Operation Tulip

WW2 Secret Agent #3

by Deborah Swift

Holland, 1944: Undercover British agent Nancy Callaghan has been given her toughest case yet. A key member of the Dutch resistance has been captured, and Nancy must play the role of a wealthy Nazi to win over a notorious SS officer, Detlef Keller, and gain crucial information.

Coding expert Tom Lockwood is devastated that the Allies have failed to push back the Nazis, leaving Northern Holland completely cut off from the rest of Europe, and him from his beloved Nancy. Desperate to rescue the love of his life, Tom devises Operation Tulip, a plan to bring Nancy home.

But as Nancy infiltrates the Dutch SS, she finds herself catching the eye of an even more senior member of the Party. Is Nancy in too deep, or can Tom reach her before she gets caught?

Inspired by the true events of occupied Holland during WW2, don't miss this utterly gripping story of love, bravery and sacrifice.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, World War II, Historical, Audiobook, Espionage, War

369 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 12, 2024

About the author

I am a novelist living in the Lake District in England. I write historical fiction but read widely - contemporary and classic fiction. I choose my books carefully, so I don't read many duds. If I do, they are not reviewed here, as a gesture of respect to other writers.

I blog at my website
www.deborahswift.com

Reviews

[Jan Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so annoyed, with both myself and Deborah Swift. At first, I got frustrated as I failed to have much time at all to read, despite a gripping opening and intriguing premise. Then, much to my horror, halfway through the book, you know, when a story can slow down for a bit in the hands of a less skilled author, this one picked up pace to an almost unbelievable degree. So I’m cross, because when I should have been working, I was reading. When I should have been spending quality time with my family, I was reading.
Suffice to say, this novel was a masterpiece in tension building - just when things look hopeless and inescapable, the pressure mounts or the scene pivots on a pin, and it gets even WORSE for Nancy and Tom. I had to keep reading to make sure they survived the unbelievable (yet totally believable) amount of problems Ms Swift has expertly chucked at her characters. I hope she reads this, smiles and rubs her hands with glee at having caused my poor heartbeat such consternation. Bravo for a fantastic read!

[Khris Sellin · Rating 4 out of 5]

WWII Historical Fiction

Nancy is a British agent working with the Resistance in Nazi-occupied Holland. She ends up with an assignment that brings her frighteningly up close and personal with Nazi officials, and she feels suddenly trapped. Meanwhile, her boyfriend Tom is sick of worrying about her back home and decides to find a way to sneak into Nazi territory to find her.
Sometimes a bit overwrought and implausible, but gripping and interesting telling of the real-life experiences of those caught up in the horrors of WWII.

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the third book in this fascinating series. This time is was set in Holland during the second world war and the story is all about the agents if the Dutch resistance. I didn't know much about Holland during the war but, the people suffered just as much if not more than a lot of countries during this historic time in history. A very good read.

[Rosie Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Operation Tulip is the third book in the WW2 Secret Agents series. This book returns to the work of the resistance fighters in Holland which featured in book one of the series. It also draws in some of the characters from book two which focused more on the home front war.

In this book the resistance cells are falling apart, areas of Holland have been saved by the allied forces but much is left under German control. Food has almost run out and both sides are desperate to save themselves. Secret agent Nancy is given one last job: to act as a Nazi supporter and live within the enemy camp accessing vital information which might help save lives.

As a fan of resistance-themed war stories, I have been keenly following this series. I liked the details about the struggles of the people, the liberation of Holland and the tales of the brave men and women who continued the fight when there was little hope of success. On occasions I thought that some of the risks that both Nancy and boyfriend Tom took were rather naïve and unlikely for the intense state of affairs; sadly it left me a little disappointed with this final book in the series.

