Thanks to MIRA for the gifted copy of this book.

Following dual timelines of a flight nurse during WWII and 2003 Seattle, Noelle Salazar tells an emtional story of bravery interwoven with despair, love and separation, and *complicated* family dynamics to say the least. While this was not my favorite from Noelle and thought the pacing could have been better and Kate could have made much better choices, Noelle is still a go-to historical fiction author for me.

Noelle Salazar is fast becoming a favorite of mine. She writes books that hook you from the start and proceed to hold you captive. They pull at your heartstrings. Make you think. Give you hope.

This is a love story and a WW2 story about two people who are fighting. One fighting for the betterment of the world. The other fighting to keep the soldiers alive.

William is a soldier. He wants nothing more than to keep people alive. To give them the freedoms to live the way they wish. To practice their faith and live in their homes free from the worry of being sent to camps. Or killed and left in the streets. While there is not talk about this you just know that is why he is the way he is. He's a good man.

Kate is a nurse. A naval flight nurse. She flies with wounded soldiers. They are taken to the area hospitals and tended. Kate helps them. She is a good nurse. Dedicated to her life. To her part in the war. To helping as many as she can to survive. Kate has a few secrets but she's a good and very decent person. She's been through so much in her life already yet still keeps on giving.

When William and Kate meet it's magic. Kate fights her feelings but eventually she can't fight it anymore. They fall deeply in love and intend to marry. To move back to the US and start a life together. As soon as this war is over.

William goes back to war and Kate goes looking for her sister who she thought had died eight years earlier. What happens to Kate now is so sad. So hopeful. Kate realizes that she is pregnant and can't wait to tell William. But life gets in the way. Or war that is. On her quest to find her sister Kate has to go back to the home she lived in as a young girl. Face some demons. She goes through so much.

This book is told from two time lines. In 2003 by William. In 1944-1945 by Kate. You get to know each character and a few other characters along the way. You get a good look into each of their lives. How things happen the way they did and how it plays out.

As with most historical novels this one brought some big ugly tears to my eyes. I also had a couple of chuckles. I wanted things to be a certain way. Of course I did. But this author did such a good job. I was not disappointed at all. From start to finish this book held me. It moved me. It was excellent.

A must read.

Thank you #NetGalley, #HarlequinTradePublishing, #MIRA, for this ARC.

Five big stars.

Kate is an army nurse during WWII and she does not want to complicate her life with anything frivolous like love. She spends her days flying to the front lines to pick up the wounded and bringing them back to base. Then one day one she falls hard for William, one of the wounded soldiers, and sees a new future for herself; but then her past comes back to haunt her and she disappears into enemy territory to confront it. Can she make it back safely and can she still have the future she and William envisioned?

I will start by admitting this was probably not the best week for me to read a WWII novel, but that being said it did hold my attention and I was definitely into the story. However, while I enjoyed the novel I kept waiting for a little more, I’m not sure what I was waiting for - maybe a deeper darker secret from her past, more from the second part of the novel? This is not a historical romance, it really is historical fiction and I do always like learning about another way in which women helped the war effort and this was one I didn’t know about (the flights were treacherous). In the end the story keep me entertained but I’m not sure this is one that will stay with me. I really enjoyed her last novel so I look forward to her next.

3.75

Thank you to Mira, HTPHive and NetGalley for the ARC to review

The Lies We Leave Behind by Noelle Salazar
Historical fiction
5 ⭐️

HIGH recommendation if you like war time historical fiction.

I wanted to read this one because I always love learning about the roles women played in war, and I was hooked from the first chapter, though that’s not where the “twists” stop. The introductory chapter includes a knock on the door and a character asking the homeowner "Did you know this person?" which is always a great hook, for me. The book is told in dual timeline and dual POV between Kate, and a veteran named William.

Kate Campbell is a nurse in WWII in the South Pacific shuttling injured soldiers from location to location when she, herself, is injured and sent home to recover. Eventually she returns the war to serve, and a wounded soldier captures her heart but then has to return to military duty. (Wait…Have I ever had a historical fiction book boyfriend!?)

I loved Kate: she was determined, and her love for her job of helping heal was very apparent.

I also rated Angels of the Resistance by Noelle Salazar highly! So I definitely plan to read more of this author’s backlist.

The Lies We Leave Behind by Noelle Salazar is a gripping WWII novel. This is definitely one of my top 3 books of the year. I will be looking for more books by this author. It is an emotional, heartbreaking, captivating love story that kept me on the edge of my seat till the very last page.

Kate, a flight nurse during the war meets William, an injured soldier. They fall in love but Kate has a huge secret that could disrupt any chance at happiness. How will Kate's future be determined by her lies and choices?

I love this story and would highly recommend it to everyone but especially historical fiction lovers. Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for an advanced copy of this book.

