Madame Fiocca

A stunning novelized bio on Allied spy Nancy Wake, once #1 on the Gestapo’s most wanted list.

What sets this apart from all the other books on Wake is the author’s engaging writing style and her imagined take on Nancy’s rich inner life. Henderson adds emotional depth that endears Wake forever to us.

You will be inspired, heartbroken, and left asking the question: “Could I do what Nancy did?”

Pub Date 13 Dec 2019

Thanks to BooksGoSocial, the author and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.

#MadameFiocca #NetGalley

Fascinating story based on the life of Nancy Wake, the resistance fighter. A British journalist who covered stories throughout Europe and met people involved with the French resistance against the Nazis.

"Nothing was certain, but the present moment was perfect."

Brave, independent woman. This was another late read until the end! Suzy Henderson did a fantastic job on this must read novel! I will be reading more from her.

Thank you to publisher and NetGalley for the eARC

Knowing this heart-stopping book is actually based on the life of Nancy Wake, AKA The White Mouse, who was wanted by the Gestapo in France during World War 2 made it even more exhilarating. What an amazingly brave woman she was...I can’t believe I have never heard of her before. I fell in love with Nancy from the start when she became the target of her mother’s anger over her own frustrating life. Nancy luckily escaped her mother’s negativity and decided to become a journalist. In her quest to cover stories throughout Europe she met the love of her life, Henri Fiocca. Eventually she and Henri married and met many people involved with the French resistance. Nancy was a very active participant in the resistance, leading many others to escape eminent capture by the Nazis. As she became more and more involved the risks to her and Henri increased. The harrowing events Nancy was faced with and her incredible intelligence, leadership, and bravery are so inspirational to read. Well done Suzy Henderson. I look forward to reading The Beauty Shop and the next books you write. You have a new fan. Many thanks to Suzy Henderson, Avis Press, and NetGalley for affording me the opportunity to read this phenomenal biography of Nancy Wake. You made her come alive within the pages of this incredible read.

An Independent Woman

This book tells the story of Nancy Wake. Later after she married Henri Fiocca she became known as Madame Fiocca. She was known to the Nazi's as The White Mouse. She devoted most of her life to resisting the Nazi's, helping others escape from them and the spread of their terror. She won many awards for her bravery, lost her husband to the Nazi's and kept on going.

She was an independent woman excelling in all that she attempted. She had an exciting , challenging and sometimes tragic life. Whether she was driving ambulance, working as a reporter or as a soldier in the French Resistance she did her job well and in style. She was a most courageous and accomplished woman.
This book was well written and enjoyable to read. While some biographies are dry or boring this was not. This book was a page turner and exciting to the end.

I would recommend this book.

Thanks to Suzy Henderson, BooksGoSocial, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review a copy of the book.

This is a fascinating story about a marvelously fascinating woman. Author Suzy Henderson has done a wonderful job in this brilliant telling of the story of Nancy Wake. You'll be enthralled as as you read this well written biography of of the young woman who became Madam Fiocca. Her life is truly the story that begged telling and I am so glad that I had the privilege of reading the story of this incredible woman who sacrificed so much with such unfathomable risk to herself, to help others during the war. She was indeed a legend in her own time. Thank you so much Suzy for shining the light on this amazing woman's life and for doing it so brilliantly.

This book was gripping and intense and kept me wanting more with each page flipped. I absolutely loved the story of Madame Fiocca!

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Suzy Henderson for giving me the change to read her new book: Madame Fiocca and I enjoyed reading her previous book: The Beauty Shop.

February 1933, when Nancy Wake is sent a cheque by her Aunt Hinemona, she decided to grab the opportunity, leave Australia and move to New York. Nancy was born in New Zealand, her family moved to Australia when she was a toddler, she was the youngest child, she had two older brothers and three older sisters. One day Nancy's dad left for work, he never returned and this made her mother a very bitter and angry woman. Being the youngest, Nancy was the main target of her mothers anger, frustration and she's was mean. Nancy left home at 16, she decided to make her own way in life and her mum told her she would never amount to anything.

Nancy decided to see more of the world, she moves on to London and studies journalism. Nancy is friendly, social, enjoys a drink and people like to talk to her. The perfect qualities for a journalist, she starts traveling to Europe on assignments and she meets an older man called Henri Fiocca. He's an industrialist, rich, charming and always seems to have a different beautiful woman hanging off his arm every time Nancy sees him!

