This is the story of 2 women who risk everything to help Jews escape from Austria. Elsa is an opera singer and Hattie is an artist who loves opera. If I have one issue, it is that I would have liked to have known more about their interview process, how they chose who they would help, how they got them out of the country, and less about the opera. Stories about women’s roles in WW II are fascinating and the bravery of the women is astonishing.

Note: I rated this book 4.5 stars, however since NetGalley only does whole starts gave it a 4 star rating.
Inspired by the true events of Ida and Louise Cook two sisters who orchestrated the rescue of twenty nine Jews during the Holocaust. The Secret Society of Salzburg by Renee Ryan does an exceptional job incorporating the Cook's journey with various literary elements. It is very evident that Ryan did her research into both Ida and Louise which is clearly shown in her characters - Hattie and Vera. In regards to Ryan's fictional characters - Elsa, Oliver, Wilhelm, etc. - there is still evidence of evidence as all these characters showed characteristics that are related to the time as well as the events of this novel. In addition to this, the characters also have their own individual personalities and make decisions that one would be expected for each personality. The siblings - Hattie and Vera - also show their sisterly love for each other while at the same time also having sisterly arguments. Within the first couple chapters the reader begins to see how Elsa tends to see the good in others and is willing to help them in any way. The relationships between the characters are very authentic which I enjoyed as they make the characters feel more authentic rather than superficial.
I have many books about the Holocaust which always deals with many emotions. The Secret Society of Salzburg definitely had a variety of emotions which all accurate for the events that were happening at the moment. While reading, I did not want to put the book down as I was very invested in both Elsa and Hattie’s relationship. Learning of Elsa's arrest in the beginning of the book also kept me engaged as a reader as the story of what Elsa did was not shared until later in the novel. One aspect that helped with the emotions would be the writing. Ryan’s writing style is fairly simple to follow and understand there just the right descriptions which allowed the reader to understand the environment but over detailed that is seemed to drag on. The Secret Society of Salzburg also had words and phrases that were in another language or were words that would be considered well known to opera singers. Ryan is able to use these domain specific words in a way that does not change the meaning or provide confusion to any of her readers. One writing quality that I enjoyed throughout reading this books was how the Ryan was able to gradually show the effect of the Nazi’s rather than starting in the middle of the Holocaust. After reading The Secret Society of Salzburg I feel like I was given an overview of how Hattie and Elsa's lives were affected from the beginning of the war right up to the liberation of the concentration camps.
The Secret Society of Salzburg by Renee Ryan is an incredible story about how Elsa an opera singer and Hattie an inspiring artist join together to help Jews escape during the Holocaust. Having other historical fictional books about people risking their lives to help the Jews I found this book somewhat repetitive as it told the story of the rick that Elsa and Hattie undertook. However, I loved reading about how Elsa and Hattie began to coordinate their events together in order to help save others. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who enjoys reading about this time period. Reading about all the small details that are involved in managing ‘programs’ to help smuggle Jews out are always interesting and shows the major risk that many of these people took in order to help others.
I would definitely recommend The Secret Society of Salzburg by Renee Ryan for any fan of World War II and historical fiction books. I would like to thank NetGalley and Love Inspired Trade for an e-ARC of this book for an honest review.

Elsa Mayer-Braun is a famous Austrian opera singer, by chance in 1933 she meets sisters Vera and Henrietta Featherstone who are big fans. The sisters live in a tiny flat in London, both work for the British Board of Education, in their spare time Vera writes short romantic stories and Hattie dreams of being an artist. The sisters start saving and they want to attend the Salzburg Festival in Austria and hear Elsa Mayer-Braun sing again. On the long trip to Austria, Hattie and Vera notice something disturbing, Jewish people are being treated unfairly, and it makes Hattie mad and Vera scared.

Using their new friendship as cover, Elsa and Hattie form a secret society with a goal to rescue and save as many Jewish individuals as possible. When war is declared, it makes their mission harder, because of Elsa’s fame and her husband Wilhelm Hoffman’s alliance with the Germans. Hattie continues to make her dangerous trips through Europe, smuggling vital information for the English government, Jewish people and their expensive jewellery.

Elsa is in danger, she might be Hitler’s favourite opera singer, but she has Jewish blood, and a jealous rival and eventually she’s arrested for treason. After being interrogated for days, Elsa is sent to Bergen-Belsen, where she’s kept as an important detainee and Hattie’s extremely worried about her best friend.

