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Woman of Secrets
A poignant, touching and epic tale of lost love, set against the drama and danger of World War Two 1947. One wet and chilly November afternoon a woman stands at the edge of a lake forced into a heartbreaking choice between her past and her future. 2008. Police diver Martha makes an incredible discovery in a local lake of a package containing a series of lost mementoes which reveal a story of intrigue, betrayal and heartbreak. As the threads of the past and present are drawn together, Martha's world, and that of her family, is changed for ever.
576 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 3, 2013
I do enjoy stories set in World War Two and although this starts off in 2008 it takes you back to wartime France and the brave men and women who fought alongside the French resistance. There were times as I was reading this book I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next.
Amelia is a wonderful story teller especially the way she weaves all the different little stories throughout the book and finally makes them come together beautifully at the end. I cried buckets reading this book. As in her previous books, I didn't guess the ending.
Amelia is a wonderful story teller especially the way she weaves all the different little stories throughout the book and finally makes them come together beautifully at the end. I cried buckets reading this book. As in her previous books, I didn't guess the ending.
May 4, 2018
All the while reading this book I was on the edge of my seat guessing what's going to happen next. I guessed most of the things right and literally wanted to put the book down but then the twist at the end turned the cards around. The book takes you from 2008 to wartime France and narrates the story of some of the best fighters and secret agents of the time. Absolutely beautiful. This was my second book from Kristin Hannah after The Nightingale which will forever be my favorite book. Looking forward to pick up more books by this author.
October 27, 2022
1947. One wet and chilly November afternoon a woman stands at the edge of a lake forced into a heartbreaking choice between her past and her future.
2008. Police diver Martha makes an incredible discovery in a local lake of a package containing a series of lost mementoes which reveal a story of intrigue, betrayal and heartbreak.
As the threads of the past and present are drawn together, Martha's world, and that of her family, is changed for ever.
Police diving is a branch of professional diving carried out by police services.Police divers are usually sworn police officers,and may either be employed full-time as divers or as general water police officers,or be volunteers who usually serve in other units but are called in if their diving services are required.The duties carried out by police divers include rescue diving for underwater casualties and search and recovery for evidence and bodies.
Special Operations Executive(SOE) had been set up in 1940 to coordinate and carry out subversive action against German forces in occupied countries such as France.The primary quality required of an agent was a deep knowledge of the country in which he or she was to operate,and especially its language,if the agent was to pass as a native of the country.Dual nationality was often a prized attribute.SOE was also far ahead of contemporary attitudes in its use of women in armed combat.Although women were first considered only as couriers in the field or as wireless operators or administrative staff in Britain,those sent into the field were trained to use weapons and in unarmed combat.Most were commissioned into either the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry or the Women's Auxiliary Air Force.The organisation was prepared to ignore almost any contemporary social convention in its fight against the Axis.
2008. Police diver Martha makes an incredible discovery in a local lake of a package containing a series of lost mementoes which reveal a story of intrigue, betrayal and heartbreak.
As the threads of the past and present are drawn together, Martha's world, and that of her family, is changed for ever.
Police diving is a branch of professional diving carried out by police services.Police divers are usually sworn police officers,and may either be employed full-time as divers or as general water police officers,or be volunteers who usually serve in other units but are called in if their diving services are required.The duties carried out by police divers include rescue diving for underwater casualties and search and recovery for evidence and bodies.
Special Operations Executive(SOE) had been set up in 1940 to coordinate and carry out subversive action against German forces in occupied countries such as France.The primary quality required of an agent was a deep knowledge of the country in which he or she was to operate,and especially its language,if the agent was to pass as a native of the country.Dual nationality was often a prized attribute.SOE was also far ahead of contemporary attitudes in its use of women in armed combat.Although women were first considered only as couriers in the field or as wireless operators or administrative staff in Britain,those sent into the field were trained to use weapons and in unarmed combat.Most were commissioned into either the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry or the Women's Auxiliary Air Force.The organisation was prepared to ignore almost any contemporary social convention in its fight against the Axis.
October 6, 2018
A poignant, touching and epic tale of lost love, set against the drama and danger of World War Two.
1947. One wet and chilly November afternoon a woman stands at the edge of a lake forced into a heartbreaking choice between her past and her future.
2008. Police diver Martha makes an incredible discovery in a local lake of a package containing a series of lost mementoes which reveal a story of intrigue, betrayal and heartbreak.
As the threads of the past and present are drawn together, Martha's world, and that of her family, is changed for ever.
1947. One wet and chilly November afternoon a woman stands at the edge of a lake forced into a heartbreaking choice between her past and her future.
2008. Police diver Martha makes an incredible discovery in a local lake of a package containing a series of lost mementoes which reveal a story of intrigue, betrayal and heartbreak.
As the threads of the past and present are drawn together, Martha's world, and that of her family, is changed for ever.
May 12, 2018
A real page-turner, thoroughly enjoyed this book.
January 19, 2021
Really lovely story written from a different angle. Good reflection on women in Ww2.
August 13, 2025
4.5 stars. Brilliant book. Sad but full of hope.
December 21, 2012
I'm not really sure what to think of this book. On the one hand I can't really think of anything wrong with it as such but I can't deny that it didn't really grip me in any way. I enjoyed all the war stuff but didn't particularly enjoy the character of 'Pascale' at all. I thought the writing was good and the story was good but it was missing something undefinable. It was a book definitely aimed at women.
February 28, 2013
Diabolically bad story which mostly consisted of excessive dull exposition. Cheesy cringe making phrases such as 'Come to bed eyes'!!! Ugghhhh. If I could have given it no stars I would. I was forced to read it because it was a Book Club book.
Addendum:
Book club held last night and despite it being all girls the max score was 5/10 and that was because the reader had been under general anaesthetic in the afternoon! All agreed it was badly written drivel.
Addendum:
Book club held last night and despite it being all girls the max score was 5/10 and that was because the reader had been under general anaesthetic in the afternoon! All agreed it was badly written drivel.
July 19, 2013
I enjoyed this book very much, and had it been the first Amelia Carr book that I'd read it would probably have been a five star rating. It was very holding and I really wanted to find out what happens, however, being of a very similar writing style to The Secret She Kept, I could kind of guess where we were going! Nevertheless, I thoroughly recommend this book and author and look forward to reading more of her book.
November 23, 2013
One of the books that will stay with you for a long time.Historical fiction .Very well written , unbelievable characters ! I am surprised that this book is not that well known.World War II story with very surprising ending.Really worth reading it ! Loved it !
February 15, 2014
I was a bit disappointed in this book and it was hard going in the middle but glad I finished it. It did have a good twist at the end but it wasn't as good as Amelia Carr's previous book that I had read.
June 14, 2012
Brilliant book, I really didnt want to finish this read, but i had to lol absolutely lovely.
January 20, 2014
Enjoyed this book very much. Though much preferred the historical side of the novel to the present story line. I thought Pascale's story was by far better written.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews