Marshall said in the afterword that she didn't really set out to write a World War II novel. And I didn't really set out to read one (I’ve been on a bit of a fast because there are so many). But I'm very glad I did! This is an exceptional story. It’s not really based on, but rather inspired by, a true story. And it’s very believable.

Simply put, a woman who has lost her parents in an accident she thinks she caused, goes in search of her parents by seeking out the place where they honeymooned. There’s actually a job open at the picturesque inn that she takes. Over the winter, when the inn is closed, the curmudgeonly owner and Kate (the main character) begin to share their stories.They both need healing. Audrey, the owner, was in the resistance in Berlin. She loses almost everyone she own as well as the use of her fingers to play the piano she loves and was studying.

There’s a love angle, too, for Kate. I can't tell you too much more without spoiling the story. It’s written as a dual timeline story, which works well, as you need a little relief from the WWII intensity. I highly recommend this original novel. I would read another by this author.

I received this ARC from NetGalley , Ballantine Books and the author for an honest review. This is another outstanding historical novel by Heather Marshall. The chapters alternate between 1939 with Audrey working for the Resistance in Berlin and Kate Mercer working for Audrey in England in 2010 . A lot of the book is inspired by true stories about men and women involved in the Resistance Movement in Nazi Germany. This story is about true love that endures for many years and sacrifices that people make in the name of love , friendship and dedication.

Despite being a 400+ page book, The Secret History of Audrey James was *almost* a read in one setting book for me. It has been a while since I have been drawn in to a book so deeply (especially historical fiction). Both main characters, Audrey and Kate, were well developed and completely human. If I have a criticism, it would be that there were several instances where it seemed like Marshall was starting to develop an eating disorder or something along those lines for Kate (obsessing about exercise, calorie intake, etc.) but didn't go anywhere with it. While this may seem like an odd thing for me to bring up, I think it was noticeable enough (at least to me) and seemed out of character for Kate, despite everything she had going on (not all of which we were aware of yet). I enjoyed the dual timeline as I often do, and it was done in such a way that chapters didn't simply alternate but were deliberately planned to maximize tension and the capitalize on encouraging the reader to keep reading.

The Secret History of Audrey James by Heather Marshall is a historical fiction story that takes place during the WWII period. It is told in a dual timeline from the eyes of Audrey James and Kate Mercer.

In 2010 Kate Mercer accepts a job near the Scottish border to work at the Oakwood Inn as an administrative assistant. Kate was involved in a tragic accident where she lost both of her parents and is currently in the midst of an ugly divorce. She decides she needs a fresh start to get her life back. Her boss is an elderly lady, Audrey James, who has quite a history of her own. Audrey James begins to unravel the story of her past to Kate, which takes them back to 1938.

Audrey was not Jewish but her best friend, Ilse Kaplan, was. Audrey lived with the Kaplans as she attended a very prestigious music school. She was close to graduating when the war began. Jews begin to suffer and Ilse's family disappears and everything seems to fall apart. Ilse's home is requisitioned by the Nazis and Ilse has to go into hiding in the attic. Audrey is not Jewish so she persuades the Nazis to allow her to stay in the home as a housekeeper so that she could protect Ilse who is hiding. Audrey eventually admits that she has feelings for Ilse that are more than just friendship and Ilse lets her know she could never be that way. Thankfully, that wasn't acted upon or I would've shelved the book and not continued. Audrey begins to become involved in the resistance and particularly a group, Red Orchestra Resistance, that plots to kill Hitler.

The story plot itself was really good and it had many twists and turns that you don't expect. It was inspired by real life events. I didn't like the language disbursed throughout but overall it was well-written and well-researched. Thank you for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. The story plot was really good.

The Secret History of Audrey James by Heather Marshall is a captivating historical fiction novel based on a true story —

We follow dual POVs alternating between Berlin in 1938-1939 Audrey James POV during what we now understand as the Holocaust and WW2 vs England in 2010 Kate Mercer’s POV as she leaves her old life behind after a series of traumatic events and goes to work for Audrey…

This book is so gripping - there’s so much going on. There’s highs but mostly lows as we relive the horrors of Hitler’s reign. This book gave me goosebumps.. I shed some tears and I really reflected on what happened back then. This is a heavy story, but it’s also one that’s hard to put down. The writing is exquisite and I found myself addicted to the story —

I’ll admit historical fiction isn’t typically my thing - I am much more of a romantasy type girl so this book was definitely outside of my comfort zone but well worth it.