I received a copy of The Secret Society of Salzburg from NetGalley and Harlequin Romance (U.S. & Canada) in exchange for an honest review. Based around a true story and using the Cook sisters as inspiration, Renee Ryan writes a powerful narrative about two everyday English women and a prominent opera singer. Vera tirelessly raised money to help the cause and Hattie traveled into enemy territory to assist as many Jewish people as she could and hopefully she can save her friend. A story about the courage of three remarkable women, don’t underestimate what they could achieve together, united by a love of music and opera and a strong social conscious. Five stars from me, I highly recommend both, The Secret Society of Salzburg and The Widows of Champagne.

There is a Talmudic saying that goes,"He who saves one life, saves the world." This is the story of 2 friends. One is a famous opera singer, the other a budding artist, who together make a pact to get as many Jews as possible out of Germany and so save their lives. It is also a love story, between friends, ones chosen career, ones home country, and also romantic love.

This is a wonderful story that is a tale of heroism in the face of great danger. There are so many stories about World War II and the holocaust. But the ones that stand out, are those with glorious writing, well drawn characters, and a great hook. "The Secret Society of Salzburg", has all three. It is a true winner and I highly recommend it!

This story highlights two British sisters, Hattie and Vera, who give their gifts to help others. This is a WWII story, fictional, but if you read the author's notes, based on fact!

These sisters, innocently at first, begin with a love of opera! Then their gifts begin to open door, that in turn open doors for others. This is a story that needs to be told, and we should never forget, a hate of a group of people, and those who give the ultimate.

Will those you soon care about survive?

This is a read that is going to stay with you, have you holding your breath, and quickly page turning for answers.

I received this book through the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.

Oh my heart! This book! I feel it in the depth of my soul! I am riveted and wish it hadn’t ended. But, if it hadn’t ended, I’d never sleep, as I couldn’t stop reading it. Following two friends who work together to bring Jews safely out of Germany and Austria before and during WWII, the story will leave you breathless with wonder, fear, and images of God’s great love for us! Five stars. I’d like to give it more! Beautiful! Thank you to the publisher. The author. And NetGalley.

Well-crafted characters and an engaging storyline combine to create a story that is both heartbreaking and uplifting. Ryan's book reminds the reader of that beauty, such as that which is found in the arts, can still shine through the dark times. Some parts are predictable, but Elsa and Hattie are easy to connect with and their friendship in one of the best parts of the book.

London, 1933
 

A heartbreaking story about two women who join forces to lift a bit of darkness with WW II looming.

Austrian opera singer Elsa Mayer-Braun is living in a dangerous time. A time when a wrong look could have you hauled away and imprisoned. When she meets a young English woman named Hettie they quickly become a team. A dangerous team. A secret society where they can help Jews escape.

As things heat up they are getting attention from the British government which offers help. But there is another problem. Elsa is a wonderful singer and she is known as Hitler's favorite. This makes her a target.

It is hard to read what people actually went through during this time. I wonder if I would be so brave. The admiration I have for these women is immense and I am so glad someone is telling their stories.

NetGalley/December 27th, 2022 by Love Inspired Trade Harlequin

An emotional heartbroken story that will make you feel all of the emotions and will definitely break your heart at times, it's a story of two sisters and a friend who come together to fight for what they believe in even through they know the dangers which could mean either their lives or imprisonment. The author brings to live their stories, as well as the history she based it on , so much so its like your truly there . AMOST READ .

An interesting read about a lesser known piece of WWII fiction. I love reading WWII fiction than focuses on the everyday heroes. Because without those everyday heroes I don't think the war would have had had the outcome we would have wanted.

Cleverly written story based on historical events in Europe during Hitler's reign. When two British sisters become enamoured with a Austrian opera singer, the unlikely friendships will change all. Elsa, an accomplished singer opens a new world to the sisters in which through Hattie's artistic talents will flourish. Vera remains steadfastly with her sister as her own talent is developed. But most importantly will be the secret work they accomplish. Recommended.

What a wonderful combination of art, opera, and fascinating story of WWII in Salzburg, Austria during WWII. Full of artistic details of an opera singer's life who is also part of a secret society to fight against the Nazism that has taken the country by storm. I couldn't put this fascinating novel down! Wonderful, captivating writing and original plot gives this novel the depth and ability to pull in any reader. I highly recommend this and I can't wait to own this novel in print. Highly recommended for historical fiction fans, but I believe anyone who is looking for a good book to read will love this!

The Secret Society of Salzburg by Renee Ryan is a stand-alone WWll novel. When a rising young Austrian opera star meets a rising young British artist a life-long friendship is forged. Elsa and Hattie gave us a glimpse of what so many sacrificed during this turbulent point in history. Together they helped those less fortunate. The story skipped to different years, so you had to pay close attention when starting a new chapter. There was one scene that hinted at mature content but nothing was specific. Other than that, it was a very touching story filled with love and forgiveness.


