Perfect timing for a book like this! Most definitely worth the read. Two sisters, Connie & Dottie Fitzwalter, are based on real-life sisters and heroes, Ida & Louise Cook. They were ordinary British citizens whose love of opera helped them travel throughout Europe during a very dark time in history.

What started out as innocent trips of two Opera-loving ladies, quickly turned into a guise for helping Jewish families escape the Nazi regime. They made countless trips time and again to support anyone in need.

Smuggling fine jewels and furs, not for themselves, but for the refugees and Jewish families in order to help secure the finances for escape. They also spent time finding places for the families to stay in England, where citizens would need to vouch for them and provide a safe place to live. They worked tirelessly to reunite families by any means necessary and help as many people as possible.

I loved the character development of Connie most especially. I connected with her spirit and how consistently she wanted to do the “right thing” no matter the cost. She truly was a remarkable character that had you rooting for her, her sister, and friends the entire time. Both of these sisters had a stubbornness that is admirable. They truly wouldn’t take no for an answer. They always seemed to “find a way.”

When I found out this was based on a true story, it really made the story so much more important and amazing! The inspiration and bravery behind these two courageous women will stay with me. I encourage you to pick this one up. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to.

Grateful to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the digital ARC. All opinions are entirely my own.

This was an excellently written fictional book based on actual historical events and individuals. The main characters, Connie and her sister, Dottie, are based on real life heroines, Ida and Louise Cook, who helped many Jews escape Germany, Austria, and Poland before WWII. The story that author Rachel Wesson wove so expertly, blending real life events with fictional embellishments to keep the reader's attention, brings to life the struggles that those living in Europe during the 30s were facing, particularly those who were Jewish. Without giving away much of the story I'll say that the young ladies, Connie and Dottie, use their love of opera to travel throughout Europe and return home with items from those wishing to escape with their families so that they could sell the items and open bank accounts for the owners so that they could then prove that they had assets in Britain in order to obtain British visas to leave the countries being overtaken by the Nazis. What the women did saved many people which, according to Jewish Talmudic scripture, means they saved the whole world. They have been recognized by Yad Vashem, The World Holocaust Remembrance Center, as two of The Righteous Among Nations, those non-Jews who at great risk to themselves saved Jews during the Holocaust. The story tells well the indignities, injustices, terror, brutality, and suffering the Jews faced and their willingness to risk all to flee all they knew for a chance for freedom and their very lives. The author also does a very good job showing the attitudes not only of all those amazing individuals who offered to help, even at a risk of their own freedom and possibly their lives, but also of the ordinary citizens who turned a blind eye to the atrocities taking place or, worse yet, joined in the hatred. This story and others about Holocaust rescuers are particularly meaningful to me because my husband's great grandparents and great aunt are among the over six million who are not was lucky as those these women helped. They instead died in concentration camps. Just yesterday, before finishing this book, I went to the Zekelman Holocaust Center in Farmington Hills, Michigan, and reading this story made each photo of the many Jewish victims even more poignant. This truly was an incredible book and I feel very blessed to have received an advanced reader copy of the book from the publisher through Netgalley.

A love Rachel Wesson books and this one is not the exception. The way this book is written makes you feel like you're living the lives of the Fitzwalter sisters.
Based on a true story of the courageous acts of the sisters Ida and Louise Cook, the book tells the story of Connie and Lottie and how their love of the Opera served as their disguise for saving the lives of several dozens of Jewish people before and during WWII. Even the danger of being discovered by the Gestapo didn't deterred these amazing women from doing their part in saving those in need.
This book gives life to two ordinary looking ladies who were nothing but extraordinary, it is so well written that once you start reading it you can't put it down.

This is my 1st book by this author and I will be looking for more of her books. The books storyline focuses on a pair of sisters from England during WW II, loosely based on the lives so Louise and Ida Cook. The book starts a bit slow and then begins to flesh out the horrors of WW in Europe (without being too graphic) and the brave choices and clever tactics the sisters used to help the Jewish community.. The author develops suspense, a deepening sense of urgency,,the sister's determination and bravery in the face of escalating conflict, engaging the reader. There is a bit of romance that could have been paced more, it went from, "is there or isn't there feelings" to much more very quickly., The historical facts were accurately described and the addition of the historical figures added authenticity.. The epilogue was the best, bringing it full circle and really touching. Overall, a well written and inspiring book showing what ordinary people can do in the face of terrible circumstances for others. I'll be looking at some of her other books. Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC, I'm so grateful! The review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.

A Song of Courage is a excellent read!

This book is based off a true story, and it is amazing! The story is well written, and it was so hard to put down! The book is about a woman who was doing what she could to help get people to safety during Hitlers time in office. I really loved how it sheds light on even if it's risky, or unpopular to help someone else in need, doing the right thing is always worth it! I highly recommend this read!

