It was really nice to read a WWII book that was not in Europe. I had no idea things like that happened in the states during that time. I learned something new :). I thought it was a smidge on the long side but it was worth it !

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC!

"Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” -George Santayana

What a privilege to review the audiobook adaption of "Code Name Edelweiss" courtesy of Netgalley. Stephanie Landsem penned a beautiful novel loosely based off real events, and there's a lesson in it for all of us: we cannot stay silent and do nothing in the face of evil.

Liesl Weiss, the sole supporter of her family, is fired from her job at MGM after rejecting the advances of a male producer. Desperate for a new job to support her mother, brother, and two young children, Liesl stumbles upon a group of amateur spies when she applies for a job with Leon Lewis, a Jewish Lawyer.

This is a story of confronting one's own prejudice, owning one's mistakes, and moving forward for a better tomorrow. Liesl, Leon, and their fellow conspirators exemplify the heroics of everyday citizens. After all, "If not me, who? If not now, when. I'd done plenty, but not enough."

The writing deserves a solid 5 star review. I wasn't crazy about the narrators, but don't let that stop you from giving this beautiful book a read or listen.

Audiobook.
This was 17+ hours. Fortunately, I was able to listen at 2.5 speed. This is a good book, but I probably could not have stuck with it for 17 hours, but I do not generally listen to anything for that long.
There was a lot going on in this story. The premise was very interesting. It was set in Southern California during the 30s leading up to WWII while Hitler was rising to power in Germany. It involved the German and Jewish communities in California and a woman who was spying on Nazis in the US.
The plot, setting and characters were well developed. The story involved a lot of twists and deceptions that made it exciting. Other parts of it about the MC's personal life were less intriguing but did provide background about why she got involved in spying.
The author's portrayal of the time period and situation felt very realistic. She must have completed a great deal of research. This feels like a time capsule. It would probably be an excellent movie.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If I could give more than 5 stars on this book I would! This is the best book I’ve read in a long time. Although this is a work of fiction, it’s based on a true story. I wasn’t aware of that until after I finished the story. I love learning about influential people from the past and I wasn’t aware of attorney Leon Lewis until this book. I had no idea that we had a spy ring that operated within the US fighting against the nazi ideals. There are too many books to count that cover the spy rings in Europe, but this is the first book that covered the topic of one in the US. I won’t give away spoilers as to how the book ends, but it ended in a way that leaves it open to a second book. I hope that this is the making of a series by this author. I will keep my out!

NetGalley Audio Review:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is a Historical Fiction set in 1930s California near Hollywood.

It was Beautifully written, and hauntingly addictive. While Stephanie’s novel is a work of fiction, the story itself is based on true events. As you follow the story, it almost feels like you are living through the horror and fear of the time.

In the beginning, Leisel, kind of stumbles into her new position as a spy for a Jewish Lawyer - Leon Lewis. She thinks he’s a little paranoid, but for the amount he is paying her per week? She could spy on the German community center.

However, it doesn’t take long for her to realize her mistake. These people aren’t innocent and she was naive to believe them.

The narration was also perfect for this book. I really enjoyed it!

I have always lived history and this was a portion that I was not aware of. If you haven’t read or listened to this book yet? I would definitely recommend it. It’s important to learn from history so we are not doomed to repeat it!

So many thanks to @netgalley and DreamScape Media for allowing me to listen to this audiobook in exchange for my opinion!

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 🎧

In the years just before the US enters WWII, the Nazi Party is in the rise. But to most Americans the Nazis and their leader, Adolf Hitler, is far away and not well known…yet. However, in the movie industry of Los Angeles there is a plan for an American wing of the Nazi Party to seize control of the film industry and use it to further spread its propaganda. This is the story of the small group of people who infiltrated them to stop them.

Thank you @netgalley and Dreamscape Media for this advanced copy of Code Name Edelweiss.

Themes: 🗣️🗣️ 🎥 🎬🕵🏻‍♀️🕵🏻‍♂️

My thoughts: 🙂🤓😤😢😌

#netgalley
#codenameedelweiss
#audiobook
#historicalfiction
#goodreads
#readmorebooks
#readmorebooksbywomen
#readersofinstagram

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC in exchange for my honest feedback. I normally do not read historical fiction, but the description intrigued me. I am so glad I read this book. It made me think of what it would be like as a woman during this time period. It looped me in for the story line and it made me feel all the emotions. I have already started suggesting this book to others!

It's always the propaganda (which of course we have seen in our time) that slowly but surely can mass produce a culture that believes what they see and hear is always true. This was ever so evident when, before the ascent of Hitler, there was a plan to take over Hollywood, getting rid of the Hollywood moguls who were mostly Jewish, and begin a program to convince the American people of the dangers of the Jews.

