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Timeless Spies #4
The Ace of Nerve: Codename Hélène
Spies. Secrets. Sacrifice.
Inspired by the real-life legend of Nancy Wake — the “White Mouse” of the French Resistance — The Ace of Codename Hélène launches a sweeping WWII-to-modern-day trilogy about courage, legacy, and the invisible ties between women across generations.
London, 2010.
Aroha Tui has always walked between worlds — her Māori royal heritage and her new life in Britain. When she’s assigned to care for Nancy Wake, once the most wanted woman in Nazi-occupied France, she expects a recluse. Instead, she meets a razor-witted survivor who offers her a find the long-lost war medals stolen decades ago, and she’ll reveal her untold story.
As Aroha joins forces with Jules, a young Frenchman whose grandfather once fought beside Nancy, buried secrets rise from the ashes — of love lost, betrayal endured, and courage reborn.
The Ace of Codename Hélène is the first book in The Ace of Nerve Trilogy — a powerful story of resistance, remembrance, and the women who refuse to be forgotten.
Inspired by the real-life legend of Nancy Wake — the “White Mouse” of the French Resistance — The Ace of Codename Hélène launches a sweeping WWII-to-modern-day trilogy about courage, legacy, and the invisible ties between women across generations.
London, 2010.
Aroha Tui has always walked between worlds — her Māori royal heritage and her new life in Britain. When she’s assigned to care for Nancy Wake, once the most wanted woman in Nazi-occupied France, she expects a recluse. Instead, she meets a razor-witted survivor who offers her a find the long-lost war medals stolen decades ago, and she’ll reveal her untold story.
As Aroha joins forces with Jules, a young Frenchman whose grandfather once fought beside Nancy, buried secrets rise from the ashes — of love lost, betrayal endured, and courage reborn.
The Ace of Codename Hélène is the first book in The Ace of Nerve Trilogy — a powerful story of resistance, remembrance, and the women who refuse to be forgotten.
439 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 30, 2025
46 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Byron
37 books194 followersHannah Byron is an acclaimed author of historical fiction centered on WWII resistance women. Born in Paris in the mid-1950s to a British mother and a Dutch father, she grew up with strong ties to France, the UK, and Holland, which continue to inspire her work. Most of her novels are set in Western Europe, where history and culture run deep.
After decades of balancing life as a mother, university professor, and translator, Hannah is now a full-time author. She writes passionate novels about resistance and romance set in the 20th century—topics close to her heart. Readers often describe Byron’s work as gripping, deeply emotional, and impossible to put down.
Get a FREE WW2 Novella https://www.hannahbyron.com/newsletter
Follow Hannah on BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/hanna...
After decades of balancing life as a mother, university professor, and translator, Hannah is now a full-time author. She writes passionate novels about resistance and romance set in the 20th century—topics close to her heart. Readers often describe Byron’s work as gripping, deeply emotional, and impossible to put down.
Get a FREE WW2 Novella https://www.hannahbyron.com/newsletter
Follow Hannah on BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/hanna...
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 5, 2026
Working as a care giver and a student in London in 2010. Aroha feels like there is something missing in her life. When she is assigned to Nancy Wake , the legendary White Mouse who was part of the French Resistance. Thinking she was going to meet a frail old lady well Aroho was mistaken when she is introduced to a woman filled with fire and a wit that could cut you . When Nancy offers Aroha the chance of excitement and help find missing medals that were stolen from her . Nancy will finally tell her story of the resistance and what her part was in the war. With the help of Jules, Aroha follows the trail to a pre war Marseille and all the networks that occupied France during the war. Together they face old truths and must decide the courage it took to be part of the resistance.
These characters are so precious and so well written . Aroha is a modern girl who is just wanting to become part of the world and have some excitement and adventure in her life . Aroha is Maori from New Zealand and wanting to study her history of the Maori. She is strong and wants to help and figure out the history . Nancy is well she is a legend she had been and SOE agent . She has seen so much in the last years of the war and went through so much in her life but she is ready to tell her story . These characters are written so well . Nancy was a real agent at the time. Aroha is a fictional part of the book but the author wrote her as strong as Nancy . They are lovely characters but together the compliment each other so well .
