So good! This was a long book, a little slow to start, but worth it to keep reading to the end. Sometimes it felt like I was reading about today’s societal issues and prejudices, and I wonder if that was purposeful. I appreciated the way the author showed grace to each character’s journey, knowing that we are all capable of being caught up in something of which we have very little knowledge or belief. I highly enjoyed this book!

Quite the spy novel! Tense. A scary premise. Suspenseful. Good characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance e-copy of this book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

This was one of the best books I've read this year! (And that's saying a lot considering that I am writing this review in December!) I absolutely loved everything about this book - plot, characters, writing style, historical basis, and setting. I did not know that this book was based on a true story and so reading this amazing account of the bravery of Leon Lewis and his agents made their courage all the more astounding. This is a powerful read that calls into question many of the big themes of this time, summed up by this quote from the book: "if not me, who? if not now, when?"

The pacing of this book is well-done and I absolutely adored the element of intrigue and surprise that Landsem chose with the mysterious Agent Thirteen, and Liesl's own involvement in the spy ring as Edelweiss. All of the characters and their dynamics with one another were very well written, particularly Liesl's friend Miriam and the German-Jewish dynamics there.

This is such a wonderful read and I will be sure to read more from Landsem in the future. The end of Code Name Edelweiss seemed to potentially allude to an upcoming sequel... which I would definitely be in favour of, and I will be looking forward to!

Thank you so much to Tyndale House, and to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review.

This book was my first by Stephanie, and maybe one of the first I've read set in that time period on American soil. What hooked me enough to get me reading was that it is based on a true story. Americans serving as spies to prevent Hitler from controlling Hollywood? That sounds like something out of a novelist's imagination, not history books. I appreciated getting to read a different scene during those pre/early years of WW2, and the author did an excellent job in her research and historical accuracy of the time period as well as the particular story. The slow reveal was just right to keep you reading.

Code Name Edelweiss is heavy on the suspense and intrigue, light on the romance, and nails the characters and their realistic story arcs. Great ending too!

“I can only tell you what I believe, and in the words of a rabbi, translated and interpreted over centuries: If not me, who? If not now, when?” ~ Leon Lewis

If not me, then who? If not now, when? Those are bold, brave, potentially powerful words when acted upon. Words that have been thought or spoken throughout history, by men and women who have taken a stance against evil. It only takes one drop of water to create a ripple. That is what Leon Lewis did. And this is the story of how he helped to thwart that evil in America.

Listen up! This book, y’all! The frightening history, the hard truths, the necessary lies, the realization of how evil was/is all around us, how close our own country was to falling into this darkness; the bravery, loyalty, and compassion of those who would fight the good fight no matter the cost. All of it laid out in this mesmerizing, suspenseful tale of trust and mistrust, sacrifice and service.

I was so engrossed that when the twist came I was awestruck. I mean it hit me like a freight train, and I wasn’t hurt one bit by it 😏 and then the worst thing possible could happen… I had to quit reading to do some “Adulting”…ugh. Talk about frustration!

These characters, both factual and fictional, are phenomenal. You will love some, you will hate some, your heart will bleed for some.

Put this one on your radar, it is a can’t miss read! I will buy the paperback for my keeper shelf. I only have one complaint. I wish there was an epilogue, that’s all I’m going to say about it.

Thanks to Netgalley for this arc. All opinions are my own.

@stephanielandsem #codenameedelweiss #historicalfiction #christianhistoricalfiction #ww2fiction #christianmystery #netgalley

WOW!
This book pulled me in right from page one. It’s a story about how fascism ran rampant in Los Angeles, pre-WW2 when Hitler first gained power in Germany. The New Friends of Germany claim to be friends of all Germans living in America, to protect them as the motherland would, but in reality they were driven by the same agenda Hitler pushed in Germany.
Code Name Edelweiss is based on a true story about the early spy network efforts of a Jewish lawyer, Leon Lewis. Liesl is the perfect-looking Aryan, who is struggling to get by. Fired from her job at MGM, she’s desperate to find something else and ends up at Leon’s office to apply for a job.
There’s a lot to like about this story – the characters, the setting, the detailed research that went into creating an accurate story reflective of the time. There’s intrigue, intense situations, joyful moments and everything in between.
I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more from author Stephanie Landsem.
I received an ecopy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

