One By One
The Secret Society Of Salzburg by Renee Ryan is a powerful historical novel that consumed me from the start.
This is a fictional account but based on fact. It was such an engrossing and compelling read that I have now bought the autobiography of Ida Cook.
The action is set from mid 1930’s to the end of World War II as the reader hops from England to Austria, Germany and Sweden to name but a few. It was a time of great danger as we follow characters through Nazi-occupied territories.
Spies are everywhere. Trust is in short supply. Horrors are all around. No one is safe. Many are content to do nothing. A few are compelled to act. They cannot sit idly by and watch the evil continue. We hear of a character with “her head full of details and her heart full of purpose.”
There are times when it all seems impossible – but God is the God of the impossible. A character cries out to Him. “Dear God, please. This is bigger than us. We need Your help.”
Friendships are formed in the most unlikely of places. Friendships formed in danger will not be broken as a steadfast bond is formed.
There is the theme of forgiveness. It may be hard to do in our own strength. It is then that we must lean on God and offer the hand of forgiveness through His power. As we forgive, grace is extended.
This was such a powerful read. There were unspeakable horrors and also tremendous bravery as characters dug deep to help those who were persecuted and powerless.
The Secret Society Of Salzburg is a book that must be read in memory of the six million innocents who perished, and also of the brave who did not stand idly by but rescued one by one.
I received a free copy via Just Read Tours for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
JULIA WILSON
Welcome to the Takeover + Review Tour for The Secret Society of Salzburg by Renee Ryan, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Title: The Secret Society of Salzburg
Author: Renee Ryan
Publisher: Love Inspired Trade
Release Date: December 27, 2022
Genre: Historical Inspirational WW2 Romance
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.
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Christianbook | BookBub
Also Available
The Christy Award 2022 Finalist
About the Author
Renee Ryan grew up in a Florida beach town outside Jacksonville, FL. Armed with a degree in Economics and Religion from Florida State University, she explored various career opportunities, including stints at a Florida theme park and a modeling agency. She currently lives in Savannah, Georgia with her husband and a large, fluffy cat many have mistaken for a small bear.
Connect with Renee by visiting reneeryan.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight January 3, 2023 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on January 10, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
