a fascinating story based on true events; however, the pacing was slow and the nonlinear narrative became hard to follow (for me, especially on audio). i think it would have been easier to connect with the characters if we didn't skip around the timeline so much. still, these women are important and we need more stories shedding light upon their roles in history.

The history around World War 2 has always fascinated me. There are no words for the horrific acts committed by the Nazis on so many innocent people. But what truly inspires me are the countless stories of survival and bravery during this dark time in history.

Which is where this book comes in. Here, we learn the true story of the first female Special Operations Executive agent, Yvonne Rudellat. And her story is truly inspiring.

I can’t fathom the overwhelming emotions she faced every day. The paranoia and fear of being exposed, the adrenaline and pride with each successful mission, the pure exhaustion of the work she was doing. But despite all of that, she had drive and determination and wanted to make an impact in any way she could. She was a hero.

The author’s note at the end was touching and you could tell this subject was dear to her heart. She did Yvonne’s story great justice.

Thank you NetGalley and Recorded Books for the chance to listen to and review this audiobook.

I would absolutely recommend this book to all lovers of historical fiction, especially as this book is based on a true heroine of WWII

A fantastic book to read for #Womenshistorymonth. Based on a a true story with a strong female main character who helped to slow the Germans down during WWII. If you know her history, you will know the ending, but still worth reading for the suspense. Holocaust books are tough to stomach and this was no different. Another character with incredible faith to help the France gain back their strength by weakening the Nazis.

Yvonne was recruited as Britain's 1st female sabotage agent with the SOE- Special Operations Executive. Her bravery earned her notoriety to transport weapons and go unnoticed due to her size and age. She was considered "nameless and unstoppable burning the enemy at every turn." The fear of captivity is on every corner and not knowing who she can trust. It was a slow start, but so educational and worth knowing the history of her strength. Her strength comes at the loss of her marriage and her daughter is busy as an adult, leaving her feeling abandoned, so this was a forward step to do something good for the people.

I really enjoyed this story! This woman was incredible, and imagining that any of these things happened to her is just wild. The author did a great job of staying true to the details that she had a record of, and it ended up feeling genuine to the titular character. The one issue I had was with the jumps in time, but I think that was because I was listening to the audio version. Overall, a very interesting read with a lot of action.

Thank you Sourcebooks Landmark and Recorded Books for my #gifted copies of The Woman With No Name!

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐨 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐲 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐞
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫: 𝐀𝐦𝐲 𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐧
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟏𝟐, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

★★★★

The Woman With No Name is a meticulously researched WWII espionage story about Yvonne Rudellat, a real historical heroine who became the first woman to be trained as an undercover Special Operations Executive (SOE) agent in the war against the Nazis. If you are looking for a book with a strong female character, this is it! This book had it all! There was action and tension and I felt like this book flowed so well and was so difficult to put down once I started. The research that was put into this book is evident and I loved learning about an important historical figure.

I alternated between the physical book, and the Audiobook, narrated by Amy Scanlan. I listened to an audiobook narrated by Scanlon a few weeks ago, and was so excited when I saw that she would be narrating The Woman With No Name. Her performance was STELLAR and I highly recommend the audiobook! She was so dynamic and I truly loved my listening experience with Scanlon as the narrator.

★Historical Fiction
★Dual Timelines
★Special Operations Executive (SOE)
★Espionage
★Strong Female Character
★Based on A Real Historical Heroine

Posted on Goodreads on March 8, 2024: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/144922955?ref=nav_profile_l
**Posted on Instagram - Full Review- on or around March 12, 2024: http://www.instagram.com/nobookmark_noproblem
**Posted on Amazon on March 12, 2024
**-will post on designated date

I wanted to like this one so much! I read reviews and was so excited to read it--unfortunately, it fell flat for me. This book could not keep my attention.

This is now the third book I’ve read by this author duo. And the third book of theirs that I have loved! After a little bit of a slow start, I got dragged right into the story of Yvonne. This book is based mostly in fact and the amount of work she accomplished for the resistance is incredible. Yvonne was the first woman that the SOE trained and sent to France. Many of the other characters that you meet along her journey are also based on real people which really brings the story to life. I highly recommend this book! *4.5 stars*

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this book.

