WOW! As I sat and read this truly thought provoking story that pulled me in from the start. I was reminded of the first hand stories I have heard about the train ride to Auschwitz. My emotions tugging at my heart. I listened to a friend tell about her parents train ride to Auschwitz and the horrible conditions.
Heartfelt, powerful, unforgettable descriptions of real life during the Holocaust, death and the tragedies that took place during WWII. The bravery of the resistance fighters.
Espionage, courage, love, family, and how important survival became. Pam Jenoff has written a story that won't disappoint.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.

Code Name Sapphire is Pam Jenoff’s newest book. Truly amazing, one of her best. Hannah, of Jewish heritage, flees her homeland of Germany during the second world war. She was on a ship and was due to disembark in Cuba..She then hoped to continue on to America. The passengers were not allowed to disembark in Cuba and were sent back to Europe. Since she had a cousin in Belgium that would accept her, she was able to stay there.

Hannah wants desperately to leave Europe as she was involved in drawing political cartoons in Germany and was being sought not only for that but also because she was Jewish. She winds up becoming part of the resistance in Belgium. As part of her actions, she puts her cousin Lily and her family in jeopardy. She works closely with Micheline, head of that line, along with Micheline’s brother Mateo, only to find out Lily had been involved with Mateo years ago. After Lily’s family is arrested and sent away as a result of Hannah’s actions, she sets out to get Micheline and Mateo to help her get them released.

I would like to thank Net Galley for giving me the opportunity to read this amazing pre-released in exchange for an honest review. I could not put the book down. I was absorbed from start to finish and I highly recommend it.

I always look forward to reading new books by Pam Jenoff because her storytelling is enjoyable. Her characters are real - with flaws and emotions. This book tells the story of an underground resistance line saving downed English pilots. Then it morphs into a story about family, friendship, and survival. I wish that a bit more attention had been given to the Sapphire Line, though I understood why that eventually wasn’t the main focus. I read this book pretty quickly and it held my attention. But, as sometimes happens in Ms. Jenoff’s books, there were minor things that bugged me. Why, for instance, was there always time for long speeches near the camp border? There’s a reader’s discussion question asking how the reader feels about the ending. I have to admit, I was a bit annoyed by the ending - it might set up for a sequel, but it contradicted something that I thought was really important earlier in the book. Overall, I believe that if Ms. Jenoff is an author you like, you’re going to also like this one. If stories about WWII resistance movements and plots and daring rescues are something you enjoy, then you’ll also enjoy this book.

Pam Jenoff has done it again. This time with a little known story and the brave women who were part of the resistance. Based on the true story of the liberation of a train on its way to Auschwitz.

Complicating twists and turns surrounding WWII prisoners and their interactions to plane a daring escape

Bravo to Pam Jenoff, the author of “Code Name Sapphire” for writing such a powerful, memorable, heartfelt, and thought-provoking novel. Pam Jenoff is a master writer, storyteller, and researcher, who vividly describes her characters, events, and landscape during World War Two. In “Code Name Sapphire,” Pam Jenoff describes the brutality, tragedies, and horrors of life and death. The author discusses espionage, betrayal, the importance of resistance, and the necessity and importance of survival.

The author describes her dramatic characters as complex and complicated. Some are courageous, and some will do anything to survive. There is an obvious contrast between good and evil. The men and women in the resistance risk their lives and others. After a tragic loss, Hannah escapes Nazi Germany and finally finds refuge with her cousin Lily in Brussels. Hannah is used to underground work and resumes it with the “Sapphire Line,” a secret resistant network; a mysterious woman runs that.

Hannah does what she has to do, but after a terrible mistake, Lily and her family are deported to Auschwitz. Hannah has to find the courage to make the correct decisions. I devoured this power-packed, thought-provoking novel, and I would highly recommend this memorable and heartbreaking book to others. I appreciate that Pam Jenoff shows the importance of sisterhood, courage, family, love, and hope.

I would like to thank Net Galley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC of Code Name Sapphire by Pam Jenoff. I appreciate the role of females depicted in this story based on true events during WWII. Character development and a twist ending kept me captivated. A great storyteller.

Thank you Net Galley and Harlequin for an ARC copy of Pam Jenoff's latest book. As always her new book Code Name Sapphire didn’t disappoint. This story is based on true events that happened during WW II.
I couldn’t put it down. It held my interest wondering what would happen next. Great character development and a suspenseful story. I really enjoyed this book as it showed how life was during the war and how horrible this time in history was. Would highly recommend this book.

