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England: 1944 When psychologist Maddie Gresham is sent a mysterious message telling her to report to Trent Park mansion, she wonders how she will be helping the war effort from a stately home. Having signed the official secrets act, she soon finds captured Nazi generals are being detained at the house. Bugged with listening devices in every room, it's up to Maddie to gain the Nazis' trust and coax them into giving up information. When Max Weitzler, a Jewish refugee, also arrives at Trent Park with the same mission, Maddie finds herself trapped in a dangerous game of chess. The two met in Germany before the war, and Maddie's heart was his from the moment they locked eyes. The hope that Max had escaped the Nazi threat was her guiding light in the darkness of war. But Maddie has finally gained the trust of the Nazi officers at the house, and her love for Max must remain a secret. As Hitler's bombs destroy more and more English towns, it is up to Maddie to make one of the captured officers talk - at any cost. But when there's a shocking death at the mansion, Maddie realises that not everyone at Trent Park is on the same side. When the walls have ears, who can you trust? Based on the true events that took place at Trent Park during WWII, this is an emotionally gripping, and heart-breaking novel about love, sacrifice, and betrayal, perfect for fans of The Rose Code and The Lost Girls of Paris. Readers LOVE Tessa Harris! 'An amazing story with great characters and a very deep love that will transcend the pages of the book. It is a book that will make you feel, hopeful, faithful, and sometimes angry that humans can be so cruel.'Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'This really is a special book. Fast-paced and beautifully written, it'll stay with me for a long time.'Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A great read, I had to finish it in one sitting...!' - Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reviews with the most likes.
I cannot resist a WWII novel based on a true story. The Light We Left Behind had me gripped from the prologue. Right away we get a feel for Maddie and Max's rapport before we jump eight years into the future. Now separated by circumstance, they are both doing their parts for the war effort all the while wondering what's happened to the other and if promises made still stand.
After the prologue, the first quarter of the book is a little slow but gradually picks up between mysterious deaths, fake identities, and a love triangle. With such lovable characters, I found this to be an exceptionally emotional story. I particularly liked the scenes between Maddie and Hammler. His character gives an interesting perspective to the Nazi antagonist without condoning his actions. I almost wish there had been more scenes with him. The focus was mostly on Max and Maddie's relationship.
Another notable relationship is that of Maddie and Dr. Baskin along with Maddie's intuitiveness surrounding his death. This is a driving force for her part of the story and brings everything together. This book has a little bit of everything. Action, mystery, intrigue, romance, deception, miscommunication, loss, heroism, joy... It was an enjoyable read.
A huge thanks to Harper360 for sending me a free copy of the book to read and review.