4.5 stars: Code Name Edelweiss is a historical fiction novel based upon the Nazi sympathizers who gained power, pre WWII, in Los Angeles with a plot, among others, to take over Hollywood. The story is told through the points of view of Agent 13 and Liesl, a single mother trying to provide for her mother, her two children, and her brother. They become involved in a spy network with the goal of subverting Nazi activity in Los Angeles .

While the story started out slow, the plot progressively built and became more intense. I certainly became engaged and invested in the characters. I appreciated that the characters were portrayed realistically, with both their strengths and their flaws explored. I was unaware of this time/event in history, so I definitely learned something. It was also a very unique take on this historical period of time.

I loved the message that it’s EVERYONE’S responsibility and obligation to advocate for the oppressed and fight racism in all forms. There was also a powerful theme of the vulnerability of the human race to be influenced and manipulated to turn on each other.

“If not me, who. If not now, when.”

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape for the advanced access to this audiobook!

3.5 Stars

TW: Nazi and Anti-Semitism. Brief sexual harassment/assault.

Code Name: Edelweiss by Stephanie Landsem is historical fiction set in 1933 Los Angeles during the rise of Nazi Germany. It follows Liesl Weiss, a child of first-generation German immigrants and a single mother who is trying to figure out a way to make ends meet. A long-time fixture of MGM, she is shocked to lose her job and is now desperate to find work. So when Leon Lewis offers her a position for $30 a week, she can hardly believe it. The catch is she will have to go undercover to work for an organization dedicated to growing the reach of the Third Reich. With growing Anti-Semitic sentiments in America, Liesl, Lewis, and the mysterious Agent 13 set out to prove that not only has Nazism taken root in America, but they also plan to take over the world's best propaganda machine: Hollywood.

Based on a true story, while the book had some problems (it smacks of White Saviorism), I found it to be a poignant and timely read. Liesl's opinion is heavily filtered through the lens of her Christian religious beliefs. Unfortunately, I have yet to research the real Liesl Weiss, so I cannot say whether or not the portrayal is accurate. Still, I think it provided the reader with insights into the hypocrisy of the National Socialist party.
The novel does itself a disserve by labeling itself a thriller. It was a solid work of historical fiction but didn't really have me on the edge of my seat. The pacing starts off slowly but builds nicely. While primarily plot-driven, some elements feel like a character study. Liesl starts the novel almost painfully naive with virtually no grit. Life is happening to her rather than her being an active participant. However, the reader can watch her reckon with the present reality and difficult realizations.

Agent 13 almost felt like an accessory at times. He could have stood to be more fleshed out. And Lewis, the Jewish lawyer with arguably the most at stake, is mainly treated as a vehicle to tell Liesl's story. Given that he was the operation's mastermind, he should have had greater visibility. However, the thing the book does best is the part I struggled with the most. While I certainly do not have sympathy for Nazis, Landsem did a good job illustrating why the Nazis were able to manipulate and influence so many to hatred and bigotry. I think the author walked the fine line between excuse and reasoning quite well.

The audiobook I received, courtesy of NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, was well-produced. The narration was strong -- conveying deep feelings on the parts of all the characters. Cady Zuckerman does a pleasing German accent (at least to my ear). Neil Hellegers voice had just the right about of gravel for a somewhat cantankerous and disillusioned spy.

This is a Christian novel, but it doesn't feel preachy or so religion specific that those not of the faith wouldn't enjoy it. The book's overall feeling is one of action versus passivity—a reminder that we must all stand against hate in its many forms. This book would be a satisfying choice for anyone interested in WWII history who enjoys witnessing the slow unfurling of a story and appreciates philosophical questions about ethics, morality, and spirituality.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Net Galley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this pre-WW2 novel. I learned a lot about Hitler's plan to take over Hollywood and spread the hatred against the Jews in America. What's even more fascinating is that this is based on actual historical events. I think Liesl is tough and a smart cookie and willing to do whatever it takes to take care of her family. I liked the dual points of view and feel the characters were fully developed. The book is tagged a a Christian book. I usually tend to not want to read something that is heavy on religious values, but this book was tastefully done and not "preachy". Lisel often thinks, "If not me then who, and if not now then when". This is very relevant today. This book does make you think. It's scary to think that so much of the hate that was going on in the world In the 1930/40 is still going on today. Though I will not purchase this for our high school library, I highly recommend it. If you are a lover of historical fiction then give this one a read.

