Soraya M. Lane is my 'go to' for enjoyable, escapist dependable historical fiction and 'The Secrets We Left Behind' is written with all the usual hallmarks of her quality writing. This story focuses on British nurse, Cate, who after drawing straws in an evacuation lottery is left behind in Nazi occupied Dunkirk to care for the injured soldiers, amongst whose number is dashing, charming lieutenant, Jack. As they search for a safe haven from the occupying and advancing German army, their fates are thrown together with French sisters, Elise, and Adelaide, This is an engaging story encompassing themes of love, loss friendship, resilience and the triumph of the human spirit against adversity. Thank you so much to Netgalley for sending me an advance review copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

Really well written. After reading her previous book, I wanted to pick this one as soon as possible. The characters and their journey through the book is really interesting. I wish to read more from this author.

World War II is such a fascinating time period. I have read many books set in this era, but this one stood out as different, perhaps because of the nursing focus?

This book follows 5 key characters, although it is primarily told from the perspective of two of them. The setting is occupied France. What I think that this book does really well is capture the individual human characters and their wants and desire, while still giving a picture of the overall historical setting.

Thank you netgalley and publishers for the free e-arc.

WHAT SACRIFICE IS TOO GREAT FOR FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP OR LOVE?

Soraya Lane has written an epic WWII story that will have you on the edge of your seats from the first page to the last sentence! Her characters are filled with emotion, determination, they are over-comers, they are risk takers, they come from 3 very different backgrounds but consider the best course of action for all them, they learn to appreciate each other and to celebrate their differences, they discover things about themselves they never knew they could do and they each discover their deep capacity for love.

Occupied France, 1940. A field hospital is on high alert and sending all patients and personnel to join the evacuation from Dunkirk. Unfortunately, the staff must draw straws to decide who will have to stay behind to care for those who are too critical to move. Nurse Cate ends up being the lone nurse left with the shoestring staff. The war comes to the field hospital much quicker than anticipated. At the last second, Cate seizes the opportunity to escape and takes one patient with her. The walking wounded man’s name is Jack.

Fifty miles away, the Royal Norwalk Regiment are surrendering to the advancing German soldiers by showing the universal sign of waving a White Flag. The waving of the White Flag did not cause a moment of hesitation as the entire Regiment was gunned down! Two soldiers managed to survive and crawled to the safety of a farmhouse where two sisters Elise and Adelaide took them in and tended to them. Before long, Cate and Jack found their way to the same farmhouse and were taken in and rescued, as well. These two sisters are taking a major risk hiding these people with the German soldiers all around. As the war intensifies, each of them must make decisions as to what they are willing to sacrifice. What sacrifice is too great for family, friendship or love?

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.

The Secrets We Left Behind is a World War II historical fiction set in France at the British evacuation of Dunkirk in 1940.

Cate is a nurse and as the British troops as leaving to evacuate, she drew the short straw to stay behind with the patients who are unable to be moved. As the Nazis arrive she flees with a patient who agrees become friends with. They find themselves at a farmhouse where two sisters had just witnessed a British regiment being shot but were able to help two survivors but this start to get risky with 4 British hiding. As one of the sisters becomes friendly with the Nazi Officer they need to plan the escape. What will they sacrifice?

I've really loved the other books Soraya Lane has written and this was no exception! My favorite still is Spitfire Girls but I do love the WWIi female pilots! This book had great characters. I loved Cate. You know I love a good author note and liked that she got the inspiration for this after watching the movie Dunkirk. A few of the characters and things that happened in the book are based on real events.

A compelling story of heartbreak, loss, and hope.

I was mesmerized and sucked right into Secrets We Left Behind. I thought I wouldn’t enjoy reading historical fiction and something during that period but this left me feeling so many emotions.

The characters were well written and developed, easily likable and people you would root for. The story is one I will never forget.

There is so much to unpack from this book. The author did such an amazing job telling this true story of the massacre at Le Paradis. You can find a lot of parts that were true events and people used in the story in her authors note.

