First off, let me just say that Saskia Maarleveld is the cream of the crop when it comes to audiobook narration. I could listen to her all day. I'm so glad she narrated The Star Society.

I can always count of family dynamics coming into play with Grabriella Saab books. I really enjoyed that while there was romance, it is not the driving force of the book, but rather a small sub plot. Some portions were a little slow and I felt like I needed more of Ingrid's story during WWII to really understand her. I definitely feel like Ada had more depth than Ingrid.

A special thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse Audiobooks for this complimentary audiobook ARC. All opinions are my own.

The Star Society is a beautifully written novel that drew me in from the first chapter. Gabriella Saab skillfully blends historical detail with creating characters who feel incredibly real. The main characters, Ada and Ingrid, stories have remained with me after reading

The pacing is tight, the atmosphere immersive, and the themes of courage, friendship, and resilience are handled with real heart. Saskia Maarleveld provides a flawless narration on the audiobook.

I was invested throughout and truly enjoyed this book. l recommend it to anyone who loves thoughtful, character-driven historical fiction.

Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Muse Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was such an interesting and lovely story. I really liked that it was mostly about post WWII but also acknowledged what happened to the two sisters during the war.

This book was just entertaining to me. I really liked how the story progresses - moving forward with a few flashbacks.

This one is historical fiction with a bit of a mystery element which kept me so engage.

I like hearing about where the inspiration came from.


Thx @uplitreads & @harpermuseaudiobooks for the advanced copy.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.25/5

I listened to an advance listener copy of The Star Society by Gabriella Saab, courtesy of NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review, and it was a powerful, engulfing experience. Saab delivers a moving WWII story filled with tension, heart, and the quiet bravery of ordinary people pushed into extraordinary circumstances.

The audiobook narration is excellent, steady, expressive, and perfectly matched to the shifting perspectives. The historical detail feels authentic, and the emotional weight of the story stayed with me long after I finished.

A compelling, well-told novel that both fans of WWII fiction and others will appreciate.

If you love Kate Quinn or Kristin Hannah then you will eat this up! Old Hollywood, 2 sisters…..one a famous actress one a spy, the government cracking down on communism. The narrator was wonderful! I loved this book!

This book was brilliant. Heartbreaking…but brilliant. I can’t recall a book that left such an impact on me and had me thinking about it for hours on end. The tale of two sisters and their journey through war and after…I am speechless. I adored Ada and Ingrid and both their voices. The author was gentle, yet the strength of this story is remarkable. I ate it up and cried at the end.

Thank you to Harper Muse Audiobooks and NetGalley for providing me with an audio ARC. All opinions are my own.

Overall rating: 5 stars

Started December with a book outside of my comfort zone. Not a big historical fiction girl, but the reviews of this book intrigued me. I ended up loving it, and totally locked into the story and characters.
The audio book was very well done, and I loved the story.
Thank you netgalley for the advance listen!

I received an advance audiobook copy of The Star Society by Gabriella Saab from netgalley.

I loved this book so much!

The audiobook is narrated by one of my favorites, so that just added to my enjoyment.

Historical fiction, with a little mystery. And throw in the emotional damage this will cause.

Definitely recommend!!!

This was a great mix of history and fiction to create a lovely book. Great storyline and beautiful narration.
I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook and couldn’t put it down once I started it. This isn’t usually my typical genre but I loved it.

The Star Society presents itself as a work of historical fiction centered on the era of the Red Scare, yet its reach extends far beyond that single focus. Gabriella Saab brings together several historical elements including the Dutch resistance during World War II and the contrasting glamour of postwar Hollywood. The result is a narrative that is ambitious in both structure and intention.

The characters are vividly drawn and emotionally engaging, although at times their dramatic arcs feel heightened to a nearly theatrical degree. Even so, their relationships, especially the bond between the two sisters at the center of the story, form the strongest part of the novel. Their shared pursuit of truth and justice gives the narrative steady momentum.

