A powerful story of finding hope in a world filled with so much hatred, fear and uncertainty, this is the heroic story of Audrey James who puts her life on the line to protect a friend as well as the lives of countless others while living in Berlin during WWII.

Told as a dual timeline point-of-view from the perspectives of Kate, a young woman who is trying to put her life back together after tragedy in 2010, and Audrey, a young pianist trying to finish her musical studies in 1938 Berlin, both timelines were well-written and engaging, seamlessly blending together to tell the story. The WWII timeline will pull you in with heart-pounding moments as we watched once beautiful Berlin fall victim to Hitler’s machinations as the civilians braced for war.

Based on the accounts of real-life women during World War Two, Audrey’s character is a composite of several women, one a Canadian, who fought to eradicate the evil that surrounded them. Quite simply, Audrey’s story brought me to tears. It is a story of love, perseverance, strength, cunning, friendship, loyalty, devotion, deceit, survival, and resilience as she works to save the life of her best friend Ilse.

Thrilling, poignant, and heartfelt, this is a novel that WWII historical fiction readers will thoroughly enjoy with characters that will stay with them for a long time to come. Thank you to @netgalley and @simonschusterca for the advance #drc of this beautiful novel by #canadianauthor Heather Marshall.

Available June 4, 2024. I’m looking forward to reading more by @heathermarshallauthor

#canadianauthor #heathermarshall #netgalley #simonandschustercanada #simonandschuster #femalewriter #femaleauthor #strongfemalecharacters #wwii #wwiiresistance #resistance #historicalfiction #historicalwwiifiction #thesecrethistoryofaudreyjames #redorchestra #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookgeek #booknerd #secretlife

You don't want to miss this book.

Berlin 1938 - 1945
Audrey James loves the Kaplan family. Ilse had been her friend since childhood, and when her father was killed by the Gestapo and her mother and brother were taken away during a roundup, Audrey did everything to protect her Jewish friend. Soon, Ilse's house was confiscated by Nazi officers. Audrey volunteered to be their housemaid. She lived with Nazis under the same roof keeping Ilse hidden in the attic. Her life was put in an even more dangerous position when Audrey became involved with the Red Orchestra resistance, where she carried out dangerous activities aimed at killing Hitler.

Oakwood, England 2010
Kate Marcel, perhaps a bit on impulse, leaves London and moves to the town where her parents spent their honeymoon. Last year, her parents died in a car accident, and she lives with sadness and guilt. In this idyllic place, she works for an elderly woman full of secrets.

After reading just a few pages of the prologue, where a woman wearing one shoe walks down the street and falls when a Canadian soldier catches her, I knew this was going to be a heartbreaking novel.

This book has two timelines, both are equally gripping and contain painful yet wonderful stories that will be woven together in amazing way. The war scenes were described so vividly that I felt as if everything was happening before my eyes.
This is the second book written by Audrey James. I haven't read the first book yet, but those who have probably know what an incredibly good writer she is.

It is a story about love and sacrifice for a friend. A breathtaking story of friendship, war and resistance that will remain in your memory long after you finish reading this book.

Last year I read Looking for Jane and I have been eagerly keeping my eyes out for @heathermarshallauthor next book ever since.
This time around however I was able to get The Secret Life of Aubrey James a little early and review it!
1938-Aubrey has been living with her best friend, Ilse’s family, the Kaplan’s while she completes her music studies at a prestigious Berlin institute. But Berlin is quickly becoming a place where her chosen family is no longer safe. When the Kaplan’s are taken and Ilse is spared due to happenstance Audrey vows she will do everything in her power to keep Ilse safe. A vow that is soon tested when the family home is confiscated by high ranking officials in the party. An opportunity for Audrey to join an anti-Hitler movement is presented and grabbed in hopes the mad man can be stopped before more lives are lost to his hateful policies.
2010 Kate’s marriage is over and her life is in shambles. Looking for a fresh start she accepts a position at a guest house in northern England. But the proprietor, Aubrey, was not the person that hired her and wants nothing to do with a new administrator.
I loved this book. Aubrey is a character that has so many layers and watching them peel back as the book progresses is delightful. This is when I hate reviewing books because some of my absolute most favourite parts are spoilers so I can’t go on and on about them here but what I can say is she will tug at your heart strings and is a testament to love and devotion.
I enjoyed every page of this book. If historical fiction about unsung hero’s and woman who break the mould are something your are interested in I highly recommend picking this one up when it hits shelves June 4 2024
Thank you to @netgalley and @simonschusterca for letting me be apart of spreading the word on this beautiful story.
#bookstagram #bookrecommendations #bookreview #historicalfiction #bookworm #bookstagrammer #booklover #booknerds #readersoffiction #readersofinstagram #readersofig #readersofinsta #readallthebooks #readeveryday #readmorebooks #reading #bookcommunity