This is a story taken from true events, the author entwines the two story lines with such ease. You really get wrapped up in the story lines and how they work well with each other. The authors show dedication to the characters and with the story. She has done her research on the time . The author does admit that she did take a bit of creativity in Nancy's story but she weaved it together so seamlessly. This book had me hooked from the very first page . The stories of each main character and interesting and leave you wanting more. This is a series that should be read and enjoyed .
These characters are so precious and so well written . Aroha is a modern girl who is just wanting to become part of the world and have some excitement and adventure in her life . Aroha is Maori from New Zealand and wanting to study her history of the Maori. She is strong and wants to help and figure out the history . Nancy is well she is a legend she had been and SOE agent . She has seen so much in the last years of the war and went through so much in her life but she is ready to tell her story . These characters are written so well . Nancy was a real agent at the time. Aroha is a fictional part of the book but the author wrote her as strong as Nancy . They are lovely characters but together the compliment each other so well .
This is a story taken from true events, the author entwines the two story lines with such ease. You really get wrapped up in the story lines and how they work well with each other. The authors show dedication to the characters and with the story. She has done her research on the time . The author does admit that she did take a bit of creativity in Nancy's story but she weaved it together so seamlessly. This book had me hooked from the very first page . The stories of each main character and interesting and leave you wanting more. This is a series that should be read and enjoyed .
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have read all of Hannah Byron’s books - and it is true that this one is written in a different style. This is also a fictionalised account of the life of Nancy Wake - she retells her life, not in a chronological order to her carer Aroha - a student who has come over from New Zealand as a Māori to study her own heritage at at UK university. Her caring duties are to provide some income. However it seems that there will be history between them or their families as Nancy herself was from New Zealand.
This is a dual timeline novel. Nancy retells her life in 2010 in the final year of her life. Aroha meets a Frenchman - in Paris - who paints her portrait though he is in fact from a family of jewellers. It transpires that his grandfather was one of Nancys male acquaintances during the War but it isn’t clear if he was a friend or a lover.
I found the changes to a French and Māori made the book slightly hard to follow. I only have a little rudimentary French from over 50 years ago. I read this as an e-book and found having to leave my place to translate the phrases a slight nuisance. It spoiled the flow for me.
The life Nancy led - both as herself and as an SOE agent was thought provoking and in places heart breaking. As one read one could feel how Nancy might have felt.
Having said that this book was well written and well researched and once I got used to the different style and the fact it wasn’t chronological I really enjoyed it. The authors notes are important so that one can realise what was fact, where fact was changed to fit the narrative and what was pure fiction. Personally I always read these first in any book so I had an idea before I started reading properly.
I look forward to learning more about Nancy Wake - a woman of bravery and courage, flawed in so many ways but determined to leave her mark.
This is a dual timeline novel. Nancy retells her life in 2010 in the final year of her life. Aroha meets a Frenchman - in Paris - who paints her portrait though he is in fact from a family of jewellers. It transpires that his grandfather was one of Nancys male acquaintances during the War but it isn’t clear if he was a friend or a lover.
I found the changes to a French and Māori made the book slightly hard to follow. I only have a little rudimentary French from over 50 years ago. I read this as an e-book and found having to leave my place to translate the phrases a slight nuisance. It spoiled the flow for me.
The life Nancy led - both as herself and as an SOE agent was thought provoking and in places heart breaking. As one read one could feel how Nancy might have felt.
Having said that this book was well written and well researched and once I got used to the different style and the fact it wasn’t chronological I really enjoyed it. The authors notes are important so that one can realise what was fact, where fact was changed to fit the narrative and what was pure fiction. Personally I always read these first in any book so I had an idea before I started reading properly.
