The Secret They Hid: by Roberta Kagan

I loved reading book one of Roberta Kagan’s latest serious Margot’s Secret. I enjoyed the story of the two Schroder brothers, Alex and Leo, and their love for young Adelaide in Berlin 1915. I loved the story of how their lives progress as Alex wins Adelaide’s heart and they marry meanwhile Leo secretly still loves her. Then the two brothers go to fight in the trenches during the Great War and everything Adelaide needs to do to survive.

This book spans twenty years from 1915 to 1935.

I enjoyed this book very much and I cannot wait for the next book in this serious

I would like to thank Net Galley and Book Whisperer for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

I really liked this WW1 to WW2 book. It was interesting to read from a German perspective, and while it is fiction, I am sure that many people felt exactly as these characters felt. The struggles people faced during and after war. Trying to raise a family. Keeping secrets. I suggest this book for historical fiction readers.

I find The Secret They Hid by Roberta Kagan to be just ok. I liked that we were given a perspective of how things were for the German people during WWI. Most historical fictions that cover the war do no cover it from this side. It was interesting to read how the German people had the same problems as the rest of Europe. All of the men were called to fight for their country. The women were left behind with the rest of the family and had to support them. Food was scarce. They had to find jobs and the ones most available were those that the men use to do, some being dangerous. Of course with the women working, that left the problem of childcare for the young ones. It was interesting to see how they solved this.

As the years go by and Hitler starts rising into power, Most of the people had great expectations when he took over. They thought he would return Germany to greatness after their defeat in WWI. However laws were now being passed concerning the Jews in Germany. People were mixed on this. Some felt that they were born there also and weren’t any different. Others felt that they had more than everyone else, the best jobs, the most education and the most money, and were happy to make things more even.

I did not care for the writing. I felt that there was a lot of repetition and descriptions were drawn out. I did not care for the italicized parts which were what the characters were thinking. Since the book covered both the adults and then went on to the children, I found it strange that both generations were portrayed as being the same. It was as though they followed exactly in their parent’s footsteps. I also was left hanging in the end.

I would like to thank Net Galley for giving me the opportunity to read this advanced copy.

Two brothers fall for Adelaide - Alex is the charmer who captures her heart while Leo loves her from a distance. Alex is definitely the bad guy in this story, while Leo is the responsible one.

The Secret They Hid


Two brothers, three sisters, and several HUGE secrets- are found in the place of Germany and the time of before,after and during WWI. Fans of Roberta Kagan’s novels will enjoy the intricate plotlines, the varied characters, and details of homelife in this multilayered story developing against the backdrop of Hitler’s rise to power. The Great Generation is always interesting in Kagan’s books and this one will not disappoint.

Margot’s Secret Book #1

The story primarily takes place in Berlin between 1915 and 1933 and it revolves around the captivating love triangle of two brothers, Leo and Alex in their share interest with the beautiful Adelaide. This story is of love, family secrets and the challenges of survival.

Although this fiction is set during the Great War, its aftermath and during the rise of Hitler it primarily tells a story of survival and gives us a perspective of life in Germany for the working classes. Mostly we see how Adelaide survives when both brothers were gone to war leaving her to support three very young children. This story is intense and difficult to put down. Adding a blend of romance and intrigue into the historical context is simply a bonus.

This story reads well and is smooth sailing from the opening chapters till the conclusion. I like that the focus was on the characters rather than on the horrors of war. Every word is written with passion, sorrow, despair and torment in everyday language. The characters are well-crafted: some you love and others you surely will dislike...

“The Secret They Hid “has all what lovers of historical fiction which for: a captivating story well told and well played out.

First of all, how dare you end the story like that! I need to know what happened next!! This book was definitely sooo fun to read.
Some parts did make me quite uncomfortable and I would’ve been happy without, but they do play a SUPER important part in the story and in truths of history.
Trigger warning: this book does talk about rape and child abuse.
I rate this book 4.5/5 only because of those uncomfortable portions of the book.
If your looking for a clean book, this book is not entirely clean, I would consider it like a “cracked door” book where there’s a little detail but it fades quickly into the next point.
If you love love stories READ this!
I do not want to give any more information about the book but just trust me, it was GOOD.

A love triangle, a Jewish baby and WWII...could you ask for anything more! I'm sure you can, but not necessarily for me. Honestly, I'm not sure what I requested this book, there are so many WWII books flooding the market currently, why I asked to read another one is beyond me. I read it, promising myself I won't be requesting this genre again, not because of the author, but because of the topic.

Waiting anxiously for the next book! Another wonderful story from Roberta Kagan. It was a page turner just like all her other books. Love, betrayal and all the other adjectives that can explain this great book.

