The summer of 1939 in Warsaw, Poland found best friends Zofia and Janina perfecting their first aid skills with the girl guides and preparing for a war that they didn’t believe would ever come to Warsaw. But the war did come and with it came pain, horror, and the loss of their freedoms, starting with the books they were allowed to read. They endured the occupation, believing they would be saved by the Allies, but as time passes, the hope of rescue begins to wane. But rather than lay down and comply, the indomitable spirit of the Polish people is ignited, and they fight back – in any way they can.

For their part, Zofia and Janina who are working at the main Library, covertly start a book club choosing books that have been banned. Later as the list of books expands and their rights are reduced, the girls along with several friends, begin to hide banned books in an effort to save their culture from being erased by the Nazis.

Sadly, Janina is fired from the library because she is Jewish, and then things get worse as Zofia and Janina are separated when Janina’s family is relegated to the ghetto. But they both continue to defy Hitler, and each continues to save books and train with the underground. For a very short time, they are occasionally able to secretly exchange letters, but then even that is taken from them, and it will be years before they learn of the fate of the other.

During their time apart, the war escalates, and the true horror begins, yet through it all, Zofia doesn’t stop hiding books or trying to make a difference. Her losses will be enormous, and her faith will be tested, but she will never stop fighting to liberate Poland and reclaim the independence her forefathers died to give her.

I usually exclusively read historical romance, but this author used to be a historical romance author and is such a gifted writer, that I happily make an exception to read whatever she writes. And to my surprise, this book did end up being a love story, maybe not in the traditional sense, but it is about the love of country, the love of friends, the love of family, and the love of books. This book is amazing, the writing, the research, the intermingling of true historical events with fictional events and characters is all spot on. It is a book that will make you think about all the things you might be taking for granted, and it will leave you in awe of the Polish people as well as give you a new respect for all the men and women who fought against Hitler and the Axis powers. I highly recommend this book but be prepared for an emotional read and keep the tissues handy.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*

This book was a beautiful love letter to books, libraries and getting an education. What another wonderful read by Madeline Martin, her writing is near perfect, marrying together a fictional story with real people and the true lives they lived. I learned so much as the characters moved through the years. The story brought to life not only the hardships that Poland went through during World War 2, but more about her history before the war and how things changed afterwards.

Zofia was such an incredible character, her love of books that lit her desire rebel, one title at a time, was such an amazing way to show that small acts can make a big difference. I loved this whole story and can't wait to recommend it to everyone.

Most ww2 books seem to fade together. But not this one. This one blows away almost every book I’ve read in this time period. I absolutely loved it and it’s so well written

Wow! What a timely, necessary read. But don’t get me wrong - it is not an easy one. I had to stop reading this book several times, just to give myself a rest. In an era where books and libraries are under constant threat and fire, this novel will resonate with me for some time.

Zofia and Janina are best friends. Closer than sisters, they are virtually inseparable. Zofia lives with her parents and brother in Warsaw. Janina lives with her mom. They do everything together. Zofia and Janina also share a love of all things literary, devouring and discussing books with their friends Kasia and Maria. For Zofia, books are her escape from her mother who constantly criticizes. Books are also the foundation of the love between Zofia and her doctor father. Janina’s family owns the local gallery.

However, this is the 1930s. And Janina is Jewish. And war is coming.

I have never read a book like this before. It exemplifies the strength and endurance of the Polish who fought so hard against yet another occupation. I read a great deal of historical fiction and, let’s be honest - WWII is a solid percentage of the genre. But I can’t recall being in such awe of characters as I felt about Zofia and Janina.

This is a novel that screams to be read. It is gritty but eloquent. It shows how people “made do”. But also, it serves as a cautionary tale of how easily a culture can be erased. The lengths the people of Poland (and other nations) went to in order to protect as much as they could just to preserve their heritage, as symbolized here by the relocation of libraries and the smuggling of books.

I consider myself a pretty well-read individual but this novel made me reflect and taught me so many things. As an American, this isn’t something I can relate to directly (thank God) but that doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t be informed. Compassion, love and respect are ideas that should prevail regardless of time and borders. That’s a story that should be repeated as often as possible.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hanover Square Press for giving me access to this ARC. This book releases to the public on August 1. I cannot recommend it enough.

I was extremely excited to be given the chance to read the ARC provided by NetGalley. This is the leading book (up to date) written by Madeline Martin involving historical fiction.
The civilian character’s she created in this novel were loving, fearless, compassionate, and inspiring.
I have don’t have the proper words that will give this novel justice. Beautiful heartache?
Just know it’s a captivating novel from beginning to end.
You can read and feel the amount of careful research Martin inquired to make sure a part of history was shared accurately.
As a reader, I learned so much about the war in Poland.
In one of the worse wars to exist, Martin shares glimpses of friendships and family coming together. They are lifting one another up. They are fighting for their country. They are fighting for their loved ones. They never quit holding onto hope.
I was not prepared to genuinely feel the emotion of each character. I cannot imagine how wonderful the audiobook will be. This is going to be a bestseller immediately.

Thank you to NetGalley, Hanover Square Press and the author for a sneak peek of this book to read and review!

What an amazing and fabulously brave journey of two friends in war-torn Poland. The amount of strength and resolve it took for them to simply live life each day is beyond my comprehension. I am always awestruck by the stories of those who found the ability to become the best versions of themselves during this horrific part of history. To stand up for justice and the protection of their loved ones along with their heritage takes a special courage that goes above and beyond just trying to survive! A beautifully heart-wrenching story inspired by the true story of the underground library in WWII Warsaw … so powerfully written!

Another absolute gem for lovers of historical fiction!

Incredible read. There are many books out there about WWII and the Nazi invasion of European countries but this book, The Keeper of Hidden Books, delves deeply into the annihilation of literature, artifacts, art and many other treasured items, that were destroyed in Poland by the Nazis. Madeline Martin’s descriptions of the destruction of the Warsaw library’s contents and the Polish Underground’s dogged attempts, in trying to preserve or lesson the mass obliteration of books, are visceral. Not to mention nor dismiss, the mass killings of not only Polish Jews but also of Polish non-Jews. As the author’s note states, Hitler’s intent, when he overtook Poland, was to relocate or murder 85% of Poles, leaving around 15% for slave labor. And he wanted to completely eradicate the entire Jewish population. This resulted in the murder of almost 3 million Polish Jews and 2 million non-Jewish Polish citizens. One hundred thousand doctors, lawyers, professors, scientists, politicians and other social elites, were put to death, in an attempt to quell any attempt of uprisings before they could start. (These facts were stated in the author’s notes due to her massive research). Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. #TheKeeperofHiddenBooks, #NetGalley.

I have so many thoughts and feelings about @madelinemmartin newest masterpiece The Keeper Of Hidden Books.

I don’t tend to get to personal on this account but this book hit on something so close to my heart I’m going to share.

My grandpa was born in Poland. He went through the Second World War. He was imprisoned by the Nazis. He fought with the Polish underground. We know very little about his time before he crossed the Atlantic because he rarely spoke of it as it was too painful. This was not his story. But this was the story of his homeland and their fight for independence. This was the story of the incredible bravery and strength of his countryman. This was a window into the life of a man who was one of the greatest influences of my life who I miss very much. He was proud to be Polish. I was overjoyed to see his real first name, he went by a western version, as a character in this story. This book will forever be a favourite for bringing him back to me in a whole new way.

I have read many books about this time period and this area but none have ever captured Polands occupation and fight for freedom like this one.

The Keeper of Hidden Books tells the story of the woman and men who put themselves at considerable risk to preserve the stories that were slated for destruction. They knew the value of holding onto their heritage for the future, and the power of books to hold their fellow citizens through the occupation.

If you are a lover of history you need to read this book.

I was fortunate enough to be allowed to have an advanced copy of this book from @netgalley and @harlequinbooks to review. I will absolutely be purchasing a copy when this comes out August 1, as this needs to live on my shelf.
#bookstagram #readersofinstagram #readforjoy #historicalfictionbook #polishhistory #booklover #bookreview #bookrecommendations #bookswilltakeyoueverywhere #historicalfiction #thekeeperofhiddenbooks #storiesthatmatter #books #poland #worldwar2

This was a heart-warming novel about two young women in Warsaw during World War II. With the war has a backdrop, it an affirmation of the importance of reading and community in even the darkest times. Any book lover with an interest in. World War II novels would enjoy this tremendously.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

As a book lover it’s hard to imagine not being able to read what you want. Or that you could even be persecuted for having certain books. I can almost see that happening in this day and time. Historical fiction fans will enjoy this book
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

Zofia and her best friend Janina live in Warsaw. While they are preparing for war, neither girl believes that war will actually come to their city. Zofia's happy place has always been books, and she loves her job at the Warsaw public library. But then the Nazis occupy the city and their lives change in ways neither could have ever imagined. As a Jew, Janina and her family are forced to move to the Warsaw ghetto. When the Nazis begin first confiscating and then destroying books, Zofia and her friends are determined to hide as many books as possible, even it if costs them their freedom or their lives.
A tribute to literature, the power of books, and the ingenuity of the people of Warsaw and the Warsaw ghetto. I connected with these characters immediately. People under the age of 40 frequently don't understand how the need for books can grip you, having grown up with the distractions of the Internet, cellphones, and cable TV.
Another book that makes me proud to be a librarian. If you enjoyed The Bookwoman of Troublesome Creed, this title will appeal to you. People who love books always find a way.
Librarians rock. Never forget it.