I have read many books on WWII, but I have to say I have never read a book on the passion for Opera music being the catalyst for helping Jews escape the country. Of course, since this story was based on 3 real true brave and selfless people that went above and beyond to help in the time of crisis.
I have to admire Stephen, Connie, Dottie and the others for what they did, sometimes I felt they didn’t realize the danger they were putting themselves in and they had an unwarranted sense they would not be caught. Then other times I felt they knew exactly what danger they were in, and they showed so much bravery for their cause.
I loved the way it ended; it brought tears to my eyes. High 5 stars, really enjoyed this listen.
I thank Storm Publishing along with NetGalley for providing this Galley edition for no requirement other than my offer to provide an unbiased review.

This author is new to me and her reasons for writing historical fiction mirror the reason that I love to read it. Having the facts of history presented inside and artfully written story is a gift and helps us to continue remembering what has happened in the past. Here are four things I really loved about this new release:

🎶Connie and Dottie use their love for opera and connections in that world to give them excuses to visit Berlin, Frankfurt, Vienna, and other cities in the years before WW II.
📅The majority of the book is set in the years 1934-1939. Many Jews were able to successfully emigrate during that period. It was not easy and so many did not get out, but the book shows the many creative ways used to help those in peril.
🚂The Kindertransport trains were featured. Mrs. Wijsmuller-Meijer of Holland was able to successfully transport 600 children to safety with this method.
👯‍♀️Connie and Dottie were loyal and supportive of each other and utilized the help of their mother where possible. She was also quite creative and they so appreciated her loving assistance.

This was not a five star read for me. I am not a big opera fan myself, so found their obsession to be difficult to relate to. It also seemed like the pacing was a bit off and there were a lot of names to keep track of. I do want to check out other titles from this author. She has written on a variety of historical topics.

Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. Happy publication week (July 4, 2024).

What a lovely story. This was another very emotional read from Rachel Wesson. As always the level of research that has gone into this story is evident. The sisters Connie and Dottie are to be admired, they are amazingly well written. .Their strength and tenacity are shown throughout the story. Set in the years before the outbreak of the 2nd World War when tensions were already building in Austria and Germany, these sisters travelled from London to America and Europe to attend operas in a variety of venues. They show remarkable courage along the way.
I found this story difficult to read as it was so emotional. I was in tears at times and often put the book down to carry out my on my own life, but still found myself worrying about the different problems and experiences both they and the other characters were in. Highly recommended.

Based on a true story of actual woman who willingly risk their own lives to save others A Song of Courage is an inspirational read. By Rachel Wesson this story slowly builds up to the time of when Connie and Dot begin their smuggling efforts to help Jewish people in pre-WWII Germany and Austria. These are not women trained but average citizens wanting to make a difference and they do. An emotional story with daring, bravery, danger, sadness and triumph. A heartfelt inspiring story for all.

Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. These opinion are completely my own.

A WWII point of view I don't think I have read about yet. I found The Song of Courage a bit slow I times, but the story is fascinating and interesting reading

I learned so much from reading this book. Being born years after WW II was over, I heard a lot about it. I read histories about the Jews's ordeal during that incredibly dark time for humankind. In spite of that, stories such as this one by Rachel Wesson made me relearn some of the stories my grandfather told me. I also remember my father, who was not sent to the war due to kidney sickness that finally took him from us at the incredible yearly age of 41. The courage and donation of love of the two sisters, who are the major characters of this book, are marvelous. And, in spite of this all, I am very sorry to observe that humankind has not learned as much as I would expect. All of us are living in dangerous and very dark times again. These wars are hard to believe. In spite of that, I am still hoping for our future. Well done, Rachel Wesson.

I love historical fiction books ... especially those set during WWII. This one was a different focus for me and one I enjoyed. The Cook sisters brought a unique aspect to efforts individuals went to during WWII to hinder Hitler’s attempt at total control. The beginning of the book was a little slow, but you will find yourself cheering on these amazing ladies as they manage to deliver valuable items and money while helping Jewish people to escape Hitler’s reign of terror. However, you need to realize that they helped EVERYONE ... not just those that had money. As an aside, the descriptions of the operas were moving and you could sense the emotions they invoked in Connie and Dottie. This was a good addition to the historical fiction genre.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

Brilliant!!! Connie and Dottie love opera. They even saved for a trip to New York City before World War 2. Connie and Dottie hate what is happening to the Jewish people in Europe as the Nazis become stronger and stronger. These two women can't just let it go on without doing anything.

The combine there love of opera with the their mission to help others. They traveled to different Opera houses collecting assets and returning to England. There they would liquidate and create bank accounts for the families of the assets. Visas were only given to a few in Britain. Those that could support themselves could apply and hopefully find safety in England.

Connie and Dottie refused to stop. They invested their time and money. They just kept trying to help more and more. Their journeys were filled with risks. If anyone discovered what the were doing the results would be catastrophic. If jewels were discovered; they could be confiscated. That didn't stop them. Travel became risky. Conditions worsened. That didn't stop them. Nazis became more prominent at the opera. They found themselves surrounded by them. That didn't stop them.

A Song of Courage was an emotional read. The details were impressive and easy to imagine. The drama was on the edge of your seat issues until they were safely back in England. It was as if I was transported back in time. A time I wouldn't wish on anyone.

With all the details in the story, it was the epilogue that had me bawling loudly. My emotions could not be contained.

