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The Last Safe Place
Inspired by the true events of Operation Seven, where a handful of Jewish citizens escaped Berlin in 1942 by posing as German intelligence agents. A historical novel about a forbidden love affair, unfathomable courage and the power of never losing hope.
An aspiring journalist, Leonore cannot believe she’s now undergoing covert training to be a German agent. Her instructors have no idea she is Jewish. With her family gone, she refuses to wear the yellow star. And this secret mission to escape Berlin is her last chance to be free…
Lieutenants Knut and Bernd have fallen in love in stolen moments. Bernd, with his warm brown eyes, is Knut’s last safe place in a regime built to hate who he is. They pretend to be loyal to their Nazi superiors. But their real mission—recruiting Jewish agents to smuggle them out of the country—has only just begun.
As a Jewish doctor banned from practicing, the threat of deportation looms. But what about her two precious little girls, living in secret with their Aryan aunt outside Berlin? She must put all her faith in Knut and Bernd if she’s ever to see them again… with no idea if she can really trust the two softly spoken men in Nazi uniforms, posing as a German spy is her only option.
Hope forges unlikely friendships between the people of Operation Seven. But when the cover of the entire group is threatened, will they make it across the border to Switzerland in time?
An aspiring journalist, Leonore cannot believe she’s now undergoing covert training to be a German agent. Her instructors have no idea she is Jewish. With her family gone, she refuses to wear the yellow star. And this secret mission to escape Berlin is her last chance to be free…
Lieutenants Knut and Bernd have fallen in love in stolen moments. Bernd, with his warm brown eyes, is Knut’s last safe place in a regime built to hate who he is. They pretend to be loyal to their Nazi superiors. But their real mission—recruiting Jewish agents to smuggle them out of the country—has only just begun.
As a Jewish doctor banned from practicing, the threat of deportation looms. But what about her two precious little girls, living in secret with their Aryan aunt outside Berlin? She must put all her faith in Knut and Bernd if she’s ever to see them again… with no idea if she can really trust the two softly spoken men in Nazi uniforms, posing as a German spy is her only option.
Hope forges unlikely friendships between the people of Operation Seven. But when the cover of the entire group is threatened, will they make it across the border to Switzerland in time?
- GenresHistorical Fiction
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 10, 2025
867 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Marion Kummerow
122 books430 followersMarion Kummerow was born and raised in Germany, before she set out to "discover the world" and lived in various countries. In 1999 she returned to Germany and settled down in Munich where she's now living with her family.
After dipping her toes with non-fiction books, she finally tackled the project dear to her heart. UNRELENTING is the story about her grandparents, who belonged to the German resistance and fought against the Nazi regime.
It's a book about resilience, love and the courage to stand up and do the right thing.
After dipping her toes with non-fiction books, she finally tackled the project dear to her heart. UNRELENTING is the story about her grandparents, who belonged to the German resistance and fought against the Nazi regime.
It's a book about resilience, love and the courage to stand up and do the right thing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 13, 2025
It's been a while since I read any WWII fiction, so thought I'd dip my toe back in and try an author who has been on my watch list for a while!
This was an interesting and gripping read. Finding a part of this subgenre that is unknown to me was refreshing and I'll definitely read more from this author.
This was an interesting and gripping read. Finding a part of this subgenre that is unknown to me was refreshing and I'll definitely read more from this author.
October 12, 2025
A great and really thrilling read based on real incredible events! It does sound unbelievable but the Operation really was organised. I followed all these people with fear, hope, hopelessness, my heart beating a bit too fast!!! The plot was full of tension created not only on the improbable situation but also on the personality of each of the characters . This was well done! The book is rather short, good for my blood pressure, but it could have been a bit longer. I would also have liked what happened to these persons after the war Another great novel by the author.
November 5, 2025
This well written and well researched book is another look at the plight of the Jewish people in Berlin, Germany, in 1942. The Nazis have enacted new laws that limited their lives, forced them to wear yellow stars (which often caused harassment from non Jewish people) and has started sending them to camps for extermination. Their day to day lives are full of danger and fear for their futures. What is different about The Last Safe place is that seven German Jewish people are offered a chance to escape with the help of two Nazi officers who do not agree with the persecution of the Jewish people in Germany.
