This is a novel that is third in a series, something I didn't realize until after I began the book. It is set in Hilter's Germany and tells of Margot and Max who get separated during the war and neither has any knowledge of whether or not the other is even still alive, much less where they may be located.

I did realize a bit too late that this book would've read different for me if I had read the first two books. There were a lot of references to events that happened in previous books and I could definitely tell it as I read, although it can also be a stand alone read.

The story line was good and the author did a good job tying in the evils and depravity of Hitler's regime. There were times when I was very uncomfortable reading the story because of the content and writing. style. The story did end in what I would consider a very awkward spot, vs a cliffhanger. Unfortunately the storyline wasn't enticing enough to convince me to pick up the fourth book. Overall, this book was just ok for me.

I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Margot's Secret is the third book in a series but can be read as a standalone story. This is a story of a woman doing what she has to do during Hitler’s reign. Margot's sister Trudy tells Margot she is Jewish and sets in motion a dreadful series of events. This book ends abruptly without any resolution, hopefully it's resolved in the fourth book.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book, all opinions are my own.

Margot’s Secret by Roberta Kagan is the 3rd book in this historical fiction series. Although it’s very helpful to read the first two books, you could catch up fairly easily.

Margot must escape at the beginning of the story, because her husband has killed her sister’s husband, an officer in high standing in the Reich. Margot’s sister has been jealous of Margot since they were very young, and has convinced herself that she’s in love with Margot’s husband. This jealousy has become a terrible weapon which she threatens Margot with when she learns that Margot’s real mother was a Jew. Margot’s forced into hiding until it’s safe to return home, which doesn’t happen during Hitler’s lifetime.

This novel causes the reader to consider life during these horrible times, reminding us why we cannot let it happen again. It seems very timely, unfortunately.

Although I enjoyed the story, at times I felt like it was a bit predictable. I was also frustrated by the main characters and their decisions, which often were simply selfish, but disguised as inescapable because of the times. The main characters are either loved or despised by the reader, but I found myself disappointed by all of them.

This is the 3rd book in the series by Roberta Kagan. It continues to follow three sisters living in Nazi Germany during WWII. It primarily focusses on Trudy’s jealousy and Margo just trying to survive. The characters are real and flawed and often have to make tough decisions. Lots of relationship triangles in this book. I didn’t like the ending as it was a cliffhanger, but that just means that I can’t wait for the next book.

I really really REALLY have loved this series so far. I can’t wait for the next installment in the series. The writing seems a bit boring to me. For some reason I can’t help but read it in my head with a monotoned voice. There’s a lot of repetitiveness, as well. But I am obsessed with this plot line. I was so excited to read this third book in the series.

Margot’s Secret by Roberta Kagan is the third episode of the saga of Adelaide and her children. As we saw at the end of the last book, Rudy has been shot and now lies dead in the living room. Max has instructed Margot to run and so she has, with blood dripping down her legs, in the midst of a miscarriage. She finds her way to Ben, only he’s gone now so she knocks on the door across the way, knowing Frau Feiner would know how to find Ben. She claimed she didn’t and Margot passed out. When she awoke, She was with Ben and he gave her the sad news about her baby. He was hiding in the attic of an elderly woman for whom he had once done a favor. She could stay there for now but then she must move on. Meanwhile, Max had convinced Trudy that he had always loved her and so they concocted a story before they called the authorities. Because of Trudy and her flirting ways, they got away with it, but the real test would come several days later when Trudy showed up at his door, asking him to prove his love for her. He couldn’t and soon she became disgusted and starting going out and drinking. Max was afraid for them.

This is a heart-breaking story of what it meant to be Jewish or in any way skeptical of the Nazis. They took no prisoners and they were heartless. They showed no hesitation. The lies of Margot’s parents had come back to haunt them all and the fact that of the three of Adelaide’s children, Trudy showed no remorse when it came to getting what she wanted. It is difficult to imagine being so frightened and alone as these people found themselves. It embeds bad feelings toward the Nazis even more profoundly than before. They were entitled and had no consciences and it is difficult not to understand how this came about. Bullies all. This is a little different type of story than one normally reads about this era in Germany and opens ones eyes to the lives of the people living there at the time.

