This series is based on the true story of The SS St Louis that set sail from Hamburg in 1939 with one thousand Jews onboard bound for Havana, can they finally get away from the Nazis? Onboard four young woman make friends, bound by a talisman, part of an emerald these four make a pact to meet again after the war, will they make it?

When the ship is refused entry into Cuba they sail away not knowing where they will end up, finally some countries agree to take them, Rosa Herzelfeld and her family are bound for England, here they try to start their lives again, Rosa is soon working and attending classes, here she meets another Jewish refugee Peter and after all Rosa went through in Berlin never expecting to even become close to a man she finds her heart is opening up.

The family are sent to an internment camp and soon Rosa is asked to come back to London to help more with the war effort, she is keen to help and soon she is helping even more, her work is top secret and is starting to get more dangerous, she is happy to be doing something that may bring an end to Hitler and his regime.

This is a heart-wrenching story it shows strength and courage, will the girls meet at their designated meeting place after the war, will the emerald pieces bring them together and whose story will be next? I loved this story and am loving this series and I highly recommend it to any lover of historical fiction.

My thanks to Netgalley for my digital copy to read and review.

The Girl With A Secret by Kate Hewitt is the second in the Emerald Sisters series about a group of young women who met on the St Louis leaving Germany but were returned to Europe to be sent to a variety of places. This book features Rosa Herzelfeld, the daughter of a doctor and his drugged-up wife. He prescribed the drugs for her “nerves.” She and her parents were assigned to alight in England, the luckiest of the group, possibly. The Jewish aid society found them an apartment and paid the first month’s rent. Then they discovered they would have to share it with another family. Rosa realized she was the only one who could get a job, so she did just that, as a dishwasher. Her father was a doctor but would have to retake the exam to practice here and would have to learn English to do that. Slowly her life began to evolve. She took an English class at the community center and met a young man: Peter. Refugees were classified into three groups, the most dangerous to least a threat. After a while, letters arrived instructing them to go to the police station. It seemed her father’s past had caught up with them. He had treated Nazis and so they were now under suspicion.

This is a fast-paced story although it actually took place over a period of years. Rosa was a sympathetic character who cared for people, including her parents, who had never been parents to her, really. She was cheerful in the face of adversity and always prepared to helpful. She was a well-written character who lived her life with courage and fortitude, doing the best she could. She made every effort to keep in touch with her “sisters,” although it was not always easy. The over-arcing plot is one we know well, although this may be the first refugee to England book I’ve read. I found it compelling as well as interesting. The plot is fairly simple, as far as war goes, and thorough. War is difficult at best and this war was everyone’s worst nightmare. These are lovely young women and this is a terrific series. Thanks, Kate Hewitt, for the Emerald sisters!

I was invited to read The Girl With a Secret by Bookoutre. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #KateHewitt #TheGirlWithASecret

The Girl with a Secret (The Emerald Sisters Book 2) by Kate Hewitt

You can still read this as a standalone, but somehow it's continuing with book 1. When I started to read the book, I just realised how much I missed the ladies in the book! Imagine the lady was refused to enter Cuba during the WW2 time. What Rosa wanted to do was to survive and be safe. After being refused to Cuba, she then accepted in a new country to her, England. The unknown future did not stop her from having hope. The story then started a new romantic line after she met Peter!

I enjoyed the book 2 a lot. It's always emotional to read it. The characters were likeable and smartly created. This was not a long historical fiction. Fast-paced and I just kept flipping the pages!

Many thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and the author for my copy.

Pub date: April 12, 2024

This is book two in the Emerald Sisters Series and I would recommend reading book one first. Book two starts up exactly where book two ends except from a different girls POV.

The Girl with a Secret is Rosa’s story. After getting denied entry to Cuba she finds herself in England with her privileged parents. While Rosa grew up with money, I like that she realized that her past privileges do not matter in England and if she wants to keep her family safe she must earn some money. She is able to see that her past life is not her future. She must make a new life and accept that her past could affect her future.

Rosa’s relationship with Peter was unique. They met at an English class and their friendship grew. I felt like it lagged a little and could have moved a little quicker. But there is the threat of war in England, so being cautious is understandable also. I like that their relationship moved slowly and carefully with the knowledge that their future is very unknown.

The Girl with a Secret is a great second book in this series. I am excited to see what happens next and if all 4 girls will ever be back together.

With the SS St Louis meandering across the ocean as it, and its inhabitants, were refused entry in Cuba, the United States, and many other ports, Rosa Herzelfeld and her friends Hannah and Rachel wondered if the ship would be forced back to Germany. Sophie had managed to be accepted into the US, before the ship left Cuba - now the other three friends had no idea on their futures. But soon, the approximately one thousand Jewish people on board were told four countries had agreed to take them, and before long Rosa and her parents were on another ship, heading for England.

They were free - at least of the Nazis and Germany - but the conditions they lived in were hard. Rosa was able to get work washing dishes, pots and pans, in a nearby cafe, spending ten hours a day on her feet. But when the three of them were to be interned on the Isle of Man, Rosa couldn't understand it. And just as they were beginning to feel settled once again, Rosa was moved back to London where she would be doing "highly classified war work". Her head was spinning, but she was so happy to finally be doing something positive...

The Girl with a Secret is the 2nd in the Emerald Sisters series by Kate Hewitt and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Book #1 was Sophie's story, this one is Rosa's - I wonder who will feature in book #3? The small piece of the emerald jewel that they all received after Sophie cut it into four, meant so much to these women. And Rosa kept her piece - and her hopes - with her always. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

I finished this book in two sittings, what a story, I mean book one is so so good and book two is written a slightly softer tone, but still a page turner.
This time we follow Rosa, her father Fritz and mother. Their relationship with each other is strained for so many reasons. Her father who is a doctor working with/for the Nazis and entertaining them being a huge weight on their shoulders. Where his reasons strong enough? We see Rosa’s perspective from her time on the ship, anxiously waiting to hear if she’d be back in Nazi Germany or would another country take her and her family in.
Finally, taken in as a refugee in London things are dire but she does what she can to improve their lives, since her parents’ wont. Her strength comes from the green emerald shard and her longing to see Sophie, Hannah and Rachel again.
Sharing space with orthodox jews comes with its own insight since her family aren’t orthodox, learning a new language to improve her employment chances is all she can do. Ending up at Port Erin, seeing her parents through new eyes, the journey is just beginning. Wonderful, well written. A recommended read.

Book two in a wonderful series, this is the story of Rosa Herzelfeld and her escape to England. She has no money and is alone but eventually meets Peter who is also a refugee. They become very close and she struggles with the secrets she keeps. This book is a book that will have you on the edge of your seat.

A story that grips you, a story that will break your heart but a book that you won't be able to put down. It is also a book about survival, growth, friendship and family. It will show you that the strength of these women is courageous yet they still feared what would happen next. I love the characters and the way the author has developed them into people you might know.

Another wonderful read and a book that leads you into the next, which I can't wait to read. Another 5 star read for sure.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

The Girl with a Secret is a wonderful addition to The Emerald Sisters series and I loved it! Rosa Herzelfeld boards the SS St Louis, hoping to escape the Nazis. Finding herself alone in England Rosa holds onto her precious Emerald and thinks of her three friends praying that they are all safe. In this book I was thinking the answers to my questions would be answered but unfortunately I don't think they will until the last book of the series. This of course makes me eager for the rest of the series. I love that the characters are are four headstrong girls and Rosa I suspect is the strongest I liked her determination and dedication to fight for what she believes is right. The plot is about war, the Nazis and how the Jewish were unfairly treated. It also features friendship, love and family drama. It is nothing like The Seven Sisters by Lucinda Riley but for some reason it reminds me of that series so if you enjoyed reading The Seven Sisters then I would highly recommend The Girl with a Secret.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thank you Bookouture for inviting me to be part of the Books on Tour for “The Girl With a Secret” (The Emerald Sisters#2) by Kate Hewitt. I highly recommend reading the books in order.
I loved the first book and this one picked up where the first book ended. After a slow start, the book got really exciting! This story focused on Rosa and her parents. They were sent to London after the debacle of The SS St. Louis. Rosa truly grows throughout the story- she understands why her parents act the way they do. She also grows as a person, especially with her relationships.
This book makes you really question humanity. So many people blindly followed Hitler and the Nazis. Were all of them monsters? Or were they misguided? This book really will make you think. Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#TheGirlWithASecret #KateHewitt #NetGalley #Bookouture #BookLove #BooksSetDuringWWII #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BooksOnTour #BooksSetInEngland

This is the second in a series and as much as I loved the first I think this one blew me away even more! I’ve read plenty of WWII historical fiction, there is so much to know and so many different perspectives on things and this book taught me more that I didn’t know.

Rosa and her family board the SS St Louis, leaving Germany for Cuba, as Jews who want to escape Hitler’s rule. Unfortunately they are turned away from Cuba and become refugees in the UK. As Britain goes to war with Germany, Rosa and her family and friends are interviewed by the authorities as they start to class how much of a danger, German Jewish refugees are to the country.

Rosa’s story is a complicated one, and I felt Kate Hewitt did an amazing job of battling with her conflicting emotions about herself, her family and those involved in war. We see Rosa start over numerous times and it reminded me of the amazing resilience people in her position had.

This is another different take on what happened during war times and I loved it. I also loved the focus on friendship, forgiveness and self development. I can’t recommend this series enough for historical fiction lovers and I’m hoping there’s another one to come as I love the characters!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The second book in The Emerald sisters series was just as good as the first. Gripping story and I can’t wait for the next one. Well written and interesting characters and stories. Would highly recommend this book

The Girl with a Secret is the second in The Emerald Sisters series by Kate Hewitt. Thankfully there were only a few brief months between publication of the first and second books as this is an interesting and captivating series where each book ends on a cliffhanger and I was quite impatient to know what was going to happen next. I am presuming there will be four books in the series given it is following four young women who meet onboard a ship travelling to Cuba but then circumstance means they are scattered to the four different countries. But now after reading this second instalment I am wondering will there be a fifth book given the way the first two have ended maybe an additional book will bring these cliffhangers together rather than rushing through things towards the end of a fourth book. This is pure surmising from me and perhaps me being a little bit greedy as I am really enjoying the series and reading about each girl’s journey and experiences.

This story can easily be read as a standalone as plenty of background information is dotted throughout where you can easily pick up on events from the previous book. I was a little apprehensive in starting this one because I really didn’t want a rehash of the first half of book one which detailed the girls journey on the SS ST.Louis as it left Germany bound for Cuba.I just didn’t want to be reading of the same details again although from a different characters perspective as I felt I knew enough about it already and I wanted the story to move forwards not backwards. So reading this section of the book, I was glad that things didn’t go overboard into needless detail but rather there was just the perfect amount to refresh readers minds if they needed it and to bring new readers up to speed with what had been going on. Anyway, book one had been still very much fresh in my mind given the brief but welcome gap between publication.

As before, the book opens with a brief prologue set in Paris in June 1946, the four young women, Sophie, Rosa, Hannah and Rachel had all agreed to meet in a café in Paris on a specific date following the conclusion of the war. The Emerald Sisters were to be reunited having not seen each other since that tumultuous voyage across the Atlantic. But circumstances have changed and all is not as it seems. All I can say regarding this meet up is that it stirs up a whole lot of questions for the reader and made me want to reach the end of the series immediately. If only that were possible.

This time around we follow Rosa aged 21 who comes from a privileged background but yet because of her Jewish religion (although her family do not practice) herself and her parents are forced to flee Germany in May 1939 thanks to the persecution, abuse and restrictions of opportunity imposed by Hitler and his Nazi’s. Rosa, Fritz and Elsa are among 1000 people given visas to start a new life away from Germany. They leave Hamburg on board the SS ST.Louis which will take them to Cuba and through her fathers connections and the money he had sent away from Germany they hope to establish a new life in America. In a way, it’s strange reading the same story from a different perspective as I felt I had already formed opinions about Rosa and her family without ever reading anything directly from their viewpoint. But over the course of the book my opinion of Rosa certainly changed and did so for the better so it shows writing a series like this does work and really helps provide a well-balanced angle and mindset.