At first they tried to get the seven people out of the country by normal means but the borders were closed to Jewish people. Their group came up with a plan to train the seven people to be German agents. The German officers, convince the Nazi hierarchy that these seven people will be trained and will spy on other countries and report back to Germany. It all looks like a pretty precarious plan in the beginning. The seven people aren't sure if they should trust the Germans officers who want to help them but eventually realize that the plan to be spies are their only possibility of getting out of Germany. One of the most fascinating members of the group is a female doctor who is not allowed to work because she is Jewish. She spends a lot of her time helping people in her neighborhood who can't get medical help. She had been safe because her husband was Aryan but as soon as he died, the government was ready to send her to a camp. Will the plan really work and help her and her daughters escape from the dangerous day to day life in Berlin. The two Nazi Lieutenants are also fantastic characters. They know that they are putting their lives in jeopardy for helping these people plus they are in love with each and if that is discovered their lives will be over.
Once the escape finally starts, there is danger every step of the way. The seven people have become friends and try to help each other. Will their friendships and the help of the two soldiers get them out of Germany or will their plan be discovered?
This book was a wonderful look at people who put their lives in jeopardy to help other people. It was well written and kept me turning pages to find out if their plans to escape would be successful. Another great WWII novel.
At first they tried to get the seven people out of the country by normal means but the borders were closed to Jewish people. Their group came up with a plan to train the seven people to be German agents. The German officers, convince the Nazi hierarchy that these seven people will be trained and will spy on other countries and report back to Germany. It all looks like a pretty precarious plan in the beginning. The seven people aren't sure if they should trust the Germans officers who want to help them but eventually realize that the plan to be spies are their only possibility of getting out of Germany. One of the most fascinating members of the group is a female doctor who is not allowed to work because she is Jewish. She spends a lot of her time helping people in her neighborhood who can't get medical help. She had been safe because her husband was Aryan but as soon as he died, the government was ready to send her to a camp. Will the plan really work and help her and her daughters escape from the dangerous day to day life in Berlin. The two Nazi Lieutenants are also fantastic characters. They know that they are putting their lives in jeopardy for helping these people plus they are in love with each and if that is discovered their lives will be over.
Once the escape finally starts, there is danger every step of the way. The seven people have become friends and try to help each other. Will their friendships and the help of the two soldiers get them out of Germany or will their plan be discovered?
This book was a wonderful look at people who put their lives in jeopardy to help other people. It was well written and kept me turning pages to find out if their plans to escape would be successful. Another great WWII novel.
November 11, 2025
Nine to Freedom
A story of nine Jewish people living in Germany under the horrific rule of Adolf Hitler. The nine that were saved and the others that were not.
The story is of a few Germans working for the German government that did not agree with what Hitler was doing to the Jewish people in Germany. They worked out a plan to save seven people and two children from the clutches of the Nazi’s.
Two courageous men working for the Nazi’s but not sympathizers devise a plan to send the Jewish people to Switzerland as German Agents. They sell the plan to Hitler. If caught they could lose their lives along with the Jewish people they are trying to save. Knut is working for the Abwehr and Bernd is in the Wehrmacht but working for Abwehr.
Lenore is a secretary, Eberhard and Selma are older, Eberhard is a lawyer, Anton and Gerda are a Jewish couple friends of Eberhard and Selma, Anton is a consultant to lawyers, Michaela is a Jewish woman married to an Aryan named Dieter. When Dieter dies she must go to work in a factory as she no longer has protective status. She is a doctor who can no longer practice because she is Jewish. These are the nine people in the plan.
The book follows these as the plan unfolds with many twists and turns as one obstacle after another try to keep them from escaping Germany. It also follows the romance between Knut and Bernd. There is also a story about Knut’s sister Edith and her Jewish husband Julius.
It is a book of courage and of determination. It talks of people that were willing to help the Jewish people even though they were risking their own lives. Friends and employers that were willing to take that chance to help.
This was a good book and I enjoyed reading it. I was given a copy to read and review. The review is my own.
A story of nine Jewish people living in Germany under the horrific rule of Adolf Hitler. The nine that were saved and the others that were not.
