The Secret Society of Salzburg by Renee Ryan

I love a good novel set during World War II and The Secret Society of Salzburg is not just a good novel it was a GREAT novel. It was quite apparent that Renee Ryan did extensive research.

The story jumps between the 1930s and the 1940s and between  England , Austria, and Germany. It tells the story of Austrian opera singer Elsa Mayer-Braun and her friendship with sisters, Hattie and Vera Featherstone from London, England.  Vera and Elsa formed a strong bond and helped each other to extract Jewish people out of Austria

The story was inspired by true events from WWII and Ms. Ryan brought her story to life beautifully.

Ms. Ryan has created such strong,  believable characters that they almost danced right off the page. Her words were at times almost poetic and deeply touched my heart. 

If you enjoy a good historical novel set during WWII then The Secret Society of Salzburg is a must-read. I highly suggest it.

On a Five Star scale - 5 Stars!

I would like to thank the author, Renee Ryan for my copy of The Secret Society of Salzburg. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review.  The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

FROM THE BACK COVER:

Inspired by true events, this is a gripping and heart-wrenching story of two very different women united to bring light to the darkest days of World War II.

London 1933

At first glance, Austrian opera singer Elsa Mayer-Braun has little in common with the young English typist she encounters on tour. Yet she and Hattie Featherstone forge an instant connection—and strike a dangerous alliance. Using their friendship as a cover, they form a secret society with a daring goal: to rescue as many Jews as possible from Nazi persecution.

Though the war’s outbreak threatens Elsa and Hattie’s network, their efforts attract the covert attention of the British government, offering more opportunities to thwart the Germans. But Elsa’s growing fame as Hitler’s favorite opera singer, coupled with her secret Jewish ancestry, make her both a weapon and a target—until her future, too, hangs in the balance.

From the glamorous stages of Covent Garden and Salzburg to the horrors of Bergen-Belsen,  two ordinary women swept up by the tide of war discover an extraordinary friendship—and the courage to save countless lives.

Smiles & Blessings,