[Teri Waters · Rating 4 out of 5]

great trilogy! the heroism is so inspiring

[Rowena Kinread · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deborah Swift’s Operation Tulip is a masterfully crafted historical thriller that plunges readers deep into the heart of wartime Holland. With meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Swift transports us to a perilous world of espionage, resistance, and survival, weaving an unforgettable tale that lingers long after the final page.
From the very first chapter, the novel grips you with its immersive descriptions and atmospheric tension. The Dutch marshlands, shrouded in frost and danger, become almost tangible—so real that I could feel the cold creeping up from my toes to my legs as I navigated the frozen terrain alongside the characters. The crunch of ice beneath my boots, the whisper of the reeds in the fog, and the ever-present sense of being watched made the reading experience intensely visceral. Few authors can evoke setting with such precision, and Swift’s skill in doing so enhances the novel’s suspense tenfold.
The protagonist is a strong and resourceful character, one whose courage and resilience shine through even in the darkest moments. Swift does a remarkable job of portraying the moral dilemmas and sacrifices faced by those involved in resistance efforts during World War II. The dangers are palpable, and the stakes couldn’t be higher, making every encounter fraught with tension. As the story unfolds, alliances are tested, betrayals cut deep, and the reader is left breathless, turning pages late into the night.
What makes Operation Tulip truly exceptional is its rich historical detail. Swift’s extensive research is evident, yet it never overshadows the storytelling. Instead, it enhances the authenticity, making the reader feel as though they’ve stepped directly into the era. The depictions of Nazi-occupied Holland, the courage of the resistance fighters, and the ever-present fear of discovery add layers of depth and complexity to the narrative.
Beyond the pulse-pounding action, the novel is also deeply emotional. The relationships between characters—whether forged by necessity, loyalty, or love—are beautifully drawn. The human element remains at the forefront, reminding us that behind every act of defiance and every coded message lay real people, fighting for freedom in an unforgiving world.
If you enjoy historical fiction that seamlessly blends intrigue, emotion, and breathtaking description, Operation Tulip is a must-read. Deborah Swift has once again proven herself a master of the genre, delivering a story that is as heart-wrenching as it is thrilling. With its compelling characters, gripping plot, and immersive setting, this novel is an absolute triumph. Highly recommended!

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deborah Swift is a great author and with every one of her new releases she seems to get better and better.

If you would like to read my full review please visit my blog at:

https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogsp...

[Claire Egan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

[Rebecca Bridson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy of Deborah Swift's novel 'Operation Tulip'.

Set in German occupied Northern Holland, British agent Nancy Callaghan is undercover working with the Dutch resistance to gather intelligence regarding the whereabouts of a high profile resistance member who has been captured by the Nazis. Putting herself in extreme danger she assumes the identity of a wealthy Dutch widow and seeks to infiltrate the Nazi SS by becoming close with a high ranking SS member. Back home in England, her boyfriend Tom Lockwood is desperate to bring her home. Devising Operation Tulip, he sets out to locate Nancy. Encountering first hand the brutal hardships faced by the Dutch, Tom finds himself under the control of the Dutch resistance and must bid his time to find Nancy.

An interesting addition to the wealth of WW2 historical fiction on the market. The book contains many interesting historical facts, however I felt overall the book became weighed down by the multiple plot lines and could have benefitted from a punchier ending.

[Pat Haber · Rating 3 out of 5]

i would say a 3 1/2. when i began it, up until the last 100 pages, i would have given it a 4. well written, great tension and good characters. plus, i learned about the Dutch occupation in the final days of the war, which i knew very little about before.
however, i thought at some point, there was too much, too many close calls for our hero and heroine and too improbable. the other things that bothered me was how many people who helped them ended up dying, it was too many. and also, they rarely succeeded at any of their sabatages!
but i may read the one before, i began with the 3rd in the series.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

If like me, you've been eagerly anticipating the last book in the series, it's been worth the wait. By the end of the first page, I was completely hooked and my blood pressure was already rising. Deborah Swift brings the series full circle, incorporating the major characters from The Silk Code and setting them directly into the belly of the beast in northern Holland. Even the original silk code comes back into play. The story begins in October 1944, after the failure of Operation Garden Market, which left the northern part of Holland completely cut off. There is no electricity, no food, no fuel, no medicine, no transportation, and the Germans are taking their revenge on the Dutch people for the loss of territory south of the Rhine River. This is where we find Nancy on her 4th mission to Holland, trapped like everyone else. The Resistance has been decimated by the Nazis and its surviving members are demoralized and leaderless.