The story is of a few Germans working for the German government that did not agree with what Hitler was doing to the Jewish people in Germany. They worked out a plan to save seven people and two children from the clutches of the Nazi’s.
Two courageous men working for the Nazi’s but not sympathizers devise a plan to send the Jewish people to Switzerland as German Agents. They sell the plan to Hitler. If caught they could lose their lives along with the Jewish people they are trying to save. Knut is working for the Abwehr and Bernd is in the Wehrmacht but working for Abwehr.
Lenore is a secretary, Eberhard and Selma are older, Eberhard is a lawyer, Anton and Gerda are a Jewish couple friends of Eberhard and Selma, Anton is a consultant to lawyers, Michaela is a Jewish woman married to an Aryan named Dieter. When Dieter dies she must go to work in a factory as she no longer has protective status. She is a doctor who can no longer practice because she is Jewish. These are the nine people in the plan.
The book follows these as the plan unfolds with many twists and turns as one obstacle after another try to keep them from escaping Germany. It also follows the romance between Knut and Bernd. There is also a story about Knut’s sister Edith and her Jewish husband Julius.
It is a book of courage and of determination. It talks of people that were willing to help the Jewish people even though they were risking their own lives. Friends and employers that were willing to take that chance to help.
This was a good book and I enjoyed reading it. I was given a copy to read and review. The review is my own.
November 8, 2025
“Hitler will never miraculously change his mind and regard Jews as human beings.”
Reading The Last Safe Place reminded me once again how much courage it took to simply survive during World War II. For the Jewish people living under constant threat, fear was part of every breath. But what struck me most was how anyone who dared to show kindness — even refusing to force someone to wear the yellow star — was also putting their life on the line. Compassion itself became an act of rebellion.
This story follows a small group of seven desperate souls whose strength comes from love, loyalty, and sheer determination. Their mission, called Operation 7, was both daring and heartbreaking — an attempt to cross the border into Switzerland and find safety at last. As I read, I could feel their fear, their exhaustion, and their flicker of hope that refused to die.
Marion Kummerow writes with such empathy that it’s impossible not to be moved. The tension is palpable, but it’s the quiet moments — the shared courage, the fragile hope — that truly stay with you. This book doesn’t just tell a story of survival; it honors the resilience of the human spirit.
A deeply emotional and unforgettable read that lingers long after the final page.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Reading The Last Safe Place reminded me once again how much courage it took to simply survive during World War II. For the Jewish people living under constant threat, fear was part of every breath. But what struck me most was how anyone who dared to show kindness — even refusing to force someone to wear the yellow star — was also putting their life on the line. Compassion itself became an act of rebellion.
This story follows a small group of seven desperate souls whose strength comes from love, loyalty, and sheer determination. Their mission, called Operation 7, was both daring and heartbreaking — an attempt to cross the border into Switzerland and find safety at last. As I read, I could feel their fear, their exhaustion, and their flicker of hope that refused to die.
Marion Kummerow writes with such empathy that it’s impossible not to be moved. The tension is palpable, but it’s the quiet moments — the shared courage, the fragile hope — that truly stay with you. This book doesn’t just tell a story of survival; it honors the resilience of the human spirit.
A deeply emotional and unforgettable read that lingers long after the final page.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
February 9, 2026
In Marian Kummerow’s latest World War II historical fiction novel based on a real event, readers follow aspiring journalist Leonore, Lieutenants Bernd and Knut, and Jewish doctor and mother of two Michaela as they prepare for an unlikely assignment. Disguising themselves as German intelligence agents to escape Berlin, the team plans to sneak out of Nazi Germany to freedom. Undergoing training to immerse themselves in their roles, the people of Operation Seven form unlikely friendships as their strength of character and determination is tested by their plan and the Nazis’ determination to keep them from escaping the country. The characters are the stars of the book because of the drama of their escape and the complex relationships that motivate them and their decisions. The fact that Operation Seven was a real historical event only adds to the drama and fascinating nature of this novel, and readers will really appreciate Kummerow’s representation of the events. The multiple perspectives allow the characters to grow and develop over the course of the story and pull readers into their lives and the challenges they face in Nazi Germany, and World War II historical fiction fans will absolutely love this incredible new release from Marion Kummerow.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance copy.
