The Secrets We Left Behind by Soraya Lane is an excellent WWII-era historical fiction that really kept me on the edge of my seat...and was well worth it!

I have been a huge fan of Ms. Lane for quite some time and have read ALL of her books. So, of course I had to read her newest addition. I loved this!

The wonderful cast of well-developed, complex characters that are brought together through different, but yet similar, circumstances and how this group is thrown into the middle of such dire circumstances...wow.

This takes place around occupied France during WWII, and also involves Dunkirk. It was fascinating to read the stories of Cate and sisters Adelaide and Elise. Adding a strong peripheral cast of characters, these three women exhibit what it means to be brave, strong, intelligent, and selfless in a time of such fear, strife, and unrest. My emotions went through the full gambit: happiness, cheering, suspense, stress, heartbreak, and through it all I just had to go on to the next page to see just how it would end up.

A wonderful ending that I truly enjoyed, and just solidifies my admiration for one of my favorite authors. Excellent!

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Lake Union Publishing for this awesome arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR, Instagram, and Bookbub accounts immediately (as of 4/3/21 no BB listing has been created) and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

The Secrets We Left Behind follows Cate, a British Nurse, along Addy and Elise, a pair of sisters, as they all navigate 1940 LebParadis, France. Cate is present at the evacuation of Dunkirk, going on the run to safety with a patient of hers named Jack. Meanwhile, Addy and Elise witness a brutal execution just outside their home, a German commander commanding the deaths of 99 British soldiers. Somehow, miraculously two survive, Harry and Peter. Through a dire situation the six are brought together and must learn to survive in the German occupied town. This book was quick paced and my heart was in my throat for the majority of the book. Soraya is a masterful writer, and making you feel like you’re right in the thick of the action. Highly recommend this book!