Saab uses multiple timelines to add depth and complexity. However, the rapid shifts in time can occasionally interrupt the flow of the story. There were moments when I needed to pause to reorient myself to the chronology, which lessened the impact of certain narrative threads.

I also listened to the audiobook, and the narrator was exceptional. She brought each character to life with a distinctive voice and handled an impressive range of accents with clarity and confidence. Her performance added another layer of immersion to the story.

Despite a few pacing challenges, The Star Society remains an engrossing read. It is bold in concept, rich in atmosphere, and confident in the way it blends espionage, emotional stakes, and historical intrigue. Saab delivers a story that is stylish, suspenseful, and grounded in strong character work.

If you're a fan of historical fiction with a strong emotional core, The Star Society, is a must-read. Set against the glittering yet paranoid backdrop of 1946 Hollywood, this novel masterfully weaves together espionage, post-war trauma, and most compellingly, the complex relationship between two sisters who thought they'd lost each other forever.

Ada Worthington-Fox is a rising star in Hollywood, but behind the glamour lies a past steeped in resistance work, Gestapo imprisonment, and a desperate escape from war-torn Arnhem. When Ingrid, her politically sharp and fiercely loyal sister, shows up unexpectedly, the story takes off. Ingrid, now a private investigator in D.C., is tasked with rooting out communist influences in Hollywood. Ironically, with Ada as her target.
What makes this book shine is the emotional tension between the sisters. Their reunion is anything but simple. Both carry secrets, both are on missions that could destroy the other, and yet their bond anchors the entire narrative. Their loyalty is tested in ways they couldn't imagine.

The historical details are rich and fascinating. From the Dutch resistance to the early days of the Red Scare, the author paints a vivid picture of a world still reeling from war while teetering on the edge of a new kind of conflict. The inclusion of real fears about communism, the role of women in post-war society, and the lingering trauma of Nazi occupation adds depth without ever feeling heavy-handed.

While the pacing occasionally slows in the middle, the payoff is worth it. The final chapters are tense, emotional, and deeply satisfying. The question of justice versus safety, and whether silence is ever truly protective, lingers long after the last page.
Highly recommended for readers who love historical fiction with heart, suspense, and a powerful portrayal of sisterhood.

The Star Society is undeniably overwhelming, weaving together Nazi war elements, the story of reconciling sisters, threads of communism, a touch of Hollywood glamour, gossip reminiscent of a 1940s TMZ, and a heavy dose of trauma and drama. Yet somehow, it all works. That said, part of me wishes the author had pared it down a bit, focusing on just a few of these elements rather than cramming so much into one narrative. A more streamlined approach might have made the story even stronger and easier to fully absorb.

This dual timeline (with the primary story being current day, post WWII Hollywood) follows sisters who were a part of the Dutch resistance and are now in the United States. Inspired by Audrey Hepburn's story, I enjoyed this story and couldn't wait to see how things unfolded. The narrator for the audio book was amazing. Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse Audiobooks for a chance to read this one early in exchange for an honest review.

A richly researched dual-timeline historical novel with fascinating settings

The Star Society by Gabriella Saab is an intricately crafted story that moves between German-occupied Holland in the 1940s and the tension-filled atmosphere of Red Scare era Hollywood. At its center are twin sisters whose lives diverge dramatically-one fleeing to America to marry and eventually becoming a government investigator, the other joining the resistance in Europe before escaping to Hollywood, reinventing herself, and rising to stardom. Saab’s inspiration from Audrey Hepburn adds a compelling real-world layer to the novel’s Old Hollywood storyline.

What truly shines in this novel is the impeccable research. The historical detail, both in occupied Holland and in the inner workings of the film industry during a fraught political moment, feels authentic and immersive. The family dynamics between the sisters are especially well drawn, exploring loyalty, sacrifice, and the way trauma shapes identity.

I did, however, struggle a bit with the pacing early on. The exposition is slow, and it took me some time to connect emotionally with the characters. Additionally, the romantic subplots felt less developed than the rest of the narrative. Both male love interests were so steadfast, forgiving, and close to “too perfect” that their relationships lacked the tension and complexity I hoped for.