October 30, 2025
The Last Safe Place is a compelling and captivating read that will capture your whole hearted attention from beginning to end.
I could not put this book down and binge read it one sitting as I just had to know the outcome for this daring attempt to leave Berlin for freedom.
There are a few empathetic Germans that are appalled at their country and put their lives on the line to help as many Jewish people as they can.
Knut Hesse ( yes the infamous Hesse family) is one.
He along with a group of others from the group of Operation Seven. Seven Jewish people that they hope to get to freedom.
Their stories are heartbreaking. I cried with them, laughed with them and most of all cheered them on.
Marion Kummerow takes the reader on a perilous journey that will have you holding your breath and crossing your fingers.
I did not want the book to end.
I highly recommend The Last Safe Place and any of Marion Kummerow's books. Once you pick up one you will soon be adding the rest to your TBR list.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the privilege of reading and reviewing The Last Safe Place.
I could not put this book down and binge read it one sitting as I just had to know the outcome for this daring attempt to leave Berlin for freedom.
There are a few empathetic Germans that are appalled at their country and put their lives on the line to help as many Jewish people as they can.
Knut Hesse ( yes the infamous Hesse family) is one.
He along with a group of others from the group of Operation Seven. Seven Jewish people that they hope to get to freedom.
Their stories are heartbreaking. I cried with them, laughed with them and most of all cheered them on.
Marion Kummerow takes the reader on a perilous journey that will have you holding your breath and crossing your fingers.
I did not want the book to end.
I highly recommend The Last Safe Place and any of Marion Kummerow's books. Once you pick up one you will soon be adding the rest to your TBR list.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the privilege of reading and reviewing The Last Safe Place.
November 15, 2025
In 1941-42 Nazi Germany, the situation for Berlin's Jews is getting worse by the day. This is the story of a small group of Jews who receive the assistance and protection of sympathetic military officers in the Abwher (Foreign Office) to be trained as fake agents in order to receive permission for them to leave Germany for Switzerland. The group consists of two older married couples in which the husbands are attorneys barred from practicing law. A female doctor, also barred from work. And a young woman in her 20s. The military officers are two secretively gay men who become romantically involved.
The book, based on an actual "Operation Seven" but featuring fictional characters, recounts the successes and setbacks of this plan. My sense is that it might have been more interesting to read an actual account of the operation, this fictionalized version was not highly engaging. It might have been educational for a reader who wasn't aware of how Jews were treated in Germany before and during deportations, but if you know a lot about that subject, this didn't hold my attention enough.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
The book, based on an actual "Operation Seven" but featuring fictional characters, recounts the successes and setbacks of this plan. My sense is that it might have been more interesting to read an actual account of the operation, this fictionalized version was not highly engaging. It might have been educational for a reader who wasn't aware of how Jews were treated in Germany before and during deportations, but if you know a lot about that subject, this didn't hold my attention enough.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
January 4, 2026
📆 single timeline.
👀 multi POV
🐢 -🐇 medium-paced
Another astonishing story from the fantastic Marion Kummerow, who has managed once again to highlight an event that I've never come across, and I read a lot about this particular part of history, Operation Seven.
I can't even begin to imagine the level of bravery it must have taken to plan and execute such a plan, and yet they did. Kummerow has perfectly captured the fear and sadness Berlin's Jews must have felt in the 1940s. Whilst i never really think about the fact I am English, it's just a fact about me, and not really anything meaningful; I think I'd be devastated to have that taken away from me.
The characters were all really well written, and whilst fictional, they are based on real people. I love the way Kummerow weaves historical facts into the story by mentioning small events that affect them, such as Michaela no longer being allowed to call herself a doctor; or Jews in mixed marriages being 'protected' until they are widowed or divorced.
Overall, this was a brilliant read, which is exactly what I'd expect from this author.
👀 multi POV
🐢 -🐇 medium-paced
Another astonishing story from the fantastic Marion Kummerow, who has managed once again to highlight an event that I've never come across, and I read a lot about this particular part of history, Operation Seven.
I can't even begin to imagine the level of bravery it must have taken to plan and execute such a plan, and yet they did. Kummerow has perfectly captured the fear and sadness Berlin's Jews must have felt in the 1940s. Whilst i never really think about the fact I am English, it's just a fact about me, and not really anything meaningful; I think I'd be devastated to have that taken away from me.