This such a masterpiece and I loved every second. The love that endured in the most difficult and surprising of times.

This book is great for fans of Our Darkest Night.

I was so excited to read a copy Soraya M. Lane's new novel, THE SECRETS WE LEFT BEHIND (LakeUnion). Much like her previous novel, THE LAST CORRESPONDENT the cover is absolutely breathtaking and the story is based on real events that happened during WWII. It's France 1940, the evacuation at Dunkirk where thousands of British troops are being rescued from the beach by different countries, as the Nazis push forward, but many more will be left behind. Doctors, orderlies, nurses are still working at a hospital while more injured soldiers were being brought in. They knew that they will become prisoners of war or be killed by the Nazis.

THE SECRET WE LEFT BEHIND is a multi point of view fictional account of a nurse and injured soldier who escapes during the evacuation, two British soldiers who survive the massacre of the Royal Norfolk Regiment at Le Paradis and two French women who hide them in their home, risking their own lives. Her main women characters are always strong and committed to the cause.

Soraya paints a very vivid picture of war and the hardships faced by the hospital staff and soldiers. Bombs are falling and exploding while they bravely work on the injured knowing what the inevitable arrival of the Nazis will mean. THE SECRETS WE LEFT BEHIND is full of humanity shown by the French sisters, nurse Cate and highlights the powerful internal hunger of humans to survive. She weaves a story of friendship, bravery, fear, sorrow and love that is palpable.

Another fantastic read by Soraya M. Lane! A fresh take on the traditional WWII novel, this one is full of strong and resilient women doing their part during the war. Often heart-wrenching, this book is a wonderful read.

Very interesting book about two different sisters in World War II. The characters were believable and focused on their beliefs. Learned much about the war that I did not know. Nice read.

4.5 / 5 stars.

The Secrets We Left Behind takes the readers on an emotional, beautiful journey amidst the horrors of World War II.

We meet the main characters in occupied France, where the war is raging. As the Allied forces are retreating, Cate is left behind to care for the wounded. As the hospital is captures, she flees with a patient into the countryside. On the journey for a safe haven, she meets sisters Elise and Adelaide, sisters who have witnessed the horrors of war in their backyard and have taken in two wounded soldiers. As these two groups meet and converge at the sisters’ farmhouse, their stories intertwine as they all try to survive.

I connected immediately to the characters in this book, especially Cate and Elise. All three of the women are strong, capable, and show bravery and compassion in the face of dangerous circumstances. They risk everything for the soldiers that they’ve taken in, and their journeys are emotional ones that have stuck with me since I finished the book.

This compelling story is a perfect read for any fans of historical fiction with hints of romance and suspense.

Warning: This book discusses some sensitive topics that may be triggering for some readers including war/war violence and traumatic injuries.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the digital copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

The Secrets We Left Behind is an emotional read that captured my heart right away. Based on factual events that occurred near Dunkirk during the German invasion, the characters leapt off the page and into my heart. When two sisters witness a massacre of British soldiers trying to surrender the stage is set for two soldiers who miraculously survived the massacre to seek their help. Added to the story are a British nurse and her patient who escaped certain capture and a chilling Nazi officer who portrays pure evil. It is a tale of courage, determination, love, heartbreak and sorrow. Soraya’s gifted writing style quickly brought me into the story and I felt as though I was right in the room with them observing their interactions and conversations. I came to care very deeply for all but the Nazi officer. My favorite genre is historical fiction and I will long remember this story and the soldiers who gave their lives during Dunkirk and the massacre. I truly admire those rare authors who make history come alive. You have a new fan Soraya and I am eager to read your other books. Many many thanks to Soraya Lane, and NetGalley for affording me the pleasure of reading an arc of this very recently published book.

The Secrets We Left Behind is a wonderful story, based on factual events. As British troops are evacuated from Dunkirk, others are left behind, including doctors and nurses, as well as those injured too badly to make it to the beach.

