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The Woman with No Name
She'll light the fire of resistance—but she may get burned…
1942. Though she survived the bomb that destroyed her home, Yvonne Rudellat's life is over. She's estranged from her husband, her daughter is busy with war work, and Yvonne—older, diminutive, overlooked—has lost all purpose. Until she's offered a chance to remake herself entirely…
The war has taken a turn for the worse, and the men in charge are desperate. So, when Yvonne is recruited as Britain's first female sabotage agent, expectations are low. But her tenacity, ability to go unnoticed, and aptitude for explosives set her apart. Soon enough she arrives in occupied France with a new identity, ready to set the Nazi regime ablaze.
But there are adversaries on all sides. As Yvonne becomes infamous as the nameless, unstoppable woman who burns the enemy at every turn, she realizes she may lose herself to the urgent needs of the cause…
Based on a true story, The Woman With No Name is a gripping story of secrets, spies, and the women behind the Resistance, from USA Today bestselling author Audrey Blake.
1942. Though she survived the bomb that destroyed her home, Yvonne Rudellat's life is over. She's estranged from her husband, her daughter is busy with war work, and Yvonne—older, diminutive, overlooked—has lost all purpose. Until she's offered a chance to remake herself entirely…
The war has taken a turn for the worse, and the men in charge are desperate. So, when Yvonne is recruited as Britain's first female sabotage agent, expectations are low. But her tenacity, ability to go unnoticed, and aptitude for explosives set her apart. Soon enough she arrives in occupied France with a new identity, ready to set the Nazi regime ablaze.
But there are adversaries on all sides. As Yvonne becomes infamous as the nameless, unstoppable woman who burns the enemy at every turn, she realizes she may lose herself to the urgent needs of the cause…
Based on a true story, The Woman With No Name is a gripping story of secrets, spies, and the women behind the Resistance, from USA Today bestselling author Audrey Blake.
383 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 12, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 401 reviews
February 26, 2024
'This is a war of the Unknown Warriors', proclaimed Churchill at the onset of WW2 as he referred to all of the citizens throughout war-torn Europe who would not only be affected by the violence but, indeed would need to become an active part of the everyday war effort.
Yvonne Rudellat was a native Frenchwoman, living in England with her estranged husband, daughter, and son-in-law when a Blitz bombing raid destroyed their house. Homeless, they scatter to find new housing and a new purpose to help bring this war to a close. But Yvonne is already in her forties, and all of the more active volunteer services turn away her offers to help, leaving her sidelined at a desk job. One day she is approached by a man who certainly knows more about her than she knows about him. That one day changed the course of her life. That one day ultimately sends her into France as an SOE who goes on to become a sub-leader of one of France's largest and most effective resistance networks. To the Germans, she is the unknown saboteur who has no name.
I always find stories based on real, historical figures resonate - especially when the author's notes clarify the facts from the fiction. I really enjoyed reading and learning about a middle-aged woman who thought herself purposeless, becoming the first woman to be sent to France as an SOE. And, through her own passion and daring became a respected leader to many.
I know many WW2 historical fiction aficionados will enjoy reading Yvonne's story too.
Yvonne Rudellat was a native Frenchwoman, living in England with her estranged husband, daughter, and son-in-law when a Blitz bombing raid destroyed their house. Homeless, they scatter to find new housing and a new purpose to help bring this war to a close. But Yvonne is already in her forties, and all of the more active volunteer services turn away her offers to help, leaving her sidelined at a desk job. One day she is approached by a man who certainly knows more about her than she knows about him. That one day changed the course of her life. That one day ultimately sends her into France as an SOE who goes on to become a sub-leader of one of France's largest and most effective resistance networks. To the Germans, she is the unknown saboteur who has no name.
I always find stories based on real, historical figures resonate - especially when the author's notes clarify the facts from the fiction. I really enjoyed reading and learning about a middle-aged woman who thought herself purposeless, becoming the first woman to be sent to France as an SOE. And, through her own passion and daring became a respected leader to many.
I know many WW2 historical fiction aficionados will enjoy reading Yvonne's story too.
September 17, 2024
Highly recommended by my wife. As far as I know, she's never wrong and always right.
March 4, 2024
Yvonne Rudellat has a dysfunctional relationship with her husband Alex and daughter Jackie and when their house is destroyed during the Blitz, Alex leaves her to fend for herself and her daughter joins up.
Yvonne feels washed up, too old to help England win the war despite being in her early forties and she considers jumping into the Thames. Until Selwyn Jepson a recruitment officer invited her for an interview at Baker Street and she became the first women secret service operatives in England.
Yvonne might be small, but she’s determined, somehow she passes the training in Scotland and is ready to be sent to France and is given her first of many code names. Her job's to organize drop zones for agents and supplies France and to delay, damage, disturb, cause waste and do anything she could to slow down the German war machine.
Things don’t go as planned for Yvonne in the circuit she's part of, and she starts recruiting her own members with Pierre Culioli and training them. Yvonne doesn’t know who she can trust, her ideas of what they should do to make things difficult for the Germans was ingenious, she became famously known as the saboteur with no name.