I really enjoyed Martin's previous book, The Last Bookshop in London, so I was excited to read The Keeper of Hidden Books. I wasn't disappointed. I learned a great deal about the Nazi occupation of Poland from this obviously exhaustively researched book while at the same time being drawn right in to the story of main character Zofia and her friends.

At this time when an increasing number of books are being banned, The Keeper of Hidden Books is an important reminder of why we should all be fighting for libraries, books, and the right to read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in advance of publication in exchange for my honest review.

The Keeper of Hidden Books by Madeline Martin. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A new Author for me. Madeline's writing didn't disappoint, she drew me in right from chapter 2. She made me feel like I was at the center of WWII in Poland. I knew exactly how Zofia was feeling and thinking as she hide in the basement from the Air Raids to digging ditches. Its a different perspective from all the other books I've read.


Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy for my honest review. I highly recommend this book.

This work of historical fiction will give you chills. If you choose to read one book this year, this should be it. Madeline Martin has outdone herself with this masterpiece of literature. It follows the lives of several characters throughout the Nazi occupation of Poland. The author shows the depth of her research in the depiction of the suffering of both the Jews and Poles. There is much bravery and sacrifice by young and old alike. The plot flows and allows the reader to easily follow the events. This is a not to be missed book.

An interesting and heartwarming story of one Polish woman’s goal to save the books of Poland from the Nazis and Stalin’s Russia.
The one thing I find jarring in the beginning is the description of the Girl Guides. Granted, a lot of readers might not know the Girl Guides are what Europeans call the Girl Scouts, but it would be easy to say, ‘the girl guides are the European branch of the Girl Scouts’, and leave it at that.

This is a book that is going to stay with me for a very long time. It's writing is eloquent honoring a deeply troubling time in history. Two quotes from the book stand out to me. "This is a story about making the choices you know are right, even when the rest of the world feels confusing and disorienting. It's knowing who you are and choosing kindness and love." As the story goes on, Zofia has to make hard decisions time and time again. Her world turned upside down, but the one thing that stayed the same during those turbulent years was her kindness to others and the love of her family and friends. The other quote was, "There was power in Literature. Brilliant and undeniable. Books inspired free thought and empathy, an overall understand and acceptance of everyone'. Hitler banned so many books and yet we did not learn our lesson as so many are banned across the country today. This is a powerful story, full of emotional heartbreak, joy and forgiveness. It is an important read that has the ability to make you think.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the free e-ARC in exchange for and honest review.

I requested this ARC as I love books, historical fiction and stories of librarians who save books from Hitler's insane book ban. I started this one and found it was very disjointed, did not flow and seemed to go in uninteresting circles. I know I am in the minority of reviewers, but for me this story was just so slow and uneventful. There is not much character development which resulted in me not really liking or understanding them.

I have a 30% rule for the books I read. By 30% in, I expect there to be rescuing of books, excitement, suspense and mystery; basically the story and plot underway. Unfortunately, there was not much going on to hold my interest. The concept sounded nice, but the character & story development was lacking.

DNF at 30%

This is a touching story of how books bring people together and also give people courage to fight injustice. I enjoyed this. I like that this a story set in Poland during WWII, a different setting than most books I’ve previously read about WWII times.

The Keeper of Hidden Books is my third historical fiction read from Madeline Martin. I love that all three of these books, while focused on WWII, have the love of books as a main theme. Martin doesn't shy from the atrocities of that war. She honors those the war sought to demise and destroy. Through her stories their lives and deaths are honored and we are made sure to not forget what the world was like just 80 years ago. Hitler tried to destroy anything that would offer hope or anything that would stir the people to rise against him. What wasn't destroyed was stolen for personal gain. The way that Zofia and her friends chose to defy the Nazis by continuing to lend books to readers who needed the comfort that literature brings and to hide away and safekeep the books that Hitler wanted destroyed so that their history wouldn't be erased and future generations of Poles would have access to stories that would stir their hearts as well, was inspiring. Reading and books was important then and it's important now. Bring your tissues when you read The Keeper of Hidden Books because it'll break your heart from the very start.

I absolutely loved Martin's novel "The Last Bookshop in London." I was so excited to see that she wrote another WWII novel that revolves on books and their power to do good.

Zofia is a young girl who loves books and the library, and she risks her life to both protect books from the Nazis and get books into the hands of the people who need a distraction from the atrocities around them.

I knew nothing of the Warsaw rebellion, and I was so touched by the bravery of the people who fought for their country.

This book portrayed the hunger, loss, and terror that the people of Warsaw felt. I really appreciated the research and history that was included in the book.

If you love learning more about WWII, or you can relate to the joy and light that a book can bring in times of darkness, this is a book that you will enjoy!

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Madeline Martin, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest opinions.