I look forward to learning more about Nancy Wake - a woman of bravery and courage, flawed in so many ways but determined to leave her mark.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Nancy Wake is a historical figure who often seems larger-than-life, so I was interested to see how she would be portrayed here. Though I was initially skeptical when I realized her story wouldn't be told in chronological order, I quickly realized that the author made the right choice. The book has two timelines, one set in 2010 near the end of Nancy's life, and one set in the historical, WWII era. The book is written as if the older Nancy is recounting stories about her past. What she tells are the parts that mattered most to her. It made the story feel personal and poignant, and I was moved to tears more than once.
The author's notes mention where she took creative license with Nancy's story. Overall, these changes served the story well. I also liked the character of Aroha. She has an interesting story of her own, but she also acts as another lens through which we see Nancy. The ending leaves you eager to read more.
Though my review is based on an E-ARC, I have pre-ordered my own copy.
The author's notes mention where she took creative license with Nancy's story. Overall, these changes served the story well. I also liked the character of Aroha. She has an interesting story of her own, but she also acts as another lens through which we see Nancy. The ending leaves you eager to read more.
Though my review is based on an E-ARC, I have pre-ordered my own copy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have read many of Hannah Byron's books and I've always enjoyed them. This book is written a little differently. The main character is an actual person, but much of the story and many of the characters are purely fiction. I've found that I love Hannah Byron's story telling expertise is just as readable and interesting with a higher percentage content that is fiction.
This book has two main timelines, the war years of WW2, particularly at the closing months of the war, and 2010, when the real Nancy Wake was approaching the end of her life. Although many of the characters are fictional, they add depth to the story and to understanding the person that Nancy Wake was. They were used as vehicles to provide insight into her personality. The story is beautifully written and as I've said before in previous reviews, the author paints pictures with words. I feel like I can see the surroundings and smell the air. I enjoyed the historical, but largely fictional, story being portrayed in this book. I learned about the hero that was Nancy Wake, of whom I'd had no previous knowledge.
Because previous stories had many real people woven into them, I was curious as to which characters in this book were real, and which were creations. The author provides insight in her notes at the end.
This book has two main timelines, the war years of WW2, particularly at the closing months of the war, and 2010, when the real Nancy Wake was approaching the end of her life. Although many of the characters are fictional, they add depth to the story and to understanding the person that Nancy Wake was. They were used as vehicles to provide insight into her personality. The story is beautifully written and as I've said before in previous reviews, the author paints pictures with words. I feel like I can see the surroundings and smell the air. I enjoyed the historical, but largely fictional, story being portrayed in this book. I learned about the hero that was Nancy Wake, of whom I'd had no previous knowledge.
Because previous stories had many real people woven into them, I was curious as to which characters in this book were real, and which were creations. The author provides insight in her notes at the end.
January 1, 2026
The Ace of Nerve Book 1 : Code Name Helene
In this 4th book in the Timeless Spy Series, we are introduced to Nancy Wake she is in her nineties , and resides in a nursing facility called the Star and Garter. As we are introduced to Nancy ,we are also introduced to Aroha, a young college student and an aide at the nursing facility, who is assigned to care for Nancy on her scheduled workday every Wednesday .Nancy takes a shine to Aroha ,when she discovers they both were from New Zealand .This book is set in 2010 and is a dual timeline with Nancy telling her life story to Aroha ,from the late 1930s as a war journalist to becoming an SOE agent through WW2 , with her tales of war, family ,friends and love the story keeps you so engaged that you can’t put the book down.
While Nancy Wake was a real war hero ,the story as told by Hannah Byron,is largely fictional, the characters are well written ,the dual timeline is very clear ,and Arohas interactions with Nancy and her history are exceptional.
In this 4th book in the Timeless Spy Series, we are introduced to Nancy Wake she is in her nineties , and resides in a nursing facility called the Star and Garter. As we are introduced to Nancy ,we are also introduced to Aroha, a young college student and an aide at the nursing facility, who is assigned to care for Nancy on her scheduled workday every Wednesday .Nancy takes a shine to Aroha ,when she discovers they both were from New Zealand .This book is set in 2010 and is a dual timeline with Nancy telling her life story to Aroha ,from the late 1930s as a war journalist to becoming an SOE agent through WW2 , with her tales of war, family ,friends and love the story keeps you so engaged that you can’t put the book down.