I received a copy of The Woman with No Name from Sourcebooks and Edelweiss plus in exchange for an honest review. Audrey Blake has cleverly used real and fictional characters and a dual timeline to write about what it was like to be an SOE in France, the risks they took and how they outsmarted the Germans.
I have read numerous novels about this topic, some of the ideas and things used and mentioned in this one were new to me, they were really clever and, they certainly outside of the box and Yvonne had a talent with explosives. The perfect novel to read for women’s history month, I highly recommend and five stars from me.
Yvonne feels washed up, too old to help England win the war despite being in her early forties and she considers jumping into the Thames. Until Selwyn Jepson a recruitment officer invited her for an interview at Baker Street and she became the first women secret service operatives in England.
Yvonne might be small, but she’s determined, somehow she passes the training in Scotland and is ready to be sent to France and is given her first of many code names. Her job's to organize drop zones for agents and supplies France and to delay, damage, disturb, cause waste and do anything she could to slow down the German war machine.
Things don’t go as planned for Yvonne in the circuit she's part of, and she starts recruiting her own members with Pierre Culioli and training them. Yvonne doesn’t know who she can trust, her ideas of what they should do to make things difficult for the Germans was ingenious, she became famously known as the saboteur with no name.
I received a copy of The Woman with No Name from Sourcebooks and Edelweiss plus in exchange for an honest review. Audrey Blake has cleverly used real and fictional characters and a dual timeline to write about what it was like to be an SOE in France, the risks they took and how they outsmarted the Germans.
I have read numerous novels about this topic, some of the ideas and things used and mentioned in this one were new to me, they were really clever and, they certainly outside of the box and Yvonne had a talent with explosives. The perfect novel to read for women’s history month, I highly recommend and five stars from me.
March 20, 2024
The Woman With No Name was the third book that I had the pleasure of reading by author, Audrey Blake. I enjoyed that she had chosen to write another book about a strong and determined woman. It was based on the true story of Yvonne Rudellat, a forty something year old woman who helped the members of the French Resistance slow down and derail the Nazi’s attempts to overtake France and demoralize the people of France during World War II. She was the oldest and first woman that was recruited by the SOE to be sent into war torn France for this purpose. Yvonne might have been older and slight in built or petite but she made up for those things with her courage, foresight, leadership and attention to details. She excelled at bomb making and sabotage and was respected by the members of the resistance she worked with. Yvonne Rudellat’s code name was Jacqueline but the Germans referred to her as the “saboteur with no name”. I listened to the audiobook of The Woman with No Name by Audrey Blake. It was very well narrated by Amy Scanlon. I really enjoyed listening to this gripping story about Yvonne Rudellat and highly recommend it to those of you that enjoy reading about strong women and historical fiction that is based on true accounts.
Thank you to Recorded Books for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of The Woman with No Name by Audrey Blake through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Recorded Books for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of The Woman with No Name by Audrey Blake through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 19, 2024
The woman with no name lights the fire of resistance … despite knowing she may get burned.
Jaima Fixsen, a.k.a. Audrey Blake, co-writes with her friend, Regina Sirois, to produce wonderful historical fiction. I loved both The Girl In His Shadow and The Surgeon’s Daughter.
Based on a true story, The Woman With No Name is filled to the brim with secrets, spies and daring Resistance escapades. I’ve read many books set in this era and many focused on Resistance, but this writing duo has brought something new and exciting to historical fiction readers. I loved this daring and unassuming woman and her fascinating legacy and can’t wait for other readers of this genre to meet her.
Readers are transported to 1942 Britain and meet Yvonne Rudellat who is down on her luck and feeling despondent. She’s had her share of losses and desperately needs a purpose. When she’s offered a chance to be useful and contribute to the war effort, she jumps at the opportunity despite not knowing the dangers.
As Britian’s first female sabotage agent, Yvonne soon makes a name for herself. It seems her heroics haven’t gone unnoticed and she systematically undermines the Germans in Vichy France. ‘Jacqueline’ and her tenacity stand tall in a field dominated by males who are eager to dismiss her and who continually underestimate her ability and worth.
I really enjoyed this novel that examines quiet courage that springs up amid great adversity, simple assertiveness that inspires positive change, and a woman who has been lost to history. This duo has honoured her legacy. It’s a fantastic story.
My takeaway? Never let up on giving your best and your all.
I was gifted this copy by Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Jaima Fixsen, a.k.a. Audrey Blake, co-writes with her friend, Regina Sirois, to produce wonderful historical fiction. I loved both The Girl In His Shadow and The Surgeon’s Daughter.
Based on a true story, The Woman With No Name is filled to the brim with secrets, spies and daring Resistance escapades. I’ve read many books set in this era and many focused on Resistance, but this writing duo has brought something new and exciting to historical fiction readers. I loved this daring and unassuming woman and her fascinating legacy and can’t wait for other readers of this genre to meet her.
