The Secret Society of Salzburg by Renee Ryan

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

From the author of The Widows of Champagne, and inspired by true events, comes a gripping and heartwrenching 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.

my thoughts:

Wow! Just, wow.  What an amazing story! The Secret Society of Salzburg by Renee Ryan is an excellent read and the perfect example of what historical fiction should be. Chock full of history and based on real life events, this story has everything: dramatic scenes, unforgettable characters, tense emotions, and the message of what hope and determination can do during horrific times. Talk about a must-read!!

Vera and Hattie are sisters living in London. They are huge fans of famed opera singer, Elsa Mayer-Braun. The two sisters manage to save enough money to see Elsa in concert - talk about exciting! Well, it gets even more exciting when they actually meet the opera singer and wind up befriending her. How cool is that? Except, this unlikely friendship is unfolding during scary and unknown times - the rise of Hilter.  Unfortunately for Elsa, her husband has befriended the Nazis and she is expected to accompany him to dinners with them and become Hitler's favorite singer. All the while she worries about her Jewish ancestry being discovered. As for Vera and Hattie, they are working tirelessly to save Jewish people, by helping to smuggle them to safety, along with their belongings and whatever useful information they can gather. The British government takes notice of the sister's network and offers to help them with their mission, since the two are working against the Nazis. Of course, the work gets even more dangerous as Hitler's power grows. 

Ryan has written a terrific story involving real-life people that is just so inspiring - these women are true heroes! Their courage and bravery is exemplary. You can't help but wonder at how strong in determination and hope these women must have had to believe that they could do these dangerous and life-threatening missions time and time again. Talk about true faith. 

I would happily recommend The Secret Society of Salzburg to anyone and everyone - you are going to LOVE this book! Make sure to check it out!

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!