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The Secrets We Left Behind
How far will they go for family, friendship, and love?
Occupied France, 1940. When the staff at a field hospital draw straws to find out who will join the evacuation from Dunkirk, Nurse Cate is left behind. But when the Nazis arrive to claim prisoners of war, she takes her chance and flees into the night, taking one patient with her.
Fifty miles away, the surrendering soldiers of the Royal Norfolk Regiment are shot dead by the advancing Germans. Beneath the pile of bodies two men survive, crawling to the safety of a nearby farmhouse, where sisters Elise and Adelaide risk their lives to take them in. When Cate, too, arrives at their door with her injured soldier, the pressure mounts.
The sisters are risking everything to keep their visitors safe. But with the Nazis coming ever closer and relationships in the farmhouse intensifying, they must all question the sacrifices they are willing to make for the lives of others. How far will they go for family, friendship, and love?
Occupied France, 1940. When the staff at a field hospital draw straws to find out who will join the evacuation from Dunkirk, Nurse Cate is left behind. But when the Nazis arrive to claim prisoners of war, she takes her chance and flees into the night, taking one patient with her.
Fifty miles away, the surrendering soldiers of the Royal Norfolk Regiment are shot dead by the advancing Germans. Beneath the pile of bodies two men survive, crawling to the safety of a nearby farmhouse, where sisters Elise and Adelaide risk their lives to take them in. When Cate, too, arrives at their door with her injured soldier, the pressure mounts.
The sisters are risking everything to keep their visitors safe. But with the Nazis coming ever closer and relationships in the farmhouse intensifying, they must all question the sacrifices they are willing to make for the lives of others. How far will they go for family, friendship, and love?
319 pages, Paperback
First published May 20, 2021
3183 people are currently reading
17470 people want to read
About the author
Soraya M. Lane
125 books2,123 followersSoraya M. Lane is the Amazon Charts & Kindle #1 bestselling author of THE SECRET MIDWIFE and THE ITALIAN DAUGHTER.
Soraya is thrilled to be publishing four new novels in 2025. Soraya has two new historical WWII novels, THE PIANIST'S WIFE and THE SECRET LIBRARIAN, and they're both available now. Soraya has also published two more books in her Lost Daughters series. Book #6, THE SPANISH DAUGHTER, was published in March and book #7, THE HIDDEN DAUGHTER, was published in October.
As a child, Soraya dreamed of becoming an author. Fast forward more than a few years, and Soraya is now living her dream! Soraya describes being an author as "the best career in the world", and she hopes to be writing romance and women's fiction for many years to come.
Soraya loves spending her days thinking up characters for books, and her home is a constant source of inspiration. She lives with her own real life hero and two sons on a small farm in New Zealand, surrounded by animals and with an office overlooking a field where their horses graze.
Add Soraya's latest novel, THE HIDDEN DAUGHTER, to your Goodreads shelf today!
For more information about Soraya, her books and her writing life, visit sorayalane.com or www.facebook.com/SorayaLaneAuthor, or follow her on Instagram @SorayaLaneAuthor. She would love to hear from you.
Soraya is thrilled to be publishing four new novels in 2025. Soraya has two new historical WWII novels, THE PIANIST'S WIFE and THE SECRET LIBRARIAN, and they're both available now. Soraya has also published two more books in her Lost Daughters series. Book #6, THE SPANISH DAUGHTER, was published in March and book #7, THE HIDDEN DAUGHTER, was published in October.
As a child, Soraya dreamed of becoming an author. Fast forward more than a few years, and Soraya is now living her dream! Soraya describes being an author as "the best career in the world", and she hopes to be writing romance and women's fiction for many years to come.
Soraya loves spending her days thinking up characters for books, and her home is a constant source of inspiration. She lives with her own real life hero and two sons on a small farm in New Zealand, surrounded by animals and with an office overlooking a field where their horses graze.
Add Soraya's latest novel, THE HIDDEN DAUGHTER, to your Goodreads shelf today!
For more information about Soraya, her books and her writing life, visit sorayalane.com or www.facebook.com/SorayaLaneAuthor, or follow her on Instagram @SorayaLaneAuthor. She would love to hear from you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 685 reviews
June 25, 2025
A powerful, and very emotional story of survival during World War II
This is my first book by this author and I was blown away by her writing! She wrote this novel during Covid19 lockdown in New Zealand. Wow, something wonderful that has come out of lockdown!
This is basically the story of three very strong women. One is a British nurse who together with a wounded soldier are left behind in Dunkirk and must find their way to freedom. The other is a French woman who lives with her younger sister in a small village in France. They witness a massacre of British soldiers right in front of their house. They risk their lives helping two surviving soldiers. The stories of these three women come together.
I could not stop turning the pages fast enough. I was that captivated with the story. This is hands down my favourite (so far) Historical Fiction book that I've read this year. A moving and compelling story that made me cry.
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK, and Lake Union Publishing for kindly granting me access to this Advance Reader Copy.
This is my first book by this author and I was blown away by her writing! She wrote this novel during Covid19 lockdown in New Zealand. Wow, something wonderful that has come out of lockdown!
This is basically the story of three very strong women. One is a British nurse who together with a wounded soldier are left behind in Dunkirk and must find their way to freedom. The other is a French woman who lives with her younger sister in a small village in France. They witness a massacre of British soldiers right in front of their house. They risk their lives helping two surviving soldiers. The stories of these three women come together.
I could not stop turning the pages fast enough. I was that captivated with the story. This is hands down my favourite (so far) Historical Fiction book that I've read this year. A moving and compelling story that made me cry.
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK, and Lake Union Publishing for kindly granting me access to this Advance Reader Copy.