Readers are transported to 1942 Britain and meet Yvonne Rudellat who is down on her luck and feeling despondent. She’s had her share of losses and desperately needs a purpose. When she’s offered a chance to be useful and contribute to the war effort, she jumps at the opportunity despite not knowing the dangers.
As Britian’s first female sabotage agent, Yvonne soon makes a name for herself. It seems her heroics haven’t gone unnoticed and she systematically undermines the Germans in Vichy France. ‘Jacqueline’ and her tenacity stand tall in a field dominated by males who are eager to dismiss her and who continually underestimate her ability and worth.
I really enjoyed this novel that examines quiet courage that springs up amid great adversity, simple assertiveness that inspires positive change, and a woman who has been lost to history. This duo has honoured her legacy. It’s a fantastic story.
My takeaway? Never let up on giving your best and your all.
I was gifted this copy by Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
March 12, 2024
Yvonne Rudellat is a divorced woman with a grown daughter with nothing to do to help the war effort until she is approached to help with explosives in France.
We follow Yvonne through her training and her bravery as one of the only women in this special operations group.
Of course, the men thought she wouldn’t be capable of doing the same job they do, but she proved them wrong.
It did get a bit confusing and dragged at times because there were so many characters and because of the back and forth and the details about the operations.
It was well written but didn’t really hold my interest even though it got more personable toward the end and less about the operations even though it was based on real people.
Even though it was not an enjoyable read for me, we do need to thank these brave men and women for their unwavering efforts to fight for France and risk their lives as they resisted the Germans.
THE WOMAN WITH NO NAME will be enjoyed by historical fiction fans, fans of strong women based on a real person, and details about war operations. 3/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
We follow Yvonne through her training and her bravery as one of the only women in this special operations group.
Of course, the men thought she wouldn’t be capable of doing the same job they do, but she proved them wrong.
It did get a bit confusing and dragged at times because there were so many characters and because of the back and forth and the details about the operations.
It was well written but didn’t really hold my interest even though it got more personable toward the end and less about the operations even though it was based on real people.
Even though it was not an enjoyable read for me, we do need to thank these brave men and women for their unwavering efforts to fight for France and risk their lives as they resisted the Germans.
THE WOMAN WITH NO NAME will be enjoyed by historical fiction fans, fans of strong women based on a real person, and details about war operations. 3/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
February 14, 2024
I struggled with this book due to the organization. Because of how the book is laid out, I never became invested in the characters. It was a very slow start, and nothing really happened. The timeline was past and present, and It wasn’t until about the 30% mark that we finally found out what was really going on with Yvonne. She was being trained as part of the war effort as an operative. I think that had this chapter been moved closer to the front of the book, it would have made a lot more sense, and I actually would have paid attention. But because it wasn’t, I was disengaged and bored with this read. I am intrigued that this is based on a real woman, and I am going to learn more about her, it just won’t be in this book.
Thank you very much to the publisher and netgalley for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you very much to the publisher and netgalley for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
March 8, 2024
The history around World War 2 has always fascinated me. There are no words for the horrific acts committed by the Nazis on so many innocent people. But what truly inspires me are the countless stories of survival and bravery during this dark time in history.
Which is where this book comes in. Here, we learn the true story of the first female Special Operations Executive agent, Yvonne Rudellat. And her story is truly inspiring.
I can’t fathom the overwhelming emotions she faced every day. The paranoia and fear of being exposed, the adrenaline and pride with each successful mission, the pure exhaustion of the work she was doing. But despite all of that, she had drive and determination and wanted to make an impact in any way she could. She was a hero.
The author’s note at the end was touching and you could tell this subject was dear to her heart. She did Yvonne’s story great justice.
Thank you NetGalley and Recorded Books for the chance to listen to and review this audiobook.
Which is where this book comes in. Here, we learn the true story of the first female Special Operations Executive agent, Yvonne Rudellat. And her story is truly inspiring.
I can’t fathom the overwhelming emotions she faced every day. The paranoia and fear of being exposed, the adrenaline and pride with each successful mission, the pure exhaustion of the work she was doing. But despite all of that, she had drive and determination and wanted to make an impact in any way she could. She was a hero.
The author’s note at the end was touching and you could tell this subject was dear to her heart. She did Yvonne’s story great justice.
Thank you NetGalley and Recorded Books for the chance to listen to and review this audiobook.
August 20, 2023
Thank you NetGalley for this advanced copy of The Woman with No Name. When I saw that the galley was available from one of my favourite authors, I snapped it up and immediately delved into it. And I couldn't put it down. This writing duo, Audrey Blake, provides such a captivating story based on the true adventures of Yvonne Rudellat.
Yvonne is recruited as Britain's first female sabotage agent. Sent to France, we meet her group of Resistance comrades and follow them through the war as they sabotage the Germans.
This story is thrilling! Excitement around every turn. Yvonne is a wonderful character that you will cheer along the whole book. Well written, you'd never guess Audrey Blake is two talented authors. I appreciate their dedication to history and enjoyed this novel immensely.
Comes out March 12, 2024!
Yvonne is recruited as Britain's first female sabotage agent. Sent to France, we meet her group of Resistance comrades and follow them through the war as they sabotage the Germans.
