🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This story is was truly amazing and I
could not put it down. Make sure to put it on your must-read list this year. Noemi is Jewish and she’s in love with her childhood friend Pascal, who joins the Hitler youth, then the German army. She is separated from Pascal and he believes they will be reunited one day.
Catherine Hokin doesn’t shy away from the atrocities of war but also showcases the goodness of people. This will rip you up and put you back together. Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#TheSecretLocket #CatherineHokin #NetGalley #Bookouture #BooksOnTour #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BooksSetInEurope #BooksSetDuringWWII

📆 single, linear timeline.
👀 dual, 3rd person POV
🐢 -🐇 medium-paced
💬 "By the time Noemi and Matthias entered the ghetto, the people shuffling through its filthy streets were little more than a collection of broken pieces loosely held together with skin."

Holocaust fiction is one of my favourite and most read genres, and Catherine Hokin is one of my favourite authors of this genre. 'The Secret Locket had everything I've come to
expect from one of Hokin's stories. A lot of pain and heartache, but also love, courage and hope. This genre isn't always easy
to read, but I think it's so important that we never forget, as long as the fact and fiction stay distinctly separate.

Noemi and Matthias might be fictional characters. But it's important to remember that people like them really did exist. People who lost everyone and everything, and yet were brave enough to fight back, to risk their lives living undercover and saving others.

And people like Pascal must have existed too. Young people who grew up with Jewish friends and neighbours, who were then indoctrinated to believe they were the enemy. Young people who didn't know what to believe, their younger selves who knew, and maybe loved, Jewish people. Or their leaders, parents and teachers who told them those friends and neighbours were to blame for everything that was wrong. Did they really know what they were
signing up for, and how easy would it have been to say "this is wrong", if it were possible at all. Can anyone say with 100% certainty what they'd do in the same situation? I'm not sure I can. I like to think I'd do "the right thing" but when you've been taught something by all the adults around you, how would you know they were wrong?

The Secret Locket also captures that love isn't perfect. It's complex and hard and flawed, it has to be worked at. That said I don't know how I'd feel about Pascal if I were Noemi. Could you forgive someone for the mistakes they made as a teenager or young adult? Mistakes that cost other people their lives? I found that as well as being a beautifully crafted story, this book has made me think deeply about how much our pasts shape us, and how much I would forgive someone I loved.

It had been a while since I’ve sat and read a historical fiction so it made a change and was a switch up to my recent reads.

This was so detailed, beautifully written and flowed so effortlessly. It was one of those novels that while reading it I wished I was watching it too because I feel it would make a perfect film or mini series, I love a book that is immersive in that way.

I really liked the central characters Noemi and Pascal, and following their story with all its emotional highs and lows was always gripping and really touching. It’s clear to see how much time, research and heart went into writing this novel, and it was just a pleasure to read.

I would say it is perfect if you enjoyed The tattooist of Auschwitz - another that I really loved, for a similar feel and emotional sucker punch of a read.

A tense opening to Catherine Hokin’s new book, The Secret Locket, sees our female protagonist, Noemi, scrambling to get on a cattle train as she tries to escape her home town of Unterwald in Bavaria. Her parents have been taken and her life is in danger and the place she has called home since the day she was born is no longer safe for her. But what will the future bring for her considering it’s only 1941 and many more turbulent, threatening and cruel times lay ahead?

This brief prologue gave the reader an instant snapshot into the life of Noemi, whose family were Jewish, but then we are taken back to part one which is set in 1934.There were four parts in all.Each with their own distinctive voice and with plenty of events happening in each. Splitting the book into parts worked very well and each the phase of the war that Noemi was existing in was portrayed very well and in fact each part melded together in a brilliant way. There could have been a danger that they would have become separate entities and the story as a whole could have become disjointed but that didn’t happen at all.

