The Secret History of Audrey James
By Heather Marshall

Audrey James is a young English-German girl studying piano preparatory to giving her concert and hopefully going on to be a concert pianist. She is living with her friend Ilse Kaplan and her Jewish family in Berlin in 1938, when Hitler and the Nazis are coming to power.

Audrey's English father wants her to return home before things get worse, but Audrey cannot bring herself to leave Ilse and her family behind. Unfortunately, the Kaplans and Audrey all too soon get caught up in the horror that is Nazi Germany.

But there is another story here. It is the story of Kate - in London in 2010 – whose life is falling apart. Her parents have been killed in a car crash; Kate has lost her baby due to the accident; and her marriage to Adam is on its way to a divorce.

The two stories, separated by many years and long distances gradually meld together – and in the blending, the book imparts many lessons about love in all its manifestations; doing the right thing against terrible odds; taking responsibility for one's actions; and, in the end, forgiving oneself for the mistakes we all make.

This is a hard book to read, mainly because it sticks closely to how things really happened and also because it is not a story about happy endings. Instead, it is a story about understanding and remembrance. I'm sure it was also difficult to write. Thank you, Ms. Marshall, for sharing this story, which obviously meant so much to you.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

Thank you NetGalley! 4.5⭐️ Told in 2 timelines. Audrey James, a young woman, is staying with her dear friend, Ilse, and her family in Germany to complete her studies as a pianist. WWII horrors becomes a reality when Ilse’s family members are targeted because they are Jewish. Audrey and Ilse escape but Nazis have taken over the house. Both their lives are drastically changed. In the more recent timeline, Kate Mercer takes a job in the north at Oakwood Lodge after a failed marriage and finds a grumpy 90 year old owner who didn’t really want her there. Audrey, now old and frail befriends Kate as she realizes they may have some things in common. Survivors guilt. After decades hiding her past, Audrey finally decides to share her story with Kate. Well told with a few twists and turns. An emotional roller coaster on how to live after the consequences of life. Recommend!

The author's writing style was wonderful, and she did her research for the events covered in this novel. I just didn't relate or develop any connection to the characters.

Two women with different life experiences that is what The Secret History of Audrey James by Heather Marshall is all about. We meet Audrey, who runs the Oakwood Inn. In the Nazi regime of the 1930’s, Audrey has memories of terror, fear, bravery and heroism. We also meet Kate whose life is turned upside and who is looking for a new beginning. When Kate applies for a position at the Oakwood Inn, she has no idea that her life will change drastically. Kate will solve the many issues in her life by helping Audrey recount and come to terms with her past experiences. Together these two women prove that everyone can learn from the past, but need not be ruled by it. By reliving their pasts together, both Audrey and Kate learn to live in the present. A heartwarming novel.

The Secret History of Audrey James by Heather Marshall

Nonagenarian Audrey James has a story to tell. Twenty something Kate Mercer is there to listen. Audrey now owns an inn in rural England where young Kate comes to work. There is time to chat and they both have wounds which need healing.

Audrey lived through the rise of Hitler’s 1930s-1945 Germany. Her best friend Ilse is Jewish and has lost her family. This is where Audrey’s tale takes an unexpected turn and gets much more interesting.

Heather Marshall has found an original way to tell of the horrors of the Third Reich. I liked this easy flow story and all its characters. A solid four stars from this reviewer, and a recommendation for most readers.

I haven't read a WWII historical fiction, but this one was very good. Heather Marshall writes a story that is full of emotion and tells a very complex story. There were several times throughout the book where I felt the Nazi behavior was vividly shown, but not to the point that it was gratuitous. I loved Audrey as a character in both timelines. She was a fantastic character based on a true resistor.

The Secret History of Audrey James by Heather Marshall is a captivating tale that delves into themes of courage, sacrifice, and friendship. Drawing inspiration from real historical events, this novel serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of standing up for one's beliefs and the profound impact that love can have on our lives. A story that is sure to stay with me long after reading!