This book might be my favorite of 2024! The lead character is Kate Campbell, a nurse during WWII. Initially stationed in the South Pacific, an injury sends her home to the States. She is then reassigned to England where there is a certain soldier . . .But then the past beckons and Kate answers the call - which leads to another incredible, scary, startling adventure. Any reader will be unable to put this book down once you start. My first Noelle Salazar book, and I promise - it won't be my last.

The Lies We Leave Behind is a sweeping and heartbreaking WWII novel. Kate, a flight nurse, although determined to do her job without distractions, meets and falls in love with an injured soldier, William. After he recovers from his injuries, he returns to the front and she gets some news about her sister in the heart of Germany that causes her to embark on a dangerous journey to try to bring her back to safety.

There is so much more to this story but without giving too many spoilers, I will just say that this story covers is much territory and describes the horrors that occurred during that time period.

There is a dual POV in multiple timelines as we are introduced to William in 2003 and return back to Kate in 1944. The writing style worked for me in this case, as it served as a way to tease out some of the stories main developments. I also loved learning more about the flight nurses’ job and the contributions of these brave women during the war.

Like most WWII stories, there are multiple devastating losses but also many beautiful redeeming moments.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC.

Y’all! This book is in the top 5 of the best books I have read all year. I have read every book by this author and this one is…hands down…my favorite!

This story follows Kate. She is a flight nurse in WWII. She starts out in the Pacific theatre. She ends up breaking her leg and she gets sent home to NYC to recoup. When she returns to her commission, she is sent to the English Countryside. She ends up meeting a wounded soldier, William Mitchell.

Romance is just part of this story. There is Kate’s past. This slowly unfolds throughout this novel and it is not what you think. And when her past catches up with her…oh Lordy…you need to read this to find out.

I loved the dual timelines, the mystery, the intensity and the drama! Do not miss this one!

Need a fantastic book which will give you intensity and emotions…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

Which parts of yourself do you keep hidden? Perhaps unintentionally; perhaps afraid of showing who you are all at once so you protect yourself then worry later you should have shared upfront. Or perhaps you’re worried that someone will judge unfairly without first learning the whole story? The lies we hide, waiting for acceptance and healing are hauntingly beautiful, driving who we are though others cannot see our motivations.

Salazar’s latest book examines this and more questioning how far you’ll go to save yourself and the ones you love.

After reading, I found I reflected on the characters and their situations, relating and aching for them even more. Salazar writes characters as though she were really living their lives: with heart, heat, angst, fear, love, as well as in-depth relatably raw emotions. When main character William described his wife’s writing, it felt to me like he was in fact describing the magic that happens when Salazar writes: “She told stories like they were real life. Women and men alike saw themselves in her characters. She had a way of pulling you in, breaking your heart, and then building you back up with love and magical moments that… could feed you for weeks.”

Told in a dual timeline that moves seamlessly between William in 2003 and Kate from 1943-1945, “The Lies We Leave Behind” is a historical fiction WWII survival and love story that will transport you. Kate, a flight nurse taking wounded soldiers from the battlefield to safer medical facilities and soldier William who is under Kate’s care for a time will leave you hopeful, sighing, as you find the beauty during wartime and aching when the war inexplicably pulls them apart as they fight to survive the inexplicable while Kate is forced to reconcile her past and present to make things right. But at what cost?

A master of historical fiction, you can be sure I’ll be adding Salazar’s latest to my shelves on November 5, 2024. Thank you so very, very much Noelle Salazar for making my request for an advance ebook become a reality! And thank you @mirabooks and NetGalleyfor bringing this request to my phone.

Forevermore.

The Lies We Leave Behind by Noelle Salazar is a historical fiction set during WWII. This is a heartbreakingI love story between a flight nurse and a soldier.
The story was so well-written, fast-paced. I could not put it down.
I would highly recommend this read for historical fiction lovers.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest review.

This had a great premise and beginning but, it all started falling flat after the 50% mark. Everything was happening to fast after certain situations started happening and then it just avalanched into a underwhelming ending. Did apricate the plot twists and Kate's story through out the book.
<b><i>Trigger Warnings: war themes (WW2), antisemitism, blood depiction, graphic physical injuries, slight gore, child abuse (verbal and physical), death of a parent mentioned, murder, gun violence, mention of sexual assault of minor, concentration camps, medical experimentation, and birth</b></i>

Historical fiction readers will not want to miss this emotional story of Kate, a flight nurse during WWII. Follow in the footsteps of Kate as she flys in and out of daring situations to nurse battle wounded men, falls deeply in love with one and then faces her past as unlikely news arrives for her. I loved the relationships built within the unit. This book was hard to put down with its secrets, twists and turns. A complex story of a difficult time. Highly recommended!

The first half of this book could have been a great book all on its own, but the addition of everything that happens beyond that is what makes it even more moving and marvelous. I quickly became thoroughly engrossed in this emotional, yet captivating story. The love story between Kate and William was heartbreaking, but it was Kate's treacherous and shocking journey throughout the book, including her bravery and resilience, that kept me on the edge of my seat.

I loved Ms. Salazar's book "The Roaring Days of Zora Lily". Along with that book, I will now be recommending "The Lies We Leave Behind". This is sure to be a hit with all my friends, and fans of WWII historical fiction. I will be sending my review to Goodreads, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble and will definitely be on the lookout for this author's next book.

My sincere thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing/MIRA and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read a digital ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was an enjoyable read.

This is the story of Kate, a flight nurse in World war 2 based on the island of Espiritu Santo. After she is injured on duty, she returns home to the US, until she is fit enough to return to nursing. She is sent to England to help with the soldiers returning from France, and there she meets and falls in love with William, a US soldier.

This is a book told from two view points, two timelines, and it is almost a book of two halves as well. In the first half, we get the first hand account of Kate nursing at both locations, and we get William's view point from the 2000s, when he is dealing with life after his wife has passed away. A stranger comes to visit him, and a whole window to his past opens up.

Kate, is not quite who she seems. She has a past she has been running away from, and news from Germany has her running back towards it.

The first half of the book was the stronger half for me, as the writing was excellent and I was swept away by the characters and life of the nurses during the war. The second half was a compelling story, but didn't quite seem to fit with Kate's character from the first half. I was still gripped by the story and anxious to figure out how it all would enfold.

I haven't read any other of Ms Salazar's books, but I will certainly try them after reading this one.

Love and lies. This dual time line tale tells Kate's story- the story of a woman living a lie who serves the US during WWII as a nurse and falls deeply in love with William a soldier she meets when he's on a medical evacuation flight. William is used as the anchor for the present when a woman turns up at his door with a package of letters from Kate he never received. But it's Kate's story that's compelling- her time in the Pacific and then in the UK, all the time living a secret about her true name, her family, all of her life before she was 16. And her life comes tumbling down just as she and William become engaged. No spoilers because you really should discover everything for yourself. I note however how implausible some of it is and also was a really poor decision Kate made. That said, I also found this a page turner-I was swept up in her story and worried not only for her but also for the women she helps. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. A very good read especially for fans of the WWII genre.

“'You are selfless and brave, and have been since the day you split yourself in two to be who they wanted, but also who you wanted. Who you needed to be.'”

I stayed up late into the night finishing The Lies We Leave Behind by Noelle Salazar because it was just that good! It was heartbreaking and full of emotions, but I couldn't put it down. I was an absolute inconsolable wreck at the end!

I've been a huge fan of Noelle Salazar's books for a few years now, and this one is the best yet! I was instantly captivated by the dual timeline of an older William in 2003 and Kate as a nurse during WWII. The story of how they met and fell in love had me absolutely giddy, and I couldn't get enough!

When Kate's past catches up to her, she decides to go right into danger to confront it. The secrets and lies start piling up, and she keeps William in the dark because she thinks it's safer for him. Little does she know, that choice will completely alter both of their lives forever.

This is a story that will stick with me for the rest of my life. At its core, this is a book about WWII and the dangers faced every day on the front lines, but it's so much more than that. Kate's story is about love, bravery, and doing the hard things for the ones you love.

This book gets released on November 5th and is available for pre-order now!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in advance. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

Oh my gosh! This book was so very good!!
This was a tragic heartbreaking love story.
Kate is a flight nurse during the war who isn’t looking for romance. At least not til she takes care of a wounded soldier.
It does seem like it was a long story. I found myself not wanting it to end, hoping for just a little more. I loved it!!

A beautiful historical fiction novel by an incredible author. Kate and William touched my heart deeply and I was rooting for them throughout. This storyline is told from a dual POV and was packed full of multiple twists and turns. Loved everything about it!!
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thanks to MIRA and HTP for my advanced copy of The Lies We Leave Behind by Noelle Salazar. I've loved her previous books so I was really looking forward to The Lies We Leave Behind. 

I loved the first half of this book about Kate a naval flight nurse stationed in the Pacific during World War II. I love books about strong women during the War, especially those who worked in such fascinating positions (I want to see more books about these naval flight nurses!)
But in the second half of the book, I was disappointed. I felt like I was reading two different books that were slightly related. I don't want to share too much about her secret past and what she does, but it just felt so unrealistic when the first half was so good. 

I'd recommend Salazar's other books over this, but if you want to read about Naval Flight Nurses the first half of this book was 5 stars. The Lies We Leave Behind comes out November 5th.

I adored this book—I stayed up until 2 AM finishing it.

Kate Campbell is a flight nurse, transporting wounded soldiers from the WWII battlefield to a military hospital. She falls in love with one of the soldiers, but Kate harbors a huge secret that could disrupt any chance of happiness.

This beautifully written WWII fiction is filled with unexpected twists and turns. I highly recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley and MIRA for an early read in exchange for a fair review.