The mood in this book is one of utter desperation. The war has been ongoing for 6 years, with the country's infrastructure and beautiful medieval architecture destroyed by bombings from the Germans and the Allies. Nancy is running on empty. I believe that she takes unimaginable risks now because she doesn't think she will survive but feels compelled to do whatever she can. (The British government had no plans to help their SOE agents escape from the nightmare in Holland.) There are heartbreaking scenes with starving children, particularly one where they are fighting over a dead rat to eat. I loved the older Red Cross nurse, Betje, who refused to stop taking risks to save people because "every single person I save is one more to testify against them when that time comes."

I learned so much from this series, thanks to Deborah Swift's impeccable research...from Englandspiel to the training of SOE agents, the use of black propaganda, and now the Hunger Winter. Her powerful writing style made me feel like I was right there with Nancy, experiencing the war years with her. I hope she'll start a new WW II series and I highly recommend this one!

My thanks to NetGalley and HQ Digital for providing the ARC. All opinions and the review are entirely my own.

[Martin Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fitting end to a wonderful series.

"Operation Tulip", the third in Deborah Swift's WW2 spy series, opens in Amsterdam in 1944, where SOE operative Nancy Callaghan (now a field agent) is making her way to a rendezvous with a group of resistance fighters. Their plan is to kidnap a senior SS officer but things go wrong and the man is shot dead and Nancy is forced to flee. Meanwhile, her sometime accomplice, Tom, is frustrated at the Allies' lack of progress in defeating the Nazi occupation of Holland. And when he hears of Nancy's predicament, he immediately starts to devise a plan to extract her.

What follows is another tense and fast-moving story in which the two agents work to defeat the Nazis. In the Netherlands, Nancy goes undercover, posing as a wealthy Nazi in order to prise information out of a notorious SS officer, Detlef Keller, while in England, Tom finalises his plan and sets out to rescue her.

Much of the first half of the book takes place from Nancy's perspective, as she works to uncover vital information, while trying to stay clear of prying SS eyes. The prose is tight, full of period detail, and works hard to emphasise the constant pressure undercover agents worked under. We learn about food shortages, and how it makes desperate people resort to desperate measures. We also learn about the risks taken by brave souls in the resistance trying to free their country. The book has a full cast of characters to love, hate, fear and cheer, most well-enough formed to make us care about their fates.

It's nice the way the two main characters from the previous book, "The Silk Code" have continued their adventure. Although allegedly based on fact, and there is a lot of background on the Dutch Resistance, and the falling morale of Nazi officers, it doesn't get in the way of a good story. Although reading the previous book will help readers with some background, "Operation Tulip" can be read standalone, and fans will be pleased that our heroes do get closure.

Fans of the previous books will love this book. Definitely recommended for fans of Alex Gerlis and Embassie Susberry.

[Amy Leigh Chandler · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

Deborah Swift has done it again - immersive writing, compelling plot and captivating characters! I couldn't put this book down and read it in a day, it was that addictive.

This is the third in the series and just as fast paced and enjoyable. I've enjoyed reading each book in this series and really liked going to back to Nancy and Tom's story arc and seeing how their characters develop towards the end of the war and how tired and downtrodden they become, yet are still fuelled with a fire for victory. This book explores life in a domestic setting inside German occupied Holland with the lack of food and rations and the growing members of the resistance. Many, who risk their lives everyday in small acts of rebellion. Swift sensitively honours those who put their life on the line for the resistance and allies and acknowledges the sacrifices made in wartime. In particular, Swift explores female agents and what they needed to do to gain insider knowledge. The plot also presents the breakdown of German morale and showing many men doing what it means to survive, rather than an unwavering allegiance to Hitler's plans.

The novel has many unlikeable and nasty villains that are very ruthless, and will stop at nothing to achieve what they want, this is especially presented through Schneider. These characters help the reader root for Nancy and Tom's success. Swift explores the power struggles within these occupied territories. The inclusion of many resistance members posing as German allies is also well-written that presents the sacrifices many made to infiltrate the ranks and the dangers involved. Swift articulates the way war changes people, not just in appearance but psychologically and these scars are presented through Tom and Nancy, who in book one (The Silk Code) are full of hope, but by the end of the war need time to adjust to a new way of life once the war is over.

Overall, a fast paced and dangerous historical fiction of hope, sacrifice and danger that captures the time period and the emotions in an addictive read. This series is well worth the read!

[Tom Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Operation Tulip is the third and final book in Deborah Swift’s World War 2 Secret Agent series. Our heroine, Nancy Callaghan, started the war with the SOE, as a cipher clerk at their offices in Baker Street. She went on, though, to become a field agent, working as a radio operator in occupied Holland.

Operation Tulip is essentially a spy thriller. I won’t detail the plot because of spoilers. I hope you’ll read it and enjoy it for yourself. It really is a very good read. Deborah Swift is one of those writers who can really hook you into a story and (very unusually for me) I twice nearly missed my stop while reading Operation Tulip on the Tube.

Swift not only tells a good yarn but packs in a lot of history. It’s fair to say that she doesn’t like the Nazis. This was once such a given that it seems odd to be remarking on it, but nowadays so many people are prepared to suggest that extreme right wing politics has something going for it that it is worth reminding ourselves what happened when Europe last decided to give fascism a go. Swift is unsparing in her descriptions of Nazi atrocities. As her historical note (well worth reading) points out, in the winter of 1944/5, when this story is set, more than 18,000 Dutch civilians starved to death with a further 980,000 classed as malnourished. In places, Operation Tulip is not an easy read.

Swift is such a good storyteller that even a subplot which sees her boyfriend mounting a one-man rescue operation across the allied frontline manages to carry you along, although here we are moving rapidly away from the nitty gritty detail of SOE operations into James Bond territory. It’s all terribly readable, though, and certainly adds even more excitement and tension to an already gripping story.

In summary, this is a thrilling spy story set against a historically detailed background. I enjoyed it Immensely and I’m sure many others will too.

[Elizabeth John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Operation Tulip, Deborah Swift’s new novel, is a worthy sequel to The Silk Code, offering an immersive and emotionally charged journey into the heart of WWII. Like its predecessor, this novel excels at weaving gripping storytelling with raw, human experiences of war. What sets it apart from other WWII fiction is the emotional depth and authenticity with which its characters are portrayed.
Set in Nazi-occupied Holland, the story follows secret agent Nancy as she infiltrates enemy ranks, posing as a wealthy Nazi sympathizer. Her mission is dangerous, marked by lies and the constant threat of exposure. Meanwhile, in England, Tom—her partner in both love and war—crafts a daring rescue plan, knowing that any misstep could cost Nancy her life.
Ms. Swift’s meticulous research and attention to historical detail are seamlessly integrated, creating a vivid and immediate world. Her prose invites readers to experience the chaos, fear, and resilience of those living in occupied Holland, not as distant observers but as participants in the dangers of survival. Nancy, the central character, is a multifaceted woman whose bravery, vulnerability, and quiet strength resonate deeply. Her journey, both internal and external, forms the soul of the story, and her choices carry weight, giving readers much to reflect on.
The novel doesn’t shy away from grim details—food shortages, betrayals, and violence lurking around every corner. Nancy’s courage is hard-earned, her resilience tested in a world where survival often requires ruthless decisions. Her relationship with Tom, strained by distance and danger, adds emotional complexity as they fight for each other and those trapped in Nazi-controlled territory.
Operation Tulip offers more than just a historical narrative; it explores identity, love, and the sacrifices that define us. It’s a richly layered, unforgettable read.

[Elizabeth Lloyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

This third story of Deborah Swift’s World War Two Secret Agent Series plunges straight into action in the Netherlands where British Agent Nancy Callaghan is working with the Resistance against the Nazi occupiers. It is October 1944 and they are engaged in a mission in Amsterdam to kidnap a torturer in the Dutch SS. But everything goes wrong so Nancy must relocate to the Hague taking on yet another ID.

I remembered Nancy, her brother Neil and her boyfriend Tom who all worked for the Secret Service in the UK, from the first book, The Silk Code, but you can easily read this volume as a standalone novel. At least she has been able to communicate to Tom regularly in code on her radio transmitter but without that she is cut off and as the population of Northern Holland run out of food everyone, including the German army, are desperate. Nancy is instructed to inveigle an SS officer into a relationship to gain information about the prison where Resistance members are taken.

