I started out listening to this as an audio book, which I generally don’t do, and finished reading it in hard copy. I had trouble connecting with the characters at first. Teddy Hardigan is dictating his memoir to Karen, his scribe, and herself a victim of the Holocaust. It seemed more like non/fiction as he was telling his story. When I switched the format, I felt more emotionally invested in the characters. I’m not sure if that was a result of the author’s writing or that I connected more through reading their words, but I am amazed that there are still more stories to learn involving the Holocaust. I am a big fan of Ronald Balson and I appreciate he communicates history through his fiction. This is a very worthwhile read and I recommend it strongly.

Loved both the book and audiobook here! One of my favorite historical fiction writers. Narrator was great!

I voluntarily listened to the audiobook provided by NetGalley.

A Place to Hide (Hardcover)
by Ronald H. Balson
A remarkable story of an American Consulate in the Netherlands beginning before the World War 2. After a stressful story of trying to deal with immigration and the limits proposed by congress, before the war. The struggle against the ideology of the Isolationist, and complicated nature of diplomacy. The story shows many of the secret provisions of the Nazis. The connection of the American consulate and the Jewish community in the Netherlands shows how the change of mentality in the country. The students would change the process of the people hiding the Jews of Netherlands. The people would begin hiding them from the Nazis.

What a remarkable book! This book will be an inspiring addition to Holocaust literature.
Teddy Hartigan, a wealthy American diplomat, has been assigned to work in the American Consulate in Amsterdam just prior to advent 0f World War II. So many people are trying to escape Europe with the rise of Hitler and seek help from Teddy and the Americans.
Balson does a perfect job conveying the angst and desperation of those seeking to escape and of those, like Teddy and his entourage, who desperately want to save those begging for their lives. The story juxtaposes the best of humanity alongside the worst. The fear and despair are palpable throughout the story as it builds and builds. It left me wondering, as always, how human beings can behave the way they did.
The writing was exceptional.
The narrator did an outstanding job, The obvious research and details were above and beyond. A big thank you to the author for detailing such a contemptible time in the history of mankind

This was a really interesting story. I did not know a lot about how children were separated from siblings, and how that impacted their futures during world war 2.

Add in that Teddy had such first hand experience with the war in Europe, and that really gives nuance to the story.

I really like this narrator, and I will definitely see what other books he has narrated.

While not my favorite book, I did like this, and I think others will as well.

Updated Sept 2024. The advance listen version of A Place To Hide became available and my request to listen was approved. I thought the cover looked familiar, but I had forgotten that I had already read this book a mere 5 months ago. Well, I was just as entranced the second time and I thought the audio version of A Place to hide was extremely well done. Fred Berman did an excellent job narrating this audiobook; especially by transitioning seamlessly between two very different voices (a) Teddy Hartigan (is assigned to work in the US Consulate in Amsterdam in 1939) who has an amazing recall of facts and events for a 90+ year old and (b) Karyn who is a journalist looking for her sister that she was separated from. They agree to help each other. Teddy wants his memoirs captured for his family; that he has avoiding telling his story to all these years, and Karyn who is looking for help finding her sister. I loved A Place to Hide in April 2024 and I loved the audiobook just as much in Sept 2024. Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audo for the opportunity to listen to the advance read version of A Place To Hide in exchange for an honest review. The audio is nearly 11 hours. Publication date is Sept 17, 2024.

Below is original review from April 2024 for the ebook.
Currently at 25% … but when I’m enjoying a book I like to provide partial reviews and updates. I’ve already skipped ahead to read the authors note. I’m so drawn in by A Place to Hide … I had to find out if any parts were based on actual events. Pretty sure this is going to be a 5 star read for me.

Finished A Place to Hide today. Very, very highly recommended! Teddy wants his memoir recorded (at 90+ years old), Karyn is a journalist and looking to find her sister. They barter.

Many thanks to NetGalley, especially for (yet once again, introducing me to a “new to me” author). Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher St. Martin’s Press for approving my request to read the advance review copy of A Place to Hide in exchange for an honest review. Ronald H. Balson … great read! Nicely done!