It was a frightening but true story of a lawyer Leon Lewis, a Jew, recognizes the danger and can't seem to convince the powers that be that the danger was just waiting to pounce. Liesl Weiss is a secretary, who worked at MGM, and as the times become more desperate because of the Great Depression, loses her job. Leisl is a single parent, a mother of two, who needed the job. When she loses her job, she allies herself with Leon Lewis to spy on her German American neighbors. Liesl's brother is troubled and seems to be going towards the Nazi friends and psychology of hate. Aligned with the mysterious Agent Thirteen, Liesl both become aware of how strong the plan is for the takeover.

With this information and a number of other spies, Leon and Liesl, made those in charge aware of the plan. With lots of frightening incidents, the story increases the anger, mind control, and the way people tend to ignore what is right in front of their eyes. As we watch the rise of Antisemitism in our own time, this book reinforces the concept that history can indeed repeat itself. Ignorance will never be bliss if we ignore situations that present a present danger to everyone's freedom and liberty. Hard as it was to believe, Nazism ran rampant through Los Angeles. Might be hard to believe that this was the case in pre war 1930's.

Thank you to Stephanie Landsem, Dreamscape Audio, narrted by Cady Zuckerman, and Neil Hellegers, and NetGalley for the audio of this fascinating but scary story, published on March 7, 2023.

Code Name Edelweiss, by Stephanie Landsem, is part spy thriller and part historical novel. In the early 1930s in Los Angeles, Liesel is in a bind. Her husband is gone, her children and mother rely on her, and her brother is more concerned with himself. After losing her job, fate sends her in the direction of Leon Lewis. Lewis is a Jewish lawyer who needs someone to infiltrate the growing Nazi movement in the city. Out of options and with no income coming in, she takes the job.

13 is also part of Lewis's spy network. Though he pretends to go along with his "friends", he despises them and everything that they believe. He would like nothing more than to reveal who they are to the world. 13 also believes that Liesel is a Nazi. While pretending to be someone he is not, he is also dealing with his ex-wife and the lack of time with his daughter.

I truly enjoyed this book. It had me from the first page. The author perfectly combines the facts of the era with a narrative that is unfortunately still too prevalent in 2023. It is fabulous and one of my favorite reads so far this year.

I recently finished a title called Address Unknown. It delves into the understanding that Americans were very much aware of the happenings of Hitler and the Nazi party well before the events of WW2. I often thought back to that short, hauntingly beautiful book written in 1938, while reading this new title by Stephanie Landsem.
It tells the story of a young widow named Liesl. I enjoyed the character development throughout the story. The story was well written with a dual narrative set up in a way that does not early on reveal who the second narrator is. I especially enjoyed the historical element, as it tied into a theme that I currently have an interest in. Americans involvement and understanding of the goings on of antisemitism and other Nazi atrocities before WW2 began.
Consider this quote from Code Name Edelweiss: "If not us, who? If not now, when?"
I consider this title to be a stirring and convicting account written through a biblical worldview, which is so much needed in our society that is fast becoming more secularly minded. May we all consider our important role is today's society, and may we learn from our past and not forget.

Never shall I forget that night, the first night in camp, that turned my life into one long night seven times sealed.
Never shall I forget that smoke.
Never shall I forget the small faces of the children whose bodies I saw transformed into smoke under a silent sky.
Never shall I forget those flames that consumed my faith for ever.
Never shall I forget the nocturnal silence that deprived me for all eternity of the desire to live.
Never shall I forget those moments that murdered my God and my soul and turned my dreams to ashes.
Never shall I forget those things, even were I condemned to live
as long as God Himself.
Never.
Ellie Weisel

Thank you to NetGalley and Tyndale House for the opportunity to listen to this title!

Oh boy did I enjoy this book! Honestly, I liked it more than I thought I would.

Hollywood in the late 30s, in the Great Depression, in the lead up to WWII. The main characters are German, fighting against fellow Germans, fighting for the Jewish people and the other marginalised minority groups.

The characters were fabulous, and I loved that there was a good focus on the fact that Liesel, the female main character, is a mother and does what she can to protect her children and their future. I figured out very early on who Agent 13 was, and yet I still completely understood Liesel's surprise when she learned his secret identity.

I think my least favourite part of this was that it leads into a sequel, and I didn't realise I'd be starting another series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advance copy of the audiobook. I loved it, and I'm looking forward to reading more from the author.

"If not me, who? If not now, when?"

Thank you to NetGalley for access to this audiobook 

In the summer of 1933, a man named Adolf Hitler is the new and powerful anti-Semitic chancellor of Germany. But in Los Angeles, no-nonsense secretary Liesl Weiss has concerns much closer to home. The Great Depression is tightening its grip and Liesl is the sole supporter of two children, an opinionated mother, and a troubled brother.

