So Brave, So Heartbreaking
The American Wife’s Secret by Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger is a powerful historical novel that I read in just one sitting. It is the third book in The Diplomat’s Wife series but can be read as a stand-alone.
The action takes place in Europe 1943-1945 as we follow an American lady who does what she can to sabotage the Nazi war effort and to gain intelligence.
All the characters were well drawn and realistic. The bravery, tenacity and loyalty of the leading lady was admirable.
We witness the horrors of war from within Nazi-occupied territories. Trust was in short supply and lips needed to be tightly sealed.
The author created the atmosphere of fear as we ‘see’ the methods used by the Gestapo to extract information.
I found the whole novel to be completely gripping. There was a moment when the war had ended, that my jaw literally dropped as the turn of events shocked me. See if you have the same reaction.
The locations were very atmospheric with dark nights and small alleyways.
The American Wife’s Secret was an incredibly powerful read, that will educate as well as entertain.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
JULIA WILSON
Kitty held her husband close to her chest, covering his beloved body with her own. She called for help, but none came. She stared down at the face she loved so well. “Edgar! Don’t go, my darling, not now. Not after all we’ve been through… please don’t leave me here alone…”
1944. Beautiful American Kitty Larsson knows better than most that fighting the Nazis comes at a price. She’s spent years working undercover as an agent for the British and knows that doing what is right could cost her everything…
When Kitty is captured during a mission and her true identity is revealed, she learns her beloved husband, Edgar, has gone missing. The Gestapo tell her they have him, and that his life is in her hands. If she doesn’t cooperate, he will die and her worst fears will be realized. If they are telling the truth, Kitty’s secrets might be enough to save the man she loves… But what if they are lying?
Fueled by her desire to do what is right, but also to save the man she loves, Kitty knows that she won’t be able to rest until she can escape and find Edgar. Because surely, somewhere out there, he is still alive…
As the war rages, Kitty tries to think of a plan. Surely this isn’t where it all ends? She needs to know whether Edgar is safe, and to hold him in her arms once again. But, to do that, will Kitty finally have to make the ultimate sacrifice?
An absolutely unputdownable, gripping and powerful story about love, courage and doing what is right in the midst of the darkness of World War 2. Perfect for fans of The Nightingale, My Name is Eva and All the Light We Cannot See.
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