Whenever Ronald H. Balson writes a new book I get excited! I have either read or listened to every book that he has written. His attention to different aspects of World War II history always surprises me because he always manages to include a little known fact of something that I was not aware of before reading his book. A Place to Hide brought his readers to the Netherlands during World War II. Although I was aware of some of the things that the Netherlands went through during WWII, Ronald H. Balson was able to incorporate new information as well. It is always refreshing the way Ronald H. Balson chooses to tell his story. His characters came alive in A Place to Hide and the reader was able to feel their skepticism, fear, frustration and hopes. It was hard to put this book down once I started listening to it. The narrator, Fred Berman, was excellent and kept me engaged from start to finish.

Theodore Hartigan, better known as Teddy to all that knew him, came from a distinguished family with ties to the White House and State Department. Teddy and his family lived in Washington D. C. area as did his steady girlfriend who he hoped to get engaged to very soon. He had high expectations about his career path in the State Department. When Teddy was asked to travel to the Netherlands to take over a position at the U. S. Consulate in Amsterdam his whole life changed in an instant. His girlfriend tried to talk him out of going. When she saw he was determined to follow orders, she refused to go with him and proceeded to end their plans for marriage. Teddy was devastated but proceeded with his orders. When Teddy arrived in Amsterdam, he found himself in charge of processing the immigrants who were seeking asylum in countries that were not threatened by Nazi rule. Unfortunately, Teddy soon learned that those countries like the United States and Britain had quotas and those quotas were already filled before Teddy even arrived. Thankfully, the Netherlands was a neutral country and the people of the Netherlands believed that the Nazis would respect their status. As history shows, the Nazis were not inclined to follow what others believed in. The Nazis invaded the Netherlands regardless of their position of neutrality and imposed sanctions, round-ups and death to the Jewsish people that lived in the Netherlands. Teddy remained in Amsterdam even when he was encouraged to leave. His courage, bravery, determination and dedication to the Jewish people, especially its children, while he was in Amsterdam, went well beyond the boundaries of his position and his own resources. His dedication and accomplishments were exemplary.

Teddy Hartigan was now a ninety-two year old man living in an assisted living facility in the Washington D. C. area. It was 2002. Teddy had expressed his desire to find someone who would help him write his memoir so that his children and grandchildren would learn all that he had done during World War II. Teddy was ready to tell his story. His cousin had made the acquaintance of a former journalist who was also a Holocaust survivor while he was in Israel on business. Karyn, the former journalist, told Teddy’s cousin that she and her sister had been living in a children’s orphanage in Amsterdam during World War II. Both her sister and Karyn had been placed with different families and saved from the atrocities the Nazis were planning on carrying out. Unfortunately, Karyn lost track of her sister but truly believed that she was still alive. Karyn had never given up hope for finding her sister someday. She made a deal with Teddy’s cousin that day. If Teddy would help Karyn find her sister, she would listen to his story and write his memoir. Neither Teddy nor Karyn could have imagined what would transpire between them as Teddy revealed his story piece by piece.

A Place to Hide by Ronald H. Balson was captivating, heartfelt and inspiring. It is often hard for Holocaust survivors to tell their stories. The pain, loss and suffering that they endured was not something that they could talk about easily. Their fears, memories thru learned to suppress and anger prevented these people from speaking out. Teddy’s story was equally as compelling as others that had lived through this horrific time in history. He bravely put his life in danger to help others, especially young Jewish children. These stories must continue to be told. We must never forget.

