to save her friend and salvage whatever books she can from the wreckage, hiding them away, and even starting a clandestine book club. As the destruction rages around them, Zofia must fight to save her friend and preserve her culture and community using the only weapon they have left - literature.
Another powerful read from the author, the research is amazing, the characters are so well portrayed & the pace is good. It’s moving, it's poignant, it’s emotional & I highly recommend it as once started I found it extremely hard to put down
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Prepare to be transported back to a time in history that was horrific for so many. But with the losses, there was also those who worked with their lives to save history and brought their own special successes.

Fiction and history meet in the form of Zofia who is determined to save books that are being banned by the Nazi occupation. But she also saves more than literature..

A story of heartbreak but also the strong human perseverance that will leave a lasting impression you will not soon forget!

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5735810935?type=review#rating_634065151

Happy PUB Day

The Keeper of Hidden Books is an extraordinary novel that remarks the resistance and friendship of the brave librarians of Warsaw.
The story took place in WWII Poland and portraits the loyalty and pride of the Polish culture. Very captivating since the first chapters, full of beautiful descriptions and lovable characters.

An enchanted novel that all book lovers should come to know.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.

So I absolutely loved this story but I need to be honest, there were WAY to many spelling errors and basic formatting issues. At first I figured it was some issue with the copy being transcribed over to Kindle but there were just so many issues, even with the layout of paragraphs that it made transitions that should have easily flown from one thought to the next became very disjointed and impacted my ability to get lost in the story. Since this is more of a basic editing issue and not the fault of the story I will exclude this portion of my review from my Goodreads review with the hope that the Kindle editions will be corrected. Below is my edit as will be published on Goodreads

Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the arc in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I absolutely love that the main hero of this story is books and their power to not only educate, but also to heal and transform. Even in the midst of absolute nightmares turned reality, they still have the ability to transport us, even if only for a few fleeting moments. To follow the heroism of Zofia and Janina was truly inspiring and made me question if I could be as brave as they were. Even though this is mostly fiction, the fight the Polish people brought against the Nazis is probably the most awe inspiring of the entire war. Thank you Madeline Martin for using this book to educate us a bit more on this part of history. I will never forget this story

I loved this book so much! Madeline Martin is so good at creating her worlds and characters no matter what the genre is, and this one was no exception. From the beautifully written, page turning story to the loveable and brave characters like Zofia I couldn't put the story down. I can't wait to read more of them!

All her life, Zofia has found comfort in two things during times of hardship: books and her best friend, Janina. But no one could have imagined the horrors of the Nazi occupation in Warsaw. As the bombs rain down and Hitler’s forces loot and destroy the city, Zofia finds that now books are also in need of saving, Zofia jumps to action to save her friend and salvage whatever books she can from the wreckage, hiding them away, and even starting a clandestine book club. She and her dearest friend never surrender their love of reading, even when Janina is forced into the newly formed ghetto. But the closer Warsaw creeps toward liberation, the more dangerous life becomes for the women and their families – and escape may not be possible for everyone. Zofia must fight to save her friend and preserve her culture and community using the only weapon they have left - literature.

I really enjoyed this books. The author is a great writer and researches her topic. As a lover of books myself and a retired librarian, I am always drawn to books about books. The author describes the situation in Warsaw so well that you feel like you are there. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book. I recommend it to anyone who loves books and history.

From cover to cover, The Keeper of Hidden Books will keep you drawn into the lives of two young polish women during WWII and their determination to save not only each other from the perils of war but also the books that provided hope during dark times.

Zofia and Janina have been best friends since they were girls. Their love of reading is one of their strongest bonds but as the Nazis come to power, they find more and more books being ripped from shelves and destroyed because they go against the views of the Reich. They create their own book club dedicated to reading those books banned by Hitler and even work at a library. As things escalate, Janina’s Jewish heritage separates the girls and Zofia not only works hard to hide and save those precious books but also Janina. The bonds of friendship and the hope that a good book can bring sees so many Poles through the war.