Based on a true story, and captivating!

Connie and Dottie Fitzwalter are sisters living in Britain with their mother, after they father died following the Great War. Both are incredible opera fans, and are regular visitors to the local opera house, and that leads them on to visit more locations. And when their favorite singer heads to New York, they dream of traveling to visit her. With sheer determination, they scrimp and save enough for their dream to come true.

Long-time family friend, Stephen, comes to tell them of the true atrocities against any "undesirable" in Hitler's eyes, and details the violence and persecution in Germany and Austria. They cannot sit by without taking action, and use their love of opera as reason to visit Vienna and Frankfurt. With Stephen's help, they devise plans to smuggle money and small valuables for families to establish funds in Britain. And they go on to recruit sponsors for families and find employment for individuals so they may escape the atrocities of the Nazi regime.

The incredible courage, determination, bravery and heart exhibited in this story is just incredibly moving. The epilogue is incredibly heartwarming as well. I'd give it more than five stars if I could.

Thanks to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and Rachel Wesson for the eARC.

Connie and Dottie love opera and they both have a very big heart. They can’t stand injustice and will do everything to help others. Together with Stephen and others the help Jews to leave, first Germany and later on Austria. But can they do enough?
I’ve read a couple of WWII stories by this author and also this was an emotional page turner again. This story makes you think what decisions you would make when you are standing in their shoes.

My thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘A Song Of Courage’ written by Rachel Wesson in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

The Fitzwalter sisters, Connie who works for the Civil Service and Dottie who’s an accomplished author and seamstress, live with their mother in London. Both are keen fans of opera and during their travels into Germany and Austria to watch famous artistes perform they use it as a cover to help Jewish people by smuggling their valuables back into England so that they’re able to get visas and achieve the freedom from oppression and possible death they so desperately crave.

‘A Song of Courage’ is a true story based on the heroic acts of two very brave young women who are determined to save the lives of the very many Jews people suffering under Hitler’s regime even if it means risking their own. The characters are brilliantly portrayed as they describe their lives from the year 1993 to 1939 when England declares war on Germany. This wonderful novel has been an absolute joy to read as I’ve immersed myself in the women’s lives but it’s also an eye-opener that brave people were willing to take such massive risks to save the lives of those who were being persecuted during WWII. But nothing prepared me for the epilogue that I won’t give away except to say that it’s had me in floods of tears and even now I’m still reaching for my tissues just thinking about it.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Rachel Wesson for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for A Song of Courage coming out July 4, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I received this directly from Storm Publishing. The subject matter is really interesting to me. I love learning more about WWII and all of the brave men and women who were involved in the war. The writing was good and I enjoyed the story. I just don’t know if I was in the mood for it. I’ve read a lot of WWII books and it felt like the other ones. I love that it was based on a true story and that story is really fascinating about how everything went down. I would check out other books by this author.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys learning more about WWII!

Thank you to NetGalley for this advanced copy. I am a fan of historical fiction but had not read anything by Rachel Wesson. A Song of Courage was a wonderful tale filled with so many emotions. At first I felt the two sisters’, Connie and Dottie, affection for the opera trivial, but this laid the groundwork for their amazingly heroic operation to come. It’s been a while since I had a book I couldn’t put down but this definitely broke that streak. The progression of the sisters learning the atrocities happening in Europe was very well done and the stories that were woven through definitely pulled on heartstrings. Definitely a good read for anyone who likes WWII era books.

As the Talmud says, “if you save a life, you save the world.” I’m glad I read this gripping story based on the real life history of two British spinsters whose daring actions and self-sacrifice made it possible for hundreds or even thousands of Jews to escape the Nazi holocaust.
As always, Rachel Wesson’s masterful storytelling plunged me into the sisters’ world and I felt their fears and dilemmas along with them. With a goosebump-inducing finale, this is a book which will linger in my memory. The author’s note at the end was fascinating in clarifying details of the truth underpinning the fiction.
Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys top notch historical fiction.

Connie never thought her and her sisters love and devotion to opera would give them the opportunity to save lives. Seeing as many wonderful operas as possible is the sisters favourite pastime. Saving up every penny to fund a trip to New York to see their favourite soprano sing. When their oldest family friend asks them to use a trip to the opera in Germany to help smuggle money back for Jewish civilians trying to get a visa in Britain, the sisters don’t hesitate to lend a hand. Not content to just make one trip, the sisters will spend the war and every dollar they can get their hands on to save as many lives as they can.
This book really highlights what ordinary people can do in extraordinary circumstances. From the sisters to the people who sponsor and fund refugees, this shows hope in a hopeless situation. I couldn’t stop reading. I have read two other Rachel Wesson books and wasn’t a huge fan of them but I really enjoyed this one. It is based on a true story, and there was definitely some research and care put into telling a version of it. Look for it July 4 2024.
Thank you to @netgalley and @stormbooks_co for letting me have an advanced copy to review.
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #booksbooksbooks #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookworm #booklover #booknerd #bookcommunity #readersofinstagram #readersofig #readers #reading #readingcommunity #readingislife