CODE NAME EDELWEISS by STEPHANIE LANDSEM is based on what happened in 1933 in San Fransisco when the Nazis tried to take over the Hollywood studios in order to advertise anti Semitism and literally take over America for Hitler. Most Americans at the time were more worried about survival and the effects of the Great Depression than what was going on in Europe, and many chose to look the other way.
Leon Mayer was a Jewish lawyer who chose to do something about the situation. His motto was adopted from the sayings of a Jewish rabbi, “If not me, who? If not now, when?” He and his group of spies infiltrated Nazi strongholds such as the Friends of New Germany, showing extraordinary courage.
The story starts with Liesl Weiss, who literally grew up at the MGM studios, losing her job as a secretary there. She is desperate to find employment and accepts a job spying for Leon Lewis, working as a secretary at the Friends of New Germany, where she works for the lecherous Hermann Schwinn, his wife Thekla, Hans Winterhalder and the enigmatical Wilhelm Otto, whose military bearing really scares her. Her code name is Edelweiss and it is her job to look for evidence of treason whilst keeping up a facade of loyalty to the cause. We also follow another spy who goes by the code name Thirteen…….
Liesl is ashamed of her treatment of her best friend Miriam Stahr and her family, and hates being alienated from them. She is lonely and feels abandoned by her husband Tomas who disappeared without a trace, leaving her to support their two children, her mother and rebellious younger brother Fritz. I like to see her growing faith as she cries out to the Lord, and how she chooses to put others before herself.
This story about the incredible courage shown by a small group of people really touched me, and I cannot recommend this excitng and inspirational book highly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Tyndale House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

It is rare that I give a five star rating, but this was phenomenal. So well done! The author did her research and built a highly engaging fictional story based on historical events. The connection between Nazi Germany and Hollywood was fascinating to learn about. Leisl was a well developed character - struggling to support her family (including a deadbeat brother and her sometimes difficult mother) after her husband left her and she was unfairly let go from her job. In her desperation, she dishonestly comes by another job and ends up working as a spy. She has reservations that the people she is supposed to spy on aren't really bad at all, but little by little becomes aware of their Nazi affiliations and prejudices. She is on the brink of being found out, but clever thinking and help from an unlikely source get her back in their good graces. The combination of her intense work life and dealing with family hardships make this a really powerful story - add in the suspenseful and action-packed takedown of two major threats near the end, and its just WOW! Highly recommend and I will be reading more by this author.

Code Name Edelweiss by Stephanie Landsem, an intriguing title and synopsis, but ultimately failed for me, just not in the style I would have preferred. Well written, and I do think others will enjoy it. Thank you for giving me a chance with this book.

Code Name Edelweiss
by Stephanie Landsem
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Series: None
Rated: 5
Obtain: Borrow or buy
Back of the Book: “’What I am looking for—what I desperately need, Mrs. Weiss—is a spy.’
Adolf Hitler is still a distant rumble on the horizon, but a Jewish spymaster and his courageous spies uncover a storm of Nazi terror in their own backyard.
In the summer of 1933, a man named Adolf Hitler is the new and powerful anti-Semitic chancellor of Germany. But in Los Angeles, no-nonsense secretary Liesl Weiss has concerns much closer to home. The Great Depression is tightening its grip and Liesl is the sole supporter of two children, an opinionated mother, and a troubled brother.
Leon Lewis is a Jewish lawyer who has watched Adolf Hitler’s rise to power—and the increase in anti-Semitism in America—with growing alarm. He believes Nazi agents are working to seize control of Hollywood, the greatest propaganda machine the world has ever known. The trouble is, authorities scoff at his dire warnings.
When Liesl loses her job at MGM, her only choice is to work with Leon Lewis and the mysterious Agent Thirteen to spy on her friends and neighbors in her German American community. What Leon Lewis and his spies find is more chilling—and more dangerous—than any of them suspected.
Code Name Edelweiss is based on a true story, unknown until recent years: How a lone Jewish lawyer and a handful of amateur spies discovered and foiled Adolf Hitler’s plan to take over Hollywood.”

Impressions: You will not want to miss reading this book if you enjoy history, suspense, and a bit of romance in your reading. The characters were ordinary people who allowed themselves to be used for good and for bad. I loved how well this book showed the progression of thought into the Nazi regime and the revelation of thought into the truth. Time has not changed the fact that we all have an inter struggle in our lives to be selfish or selfless. No matter the gravity of the situation we all have the choice to make a difference by choosing to love or hatred. I think this book painted a very potent picture of how this can be played out in life. On a side note, I recently watched the show, Ridley Road, which related to the spy elements in this book. Once you’ve finished reading this book and need a brain break, perhaps you might enjoy this show.

Quotes: “’ It has been said that for evil men to accomplish their purpose it is only necessary that good men should do nothing.’- Charles Frederic Aked” - How true this is.

“Good Christian folk. From what he figured, the Nazis liked to toss the C-word around for the public, but their idea of God was the fatherland and they worshiped at the altar of Adolf Hitler.” - How often do you hear, “Good Christian folk,” tossed around in conversation? Politics love to use this phrase. What does it mean to you? I would much rather compare a person to Jesus himself, who the word Christian comes from, to compare the character of someone.

“Somebody needed to tell those kids the real enemies weren't the Jews or the Catholics or Negroes, like the Klan and the National Socialists wanted them to believe. The real enemies were poverty and injustice and ignorance- and hate.”

“We must not meet that fear with anger, no matter how angry we are, for that only fuels the fire. Perhaps only love can change their minds.”

“’ There are those who say, ‘Of course, I don’t agree, but who am I to tell others?’ These people are, in effect, taking the side of the oppressor. Silence is oppression in itself, although not perhaps as egregious.’”

“’ Sow confusion, then give the people the answers they seek in a way that is simple and easy to understand.’” -This strategy has been proven over and over to be effective. Have you seen this play out in the media recently? Probably.

“’ Who’s a real friend? Somebody who goes along with what’s wrong? Or somebody who wants better for you- and tells you so?’” -Always something to consider in relationships.

I received an ARC of this book via the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here. For more book reviews go to: https://simplyannehere.wordpress.com

Code Name Edelweiss by Stephanie Landsem promises to be an interesting take on the Nazi’s during World War II, but on American soil. Even in the heart of Hollywood. The cover is fascinating, and the writing is top-notch. My imagination flew away with the characters as they struggled through this trying time in the world’s history. Readers are introduced to Liesl who is brave, cunning, and intelligent right from the first chapter. Liesl wants what is best for her children, brother, and mother, so she is willing to do basically anything to make sure their basic needs are met. Liesl has a pretty harsh background that makes readers empathize with her plight. Similarly, the readers are introduced to “Thirteen” and watch his interactions with other characters and the setting. Readers will discover his backstory as they read the story. Landsem did a wonderful job at crafting the Hollywood world of the late 1930’s. It was nice to be “walking” through the sets and watching the actors walk through the lots. While Landsem did deliver what she promised, the plot does get a little dry in the middle of the story when Liesl is tasked to do somethings. Even though this did happen, it did not take away from my enjoyment of the story. I learned something new about the Nazi’s terror on the American soil. Overall, Code Name Edelweiss by Stephanie Landsem is a different World War II story, which I love the idea and enjoyed the execution of the plot.

I received a complimentary copy of Code Name Edelweiss by Stephanie Landsem from Tyndale Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

I loved every minute of this book!
So much so that I finished it in one day! Just wow!
Yes, this book was very informative and interesting! I learned quite a bit. Everything in this novel seemed spot on. I did find myself looking up certain things from this story.
Liesel and Leon were definitely an interesting couple. Liesel in my opinion got the short end of the stick it seems because of her heritage.
I admired Liesel and Leon for many reasons. Their bravery and their belief for doing the right thing even though at times it was hard and sometimes impossible.
I love reading anything about the 30's. I think this time period along with the Civil War is my favorite.
I really enjoyed this story and didn't want it to end. Lots of fascinating things going on in this book!
5 stars for a job well done! I highly recommend!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Wow! Is the only way I could think of to start this review. As a lover of historical fiction this one hit the mark on so many levels and I am so glad I had the opportunity to read it.

Set in the 1930's in LA and based on a true story that has only come to light recently and is a story of war, spies, people and life in a time of uncertainty. Liesl and Leon are the perfect characters for this story and they are so well written they really do bring life to this story.

The book has the history, intrigue and mystery you want as well as the trueness of past events. There is a very real and human aspect that brings the relationships to the fore. Just the right length with just the right mix to make it a fabulous read.

This is about the rise of fascism in 1930’s Los Angeles. Leon Lewis was a Jewish attorney who started a group of agents to prevent and provoke the Friends of New Germany (actually Nazis) from overtaking the MGM and other studios to push their propaganda on the American people through films. They all had code names, one of them being Edelweiss – a young woman with two children, a husband who has disappeared, a brother and her mother to take care of. Her job at MGM was taken away from her because of money problems with the studio. Instead she happened to meet Leon Lewis and she accepted his offer of being a spy on Friends of New Germany – and it goes on from there. It is a different type of story about the prewar era than I have seen and read. I strongly suggest you give this author and this story a serious look. You will enjoy her writing and this tory. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this great story

This was an interesting story based on true events. I hadn't heard of this history prior to this book so it was eye opening in that regard. The author gives you more detail at the end and where Stephanie Landsem elaborates on where she has taken license with history.