From the very first page of The Secret History of Audrey James, Heather Marshall hooked me with her intricate storytelling and richly developed characters. Set against the backdrop of both contemporary and historical settings, the story explores the life of its enigmatic protagonist, Audrey James during WWII. The dual timelines add a layer of depth to the narrative, seamlessly blending Audrey’s present-day endeavors with the mysteries of her past. Marshall’s ability to create a vivid sense of time and place is truly remarkable, immersing readers in the different eras with stunning detail. The contemporary story has a wonderful parallel to the WWII story, making the novel even more compelling. Another exceptional read from Heather Marshall!!

4.5 stars
A gripping dual timeline historical novel about a young British/German pianist living in Berlin on the cusp of World War II who risks everything to help a friend.

The earlier timeline begins in Berlin in 1938 when Audrey James is living with her best friend Ilse Kaplan's family while she completes her studies at a prestigious music school. Audrey's father insists that she return to England as he's convinced that war will soon break out but Audrey is reluctant to leave before graduation and dreads leaving Ilse behind as her family has already been targeted by Nazis. After Kristallnacht, the elegant Kaplan home is confiscated by Nazi officers and a desperate Audrey agrees to work as their housekeeper while Ilse hides upstairs in the attic. Another shocking turn of events leads to Audrey joining a cell of anti-Hitler resistance putting herself at great risk as they attempt to stop Hitler and his relentless march toward war in Europe.

In the second 2010 timeline, Kate Mercer leaves London after a tragic accident to take a position at an inn in Alnwick in the north of England where she hopes to heal from her loss. As the two women grow closer, the inn's elderly proprietor shares long-held secrets and Kate also begins to unravel her own past.

This well-written and thoroughly researched story was inspired by real life events and people including a Canadian woman who worked with the resistance during World War II and was imprisoned and sentenced to death by the Nazis. I love how this author is committed to sharing the untold stories of women throughout history. I wasn't sure that it was possible to cover any untouched ground in World War II historical fiction, however, in this novel, the main character becomes involved with a cell of the Anti-Nazi resistance group in Germany known as the Red Orchestra. Among the plethora of books that I have read set during World War II, I can only remember one other that explored the resistance movement that existed in Germany.

I loved the author's previous book, Looking for Jane, and this one was even better! I hadn't heard of the Red Orchestra prior to reading this novel and didn't know much about resistance efforts within Germany so enjoyed reading about an unfamiliar aspect of World War II. The Secret History of Audrey James is a captivating and suspenseful pageturner that shines a light on the actions of courageous women who risked everything for those they loved during World War II. It's an emotional (and action-packed) story of friendship, love, hardship, loss and healing that is heartbreaking yet also heartwarming - this is historical fiction at it's best and I couldn't put it down!

Be sure to read the excellent author's note at the end of the book for further information on her research for this novel and how her own family history ties into the story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Shuster Canada for sending an ARC of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

2024 will go down as the year I truly sank into my (re-discovered) love of historical fiction. I have so much to say about The Secret History Of Audrey James by Heather Marshall, but I'll start with how it is now my favourite book of the year, easily beating out The Women! Be prepared for my heart to bleed into this review.

While mostly taking place during the lead up to WWII, this story is handled properly and with the utmost respect; it's not preachy, or political - instead, it is incredibly diplomatic. Admittedly, chapter one took me a minute to work out the characters and the language, but by chapter three I was beyond invested in Audrey's story. I was already crying at page 36, which was utterly heartbreaking to read. The initial connection of Kate and Audrey's timelines was not withheld, meaning this aspect of the book took a back seat to the main plot, allowing it to shine at center stage. Although I had cried previously, and teared up countless times, page 395 broke the levy keeping my tears at bay; I felt incredibly seen by the last paragraph on this page.

Marshall's writing is extremely consistent; her convictions are again represented strongly within this book. She is skilled at not being preachy, just matter of fact. Everything Marshall adds is deliberate, thought-out yet subdued, managing to get the point across like a whisper rather than yelling. Her writing wraps you in love while sharing heartbreaking stories.

Borrowing words from my review of Looking For Jane (which are equally as well suited here):
I was yet again reminded just how much I love historical fiction after finishing this truly special book; with every page I turned, I could tell the countless hours of research that went into creating it. Marshall is clearly SO passionate about the stories she chooses to write; evidently a labour of love.

I'll be singing Marshall's praises time and time again, so do yourself a favour and pre-order this incredible book!

