Thank you to Soraya M. Lane and Lake Union Publishing for letting me read this ARC via NetGalley.

Genre: Historical Fiction
Vibes: 🎹💔🕰️📖🌹
Rating: 4.5 ⭐
Tropes: war-time romance / lavender marriage / marriage of convenience / dual timelines

I seriously have all of the goosebumps.
The amount of research that the author put into this made me fully believe that this was a non-fiction book. I have only read a handful of historical fiction books, but the time of the Holocaust always seems to be the era I find fascinating to read about, even though it was a super dark and tragic time in the world's history.
I found myself loving all the description put into every scene, I really could not put this book down. I loved the friendships between Amira and Giselle, and Frank and Amira and can only imagine that people like this did exist.

Make sure to read the Author's Note at the end -- the author explains all her research and I applaud her and all the time this must have taken. I do agree with the author that WW2 should be constantly taught in school, to avoid history repeating itself.

There were many unusual aspects to this story and the love, devotion and loyalty among the main characters was clear throughout the book. Although moving at times and certainly tragic, this historical fiction novel did not quite work for me. Still, I look forward to reading more of Ms. Lane's books. Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an advance copy.

Soraya Lane did a fantastic job exploring how ordinary people can step up to make a difference in the lives of others. Something that is nice to remember especially in the world today.

This book was heartbreaking and disturbing, yet it was beautifully written. It is a historical fiction with a very realistic feel to it.

This book reminds you that not all people share the same ideologies and that some are even willing to put themselves on the line to protect others.

📖 Genre: Historical Fiction, World War II ⭐ Rating: 4.5/5

📚 Overview
The Pianist's Wife is a poignant historical novel set against the backdrop of World War II. It explores themes of friendship, love, and survival during one of history's darkest periods.

🧐 What I Loved
✔ Deep Characterization: The author crafts complex characters whose personal journeys are both heart-wrenching and inspiring.

✔ Historical Authenticity: The narrative is rich with historical details, immersing readers in the era and providing a vivid portrayal of the challenges faced during the war.

✔ Emotional Depth: The story delves into profound themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and resilience, evoking a strong emotional response.

🤔 What Could Be Better
🔹 Predictable Plot Points: Some developments may be anticipated by readers familiar with World War II fiction, potentially reducing suspense.

🔹 Pacing Variations: Certain sections of the book may progress more slowly, which could affect engagement for some readers.

✨ Final Thoughts
The Pianist's Wife is a beautifully written novel that offers a heartfelt exploration of love and friendship amidst the horrors of war. The author's meticulous research and compelling storytelling make it a standout in historical fiction.

📌 Would I recommend it? Absolutely, especially for readers who appreciate emotionally charged narratives set during World War II.

Soraya M. Lane is one of my favorite historical fiction authors. I have loved every book I have read by her and cannot wait to read the next one. I would highly recommend this book!

This was so moving, so emotional, so heartbreaking, but the power of friendship was so beautiful.

Set in Germany during the Second World War. It was awful reading what happened. The fear and uncertainty must have been horrendous for those living in Germany. It doesn't go too deep in detail of what happened, but it was enough to get the message across.

We must never let them be forgotten

This story focuses on finding out what love and friendship means and how important they play in life, especially when your life is threatened.

This is a poignant story of trust and beliefs in one another and finding out what truly means the most to you.

This was such an intriguing book! You really can feel the tension at the time as Amira and Fred struggle to hide who they really are, all while others know about their backgrounds.

I like how Lane really brings you into a story, but I do with Amira's childhood has been explored just a little bit more.

Still, this is was a really good historical fiction read. If you like ww2 historical fiction, you will like this book.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.

This book was so heartbreaking, disturbing, and yet, beautiful! This is a historical fiction with a very realistic feel to it with its brutally honest portrayal of the holocaust. While there is some romance, that is not the focus of this book. It is the pure love and devotion through friendship that takes center stage and captures your heart.

4 stars

Soraya Lane has the incredible ability of being stories from WWII to life in ways that stay with you long after you’ve read the last page! I’m so grateful to Soraya and NetGalley for allowing me to read this story before it hit the shelves.

Amira and Fred were two “undesirables” living in Germany at the height of the regime when just looking at someone funny was dangerous. In order to keep her best friend safe from deportation, Giselle introduces Amira to Fred with the insistence that they could help each other by getting married. It wouldn’t be a love match but it would be one that lasts a lifetime after both Amira and Fred lose the loves of their lives to the war. Giselle has a bigger problem though, her husband is a high ranking officer and her mother is about as antisemitic as they come so she everything she does to help her friends is done quietly. Will Amira and Fred make it through the war? Will Giselle’s husband and mother betray her? You’ll just have to read it to find out!

This book, while fictional, humanizes WWII by making readers see things through the eyes of compassion. Resistance came in many forms and from many different types of people. It reminds you that not all Germans shared the ideologies of the regime and were willing to put themselves on the line to help others. I can’t recommend this story enough! It’s one of Soraya’s finest!!

Every WWII book I have read has shown me a different perspective, and this book was no exception. This is a beautiful story of what true love and loyalty can look like, even in the worst of times, and when it’s least expected. This was my first book by this author, and I will look for other by her!

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for my advance reader copy in exchange for my honest feedback.

If you admire the books by Elie Wiesel, this would be an excellent book to add to your library.

If i had to describe this book in one word, I'd say: intense!! It's about friendship, loyalty, secrets, and bravery. I was so immersed in this story I thought about it throughout the day. When you're in the middle of Germany during the war where hatred, propaganda, and fear rule; this author takes you inside a friendship so strong they'd risk anything to save the other. They say love triumphs, but at times it comes at a cost.

Amira's mother was Jewish so after her death her father did everything possible to keep her safe. To keep her lineage a secret at great risk when he worked for the Nazis. The constant fear, the fact that they had to be on alert at all times, and knowing if she was discovered she'd end up in one of the concentration camps. Gisele was her best friend since childhood and felt differently than many of the Germans so you get a glimpse at how many households may have felt but were afraid to speak up. There's also a love story like I've never read before, actually there are several but you'll have to read this to find out. I cannot say anything more without spoilers.

It's a compelling story, one you will never forget. This author does her research and in reading her note at the end of the book will tell you just how this story came about. I'm grateful to Netgalley for offering me an ARC. I finished this book on Christmas morning before anyone was awake and I sat there thinking of the pure message this story brings: to be grateful for what you have because at any moment it can change. Outstanding read, comes with my highest recommendation if you're apt to learn more about WWII.

Amira is thoughtful and her friendship with Gisele is endearing. However, I didn't finish the book because I couldn't really bond with the characters. This is my first book by the author; the writing is generally good, but it wasn't engaging enough for me. That said, I must admit that I'm a very impatient reader, so maybe it's just me. Thank you for the copy—sorry it didn't work for me.

5 easy stars from me!

Soraya Lane is a must-read author for me, and she never disappoints. I read this book in one sitting - I just couldn't put it down.
Once again, Soraya has taken a topic and delivered a heartbreaking, informative, though-provoking, and sensitively written novel about the treatment of 'undesirables' in Nazi Germany. I always learn so much through Soraya's stories and I end up googling events that I previously hadn't known about, or hadn't really looked into. Soraya brings to life the fear and horrors of the time, while also focusing on the good people who put themselves in danger, sacrificing so much trying to save themselves and others from the Nazi regime.
A must-read for lovers of historical WWII fiction or anyone who is new to the genre.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and Soraya Lane for an ARC for review. All opinions are my own, and my review is voluntary.

My favorite book of 2025! I could not put this book down. This story is about two girls and a secret. Should one tell? Should one not?

There were aspects of this book that didn't work for me. It must be difficult to come up with new plots and storylines for WWII fiction, as most have been often repeated over and over again, especially in recent years. However I felt that in this book, the true story was not Fred and Amira's, but Gisele's. How she kept Amira's secret and the anguish of being loyal to her husband and her family - and to her best, half-Jewish friend.

Amira and Fred's escape was truly harrowing, but I still felt Gisele's and her husband Han's part in everything would have been much more intriguing to explore. However there could be no happy ending in that story.

En bref, je savais que le contexte allait être difficile et je ne me suis pas trompée même si la gentillesse, le grand cœur et la bonté des personnages atténues un peu les drames qui se jouent devant nos yeux. J'ai adoré Amira et Gisele, elles ne baissent pas les bras, cherchent des solutions, Gisele est une amie comme il y a peu et elles vont toutes les deux traverser des tempêtes. J'ai aimé les rencontres, les sentiments, ce qui nous fait réfléchir, surtout sur la fin et je n'avais pas vu venir certains rebondissements qui m'ont scotchés. Le final est intense et nous permet de clore cette aventure avec des larmes plein les yeux mais aussi de l'espoir dans le cœur.

Wow. Wow A great novel. As Amira grows up as a half Jewess she has to deal with the war and the expansion of the Nazis especially their attitude towards Jews and Homosexuality. There is never a straightforward time as different situations implode. A must read if you like WW2 genre. Thanks to Soraya and her publisher. Thanks also to NetGalley

This is a read that left me both uplifted and hopeful and yet broken and full of every emotion. It is such a heartwarming read that left me really rooting for some of the characters and then at other times left me with tears running down my face. I will be thinking of this one for ages

My rating:

Plot: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Recommended for readers of:

Historical Fiction

Review:

This is a beautifully written story showing resilience, hope and love in a time of pain, despair and heartbreak. The plot flows well and the scenes are described in vivid details this made the story come a life. The book tells the WWII story from inside Germany and it shows that no matter where you go there are always brave people that are willing to risk everything to save others, thought provoking at times, as it also shines a light on the question what are people willing to do in order to survive The characters are complex; their actions are explained in great detail, this gave them a realistic feel. Well researched and based on some non fictional characters and events.

Overall:

A well written story that grips you from the start, heartbreaking at times with interesting and realistic characters I highly recommend reading it.

Review copy provided through Netgalley at no cost to me.