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Her Secret Soldier
‘They’re making me do this. I don’t want to, but I don’t have a choice. Please believe me.’ As I look into his blue eyes, I feel in my heart that he’s telling the truth. But can I trust a German spy?
England, 1940. When Rose sees a parachute crash into the woods behind her house she rushes to help. Finding a young injured soldier, Rose’s first instinct is to care for him. As she pushes the hair back from his handsome face, Rose feels an instant connection. But when he speaks, her blood turns to ice.
His name is Walter, he’s German and he’s an involuntary spy. He wants to turn himself in, even if it means he’ll be executed. As the pair share stories of their hopes and dreams after the war is over and their feelings begin to deepen, Rose knows she has to do whatever she can to save Walter’s life. Hiding him in an abandoned cottage in the woods, Rose prays he will be safe.
But after hearing the Germans are planning a deadly attack, Walter disappears and Rose fears the worst. Has he been discovered by the British, or has he been taken by the Germans and shot for desertion? With her heart in pieces Rose must decide – if she really loves Walter, how much will she sacrifice to save his life?
1990. When Emma unexpectedly inherits a cottage in the middle of a forest from her Great Aunt Rose, she wonders how anyone could live in such isolation. Searching the house for clues about the aunt she never knew, she’s shocked to discover old bones carefully wrapped in cloth, hidden in the cellar. As Emma begins to unravel the connection to Rose, will everything she has ever known about her family change forever?
Her Secret Soldier is an utterly gripping and heartbreaking wartime novel about the power of love and sacrifice against all odds. Deeply moving, it will have fans of Fiona Valpy, Soraya Lane and Rhys Bowen enthralled from start to finish.
England, 1940. When Rose sees a parachute crash into the woods behind her house she rushes to help. Finding a young injured soldier, Rose’s first instinct is to care for him. As she pushes the hair back from his handsome face, Rose feels an instant connection. But when he speaks, her blood turns to ice.
His name is Walter, he’s German and he’s an involuntary spy. He wants to turn himself in, even if it means he’ll be executed. As the pair share stories of their hopes and dreams after the war is over and their feelings begin to deepen, Rose knows she has to do whatever she can to save Walter’s life. Hiding him in an abandoned cottage in the woods, Rose prays he will be safe.
But after hearing the Germans are planning a deadly attack, Walter disappears and Rose fears the worst. Has he been discovered by the British, or has he been taken by the Germans and shot for desertion? With her heart in pieces Rose must decide – if she really loves Walter, how much will she sacrifice to save his life?
1990. When Emma unexpectedly inherits a cottage in the middle of a forest from her Great Aunt Rose, she wonders how anyone could live in such isolation. Searching the house for clues about the aunt she never knew, she’s shocked to discover old bones carefully wrapped in cloth, hidden in the cellar. As Emma begins to unravel the connection to Rose, will everything she has ever known about her family change forever?
Her Secret Soldier is an utterly gripping and heartbreaking wartime novel about the power of love and sacrifice against all odds. Deeply moving, it will have fans of Fiona Valpy, Soraya Lane and Rhys Bowen enthralled from start to finish.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 12, 2024
287 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Julie Hartley
4 books36 followersI was born in a steel town in the North of England, and started writing my first novel - on a manual tyepwriter - when I was 15. These days, I live in Toronto with my husband, daughter, and a feisty parrot! My poetry and short stories have appeared in literary magazines in England and Canada, and my plays for young people have toured on two continents. The Finding Place was my first published novel - this came out in 2015 and was followed in 2019 by Deboning a Dragon - a collection of poetry. I'm thrilled to be working with Bookouture, these days - writing historical fiction! My first novel, which is about a young girl in England who hides a German spy, was published in September 2024 and is available in paperback, for Kindle and on Audible. My second novel - about the sinking of a ship filled with evacuees on their way to safety in Canada - was released in February 2025.
In my non-writing life, I am the director of Centauri Arts. We run arts and creative writing workshops for teens from our Toronto studio and in schools - and we also offer creative writing retreats for adults in Costa Rica, Mexico and England. I love travelling, and I have a passion for birds. My parrot sits on my shoulder while I write!
In my non-writing life, I am the director of Centauri Arts. We run arts and creative writing workshops for teens from our Toronto studio and in schools - and we also offer creative writing retreats for adults in Costa Rica, Mexico and England. I love travelling, and I have a passion for birds. My parrot sits on my shoulder while I write!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
August 2, 2024
Operation Lena, the German espionage operation in Britain, turned out to be one of the least successful spy missions of World War II. Plotting an invasion of the United Kingdom in 1940 – codenamed Operation Sea Lion – the Nazis sent spies to gather intelligence across the English Channel.
England 1940, and Rose is about to come face to face with one of these German spies. Seeing a parachute crash into the woods she rushes to help and discovers a young soldier. Her instinct is to help him but when he speaks she discovers that he’s a German named Walter. He admits that he’s a spy but tells her that he’s been made to do it and will do whatever it takes to sabotage the Nazis plans - he has no desire to harm anyone. Does she believe him, or is he just telling her what she wants to hear?
Fast forward to 1990 where we meet Canadian, Emma, who has just received some unexpected but amazing news. She’s inherited a cottage in the middle of a forest in Silverwood Vale in England. Her great aunt Rose (who she’s never met) has named Emma as her only beneficiary in her will.
Emma travels to England and finds that the cottage is really isolated, and she wonders how Rose could live like this. Searching the cottage, she discovers human bones hidden in the cellar. And so begins the search to discover everything she can about Great Aunt Rose, and it’s quite a story!
What she finds is a tale of espionage and romance, and not forgetting Silverwood Vale which is almost a character in itself!
Enjoyable read.
*Thank you to Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
England 1940, and Rose is about to come face to face with one of these German spies. Seeing a parachute crash into the woods she rushes to help and discovers a young soldier. Her instinct is to help him but when he speaks she discovers that he’s a German named Walter. He admits that he’s a spy but tells her that he’s been made to do it and will do whatever it takes to sabotage the Nazis plans - he has no desire to harm anyone. Does she believe him, or is he just telling her what she wants to hear?
Fast forward to 1990 where we meet Canadian, Emma, who has just received some unexpected but amazing news. She’s inherited a cottage in the middle of a forest in Silverwood Vale in England. Her great aunt Rose (who she’s never met) has named Emma as her only beneficiary in her will.
Emma travels to England and finds that the cottage is really isolated, and she wonders how Rose could live like this. Searching the cottage, she discovers human bones hidden in the cellar. And so begins the search to discover everything she can about Great Aunt Rose, and it’s quite a story!
What she finds is a tale of espionage and romance, and not forgetting Silverwood Vale which is almost a character in itself!
Enjoyable read.
*Thank you to Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
September 5, 2024
It was England, 1940 and Rose was still sad her sister Eleanor had left them for the bright lights of London; left their sick mother and brutal step-father Norman. Rose was doing her best to care for her mam, but being in the presence of Norman made her want to flee like Eleanor had. The night she was breathing in the fresh salt air, away from their cottage, and saw a plane fly over and a parachute fall from its innards, Rose had no idea her life was about to become even more complicated. For the injured airman was Walter, a reluctant German spy, who wanted to hand himself in as soon as his feet hit the ground. Rose persuaded him otherwise, as the law had changed and Germans on British soil were to be executed. Could she hide him, and tend to his injuries? Should she?