Thank you NetGalley, Tandem Collective Global and Simon & Schuster Canada for the complimentary copies to read and review.

Another huge, page-turning hit from Canadian author Heather Marshall. Her debut, Looking for Jane was one of my favorite books of 2022 and I was nervous about how her second book could live up to such an incredible first story. I needn't have been concerned however because Audrey was as moving and heartbreaking with some great unexpected twists and fully three-dimensional, strong female characters.

WWII historical fiction lovers and fans of authors like Genevieve Graham, Kristen Harmel and Kate Quinn will not want to miss this new dual timeline story set in late 1930s and 1940s Berlin and early 2010s England.

Unlike many novels set in this period, the story focuses on the life of Germans during the war and the horrific trials endured by the Jewish people - the Kaplan family in particular as well as the various resistance groups who were operating to circumnavigate the Nazi regime.

I loved that there was a strong element of female friendship, courage and bravery in the face of the Nazi horrors and a beautiful unrequited Sapphic love story. This story also has a real-life Canadian connection and personal aspects of the author's own family history woven throughout making it doubly special.

HIGHLY recommended and sure to be another bestseller. I can't recommend this newest book enough. Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Canada for access to an early digital copy and for sending me a beautiful physical ARC copy. Be sure to read the author's note included at the end too!

I absolutely loved Looking for Jane last year and I was so excited to be granted an advanced copy of this one. However, I went in blind and did not realize this one is a world war story.
I’m new to historical fiction and need a compelling story/piece of history to draw me in and unfortunately the war is not it.
I think a lot of people will love this because the authors signature writing style is present however it’s not for me.

This book is a beautiful, heartbreaking and hopeful love letter to friendship, love and the human spirit.

The Secret History of Audrey James is told over two time periods – that of WWII, where we follow Audrey James as she navigates the horrors of the war, as well as the early 2010’s, where we follow Kate Mercer, a woman who has just lost everything and is searching for connection and meaning again. As the women’s pasts come together throughout the novel, we get a glimpse at the power of love, courage and friendship.

Audrey James is a character that will live in my head for a long time to come – what she had to overcome, what she did, how she felt. She is living in Berlin with her best friend, Ilse, and Ilse’s family, when the war breaks out. Ilse’s entire family is taken, and Audrey has to hide her friend in order to keep her safe. As Ilse lives in the attic of her own home, SS officers take residence, and Audrey has to fabricate a story that will not only allow her to stay in the home and keep Ilse hidden, but also to keep them both alive. When she eventually becomes a member of a resistance group, she has to do unimaginable things – sacrificing so much along the way. Kate Mercer will also live on for me – a relatable woman who has lost so much, who blames herself for everything and who is lost and desperate to find her way. When she makes her way to a remote Inn for a new job, she finds the owner, Audrey James, to be a challenge. But, along the way, she learns more about Audrey, finds ways to love again and makes an incredible discovery.

I love this novel – I read a lot of historical fiction as it is one of my favorite genres, so saying that this book is going to be one of my favorites of the year means a lot. The writing was beautiful, the characters flawed and realistic. They will inevitably find a way into your heart. The depictions of the war are heartbreaking, the details woven seamlessly in to paint a picture of both horror and hope. The bravery, the courage and the incredible power of love and compassion come through, and it is both awe-inspiring and unforgettable. The two timelines are woven together perfectly, and I enjoyed them both so much. I never found myself hurrying through one to get to another. I highly recommend this novel to anyone looking for a phenomenal WWII story.

The Secret History of Audrey James is compelling read that will have you reading long into the night.

The story is told in dual timelines: Berlin before and during the war and in Scotland in the 2000's where Kate meets Audrey .

During and before the war Audrey living with her best friends family who happen to be Jewish. When the Nazi's regime is taking over tragedy strikes .

Circumstances have Audrey hiding her best friend in the attic and joining the resistance.

Tension is on every page that will have you holding your breath.

Kate meets Audrey who is now in her 90's and both have tragic stories to tell.

Heather Marshall has done a remarkable job drawing the reader in and keeping their attention as they feel every emotion the characters do.

The Secret History of Audrey James is bound to be a Book Club Selection .

Historical fiction at its best.

Please take time to read the author's notes as they add another dimension to the story.

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada, Simon & Schuster for a book I will certainly thing about for a long time

The Secret History of Audrey James is a gripping novel about a pianist in Berlin on the cusp of WWII and a choice she makes that echoes across generations.

If you enjoyed Looking For Jane or love historical fiction, you’ll want to read this one. It was inspired by two courageous women and the German resistance and set during WWII. Again, Marshall showcases women and causes that have been lost to history and examines the aftermath of tragedy/trauma and how we grow from it and forge a new path ahead.

