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The Secret Agent
My name is Sylvie Duchene and I am a dancer. There is no network. I am just a dancer. I know nothing. Please…I swear it…
An unknown location, occupied France, 1944
Dropping silently behind enemy lines, Sylvia Crichton, codename Monique, is determined to fight for the country of her birth and save it from its Nazi stranglehold.
As one of the dancers at the nightclub Mirabelle, Sylvie’s mission is to entertain the club’s German clientele and learn their secrets. In a world of deception and lies, she can trust no one. Not even Mirabelle’s enigmatic piano player Felix… a part of the resistance or a collaborator?
But despite her SOE training, nothing can prepare Sylvie for the horrors she is about to face – or the pain of losing those she grows closer to undercover…
An unknown location, occupied France, 1944
Dropping silently behind enemy lines, Sylvia Crichton, codename Monique, is determined to fight for the country of her birth and save it from its Nazi stranglehold.
As one of the dancers at the nightclub Mirabelle, Sylvie’s mission is to entertain the club’s German clientele and learn their secrets. In a world of deception and lies, she can trust no one. Not even Mirabelle’s enigmatic piano player Felix… a part of the resistance or a collaborator?
But despite her SOE training, nothing can prepare Sylvie for the horrors she is about to face – or the pain of losing those she grows closer to undercover…
392 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 27, 2020
316 people are currently reading
924 people want to read
About the author
Elisabeth Hobbes
44 books209 followersAuthor for Harlequin Historical.
Falling For Her Captor October 2014
A Wager for the Widow July 2015
The Blacksmith's Wife May 2016
The Saxon Outlaw's Revenge December 2016
Redeeming the Rogue Knight August 2017
I grew up in York where I spent most of my teenage years wandering around the city looking for a handsome Roman or Viking to sweep me off my feet. Sadly it never happened but I developed a love of the past and went on to read History and Art History at university before venturing into the world of teaching. These days I hold down jobs as a teacher and mum. I live in Cheshire with my husband, two young children and two cats with ridiculous names.
I love historical fiction and have a fondness for dark haired, bearded heroes. When I'm not writing, I spend a lot of my spare time reading and have become something of a pro at cooking one-handed while holding a book!
You can find me on Facebook and Twitter
https://www.facebook.com/ElisabethHob... and Twitter https://twitter.com/ElisabethHobbes
Falling For Her Captor October 2014
A Wager for the Widow July 2015
The Blacksmith's Wife May 2016
The Saxon Outlaw's Revenge December 2016
Redeeming the Rogue Knight August 2017
I grew up in York where I spent most of my teenage years wandering around the city looking for a handsome Roman or Viking to sweep me off my feet. Sadly it never happened but I developed a love of the past and went on to read History and Art History at university before venturing into the world of teaching. These days I hold down jobs as a teacher and mum. I live in Cheshire with my husband, two young children and two cats with ridiculous names.
I love historical fiction and have a fondness for dark haired, bearded heroes. When I'm not writing, I spend a lot of my spare time reading and have become something of a pro at cooking one-handed while holding a book!
You can find me on Facebook and Twitter
https://www.facebook.com/ElisabethHob... and Twitter https://twitter.com/ElisabethHobbes
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
November 27, 2020
Sylvie Crichton trains to be a Special Operations Executive and she’s the perfect choice, she was born in France, her first language is French and she’s keen to fight to free her homeland. After she passes the grueling training in Scotland, Sylvie's dropped into France in 1944; reality of her situation hits when she sees her first German soldier and has to go through the first check point. Sylvie’s orders are to meet her contact; her code name is Monique and begins working as a dancer in a nightclub called Mirabelle in Nantes. Sylvie’s thrust into a world where she can’t trust anyone and it’s really hard when she’s working with a group of friendly girls and the attractive club piano player Felix is always lurking around.
The plan's for Sylvie to use her job as a way of meeting German soldiers, to encourage them to drink, let their guard down and hopefully tell her vital facts she can pass onto the resistance. She’s also required to be a courier, transport equipment, liaise with safe houses and the local resistance and help with acts of sabotage against the Germans. When she gains the unwanted attention of a Nazi soldier, how far is Sylvie willing to go to get the information she needs, he becomes a constant nuisance and not only does it put her life in danger and the entire network could be at risk?
The Secret Agent is a story about Sylvie’s time working as a SOE in France, it’s interesting to read about the training the agents went through, all the skills required to be one, the work they did for the resistance and how it was difficult for them to keep it business only. People have feelings; they make friends, form relationships, fall in love and being involved in WW II didn’t change this. I received a copy of The Secret Agent in exchange for an honest review; I highly recommend reading the book and five stars from me. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
The plan's for Sylvie to use her job as a way of meeting German soldiers, to encourage them to drink, let their guard down and hopefully tell her vital facts she can pass onto the resistance. She’s also required to be a courier, transport equipment, liaise with safe houses and the local resistance and help with acts of sabotage against the Germans. When she gains the unwanted attention of a Nazi soldier, how far is Sylvie willing to go to get the information she needs, he becomes a constant nuisance and not only does it put her life in danger and the entire network could be at risk?
The Secret Agent is a story about Sylvie’s time working as a SOE in France, it’s interesting to read about the training the agents went through, all the skills required to be one, the work they did for the resistance and how it was difficult for them to keep it business only. People have feelings; they make friends, form relationships, fall in love and being involved in WW II didn’t change this. I received a copy of The Secret Agent in exchange for an honest review; I highly recommend reading the book and five stars from me. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
November 24, 2020
"My name is Sylvie Duchene,and I am a dancer.
Based on factual events that have been fictionalized. The amount of research the author has put into this book is very apparent.
The SOE, Special Operations Executives, the women and men who where in it led a bleak life and their commitment was a life commitment . Using fake identifications their training was ongoing and a slip up easily meant death. Secret drops for pick ups and code phrases to see who was on board with you was common.
Sylvia is for the Resistance and is French but when the enemy, a German man makes his interest in her known she finds herself falling for the enemy.
Jealousy rears it's head though and we find a bit of a love triangle going on for a bit here.
This book was intense,high action and nonstop.
The plot was fascinating and I had a hard time putting it down. I loved the feeling of suspense in not knowing if the main characters where going to be able to maintain their safety.
The ending was not what I was expecting, excellent book.
Pub Date 27 Nov 2020
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own,
Based on factual events that have been fictionalized. The amount of research the author has put into this book is very apparent.
The SOE, Special Operations Executives, the women and men who where in it led a bleak life and their commitment was a life commitment . Using fake identifications their training was ongoing and a slip up easily meant death. Secret drops for pick ups and code phrases to see who was on board with you was common.
Sylvia is for the Resistance and is French but when the enemy, a German man makes his interest in her known she finds herself falling for the enemy.
Jealousy rears it's head though and we find a bit of a love triangle going on for a bit here.
This book was intense,high action and nonstop.
The plot was fascinating and I had a hard time putting it down. I loved the feeling of suspense in not knowing if the main characters where going to be able to maintain their safety.
The ending was not what I was expecting, excellent book.
Pub Date 27 Nov 2020
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own,
March 27, 2022
A ‘gripping historical novel’ that turns out to be anything but.
Before the end of chapter my tummy was rumbling with misgivings; I do wish I had listened to them.
First, there are many books out there with regard to female SOE agents: true accounts, that do underline the metal one needs to take on such dangerous missions. My understanding of SOE selection (that which happens before huge amounts of time and money are wasted on training someone who is not of the right make-up) was to find the individual who was able to make good judgement of a situation rapidly whilst under great pressure. Not too advisable to select those that might not be ’too quick’ on judging the situation in front of them and jumping to conclusions. All special services have used ‘selection before training’ as a way to sort the wheat from the chaff since well-before WWII.