This novel was inspired by the true story of Elsa Koditschek, a Jewish woman who hid from the Nazis in her attic in Vienna. This dual timeline story had well developed characters and I loved how they converged. This was the first novel I read from the author, I neec to go back and read “Looking For Jane”.

DNF at 50%, I loved Looking for Jane, but this book bored me by comparison. Audrey is interesting at first, but the story soon becomes meandering. And Kate is just forgettable.

Told from two viewpoints, this historical fiction story unites and heals two lonely women. Audrey James lives in Berlin with a friend and her family as she finishes music school. War is on the horizon and her friend's family is sent to the "work camps". The home Audrey lives in was seized by the Nazi party to house upper-level officers. Audrey uses her wit and sense of survival to navigate these treacherous times. Kate Mercer has left her life in London to start over. As she begins working for Audrey, Kate learns the story of Audrey's life.

Kate and Audrey have held tightly to their secrets. Sharing relieves them of their burdens. Kate helps Audrey look for answers to her questions. Sharing brings them both the balm that their souls need.

Heather Marshall captures the bond between women sharing pain in their lives. It is difficult to develop trust, but once developed, it is such a comfort to share with someone. Both Kate and Audrey's motivations and their actions are fascinating. The characters in this story are realistic, flawed, and enjoyable. These are the stories that make the topic of WWII so interesting.

The Secret History of Audrey James by Heather Marshall is a compelling historical fiction novel that flips between two timelines—one in 2010 and one in pre-WWII Berlin. Audrey, living in Berlin as Hitler’s rise looms, has her life upended by the growing tension of the time. In the present, Kate is trying to escape her own struggles and takes a job at Audrey’s inn, where the two women slowly start to connect their stories.

The dual timeline keeps things interesting, with Audrey’s experiences in Berlin giving the historical side of the story depth, while Kate’s present-day struggles add an emotional layer. As Kate learns more about Audrey’s past, she starts piecing together her own history, making for a really powerful connection between them.

It’s a great mix of personal healing and historical drama, and the way the two timelines come together is both touching and insightful.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the opportunity to read The Secret History of Audrey James.

I love historical fiction and this book is right up there at the top of the best. Marshall has done an incredible job of displaying the cruelties of World War II and what the people did to survive that time in history, while also showing examples of how love was still able to bloom.

The main character was living with a Jewish family before things escalated and is determined to help the daughter of the family hide from the Germans after her family disappears and the Germans confiscate the house.

This is told in dual timeline with the other timeline being around 2010. Kate has lost her parents and her marriage. She answers an ad for an inn that she believes her parents honeymooned at. Upon arrival she meets the now aged Audrey James and convinces her to tell her her story.

I loved the connection that Kate and Audrey developed. The ending was a surprise that I didn't see coming. Overall, a wonderful book that not only touches your heart, but caresses it until you cry.

Thanks to Random House/Ballantine and NetGalley for this wonderful book. All thoughts are my own.

Heather Marshall's The Secret History of Audrey James is a captivating blend of past and present, weaving together the lives of two compelling women, Kate and Audrey, across decades marked by personal upheaval and historical turmoil. Set against the backdrop of 1938 and 2010, the novel invites readers into a world where their stories intertwine through shared emotions and transformative experiences.

Kate, reeling from personal loss and seeking a fresh start, discovers an unexpected connection with Audrey, an elderly woman whose life story unfolds with poignant detail. Marshall skillfully navigates between timelines, revealing the resilience and courage of characters who faced the challenges of World War II head-on. The supporting cast is equally memorable, each contributing to the narrative tapestry with their tales of survival and transformation.

Throughout the novel, Marshall's storytelling is both engaging and thought-provoking, keeping readers invested in the fates of Audrey, Kate, and their companions. The author's notes at the end provide a fascinating glimpse into the real-life inspirations behind the characters and events, adding a layer of depth to an already rich narrative.