I read this in both ebook and audiobook formats, and the narrator deserves special mention. Her performance added a depth and emotional clarity to the sisters that helped pull me into the story more quickly. She differentiated their voices beautifully and brought an extra layer of nuance to their internal conflicts, making the listening experience especially engaging.

Still, the strengths, especially the atmosphere of Old Hollywood, the dual timelines, and the thoughtful exploration of how fear and ideology ripple through families, make this an engaging read for fans of meticulously researched historical fiction.

I ultimately rated The Star Society 3.75 stars and would recommend it to readers who enjoy layered historical narratives, sister stories, mid-century Hollywood settings, and well-performed audiobooks.

Two sisters, Ada and Ingrid, reunite after World War 2. Ada is a Hollywood actress and Ingrid is working for the FBI on assignment with the goal of determining whether Ada is a communist.

I really enjoyed the World War 2 elements of this story. I found them absolutely captivating. I struggled a little more with the present timeline of the story.

The audiobook is absolutely the way to go for this book. Saskia’s narration made this so much better.

New favourite author and narrator! I chose this book as I love historical fiction set in Hollywood and I absolutely loved it! The characters are well-developed and complex, the story is well-researched, thought-provoking, entertaining and informative. There are many historical events mentioned, including WWII experiences in Arnhem, Netherlands, and the threat of communism growing in America. Societal expectations and beliefs of the time are also addressed through the characters. You'll want to add this to your list if you enjoy WWII historical fiction, scandal, crime, romance, betrayal - this book has it all! The narration is excellent, and it was easy to keep track of all the characters.

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperMuse Audio and Gabriella Saab for the complimentary audio ARC. My review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.

"The Star Society" was excellent. It was well written and the character development was superb. I am a historical fiction buff and as such I really get into the stories built around actual facts. Gabriella Saab did a wonderful job weaving the true facts with a fictitious story. Saskia Maarleveld did a wonderful job narrating this book. I have listened to other things she has narrated and as always she did a great job. I would highly recommend this book. Especially if you are into WWII historical fiction.

The Star Society by Gabriella Saab
4.25 stars for the book
5 stars for the audio
Publisher: Harper Muse

Plot: In 1946, Ada Worthington-Fox has successfully shed her previous name, but not the memories nor scars from her previous life as a Dutch resistance fighter who escaped war-torn Arnhem after Gestapo imprisonment. She has made a name for herself as a Hollywood star on the big screen. But as questions and investigations hone in on Hollywood and its underground Communist allegiances amid the Red Scare, her sister Ingrid (whom she believed dead) shows up at her doorstep and brings back all that she escaped from.
Ingrid escaped the Nazi invasion of Arnhem years before the horror that Ada had to endure and has been working as a private investigator to smoke out communist influences in Hollywood, when she’s assigned her sister to investigate.

Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book and found it to be similar in writing style to Beatriz Williams and Kate Quinn and those that loved The Goddess Warsaw would love this book. Personally, I would have loved the past timeline to go further in depth and to hear more about what transpired after Ada was forced to give up her fellow resistance fighters as well as how she ended up in Hollywood. However, I still enjoyed this book and am intrigued enough to read more of Gabriella Saab’s backlist and future novels.

Audio: I did try to tandem read between ebook and audiobook (thank you to the publishers for both) and unfortunately, the formatting didn’t allow for the back and forth on formats so I stuck with the audio as I love Saskia’s narrating so much. The audiobook for this novel was phenomenal. But do you expect any different when Saskia Maarleveld is narrating? She is my absolute favourite narrator and lived up to all expectations. I requested this book entirely because of genre and Saskia. I highly recommend this audiobook.

Thank you to Harper Muse and Harper Muse Audio for the advanced copies of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What a sweeping story about the fallout events after WWII involving Hollywood and targeting actors who may have ties to Nazi's and are sympathetic to that movement. This was known as the Red Scare. This story follows two sisters that didn't realize they both had survived the war. Ada and Ingrid's story weaves in and out of their present day and flashbacks to their time in the war. Such a beautifully written historical fiction novel and the audiobook was narrated by Saskia Maareveld who is absolutely excellent. She's one of my favorite narrators and she definitely brought the story to life. Highly recommend this one!