Chapter one: a young lady, who is at the end of her SOE training (has been successful in SOE selection) is asleep in her bed: within a secure SOE training facility. SOE training facilities were guarded 24/7. It is said that the facilities used were locked up tight during silent hours (and potential SOE agents knew of the security measures in place and the reasoning for them) - without too much research you’ll find the answers to that. Dragged from her bed in the early hours, wearing just her nightgown, she is blindfolded and transported for a few hours and then questioned, threatened and slapped a few times by two wicked German speaking interrogators. She confused, frightened, but determined she will not betray SOE. As it turns out, this is all part of her training and she is being interrogated in the facility she was dragged from a few hours ago. We are told she put up a fight, didn’t go quietly, kicking and screaming, tried to bash one of her kidnappers on the head with a flower vase. In order to be snatched from a secure location in Britain and handed over to the Gestapo within a few hours, one needs to be put on an airplane: no other way I’m afraid. Chapter one, it would seem, is chucked at us, without too much research being done, to get our pulse rate going and there to convince us of how ‘gripping’ this tale will be. This has obviously worked for some. I’m just not that gullible.
This is more a tuppence-ha’penny romance than an espionage thriller and the continual zipping back and forward in time did not help the story along. I skipped large chunks of this, the romantic gabble became too much for me.
If you ever decide to write fiction about some of the bravest women that ever lived, I would advise that you respect the sacrifice they made and do your research. This book cheapens their memory.
Before the end of chapter my tummy was rumbling with misgivings; I do wish I had listened to them.
First, there are many books out there with regard to female SOE agents: true accounts, that do underline the metal one needs to take on such dangerous missions. My understanding of SOE selection (that which happens before huge amounts of time and money are wasted on training someone who is not of the right make-up) was to find the individual who was able to make good judgement of a situation rapidly whilst under great pressure. Not too advisable to select those that might not be ’too quick’ on judging the situation in front of them and jumping to conclusions. All special services have used ‘selection before training’ as a way to sort the wheat from the chaff since well-before WWII.
Chapter one: a young lady, who is at the end of her SOE training (has been successful in SOE selection) is asleep in her bed: within a secure SOE training facility. SOE training facilities were guarded 24/7. It is said that the facilities used were locked up tight during silent hours (and potential SOE agents knew of the security measures in place and the reasoning for them) - without too much research you’ll find the answers to that. Dragged from her bed in the early hours, wearing just her nightgown, she is blindfolded and transported for a few hours and then questioned, threatened and slapped a few times by two wicked German speaking interrogators. She confused, frightened, but determined she will not betray SOE. As it turns out, this is all part of her training and she is being interrogated in the facility she was dragged from a few hours ago. We are told she put up a fight, didn’t go quietly, kicking and screaming, tried to bash one of her kidnappers on the head with a flower vase. In order to be snatched from a secure location in Britain and handed over to the Gestapo within a few hours, one needs to be put on an airplane: no other way I’m afraid. Chapter one, it would seem, is chucked at us, without too much research being done, to get our pulse rate going and there to convince us of how ‘gripping’ this tale will be. This has obviously worked for some. I’m just not that gullible.
This is more a tuppence-ha’penny romance than an espionage thriller and the continual zipping back and forward in time did not help the story along. I skipped large chunks of this, the romantic gabble became too much for me.
If you ever decide to write fiction about some of the bravest women that ever lived, I would advise that you respect the sacrifice they made and do your research. This book cheapens their memory.
November 8, 2020
My name is Sylvie Duchene, and I am a dancer’
When Sylvie was a little girl, she lived with her mother who is a dancer in a troupe in France. Moving from town to town and hotel to hotel but she loved the life she lived and wanted to follow in her mother footsteps. Her mother though wanted a better life for her. She never knew her father.
When her mother died, she meets her father for the first time an Englishman. Who whisks her away to England to live with him and his wife. She has a strict upbringing but longs to go back to France to be free from the restraints she is living in. So, when her father dies, she gets her chance and wants to do her bit for the war. She joins the S.O.E. and returns to France as a dancer as part of her cover for the Resistance, to gather any information for the war.
The Secret agent by Elisabeth Hobbes is part historical, part love story and the first book from the author I have read. This is an engaging tale of the bravery and sacrifes that women and men made in Resistance in WW2. The story is richly described especially about the beautiful area of Nantes in France. You felt that you where there. The story is well paced, and I enjoyed the back stories of the characters especially the protagonist Sylvie and how she came to be. I really enjoyed this, and I hope you will be too.
When Sylvie was a little girl, she lived with her mother who is a dancer in a troupe in France. Moving from town to town and hotel to hotel but she loved the life she lived and wanted to follow in her mother footsteps. Her mother though wanted a better life for her. She never knew her father.
When her mother died, she meets her father for the first time an Englishman. Who whisks her away to England to live with him and his wife. She has a strict upbringing but longs to go back to France to be free from the restraints she is living in. So, when her father dies, she gets her chance and wants to do her bit for the war. She joins the S.O.E. and returns to France as a dancer as part of her cover for the Resistance, to gather any information for the war.
The Secret agent by Elisabeth Hobbes is part historical, part love story and the first book from the author I have read. This is an engaging tale of the bravery and sacrifes that women and men made in Resistance in WW2. The story is richly described especially about the beautiful area of Nantes in France. You felt that you where there. The story is well paced, and I enjoyed the back stories of the characters especially the protagonist Sylvie and how she came to be. I really enjoyed this, and I hope you will be too.
November 23, 2020
The Secret Agent: An emotional and totally gripping WW2 historical novel
Elizabeth Hobbes
https://www.facebook.com/ElisabethHob...
Release date 11/27/2020
Publisher One More Chapter
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗯
My name is Sylvie Duchene and I am a dancer. There is no network. I am just a dancer. I know nothing. Please…I swear it…
An unknown location, occupied France, 1944
Dropping silently behind enemy lines, Sylvia Crichton, codename Monique, is determined to fight for the country of her birth and save it from its Nazi stranglehold.
As one of the dancers at the nightclub Mirabelle, Sylvie’s mission is to entertain the club’s German clientele and learn their secrets. In a world of deception and lies, she can trust no one. Not even Mirabelle’s enigmatic piano player Felix… a part of the resistance or a collaborator?
But despite her SOE training, nothing can prepare Sylvie for the horrors she is about to face – or the pain of losing those she grows closer to undercover…
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
What if she finds more than she expected...
I was thinking when did I read a WWII story, outside Anne Franck diary, read a long time ago, the only other story was The Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children series.
As a French woman, it is not my favorite historical period, it was such an awful period, demonstrating all the ugliness of humankind.
This story narrates the romance between Sylvie and Felix while in parallel they both play their own game in the fight against the German invader. As it is told from Sylvie’s point of view, the author explores her past with flashbacks which drop her at major turns in her life, when her journey was altered to a new path, until the present when she collides her two identities together to built a new one.
She is a complex character having to leave one life behind to endorse a completely different suit, so very opposite of the carefree and lively one she had prior to the death of her mother.
Until an other heartbreak alters once again her path.
This is a coming of age tale, one which sees the heroine seek her inner strength and discover who she was meant to be.
For her birth roots, she will risk her life and leaves everything behind, to discover love was not what she thought it to be.
Thankfully it was not a dark tale, not also a full of glitters’ one, as it shows the tiny acts that one by one were set to defeat from the shadows the intruder.
I was remarkably surprised by this story as I know the author’s previous work. It is a very different tale not only for its historical period but also the narrative style.
A welcome surprise.
4.25 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Elizabeth Hobbes
https://www.facebook.com/ElisabethHob...
