This book had a pretty slow start but I did finally enjoy it more towards the end. I think the back and forth last/present layout was a bit confusing since there were details and motivations that weren’t entirely clear early on. I did enjoy the story and it’s really amazing that it’s mostly true.

Audrey Blake’s The Woman with No Name is a captivating historical novel that delves into the life of a mysterious woman navigating the challenges of the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of societal change, the story follows her journey as she grapples with identity, loss, and resilience.

Blake’s writing is richly detailed, immersing readers in the time period with vivid descriptions and authentic dialogue. The protagonist is both compelling and relatable, embodying strength in the face of adversity. As she seeks to uncover her past and forge her own path, her experiences resonate deeply, highlighting the struggles of many women of that era.

The plot unfolds with a blend of intrigue and emotion, keeping readers engaged as secrets are revealed and connections formed. Blake masterfully balances historical context with personal narrative, making the story not only informative but also deeply moving.

Overall, The Woman with No Name is a beautifully crafted tale of self-discovery and empowerment, perfect for fans of historical fiction who appreciate strong, complex characters and rich storytelling.

Another great historical fiction read that I turned to when I needed a palate cleanse from the romance and thrillers I seem to be mostly reading lately.

THE WOMAN WITH NO NAME features a woman named Yvonne who joins the resistance to stop the Nazis during WWII. I thought the plot was paced well, and I was fascinated to learn the true events which were the inspiration for the story, from reading the author’s note.

I paired the book and audiobook which was a great way to immerse myself in this timeline.

*many thanks to Sourcebooks, RB Media and Negev for the gifted copy and ALC for review

I thought the premise was good, and I liked that it went back and forth between training and action. But it was really slow. I had a hard time keeping interest. The last hundred pages went fast but the rest of it took too long.

The Woman with No Name, is a historically relevant read about the training of Yvonne as she joins the resistance to stop the Nazis in France during the Second World War. I enjoyed learning about her plight and knowing that most of the characters in this book were based on the real people that worked tirelessly to fight for their country during such a difficult time in history.

The audiobook was narrated beautifully, clear and concise! Really added to the story!

I really wanted to love this book. I listened to the audiobook. The constant back and forth in time made the book hard to follow. At 20% in, I really just wasn’t sure where the book was going and did not find the main character likable.

Having enjoyed Audrey Blake's previous books, I was excited to see this new offering from the talented author. . . .and I wasn't disappointed.

Set in the middle of the horrors of WWII in Britain - a country hanging on by the skins of its people, Yvonne Rudellat (based on an actual woman) had given up. Her family circle had moved away and left her abandoned. Her thoughts were dark and suicidal, when she turned on her heel and presented herself for duty. As a spy. One that would most likely - 99% likely - not survive. It fit her desired trajectory - and if she could save someone, something on the way, and prove to the world she wasn't just a little old throw-away lady - she was 110% in.

This is a story well-told, and the thoughtful reader feels the foundation of all those unknown, unnamed women (and men) whose sacrifices we'll never uncover (yet upon whose gifts of life we walk every day) through the threads of the story and adventures shared. There is an underlying urge to read on, to acknowledge the debt owed to those like Yvonne. Lives lived, deaths offered, torturous prices paid for the years we've enjoyed the freedoms they made possible.

Another great book from Ms. Blake. Looking forward to the next one!

*A sincere thank you to Audrey Blake, RB Media, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #TheWomanwithNoName #NetGalley

I didn't realize until the author's note at the end that this novel was based on true events which just made me love it even more! A middle aged woman frustrated by her inability to help with the war effort becomes England's first female saboteur, forming an effective network of spies, couriers, and sabotage agents in Nazi occupied France. Yvonne / Jacqueline was fierce and determined and just an all around incredible woman. I'm so glad her story is finally being told.

This is a good book! The story was good and beautiful! I liked the characters too. The narrator was good too. I hope to read more by this author soon

I love me a historical fiction story but I had a hard time getting invested in the storyline. I did, however, love the narrator! Probably a good story for fans of The Alice Network.

This book reads as if it a biography of a female spy during World War II because it is based on a true story.

It's 1942 and Yvonne Rudellat's thinks her life is over. She's estranged from her husband at her request, her daughter is busy with war duties and Yvonne can find no purpose. When she is offered the chance to work as the first female sabotage agent for Britain in France. She isn't really expected to succeed, but after training in explosives and with a new identity she's sent to occupied France.

The author really drew me in with the suspense these people deal with on an almost daily. With the Nazis always trying to identify them and arrest them their jobs are twice as dangerous as just setting off explosives and blowing up bridges.

