The Secret History of Audrey James by Heather Marshall is a dual timeline historical fiction novel about two courageous women with secrets and tragedy in their past.Audrey James has lived through World War II in Berlin and Kate Mercer comes to her inn in2010 for healing and to learn more about the lives of her parents.The book has an easy to follow flow between these two characters and details how important love and connection are in our lives.Thank you Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read this novel!

This is Heather Marshall's second novel. After LOVING Looking For Jane last year, I knew I had to get my hands on this WWII historical fiction, and just as predicted, I loved it. Like many of my favorite historical fiction novels this is based on a real woman in history.

This dual-timeline between Kate in England in 2010 and Audrey James in Berlin in late '30s/early '40s was an easy read with easter eggs that made me wonder how the book was going to end. Kate is dealing with the loss of her parents in a car accident she was also involved in and the end of her marriage and trying to get her new boarder/boss to open up, and 72 years earlier Audrey is doing everything in her young female power to keep her best friend Ilse safe from the Third Reich's machinations.

I always find that dual timelines and dual POVs read so fast for me and this held true for The Secret History of Audrey James. Like all other WWII novels I also loved the strength, determination and bravery of Audrey, Ilse and the other members of the resistance.

TL:DR: This is a book I'd recommend to anyone who loves WWII historical fiction, and stories that are big ol' mixing bowls of tragedy, grief, loss, love, family, fear & terrors in wartime, friendship, girl power, and bravery.

Northern England, 2010. After a tragic accident upends her life, Kate Mercer leaves London to work at an old guest house near the Scottish border, where she hopes to find a fresh start and heal from her loss. When she arrives, she begins to unravel the truth about her past, but discovers that the mysterious elderly proprietor is harboring secrets of her own.

Berlin, 1938. Audrey James is weeks away from graduating from a prestigious music school in Berlin, where she’s been living with her best friend, Ilse Kaplan. As war looms, Ilse’s family disappears and high-ranking Nazi officers confiscate the house. In desperation, Audrey becomes their housekeeper while Ilse is forced into hiding in the attic. When a shocking turn of events embroils Audrey in the anti-Hitler movement, she must decide what matters most: protecting those she loves, or sacrificing everything for the greater good.

A brilliant study of guilt, grief and healing. Beautifully written. Gorgeous prose. Heart-wrenching plot and characters that you will feel for. Get out the kleenex! This is sure to become one of the biggest historical fiction books of 2025! 5⭐

I received an advanced complimentary digital copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed are my own.

Northern England, 2010. After a tragic accident upends her life, Kate Mercer leaves London to work at an old guest house near the Scottish border, where she hopes to find a fresh start and heal from her loss. When she arrives, she begins to unravel the truth about her past, but discovers that the mysterious elderly proprietor is harboring secrets of her own.

Berlin, 1938. Audrey James is weeks away from graduating from a prestigious music school in Berlin, where she’s been living with her best friend, Ilse Kaplan. As war looms, Ilse’s family disappears and high-ranking Nazi officers confiscate the house. In desperation, Audrey becomes their housekeeper while Ilse is forced into hiding in the attic. When a shocking turn of events embroils Audrey in the anti-Hitler movement, she must decide what matters most: protecting those she loves, or sacrificing everything for the greater good.

Inspired by true stories of courageous women and the German resistance during World War II, The Secret History of Audrey James is a captivating novel about the unbreakable bonds of friendship, the sacrifices we make for those we love, and the healing that comes from human connection.

The Secret History of Audrey James tells the story between two time periods, one starting in 1938 and going through WWII and the other in 2010. This is the story of Audrey James, who she was, what she went through during WWII and then up to her living in England in 2010. It’s the story of resilience and what one must do to survive. Kate shows up to work for Audrey and it’s through their connection that the story revolves. Both Kate and Audrey are strong women and each has gone through pain in their lives which they share a bond. It’s easy to picture each of them and their life story. The book is well written and easy to follow.
A definite read for everyone.

I really enjoyed this WWII story and I loved the character of Audrey. This novels brings home sharply the challenges of the choices faced during wartime and how there are no easy answers. Told in two time period (WWII and modern day), I enjoyed following both plot lines. Would love to read more by this author - thank you for my copy!

This book was so good !! It’s told in dual timelines which I always enjoy. Both stories were interesting and also a bit heartbreaking. I couldn’t put it down! It’s another perfect book for historical fiction fans.

I love historical fiction and especially ones set during WWII. I have read so many and am always surprised how a new one can offer an original and compelling story. The Secret History of Audrey James did that. Thank you to Net Galley for the opportunity to read an ARC.