Code Name Edelweiss had me captivated from the beginning! The storyline is easy to follow but also very detailed without it feeling like information dumps on the reader/listener. The espionage element adds a tremendous amount of excitement to this book, and the fact that it's all based on true events is even more compelling. This book gets you thinking about what the USA might have been like, and what the war might have been like if Hitler would have been successful with this early plan to overtake Hollywood. Nazi infiltration into America is something lots of people have speculated about, but it's even scarier to know Hitler was actually tryin to do it.

In terms of the audio narration, I love it when the book features different speakers for female/male characters and found the narrators in this book very pleasant to listen to. They helped me jump right into the story!

This is definitely and read/listen worth book!

Perhaps my favorite historical fiction of the year? This book is amazing! Perfect for a history lover!

"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.

Their own backyard being LA! This story is gripping, based on a true story and takes a reader on a journey. Each page is packed with historic detail, developed characters, a spiraling plot, angst, fear, heartbreak and the narrators, Cady Zuckerman; Neil Hellegers, bring the story to life.

This was my first read from author Stephanie Landsem and certainly will not be my last!

Thanks to NetGalley & Tyndale House Publishers for an eARC of this book.

I really liked this book. The wars really interest me in what really went down in them, not what we are told to cover the real events and the damage it caused. There is damage in every way, mentally, physically and emotional of the family and friends. This story touches on the spy part of the war in the United States and what some of them had to go through just to stay safe.

he fact that this novel is based on a true story and is centered in Hollywood california allows the reader to see WWll from a new and domestic view point. Liesl Weiss is a thrilling lead character who is true to her family, neighbors and country even when she is in a position to loose all of them. Her code of ethics is what guides her even in the face of danger and adversity. As a big fan of Pam Jenoff, Stephanie Landsem stands is equal to the comparisson and a welcome addition to the genre of femail WWll novels!

“If not me, then who? If not now, when?”

This is my first book by Stephanie Landsem and certainly won’t be my last. I was first drawn to Code Name Edelweiss by the gorgeous cover. When I found out it was based on a true story of Nazis in Hollywood, I jumped at the chance to listen. One determined Jewish lawyer, a courageous German American woman, and a handsome FBI agent race against time to thwart Hitler’s plans for Hollywood in this suspenseful, intriguing story.

It’s 1933 and the height of the Great Depression. As rumors abound regarding what’s going on in Germany, residents of Los Angeles’ German Town face growing unease. As the sole support of her family, Liesl Weiss is devastated when she’s let go from her secretarial job at MGM. When a job interview unexpectedly turns out to be a recruitment for her to become a spy, she must decide if she’s willing to risk her life to thwart Hitler’s plans for America.

Loved this slow burn romantic suspense! The romance develops gradually as Liesl and Agent 13 work together. I loved Liesl. She’s an amazingly strong woman who really grows as the story progresses. At first, she agrees to spy solely to support her family, but as she witnesses the growing antisemitism towards the Jews, she becomes even more dedicated to her job. She also faces difficulties at home with a mother and two small children to support after her husband disappeared, and a brother whose allegiances put her in danger. As the new secretary for the Friends of New Germany, an organization linked to Nazi Germany, she walks a tightrope trying to glean information while keeping her cover intact.

In addition to Liesl, we get Agent 13’s POV. He’s also working undercover, but his identity is not revealed until later in the story. He struggles with past losses and doesn’t think himself capable of being a family man. When he meets Liesl, his views begin to change especially as he becomes closer to her and her family.

The audiobook narration was fantastic. I enjoyed both narrators and the way they brought these characters to life. There’s just the right amount of emotion. I loved the male narrator’s deep, gravely voice.

Loved the historical aspects deftly woven into the story and found myself googling to find out fact from fiction. The suspenseful situations Liesl and Agent 13 find themselves in were nailbitters. Also enjoyed the way faith played a role for both Jews and Christians and the realistic struggles the main characters grapple with. The story ends in such a way that I hope means we’ll see more of these characters. I’m dying to know what happens next. Definitely recommend to historical & Christian fiction fans. I received an advanced complimentary audiobook from the publisher. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.

This was everything I hoped it would be and more. Emotional, heartwarming, and infuriating at times, I was completely immersed in this story about the early days of Hitler's reign. Instead of being on European soil, it's set in America.

In the midst of The Great Depression, Liesl Weiss finds herself fired from MGM and without a job. Needing to provide for her two young children, her mother, and her brother, she takes the first job she can find — becoming a spy to gather information on the German American community. Also on her team is Agent Thirteen, although who exactly this agent is is something she has to discover for herself.

