The Color of Courage: Codename Odile

Timeless Spies #1

by Hannah Byron, Virtual Voice (Narrator)

Two women. Two timelines. One story of resistance, art, and courage in the face of tyranny.

Marseille, August 2004


When Sil Anderson arrives in Marseille to attend the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts, her only goal is to heal through painting. But when she finds a vintage suitcase in her new flat, filled with wartime letters and sketches, everything changes. The letters belonged to Lise de Baissac, a real-life SOE agent in Nazi-occupied France, whose legacy has long been forgotten.

Through Lise’s eyes, Sil is swept into the world of WWII female spies, French Resistance missions, and the impossible choices faced by those who dared to fight. From Poitiers to D-Day drop zones in Normandy, Lise’s bravery unfolds in bold strokes. Determined to honor her, Sil paints a mural across the heart of Cours Julien—The Color of Courage—blending Lise’s story into Marseille’s modern graffiti scene.

But art isn’t the only thing echoing across time. As Sil’s connection to her mysterious landlord, Justin Bellamare, deepens, she begins to see her own choices reflected in Lise’s story. Both women fought in different eras—for freedom, for love, for a voice.

The Color of Codename Odile is a dual timeline WWII historical fiction novel inspired by the real-life heroine Lise de Baissac, perfect for fans of clean romance, spy fiction, and strong female leads in Kindle Unlimited.

Genres: Historical Fiction

Audible Audio

Published March 13, 2025

About the author

Hannah 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.

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Reviews

[Ray B · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first of a series of novels about female WW2 SOE agents by the author of “The Resistance Girls” series, Hanna Byron, the story is told in dual timeline style, where the action alternates from present-day to the dangerous years in occupied France during WW2. A well-researched and enthralling read — you will not be disappointed! I am really looking forward to the next in the series!

[Linda Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in a new series (Timeless Agents), about inspirational WW2 female SOE Agents by talented author Hannah Byron. She has already penned the amazing ‘The Resistance Girls’ series.
This book is a dual timeline narrative; set in 2004, with a graffiti artist called Sil, who finds important letters, and the 1940s, mainly in occupied France. It’s a fictionalised story based on true events in the life of Lise de Baissac, codename Odile. Lise was an incredibly brave, dedicated and intelligent woman, sensitively portrayed here. Hannah has done justice to her life and legacy. It’s a well-researched, riveting read. Totally fascinating and absorbing account of Lise’s life during the war years. A touch of intrigue and romance in 2004. Highly recommend this book and author.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed reading books about the brave women and men of the Special Operations Executive (SOE) in WW2, and this book, The Color of Courage by Hannah Byron, is no exception.

Hannah has previously written a series about fictional female SOE operatives called “The Resistance Girls”, which I have read and thoroughly enjoyed, but this is the first book in a new series about real life historical SOE agents called “Timeless Agents”.

This book introduces us to the real life SOE agent Lise de Baissac. Alongside Sil Anderson in 2004, the book tells their parallel stories.

Sil accidentally finds some letters written by Lise, through which Sil develops a better understanding of the role of SOE and their agents, as well as the type of person Lise was.

The book explores how dangerous it actually was to be an SOE agent in Occupied France, living on your nerves, constantly looking over your shoulder not being able to trust anyone.

Whilst not an autobiography, Hannah has clearly done extensive research into the real life Lise de Baissac MBE CdeG.

I couldn’t put this book down so cannot recommend it highly enough!

[Vivian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time that I read a book by Hannah Byron I say that that book is the best one I have ever read, well I’m saying that about this book. The first one in a series about amazing heroines agents of the SOE (Special Operations Executive) tells the story of Lise de Baissac and her extraordinary life as a British agent of this organization during WWII in France.
Interspersed with her life the book brings us to the year 2004 where we follow Sil Anderson a British art student in Marseille who happens to find Lise’s letters to her love Henry.
Thru very extensive research by Hannah Byron we get to live firsts hand Lise’s operations, her dangers, despairs, emotions and feelings, as well as the four years of France’s occupation by the Germans during WWII.
The fact that Sil isn’t related to Lise makes the impact of the letters on her life even more powerful, showing the impact and connection of one courageous and larger than life woman to another one, to the point of making her turn her world around.
This is an extraordinary book that will leave you thinking about the past and the dangers that can happen in the present if we don’t learn from our mistakes and do the right things now.