May 27, 2021
I was able to read The Secrets We Left Behind by Soraya M. Lane on kindle unlimited with audible narration by Elizabeth Knowelden. This was the first book I have read by Soraya M. Lane and I have to say that I was very impressed with both her writing and her research. Author Soraya M. Lane found her inspiration for writing her newest novel, The Secrets We Left Behind, from the movie Dunkirk. She became curious about the roles women played during the evacuation of Dunkirk. Not a lot had been written about women during this historic event. She also used the massacre at Le Paradis where 97 English soldiers of The Royal Norfolk Regiment were horrifically murdered as the soldiers attempted to surrender. There were two soldiers who actually survived the massacre by some miracle. These two soldiers had hidden beneath the bodies of their dead fellow soldiers and then found their way to a farmhouse where they found safety. These historic occurrences proved to be the catalyst for Soraya M. Lane’s heart wrenching yet uplifting novel, The Secrets We Left Behind.
Cate and her best friend Lilly found themselves in occupied France in 1940 as trained nurses. The evacuation of Dunkirk was already underway. The German army and the Nazis were approaching quicker than anyone had anticipated. The British were evacuating most of their doctors, orderlies and some nurses from their field hospitals. Some nurses were required to remain. They would be needed to care for the patients that could not be moved for evacuation and for the new patients that would surely arrive after sustaining injuries from the on going battles. Lilly was chosen as one of the nurses to evacuate. She would head towards the beach at Dunkirk and hopefully get on one of the boats that would transport them back to England. Cate had chosen a short straw and therefore was one of the nurses that would remain behind to care for the injured. Recently, Cate had learned that her fiancé, Lilly’s brother, was missing in action. Without any planned intentions, Cate had taken a liking to Jack, one of her patients. There was something about him that drew her to him. It was not surprising then that Cate and Jack decided to escape together and flee from the hospital before the Nazis arrived. They knew their journey to find safety would be dangerous and hard. The alternative of being taken as a prisoner of war by the Nazis seemed worse.
More than fifty miles away, the soldiers of the Royal Norfolk Regiment knew that they were no match for the Germans so they raised their white flags with intentions of surrendering. In a farmhouse close by, French sisters, Elise and Adelaide, witnessed the entire horrific scene from their window. Both sisters could not believe that they had just witnessed a massacre. They had seen the British soldiers raise their white flags. The Germans just killed an entire regiment without hesitation or remorse. 97 soldiers died that day in what would later be named the massacre of Le Paradis. Two soldiers hid beneath the bodies of their dead buddies and when they were sure the Germans were gone, they made their way to the farmhouse to seek medical help and safety. After some back and forth between the sisters Adelaide convinced her sister Elise to allow the two soldiers into their home despite the risk they were putting themselves in. Cate and Jack also found their way to Elise and Adelaide’s farmhouse but not before Cate found herself face to face with a Nazi officer. Forced to think quickly, Cate invented a story about how she was searching for her little dog who had gotten away from her. She forced herself to sound calm and convincing. Hopefully, the prying Nazi officer had been convinced by Cate’s story. He insisted on walking her back home. Luckily for Cate, Adelaide let her into the farmhouse and collaborated her story and claimed Cate as her cousin. Adelaide had a little dog and she was holding him when she came to Cate’s rescue. The Nazi officer was deeply attracted to Adelaide. He became more focused on Adelaide than Cate’s fictitious story. After the Nazi was gone, Cate and Elise went back to where Jack remained hiding to bring him to the farmhouse as well. The two sisters risked a lot to be harboring British soldiers in their home. What resulted was the beginning of several beautiful and meaningful friendships as these strangers found themselves thrown together in the most dire of circumstances.
The Secrets We Left Behind by Soraya M. Lane was about sisterly love, family, friendships, bravery, trust, hope, perseverance and loyalty. It was told through the voices of three strong, resilient, selfless, intelligent and brave young women whose paths intersected with each other. It was beautifully written and touched all my emotions. I loved the ending. As I previously mentioned, this was the first book I have read by this author but I plan to read some of her prior books and look forward to see what she writes next. This was an excellent historical fiction novel with strong female characters. I highly recommend this book.
Cate and her best friend Lilly found themselves in occupied France in 1940 as trained nurses. The evacuation of Dunkirk was already underway. The German army and the Nazis were approaching quicker than anyone had anticipated. The British were evacuating most of their doctors, orderlies and some nurses from their field hospitals. Some nurses were required to remain. They would be needed to care for the patients that could not be moved for evacuation and for the new patients that would surely arrive after sustaining injuries from the on going battles. Lilly was chosen as one of the nurses to evacuate. She would head towards the beach at Dunkirk and hopefully get on one of the boats that would transport them back to England. Cate had chosen a short straw and therefore was one of the nurses that would remain behind to care for the injured. Recently, Cate had learned that her fiancé, Lilly’s brother, was missing in action. Without any planned intentions, Cate had taken a liking to Jack, one of her patients. There was something about him that drew her to him. It was not surprising then that Cate and Jack decided to escape together and flee from the hospital before the Nazis arrived. They knew their journey to find safety would be dangerous and hard. The alternative of being taken as a prisoner of war by the Nazis seemed worse.
More than fifty miles away, the soldiers of the Royal Norfolk Regiment knew that they were no match for the Germans so they raised their white flags with intentions of surrendering. In a farmhouse close by, French sisters, Elise and Adelaide, witnessed the entire horrific scene from their window. Both sisters could not believe that they had just witnessed a massacre. They had seen the British soldiers raise their white flags. The Germans just killed an entire regiment without hesitation or remorse. 97 soldiers died that day in what would later be named the massacre of Le Paradis. Two soldiers hid beneath the bodies of their dead buddies and when they were sure the Germans were gone, they made their way to the farmhouse to seek medical help and safety. After some back and forth between the sisters Adelaide convinced her sister Elise to allow the two soldiers into their home despite the risk they were putting themselves in. Cate and Jack also found their way to Elise and Adelaide’s farmhouse but not before Cate found herself face to face with a Nazi officer. Forced to think quickly, Cate invented a story about how she was searching for her little dog who had gotten away from her. She forced herself to sound calm and convincing. Hopefully, the prying Nazi officer had been convinced by Cate’s story. He insisted on walking her back home. Luckily for Cate, Adelaide let her into the farmhouse and collaborated her story and claimed Cate as her cousin. Adelaide had a little dog and she was holding him when she came to Cate’s rescue. The Nazi officer was deeply attracted to Adelaide. He became more focused on Adelaide than Cate’s fictitious story. After the Nazi was gone, Cate and Elise went back to where Jack remained hiding to bring him to the farmhouse as well. The two sisters risked a lot to be harboring British soldiers in their home. What resulted was the beginning of several beautiful and meaningful friendships as these strangers found themselves thrown together in the most dire of circumstances.
