I was immediately pulled into Fenna’s story & didn’t want to put it down. I found this to be a well-written epic about a young woman that’s braver than she’ll ever give herself credit for being. By opening the story with her drama-filled magic act, it made me very curious about her childhood, & what led her to being on stage @ her young age. The jump back in time to the recollections of her childhood is richly detailed. I could almost feel her joys, hopes, losses, heartbreaks, & her ever present anxiety. Looking back, it seems every single experience she had in her young life helped prepare her for what she faces later. Really enjoyed the war intrigue & her timeless friendship with Arie. Fen basically has to reinvent herself again & again, but her uncanny ability to hide herself both mentally & physically is indeed a constant throughout.
I was able to read an advance copy via NetGalley & am happy to leave this voluntary review.

As a fan of the great Houdini, Fenna Vos has spent her lifetime mastering tricks and illusions.  Tired of being the mastermind behind the scenes,  she's ready for something new. When a British officer approaches her after a show to recruit her for the war effort,  she travels to London and uses her art of illusion to create gadgets to help pilots escape if caught by the enemy. But when she finds out that Arie, her closest friend is in grave danger,  she volunteers to help bring him home. Getting them both out safely may be her greatest trick yet...
This is one emotional,  nerve-wracking,  nail-biting rollercoaster of a story.  McMorris just has a way of writing that puts you right into the story. Based on true events, this book is well researched and very well written. I'm going to remember this book for a very long time. I received an advance reader copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

This would make a great book club read!

A great historical fiction set during World War II. We meet Fenna when she is working as an illusionist. She ends up working in intelligence for the British army, where she uses her invetor skills to help design escape aids. She comes face to face with her past during her most dangerous mission.

It did take a bit to get into the story, but you will quickly become engrossed. The magic and illusion will suck you in. It deals with a lot of WW II history, which is an era that interests me. There's a little romance involved.

All in all a great read!

Many thanks to NetGalley and SourceBooks Landmark for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review!

Another great Kristina McMorris book. I had a hard time putting this World War 2 story down. If you are a historical fiction lover this is must read. Highly recommend!

Many Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I have most of Kristina McMorris’s works on my TBR, though so far, I’ve only had a chance to read two of her books — this book, her newest novel The Ways We Hide, and her previous one, Sold on a Monday, which came out back in 2018. While I have every intention of getting through McMorris’s backlist at some point, I also don’t want to miss any of her new works — which is why, as soon as I saw that she had a new book coming out this month, I requested an ARC before even reading the summary of what the book would be about. After I got approved, I went back and read the blurb, which made me even more intrigued and excited to read the novel. While I’ve read plenty of books set during World War II and covering various themes, one that I haven’t come across is exactly what McMorris’s new book explores: the role of magicians / illusionists in the war effort. Up until this point, I’ve always thought about magicians as entertainers, never realizing that there were very practical ways they could put their skills to use during the war, such as helping to design escape plans and contraptions or other gadgets that could hide things such as maps. This was a fascinating concept to me and an angle not often explored in WWII-themed fiction. Not only that though, in terms of this particular story, the illusionist is a woman (the main character Fenna Vos), which is even more rare given the time period and the prevalent society conventions at the time.

From a historical perspective, McMorris did a great job relaying the various elements related to real-life events and people, as well as establishing an atmospheric sense of time and place. I remember reading somewhere that McMorris mentioned this is one of her more ambitious novels to date, which I can totally see, as this one actually covered quite a bit of ground, with a time period spanning 1928 to 1945, a setting across three different countries (United States, England, the Netherlands), and a multitude of historical events / people covered (which I didn’t actually realize until I read her Author’s Note at the end of the book). The meticulous research she did in preparation was obvious in the way she was able to utilize so much descriptive detail throughout the story, whether in reference to historical events and people, or even the gadgets created for military use. Also, with Fenna’s background as the daughter of Dutch immigrants and so parts of the story revolves around the Dutch community she grows up in, I ended up learning a lot in that area as well.