Nancy isn't keen to be another of Henri's conquests, but Henri is persistent and soon the sparks are flying between them. Their relationship eventually becomes serious, just as Hitler starts to come to power and Nancy witnesses what the Nazi's do and she's horrified. Nancy and Henri marry, she, Henri and her dog Picon move into their beautiful apartment in Marseille. Nancy soon becomes bored, she starts helping the cause, dropping off notes, catching trains and visiting people. She sees it all as pretty harmless, Henri warns her to be careful, then war starts and Henri is sent his call up papers.

Nancy is determined to help the war effort, she joins the Red Cross as an ambulance driver and she is horrified by what she witnesses. This war is ruthless, women, children and old people are traveling on the French roads trying to get to a safe place are all easy targets. The German planes fly over spraying them with bullets, this makes Nancy sick to the stomach, she hates Hitler and the Nazi's with a burning passion.

A chance encounter with a British officer draws Nancy into the heart of the Garrow escape network and Henri’s is very worried about his wife's safety. Nancy armed with her beauty, style, charm, handbag and red lippie, she convinces Henri that the Germans will never suspect her? But soon she finds herself caught up in a ruthless game of espionage, it's dangerous, she can be betrayed at anytime, she's forced to flee France when she starts to be followed and leaving Henri behind.

Nancy spends five months doing intense training to become a secret agent, soon she's on a plane called the Liberator and being dropped by a silk parachute into France. Nancy becomes a freedom fighter, she joins the French resistance, here they form units, train in using all kinds of weapons, the plan is to drive the Germans army crazy, create a diversion, take out as many soldiers as they can and cause mayhem. Nancy Wake ends up being one of the most wanted women in history, the German army had a million Franc's as a reward for her capture during WW II and her story is real one.

Nancy Wake is a true heroine, she had many titles, her husband Henri called her Nannie, she had various code names and one being Madame Andree. The German's called her the White Mouse, she outwitted them, they underestimated her, she was ruthless, cunning, strong, brave, she wanted France to be free from the German armies control and be reunited with her beloved Henri?

I really enjoyed reading Madame Fiocca, if you like reading historical WW II fiction I highly recommend this book, all opinions expressed in this review are my own and I gave it five big stars.

I absolutely loved this incredible account of a legendary woman—Madame Fiocca. The story was gripping, one that will stay with me for quite some time. Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

As this book was based on a real person I was excited to be given the chance to read it .The book is well written, keeping me in suspense wondering if Nancy is going to survive. She was a really brave person during the second world war working against the Gestapo. I did not realise how brave she was and learned a lot about the war.. I recommend that you read this book.

I have just finished Madame Fiocca, and I'm stunned. There are some books that, when you've finished them, you pick up the next one and start reading.
This is not one of those books. I'm going to have to sit with it and mull it over for a week or so, just to take it all on board. I suspect I'll go back and re-read it several time, in order to do it justice.

I wanted to read this book because as a woman in New Zealand, I've grown up hearing about Nancy Wake and her work with the French Resistance in World War Two. In fact, when I mentioned the book while I was reading it, every single Kiwi knew exactly who I was talking about.
What I didn't realise was what an amazing woman she was before the war started. And of course the sheer magnitude of what she'd done and survived during the war.

Suzy Henderson has done a great job of portraying Nancy - to the point where I was surprised to learn that the author wasn't Australian or a New Zealander.

Usually I skip over the battle scenes - I struggle to picture what's going on and follow along with it. But the way this book was written, it was as if I was right there, looking over her shoulder and seeing everything firsthand.

I can't recommend this book highly enough. But I will recommend it far and wide.

Great story. I really enjoyed the story. The author does a wonderful job of describing the era and capturing the essence of the characters. I'd read non fiction accounts of Nancy Wake, but to read about her in fiction was another way to enjoy her amazing life. She was such a hero of her time.

What an incredible story that becomes almost more unbelievable when you realize that this is based on the true account of Nancy Wake, a reporter for the Hearst Newspaper. The author has done a fabulous amount of research to bring this history alive. Certainly the actions of those in the various Resistance groups are not unknown to us, but this is the first time I have read such an in-depth account of one who helped fight the Nazis in the only way she could. The White Mouse, the name the Gestapo gave her, was on their most wanted list. Somehow she continues her dangerous work right under their noses. Her courage and fortitude certainly are worth remembering.

Reading this book is time well-spent! I learned so many more details about the horror of WW2 and how we must all pray and be vigilant that this atrocity should never be repeated.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avis Press I had the opportunity to read this memorable book. My impressions and comments were in no way solicited.

I truly enjoyed this book. I had heard very little about Nancy Wake and this story made me want to read more about her. As a new citizen of Paris, Nancy has a successful career in journalism and ends up meeting the love of her life, Henri. When Nancy begins to understand the atrocities that are being committed by the Germans, she vows to do everything she can to defeat them. At the outset, she is a courier for the Resistance but is then forced to leave France due to the Nazi's looking for her. Her time away just reaffirms her devotion to ridding the world of Nazis and becomes more embedded in the workings of the Resistance.

This was my first book by this author and felt that she did a wonderful job. I can't wat to see what she comes up with next.

My thanks to the Publishers via NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review. I gave this a 4 stars or 8/10.

This is a story woven around the true story of Nancy Wake, one of the Gestapo's most wanted during the second World War. Suzy Henderson has woven a narrative that has been researched by her well. It's quite clear that she has done the research as she includes some Author's notes and references factual books on the true story of Nancy Wake.

I enjoyed reading about Nancy aka known as Madame Fiocca among other names, she was a woman that had a mission to do her best to help others during the war, she worked as a spy and aided the escape of service men. It's made me want to read more about her life. At times you could almost imagine that you were there with them in occupied France. We can only imagine what it must have been like to be frightened for your life and the chances of being caught by the Germans who had no problem at all carrying out extreme measures on the people that they caught and imprisoned.hanks to the Pub

This book is based on the amazing life of Nancy Wake. It would've been a 5 star read for me if the beginning hadn't taken so long to get into, but the rest keeps you very interested!

Thank you to Netgalley and Books Go Social for this advanced reader's copy. This book was an account of the life of Nancy Wake, someone I hadn't heard of before but definitely am keen to know more. It took me a little while to get into the book but I'm glad that I stuck with it. A very enjoyable read.

Simply, superb. Enjoyed every minute of this well-written, fantastic book. I thoroughly enjoyed the World War II facts. This book was obviously well-researched.

This is a great piece of historical fiction based on real events. Nancy Wake was an inspiration. Not only did she assist others in escaping the Nazis, but she was able to continue on after losing her husband to them. The independence and courage this hero displayed is admirable and the author did a brilliant job of showcasing it

Nancy Wake wants more from life than to stay in her homeland of Australia.  After receiving some money from her Aunt, Nancy travels the world and lands in Paris.  Nancy finds work as a journalist in the 1930's as Hitler's rise to power overtakes Europe.  During this time Nancy meets Henri Fiocca, a wealthy French industrialist and known playboy.  Nancy and Henry eventually fall for each other's charms and settle in Marseilles.  As Hitler's influence encroaches on France, Nancy knows she can not sit back and do nothing.  Together, Nancy and Henri join the Resistance to help people escape and then, after eluding capture Nancy joins the Special Operations Executive and is training in everything from parachuting to weapons and hand to hand combat becomming one of the most valuable members of her team as well as one of the most hunted by the Gestapo.

I love when books introduce me to real women whom I had never heard of before.  Nancy Wake was truly an extraordinary woman who made brave choices in order to help the Allies win World War II.  From the beginning, I knew that Nancy was going to be an amazing character.  She clearly knew what she wanted in life, had strong opinions, was able to teach herself many things and was not afraid to add her voice.  Nancy also had the opportunity to witness first hand the terrors that Hitler's rule forced upon other people.  I think this was a large influence upon her actions.  I was constantly amazed at Nancy's ability to keep going and do whatever it took to help with efforts during the War.  I do wish that the writing gave a little more insight into Nancy's inner thoughts and feelings to really give it a personal feeling.  
This book was received for free in return for an honest review. 
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

Wow, this was a great read. I really enjoyed the story of Nancy Wake, an Allied spy in WWII. Great read!

Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

REVIEW ☆☆☆☆
I always like discovering historical figures of significance previously unknown to me, even better if it's a woman. Nancy Wake was one of the brave women doing her part for WWII victory. She was remarkable and inspiring. I recommend reading this book to learn more. It's informative, compelling and insightful with a heroine to remember. Great overall!

I really liked it! I love books in this time period. It kept my attention from beginning to end. The characters are interesting and keep developing through out the story! :)

A wonderful historical novel based on the true story of Nancy Wake, a journalist who fought against the injustices done by the Nazis in occupied France. I enjoyed this story about a fascinating and brave woman, who I had never heard of before.
Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book! I received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

this was a really good historical novel, the characters were great and I really enjoyed getting to know Nancy Wake. I really didn't know too much about Nancy but I enjoyed getting to know her.

I was intrigued when I discovered that this was based on a true account. The book is well written and brings this little bit of history to life. I would like to see more by this author.