The characters were all really well written, and whilst fictional, they are based on real people. I love the way Kummerow weaves historical facts into the story by mentioning small events that affect them, such as Michaela no longer being allowed to call herself a doctor; or Jews in mixed marriages being 'protected' until they are widowed or divorced.
Overall, this was a brilliant read, which is exactly what I'd expect from this author.
October 13, 2025
Another beautifully written tale of the horrific situation Jewish people found themselves in Nazis Germany during the Second World War. Escape isn't a theme that is normally associated with Jewish life in Berlin of the 1940s yet here we have an escape plan - but you will have to read it for yourself to find out if they are successful. As always Marion has created believable characters who come to life in horrific circumstances. They feel like friends and as we turn the pages we are are right there living with them. Each tragic and horrific development feels like a personal blow.
Factually, accurate it is also worth reading and suitable for older teenagers. I loved every minute of it,
This book fits in with the Berlin wives series and offers a backstory about a related character.
Thank you to Marion Kummerow for writing this story. Thank you to Bookouture books for publishing and Netgalley for sharing the book in exchange for a freely given honest review.
Factually, accurate it is also worth reading and suitable for older teenagers. I loved every minute of it,
This book fits in with the Berlin wives series and offers a backstory about a related character.
Thank you to Marion Kummerow for writing this story. Thank you to Bookouture books for publishing and Netgalley for sharing the book in exchange for a freely given honest review.
October 24, 2025
What a sad story about how the Jews were treated during WWII and those trying so hard to escape for the area they lived in. It was touching how there were a group who were not of that faith trying to come together and help these seven people trying to leave and get to Switzerland.
I cried while reading about how some suffered such tragic losses and can't imagine their ability to overcome their grief during such a horrible time in the world's history. It's so sad to families who had to go separate ways and not knowing when or if they'll ever see each other again.
I don't want to give away any spoilers so I'll leave the rest of this alone other than to say it's so amazing to realize there were women who stood up for themselves and did things they felt necessary to survive and assist others during the times when they were dealing with so much in their own lives.
Thank you for a fantastic read, I greatly enjoyed getting to know the characters.
I cried while reading about how some suffered such tragic losses and can't imagine their ability to overcome their grief during such a horrible time in the world's history. It's so sad to families who had to go separate ways and not knowing when or if they'll ever see each other again.
I don't want to give away any spoilers so I'll leave the rest of this alone other than to say it's so amazing to realize there were women who stood up for themselves and did things they felt necessary to survive and assist others during the times when they were dealing with so much in their own lives.
Thank you for a fantastic read, I greatly enjoyed getting to know the characters.
November 10, 2025
Set in 1942 Berlin and inspired by the true events of Operation Seven, this novel tells the story of a group of people who risk everything to escape Germany.
✨ Leonore — a Jewish journalist who pretends to be a German spy to save her life.
✨ Michaela — a mother risking everything to be reunited with her daughters.
✨ Knut and Bernd — two men whose love could get them killed.
Their stories intertwine in a tale of desperation, deception, hope, and defiance.
The tension in this book was there from the very first page — I couldn’t put it down! I was constantly holding my breath, eager to know the fate of each character.
I could feel their fear, their hope, and their love for those around them. Marion always writes such gripping stories, and this one was no different. I love her books. 💕
The emotion, the action, and the bravery of these characters were everything. It reminded me that even when life feels its darkest, you must still fight back.
✨ Leonore — a Jewish journalist who pretends to be a German spy to save her life.
✨ Michaela — a mother risking everything to be reunited with her daughters.
✨ Knut and Bernd — two men whose love could get them killed.
Their stories intertwine in a tale of desperation, deception, hope, and defiance.
The tension in this book was there from the very first page — I couldn’t put it down! I was constantly holding my breath, eager to know the fate of each character.
I could feel their fear, their hope, and their love for those around them. Marion always writes such gripping stories, and this one was no different. I love her books. 💕
The emotion, the action, and the bravery of these characters were everything. It reminded me that even when life feels its darkest, you must still fight back.