The Secrets We Left Behind by Soraya M. Lane was about sisterly love, family, friendships, bravery, trust, hope, perseverance and loyalty. It was told through the voices of three strong, resilient, selfless, intelligent and brave young women whose paths intersected with each other. It was beautifully written and touched all my emotions. I loved the ending. As I previously mentioned, this was the first book I have read by this author but I plan to read some of her prior books and look forward to see what she writes next. This was an excellent historical fiction novel with strong female characters. I highly recommend this book.
June 24, 2021
France, 1940. Planes are flying overhead, they can hear gun fire and the sound of running men and they know Germans are getting closer. The British army are retreating, the French army are trying to hold the Germans off as long as possible and they desperately need to get to Dunkirk. The British medial staff at the field hospital in a French chateau draw straws to decide who stays behind with the patients and who goes with the walking wounded to the beach. Nurse Cate Alexander draws a short straw, she stays behind, and when the Germans arrive Cate climbs out of a window with recovering surgical patient Jack.
Le Paradis is fifty miles away from the chateau, a hundred soldiers of the Royal Norfolk Regiment are cut off and stranded in a barn. They decide they have no option but to surrender and following the orders of Commander Wolfgang Schmidt and the British soldiers are gunned down. Lying beneath the pile of their fallen comrades are Peter and Harry, wounded they crawl to a nearby farmhouse, sisters Elsie and Adelaide DuPont rescue them. Jack decided he and Cate should try to walk to Le Paradis and by chance they also end up staying at the farm with the sisters. With three injured British soldiers and a nurse staying with them the DuPont sisters are in danger and it gets worse when Commander Schmidt becomes interested in Adelaide and what will they do?
Three incredibly brave and strong women all took huge risks, they had to trust in each other, and they became friends and one of them made the ultimate sacrifice. The Secrets We Left Behind is based on true facts about the Royal Norfolk Regiment, the British armies retreat from the beaches of Dunkirk and it’s a cracking story.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, Soraya M. Lane never disappoints, brilliant book and five stars from me. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
Le Paradis is fifty miles away from the chateau, a hundred soldiers of the Royal Norfolk Regiment are cut off and stranded in a barn. They decide they have no option but to surrender and following the orders of Commander Wolfgang Schmidt and the British soldiers are gunned down. Lying beneath the pile of their fallen comrades are Peter and Harry, wounded they crawl to a nearby farmhouse, sisters Elsie and Adelaide DuPont rescue them. Jack decided he and Cate should try to walk to Le Paradis and by chance they also end up staying at the farm with the sisters. With three injured British soldiers and a nurse staying with them the DuPont sisters are in danger and it gets worse when Commander Schmidt becomes interested in Adelaide and what will they do?
Three incredibly brave and strong women all took huge risks, they had to trust in each other, and they became friends and one of them made the ultimate sacrifice. The Secrets We Left Behind is based on true facts about the Royal Norfolk Regiment, the British armies retreat from the beaches of Dunkirk and it’s a cracking story.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, Soraya M. Lane never disappoints, brilliant book and five stars from me. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
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October 27, 2021I was inspired to write this book after watching the movie Dunkirk... I loved the movie, but I noticed there were no women in the film! I immediately started to research the Dunkirk evacuation to see whether there were any women there, and the rest is history!
I'm fascinated by looking at WWII in particular from the female perspective, and this was one of those moments where I just knew there was a story to tell as soon as I started my research.
If you have any questions abut the novel or want to discuss the characters further, please comment or reach out to me direct. I'm also always happy to "zoom" into your book club meeting to chat too!
Soraya x
I'm fascinated by looking at WWII in particular from the female perspective, and this was one of those moments where I just knew there was a story to tell as soon as I started my research.
If you have any questions abut the novel or want to discuss the characters further, please comment or reach out to me direct. I'm also always happy to "zoom" into your book club meeting to chat too!
Soraya x
July 17, 2024
A story of survival, loss, and friendship during World War II.
Heart-pounding action? Check.
Romance? Check.
Will this book break your heart? Possibly - it certainly made me tear up whilst reading.
The story was inspired by the events at Dunkirk, and the tragic, horrendous Le Paradis Massacre. Whilst the characters are works of fiction, they too were inspired by the author's diligent research of real individuals who survived - including Lillian Gutterbridge, who bravely commandeered an ambulance, filled it with her patients, and drove them to the beach. When stopped by an SS officer, Lillian slapped him, for which she received a knife in her thigh. This brave woman and her heroic actions feature in the plot under the guise of a similarly-named character. Iconic.
Alongside the main plot line, which I won't spoil here, another central theme of this book is the complex relationships between multiple characters with compelling stories. With a quick pace, unique and distinct characters, and romances that you can't help but root for (excluding one, which is slightly traumatising), this book is another must-read by Soraya M. Lane. It's a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Another beautifully written story by Soraya Lane - a must-read author!
Heart-pounding action? Check.
Romance? Check.
Will this book break your heart? Possibly - it certainly made me tear up whilst reading.
The story was inspired by the events at Dunkirk, and the tragic, horrendous Le Paradis Massacre. Whilst the characters are works of fiction, they too were inspired by the author's diligent research of real individuals who survived - including Lillian Gutterbridge, who bravely commandeered an ambulance, filled it with her patients, and drove them to the beach. When stopped by an SS officer, Lillian slapped him, for which she received a knife in her thigh. This brave woman and her heroic actions feature in the plot under the guise of a similarly-named character. Iconic.