1990, Canada, and Emma had received a letter from solicitors in England, stating she'd been left a significant parcel of land and small cottage by her Great Aunt Rose, a woman Emma had never met. Emma flew to England, leaving her husband Mike behind, with the intention of selling the land and cottage. But what she learned about Great Aunt Rose, astounded her. Who was this reclusive old lady who'd buried herself away in the forest called Silverwood Vale? And how had she come to own the forest which housed such beauty?
Her Secret Soldier is an exceptional historical novel, based on fact, by Julie Hartley, which I loved. A heartbreaking story, but a story of hope and love, of resilience and courage, and one of trust; following Rose's journey was an inspiration. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review.
1990, Canada, and Emma had received a letter from solicitors in England, stating she'd been left a significant parcel of land and small cottage by her Great Aunt Rose, a woman Emma had never met. Emma flew to England, leaving her husband Mike behind, with the intention of selling the land and cottage. But what she learned about Great Aunt Rose, astounded her. Who was this reclusive old lady who'd buried herself away in the forest called Silverwood Vale? And how had she come to own the forest which housed such beauty?
Her Secret Soldier is an exceptional historical novel, based on fact, by Julie Hartley, which I loved. A heartbreaking story, but a story of hope and love, of resilience and courage, and one of trust; following Rose's journey was an inspiration. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review.
July 13, 2024
Days later, I’m still thinking about Rose Tilburn and her secret soldier and longing for a trip back to Silverwood Vale!
This refreshingly unique historical fiction novel highlights worthiness, the risks everyone took during wartime, how war makes killers of the best of men, and how far people can be pushed before they give up.
In a dual timeline format with equally compelling narratives, new-to-me author Julie Hartley slowly reveals what happened to an 18-year-old missing young woman during WW2. She raises thought-provoking questions such as why we tend to reject things we can’t understand, why we make judgements about people we don’t know and why we’re unwilling to take risks to prevent stagnation.
She writes to inform about Operation Lena, the Treachery Act of May 1940, and the XX Committee. I especially loved the moment the title revealed a double meaning!
Hartley’s book was better than imagined and I can’t wait to explore her backlist as I await her next novel.
I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
This refreshingly unique historical fiction novel highlights worthiness, the risks everyone took during wartime, how war makes killers of the best of men, and how far people can be pushed before they give up.
In a dual timeline format with equally compelling narratives, new-to-me author Julie Hartley slowly reveals what happened to an 18-year-old missing young woman during WW2. She raises thought-provoking questions such as why we tend to reject things we can’t understand, why we make judgements about people we don’t know and why we’re unwilling to take risks to prevent stagnation.
She writes to inform about Operation Lena, the Treachery Act of May 1940, and the XX Committee. I especially loved the moment the title revealed a double meaning!
Hartley’s book was better than imagined and I can’t wait to explore her backlist as I await her next novel.
I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
August 21, 2024
Set in 1940 and 1990 this is a dual timeline story. Emma, in 1990, discovers she had a great-aunt Rose, who disappeared during the second world war and who has lately died and left a tract of land to her, called Silverwood Vale in the English countryside. Emma lives in Canada and is having problems in her marriage. She decides to fly to England to sell the land while she decides what to do with her life. When she arrives she starts to delve into Rose's life and what she discovers astonishes her.
I found it hard to rate this book. Silverwood Vale is really the central character. Rose and Walter's relationship while strained at the start, turns out to be lovely. Her story has the most page time. She had a pretty miserable life until she found Walter in the woods. I learned stuff about WWII that I hadn't previously known. I love this when you read something in a fictional story, based on real happenings that has you looking up information afterwards.
The story overall just didn't grab me. I felt like there was a lot of stuff left hanging. I needed more explanations of some events. Still I'm in the minority here as I know lots of people loved it. If you like stories set in WWII then try it because it comes at the war from a different angle.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an early copy of this book.
I found it hard to rate this book. Silverwood Vale is really the central character. Rose and Walter's relationship while strained at the start, turns out to be lovely. Her story has the most page time. She had a pretty miserable life until she found Walter in the woods. I learned stuff about WWII that I hadn't previously known. I love this when you read something in a fictional story, based on real happenings that has you looking up information afterwards.
The story overall just didn't grab me. I felt like there was a lot of stuff left hanging. I needed more explanations of some events. Still I'm in the minority here as I know lots of people loved it. If you like stories set in WWII then try it because it comes at the war from a different angle.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an early copy of this book.
September 13, 2024
Her Secret Soldier
By: Julie Hartley
Pub Date: September 12, 2024
Publisher: Bookouture
My first novel by this author, and DEFINETELY not my last. Absolutely loved this heartwarming story and I was fully invested in the lives of Rose and Walter.
Rose lives in England in 1940. She finds a parachute and a soldier in the woods behind her home. She wants to help the wounded soldier, but quickly discovers he is German. She decides to help the young man when she discovers more about him and a friendship is formed.
1990-Emma inherits a cottage from her Great Aunt Rose. Her aunt was something of a recluse. Emma find something shocking hidden in the cellar and the mystery begins to under cover her aunt’s past.
By: Julie Hartley
Pub Date: September 12, 2024
Publisher: Bookouture
My first novel by this author, and DEFINETELY not my last. Absolutely loved this heartwarming story and I was fully invested in the lives of Rose and Walter.
Rose lives in England in 1940. She finds a parachute and a soldier in the woods behind her home. She wants to help the wounded soldier, but quickly discovers he is German. She decides to help the young man when she discovers more about him and a friendship is formed.
1990-Emma inherits a cottage from her Great Aunt Rose. Her aunt was something of a recluse. Emma find something shocking hidden in the cellar and the mystery begins to under cover her aunt’s past.
August 28, 2024
This book had a very interesting storyline - but I do feel like the ending was a bit rushed. I feel there were a few details from the story that were left unaddressed, even in the end. For example, it was stated throughout the “present” chapters that some of the townspeople hated Rose, for “what she did” - but never actually stated what she did. There were a few things I can speculate about, but a more clearer picture would have been nice.
Rose, a young woman growing up during WWII in a coastal town in England called Lowbury. Her mother is slowly dying, her step-father is an abusive drunk, and her older sister left the family for London. Rose is expected to keep house for her stepfather and sick mother. Her life is mundane, uneventful, and boring - until one day, she meets a man Walter. He’s handsome, he’s kind, he shares in her love of nature . . But, he’s a German soldier/spy. He claims he hates Germany and wants to surrender to England, but can he be trusted?
4/4 due to the unanswered plot lines, otherwise a very good read!
Rose, a young woman growing up during WWII in a coastal town in England called Lowbury. Her mother is slowly dying, her step-father is an abusive drunk, and her older sister left the family for London. Rose is expected to keep house for her stepfather and sick mother. Her life is mundane, uneventful, and boring - until one day, she meets a man Walter. He’s handsome, he’s kind, he shares in her love of nature . . But, he’s a German soldier/spy. He claims he hates Germany and wants to surrender to England, but can he be trusted?
4/4 due to the unanswered plot lines, otherwise a very good read!
July 3, 2024
ARC Review--Publishing date September 12, 2024
I'm absolutely obsessed with historical fiction and the WWII era. I find it so fascinating to learn about this genre. This was like no book I have read before from this era. They have always been about the Holocaust, Hitler, etc. This book left me wanting to learn more about the German spies and their mission behind what they did. This book is told from two different people point of view in two different time frames--Rose in the 1940's and Emma in 1990's. I loved the set up of the book, how it went back and forth between the 40's and the 90's. So much is to be said about this novel during war time and no matter what happens, love will always find you.