Meanwhile Tom Lockwood is desperate to bring Nancy home so he uses his contacts to travel to the Netherlands pretending to be a journalist. He is soon out of his depth, forced to work for the Resistance in another part of the country without knowing where Nancy is. Both he and Nancy are in constant danger, and I found her interactions with the often charming officer, unnerving, as she tried to keep him at arm’s length while still intriguing him.

The last few chapters are eventful and distressing but as a way of showing us some of the scenes which occurred there in 1945 it conveys the trials of the Dutch people vividly. Nancy's character comes to life as she is reunited with Tom and they begin to believe in a more promising future.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lightweight entry in the never-ending deluge of Resistance vs Nazis (the updated version of Cowboys and Indians!) The best, and easily the most harrowing, parts of this book were the detailed descriptions of the rampant starvation that weakened the Dutch population into submission. We often hear and read about the strict rationing that existed across Europe during WWII, but seldom to the point of literal mass starvation where food is not only restricted but completely unavailable.
There were places in the narrative that were totally unbelievable such as when the two main characters, Tom & Nancy, would show up randomly at a "safe house" or even a public bar, they would naively tell whoever they met who and what they were! (Resistance workers plotting against the Nazis!) And even more appalling, and less likely, those whom they confided in, were equally forthcoming about their allegiances, and spouting out details of their next mission! Above all, there was little to no betrayal among the resistors, and everyone was just as they said they were. There was one double agent, but he was mainly on their side, so that was okay! I have read countless books dealing with Resistance cells and none of them had such a casual attitude towards newcomers!
The women in this book were clearly the real heroes, and I believe that they really did play a hugely important role through-out every country and situation, but the men's contributions were definitely downplayed here and if there was an evil person you can bet it was always a man!
I read this on my phone Kindle because it's easy to read when I have a few spare moments waiting or in between other books. I would never have picked this up otherwise, but it was a fast, okay read.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Deborah Swift’s latest World War II historical fiction novel, she continues her WW2 Secret Agent Series by following Nancy on an undercover job deep in the occupied Netherlands in 1944. Away from her fiance Tom Lockwood, a coding expert based at Baker Street in London, Nancy must disguise herself as a wealthy Nazi widow to infiltrate SS headquarters in Amsterdam to protect her fellow underground fighters and trick high-ranking officer Detlef Keller while Tom devises Operation Tulip to bring Nancy home, taking on the risks of entering occupied territory himself. With such high stakes and two very different perspectives, Swift brings the dangers of occupied Holland and the resistance’s efforts to free the country to life in this fantastic historical fiction novel. Nancy and Tom are fascinatingly complex and capable characters, while their relationship continues to grow and evolve as the series continues. By not shying away from the troubles and challenges of the war and the occupation, Swift brings historical detail from her research into this novel for the context and atmosphere of the novel. A fantastic work of historical fiction with Swift’s usual amount of detail, the recurring characters of Nancy and Tom, as well as this new narrative, are engaging and draw the reader into the latest installment in the series.

Thanks to NetGalley, HQ, and HQ Digital for the advance copy.

[Alyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hadn't realised this was the third in a series of books about WW2 and only tuned in to that fact just now as I came to write a review. It reads completely as a stand alone novel and any references to previous events are explained briefly and clearly.
This is a story of the bravery and resilience of secret agents working in occupied Holland during WW2. Nancy is on a dangerous mission. Half Dutch, she speaks the language well enough to pass as native and is used by the resistance to get close to the SS officers holding valued members of their team. Meanwhile her boyfriend, Tom, is anxious about her and decides to make a daring trip into the Netherlands in an effort to rescue Nancy. Little does he know she does not need rescuing and is a very capable agent.
The book is a realistic account of life during the occupation detailing the brutality and hardships endured by the Dutch, the Jewish population and the agents trying to help them. Historical details bring the book to life and the author does not veer away from the living on the edge reality, giving us a twisting and turning gripping read.
With thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for an arc copy in return for an honest review.