Yes, this is a lively tale set in Germany during WWI and extends to just pre-WWII when Adolf Hitler becomes Chancellor. The twists and turns and of course, "the secret" make it titillating.

We often hear of the hardships of those Germany hated, hurt and oppressed but little of the ordinary German citizen and what they were coerced to endure. Reading may possibly give a reader a small iota of sympathy toward them.

In my opinion, the way the book ends is going to make you rush out and find the next (Book 2) in this Margot's Secret series ... wait for it ....

~ Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger ~

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.

Roberta Kagan never fails in delivering a great story. All the books of hers that I've read revolve around the WWII era, but what I liked about this one was that rather than focusing on a Jewish family - it centers around a German one. There are still others of hers that I have on my TBR list, but this is the first time that one of her books, at least for me, centers around a German family pretty exclusively. The author has such a unique way of telling a story, that some might say has been told and retold, to make the reader feel as if its been their first time in hearing such a tale. She brings every character to believable life. You have to read her books to experience it. I promise you - once you read one you will be hooked! I can't wait to read more of what assuredly will be a terrific series. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

“The Secret They Hid” is a historical fiction book by Roberta Kagan. This book is the first in a new series by this author. I’ve read other books by this author - including a series - so her format is familiar to me. On the plus side of this book, the historical aspects are interesting. It’s pretty amazing to read of the resourcefulness of women during WWI in Germany - finding jobs while “the boys” were on the front, dealing with finding food, and making ends meet. Ms. Kagan does weave historical facts into her character’s lives very well. However, this book needs an editor - there’s a lot of repeated information. There’s also a chapter that mentions things that have happened and then the next chapter returns to one of those days - with new characters (thus a bit confusing). Also, while there’s backstories decently explained in the book, I cannot say I actually like any of them. Part II of this book moves the focus from the teens/adults in the first part onto the children - which I found a bit jarring - who seem to be making the same choices as their parents (sigh). I don’t know if the next book will be more tightly written, but WWII will be getting closer to starting - so maybe it’ll be a bit more exciting with focus more on what’s going on in the community opposed to setting up character situations? I would reluctantly recommend this book - it’s not bad, but I don’t think this is the best book I’ve written by this author.

In 1907 Germany, Leo loves Adelaide but she falls for Leo’s brother Alex. Alex is a charmer but he is not a good husband. Addy soon realizes she has chosen the wrong brother. Addy is raising her twins & Margot, the daughter of Alex and a Jewish prostitute. They keep Margot parentage a secret. In The Secret They Hid, by Roberts Kagan, Margot’s parentage is not the only secret that is kept.
The book is not well written. The language does not flow, the authors belabors some points., and the ending leaves the reader hanging. I assume this is the first in a series. I was highly disappointed and would not recommend the book.

Roberta Kagan’s books have always been of interest to me. This latest novel tells of life in Germany for a family in the period leading up to World War I, the war years and the aftermath. There are several romantic entanglements and the manner in which a Jewish person is introduced is different. The characters are well defined and the stories are extremely interesting — conflicts between parents and children, brothers and sisters and families. The only negative, in my opinion, is waiting for the next installment in the lives of the characters.
I thank NetGalley, the publisher and, of course, Roberta Kagan for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to publication.

This book takes place primarily from 1915 to 1933 in Berlin, giving us the story of two working-class brothers. One is responsible & hardworking while the other is the total opposite. One loves a woman, Adelaide, from afar while the other marries her although he doesn't love her. This story is not only emotional but also gives an excellent perspective on life in Germany for those who are not part of the elite. The descriptions of trench warfare were visceral. Curiously, both brothers randomly meet Hitler, in Vienna & on the front line, long before his rise to power.

Just as important is Adelaide's story of survival when the men have gone to war, leaving her to support three very young children in addition to her in-laws. I am continually amazed at the resilience of women, bonding with each other & becoming a family in every sense of the word. At the end of this novel, Hitler has just become Chancellor of Germany, and the three girls are teenagers. Honestly, the foreshadowing was so intense at this point that I was glad that the book came to an end because I needed a mental break. I look forward to reading the next one in this new series...I should be recovered by then. All historical fiction fans will love this page-turner.

Many thanks to NetGalley and The Book Whisperer for the digital ARC. All opinions & the review are my own.

Truly amazing book! Ms. Kagan’s writing and storytelling get better with every story. One of my favorite historical fiction authors. Cannot wait until the next one.

I really enjoyed this book. I love historical fiction books. I will definitely read this book again and recommend it to others. I would give it a 10 out of 10 stars if I could.