What do you think?
Rate this book
Timeless Spies #2
The Echo of Valor: Codename Rose
Uncovering the echoes of female heroism, one secret at a time. In The Echo of Valor, book 2 in the Timeless Spies series, the secrets of the past meet the mysteries of the present.
In the seaside town of Torquay on England’s south coast, Mia Thompson’s chance encounter with her reclusive neighbor, Eileen Nearne, sparks an unexpected discovery. Eileen’s quiet life belies her extraordinary past as an SOE secret agent in Nazi-occupied France during World War II. From daring missions to capture by the Gestapo and survival in a concentration camp, Eileen’s story is one of unparalleled courage and sacrifice.
But as Mia digs deeper, she uncovers more than she bargained for. Eileen’s liberation from Ravensbrück after the war was marred by suspicion and interrogation, leaving her scarred and forgotten. Determined to honor Eileen’s legacy and reveal the truth behind her remarkable life, Mia reluctantly teams up with Sebastian Stone, a local journalist and notorious woman chaser.
The Echo of Valor seamlessly blends history with contemporary intrigue, exploring themes of resilience, friendship, and the enduring impact of war. As Mia and Sebastian navigate a web of WW2 secrets and beyond, they also discover the power of love and connection in the shadow of valor.
Join Mia and Sebastian on a remarkable journey to ensure Eileen Nearne’s heroic legacy shines brightly once and for all.
In the seaside town of Torquay on England’s south coast, Mia Thompson’s chance encounter with her reclusive neighbor, Eileen Nearne, sparks an unexpected discovery. Eileen’s quiet life belies her extraordinary past as an SOE secret agent in Nazi-occupied France during World War II. From daring missions to capture by the Gestapo and survival in a concentration camp, Eileen’s story is one of unparalleled courage and sacrifice.
But as Mia digs deeper, she uncovers more than she bargained for. Eileen’s liberation from Ravensbrück after the war was marred by suspicion and interrogation, leaving her scarred and forgotten. Determined to honor Eileen’s legacy and reveal the truth behind her remarkable life, Mia reluctantly teams up with Sebastian Stone, a local journalist and notorious woman chaser.
The Echo of Valor seamlessly blends history with contemporary intrigue, exploring themes of resilience, friendship, and the enduring impact of war. As Mia and Sebastian navigate a web of WW2 secrets and beyond, they also discover the power of love and connection in the shadow of valor.
Join Mia and Sebastian on a remarkable journey to ensure Eileen Nearne’s heroic legacy shines brightly once and for all.
532 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2025
133 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Byron
37 books194 followersHannah Byron is an acclaimed author of historical fiction centered on WWII resistance women. Born in Paris in the mid-1950s to a British mother and a Dutch father, she grew up with strong ties to France, the UK, and Holland, which continue to inspire her work. Most of her novels are set in Western Europe, where history and culture run deep.
After decades of balancing life as a mother, university professor, and translator, Hannah is now a full-time author. She writes passionate novels about resistance and romance set in the 20th century—topics close to her heart. Readers often describe Byron’s work as gripping, deeply emotional, and impossible to put down.
Get a FREE WW2 Novella https://www.hannahbyron.com/newsletter
Follow Hannah on BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/hanna...
After decades of balancing life as a mother, university professor, and translator, Hannah is now a full-time author. She writes passionate novels about resistance and romance set in the 20th century—topics close to her heart. Readers often describe Byron’s work as gripping, deeply emotional, and impossible to put down.
Get a FREE WW2 Novella https://www.hannahbyron.com/newsletter
Follow Hannah on BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/hanna...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 23, 2025
This book will stay with me for a long time. It’s the third book I have read recently that has done this - all ironically involving the inhumanity of the Nazi regime.
This is the story of Eileen Nearne (and to some extent her equally brave sister Jacqueline). She was recruited, trained and eventually dropped into occupied France as a member of the SOE where she was a wireless operator till her capture. Her treatment after was horrendous by any standards and this had a profound effect on her for the rest of her life.
Hannah Byron has obviously well researched her subject matter and in the authors notes explains where she has had to deviate from the facts usually when precise details are unavailable.
She does state that this series (this is book 2) is fiction based on real people and events.
The book is well written and has lots of detail.
Eileen is introduced to Mia - a psychologist - and Sebastian - a journalist. Sebastian’s motives are sometimes questionable but it becomes clear he does have an interest in both sisters and their wartime experiences.
Hannah uses the Mia character to explore Eileen’s experiences from a PTSD perspective. She also introduces the Special Forces Club which I am sure was well used by those that felt able after the war.
It is possible to read up about Eileen and the sad and reclusive end to her life - the bravery of the agents used by the SOE cannot be underestimated and should not be allowed to be forgotten especially now that there will be so few left that either could or would tell their stories.
Hannah allows these women to be remembered- I recommend this series
This is the story of Eileen Nearne (and to some extent her equally brave sister Jacqueline). She was recruited, trained and eventually dropped into occupied France as a member of the SOE where she was a wireless operator till her capture. Her treatment after was horrendous by any standards and this had a profound effect on her for the rest of her life.