I'm absolutely obsessed with historical fiction and the WWII era. I find it so fascinating to learn about this genre. This was like no book I have read before from this era. They have always been about the Holocaust, Hitler, etc. This book left me wanting to learn more about the German spies and their mission behind what they did. This book is told from two different people point of view in two different time frames--Rose in the 1940's and Emma in 1990's. I loved the set up of the book, how it went back and forth between the 40's and the 90's. So much is to be said about this novel during war time and no matter what happens, love will always find you.
February 14, 2025
Ahh, this was cute!!!! I adored Rose’s storyline the most. Emma, in my opinion, was annoying and a brat…and kind of pointless? Most of the book took place in 1940.
Yeah, I get she had inherited this old property, but I just wish it was a little more in depth on her exploring it? I also wish there was more detail on life after the war for Rose.
Overall, it’s cute!!
Yeah, I get she had inherited this old property, but I just wish it was a little more in depth on her exploring it? I also wish there was more detail on life after the war for Rose.
Overall, it’s cute!!
September 14, 2024
Her Secret Soldier is the debut historical fiction novel from Julie Hartley. It’s told in the dual timeline format and this works really well throughout the book. The story opens with a brief prologue that definitely aroused my interest as a woman named Rose arrives in London during the Blitz. She is following a man and instantly I wanted to know who the man was? Why was Rose following him and why is there a significant focus on the word betrayal? From this point on, the plot deftly moved back and forth between 1940 and 1990 as two stories begin to merge into one. I love books told in this format and this was easy to follow, and everything felt as if it was occurring at a nice and relaxed pace. It’s brilliant to have a story that focuses on a slightly different angle of the war. I read heavily in this genre and at times I can become slightly jaded with the same story being rehashed perhaps with a different character or setting but essentially the same plot is there. Here, a different viewpoint was explored and one which gave much food for thought.
In the present day plot, it is 1990 and Emma lives in Toronto and is married to Mike. There is an uneasiness in her marriage and it soon becomes evident that herself and Mike want different things. He longs to move to the Canadian wilderness. His panic attacks and anxiety are intensified by the city and he craves peace and tranquillity and to connect more with nature. The trips they venture on don’t suffice for him. Whereas Emma loves her job as a journalist and feels the city is the best place to further her career and it is where she feels most comfortable. Emma has decided it's best for herself and Mike to part ways and the timing is perfect for the separation to begin as she has just received a letter. Said letter contains information that will set Emma on a path she had never thought possible as an unusual and exciting story in her family history is about to be opened up. Emma apparently is now the owner of land and a dwelling in England as a Great Aunt Rose, that she never knew existed, has passed away and Emma is the only surviving relative. As Emma’s parents are both dead she can’t find out much information but a vague memory surfaces of her mother saying that her grandmother’s sister left home one day and never returned.
Emma decides to travel to England to see what she has inherited in the hopes that she can sell the land and have enough money to buy Mike out of the condo they share. She is surprised to discover the land is in fact an ancient forest called Silvervale and the dwelling is a cottage in the centre of it. Emma is transfixed by what she discovers and can sense there must be a deeper story at play than at first meets the eye. When she encounters Tristan who has taken up residence at the edge of the forest in a caravan well this really sets the cat amongst the pigeons as a startling discovery is made which makes Emma think selling the land won’t be as easy as she thinks. I enjoyed Emma pulling back the layers to uncover the secrets of the past and specifically what happened to Rose but I would say Rose’s storyline in the past held me in the palm of its hand. At some points regarding Emma’s aspect of the plot it just became a bit too much focused on the magic of the woods and connecting to nature and truthfully it just wasn’t for me even though I could see the message the author was trying to portray but I just wasn’t that bothered with it and wanted more of the historical aspect of the story.
As mentioned above it is Rose and her story that had my attention for whatever chapters that focused on it. Rose has a tough life. Her sister has recently left home and is engaged and working in London as an ARP warden and Rose feels abandoned and left to pick up the pieces. She craves a life of her own but knows that she can’t leave her mother who is very ill. Her stepfather Norman is an utter tyrant who makes their lives a misery and believes Rose’s role is to mind the house and care for her mother. Of course, she would do anything for her mother but Norman is a different story altogether and even though to the villagers working in the police force he is seen as a beacon of light and he does his duty to his country, Rose knows the other side of him. I wanted Rose to stand up for herself and get out there and do what she wanted to do and pursue her painting but given the situation with the war only at its beginning and loyalty to her mother how could this be achieved?
One night as she secretly paints on the beach she sees a Messerschmitt release something into the forest. Curious she ventures into Silverwood Vale which she knows like the back of her hand. It having been her playground since she as a child and as with Emma in the present she feels a strong affinity and connection to it through nature. There amongst the trees is a wounded German soldier, Walter. She releases him and hides him in a cottage in the woods. His story is soon revealed and he claims he is an involuntary spy but how can he be trusted? Here is where the moral aspect of the story comes into play and it really makes you question what would you do if you were in Rose’s situation? Should she stand by her morals and ethics and loyalty to her country in a time of great peril for millions of people? Or should she follow her heart which slowly starts to open up towards Walter and a connection is established. Is she venturing along a line that if once crossed there won’t be any coming back from?
So many questions filter through the reader’s mind and it really is a game of cat and mouse as to whether Walter can truly be trusted or can any word that he utters be taken as gospel. I’ll be honest in that I thought this all happened too quickly that the couple fell in love and were planning for after the war. It was almost as if Rose was so desperate for love and affection and to break free from the shackles that bound her at home that she jumped at the first chance she got. So what if it was a German and they were at war? My conscience wrestled as to whether Rose was doing the right thing and it was good to see her go back and forth with her emotions, loyalty and her heart as new elements to the plot made things more complex not that they were straight forward in the first place. Rose was lovely, brave and compassionate and Walter kind, sensitive and a lover of nature like Rose but was this enough for the pair of them? Will Walter be discovered? Can love that starts off with a divide, weather the storm that it is amidst? You’ll have to read Her Secret Solider to discover the answers.
All in all, I did really enjoy Her Secret Soldier. It was a quick read and a very good debut. Yes, there were one or two things that I found slightly implausible, specifically how could someone evade detection for so long considering how close they were to their original family home and also how did Tristan never meet Rose? There was never really anything specifically mentioned about this to give me a solid answer and even now it still niggles away at me. The ending did feel rushed considering the wonderful story that had been developed. A chapter or two more would have been very welcome as I would have loved for Emma to have been given an opportunity to explain her reasoning and her final stance in even more detail than was provided. It was almost as if the book for some reason needed to be wrapped up in a hurry whereas reading it I would have loved for it to have continued on for slightly longer. But look, these are minor issues which really didn’t detract majorly at all from my enjoyment of the story. I love discovering new authors and certainly Julie Hartley is one to watch out for as she publishes more books as I sense there is a lot more lying in wait to come forth from the pen of the author.
In the present day plot, it is 1990 and Emma lives in Toronto and is married to Mike. There is an uneasiness in her marriage and it soon becomes evident that herself and Mike want different things. He longs to move to the Canadian wilderness. His panic attacks and anxiety are intensified by the city and he craves peace and tranquillity and to connect more with nature. The trips they venture on don’t suffice for him. Whereas Emma loves her job as a journalist and feels the city is the best place to further her career and it is where she feels most comfortable. Emma has decided it's best for herself and Mike to part ways and the timing is perfect for the separation to begin as she has just received a letter. Said letter contains information that will set Emma on a path she had never thought possible as an unusual and exciting story in her family history is about to be opened up. Emma apparently is now the owner of land and a dwelling in England as a Great Aunt Rose, that she never knew existed, has passed away and Emma is the only surviving relative. As Emma’s parents are both dead she can’t find out much information but a vague memory surfaces of her mother saying that her grandmother’s sister left home one day and never returned.