In this book about Yvonne Rudellat A.k.a. Jacqueline, we learn about the first female spy to enter the fray in World War II. The British government didn’t just send her to join the resistance but to create one in the villages in France where there were none. Despite being separated from her husband Alex she still lived in one of the rooms he let in his house along with her daughter Jackie and her husband and other tenants and it’s also the place she was sleeping or rather not sleeping when the bomb fell on the home. Before even getting started she faced death defying actions by the Nazis but that still doesn’t prepare her for the treachery and subterfuge she would be involved in as a silent warrior in Britain’s secret arsenal. In the book we learn she is brave picking up supplies so close to the Nazis and not knowing who to trust she did her best and her best was notable we also learned about the night the bomb fell her relationship with her estranged husband Alex and her married daughter Jackie and why Yvonne felt so left behind. I really thought I would enjoyed this book but I must admit and say I didn’t like the formatting and how distracting it was going from where she was to the recent past before she joined. I also want to say she was supposed to blend in it’s a why would this spy do the lotus position all over France at a time when no one knew what yoga was? After reading this book however I can honestly say I do admire Yvonne she was definitely a woman ahead of her time but her character in the book seemed kind of unlikable there are many examples but I will refrain because this book is still worth reading and I don’t want to negatively influence anyone when it really could just be me. There were some really great parts in the book it was just hard at times getting there. I always love Amy Scanlan‘s narration and she did a great job performing this book with the French accents the distinct male voices, she is a real professional and so I would definitely give her performance five stars but the book overall I’m giving three it is worth reading but not a book I was gaga four. I’d like to thank RB media and NetGalley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes I am blind and dictate my review.

Audrey Blake brings to life the extraordinary true story of courage and resilience in "The Woman With No Name." Set against the backdrop of World War II, this gripping novel follows Yvonne Rudellat, the first woman trained as a Special Operations Executive agent.

After losing everything in a bombing, Yvonne sees no purpose in life until fate presents her with a new opportunity. Despite skepticism and doubt from others, Yvonne defies expectations and embarks on a dangerous mission to aid the war effort. As she navigates treacherous territory and faces unimaginable challenges, Yvonne's determination and bravery shine through.

Based on real events, "The Woman With No Name" is a riveting tale of secrets, spies, and the courageous women of the Resistance. Audrey Blake's powerful storytelling captures the spirit of heroism and sacrifice, making this novel a must-read for fans of historical fiction and tales of extraordinary women.

Audrey Blake is quickly becoming a favorite author! The Girl in His Shadow is very different but also fantastic!

The Woman with No Name is based on a true story, and according to the author’s note, it contains more truth than fiction. So fascinating!

If you are looking for a clean spy novel showcasing an extraordinary woman, I Highly Recommend checking this out!

Based on a true story, Yvonne becomes the first female sabotage agent for Britain to go into France during WWII; she not only has to fight the Nazis but also her own male agents who don’t believe in her and some who actively are against her. As someone who has nothing to lose, she is exceptionally brave and does everything she can to fight for the allies.

I wish I could say I liked this one more than I did, but it was a really slow moving story. My personal taste is not to read so many battle-type scenes so maybe this one wasn’t for me in the end since so much of the book was about her missions. The audio was done well (I really liked the narrator) but the timelines kept jumping back and forth which led to a lot of confusion as to where in the novel I was; it was a bit easier when I was reading the book, but the time jumps were still a bit janky for me even then. I do think Yvonne’s life was interesting and I wish the book held that interest more for me.

3.5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and RB Media for the ARC to review

3.5/5 The audiobook was beautiful! The accents really brought the characters to life. It added so much to this story!

I enjoyed this story- but didnt fully connect with it. There is something missing. But it was overall great and would definitely reccomend to those who enjoy historical fiction!

This story swept you off your feet and really transported you to its time. Just beautiful. I would definitely reccomend it even if it wasn’t particularly my cup of tea! :)

I love to go into books blind. If the covers are pretty, like this one, or if the title grabs my attention, like this one. I will pick it up. Historical fiction is always a hit or miss for me. This one was a HIT. I was lucky enough to listen to this audio before it was released and I have a new found love for Amy Scanlon. It was beautifully written based off true events and absolutely deserves a spot on my trophy shelf. I am slightly sad even that it's a stand alone.

Amy was able to tell me a story without making it feel bland. The accent was beautiful American and French. I tend to read on 2x speed and was still able to understand her, pauses, chapter breaks. I could hear the difference in between characters. It was truly a wonderful listen.