I would highly recommend this book to history lovers and those who enjoy great storytelling. This book will stick with me and will not be easily forgotten. The message is so important and I appreciate the author putting the time, energy and dedication into this piece.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Ballantine books for recommending and pre-approving this ARC for me. I was surprised to receive the recommendation in my email since it’s not my typical genre, but I am so glad I took the time to read this and share my honest review.

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. This was a WWII historical fiction set in Germany. This novel was ok for me with the main characters of Audrey and Isle. It was told in split timeline. The novel had some pretty big elements of the plot I didn't think were plausible or realistic. I did enjoy that this novel took place in 1938 before the timeframe of many novels that are popular today.

Thank you to Net Galley and Ballentine Books for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.
I really liked this story. It is well-written and kept my attention right from the beginning. In 2010 Northern England Kate Mercer has been through a tragic car wreck. In order to start over, she takes a job at a guest house near the Scottish border. She soon learns that the owner of the house, Audrey James, is hiding a lot of secrets. In 1938 Berlin Audrey has led a very different life. The author goes back and forth between these two timelines to tell the story. She does an excellent job of bringing all of the characters and storylines together in the end. I also read Heather Marshall's other book, and she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I highly recommend this book!

This story follows Audrey James, whose mother was German and father was English, as she risks her life to protect her Jewish best friend, Ilse, and resist Hitler's Third Reich in 1930s-40s Berlin. A skilled pianist, she puts her dreams aside and jeopardizes her life to stay in Berlin as the Nazis plan to eradicate Jews unfolds.

Audrey's story is more than enough to hold the attention of readers but unfortunately (in my opinion), Marshall also presents a 2010 timeline about Kate. Kate, in trying to escape her own traumatic past, finds herself providing a listening ear to nonagenarian Audrey as she tells her story for the first time. I found this timeline to be completely unnecessary and always groaned when a 'Kate' chapter interrupted the much more interesting Audrey storyline.

Despite that, I enjoyed the book a lot. I liked it even more than Marshall's debut, Looking for Jane. I will continue to follow this author.

This is not a fast book but was very interesting story and one I really enjoyed. It takes place during WW II and begins in Berlin just before the war begins. Audrey James has left her home in England to go to Berlin to study music and cannot leave once the war begins. She lives with a Jewish family in Berlin and is very close to them. The family is split and Audrey remains with Ilse her best friend and when the house is occupied by Nazi soldiers she hides her friend in the attic to protect her. She quickly realizes she must become part of the undercover resistance if she is to get them both out of Berlin.

The story is set in two time frames, 1938 in Berlin and 2010 in Northern England where e Audrey is now living at the end of her life and is telling her story to a young woman who is trying to write it all down to preserve history. This is not a true story but one that is compiled from many resistance workers of the period.

I learned a lot and highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in history. The flow of the story is really good and the characters are well developed. I wanted to stay with it till the end and am so glad that I did. The story is one of hardships, difficult decisions, loyalty and discovery and I really applaud the author for covering all those bases beautifully.

I wish to thank Net Galley and Random House Publishers – Ballantine Books or allowing me to read an advance copy of this book. I have voluntarily read and reviewed this story. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

WWII historical fiction is a genre of books that I find myself coming back to again and again. I was thrilled to read Heather Marshall’s addition to the list. Audrey is an English/German who begins living with her Jewish neighbors after her father leaves the country. She becomes close to the daughter Ilse. In a tragic afternoon, all of Ilse’s family is lost to her. When the Nazis take over the house, ilse must be hidden in the attic to keep her safe. Audrey begins working with the resistance and soon all the lives, including the Nazis, in the house change.
As a dual time story, there is also the story of Kate. She recently lost both of her parents in a car accident that she blames herself for. For a new start, she decides to answer an ad at an inn where her parents honeymooned. In working at the inn, she meets the owner, Audrey.
Audrey conveys the story of her life and of those closest to her. They eventually find solace in each other and determine that we have to turn around and face our pasts, including the mistakes that we make.
Both women have made mistakes that have haunted them. With the help of each other, they can finally forgive themselves and look toward the future.
Do yourself a favor and read the author’s notes at the end of the book. It introduces us to the woman that was the inspiration for Audrey.