Alongside the main plot line, which I won't spoil here, another central theme of this book is the complex relationships between multiple characters with compelling stories. With a quick pace, unique and distinct characters, and romances that you can't help but root for (excluding one, which is slightly traumatising), this book is another must-read by Soraya M. Lane. It's a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Another beautifully written story by Soraya Lane - a must-read author!
June 27, 2021
A beautifully written story about love and friendship and the strength and courage shown when it is needed in hard times, it is WW11 in France, Dunkirk and Nurse Cate is left behind when the evacuation happens, there is no way she is going to be taken by the Nazis and she runs with a patient, Jack.
Le Paradis is fifty miles away and a regiment of British soldiers are doing their best to hold of the Nazis, all but two lose their lives and crawl to a farmhouse and seek help from sisters Elise and Adelaide. Harry and Peter are both injured and the woman do what they can to help when Cate arrives on their doorstep and her soldier, together the three woman risk their lives to save the men against odds with the Germans taking over France.
The struggle is hard especially when Adelaide helps Peter and now has the interest of the local German commander Wolfgang Schmidt, tensions are mounting with danger so close will Elise be able to get Harry, Jack and Cate back to England, how much are they prepared to sacrifice for the lives of people who have come to mean so much to them?
I loved this story Soraya Lane has never disappointed me and this one is a fabulous story filled with heart-break, love, resilience, strength and courage, it is an emotional journey and there were tears, lots of them but there was cheering as well, but the ending is just so beautiful and yes more tears but tears of joy. This is a story that I do highly recommend Cate, Elise Adelaide are amazing woman and Harry and Jack amazing men and very worth getting to Know.
My thanks to the author and Netgalley for my copy to read and review
Le Paradis is fifty miles away and a regiment of British soldiers are doing their best to hold of the Nazis, all but two lose their lives and crawl to a farmhouse and seek help from sisters Elise and Adelaide. Harry and Peter are both injured and the woman do what they can to help when Cate arrives on their doorstep and her soldier, together the three woman risk their lives to save the men against odds with the Germans taking over France.
The struggle is hard especially when Adelaide helps Peter and now has the interest of the local German commander Wolfgang Schmidt, tensions are mounting with danger so close will Elise be able to get Harry, Jack and Cate back to England, how much are they prepared to sacrifice for the lives of people who have come to mean so much to them?
I loved this story Soraya Lane has never disappointed me and this one is a fabulous story filled with heart-break, love, resilience, strength and courage, it is an emotional journey and there were tears, lots of them but there was cheering as well, but the ending is just so beautiful and yes more tears but tears of joy. This is a story that I do highly recommend Cate, Elise Adelaide are amazing woman and Harry and Jack amazing men and very worth getting to Know.
My thanks to the author and Netgalley for my copy to read and review
July 30, 2021
I can’t fathom the rave reviews this book received. The story itself could have been very good in another author’s hands but honestly this book felt like it was written by a 7th grader. I would not have finished except that I was stuck in a car on a road trip and that breeds desperation. All I know is if I can’t trust Goodreads stars and reviews the world is a dark place. People there are good books available. This is not one of them.
April 29, 2021
‘The Secrets We Left Behind’ tells of five young people whose lives suddenly collide in a French farmhouse at the height of WWII. The house belongs to sisters Elise and Adelaide, the only members left of their family. As the Germans advance towards their area, they unwittingly witness the Le Paradis massacre, a historical event I was unaware of until reading this novel. They make the dangerous choice to shelter the only two British soldiers to survive this horror.
Simultaneously, British nurse Cate is caught up in the fracas surrounding Dunkirk’s evacuation, but she and a wounded patient, Jack, uncertain what’s happening on the beaches of Dunkirk, make the decision to flee further into France instead. They too find their way to the home of the sisters, where the remaining five play a dangerous game of subterfuge and hiding as the Germans overrun the village. To complicate matters even further, Adelaide has caught the attention of a high-ranking Nazi officer, putting everyone in danger and causing conflict between the sisters as Adelaide struggles to reconcile her attraction for Wolfgang with the reports of his cruelty. Because clearly they can’t hide for an indeterminate amount of time in this farmhouse, the five come up with a plan (thanks to the burgeoning French resistance) to help the British stowaways be smuggled back to England.
I really wanted to love this book, but while it was an enjoyable, fast read, I didn’t love it. Without giving too much away, at times it felt like a rather cliche romance within a romance within a romance, and each of the romantic entanglements lacked the depth or plausibility I needed to connect with their characters — not to mention my frustration at foolish reactions or choices. The ending section felt oddly rushed, which unfortunately contributed to me feeling as if I didn’t really know any of the characters very well. So sadly, for me this was good but not great. However, I very much appreciate the publishers and NetGalley giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for my unbiased review.
Simultaneously, British nurse Cate is caught up in the fracas surrounding Dunkirk’s evacuation, but she and a wounded patient, Jack, uncertain what’s happening on the beaches of Dunkirk, make the decision to flee further into France instead. They too find their way to the home of the sisters, where the remaining five play a dangerous game of subterfuge and hiding as the Germans overrun the village. To complicate matters even further, Adelaide has caught the attention of a high-ranking Nazi officer, putting everyone in danger and causing conflict between the sisters as Adelaide struggles to reconcile her attraction for Wolfgang with the reports of his cruelty. Because clearly they can’t hide for an indeterminate amount of time in this farmhouse, the five come up with a plan (thanks to the burgeoning French resistance) to help the British stowaways be smuggled back to England.
I really wanted to love this book, but while it was an enjoyable, fast read, I didn’t love it. Without giving too much away, at times it felt like a rather cliche romance within a romance within a romance, and each of the romantic entanglements lacked the depth or plausibility I needed to connect with their characters — not to mention my frustration at foolish reactions or choices. The ending section felt oddly rushed, which unfortunately contributed to me feeling as if I didn’t really know any of the characters very well. So sadly, for me this was good but not great. However, I very much appreciate the publishers and NetGalley giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for my unbiased review.
April 7, 2021
It’s May 1940 and you are working as a nurse for the Royal Army Medical Corps. The army has set up a clearance hospital in a chateau in Dunkirk. You are aware that the Germans are closing in. but rest in the fact that there’s a huge red silk cross on the front lawn. It’s not until the Captain pulls the staff together to relay the frightful news that you finally realize the situation really is dire. You are being asked to draw straws, yes you read that properly, because somebody has to stay behind to look after the huge influx of soldier patients who can’t be evacuated. You watch your colleagues pull straws and gasp as you know that the two who draw short straws will most likely be taken prisoners of war by the Nazis and destined to live behind wire until they are liberated. It’s your turn…you pull….it’s a short straw. You are being left behind. Deserted. With men who can’t walk. Can’t help. True story.
Author Soraya Lane instantly pulls you into “The Secrets We Left Behind” and you feel like you are part of the action. My heart was pumping and I had no idea which direction the story was going to go. What I love about her writing is that she appeals to all the senses; it enables readers to place themselves in the plot. Quite often with multiple viewpoint stories, there’s one that stands out above the rest. Not so with this one! Cate, Elise, and Adelaide have equally compelling stories. Each girl is hiding a secret and they are relying on each other to keep a shared secret. War has forced them into a different life than they’d imagined. There’s sadness, grief, death, blood and hunger at every corner, yet they each find themselves helping others even when it means risking their life for another. The events in this book are all based on true events. In fact, even Oscar is real! Check out the author’s Facebook page and you will see that her dog has made it into the pages of her latest historical fiction. The pace is even and quick, the characters are believable, and the plot and twists will keep you on the edge of your seat. I’m off to source out Lane’s backlist as she has an impressive list of historical fiction!
Soraya Lane, Amazon Publishing UK, and NetGalley gifted me this advance digital copy and I was under no obligation to provide a review.
Publishes May 20,2021
Author Soraya Lane instantly pulls you into “The Secrets We Left Behind” and you feel like you are part of the action. My heart was pumping and I had no idea which direction the story was going to go. What I love about her writing is that she appeals to all the senses; it enables readers to place themselves in the plot. Quite often with multiple viewpoint stories, there’s one that stands out above the rest. Not so with this one! Cate, Elise, and Adelaide have equally compelling stories. Each girl is hiding a secret and they are relying on each other to keep a shared secret. War has forced them into a different life than they’d imagined. There’s sadness, grief, death, blood and hunger at every corner, yet they each find themselves helping others even when it means risking their life for another. The events in this book are all based on true events. In fact, even Oscar is real! Check out the author’s Facebook page and you will see that her dog has made it into the pages of her latest historical fiction. The pace is even and quick, the characters are believable, and the plot and twists will keep you on the edge of your seat. I’m off to source out Lane’s backlist as she has an impressive list of historical fiction!
Soraya Lane, Amazon Publishing UK, and NetGalley gifted me this advance digital copy and I was under no obligation to provide a review.
Publishes May 20,2021
May 19, 2021
Soraya M. Lane, the author of “The Secrets We Left Behind” has written a captivating, intriguing, and intense novel. The genre for this novel is historical fiction. The author has based many true facts in this amazing novel. The timeline for this story is 1940- 1946 and goes to the past when it pertains to the characters or events. The location for this story is set in France. The setting is during World War Two in France, as the Germans are advancing, and the British are retreating. The author describes her dramatic characters as complex and complicated. Some are good and some are evil. Some are brave and courageous. This is a memorable and thought-provoking novel of the tragedies of war, that I would highly recommend to other readers.
As the Germans approach the hospital in France, where the British doctors and nurses draw straws to see who will be able to leave and who will be left behind to take care of the wounded and sick soldiers. One nurse stays behind and manages to get a wounded soldier out of the hospital, and hide. Another nurse “borrows” an ambulance to try to help remove the wounded patients.
Not far away, many British soldiers that are in a barn lift a white flag to surrender, and as they are leaving the barn in an orderly manner, they are shot to death by the Germans. In a house nearby, two sisters looking out the window look in horror as this happens. The sisters answer the knocks to their door, to find two injured British soldiers, and they take them in. Not long after, the nurse and patient find themselves at the same house.
The head Gestapo Commander has an attraction for one of the sisters, and there is constant danger and tension for the hidden English soldiers and nurse.
The author discusses the importance of friendship, loyalty, communication, peace, and hope.
As the Germans approach the hospital in France, where the British doctors and nurses draw straws to see who will be able to leave and who will be left behind to take care of the wounded and sick soldiers. One nurse stays behind and manages to get a wounded soldier out of the hospital, and hide. Another nurse “borrows” an ambulance to try to help remove the wounded patients.
Not far away, many British soldiers that are in a barn lift a white flag to surrender, and as they are leaving the barn in an orderly manner, they are shot to death by the Germans. In a house nearby, two sisters looking out the window look in horror as this happens. The sisters answer the knocks to their door, to find two injured British soldiers, and they take them in. Not long after, the nurse and patient find themselves at the same house.
The head Gestapo Commander has an attraction for one of the sisters, and there is constant danger and tension for the hidden English soldiers and nurse.
The author discusses the importance of friendship, loyalty, communication, peace, and hope.
April 3, 2021
The Secrets We Left Behind by Soraya Lane is an excellent WWII-era historical fiction that really kept me on the edge of my seat...and was well worth it!
I have been a huge fan of Ms. Lane for quite some time and have read ALL of her books. So, of course I had to read her newest addition. I loved this!
The wonderful cast of well-developed, complex characters that are brought together through different, but yet similar, circumstances and how this group is thrown into the middle of such dire circumstances...wow.