Thank you Netgalley for the advance copy! I felt like I was right beside Yvonne as she worked as Britain's first female sabotage agent due to the details provided in this book. The book is historical fiction however, it's based on real-life Yvonne Rudellat. She didn't let any man show her up and wasn't afraid to take a stand. She takes the lead in motivating others in the resistance during WWII even showing people how to use rat bombs.

I don't usually read historical fiction however, this book had me sucked in and gripping to every word. It's very good and expertly written. This was my first Audrey Blake book however, it won't be my last!

Amy Scanlon did an amazing job narrating the audiobook! The narrator can truly make or break an audiobook, however, she was excellent at changing voices to match the characters making it seem more real.

Release day March 12, 2024

This was a really wonderful historical fiction story. I read plenty of WWII Fiction, and this was an extraordinary story of a truly tremendous life. I love to read historical fiction because I feel like it's important to continue learning, and well written books like this one, especially with well done authors notes to help establish fact from fiction, are such a great way to learn about new people, places and events. This book had me researching Yvonne's life and work, and I"m so thankful to know some of her story!

The Woman with No Name by Audrey Blake
Narrated by Amy Scanlon

I was aware of the work of Yvonne Rudellat during WWII because I have read so much about the women who were part of the SOE (Special Operations Executive) during this time. Yvonne, who chose the codename Jacqueline, so she'd always have her daughter's name with her, was the first SOE trained woman to go to France in order to help French Resistance groups by supplying them with weapons and equipment. One of the many unusual things about tiny Yvonne was her age, early forties, and for that reason, while her fellow men and women parachuted into France, Yvonne had to boat into France due to what the SOE considered "fragile bones".

Up until her notice by SOE, Yvonne had felt that her life was worthless and she was literally ready to end it when she drew the attention of a recruitment officer for the SOE. After passing all the hoops to be jumped to be allowed to train for the SOE, Yvonne excelled at certain skills such as bomb making and sabotage. Her determination to become a SOE agent had her going the extra mile in training, even doing what needed to be done to pass the swimming/water part of the training despite not knowing how to swim and being deadly afraid of water.

This story stays true to the real life people involved in Yvonne's life and I knew about so many of the people she worked with in France. In addition to what I knew, the story goes into detail about some of the little, but really so important things that Yvonne trained others to do in order to hinder the Germans in any way possible. Such resourcefulness in using what was a hand to make explosive devices and also Yvonne's willingness to place herself in sure danger, had her making headway against the enemy, as she trained others to do so, too.

Many times it seemed Yvonne and her cohorts were fighting not only the Germans but each other and those who should be on their side. The chance of discovery and capture was constant and Yvonne and her fake French husband/collaborator became known to and hunted by the Germans. Life was hard, Yvonne had only one set of clothes and underwear, not only was she doing the hard work of sabotage and training, she also spent lots of time sitting around wearing nothing, while her only set of ragged clothing was drying after being washed. So many little things such as this are brought to our attention and for the first time I feel like I have a much better understanding of Yvonne. There was nothing glamorous about the work of the SOE agents and although Yvonne kept reminding herself she was determined to live to the end of the war, she knew that the chances were slim and that she had a much greater chance of capture, and the horror that came with capture, by the ruthless Germans hunting for her.

The story is told in first person and Yvonne's story is taken from Yvonne's real life. I was aware of so much and it was hard to read this story, wanting things to end in a way that I knew could not take place because history was already written. Brave people putting themselves in such deadly situations but they were fighting for themselves and people who had lost everything and had no hope without the help of people like Yvonne. Her work and the sabotage she was doing put both herself and those around her in danger but that danger was ever present anyway, no matter what she did. Even after she could no longer teach others, she left them with tools to keep on fighting. Amy Scanlon does her usual fine job of narrating this story and brought Yvonne to life for me.

Thank you to RB Media, Recorded Books, and NetGalley for this ARC.

A beautifully done audiobook. The narration is splendid, giving tremendous voice to these characters.

I am not sure what didn’t wow me about this book. It had the makings of things I really enjoy. I just found that I wasn’t able to connect with the characters as well as I wanted to. There was a missing link that I still haven’t found.

