I received an advance reading copy (arc) of this book from NetGalley.com and the publisher in exchange for a fair review. When Kate Mercer finds her life unraveling, she travels to the country and takes on a job at an old hotel near the Scotland border where she meets the elderly proprietress, Audrey James. The two women share a bond and both harbor secrets. Unfortunately, I don't care for books that toggle between the past and the present as this one does. As I usually find, the past story is the better of the two and probably could have been a great book on its own. Audrey James lived in France during World War II and worked for the resistance, along with a Nazi officer who tries to overthrow Hitler. The story was exciting and interesting. The current story of Kate Mercer was not as interesting although Kate was a likeable character. She didn't really add to the story as far as I am concerned. The 'plot twist' in the end seemed contrived and highly unlikely. Too bad the author didn't stick with the historical side of the book. She would have gotten five stars from me. I'm not sure why this is becoming a trend, but it seems to be and I find it tedious.

This is a dual-timeline novel about the resistance efforts in Nazi Germany during WWII, and it is inspired by true stories. The first timeline is set in Berlin in 1938. Audrey James is weeks away from graduating from a prestigious music school in Berlin, where she’s been living with her best friend, Ilse Kaplan, when Ilse's entire family is taken. Ilse is forced to hide in the attic when high-ranking Nazi officers confiscate the house, and Audrey becomes their housekeeper so that she can take care of Ilse and keep her from being discovered. When things take a surprising turn, Audrey winds up volunteering n the anti-Hitler movement. The second timeline takes place in Northern England in 2010. Kate Mercer is still reeling from the tragic accident that killed both of her parents, as well as caused her to lose the baby she was carrying. Since then, she and her husband have decided to divorce, and Kate needs a fresh start somewhere new. When she is looking through her parent's wedding album, she sees pictures from an inn they stayed at, and she decides she wants to retrace their steps. She discovers the inn is hiring a manager, and she applies for the job. Once she gets settled into her new position and begins spending time with the owner, Audrey begins telling her the story of her life during the war. This is not only cathartic for Audrey, but gives Kate a much=needed distraction and purpose, as she begins to write the story down as Audrey tells it.

This book was very well written. I unfortunately had to keep putting the book down to take breaks, because it felt so much like reading the news. How scary it is that we have come full circle, and some have embraced this willingly. It boggles the mind. If you are a fan of historical fiction, then you will definitely enjoy this.

The Secret History of Audrey James by Heather Marshall is a World War II historical fiction novel that takes place during the rise in power of Hitler and the Nazi Regime. This story is told in two alternating time lines. The novel is based a true person and the Red Orchestra Resistance in Germany. The two main characters are Audrey and Kate. Kate is a young women who is dealing with the loss of her parents. Audrey is a ninety year old women who owns and Inn. Audrey reveals her long storied past to Kate as a way of dealing with her demons in preparation for her own death.

I love these two strong women. While they do not see themselves as strong they are truly courageous women. They develop a surprising connection as they deal with their own horrible memories. These two characters are memorable, deep, likeable and unforgettable. The minor characters also leave the reader with a sense of not being able to forget them and a resounding lesson in don’t judge a book by its cover.

This is my first book by Ms. Marshall but I assure you it won’t be my last. While this was a long book, the writing moved the reader swiftly through its pages. I look forward to seeing what she has in store for us next. I would like to thank Ms. Marshall, Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Stories based on actual events from World War II are fascinating to read. They give us insight not only into the horrors of that time period but of the heroic actions of normal people, even if they don't realize they are heroes. In The Secret History of Audrey James, we get a glimpse of the life of a woman in recent times who is recovering from her own tragic past, and we are transported to the past through the eyes of her elderly employer/landlady into the dark times of Berlin 1930's and 1940's.

Heather Marshall weaves a masterful tapestry of secrets, survival, and redemption. There is much drama and suspense surrounding Audrey's life unfolding in Nazi Germany, and you feel the pain of Kate as she learns Audrey's history and comes to terms with her own trauma. If you are touched and inspired by historical fiction, this book is for you. There are heartfelt moments that may make you cry, but there is also the sweet taste of hope.

