Ways We Hide by Kristina McMorris is just... wow! This is a novel that will stay with you long after the last page. Jenna Voss is one of the most memorable, fully-realized characters I've ever "met." McMorris is incredibly talented-her books are unputdownable!

The Ways We Hide
by Kristina McMorris

I Loved This Book! I’ve read a lot of historical fiction that takes place in WWII but none have had multiple story lines like this book. The Ways We Hide hooked me on page one and my interest never waned. The writing is superb - descriptions of people, places and events clear and precise. On top of these hallmarks of good writing we meet wonderful characters like Fenna Vos and Arie.

Fenna Vos is an interesting and engaging woman. Growing up life isn’t easy but she copes by making the most of whatever she has to face. She is fascinated with learning to perform magic tricks - her "bible" is a worn copy of the great magician, Houdini. After her father dies Fenna is sent to an orphanage from which she escapes at 12 years of age. Making her way to her neighbor Arie’s house his parents take her in, and she grows up with a crush on her best friend, Arie.

Fenna matures into an accomplished magician, creator of illusions and magic tricks. Her skills wind up transporting her to England helping British intelligence during WWII. Arie, who enlisted in the US military, is over there as well, but he was sent to Holland where British intelligence believes he may have gone rogue. Fenna volunteers to go to Holland to “flush” Arie out and determine what’s happened to him. This part of the The Ways We Hide had me on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. I can’t go further without giving away too much of this fabulous story.

This is not the first book I’ve read by Kristina McMorris. Sold on a Monday will stay with me forever. That said, The Ways We Hide moves to the top of my list of “must read” historical fiction set in WWII. I will recommend this to my book club for inclusion on our reading list after September. Be sure to read the Author's Notes where Ms. McMorris distinguishes fact from fiction, explaining how the various story lines melded together to create a novel of intrigue, struggle, love, determination and WWII history.

Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for the opportunity to read and review The Ways We Hide.

4.5 ⭐️

When I first started reading this book, I wasn't sure what to expect. A new author. A new style of writing. A new plot and characters. I will admit, some of the chapters were a bit too slow-paced for my liking, but then the author would take readers back in time to relive Fenna's childhood days. Those were some of my favorite flashbacks, especially between Fenna and Arie. They were so wholesome and sweet, and Arie really is the best 🥹

If you're sitting down to read this book and you're wondering how on earth do magic tricks fit in to a WW2 story, I was right there with you. At first, it almost seemed like the first few chapters were unnecessary. BUT. As I got into the story more, I realized what an essential part magic tricks played towards 3/4 of the book, so trust me, if you don't understand initially, you will as you read more.

I was honestly conflicted in my rating because I thought this story was shaping up to be a 3.5 star read. And then, as I read more, it became a 4-star read. But, because of a few scenes (I'll explain more down below), it was back down to 3.5 stars. But then. About 80% into the story, my heart broke. And it became 4 stars again. But THEN. About 93% into the story, there was this one scene that literally broke my heart. I'm not a crier when it comes to books. I've honestly never cried before. So when I say this, it truly shows how the author did such an incredible job of writing this scene: I. Was. Blinking. Back. Tears. So. Hard. And. If. I. Didn't. Have. To. Go. To. Bed. I. Might. Have. Cried.

THAT scene, and the way the author ended the story with such a bittersweet but hopeful ending, brought this book up to 4.5 stars. Endings are so important for authors to nail. It ties the story together, leaving the reader crying happy or sad tears, wishing there was more to the story or it had ended sooner, and sealing the deal on the final rating the reader will give. The author NAILED this ending. It was one of the best endings I've ever read in my life--and I've read a lot of books, trust me.

So. This story is a 4.5 read for me. Why not 5 stars? Well, because of this...

Content Warning: There were two scenes I skipped because, well, Arie and Fenn loved each other. And in two specific scenes, their love led them to show it in a "what couples would do on their honeymoon night" kind of way (that sounds so awkward to say, hahaha!). As a Christian, I don't read scenes that include s*x. I'm going to mention the chapters, so if content like this is something you don't want to read but still want to give this book a try, you can skip those scenes. Chapter 24 and Chapter 70 (these CW scenes are only about 1 page long, so I completely skipped the page when I knew where the scene was going, so it's easy not to read it).