An entertaining read. I was distracted initially by several inaccuracies, and struggled with the flatness of the characters, but I kept wanting to come back to it and got through it very quickly.

I’ve read a lot of WWII fiction, but never from this perspective of an English/German woman who stayed and fought the Nazi’s from inside the party. I’m not a huge fan of the back and forth in time narrative and the convenient wrap up that the baby Audrey rescues and is other sole survivor of the group turns out to be Kate’s father, who died in the car crash that ultimately sent Kate to where Audrey is in the 2010s but I did like the theme of survivors guilt that is explored through this parallel.

A story told by alternating the events in Berlin during WWII with related characters decades later. The early years focused on resistance efforts of men and women, and the later years brought so much to the aftermath. Beautifully done, with unexpected turns that added so much.to the telling. It will be easy to booktalk to our patrons.

I really enjoyed how this story unfolded. I have read many historical fictions taking place during World War II, This will stay with me for a while.

One of the best WWII novels I’ve found. Highly recommended, as is the author’s information at the end.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an advanced copy of this novel. I really enjoyed how Ms. Marshall took real life events and weaved them into a moving and captivating story about the Resistance Movement during WWII. Strong female characters are a plus for me while reading historical fiction novels. Ms. Marshall does not disappoint.

“…𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘶𝘥 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘣𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘭𝘪𝘮𝘣 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘶𝘱 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦.”

Prepare to be captivated, inspired, & emotionally gutted in the best way possible. Heather Marshall’s 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩 𝙃𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝘼𝙪𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙮 𝙅𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙨 weaves a dual-timeline tapestry of courage, sacrifice, & resilience, immersing readers in pre-WWII Berlin & Northern England in 2010. It’s a story that lingers long after the final page.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲:
• 🎹 Music as Resistance: Audrey’s piano is her solace & her weapon.
• 🏠 A House Divided: Nazis move in while Ilse hides in the attic—pure tension.
• 💔 Heartfelt Sacrifices: Brave acts that will have you gasping & crying.
• 🔥 Dual Timelines Done Right: Seamlessly shifts between Kate & Audrey’s stories.
• ✊ Powerful Female Friendship: Audrey and Ilse’s bond shines amid darkness.
• 🧩 Twists Galore: Connections between past & present will leave you stunned.

𝗧𝗼𝗽 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀:
1. Audrey joining the resistance.
2. A chilling confrontation with a Nazi officer.
3. Kate uncovering Audrey’s devastating secrets.
4. A symbolic rainstorm scene in 2010.
5. A twist ending that demands a reread.

More than historical fiction, this is a masterclass in storytelling—equal parts thriller, heartbreaker, & homage to women’s strength.

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁/𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀:
• Severe language, including multiple F-bombs & misuse of deity.
• Graphic depictions of Nazi brutality & oppression.
• Themes of grief, loss, & betrayal.
• Attempted rape (off-page, not explicit).
• Same-sex attraction.

⭐️ 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5 stars. Why Not a Full 5? Graphic language. One storyline seems to overshadow the other, leaving me craving more of the historical narrative.

A series of events in many families' lives at the onset of WWII that features the trials and tribulations of the Jewish people and the Resistance that aimed to stop Hitler as the War continued to effect the world. This is a riveting historical fiction not to miss.

Things I loved:
-historical nuggets of less heard about parts of WW2
-dual POV

Things that stopped this from being a 5star:
-the romance side plot felt rushed and tbh unnecessary
-I wanted more of a wrap up on Audrey’s past POV
-I felt way more invested in the past POV than the future

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advanced reader copy of The Secret History of Audrey James.

This captivating novel tells the intertwined stories of Audrey, a young pianist who joins an anti-Hitler resistance movement in 1938 Germany, and Kate, a woman in 2010 who comes to terms with her own losses as Audrey shares her story. The book masterfully explores themes of loss, bravery, resilience, courage, love, and friendship.

I usually skip WWII books set in Europe after reading so many in the last few years, but Marshall manages to write a story that is clearly well-researched, but also poignant and absorbing.

The Secret History of Audrey James is a powerful and moving story, and a must-read for those who enjoy historical fiction, stories of resistance, and narratives that balance heart-pounding tension with moments of profound tenderness.

For those who enjoyed Marshall's first book, Looking for Jane, you will not be disappointed.

4.5 🌟s