This book contained mystery, romance with a good dose of character progression. There were several side stories going on as well. I found that these added to the overall main story. I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to others.

I receive complimentary books for various sources including, Netgalley, Authors, and other such sources. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received compensation

An historical fiction based on a true story taking place around the Great Depression. This compelling story of amateur spies is filled with suspense and intrigue. The concept was interesting, the characters personable, and I found it difficult to put this book down. I highly recommend this to fans of historical fiction.

Thank you NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers for the eARC. Expected Pub Date: March 7, 2023
#NetGalley #CodeNameEdelweiss

Sometimes you do the right thing for the wrong reason. Sometimes you do the wrong thing for the right reason. And in the world of 1930s Hollywood, that line gets crossed frequently...but which side is right? This is what Liesl must figure out for herself, and soon, before her family are in danger and consequential events unfold. This story is the whole package -- it's got a lot of history (based on real life), action-adventure, mystery, and just a smidge of romance. Definitely looking forward to more from this series!

This novel plays in the early 1930s in the L.A. area. I was attracted to the book because it deals with the influence of the Nazis in California before WWII. I find this such an interesting premise. I am familiar with the stories of German submarines near the American coast and agents trying to illegally enter the country, but I had never heard of a plot trying to unseat the Jewish owners of the film studios. The story drives home the point of how easy it is to let life happen and not stand up for what is right, despite what the majority of the people around you think. The main and supporting characters are real, imperfect individuals. They are struggling to make sense of this new wind that is blowing through the German-American community. However, through trial and error, they see what’s really happening, overcome their fears and fight for their convictions. The author has mastered the art of showing vs telling which makes for very pleasant reading. The novel breathes authenticity. The writer does an excellent job painting a picture of what life was like in the early 1930s, complete with the etiquette and social graces (or lack thereof) appropriate for the time period. What I appreciate is that at the end of the book the author gives background information on the true historical events that inspired her writing and shares which historical figures she fictionalized. It’s a good-sized book and some readers might feel that the story does not get moving fast enough. However, without that “setting the stage” part it would be difficult to fully engage with the story and to understand where people are coming from. I absolutely loved this book. Anyone interested in WWII historical fiction will enjoy reading a story that shows the Nazi’s far reaching influence and how it affected the people in a country outside of the occupied territories. The characters kept coming back to, “For if not us, who? And if not now, when? That’s a lesson that we should all take to heart.

Thank you NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers for providing me with an ARC. I was not required to leave a positive review and all opinions are my own.

this was a really great historical novel, I loved the concept and was glad I was able to go on this journey. I was invested in what was happening in the time-period. It was tense and suspenseful, and was what I was hoping for from the description. The characters did everything I expected and am glad I was able to get to know them.

"Didn’t you hear about Deutscher Tag?” Fritz asked. “A bunch of thugs showed up, shouting about Adolf Hitler and throwing bricks. One of them shot a gun. A woman and her daughter had to go to the hospital—a child, Liesl. They tracked it to the Jewish Brotherhood.”

I am a big fan of Stephanie Landsem and have enjoyed all of her books. This new one does not disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed it and my only complaint is that I read it too quickly. I could not put it down.

This book is a historical novel taking place in the early 1930's. Liesl is a woman whose husband has disappeared, she has two children to raise and also lives with her mother and brother, who rely on her. This is during the great depression. Liesl is of German heritage and she is fluent in that language as well as English.
Liesl loses her job and is offered the opportunity to make a lot more money, being a spy.

This was way before my time of course and I have read extensively on Hitler and the extermination of the Jewish people and all of the horrors in Germany, but I had no idea that a movement was also being fed here in the U.S. with the same sentiments, brought here by Hitler's men. Liesl works for Leon Lewis, a real person who was working hard, with his undercover agents, to infiltrate these horrible organizations that existed in Los Angeles. Liesl is one of his agents.

This book was about being human. It was about relationships and how they can be damaged. It was about doing what was right, even at risk of your own life. This book was about revealing the evil that came from Nazi Germany. It has some good lessons that we could learn from in our society today. We can see how people can be drawn into supporting evil, even if they are not evil people. It is also about family and love and new beginnings.

One of the things I love about Stephanie Landsem's books is that her characters are real and you can identify with them in many ways and see yourself and others in them, good and bad. No one is all one or the other.

This book was filled with suspense, danger (a little romance) and the ending was perfect.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Tyndale House for allowing me an early read of this novel.