Minus the CW, I honestly have no complaints about this book. I. still can't get over how 93% into the story and until the very last page, how I was fighting tears, and just how the author ended the book...this is a story I won't forget for quite some time.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an eARC of The Ways We Hide. A positive review was not required, only my honest opinion. All thoughts are expressly my own.

I am not usually a fan of historical fiction but I am a fan of Kristina McMorris so thought I’d give the Ways We hide a try. I’m so glad I did. The story of Fen had me captivated from the very first page. There were moments I was literally sitting on the edge of my seat, holding my breathe, praying all would work out. I felt the fear every time she encountered a German soldier. This book was definitely worth the read, even if you are like me and not usually a fan of historical fiction. You will not be disappointed!

"Everything is better with magic." So says a very wise child we meet in WAYS WE HIDE, and oh, so true. As a performer, I loved the validation that one uses her particular set of skills to provide such great help to the Allied forces. McMorris' research, from MI9's gadgets to a tragedy at the beginning of the book, early in our heroine's life, gives us such great facts, wrapped in a wonderful, and at times difficult, story. In the author's note, McMorris says she often describes historical fiction as "literary Advil", providing a sugarcoating to harsh history. Nothing could be more apt for this book. From the glamour of the stage to the hard knocks of an orphanage and daring escapes, this book took my breath away, made me laugh, and, yes, cry. I couldn't ask for more.

At the beginning of this book we are introduced to Fenna and her career in magic and illusions. From there, the story introduces a potential change for Fenna with an invitation for her to head to Europe to support war efforts. And then the story also goes back and covers a lot of Fenna's childhood.

Her love and understanding of magic tricks and illusionism weave through the story as she applies her skills with MI9 in designing tools to aid in the war efforts. She also finds herself in some missions that introduce danger and intrigue.

There is an interesting connection that weaves Fenna's love of Houdini and magic and illusions through the entire story.

A story of friendship and family with the burdens of a war. Fen has to figure out how to move on after a few devastation’s that she experienced. Well written and worth the read.

In THE WAYS WE HIDE, a terrifying, near-fatal, narrow escape during her childhood in the 1920s turns out to be a predestination of sorts for things to come for Fenna Vos, the daughter of an immigrant Dutch miner in America’s Upper Midwest.

In their native tongue Vos means “fox,” her father taught Fenna. Thus she was already, in the words of author Kristina McMorris, “fated to be inquisitive and friendly yet sly and elusive, a solitary creature not meant for a pack. And like the Arctic fox, whose fur changes color with the seasons, I was adept at fading into the background.”

Good traits for not one, but two, subsequent career paths. Fenna shares a clandestine childhood friendship with Arie, whose family are also Dutch emigres. One day she discovers a gift from him under her pillow: a well-thumbed copy of Houdini’s magic tricks. The little volume, as well as memories of the tragedy she could never have escaped without Arie’s help, will end up shaping her destiny. So, too, will her deep connection with Arie.

Fenna becomes transfixed by the notion of “escaping the inescapable.” Mastering Houdini’s skills of illusion and deflection, peppered with extraordinary moxie, she manages to outwit a series of gatekeepers [you’ll get no plot spoilers in this review] in her youth. Ultimately, she lands on her feet—and on stage, following in Houdini’s footsteps—although she’s most comfortable behind the scenes, devising and designing complex escape illusions for her stage partners.

After a performance one night during one of her tours, she’s offered the opportunity of a lifetime: to go to England and join an MI9 classified section designing spycraft for the Allied forces and POWs: such as gadgets hidden in buttons, lipsticks, and Monopoly boards.

