Renee Ryan

This was a fascinating book that sucked me in from the first page and kept me hooked to the end. World War Two is a rare setting for a category romance, making this book doubly appealing. Here, we have an American man and a Russian woman teaming up to acquire vital intelligence for the British.

Katia is the daughter of a murdered Russian prince. She and her mother fled to Germany years ago, and Katia grew up to become a celebrated actress. She puts those skills to work as a spy for the show more British to defeat the Nazis and protect her mother. Their secret Jewish heritage would mean their deaths if it were discovered. The story opens as she is about to meet her latest contact. Jack is deep undercover as an SS officer working directly for Himmler. The things he has done because of it have taken a toll on him, and he is deeply cynical about human nature.

The initial meeting between Katia and Jack is difficult. Neither trusts the other, yet they must work together to secure the information they seek. Matters become complicated when Katia's mother shows up with her Nazi naval officer fiancé, and Jack's suspicions are further aroused. However, time is short, and Jack and Katia must find a way to work together to accomplish their mission. It isn't easy. Katia is confident in her abilities and adamant in her need to be hands-on during their mission. Jack is accustomed to working primarily alone. Their power struggle was intriguing, and I enjoyed watching them work out the details.

Of course, things rarely go to plan during something like this. The twists and turns of this story kept me glued to the pages as Jack and Katia dealt with one issue after another. The complications felt realistic, and I enjoyed seeing them work through them. As the deadline drew nearer, the escalating tension kept me reading long past my bedtime as I had to know how it turned out. The conclusion was a nail-biter that had me truly worried for Katia's safety.

I enjoyed watching the development of Jack and Katia's relationship. Though initially distrustful and antagonistic, there were also sparks of attraction and fascination. As much as they irritated each other, there was also a great deal of respect for each other's abilities. That respect quickly turned to caring despite obstacles to doing anything about it. The manner of the resolution was unexpected but made sense under the circumstances. I liked the author's note at the end, which replaced an epilogue.

As this was a Love Inspired novel, Katia and Jack's faith was also a large part of the story. Each of them believed that they had been abandoned by their god. Katia blamed him for her father's death. Jack believed that the terrible things he'd done put him beyond redemption. Opening their hearts to each other also opened their hearts to a renewal of faith. show less

“It’s a question I ask myself every day. If not us, who then will stand?”

An absolute gem of a read! This book gripped my heart and mind from the first page and didn’t let go until the very last. It was my introduction to the author’s writing - I’ll be sure to read her backlist and be on the lookout for future novels.

I am not an opera fan but loved being transported to that world on the cusp of WWII. The author made that environment come alive and the passion in opera came across show more beautifully. I loved both Elsa and Hattie - two strong heroines who risk all to rescue those in need. There are plenty of surprises in the plot which kept it moving at a good pace. Heartache, betrayal, loyalty, true friendship, and desperation to help those in need fill the pages of this book and it’ll surely become one of your favorites as well.

I received the book from the publisher via JustRead Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own. show less

Three generations of widowed women taking care of the vineyards of Chateau Fouche-Leblanc.

Gabrielle is the youngest of the women and the most responsible for keeping the vineyard alive, but she knows the Germans have been occupying European countries and knows France won't be spared.

Gabrielle knows she must somehow keep the best champagne from falling into the hands of the Germans. She builds a concealed wall to hide her best stock in hopes it will not be discovered.

Her mother, Helene, and show more her grandmother are concerned about the occupations, but they have another secret to keep.

Finding out the Germans had invaded France was bad enough, but when one arrives at the Chateau's door and demands to live there with the women is even worse.

We follow the women as they endure the German occupation of France and their home and struggle to save their champagne legacy.

Gabrielle was my favorite because of her resilience and efforts.

Helene was cool but calculating, and she was desperately trying to protect and save her family and her secret.

Josephine, the matriarch, was likable and tough, and I felt sorry for her because of her memory issues, but her diary is what helped protect her family since it told what she had seen and forgotten.

The fierceness of this family and the vineyard owners all over Reims to protect their vineyards, their champagne, and their country was very evident.

Fans of France during WWII, strong women, champagne and how it's made won't want to miss this marvelously written, pull-you-in story line.

Ms. Ryan's writing style is engaging and quickly captures your attention.

THE WIDOWS OF CHAMPAGNE is a beautiful read with true-to-life characters and marvelous descriptions of what the French people and these women endured and fought for.

A fantastic read as you feel the terror, the love, and the strength of each woman.

Be sure it is in your reading list. 5/5

This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley and a print by the author in exchange for an honest review. show less

The Secret Society of Salzburg instantly immersed me into its world. It skips back and forth, between past and “present”, seamlessly, creating a full, clear picture of the story that transpires between Elsa and Hattie, two kindred spirits with beautiful souls connected by music.

The friendships between the women in this novel is truly poetic and I loved Hattie and Elsa’s shared passions for wanting to help those in need despite them both coming from such different backgrounds. The show more Second World War is an event that should’ve never came to pass, and I appreciate all stories that depict those brave souls who did what they could to fight one of the most evil regimes in history.

I appreciated the depth of the characters, understanding each ones plights and motivations before getting to the meat of the story. Though I am not personally an opera fan myself, I am a true fan of music and the arts and have such an appreciation for those that are able to sing at such a caliber. It truly is a gift from God that few possess that I truly am in awe of.

One thing that I really appreciated in this historical fiction was the touch of mystery surrounding the “betrayer”. Even though once the truth was revealed, and it was someone at the top of my suspect list, how that plot line played out touched me deeply, so I wasn’t the least bit upset that it was so predictable. The story has the perfect ebb and flow, the characters developed, their plights clear, and their motivations without question. It is a very character-driven novel, but that doesn’t take away from the tension and or rollercoaster of emotions that you feel when you’re reading.

I read The Secret Society of Salzburg in one sitting, staying up until the wee hours to see this truly touching story come to fruition, and I savored every moment.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own. show less