The Star Society by Gabriella Saab is a historical fiction that I throughly enjoyed.

This thrilling tale is about twins separated during WWII is set in Hollywood in the 1940’s. There is elements of secrets, survival, and justice as this saga takes places over the years of the war and after. There are political reasons that one twin finds out that the other twin, thought to be killed in the war, is alive.

I found this story interesting and intriguing and I would recommend the book to others.

I enjoyed the narration and I thought it was excellent.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.

Renowned author Gabriella Saab, celebrated for her mesmerizing historical fiction, unveils her latest dazzling masterpiece, THE STAR SOCIETY.

Drawing inspiration from the indomitable spirit of Audrey Hepburn, this enthralling narrative unfolds the poignant tale of twin sisters who find themselves reunited in the vibrant yet turbulent landscape of post-World War II Hollywood.

As they navigate a world of glittering allure of fame and the shadowy depths of past traumas, their gripping journey is one of survival, buried secrets, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Each sister embarks on her own intertwining mission, challenging the darkness of their history while contending with the pervasive paranoia of the Red Scare.

In this richly woven saga, the sisters must confront not only their personal demons but also the societal upheavals of their time, making for a riveting exploration of resilience, identity, sisterhood, and the unwavering bonds of family.

About...

THE STAR SOCIETY follows the dual timelines and converging missions of two Dutch sisters, Ada and Ingrid, in the aftermath of WWII.

Inspired by Audrey Hepburn's life with a focus on themes of survival, justice, and the unbreakable bond of sisterhood amid the Red Scare in Hollywood.

Characters:

Ada Worthington-Fox: A former Dutch Resistance member who, after imprisonment by the Gestapo, assumes a new identity and becomes a rising actress in post-war Hollywood.

Ingrid: Ada's politically-minded twin sister, who flees to Washington, D.C. during the war and becomes a private investigator.

The twins reunite in 1946 Hollywood after years of separation, each having believed the other dead.

Ada has reinvented herself as a rising Hollywood star to escape her past as a member of the Dutch Resistance in Arnhem, which included a traumatic Gestapo imprisonment.

Ingrid, who fled to Washington D.C. and became a private investigator, arrives in Hollywood with a secret assignment to root out communist influences, and her primary target is her own sister, Ada, who has become a rising actress under the name Ada Worthington-Fox.

Ada becomes a part of a secret group of friends called "The Star Society," which is named by a gossip columnist who covers their exclusive parties. Both sisters share a dark secret from their time in the war that, if exposed, could destroy their new lives.

As the plot unfolds, the two sisters must navigate the political and social pressures of the Red Scare era while trying to uncover the truth and trust one another, while also fighting corruption.

My Thoughts...

THE STAR SOCIETY is a masterfully crafted work of historical novel that immerses readers in a meticulously researched world, emotionally gripping, brimming with intricately layered characters and vibrant settings. Heartbreaking, an utterly riveting tale of courage, loss, and overcoming impossible odds,

Gabriella Saab cleverly spins a creative retelling that is not only filled with rich historical detail but also interspersed with glamour, danger, intrigue, and sheer courage. The narrative glimmers with entertaining Easter eggs to discover and subtle nods to the iconic Audrey Hepburn and the myriad characters she brought to life on screen.

As the plot progresses, the tension mounts, drawing readers into a suspenseful dance as the sisters hone in on Ada's elusive target. Ingrid's investigation intensifies the stakes, forcing them into a poignant struggle between the pursuit of justice, the desire to safeguard their own lives, the option of remaining silent, or the heartbreaking decision to jeopardize everything for the unbreakable bond of sisterhood.

With its dual timelines, this compelling novel eloquently navigates themes of survival, reinvention, the haunting legacy of war, unwavering loyalty, and the sacrifices made in love—set against the backdrop of post-war Hollywood during the turbulent Red Scare. Each page reveals a world rife with suspicion, where shadows of past secrets linger, creating an atmosphere thick with tension, intrigue, and fear.