Emma decides to travel to England to see what she has inherited in the hopes that she can sell the land and have enough money to buy Mike out of the condo they share. She is surprised to discover the land is in fact an ancient forest called Silvervale and the dwelling is a cottage in the centre of it. Emma is transfixed by what she discovers and can sense there must be a deeper story at play than at first meets the eye. When she encounters Tristan who has taken up residence at the edge of the forest in a caravan well this really sets the cat amongst the pigeons as a startling discovery is made which makes Emma think selling the land won’t be as easy as she thinks. I enjoyed Emma pulling back the layers to uncover the secrets of the past and specifically what happened to Rose but I would say Rose’s storyline in the past held me in the palm of its hand. At some points regarding Emma’s aspect of the plot it just became a bit too much focused on the magic of the woods and connecting to nature and truthfully it just wasn’t for me even though I could see the message the author was trying to portray but I just wasn’t that bothered with it and wanted more of the historical aspect of the story.
As mentioned above it is Rose and her story that had my attention for whatever chapters that focused on it. Rose has a tough life. Her sister has recently left home and is engaged and working in London as an ARP warden and Rose feels abandoned and left to pick up the pieces. She craves a life of her own but knows that she can’t leave her mother who is very ill. Her stepfather Norman is an utter tyrant who makes their lives a misery and believes Rose’s role is to mind the house and care for her mother. Of course, she would do anything for her mother but Norman is a different story altogether and even though to the villagers working in the police force he is seen as a beacon of light and he does his duty to his country, Rose knows the other side of him. I wanted Rose to stand up for herself and get out there and do what she wanted to do and pursue her painting but given the situation with the war only at its beginning and loyalty to her mother how could this be achieved?
One night as she secretly paints on the beach she sees a Messerschmitt release something into the forest. Curious she ventures into Silverwood Vale which she knows like the back of her hand. It having been her playground since she as a child and as with Emma in the present she feels a strong affinity and connection to it through nature. There amongst the trees is a wounded German soldier, Walter. She releases him and hides him in a cottage in the woods. His story is soon revealed and he claims he is an involuntary spy but how can he be trusted? Here is where the moral aspect of the story comes into play and it really makes you question what would you do if you were in Rose’s situation? Should she stand by her morals and ethics and loyalty to her country in a time of great peril for millions of people? Or should she follow her heart which slowly starts to open up towards Walter and a connection is established. Is she venturing along a line that if once crossed there won’t be any coming back from?
So many questions filter through the reader’s mind and it really is a game of cat and mouse as to whether Walter can truly be trusted or can any word that he utters be taken as gospel. I’ll be honest in that I thought this all happened too quickly that the couple fell in love and were planning for after the war. It was almost as if Rose was so desperate for love and affection and to break free from the shackles that bound her at home that she jumped at the first chance she got. So what if it was a German and they were at war? My conscience wrestled as to whether Rose was doing the right thing and it was good to see her go back and forth with her emotions, loyalty and her heart as new elements to the plot made things more complex not that they were straight forward in the first place. Rose was lovely, brave and compassionate and Walter kind, sensitive and a lover of nature like Rose but was this enough for the pair of them? Will Walter be discovered? Can love that starts off with a divide, weather the storm that it is amidst? You’ll have to read Her Secret Solider to discover the answers.
All in all, I did really enjoy Her Secret Soldier. It was a quick read and a very good debut. Yes, there were one or two things that I found slightly implausible, specifically how could someone evade detection for so long considering how close they were to their original family home and also how did Tristan never meet Rose? There was never really anything specifically mentioned about this to give me a solid answer and even now it still niggles away at me. The ending did feel rushed considering the wonderful story that had been developed. A chapter or two more would have been very welcome as I would have loved for Emma to have been given an opportunity to explain her reasoning and her final stance in even more detail than was provided. It was almost as if the book for some reason needed to be wrapped up in a hurry whereas reading it I would have loved for it to have continued on for slightly longer. But look, these are minor issues which really didn’t detract majorly at all from my enjoyment of the story. I love discovering new authors and certainly Julie Hartley is one to watch out for as she publishes more books as I sense there is a lot more lying in wait to come forth from the pen of the author.
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September 22, 2024Her Secret Soldier
Dripping with beautiful imagery, this duel story primarily takes place in rural England. In the prologue, we meet a young girl named Rose. It is 1940, the time of the Blitz.
Chapter One.
We flash forward to 1990. We meet another young woman, Emma, who lives in Toronto, Canada with her boyfriend Mike. Just as she decides to split up with Mike, she receives a mysterious letter from the UK stating that she has inherited land there from an Aunt Rose, her mother’s long-lost sister. Emma decides to go to England primarily to sell the land and move on with her life.
Chapter Three
Rose and her sister Evelyn live near a large forestland along the beach called Silverwood Vale. Raised by their timid mother and abusive stepfather, the sisters have had a miserable childhood since their father died. After her older sister bravely moves out of the home, Rose increasingly seeks solace inside the forest. “I love the forest,’ she replied. ‘In Spring, there is so much noise here, though you would hardly think it now. Blue tits and chaffinches, bullfinches, and great tits, all of them flitting through the branches, singing for their mates. Woodpeckers banging, squirrels scurrying, everything alive with sound, everything in a marvelous frenzy.’ She smiled.” (Pg.83)
It is the time of the Blitz. Germany is bombing England and activating Operation Lena, a secret land invasion for sabotage and espionage. One day Rose discovers a downed and injured German soldier. Should she report him? Or should she help him? Eventually, she decides to hide him. “‘No one can make you harm anyone else if they don’t know you’re here,’ Rose said softly. ‘In this cabin, in this forest, you are a secret soldier. If you can’t bear the thought of killing, a secret soldier is the best kind to be.’” (Pg. 81)
Written like poetry, Julie Hartley does an excellent job of taking the reader into the time and space of this historical story. “Speckles of softening light filtered through the trees ahead, spilling like summer raindrops onto the fallen tree.” (Pg. 190)
The author develops the main characters so that we can see and hear their souls. “‘I didn’t know I could feel like this,’ Rose cried. ‘So very angry and jaded. People are not good. There’s a cruelty inside everyone and war gives it free rein.’” (Pg. 95)
“He walked on ahead, through the darkness, and she admired the ease with which he moved in the forest, the stillness about him that bordered on reverence. It was impossible to watch him without feeling alive. This is what people are supposed to be, she thought. At home in the world, not frightened by it.” (Pg195)
“A branch reached out through the gloom to slap her in the face, and she thought, Nature always seems to get me. No matter how hard I try; it won’t leave me alone.” (Pg.90)
Nature is the other main character in this story. Patient but persuasive, quiet - unless you are listening. “‘The stories this tree could tell if only it could talk.’” she said.” “‘Trees do talk,’ Tristen replied. ‘They pass messages to each other through their roots. Come.’” (Pg. 194)
This suspenseful yet gentle story is about choices. It is also about listening. “‘She said, there’s no such thing as silence in nature. There are layers of noise, layers of life, and you have to learn to listen for them.’” (Pg.110)
I highly recommend this book. I was able to read it on NetGalley. Page numbers of the quotes may be slightly different in the printed version. Rating 5
Dripping with beautiful imagery, this duel story primarily takes place in rural England. In the prologue, we meet a young girl named Rose. It is 1940, the time of the Blitz.
Chapter One.