October 30, 2025
Based on a true story! Wild! In order to escape Germany, a group of jews were fake trained as spies and escorted to Switzerland under the guise of being intelligence agents - because of course if their “mission” failed they’re expendable…
I did find this a little confusing at first trying to keep all the characters straight, and it’s one of those books where I would have liked a little tree at the start to show how everyone linked up! Especially when the codenames came into play - but then they seemed to get forgotten about pretty fast. I enjoyed Leonora and Michaela’s stories the most but everyone in the group was fascinating to read about, and I did enjoy yet another book with a thrilling escape across the Swiss border. Thanks to NetGalley for this, and I look forward to my next read from this author!
I did find this a little confusing at first trying to keep all the characters straight, and it’s one of those books where I would have liked a little tree at the start to show how everyone linked up! Especially when the codenames came into play - but then they seemed to get forgotten about pretty fast. I enjoyed Leonora and Michaela’s stories the most but everyone in the group was fascinating to read about, and I did enjoy yet another book with a thrilling escape across the Swiss border. Thanks to NetGalley for this, and I look forward to my next read from this author!
November 11, 2025
I had never heard of Operation Seven and Jews pretending to be German intelligence agents to escape Berlin before this book. I think that was a spectacular way to get to safety.
I loved all the characters in this one. Michaela was probably my favorite. Even though the Germans revoked her right to practice medicine simply because she was Jewish, she did everything she could to help her fellow Jews and those that were escaping to safety.
A lot of historical fictions have a little romance in them, and this one was no exception. Although it was a little different, because it was between two men, which wasn’t talked about back then. I’m sure it happened plenty, it was just kept very hush hush. Knut and Bernd were a great pair. They worked hard to get their crew to Switzerland.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy of this book.
I loved all the characters in this one. Michaela was probably my favorite. Even though the Germans revoked her right to practice medicine simply because she was Jewish, she did everything she could to help her fellow Jews and those that were escaping to safety.
A lot of historical fictions have a little romance in them, and this one was no exception. Although it was a little different, because it was between two men, which wasn’t talked about back then. I’m sure it happened plenty, it was just kept very hush hush. Knut and Bernd were a great pair. They worked hard to get their crew to Switzerland.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy of this book.
October 29, 2025
I really enjoyed the end of the story, however the beginning was a little slow. Took a while to really get interesting. However, I appreciated that it was quick and straightforward.
I believe this story really showed how much was taken away from the German Jews, but it also showed their resilience to never give up, no matter what. Historical fictions novels set in the World War II setting have always had a special place in my heart because I am always learning about secret initiatives and operations that occurred during that time all in an effort to create a better life and "get one over" on the Axis powers.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC copy of the story!
I believe this story really showed how much was taken away from the German Jews, but it also showed their resilience to never give up, no matter what. Historical fictions novels set in the World War II setting have always had a special place in my heart because I am always learning about secret initiatives and operations that occurred during that time all in an effort to create a better life and "get one over" on the Axis powers.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC copy of the story!
October 10, 2025
The Last Safe Place was a great story following the lives of some Jewish individuals and their families and the lives of 2 German Lieutenants during WWII. There was an immediate sense of attachment to these characters and their struggles being Jewish in Berlin as well as their navigation of getting out of the country.
I wish there was more back story for all characters (not having read any of the Berlin Wife series) as there were parts of the story where I either craved more information regarding a character or felt like something was missing.
Overall a great WWII read!
I wish there was more back story for all characters (not having read any of the Berlin Wife series) as there were parts of the story where I either craved more information regarding a character or felt like something was missing.
Overall a great WWII read!
November 25, 2025
The Last Safe Place is s story based on true events of Operation Seven as nine Jewish strangers form a friendship and embark on a journey to save their lives to escape Berlin while posing as intelligence agents. A story based on determination, courage, and hope while new laws limited their rights. Well researched and written novel. The book also highlights sympathizers and forbidden love. 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.
#thelastsafeplacehistorical #NetGalley.
I would like to thank the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.
#thelastsafeplacehistorical #NetGalley.
November 15, 2025
This was a book based on a true story about Operation Seven, where a handful of German Jews escaped Berlin in 1942. Dissidents in the Nazi regime came up with this plan where these 7 people posed as Abwer Intelligence Agents. An amazing story of how desperate the situation was in Germany and the huge risks taken to help these people. The book tied in as a precursor to the German Wives series, which was excellent as well.