The story is told in dual timelines by two wonderfully strong female characters, Audrey in 1938 and Kate in 2010. They both have secrets in their past. which they eventually share with each other. I love the friendship that develops between them and how they help each other in different ways as they share their stories. Another thing that makes this story unique is the story of the resistance group that is attempting to overthrow Hitler. I don't recall reading about this in other books. There are some tense chapters that were hard to read, but very well-written.

I love the connection that is so artfully entwined between the two characters, which I totally didn't predict. With a bit of a love story woven in, this book was at once heartbreaking and heartwarming. I highly recommend this book to all lovers of historical fiction with strong female characters.

I don't even know where to start with this review. Every part of this book was well done. It is amazing that it was based on true stories. I loved the POV of two different characters, during two different times, Kate in 2010 and Audrey during WWII. Kate turns up at Audrey's guesthouse, where her parents previously honeymooned, after tragedy and divorce hits her life. While there, she discovers that Audrey has her own secrets and slowly gets her to open up about her time in Germany during WWII. We get to learn about Audrey's experience - from loss and sacrifice to working for the anit-hitler movement. Both stories and women were incredible. Their stories weaved together seamlessly and I loved learning about their life experiences. Their growth and strength were incredible. I truly loved every aspect of these books and strongly encourage you to add to your TBR!
Thank you Netgalley for my advanced reader copy.

📱 The Secret History of Audrey James 📱⁣
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⁣Genre- Historical Fiction. ⁣
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⁣Length- 432 pages. ⁣
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⁣I adored Heather Marshall’s first novel- Looking for Jane and am over the top excited to tell y’all that her second- The Secret History of Audrey James was also amazing! ⁣
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⁣Set in Berlin, this book tells the story of Audrey James- a young woman studying piano who lives with Ilse- a childhood friend. When the Nazi’s come to power, Audrey’s father begs her to flee, but Audrey cannot leave Ilse— who is Jewish. She is eventually swept up in a resistance group and will sacrifice everything to keep her friend safe! ⁣
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⁣The Secret History of Audrey James is a gripping and emotional novel that explores what it means to be a survivor. It’s based on two real women and is a must read! ⁣
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⁣Five stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⁣
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⁣Thank you to @netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of The Secret History of Audrey James. It comes out on February 25, 2025.

I loved the way this story was written. The author tells The Secret History of Audrey James in such away that I was excited for each and every conversation that Audrey had with Kate Mercer. Their meeting wasn't planned. Audrey didn't know that Kate was coming.

In fact, Aubrey didn't even want Kate around when she came to work as an administrator. Audrey agreed to a trial basis until December. The trial never ended. Kate had arrived at Oakwood Inn trying to connect to her parents that had visited many years earlier. All she had was a photo, but things seemed to fall in to place. kate knew she was where she belonged.

Sometimes people are just meant to meet. Sometimes there is a connection beyond explanation. Audrey James had never talked about her time during World War 2. Audrey's secrets had stayed buried until she started telling her story to Kate. Through Audrey telling her story I gained so much.

Eavesdrop on their conversations and travel back the horrors resulting from the Nazis taking control of Berlin. Visualize how the Jewish people were treated. Grab glimpses of the complicated planning attempting to prevent the continueing of Hitler's dreams. Learn how an innocent girl, studying music, finds herself hiding her bestfriend, Isla in her own house after witnessing first hand what the Nazis could do to those they thought were less than them.

The story took me longer to read than usual. I found myself needing moments of silence. I needed to reflect on all the lives lost. I needed to remember the dedication of those in the resistance that made a difference. I needed to calm down because I am not able to read through tears.

I may have received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. But I will be buying it on release day. I will be sharing it with others.

The Secret History of Audrey James is a gripping novel about Audrey, a pianist in Berlin on the cusp of WWII and a choice she makes that echoes across generations. Heather Marshall masterfully weaves the dual-timeline novel that follows Kate Mercer, seeking refuge at a remote English guest house in 2010, and Audrey James. Based upon the life of a courageous woman during WWII, it shows the impact and immediate dangers of life in Nazi Germany. While the wartime narrative showcases dramatic moments of resistance and sacrifice, it's the intimate portrayal of friendship between Audrey and Ilse that forms the emotional core of the story. This book is a moving exploration of how ordinary people find extraordinary courage in the darkest times, and how the past continues to shape our present.