In addition to the story being well-written, the characters were also well-drawn, with Fenna written in a way where, as readers, we can’t help rooting for her through all the hardships. With that said however, I honestly found it difficult to connect with her on an emotional level — which is strange given the entire story was told from Fenna’s first person point of view, so we are privy to all her inner thoughts and feelings. I think part of the reason for this is because, for me, some parts of the story ended up focusing a bit too much on Fenna’s romantic relationship with Arie, to the point that it drove a large part of Fenna’s actions and decisions during a certain portion of the story. Normally this wouldn't be a problem, but given the premise of the story and the highly dangerous situations she often found herself in, some of her actions came across as irrational and illogical. While the romance piece wasn’t overwhelming compared to the rest of the story, it was a little distracting for me because I was expecting more focus on the historical piece and how Fenna uses her skills as an illusionist and escape artist in her work with MI9. This was also the main reason I ended up rating this 4 stars instead of 5, as I felt like the direction of the story strayed a bit near the midway mark and also, the emotional connection was lacking.

Overall, I definitely liked this one quite a bit and recommend it as a worthwhile read, especially for the different and refreshing angle it presents in terms of WWII historical fiction.

Received e-ARC from Sourcebooks Landmark via NetGalley and print ARC via BookBrowse First Impressions program.

I was incredibly intrigued by the premise of Ways We Hide - a female magician in WW2 translating her skills to intelligence in the war effort.

While there was a lot in this book that I enjoyed, I wanted more. I got rather invested in Fenna and Arie, but I would have liked more about her time working in intelligence and on gadgets before she reunited with Arie. I felt like there were often references to her interest and expertise in magic, it wasn't a consistent thread.

There were parts that were slow and that I struggled to get through. But the last third of the book, where she reunites with Arie, captured my attention.

Overall, a great historical fiction novel, with solid bones but once that I wish had gone a bit deeper and leaned into what made it unique.

Thank you, NetGalley, for offering this advanced reading copy!

I was initially hesitant to read another World War II novel, but I'm so glad I read this one! My Dutch heritage in Michigan created a nostalgic beginning and easy connection to Fenna Vos. The overwhelming odds against her success, as not only an MI9 contributor but also, in love and friendship moved easily through this emotional novel. Considering the things Fenna hides, the revelation of her loyalty and tenacity under pressure was an engaging read!

The title explains how we hide things from people. This girl called FENNA Was raised in a mining camp from Shrewsbury young. Her mother died so her father was taking care of her. And she always had a lot of disasters happened in her life. Like the Christmas party from the striking miners and supposedly there was a fire and a lot of children died. Her father then left the area to work and he died as well. She was sent to an orphanage. Before she left the mining camp she gave a toy train to a boy called ARIE This was the Christmas party when all this bad things happened. She wanted the doll but she got the toy train instead. This train also had hidden compartments in it. She hated it though after so much so she decided she was gonna escape and the only she took was her father's boots which apparently lost but she kept his watch.. The way backup to ARIE family and then took her in. Then things started to not go very well and then she was off again. She wasn't loved anything to do with huntini and magician with the Hyundai the magician and she always practiced this and this is what she was doing on the stage when the intelligent people came and asked her to go over to England. This is why it was really interesting in this book because she was helping people get out of Holland especially the Jewish people. They think there was a double agent there as well and this was our childhood friend. He carried the toy train with him and she retrieved the message from it. It has a lot of headed meetings in this book you'll find out at the end of the board called this all ties in with Ariel and And FENNA. She was a she could escape hide do all these crazy things and not get caught this is why the book You can be in broad daylight and people will not know who you are how you learn how to survive

5 Gripping War Time Story Stars!!

I have become a lover of Kristina McMorris and this book is another shining example of why I love her writing so much. This book is focused on World War II and a little known, at least to me, branch of MI9 and how there were cleverly secretive plans of escape. You see Fenna has some mad skills when it comes to magic and escapism so she’s a perfect person for this assignment. But this is definitely not for the faint of heart and so many things come into question for Fenna when she accepts this request from British Intelligence.