While Nancy Wake was a real war hero ,the story as told by Hannah Byron,is largely fictional, the characters are well written ,the dual timeline is very clear ,and Arohas interactions with Nancy and her history are exceptional.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This fictional novel takes us on a journey with Nancy Wake, famous WWII spy. We explore Nancy's world through her conversations with a modern New Zealand nurse, Aroha Tui in 2010. Nancy moved across the globe to London, to live an independent life. She becomes a journalist defying all odds and vows to oppose Hitler with all she's got. She joins the French resistance and becomes a fierce spy. Yet, many years later, she's a romantic, longing for her Paris days. Aroha is her nurse at the elderly care home, and Nancy regains her Joie de Vivre from their conversations. I like this format of contemporary women rediscovering the stories of our war heroines.
Note: this book is slightly different in tone than the rest of the series, and is also part of a new sub-series of Nancy and Aroha. I welcome the new format and am excited to learn more about them both in the next books!
Note: this book is slightly different in tone than the rest of the series, and is also part of a new sub-series of Nancy and Aroha. I welcome the new format and am excited to learn more about them both in the next books!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Ace of Nerve: Codename Hélène: Based on a true story (Timeless Spies Series Book 4) by Hannah Byron
Dear Hannah: you have to understand in the US we were NOT taught about the SOE or anything to do with the 'other' side of the war. Only how US was involved. You weave such an awesome tale of her life, parts of it, I know more will reveal themselves in time. I feel as if I won the jackpot because you are also revealing Aronha from where she grew up in Australia. Love that story and how it's all mixed up together. I can't even imagine after reading your notes at the end what the next books will read like, I just can't wait. SO excited. Can't wait for the other two books to complete her whole life.
You make history so fun to learn about.
Dear Hannah: you have to understand in the US we were NOT taught about the SOE or anything to do with the 'other' side of the war. Only how US was involved. You weave such an awesome tale of her life, parts of it, I know more will reveal themselves in time. I feel as if I won the jackpot because you are also revealing Aronha from where she grew up in Australia. Love that story and how it's all mixed up together. I can't even imagine after reading your notes at the end what the next books will read like, I just can't wait. SO excited. Can't wait for the other two books to complete her whole life.
You make history so fun to learn about.
January 15, 2026
The ace of nerve book 1
This book is brilliant! I have read many books on Nancy Wake, some fact, some that are meant to be fact but seem more like fiction. This book is fact and fiction combined, and it's been done amazingly well. The character of Aroah is beautiful. You can almost feel the kindness and gentleness coming off her, whereas with Nancy, that firery temper, the kind of 'look at me and I'll scratch your eyes out' kind of temper mixed with an understanding that you can only imagine. Hannah has written all the timeless spies series with such clarity that her characters leap off the page, but the Nancy Wake story is something else. I love it and can't recommend it, and the whole series enough. It's a must read
This book is brilliant! I have read many books on Nancy Wake, some fact, some that are meant to be fact but seem more like fiction. This book is fact and fiction combined, and it's been done amazingly well. The character of Aroah is beautiful. You can almost feel the kindness and gentleness coming off her, whereas with Nancy, that firery temper, the kind of 'look at me and I'll scratch your eyes out' kind of temper mixed with an understanding that you can only imagine. Hannah has written all the timeless spies series with such clarity that her characters leap off the page, but the Nancy Wake story is something else. I love it and can't recommend it, and the whole series enough. It's a must read
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book! It’s different than Hannah’s other books-she does a beautiful job of letting the story shine through while also weaving in emotional details. Like her other books, this one tells a powerful story of a woman made of iron. If you love empowering women’s historical fiction this book is for you!
January 12, 2026
I have read several books about Nancy Wake, and Hannah Byron does not disappoint as a storyteller. It has 2 main timelines, the war years of WWII (1934 and 1944) and 2010, when the real Nancy Wake is approaching the end of her life. This is the beauty of writing a historical fiction story, and I enjoyed reading how Nancy Wake's real life was woven into a story worth reading.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews