Wow. Just wow. Noelle Salazar has such a wonderful writing style that I am immediately transported into her stories. This book is beautiful, gritty, heart-wrenching, and awe-inspiring. Parts of it are so hard to read but also such an honest description of what occurred during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands during World War II. I cannot wait to see what Salazar creates next.

*Multiple descriptions of death, attempted rape, violence, and other tragedies associated with WWII.

Right... I definitely didn't expect this to happen when I added Angels Of The Resistance. It's not often that I get the chance to visit a city close to the town where I was born in a story; as soon as I found out this story was set in WWII Haarlem in the Netherlands, I knew that I HAD to read it. True, I was a tad worried about the fact that Haarlem was referred to as a small town (which it is most definitely not), but I hoped it would only be a minor slip and the rest of the story would make up for it... Sadly, Angels Of The Resistance and me weren't ment to be.

I had such high hopes for the historical setting; it's not often that I get to visit The Netherlands during WWII, and it's usually either Amsterdam or Rotterdam that gets the spotlight. Having Haarlem heavily featured was one of the reasons I wanted to read Angels Of The Resistance; it's a city I've visited many many times during my childhood, and I was looking forward to visit it again. This is probably part of the reason why I was immediately annoyed by this story. Haarlem has had city rights since the 13th century and over 140.000 habitants during the war (yes, I checked). So having it referred to as a small town multiple times was really frustrating. Not only that, but it was even referred to as 'town by the sea', as if the characters could walk right to the beach in no time at all (they are in for a LONG walk if they want to to that, trust me). I know people who aren't familiar with The Netherlands wouldn't be bothered by this, but for me personally it was a source of disappointment.

I also struggled considerably with the main characters. I never warmed up to Lien at all, making it very hard to stay focused and care about what happened to her. Her whole attitude with her blaming herself for things that are happening sure got frustrating fast... And what is with the names used? Elif is most definitely not an originally Dutch name nor used back then, and it started to grate on me every time it popped up. I wasn't sure up to what point the Dutch representation was actually accurate in general; it mostly felt like an American view of what life in the Netherlands would be like back then.

There was also something about the writing style that irked me enormously... I can't put my finger on the why, but I really struggled to find the motivation to keep reading and I started skimreading long before the halfway mark just to get it over with faster. Angels Of The Resistance was also surprisingly graphic for a historical fiction read, and violent scenes are described in detail. And then I'm not even talking about the attempted rapes and added steamy scenes... It was all just too blunt and distracted from the plot instead of adding to it. The tone in general just didn't feel fitting for a historical fiction read; the events and interactions also felt almost forced.

I know that I'm in the minority when it comes to my negative reaction to this story though... Most people seem to love their time with this book. I guess not intimately knowing Dutch culture and Haarlem will sure help considerably, and people react differently to a writing style and certain elements. I just wanted to put my two cents out there in case there was someone else struggling with Angels Of The Resistance... I sure came close to that decision to DNF more than once myself, but considering the glowing reviews the chances are high this story will work better for you.

Synopsis: Set in Netherlands during WWII, Angels of Resistance follows 14 year old Lien, who joins the Dutch Resistance with her sister Elif. Due to her young age and small size, she is assigned small tasks at first, but she aspires to take on more responsibilities. Soon Elif and Lien are deeply entrenched in the resistance, and the story that ensues is fantastic. This story is inspired by two Dutch sisters, Freddie and Truus Oversteegen, who joined the Dutch Resistance and seduced and killed Nazis and Dutch collaborators.

Thoughts: It is always a treat to read about "lesser known" elements of World War II, and I hadn't learned much about what occurred in the Netherlands at this time. Salazar writes about two incredible strong women who learn find their power in such a beautiful way. I found that was quickly enveloped in the story, which was different than many of the WWII books I've read.

Read if you like
-WWII historical fiction
-Kate Quinn, Martha Hall Kelly, Kelly Rimmer
-Stories about female spies

When Holland is invaded by Nazis, teenager Lien and her older sister, Elif, find themselves involved in clandestine resistance efforts. When called upon to perform unspeakable acts in order to harm the enemy, will the sisters’ be able to rise to the challenge? Find out in this riveting work of historical fiction.

