I don't think that I have read anything in the past 6 months that triggered tears, but this one did for sure. And it was a bit embarrassing because I was reading it on the plane to Disney when I got to the tear jerker part (for me). My son thought I was nuts to cry over a book, but he also thinks it's funny when I cry for fireworks so ....

All that to say that this was a really good read. I find that it can be challenging to get into books like this when the historical fiction and modern times alternate, but once you get there, it's definitely worth having stuck it out. At the start, I was more interested in the modern Kate and her need to escape to somewhere to properly move on from the accident; and I kept wanting to get back to her story. But as things developed for Audrey, I then started to feel the complete opposite and resented being pulled out of her tragic story to hear more about Kate. There were some coincidences that felt a little too much for me, but at the same time, I had happy and sad tears so I was able to look past them and truly get into the characters. Audrey and Kate are likeable and sympathetic, and the plot moves quickly through their lives or, more specifically, through the period in their lives where they are coming together and where Audrey is storytelling her life.

A good historical fiction that also deals with tragedy and loss. Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys these books. Personally, I liked it much better than Natalie Jenner's writing.

I haven't read Looking for Jane, but I am thinking that it will have to be something I pick up in the near future.

Thank you NetGalley, Simon & Schuster and Heather Marshall for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Secret History of Audrey James.
This is a beautifully written, heart wrenching historical fiction story about a pianist in Berlin at the start of WWII all the way to 2010. There are two separate timelines that converge in the most interesting way.
I fell in love with these characters, they were so real and filled with such deep emotion, it was difficult to let them go at the end of the story. The decisions they needed to make, maybe right or wrong, were so difficult and many of these decisions changed their lives forever. I was on the edge of my seat many times waiting to see and feel the outcome of their choices. I really enjoyed observing the creative ways the resistance groups outsmarted the Nazis. Not everything worked but the effort was certainly thought provoking. Much of this I was unaware of and it adds to the supreme effort in trying to stop the destruction of society.
The plot was fast moving with lots of twists and turns. Fasten your seatbelt - it’s a wild ride.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and loved Looking for Jane as well. In the author’s note, one question won’t leave my mind - What were the women doing? No doubt-a lot! I can’t wait to see what Heather Marshall comes up with next. Please hurry!

Heather Marshall's debut novel, Looking for Jane was a top read for me from 2022, so I was intrigued to see how this next novel measured up. I loved that The Secret History of Audrey James also explored three-dimensional, strong female characters.

This novel is a dual POV/Timeline - the first is Kate in 2010 and the other about Audrey in the late 1930s. Kate needs to leave London as she tries to escape her failed marriage and tries to deal with the trauma of losing both her parents. She finds an old picture of her parents at the Oakwood Inn, sparking her interest in the Inn and ultimately leading her to take a job there where Audrey is the owner/innkeeper. After a rough start, Audrey begins to confide in Kate about her past. Audrey's story begins in Berlin, where she was living with a Jewish family (her closest friends) right before WWII began. The narrative continues through the horrific things she faced throughout the war years and the sacrifices she made to attempt to protect her loved ones.

I don't want to give any spoilers, but I loved how the author brought the two POVs together in the most unexpected and beautiful ways. I also loved how the characters were fully three-dimensional, not all good or bad, and how female friendship was also explored.

Lovers of this genre will definitely enjoy this heart wrenching read.

THANK YOU to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

I am a Heather Marshall fan through and through - her stories are invigorating. I've read a lot of books about this time period (one of my favorite to read through historical fiction) and this was a different take.

It's similar to the Nightingale I feel like - however covered more of the cells and their underground planning and scheming to assassinate Hitler.

Audrey James and Kate share secrets from their past. 1939 and 2010 - very huge age gap, yet the closeness they get together through stories was amazing.

Love love love. add this to your MUST READ

Heather Marshall really has outdone herself again. I really enjoyed her first novel, so the opportunity to jump on this novel is great with the ARC. I love all things WWII, historical fiction, the Holocaust, and this book was perfect as it intertwined multiple characters and quickly captivated my heart with Isle, Audrey, Frederik, and Kate's viewpoints alternating between 1938, to 2010.