I received this book from NetGalley for my honest review.

My thanks to Net Galley and Harlequin for this EXCELLENT arc to read and review.

Elsa Braun is a famous opera singer who befriends artist Hattie , her writer sister Vera. The sisters work to get Jews out of the country and Elsa enlists their services to do the same for her Aunt Malvania. However Elsas conductor husband Wilhelm is moving up in the Nazi party while Elsa does her work in secret. Elsa is then captured and taken to Bergen Belsen concentration camp? Who betrayed her? Wilhelm? Or someone else? Story alternates between Elsa s pov and Hattie and Vera's. Wonderful story of the power of friendship and hope.

I just finished this book and wanted to go ahead and write a review while the story is still fresh in my mind and doesn’t get mixed up with another read!

This is the first book I’ve read by Renee Ryan and I think she’s a very good author. I enjoyed the characters, especially Hattie and Elsa and their friendship. In the notes at the end, the author details that Hattie and her sister Vera were based on real-life sisters Ida and Louise Cook, who were instrumental in rescuing Jews from Nazi Germany. I love factual details brought to life through fiction.

I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review.

Great historical novel about young women who saved lives of Jewish people who were facing more and more horrors in Germany and Austria in the time before and during WWII.

Elsa Mayer-Braun is a star opera singer. Her manager and conductor is planning for her to become even bigger and more famous. Hattie Featherstone and her sister Vera had a chance meeting with Elsa while waiting for tickets to Elsa's concert. Even though they were from very different backgrounds and lived in different countries, they formed a fast friendship and together, they decided to take on the dangerous task of smuggling Jews to safety. The story moves from the glamour of the operatic stage to a concentration camp.

This story is loosely based on real life sisters. Other characters in the book are real. The story is historically based. Touching, horrifying, and gratifying.

I received an advanced reader copy of the book. This is my honest review.

Female friendship and espionage set amongst the backdrop of World War II sounds like a recipe for success to me. Unfortunately, this novel didn't grip me as much as I had hoped it would, but I would still recommend it and look forward to reading more books from this author!

I have enjoyed Renee Ryan's books in the past and her newest release, The Secret Society of Salzburg, is no different. I really enjoyed this clean historical fiction. I am giving it four and a half stars.

FANTASTIC READ!!

Why are there Nazis at our wedding?

Why would her husband invite them during this perilous time?

Elsa and Wilhelm were connected by the opera...she is a famous singer and he is a famous, powerful orchestra director.

He made her famous, married her, and somehow started to scare her.

We then meet Hattie and Vera who were secretaries at the Board of Education in England, but Hattie was also an artist and Vera an author.

Elsa met Hattie and Vera when they were on their way to one of her operas, and all three women with their talents became entangled in what was going on in Germany.

Art and opera were highly regarded, got the women safely together, and made a perfect cover for their friendship and what they were doing.

Elsa became fast and devoted friends with both Hattie and Vera once Elsa saw Hattie’s emotional drawings of herself and after the sisters met Elsa's Aunt Malvina.

A problem...Malvina was Jewish and in danger - could Elsa be in danger too since they shared the same blood?

You will find the answer to everything when you read this gripping, heartbreaking tale of women trying to save as many Jewish citizens as possible while endangering themselves and their dream careers.

Another marvelous, marvelous, unable-to-put-down read by Renee Ryan based on the lives of Ida and Louise Cook...do not miss this book. 5/5

This book was given to me by the author for an honest review.

If you’ve followed me long enough, you know I’m a mood reader, and this historical fiction book with settings in London and in Salzburg has hit the spot for me!

I’m halfway through the book, and I keep reflecting on the injustices surrounding these characters in the time period leading up to WWII. How maddening it must be to see bizarre and discriminatory laws put into place. How frightening to see these policies affecting loved ones, neighbors, and innocent strangers. I appreciate @reneeryanbooks bringing the reader into protagonist Hattie’s mind as she wrestles with all the changing laws and their impacts in her life: “Deep in her soul, she knew she’d failed them. Next time she was confronted with gross injustice, she would not fail. She would not remain passive. She would not allow anyone to hold her back. No. Next time, Hattie promised herself, she would take a stand.”

If you love the arts, specifically opera and fine artwork, I think you’ll love how Renee weaves these beautiful elements throughout the story. I find it especially fun because in my 2nd grade curriculum, we study “The Magic Flute” opera, so I have rifts of the arias dancing through my head while Renee writes about it in her character Elsa!! 🎶