November 16, 2025
Loved the concept of The Last Safe Place - who would think of disguising Jewish refugees as spies for the Nazi's to get them out of Germany and away from certain death? That's exactly what happens in The Last Safe Place. Super interesting, it's one of those books where fact is stranger than fiction. It's a different look at Nazi Germany and the impact of Nazi policies on Jews and those married to Jews. It's a quick read and a must read. Don't miss it!
October 26, 2025
I really enjoyed this book . It was a fictional story of actual event during the war in Berlin there were a group of people actively trying to help Jews escape from Germany and this was a story of one of those occasions.
It was very well written with lots of drama and painted a very good picture of how things were at that time.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for my arc copy
It was very well written with lots of drama and painted a very good picture of how things were at that time.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for my arc copy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2025
I read this in one sitting as it kept me completely engrossed. After I finished reading I went and did my own research as I found the story incredible, uplifting but totally incredible. Why I love reading a book by this author is that I am always discovering something new - even though my husband is an amateur war historian and we seem to spend a lot of our holidays going to WW2 sites this author is opening up my eyes to events I didnt know.
I am not going to say easy read but it kept me fully engrossed in an afternoon as I wanted to know what happened.
I am not going to say easy read but it kept me fully engrossed in an afternoon as I wanted to know what happened.
November 8, 2025
A well written read based on the true events of Operation Seven. Well researched and emotional the story tells of Jewish citizens who escaped Berlin in 1942. This read is full of love, hope, friendship and courage. Excellent
November 22, 2025
Amazing story
This story had me on edge throughout. Learning the process for a group of Jews to escape from Nazi Germany in to Switzerland was nerve-wracking. A well written story that will capture Marion's fan base by storm.
From a New Zealand fan.
This story had me on edge throughout. Learning the process for a group of Jews to escape from Nazi Germany in to Switzerland was nerve-wracking. A well written story that will capture Marion's fan base by storm.
From a New Zealand fan.
November 25, 2025
Escape to Switzerland
I did not enjoy this book as much as some of the Kummerow books,but it was still a very gripping story about how nearly impossible it was to escape the clutches of the Germans.I did enjoy the fact that it had a reasonably happy ending.
I did not enjoy this book as much as some of the Kummerow books,but it was still a very gripping story about how nearly impossible it was to escape the clutches of the Germans.I did enjoy the fact that it had a reasonably happy ending.
December 19, 2025
Everything connected together really well and the story flowed together well. There were sprinkles of romance but it wasn't the main focus and I liked how it showed the struggles of all the characters not just one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2025
I love Marion Kummerow’s novels. This one is incredible. It is a factual book, well researched and great. The WWII will surprise you and rooting for the characters. Highly recommended.
December 3, 2025
The last safe place
I have read all of this series. It was excellent. I love Marion's writing. These books you won't want to put down
I have read all of this series. It was excellent. I love Marion's writing. These books you won't want to put down
October 28, 2025
What a powerful and emotional novel from Marion Kummerow - I wouldn’t expect anything less from this incredible author!
The Seven were all such an interesting mix of people, and I loved learning about their stories as to why they joined the escape. The escape itself had me on the edge of my seat - would they all make it?? Would they not??
I also loved the inclusion of Knut and Bernd, who were under enough danger purely for the fact that they were in a gay relationship, but were still willing to help others escape the regime that they were a part of.
5 stars out of 5 ⭐️
The Seven were all such an interesting mix of people, and I loved learning about their stories as to why they joined the escape. The escape itself had me on the edge of my seat - would they all make it?? Would they not??
I also loved the inclusion of Knut and Bernd, who were under enough danger purely for the fact that they were in a gay relationship, but were still willing to help others escape the regime that they were a part of.
5 stars out of 5 ⭐️
January 13, 2026
Historical fiction at its best and very much in my comfort zone. I really enjoyed the multiple viewpoints and how the different storylines gradually weave together. The perspectives during the war — a female journalist, a gay couple, and a single mother — each bring their own challenges and emotional weight, and it’s compelling to see how they come together to survive. Thought-provoking, tense, and ultimately hopeful, this was a very enjoyable read.
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