The title ultimately functions as a powerful metaphor for the duality of the era: the sparkling veneer of post-war Hollywood contrasted with the dangerous, shadowy world of secrets, survival, and espionage that lies just beneath the surface.

Inspired by the extraordinary life of Audrey Hepburn—whose journey you can delve deeper into within the fascinating Author's Notes—this work elegantly intertwines elements of Hollywood glamour, espionage, and deeply buried family secrets.

The Audiobook...

I had the immense pleasure of not only reading this gripping tale but also listening to the audiobook version narrated by the exceptionally talented, acclaimed Saskia Maarleveld (a favorite). Her performance is nothing short of mesmerizing, as she deftly captures the essence of this dual-timeline historical thriller. Through her voice, the story comes alive, painting a vivid picture of the time, place, and characters while echoing the lingering shadows of war that loom over the glittering expanse of 1940s Hollywood.

I highly recommend the audiobook, as it truly elevates, transforming it into an engaging and immersive listening experience. The skilled narration breathes life into the characters, enhancing the emotional depth and nuances of the plot. Each carefully chosen tone and inflection draws you deeper into the narrative, making it impossible to put down. This format allows for a multi-sensory enjoyment that adds a rich layer to the storytelling, inviting listeners to fully appreciate the author's craft.

This unabridged recording spans an enchanting seven hours and is available for pre-order, set to be released on January 6, 2026.

Recommendations...

THE STAR SOCIETY will resonate deeply with fans of the author and readers who relish historical fiction rich with themes of WWII resistance, post-war espionage, and the intricate web of family secrets.

Explore similar journeys in:
~The Last Checkmate by Gabriella Saab
~ Our Woman in Moscow by Beatriz Williams
~ Sisters of Night and Fog by Erika Robuck
~ Dutch Girl: Audrey Hepburn and World War II by Robert Matzen (which the author references)
~ Not Without My Sister by Marion Kummerow

The common threads running through these powerful narratives are the extraordinary bravery of women in wartime, the high-stakes nature of secrets, and the enduring strength of familial bonds.

Special thanks to Harper Muse for graciously sharing a digital ARC and ALC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. And look at this exquisite cover!

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins } #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Jan 6, 2026
Jan 2026 Must-Read Books

I love historical fiction, and when I found out this was an Audrey Hepburn-inspired story, I knew I needed to read it. The Star Society is a dual timeline novel following twins Ada and Ingrid. At the beginning of the war, Ingrid and her boyfriend Lars fled to America while Ada stayed to help the Dutch resistance. One problem, Ada's mother is a fascist sleeping with a Nazi. When Ada's mother finds out she is helping the Dutch Resistance, Ada is imprisoned by her mother's boyfriend. After being released, Ada flees to America, where she changes her persona and becomes a celebrity. She hosts elaborate parties called star society gatherings, where all of Hollywood attends; however, the government is beginning to think the star society is a front for fascists. After Ingrid is presumed dead with no contact for 6 years, Ada is shocked when Ingrid shows up on her doorstep. Ingrid must do everything in her power to prove Ada's innocence while keeping her true identity a secret.

This book was juicy, captivating, and thought-provoking. The dual timeline kept me hooked from beginning to end. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to get into historical fiction!

.

This novel is nothing short of captivating! from the plot to the characters, this novel is perfect for readers of historical fiction, romance, political spy thrillers, and family drama. There are so many themes woven within this book that kept me listening, and I couldn’t get enough! Saskia Maarleveld is one of my favorite narrators; her narration beautifully captures the emotions and tension between Ada, her sister, and the various other characters within this book; she does a great job distinguishing between various ages and genders, thoughtful of accents and cadence appropriate for each scene.