This takes place around occupied France during WWII, and also involves Dunkirk. It was fascinating to read the stories of Cate and sisters Adelaide and Elise. Adding a strong peripheral cast of characters, these three women exhibit what it means to be brave, strong, intelligent, and selfless in a time of such fear, strife, and unrest. My emotions went through the full gambit: happiness, cheering, suspense, stress, heartbreak, and through it all I just had to go on to the next page to see just how it would end up.
A wonderful ending that I truly enjoyed, and just solidifies my admiration for one of my favorite authors. Excellent!
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Lake Union Publishing for this awesome arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR, Instagram, and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
I have been a huge fan of Ms. Lane for quite some time and have read ALL of her books. So, of course I had to read her newest addition. I loved this!
The wonderful cast of well-developed, complex characters that are brought together through different, but yet similar, circumstances and how this group is thrown into the middle of such dire circumstances...wow.
This takes place around occupied France during WWII, and also involves Dunkirk. It was fascinating to read the stories of Cate and sisters Adelaide and Elise. Adding a strong peripheral cast of characters, these three women exhibit what it means to be brave, strong, intelligent, and selfless in a time of such fear, strife, and unrest. My emotions went through the full gambit: happiness, cheering, suspense, stress, heartbreak, and through it all I just had to go on to the next page to see just how it would end up.
A wonderful ending that I truly enjoyed, and just solidifies my admiration for one of my favorite authors. Excellent!
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Lake Union Publishing for this awesome arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR, Instagram, and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
February 21, 2023
Author Soraya M. Lane does it again with this latest book Secrets We Left Behind. I'm at the point now where I don't even need to look beyond her name to know what to expect. Time and time again I get a story that is layered with excellent narrative and intriguing plot. I get to meet characters who carry their own various baggage but somehow weave together. And as usual, you get attached to at least one of them and...well. These aren't all happy ever after books.
In The Secrets We Left Behind, we follow Cate, a British nurse who is left behind to stay in the hospital of France as Dunkirk is evacuated. Told in essence "good luck and hope you survive" the rest of the hospital and staff is evacuated with their patients. Cate being the amazing nurse she is, says forget that, and grabs one of the patients she's grown close to and decides she'd rather make a run for it than be a sitting duck to German troops.
A little ways away French citizen Elise experiences one of the most traumatic things you can--watching a military bloodbath and now is hiding in her house with her younger sister--praying that they will get left alone by the nearby German troops. Until someone knocks on her door--and two men she thought she'd seen slaughtered are begging for entry.
Elise and Cate are thrown together with the one event of Dunkirk and their lives are forever entwined.
As usual, a few things in this are based on fact: The doctors/orderlies having to draw straws and being told to stay behind to do their duty, the massacre of the 99 British soldiers, Cate's Best Friend Lily is based on a real amazing nurse (the events at the end of the book really did happen to the real Lily!), and the German officer who plays a role is based on a real officer.
The book does have some swearing, mentioning of promiscuity of a couple characters, and intense scenes with the German officers.
A solid 4 stars!
Lisa’s Ratings
5⭐ = Unforgettable. Make me FEEL emotions. I laughed or cried. I didn't want to put it down or let it end. They became my friends. A personal favorite.
4⭐ = Excellent read. Couldn’t put it down. Will recommend to others. But I didn't *feel* anything.
3⭐ = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting. But nothing stellar or unforgettable. Not sure I will recommend it.
2⭐ = The book was tolerable, but I almost didn't like it.
1⭐ = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
In The Secrets We Left Behind, we follow Cate, a British nurse who is left behind to stay in the hospital of France as Dunkirk is evacuated. Told in essence "good luck and hope you survive" the rest of the hospital and staff is evacuated with their patients. Cate being the amazing nurse she is, says forget that, and grabs one of the patients she's grown close to and decides she'd rather make a run for it than be a sitting duck to German troops.
A little ways away French citizen Elise experiences one of the most traumatic things you can--watching a military bloodbath and now is hiding in her house with her younger sister--praying that they will get left alone by the nearby German troops. Until someone knocks on her door--and two men she thought she'd seen slaughtered are begging for entry.
Elise and Cate are thrown together with the one event of Dunkirk and their lives are forever entwined.
As usual, a few things in this are based on fact: The doctors/orderlies having to draw straws and being told to stay behind to do their duty, the massacre of the 99 British soldiers, Cate's Best Friend Lily is based on a real amazing nurse (the events at the end of the book really did happen to the real Lily!), and the German officer who plays a role is based on a real officer.
The book does have some swearing, mentioning of promiscuity of a couple characters, and intense scenes with the German officers.
A solid 4 stars!
Lisa’s Ratings
5⭐ = Unforgettable. Make me FEEL emotions. I laughed or cried. I didn't want to put it down or let it end. They became my friends. A personal favorite.
4⭐ = Excellent read. Couldn’t put it down. Will recommend to others. But I didn't *feel* anything.
3⭐ = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting. But nothing stellar or unforgettable. Not sure I will recommend it.
2⭐ = The book was tolerable, but I almost didn't like it.
1⭐ = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
May 6, 2021
The Secrets We Left Behind is a gripping story that brings to life the horrors endured in France during WWII while also highlighting the sacrifice and love of strong women. Soraya M. Lane’s exquisitely told tale of perseverance will hold your heart in this beautifully written and highly captivating read.
October 23, 2022
A lovely story filled with the tension, conflict, and pain of war. The characters are strong and well developed. It was easy to visualize the terrible choices each one made. A quick read I would recommend.
April 26, 2021
Special thanks to NetGalley for providing a digital copy in exchange for an honest review
I don't know if I can find the words to say how much I truly loved this, but I'm going to try. This had a bit of an ensemble cast, but each character was vital to the way the story ended. While I found Addy to be way too naive and Elise to be too wishy washy in the way she dealt with Addy's naive feelings and actions, I loved them just as much as I loved Cate, Jack, and Harry.