Cate is one of those left behind. Unable to save everyone, she is forced to leave her patients behind to escape the advancing German troops. But she cannot leave Jack behind. Badly injured, he can barely walk, but he has captured her heart. Kind strangers in a small French village, Le Paradis take her and Jack in. Elise and Addy have lost family members, and witnessed a horrific massacre of British troops. Only two survive. One surrenders, one is taken in by the two sisters.

Within a short space of time, these ordinary people in an extraordinary situation become closely bonded.

Addy is in a perilous situation. She has fallen for a German commander and this puts herself and everyone at risk. When a secret evacuation is arranged, will the innocents escape, or will they be caught?

I connected with each and every character in this wonderful book. Courageous, kind, strong, they all faced sacrifice which could have broken them. But they chose to live, to love, to thrive.

About the Book

Cate is a British nurse caring for patients in Dunkirk, France. When she draws the short straw and has to remain behind as others evacuate for the beach for pickup, she and one of her patients, Jack, have to go on the run from German soldiers if they want to avoid becoming a prisoner of war of worse.

Elise and Addy live not far from Dunkirk. They witness a horrible massacre right outside their window and take in and hide two survivors.

When Cate and Jack also show up at their house, what will be the price for harboring these British citizens from a ruthless Nazi force?

My Thoughts
I have a weakness for Soraya’s historical fiction books and I admire the way she writes of strong women characters set during turbulent times.

This read is no exception. The three main female characters, Cate, Elise, and Addy are wonderfully written with the combination of being capable, determined, and gentle.

This book also gave me a historical suspense feeling as I was always on edge wondering what the fate of these five people would be.

The author’s note in the back has some wonderful background information. It sheds light on the people and events in the book that were part of the real history.

The Secrets We Left Behind is the first book I have read by Soraya M. Lane. It is set in France in 1940. Cate, a British nurse, is working at a hospital just when the Dunkirk evacuation begins. The doctors and nurses need to draw straws to see who is left behind. When the Nazis show up Cate leaves with her patient Jack with her. Even though Jack is badly injured they somehow make it to a nearby village of Le Paradis. They take refuge with two sisters - Elise and Adelaide - who witnessed a horrific massacre of surrendering soldiers right in front of their house. The author does a great job showing the developing relationships of Cate, the two sisters and the two soldiers they are protecting. The novel shows the amazing courage of these women and how they will risk everything to stay alive! A must read for anyone that loves historical fiction!

I enjoyed the topic of this book, and how it was quite different than many books of this genre. The author does a good job of hooking you in, while keeping some secrets that leave you guessing. The ending, while a tad bit predictable, was worth it. The characters are loveable, even while trying to get the reader to like the German commander.

I was immediately drawn in to the story of British nurse Cate and French sisters Adelaide and Elise, in the countryside of occupied France. I enjoyed their different points of view and a window into their different motivations, worries and ways of coping with the Nazi occupation. I have a greater appreciation for this part of World War II and the perspectives and people portrayed.

I love a good historical story, especially when it's set during World War II. The Secrets We Left Behind has every aspect of historical fiction that I love - wonderful, well-developed characters, a main plotline with little side plots, action, love, and more. The second I started reading, I couldn't put it down. It was such a moving story about friendship, loss, and the power of love.

Highly recommend!
Thank you to Suzy Approved Book Tours, Soraya Lane and Lake Union Publishing for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

4.5 stars

I continue to be blown away by Ms. Lane's books and her ability to tell a story. The Secrets We Left Behind is yet another example of how she is able to draw her readers into the story and make them feel as if they are there experiencing everything that her characters are.

The three women profiled in the book, Cate, Elise, and Adelaide, are relateable and honestly, could be any one of us. They are strong, determined, and ready for whatever life throws at them...and there is plenty getting tossed to/at them.

Really interesting book, I didn’t know what to expect but loved the story and the history that was woven into it.

In a farmhouse in Nazi occupied France during WWII we find a group of characters put together by fate.. The characters are wonderful and you can feel their fear, compassion and hope for a future. The author truly writes great historical fiction. I highly recommend.