Thank you Book Whisperer for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. #Netgalley #BookWhisperer #RobertaKagan #MargotsSecret

It is a very realistic historical fiction novel about the life of a couple in Germany during Hitler. The characters were very well-developed with a great story. A compelling look into a fictional life with a realistic plot. I do not read a lot of historical fiction but I enjoyed this one. I may need to add more historical fiction to my TBR list as the author did a great job.

Another heart-pounding, tragic saga - the third book in the Margot's Secret series. It may well sweep you off your feet, so beware. The ending of the book appears promise of yet another sequel.

The historical work of fiction is set during WWII depicting the ruthlessness and brutality of Hitler and his Nazi's. In my opinion, this portrayal may be too realistic for some readers, but I feel it is good to know what people went through during that time.

One other caution is that some readers may not wish to read of intimate bedroom scenes. Other than that, it was a very satisfactory read and I hold out for the hope of a fourth-in-the-series book, although I do not know if that is planned.

~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~

January 2024

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

This one in the series started a little slower for me. But I’m always left needing to know what’s going to happen next! And love how the author always circles back around to characters that you think are done with their story. I have so many conflicting feelings about different characters! There’s some you love to love and some you love to hate! Can’t wait to follow the rest of the story.

I found this rather poorly written and full of cliches, and while I tried to finish it I fear it felt too much like a waste of time. I guess I am not the target reader, although I am interested in WWII novels set in Germany.

Another take on the World War II Nazi era. The book, which is set in Berlin, is mostly about an extended non Jewish family and what happens to them during the war. Some of the family join the Nazi Party, others do not. This is book three in the series. The first half of the book seemed repetitious; the second half of the book was much more interesting and well written. The author really leaves the reader hanging in mid air….a fourth book is coming.

i absolutely loved this story.The author created a fascinating narrative with interesting characters which seem to be entangled in a love triangle.. A wonderfuly written story which i recommend completely

thank you netgalley and publisher

all thoughts and opinions are my own and arent influenced by anyone

Very interesting plot. Vivid descriptions. Wonderful characters with depth and substance. I felt every emotion. Rich with historical details relevant to the time period. I was immediately drawn in and held captive from beginning to end. Simply a GREAT read!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

I wanted to get into this book, but it felt like sad things that happen just for the sake of sadness. It didn't hit the mark for me and hold my attention.

Margot's Secret by Roberta Kagan is the third in the Margot's Secret series and is riddled with heartache, love, (dis)loyalty and passionate hatred.

World War II is raging and after discovering she is Jewish, out of necessity Margot flees her home and husband to hide herself and her unborn baby. She lives in an attic with her dearest friend, Ben, and is overcome with grief after losing her second child. Her husband, Max, has killed an SS member who was married to Margot's despicable non-Jewish half sister, Trudy. In order to protect himself and Margot, he goes to great lengths to prevent Trudy from turning him and Margot in to the Nazis. Max and Margot don't know whether the other is dead or alive. Scheming and promiscuous Trudy leaves a trail of destruction in her wake.

The plot is rich, engrossing and harrowing with intriguing dark aspects. Characters are well written, though they made deplorable choices during the horrors of war. Margot was more likable in the first two books in my view, but that did not rob me of reading enjoyment. The only aspect which didn't endear me was the unnecessary addition of steamy detail. But I loved getting lost in the story. The cover sums up the despair perfectly.

Roberta Kagan's writing is clever and thoughtful, always evoking a kaleidoscope of emotions in my heart in just the right spots. I can pick up any book she's written with the knowledge it will be special.

My sincere thank you to Book Whisperer and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this captivating novel.