Release date 11/27/2020
Publisher One More Chapter
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗯
My name is Sylvie Duchene and I am a dancer. There is no network. I am just a dancer. I know nothing. Please…I swear it…
An unknown location, occupied France, 1944
Dropping silently behind enemy lines, Sylvia Crichton, codename Monique, is determined to fight for the country of her birth and save it from its Nazi stranglehold.
As one of the dancers at the nightclub Mirabelle, Sylvie’s mission is to entertain the club’s German clientele and learn their secrets. In a world of deception and lies, she can trust no one. Not even Mirabelle’s enigmatic piano player Felix… a part of the resistance or a collaborator?
But despite her SOE training, nothing can prepare Sylvie for the horrors she is about to face – or the pain of losing those she grows closer to undercover…
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
What if she finds more than she expected...
I was thinking when did I read a WWII story, outside Anne Franck diary, read a long time ago, the only other story was The Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children series.
As a French woman, it is not my favorite historical period, it was such an awful period, demonstrating all the ugliness of humankind.
This story narrates the romance between Sylvie and Felix while in parallel they both play their own game in the fight against the German invader. As it is told from Sylvie’s point of view, the author explores her past with flashbacks which drop her at major turns in her life, when her journey was altered to a new path, until the present when she collides her two identities together to built a new one.
She is a complex character having to leave one life behind to endorse a completely different suit, so very opposite of the carefree and lively one she had prior to the death of her mother.
Until an other heartbreak alters once again her path.
This is a coming of age tale, one which sees the heroine seek her inner strength and discover who she was meant to be.
For her birth roots, she will risk her life and leaves everything behind, to discover love was not what she thought it to be.
Thankfully it was not a dark tale, not also a full of glitters’ one, as it shows the tiny acts that one by one were set to defeat from the shadows the intruder.
I was remarkably surprised by this story as I know the author’s previous work. It is a very different tale not only for its historical period but also the narrative style.
A welcome surprise.
4.25 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
May 2, 2024
For Jess: It was ok. I only persevered with it because I wanted to see if anything exciting was going to happen. Most action happened in the last few chapters. Disappointing.
January 1, 2021
Sylvie Duchenne wants to help her country of France during the war. After travelling with her mother's dancing troupe, Sylvie has the necessary skills for a placement with the Special Operations Executive, the SOE. She is placed at the Mirabelle nightclub in Nantes. Sylvie is to act as a courier, but also has a more dangerous role of extracting information from any German soldiers that she may attract. Sylvie dives into her role, ready to help in any way possible. However, her first contact never appears and Sylvie must quickly change plans, relying on the club's pianist, Felix. As Sylvie's missions become more involved, a German Secretary, Dieter Baumann becomes entranced with Sylvie. As the Resistance moves forward with operations, Sylvie's cover is compromised and she will have to make a life changing decision.
The Secret Agent is historical fiction of the Resistance set during World War II. The strength of Sylvie's character drew me in from the very first scene where she was being interrogated. I was intrigued by the training that the women of the SOE went through and the various roles that they played in the Resistance. While Sylvie may not have been a real person, she was based upon three very real women who risked everything to help their country: Noor Inayet Khan, Odette Hallowes and Violette Szabo. While there may have not been a resistance cell in Nantes, I was impressed by the historical detail of the occupied town, the attitudes of the people there and the activities of the Resistance. I was constantly amazed by Sylvie's fortitude and willingness to take on tasks. The writing style bounced back and forth between Sylvie's point of view before the war and during the war creating an even pace and well rounded characters.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
The Secret Agent is historical fiction of the Resistance set during World War II. The strength of Sylvie's character drew me in from the very first scene where she was being interrogated. I was intrigued by the training that the women of the SOE went through and the various roles that they played in the Resistance. While Sylvie may not have been a real person, she was based upon three very real women who risked everything to help their country: Noor Inayet Khan, Odette Hallowes and Violette Szabo. While there may have not been a resistance cell in Nantes, I was impressed by the historical detail of the occupied town, the attitudes of the people there and the activities of the Resistance. I was constantly amazed by Sylvie's fortitude and willingness to take on tasks. The writing style bounced back and forth between Sylvie's point of view before the war and during the war creating an even pace and well rounded characters.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
December 3, 2020
Triggers : Violence
Favorite Quotes :
“Hardly. If anything, our reservation is that your shell is so hard and your manner so cold that no one would be fooled into thinking you cared for them.”
“Why should he force the divorce when Sylvia was content to let him eat her cake while he had his own elsewhere?”
What I thought : I really enjoyed this read! I���m a sucker for historical fictions and a good romance involved. I also enjoyed how Hobbes went back and forth in time just between a few years but it made so much sense. It worked because it explained the situation that was brought up or about to continue. I could tell there was a lot of research put into writing about how someone would go about undercover work from a normal life. It was very fun and interesting!
Characters : Sylvia is one tough cookie. She’s brave and admiring. She decided when she thought she couldn’t and didn’t want to do anything else besides help the war on the resistance side. So, so, so brave!
Read if you like : any historical fiction
Would I pick it up again? Yes
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Favorite Quotes :
“Hardly. If anything, our reservation is that your shell is so hard and your manner so cold that no one would be fooled into thinking you cared for them.”
“Why should he force the divorce when Sylvia was content to let him eat her cake while he had his own elsewhere?”
What I thought : I really enjoyed this read! I���m a sucker for historical fictions and a good romance involved. I also enjoyed how Hobbes went back and forth in time just between a few years but it made so much sense. It worked because it explained the situation that was brought up or about to continue. I could tell there was a lot of research put into writing about how someone would go about undercover work from a normal life. It was very fun and interesting!
Characters : Sylvia is one tough cookie. She’s brave and admiring. She decided when she thought she couldn’t and didn’t want to do anything else besides help the war on the resistance side. So, so, so brave!
Read if you like : any historical fiction
Would I pick it up again? Yes
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
November 15, 2020
I am giving this book 3.5 stars.
This sweet, dark war romance is an excellent read for someone who enjoys historical fiction.
The story tells of a young woman, Sylvie, entering her first career mission as an operative spy for the English overseas in France. Sylvie is excited and ready to start the next chapter of her career as a secret agent for England. But being stationed in a part of France that is controlled by the German army will be tough.
The beginning was slow, and the writing was a little off for me. I found it hard to get into at first and feel for the characters.
After a short time, the story’s drama starts to develop, and we see a lot more action and romance. Once the drama unfolds, it is hard to put this one down!
The romantic story between Sylvie and Felix is so heartfelt and passionate.
I have said this before, but I enjoy an ending that will answer any questions I would have. This ending left me wondering about a couple of things, and I wish I would have gotten the answers. That's just my preference.
This sweet, dark war romance is an excellent read for someone who enjoys historical fiction.
The story tells of a young woman, Sylvie, entering her first career mission as an operative spy for the English overseas in France. Sylvie is excited and ready to start the next chapter of her career as a secret agent for England. But being stationed in a part of France that is controlled by the German army will be tough.
The beginning was slow, and the writing was a little off for me. I found it hard to get into at first and feel for the characters.
After a short time, the story’s drama starts to develop, and we see a lot more action and romance. Once the drama unfolds, it is hard to put this one down!
The romantic story between Sylvie and Felix is so heartfelt and passionate.
I have said this before, but I enjoy an ending that will answer any questions I would have. This ending left me wondering about a couple of things, and I wish I would have gotten the answers. That's just my preference.
February 27, 2021
This novel, about an SOE operative, proved a fascinating read. The characters are well-portrayed, the plot is gripping, the hero and heroine well-suited, the love element just enough, and there is a happy ending.