I highly recommend The Secret History of Audrey James. It is one that will stay with you for a good while.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and NetGalley for the ARC. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Read this if you like:
•historical fiction
•fighting for what is right
•friendship

Told in dual POVs we follow Audrey in 1938 and Kate in 2010. Audrey’s journey with the resistance against Hitler and hiding her best friend truly show how strong of a person she is. Kate is going through a divorce and grieving her dead parents and she meets Audrey when she goes to work at a guest house her parents had gone to for their honeymoon. She gets to know Audrey and Audrey finally tells her full story of what happened during the war. This is a beautifully tragic story that will stay with me. Thank you Random House for the eARC!

This novel taught me about the Nazi resistance within the party itself which I had never heard of. The dual perspectives were woven together perfectly, and I appreciated the grief aspect of the novel and how the characters learned to deal with being a survivor after losing so much. Beautiful story.

The Secret History of Audrey James blends intrigue and suspense and is based on true World War II stories and their heroes. The novel straddles between two timeframes with two strong women who struggle with their difficult pasts.

Kate Mercer meets Audrey James and discovers their lives are intertwined. She applies for a job at The Oakwood Inn, owned by Audrey James, running away from a bad accident and a failed marriage. Audrey hires her reluctantly and they grow close enough to share their stories, both filled with grief and heartache. Kate’s accident has overwhelmed her but finds comfort that her parents stayed at the Inn many years ago. Audrey tells of her attempts to protect her friend from the Nazis and ends up in jail from attempting to kill Hitler.

Author Heather Marshall tells a story of strong women who try to get their lives back after experiencing painful loss and redemption. Marshall did extensive research of the World War II era and German Resistance Groups such as the Red Orchestra and White Rose, basing Audrey on the life of Mona Parson. I thank NetGalley for allowing me to read and review The Secret History of Audrey James. #NetGalley #The Secret Life of Audrey James #historicalfiction

Audrey James, a young pianist in 1940s Berlin, is born of English and German parents. Her mother died when she was young and her father stayed in Germany until Audrey's grandmother passed away. Audrey views Germany as home and ends up back in Berlin studying piano at the start of WWII.

Audrey's closest friend, Ilse, is Jewish. Audrey moves in with Ilse's family while she attends the conservatory but things rapidly deteriorate and soon Audrey is hiding Ilse under the nose of the Nazis. Audrey finds skills she never knew she had as she tries to survive and keep her friend safe.

Audrey's story is interwoven with Kate, a modern woman who is in the process of divorcing her husband and coming to terms with a tragic accident that killed both her parents and unborn baby. Audrey and Kate find each other in Northern England and untangle their stories to find they have more in common than they realized.

I enjoyed reading this - some of it was a bit far fetched at times and I was always in fear of them being found out.

WWII historical fiction set mostly in Berlin. It's the story of a young British woman, Audrey, studying piano in Berlin and her friendship with her close Jewish friend, Ilse, and how they experience the war years. The story unfolds via a dual timeline as an elderly Audrey shares her past with a young employee. Well-done, suspenseful, and moving. Inspired by true stories.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free e-ARC of this book.

Heather Marshall, the author of Looking for Jane, one of my favorite historical novels, has crafted another compelling story in The Secret History of Audrey James. Set during WWII, this novel follows Audrey, a young woman studying in Germany when the war erupts. Stranded and unable to return to England, she takes a job in the home of Nazi officers. Audrey is forced to conceal many secrets, including the fact that her best friend is Jewish. Balancing her need to survive and protect her friend, she navigates an increasingly dangerous situation. This WWII story stands out from others I've read, offering a fresh perspective. Heather Marshall is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.

After a tragic accident involving her parents, Kate Mercer and her husband separate. She decides to leave London to work at an old guest house near the Scottish border. When she arrives, she meets elderly proprietor, Audrey James. Both women are keeping trauma and secrets hidden. As the months pass Kate learns Audry’s story, of being a student at a prestigious music school in Berlin in the 1930’s and her life during the war.

The Secret History of Audrey James such a great story, a dual timeline and dual POV. I absolutely love how Heather Marshall weaves the stories together. BTW, I cried…and I hate to cry…but I still loved this book. If you love historical fiction, make sure you read this.

Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the advanced reader copy. #TheSecretHistoryofAudreyJames #NetGalley.

