Cover Image: The Rose Code

The Rose Code

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Member Reviews

I really loved this book, the historical richness, the author’s prose, setting and characters. This novel gives additional insight of the work many women and some men did in England during WW2.

There were so many good characters that Kate Quinn brought to life that I didn’t want it to end. It was unputdownable. You can read other reviews and publisher notes, but I’ll just say read it if you like a fresh historical saga with espionage and code breaking, with friendships and strong women. So go for it.

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"The Rose Code" by Kate Quinn is a meticulously crafted and engaging historical novel set against the backdrop of World War II. Quinn's storytelling prowess shines through as she masterfully brings to life the captivating world of Bletchley Park and the brilliant women who toiled in secrecy to break the German codes. The intricate characters of Osla, Mab, and Beth are portrayed with depth and authenticity, making their journeys from friendship to enmity and back again truly compelling. The novel's dual timelines, set in both wartime and post-war periods, add layers of mystery and suspense, as the characters navigate betrayal, intrigue, and the enduring bonds of friendship. Saskia Maarleveld's narration enhances the experience, making the characters and their emotions resonate with listeners. With meticulous research, Quinn immerses readers in the frantic atmosphere of codebreaking, while also delving into the personal struggles and triumphs of the characters. "The Rose Code" seamlessly weaves historical events with fictional narratives, delivering a heart-stopping tale of sacrifice, loyalty, and resilience. Kate Quinn's ability to intertwine history and storytelling earns "The Rose Code" a well-deserved four stars, captivating both history enthusiasts and fiction lovers alike.

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Stunning and eloquent, exactly what I would expect from the marvelous Kate Quinn. Saskia Maarleveld is a wonderfully gifted narrator. Thank you to Harper Audio, Kate Quinn and Netgalley for my audiobook copy. I’m so grateful.

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I was hooked from the very beginning. The narrator brought the story to life and had me on tenterhooks at all the right moments in the story. I ended up buying the book and loan it to everyone who I think would read it because it is such an engrossing story about one of the most enigmatic aspects of WWII. This is by far my favourite Kate Quinn book to date.

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I love Kate Quinn and historical fiction. I was so excited to receive this free ARC from NetGalley, the publisher, and the author. I was not disappointed. The storyline is so well written it draws you in until you can't put it down. I loved the characters and was informative about the roles women played during WW2 and more insight into the war. Definitely worth a read.

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Kate Quinn has an amazing talent with words and I cannot even begin to describe how well she can write historical fiction. She is a master at her craft and I couldn't have enjoyed this audiobook more!

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The Rose Code by: Kate Quinn, narrated by: Saskia Maarleveid

Kate Quinn does it again!

I was introduced to the brilliance that is Ms. Quinn by my bff, Reese Witherspoon (ok, she isn’t my bff, but I certainly enjoy her recommendations through her book club). The first time I read The Alice Network, I would stop anyone who would give me the time of day, and sing the highest praises of this piece of work. Sadly, and I admit this begrudgingly and with a groan, I had zero interest in the historical fiction category until The Alice Network. And, now, I have Ms. Quinn to thank for making me a historical fiction SNOB by only allowing me to enjoy her works of historical fiction. After The Alice Network, I wasn’t sure if it could be topped, until now.

In true Kate Quinn form, The Rose Code follows a group of strong, intelligent, independent women during World War II and during the wedding of Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II.

I listened to the audiobook version of Kate Quinn’s the Rose Code, narrated by Saskia Maarleveid. She was absolutely brilliant in her narration. She molded the characters with her voice making it very easy to distinguish between every single one of the lengthy cast in the pages. Her beautiful fluction brought the book to life.

I was completely captivated from the moment I hit "play", causing me to “read” at every single chance I had. The collaboration between Kate Quinn and Saskia Maarleveid contributed to the MAGIC that was The Rose Code.

Favorite Quote: “Beth blinked no-one had ever told her that young ladies were better at any kind of work than men unless it was cooking or sewing”

Final Thoughts: Let’s hear it for the LADIES. So much of our HERstory is lost or forgotten. I have so much gratitude and respect for Kate Quinn who ensures this voices are not lost and brings our historical contributions to the forefront.

Pairs nicely with a light beer.

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I loved this audiobook' the narrator did a great job at bringing Kate Quinn's characters to life, and I really enjoyed each of the story arcs and how nicely they tied together at the end! This is definitely a book I'd love to read again!

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This was just okay for me. I usually love Kate Quinn but this was not my favorite. I did not care for the romance in it and felt like the book was 100 ish pages too long.

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I try to read all of Kate Quinn‘s books and as usual the Rose Code is great reading. It involves three women who work in the secret world of Benchley park during World War II to break the codes of the Nazis. It’s a fabulous read and you won’t be disappointed. I highly, highly recommend this book!