This story is thrilling! Excitement around every turn. Yvonne is a wonderful character that you will cheer along the whole book. Well written, you'd never guess Audrey Blake is two talented authors. I appreciate their dedication to history and enjoyed this novel immensely.
Comes out March 12, 2024!
April 21, 2024
This was a compelling read. It's well researched, and I love that it's based on a true story. The Woman with No Name is about Yvonne Rudellat and follows her time serving as an agent for Britain during WWII.
Her story is filled with suspense, anger, and determination. She was an extremely proactive resistance worker, and her efforts during the war were heroic and amazing.
The author does a fantastic job of bringing her and these events into vivid focus. Overall, this was an emotional read, but I'm glad to have learned about this strong and resilient woman.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Her story is filled with suspense, anger, and determination. She was an extremely proactive resistance worker, and her efforts during the war were heroic and amazing.
The author does a fantastic job of bringing her and these events into vivid focus. Overall, this was an emotional read, but I'm glad to have learned about this strong and resilient woman.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
January 5, 2025
What a powerful and sobering although excellent book indeed....My heart ached as the depiction of life under occupation by the Germans was so vivid as for sheer misery and devastation of millions of lives that never need have happened in the first place except for Hitler's hell bent determination to wipe out the Jewish and take over everywhere possible as we know...... Such horrific years for so many :(
I was so impressed with Yvonne as she was such a gutsy female operative who smuggled into France as she caused havoc with bombs on railways, supply trucks with airplane parts, and destroying windshields of the Nazis etc as a part of the French resistance. I am in awe and so admire those brave souls who risked their lives to stand up against evil tyrants to protect others and defend their country.
Quite a worthwhile book to check out for the insight yet again but also for learning about special operative's training as this book was based on real life courageous souls.
I was so impressed with Yvonne as she was such a gutsy female operative who smuggled into France as she caused havoc with bombs on railways, supply trucks with airplane parts, and destroying windshields of the Nazis etc as a part of the French resistance. I am in awe and so admire those brave souls who risked their lives to stand up against evil tyrants to protect others and defend their country.
Quite a worthwhile book to check out for the insight yet again but also for learning about special operative's training as this book was based on real life courageous souls.
August 21, 2023
I literally could not put this one down! I devoured in 24 hours. The action is paced perfectly throughout the entire book to keep you on your toes and hanging on every word. There’s good background in the beginning that lets you get to know the characters without feeling like it drags out. It has multiple POVs but it doesn’t feel like too many, and a dual timeline covering both training and then the work she did during the war. She put her heart and soul into her work when she felt all else was lost.
This story is based on a real person, Yvonne Rudellat, and I plan on doing much more research on her real life. She was such a strong woman and leader through the war and I need to know more about her! I live for a strong female character, especially one set in the WWII era, and this is just so good. She overcame doubts and proved that women could be a great aid in war efforts.
This story is based on a real person, Yvonne Rudellat, and I plan on doing much more research on her real life. She was such a strong woman and leader through the war and I need to know more about her! I live for a strong female character, especially one set in the WWII era, and this is just so good. She overcame doubts and proved that women could be a great aid in war efforts.
March 13, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ This novel is a thoughtful exploration into the true life and story of Yvonne Claire Rudellat, Britain's first female SOE-trained agent to go to France during WWII, depicted through the creative lens of Audrey Blake. Using the codename "Jacqueline", she is an unassuming yet formidable spy and models the raw essence of human resilience.
Although the novel's structure, with its back-and-forth of multiple perspectives and timelines, made the first half of the book a little hard to follow, I can see where Blake is offering a deep, reflective journey rather than a straightforward historical recount. I listened to this as an audiobook, but do think the physical book (which I also own) may have been the better path in enjoying this novel for that reason. That being said, the ending of the book had me hooked and I certainly wanted to learn more about Yvonne thereafter.
The author's note extended my appreciation of this tribute to an unsung heroine of history.
Thanks to Goodreads, Netgalley, RB Media, Audrey Blake, and Amy Scanlon for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Although the novel's structure, with its back-and-forth of multiple perspectives and timelines, made the first half of the book a little hard to follow, I can see where Blake is offering a deep, reflective journey rather than a straightforward historical recount. I listened to this as an audiobook, but do think the physical book (which I also own) may have been the better path in enjoying this novel for that reason. That being said, the ending of the book had me hooked and I certainly wanted to learn more about Yvonne thereafter.
The author's note extended my appreciation of this tribute to an unsung heroine of history.
Thanks to Goodreads, Netgalley, RB Media, Audrey Blake, and Amy Scanlon for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 11, 2023
I hope you mark this WWII historical fiction novel as a "Want to Read" on GoodReads when it's released in March 2024!
Synopsis: This story is based on the life of Yvonne Rudellat, or Jacqueline, a 45-year-old woman who becomes a spy for the British Special Operations Executive Organization after becoming estranged from her husband and once her daughter begins involving herself with war work. After her home was bombed in 1942, it's time to get involved with the war effort in a way that's bigger than herself - as a spy. She becomes Britain's first female sabotage agent, successfully making it through training with signs of a knack for explosives and quick thinking. She gets a new identity and arrives in occupied France, ready to "blow up" the Nazi regime and develop a connection of spies and disruptors all aligned on throwing off the Germans.