This book isn’t just about how Fenna was involved in the war, it’s also about love and loss and how events from our past can definitely shape our future and everything we do on a daily basis. There’s a relationship that’s broken that had my heart hurting. As I read the book and became wholly invested in Fenna and her role as a spy, I was also curious about her backstory. Ms. McMorris does a wonderful job of weaving this tale, bringing the past to the forefront at just the right moment. Putting a light on what drives Fenna and the losses she’s had to live through.

This book moves at a great pace given the missions that our Heroine is part of… they’re dangerous and had my heart racing because I was always worried something would go wrong! This book is not only a wonderful story of love, loss, living with decisions that are sometimes beyond our control and a fabulous history lesson as this book is based partly on facts that occurred in WW II. It’s a gripping and fascinating read and I highly recommend this book to anyone that loves a phenomenally written story.

I was a bit wary of another WWII novel--there have been so many, and so many good ones--but this is a new and interesting twist on the theme. The novel focuses on Fenna Vos, who has found a way to deal with childhood trauma by becoming a master (mistress?) of illusion. When chance and the War take her to London, to work for MI9 helping to devise clever ways to hide materials for POWs to use, she is drawn into a desperate and dangerous gambit behind enemy lines in an effort to save the only person she's ever truly loved. With compelling characters, danger on all sides, and tricks inspired by actual events from the second World War, The Ways We Hide is not just another WWII novel, with just another heroine--pick up your copy on September 6!

I really enjoyed this fresh perspective on WW II historical fiction. The Ways We Hide features illusionist/stage magician Fenna Voss who grew up fascinated with legendary escape artist Harry Houdini. Fenna also grew up an orphan and endured tragedy in a copper mining town in Michigan, also based on real events.

I found this to be a fascinating, well-paced historical fiction novel. It kept me engaged and turning the pages throughout. I also enjoyed learning about how the British military used hidden magic and maps to help trick the enemy and save POWs across Europe. Fenna is a smart, strong-willed heroine you can’t help but cheer for.

Fenna’s childhood and her relationship with Arie Jansen is revealed through a series of flashbacks where we learn how - and why - she’s become who she is. While this story didn’t end quite the way I’d hoped, it was realistic and uplifting in the end. Highly recommend this one for any historical fiction or women’s fiction fan! 4.5 stars.

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for me free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I've been reading Ways We Hide for the past two weeks and am really struggling to get into it. I'm only about 20% of the way through, and normally I devour books in a few days time. I haven't been looking forward to reading it every night, which is disappointing. I'm putting this book aside for now but am planning on picking it up again in the future to give it another chance.

Kristina McMorris’ Ways We Hide is an emotional journey through the life of Fenna Voss, an orphan, a magician and an inventor whose devices were developed to aid prisoners in their escape and evasion of the Germans in WWII. While she worked to save them, the one person in her life that she was desperate to save was Arie Jansen. Fenna’s family was Dutch. Her mother died when she was a small child, leaving her to be raised by her father. At a Christmas celebration for needy children she was trapped by a crowd when someone had yelled fire. It was Arie, the boy who lived next door, who saved her. Sent to an orphanage when her father died, she escaped and was taken in by Arie’s family. As they grew up together, they also discovered that they loved each other. Afraid of committing herself to Arie, she left him.

Fenna was always fascinated by Houdini and his escapes. She practiced magic, perfected her acts and took on a partner to perform in theaters. As their popularity grew so did her partner’s ego, leading to their breakup. At their final performance, Major Hutton was in the audience. A member of MI9, he wants Fenna to work with him in London to help save soldiers’ lives. She takes his offer and leaves the stage behind. Arie appears briefly back in her life in London. He is now connected with Intelligence and is being sent to work with the resistance in Holland. When he disappears on his mission his superiors believe that he has deserted. Speaking Dutch and desperate to find the truth, she volunteers for a mission to find him. From the moment she parachutes into Holland the mission goes wrong. There is a time limit on her mission and she is desperate to find Arie. When she does find him there are heartbreaking revelations. It will take all of her skills as an escapist and magician to survive against the Germans and save the life of a child.