I found myself really surprised by Harry's (and Peter, though he only makes a small appearance) introduction to the story. I had never heard of the Le Paradis massacre before, so I though it was just a really believable piece of fiction for how awful the Nazis truly were. And then I thought Lily's story with her encounter with an SS officer was too grand to be true, but that was also a false assumption. The author's note was really informative, and I really appreciate the research that went into this story. I love historical fiction, but I love it even more when it caters to actual true events (not just WWII in general, but specific events such as the massacre and Lily's story). I love a historical fiction novel that can teach me something new about the history I love and give me new things to research and further learn about.
I don't know if I can find the words to say how much I truly loved this, but I'm going to try. This had a bit of an ensemble cast, but each character was vital to the way the story ended. While I found Addy to be way too naive and Elise to be too wishy washy in the way she dealt with Addy's naive feelings and actions, I loved them just as much as I loved Cate, Jack, and Harry.
I found myself really surprised by Harry's (and Peter, though he only makes a small appearance) introduction to the story. I had never heard of the Le Paradis massacre before, so I though it was just a really believable piece of fiction for how awful the Nazis truly were. And then I thought Lily's story with her encounter with an SS officer was too grand to be true, but that was also a false assumption. The author's note was really informative, and I really appreciate the research that went into this story. I love historical fiction, but I love it even more when it caters to actual true events (not just WWII in general, but specific events such as the massacre and Lily's story). I love a historical fiction novel that can teach me something new about the history I love and give me new things to research and further learn about.
March 22, 2022
The only reason this got 2 stars from me instead of 1 is because the “historical” part of the plot was mildly interesting. The rest of the book was romantic schlock!! Poorly written, trite and dreadful!
August 24, 2022
3/5 stars
I would love for there to be a page count added to the goodreads page for this book so we readers can keep track of how many pages we've read this year.
Full review to come!
I would love for there to be a page count added to the goodreads page for this book so we readers can keep track of how many pages we've read this year.
Full review to come!
May 20, 2021
I have been a fan of Soraya Lane for over 10 years and each book gets better, this being her best absolutely! I love historical fiction and this is one of the best I’ve read recently.
I love multiple pov books and this one is told through the eyes of Cate, Elise, and Adelaide. Strong women who have heartbreaking, romantic and suspenseful stories to tell.
I’d recommend picking this one up if you enjoy WWII fiction, it’s out now!
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishers for my advanced ebook copy.
I love multiple pov books and this one is told through the eyes of Cate, Elise, and Adelaide. Strong women who have heartbreaking, romantic and suspenseful stories to tell.
I’d recommend picking this one up if you enjoy WWII fiction, it’s out now!
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishers for my advanced ebook copy.
January 29, 2022
While this is historical fiction, there is a true account woven in. There are thousands of true accounts of what the French endured during WWII, so it was no stretch to imagine events portrayed in the book as being plausible. The same can be said of what the allies experienced at the hands of the Nazi troops. This is an intense read but worth it. We must recognize, respect and remember those who came before us who fought and sacrificed so much for freedom from fascism and authoritarianism. Lest we forget.
July 13, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book for an honest review.
Loved it...heartbreaking WW2 book, set in France around the time of the Dunkirk evacuation. Great book with strong female characters.
Loved it...heartbreaking WW2 book, set in France around the time of the Dunkirk evacuation. Great book with strong female characters.
September 1, 2024
damn my teacher kinda ate with this book rec but i will NOT make a lecture sheet leave me alone 🙏 thank you
May 21, 2021
It's 1940 and Cate, an English nurse, is working at the clearance hospital in Dunkirk. She loves her work and taking care of injured soldiers despite the fact that her fiancé has been declared 'missing, presumed dead'. As the bombing by the German army gets closer, there is a decision to evacuate the troops to England. But some people need to remain at the hospital to help the wounded, so the staff draws straws. Cate gets the short straw and watches her friends and co-workers and many of the injured leave for Dunkirk beach and hopeful evacuation. One of the few patients left is Jack and Cate has been having romantic feeling about him since he arrived. When the Germans arrive to take prisoners, Cate and Jack escape. Their walk to hopefully get to a safe place is filled with fear of capture and I was rapidly turning pages during this part of the book. They finally find a house with two young women living in it and ask for help. Sisters Elise and Adelaide are reluctant at first. Their town has been taken over by the Germans and they are already hiding a wounded English soldier. They all know that if they are discovered, they will all be executed. As each day passes, they lives become more perilous especially when a high level Nazi becomes interested in Adelaide. There are decisions to be made that will possibly put them in more danger.
The author had me rapidly turning pages throughout this book. I needed to find out if they were able to escape or be executed. My favorite characters were Cate and Elsie. Both were stronger and more resilient than they knew and it was their bravery that helped the other people in the house.
This is a fantastic WWII story about strong women who did their best in extreme situations to help the Allies win the war. It's apparent on every page that the author has done extensive research. Many of the characters and plots were based on real people. This is a book full of suspense, history, love and an overwhelming need to help others.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
The author had me rapidly turning pages throughout this book. I needed to find out if they were able to escape or be executed. My favorite characters were Cate and Elsie. Both were stronger and more resilient than they knew and it was their bravery that helped the other people in the house.
This is a fantastic WWII story about strong women who did their best in extreme situations to help the Allies win the war. It's apparent on every page that the author has done extensive research. Many of the characters and plots were based on real people. This is a book full of suspense, history, love and an overwhelming need to help others.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
May 20, 2021
The Secrets We Left Behind is a highly compelling story, one that I could simply not put down once I started reading! I was instantly invested in the characters of this story, brave women and men living in a constant state of fear and uncertainty as the Nazis take control of France in the spring of 1940. Cate is a British nurse who is left behind at an evacuation hospital as the British are being rescued from Dunkirk, escaping the Nazis with a critically wounded soldier. Elise and Adelaide are French sisters who suddenly find themselves providing refuge to wounded British soldiers of their own, even as the Nazis are taking over their town, placing themselves in grave danger. It was fascinating to read the story of Dunkirk, not from the point of view of those who were rescued, but by those who were left behind, at the mercy of the Nazis. The author sometimes paints a very graphic picture of the horrors that are encountered at this time, but that is alleviated by the humanity shown by the sisters, by the courage of Cate, and the determination of them all to survive.