I recommend this book to everyone but especially those who are interested in history and WWII.

#Netgalley #TheWomanWithNoName #AudreyBlake #Audiobook #Narrator #AmyScanlon #RecordedBooks

DNF- I tried several times to listen to The Woman with No Name, and had no idea what was going on.

Thank you to NetGally, and Author Audry Blake .

This review was not posted on GoodReads or anywhere else.

I downloaded the audio, and hope to try again at a later date. I will update my review.

A novel of Yvonne Rudellat, the first female SOE trained agent to go into France. The authors' did a fantastic job with their research and adaptation of Yvonne's life into a fictional account. Though there have been other novels about the brave women of the SOE, Yvonne's story was unique, as she serves as trailblazer for those that followed. Yvonne is in her 40s and has raised a daughter while existing in a dysfunctional marriage. She's at an age when most women would be content to do their bit at home in the UK, but being French by birth, she joins to put her skills to use to assist her beloved France. The novel is fast paced, and the danger and tension Yvonne faces leaps off the page which caused me to binge listen to this audiobook. The narrator was excellent and I highly recommend this book! Once again, Audrey Blake writes a winner!

Yvonne Rudellatt was a middle aged woman living in England during WWII, when a bomb destroyed her home. Leaving her displaced she decided there has to be more and joins one of the largest resistances against the Germans becoming nameless and unstoppable, against the enemy.

I always enjoy a book based off of true events, especially WWII and this didn’t disappoint. I enjoyed this one and the history behind it.

I love historical fiction books ... especially those set during WWII. It was interesting learning about Yvonne (aka Jacqueline) Rudellat and her willingness to work with the French Resistance. She was Britain’s first female sabotage agent (through the SOE) and her skills and dedication were unimaginable. This was an edge-of-your-seat read that will have you flipping the pages quickly to see what will happen next. I love seeing how people were willing to risk everything to stop Hitler’s reign of terror and to know that there were women like Yvonne “Jacqueline” with the determination and dedication to aid in this fight for freedom impresses me. This is definitely a book to put on your to-be-read list.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

Unfortunately this one archived as I was listening to it and I lost access, but can rent/purchase audiobook and come back and edit to fix review! Thank you!

Based on a true story is WILD to me. I can’t imagine being willing to give up your entire life- even if it was pretty miserable. She does it for such a noble cause though and I feel like there had to be some thrill of the chase to it. She made herself whoever she needed to be and got things done, just an incredible hero.

🌀Synopsis
Yvonne feels nothing. She is estranged from her entire family and really doesn’t feel like she has much to live for. As the Nazis continue to wreak havoc on France, they start to realize they may have to include women in the fight. When Yvonne is offered an opportunity, she takes it. She becomes a trained sabotage agent and immediately goes to work.
At first the work is not what she imagined and she isn’t being used to her potential. The tides turn and she starts taking matters into her own hands more. She starts getting move involved and turns herself into whoever she needs to be to get the job done. Her efforts are noticed and recognized and the Nazis try to retaliate at every angle.

"The Woman with No Name" is a wonderful historical wartime novel based on a true story about Yvonne Rudellat, who trained as a Special Operations Executive. Despite her age and apparently frailty, she was sent into her homeland of France by the British with the mission "to set Europe ablaze" in an effort to thwart Hitler at every junction.

The offer to pursue this mission came at a time when she was questioning everything about her life and her usefulness to those around her, so it was a pivotal decision for her. And one that she committed herself to wholeheartedly.

What this woman accomplished when it seemed like all odds were against her was amazing! I definitely recommend this book for anyone who is interested in strong female characters, historical stories, or World War II espionage.

Thank you to Audrey Blake, RB Media, and NetGalley for an advance review copy.

This joins a wonderful lineup of books about the many brave women who were involved in critical yet unsung roles in WW2.
Yvonne Rudellat feels like her life has grown small after her daughter and only child is married and joins in the British war effort, she and her husband are estranged and their house is bombed, her cat killed. But with her French upbringing and marriage to an Englishman and inconspicuous age she is the perfect undercover agent and enters France to be a connecting link between the British and the French resistance. She is trained in critical sabotage skills.... This was a great book that, of course, sent me on google deep dives.
I listened to the audio for parts of this and the narration by Amy Scanlon was flawless !

Yvonne is estranged from her family and feels untethered to her life in England. After surviving a bombing, she decides to volunteer for the resistance in Vichy France. She is an underdog from the very beginning being a tiny woman in her 40s. However she quickly proves herself with her courage and wit.

A historical fiction story heavily rooted in fact that would be enjoyed by anyone who favors WWII stories with strong female lead characters.