The writing throughout the book was excellent and the pacing was brilliant. There were no filler in chapters or subplots that were unnecessary. Instead we follow Noemi, as she goes from a shy and reserved young girl who loved her hometown and her parents and enjoyed her friendship with Pascal whom she spend every possible minute with to a woman hell bent on revenge. In the early 1930’s the tide is turning and Hitler has come to power as head of the National Socialist party and Pascal’s father Viktor has literally brainwashed his son and many of the towns people. Jews were viewed as a plague who would pollute German blood. They were a contagion who lost Germany World War One and therefore weakened the German nation. All of this is untrue of course but Pascal can’t see this and his attendance at the Nuremburg rallies and his membership of the Hitler Youth inspires him further to do his bit for his country. But how can he be friends and perhaps something more with a girl who is Jewish? They do say you can’t have your cake and eat it too and initially that’s what Pascal wanted.

I thought he was the most foolish young boy and yes he may have been sacred of his father and the repercussions of not following the ideology but if his mother Carina could see what was so wrong with everything and she did her best to help Noemi why couldn’t Pascal do the same? Really he wasn’t man enough. I loved how Noemi knew that her friendship with Pascal ran deep but that the fate of her family and that of so many others was of the utmost importance to her. That she just couldn’t stand by and agree with anything that Pascal was supporting when it meant the extermination of her own people. She didn’t align with his views and I thought she was right to distance herself from him. Friendship and love were nagging away at her but she had to follow her head rather than her heart when it came to Pascal, yet for all she endures throughout the book there is a tiny part of her that battles with the question can one offer forgiveness in the hopes that something new, solid and true can emerge from the ashes?

The story moves back and forth between Pascal and Noemi as they navigate very different experiences of the war. I thought the two alternative viewpoints worked very well and although there was slightly less from Pascal’s perspective the chapters from his stance were hard hitting, insightful and impactful. Sent to Russia as an officer his opinions are slowly altering from what they once were and this is all due to what he witnesses and lives through. Still I don’t think I was overly enamoured with him and I think that’s because he wasn’t on Noemi’s side from the get go despite the strong and deep bonds of their friendship. Couldn’t he have been more like his mother than his father? He was totally deaf and blind to reality and ok he may not have known the extent of what was to come but surely knows the difference between right and wrong? It irritated me that he couldn’t see correct path to thread and what was coming down the line.He agreed with the long term plan for the Jews yet his best friend was Jewish. His mindset just didn’t make sense to me at all. He was a very divisive character and to be honest this would make for a great talking point for a book club as there is so much to question, to delve into and explore.

The pair are separated when her parents are taken and as I have mentioned Noemi is forced to flee. One of the good things that Pascal does is provide her with the means to escape even if it meant putting himself in danger for if he was discovered helping a Jew the repercussions from his father would have been unspeakable. The family businesses her parents worked so hard to build up are gone but Noemi vows one day she will return to pick up the shattered pieces of their lives. She promises herself that she will find her parents and she clings to the hopes that they will survive the war. Noemi becomes a powerhouse of a woman as we follow her over the course of the war. From viewing Dachau from the outside, to Prague and Warsaw, she engages in resistance work alongside Matthias a Polish man she meets and a man whom I was desperately hoping that she would fall in love with. I had my fingers crossed throughout.

I won’t give any specific detail as to her time in each of the aforementioned places but suffice to say that shy country girl is long gone and lost and will never return. She is hardened by her experiences but she is filled with anger, knowledge and foresight and I loved how she battled with Matthias to try in any way possible to put a halt to such a monstrous machine. There were many setbacks, complications, pain, fear, suffering and desperate losses but each survived to mould and shape her into a fantastic character who put Pascal to shame. Yes, he too goes on his own personal journey but it was Noemi who I wanted to read all about and her transformation although through experiences she should never have had to go through was a remarkable and a satisfying one to read of. Noemi, certainly grows up quickly and she becomes a warrior, an impressive fighter full of justice, courage, bravery and skill. The scenes she witnesses and some of the things described in the book created such awful imagery in my head that I questioned how could she keep battling on. Truly she was incredible.

