In this fascinating new historical fiction novel, readers join American librarians Selene Delmont and Beatrice Sullivan in Lisbon at the height of the Second World War, where they work for the US Intelligence Office as undercover agents on infiltration missions though, officially, they are just librarians cataloguing the Allies’ information. Total opposites yet close friends, Bea and Selene must brave the glamorous and dangerous city of Lisbon and the dangers within its most upper-class environs. Embarking on a dangerous mission, neither woman can afford to fall in love with Baron Luca Caldeira or double agent Gable, but they end up submerged in this dangerous world and must find their ways out before it is too late. Exciting, high-stakes, and immersive, this historical fiction novel is fascinating, complex, entertaining, and incredibly detailed. Nelson has done a masterful job bringing World War II Lisbon to life, from its dark allies and US Intelligence HQ to fancy casinos and old manor homes, and readers will love the complex character relationships between the characters. Alternating perspectives between the two women, readers will love discovering this complex historical setting and the high stakes and risks that Beatrice and Selene are taking in this brilliant new historical novel.

To begin, I would like to apologize for the tardiness of my review. Despite this, I felt compelled to provide an honest review of this literary work. This is the inaugural book I have read by this author, and I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The two female protagonists, Beatrice and Selene, captivated me from the outset. The author’s masterful storytelling transported me to the historical era, immersing me in the experiences of women during wartime. I found myself unable to put the book down once I embarked on this journey.
While the book’s length may have deterred some readers, I prioritized savoring the narrative. Historical fiction is a genre that demands patience and attention, as it offers a rich tapestry of events and experiences. I regret not having delved into this book sooner.
I anticipate reading more works by this author and will undoubtedly consider them for future purchases.
This book, published on February 4, 2025, is highly recommended for those who appreciate both mystery and historical fiction.
I extend my gratitude to the author and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read this exceptional book. My reviews will be posted everywhere.

While much of the historical fiction centered around World War II deals with Germany, France, and England, the cataclysm was truly global, and many important events occurred in other countries. In her first adult novel, author Suzanne Nelson explores a lesser-known chapter in America’s involvement in that war. The Librarians of Lisbon is a fictional tale about a real program—American spies undercover in Portugal, a neutral country where Nazis and Allies slithered around each other for advantage. Nelson’s two heroines work undercover to help the Allies, but will love derail their missions?

By day, best friends Bea and Selene work as librarians in 1943 Lisbon, cataloging a vast array of information for the allies. By night, they are spies—Bea working with infamous double agent Gable to decode German messages, and Selene on the arm of Portuguese baron Luca, trying to find out which of his socialite friends is feeding information to the Nazis. Recruited separately, Bea and Selene keep their spy activities secret from each other, and grow apart as their adventures take them in different directions. But both women end up falling for the men they’re working with.

Librarians differs from most of the World War II fiction I read. It’s a slow burn, and the pacing doesn’t really pick up till three-fourths of the way through the book. There’s a subplot about the mining of wolfram and its uses that, while historically accurate, feels more intellectual than emotional. The women never seem truly in danger, and most of the tension is derived from the romantic relationships. There are parties, glittering gowns, and several explicit sex scenes. The mentions of concentration camps are few and far between. The book portrays a glamorous world of Mata Haris and James Bonds, not Ravensbruck.

I enjoyed the cameo of American born, French singer/spy Josephine Baker and other attempts that Nelson made in incorporating real events into her fictional account. But honestly, the action in the book felt very removed from the horrors faced by the Jewish, British, and French people. Readers who want to empathize with these populations may find the book isn’t what they’re looking for.

On the other hand, there’s something symbolic about reading about galas, operas, fancy ball gowns, and romances that are going on while millions of people are suffering. There are always people who will be able to profit from pain, and others who ignore it while going about their daily lives. We’re about to get a strong reminder of that. And this time, Americans won’t be the good guys.

An excellent. Read!
I loved reading how librarians scoured Lisbon for books and articles and then had them sent to the US for safe keeping.
I loved the setting of Portugal because its role in WWII hadn’t really been explored before and this novel opened my eyes to all that occurred there.
I had never heard of wolfram and its importance to both sides during the war.
My favorite character was Bea because of razor sharp mind and her ability to unscramble codes, something I could never accomplish.

“The Librarians of Lisbon” is a compelling thriller set in WWII that will make an excellent book club choice. I’m a retired librarian myself, so I found the story of two librarians who saved books from the Nazis to be particularly powerful. While this book is exciting, there’s also a spooky resonance with how books are now being banned in the US.

In Lisbon in 1943, two American librarians are drawn into a city of dangerous subterfuge and unexpected love affairs. They are forced to choose between their missions and the men they love. Inspired by real historical figures, award-winning author Suzanne Nelson pens a captivating story of two remarkable women, their bravery and heartache, and a friendship that withstands the ravages of war. Selene Delmont and Beatrice Sullivan, Boston librarians turned Allied operatives are enlisted to collect banned books, both women are undercover agents tasked with infiltrating the Axis spy network. Soon, they’re caught up in games of deception with two of Lisbon’s most notorious men—the outcast Portuguese baron, Luca Caldeira, and the lethal spy, code name Gable. As Selene charms her way through lavish ballrooms with Luca, the more bookish Bea is plunged into Gable’s shadowy world of informants. But a betrayal unravels a carefully spun web of lies and everything they’ve fought for is thrown into jeopardy. As Selene and Bea are pushed to their breaking points can their friendship, and their hearts, survive the cost?

Being a retired librarian, books about librarians, especially connected to WWII, always catch my attention, and this one was no exception. Inspired by real historical figures, award-winning author Suzanne Nelson pens a captivating story of two remarkable women, their bravery and heartache, and a friendship that withstands the ravages of war. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for offering this well written novel with very interesting characters and how they worked to help defeat the Germans during WWII. Anyone who likes WWII novels with interesting women characters will love this one.

In the vein of of other recent works about women's contributions to WWII, Nelson tells the fictional story of two American women serving in the OSS in Lisbon in 1943. While their official title is that of librarian (collecting books banned by the Nazis), Selene Delmont and Bea Sullivan. both work undercover to collect information about the Nazis for the Allies. It's dangerous work and the women can't even share what they are doing with one another.

Disowned by her wealthy family, Selene poses as the lover of Baron Luca Caldeira, whose identical twin brother plays both sides of the war by selling minerals to them all. Bea falls in love with "Gable," the spymaster who has created a world of informants. The story includes nightlife, fantastic clothes and parties, secret trips, and danger. While the women struggle to maintain their friendship in their private worlds of secrets, they encounter one another unexpectedly in their work and nearly lose everything.

Readers who enjoyed The Secret War of Julia Child won't want to miss this one. Nor will fans of historical fiction, especially historical fiction buffs.

I liked the book. It had some slow moments but the ending won me over. A fun read

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

As a huge fan of WW2 historical fiction novels, this one didn't quite hit the spot for me. While I loved learning more about Portugal's role in war as a neutral nation, and always love a spy story, the romantic storylines in this novel were incredibly distracting and took away from the depth of the experiences of Bea and Selene, two American librarians who move to Portugal as undercover agents.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

I enjoyed reading "Librarians of Lisbon" by Suzanne Nelson. I appreciated a look into the lives of those who went above and beyond is service to our country. It seems like more graphic/descriptive romance is added into books now days instead of just using your imagination. But beside that, the book was enlightening and enjoyable. I will recommend it! Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

I am not a huge historical fiction fan but I was intrigued by the set-up of this one and the Casablanca reference. Casablanca is a movie I love so I figured I’d give this a whirl! It’s a really interesting book that I really appreciate for shining a light on some unsung real-life heroes. The Lisbon setting was fantastic and made me want to book a trip!

"Librarians of Lisbon" by Suzanne Nelson is a captivating and heartwarming historical fiction novel that celebrates the power of books, libraries, and community. This delightful story follows a young librarian as she navigates the challenges of wartime Lisbon and finds solace in the world of literature.

I didn’t get a chance to finish this great book but our library purchased it. I rate it as a five and will share the story of 2 brave women infiltrating the Axis spy network. Love this genre. Thanks to the author Suzanne Nelson!

I love historical fiction centered around WWII and the lead-up to WWII. I enjoyed the depth and intricacies of this book. I enjoyed reading from this persepctive.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley. In my opinion, it was more of a romance than the history. It was still good and interesting but I feel like I learned more about the history part from the Author's notes. It also has a little bit of spice.

This book was slightly off the beaten path for me considering I tend to lean romance-heavy. I am so glad I stepped away from the pure romance genre to read this, as it was a page turner and well written/well researched. It was more of a historical romance with a touch of romance sprinkled in.
This book initially caught my eye because I'm bilingual and like to read things about/taking place in Portugal. The language was ok, but thought it might have been a bit improved if they checked with a native speaker. Otherwise a compelling plot, great character development and doubly enjoyable for me as it allowed me to step out of the box of genres I tend to lean towards by default. Solid 4.5 star read!

An edge of your seat story about two librarians who end up in Lisbon during WWII working as secret agents to uncover spies and traitors to the Allied cause. Selene and Bea are best friends who cross the ocean to do their part for the war effort only to be caught up in intrigues and romance that could cost them their lives!!

Being a librarian, this drew me in right away. I'm only sorry it took me so long to get to it! Based on historical facts, this story draws the reader in immediately. With echos of Kate Quinn in the writing, this was high on my favorites!

A heartfelt thank you to @suzannenelsonbooks @zandoprojects and @netgalley for the #gifted e-book!

This is an enthralling historical novel set against the backdrop of World War II, immersing you in the intrigue of espionage.

Bea and Selene, two resourceful librarians and steadfast friends, are enlisted by US Intelligence to infiltrate a complex spy network in Lisbon. As they navigate this treacherous world, they independently seek to uncover informants working with the Germans, all the while experiencing unexpected romance with the men aiding their mission.

This story is a riveting blend of fast-paced narrative and nail-biting suspense, enriched by the mystery surrounding the identities of the informants. Selene’s fearless confidence contrasts beautifully with Bea’s reserved caution, creating a dynamic friendship that enhances the plot. The dual perspectives deepen the reader’s connection to both characters. As Selene teams up with Luca and Bea with Gable, the fragile trust they forge is put to the ultimate test.

The author’s meticulous research shines through, and the closing note provides compelling insights into Portugal’s neutrality during the war and its profound impact on the lives of those seeking refuge there.

If you cherish gripping historical spy fiction, this is an absolute must-read!

I enjoyed this story. I love Lisbon and I really enjoyed reading about librarian spies. The hidden stories and political machinations were really interesting.