This book was hard to put down, and it flowed beautifully. I felt so inspired by all of the brave souls involved in the resistance - especially the women - and how well Jacqueline could network people together toward a common goal, becoming a family that would go to the ends of the Earth to protect each other and fight to support France. I liked the balance between Jacqueline's training experience and her present-day spy work - I love a strong female character, and Yvonne (who is a real person, by the way) was as strong as they come!
I was on the edge of my seat during the action-packed moments. I could feel the tension of those intense, dangerous situations - like airline ammunition drops, German security checkpoints, injuries, etc. You know it's a good novel when it feels immersive!
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: This story is based on the life of Yvonne Rudellat, or Jacqueline, a 45-year-old woman who becomes a spy for the British Special Operations Executive Organization after becoming estranged from her husband and once her daughter begins involving herself with war work. After her home was bombed in 1942, it's time to get involved with the war effort in a way that's bigger than herself - as a spy. She becomes Britain's first female sabotage agent, successfully making it through training with signs of a knack for explosives and quick thinking. She gets a new identity and arrives in occupied France, ready to "blow up" the Nazi regime and develop a connection of spies and disruptors all aligned on throwing off the Germans.
This book was hard to put down, and it flowed beautifully. I felt so inspired by all of the brave souls involved in the resistance - especially the women - and how well Jacqueline could network people together toward a common goal, becoming a family that would go to the ends of the Earth to protect each other and fight to support France. I liked the balance between Jacqueline's training experience and her present-day spy work - I love a strong female character, and Yvonne (who is a real person, by the way) was as strong as they come!
I was on the edge of my seat during the action-packed moments. I could feel the tension of those intense, dangerous situations - like airline ammunition drops, German security checkpoints, injuries, etc. You know it's a good novel when it feels immersive!
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2024
Having enjoyed Audrey Blake's previous books, I was excited to see this new offering from the talented author. . . .and I wasn't disappointed.
Set in the middle of the horrors of WWII in Britain - a country hanging on by the skins of its people, Yvonne Rudellat (based on an actual woman) had given up. Her family circle had moved away and left her abandoned. Her thoughts were dark and suicidal, when she turned on her heel and presented herself for duty. As a spy. One that would most likely - 99% likely - not survive. It fit her desired trajectory - and if she could save someone, something on the way, and prove to the world she wasn't just a little old throw-away lady - she was 110% in.
This is a story well-told, and the thoughtful reader feels the foundation of all those unknown, unnamed women (and men) whose sacrifices we'll never uncover (yet upon whose gifts of life we walk every day) through the threads of the story and adventures shared. There is an underlying urge to read on, to acknowledge the debt owed to those like Yvonne. Lives lived, deaths offered, torturous prices paid for the years we've enjoyed the freedoms they made possible.
Another great book from Ms. Blake. Looking forward to the next one!
*A sincere thank you to Audrey Blake, RB Media, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #TheWomanwithNoName #NetGalley
Set in the middle of the horrors of WWII in Britain - a country hanging on by the skins of its people, Yvonne Rudellat (based on an actual woman) had given up. Her family circle had moved away and left her abandoned. Her thoughts were dark and suicidal, when she turned on her heel and presented herself for duty. As a spy. One that would most likely - 99% likely - not survive. It fit her desired trajectory - and if she could save someone, something on the way, and prove to the world she wasn't just a little old throw-away lady - she was 110% in.
This is a story well-told, and the thoughtful reader feels the foundation of all those unknown, unnamed women (and men) whose sacrifices we'll never uncover (yet upon whose gifts of life we walk every day) through the threads of the story and adventures shared. There is an underlying urge to read on, to acknowledge the debt owed to those like Yvonne. Lives lived, deaths offered, torturous prices paid for the years we've enjoyed the freedoms they made possible.
Another great book from Ms. Blake. Looking forward to the next one!
*A sincere thank you to Audrey Blake, RB Media, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #TheWomanwithNoName #NetGalley
March 18, 2024
Thank you Sourcebooks and Recorded Books for my gifted copies
The Woman with No Name
Audrey Blake
This historical fiction novel based on the real Yvonne Rudellat, a middle-aged French mother who gave her all to the resistance during WWII, is a story of resilience, courage, and sacrifice. It's seamlessly co-authored, and a wonderful tribute to a real-life heroine! I'd definitely recommend for fans of WWII historical fiction. The audiobook, narrated by Amy Scanlon, is excellent, and definitely the way to go with this one! Scanlon beautifully captures the period, and her believable French / accents makes for one authentic listening experience.💕
The Woman with No Name
Audrey Blake
This historical fiction novel based on the real Yvonne Rudellat, a middle-aged French mother who gave her all to the resistance during WWII, is a story of resilience, courage, and sacrifice. It's seamlessly co-authored, and a wonderful tribute to a real-life heroine! I'd definitely recommend for fans of WWII historical fiction. The audiobook, narrated by Amy Scanlon, is excellent, and definitely the way to go with this one! Scanlon beautifully captures the period, and her believable French / accents makes for one authentic listening experience.💕
June 20, 2024
This book is the story of Yvonne Rudellat who was approached in her forties to train as a resistance fighter. With her history and fluency in French she was trained and inserted into occupied France. There she recruited and worked with her group of French men and women making the lives of the German invaders miserable.
March 11, 2024
Inspiring, fascinating, and compelling!
The Woman With No Name is an intriguing, adventurous tale that takes you into the life of Yvonne Rudellat, a French mother living in London, who signs on as the first woman to endure the British SOE agent training so she can be sent to France to help the French resistance in any way she can with her extensive knowledge and expertise in explosives.
The prose is vivid and tense. The characters are vulnerable, resourceful, and courageous. And the plot, set in France during the early 1940s, is a moving tale about life, love, bravery, strength, heartbreak, loss, guilt, grief, loyalty, espionage, grit, determination, and survival.
Overall, The Woman With No Name is a wonderful blend of harrowing facts and engrossing fiction. It is a fast-paced, memorable, thrilling tale that does a lovely job of highlighting humanity’s ability to be selflessly heroic under even the direst, most horrific of circumstances.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Woman With No Name is an intriguing, adventurous tale that takes you into the life of Yvonne Rudellat, a French mother living in London, who signs on as the first woman to endure the British SOE agent training so she can be sent to France to help the French resistance in any way she can with her extensive knowledge and expertise in explosives.
The prose is vivid and tense. The characters are vulnerable, resourceful, and courageous. And the plot, set in France during the early 1940s, is a moving tale about life, love, bravery, strength, heartbreak, loss, guilt, grief, loyalty, espionage, grit, determination, and survival.
Overall, The Woman With No Name is a wonderful blend of harrowing facts and engrossing fiction. It is a fast-paced, memorable, thrilling tale that does a lovely job of highlighting humanity’s ability to be selflessly heroic under even the direst, most horrific of circumstances.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 6, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up — 5 stars for placing a spotlight on the vital contributions of women during WWII, with a narrative based on the true story of Yvonne Rudellat; 3 stars for the flow of the book, with some back-and-forth jumping that made it a little harder for me to follow along and engage with the plot. I listened to this one on audiobook and may have been able to follow these jumps better in print.
Following the bombing of her home in England, Yvonne feels unmoored from her estranged husband, adult daughter, and void where her home used to be. Seeking purpose, she looks to a new life as she enrolls with the war effort. Thanks to her gender and her unassuming age in her 40s, she's recruited to be Britain's first female special operations executive with boots on the ground in France. Yvonne quickly proves herself as an explosives expert, embarking under great personal danger to slow down German initiatives during the war. As with all books that involve the Holocaust, this is not an easy story to read, but an important one nonetheless.
Thank you to RB Media and Audrey Blake for providing an advance copy for review.
Following the bombing of her home in England, Yvonne feels unmoored from her estranged husband, adult daughter, and void where her home used to be. Seeking purpose, she looks to a new life as she enrolls with the war effort. Thanks to her gender and her unassuming age in her 40s, she's recruited to be Britain's first female special operations executive with boots on the ground in France. Yvonne quickly proves herself as an explosives expert, embarking under great personal danger to slow down German initiatives during the war. As with all books that involve the Holocaust, this is not an easy story to read, but an important one nonetheless.
Thank you to RB Media and Audrey Blake for providing an advance copy for review.
April 24, 2024
Based on a true story is WILD to me. I can’t imagine being willing to give up your entire life- even if it was pretty miserable. She does it for such a noble cause though and I feel like there had to be some thrill of the chase to it. She made herself whoever she needed to be and got things done, just an incredible hero.
🌀Synopsis
Yvonne feels nothing. She is estranged from her entire family and really doesn’t feel like she has much to live for. As the Nazis continue to wreak havoc on France, they start to realize they may have to include women in the fight. When Yvonne is offered an opportunity, she takes it. She becomes a trained sabotage agent and immediately goes to work.
At first the work is not what she imagined and she isn’t being used to her potential. The tides turn and she starts taking matters into her own hands more. She starts getting move involved and turns herself into whoever she needs to be to get the job done. Her efforts are noticed and recognized and the Nazis try to retaliate at every angle.
🌀Synopsis
Yvonne feels nothing. She is estranged from her entire family and really doesn’t feel like she has much to live for. As the Nazis continue to wreak havoc on France, they start to realize they may have to include women in the fight. When Yvonne is offered an opportunity, she takes it. She becomes a trained sabotage agent and immediately goes to work.
At first the work is not what she imagined and she isn’t being used to her potential. The tides turn and she starts taking matters into her own hands more. She starts getting move involved and turns herself into whoever she needs to be to get the job done. Her efforts are noticed and recognized and the Nazis try to retaliate at every angle.
December 9, 2023
I 👏 love 👏 a 👏 female 👏 hero 👏.
Especially in WWII novels, it seems. After reading Code Name Helene this year (at the strong recommendation of @thewonderfilledreader, I saw this title on NetGalley and was immediately drawn to it.
The Woman With No Name follows Yvonne Rudellat at kind of a turning point in her life. Her marriage has failed, her daughter is busy with war work and she’s trying to piece together how she can be involved with war efforts herself after surviving a bomb blast to her home. She’s not the ideal candidate for the war efforts, being closer to middle age than not, so she is constantly overlooked. Until she’s not.
Yvonne is selected for a strategic espionage and sabotage mission where she will deal unrelenting and unexpected blows to the Nazis right in front of their noses.
Guys. Yvonne was a BADASS. Who bombed that building/road/supply truck? 🤷♀️ Couldn’t have been the sweet lady we saw just living her life. She knew she was no one’s first choice, and this fuelled her into making herself the only choice for some really important missions.
I was so inspired that this was based on a true story! I cannot fathom the level of determination, endurance and sacrifice it would have taken to be a woman, always constantly overlooked or unheard, and still finding a way to persevere. I hope we never stop hearing about history from this perspective. Often we hear of the heroics of battle from men, but these acts of resistance from their female counterparts kept the flames of hope alive in everyone being oppressed. ❤️
Especially in WWII novels, it seems. After reading Code Name Helene this year (at the strong recommendation of @thewonderfilledreader, I saw this title on NetGalley and was immediately drawn to it.
The Woman With No Name follows Yvonne Rudellat at kind of a turning point in her life. Her marriage has failed, her daughter is busy with war work and she’s trying to piece together how she can be involved with war efforts herself after surviving a bomb blast to her home. She’s not the ideal candidate for the war efforts, being closer to middle age than not, so she is constantly overlooked. Until she’s not.
Yvonne is selected for a strategic espionage and sabotage mission where she will deal unrelenting and unexpected blows to the Nazis right in front of their noses.
Guys. Yvonne was a BADASS. Who bombed that building/road/supply truck? 🤷♀️ Couldn’t have been the sweet lady we saw just living her life. She knew she was no one’s first choice, and this fuelled her into making herself the only choice for some really important missions.
I was so inspired that this was based on a true story! I cannot fathom the level of determination, endurance and sacrifice it would have taken to be a woman, always constantly overlooked or unheard, and still finding a way to persevere. I hope we never stop hearing about history from this perspective. Often we hear of the heroics of battle from men, but these acts of resistance from their female counterparts kept the flames of hope alive in everyone being oppressed. ❤️
December 17, 2023
I highly recommend this book. There was only one thing that threw me off occasionally. it was not written linearly. Bouncing back and forth with different dates made it more difficult to follow.
Other than that her story of courage shown through. She was born in France and married to escape her disapproving mother. They separated. and when Germany invaded France she became depressed. She was suicidal but changed her mind, wanting to fight for France.
She was the first female agent of U.K's Special Operations Executive (SOE) organization in World War II. She had to prove that a woman could do the job, her code name was Jacqueline Gautier. Gautier was a common French name and Jacqueline was her daughter's middle name. She lied about not having any family left. The house that she lived in was bombed which was true but she said that her daughter was killed in the bombing. In truth, her daughter worked in the Auxilary Territorial Service doing war work.
What she did was extraordinary. She trained in explosives and developed rat bombs. I cannot tell you more without revealing too much.'
I have a deep admiration for her and also amazement.
Other than that her story of courage shown through. She was born in France and married to escape her disapproving mother. They separated. and when Germany invaded France she became depressed. She was suicidal but changed her mind, wanting to fight for France.
She was the first female agent of U.K's Special Operations Executive (SOE) organization in World War II. She had to prove that a woman could do the job, her code name was Jacqueline Gautier. Gautier was a common French name and Jacqueline was her daughter's middle name. She lied about not having any family left. The house that she lived in was bombed which was true but she said that her daughter was killed in the bombing. In truth, her daughter worked in the Auxilary Territorial Service doing war work.
What she did was extraordinary. She trained in explosives and developed rat bombs. I cannot tell you more without revealing too much.'
I have a deep admiration for her and also amazement.
March 30, 2024
The Woman with No Name, by Audrey Blake, started off intriguing but didn’t keep my attention. The story overall was good - a strong woman works to make a difference during WWII. But I found myself getting lost in the various timelines and large number of characters. I just had a hard time getting invested in the narrative. I do think other readers might enjoy it, but this book was not for me.
The narrator did a nice job.
Special thanks to RB Media Recorded Books for the audiobook ARC via NetGalley.
The narrator did a nice job.
Special thanks to RB Media Recorded Books for the audiobook ARC via NetGalley.
did-not-finish
March 4, 2024I may come back to this later but I’ve read just past page 100. The dates skip around a lot and it’s not just dual timelines it’s quite a few, so to me it feels disjointed and hard to follow, I have to keep flicking back to previous chapters to figured out where I’m at in comparison to them
April 30, 2024
I’ve read dozens of books about women in the French Resistance during WW2 and I think Yvonne may be my favorite. It’s amazing to me how Yvonne and other brave men and women were dropped behind enemy lines with virtually no support. Every day was unbelievably dangerous and suspenseful and yet they were able to help defeat Hitler. Yvonne’s story makes me want to be brave, smart, compassionate and unselfish just like her. Thank you Yvonne!!