Leon Lewis is a Jewish lawyer who has watched Adolf Hitler's rise to power--and the increase in anti-Semitism in America--with growing alarm. He believes Nazi agents are working to seize control of Hollywood, the greatest propaganda machine the world has ever known. The trouble is, authorities scoff at his dire warnings.

When Liesl loses her job at MGM, her only choice is to work with Leon Lewis and the mysterious Agent Thirteen to spy on her friends and neighbors in her German American community. What Leon Lewis and his spies find is more chilling--and more dangerous--than any of them suspected.

Code Name Edelweiss is based on a true story, unknown until recent years: How a lone Jewish lawyer and a handful of amateur spies discovered and foiled Adolf Hitler's plan to take over Hollywood.

I enjoyed this one in particular the narrators. Set in a period I've read a fair bit about but never from the LA angle it was great listening to a story where I learned so much. The reach of Nazism and Antisemitism was (and is) far and wide in the world and not just isolated to Germany. If you have read stories set in Europe during WWII then this is the book for you.

What an amazing story - based on true events in Los Angelas/Culver City in the 1930’s. I had previously read another book a few years ago that alluded to the growing influence the Nazi party used in their efforts to take over the movie industry, removing the many Jewish heads of studios.
A German woman named Leisl tells much of the story with the remainder told by Agent 13, also known as Wilhelmina. Leisl is recruited as a spy and placed in an organization promoting antisemitism in German Town. Stephanie Landsem’s skillful writing places the reader right in the middle of Leisl’s life with many heart stopping moments and events as she bravely seeks to do the right thing. Her personal feelings gradually change and serve as courageous inspiration for her to continue in spite of the danger she was placing herself family in.
The addition of the romantic thread immersed in the story was the icing on the cake.
Loved the characters and their relationships with others, particularly Leisl. Her love for her children, her brother Fritz, and her mother was so pivotal in her life. As I read, these characters became real people to me . Landsem’s writing brought to life the uncertainty of the times with neighbors wondering if they’re neighbors not trusting each other. The insidious thread of antisemitism ran rampant, So thankful for men like Leon Lewis who wisely saw what was happening and created plans to thwart it. I definitely plan to spend a few hours researching this unfortunate time in our nation’s history.
I so enjoyed listening to the audiobook. The gifted narrators made the characters so realistic. Their voices created suspense and added so much to my enjoyment of this incredible story.
My sincere appreciation to Stephanie Landsem, Tyndale House Publishers, and NetGalley for affording me the absolute pleasure of the opportunity to listen to an arc of this moving story. Love the quote,”If not me, who? If not now, when.” So apropos for life.

Wonderfully written account of what life must have been like for citizens of Los Angeles prior to WWII and Hilter's rise to power. The characters are well developed and the story continues to build in excitement and frenzy until the exciting ending. Liesl's character is so strong and fascinating. I loved the focus on working in Hollywood studios, something I don't see very often in historical fiction espionage novels. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction and exceptional female characters.

Meet the American Maisie Dobbs!

The child of German immigrants working at MGM in Los Angeles in the 1930s…when all the layoffs come, Liesle has two children, a brother, and mother to support. They live in a Germantown section of LA and the Nazi propaganda is infiltrating their lives.

Liesle steals into a lawyer’s office interviewing for position of Secretary…and ends up with position of Spy with Codename Edelweiss.

The commentary on today’s world and hate; and how easily it can be to be drawn in cannot go unnoticed.

Ultimately, if not me then who? If not now then when? The themes of right vs wrong were strong.

It’s set up to be the beginning of many adventures against the Nazi influence in America. It made me feel, and I genuinely cared for the characters.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #MacMillanAudio for the opportunity to listen to this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

4.5 stars: Code Name Edelweiss is a historical fiction novel based upon the Nazi sympathizers who gained power, pre WWII, in Los Angeles with a plot, among others, to take over Hollywood. The story is told through the points of view of Agent 13 and Liesl, a single mother trying to provide for her mother, her two children, and her brother. They become involved in a spy network with the goal of subverting Nazi activity in Los Angeles .

While the story started out slow, the plot progressively built and became more intense. I certainly became engaged and invested in the characters. I appreciated that the characters were portrayed realistically, with both their strengths and their flaws explored. I was unaware of this time/event in history, so I definitely learned something. It was also a very unique take on this historical period of time.

I loved the message that it’s EVERYONE’S responsibility and obligation to advocate for the oppressed and fight racism in all forms. There was also a powerful theme of the vulnerability of the human race to be influenced and manipulated to turn on each other.

“If not me, who. If not now, when.”

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape for the advanced access to this audiobook!

3.5 Stars

TW: Nazi and Anti-Semitism. Brief sexual harassment/assault.

Code Name: Edelweiss by Stephanie Landsem is historical fiction set in 1933 Los Angeles during the rise of Nazi Germany. It follows Liesl Weiss, a child of first-generation German immigrants and a single mother who is trying to figure out a way to make ends meet. A long-time fixture of MGM, she is shocked to lose her job and is now desperate to find work. So when Leon Lewis offers her a position for $30 a week, she can hardly believe it. The catch is she will have to go undercover to work for an organization dedicated to growing the reach of the Third Reich. With growing Anti-Semitic sentiments in America, Liesl, Lewis, and the mysterious Agent 13 set out to prove that not only has Nazism taken root in America, but they also plan to take over the world's best propaganda machine: Hollywood.

Based on a true story, while the book had some problems (it smacks of White Saviorism), I found it to be a poignant and timely read. Liesl's opinion is heavily filtered through the lens of her Christian religious beliefs. Unfortunately, I have yet to research the real Liesl Weiss, so I cannot say whether or not the portrayal is accurate. Still, I think it provided the reader with insights into the hypocrisy of the National Socialist party.
The novel does itself a disserve by labeling itself a thriller. It was a solid work of historical fiction but didn't really have me on the edge of my seat. The pacing starts off slowly but builds nicely. While primarily plot-driven, some elements feel like a character study. Liesl starts the novel almost painfully naive with virtually no grit. Life is happening to her rather than her being an active participant. However, the reader can watch her reckon with the present reality and difficult realizations.

Agent 13 almost felt like an accessory at times. He could have stood to be more fleshed out. And Lewis, the Jewish lawyer with arguably the most at stake, is mainly treated as a vehicle to tell Liesl's story. Given that he was the operation's mastermind, he should have had greater visibility. However, the thing the book does best is the part I struggled with the most. While I certainly do not have sympathy for Nazis, Landsem did a good job illustrating why the Nazis were able to manipulate and influence so many to hatred and bigotry. I think the author walked the fine line between excuse and reasoning quite well.

The audiobook I received, courtesy of NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, was well-produced. The narration was strong -- conveying deep feelings on the parts of all the characters. Cady Zuckerman does a pleasing German accent (at least to my ear). Neil Hellegers voice had just the right about of gravel for a somewhat cantankerous and disillusioned spy.

This is a Christian novel, but it doesn't feel preachy or so religion specific that those not of the faith wouldn't enjoy it. The book's overall feeling is one of action versus passivity—a reminder that we must all stand against hate in its many forms. This book would be a satisfying choice for anyone interested in WWII history who enjoys witnessing the slow unfurling of a story and appreciates philosophical questions about ethics, morality, and spirituality.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Net Galley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this pre-WW2 novel. I learned a lot about Hitler's plan to take over Hollywood and spread the hatred against the Jews in America. What's even more fascinating is that this is based on actual historical events. I think Liesl is tough and a smart cookie and willing to do whatever it takes to take care of her family. I liked the dual points of view and feel the characters were fully developed. The book is tagged a a Christian book. I usually tend to not want to read something that is heavy on religious values, but this book was tastefully done and not "preachy". Lisel often thinks, "If not me then who, and if not now then when". This is very relevant today. This book does make you think. It's scary to think that so much of the hate that was going on in the world In the 1930/40 is still going on today. Though I will not purchase this for our high school library, I highly recommend it. If you are a lover of historical fiction then give this one a read.

Code Name Edelweiss had me captivated from the beginning! The storyline is easy to follow but also very detailed without it feeling like information dumps on the reader/listener. The espionage element adds a tremendous amount of excitement to this book, and the fact that it's all based on true events is even more compelling. This book gets you thinking about what the USA might have been like, and what the war might have been like if Hitler would have been successful with this early plan to overtake Hollywood. Nazi infiltration into America is something lots of people have speculated about, but it's even scarier to know Hitler was actually tryin to do it.

In terms of the audio narration, I love it when the book features different speakers for female/male characters and found the narrators in this book very pleasant to listen to. They helped me jump right into the story!

This is definitely and read/listen worth book!

Perhaps my favorite historical fiction of the year? This book is amazing! Perfect for a history lover!

"What I am looking for--what I desperately need, Mrs. Weiss--is a spy."

Adolf Hitler is still a distant rumble on the horizon, but a Jewish spymaster and his courageous spies uncover a storm of Nazi terror in their own backyard.

Their own backyard being LA! This story is gripping, based on a true story and takes a reader on a journey. Each page is packed with historic detail, developed characters, a spiraling plot, angst, fear, heartbreak and the narrators, Cady Zuckerman; Neil Hellegers, bring the story to life.

This was my first read from author Stephanie Landsem and certainly will not be my last!

Thanks to NetGalley & Tyndale House Publishers for an eARC of this book.