This is a sweeping tale, filled with loss and hardship, and definite triumph. I would recommend this even though I didn’t absolutely love it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and RB Media for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review. This is narrated by Amy Scanlon who does a fantastic job! I highly recommend the audiobook if that is of interest!

Yvonne Rudellat (code name Jacqueline) is a middle-aged woman whose only daughter is married and lives in England. After a bomb is dropped on her apartment building, she makes the courageous decision to get involved. Having grown up in France, she joins the SOE to support the French resistance. Like so many women in WWII, she is underestimated by her family and cohorts fighting the war. Jacqueline leads a group of locals with a great deal of success.

I really enjoyed this well written and researched take on the females that fought alongside the men in the French resistance. This story is so very different from the usual WWII stories with the recounting of this woman teaching locals how to build rat bombs, and collecting supplies to be air dropped. Told in alternating timelines, it is a bit confusing but I stuck with the story and was glad I did so.

Highly recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley and RB Media for an ARC of this audiobook.

Books about “women of the Resistance” have had such a publication surge recently that the subject must surely come near the very top of the historical fiction category. This is a very positive development, because women did, in fact, play important roles, in greater numbers than most people know. Many of these, probably the majority, were women with no name, like Audrey Blake’s heroine Yvonne/Jacqueline.

Most of the Resistance members in this book, starting with Yvonne Rudellat, are real historical figures, and many of their exploits are based on actual events. The French-born Yvonne marries young to escape a domineering mother, only to find herself, soon after the birth of their daughter Jackie, regretting her selection of Alex, her rigid British husband. An attempt to return to France with their child and seek a divorce, much to her mother’s disapproval, ends in a near-tragedy that sends her, cowed and guilt-ridden, back to her London home. But her emotional estrangement with her husband and daughter continue on.

The story then moves nearly twenty years into the future. In 1942, the world is at war, her daughter is a married woman doing her bit for the auxiliary services, and the lonely Yvonne is sent away from every attempt to enlist because, a diminutive woman of 44, she is judged too old. Her home is blown up by a Nazi bombardment, although her family survives. Just as she is feeling despondent enough with her own seeming uselessness to think about jumping into the Thames, she is scouted by a Special Operations officer. She has skills the British need to turn the war around. She is non-descript, innocuous, “invisible,” fluently bilingual.

For Yvonne, there is no price too high for the opportunity to go to France to fight with the Resistance. She successfully completes training, with men, at a shabby Scottish estate, where their efforts to ‘test’ her only make her more determined. Quick-witted and attentive to minute detail, she becomes especially skilled with explosives. Upon graduation as one of the first female SOE operatives in the country, Yvonne carries a fake French passport that makes her 33 year old Jacqueline Gautier, borrowing her daughter’s name. Her first posting in France, under the supercilious and vacillating Raymond Flowers, is frustrating because she feels that she and her team are accomplishing little because of their incompetent leaders. She takes the reigns herself, guiding her small network through training and then strategic acts of sabotage, delay, and waste. Flowers feels threatened by her attempts to lead her own group, and their clashes grow to dangerous levels. But Jacqueline never backs down, even when the local Nazi officials and the collaborationist local police try to flush out the cell they know to be working in their midst.

The story is, as might be expected, suspenseful and intense, and it is told with attention to historical detail about the methods used on both sides. Many of these, as one of the British trainers informs them, are simply about killing them before they kill you. There is no space for moral nuances.

I found Jacqueline’s commitment to the notion that even small acts, carefully planned and carried out, can have major impact, especially interesting. Most Resistance stories involve major sabotage, such as taking out bridges and railway lines, and brutal torture and execution. These, of course, were real, but they are not the stuff of this book, which makes it stand out among the great library of others. The dual timeline is interesting, but with the switching between Jacqueline’s first-person perspective and the third-person viewpoint of Max the Nazi, as well as a fair number of transient characters, it’s frequently hard to keep things straight. The back and forth between her training in Scotland and her time in France, with flashbacks to the bombing of her family home that started it all for her, are interspersed, with only the dates to suggest when and where she is. Sometimes both the training and the “small acts” are prolonged and over-described, though the ending comes at great speed. That said, there are enough pluses about this woman’s story. And the author’s telling of it, to make it well worth reading.

Wow I can't imagine what this would be like. I don't think I could ever become a spy or to completely act the way she did to protect everyone at the end of everything. Such a great book.