Well-written, page-turning and thoroughly enjoyable, Elisabeth Hobbes has researched her subject well and managed to recreate the tense and lonely lives of SOE operatives in the field, and the conflict if they found themselves in love. Sylvie and Felix put duty above their love for the greater good, but happily, they are able to reunite once the war is over. I thoroughly recommend this book and would like to thank Ms Hobbes for all her hard work in the creation of it.
Well-written, page-turning and thoroughly enjoyable, Elisabeth Hobbes has researched her subject well and managed to recreate the tense and lonely lives of SOE operatives in the field, and the conflict if they found themselves in love. Sylvie and Felix put duty above their love for the greater good, but happily, they are able to reunite once the war is over. I thoroughly recommend this book and would like to thank Ms Hobbes for all her hard work in the creation of it.
December 19, 2020
Well, well, well…I am blown away by this book, I have always known that Elizabeth Hobbes is a damn fine author, but this one is outstanding, I honestly don’t have the appropriate words for just how haunting this book is, it’s breath-taking!
There is so much to love about this book, that’s before you even open the first page….
Firstly, it’s written by one of the finest authors of the time and who happens to be one of my favourite’s.
Secondly, that cover…well, that beauty speaks for its self. I love it, I love the striking simplicity of the woman wearing the red coat on a dark and gloomy background, it’s a powerful image that grasps your full attention. It sort of reminds me of certain scenes in one of my favourite films; Schindlers List (for those who have seen it, will know what I mean).
Thirdly, even if I hadn’t seen the cover, or know the writer you had me by the back blurb. I love anything to do with resistance and the SOE agent’s, those incredibly brave men and women risking their lives in occupied France. Again this book reminds me of one of my favourite TV series’ Wish me luck, which is an oldie but easily one of the best, so if if you’ve seen it then you’ll love this book.
Plus the last line of the blurb ‘fans of Pam Jenoff‘ who just happens to be one of my whole time favourite WW2 fiction authors, and who has just been replaced at the top with this hugely talented lady.
Set in Nantes, France which is so beautifully captured, I’ve never been there but Elisabeth’s picture-perfect, evocative descriptions and stunning attention to detail had me transported from my little Yorkshire armchair to be standing side by side with Sylvie as she manoeuvred her way threw occupied France. It’s as clear as a bell that Elisabeth Hobbes knows this part of France and she has done an inordinate amount of research not just into the overall area, but into the history of the SOE and the Resistance.
The story follows Sylvie Duchene as she returns to her native France as a British SOE agent, she grew up within a dance troupe as her French mother was an accomplished dancer. They moved with the tour and as she grew she became an adept dancer in her own right, but on the death of her beloved mother Sylvie was sent to join her English father, a man she had never met and had to learn to be ‘proper’, deep down she resented it and this new life she wanted to go back to home and then the opportunity arises.
She joins the, now famous SOE a select group people who are sent to France undercover to help the French Resistance and the allies, with her history and her ability to speak French Sylvie is the perfect person to take on the role as a dancer in the Mirabelle club, right in the centre of German-occupied France. Her duty is to gain the trust and acceptance of the Germans to wheedle out as much information as possible to pass onto her superiors through her network, she must keep her wits about her as she is in the centre of the spider’s web and there are enemies everywhere; German and French, for it’s the collaborators she must watch out for most, what she doesn’t plan on is falling in love with charismatic, charming, handsome; pianist Felix.
Can she trust this enigmatic man who sends thrills through her veins, a man who could be her link to the resistance? Or is he one of the very people she has been warned about, a collaborator?
I really liked Sylvie, I liked her loyalty and patriotism to her native land. She is a tough cookie when needed to be incredibly brave, but there is a naivety, almost little girl innocence about her that makes you warm to her. It’s so sweet when she blushes every time Felix looks her way, I like how Felix’s cheeky smiles and dancing eyes make her come to life.
This is a fast-paced, exciting, inspiring and compelling story, I loved that there is romance entwined so intricately with the darker more perilous story which is all about good overcoming bad, fighting for survival and at the forefront of the entire story is the courage and bravery that a select group of people showed in the face of such adversity.
The Secret Agent is a timeless, emotional, poignant, heartbreaking and mesmerising story of fighting for what is good while trying to hold on to love. I have been swept away on a vivid and atmospheric journey, one that buried itself deep into my heart, this is easily Elisabeth Hobbes’ best writing to date, she has excelled herself and I do hope there will be more books like this in the future.
There is so much to love about this book, that’s before you even open the first page….
Firstly, it’s written by one of the finest authors of the time and who happens to be one of my favourite’s.
Secondly, that cover…well, that beauty speaks for its self. I love it, I love the striking simplicity of the woman wearing the red coat on a dark and gloomy background, it’s a powerful image that grasps your full attention. It sort of reminds me of certain scenes in one of my favourite films; Schindlers List (for those who have seen it, will know what I mean).
Thirdly, even if I hadn’t seen the cover, or know the writer you had me by the back blurb. I love anything to do with resistance and the SOE agent’s, those incredibly brave men and women risking their lives in occupied France. Again this book reminds me of one of my favourite TV series’ Wish me luck, which is an oldie but easily one of the best, so if if you’ve seen it then you’ll love this book.
Plus the last line of the blurb ‘fans of Pam Jenoff‘ who just happens to be one of my whole time favourite WW2 fiction authors, and who has just been replaced at the top with this hugely talented lady.
Set in Nantes, France which is so beautifully captured, I’ve never been there but Elisabeth’s picture-perfect, evocative descriptions and stunning attention to detail had me transported from my little Yorkshire armchair to be standing side by side with Sylvie as she manoeuvred her way threw occupied France. It’s as clear as a bell that Elisabeth Hobbes knows this part of France and she has done an inordinate amount of research not just into the overall area, but into the history of the SOE and the Resistance.
The story follows Sylvie Duchene as she returns to her native France as a British SOE agent, she grew up within a dance troupe as her French mother was an accomplished dancer. They moved with the tour and as she grew she became an adept dancer in her own right, but on the death of her beloved mother Sylvie was sent to join her English father, a man she had never met and had to learn to be ‘proper’, deep down she resented it and this new life she wanted to go back to home and then the opportunity arises.
She joins the, now famous SOE a select group people who are sent to France undercover to help the French Resistance and the allies, with her history and her ability to speak French Sylvie is the perfect person to take on the role as a dancer in the Mirabelle club, right in the centre of German-occupied France. Her duty is to gain the trust and acceptance of the Germans to wheedle out as much information as possible to pass onto her superiors through her network, she must keep her wits about her as she is in the centre of the spider’s web and there are enemies everywhere; German and French, for it’s the collaborators she must watch out for most, what she doesn’t plan on is falling in love with charismatic, charming, handsome; pianist Felix.
Can she trust this enigmatic man who sends thrills through her veins, a man who could be her link to the resistance? Or is he one of the very people she has been warned about, a collaborator?
I really liked Sylvie, I liked her loyalty and patriotism to her native land. She is a tough cookie when needed to be incredibly brave, but there is a naivety, almost little girl innocence about her that makes you warm to her. It’s so sweet when she blushes every time Felix looks her way, I like how Felix’s cheeky smiles and dancing eyes make her come to life.
This is a fast-paced, exciting, inspiring and compelling story, I loved that there is romance entwined so intricately with the darker more perilous story which is all about good overcoming bad, fighting for survival and at the forefront of the entire story is the courage and bravery that a select group of people showed in the face of such adversity.
The Secret Agent is a timeless, emotional, poignant, heartbreaking and mesmerising story of fighting for what is good while trying to hold on to love. I have been swept away on a vivid and atmospheric journey, one that buried itself deep into my heart, this is easily Elisabeth Hobbes’ best writing to date, she has excelled herself and I do hope there will be more books like this in the future.