I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this amazing author!! Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing.
Now, Pam Jenoff is the kind of author where I would grab her book off a shelf regardless of what it was about. That’s because she represents everything I love in a book and an author. Beautiful stories, complex and compelling characters, gorgeous detail that always moves the plot forward. Her books make me want to read late into the night but saviour each word as well.
The same goes for this book.
Well written, this book shows you the look into the amazing men and women who risked their lives daily to help stand against the Nazi regime. I smiled, I cried and held my breath as each moment rolled out.
For anyone that loves ww2, history and the strength of the human spirit this one’s for you!

“A woman must rescue her cousin's family from a train bound for Auschwitz in this riveting tale of bravery and resistance during World War II

1942. Hannah Martel has narrowly escaped Nazi Germany after her fiancé was killed in a pogrom. When her ship bound for America is turned away at port, she has nowhere to go but to her cousin Lily, who lives with her family in Brussels. Fearful for her life, Hannah is desperate to get out of occupied Europe. But with no safe way to leave, she must return to the dangerous underground work she thought she had left behind.

Seeking help, Hannah joins the Sapphire Line, a secret resistance network led by a mysterious woman named Micheline and her enigmatic brother Mateo. But when a grave mistake causes Lily’s family to be arrested and slated for deportation to Auschwitz, Hannah finds herself torn between her loyalties. How much is Hannah willing to sacrifice to save the people she loves? Inspired by incredible true stories of courage and sacrifice, Code Name Sapphire is a powerful novel about love, family and the unshakable resilience of women in even the hardest of times.”

What an incredible story!! This is my first book by Pen Jenoff, and now I need to dive into her backlist!

Synopsis: Set in Belgium in 1942, Code Name Sapphire tells the story of three women during the war. There is Micheline, the leader of the Resistance, who helps bring British airmen from occupied zones to safety. Then, there is Hannah who escapes from the Nazis in Germany and boards a ship to Brussels to stay with her estranged cousin, Lily, until she can make it to America. Finally, there is Lily who is just trying to avoid the Nazis, support her son and lay low. However, when Lily and her family are arrested, likely due to Hannah’s actions, and are given notices that they will be deported to Auschwitz, Hannah decides that she will do whatever it takes to save them before they get on that train.

Thoughts: There is nothing better than finding a HF book that is impossible to put down, is based on real situations/ people and teaches you something new. I was immediately drawn into the plot and while this story, as expected, was heart wrenching and emotional, I love how it highlighted the brave women who helped out during the war. Definitely one to not miss!!

A new top historical fiction.

Synopsis: Set in 1942 Europe, Hannah Martel barely escapes the Nazis aas her husband is killed in their home in Germany. She thinks she is finally free, as she boards a boat bound for America. However, the boat is turned around and returned to Europe, and she calls on her cousin Lily, who lives in Brussels with her family. Still worried about her safety, Hannah is desperate to get out of Europe, but she cannot secure departure. Eventually, she encounters an underground network called the Sapphire Line, led by Micheline and her brother Matteo, and Hannah convinces them to help her escape. However, Hannah makes a massive mistake that costs Lily's family greatly, and she will need to go to great lengths to rectify the situation.... but at what cost?

Thoughts: This was an excellent WWII historical fiction book that felt new and refreshing from other books I've read that take place during this time. The plot didn't necessary go in the direction I had expected, but it was non-stop action right from the start, which is not always the case in a historical fiction book. The characters were multi-dimensional, and the plot was really well-executed. You will not be able to put this one down, trust me.
Read if you like:
-The Alice Network
-WWII stories
-Books with strong female leads
-Emotional reads

Pam Jenoff is one of my favorite authors and this book did not disappoint! Code Name Sapphire is an incredible story about an underground resistance network saving downed English airmen during the Holocaust. This story highlights strong women during that period of time. The character development and writing was great. The fact that this is based on true events makes the story more meaningful. Thank you Net Galley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for an ARC of Code Name Sapphire. Pam Jenoff did it again...a must read!

Pam Jenoff has done it again! I started reading her books with The Kommandant's Girl and she has since become one of my favorite authors. She never disappoints in delivering a well researched, can't put down Holocaust fiction novel that draws you into the characters. This new book takes you into the lives of the resistance and how they try to save downed airmen in WW2. But along the way Lily, and her family, who are just trying to avoid the Nazis and lay low, are arrested and bound for Auschwitz. Her cousin, who feels guilty that Lily was arrested because of her and her resistance work, tries at all cost to rescue Lily before she is killed in Auschwitz. Jenoff weaves in a lot of well researched true Holocaust stories so you really feel as though you are learning more about forgotten history and real lives of the Holocaust. This book is another of hers not to be missed.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin publishing for an advance copy.

Inspired by several true stories about the persecution, imprisonment, and rescue of Jews in Belgium under Nazi invasion,Code Name Sapphire by Pam Jenoff is a must read by those who enjoy historical fiction or WWII stories. I highly recommend.

Pam Jenoff has penned a tale derived from a true event in WWII of the brave attempt of a train liberation of people headed to the horrific death camp Auschwitz.

Written like a runaway train, plowing through emotions such as fear and hope, love and loss, betrayal and redemption, joy and pain, as well as truth and story, this is one not to be missed for any historical fiction fan.

The characters created are whole and well developed, investing you as the reader in every daring mission whether a success or failure. The relationships built are as complex as any relationship you have ever known.

This story brings the danger and heroic actions of resistance workers during Nazi controlled Europe the recognition they so rightly deserve. You’ll encounter lines of resistance workers desperate to save downed airmen, brave citizens that help disseminate information of where airmen are being hidden and passing messages throughout the resistance line right under German soldiers noses, citizens that open their hearts and homes to help feed and clothe those on the run, and of course the bravery of the resistance in liberating a train bound for death.

I cannot recommend this novel high enough for anyone that’s interested in historical fiction, Nazi Germany, or just loves to read a tale that will sweep you up and whisk you away down secret lines of brave people trying to help those in distress.

A huge thank you to #NetGalley, the publishers and amazing author for extending me an ARC in exchange for my honest opinions. Don’t miss this on publication day in Feb. 2023.

My full review will be posted on all social media sites, blogging platforms and retail sites on release day.

The author has written many novels, but I believe this one might be her best yet! This book is a excellently researched, and it is clear, as always, that Pam Jenoff is a scrupulous historian alongside her authorship. Wonderful, captivating writing and original plot gives this novel the depth and ability to pull in any reader. I highly recommend this author and all of her other books I have read have been nothing less than fantastic. She is definitely an auto-buy author for me, and I can't wait to own this novel in print.

Thank you NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest opinion. I was looking forward to reading this book and I was not disappointed! Based on true events, this story is not only heart wrenching, but heart pounding as well. The characters worked well together and I was instantly immersed into their world. The twist at the end was completely unexpected!

Pam Jenoff has done it again with Code Name Sapphire. This is a book that is a slow burn, it builds steadily to the moment where everything changes. Hannah and Lily are cousins who grew up joining each other for summers with their families. Over the years though they hadn't spoken much, and each gone their own way. As Hannah needs a place to stay during the war, she goes to Lily in Brussels. This decision will change the course of their lives in the very near future.

I loved that we got both Lily, Hannah and Marceline's POVs throughout the book: otherwise, I'm not sure it would have been the same story. All 3 of these women are brave but it takes Lily the longest to find her voice and her action.

Historical Fiction is one of my favorite genres and I love author notes about the real situation/person that inspired their story. This one has a fantastic background, and the ending of the book is something I will think about for a long time.

This is an incredible story about the underground resistance saving downed English airmen during the Holocaust. This story highlights the strong women during that period of time. There were many twists and turns along the way that I did not see coming. The character development was great. The fact that this is based on true events makes the story more meaningful. Thank you Net Galley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for an ARC of Code Name Sapphire. Pam Jenoff did it again...a must read!

Absolutely loved this story, its well paced, the three female characters each have unique voices and are very well developed. It's full of twists and turns and keeps readers clued to the page.. Set in Belgium and as usual the author has the skill to put you right there in the middle of the exact street feeling every emotion the character feels. Highly recommended. If anyone read Airey Neaves Comet line and loved it, you will love this book.

Will not share the following notes to social media.

But

Note to publishers, there are some editing issues which detract from Ms Jenoff's excellent writing and storytelling. It is fiction and the author made notes of where she used real events but changed details (time etc) to fit with the story. The characters also travel easily after curfew via motorbikes and trucks - petrol seems too easy to find but overlooked for the sake of the story.

No Issue with that but the editing mistakes include

1) There were no antibiotics available to anyone never mind Jewish doctors who couldn't practice medicine due to the Nazis. Although developed prior to the war, antibiotics were only available in the last year of the war, primarily via the Americans. Nik would have had access to Sulphonamides.

2) The airman in Paris was alive in the first part of the book and then dead in the second half, then alive again

3) The ankle injury sustained by one of the main characters was forgotten about (she recovered overnight to walk fine in her new boots but was than hobbling in the next chapter.)

4) The British Embassy was closed due to Nazi occupation so couldn't have been a point of contact

5) Lily and Hannah's names were mixed up in places.