The character growth in this book is phenomenal. We get an uncomfortable look at the moral struggles Liesl faces such as her indifference to Hitler's rise in Germany and denial of the anti-semitism in her own community (and later her response to it). There's also a large focus on family, particularly between Liesl and her brother Fritz. Lastly, there is a hint of romance, however, I use the word loosely as it's such a minor element of the story.

The narrators of the book do a nice job, although I had trouble understanding Agent Thirteen at the usual speeds I listen to. Not a huge issue, but I did have to keep going back and forth to adjust it.

Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for providing a free audio ARC of the book to read and review!

Most enjoyable, even though it's not my favorite typical historical time period.
I love a story that gets me thinking - this one is based on true events and the fictional what-ifs pushed me to go learn more about the real story.
Struggling single mom Liesl, finding herself out of work at MGM Studios and desperate for work, steals a referral for a secretary position from an employment agency and lands herself in the middle of a web of lies and deceit. Little does she know "secretary" is only a hint of the job description. Jewish spymaster and attorney, Leon Lewis, is building a web of his own, placing everyday people into the Friends of New Germany organization as spies.
Liesl finds herself torn between pride for her own German heritage, the seemingly "good" people she finds at the Friends of New Germany, and the terrible truth of the real purpose behind the organization and a plot to carry out a horrible coup.
The characters are realistic in their struggles - Liesl's family seems at odds with their own loyalties, and she finds herself unable to unburden herself to anyone of her true feelings about the new German propaganda . Keeping her cover in tact may mean losing everything she holds dear. She finds herself struggling back to a faith she thought long-lost and relying on God to see her through the storm.
I would love to see another installment about Liesl's work.

It's 1933 and Adolf Hitler is rumoured to be the new anti-Semitic chancellor of Germany but not officially on the scene yet. Lisel Weiss is a German American living and working in Los Angeles at MGM studios as a secretary. With the recent disappearance of her husband and the Great Depression making life difficult she is the sole breadwinner for her children, her mother and her troubled brother. It is not in any of their interests when Lisel is fired from her job. While she searches for a new job she meets Leon Lewis, a Jewish lawyer who is watching Hitler's rise with alarm. Lewis believes the plan is to seize control over Hollywood for what could be the largest propaganda campaign of its time. Why does he need Lisel? He needs a spy...he needs a German spy to spy on the Germans! WIth Lisel out of a job she has no choice but to join forces with Lewis and another man Agent Thirteen to spy on her friends and neighbours alike. What I did not realize about this novel is that it is based on a true story of a jewish lawyer and his spies went about discovering Hitler's plans.

This book held my attention at every turn! Stephanie Landsem makes her characters intriguing and despicable having you turn the pages faster to find out what happens next. This was my first experience with Landsem's writing and I can't wait to read more. I do not like to compare novels or authors for that matter but Code Name Edelweiss read very much like the Rose Code or anything by Kate Quinn. I will not be surprised if this makes it way to the big screen.

In the summer of 1933, German American secretary Leisl Weiss has other things on her mind than Adolf Hitler or the treatment of Jews in her own neighborhood in Hollywood. When Leisl loses her job at MGM she has no idea how she will support her children, opinionated mother and troubled brother who all rely on her. Leisl is on the brink of ruin when she meets Leon Lewis, a Jewish lawyer who is determined to stop the Nazi party from finding a foothold in the United States. Leisl has no choice but to work with Leon and the mysterious Agent Thirteen to spy on her friends and neighbors. Leisl thinks her efforts will lead to nothing but what she finds is more dangerous than she could have imagined.

I loved Code Name Edelweiss! This novel focuses on a lesser known aspect of WWII and is great for fans of historical fiction. This novel has spies, intrigue, glamorous Hollywood vibes, and a strong female lead. Stephanie Landsem does an amazing job of bringing her characters to life. Both main and supporting characters are lovable and endearing. I loved Leisl and Agent Thirteen and would love to see their story continue. The time period is well researched and includes historical details that I was surprised to find out about. For example, US business owners refusing service to Jewish Americans similar to segregation. This novel deals with themes such as racism, antisemitism, and oppression. It also poses an important question: at what point is it our duty to help others at the expense of personal safety?

I enjoyed the narration in this novel. The story is told from the point of view of Leisl and Agent thirteen, both being voiced by different narrators. Cady Zuckerman and Neil Hellegers both do an amazing job!