[Terry Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cracking book this is! I loved it. It's set mostly in The Hague in the Netherlands, as well as in other parts of the country under occupation, and in England. Main character Nancy is assigned the most dangerous task of her life in the resistance - she must assume yet another identity, and get close to a high ranking Nazi officer. Meanwhile, her beloved Tom, a coding expert in England, finds that he can no longer just wait for her, and makes plans that he knows are potentially perilous.

What made this book so compelling for me was the plot - unusual, as I'm usually all about the characters. But this never lets up from the opening scene; it's perfectly paced, with more introspective passages complimenting the tension and action. Deborah Swift brings the bleak terror of the occupied territory to life; I didn't know, before reading this, that the Dutch were kept in such appalling conditions.

It's a 'clean read' with no bad language, not even when streams of it would probably have been uttered, but the picture painted is so real, so raw that the characters' reactions all seem completely realistic. This has been my favourite of this authors' tales of espionage in WWII; it's a real page turner!

[Trish MacEnulty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Operation Tulip is a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat WWII tale. The year is 1944 and the war is drawing to a close but not fast enough to save the resistance fighters or the starving population of Northern Holland, which is still under Nazi occupation. British spy Nancy Callaghan pretends to be a Nazi widow in order to get close to an officer in the SS and find information about imprisoned fighters, but things go wrong and Nancy’s situation becomes untenable. Desperate to get his beloved Nancy out of the clutches of the SS officer, Tom Lockwood, organizes Operation Tulip. Just like the war, the plot is unpredicatable. Botched operations are the norm, and among the resistance fighters, even grieving is forbidden. Not only is this an exciting read, but the research is fascinating. We tend to think that the war ended at the same time for everyone, but Swift shows us that wasn’t the case. While some places were celebrating release from the chokehold of Nazism, others could only hope to survive a little while longer. I found it impossible to put this gripping story down.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Operation Tulip, Deborah Swift brings her most pulse-pounding WW2 spy thriller yet. Brilliant undercover British agent Nancy Callaghan is behind enemy lines in Holland, trying to free a key member of the Dutch resistance. Posing as a wealthy Nazi, she wades deeper and deeper into danger for the sake of the Allied cause. Meanwhile, her true love, coding expert Tom Lockwood, devises a plan to rescue Nancy before it’s too late.

This is a masterfully written, nail-biting adventure through the chaotic last days of Nazi occupation of northern Holland. The adrenaline-pumping plot is full of clever twists and shocking turns, and Nancy’s resolute courage shines brightly at the heart of it all. The historical details are superbly woven into the narrative and make it utterly immersive. I galloped through this spine-tingling book on the edge of my seat, completely transported into a world of wartime intrigue. Another terrific installment in Deborah Swift’s WW2 secret agent series. Highly recommended.

[Kathryn E Hagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's 1944 and Tom's girlfriend, Nancy, is a spy in the Netherlands. Tom wants her to come home to London. Unfortunately the government's efforts to extract her seem to be minimal so Tom decides to rescue Nancy himself.

So begins "Operation Tulip" by Deborah Swift. Nancy is so much braver than I could ever be. She works as part of the Dutch resistance movement, trying to keep other members safe. Then comes the big assignment (the one that sends chills down my spine): Nancy is supposed to become the girlfriend of the Nazi officer who oversees the prison.

The characters in "Operation Tulip" are appealing and well-developed. The story shows humanity at its best and at its worst. I enjoyed it very much, just as I have the other books by Deborah Swift, especially "The Shadow Network" and "The Silk Code".

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read "Operation Tulip." This is my honest review.

[Courtney Burns · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nancy’s story was interesting enough, but Tom’s story was perhaps the worst WWII storyline I’ve ever read. Tom decides he must travel behind enemy lines (despite having no skills that would help him survive) not because he learns Nancy needs help (she doesn’t), but because he loves her and decides she has been helping the resistance long enough. Eventually the two meet up and Tom finally proves himself useful because he is the only one capable of convincing the British that they must do a food drop for the people of the Netherlands—the only one! Then Tom gets himself captured and Nancy convinces a resistance fighter and a young boy that they must abandon a mission designed to help all the people of the Netherlands in favor of helping Tom escape. The young boy dies in the process, but we are only a little sad because that’s what happens in war and besides, the book must shortly wrap up with a wedding.