February 6, 2021
A story that keeps you on the edge of your seat following SOE operative, Sylvie Duchene. Initially from France before moving to England, and the daughter of a dancer, Sylvie is the perfect person to send undercover to 'Mirabelle', a nightclub in occupied France. Part of the problem though is that for everyone's safety she is only given instructions in steps, so if a contact does not appear, or someone asks her a question, she does not know who to trust. Caught between flirting to get information, surviving in an occupied country, and avoiding the attraction to someone she does not truly know, Sylvie must make choices and sacrifices for what she believes she must do.
A consuming romance, this focuses more on the personal relationships than on the work Sylvie does for the SOE, and I wanted more depth to the dangers she puts herself in and the situations she has to get out of. That being said, the story is riveting and would recommend as long as you know you're getting more of the romance than the historical fiction,
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are all my own.
A consuming romance, this focuses more on the personal relationships than on the work Sylvie does for the SOE, and I wanted more depth to the dangers she puts herself in and the situations she has to get out of. That being said, the story is riveting and would recommend as long as you know you're getting more of the romance than the historical fiction,
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are all my own.
January 30, 2021
I was hooked on this book from the very first sentence. I really enjoyed the authors writing style and found it a read I just couldn’t put down. A gripping historical fiction romance with lots of intrigue.
I have really loved reading historical fiction about SOE’s and this one was no exception. Sylvie was a French born British spy who joined the SOE in order to help her homeland in the fight against Hitler. Sylvie arrives in France and goes undercover as a dancer at a nightclub called Mirabelle. She dances at night but during the day completes many missions to help The Resistance in their fight. During her time as an SOE Sylvie is surrounded by many colourful characters that are part of the SOE and also those she lives among.
A wonderful read about life during the occupation, the hardships they endured and the lengths they would go to to fight for their country,
Thank you to Net Galley and One More Chapter for the advanced copy.
I have really loved reading historical fiction about SOE’s and this one was no exception. Sylvie was a French born British spy who joined the SOE in order to help her homeland in the fight against Hitler. Sylvie arrives in France and goes undercover as a dancer at a nightclub called Mirabelle. She dances at night but during the day completes many missions to help The Resistance in their fight. During her time as an SOE Sylvie is surrounded by many colourful characters that are part of the SOE and also those she lives among.
A wonderful read about life during the occupation, the hardships they endured and the lengths they would go to to fight for their country,
Thank you to Net Galley and One More Chapter for the advanced copy.
December 4, 2020
This was a story I couldn’t put down, I loved Sylvie’s character! Elisabeth Hobbes made me care about her right from the start and I was hoping she would survive her mission. The snippets from Sylvie’s past also helped to bring a greater depth to her personality. As her past is revealed from a childhood in France right through to her life in the present as an SOE. Where she finds herself in this dangerous situation but is so determined to play her part and help liberate France.
The romance within this story plays an important part but it doesn’t overpower the plot. Instead it just enhances an already engaging story. The reader really gets to know Sylvie along with experiencing her fear of discovery. I felt like I was right there with her at the check points. These were the moments where I hoped her character would be able to continue to aid the Resistance without getting caught. Sylvie was quite a solitary and I guess complex character but her strong willed nature had me rooting for her. I was easily drawn into the story as contact with the resistance was made. Seeing friendships built and even a romance develop. All the while the dangerous, dark element of discovery hangs over them.
All of the characters in this story played an important role. It just goes to how remarkable the network of people were in the Resistance. All doing their bit, like a link in a chain. Even the smallest of actions made a huge difference. Elisabeth Hobbes brought this story to life not only with her wonderful characters but with richly detailed descriptions.
The romance within this story plays an important part but it doesn’t overpower the plot. Instead it just enhances an already engaging story. The reader really gets to know Sylvie along with experiencing her fear of discovery. I felt like I was right there with her at the check points. These were the moments where I hoped her character would be able to continue to aid the Resistance without getting caught. Sylvie was quite a solitary and I guess complex character but her strong willed nature had me rooting for her. I was easily drawn into the story as contact with the resistance was made. Seeing friendships built and even a romance develop. All the while the dangerous, dark element of discovery hangs over them.
All of the characters in this story played an important role. It just goes to how remarkable the network of people were in the Resistance. All doing their bit, like a link in a chain. Even the smallest of actions made a huge difference. Elisabeth Hobbes brought this story to life not only with her wonderful characters but with richly detailed descriptions.
October 31, 2020
The Dancer
Sylvie grew up with her mother and traveling with the dance troupe through France. When her mother passed she went to live with her father and stepmother in England. When her father died she decided to work for the war effort. She joined the S.O.E. British Special Ops and traveled to France. Her cover was a dancer in a nightclub, her mission was to gain the trust of the German officers in the nightclub and pass information on to the British network.
The story is exciting as her life is often in danger from her activities with the French Resistance. She becomes a valued member and her job becomes more and more important as it becomes more dangerous. As her value grows as an agent so does her romance with fellow resistance member Felix.
I loved the characters and the closeness family type feeling of the members of the club and the dancers. The romance with Felix was a bit more graphic than what I like, but no more so than many romances I have encountered in other WWII books I have read. It seems that in time of danger and trouble everyone needs someone to cling to and to forger the ugliness of war.
I liked the ending and especially with Marcel and Louise as well as Felix and Sylvie. It was a good story, moved at a fast pace and kept me reading. I would recommend it .
Thanks to Elisabeth Hobbes, Harper Collins, U.K., One More Chapter, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy for an honest review.
Sylvie grew up with her mother and traveling with the dance troupe through France. When her mother passed she went to live with her father and stepmother in England. When her father died she decided to work for the war effort. She joined the S.O.E. British Special Ops and traveled to France. Her cover was a dancer in a nightclub, her mission was to gain the trust of the German officers in the nightclub and pass information on to the British network.
The story is exciting as her life is often in danger from her activities with the French Resistance. She becomes a valued member and her job becomes more and more important as it becomes more dangerous. As her value grows as an agent so does her romance with fellow resistance member Felix.
I loved the characters and the closeness family type feeling of the members of the club and the dancers. The romance with Felix was a bit more graphic than what I like, but no more so than many romances I have encountered in other WWII books I have read. It seems that in time of danger and trouble everyone needs someone to cling to and to forger the ugliness of war.
I liked the ending and especially with Marcel and Louise as well as Felix and Sylvie. It was a good story, moved at a fast pace and kept me reading. I would recommend it .
Thanks to Elisabeth Hobbes, Harper Collins, U.K., One More Chapter, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy for an honest review.
November 10, 2020
An exciting spy romance set during World War II in France. Our heroine Sylvie Duchene has trained relentlessly for this opportunity. She is essentially alone in the world. No family as her mother passed away and no significant other. Sylvie's story is narrated by her past and her present during the war effort. Her upbringing of her mother was not your typical family. Sylvie was brought up in the dancing arena and is pivotal in her mission.
Her undercover is a dancer where German officers frequent. Working undercover, you have to determine friend or foe pretty quick. With the tension of the German army, being found out, being noticed, Sylvie works thru the hurdles. When she wasn't expecting to find love in war torn France, her mission becomes that more intensified.
Lot of cat and mouse in the war and love department of this novel. I think that kept the plot going for me. How would it all play out! Pleasant read!
A special thank you to Harper Collins and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Her undercover is a dancer where German officers frequent. Working undercover, you have to determine friend or foe pretty quick. With the tension of the German army, being found out, being noticed, Sylvie works thru the hurdles. When she wasn't expecting to find love in war torn France, her mission becomes that more intensified.
Lot of cat and mouse in the war and love department of this novel. I think that kept the plot going for me. How would it all play out! Pleasant read!
A special thank you to Harper Collins and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
December 5, 2020
"The Secret Agent" by Elisabeth Hobbes is the story of a young English woman (though born in France) who joins the Resistance in France during World War 2. Sylvie is willing to put herself in danger to assist in the effort to free the land of her childhood from the Nazis. She works as a dancer in a nightclub in order to gain the trust of the Nazi officers who frequent it.
This book is part historical fiction, part romance novel, part coming of age story, and completely engrossing and entertaining. The characters are well developed and the writing paints a vivid picture of how wartime France was. It tells the often untold story of the women who took great risk to help the war effort. This book is the perfect way to spend a chilly Autumn day!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This book is part historical fiction, part romance novel, part coming of age story, and completely engrossing and entertaining. The characters are well developed and the writing paints a vivid picture of how wartime France was. It tells the often untold story of the women who took great risk to help the war effort. This book is the perfect way to spend a chilly Autumn day!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 31, 2020
I love spy stories that are also love stories. I especially like the genre when the tale takes place during wartime. So, a book about the Special Operations Executive (SOE) during the Second World War really fits the bill. And when I heard that one of my favourite historical authors, Elisabeth Hobbes, was writing such a story I definitely looked forward to reading it. It didn’t disappoint. Not even a teeny tiny bit.
From the beginning I was riveted, Sylvie’s story having gripped me from the first chapter, it was like watching a wartime thriller/romance film in my head. Sylvie, our heroine, is sent into occupied France during 1944 as an SOE operative to work with the Resistance. Well-written and researched The Secret Agent is a tale of heroism and bravery. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
From the beginning I was riveted, Sylvie’s story having gripped me from the first chapter, it was like watching a wartime thriller/romance film in my head. Sylvie, our heroine, is sent into occupied France during 1944 as an SOE operative to work with the Resistance. Well-written and researched The Secret Agent is a tale of heroism and bravery. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
November 3, 2020
Thank you to Elisabeth Hobbes, Harper Collins and Net Galley for the ARC of THE SECRET AGENT
I've often wonder how young women found the bravery to go across enemy lines and secretly deliver messages and become involved in the resistance. I found Elisabeth Hobbes novel compelling but I believe it only scratched the surface of what people serving in the SOE faced. It takes a very special person to turn down the relative safety of deciphering and translating messages to travel into an occupied territory and work against the enemy. I like Sylvie very much; admire her chutzpah. I championed Sylvie and wanted her to survive and find love with Felix. I wanted to feel scared when I read about what she was asked to do to further the cause and knew her 'friendship' with Dieter would only end in tears. The ending was very satisfying. A very enjoyable read.
I've often wonder how young women found the bravery to go across enemy lines and secretly deliver messages and become involved in the resistance. I found Elisabeth Hobbes novel compelling but I believe it only scratched the surface of what people serving in the SOE faced. It takes a very special person to turn down the relative safety of deciphering and translating messages to travel into an occupied territory and work against the enemy. I like Sylvie very much; admire her chutzpah. I championed Sylvie and wanted her to survive and find love with Felix. I wanted to feel scared when I read about what she was asked to do to further the cause and knew her 'friendship' with Dieter would only end in tears. The ending was very satisfying. A very enjoyable read.
November 7, 2020
The ARC of this book was kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. #TheSecretAgent#NetGalley.
This was a unique premise with a solid follow-through. I enjoyed reading from the perspective of the main character and found her interesting and entertaining. The time jumps were easy to keep up with and added depth to the development of the story. The plot progressed at a steady pace but I found myself caring more about Sylvie that everything else seemed to fall away, the signs of good writing. Although I would have liked to see more of a focus on the general historical social-context at the time, I think Hobbes did a good job at keeping everything relevant and linked. Overall, I think it was a wonderful novel with exciting twists and a satisfying ending.
This was a unique premise with a solid follow-through. I enjoyed reading from the perspective of the main character and found her interesting and entertaining. The time jumps were easy to keep up with and added depth to the development of the story. The plot progressed at a steady pace but I found myself caring more about Sylvie that everything else seemed to fall away, the signs of good writing. Although I would have liked to see more of a focus on the general historical social-context at the time, I think Hobbes did a good job at keeping everything relevant and linked. Overall, I think it was a wonderful novel with exciting twists and a satisfying ending.
November 28, 2020
Excellent light reading! I really enjoyed this book. A half-French, half English woman joins the SOE and is sent to work with the French Resistance in Nantes, France. Her contact doesn't make their initial meeting, but she soldiers on and finds work, an apartment, and other contacts all on her own. She flirts with a German soldier and falls in love with a Frenchman.
I liked the steady pace of this book. The action meanders along in a way that is more realistic than most fiction. The protagonist has a fine backstory, which is expertly woven in along the storyline. Great characters, sensuous settings. A fine job of writing.
I liked the steady pace of this book. The action meanders along in a way that is more realistic than most fiction. The protagonist has a fine backstory, which is expertly woven in along the storyline. Great characters, sensuous settings. A fine job of writing.
December 1, 2020
This is a riveting read and a departure from the medieval historical romances Ms Hobbes usually writes. This is set in WWII and follows Sylvie Duchene a British spy who's mother was French and a dancer. Brought up by her English father after her mother dies, Sylvie feels displaced in England and longs for France.
Being a spy gives her the opportunity to free France from the Nazis and so begins her perilous journey. She doesn't know who to trust even the enigmatic Felix who plays piano in the club were she dances. Soon their attraction blossoms but is love an extravagance they can afford, when danger is all around them.
Highly recommended, read.
Being a spy gives her the opportunity to free France from the Nazis and so begins her perilous journey. She doesn't know who to trust even the enigmatic Felix who plays piano in the club were she dances. Soon their attraction blossoms but is love an extravagance they can afford, when danger is all around them.
Highly recommended, read.
December 1, 2020
Did I make the mistake of binge reading this book in one night? Yes. Did I do it to procrastinate on finishing my finals? Also yes. But this book did not disappoint! I was a little worried about buying it because historical romances involving WWII usually end really sadly or the author makes the main character fall in love with a Nazi, neither of which I wanted because I currently don't have the emotional capacity for crying at 3am and I dont want to read about romancing Nazis. I live in the South, I already have to tolerate way too many mediocre white men being white supremacists.
This book was the perfect balance of romance, suspense, adventure, and historical stuff, which for a spy romance novel set during a world war, is pretty good! The main character was likeable and not not boring, she was competent and kind of a BAMF, so I liked that she wasnt a cardboard cutout of a romantic heroine whose life only revolves around some hot dude. While Sylvie's story was affected by the hot dude, Felix, her character was not reliant on him.
And speaking of Felix, he had a great balance of being a strong romantic hero without being overbearing a toxic. He never stopped Sylvie from doing what she thought was best, he only did verbal protests. Once his character was fully introduced, he was a great character and romantic interest.
My only critique is that a lot of the not white, straight, cis characters where kind of tokens. While Antione played a big role in the plot and the story would not work as well without him, it felt like other characters were not developed as much as I would have liked. I understand that during Nazi occupied France, or just anywhere in the 1940s, people who were not white, straight, and cis weren't really welcomed and would, as this point in time, not be in France, be dead/captured, or be really hidden, it still would be nice if that was developed more. That also goes for the characters outside of Sylvie because a lot of them were not developed as much as I'd like.
Overall I think it's worth a read. The history seems accurate and shows a perspective that isnt shown much. It was a happy-ish ending for all those like me who honestly do not have the emotional bandwidth to deal with death in 2020. It has a nice romance that didnt feel forced, which I'd liked if the epilogue showed how the main couple ended up like a decade down the line. Like does he have PTSD, does she stay in France, do they get married and live happily ever after? But anyway, it had enough suspense and good writing for me to binge read to see if they ended up together and how the story fell into place.
This book was the perfect balance of romance, suspense, adventure, and historical stuff, which for a spy romance novel set during a world war, is pretty good! The main character was likeable and not not boring, she was competent and kind of a BAMF, so I liked that she wasnt a cardboard cutout of a romantic heroine whose life only revolves around some hot dude. While Sylvie's story was affected by the hot dude, Felix, her character was not reliant on him.
And speaking of Felix, he had a great balance of being a strong romantic hero without being overbearing a toxic. He never stopped Sylvie from doing what she thought was best, he only did verbal protests. Once his character was fully introduced, he was a great character and romantic interest.
My only critique is that a lot of the not white, straight, cis characters where kind of tokens. While Antione played a big role in the plot and the story would not work as well without him, it felt like other characters were not developed as much as I would have liked. I understand that during Nazi occupied France, or just anywhere in the 1940s, people who were not white, straight, and cis weren't really welcomed and would, as this point in time, not be in France, be dead/captured, or be really hidden, it still would be nice if that was developed more. That also goes for the characters outside of Sylvie because a lot of them were not developed as much as I'd like.
Overall I think it's worth a read. The history seems accurate and shows a perspective that isnt shown much. It was a happy-ish ending for all those like me who honestly do not have the emotional bandwidth to deal with death in 2020. It has a nice romance that didnt feel forced, which I'd liked if the epilogue showed how the main couple ended up like a decade down the line. Like does he have PTSD, does she stay in France, do they get married and live happily ever after? But anyway, it had enough suspense and good writing for me to binge read to see if they ended up together and how the story fell into place.
December 1, 2020
A young woman is dropped behind enemy lines where she faces unspeakable dangers and unexpected love in The Secret Agent.
Sylvie Duchene lived in France till she was fourteen, travelling with her mother’s dance troupe and thoroughly enjoying the bohemian lifestyle Angelique provided for them. Her own intention had been to join the performers once she was old enough but her mother’s death changes all her plans. Sylvie relocates to England to be with her father, where she becomes Sylvia Crichton, a mature, responsible, respectable young lady. At least on the surface.
When the opportunity comes for her to train in espionage and return to her Nazi-occupied homeland, she jumps at the chance to fight to free her people. The training for the experience is intense but exhilarating and Sylvie is excited as she lands in France under the cover of darkness, and then completes a complicated, clandestine journey to Nantes. But things go wrong once she reaches the city. Her contact fails to meet her and she spends anxious hours wondering what to do next. Eventually, with no way to know friend from foe, she heads to her final destination, the nightclub Mirabelle, where she had been told there would be a position for her as a dancer.
There is a spot open but because she has no idea how or to whom she should identify herself as an agent, she has to audition for the job. Fortunately, her skills are strong enough that she receives probationary employment and starts her new life entertaining the German clientele and hopefully, learning their secrets. But the position is fraught with peril; Felix, the pianist at the club, offers her the code phrase her contact had been meant to give her but he looks nothing like the person she was to meet. Is he a German spy who acquired the information by force or is he what he claims to be, a friend of the guy who should have met her and who is taking his place? Every decision, every movement will be a dance with danger as Sylvie works to save the country she loves from the vicious predators who have claimed it. See the rest of my review at https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
Sylvie Duchene lived in France till she was fourteen, travelling with her mother’s dance troupe and thoroughly enjoying the bohemian lifestyle Angelique provided for them. Her own intention had been to join the performers once she was old enough but her mother’s death changes all her plans. Sylvie relocates to England to be with her father, where she becomes Sylvia Crichton, a mature, responsible, respectable young lady. At least on the surface.
When the opportunity comes for her to train in espionage and return to her Nazi-occupied homeland, she jumps at the chance to fight to free her people. The training for the experience is intense but exhilarating and Sylvie is excited as she lands in France under the cover of darkness, and then completes a complicated, clandestine journey to Nantes. But things go wrong once she reaches the city. Her contact fails to meet her and she spends anxious hours wondering what to do next. Eventually, with no way to know friend from foe, she heads to her final destination, the nightclub Mirabelle, where she had been told there would be a position for her as a dancer.
There is a spot open but because she has no idea how or to whom she should identify herself as an agent, she has to audition for the job. Fortunately, her skills are strong enough that she receives probationary employment and starts her new life entertaining the German clientele and hopefully, learning their secrets. But the position is fraught with peril; Felix, the pianist at the club, offers her the code phrase her contact had been meant to give her but he looks nothing like the person she was to meet. Is he a German spy who acquired the information by force or is he what he claims to be, a friend of the guy who should have met her and who is taking his place? Every decision, every movement will be a dance with danger as Sylvie works to save the country she loves from the vicious predators who have claimed it. See the rest of my review at https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
January 9, 2021
Elisabeth Hobbes is a firm favourite of mine for her fabulous historical romances so I was thrilled to find out she had written this WW2 novel for One More Chapter. Her attention to historical detail is always completely spot on and The Secret Agent shows that once again she can deliver a different period of history for her readers to lose themselves in.
We first meet Sylvia during her training to become a spy. Her french background makes her the perfect candidate when the opportunity arises for her to go behind enemy lines and she can become Sylvie once more. The reasons for her English name become clear during the flashbacks to Sylvie’s past and we come to understand her strengths and her determination to help the war effort by putting herself in increasingly dangerous situations. And of course there is romance thrown in as Sylvie has to decide which way her heart lies as she meets 2 very different men.
The Secret Agent is an historical page turner that kept me up till the small hours, engrossed and completely involved in the French resistance and falling in love myself with the town of Nantes. I have holidayed many times in France as I love the lifestyle, the food and the people and I’d happily move there! But I’ve never been to Nantes and am now desperate to visit. This 1940s version was brought to life perfectly by the authors gorgeous descriptive writing and you will feel as though you are there, living alongside Sylvie and the other dancers.
I loved reading The Secret Agent and that feeling of becoming so involved with what was happening that it was always a surprise to look up and find myself back in the modern world. The attention to historical detail is once again perfectly portrayed and I would recommend both this book and the authors others in a heartbeat!
We first meet Sylvia during her training to become a spy. Her french background makes her the perfect candidate when the opportunity arises for her to go behind enemy lines and she can become Sylvie once more. The reasons for her English name become clear during the flashbacks to Sylvie’s past and we come to understand her strengths and her determination to help the war effort by putting herself in increasingly dangerous situations. And of course there is romance thrown in as Sylvie has to decide which way her heart lies as she meets 2 very different men.
The Secret Agent is an historical page turner that kept me up till the small hours, engrossed and completely involved in the French resistance and falling in love myself with the town of Nantes. I have holidayed many times in France as I love the lifestyle, the food and the people and I’d happily move there! But I’ve never been to Nantes and am now desperate to visit. This 1940s version was brought to life perfectly by the authors gorgeous descriptive writing and you will feel as though you are there, living alongside Sylvie and the other dancers.
I loved reading The Secret Agent and that feeling of becoming so involved with what was happening that it was always a surprise to look up and find myself back in the modern world. The attention to historical detail is once again perfectly portrayed and I would recommend both this book and the authors others in a heartbeat!
November 24, 2020
The Secret by Elisabeth Hobbes is a marvelous book. I am unabashedly a fan of historical fiction especially during WWII. This is my first Elisabeth Hobbes book. From the first chapter I was hooked. Our heroine, Sylvie, is sent into occupied France during 1944 as an SOE (Special Operations Executive) operative to work with the Resistance. The Secret Agent is a tale of loss, re-imagination, heroism and bravery. The story is well written and the characters are written deftly. The characters are endearing and you find yourself worrying and cheering for them. There is definitely the suspense of having a spy for a heroine but the story has the added bonus of a sub-plot with a love story.
This is one of those books that make you contemplate the bravery of those SOE operatives during WWII. How does a young person find it within themselves to be brave enough to cross into enemy territory and help the resistance against the Third Reich to help their Country? While there was a great deal of research done on the SOE and the resistance I can only imagine that the story only touched the surface. I can only imagine what type of person it takes to work undercover in the face of the enemy. This was a very delightfully satisfying read. I am looking forward to seeing what Ms. Hobbes has in store for us next.
I would like to thank the author, One More Chapter and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is one of those books that make you contemplate the bravery of those SOE operatives during WWII. How does a young person find it within themselves to be brave enough to cross into enemy territory and help the resistance against the Third Reich to help their Country? While there was a great deal of research done on the SOE and the resistance I can only imagine that the story only touched the surface. I can only imagine what type of person it takes to work undercover in the face of the enemy. This was a very delightfully satisfying read. I am looking forward to seeing what Ms. Hobbes has in store for us next.
I would like to thank the author, One More Chapter and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 1, 2020
An Unknown Location 1944: ‘My name is Sylvie Duchene, and I am a dancer.’
‘Liar.’ These first two lines of The Secret Agent by Elisabeth Hobbes grabbed me. The first chapter was so intense, Istayed up reading a couple of nights as I could not stop. Sylvie is the name for our main character, The Secret Agent. Sylvie/Sylvia was brought up in France by her mother who was a dancer. She was the product of an affair her mother had with an English soldier at the end of WW I. She was sent to live with her father and step-mother in England. Dissatisfied with a boyfriend and her secretarial existence and not wanting to be a WREN or WAAF during the war, she sees her Uncle Max to see if she would qualify for an undercover agent.
Sylvie travels undercover to France and settles into her position as a dancer in a nightclub. The author has loaded this book with interesting characters, a German soldier who falls in love with her, and a romance with a piano player at the club as well as the other dancers…. There were some tense moments and a few chapters that I felt werea bit boring where I struggled. I am so glad I did! The last fourth of the book was so well written and emotional. Several tears were shed both sad and happy. My thanks to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for an ARC. This is my honest review.
‘Liar.’ These first two lines of The Secret Agent by Elisabeth Hobbes grabbed me. The first chapter was so intense, Istayed up reading a couple of nights as I could not stop. Sylvie is the name for our main character, The Secret Agent. Sylvie/Sylvia was brought up in France by her mother who was a dancer. She was the product of an affair her mother had with an English soldier at the end of WW I. She was sent to live with her father and step-mother in England. Dissatisfied with a boyfriend and her secretarial existence and not wanting to be a WREN or WAAF during the war, she sees her Uncle Max to see if she would qualify for an undercover agent.
Sylvie travels undercover to France and settles into her position as a dancer in a nightclub. The author has loaded this book with interesting characters, a German soldier who falls in love with her, and a romance with a piano player at the club as well as the other dancers…. There were some tense moments and a few chapters that I felt werea bit boring where I struggled. I am so glad I did! The last fourth of the book was so well written and emotional. Several tears were shed both sad and happy. My thanks to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for an ARC. This is my honest review.
November 21, 2020
Alluring, charming, and knowing fluent French are skills Sylvie had that the British government wanted to use in order to infiltrate the German take over of France. Sylvie was French born, but her father was a British soldier from the previous skirmish of when England & Germany were at odds. Her mother raised her alone while she traveled from dance theatre to theatre as a dancer.
Sylvie also became a dancer of sorts and as an agent she was placed in a club that German officers patronized. One German in particular was intrigued by Sylvie and he had first hand information about certain things that could be of use for the Resistance possibly.
Sylvie had to be also careful of the individuals working in the club because they could be German sympathizers and she didn’t know if Felix the piano player who she has a love hate relationship with is on what side.
This book is a PageTurner and I had to keep reading until I finished it! I loved the style of the authors writing because it is cohesive and it flows. The characters are strong and have depth!
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read!
I received an advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions.
Sylvie also became a dancer of sorts and as an agent she was placed in a club that German officers patronized. One German in particular was intrigued by Sylvie and he had first hand information about certain things that could be of use for the Resistance possibly.
Sylvie had to be also careful of the individuals working in the club because they could be German sympathizers and she didn’t know if Felix the piano player who she has a love hate relationship with is on what side.
This book is a PageTurner and I had to keep reading until I finished it! I loved the style of the authors writing because it is cohesive and it flows. The characters are strong and have depth!
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read!
I received an advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions.
December 4, 2020
The Secret Agent by Elisabeth Hobbes is a marvellous historical novel that will have you gripped from the start.
The novel is set mainly in occupied France during 1944 as we follow the exploits of the resistance and S.O.E as they operate under the nose of the Nazis. They are brave and daring as they plan and carry out acts of sabotage.
Not all Germans were Nazis. The reader witnesses flashes of humanity behind the uniform. We must remember that on every side soldiers had families who would mourn their passing. In contrast to this we view cruel attitudes towards others as evil reigns within.
The brave men and women of the resistance had to be adaptable and think on their feet as not everything went according to plan.
All the characters were well drawn eliciting a variety of responses from the reader.
We see the background story to a character as the novel alternates backwards from 1944. Life events produce choices, choices that eventually lead to where and why a character ends up in 1944.
The Secret Agent was a thrilling read. It was impossible to relax as danger lurked close by. I loved it and hope to read more by Elisabeth Hobbes.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
The novel is set mainly in occupied France during 1944 as we follow the exploits of the resistance and S.O.E as they operate under the nose of the Nazis. They are brave and daring as they plan and carry out acts of sabotage.
Not all Germans were Nazis. The reader witnesses flashes of humanity behind the uniform. We must remember that on every side soldiers had families who would mourn their passing. In contrast to this we view cruel attitudes towards others as evil reigns within.
The brave men and women of the resistance had to be adaptable and think on their feet as not everything went according to plan.
All the characters were well drawn eliciting a variety of responses from the reader.
We see the background story to a character as the novel alternates backwards from 1944. Life events produce choices, choices that eventually lead to where and why a character ends up in 1944.
The Secret Agent was a thrilling read. It was impossible to relax as danger lurked close by. I loved it and hope to read more by Elisabeth Hobbes.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
November 9, 2020
Sylvie, a member of the Resistence, captivated my heart in this WWII historical fiction. I thoroughly enjoyed watching her bloom into the woman her mother dreamed her to be. Elisabeth Hobbes eloquently wove Sylvie’a past and present together to help weave Sylvie into the readers heart.
I think this story was more of a romance and coming of age story than historical fiction. While this books main characters are part of the WWII Resistance, I felt the story lacked depth to the historical portion for it to suck me into that era. I did still love it. Sylvie found how she could be herself while on the stage at Mirabelle’s. She also found the love of her life. I found myself smiling when Sylvie finally decided to take the plunge and stop fighting her attractions.
If you are looking for a lighter WWII historical fiction, this is it. There’s less “war” and more “romance” and it kept me so engaged. Great read! 5 out of 5 stars for me. Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I think this story was more of a romance and coming of age story than historical fiction. While this books main characters are part of the WWII Resistance, I felt the story lacked depth to the historical portion for it to suck me into that era. I did still love it. Sylvie found how she could be herself while on the stage at Mirabelle’s. She also found the love of her life. I found myself smiling when Sylvie finally decided to take the plunge and stop fighting her attractions.
If you are looking for a lighter WWII historical fiction, this is it. There’s less “war” and more “romance” and it kept me so engaged. Great read! 5 out of 5 stars for me. Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
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