As usual I love all of this authors works. What is not usual is that I don't like the main character Margot very much. I didn't mind her too much in the first two books but what she does in this book and her seemingly immaturity in many areas disappointed me. The characters are rich and the storyline is never dull. However, there is some repetition that can be a bit annoying - it's like we get it - next! Overall another solid delivery. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

A family in Hitler's Germany is torn apart when it is discovered that Margo, the adopted daughter, is part Jewish. The family's three daughters are all married, but one, Trudy, has always been jealous of Margo, and wants to steal her husband Max. She would also not think twice of turning Margo in, but Max would do anything to protect Margo.

Margo goes into hiding and Max has no idea if she is alive. Also, Margo does not know if Max is OK. Will they ever reunite?

This story effectively shows the horrors of Nazi Germany and the entitlement of SS members. However, there are no twists, and the plot is weak. The ending is abrupt, expecting the reader to read the next installment of the series to find out what happens.

Unfortunately, there just wasn't enough in this book, to prompt me to read the next in the series.

This is just one book in a series but can be read as a standalone story. This is a story of a woman doing what she has to do during Hitler’s reign. Margot finds out she is of Jewish heritage. Her sister is full of hatred and sets in motion a horrific series of events. I found this story very wordy but interesting. The story, however, ends abruptly without any resolution…I assume the next book in the series will bring closure to the story.

Margot’s Secret book #3

Warning:

Before you pick up this book you need to have read the previous books, “The Secret They Hid” and “An Innocent Child” first to enjoy this one at its fullest. “Margot’s Secret” continues where book #2 finishes and gives us only snippets of what happened previously letting our imagination roam in order to piece things together.

The story in a few words:

Margot, now a fugitive and grieving a lost pregnancy, is hiding both from the Nazis and her own sister who is threatening to expose her as a Jew. She seeks solace with Ben, a Jewish man she has always loved. As the war peaks, the characters face critical choices between love, loyalty and survival.....

My thoughts:

This book was engaging although I found it to be repetitive in many ways. I mostly dislike the abrupt ending that leaves us hanging...so many questions are unanswered.... The story is a real melodrama set during war time with some murders, family squabbles, sexual hanky-panky, and some atrocities. Ok soap opera it is but set this aside and let your imagination be transported into the lives of the well- drawn characters some good, bad and very evil we inevitably cross path with. They do entertain us from the opening sentence telling us from their own perspective what is going on. The pacing is steady and smoothly moves along with no dull moments to let our mind get off the track....

In all, the story appealed to me and I enjoyed the many hours I spent reading it. I almost did not accept the invitation to read this novel from Book Whisperer, the publisher, in retrospect I am happy I did. Thank you.

Margot's life has been one horrid thing after another. She had to run from her husband in the last book, not because of him, but because of a horrible person. To save her life and the life of her unborn child she must run and never return.

Margot's character gives the reader an idea, a glimpse into what it must have been for so many people under Nazi rule. Like so many during the war, she has lost one child at the hands of the Nazis cleansing policy. How did they go on, knowing they were tricked into losing a child. Margot's Secret helped me gain a little understanding, but I will never really grasp the horrors, the suffering.

Margot ran to her best friend, Ben, hoping he can help her. It is not without risk. He is a Jewish doctor that she soon finds out is in hiding. Margot's choice was an opportunity for the reader to learn about the struggles of hiding in an attic. The author's descriptions had me in tears, hurting for those that had to hide. My imagination could not grasp the atrocities without the help of authors taking me back in time. To see. To sense. To remember.

There are many terrifying examples in this story of how easy it was to turn against another. Margot's sister, Trudy, was a master at it. She stopped at nothing to get what she wanted. Words can hurt. Words can kill. A few words in the right ear could destroy. Trudy is a reminder that you didn't have to wear a uniform in order to control others. Even a sister can turn against another sister in order to get what she wants.

I shed many tears reading Margot's Secret. I had to take breaks to compose myself. No matter how many WW2 historical fiction books read, I never stop learning more. I have a new understanding of the evil that populated the world. My greatest hope is that in the next book karma comes to visit.