[Nancy L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a dual-timeline novelized story of the actual SOE agent codenamed Odile posted to France during WWII and artist “Sil” Anderson in Marseille beginning in 2004. Sil discovers WWII letters written by Lise, the true first name of agent Odile, after she moves into her Marseille apartment; she becomes intrigued and then mentally captured by them. Sil is presented as having been something of a “wild child,” complete with nose ring, rainbow hair, hiking boots, and past serious drug use. She is now attending the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Marseilles and has a love for street/graffiti art.

The author quickly dives into Lise/Odile’s story, her escape from the Nazi-occupied France, and eventual SOE assignment back to France undercover. What was most fascinating to me was the picture created of the increasing Nazi influence and scrutiny of the French people throughout France, the dangers to both SOE and French Resistance/Maquis fighters. The interplay and conflict between SOE and Maquis over operational methods and caution to avoid discovery were well-presented. In addition, the compromise and loss of SOE agents to German discovery was extensive and not something I’d read much about.

Sil’s character seemed a mite over-the-top to me; that she and Justin became a couple seemed a bit unlikely, but the romance was gradual and well-done.

The heart of the novel was Odile’s inspiring and heroic war story and was very well-presented with excellent character development.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timeless Agents:
The Color of Courage-Code name Odile

The Color of Courage is set in a dual timeline beginning in 2004 ,when street graffiti artist , Sil Anderson , relocates to Marseille to attend art school and to make a better life for herself. As she settles into her new apartment , she discovers a hidden suitcase with letters from the 1940s .
The letters tell the real story of Lise de Baissac code name Odelie , as she became an integral part of the SOE and assist with the Resistance during WW11. As Sil reads the letters you are drawn into the story as if you are walking along with her in wartime in France.
The Story is of love, heroism, and courage , both in 2004 and in the mid 1940s, it is well researched and keeps your full attention to the end!
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
If you enjoy this story , you will love the Resistance Girl series as well!

[Angela Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many of Hannah Byron’s books and enjoy them immensely.
This is the first in a new series about inspirational women trained by the SOE in WW2 and based on true events.
The first is about Lise - codename Odile.
It is a dual timeline story with Sil (AKA Silver set in France in 2004). She too is a feisty woman with her own ideals - an artist who finds Lise’s letters to Henri in an hidden suitcase, and who eventually produces a piece of artwork called ‘Color of Courage’.
The book is well researched and well written though in a different style to Hannah’s other books.
It took me a while to get used to this different way of writing but once I did it was a book I found hard to put down.
A great start to the series - I look forward to the others.

[Fiona Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read all of Hannah’s books and enjoy the way that she mixes fact and fiction. This particular book tells the story of one of the bravest SOE agents intertwined with a modern day romance. This series will bring the actions of Resistance fighters to a brand new audience

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love stories where a character in the “present” is uncovering the history of another person in real time, so I was very excited to win this book in a Goodreads giveaway! I enjoyed following Sil and Lise and admire Lise’s courage as she faced incredible challenges with bravery.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Color of Courage: Codename Odile - Based On A True Story (Timeless Agents Series Book 1 by Hannah Byron
Story is actually two stories in one. There are connections.
Story starts out in 2004 with Sil and she's arrived in France. She is an art student and taking classes there. Her ex-boyfriend shows up and damages the wall and she tells him what she has over him and to leave her alone. She discovers a valise with letters from wall opening he had crashed into. . So while we hear of her art journey we also learn of Lise and her family and how they helped the war efforts in France with other secret agents forming projects. Dates at the start of the chapters help determine which lead character the section is about. Love the romantic letters Lise writes to her special friend Henri.
So much detail, color, sounds, smells along with so many emotions. The people Lise meets along the way, some she will never see again, others are in her life till the end. Love when Sil and Justin go to France to walk in Lise's shoes and trace the places she went to. Love people connections they make from a time long ago... and Normandy Beach where she had walked with her grandfather after the war. Can't wait to read about the others in this series.
Received this review copy from bookfunnel and this is my honest opinion.

[Susan Hamann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed Hannah Byron's books - every one of them. But I must say, I think this is her best.

It's a fictional account, based on the facts of the remarkable life of historic figure Lise de Baissac. She was a British citizen, living in France at the start of WWII. She went to England to be trained at the SOC and became a British secret agent, working with the French Resistance fighters. Her first assignment had her airdropped her on her own into a small town, building a team of locals. She demonstrated incredible bravery, dedication, intelligence, and so many other admirable characteristics.

The story begins in 2004 with Sil aka Silver, an art student, who finds a fictional treasure consisting of letters written by Lise to her future husband, detailing her exploits during the war. And so the story starts.

Incredibly well written and so well researched this book demonstrates the authors love for the details of the resistance heroes of WWII. And she paints pictures with words so the reader is pulled into each scene. I highly recommend this book.