The strong storyline revealing and uncovering Audrey James' history between her telling her story and Kate capturing all the details, making sure nothing was amiss. The wide range of emotions that this book sent me into, also demanded me read more to find out what was going to happen to the characters I had invested reading time into. 2 things really stood out to me in the book is that Marshall dove into bridging the gap between those that have experienced the war and those who hadn't and building new paths in a once broken world.

I also had a deep appreciation for the all the inspiration behind Audrey James and her history. Marshall's note regarding Audrey and Mona, women in the attic, the German reistance all made this novel a memorable one and one that has impacted me jumping into 2025.

Please pick up The Secret History of Audrey James if you're looking for one incredible work of historical fiction that is inspiring and based upon real events, strong FMC, and investment into our historical past. Thank you to Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the ARC. Another great book from Heather Marshall. Dual timeline. A twist I didn’t see coming. Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Heather Marshall I’ll probably read everything you write.

A tremendous thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballentine and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

For anyone who is a huge fan of historical fiction like I am, this book is a must read of 2025. The Secret History of Audrey James tells the story of Audrey and her courageous life as she lived in Berlin before the onset of WWII. We learn of her trials and tribulations as she tells them to Kate, in 2010, after Kate is hired on as help at Audrey’s residence. The atrocities that Germany and it’s Jewish population were forced to endure in the late 1930’s and throughout WWII are no secret, but this book sheds light on those who were part of the resistance against Hitler, and the lengths that they were forced to go through to simply survive in their homes and daily lives. Without a doubt, this book will be at the top of my best books of 2025. If you are a fan of Kate Quinn, Fiona Davis, and Kristin Hannah, I know that you too will enjoy this book. Also, don’t miss out on Heather Marshall’s first book, Looking for Jane, which is another absolutely astounding read!

A read that kept me page turning past my bedtime, I needed answers!
This is a dual time read, from the late 1930's and then 2010, a story of strong women, and upheavals and life changing events.
The 1930's takes place in Germany when the evil that was taking place started it murderous advance. This is a story of love and loss, of saving and giving, and mainly good vs evil!
There are big surprises as the story unfolds and I did know there were attempts on the life of the leader, but this one will make you take notice, but the lasting ramifications change lives.
Be sure to read the author's notes at the end, their is so much of truth built into this fictional read.
I did enjoy how this read ended, but the main focus is we need to not forget the atrocities that were committed against society.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine , and was not required to give a positive review.

A dual timeline historical fiction tale weaving together the stories of Audrey James, member of the anti-Hitler movement in Berlin in 1938, and Kate Mercer, who comes to work with her in a guest house near Scotland in 2010. Kept me rapt with the intense narrative, well-developed characters, and beautiful prose. Histfic fans will want to put this on their TBRs ASAP!

The Secret History of Audrey James
By Heather Marshall
Publication date: Feb 25, 2025

What would you do for true love? Would you give up your ONLY chance to escape and RISK your life to try to stop the enemy?

I have always been a fan of historic fiction and love when authors find a ‘nugget’ to expand upon to create a new story that I know nothing about from my history classes. Heather Marshall discovered the true story of one woman who jumped in with both feet to help the German resistance fight in the shadows against Hitler. From her research and own personal connections to WWII, Heather created Audrey James (Ada Jakob). A prestigious British Piano student turned resistance spy to save the person and people she loves.

Love stories take on many facets, but the story of Audrey and Isle is soul-crushing and uplifting at the same time. Audrey’s unrequited love is expected, but still, she persists to fight for Isle, the Jewish people and for the good of Germany.

After the Nazi takeover and in an unlikely role, Audrey meets a few surprising ‘partners in crime’ and together they form an unknown division of the German Resistance movement. Their small band is made up of German officers, who have better access to Hitler and Audrey, who has the looks and, most importantly, a way with people to get access to information. Their bonds are tested, and they find themselves pushed to the limits of humanity.