The Secret Locket of the title does have a specific place in the story and it’s meaning is valid but as it wasn’t always at the forefront of the story I am wondering would another title perhaps have been better for what was an excellent story? What that title could be I don’t know but it suggested the locket was a mystery waiting to be discovered which it wasn’t. But look that really is a minor personal niggle and I’m only saying it because I feel the incredible story within the pages of the stunning cover needs to be read by as many fan os historical fiction as possible. I’ve been a fan of Catherine Hokin’s work for a good while and in particular adored the Hanni Winter series but Noemi is up there for me along Hanni and that’s saying something considering how much I enjoyed that series.

Wow ! What an emotionally powerful book. So vivid and heart-breaking story ! Loved it, highly recommend this book if you like historical fiction.

What an emotional journey through the war. The author shows us opposite perspectives and delivers them well.
We follow Jewish girl Noemi and Catholic boy Pascal from the start of the troubles through the war, their friendship is tested and at what point do you wake up and truly know if there is a good and a bad jew, or maybe you understand deep down there’s no division and can’t act on that knowledge.
They’ve been friends since the crib, and slowly but surely Hitlers forced ideology pulls at their love and friendship.
Noemi sees and experiences what’s happening and has a real understanding, Pascal on the other hand is blinded by his father and his desire to be a proud soldier. Not thinking how this affects those Hitler wants to wipe out.
He cant see his dads true colours.
The shift in perspective is handled well and there are so many layers to Naomi’s story.
I found it interesting, fascinating and gripping as well as shocking. A recommended read.

Thank you, @bookouture, for my complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

This story begins in 1934 Bavaria, following childhood friends Pascal and Noemi as they navigate the rise of Hitler's regime. Pascal’s father, Viktor, embraces anti-Jewish sentiments, and Pascal, who worships his father, quickly joins Hitler’s Youth, creating a rift between him and Noemi. Despite his father's beliefs, Pascal cares for Noemi, but she realizes they can never be together if he continues to support Hitler.

As the timeline moves to the early 1940s, the story splits into two narratives: Noemi's courageous escape and work with a resistance group, and Pascal's conflicted journey as a German soldier grappling with the regime's horrors.

I found both storylines engaging; however, I felt that an actual relationship between a Jewish girl and a German soldier was improbable, and the conclusion seemed idealistic. This is one of the few times I have felt that an open-ended ending might have been better!

Overall, this story is a compelling exploration of love and moral awakening during World War II and will appeal to fans of Jewish resistance stories.

Reading books from this era can be difficult. This book brought life the true emotions that Noemi felt at that time. Her love for Pascal now forbidden and losing her family due to heritage. The book had so many levels from forbidden love, nazi ideology and awakenings. This book I would highly recommend for any historical fiction lovers.

Another emotional WWII historical fiction book. War torn young love made me invested in this one from the beginning. Pascal believes what his father convinces him of, what is the Nazi way. Although he can never think that Noemi and her family were bad like his father told people.

I love that Noemi is determined to survive and she joins the resistance after her parents are taken. She’s so strong for such a young woman.

Pascal never completely conforms to his father and his military’s views, because of Noemi.

I couldn’t help but hope for some kind of happy ending for one or both of them. Would they survive the war? Would they find their way back to each other? Could they ever see past everything they went through?

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy of this book.

Set during world war 2 it ells the story of Noemi a Jewish young woman whose family are torn apart from her being friends with and loving a German boy. His father is ruthless and will stop at nothing to get what he wants and anyone who gets in his way will soon know it. Her family life is soon torn apart and it gives you an insight into what the Jewish people had to do just to survive.
A very moving but well told story as you always get from this author.