[Trudy Dowling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Operation Tulip is a thrilling World War Two historical fiction transporting me back to Holland towards the end of the war. A portion of the Holland including Amsterdam and The Hague was still under Nazi occupation. The SOE still had agents behind enemy lines. One of those was Nancy.

Nancy had been many different people in the past, but the most dangerous of all is as Danique Koopman. Her newest mission has her surrounded by members of the SS and Gestapo. The danger was intense. One slip and she would be exposed. She had to remain. She needed to discover away to get Josef out of custody. As the head of a resistance group he knew too much.

Nancy's boyfriend, Tom, is getting restless. His fear for her safety has him doing the unthinkable. He travels from England to the free area of Holland inorder to get the occupied region. As Nancy works to free Josef in The Hague, Tom searches for her, working with resistance groups along the way. He risks everything for love.

The author was brilliant in the way she shared glimpses of World War Two through the eyes of Tom and Nancy. I got to experience a Holland that I would never know otherwise. The detailed horrors, atrocities and struggles brought me to tears and had my stomach clenching. I learned just how brave the citizens were and the immense sacrifices they made. How dare the Nazis eat lamb as the citizens ate boiled beets if they were lucky.

From the beginning to until the end the book was filled with action and intense drama. I found my self enjoying all of the suspense. I never knew if a mission would fail. I never knew if a mission would succeed. I never knew who would be arrested. I never knew if a resistance member would find themselves wounded or even worse, dead. I do love being entertained while learning.

[Helen White · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this tale of the Dutch resistance towards the end of WW2 Nancy a British SOE agent is tasked with getting too close to the enemy. Asked to mingle with high ranking Nazis in order to find out details of the imprisonment of fellow resistance agents Nancy is in a dangerous double crossing position. Can getting close to the SS ever succeed?

Back in England Tom the codebreaker is desperate to get to Nancy and get her home. As his skills are more intellectual is it wise for him to be in a country where he barely speaks the language and has no contacts? Probably not.

Interesting and compelling story which depicts the chaos before the Dutch liberation really well. For me the pacing was too slow at the start and Tom is mildly annoying when compared with Nancy's bravery.

Thanks to netgalley and the publishers for the review copy.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Operation Tulip is the third and final instalment of the Secret Agent series. It continues with the resistance fighters in Holland as its split in two when the allies fail to take all of Holland with operation Market Garden.
The novel detailed the struggles the resistance fighters and civilians had, as things fell apart with little hope as everyone in occupied Holland is slowly starved.
Desperation is throughout the pages and heartbreaking as children are dying of starvation. A gripping conclusion to a story of sacrifice, love, courage and bravery. 4 stars
I would like to thank the author, HQ and NetGalley for my copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.
#OperationTulip #NetGalley

[Michael Duane Witt · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride this was!

Although I read many accounts of the Holocaust, and the trials of World War Two, historical fiction has the opportunity to pull one deep inside the heartache of a few individuals. Somehow, focusing in on a few individuals and weaving a story gives the author the opportunity to focus on how terrifying it was to be subjected to the horrors of the Nazis. It becomes more real than a textbook account which is lacking in human emotion.

This was a well written story and kept my heart racing. I even caught myself not breathing a few times because I was on edge.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fine WW2 read about a female British agent in occupied Holland. The protagonists, Nancy and Tom, working on either side of the Channel, play their part in the Resistance. I was intrigued by this historical fiction as previously knew very little about the state of Holland during WW2. The suffering, deprivation and reprisals of the Dutch people was horrendous and the author’s writing brought this to life. A bit of history, a WW2 timeline, suspense, a European setting, and a little bit of romance - just my cup of tea!

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.

[Tony Peck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in WW2 this story shows just how tough it was for the people of Holland (and everywhere else), but this story is largely set in Holland) in the late stages of the war. Starvation, persecution, fear of being randomly picked up, tortured or sent away. (often both) are with most of the population all the time.

Nancy has already stayed alive longer than other agents and now everything is just harder. Unknown to her lover is embarking on a possibly ill judged rescue mission and tension rises…
Engrossing story - recommended.