Ronald H. Balson was able to provide detailed information about the events that led up to the Nazi invasion of the Netherlands, the way life changed for the Jews of Amsterdam and how good Christian families stood up and helped and saved their fellow citizens from Nazi oppression and persecution. A Place to Hide was well written, impeccably researched and touched every one of my emotions. I highly recommend A Place to Hide by Ronald H. Balson if you enjoy reading/listening to historical fiction about World War II.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of A Place to Hide by Ronald H. Balson through Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

While I enjoyed this heartbreaking book, this was probably one of my least favorites of Balson’s. With that said, this is still a very important story to be shared. Told in interview style between non-Jewish Theodore “Teddy” who was stationed in Amsterdam at the US Consulate during WWII and Karyn, a holocaust survivor, who is writing his memoir for his grandchildren. Teddy falls in love with a Jewish girl, Sarah, and so begins his journey of trying to save Jewish people. Parts of this were very factual, the writing was very detailed in the events that occurred. I did find the second half of the book to be more personable than the first. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was believable in presenting this story. If you enjoy historical fiction, this is a must read.

These stories are needed more than ever. Never Again. Never Again is now.

Every WWII book I have read has given me a different perspective on the war, and this book was no different. I truly enjoyed this book! It was my first book by Ronald H. Balson, and it won’t be my last. I actually wanted this book to keep going, to hear about Teddy’s life post-war. I really wish there had been an author’s note after this book to hear more about his research.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for my advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest feedback.

In 1939, Theodore "Teddy" Hartigan is reassigned from his comfortable job at the State Department in Washington DC to the US Consulate in Amsterdam. His job is to process visa applications and, as Hitler sweeps through Europe, refugees become even more desperate to secure safe passage to America. As the situation in Europe becomes more dire, Teddy realizes that he holds the key to saving lives. Risking his own security, he makes the dangerous decision to join the resistance and help those with no other avenue of escape.

In 2002 Karyn Sachnoff encounters Burt Franklin, a cousin to Teddy Hartigan, in Tel Aviv and eventually agrees to meet with Teddy and record his memories of his time in the Netherlands. In return Teddy will make enquiries about Karyn's sister Annie from whom she was separated when they were very young.

I was lucky enough to have a copy of the audiobook as well as the e-book and alternated the two versions. I think I prefer the audiobook but both were very good. Fred Berman did a great job as narrator of the audiobook and I was able to picture 92-year-old Teddy in my mind. His story is told to Karyn and, as interesting as it was, it was like a non-fiction memoir which I suppose is the point since it's based on real facts. As someone else mentioned there's not much description of location or even of what the characters looked like. Nevertheless it was a look at how the German occupation affected people in a different country than those we usually associate with WWII. I'm not sure I was even aware that residents in the Netherlands suffered from the German invasion as much as they did. There were some new-to-me names of Nazi officials and they were all despicable. I had tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat by the end. I'm rating this 4.5 stars rounded down but I think a different format, more showing than telling, would've increased it to a 5.

My thanks to Macmillan Audio for providing a copy of the audiobook via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: September 17, 2024

I am a huge Ronald Balson fan, so take this with a grain of salt... but this was my lease favorite of his books. I did not find myself engaged from page one or overly invested in the characters or what happened to them. I found many parts of this book to be slow - it felt like not enough was happening despite a lot happening. I think I would have enjoyed the story more if it were from Sara's perspective. All that being said, I am yet again blown away by the research that went into this story. I have not read a ton about what happened in Amsterdam during the second World War. It was interesting to learn about an American working in Amsterdam who was in a relationship with a Jewish woman and parenting an orphaned Jewish girl. Although I did not love the characters and their day to day life, I LOVED the historical part of the story - anyone who likes history, definitely try this.
Thank you netgalley for my advanced reader copies.

This was a very good audio. The Narrator did such a good job. He was able to pull me in and hold my attention throughout.

I've never read any of this author's books. I've also never read about Holland during WW2. This author did a great job of capturing my attention and holding it throughout this sad story. Based on actual events that happened during the Nazi's occupation of Holland and what happened to the Jewish people who had lived there peacefully up until this point.

There are a few major characters in this book: Theodore "Teddy" Hartigan, Karyn Sachnoff, Sara Rosenbaum, Julia Powers, and Saul and Deborah Rosenbaum. A few secondary characters.