We flash forward to 1990. We meet another young woman, Emma, who lives in Toronto, Canada with her boyfriend Mike. Just as she decides to split up with Mike, she receives a mysterious letter from the UK stating that she has inherited land there from an Aunt Rose, her mother’s long-lost sister. Emma decides to go to England primarily to sell the land and move on with her life.
Chapter Three
Rose and her sister Evelyn live near a large forestland along the beach called Silverwood Vale. Raised by their timid mother and abusive stepfather, the sisters have had a miserable childhood since their father died. After her older sister bravely moves out of the home, Rose increasingly seeks solace inside the forest. “I love the forest,’ she replied. ‘In Spring, there is so much noise here, though you would hardly think it now. Blue tits and chaffinches, bullfinches, and great tits, all of them flitting through the branches, singing for their mates. Woodpeckers banging, squirrels scurrying, everything alive with sound, everything in a marvelous frenzy.’ She smiled.” (Pg.83)
It is the time of the Blitz. Germany is bombing England and activating Operation Lena, a secret land invasion for sabotage and espionage. One day Rose discovers a downed and injured German soldier. Should she report him? Or should she help him? Eventually, she decides to hide him. “‘No one can make you harm anyone else if they don’t know you’re here,’ Rose said softly. ‘In this cabin, in this forest, you are a secret soldier. If you can’t bear the thought of killing, a secret soldier is the best kind to be.’” (Pg. 81)
Written like poetry, Julie Hartley does an excellent job of taking the reader into the time and space of this historical story. “Speckles of softening light filtered through the trees ahead, spilling like summer raindrops onto the fallen tree.” (Pg. 190)
The author develops the main characters so that we can see and hear their souls. “‘I didn’t know I could feel like this,’ Rose cried. ‘So very angry and jaded. People are not good. There’s a cruelty inside everyone and war gives it free rein.’” (Pg. 95)
“He walked on ahead, through the darkness, and she admired the ease with which he moved in the forest, the stillness about him that bordered on reverence. It was impossible to watch him without feeling alive. This is what people are supposed to be, she thought. At home in the world, not frightened by it.” (Pg195)
“A branch reached out through the gloom to slap her in the face, and she thought, Nature always seems to get me. No matter how hard I try; it won’t leave me alone.” (Pg.90)
Nature is the other main character in this story. Patient but persuasive, quiet - unless you are listening. “‘The stories this tree could tell if only it could talk.’” she said.” “‘Trees do talk,’ Tristen replied. ‘They pass messages to each other through their roots. Come.’” (Pg. 194)
This suspenseful yet gentle story is about choices. It is also about listening. “‘She said, there’s no such thing as silence in nature. There are layers of noise, layers of life, and you have to learn to listen for them.’” (Pg.110)
I highly recommend this book. I was able to read it on NetGalley. Page numbers of the quotes may be slightly different in the printed version. Rating 5
August 5, 2024
What a great historical WWII fiction debut novel! I thoroughly enjoyed the book, reading it in less than 24 hours. With the dual timeline routine in books, movies, and TV getting rather stale, Julie Hartley wrote a beautiful tale of love and loss using this style of writing. Her Secret Soldier has found a permanent place in my heart and on my bookshelf.
Easy to read, and far easier to become lost in the woods alongside Rose and her German lover, a downed German spy sent to England to help Hitler with his desire to invade the British Isles, this new author kept me glued to the story with only a few breaks for a walk, a refill of the coffee pot, and 40 winks. The tale was refreshing, bringing to light a few details I hadn’t known about Hitler’s use of spies, many having little idea of the British way of life, the language, or the terrain.
This poignant tale of love and loss tugs at the heartstrings. The prose is beautiful, the settings are rich and well-developed, and the characters are well-developed.
If you love WWII historical fiction, you must read this unputdownable story.
I started reading at 6 PM on a Friday, slept for three hours, made a pot of coffee, and picked up the book because I simply had to keep reading. A book rarely calls to me like Her Secret Soldier has. I highly recommend this book and this new author to all historical fiction lovers, especially those with a deep love of WWII historical fiction.
Who says you can’t find love with the enemy? Julie Hartley’s character, Rose, proves that compassion always makes sense.
I loved the book and can’t wait to read more of this author’s work. It's a five-star read all the way around.
Thank you to Net Galley, Bookouture, and Julie Hartley for the opportunity to read this free advanced copy. This review is voluntary and mine alone.
Easy to read, and far easier to become lost in the woods alongside Rose and her German lover, a downed German spy sent to England to help Hitler with his desire to invade the British Isles, this new author kept me glued to the story with only a few breaks for a walk, a refill of the coffee pot, and 40 winks. The tale was refreshing, bringing to light a few details I hadn’t known about Hitler’s use of spies, many having little idea of the British way of life, the language, or the terrain.
This poignant tale of love and loss tugs at the heartstrings. The prose is beautiful, the settings are rich and well-developed, and the characters are well-developed.
If you love WWII historical fiction, you must read this unputdownable story.
I started reading at 6 PM on a Friday, slept for three hours, made a pot of coffee, and picked up the book because I simply had to keep reading. A book rarely calls to me like Her Secret Soldier has. I highly recommend this book and this new author to all historical fiction lovers, especially those with a deep love of WWII historical fiction.
Who says you can’t find love with the enemy? Julie Hartley’s character, Rose, proves that compassion always makes sense.
I loved the book and can’t wait to read more of this author’s work. It's a five-star read all the way around.
Thank you to Net Galley, Bookouture, and Julie Hartley for the opportunity to read this free advanced copy. This review is voluntary and mine alone.
November 6, 2024
Her Secret Soldier is a dual timeline story, focusing on Rose Tilburn and her lover, Walter, and Rose's niece, Emma. Rose's story takes place throughout WW2, where she struggles with issues involving her family's situation, as well as the fact she is hiding a german spy, therefore betraying her country. Although Emma's story is set after WW2, she still has her fair share of problems with her fiancé and sudden inheritance. The external conflict in Her Secret Soldier are attention-grabbing, and always manage to keep the reader's attention, however, I believe it is the internal conflict both Rose and Emma experience that truly bring the story to life. Rose switching between the love she feels for Walter and the weight of betraying her country, and Emma's character development as the story progresses, both play essential roles in keeping the story going.
The relationships formed throughout the story were also intriguing, as I waited to see what would happen next between Rose and Walter, as the two faced many hardships, yet always managed to stick together. Emma's complicated relationship towards nature also kept the plot interesting, as I waited to see how her attitude would change. Furthermore the setting itself, Silverwood Vale, also played a key role in the plot, connecting Rose and her niece in many unexpected ways.
Overall, Her Secret Soldier managed to keep me intrigued throughout the entire story, and even after completing it I couldn't stop thinking about Silverwood Vale. If you are a fan of fantasy and historical fiction, then I strongly suggest you to read this book.
The relationships formed throughout the story were also intriguing, as I waited to see what would happen next between Rose and Walter, as the two faced many hardships, yet always managed to stick together. Emma's complicated relationship towards nature also kept the plot interesting, as I waited to see how her attitude would change. Furthermore the setting itself, Silverwood Vale, also played a key role in the plot, connecting Rose and her niece in many unexpected ways.
Overall, Her Secret Soldier managed to keep me intrigued throughout the entire story, and even after completing it I couldn't stop thinking about Silverwood Vale. If you are a fan of fantasy and historical fiction, then I strongly suggest you to read this book.