April 4, 2021
This is a well written, rapid paced, frightening story of a time in our history that so many wish to never, ever repeat.
It is told through three strong female characters. Cate is a nurse. Her job is to care for the soldiers in a France makeshift hospital during during World War II.
The day comes when she needs to suddenly leave! Where is she going to run too? What will happen to those left behind? What is the right thing to do?
Adelaide and Elise are sisters living in a small house in Le Paradis, France. They have been witness to a heinous crime by the German troops.
They now have some decisions to make. Can they help any survivors and keep them all safe?
This is definitely a story of friendship, trust, love, fear, and horror that had me thrust in the pages of this novel!
A fast read for sure!
It is told through three strong female characters. Cate is a nurse. Her job is to care for the soldiers in a France makeshift hospital during during World War II.
The day comes when she needs to suddenly leave! Where is she going to run too? What will happen to those left behind? What is the right thing to do?
Adelaide and Elise are sisters living in a small house in Le Paradis, France. They have been witness to a heinous crime by the German troops.
They now have some decisions to make. Can they help any survivors and keep them all safe?
This is definitely a story of friendship, trust, love, fear, and horror that had me thrust in the pages of this novel!
A fast read for sure!
April 15, 2021
Lane is truly my favourite Historical Fiction author. She did not disappoint with this one, from the very first chapter I was hooked and already invested in the characters and plot. Her ability to weave stories and lives together is one of my favourite things about her novels. I cared so deeply for these characters in the couple hundred pages that I knew them and by the end they felt real and tangible. As with almost every one of her books, I was tearing up by the end of it, wishing it wasn’t coming to an end so soon. Another wonderful book that I had a great time reading.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #NetGalley #TheSecretsWeLeftBehind. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #NetGalley #TheSecretsWeLeftBehind. All opinions are my own.
June 10, 2024
Another going into my favorite book file - The Secrets We Left Behind. Well researched by the author, fictional characters based on true events during WWII, Le Paradis massacre and those (nurses and medical teams) left behind when their rescue was determined by drawing straws. Soraya M. Lane is one of my top authors for historical fiction.
April 8, 2022
how i read this book in emojis:
😐😐😏😏😀😄😁😆😍😍🥰🥰😉😉😏❤️❤️❤️😭😭😭😭✨✨😍😍😭😭😭😭👍🏻❤️😍
😐😐😏😏😀😄😁😆😍😍🥰🥰😉😉😏❤️❤️❤️😭😭😭😭✨✨😍😍😭😭😭😭👍🏻❤️😍
April 22, 2021
Sacrifice for freedom
A breathtaking story of people brought together in the midst of the enemy during WWII. The characters were so true to life and the story kept you in suspense.
LIlly and Cate the British nurse's stationed at Dunkirk. Lilly evacuated and Cate stayed behind with the patients. Jack Cate's patient at the hospital who fled with her after the evacuation. Harry and Peter the British soldiers that cheated death at the hands of the Nazi commander the only two to survive the "Le Paradis Massacre". Adelaide and Elise the farm girls that took in the fleeing British soldiers Peter and Harry as well as Jack and Cate.
The story is of these characters in a farmhouse in the middle of Nazi troops. The different opinions, the romances, the disagreements and the plans to escape which went horribly wrong. The ones that escaped, the ones that stayed behind and one that did not survive.
Their story of the life in the farmhouse and the escape will keep you in suspense and keep you reading. The courage these young people showed in the face of the enemy is awesome. It is a story that proves the quest for life and freedom is strong enough to sustain and that love and memories live on. So many lost so much in the war and some were true heroes.
This was a very good story and based on events at the time. The ending was perfect. I was sad for those lost but very happy for those that survived. I would recommend this book.
Thanks to Soraya M. Lane, Amazon Publishing U.K. and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review an advanced copy of this book.
A breathtaking story of people brought together in the midst of the enemy during WWII. The characters were so true to life and the story kept you in suspense.
LIlly and Cate the British nurse's stationed at Dunkirk. Lilly evacuated and Cate stayed behind with the patients. Jack Cate's patient at the hospital who fled with her after the evacuation. Harry and Peter the British soldiers that cheated death at the hands of the Nazi commander the only two to survive the "Le Paradis Massacre". Adelaide and Elise the farm girls that took in the fleeing British soldiers Peter and Harry as well as Jack and Cate.
The story is of these characters in a farmhouse in the middle of Nazi troops. The different opinions, the romances, the disagreements and the plans to escape which went horribly wrong. The ones that escaped, the ones that stayed behind and one that did not survive.
Their story of the life in the farmhouse and the escape will keep you in suspense and keep you reading. The courage these young people showed in the face of the enemy is awesome. It is a story that proves the quest for life and freedom is strong enough to sustain and that love and memories live on. So many lost so much in the war and some were true heroes.
This was a very good story and based on events at the time. The ending was perfect. I was sad for those lost but very happy for those that survived. I would recommend this book.
Thanks to Soraya M. Lane, Amazon Publishing U.K. and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review an advanced copy of this book.
May 27, 2021
Soraya Lane has a talent for bringing stories to us of ordinary women doing extraordinary acts of bravery during WWII. Through her exquisite writing Lane weaves a tale of fear, horror, sorrow, bravery and love without ever losing the reader along the way. Captivating from start to finish, this story of historical fiction could almost be described as a thriller with tremendous suspense and twists. One lone British nurse, Cate, is left behind as the Germans advance and the British retreat in the south of France. Taking along a wounded patient, after a hair-raising journey, she finds safety for them in the home of two French sisters. The story unfolds at this farmhouse as a plan for escape is eventually reached. It will only succeed with courage, trust, and luck. A page-turner to the very end!
February 12, 2025
i'll write a full review of this one soon but it was a bittersweet story. very beautiful and moving all the same.
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