As someone who has read a lot of books around WWII, I loved how real life events were perfectly intertwined with the personal drama. I was instantly sucked in and experienced different emotions while reading. This book was hard to put down. My heart broke for Audrey throughout the book. This is my first time reading a book by Heather Marshall, and after reading The Secret History of Audrey James I can't wait to check out her other books. If you love books about WWII or about strong women, I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to Ballantine Books/Random House and NetGalley for this ARC.

The Secret History of Audrey James
By Heather Marshall

Audrey James is a young English-German girl studying piano preparatory to giving her concert and hopefully going on to be a concert pianist. She is living with her friend Ilse Kaplan and her Jewish family in Berlin in 1938, when Hitler and the Nazis are coming to power.

Audrey's English father wants her to return home before things get worse, but Audrey cannot bring herself to leave Ilse and her family behind. Unfortunately, the Kaplans and Audrey all too soon get caught up in the horror that is Nazi Germany.

But there is another story here. It is the story of Kate - in London in 2010 – whose life is falling apart. Her parents have been killed in a car crash; Kate has lost her baby due to the accident; and her marriage to Adam is on its way to a divorce.

The two stories, separated by many years and long distances gradually meld together – and in the blending, the book imparts many lessons about love in all its manifestations; doing the right thing against terrible odds; taking responsibility for one's actions; and, in the end, forgiving oneself for the mistakes we all make.

This is a hard book to read, mainly because it sticks closely to how things really happened and also because it is not a story about happy endings. Instead, it is a story about understanding and remembrance. I'm sure it was also difficult to write. Thank you, Ms. Marshall, for sharing this story, which obviously meant so much to you.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

Thank you NetGalley! 4.5⭐️ Told in 2 timelines. Audrey James, a young woman, is staying with her dear friend, Ilse, and her family in Germany to complete her studies as a pianist. WWII horrors becomes a reality when Ilse’s family members are targeted because they are Jewish. Audrey and Ilse escape but Nazis have taken over the house. Both their lives are drastically changed. In the more recent timeline, Kate Mercer takes a job in the north at Oakwood Lodge after a failed marriage and finds a grumpy 90 year old owner who didn’t really want her there. Audrey, now old and frail befriends Kate as she realizes they may have some things in common. Survivors guilt. After decades hiding her past, Audrey finally decides to share her story with Kate. Well told with a few twists and turns. An emotional roller coaster on how to live after the consequences of life. Recommend!

The author's writing style was wonderful, and she did her research for the events covered in this novel. I just didn't relate or develop any connection to the characters.

Two women with different life experiences that is what The Secret History of Audrey James by Heather Marshall is all about. We meet Audrey, who runs the Oakwood Inn. In the Nazi regime of the 1930’s, Audrey has memories of terror, fear, bravery and heroism. We also meet Kate whose life is turned upside and who is looking for a new beginning. When Kate applies for a position at the Oakwood Inn, she has no idea that her life will change drastically. Kate will solve the many issues in her life by helping Audrey recount and come to terms with her past experiences. Together these two women prove that everyone can learn from the past, but need not be ruled by it. By reliving their pasts together, both Audrey and Kate learn to live in the present. A heartwarming novel.

The Secret History of Audrey James by Heather Marshall

Nonagenarian Audrey James has a story to tell. Twenty something Kate Mercer is there to listen. Audrey now owns an inn in rural England where young Kate comes to work. There is time to chat and they both have wounds which need healing.

Audrey lived through the rise of Hitler’s 1930s-1945 Germany. Her best friend Ilse is Jewish and has lost her family. This is where Audrey’s tale takes an unexpected turn and gets much more interesting.

Heather Marshall has found an original way to tell of the horrors of the Third Reich. I liked this easy flow story and all its characters. A solid four stars from this reviewer, and a recommendation for most readers.

I haven't read a WWII historical fiction, but this one was very good. Heather Marshall writes a story that is full of emotion and tells a very complex story. There were several times throughout the book where I felt the Nazi behavior was vividly shown, but not to the point that it was gratuitous. I loved Audrey as a character in both timelines. She was a fantastic character based on a true resistor.

The Secret History of Audrey James by Heather Marshall is a captivating tale that delves into themes of courage, sacrifice, and friendship. Drawing inspiration from real historical events, this novel serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of standing up for one's beliefs and the profound impact that love can have on our lives. A story that is sure to stay with me long after reading!

This novel was inspired by the true story of Elsa Koditschek, a Jewish woman who hid from the Nazis in her attic in Vienna. This dual timeline story had well developed characters and I loved how they converged. This was the first novel I read from the author, I neec to go back and read “Looking For Jane”.