This novel is different from other WWII novels because it takes place in the neutral country of Portugal, soon after the U.S. joins the war. Marie, a librarian from the New York Public Library and Tiago, a bookstore owner in Lisbon are the key characters. These two intrepid heroes face mounting difficulties with endurance and fortitude to make a difference in people's lives.

What touched me most was that this was a story about ordinary people that were willing to do extraordinarily brave and courageous things for other people, that they didn't know or would ever meet, in the fight against Hitler and fascism. These people did not close their eyes or turn their backs on what was happening. Instead, they were selfless and often sacrificed everything to fight against evil.

Alan Hlad is one of my favorite authors and this book should be a "must read" for fans of historical fiction and WWII.

My sincerest thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for giving me the opportunity to read a digital ARC of this book. Publication date: January 24, 2023.

Some of my favourite subjects are books, history, books based oh a true story and on history.. So why not read this one!

And this is a story based on a trues story of events during WWII and what the heroic librarian spies did to help in the war effort. They were courageous, brave and smart women who didn't hesitate to help out when, where and how they could.

Maria Alves was an expert in what she did (microfilm) at the New York Library and so was perfect for the job she was sent to in Lisbon. She worked closely with Tiago Soares a book store owner and this is where it gets intense and interesting.

Both main characters in this book are so relatable and so well researched and portrayed. The story is one that brings to life what happened in this wartime period and how dangerous and hard it was for everyone involved. There are many risks, putting your life on hold and putting your life in danger.

This is a wonderful book, well researched and well written and I really enjoyed reading it and learning so much more about this tumultuous time in history.

Thank you to the publisher & NetGalley for this ARC!

The Book Spy follows the stories of Tiago in Lisbon and Maria from New Jersey during World War II. Maria, a librarian specializing in microfilm, goes to Lisbon with a newly created US team to acquire and photograph Axis powers’ books and publications for posterity. Tiago, the owner of a Lisbon bookstore, works with his grandparents in Bordeaux to help Jews cross into neutral Portgual and then onto America. When Maria’s path crosses Tiago’s, they form an incredible bond and agree to help each other and end the war.

The Book Spy was a delightful historical fiction read. It wasn’t overly complicated or fluffy, and the pace kept the pages turning. I enjoyed all the characters, including the villain!

The Book Spy by Alan Hlad is a great WWII-era historical fiction that kept me entertained throughout.

This was a fascinating read taking us into Europe (Lisbon,Portugal) from the US in the form of an unconventional spy and heroine, Maria Alves. Through her adventures behind enemy lines, we read through suspense, mystery, action, romance, surprises, intrigue, and espionage.

I enjoyed this narrative that was action-packe and kept my interest. I liked the use of the atypical talent of Maria’s of librarian science/microfilms to add a new angle to this genre.

I also liked the author’s note at the end giving us more historical context of librarians being recruited by the OSS. Very interesting.

4.5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Kensington Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 1/31/23.

Historical fiction at its best…unique concept…mystery and intrigue…war time…read and be transported back to the time in this novel. It is fiction but reads like nonfiction. This author is talented and gifted at writing a cannot put down book. This book was sent to me by Netgalley electronically for review. Thanks to the publisher. At times, I wondered if it was true…forgetting it truly was fiction…enjoy…