This is such a beautiful story and i know it will stay with me for quite some time. A bookworm will definitely love knowing that so much was done to protect the literature and culture of Poland despite the Nazi invasion. The selfless acts of Polish citizens to save their fellow countrymen is so admirable and it’s so important that these stories are told

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing and the amazing Madeline Martin for an early copy of this must read novel of historical fiction! It’s one of the best books I’ve read this year!

The Keeper of Hidden Books tells the story of Polish girls Zofia and her best friend Janina, who is Jewish. The friends are both readers who enjoy volunteering at the Warsaw Library but when the Nazis invade Poland at the beginning of WWII, things change, especially once Zofia's doctor father is killed and Janina and her family must relocate to the Warsaw Ghetto with the other Jews. Zofia is hired by the library and helps the other brave librarians to hide away the books that the Nazis have planned to destroy. This story is about the resilience and strength of the Polish people when faced with the brutality of their German occupiers and oppressors. It was incredibly sad at times but uplifting. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

💫eARC Review💫

•The Keeper of Hidden Books
•Madeline Martin

🗓️ August 1, 2023 (TODAY)

“All her life, Zofia has found comfort in two things during times of hardship: books and her best friend, Janina. But no one could have imagined the horrors of the Nazi occupation in Warsaw. As the bombs rain down and Hitler’s forces loot and destroy the city, Zofia finds that now books are also in need of saving.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Books about books always hold a special place in my heart; it’s like authors know that their readers are seeking comfort in words and stories and it always fascinates me when they describe that longing for books in the written word. This book was no exception. What starts as a book club reading banned books in Warsaw libraries grows into a fully fledged Nazi occupation resistance.

Madeline Martin writes of the efforts of Polish librarians in Warsaw during the German occupation of World War II in saving the literature banned by The General Government.

The librarians daily lives, their bravery in the face of danger, their understanding of the magic of books and the comfort & hope they can bring to people are all elements brought together in this narrative. The banning of books by Polish authors, ideas that went against Nazi German ideals, and the effects this had on the loss of culture and Polish identity are timely and alarmingly relevant as book bans continue to be a (sadly) common practice to this day; meant to stifle voices, culture, and ideas.

The first part of the novel outlines the violence and atrocious acts committed against Polish Jews and professionals. The second half of the book details the uprising of the citizens of Warsaw against the General Government; something I had never read or heard about. In the face of all of this Zofia and other Warsaw librarians are saving books and distributing them to readers all over Warsaw. Equal parts educational and harrowing, Martin deftly handles the impact that these events had on the lives of Polish people for years to come.

Thank you to @NetGalley, @hanoversquarepress, and @madelinemartin for advanced reader access to this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A remarkable, stirring book. I felt like the events were happening to me as I read this intense book. It’s so much more than hiding and passing out clandestine books. It’s an insider view of what really happened to Poland for 6 excruciating long years.
I marvel at the perseverance and determination of the Polish Resistance and wonder if I would have shared the same fortitude.
I was hoping for a different ending for one of the characters , but instinctively knew it was not to be.
The most important message emanating from the story is the power of words and books. They can be burned, torn in half, and even destroyed, but their power is universal.
Martin provides a wonderful author’s note at the end.

Historical fiction readers wilo love this book! Set in Warsaw, Poland, this group of young people fought hard to save books during the Nazi occupation. Banned books is the theme of this moving story. Meaningful story! Highly recommended!

As I began this read, I knew some of the facts and had to wonder whom would survive the evil that unfolded in Europe, specifically Poland, during this time.
Through the words of the author she brought this story alive, we are walking in the footsteps of Zofia, a young woman who loves books!
We take a lot for granted, but during this time the invaders start to ban books, and Zofia and her friends do all they can to thwart this. This young woman takes her life in her hands as she goes about her daily life, and she does all she can to help those she loves, including her beloved Poland.
So much danger, and senseless killing, scarce food, but there are cookbooks about potatoes.
These people are heroes in so many ways, they helped save lives, and books for future generations, and the efforts of these folks should not be forgotten!
I received this book through Net Galley and Harlequin Trade Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.