This is such a stunning and beautifully written story. I know about the history of old Hollywood and the Red Scare, including the trials, but I didn’t know that the plot of this book would include it. I was pleasantly surprised! I also had little knowledge about its characters, but from the first chapter I couldn’t help but notice that Ada’s description and life experiences sounded a lot like Audrey Hepburn. After a quick internet search, it was confirmed that yes, some of Audrey’s biography inspired the author’s creation of Ada and her background. I love that the author's note at the end dives a bit deeper into the way the story and characters were written. There’s a lot of history and real-life events that helped shape this novel!

I cannot recommend reading this enough when it’s released. If you can listen, the audiobook is amazing!

4.5 stars that I’m rounding up to 5! What an incredible story of perseverance and sisterly bond even through really tragic and hard times.

I loved both of these sisters who were so strong and complex. The author did a great job creating several different enemies and I couldn’t figure out the twist or how this was going to end.

I loved the authors note for this book as I had no idea of the historical inspiration for this story! Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the advanced digital copy and audiobook!

I really loved the narrator she was wonderful! It’s hard sometimes when the main characters are both female (and twins in this case!) but I felt like she did a good job with differentiating them between the chapters.

First off, this cover is stunning. I have not read anything by this author but I will be looking out for more of her work. This story really pulls at your heart strings. The narrator did such a great job bringing the characters to life with her emotion filled narration. This was very well written and you can tell the author did so much research for this book. I loved learning that the author was inspired by Audrey Hepburn's life. I recommend this is you enjoy historical fiction.

Thank you Netgalley and Harper Muse Audiobooks for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

"The Star Society" was a truly enjoyable and engaging book that easily held my attention from start to finish. The character development was strong, the plot had good direction, and I found myself thinking about the story long after I finished reading it.

The reason I'm giving it four stars instead of five is that the pacing felt a little slow in the middle section. While the ending was satisfying, a slight tighten-up of that middle part would have made it a perfect read for me.

Overall, it's a great book and I'll be looking for more work from this author.

The Star Society by Gabriela Saab is a gripping, emotionally rich historical novel that follows sisters Ada and Ingrid from their days in the Dutch Resistance to the glittering but treacherous world of postwar Hollywood, where Red Scare paranoia and old wartime ghosts collide; I loved the contrast between Ada’s reinvention as rising film star Ada Worthington-Fox and Ingrid’s work as a Washington-connected investigator sent to sniff out communists in Tinseltown—especially once Ingrid’s secret mandate and Ada’s hunt for the Gestapo agent who devastated their hometown begin to intertwine. The sense of place is fantastic, moving from occupied Holland to studio backlots, smoky parties, and anxious hearings, and the themes of sisterhood, trauma, and the cost of silence land with real weight. It doesn’t quite hit five stars for me because a few twists feel a bit convenient and the political maneuvering can get talky, but overall it’s a stylish, tense, and heartfelt story that should satisfy fans of WWII fiction and Old Hollywood intrigue.

This is the fascinating story set in the USA in the 1940s of two sisters who separately emigrated from the Netherlands following WWII. One, Ada, is loosely modeled after Audrey Hepburn (however the ensuing events impacting Ada in the USA are fictionalized and did not happen to Audrey).

It is a deep and complex novel, with lots of interesting themes of family conflict, lies, deceit, romance, and espionage, all tangled up with the Red Scare and some 1940's Hollywood glamour! The characters are all well-fleshed out, and those we need to like are sufficiently likable, and overall the book is a compelling read.

I enjoyed the book a great deal. I enjoy all the themes and ideas presented, and I really do love some Hollywood glamour, and I feel the author did a complex historical era justice. I had to score 4 not 5 stars, however, as the middle portions felt too over inclusive and dragged a little, and I found myself sometimes losing attention as a result. There was a little too much time spent explaining the thinking, worries, and plans of the characters.

The narrated version by Saskia Maarleveld was as expected, just fabulous, and she was an excellent choice! Thank you to the author for bringing the era to life with such an interesting and creative story, and for prompting me to do a little research on Audrey Hepburn. And thank you to Netgalley and Harper Muse Audiobooks for the Advanced Listener Copy of the book.