In 2010, Kate is a lost soul struggling to overcome her own demons and guilt. She takes a job working as a caretaker in an old guest house. She meets a kindred soul and together they work to find a way through their guilt, tears and heartache. As the story unfolds, the connection of these two women is more than just their grief.

The dual timeline offers details into the person Audrey becomes after prison and the war. Through their shared grief, Kate is the only person who knows the true story of Audrey. Sharing her story is Audrey’s way of letting go. Kate encourages Audrey to share more widely, and Audrey encourages Kate to do the same.

I love the strength of all the women in this book. Each has so much to overcome, and each loses so much for the greater good. The simple moments in life are lost to the craziness of war and the aftermath.

I love the tie back to honoring the German Resistance Movement. There were so many proud Germans who risked it all. The story is a way to honor those unsung heroes.

Order your copy for delivery on Feb 25th. Five stars!

Net Galley and Random House Publishing, have provided me with an advanced copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Super interesting, seeing an aspect of WW2 resistance from inside Germany. I’ve heard of the White Rose and Red Orchestra but not read much on it, nor about the assassination attempts on Hitler. I thought it paired together well the deportation and murder of the Jews, but also the property seizing, and the resistance efforts, and how some of that became a moral gray in Germany.

The dual timeline was well done, and I really liked Audrey’s character. She had consistent grit and determination and carried her role well.

I did not, however, care for Kate’s character. She constantly had a victim mentality and was super self-focused, taking offense at everything, giving up easily, or lying to protect herself without thought on what that would do to others. I get that she was dealing with grief and shame but that doesn’t cause you to have a consistent lapse in character like she did unless that lapse already existed.

The only thing that didn’t make sense for me in the story, is Berlin in May 1945. That’s when the Red Army was knee deep in occupation there and you did not want to be a female of any age existing in Berlin. The book didn’t acknowledge any of that, or rather seemed to ignore it.

All in all, it was well written and had a very interesting and unique perspective that I enjoyed.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.

It's rare for a double-timeline book to have equally strong plots but the author has successfully pulled us into both worlds. Set in dual timelines of 1938 and 2010 the story begins with Audrey James, an aspiring English pianist studying in Berlin. Berlin is no longer safe for many, including Audrey's best friend Ilse. Audrey's father begs her to return to England but Audrey refuses to leave Ilse and her music studies.

There is so much we already know about WWII and this story shares with us a new perspective on events that unfolded at the time. Despite the fact that many of these events are a result of traumatic experiences, the themes of loyalty, resilience, and forgiveness are the strongest.

This gripping story will keep you riveted until the last page.

What an extraordinary book! The storyline is amazing! I especially liked how the author wove in some very interesting surprises!

The characters are written brilliantly! Audrey is my favorite. When she's faced with a difficult decision, she remains true to her heart. She is courageous and loyal. Ilse is a survivor. She loses her whole family and has to hide in her own home. Friedrich is heroic. He lives a double life and puts himself in danger many times.

This story can be hard to read. It goes into some detail about Jewish families being forced from their homes, imprisoned, and killed. There's also a situation with a sexual assault. On the flip side, there are many, many people who help the Jewish people. They put their lives at risk to save others. Thank God for them.

This is the first book that I've read by this author. I look forward to her next book.

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Ballantine Books via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Excellent, Excellent, Excellent​ - you won’t want to put it down.

We meet Audrey in 1938 and Kate in 2010.

Audrey was a pianist in Berlin, and Kate has just experienced a tragedy in her life.

A long time between those years, but the two women meet, and we hear their stories.

1938 - Audrey is embroiled in the beginnings of Hitler's regime and terror on the Jewish people and has to decide if she wants to stay to protect her friend who lost her family to the roundup or go back to London.

We follow Audrey during her time and when she meets Kate in 2010.

Audrey has a story to tell and decides to tell Kate about her time in Germany and to allow her to document it.

THE SECRET HISTORY OF AUDREY JAMES is a well-written account with beautiful writing, marvelous descriptions that have you feeling as though you are there, and a storyline that will keep you turning the pages.