Two teenage girls are trained for resistance work in this new release from Noelle Salazar. Lien and Elief have connections to the work being done to resist the Nazis and both decide to participate. Their late father had encouraged them to pursue many different interests including sharp-shooting and Lien is particularly good at taking out targets. Their beloved father once called his girls "angels" and the people who benefit from the risks they take definitely feel blessed by them. The book follows the war in its entirety in the Netherlands with an epilogue giving closure. The narrative is written from Lien's POV, almost as if we are reading her diaries. It is an intimate look behind the curtain and you will be riveted. The two girls live in Haarlem and work with the Ten Booms from The Hiding Place: The Triumphant True Story of Corrie Ten Boom. Salazar was inspired to write this book after reading about Truus and Freddie Oversteegen. If you want to read more about these two brave young women, I recommend Three Ordinary Girls: The Remarkable Story of Three Dutch Teenagers Who Became Spies, Saboteurs, Nazi Assassins–and WWII Heroes by Tim Brady.

Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a great book! Like with The Flight Girls, Ms Salazar took us to another place that is rarely visited in WWII Historical Fiction, the Dutch Resistance in The Netherlands. It's always interesting to learn about a new-to-me place that the Nazis invaded. The book started a little slow, but once it got going, it kept me glued. No worries about Ms Salazar being a one-hit wonder! Another successful novel and hopefully we'll continue to see more from her!

Angels of the Resistance was the first book that I have had the pleasure of reading by Noelle Salazar. The idea for writing Angels of the Resistance came from a newspaper article a friend sent to her. The article in the newspaper was about two young and courageous women that joined the Dutch Resistance when they were just fourteen and sixteen years old. The names of the actual girls were Truus and Freddie Oversteegen. Angels of the Resistance was inspired by their courageous acts, bravery and determination. Noelle Salazar’s research for Angels of the Resistance was impeccable. Although this was a historical fiction novel, some of the people, places and occurrences mentioned in the book were real. Most of the characters were fictional but a few of the characters were real. Angels of the Resistance was a very moving historical fiction novel that explored the roles of the Dutch Resistance and the people that lived in Haarlem and nearby Amsterdam.

Lien Vinke grew up in Haarlem, Netherlands with her parents and two sisters. In the summer of 1940, Lien had already experienced her share of loss. Her father had died and her younger sister Madi had also recently died. Lien blamed herself for Madi’s death. She had been charged to take Madi to school on that fateful day. Her little sister was always high spirited and somewhat of a daredevil. Young Madi ventured onto the ledge by the sea. She did this quite frequently. Lien warned her to get off the ledge but it was just like young Madi to ignore her warnings. A bike passed dangerously close to Madi and caused her to loose her balance and fall down into the sea. Lien jumped in after her but it was of no use. Madi had hit her head on the rocks on her way down to the water. She was dead by the time she was found. Although it was an accident and no one saw it as Lien’s fault, Lien was extremely hard on herself and blamed herself for Madi’s death. That day would haunt Lien day and night for years to come.

When Lien was sixteen years old and her older sister, Elif, was eighteen years old they both began a regiment of training exercises to become members of the Dutch Resistance. When war broke out across Europe, the Netherlands had hoped to stay neutral as they had during World War I. That was not to be their fate during World War II. The Nazis invaded the Netherlands and made their presence known in Haarlem where Lien and Elif resided with their mother. Their mother owned and ran a sewing shop. That would end up be being a great asset for her daughters as she was able to sew hidden pockets into their skirts and jackets to conceal their weapons they had to often carry with them. Both Lien and Elif had very youthful appearances, especially when the plaited their blonde hair. That would prove to be to their advantage. No one would suspect two young girls of carrying and concealing weapons. As members of the Dutch Resistance both girls were instructed and trained in moving people from one safe house to another, how to deliver pertinent information regarding sensitive information that could influence the war, how to seduce and kill Nazis and Dutch collaborators and how to bomb and set fire to Nazi trains that transported weapons or to buildings that were crucial to the war for the Nazis. Lien and Elif grew closer than they had ever been during those years. They often worked together as a team. Lien often expressed that her reason for joining the Dutch Resistance was because of Madi’s death. She wanted to help those that she could and make a difference. Lien still blamed herself for not responding quicker to Madi. Now she spent all her energy on trying to make amends for Madi’s death by helping others. Her reasons and focus would change as the years progressed. During this time, Lien and Elif, forged friendships with the people they worked side by side with in the resistance. Lien developed strong feelings for Charlie who had joined the Dutch Resistance because a heart condition kept him from joining the Royal Army. Their initial attraction to each other and then the love they developed for each other was so beautiful and strong.