Teddy is telling this story to Karyn. He lived it and she is writing it for him. Teddy promised to help Karyn look for her sister Annie. Karyn and her sister were separated when the Nazi's started taking people. Some children were adopted by good and decent people and their names changed. Karyn and her sister Annie were among the adopted children. Teddy is a very old man of 92 living in an assisted living facility who wants his story told. His grandchildren and other people need to know what he did and what happened during the time he worked in Amsterdam in the US Consulate.

This story is set in 2002 Silver Spring, Maryland, but the story being told is set back in 1938- and set in Holland. Teddy is telling this story. It is a setting that I've not read before and I've read quite a few historical books. While this is a fiction book it is based on actual events that happened during this time. You get to know Teddy and Sara. They become a couple. Sara is a Jewish woman. They met when Julia, a coworker of Teddy's, talks him into going out one New Years to celebrate. He had lost who he thought was the love of his life when he took the job. He is a U. S. citizen.

This is a very emotional story in many places. A love story also. The love between Teddy and Sara. How they worked to help save Jews from being sent to camps. Rounded up and taken from their homes. And the children. Oh my what they did to these children. I haven't read about this part either. The Nazi's hated Jews so bad that they sent children to death camps because they were useless. Loud and cost to much to keep. The ones old enough to work were spared. Old people were sent to the death camps also. In this story you learn about a group that helped place many of these children in homes. They were adopted and saved from slaughter. They never saw their biological families again though. It was tough I'm sure on the parents and the children but they loved their babies enough to give them up. To let them live.

Teddy tells a story here that will definitely make you weep in places. The love between he and Sara is so strong. The friendships they make are unforgettable. Teddy was a strong man who only wanted to help. Now he tells his story.

This book is fiction but based on actual facts. Well researched and written. I'm so glad I read this one. I learned things and that is always good.

Thank you #NetGalley, #StMartinsPress, for this ARC. This is my own true thoughts about this book.

Five big stars.

This was an amazing story from front cover to back cover. The entire time I was hoping to see the outcome. I so badly wanted them to be connected, but they were a heart warming connection all the same!

Present Day Washington DC and 1938-1941 Netherlands

Engaging and filled with history, this fictional tale with historical details unfolds through the voice of Teddy Hartigan who gets nearly forced into a position at the US Consulate in Amsterdam. Over time he comes to love the country and its people. Teddy's career and life events bring history alive on the pages.

The ending is realistic and as heartwarming as a WWII novel can be.

Nice job by the narrator Fred Berman.

This powerful story reveals the bravery, dedication, and hope of individuals in the Netherlands during World War II, shedding light on a lesser-known chapter of history. Initially believing in their neutrality, the Dutch were abruptly thrust into chaos when Germany invaded on May 10, 1940, aiming to establish an airfield. This invasion endangered the country’s 140,000 Jewish citizens, leading to the creation of hiding places that ultimately saved over 30,700 Jews, including 700 children.

The narrative centers on an American consulate worker who, despite the risks, chose to stay in the Netherlands during this perilous time. The book highlights the courageous efforts of small groups of people who risked their lives to shelter and save Jews, particularly children, in Nazi-occupied Holland. While a historical fiction it feels like a memoir-type portrayal of the wartime Netherlands (in the very best way) with a compelling narrator. The story interweaves real historical figures and their contributions, allowing readers to witness the profound bravery of those who made a difference amid unimaginable horror, ultimately saving countless lives.

The audiobook is so well done! I will be looking for more titles read by Fred Berman in the future.

Teddy’s Decision

Ted Hartigan had a good life with a job with the government and a fiancée. However, his job wasn’t challenging enough and he wanted to do something more. When the job came up to be the job comes open to work in the U.S. consulant in Amsterdam he jumps at the chance, even though his fiancée is not keen on the idea.

Once Ted starts working in Amsterdam, his fiancée finds someone else and then Ted meets sara and he knows he has found his soulmate.

When Hitler starts taking over countries and Ted hears of the atrocities the Nazi’s are forcing on people he is horrified. He sees long lines at the consulate and he can do nothing to help as the U.S. Immigrant quota is pages and thousands of people already on the waiting list. He wonders what can he do to help.