Set in Nazi Germany in 1941, The Secret Locket tells the heart-wrenching story of Noemi, a Jewish girl, and Pascal, her childhood friend and first love. Growing up together in the Bavarian countryside, their bond is deep and unshakable—until war tears them apart. As Pascal is pressured into joining the Hitler Youth, Noemi’s life is put in danger when her parents are taken to Dachau.

Desperate to save her, Pascal helps Noemi escape, giving her his mother’s silver locket as a symbol of their love and a promise to find her again. As Noemi flees for her life, she faces danger, heartbreak, and the constant fear of discovery, but never loses hope that she might one day reunite with Pascal.

Spanning years of war, separation, and survival, The Secret Locket is a moving tale of forbidden love, courage, and the enduring hope that even in the darkest times, love can survive.

What follows is a journey of survival for Noemi as she escapes into a world of uncertainty, always holding on to the memory of the boy she loved and the locket that symbolizes everything she lost. Hokin does not shy away from depicting the horrors of war and the cruelty of the regime, but she balances this with moments of kindness, humanity, and hope that give the narrative its powerful emotional weight.

The pacing is expertly handled, with the tension rising as Noemi moves from one danger to another. Hokin’s writing is lyrical yet grounded, painting vivid scenes of both brutality and beauty. The emotional impact of the story lingers long after the final page, particularly in its exploration of whether love can survive the trauma of war—and whether forgiveness is possible when the past casts such a long shadow.

The Secret Locket will appeal deeply to fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Nightingale, and The Book of Lost Names. Like those novels, it weaves together love and history with devastating effect, leaving readers both heartbroken and inspired. Catherine Hokin has once again proven her gift for historical fiction with a story that is as unforgettable as it is unflinchingly honest.

Rating: 5/5
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture publishers for an advance copy for my honest review

This is a beautiful and heartbreaking WW2 story. A young Jewish woman and a young German love one another but are separated and there are numerous struggles and challenges they face throughout the war.
This is a top read this year!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this eARC.

Another fabulous WWII novel by Catherine Hokin. Every single one of her books are impeccably researched and have well-known and lesser-known events and historical figures woven into the story. This one is no exception. Many other WWII novels play in other European countries, but lately we start to see books written from the German perspective, which is a nice and much needed change. The reader witnesses the slow change from life in a regular small town into one of people who either support Hitler or keep quiet about what they really think. We see the development of a young German male who at first thinks he is on the right path by serving his country in the army. The reader travels with him as, over the years, his eyes open to the truth. The other main character is a young German Jewish woman who is determined to fight back. Initially, she’s part of the German resistance movement, but her quest takes her further afield (through which the readers learn more about WWII). I really enjoy “living their lives” through this book and understanding more of what it was like.

Then there are the secondary characters who lead us to the Dachau concentration camp, and provide both a prisoner’s and a camp guard’s point of view. The story moves beyond WWII, shows us how Nazi sympathizers stay under the radar, how returning Jewish people are treated and covers the initial years when the 4 main powers are in charge. This short description does not do the book justice, there’s so much more that goes much deeper. It is an excellent way to learn more about life in regular German towns that were upended by the war.

Favorite character: Noemi, hands-down.
Favorite quote: Maybe in the end that was all forgiveness was: the hope that something new could rise from the ashes of the old.

The ending is very satisfying and shows that despite enormous adverse circumstances, instead of dwelling on the old, you should “pick up the past and carry it in a way that won’t break us, and one day our children will do the same.”

A very worthy WWII novel that anyone interested in this topic will enjoy thoroughly.


Many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an ARC. All opinions are my own. I was not required to leave a positive review, but was very happy to do so!

Catherine Hokin has put her super talent to work again, and created the masterpiece that is The Secret Locket!

Noemi is forced to leave her German boyfriend when her parents are captured, after growing up together in Bavaria, when war was declared. Noemi is a Jew while Pascal is urged to become a Hitler Youth Officer by his father. Pascal presses his mother's locket into her hand and persuades her onto a train. She finds herself in danger but hopes to one day be reunited with her family which she knows cannot include Pascal. Can she successfully get through the war years and achieve her hopes?