Rosa’s family are not very close and its clear her mother Elsa loathes her and pretty much leaves her to her own devices whilst onboard the ship. Her father’s behaviour disgusts her as he is pompous, arrogant, self absorbed, irritating and difficult. He was a physician back in Germany and there are subtle hints as to what he engaged in that are dropped in every now and again and in turn they are explored in detail later on in the book. Rosa too hides secret and is racked with guilt and this becomes more apparent as we delve further into the story and learn more about her character. What went on in regards to her family up until the point they left Germany will have a significant forbearing on a major plot of the book and it makes you think how could they have been involved in this and then expect a better life some else without any repercussions? But I suppose unless you are physically and mentally in the situation yourself you really can’t make any judgements. Rosa forms a strong bond with the three young women she meets but their happiness at a new friendship and their hopes for the future are shattered as they are turned away from Cuba. But Sophie is lucky and before she departs she splits an emerald giving each person a shard and a promise is made to one day reunite. This emerald becomes a talisman, a beacon of light and hope amidst the dark times ahead.

As the much longed for freedom in America does not materialise and it is as if they have been sent on a wild goose chase and the promises that were made were not fulfilled. Rosa and her parents find themselves sent back across the ocean and they reach England. Separated from her friends she must forge ahead on her own at a time when her parents more than ever shirk their responsibilities and act like everything will just fall into their laps and they will be readily accepted. But Rosa knows this won’t be the case and from here on in she demonstrates her fortitude, tenacity, strength and bravery. This is when I thought the book really got going and it felt the same as with book one as in the later half was far stronger than the first. I really started to engage with Rosa and she came down to an ordinary level far from the dizzy heights she lived in in Germany. But the past will always have a way of coming back to haunt you if it has not been settled and Rosa harbours guilt and shame which she must try to get through in order to forge onwards in a positive light into the future.

The scenes set in England as Rosa and her parents struggle to adapt to their new life were real and vivid and although perhaps not the best word to use I did enjoy reading about their daily lives. You could sense the anxiety about being in a strange new country and having to be wary that they were German although Jewish. Not everything was handed to them on a plate and Rosa began to show her resourcefulness and her ability to adapt at a time when she was required to step up and provide as her parents remained stuck in the past clinging on to something that was no longer there. She was practical and resourceful and knuckled down to things that would have been way beneath her in her previous life. Through her work and her English classes, she meets Peter, himself having fled Germany too. I loved the subtleness of their friendship which had potential to develop into something more. It was never rushed or forced and the pacing of all this was excellent and I loved how things connected towards the end through circumstance, acceptance and understanding.

The outbreak of war leads to trials and tribulations for Rosa and her parents and it was interesting to see her past having an impact on her present. The chapters set on the Isle of Man were fascinating and again showed a different side to Rosa. One I wouldn’t have thought possible when we first meet her as she boards the ship. Again, there was lots in store for Rosa and without going into detail she finds herself doing work that is vital yet on first arriving in Britain she would never ever have thought possible given her background and situation.

The Girl with a Secret was an excellent read and really moved the series along very well. Again as with book one we were left on a cliffhanger and I really wanted it to continue on for several more chapters but I was prepared for it to end around the 80% mark as this had happened previously. Strong female characters are really coming to the fore and Rosa’s viewpoint of the overall story has only made me even more eager than I already was to discover what is in store for Hannah and Rachael. This book didn’t disappoint and once more my only wish is that it won’t be too long a wait before the next instalme

The Girl with a Secret is part of The Emerald Sisters Series by Kate Hewitt. Having written several WWII historical fiction novels, this author explores some less common events pre and during the war. In 1939 Rosa Herzelfeld boards the SS St Louis hoping to leave Germany and the Nazis behind but does not land where she had hoped. Now in England, she tries to settle in with this new place and life.

This is a sweet love story in the middle of the political uproar and the horrors of the war. Still Rosa has secrets that she tries desperately to keep from Peter, a fellow refugee, and others there in England. Rosa and Peter were my favorite characters but Rosa’s parents not so very much. They seemed to be the typical kind of wealthy people that are often portrayed in books. Ones who have some entitlement issues and high views of themselves. After fleeing Germany I found this to be sad.

The Girl with a Secret is an eye-opening addition to the Emerald Sisters Series. One that will cause you smile one minute and shake your head the next. Still it did seem to be an authentic look at what happened during those dark days where Jews were persecuted in Germany and unwanted abroad. Read today.

