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

A heartwarming story about the power of books to bring us together, inspired by the true story of the underground library in WWII Warsaw. Violence and love of a friend. This book is not pretty. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

What a wonderful read by Madeline Martin. Her writing is stellar! A a great mix of history and fiction, I thought I would be a little bored, but this book kept my attention and it is anything but boring. Lovely book and I hope to read more of her work in the future!

The Keeper of Hidden Books. Zofia is a bookworm; she and her friends love reading books off of Hitler's list of banned books while they still can. Everyone's lives change when the Germans arrive. Instead of studying and reading with her friends, Zofia spends her time hungry and worried about what will happen to the libraries and the rest of Warsaw, where she lives.

This was a fantastic book written by Madeline Martin! Zofia's character was extremely well done; she knew when to fight and when not to. I always felt like she was in real danger and did not get away with everything she dared to do. The world-building was also excellent. I could picture the buildings with their boarded-up windows and the cramped living conditions many were forced to live in. The last few chapters flew by, and I stayed awake late into the night just to finish this book.

This is a great book for lovers of historical fiction. Even after reading so many historical fiction books about WWII, I still felt like this told a different story I had not read before. This book was a solid five stars for me, and I look forward to reading more of Madeline's books!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

"The Keeper of Hidden Books" is my third novel by Madeline Martin and she continues to impress me with how she writes. Characters are often relatable despite our differences, and the descriptive storytelling allows me to step back in time and experience the world as her characters do.
During "The Last Bookshop in London" I was transported to London during The Blitz and with this novel I felt like I could envision 1940s Warsaw through Zofia's eyes.

"The Keeper of Hidden Books" is such a poignant love story of how books can both unite and divide us, altogether an enlightening read during this dark time in Warsaw.

The basic premise is that Hitler's forces have implanted themselves in Poland and captured the capital city of Warsaw. Zofia is a young woman at the time and sees her beloved city fall the the Nazi regime, slowly life around her begins to crumble. Her Jewish neighbors are rounded up and put into ghettos and the German forces have started to remove books from the city's libraries. Together with her friends, they form a secret "anti-hitler" book club, where they vow to read and discuss these banned books - and help save as many as they can to ensure these forbidden books aren't lost to history. In addition to these courageous librarians, Martin weaves the rebellious actions of Polish citizens and their quest to fight against the Nazi agenda. This is a story of love, patriotism, and a refusal to quit.

Certainly a well researched historical fiction, I am left with a desire to learn more of Warsaw underground libraries and the rebellious acts of these amazing people.