3.75 ⭐️

Listening to The Star Society was my first experience with Gabriella Saab’s work, and I was immediately drawn in by how naturally she blends history, emotion, and character depth. Her atmospheric writing paired with the narrator’s beautiful, perfectly suited delivery made the opening chapters especially captivating.

Saab’s storytelling is immersive and emotionally layered, with rich historical detail and character-driven tension that feels both accessible and deeply affecting. Her writing is thoughtful and grounded in research without ever feeling heavy—she builds the world through both setting and emotion.

I loved the dual threads of sisterhood, secrecy, and post-war reinvention. Ada’s journey was especially compelling—a mix of glamour and danger as she seeks justice for her hometown while concealing the pieces of her past. She embodies resilience, identity-shifting, and the true costs of reinvention. The characters as a whole feel fully realized, carrying their trauma, hope, and complicated loyalties in ways that give the story real emotional pull. The Hollywood backdrop adds a glamorous yet shadowy tone that complemented the narrative well.

There were a few moments where the pacing slowed, particularly in sections heavy on background detail. I found myself wanting certain plot points to move forward a bit quicker, and a few transitions between Europe and America felt slightly abrupt.

The audiobook narrator was absolutely wonderful—her voice is beautiful, and her intonation adds a warmth and emotional clarity that fits the novel perfectly. She brings out the fear, hope, and resilience in the characters without ever overdramatizing it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse Audiobooks for the advance listening copy in exchange for my honest review.

Gabriella Saab's The Star Society, narrated well by Saskia Maarleveld, focuses on the lives of twin sisters, each affected by their deep bond of sisterhood as well as by the horrors of WWII. They were separated painfully during the war, with one fleeing and the other remaining in Arnhem and becoming part of the Dutch Resistance. The loss of a sister is like losing a part of yourself, and both Ada (Eletah) and Ingrid believe the other forever lost to her. Years later, in the US, their paths converge but there have been so many secrets, inadvertent betrayals, and misunderstandings that it takes a long time for them to find their way back to the deep connection they share. Set in an era of secrets (the Red Scare) and a town that was targeted (Hollywood), there are secrets upon secrets.

At times while reading this novel, I wondered how many problems COULD be thrown in their paths, and how many dangerous situations COULD engulf them. To be honest, it seemed a lot more than it needed to be but I rooted for them to come back to each other. Unfortunately, some of the twists and turns were less mysterious than they may have been meant to be. It was not difficult to figure out some of the secrets about several of the characters. It was an engaging story, however, and I was intrigued to learn (after finishing) that it was loosely based on facts about Audrey Hepburn. While she isn't mentioned, there is a lot of Hollywood history woven into this story, as well as US history during the McCarthy Era.

My thanks to NetGalley and HarperMuse Audiobooks for providing my an ARC copy of this audiobook. All opinions expressed are my own.

This book hooked me from the very first chapter. The Star Society by Gabriella Saab blends Hollywood glamour with the shadows of WWII in a way that feels fresh and exciting. Ada, reinvented as a rising actress in post war Los Angeles, is such a fascinating character. She’s polished on the outside but carrying the weight of her resistance days and a secret mission for justice. Then her sister Ingrid, who she thought was dead, shows up with her own hidden agenda tied to the Red Scare, and suddenly it’s impossible to know who’s protecting who. What I loved most was the tension between loyalty and survival. The sisters’ relationship felt raw and layered. It’s equal parts tender, suspicious, and heartbreaking. If you like historical fiction with high stakes, family secrets, and suspense, read this one now! And if you enjoy listening to audio, Saskia Maarleveld did a fantastic job narrating this novel.

There are two reasons why I chose to listen to this audiobook. (1). It's narrated by my favorite narrator, Saskia Maarleveld, who did a spectacular job, as always. (2). It's based around World War II, which is my favorite era in historical fiction. This was my first time reading Gabriella Saab's work, and I truly enjoyed it. The plot is based around twin sisters Ingrid and Ada, who were separated during the war, but who are later reunited. I grew up with four brothers and no sisters, so I enjoy reading stories based around a genuine sisterhood theme, and The Star Society delivered on that. The book jumps back and forth between dual timelines, which I know some readers don't like, but it didn't bother me and it wasn't confusing. Oh, and did I mention this story is loosely based on Audrey Hepburn's life? I thought that was really cool too. Overall, I would recommend The Star Society to everyone.