The Emerald Sisters series continues with its second book, The Girl with the Secret, chronicling the lives of four young women who meet on the St Louis, the true story of a boat attempting to flee Nazi Germany, only to be turned away from Cuba, their destination. The story follows Rosa, one of the four sisters, who is sent to England along with her parents. Despite being Jewish, Rosa's parents had a history of associating with the Nazis to save themselves, leaving Rosa with a guilt-ridden conscience. As she struggles to come to terms with her parents' past, she takes on the responsibility of ensuring their survival in a foreign land. Rosa begins working at a coffee shop and forms a friendship with Peter, a kind and caring man who helps her see a brighter future. However, Rosa's past catches up with her, and she faces a series of unexpected twists and turns.
The author does an excellent job of weaving together the story and historical facts about life during that time, making the book a captivating read for fans of World War Two historical fiction. The second book of the Emerald Sisters saga is a must-read for those who love a good story and historical background. Like the first novel, this left me wanting more, and I eagerly await the rest of the series.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rosa Herzfeld believes she will never escape the Nazis. She fears their horrible reign will never end. She boards the SS St Louis while hoping for freedom but her hope is quickly shattered. The ship full of refugees is refused entry to Cuba. She soon finds herself alone and penniless in England. She believes this is where she will live her life and tries to do everything she can to make it feel like home. Rosa meets Peter, who is also a refugee, searching for a place to call home. Though they grow close to each other, she is hiding a secret from her past and she hopes he will never find out. When she musters up the courage to finally tell him, she is sent to an isolated internment camp located on the Isle on Man. Rosa and Peter are finally reunited, and once again she is faced with a decision, does she tell Peter the secret from her past or keep it hidden?

The Girl With a Secret, authored by Kate Hewitt is a phenomenal addition to The Emerald Sister Series. I loved the character of Rosa and the storyline with her and Peter was engaging. This story pours over from the first in the series with Sophia, Rachel and Hannah. Though a heartbreaking read, it is still a rapid and edge of your seat page turner. I love the pace of the story but I had to stop a few times to let the tears flow. This heart wrenching story is a definite must read. It can be read as a standalone, but I highly suggest start with the first book in the series. You’ll want to know everything about the characters in this captivating and compelling story. I highly recommend this ten star book.

This is the 3nd book in the series and after reading the first I was looking forward to reading Rosa's story. Fleeing Germany on board a ship with her family she makes friends with a few other Jewish girls and they form a pact to meet up again after the war in a particular place. It tells the hardship she has to go through having to learn to speak English and try to get away from what she and her family did in Germany. This soon catches up with them and ends up with her doing something that she would never have thought possible.
The book ended up leaving me thinking that there is another book to see what happens next and I really hope that there is.

In the second book in the series we learn Rosa’s story. Something bad that had happened to her back in Germany is alluded to several times in the first chapters. What I thought it was way off the mark.
I liked the character development between Rosa and her parents and then how her mother really came into her own.
My heart ached for all the passengers on board the SS St. Louis and Hewitt gives a good rendition with a full range of emotions.
Hewitt never steers me wrong!

This is Rosa’s story in this second book of this series.
We follow her and her family as they flee Germany and hopefully land somewhere safer. Aboard ship she meets other girls in the same situation. They share a bond and are determined to get together after the war.
The story moves along slowly the first part of the book.
I liked that Rosa is strong and determined. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

Another compelling read by Kate Hewitt. Rosa, the second of the Emerald Sisters, finally makes it to London. Life is very tough for Rosa & her family. It takes unexpected turns because of her father’s, & even her own, past in Germany with the Nazis before the war. She is given the chance to be involved in the war effort. The twists & turns are clever, & the characters are interesting. Rosa’s parents finally sort themselves out & become useful. The book ends rather suddenly before events are decided. I’m unsure as to whether this story is to be continued in another book.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley & Bookouture. I am writing a voluntary honest review

Gripping and captivating. The Girl with a Secret is the second novel in The Emerald Sisters series. I did at first, as the story recapped, found it a little slow. However, as the story built, as the characters developed, we followed Rosa and her parents to England. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and the struggles after embarking in a country they didn’t know, couldn’t understand and not wanted in. A story full of love, friendship and hope. This book also finishes with a cliffhanger. I would recommend reading the books in order and look forward to reading in the next in the series.

I would like to thank Bookouture, NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this complimentary copy for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#TheGirlwithaSecret #NetGalley