McMorris’ story is filled with suspense. from escapes on stage to the final escape from Holland. Tension is broken as she injects humor when one of Fenna’s ideas for MI9 goes horribly wrong. Fenna’s fear of dark enclosed spaces caused by her childhood experience is palpable and her story will bring you to tears. This is a beautifully told story that will keep you reading well into the night. I would like to thank NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing this book for my review.

3.5 stars // This. Book. What a ride.

I love a good WWII historical fiction and this was up there with some of my favorites. I love the unique twist of the main character working for MI9 after being recruited for her skills as an illusionist/stage magician. The love story was woven in really well and wasn’t over the top.

I did NOT love the death of a character that felt completely unnecessary for me. Maybe that’s just me wanting a happy ending, but there were so many ways around it. It made me angry when it happened. I can, however, understand that not everything (especially in wartime) can have a happy ending.

The writing overall was good, but there were several times that there were sentences that made me raise an eyebrow. Mostly because they felt random and unrelated. But still overall good.

At the end of the day, this is a really good historical fiction that I would recommend!

Based on two separate historical events, this WWII historical fiction story is gripping and engaging. Fenna Vos is a Dutch American illusionist who is recruited to become a British spy. Her knowledge of illusions and escapes lend to the MI9.
McMorris has written an exceptionally detailed and well researched book.

The meaning behind The Ways We Hide is extraordinary in this book. A magician is called in to help the war. She has special talents for hiding things that escape the enemy’s view. I enjoyed the book because of the strong female lead. I loved her tenacious spirit.

THE WAYS WE HIDE by Kristina McMorris is a wonderfully-written and gripping work of historical fiction set during World War II. Based on true events, it tells the little- known history of the branch of British military intelligence called MI9 that was tasked with coming up with escape aids that could be smuggled to Allied airmen, POWs and other servicemen without detection by the Germans. Fenna Vos grew up amid hardship and trauma in the 1920s in Michigan’s Cooper County. Eager to leave her past behind forever, she perfects her skill at magic tricks and later performs a popular act onstage with an escape artist. Just as their team’s relationship hits a sour note, Fenna is unexpectedly recruited by MI9 to use her unique expertise to design escape aids for the Allies. But it’s not long before Fenna’s past and present collide when she is sent on a dangerous mission to Holland that will bring her face-to-face with an important person from her past. What follows is an epic adventure, full of intrigue, loss, love and heroism. I really enjoyed this heartbreaking and emotional story and didn’t want it end. The Author’s Notes at the end give a fascinating look at the inspiration and research behind the book. Fenna is a character I won’t soon forget. I highly recommend this outstanding book. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read and review an early copy.

I received this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Fenna grows up in Michigan with her dad who is a copper miner. As a child she is involved in a tragedy that she is helped thru with her friend Arie.

Years later, Fenna, who was always fascinated with magic and illusions, takes her show on the road. This attracts the attention of the British intelligence and they soon recruit her to help the Allied POWs escape. During her time in Europe, she is recruited for a mission that involves her childhood friend.

I really enjoyed this book. The story moved easily and I quickly became invested in Fenna's life.

Ways We Hide by Kristina McMorris is my favorite book of the year, which is saying a lot from someone who reads in any spare moments. This is historical fiction of the finest and includes so many well researched facts. The book takes place in the USA, England and The Netherlands before and during WWII, but is not like any book of that era that I have read. The main character; Fenna Vos, is a very interesting woman who is fascinated by Harry Houdini. She becomes a magician, using many of Houdini’s tricks and illusions in her own shows as well as devising ways to use these skills in helping British intelligence.

Make sure you read the author’s comments at the end of the book as she highlights the fact and fiction of the story.

The first book I read by McMorris (Sold on a Monday) made me a true fan and I will continue to read anything she writes.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this ARC. My rating is a very strong five stars!

This was a three star read for me. I found the pacing to be off. There were parts that I thoroughly enjoyed and parts that were so slow that I skimmed through.
The love story between Fenna and Arie was heartbreaking, as you would find in most WWII novels. I was expecting more from the illusionist/women helping the war effort story line and, sadly, this missed the mark for me. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital arc of this book.