June 26, 2024
This is an extraordinary debut novel and not at all what I expected. On one hand, it's World War II historical fiction covering the brief period when German agents were sent to England in preparation for a land invasion. But, it's also a story of a family fractured and scattered because of domestic abuse, compounded by the war. Told in a dual timeline, one narrator is Rose, 18, a sensitive, artistic soul, living on the English coast in 1940. The other is her great-niece Emma, a journalist whose marriage is failing in Toronto in 1990. Their connection is Silverwood Vale, a large tract of ancient forest that Emma has unexpectedly inherited from her unknown Great-Aunt Rose.
The writing is so good that I quickly became engrossed in Rose's story, turning pages rapidly as the plot intensified, so much so that I was startled when the timeline shifted to Emma. I confess that I didn't care much for Emma initially but her story drew me in as well. There is so much to love about this book, from the exciting wartime espionage plot to a tender romance but the genuine characters are what made this work for me. (I don't know if an old-growth forest can be a character but the author made it come alive.) I highly recommend this stunning debut novel.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the digital ARC. All opinions and the review are entirely my own.
The writing is so good that I quickly became engrossed in Rose's story, turning pages rapidly as the plot intensified, so much so that I was startled when the timeline shifted to Emma. I confess that I didn't care much for Emma initially but her story drew me in as well. There is so much to love about this book, from the exciting wartime espionage plot to a tender romance but the genuine characters are what made this work for me. (I don't know if an old-growth forest can be a character but the author made it come alive.) I highly recommend this stunning debut novel.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the digital ARC. All opinions and the review are entirely my own.
November 14, 2024
In this fascinating dual-timeline World War II historical fiction novel, readers follow Rose, an English girl, and Walter, a downed German pilot and involuntary spy, in the English countryside in 1940 as the Battle for Britain continues to heat up, while Rose’s great-niece Emma, in 1990, learns about her mysterious aunt and the secrets and mysteries surrounding the abandoned family property. As all three characters learn that there is more to their lives and their worlds than they thought, readers join Emma in discovering her family history and Rose and Walter in looking beyond their two sides of the war. As the stakes of Walter’s unexpected arrival in England and the consequences for both Rose and Walter rise, they must determine what they are willing to risk for their new relationship. With fascinating characters and a fantastic historical setting, this novel is exciting and high stakes, bringing the complications of espionage and morality to life in this complex historical background. As for Emma’s storyline, it helps readers explore Rose and Walter’s lives with the benefit of hindsight, and all three characters are complex with unique backgrounds that set their alternating chapters apart in this enjoyable, tense, and morally complex historical fiction novel.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance copy.
January 16, 2025
Another World War II novel to grab my heart and stay on my shelf! When I saw the details of this book I knew I had to read it right away! It is truly a love story for all the ages and pages! Rose and Walter have my heart! 💖
To rewind we have Rose an English girl and Walter! Rose is from the English countryside! And Walter is a German pilot and spy who is injured! Rose finds him and decides to help him! Even though he is the enemy she sees to caring for him! ☕ Love blossoms between the two! Until Walter reveals he is still on a mission!
This was definitely making my heart beat the whole time yet slowed down all in one. Will they end up together? What will cost them? The sweet and intense moments made a tapestry of my emotions and hopes!💗
In this dual timeline novel we have Rose's niece Emma in the 1990s years later inherit Roses cottage! When she explores the cottage she finds human remains wrapped in cloth! This leads on to an investigation trying to determine who is her Aunt really? And whose bones are these? 🫢
All in all this story gave my book loving, multi-level brain a run for my money!! I truly at some points didn't know what was going to happen and I kept rooting for Rose and Walter! These two beautiful characters who did not want to be thrown into any war but were thrown into each other's lives and became each other's heartbeats! 🧁
Bravo!! 🎁
To rewind we have Rose an English girl and Walter! Rose is from the English countryside! And Walter is a German pilot and spy who is injured! Rose finds him and decides to help him! Even though he is the enemy she sees to caring for him! ☕ Love blossoms between the two! Until Walter reveals he is still on a mission!
This was definitely making my heart beat the whole time yet slowed down all in one. Will they end up together? What will cost them? The sweet and intense moments made a tapestry of my emotions and hopes!💗
In this dual timeline novel we have Rose's niece Emma in the 1990s years later inherit Roses cottage! When she explores the cottage she finds human remains wrapped in cloth! This leads on to an investigation trying to determine who is her Aunt really? And whose bones are these? 🫢
All in all this story gave my book loving, multi-level brain a run for my money!! I truly at some points didn't know what was going to happen and I kept rooting for Rose and Walter! These two beautiful characters who did not want to be thrown into any war but were thrown into each other's lives and became each other's heartbeats! 🧁
Bravo!! 🎁
July 28, 2024
Love Endures
This is a WWII romance. It is a dual timeline story, but it is a bit different than others. I really enjoyed the difference. It focuses on the characters and their feelings and desires rather than on the war although the war is the central part of the story. A bit hard to describe.
The story focuses on nature in a small wooded area called Silverwood Vale. It focuses on two young women, Rose in WWII and Emma in 1990. When Emma inherits Silverwood Vale, she travels from her home to see her inheritances and is intrigued with the story of her great aunt Rose. Silverwood Vale is a place of wonder in nature and it is instrumental in both lives of the young women.
As Rose explores Silverwood Vale and the history of her great aunt Rose, she uncovers a beautiful love story from WWII between the English girl Rose and a German Soldier Walter. The story and the forest are instrumental in reuniting Emma with her nature loving husband Mike.
This story is heartbreaking and heartwarming both. I was surprised at how the two fit together and very much enjoyed both stories. It has suspense, danger, intrigue and romance. You will not be disappointed with this story.
I received a complimentary copy to read and review. The review is voluntary and my own words.
This is a WWII romance. It is a dual timeline story, but it is a bit different than others. I really enjoyed the difference. It focuses on the characters and their feelings and desires rather than on the war although the war is the central part of the story. A bit hard to describe.
The story focuses on nature in a small wooded area called Silverwood Vale. It focuses on two young women, Rose in WWII and Emma in 1990. When Emma inherits Silverwood Vale, she travels from her home to see her inheritances and is intrigued with the story of her great aunt Rose. Silverwood Vale is a place of wonder in nature and it is instrumental in both lives of the young women.
As Rose explores Silverwood Vale and the history of her great aunt Rose, she uncovers a beautiful love story from WWII between the English girl Rose and a German Soldier Walter. The story and the forest are instrumental in reuniting Emma with her nature loving husband Mike.
This story is heartbreaking and heartwarming both. I was surprised at how the two fit together and very much enjoyed both stories. It has suspense, danger, intrigue and romance. You will not be disappointed with this story.
I received a complimentary copy to read and review. The review is voluntary and my own words.
July 30, 2024
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.
“Her Secret Soldier” is a debut WWII novel by Julie Hartley. In this book we follow two people in two different timelines - Rose (1940s) and Emma (1990s). Rose, who lives in the UK in 1940, as she discovers a parachute in the woods near her house. Rose decides to rescue the parachutist - a German who had spent some of his life growing up in England. Rose and the parachutist care for each other, but Rose wonders if she can really trust him and not betray her country. Years pass (50 or so of them) and Emma is surprised to learn that she has inherited her great-aunt Rose’s cottage in the woods. Emma is unaware of Rose’s history, but she decides to go see the cottage - and woods - before selling the property. Both Rose and Emma are changed in this book. I did like that any romance happened off the page with both characters. I also liked the resolution to Emma’s story. I thought the idea of this book was an interesting one (do read the Author’s note) and this book held my attention. It was pretty easy to keep the two women’s stories apart.
“Her Secret Soldier” is a debut WWII novel by Julie Hartley. In this book we follow two people in two different timelines - Rose (1940s) and Emma (1990s). Rose, who lives in the UK in 1940, as she discovers a parachute in the woods near her house. Rose decides to rescue the parachutist - a German who had spent some of his life growing up in England. Rose and the parachutist care for each other, but Rose wonders if she can really trust him and not betray her country. Years pass (50 or so of them) and Emma is surprised to learn that she has inherited her great-aunt Rose’s cottage in the woods. Emma is unaware of Rose’s history, but she decides to go see the cottage - and woods - before selling the property. Both Rose and Emma are changed in this book. I did like that any romance happened off the page with both characters. I also liked the resolution to Emma’s story. I thought the idea of this book was an interesting one (do read the Author’s note) and this book held my attention. It was pretty easy to keep the two women’s stories apart.
September 12, 2024
What a beautiful debut novel. I really enjoyed this gripping and heartbreaking wartime story about love, sacrifice, espionage, romance, secrets and lies. It’s deeply moving and I was totally hooked from start to finish. With an interesting storyline it’s easy to follow and is atmospheric.
It explores Rose and Walter’s story, told in different POV’s of Rose, England 1940 and Emma 1990, starting when Emma inherits Silverwood Vale from her Great Aunt Rose. The dual time line adds depth to the story and the hidden secrets bought suspense. It’s well written, interweaving between the two timelines to slowly reveal the story and join it all up together nicely. It’s a captivating story with characters you fall in love with and the author captures the emotions and struggles of the characters perfectly. It has a good mix of history, mystery and romance.
Overall, a well paced, enjoyable story. Well worth the read.
Definitely recommend if you enjoy historical fiction.
With thanks to #NetGallery @bookouture for an arc of #HerSecretSoldier in exchange for a honest review.
Book publishes 12 September 2024.
It explores Rose and Walter’s story, told in different POV’s of Rose, England 1940 and Emma 1990, starting when Emma inherits Silverwood Vale from her Great Aunt Rose. The dual time line adds depth to the story and the hidden secrets bought suspense. It’s well written, interweaving between the two timelines to slowly reveal the story and join it all up together nicely. It’s a captivating story with characters you fall in love with and the author captures the emotions and struggles of the characters perfectly. It has a good mix of history, mystery and romance.
Overall, a well paced, enjoyable story. Well worth the read.
Definitely recommend if you enjoy historical fiction.
With thanks to #NetGallery @bookouture for an arc of #HerSecretSoldier in exchange for a honest review.
Book publishes 12 September 2024.
September 12, 2024
When I read that this book was compared to something written by Soraya Lane and Rhys Bowen, I knew I needed to check it out. Rose was stuck in such an awful situation. Her older sister escapes the bad home life they were forced into when their mother married their stepfather and she leaves Rose to deal with it all alone. I felt so bad for her and it made me really think about how so many women probably had to deal with things like that. When she saves Walter she is able to let him in in a way I’m not sure I would be able to if I dealt with the things she dealt with at home.
The past was definitely the predominant part of the story, but I liked both sides. I enjoyed Emma’s POV. She’s in a pivotal time in her life, and when she finds out that she inherits a whole forest from her great aunt, she takes the opportunity to escape her every day life and go get answers about Rose. Learning about what Rose went through in her life, shows her what’s important in hers.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC of this book.
The past was definitely the predominant part of the story, but I liked both sides. I enjoyed Emma’s POV. She’s in a pivotal time in her life, and when she finds out that she inherits a whole forest from her great aunt, she takes the opportunity to escape her every day life and go get answers about Rose. Learning about what Rose went through in her life, shows her what’s important in hers.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC of this book.
September 12, 2024
"Her decision came down to just one thing: what sort of person was she?"
I loved the exploration of the dualities within people in Her Secret Soldier. Rose, a bit timid and unsure of who she wants to be, but certain in her love of nature. Emma, who knows what she wants, which is to be surrounded by the activity of the city- until she realizes she doesn't.
Her Secret Soldier also explored different relationship dynamics and how relationships can change. Relationships not only with each other, but with ourselves and the world around us.
I highly recommend this book to people who love a sweet, slow burn romance, heart-pounding espionage, and a story shared between dual timelines. I know sometimes with dual timelines you want to skip over one of them because you're more invested one than the other, but I honestly looked forward to seeing what happened next with both Emma and Rose.
Also! I really hope Evelyn gets her own book because I'd love to hear more about her!
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley, but all the review opinions are my own.
I loved the exploration of the dualities within people in Her Secret Soldier. Rose, a bit timid and unsure of who she wants to be, but certain in her love of nature. Emma, who knows what she wants, which is to be surrounded by the activity of the city- until she realizes she doesn't.
Her Secret Soldier also explored different relationship dynamics and how relationships can change. Relationships not only with each other, but with ourselves and the world around us.
I highly recommend this book to people who love a sweet, slow burn romance, heart-pounding espionage, and a story shared between dual timelines. I know sometimes with dual timelines you want to skip over one of them because you're more invested one than the other, but I honestly looked forward to seeing what happened next with both Emma and Rose.
Also! I really hope Evelyn gets her own book because I'd love to hear more about her!
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley, but all the review opinions are my own.
August 6, 2025
Her Secret Soldier weaves a dual-timeline narrative between 1940 and 1990, with the wartime story of Rose taking centre stage—and rightly so. Rose’s journey during WWII is compelling, heartfelt, and rich in historical detail. Her relationship with Walter is beautifully drawn, and I found myself wanting to know more about their life together after the war ended.
In contrast, the modern-day storyline featuring Emma, Rose’s great-niece, fell a bit flat for me. Emma inherits Rose’s English property and travels from Canada with the intention of selling it, but I struggled to warm to her. She came across as overly whiny and perhaps a little spoilt, which made it hard to connect with her or care deeply about her part in the story. For me, the 1990 narrative didn’t add much and at times detracted from the emotional strength of Rose’s chapters.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read with a strong historical thread. If the focus had remained more firmly on Rose and her post-war life, it might have been a five-star story.
In contrast, the modern-day storyline featuring Emma, Rose’s great-niece, fell a bit flat for me. Emma inherits Rose’s English property and travels from Canada with the intention of selling it, but I struggled to warm to her. She came across as overly whiny and perhaps a little spoilt, which made it hard to connect with her or care deeply about her part in the story. For me, the 1990 narrative didn’t add much and at times detracted from the emotional strength of Rose’s chapters.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read with a strong historical thread. If the focus had remained more firmly on Rose and her post-war life, it might have been a five-star story.
July 20, 2024
My favourite genre is historical fiction and my favourite time period is WWII. I am so glad I was able to read the ARC of this story. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author.
This is a great debut novel. The writing is beautiful. Lyrical but not overdone. Having just listened to the Bono book he could have done with this exact level of prose. Enough to make the story beautiful but not enough to detract from it (and make me want to skim over the extra "fluff").
The writing was so descriptive and I truly felt like I was in the forest with Rose and Emma. The orchid, the family of badgers - so beautifully written. A love story in the middle of war is usually a winner for me - this one was no different. There is a great plot twist near the end (I was not expecting that at all). Overall a quick and super enjoyable read. Highly recommend this one - especially if you are a fan of historical fiction.
This is a great debut novel. The writing is beautiful. Lyrical but not overdone. Having just listened to the Bono book he could have done with this exact level of prose. Enough to make the story beautiful but not enough to detract from it (and make me want to skim over the extra "fluff").