[Judith Worthington · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

This is the first in a new series called "Timeless Spies" about British spies in France during the German Occupation in WWII. Each book will feature a fictionalized version of a real person's service during the war. I look forward to reading each one.

The Color of Courage is a dual timeline where a young art student accidentally finds something that leads her down the rabbit hole of the past, following the wartime efforts of the very impressive British Spy Codenamed Odile.

If the book had ended with Chapter 60 without the Epilogue, it would have been a four star for me. I know how editors like to have things all tied neatly in a bow and the Epilogue did just that. The final sentence in Chapter 60 was the perfect ending in my opinion.

The Author's Notes was very interesting and helpful to learn where she deviated from fact.

[Joan Grejtak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic tribute

I was not expecting such a gripping story and .....what a tribute to these great SOE agents who gave so much! Thank you for telling the story of Lise. The sacrifices, made at such great personal risk, are truly inspiring. Nights spent in ditches, cycling for hundreds of miles, bombs bursting nearby, living outside in all kind of inclement weather, living so close to danger every moment of every day...the bravery and courage it took is immeasurable. The words of this book leapt off the pages and enveloped me into the folds of this great life story. Note that I won this book in a giveaway.... I probably would not have chosen to read it, but am very glad I did and will recommend it forward.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of Lise, who served as a British secret agent in France during WWII. The story starts in present day when Sil, who is an art student, rents an apartment in France. After an ex-boyfriend comes to visit and kicks a whole in the wall, the hole reveals a briefcase full of letters Lise wrote to Henri that told the story of the time she served during the war.

As Sil reads the letters and learns more about Lise, she also discovers more about herself.

A good story and I always enjoy WWII historical fiction, but it was a bit difficult to keep all the characters straight and the story felt choppy at times. This book is the first in a series. It was good, but not sure it inspired me to keep reading the series.

I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Carey Mundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah Byron did it again I this first book of her new series! An excellent historic fiction story based on the life of Lise de Baissac, it intertwines her story of life as a resistant in France during WWIi along with current day story of Sil Anderson, a graffiti artist in Marseille. Her writing always intrigues me and this era In history is one that compels me to read many books in this genre. Well done Hannah - so look forward to continuing this series!!!

[Margaret Wray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the idea of this. These women were so brave and selfless during the war years. They gave up so much for their beliefs in fighting Hitler and the regime. Pleased that an author is putting together a series of their bravery. I have read Nancy Wake. Marie Madeline, Virginia Hall and others. So it is good to read of the lesser known women of that era. These women were a force to be reckoned with !

[Patricia]

Story is told by two characters, one from 2004 Sil, who discovers a suitcase hidden in a walled off room , the other a SOE operative Lise, her letters and others are found in the suitcase, the story unfolds from these letters. It's an interesting way of telling the story. This is the start of a series of books about the women in the SOE the roles they played and their parts in the history of our winning of WWII.

[Jean Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book honors the courage if those who fought tyranny

This book provides an over view of courage in the form of a prominent WWII agent and network of resisters in wartime France. It is well written and the reader is present with the network of resistors experiencing the excitement, anxiety, and courage of each mission. The emotion is palpable. Well done.

[Marty Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give this book 10 stars!

What an AMAZING book! I'm not usually a fan of split time stories, but, this was so well written, the split time-line was seemless. Each character was so well developed that you felt you knew them. The history that was such a huge part of the book, was meticulously researched and added into the story perfectly. Such a great story!

[Rebecca Gaddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

guarding the future

This book is a tour de force for the past & the present. The recounting of the history of WWII French Resistance and the modern world of art & history is magical. The growth & maturation of two separate generations is inspiring!

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah Byron i becoming on oof my favorite WWII authors. She did not disappoint in this book. The characters were real and the experience was as if you were there..........

Great read and historically meaningful........

[Kathryn A. Jakolat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantasic

Weaving WWII history with modern day was wonderful. The characters and action leaped off the pages. I was in the action and intrigued right along with them. It makes me want to trek through the areas written about.

[Carol Griffiths]

Excellent well written book, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story.

[Tanya Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so into this story. It was like I was Odile. Amazing to see how ordinary citizens stepped up during the war to bring about the end.

[Harvey Libow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story could not put it down

Great combination of action disaster and love all mixed together in a wonderful package! I will recommend this book to all.

[Susan]

Thank you Hannah Byron for providing me with this book in return for an unbiased review.

[Mrs Wendy Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this ebook down it was absolutely brilliant from the beginning to the end.
It told the story of British SOE in France working with the French Resistance in ww2 you will love it.