A story about loyalty, friendship, and doing what you know is right.

Historical fiction and women's fiction fans will adore this book.

You will love both women. ​5/5

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Kate is at the end of her rope. A car accident that killed her parents and injured her, the end of her marriage, all make her want a change in her life in London. When she sees a help wanted add for an administrator at Oaklawn bed and breakfast in northern England, a place where her parents honeymooned, she thinks this is just what she needs. There she meets Audrey James, a woman who has a story to tell of a life that’s almost unbelievable. She also meets Ian. As Kate and Audrey get to know each other, Audrey shares her story for the first time since the end of WWII.. Both find healing.
The Secret History of Audrey James, by Heather Marshall, is a compelling story and is different from other WWII novels. Marshall does some occasional bad language, but otherwise it’s a very interesting read.

The Secret History of Audrey James is the first Heather Marshall novel that I have read. I hope there will be more. The title of this novel actually fits the novel's content and story. The Secret History of Audrey James is a dual timeline story of the past, narrated for the future. There are two narrators--Audrey and Kate. Audrey, who lived in pre-war Berlin, narrates her story from 1938 and through the war. In 2010, Kate is given the opportunity to learn about Audrey's story, which also helps her heal from her own tragedy and a story she did not want to tell.

Marshall does not go for happy endings in The Secret History of Audrey James. Instead, there is a well-plotted story of survival during the war. There is tension and mystery, both of which will hold the reader's attention. There is betrayal and deception, lost opportunities and love, and death and tears. The Secret History of Audrey James is a compelling story with a good solid plot and characters who are well-developed and interesting. Readers should take the time to read the author's note at the end of The Secret History of Audrey James. The author's note is well worth the read.

Thank you to Random House Ballantine Books and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC of The Secret History of Audrey James, in exchange for my honest review. I do read a lot of WWII/Holocaust novels and history. But it is not often that a novel focuses on German resistance. This is a novel that also educates. I am recommending The Secret History of Audrey James.

This was a solid 3 stars for me. Audrey is an interesting character, who has lived a traumatic life, and as a reader, you are apprised of her past through the present day (kind of) by narrator, Kate Mercer, who comes into contact with Audrey quite serendipitously in 2010. Through Kate’s conversations with Audrey, we learn of Audrey’s life as a young woman in Berlin during WWII, the people she befriended and loved and the actions she took to protect those people. While the narrative is not exactly unique, the writing is decent, although I must comment that I am thoroughly sick of authors deploying the ‘duel-timeline’ technique in which the reader is forced to hop back and forth between characters and time periods to get to the story. I’ve rarely read a book written this way in which both time period characters are anywhere near equally interesting or compelling.; one typically outshines the other by miles. And there are usually too many contrived coincidences between the competing narrators to keep me thinking about the story.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was so well written, and this author will now be an auto buy for me. The way the story is woven together, dual POV’s over different time periods, is just incredible. I love historical fiction, especially with a strong female character, and this absolutely will not disappoint you.

Not only is it about what Audrey experienced during the Nazi takeover, but it is about healing and experiencing that one friendship. The friendship you crave, where you can be your most vulnerable and most honest. Absolutely loved this book.

Heather Marshall has done it again. The Secret History of Audrey James is every bit as good as her debut novel - Looking for Jane. Her new book is a WWII story but somewhat different since it centers around the brave resisters. It follows a small cell of the resistance movement before and during the war. The characters are ones you’ll love and cheer for. I loved this book and I hope you will too. It comes out February 25 and is well worth a mad dash to your favorite indie bookstore. A huge thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the electronic ARC. Is it too early to call dibs on Heather Marshall’s next book?

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group and Netgalley for sending me an arc of this book. It took me longer to get through this one, but I really enjoyed it. There were a few areas where the book seemed to drag a little bit, but the dual timelines between Audrey and Kate made it easy to keep up. This centers around Audrey James and her experience during WW2, her actions for the resistance and her love for her found family. 4 stars!