The Secret History of Audrey James is not just a tale of historical fiction; it's a testament to the enduring power of human connection and the resilience of the human spirit. Heather Marshall's novel leaves a lasting impression, promising readers an emotional journey that resonates long after the final page. As a newcomer to Marshall's work, I eagerly anticipate her future endeavors, confident that her storytelling prowess will continue to captivate and inspire.

Thank you, NetGalley and Ballantine Books, for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is the best novel I have read in the past year! It is well researched, the characters are well developed and relatable. The story moves back and forth from modern day England, to the late 1930's through the end of WWII in Germany. It's tense, suspenseful and there are surprises, but none are artificial. I can't recommend this novel highly enough.

I appreciate NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review The Secret History of Audrey James. The story is told from two points of view. Many good books are set during World War II, but most don't actually take place in Germany. Audrey was born in Germany to a German mother and a British father. She grows up across the street from her best friend, Ilse, and her family. Audrey and her father return to England after the death of her mother. She returns to Germany to live with Isle's family and attend a prestigious music school as a teenager. She is weeks from graduating when Isle's family is taken for being Jewish. How will the two girls survive in a time of such turmoil? The other character is Kate. Kate lives in the present and moves to work in an Inn near the Scottish border. She's running from a broken marriage and secrets of her own. Kate learns she has more of a connection to the Inn and its owner than she ever imagined. This book was couldn't put it down good.

The Secret History of Audrey James is historical fiction with a dual timeline between 2010 and the WWII era. Both timelines would be a great story on their own. There are many stories about brave people who risked their lives during this time in history for the greater good, and this is one of them. Thanks to the author Heather Marshall, Ballantine Books, and NetGalley. I received a complimentary copy of this ebook. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

5.0 stars
HIGHLY recommend

I keep trying to avoid WWII historical novels, but they keep pulling me in. This novel was unique to me as it was about the German resistance before and during the war. I had no idea this occurred in Germany, but I had learned about the French resistance. This was so new to me especially as so many women were involved because they were fairly invisible to the men.

This is the second novel by this very talented Canadian writer. I love how strong and beautiful the writing is, the incredible characters, and the fascinating storyline.

It is a tough read at times, but war is tough. The only way to understand our past including war is to learn about it to avoid it from happening again.

TRIGGER WARNING: War, Holocaust, sexual assault, starvation, physical violence, blood, confinement, death

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7010479227 - posted 1/28/2025

Storygraph: - https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/b3d76611-d90a-497c-b053-f221bc6276ec?redirect=true - posted 1/28/2025

Books by Dorothea blog: https://booksbydorothea.blogspot.com/2025/01/review-secret-history-of-audrey-james.html - posted 1/28/2025

The Secret Life of Audrey James is an interesting story based in part on the life of Mona Parsons and her actions during World War II. There are parts of it that are difficult to read as war is not glorified in this novel. It shares information about those who did not agree with Hitler and tried to undermine his approach, sometimes costing them their lives. It is a story that needs to be told and the author did a brilliant job of telling it. I like the way the story of Audrey in the war era is blended with present day Kate recording the story. The style works well for this type of storyline. The characters tugged at my heartstrings as all faced losses they dealt with in various ways. I highly recommend this book.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Well written, well researched historical novel about German resistance to the Nazis in WWII. Told from two different perspectives over two timelines, the characters were fully developed, the plot moved along at a brisk pace and some unexpected twists kept me intrigued throughout. This is a war story, a love story, a survival story and a story of dealing with loss. It is hopeful, sad, reflective, and redemptive. Highly recommended

Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for an advanced reader copy.

The Secret of Audrey James by Heather Marshall tells a dual timeline story with present day Kate who is leaving a marriage and finds employment in a remote Scottish inn. Audrey James is part German part British living in Berlin attending the piano conservatory prior to WW2.

A well written story which makes it even more fascinating because it is based on a true person. Both women Kate and Audrey have issues to deal with and work through. It’s a bit of a rocky road but they do come through it.

If you like dual timeline stories and WW2, this is a good read! Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review.