The Secretary A heartbreaking and gripping World War 2 historical novel

‘Don’t cry.’ Christoph uncurled her clenched fingers. ‘You know why you must work for him: to keep your real work away from your family, to keep them safe so that, if you get caught, they won’t be taken. One day you’ll be able to tell them all of that.’ Germany 1940. As secretary to an influential businessman, Magda Aderbach spends her days sending party invitations to high-ranking Nazis, and her evenings distributing pamphlets for the resistance. When she is approached about a job by the leader of the SS, Magda embarks upon a dangerous double life smuggling secrets out of his office. It’s a deadly game, and eventual exposure is a certainty, but Magda is driven by a need to keep the man she loves safe as he fights against the Nazis… Forty years later. Nina Dahlke’s heart pounds as she leaves everything she has ever known and steps into an uncertain future carrying a forged passport, a few Deutschmarks, and the image of an ornate stone villa, The Tower House, seared into her memory. She has never forgotten the fear in her grandmother’s voice when Nina found the drawing of the elegant building hidden in her wardrobe. And now, with nothing left to lose, Nina is determined to uncover the past her grandmother ran from. But not even Nina’s wildest imaginings come close to the truth that she discovers when she reaches her destination… A haunting and poignant novel about bravery, loss and redemption during the second World War. A beautiful read for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, We Were the Lucky Ones and The Alice Network. What readers are saying about Catherine Hokin: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘The best historical fiction book I’ve read this year! I was awake until the early morning hours finishing it, because I could not put it down!… Heartbreaking.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘What an amazing read… I was totally absorbed in the story and I would love to give it 10 stars. One of my best reads this year. I can’t begin to say how much I loved this book, I couldn’t put it down, absolutely brilliant.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘If I could give this book more than a five-star rating, I surely would! It is absolutely the best WW2 historical fiction I’ve read in a long time!… I couldn’t bear to put it down.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Can I give a rating higher than 5 stars?!… I really loved this book.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Have you ever read a book that has torn at your heartstrings so much that you just know it’s going to leave a lasting impression for the rest of time?… This book is going on that list!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This story just swept me away… I was left speechless… just wow!!… I do recommend a box of tissues… This book will have you turning the pages.’ Red Headed Book Lady blog ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘The more I read of this book, the more I had to read! What a fantastic story this is touching just about every emotion there is.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A wonderfully heartbreaking story of life, love and above all survival. A truly emotional book and very hard to put down. 5*.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Captivating. Sobering. Unflinching. 5+ stars.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Squeezed my cold heart… I was turned inside out yet completely invested and unwilling to put my Kindle down while compelled to read late into the night.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘What an extraordinary, engaging story. It moved me to undiscovered heights of understanding and compassion. A novel that will stay in my mind forever.’ Goodreads reviewer