What an emotional journey I've just been on! Tissues were needed! Noemi is such a brave young woman, doing her best to survive through her heartbreak. Catherine has portrayed Noemi beautifully.

If you enjoy WWII novels, you'll need to read this one! Grab your copy below.....

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of The Secret Locket by Catherine Hokin. This was a powerful novel which was an emotional read as well. There were chilling scenes that were horrifying as well as sentimental scenes. It was well written and quite graphic at times. This book will stay with me for a long time. I would definitely recommend it to friends. I gave this book a 5 star rating. Do yourself a favour and read it! #Bookouture

This book took me on a rollercoaster of emotions. Mostly despair, but also hope and deep admiration. It’s been a while since a story has sat so heavily with me (in the best way) and stayed on my mind between reading sessions.

I really appreciated the German perspectives and the way it explored forgiveness in the aftermath of such heartbreak.

If you’re a WWII historical fiction reader, this one absolutely needs to be added to your TBR.

World War II rages across Europe, forcing Pascal into Hitler’s regime by his father. He opposes the war and is deeply in love with Noemi, a young Jewish woman. Their love is in immediate danger, as they fear never seeing each other again.

When Noemi’s parents are captured and taken to Dachau, she realizes her perilous situation. Pascal, determined to protect her, gives her his mother’s precious locket and sends her away on a train. He prays for her survival and the day they will reunite. Despite the ongoing war, Noemi never loses hope of reuniting with her family. She has convinced herself she will never see Pascal again, but she keeps the locket he gave her close to her heart.

“The Secret Locket,” a captivating and fast-paced story by Catherine Hokin, weaves a tapestry of hope, heartbreak, and inspiration. Noemi is a remarkable character, effortlessly relatable and endearing. Throughout the story, I found myself rooting for her.

This unputdownable tale shattered my heart into a million pieces, yet through the tears, it was reassembled. Hokin’s mastery shines through in every page, delivering inspiring stories that leave a lasting impression. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

How can a Jewish girl continue to love a man who supported a regime who was against everything she stood for?
That’s the question that reverberated in my mind as I read this book.
Noemi endured hell and back and was the stringer for it.
I couldn’t overcome my dislike for Pascal even though he atoned for his previous actions. Too little too late.
My choice for Noemi was someone different.
You can never go home again, exactly as it was before, appropriately fits this book.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this emotional book

what a ride.... and i did cry a little at the end of this book

its so well written and graphic its humbling to read....

pascal and noemi had a wonderful childhood together.... they grew up as one.... they had many adventures and climbed many mountains together everyone always said they would one day marry..... the whole town knew about them and watched them with smiles on their faces

but pascal was also a full blooded german and he joined the hitlers youth party as soon as he could he held onto the ideas of what it was all about .... he lived for hitlers view of world

but noemi world was different she was jewish and though not a practising one she also knew she wouldnt be welcome into the world that hitler envisioned for all.... and when she tried to bring it up with pascal he tried to reason with her saying she was a good jew and not a bad one... they were only targetting the bad jews....

but what makes a good or a bad jew....

so pascal went off to war and noemi was left behind until the day victor.... pascals father came looking for her...

noemi life was never to be the same again....

omg this book hit every nerve going and then some... its not a book that i will forget in a hurry but its a powerful story of what life was like for jews and germans alike

A powerful and resonant story of survival and never giving up hope, this is a fascinating and thought-provoking read. It’s the first time I’ve read a book that deals with the end of the war and it’s immediately aftermath, as well as the difficulties of surviving it, and as this one does so from the point of view of a Jewish girl and an indoctrinated Nazi boy, it’s particularly interesting. With its themes around belief, survival, hope and forgiveness, it’s a book which will stay with me for some time and leave me continuing to ponder.