Angels of the Resistance by Noelle Salazar touched upon the treatment of the Jewish people In Haarlem, Netherlands. The Ten Boom family was mentioned in relation to the part they played in helping forge new identities for the Jewish people that they helped to hide in one of the sister’s apartment and how their watch store served as a front for delivering important messages for the resistance. The themes of sisterhood, family, love, loss, tragedy, romance and heroism were well documented. The members of the Dutch Resistance portrayed determination, bravery, courage and a sense of loyalty to their country. I really enjoyed reading Angels of the Resistance by Noelle Salazar and highly recommend it. Publication is set for November 29, 2022.

Thank you to Mira Publishers for allowing me to read Angels of the Resistance by Noelle Salazar through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

* I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this book. All thoughts are my own.

4.5 stars

Really interesting story that was inspired by real stories of the Dutch resistance. I really liked all of the characters and don’t think there really was a dull moment. There were absolutely spots where I teared up/cried. I also really liked the author’s writing!

I would definitely recommend this book, but don’t know if I would read it again.

Lien is 14 when the Nazis arrive in Haarlem and she's determined to join her mother and sister Elif in the Resistance. She's distressed about all of it and worried about her friend Tess and the Abermans. Despite her mother's initial disapproval, she's eventually allowed to join Elif, who is scared, in training at the home of Aunt Liv, a wealthy family friend who has provided their family with food and other necessities. Lien, already an ace with a gun thanks to her father, learns other techniques, including the use of a dagger. Lien and Elif become a tag team, luring Nazis from bars and elsewhere and dispatching them. Readers of WWII fiction know that Lien's world is eventually going to crumble but know that while there are deeply distressing events, there's also an amazing hopeful one. Salazar has smoothly incorporated, without fan fare, the TenBoom family, so critical to helping Jews in the Netherlands. This skips quickly through the years until a horror. Know that there's an epilogue. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. A good read.

A wonderful book, by Noel’s Salazar, an author that I have read previously. This is a novel based on true events about the invasion of the Netherlands by the Germans in 1940. As the occupation becomes widespread, the resistance movement becomes more intense and soon two young girls Lien and her older sister Elif become involved.
Since they maintain a low profile, the teenagers are barely noticed as they sharpen their shooting that their father had taught them and are gradually given more complex and dangerous assignments, trying to help the movement and escape harm.
Noelle Salazar is a very skilled storyteller, taking the story of real participants of the movement and weaving a story of the bravery and courage of these young women, all while suffering the diminishing food supplies and the losses of neighbors and friends along with the treachery of former schoolmates and neighbors that are sympathizers of the invading enemy.
I love historical fiction and this book didn’t fail to entertain. I recommend it and feel it’s five star worthy, a wonderful read. My thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Books for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

A great wartime story. Poignant and engaging. I really am partial to war stories from the female perspective because it's such a different story and this really delivered. I will recommend this to students of mine that are into history.

Excellent read, The writing was superb. I couldn’t wait to read each page! Sisters and all they went through working in the resistance. I know it was historical fiction but I’m sure these horrific things happened!

Great historical review of this book! The characters were well developed, and there was lots of suspense. Great for WWII fans!

What we take for granted! This is a page turning read, and we put faces to those who are willing to give everything for freedom and justice. A WWII story set in the Netherlands, and young people, still in school, but stepping up to fight the evil that has invaded their country.
I guess we never know if we are capable to doing what these young patriots did in the war effort, but because of their actions, we know how history played out.
This read was a gift, tough at times, but we need to not forget what happened, and give faces to those who stepped up. At times you will have your heart in your throat, and also found myself holding my breath, will these now friends all survive?
We are also gifted with an epilogue!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Mira, and was not required to give a positive review.