March 15, 2024
The Woman with No Name shines a light on one of WWII’s lesser-known heroes in the dual-timeline work of historical fiction. Yvonne Rudellat is a woman struggling to find her place, with an estranged husband and grown daughter. She wants to do her part for the war effort, and not in some on-the-sidelines sort of way. She works her way up to being Britain’s first female sabotage agent.
Lots of adventure, lots of intrigue, and the weight of history make this an interesting and worthwhile read.
Amy Scanlon did a nice job narrating the audiobook.
Thank you Audrey Blake, RB Media, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.
Lots of adventure, lots of intrigue, and the weight of history make this an interesting and worthwhile read.
Amy Scanlon did a nice job narrating the audiobook.
Thank you Audrey Blake, RB Media, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 27, 2024
The Woman With No Name is spectacular! Jaqueline is a special agent sent to occupied France as a saboteur
with her specialty being explosives. The Woman With No Name is action packed, plot driven, has great characters and a strong female lead. As things heat up, will Jacqueline be able to keep the Nazis off her trail?
I highly recommend this WWII historical fiction and that means a lot coming from me who typically stays away from WWII historical fiction.
with her specialty being explosives. The Woman With No Name is action packed, plot driven, has great characters and a strong female lead. As things heat up, will Jacqueline be able to keep the Nazis off her trail?
I highly recommend this WWII historical fiction and that means a lot coming from me who typically stays away from WWII historical fiction.
April 29, 2025
Excellent true story of a middle aged British woman who became one of the most successful French resistance leaders during the war.
September 16, 2023
The Woman with No Name by Audrey Blake is an excellent WWII-era historical fiction that I highly recommend.
I have read my fair share of WWII historical fiction, so at this point I am extremely selective. I am so glad I took a chance on this book.
This one has an excellent narrative, suspense, intrigue, and a strong female character that one couldn’t help but champion.
Yvonne Rudellat is an amazing main character, and was in real life as well. I loved learning her story, and being thoroughly entertained in the process.
Excellent.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Sourcebooks Landmark for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 3/12/24.
I have read my fair share of WWII historical fiction, so at this point I am extremely selective. I am so glad I took a chance on this book.
This one has an excellent narrative, suspense, intrigue, and a strong female character that one couldn’t help but champion.
Yvonne Rudellat is an amazing main character, and was in real life as well. I loved learning her story, and being thoroughly entertained in the process.
Excellent.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Sourcebooks Landmark for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 3/12/24.
March 27, 2024
From the book blurb: 1942. Though she survived the bomb that destroyed her home, Yvonne Rudellat’s life is over. She’s estranged from her husband, her daughter is busy with war work, and Yvonne―older, diminutive, overlooked―has lost all purpose. Until she’s offered a chance to remake herself entirely…
My thoughts: Another first read from an author and another very excellent historical fiction read!
Blake brings us into the real Yvonne Rudellat, a French mother living in London, who signs on as the first woman to endure the British SOE agent training so she can be sent to France to help the French resistance in any way she can with her extensive knowledge and expertise in explosives.
After a Nazi bombing hits her home, Rudellat is determined to make a difference for her home country: France. Britain’s Special Operations Executive (SOE) sees her French fluency and small stature as an asset and trains her to go behind enemy lines. Her goal was to sabotage the Nazi regime. Even when faced with obstacles, Yvonne keeps moving towards that goal. And even when the worst happens, Yvonne never betrays those who trusted her with their lives. This story is a must read for those who love historical fiction and want to learn about a real life person working to make things right for her people during dark, dark days.
Many thanks to NetGallery and Sourcebooks Landmark for sharing this incredible real story about life, love, bravery, strength, heartbreak, loss, guilt, grief, loyalty, espionage, grit, determination, and survival.
My thoughts: Another first read from an author and another very excellent historical fiction read!
Blake brings us into the real Yvonne Rudellat, a French mother living in London, who signs on as the first woman to endure the British SOE agent training so she can be sent to France to help the French resistance in any way she can with her extensive knowledge and expertise in explosives.
After a Nazi bombing hits her home, Rudellat is determined to make a difference for her home country: France. Britain’s Special Operations Executive (SOE) sees her French fluency and small stature as an asset and trains her to go behind enemy lines. Her goal was to sabotage the Nazi regime. Even when faced with obstacles, Yvonne keeps moving towards that goal. And even when the worst happens, Yvonne never betrays those who trusted her with their lives. This story is a must read for those who love historical fiction and want to learn about a real life person working to make things right for her people during dark, dark days.
Many thanks to NetGallery and Sourcebooks Landmark for sharing this incredible real story about life, love, bravery, strength, heartbreak, loss, guilt, grief, loyalty, espionage, grit, determination, and survival.
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