This was a beautifully written story. I enjoyed the dual timelines of Kate starting in 2010 England & Audrey starting in 1939 Germany. They are both interesting characters with major trauma in their backgrounds. The development of their relationship and the healing that they both accomplish is nothing short of amazing. Highly recommend reading this one!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for advanced copy, and I give my review freely

Readers who like historical and dual timeline stories will enjoy this story. Audrey had become a beloved part of the Kaplan family living with them as she completed her degree in piano when Hitler became to power. Audrey decides to stay in Germany to protect her best friend Ilse after her father is killed and the rest of the family taken. Fast forward to 2010, Kate flees to a quiet place in England to process the tragedies in her life. Unbeknownst to Kate, the owner’s story will intertwine with her own. The twists will prove to keep readers interested until the end. Be sure to read the author’s note-very interesting. Recommended,,

This book was very moving. I enjoyed both timelines. I also learned new history about World War 11 which is rare. The ideas introduced in this book are intriguing.

This dual-timeline novel is historical fiction at its finest, with the fictional Audrey James a compilation of several real figures from WWII. Audrey lived with her best friend Ilse's family while attending the conservatory in Berlin, studying piano. But Ilse's family was Jewish, and her father was murdered by the SS, and her mother and brother were taken to concentration camps. Their home was taken over by the SS, and while Audrey became their housekeeper, she hid Ilse in the attic. Audrey then decided to work for the Resistance, and when she was arrested, she received a sentence of life in prison. By then, Ilse was married and safe.
Many years later, Kate is newly divorced, and looking for a place to start over when she answers an ad for an administrative assistant at an old Scottish inn. She encounters Audrey as the elderly owner, and they quickly discover that they’re both keeping secrets that they need to share in order to find peace.

Heather Marshall has written another book that got my attention right from the start. She writes this dual timeline featuring the turmoil of 1938 and 2010. Her women are flawed but strong as she reveals their history through their stories. As with her first book, she writes about women’s strength through difficult times. Highly recommend to historical fiction lovers dealing with WWII.
All opinions expressed are truly my own. Thank you for an early eGalley of this book.
#TheSecretHistoryOfAudreyJames #HeatherMarshall #NetGalley

THE SECRET HISTORY OF AUDREY JAMES
BY: HEATHER MARSHALL

In Heather Marshall's blockbuster #1 Bestselling novel called, "LOOKING FOR JANE," I discovered early on how wonderful a novelist she is at depicting stories about women who make a difference in the people, and subjects she chooses to write historical fiction. I took a chance when I read her Sophomore novel called, "THE SECRET LIFE OF AUDREY JAMES," since I feel the market has become over saturated with World War II novels as most historical fiction lovers seem to agree on that consensus at some point. Not that there's anything wrong with them since it's a pivotal part of history. It's just that I know in my case personally, I would like to read an equal representation of World War I novels, for a variety of reasons. I should have realized based on how much I loved Heather Marshall's, "Looking for Jane," that I would be in excellent hands with her because as it turned out I was. In her newest novel called, "THE SECRET LIFE OF AUDREY JAMES," Heather Marshall has written about a dual timeline historical novel that for the most part takes place in 1938, and 2010.

Both of my Grandfathers fought in World War II, and it's a time in history that I've read about quite extensively, already. Especially, for me personally, if I had read the synopsis to this, I most likely would have chosen to skip this. I decided to read it based solely on the strength of how talented Heather Marshall was with her first book. I love historical fiction, and even though WWII, is a subject that I honor, I feel unless it's very unique, I really have read all that I care to want to read about it. Perhaps, I'm going to miss out, but as important a topic it is, I was initially disappointed that I was reading again about Hitler. This one was about the German resistance cells, and because I hadn't read about them before I'm so happy that I read it.

It's mainly about German Resistance Cells that for a good portion of the novel takes place in 1938, before England and France declared war against Germany. It begins with Audrey James whose German mother died giving birth to her. Whose father she perceives is aloof towards her because of her mother dying while giving birth to her. Her father who is originally from England made a promise to his dying wife that he would remain in Germany long enough to take care of her mother, which he does until Audrey's Grandmother dies. The Kaplan family who are Jewish, live in the house across the street with a son, and a daughter named Ilse. The Kaplan's are a kind, and loving family, whom Audrey, and Ilse Kaplan have been best friends since they were both young girls. They are more like sisters.