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I listened to this book on my walks. It made a lovely audiobook. The characters were likeable and interesting and the story line kept me looking forward to hearing more. I especially loved getting to know Osla, Mab and Beth, three female code breakers from World War II. Their friendship, and a betrayal, make for some interesting twists in this one.
You will enjoy reading (or listening) to The Rose Code!

Thank you to NetGalley for my audiobook copy!

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Kate Quinn never fails to deliver a well researched intriguing book. I really enjoyed this one in the audiobook format so I'm thankful for the opportunity to review. I read/reviewed this one awhile ago, but forgot to update Netgally.

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Long but worth it! Quinn dazzles again with this WWII historical fiction story featuring secrecy. Instead of featuring the spies like in The Alice Network, The Rose Code features three women who work at Bletchley Park, where they were trying to break the German Enigma machine. There is intrigue, interlacing timelines, a mystery, some romance, and a traitor to be sussed out. If you like The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, The Alice Network by Quinn, or Code Name Hélène by Ariel Lawhon, you’ll like this one, too.

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This was such a well written book! 3 girls become fast friends while they’re working at Bletchley park during WW2. They are trying to figure out who they are during this war while also trying to decipher codes to bring about the end of the war. But they’re friendship ends up splintering and one of them is thrust into a mental institution. Now, a few years later right before the princess Elizabeth is about to marry prince phillip, one of the friends reaches out to the other two for help. Will they come together and discover who betrayed them?

Kate Quinn does a fantastic job with researching ideas and facts for her books! Some of the characters in here are even based on real people! And you find out at the end that Kate Middleton’s grandmother worked at Bletchley park!! How very cool! This was definitely a slow build read. But it totally works with a story like this. You come to know the characters and places and truly love them and see yourself during this time! A truly great read! Thank you to Netgalley, Kate Quinn, and harperaudio for allowing me this opportunity to listen to this wonderful book in exchange for my honest review!

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The Rose Code tells the story of three women who worked at Bletchley Park. Three enemies who were once friends are reunited by a strange letter written in code about the mysterious traitor of Bletchley Park. The three women have to join hands again to find the traitor. Can the three find the traitor and mend their broken friendship?

The three women, Osla, Mab, and Beth are fictional. However, it seems that Osla is inspired by a real historical figure. The three characters are vastly different, Osla is a rich socialite who happened to date Prince Phillip, the Queen’s future husband. Mab is a poor woman who strives to rise out of poverty. Beth is a woman trying to survive domestic abuse from her mother. Despite these three backgrounds, I found the characters to be a bit bland. They were very stereotypical. The character I was most interested in was Beth because she had a very tragic story. Thus, I thought they could use more development.

Overall, this was a story about friendship, choices, and forgiveness. The characters were very stereotypical. The romance which was one of the main focuses in the book was weak. I really did not like Prince Phillips’s relationship with Osla, and I think Prince Phillip made the best decision in ending up with the queen. Osla and Prince Phillip just did not connect. The mystery aspect was very little focused upon. I was disappointed by this because it was the best part in the book. I was also not impressed with the writing style. It was written in a passive voice. This novel also seemed to be very drawn out. Despite its flaws, The Rose Code reads like a soap opera because there is danger, betrayal, and scandal. I recommend this novel for fans of Code Name Verity, Code Name Helene, and The Codebreakers! The Rose Code is a light, fluffy read that is perfect for the beach!

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Kate Quinn can do no wrong. Pure perfection. I loved every second of this and the audio was wonderful. I’d read anything she writes.

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Review: The Rose Code by Kate Quinn 5⭐️

The Rose Code is an unforgettable story of three women during WWII and their work at Bletchley Park, where they form a bond working to decode German messages.

I was so invested in this story and it was a transporting experience to read. The Rose Code has everything I love in historical fiction - romance, friendship, mystery, betrayal, suspense, forgiveness - and is done so masterfully.

Kate always writes formidable female characters in historically non-traditional roles - spies, huntresses, and now code breakers. Each woman had her own distinct story but they came together so seamlessly, growing throughout the story both individually and collectively.

And the twists, so well executed and sprinkled throughout the book to keep your attention for 600+ pages. As with her other books, the end is action packed bringing the drama.

Make sure to read the author's note, the book is well researched and will have you googling all about Bletchley Park and enigma.

#kelseareads #bookstagram #therosecode #katequinn #historicalfiction #bookreivew #fivestarread #booksilove

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I really enjoyed this book. The story is very detailed so you know the author did her research. I found the whole story to be fascinating and I was drawn in from the start. I highly recommend this one to anyone who is considering it! A must read!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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I always get a little nervous about reading Historical Fiction because it often takes a long while before I find myself really pulled into a book (just simply because of pacing usually). However, this one took me by surprise! Kate Quinn is an amazing writer & this story is brilliant! Honestly, if I could recommend only one historical fiction book to read from the last few years, this would be the one. It definitely raised my interest in reading more historical fiction, especially from Quinn!

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In all honestly I had a hard time getting into The Rose Code, I’ve actually tried starting it more than once & maybe it was the pacing but I just could get hooked….

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