Codename Edelweiss is a highly engaging and thought provoking novel perfect for fans of WWII fiction!

2023 Book 4 - Code Name Edelweiss by Stephanie Landsem

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I do love a good historical fiction, and this one was no exception. Set against the rise of Hitler in the 30s, it was refreshing to have this story take place in America rather than Europe.

Leisl's story is beautifully told, with just the right combination of emotion and intensit6 to draw you in. Stephanie is a wonderful author who provides enough description so you can picture the characters, but not so much that you have an image thrust upon you... It was a pleasure to listen to (I had it as an audiobook) and tied up the story well at the end.

I really liked Leisl and Thirteen, and although its unlikely there will be a sequel, it's one I would pick up straight away.

I received this book through NetGalley and the Publisher Tyndale, all opinions are my own.

Code Name Edelweiss is a historical fiction story based on historical events. The book takes place during the Great Depression, mainly following Liesl, a German-American woman working in Hollywood. After losing her job at MGM, she is offered a dangerous job by a Jewish lawyer to spy on a Nazi organization and get as much information on them as possible. After a while, she learns of their plans to infiltrate Hollywood, which would give Adolf Hitler access to one of the biggest propaganda tools in the world. What started as a just a job to feed her family, ended up as a plan working to end the Anti-Jewish movement in Hollywood.

This book is told in dual POV. You have Liesl; told in 1st person - our FMC, as well as Agent 13; told in 3rd person - our MMC whose identity is kept a mystery for a majority of this book. The mystery of Agent 13's identity really added intrigue to the story and kept me guessing and reading.

This book was well written, raw, powerful, intense, and full of important lessons that can be applied today. I truly enjoyed this book and learned so much from it. I knew that there were Nazi sympathizers in American during this time, but I had no idea the extent of it. Definitely an eye-opener for me. The pacing throughout this was great, and I plan to read more from this author in the future.

"If not me, who? If not now, when?"

Code Name Edelweiss was a great book that immersed me in the world of the American Nazi Party and the plot by Hitler to take over Hollywood. It follows the story of a stenographer turned spy Liesl and the mysterious “Agent 13” as they navigate the world of the Nazi party in America. Instead of the enemy being someone far away across the sea, the enemy could be anyone- your neighbor, your family, your coworker, your lover. I was attached to so many of the characters Stephanie brought to light. The narration brought the danger, the mystery, the passion and faith to life. Both narrators did a phenomenal job. I truly did not want this book to end.

“If not me, who? If not now, when?”

I would to thank Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this excellent book.

I was so disappointed by the narration of this book. The voices were just terrible. I also quickly found it to be unpleasantly heavy handed in religious dogma. I was interested in this era historically and might have enjoyed it as a historical novel, but had to discontinue when I realized it is much more of a Christian fiction book. This should be more clearly stated so that readers will not be mistakenly engaged to read a book that does not deliver what they expect.

I enjoy WWII historical fiction especially when it tells a story I have not heard before. This is the story of people in the US who are for and against the Germans. I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed it. The different voices for the different characters made it more interesting.

Actual rating would be 4.5 stars. I have enjoyed several historical fictions sets it WWII. This is the first one I remember that was set in the United States focusing on what the American Jews were going through. I felt the characters were well rounded and easy to relate to. I will definitely recommend to people looking for a historical fiction. Cannot wait to see what this author writes next.

This book was an absolutely great read and knowing that it was based on true events is even more fascinating! Code Name Edelweiss gives readers an insight into the world of Hollywood right before World War II. Through the eyes of the two protagonists you’re able to delve into the underbelly of the west coast’s American Nazi’s and their attempt to bring the Fatherland to the United States through terroristic events. I would definitely recommend this for individuals who enjoy historical fiction or Christian reading.

I was given a copy of this book in the form of an audiobook from #Dreamscape through #NetGalley.

What’s amazing is that there were actual civilian spies against the Nazi’s in the 1940’s in LA. After reading, I did some additional research. I have read a ton of books about WWII but none of them were from this perspective. A woman civilian spy working for the Friends of New Germany in Los Angeles. I really enjoyed reading this book. The second half I could not put down! This was such an interesting read as Liesl struggles with her place in this conflict. Are the Nazi’s all that bad? What is the truth behind what they are after? The writing was compelling, and the tension grew as the story went on.

The biggest question that was constantly asked: “If not me, who? If not now, when?” If you don’t stand up for what is right, who will?