Another favorite by Madeline Martin. This is my third historical fiction book by Madeline Martin and she didn't disappoint. Each one of her books remind me of the importance of literature and story telling. The vivid and painful details of war aren't left out but are painted in among the wonderful story of Zofia and Janina as they fight to keep books in the hands of Polish people. There is heartbreak, pain, suffering but an overwhelming feeling of love and triumph despite loss. You will not be disappointed. As with the other two books, it leaves me wanting to read more and more and share that love with others around me. Also, don't skip out on the history at the end. The amount of research put into this story is evident and intriguing.

Title: The Keeper of Hidden Books
Author: Madeline Martin
Genre: Historical fiction
Rating: 5 out of 5

All her life, Zofia has found comfort in two things during times of hardship: books and her best friend, Janina. But no one could have imagined the horrors of the Nazi occupation in Warsaw. As the bombs rain down and Hitler’s forces loot and destroy the city, Zofia finds that now books are also in need of saving.

With the death count rising and persecution intensifying, Zofia jumps to action to save her friend and salvage whatever books she can from the wreckage, hiding them away, and even starting a clandestine book club. She and her dearest friend never surrender their love of reading, even when Janina is forced into the newly formed ghetto.

But the closer Warsaw creeps toward liberation, the more dangerous life becomes for the women and their families – and escape may not be possible for everyone. As the destruction rages around them, Zofia must fight to save her friend and preserve her culture and community using the only weapon they have left - literature.

This was such a good read! I loved how the author focused on a microcosm of the war and the struggles of less than a handful of people, with only occasional mentions of the larger struggle going on. This made it seem so personal and relatable. What Zofia—and Janina—went through was horrible, but it was inspiring to see their determination and faith as they struggled to save parts of their heritage from the Nazis and preserve the past for the future.

Madeline Martin is a bestselling author. The Keeper of Hidden Books is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Harlequin/Hanover Square Press in exchange for an honest review.)
8/3).

When I read Madeline Martin's "The Last Bookshop in London," I knew I had found an author I would continue to follow. Her second book, "The Librarian Spy," did not disappoint. Her most recent novel is an exceptional addition to her first two. It seems that heart-tugging WWII fiction is all the rage right now, but Martin handles it so deftly. Her focus on female characters and experiences, while not necessarily nove in itself, always feels fresh and meaningful. I don't want to offer any spoilers, but know that, despite a somewhat slow start, this book will take you on an emotional journey and shed light on war experiences some may not be familiar with. I highly recommend this book and the rest of Martin's works as well!

Wow. I have no words! A heartbreaking but equally inspiring book, that touches everything - real history, friendship, love, family, dedication, passion, bravery… could go on and on! I felt like I was holding my breath the whole book just like the characters in it likely were living it firsthand. I’ve also read a lot about WWII and learned lots new in this read. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC and Harlequin Trade Publishing, Hanover Square Press for this wonderful book!

The Keeper of Hidden Books
Madeline Martin
8/1/2023
Harlequin Trade Publishing
☆☆☆☆☆

"There was no greater experience in the world than sharing the love of a book, discussing its finer points, and reliving the story all over again."

Immerse yourself in the story of Zofia, who has spent her whole life taking comfort in both books and her best friend, Janina. She had no idea how bad things were truly going to become upon the arrival of the Nazis. In addition to everyone she knows and loves, Zofia was not expecting to find that books would also be in danger. She must band together with fellow book lovers to save all they can. Is the path Zofia finds herself on where she is meant to be, or will her love for literature end up costing her dearly?

This book was beautifully written, bringing the most intense sorrow and joy to my heart all at once. I will admit, it was a slow start for me. The pace of the story picks up as you go, and once it did, I did not want to slow down. I found myself getting chills a time or two. What a wonderful story! Well done.

Pick up The Keeper of Hidden Books by Madeline Martin starting August 1st of 2023!

I would buy a physical copy of this book for my shelf.

#netgalley #netgalleyreviewer #thekeeperofhiddenbooks #madelinemartin #harlequintradepublishing #review #bookrecommendations #readeveryday