Angels of the Resistance is historical fiction at its best as it explores the story of the Dutch Resistance during WW2.

We tend to forget how young the people were that both fought for and resisted the War for their country.

Lien and Elif were two such sisters who joined the Resistance by starting out with small tasks (though that still would have got them killed if caught) to momentous missions.

The tension mounts as the sisters go out on the missions assigned. Will they succeed, will they come home safely.

The bravery and courage of all these people is beyond amazing and we must never forget their service and sacrifice.

The pages turn quickly as you hold your breath for the sisters and your fingers are crossed they make it home.

I cant recommend this book highly enough and now I am off to read The Flight Sisters by Noelle Salazar.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harelquin Trade Publishing, Mira for an unforgettable read.

As bombs fall across Europe, fourteen-year-old Lien Vinke fears that the reality of war is inescapable. Though she lives a quiet life with her mother and older sister, Elif, in their small town of Haarlem in the Netherlands, they are no strangers to heartache, having recently suffered an immeasurable loss. And when the Nazis invade the Netherlands, joining the Dutch resistance with Elif offers just the atonement Lien craves. Trained to shoot by their late father, the sisters are deadly wolves in sheep’s clothing. They soon find themselves entrenched in the underground movement, forging friendships with the other young recruits, and Lien even discovers a kindred spirit in a boy named Charlie. But in wartime, emotional attachments are a liability she can’t afford, especially when a deeply personal mission jeopardizes everything she holds dear—her friendships, her family, and her one shot at redemption.

The author uses two real life sisters who were in the resistance during WWII as a pattern for the sisters in this book. She researched the sisters and what they did and used some of their "missions" in the book. This was one of the few books about the resistance that I have read that takes place in the Netherlands, and I really enjoyed reading about the people and the country. Her secondary characters were also very well done and played an integral part in the story. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for granting my request to read this book.

This is the story of two teenage sisters who risk everything to join the Dutch Resistance. Their mother worked on faking ID cards in her dressmaker shop. Their father taught them how to shoot with precision. The resistance taught them everything else.

I'm thrilled that I had the opportunity to read this unique historical novel. Based on the true story of two sisters who fought in the Dutch resistance, Salazar has crafted a page-turner that leaves a lasting emotional impression.
From the dramatic opening paragraphs packed with sensory imagery, the reader is swept into the lives of teenagers Lien and Elif Vinke. Set in a small town in Holland, the story begins as the Nazi's are about to attack and take over the country. Elif, the elder sister, is already involved in producing counterfeit papers for Jews trying to leave the country. The girl's mother and their "aunt" are also involved. Lien pleads to help but her mother thinks she is too young. When it is discovered that Lien is a sure-shot sniper, her mother relents.
As the Nazi's invade, the sisters decide to join resistance group which involves performing extremely dangerous acts of resistance including killing. Courage vs fear, pride vs doubt – are the swirling emotions of these young women. Their dedication to the cause is awe inspiring.
Salazar develops her characters with exceptional detail such that each of their voices ring clear. She also creates tremendous suspense such that I could not put the book down. A special Thank You to Noelle Salazar for the postscripts. They really helped me to say goodbye to Lien, Charlie, and Elif.

Not sure what to say about this one other than I was not engaged or emotionally attached. This story is set in Holland, but why describe a very American high school set up complete with "ninth grade," and seniors, and getting letter grades on tests when the Dutch school system has always been vastly different? The Wonder Woman comic mailed from the U.S into Nazi Occupied Holland was silly.

A tale of two sisters, having their adolescence stolen due to the war, join the resistance at a young age. From executing targets, moving families from safe house to safe house, and blowing up railways, there was nothing these two could not do. As someone who devours WWII historical fiction, this book was no different. I could not put this book down. One of the best things I like about historical fiction is then going to the internet and looking up the real places mentioned in the book, and in this instance, that was the Ten Boom clock shop.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the early read in exchange for my honest opinion.