This dual timeline features Kate Mercer in Northern England, 2010 and Audrey James in Berlin 1938.

I appreciated an examination of:

💜 fresh starts
💜 how love sometimes challenges what we believe
💜 how difficult it is to outrun our bad decisions
💜 the power of a question mark to set in motion events that change EVERYTHING
💜 what it means to be a survivor
💜 the chasm that develops between the people who have and haven’t seen the war
💜 the danger of self-loathing and the difficulty in breaking through it to experience love

A quote that gave me pause:
- “A person could feel the weight of the Third Reich.”

Something I Googled to learn more:
- North Nova Scotia Highlanders

Passage I loved:
- exploring other people’s book collections and what it says about them

This will be another winner for this author! Don’t miss out. Each time I set this book down, I couldn’t wait to pick it up again.

I was gifted this copy by Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

Another amazing novel by Heather Marshall! This is one of my most anticipated reads for 2024. This book drew me in quickly and kept me wanting to pick it up again. There is so much depth to the characters and character development. Audrey’s story is the main focus of the novel but having Kate’s interwoven in there and eventually being the one recording it really helped develop the story further. I got really attached to each of the characters in this story. The ending was perfect, exactly what it needed!

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for the ARC.

I have to admit, I wasn’t sure I wanted to read yet another World War II book. For the first several pages, it seemed like there was nothing that hadn’t been told before, but then the story took a turn and it became something else entirely. I should have known. This is the second novel from this author who focuses on fictionalized accounts of the real life plights of women. This one is based on the true story of Mona Parsons, a Canadian Nazi resister and a network called the Red Orchestra. I had never heard of either.

It is very evident that a lot of research went into writing this book to create the atmosphere, vividness and the emotions that exude from the pages.

This story focuses a lot on chance and its effect on the events that happen in our lives. It’s an exploration of guilt and how we deal with it. Told in a dual timeline, Audrey and Kate have both suffered in life’s game of chance and have blamed themselves for what transpired. This is their story of resilience.

Thank you NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Canada for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

🎧Song Pairing: Only Hope by Mandy Moore (hello best forgotten song ever)

💭What I thought would happen:

Did I drop everything the second I got approved? Yes. Looking For Jane was my favourite book of 2022 and you know I don’t give you 5 stars like Oprah. I don’t know what this is about but she could literally have a list of her favourite shows and I’d read it 😂

📖What actually happens:

1938 Germany - nazi flags are everywhere and Audrey is worried. The family she lives with whom she has known and loved from birth are Jewish. Audrey wants to protect her best friend Ilse and the rest of the Kaplans.

2010 London - Kate is getting a divorce and has no idea what to do with her life since her accident. She decides to retrace her parents travel steps and happens upon a quaint inn where she meets Audrey.

🗯Thoughts/sassy musings:

Well damn, I didn’t really want it to be a WWII historical fiction because well there are so many and I wanted more Canadian history. But that’s ok! I still very much loved. She hit the weepy button with an aggressive push.

I love the colliding worlds between the past and present. GOOSEBUMPS! I was leaking out of my eyeballs at 10%. It was a shock so early on 😱

Audrey + Ilse their friendship and the unrequited romantic love….❤️‍🩹

In her notes Heather says her next book is set in 1960s Toronto and it’s about women’s mental health and incarceration…HOLY SHIT DO I WANT THAT BOOK NOW!

The Secret History of Audrey James is an incredible sophomore novel from Heather Marshall. In this dual timeline, dual perspective novel we meet Audrey James who begins the book as a student in 1938, weeks away from graduating from a prestigious music school in Berlin, soon to return to her father in England. Audrey was born in Berlin but had moved with her father back to his home in England some years before and following her return to Berlin has been living in the home of her Jewish best friends family, who we quickly see torn apart by the Nazi regime. In 2010, we meet Kate who has just suffered the loss of her parents and her marriage and is looking for a fresh start. She applies for a new job, which takes her from London to Northern England to work at an old guest house owned by Audrey, now in her 90s. Audrey who at first is apprehensive of Kate’s arrival, soon starts to open up and tell Kate about her time during the war. Through Audrey’s re-telling of her experiences we learn of Audrey’s work with the German resistance during WWII and the incredible lengths she takes to try and save her best friend, Ilse. This is a story about love, friendship. sacrifice, loss and healing. The author has an incredible way with words and I’m already excited for the next novel as well as re-reading this one, once it releases.

Thank you to the publisher, Simon & Schuster Canada, NetGalley and the author for an eARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.