From the first scene of McMorris’s novel where life and death escapes are offered as stage entertainment (though we hold our breath nonetheless, because an illusionist’s trick can still go horribly wrong), we are led through a series of ever more dangerous offstage life and death escapes, where there is no sure denouement. Escapes from the inescapable must occasionally be improvised or re-imagined on the spot; and Fenna is never entirely sure who to trust. She has been hired for her skills in the art of deception; yet is she herself being deceived by someone? Or by more than one person? Including those in whom she has always placed her trust?

In THE WAYS WE HIDE the stakes are always impossibly high—and then they change, only to grow even higher. War rages on, with a ticking clock, just like a timed escape from a water tank or an airless capsule. Each of Fenna’s narrow escapes, too, are timed or doomed to failure—which would be catastrophic. There is no time to mourn a loss: characters must acknowledge it and move on, or more precious moments will be gone forever. Even true emotions remain hidden; revealed too late. McMorris has written a story of WWII that rings completely true, has no time for sentiment, yet grabs your gut and your heart from the first page, and never lets go.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book. The Ways We Hide is a beautiful and breathtaking story of bravery and love. The characters are so well developed and yet human. That this amazing story is inspired by real life events just makes it all the more amazing. This is a testament to just what lengths we will go to for those that matter.

Historical fiction is my absolute favourite genre so I was super excited to get my hands on this book early.

This was a great book and I really liked Fen and was rooting for her the whole way. The way the whole story was set up to use her childhood love of magic/illusion and Houdini was perfect. From her escaping from the orphanage to escaping from Holland during the war to her career before and after the war.

I found the first part of the book a bit slow. Once Fenna was recruited to work for M19 the pace of the book really picked up and it was hard to put down!

My only knock on this story was the ending with Arie (no spoilers here). I really liked his character and was rooting for them as a couple the whole way through. The whole situation in Holland was not really believable but this is a fictional story so I understand the author's spin on this.

Make sure you read the Author's Note at the end. It is fascinating to see how she pulled the story together and did her research. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the ARC of this book.

A tragedy where children were trampled trying to escape a false fire alarm impacted Fen’s life. Her life was spared, thanks to Arie’s help. This experience bound them together for life. Fen also had a fascination with Houdini which led to the stage & then to working for MI9 during WWII.

Ways We Hide, by Kristina McMorris tells the remarkable story of Fen, her fear of closed places, her development of escape trips for the stage, and her work making escape tools for POWs. It is a story of courage and love that defies time and distance.

I wish to thank NetGalley and Sourcebooks LANDMARK Publishing for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Where do I begin? This book covers so much and it hooks you at the very beginning. It is like having 3 or 4 books all in one. It is brilliantly written, the story flow works, the characters are amazing and it really involves the reader in the story. This is not the first book that I have read by this author and it will not be the last. I am a huge fan.

This story begins in New York City before WWII. Fenna has been fascinated with the magician Houdini since she was a child and as a young woman she is part of a magician team that entertains all over the country. She is the main person behind the scenes but on stage acts as the assistant. If this was all of the book I would have been pleased but the story evolves when the British government hires her to go to London and work with MI9 developing spy implements that will help downed pilots, POWs, and soldiers and spies in the field. If you are a James Bond fan this will grab you. She connects with an old flame and they work together to try to free a young Jewish girl and others. I do not want to say more but believe me this is a great book for anyone who loves espionage, and action all wrapped up in a web of magic. I loved it and highly recommend it.

Wow, just wow. This is a BEAUTIFULLY written story. Historical novels are usually out of my wheelhouse, however I’m glad I read this. The MC is SO real, flawed, strong, and tainted by her past - I love her! No damsel in distress for this story.

You won’t regret reading this book, the twists and turns are captivating! Check trigger warnings, but it’s a book based during WW2 so it has a lot of mentions of the time period, especially around Nazis. MC is first generation American with a Dutch father who eventually makes her way over to London to help the Allies in an unusual way due to her love of magic tricks.


Themes: action, Houdini, escape artist, strong female MC, WW2, death, love, PTSD, alcoholism, Nazi, escaping, gadgets, military, spies, family, fire, trauma, orphans, NOT HAE (but happy enough), historical, Europe, unions, immigrants, mentions of anti-Semitic (nazis), grief

I was provided a free arc in exchange for a review through netgalley, however my review is 100% my own.