This is when Ted joins the resistance and uses his job to help those in need as best he can. He often feels helpless and frustrated with the system.
I can imagine long lines of people, long hours at the consulate and knowing his hands are tied would lead anyone to be frustrated and saddened.

I liked the story of Ted and Sara and little Katy the orphan girl. It is a sad story, but a good story. It was sad that our country was not sympathetic to the Jewish people when Hitler was murdering them, and now everyone and anyone can come to the U.S. and just walk across the border. It was a sad time then and it is a sad time now.

I like the compassion that Ted had for the people coming to the consulate and for the orphans and the children that Sara and Ted saved that would have perished with their parents on the death trains and in the Nazi death camps. They risked their lives to save innocent children and this was very courageous.

It was a good story and the characters were believable and true to life. They were brave and courageous. I enjoyed reading this story and I would recommend it .

I received a copy of the book for free to read. The review is my own.

TW: The holocaust, but nothing is described in too much detail. You are involved in resistance activities mainly in Amsterdam and the Netherlands.

This book broke my heart so many times and in the best way possible. This book is a hard read, but an important one and a good one.

This reads like an interview in a magazine/newspaper combined with an autobiography, which is 100% the intention of the author, but I found it very fun to read.

The two main characters are lovely, and I loved getting to know them and their stories. The Teddy you meet at the beginning of the book is not the one at the end, and the way that only someone like Karen (spelling may be wrong, I read the audiobook) could go through this story with him is so powerful. You feel the burden of the experience with him as he tells it, and all the regrets he has, and see that redeemed in her vision of the experience and story.

This book is phenomenal, and I recommend it for anyone who likes historical fiction or autobiographies. Bring tissues though. Especially towards the end.

I love how this story unfolded! Teddy, is telling his story to a reporter in exchange for finding out who she is. She was sent to safety as a baby during the war. She knows nothing about herself. Teddy has connections and wants to leave behind his story for his grandchildren.

This is a unique tale told in two different time lines. It has lots of history that I had no idea about. Y’all know this is my favorite time period. But the setting of Amsterdam in the war is unusual. I did not know a lot of details of what happened in this area of the world.

Teddy works for the US consulate and he is in charge of all the visa applications. So, you can just imagine that his job is stressful. He ends up falling in love with a young Jewish girl and they have adopted an abandoned child. This leads them to help hide quite a few children when they are invaded by the Nazis. So, emotions run rampant in this novel.

The only reason for the four star rating is that I felt the ending was rushed. I wanted a bit more. This is minor, it just didn’t quite feel finished.

The narrator, Fred Berman, did an excellent job. There are quite a few different characters throughout this novel and he had a unique voice for every one.

Need a good WWII novel set in Amsterdam…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

You know how some historical fiction is heavy on the story and light on the actual history (and sometimes the timeline has been fudged in order to better align with the narrative)? This is definitely not like that. As Teddy tells his story to Karyn, you see the build up to WW2 happen (in a CliffsNotes or TLDR kind of way) via the new laws and subtle policy changes. Readers that love to have a lot of information in their books will love this one. My eyes typically start going cross-eyed and my brain tunes out if I start seeing a lot of dates in novels. I did not have this problem while reading A Place to Hide. In fact, I read it in one sitting. There's enough story to keep the historical fiction lovers happy and enough history to keep the nonfiction readers happy. I'm off to go check out more of Ronald H. Balson's books.

A Place to Hide by Ronald H. Balson is an excellent story. At first, I found the main character and narrator a bit brash and wondered how I was supposed to connect with or cheer for him. However, as the story progressed, I came to understand and appreciate his character. His bristliness became a defining feature that I welcomed. The narrative is rich with detailed facts, which might typically deter me, but the main character’s distinctive voice made it feel entirely appropriate. His personality made the inclusion of historical details seem natural rather than intrusive. I ended up learning more about World War II from this book than I have from many other historical fiction novels.