Audrey's father allows her to stay in Germany when she is fifteen years old to live with the Kaplan family so she can finish her musical education as a pianist at the Conservatory. Now Audrey is twenty and about to finish her studies, and the Kaplan's take Audrey out to buy a new dress for her graduation recital. The Kaplan's are aware of the growing of an anti-Jewish sentiment which they have been avoiding going out in public, and Audrey feels terrible that she is allowed freedom that the Kaplan's aren't. I felt extremely bad for them since they are kind, and law abiding people, and Mr. Kaplan decided that since his son needed new pants that they could all go out shopping together. At this point there are only two stores that are still in business that are open for Jewish families to shop in, and they decide to make a family outing. While one store didn't have a suitable dress for Audrey, they went looking for a more conservative dress in the shop across the street. Mr. Kaplan is waiting outside, and he gets murdered for no other reason than his ethnicity outside. Ilse's mother and younger brother are swept up and sent off in the back of a van at the same time. This understandably upsets both Audrey and Ilse, who return home to the Kaplan's residence. Ilse doesn't want to go to England with Audrey since she wants to be there waiting when her mother and brother return.

When the shopkeeper lets both Audrey, and Ilse out the back door, and they make their way back to the Kaplan residence the two of them heartbroken they begin to wonder how the two of them will survive without money for coal to keep the house warm and buy food. Ilse gathers all of her mothers jewelry. The shopkeeper had said something like it's beginning already, by which she meant Hitler's plans to free Berlin of the Jewish population. That night after the jewels are gathered the girls are upstairs and they hear the Kaplan's front door wood splintering, and voices. The girls climb up into the attic and hide while looters ransack Ilse's home and steal the jewelry that Ilse had left on a bureau for them to sell. Audrey looks out the window and notices that the break in was planned and the Kaplan's were targeted. They gather all of the bed linens and decide to sleep up in the attic, until Audrey can go the the bank incognito posing as Ilse's father's accountant secretary pretending that she's has a note to withdraw the funds with a note forged by Ilse. Only when Audrey arrives she notices that the synagogues were burned down and the bank's windows are smashed. Upon returning back to the Kaplan's residence two high ranking SS officers meet her as she is going inside. She keeps up the same ruse with them pretending that the key is sticking in the lock to give Ilse enough of a warning to hide back up in the attic.


The two high ranking SS German officers arrived announcing that they are there to take over the Kaplan's home as their new living arrangement since the home is nicer than most. Audrey and Ilse had hidden in the attic that night before to sleep, and Audrey tries to convince Ilse to flee with her to England since it's not safe anymore for Ilse to stay. Ilse doesn't want to leave her home since she fears her mother, and brother won't know where she is when they return. Meanwhile, Audrey has returned from the bank without any of Mr. Kaplan's funds since they have been stolen by the Nazi's, and she tells the two Nazi's that she worked for Mr. Kaplan, She wants to protect Ilse whom she loves, and offers to cook and clean for the two men since she finds herself needing new employment, and they agree. This way she can bring Ilse food while she waits for a reply from her father asking for him to send money for their escape to England.

Since this is a dual timeline novel in which the present timeline takes place in 2010, with Kate Mercer going through a divorce in London. She wants to retrace her parents footsteps before she was born, since they died in a car accident, and as she's packing she finds a photo album with a picture of her parents at the Oakwood Inn. She sees an advertisement for the Oakwood Inn that is looking for an Administrative Assistant on the Northern border of England, near Scotland and decides to apply for the job. Her husband Adam has been staying at his brother's for the past few weeks so as she was packing she found a 4 x 6 photo album with a picture of her Mom and Dad staying there. Kate applies for the job, and gets hired right away, even though she doesn't have any experience working in the Hospitality field. Her parents had stayed there prior to Kate being born and she meets an older owner who she gets off to a bad start with in her nineties named Audrey. At the beginning Kate is described as having scars on parts of her face and body. There is usually a connection of some kind to the Characters in dual timeline novels and to learn what this one is you'll have to read the book.

As time goes on one of the Nazi officers tries forcing himself on Audrey after she takes a bath. Ilse in her attempt to save Audrey, hits him in the head with a lamp, and kills him by accident. As they are trying to drag him outside, the other officer comes home and catches them. When Audrey and Ilse try to describe what happened, to their amazement, his fellow officer tells them that he doesn't care about what happened to him, and he explains that he is part of a German Resistance cell called the Red Orchestra. He tells them that he belongs to a group that is trying to assassinate Hitler. Audrey becomes involved in the German Resistance cell since their housemate is one of many Germans who for several reasons besides another war think Hitler needs to be eliminated.

This was an excellent written second novel by Heather Marshall, who has written a fantastic Author's Note, which I for one as a lover of historical fiction always think it adds further dimension to the story to learn where she drew her inspiration from. She is not to be missed, and I'm grateful to her that she included further reading material, and I very much highly recommend reading this as it won't disappoint. This second novel's scope is fascinating, and it's not the usual trope that has been done many times before, and has included more factual data on which Audrey's life was inspired by including her own Grandfather's anecdote that makes her an author who I'm the first to admit that I was wrong to jump to conclusions about my initial disappointment about this being another World War II novel. It's very intriguing, and I would have missed out on a very interesting historical part of what led up to the War, before. It certainly made this novel a stand out pure pleasure to read that I was sad to have finished it. Somehow, I knew that this author's novel wouldn't disappoint based on her first novel and the more I read the more I loved it. There is also a section with questions included and a hint about what she's writing about next, which it's refreshing to see that her next subject is about women, but that she chooses a different subject each time, and I'm adding Heather Marshall as a new favorite Author!

Publication Date: February 25, 2025

Thank you to Net Galley, the Talented Heather Marshall, and Random House House Publishing Group--Ballantine Ballantine Books for generously providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

#TheSecretHistoryofAudreyJames #HeatherMarshall #RandomHousePublishingGroupBallantineBallantineBooks #NetGalley

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc

This book was ok, but it is my personal opinion that the first book by this author Looking For Jane was better. Unfortunately I thought this book was. a little slow and depressing. Idk, perhaps I was just in a bad mood when I read it. I don't think it is a bad book but I am not sure if it is a favorite of mine either. It was just ok.

The Secret History of Audrey James by Heather Marshall

Thank You NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for a complimentary copy of this novel! This is a historical fiction novel that alternates between two timelines – England, 2010 and Berlin, 1938. It is a novel that explores how much one is willing to sacrifice for a true and deep friendship. It also shows how closing oneself off from the world after suffering tragedy is not the answer, but finding someone to share the burden with can help provide healing.
In 1938, Audrey James is close to finishing music school. She resides in Berlin with her best friend Ilse and her family, the Kaplans. However, war is on their doorstep and before they know it, Ilse’s family is taken and only Ilse and Audrey escape. Soon German soldiers arrive to take over the Kaplan’s house. Audrey manages to hide Ilse in the attic and Audrey becomes their housekeeper.
But the Germans aren’t all what they appear to be. Fast forward to 2010. Kate Mercer has lost both parents in a car accident. Her marriage is about to end. So, she packs up and head to North England, close to the Scottish border. There, she is hired to help the elderly owner of an Inn, where her parents honeymooned. Will Kate find herself again and be able to heal and start anew? That’s what she hopes. And the elderly owner has secrets of her own. This is a novel that was heart-wrenching at times, but also full of hope and second chances. Look for this novel by Heather Marshall on February 25, 2025!

This fascinating story begins in Berlin, Germany 1938 when Audrey James meets her new neighbor, Ilse Kaplan, who is about the same age and the girls grow up as best friends. While Audrey is studying piano at the conservatory, her father moves back to England and Audrey moves in with the Kaplans as she is nearing graduation. The Kaplans are Jewish and Hilter is beginning to persecute the Jews. The story then switches to Ainwich, England in 2010 when Kate Mercer arrives at a Bed and Breakfast for a new job as an assistant to the owner, Audrey James. The story switches very smoothly between time periods in Germany and England with numerous very interesting storylines. This book held my interest from start to finish and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House/Ballantine publishers for the ARC of this outstanding read.