This is historical fiction based on true facts during World War II.
It is as intense as the 1940's were!

If you love Magic and Illusions you will adore Fenna who is the main character in these pages.
She, as we discover, has not had an easy childhood.
Her favorite pastime is learning about her idol who was Houdini. She worshipped and learned about his life and tricks until Fenna herself masters this art of mystery and way more. She is good!
The British Intelligence offers Fenna a position as a spy because of her skills and this is where the journey gets interesting for all!

I enjoyed this story, though at times I felt it was a bit long and confusing.
I do think anyone, who enjoys World War II history will truly love "Way We Hide".

Thank you to NetGalley and #SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for this ARC and for allowing me to provie my own review.

Interesting to learn about how talented people, especially women devised ways to thwart the Nazis and help the Allie’s during WWII.

Thank you NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for the copy of The Ways We Hide. Even though the writing never grabbed me, this was a captivating and intricate story. I loved how Fenna used her stage magic background to solve real-life problems. Fenna and Arie were great characters and I liked how their relationship evolved. The first half of the book was about their childhood and it went on a little too long for me. This could have been a great dual timeline book because the part of the book when they were adults was much more exciting than the childhood part, even though the childhood part was important to the story. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

THE WAYS WE HIDE is a complex historical novel about overcoming loss and conquering fears. A childhood tragedy leaves the principal character strikingly alone and required to be both innovative and mature at a very early age.

This historical novel takes us through a series of seemingly insurmountable challenges for our heroine, culminating in a a harrowing espionage journey through Nazi occupied Holland. The character is almost breathlessly innovative and intrepid and, while she verges on the cusp of being impossibly clever, this reader was with her all the way and accepted her heroics as “ what the situation required.”

While there was almost too much “ over the edge” adventure in this novel, It was a reminder of the challenges of survival in wartime and the heroism that emerges.

This sweeping WWII era book of historical fiction weaves a credible tale based on real people and events. First begun in copper mining country in Michigan, young Fenna survived a tragic theater stampede which was started by someone yelling “Fire!”. She witnessed the bodies and severely injured (mostly children) laid out after barely escaping herself. This emotionally scarred her for life. Soon after, her widowed father was killed in a mining accident and she was sent to an orphanage. She escaped and found her way to a family who had moved several towns away. During this time she had become intrigued with Houdini, magic, and escapism. Through that interest, she was recruited to assist the British is the war effort and her adventures continue in designing items. She eventually gets drawn into rescue work in the Netherlands. This book is well researched and may relate to a film to be screened later this year or in 2023 “The War Magician” with Benedict Cumberbatch. Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this ARC to be published September 6, 2022.

I’m a fast reader, but I needed to read this slowly so I could absorb every detail and feel every emotion. This book was oh so good, stunning in its portrayal of human emotion, love and loss. I’m not good enough with words to do it justice.

Fenna Vos loves magic and illusions. She’s smitten with Houdini. She suffered loss and tragedy and her love of the magical world of Houdini got her through these hard times. She becomes quite adept at illusions and trickery herself, so as a young woman she is recruited by M19 to invent and design gadgets meant to help those fighting the Nazis. She finds that her skills will be put to good use to save those she loves.

I cheered Fenna on, I cried with her, I chewed off all of my fingernails and I stayed up way too late reading. I’m so grateful for the ARC of this book and would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher. This is my honest 5-star review.

4.25 – 4.5 STARS

Amidst the ravages of life and war, illusion plays an integral role in this gripping, cleverly crafted saga about love and loss, set against a devastatingly real WWII backdrop.

Although “The Ways We Hide” boasts a unique and compelling premise with complex, relatable characters, I found the pacing to be a bit sluggish at times, especially as it pertained to the backstory—which could have been told through flashbacks or alternating between chapters of past and present as a more effective means of driving the story forward.

That said, this historical fiction delivered a distinctive twist and an interesting perspective that immediately drew me in. Add the romantic angst between Fenna and Arie into the mix, and this story kept me engaged from start to finish.