Hannah Byron has obviously well researched her subject matter and in the authors notes explains where she has had to deviate from the facts usually when precise details are unavailable.
She does state that this series (this is book 2) is fiction based on real people and events.
The book is well written and has lots of detail.
Eileen is introduced to Mia - a psychologist - and Sebastian - a journalist. Sebastian’s motives are sometimes questionable but it becomes clear he does have an interest in both sisters and their wartime experiences.
Hannah uses the Mia character to explore Eileen’s experiences from a PTSD perspective. She also introduces the Special Forces Club which I am sure was well used by those that felt able after the war.
It is possible to read up about Eileen and the sad and reclusive end to her life - the bravery of the agents used by the SOE cannot be underestimated and should not be allowed to be forgotten especially now that there will be so few left that either could or would tell their stories.
Hannah allows these women to be remembered- I recommend this series
February 7, 2025
The Echo of Valor by Hannah Byron
This wartime book about codename Rose starts when Eileen and her sister want to help in the resistance. They figure out a plan to travel to the area. Each has their own special traits that will lead them in different directions to help fight against the enemy.
Book follows Eileen as she lands a job as a wire transfer agent. They accept her after training to enter France to help pass codes back and forth from agents to those in charge in England. There are so many realistic scenes that kept me engaged in the story. Also story goes back in time to the war itself and how she served her country. So realistic scenes of the concentration camps and how she and others were able to survive. She can only truly rely on herself.
Back in 2007 the therapist Mia helps her get the stories out of her head so she can rest in peace. The nightmare are keeping restful sleep from her. Love the time they spend together and the house Mia is able to open because of her work with Eileen. The reporter Sebastian also helps to get her story told to others, especially those who are disabled now and had fought in the war as well.
At end of the story the author explain the passages she changed to make the story better without changing history much.
Fascinating read and there is something for everyone in this story.
This wartime book about codename Rose starts when Eileen and her sister want to help in the resistance. They figure out a plan to travel to the area. Each has their own special traits that will lead them in different directions to help fight against the enemy.
Book follows Eileen as she lands a job as a wire transfer agent. They accept her after training to enter France to help pass codes back and forth from agents to those in charge in England. There are so many realistic scenes that kept me engaged in the story. Also story goes back in time to the war itself and how she served her country. So realistic scenes of the concentration camps and how she and others were able to survive. She can only truly rely on herself.
Back in 2007 the therapist Mia helps her get the stories out of her head so she can rest in peace. The nightmare are keeping restful sleep from her. Love the time they spend together and the house Mia is able to open because of her work with Eileen. The reporter Sebastian also helps to get her story told to others, especially those who are disabled now and had fought in the war as well.
At end of the story the author explain the passages she changed to make the story better without changing history much.
Fascinating read and there is something for everyone in this story.
February 28, 2025
The Echo of Valor :Code name Rose (Timeless Agents Book 2).
This story is a dual timeline story with the present day in 2007 and 1931-1945 with strong focus on WW11. The story focuses on Eileen Nearne , who became an SOE secret agent in Nazi occupied France during WW11. Her experiences in the war ,from being dropped into France in the middle of the night, being a wire transmitter sending messages to London ,and eventual being captured by the Nazis and spending many months in concentration camps.
In 2007 Dr. Mia Thompson is tasked with meeting with Eileen , upon their meeting Mia is intrigued ,by the elderly women and digs deeper to find out more about her past and discovers that after all the years discovers a way to help Eileen work through her PDSD through telling her story and how it effected her mental health for her entire adult life!
This story is historical fiction based on a very real Eileen Nearne story. It shares all the emotions that from a very happy childhood to her desperate need to survive and escape.
Hannah Byron’s telling of this story is done beautifully! If you enjoy this story don’t forget to read book 1!
This story is a dual timeline story with the present day in 2007 and 1931-1945 with strong focus on WW11. The story focuses on Eileen Nearne , who became an SOE secret agent in Nazi occupied France during WW11. Her experiences in the war ,from being dropped into France in the middle of the night, being a wire transmitter sending messages to London ,and eventual being captured by the Nazis and spending many months in concentration camps.
In 2007 Dr. Mia Thompson is tasked with meeting with Eileen , upon their meeting Mia is intrigued ,by the elderly women and digs deeper to find out more about her past and discovers that after all the years discovers a way to help Eileen work through her PDSD through telling her story and how it effected her mental health for her entire adult life!
This story is historical fiction based on a very real Eileen Nearne story. It shares all the emotions that from a very happy childhood to her desperate need to survive and escape.
Hannah Byron’s telling of this story is done beautifully! If you enjoy this story don’t forget to read book 1!
February 27, 2025
On Book 2 of the of The Timeless Agents Series, we encounter the story of real life heroine Eileen Nearne, code name Rose, and agent of the SOE during WWII, she survived being capture by the Gestapo and her stay in Ravensbruck.
The book is a dual timeline story with Eileen story between 1931-1945 and Mia's story mostly in 2007.
Mia is a clinical psychologist that is helping Eileen with her PTSD and her wartime experiences.