The writing was so descriptive and I truly felt like I was in the forest with Rose and Emma. The orchid, the family of badgers - so beautifully written. A love story in the middle of war is usually a winner for me - this one was no different. There is a great plot twist near the end (I was not expecting that at all). Overall a quick and super enjoyable read. Highly recommend this one - especially if you are a fan of historical fiction.
September 12, 2024
Julie Hartley weaves a compelling dual-timeline narrative in Her Secret Soldier that captures the heart and soul of wartime sacrifice. Set in 1940, Rose’s discovery of an injured German soldier, Walter, leads to a forbidden love that blossoms amidst the chaos of war. Hartley skillfully portrays the tension and inner turmoil as Rose risks everything to protect Walter, despite the danger and uncertainty.
Fast forward to 1990, and we follow Emma as she unearths hidden secrets from her Great Aunt Rose’s past—secrets that could alter everything she knows about her family. The seamless blend of romance, historical drama, and mystery keeps you on edge as you root for Rose and Walter’s fate while puzzling through Emma’s discovery of old bones hidden in the cottage cellar.
If you love historical fiction filled with heart-wrenching moments, moral dilemmas, and the fierce power of love, Her Secret Soldier will keep you captivated. Fans of Fiona Valpy and Rhys Bowen, this one’s for you!
Fast forward to 1990, and we follow Emma as she unearths hidden secrets from her Great Aunt Rose’s past—secrets that could alter everything she knows about her family. The seamless blend of romance, historical drama, and mystery keeps you on edge as you root for Rose and Walter’s fate while puzzling through Emma’s discovery of old bones hidden in the cottage cellar.
If you love historical fiction filled with heart-wrenching moments, moral dilemmas, and the fierce power of love, Her Secret Soldier will keep you captivated. Fans of Fiona Valpy and Rhys Bowen, this one’s for you!
September 13, 2024
I do love a good World War 2 fiction, and this one hit the spot. It was the perfect blend of mystery, romance and intrigue. I also learned something new as I'd not heard of 'Operation Lena' before. As always with this genre you have to suspend belief a little as I'm not sure events ever could have unfolded as they did. But then again, how would we know!
Written as a dual timeline, dual POV story, Her Secret Soldier switches between Emma in 1990 and her Great Aunt Rose in 1940. I loved Rose and Emma and seeing how much they learned about themselves during the course of the book. I thought Walter was incredibly brave too.
The plot was well paced, and had just the right amount of mystery to keep me reading. There were a couple of plot twists that I was expecting, which then didn't happen, which I was pleased about as they would have been rather clichéd!
I definitely think Julie will be an author to look out for.
Written as a dual timeline, dual POV story, Her Secret Soldier switches between Emma in 1990 and her Great Aunt Rose in 1940. I loved Rose and Emma and seeing how much they learned about themselves during the course of the book. I thought Walter was incredibly brave too.
The plot was well paced, and had just the right amount of mystery to keep me reading. There were a couple of plot twists that I was expecting, which then didn't happen, which I was pleased about as they would have been rather clichéd!
I definitely think Julie will be an author to look out for.
July 29, 2024
A dual time read, a young married woman and her aunt, two different countries, but similar in looks, and we are there to read their story.
From finding an enemy soldier in England, to deciding to leave Toronto and go to England and leave behind your life there. We get a deep look into Rose's life, from her ideal childhood to life with a stepfather, and her ideal place, Silverwood Vale.
Emma has never met and they never knew what happened to her Aunt Rose, but somehow she has inherited from her. We travel with Emma as she leaves and goes to England, and we see how her life changes.
Yes, I page turned for answers, at times with holding our breath from fear, and following how things turned out.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bookoutour, and was not required to give a positive review.
From finding an enemy soldier in England, to deciding to leave Toronto and go to England and leave behind your life there. We get a deep look into Rose's life, from her ideal childhood to life with a stepfather, and her ideal place, Silverwood Vale.
Emma has never met and they never knew what happened to her Aunt Rose, but somehow she has inherited from her. We travel with Emma as she leaves and goes to England, and we see how her life changes.
Yes, I page turned for answers, at times with holding our breath from fear, and following how things turned out.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bookoutour, and was not required to give a positive review.
July 25, 2024
Thank you Netgalley & Bookouture for this ARC. I'm absolutely obsessed with historical fiction and the WWII era and requested an ARC purely based on that. This turned out quite different from my past reads. It doest necessary talks about details of war but its a beautiful love story of simple nature loving girl and a German spy . It was a beautiful read, but there were few places where the story was slow and repetitive. There are 2 timelines in the story , Rose, 18, living on the English coast in 1940 & her great-niece Emma, in Toronto in 1990. would have loved if the story had a little more about how Emma and how she discovers about her great aunt. A little about how Rose and Walter managed all these years in prologue would have been great too.
But over all a great read.
But over all a great read.
September 14, 2024
A wonderful and interesting story which is a dual time line.
Rose lives with her Mother and Step Father who is a bully. He sister left to work in London for the War effort so this takes place in 1940. Then there is Emma who is the great niece of Rose and this takes place in the 1990. Rose ends up rescuing a German spy Walter one night and helps him where he lives in a hut in the woods. Emma has inherited the woods when Rose dies. This is where the mystery of the woods where Emma discovers bones of a body where did they come from.
I found this book really good and I wanted to find out more wondering what happened to Rose and also Walter were they the bones of him. I liked the story thought it was intriguing.
It was well written.
Rose lives with her Mother and Step Father who is a bully. He sister left to work in London for the War effort so this takes place in 1940. Then there is Emma who is the great niece of Rose and this takes place in the 1990. Rose ends up rescuing a German spy Walter one night and helps him where he lives in a hut in the woods. Emma has inherited the woods when Rose dies. This is where the mystery of the woods where Emma discovers bones of a body where did they come from.
I found this book really good and I wanted to find out more wondering what happened to Rose and also Walter were they the bones of him. I liked the story thought it was intriguing.
It was well written.
November 27, 2024
Her Secret Solider. What a great debut book by Julie Hartley. It was such a compelling story. Thank goodness operation Lena was unsuccessful. Sometimes, I find when there are dual timelines one story is more interesting than the other, however, I found both dual timelines were fascinating. I really enjoyed reading the way Tristan had introduced Emma to Silverwood Vale. I felt if you could close your eyes, you could almost feel you were there. A gripping novel of love, hope, trust and sacrifice. I look forward to reading more books by this author. 4 stars
I would like to thank the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.
#HerSecretSoldier #NetGalley
I would like to thank the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.
#HerSecretSoldier #NetGalley
July 11, 2025
What a beautiful and well-crafted story. The closing chapters had me bawling my eyes out, especially the delight of knowing Walter found his peace in the end and that despite the chaos of the world around them, Rose and him could find their happy ending. The nuance of how female strength is evident and expressed in a variety of ways. I also love the subtiles of environmentalism laced within the narrative, especially relating to destruction and creation. Julie’s final words capture the philosophy that we don’t simply exist WITHIN nature, but we ARE nature. Once the gap is bridged between this disconnection, then one can fully understand the power we hold within conservation. Very powerful. Very interesting read. Just wow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2025
In 1940, young Rose Tillburn's life changes forever when she stumbles upon a wounded German soldier, Walter who has been forced into espionage. Instead of turning him in, she makes the dangerous decision to hide him, sparking an unlikely bond that threatens both of their lives. Against the backdrop of World War 2, their connection grows amidst the constant fear of discovery, testing Rose's loyalty to her country and her heart. Her Secret Soldier is a touching and suspenseful historical novel that explores the resilience of love in the face of war and the long shadows of the past. A must read novel for those who enjoy stories about the sacrifices of the past and the secrets waiting to be uncovered.
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