Thanks to my favorite narrator, Saskia Maarleveld, I listened to The Last CheckMate, by Gabriella Saab earlier this year. Chess and historical fiction novels are two of my favorite things, so naturally, I fell in love with that novel. When I saw The Star Society was another book by the same author, and read by Saskia on audio, it rose to the top of my TBR.

As for my thoughts on The Star Society-I loved it! So full of emotion, character development, depth, detail, intrigue, suspense, romance, and heart. I will be eager to read all future books by this author.


Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Star Society delivers a compelling blend of post-WWII grit, sisterhood, and the relentless pursuit of justice. After years of separation, the sisters reunite with one shared mission: track down a fleeing Nazi responsible for devastating war crimes and finally clear their own names.

What makes this story shine is the unexpected—and powerful—support behind them. With Hollywood’s influence and the FBI’s resources, these women step into a dangerous world still reeling from the war. Being a woman in that era means every door is heavier, every truth harder to prove, but their determination never wavers. Their courage, resilience, and loyalty to each other drive the entire novel.

A gripping, emotionally charged read that blends history, suspense, and the unbreakable bond of sisterhood.

Thank you to NetGalley for a free, advanced copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

World War II seems to be a recurring topic in my reading list right now. When I came across The Star Society I was delighted to see that this book also touched on life post WWII with a bonus that it was loosely based on Audrey Hepburn.

I enjoyed learning more about the Red Scare and life through the eyes of these characters.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this advance audio copy.

The Star Society by Gabriella Saab is a historical fiction story of twin sisters, Ada and Ingrid, set in WWII-occupied Netherlands and post-war Hollywood. Ingrid leaves the Netherlands for America at the start of the war with her soon to be husband, leaving Ada behind. Ada joins the resistance helping members of her community and dance school escape the Nazi’s all while living with her mother and her high ranking Nazi companion. The story explores their contrasting perspectives on the past and present. The post war timeline explores the search for Communists in America and secrets left behind.

Saskia Maarleveld narrated this book and did a fantastic job portraying the characters and the difficulties encountered throughout the story.

4 stars*

While perusing the audiobook options on NetGalley I saw this historical fiction piece and was drawn first to the cover and then saw that the narrator was Saskia Maarleveld and lept at the chance to listen.

The Star Society is a historical fiction story loosely based on the life of Audrey Hepburn. It details the lives of twins Ada and Ingrid, who separate during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. Ingrid flees with her soldier fiance who does not want to be conscripted into the Nazi army and Ada who stays in her hometown to do what she can with the resistance. Years later, Ada is a Hollywood actress suspected of possible communist ties an Ingrid is an agent assigned to find communist sympathizers in Hollywood.

They reconnect and both women are confronted with questions about their mother, their loyalties and forgiveness.

Well written, though the twist is a bit too Lifetime movie for me.

*with thanks to NetGalley for the audio ARC in exchange for this honest review.

A dual time book with only a few years separating the stories. Ada and Ingrid are twin sisters torn apart by WWII. Ingrid left her sister behind to save her boyfriend, now husband, from being conscripted into the German army. Year later they find each other during some dark days in America's history.
I find this time period just after WWII a very interesting part of our history. We have a lot to learn from this history. People were turning others into the FBI and those hunting communist just to save themselves or to earn a buck. False accusations ruined many a career and life. If you were not a patriot, then you must have be a "red." Sound familiar.
I love reading about little known parts of history. Saab brings to light stories that we never knew. She also puts the women who were there where they belong. In the mix of all that is going on.
If you are looking for at WWII book that is just a bit different or one the explores the aftermath of the war, this is the book for you. I am looking forward to reading more of Saab's books.