This is a very powerful book, so much so because it is based on a real SOE agent, and it has the blessing of the surviving relatives of Eileen. The book is not shying away from the details of the war, and of Eileen's work, the dangers, the always living on edge, or the horrors of the concentration camp.
Ms. Byron's books are always extremely well researched, making the reader feel like being inside the story and part of the joy, horror, hope.
Even though this is a book with a very hard subject, it is also a book about human resilience and the power of always fighting for the good and the right.
The book is a dual timeline story with Eileen story between 1931-1945 and Mia's story mostly in 2007.
Mia is a clinical psychologist that is helping Eileen with her PTSD and her wartime experiences.
This is a very powerful book, so much so because it is based on a real SOE agent, and it has the blessing of the surviving relatives of Eileen. The book is not shying away from the details of the war, and of Eileen's work, the dangers, the always living on edge, or the horrors of the concentration camp.
Ms. Byron's books are always extremely well researched, making the reader feel like being inside the story and part of the joy, horror, hope.
Even though this is a book with a very hard subject, it is also a book about human resilience and the power of always fighting for the good and the right.
March 5, 2025
I liked the Codename Rose book so much! The stories of the past and present moved very seamlessly and I was drawn into the world of Eileen Nearne. It was nice how they showed the story of the young psychotherapist. I will warn you about the playboy guy journalist, you will either love him or hate him. But definitely will feel strong feelings, which is what I like about this book. The book made me care about each of the characters
July 30, 2025
I am a big Hannah Byron fan and this book was from her newest Timeless Spies series. Inspired by the real life story of Eileen Nearne, it’s a dual timeline book taking place both during WWII and in 2007. Eileen and her sister escaped France to work for Churchill’s SOE and helped the Resistance in 1944. In 2007, Dr. Mia wants to help Eileen through the PTSD and trauma she has carried for 60 years. This is their story and it’s a great one!
August 25, 2025
Excellent Story!
What a story! What a woman! I've read many stories about the SOE agents, I have read Hannah's stories of other SOE agents, THIS story is so remarkable it will stay with me for a very long time! I would really love a part two. Tell us what it was like when Eileen arrived back in London, tell us more about her life after the gala in London for the SOE, and finally, tell us about Mia and Sebastian. As you can see, I didn't want this story to end.
What a story! What a woman! I've read many stories about the SOE agents, I have read Hannah's stories of other SOE agents, THIS story is so remarkable it will stay with me for a very long time! I would really love a part two. Tell us what it was like when Eileen arrived back in London, tell us more about her life after the gala in London for the SOE, and finally, tell us about Mia and Sebastian. As you can see, I didn't want this story to end.
March 12, 2025
inspiring
In spite of the need to better understand the psychology and the how of this union of the two main protagonists, I rather enjoyed this book. It sheds more light on the demise of the SOE, which is rarely brought up in any novel I’ve read. It also adds another dimension to the training (inclusion of withstanding torture). I actually wanted more of this story.
In spite of the need to better understand the psychology and the how of this union of the two main protagonists, I rather enjoyed this book. It sheds more light on the demise of the SOE, which is rarely brought up in any novel I’ve read. It also adds another dimension to the training (inclusion of withstanding torture). I actually wanted more of this story.
March 27, 2025
I loved this book, the story was gripping and I loved how it had dual time frames ( current time for retelling the story and sections of when the story was told in WWII time) I also liked that she explained where she added general facts of that time that probably happened but wasn’t part of the official story from Eileen’s family!
I can’t wait to read more!
I can’t wait to read more!
March 9, 2025
Thankyou to the author for this wonderful book. To bring their story to life is remarkable. These women gave everything for freedom and deserve all the recognition for their role in bringing WW11 to an end.
Will be waiting for Book 3 of the series.
Will be waiting for Book 3 of the series.
March 18, 2025
great story
I have read all of your books and this is one of the best Looking forward to your next book.
I have read all of your books and this is one of the best Looking forward to your next book.
April 20, 2025
really awesome story about one of the true Heroines of our time.......... these people (men and women alike) were some of the most courageous people of all time
May 5, 2025
Wow
Almost makes you your there! How to be that brave and willing to fight for what wss right. True heroes these women were!
Almost makes you your there! How to be that brave and willing to fight for what wss right. True heroes these women were!
February 27, 2025
This second book in the Timeless Agents series by Hannah Byron is an epic and heroic tale of a World War Two SOE agent, code named Rose, real name Eileen Nearne. Her older sister Jacqueline was also recruited into the SOE. It is a fascinating dual timeline story from 1931-1945, and 2007, when Eileen talks to therapist Mia about her wartime experiences. It’s a very moving account of Eileen’s life from her happy childhood to reclusive old age. There’s particular emphasis on her work as a wire transfer agent at Beaulieu, and in Paris as a wireless operator. Hannah’s research is thorough, the book has Eileen’s family’s blessing. In the end notes fact and fiction are explained. Highly recommend this series which started with The Color of Courage(Book 1)
All books are standalone.
All books are standalone.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews