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The Light We Left Behind
England: 1944
When psychologist Maddie Gresham is sent a mysterious message telling her to report to Trent Park mansion, she wonders how she will be helping the war effort from a stately home.
She soon finds captured Nazi generals are being detained at the house. Bugged with listening devices in every room, it’s up to Maddie to gain the Nazis’ trust and coax them into giving up information.
When Max Weitzler, a Jewish refugee, also arrives at Trent Park with the same mission, Maddie finds herself trapped in a dangerous game of chess.
The two met in Germany before the war, and Maddie’s heart was his from the moment they locked eyes.
But Maddie has finally gained the trust of the Nazi officers at the house, and her love for Max must remain a secret.
When the walls have ears, who can you trust?
Based on the true events that took place at Trent Park during WWII, this is an emotionally gripping, and heart-breaking novel about love, sacrifice, and betrayal, perfect for fans of The Rose Code and The Lost Girls of Paris.
When psychologist Maddie Gresham is sent a mysterious message telling her to report to Trent Park mansion, she wonders how she will be helping the war effort from a stately home.
She soon finds captured Nazi generals are being detained at the house. Bugged with listening devices in every room, it’s up to Maddie to gain the Nazis’ trust and coax them into giving up information.
When Max Weitzler, a Jewish refugee, also arrives at Trent Park with the same mission, Maddie finds herself trapped in a dangerous game of chess.
The two met in Germany before the war, and Maddie’s heart was his from the moment they locked eyes.
But Maddie has finally gained the trust of the Nazi officers at the house, and her love for Max must remain a secret.
When the walls have ears, who can you trust?
Based on the true events that took place at Trent Park during WWII, this is an emotionally gripping, and heart-breaking novel about love, sacrifice, and betrayal, perfect for fans of The Rose Code and The Lost Girls of Paris.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2021
520 people are currently reading
1540 people want to read
About the author
Tessa Harris
21 books528 followersFrom the author's website:After studying History at Oxford University, I began my journalistic career on a newspaper in my home town of Louth, in Lincolnshire. I progressed onto a London newspaper, where I became women's editor. From there I moved to become a feature writer on Best magazine. After two years I was made editor of a regional arts and listings publication. This was followed by another two years as deputy editor on Heritage magazine. Motherhood meant a spell as a freelance, contributing to several national magazines, such as Country Homes & Interiors, Perfect Home and Woman's Journal, as well as newspapers such as The Times, The Telegraph and The Guardian. During this time I also worked as a literary publicist and for a documentary-making company. In 2005 I was made editor of Berkshire Life magazine.
In 2000 I won a European-wide screenplay writing competition run by the London Screenwriters' Workshop and the resulting screenplay was optioned by a film company. The script was set in 18th century London and my subsequent research led to the invention of Dr Thomas Silkstone, an American anatomist and the world's first forensic scientist.
Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_...
Author Tessa Harris[5] also made him one of the main characters in her book The Dead Shall Not Rest which uses a fictional character Thomas Silkstone to examine the beginnings of forensic science, anatomy and surgery. The book, which is well referenced, emphasises the difficulty and need of anatomists of the time gaining access to bodies to dissect, and the illegal trade in dead bodies that eventuated due to this.
In 2000 I won a European-wide screenplay writing competition run by the London Screenwriters' Workshop and the resulting screenplay was optioned by a film company. The script was set in 18th century London and my subsequent research led to the invention of Dr Thomas Silkstone, an American anatomist and the world's first forensic scientist.
Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_...
Author Tessa Harris[5] also made him one of the main characters in her book The Dead Shall Not Rest which uses a fictional character Thomas Silkstone to examine the beginnings of forensic science, anatomy and surgery. The book, which is well referenced, emphasises the difficulty and need of anatomists of the time gaining access to bodies to dissect, and the illegal trade in dead bodies that eventuated due to this.
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March 17, 2023
The Light We Left Behind by Tessa Harris
Narrated by Tor Leijten
England 1944 - Psychologist Maddie Gresham had been to parties at Trent Park mansion before the war, but now the estate is being used by the military. Maddie has been summoned there to take over the job of her old boss and mentor. She is now a part of MI19, which is responsible for obtaining information from enemy prisoners of war. The highest ranked German officers live a very comfortable captivity at Trent Park, having withheld any useful information through less pleasant means of information retrieval by their captors. Now the method of information retrieval changes, allowing the high ranking German officers to live almost as if they are honored guests, while behind the scenes, recording devices are everywhere the generals are located. Operatives befriend and/or provide assistance to the generals and often the generals become loose lipped, revealing information via the listening devices manned by interpreters and translators.
Maddie, fluent in German, had spent time in Germany when she was seventeen. There she became involved with Jewish German, Max, the son of her host. They were torn apart at the end of her trip and now she has lost touch with him for years. That is until Max arrives at Trent Park, assigned to man the listening devices. Has he remembered their vow to remain true to the other, after all these years? Maddie and Max have so much to say to each other but their jobs at Trent Park require them to be secretive about almost everything.
The work of MI19 at the Trent Park location is very interesting and as with so much of military intelligence we will never know the extent of what was done there. Still, what we see here, captive high ranking officers living in the lap of luxury, with manservants, fine rooms and dining, and maybe trips around town to places that were out of bounds for normal British citizens, is so interesting. A kind of "kill them with kindness" approach designed to encourage the officers to let their guards down. A lot of information came when the officers spoke to each other in private, where their recorded conversations were taken down by men such as Max.
At the Trent Park Wikipedia page
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trent_P...
you can see pictures of some of the generals who were kept at Trent Park. Imagine being someone persecuted by the Nazis, having family and friends slaughtered by them, and then having the job of listening to their conversations and hearing them discuss these deaths as if they were everyday happenings, because they were everyday happenings to them, conducted by those who thought nothing of what they were doing. That is one of the many places a psychologist was important, interviewing and selecting men who were least likely to break down from hearing these atrocities, while taking down what was recorded on the listening devices.
Pub December 3, 2021
Narrated by Tor Leijten
England 1944 - Psychologist Maddie Gresham had been to parties at Trent Park mansion before the war, but now the estate is being used by the military. Maddie has been summoned there to take over the job of her old boss and mentor. She is now a part of MI19, which is responsible for obtaining information from enemy prisoners of war. The highest ranked German officers live a very comfortable captivity at Trent Park, having withheld any useful information through less pleasant means of information retrieval by their captors. Now the method of information retrieval changes, allowing the high ranking German officers to live almost as if they are honored guests, while behind the scenes, recording devices are everywhere the generals are located. Operatives befriend and/or provide assistance to the generals and often the generals become loose lipped, revealing information via the listening devices manned by interpreters and translators.
Maddie, fluent in German, had spent time in Germany when she was seventeen. There she became involved with Jewish German, Max, the son of her host. They were torn apart at the end of her trip and now she has lost touch with him for years. That is until Max arrives at Trent Park, assigned to man the listening devices. Has he remembered their vow to remain true to the other, after all these years? Maddie and Max have so much to say to each other but their jobs at Trent Park require them to be secretive about almost everything.
The work of MI19 at the Trent Park location is very interesting and as with so much of military intelligence we will never know the extent of what was done there. Still, what we see here, captive high ranking officers living in the lap of luxury, with manservants, fine rooms and dining, and maybe trips around town to places that were out of bounds for normal British citizens, is so interesting. A kind of "kill them with kindness" approach designed to encourage the officers to let their guards down. A lot of information came when the officers spoke to each other in private, where their recorded conversations were taken down by men such as Max.
At the Trent Park Wikipedia page
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trent_P...
you can see pictures of some of the generals who were kept at Trent Park. Imagine being someone persecuted by the Nazis, having family and friends slaughtered by them, and then having the job of listening to their conversations and hearing them discuss these deaths as if they were everyday happenings, because they were everyday happenings to them, conducted by those who thought nothing of what they were doing. That is one of the many places a psychologist was important, interviewing and selecting men who were least likely to break down from hearing these atrocities, while taking down what was recorded on the listening devices.
Pub December 3, 2021
December 3, 2021
Maddie Gresham receives a message asking her to report to Trent Park in Middlesex, a grand country house that was once owned by Sir Philip Sassoon and it’s now being used by the British army. Maddie’s a psychologist, she works with Dr Tobias Baskin, she spends her time, trying to read her mentors terrible handwriting and typing up his notes. In 1944, England’s desperate to end the war, and very concerned by reports the German’s are working on a secret weapon and British intelligence is busy trying to stop them.
Maddie’s interviewed by Colonel McKie, her new job is all very hush hush and she has to sign the official secrets act. Captured high ranking German officers are staying at Trent Park, and in a building bugged with listening devices, Maddie’s to give a profile on each officer, look for any weaknesses, if needed meet them and she finds this daunting.
Maddie stayed in Germany as an exchange student in 1936, she was forced to leave the country and her past experience with the Nazi’s was terrifying. Her German penfriend Greta’s mother Mrs Weitzler is Jewish, and she worried about their safety and hasn’t heard from them in years. At Trent Park they have what they call “stool pigeons” cleared German speaking prisoners, who serve as batman for the German officers and they gather and interpret information for the British. Maddie’s shocked to discover Max Weitzler, Greta’s older brother is serving as one, she fell in love with him eight years ago while staying at his parent’s house and it needs to remain a secret.
As Hitler’s doodlebugs start landing in London, the pressure's on the people working at Trent Park escalates and Maddie’s worried they have a traitor in the ranks. Maddie’s highly suspicious, she’s being followed, and she doesn’t believe Dr Baskin died of natural causes, some things simply don't add up and she has no idea who she can trust?
I received a copy of The Light We Left Behind from NetGalley and HQ Digital in exchange for an honest review, I find it fascinating how everyday people signed the secret services act, suddenly they were involved in espionage, they went extraordinary lengths to help England win the war, defeat Germany and Maddie’s character is one of these brave and selfless individuals. I really enjoyed Tessa Harris's previous book Beneath a Starless Sky and her latest wartime mystery is absolutely brilliant, and five stars from me.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/KarrenReadsH...
Maddie’s interviewed by Colonel McKie, her new job is all very hush hush and she has to sign the official secrets act. Captured high ranking German officers are staying at Trent Park, and in a building bugged with listening devices, Maddie’s to give a profile on each officer, look for any weaknesses, if needed meet them and she finds this daunting.
Maddie stayed in Germany as an exchange student in 1936, she was forced to leave the country and her past experience with the Nazi’s was terrifying. Her German penfriend Greta’s mother Mrs Weitzler is Jewish, and she worried about their safety and hasn’t heard from them in years. At Trent Park they have what they call “stool pigeons” cleared German speaking prisoners, who serve as batman for the German officers and they gather and interpret information for the British. Maddie’s shocked to discover Max Weitzler, Greta’s older brother is serving as one, she fell in love with him eight years ago while staying at his parent’s house and it needs to remain a secret.
As Hitler’s doodlebugs start landing in London, the pressure's on the people working at Trent Park escalates and Maddie’s worried they have a traitor in the ranks. Maddie’s highly suspicious, she’s being followed, and she doesn’t believe Dr Baskin died of natural causes, some things simply don't add up and she has no idea who she can trust?
I received a copy of The Light We Left Behind from NetGalley and HQ Digital in exchange for an honest review, I find it fascinating how everyday people signed the secret services act, suddenly they were involved in espionage, they went extraordinary lengths to help England win the war, defeat Germany and Maddie’s character is one of these brave and selfless individuals. I really enjoyed Tessa Harris's previous book Beneath a Starless Sky and her latest wartime mystery is absolutely brilliant, and five stars from me.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/KarrenReadsH...
June 30, 2023
4.5★s
Maddie Gresham was billeted in Germany before the war and the family's eldest son, Max Weitzler and Maddie became good friends. When rumbles of war began, Max, a Jewish man through his mother; a mischling, and Maddie damaged and destroyed German propaganda. But when Maddie was caught, she was deported back to England, in disgrace. Max was beaten within an inch of his life, by his father. Now, 1944, Maddie worked at Trent Park having signed the Official Secrets Act, as she prepared interrogation questions - among other things - for the Germans held captive at Trent Park.
When Max escaped from Paris where he'd fled with his mother and aunt, he ended up in Trent Park as well, as a "listener". But there was danger, when first one, then another, died, and Maddie knew that Max was at risk. What would be the outcome for the two young people who couldn't let each other know what was going on, let alone anyone else? It seemed the war would never end...
The Light We Left Behind is based on the true stories from the little known Trent Park, and how they worked during WWII. The author's notes at the end of the book were filled with interesting facts, as well as non fiction book suggestions for anyone wanting to find out more. A thoroughly enjoyable read, this is my first by Tessa Harris and won't be my last. Highly recommended.
Maddie Gresham was billeted in Germany before the war and the family's eldest son, Max Weitzler and Maddie became good friends. When rumbles of war began, Max, a Jewish man through his mother; a mischling, and Maddie damaged and destroyed German propaganda. But when Maddie was caught, she was deported back to England, in disgrace. Max was beaten within an inch of his life, by his father. Now, 1944, Maddie worked at Trent Park having signed the Official Secrets Act, as she prepared interrogation questions - among other things - for the Germans held captive at Trent Park.
When Max escaped from Paris where he'd fled with his mother and aunt, he ended up in Trent Park as well, as a "listener". But there was danger, when first one, then another, died, and Maddie knew that Max was at risk. What would be the outcome for the two young people who couldn't let each other know what was going on, let alone anyone else? It seemed the war would never end...
The Light We Left Behind is based on the true stories from the little known Trent Park, and how they worked during WWII. The author's notes at the end of the book were filled with interesting facts, as well as non fiction book suggestions for anyone wanting to find out more. A thoroughly enjoyable read, this is my first by Tessa Harris and won't be my last. Highly recommended.
July 21, 2022
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*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
The Light We Left Behind by Tessa Harris Author. (2022).
**Thank you to HarperCollins Books Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 6 July 2022**
England, 1944. When Maddie is sent a mysterious message telling her to report to Trent Park mansion, she is surprised to find captured Nazi generals detained there. Bugged with listening devices, it's Maddie's responsibility to gain the Nazis' trust and coax them into giving up information. When Max, a Jewish refugee, arrives at the mansion, Maddie becomes trapped in a dangerous game of chess. The two met in Germany before the war, and fell in love. But Maddie has finally gained the trust of the Nazi officers, and her love for Max must remain a secret.
This novel is based on the true story of Trent Park's secret mission in WWII. The author has done a great job of using fiction to share the kinds of events that would have occurred. I found the whole concept of secretly listening to and manipulating the Nazis into giving up information quite interesting, particularly when the brave people doing so would not have been allowed to share their work with anyone else at all. The book is set between Maddie and Max's perspectives, with Maddie's chapters explaining current events while Max's explored his experiences as a Jewish man throughout the war. With a bit of psychology, spy work, drama, romance and secrets, this story has something for everyone.
Overall: happily recommend this one for any readers who are fans of WWII fiction.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
The Light We Left Behind by Tessa Harris Author. (2022).
**Thank you to HarperCollins Books Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 6 July 2022**
England, 1944. When Maddie is sent a mysterious message telling her to report to Trent Park mansion, she is surprised to find captured Nazi generals detained there. Bugged with listening devices, it's Maddie's responsibility to gain the Nazis' trust and coax them into giving up information. When Max, a Jewish refugee, arrives at the mansion, Maddie becomes trapped in a dangerous game of chess. The two met in Germany before the war, and fell in love. But Maddie has finally gained the trust of the Nazi officers, and her love for Max must remain a secret.
This novel is based on the true story of Trent Park's secret mission in WWII. The author has done a great job of using fiction to share the kinds of events that would have occurred. I found the whole concept of secretly listening to and manipulating the Nazis into giving up information quite interesting, particularly when the brave people doing so would not have been allowed to share their work with anyone else at all. The book is set between Maddie and Max's perspectives, with Maddie's chapters explaining current events while Max's explored his experiences as a Jewish man throughout the war. With a bit of psychology, spy work, drama, romance and secrets, this story has something for everyone.
Overall: happily recommend this one for any readers who are fans of WWII fiction.
January 22, 2022
THE LIGHT WE LEFT BEHIND by Tessa Harris, HQ, HQ Digital. Psychologist Maddie Gresham is tasked in 1944 with getting captured Nazi generals to reveal info essential to the Allies. The same mission assigned to Jewish refugee Max Weitzler, whom Maddie loves. A winner for fans of histfic, romance, and wartime suspense. Out now.
Thanks to the author; HQ, HQ Digital; and NetGalley for the ARC; opinions are mine.
#TheLightWeLeftBehind #NetGalley
Thanks to the author; HQ, HQ Digital; and NetGalley for the ARC; opinions are mine.
#TheLightWeLeftBehind #NetGalley
February 18, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this story based on true events from WW11 set at Trent Park in England it tells of espionage, secrets and how the English went about getting the German Officers to spill the information they wanted and needed, it tells the heartbreak of war and shows that love can last through many hard years.
Maddie Gresham is a psychologist who has been working with patients who have had head injuries when she gets a message telling her to report to Trent Park, a mansion that in better years she has partied in, when she arrives she finds out that her mentor has died and that she is to take over his role to help get information out of the Nazi generals that are being held prisoners here, by working through the transcripts from the listening devices that are placed around the house and meeting them.
Maddie spent some time in Germany years ago and stayed with the Weitzler family where she became very close to Max, but between the two of them they did a few things against the Nazis and Maddie was deported, she knew that Max had made it to France at the start of the war but it has been a while since she has heard from him, she is thrilled and also very worried when she realizes that Max is working here at Trent Park helping to record the conversations the are being recordered.
While Maddie is gaining the trust of the generals Max must stay a secret to everyone else there is danger lurking and Maddie is doing her best to uncover what is happening, she must not lose the man she loves again. This is a very interesting story as well as an emotional tale of WW11, it shows the terrible things that the Nazis did and the hurt they caused so many people. A well told story that I would recommend to anyone who loves a good historical fiction.
My thanks to Harlequin AU for my copy to read and review.
Maddie Gresham is a psychologist who has been working with patients who have had head injuries when she gets a message telling her to report to Trent Park, a mansion that in better years she has partied in, when she arrives she finds out that her mentor has died and that she is to take over his role to help get information out of the Nazi generals that are being held prisoners here, by working through the transcripts from the listening devices that are placed around the house and meeting them.
Maddie spent some time in Germany years ago and stayed with the Weitzler family where she became very close to Max, but between the two of them they did a few things against the Nazis and Maddie was deported, she knew that Max had made it to France at the start of the war but it has been a while since she has heard from him, she is thrilled and also very worried when she realizes that Max is working here at Trent Park helping to record the conversations the are being recordered.
While Maddie is gaining the trust of the generals Max must stay a secret to everyone else there is danger lurking and Maddie is doing her best to uncover what is happening, she must not lose the man she loves again. This is a very interesting story as well as an emotional tale of WW11, it shows the terrible things that the Nazis did and the hurt they caused so many people. A well told story that I would recommend to anyone who loves a good historical fiction.
My thanks to Harlequin AU for my copy to read and review.
February 4, 2022
The Light We Left Behind by Tessa Harris, set in 1944 England, and the flashbacks to 1940 Germany.
Trent Park was a place for extracting information from captured German generals and staff officers used by British intelligence.
Maddie Gresham, as Dr. Baskin's educated in psychology, was invited to join Trent Park and help with the investigation. She finds his teacher's death suspicious, unusual suicide in the building, something or someone is not right here but she did not have allowed asking questions.
Six years ago Maddie was forced to depart from her first love, Max. Max had to run from Germany, with his family for saving their life. And now he faced Maddie after a few years under very unusual circumstances. Could she was changed so much?!
This is not only a war, and loss story but also is some mystery and spy. Enjoyable and Good read.
Thanks to HarperCollins UK Audio via NetGalley for the ARC, I have given my honest review.
Trent Park was a place for extracting information from captured German generals and staff officers used by British intelligence.
Maddie Gresham, as Dr. Baskin's educated in psychology, was invited to join Trent Park and help with the investigation. She finds his teacher's death suspicious, unusual suicide in the building, something or someone is not right here but she did not have allowed asking questions.
Six years ago Maddie was forced to depart from her first love, Max. Max had to run from Germany, with his family for saving their life. And now he faced Maddie after a few years under very unusual circumstances. Could she was changed so much?!
This is not only a war, and loss story but also is some mystery and spy. Enjoyable and Good read.
Thanks to HarperCollins UK Audio via NetGalley for the ARC, I have given my honest review.
February 22, 2022
After hearing lots about Harris' books, I was looking forward to this one, but I didn't really feel like it added a great deal to an already heavily saturated WW2 novel market.
It was an interesting premise, executed fairly well but I didn't feel connected with the characters or believe that the story was all that memorable.
It was an interesting premise, executed fairly well but I didn't feel connected with the characters or believe that the story was all that memorable.
November 23, 2021
“When the walls have ears, who can you trust?”
Maddie Gresham is a psychologist who has been sent to the Trent Park mansion. Upon signing the Official Secrets Act and learning that it’s where the Nazi generals have been detained with listening devices hidden in every room, Maddie is given the assignment to gain the Nazi’s trust and coax them into giving up information.
Maddie settles into her new assumed role easily until a ‘stool pigeon’, Max Weizler, arrives at Trent Park. His presence changes everything for Maddie … you see, she knew him from her former life.
Harris’s narrative, based on true events that took place at Trent Park during World War Two, clearly portrays the pressure felt by those selected to serve here. Featuring love, sacrifice and betrayal, this historical fiction will highlight the bugging operation used during WW2 and throw you a twist you didn’t see coming! Harris’s love of history shows in her ability to make it understandable for all. I love an intriguing title and this one is perfect.
Congratulations to the design team for the fantastic cover art!
Publishes December 3, 2021.
I was gifted this advance copy by Tessa Harris, HQ Digital, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Maddie Gresham is a psychologist who has been sent to the Trent Park mansion. Upon signing the Official Secrets Act and learning that it’s where the Nazi generals have been detained with listening devices hidden in every room, Maddie is given the assignment to gain the Nazi’s trust and coax them into giving up information.
Maddie settles into her new assumed role easily until a ‘stool pigeon’, Max Weizler, arrives at Trent Park. His presence changes everything for Maddie … you see, she knew him from her former life.
Harris’s narrative, based on true events that took place at Trent Park during World War Two, clearly portrays the pressure felt by those selected to serve here. Featuring love, sacrifice and betrayal, this historical fiction will highlight the bugging operation used during WW2 and throw you a twist you didn’t see coming! Harris’s love of history shows in her ability to make it understandable for all. I love an intriguing title and this one is perfect.
Congratulations to the design team for the fantastic cover art!
Publishes December 3, 2021.
I was gifted this advance copy by Tessa Harris, HQ Digital, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
November 14, 2021
Dangerous Assignment
Full of suspense and Romance this book is a murder mystery set in England during WWII. Maddie, a young psychologist is set in the middle of it. Up on receiving a message to report to the Trent Park mansion for war work she embarks on a dangerous assignment in gathering intelligence information from German general who is being held as a prisoner of war and has information vital to the war effort.
When people start to die it becomes dangerous and she fears not only for her life but also for the life of her long time love Max who is also working at Trent Park.
Maddie will do her best to help England win the war, but somehow she must save those she loves. Who is following her and what about the mysterious activities at her boarding house. Maddie must find a way to figure out what is going on before someone else is murdered.
The story moved at a moderate pace, not fast or slow. It was a bit of a love triangle story between Max and Maddie and Eddie the third member at Trent Park, an old friend of Maddie's.
I liked Maddie's character, and I thought Eddie was a jerk as well as her boss. She was a bit looked down on and treated as an air headed woman than a trained psychologist. Max was a good character, but not as prominent in the book as he should have been.
The twist at the very end of the book was a surprise to me, I didn't see it coming. I did enjoy reading the book and if you like murder mysteries with romance and a bit of suspense you will like it.
Thanks to Tessa Harris for writing the book, H.Q. Digital for publishing it and NetGalley for making it available to me to read.
Full of suspense and Romance this book is a murder mystery set in England during WWII. Maddie, a young psychologist is set in the middle of it. Up on receiving a message to report to the Trent Park mansion for war work she embarks on a dangerous assignment in gathering intelligence information from German general who is being held as a prisoner of war and has information vital to the war effort.
When people start to die it becomes dangerous and she fears not only for her life but also for the life of her long time love Max who is also working at Trent Park.
Maddie will do her best to help England win the war, but somehow she must save those she loves. Who is following her and what about the mysterious activities at her boarding house. Maddie must find a way to figure out what is going on before someone else is murdered.
The story moved at a moderate pace, not fast or slow. It was a bit of a love triangle story between Max and Maddie and Eddie the third member at Trent Park, an old friend of Maddie's.
I liked Maddie's character, and I thought Eddie was a jerk as well as her boss. She was a bit looked down on and treated as an air headed woman than a trained psychologist. Max was a good character, but not as prominent in the book as he should have been.
The twist at the very end of the book was a surprise to me, I didn't see it coming. I did enjoy reading the book and if you like murder mysteries with romance and a bit of suspense you will like it.
Thanks to Tessa Harris for writing the book, H.Q. Digital for publishing it and NetGalley for making it available to me to read.
April 28, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book for an honest review.
Different take on the classic WW2 novels that seem to be everywhere lately. Trent Park is a little known part of the war effort, full of secrets and tricks to get the enemy to talk.
Different take on the classic WW2 novels that seem to be everywhere lately. Trent Park is a little known part of the war effort, full of secrets and tricks to get the enemy to talk.
January 20, 2022
The Light We Left Behind is a beautiful story of suspense, love and war that pulled me in from the very first page. Harrowing and hopeful at the same time, it brings to life the horrors of war in a fascinating and realistic way. I'm a huge fan of spy stories, especially with a historical setting, and this book is beautifully written and immaculately researched, with characters that jump off the page. I couldn't put it down! Highly recommend to everyone who enjoys historical fiction.
December 1, 2021
The light we left behind is my second book by Tessa Harris, I really enjoy the way she writes and brings the stories and the characters to life.
This is the story of Maddie and Max, the war has come to hunt them, the jews, their families were separated and leaving them without nothing just the hope of finding one and another again in another part of the world or in another lifetime.
The light we left behind wasn't easy to ready as many situations were happening all around the Jews, the way the Germans spoke about them and treat them like they were things to dispose of. it felt terrible to read how despicable they were. Max's father was the worst character of the whole book,
I really couldn't understand how can someone be like that with his own family and son. Maddie was witness to Max's father's terrible attitude.
Maddie finds herself in Trent Park, a place that was designated to secure the most terrible nazis and people who were linked to the rich and the war. she was recruited to help and find out what the Nazis were planning especially a weapon that supposedly was something out of this world. Maddie finds herself doing stuff that she was not so happy to do but she knew this was very important so they could finally understand the Germans.
Max has been living terrible things all around Europe, he saw his mother die and now he lost his sister and niece, he doesn't know if they are still alive but he is fighting to survive, now he is working at Trent Park helping the cause of finding out more about the weapons and plans of the Nazis.
it is only about time when Maddie and Max will get to meet again.
One of the things that I really love about Maddie's character was the beauty, the sophisticated and feminine manners she had, she was always kind no matter if she had to deal with the most terrible Nazis, she always showed education and kindness even if that meant saying something nasty to someones who didn't have any heart at all.
The Light We Left Behind has mystery, secrecy and a lot of questions to be solved. it is an intriguing book with a rollercoaster of situations that will finally bring love and justice to life.
This was a good book, I really enjoy it, although I felt like something was missing especially in the deepness of the characters and the book but still was a good read.
This is the story of Maddie and Max, the war has come to hunt them, the jews, their families were separated and leaving them without nothing just the hope of finding one and another again in another part of the world or in another lifetime.
The light we left behind wasn't easy to ready as many situations were happening all around the Jews, the way the Germans spoke about them and treat them like they were things to dispose of. it felt terrible to read how despicable they were. Max's father was the worst character of the whole book,
I really couldn't understand how can someone be like that with his own family and son. Maddie was witness to Max's father's terrible attitude.
Maddie finds herself in Trent Park, a place that was designated to secure the most terrible nazis and people who were linked to the rich and the war. she was recruited to help and find out what the Nazis were planning especially a weapon that supposedly was something out of this world. Maddie finds herself doing stuff that she was not so happy to do but she knew this was very important so they could finally understand the Germans.
Max has been living terrible things all around Europe, he saw his mother die and now he lost his sister and niece, he doesn't know if they are still alive but he is fighting to survive, now he is working at Trent Park helping the cause of finding out more about the weapons and plans of the Nazis.
it is only about time when Maddie and Max will get to meet again.
One of the things that I really love about Maddie's character was the beauty, the sophisticated and feminine manners she had, she was always kind no matter if she had to deal with the most terrible Nazis, she always showed education and kindness even if that meant saying something nasty to someones who didn't have any heart at all.
The Light We Left Behind has mystery, secrecy and a lot of questions to be solved. it is an intriguing book with a rollercoaster of situations that will finally bring love and justice to life.
This was a good book, I really enjoy it, although I felt like something was missing especially in the deepness of the characters and the book but still was a good read.
June 29, 2022
Beginning in 1940, the Trent Park estate outside London housed captured German Luftwaffe pilots to extract military information. The rooms of the house were equipped with hidden microphones to MI19 operatives could listen in on their conversations.
In 1942, it became a prisoner-of-war camp (the Cockfosters Cage) for German generals and staff officers. They were pampered with delectable meals, fine wine and whisky, and luxury accommodations in hopes they would lower their guard and converse openly about military intelligence. The British Germany’s military capabilities, weaponry, war crimes, and the resistance movement. Among the 109 German top brass held at Trent Park were generals Otto Elfeldt, Ferdinand Heim, Gerhard Bassenge, Friedrich Freiherr von Broich, Heinrich Eberbach, Georg Neuffer, Dietrich von Choltitz, Hermann-Bernhard Ramcke, Hans Cramer, and Ritter von Thoma, Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt, and Admiral Walter Hennecke (the man in charge of all sea defenses for Normandy, France).
Such is the backdrop for Tessa Harris’s new historical novel, The Light We Left Behind. In 1944, psychologist Maddie Gresham is sent a mysterious message ordering her to report to Trent Park. It will be her job to gain the Nazis’ trust and coax them into giving up information. When Max Weitzler, a Jewish refugee, also arrives, Maddie is stunned. The two had met and fallen in love in Germany before the war. She’d held onto hope that he had escaped the Nazi threat. But their love must remain a secret. When there’s a shocking death at the mansion, Maddie realizes that not everyone at Trent Park is on the same side.
The Light We Left Behind is a fascinating twist on women’s wartime efforts in England. I’d never heard of MI19, a section of the British Directorate of Military Intelligence during WWII, and their role at Trent Park makes for a gripping emotional novel about love, sacrifice, and betrayal. It was well-paced and features an intelligent, courageous heroine. 4 stars.
Published date: December 2021
Genre: Spy thriller, historical fiction
Read-alikes: The Rose Code by Kate Quinn, The Lost Girls of Paris, by Pam Jenoff
* Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this book. The opinions are my own.
In 1942, it became a prisoner-of-war camp (the Cockfosters Cage) for German generals and staff officers. They were pampered with delectable meals, fine wine and whisky, and luxury accommodations in hopes they would lower their guard and converse openly about military intelligence. The British Germany’s military capabilities, weaponry, war crimes, and the resistance movement. Among the 109 German top brass held at Trent Park were generals Otto Elfeldt, Ferdinand Heim, Gerhard Bassenge, Friedrich Freiherr von Broich, Heinrich Eberbach, Georg Neuffer, Dietrich von Choltitz, Hermann-Bernhard Ramcke, Hans Cramer, and Ritter von Thoma, Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt, and Admiral Walter Hennecke (the man in charge of all sea defenses for Normandy, France).
Such is the backdrop for Tessa Harris’s new historical novel, The Light We Left Behind. In 1944, psychologist Maddie Gresham is sent a mysterious message ordering her to report to Trent Park. It will be her job to gain the Nazis’ trust and coax them into giving up information. When Max Weitzler, a Jewish refugee, also arrives, Maddie is stunned. The two had met and fallen in love in Germany before the war. She’d held onto hope that he had escaped the Nazi threat. But their love must remain a secret. When there’s a shocking death at the mansion, Maddie realizes that not everyone at Trent Park is on the same side.
The Light We Left Behind is a fascinating twist on women’s wartime efforts in England. I’d never heard of MI19, a section of the British Directorate of Military Intelligence during WWII, and their role at Trent Park makes for a gripping emotional novel about love, sacrifice, and betrayal. It was well-paced and features an intelligent, courageous heroine. 4 stars.
Published date: December 2021
Genre: Spy thriller, historical fiction
Read-alikes: The Rose Code by Kate Quinn, The Lost Girls of Paris, by Pam Jenoff
* Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this book. The opinions are my own.
August 18, 2022
Sudden death of Maddie's mentor gives her an opportunity to help her country to fight an enemy. While the brave men protected their lives on the front lines, Maddie and her team worked on extracting the war secrets from their jailed enemies. Using the psychology and Dr. Baskin's notes, she is trying to break into the mind of the Nazi captured general.
I did enjoy the psychology part of the novel, the way the British intelligence agency was able to read the minds of Germany's most notorious generals. I was impressed by the treatment the high-rank Nazi generals received while being detained on English soil. Nevertheless, let's get back to the story. Great plot, loved the spy act of the novel. A cute love triangle that played an essential role in the book. I would not call this novel intriguing. It's a great, light, feel-good read, perfect for lovers of WWII history. Honestly, after reading multiple gruesome WWII books, the mind and soul demand something pleasing and hopeful, and this book was a perfect choice.
Thank you Harper Collins for a free copy of the novel.
I did enjoy the psychology part of the novel, the way the British intelligence agency was able to read the minds of Germany's most notorious generals. I was impressed by the treatment the high-rank Nazi generals received while being detained on English soil. Nevertheless, let's get back to the story. Great plot, loved the spy act of the novel. A cute love triangle that played an essential role in the book. I would not call this novel intriguing. It's a great, light, feel-good read, perfect for lovers of WWII history. Honestly, after reading multiple gruesome WWII books, the mind and soul demand something pleasing and hopeful, and this book was a perfect choice.
Thank you Harper Collins for a free copy of the novel.
May 11, 2022
England 1944. Maggie Gresham is a budding psychologist recruited to help with a secret project at the Trent Park estate in London. Can she provide insight into the captured German military officers housed there to help the war effort?
As a teenager she met Max Weitzler in Germany and grew to care deeply for him. She is worried that he will never escape Nazi Germany due to his Jewish heritage. When she meets him again at Trent Park they work together with others at the facility to solve the mystery of several deaths that recently occurred there.
Full of twists and turns, the story was enjoyable with only a few unrealistic points near the end. Anyone who enjoys WWII historical fiction would like the spy games and relationships in this story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
As a teenager she met Max Weitzler in Germany and grew to care deeply for him. She is worried that he will never escape Nazi Germany due to his Jewish heritage. When she meets him again at Trent Park they work together with others at the facility to solve the mystery of several deaths that recently occurred there.
Full of twists and turns, the story was enjoyable with only a few unrealistic points near the end. Anyone who enjoys WWII historical fiction would like the spy games and relationships in this story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 1, 2024
This is a compelling read, taken from events during 1944 at a mansion, Trent Park, England where captured high ranking Nazis officers are for all intents and purposes living a life of luxury. Luxury indeed compared to the plight of the average English where life is dangerous and food scarce.
Maddie Gresham had been deported back to England from Germany due to her sabotaging efforts towards the Nazis. Since then she trained as a psychologist and has been working with a famous doctor Dr Baskin typing his vital notes when she is contacted and instructed to present herself at the mansion. Maddie is familiar with the mansion having been before through family contacts but what she is confronted with is a shock to her. Dr Baskin has disappeared believed dead and it's now even more vital for her to decipher his notes in order to create the right atmosphere to employ for the prisoners to reveal German war plans and in particular information on the German secret weapon, one that can be fired anywhere in France with enough power to reach and destroy English towns, infrastructure and infantry sites, a flying bomb.
After meeting with Dr Baskin’s sister and with her indicating doubts as to how her brother died this confirms the suspicion that Maddie already holds that his death was not from a heart attack. Added to this with Germany's flying bombs, the doodlebugs are already starting to make an impact, the pressure is on to gain information from the captured German Brigadier. Also, Maddie fully believes there is a traitor at the Park, she has been followed, her landlady is also in question.
To complicate matters, Max Weiztler, her German boyfriend who is half Jewish and whom his high ranking German father denounced him and his mother has escaped to England and is at Trent Park.
Maddie Gresham had been deported back to England from Germany due to her sabotaging efforts towards the Nazis. Since then she trained as a psychologist and has been working with a famous doctor Dr Baskin typing his vital notes when she is contacted and instructed to present herself at the mansion. Maddie is familiar with the mansion having been before through family contacts but what she is confronted with is a shock to her. Dr Baskin has disappeared believed dead and it's now even more vital for her to decipher his notes in order to create the right atmosphere to employ for the prisoners to reveal German war plans and in particular information on the German secret weapon, one that can be fired anywhere in France with enough power to reach and destroy English towns, infrastructure and infantry sites, a flying bomb.
After meeting with Dr Baskin’s sister and with her indicating doubts as to how her brother died this confirms the suspicion that Maddie already holds that his death was not from a heart attack. Added to this with Germany's flying bombs, the doodlebugs are already starting to make an impact, the pressure is on to gain information from the captured German Brigadier. Also, Maddie fully believes there is a traitor at the Park, she has been followed, her landlady is also in question.
To complicate matters, Max Weiztler, her German boyfriend who is half Jewish and whom his high ranking German father denounced him and his mother has escaped to England and is at Trent Park.
January 21, 2022
This fascinating historical fiction book is set during WWII. Maddie, a psychologist, speaks fluent German and she is sent to a country house called Trent Park where high ranking, captured Nazis are being held. Their rooms are bugged in the in the hopes that they’ll give up useful information that they wouldn’t tell an interrogator.
Maggie is supposed to work on psychological evaluations, but when the General who is responsible for the V-2 rockets arrives, she has another job. One of her old friends is playing the part of Lord Frobisher, and they decide he needs a Lady wife. Hopefully the Generals will be forthcoming with her.
The love of Maggie’s life, a part Jewish German, has had his own issues trying to survive the war. He ends up at Trent Park as a translator, where he and Maggie find each other again.
It’s vital for the British to find out where the V-2s are being launched so it can be destroyed. Can Maggie save the day?
I really enjoyed this book, the writing was good and the plot well done. 4 stars.
Maggie is supposed to work on psychological evaluations, but when the General who is responsible for the V-2 rockets arrives, she has another job. One of her old friends is playing the part of Lord Frobisher, and they decide he needs a Lady wife. Hopefully the Generals will be forthcoming with her.
The love of Maggie’s life, a part Jewish German, has had his own issues trying to survive the war. He ends up at Trent Park as a translator, where he and Maggie find each other again.
It’s vital for the British to find out where the V-2s are being launched so it can be destroyed. Can Maggie save the day?
I really enjoyed this book, the writing was good and the plot well done. 4 stars.
January 2, 2022
What a brilliant book to start off the year! From the get go I was hooked, Harris wasted no time in getting right to the action and the heart of the story. Maddie is a perfect heroine to lead this book, her courage and dedication kept me on the edge of my seat. I adored the way her and Max's stories were weaved together, across time jumps and flashbacks. The secrecy and spy elements of this book were also well written, keeping me interested and keen to know more. Overall, a superb historical fiction, one I am glad to have read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #SendForMe #TheLightWeLeftBehind. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #SendForMe #TheLightWeLeftBehind. All opinions are my own.
March 21, 2023
The Light We Left Behind was an enjoyable read. There are a lot of books out right now about WWII and this is another. Maddie, an English girl and Max, a German Jewish boy met in Germany right before the war and during the rise of Naziism. They strike out against the Nazi rule, she is caught and then deported. Their stories part here. Maddie becomes a psychologist and begins to work at Trent Park where captured German officers were kept in comfortable quarters, bugged with hidden microphones. Unbeknownst to Maddie, Max has survived and arrived in England where he is sent to transcribe the conversations. The love story between Maddie and Max was not convincing. He remained a wooden character. I also thought that a lot more could have been done with the spying and that the novel suffered a bit by trying to do too much. I enjoyed reading it though.
July 1, 2023
Leaves a lot to be desired. The author tries to have a build up of anticipation of some undiscovered secrets but it really isn’t very exciting and everything wraps up very quickly and not very climactically right at the end. The character development wasn’t great and I just really didn’t feel much of anything during the book except for some boredom. To be honest, I’m surprised the goodreads reviews are so high. Not sure if I’d try another novel by this author.
August 21, 2022
Thank you Harlequin for sending us a copy to read and review.
The extent intelligence agencies went too to extract vital information during the war is mind blowing.
Germany and the Nazis were a powerhouse intellectually, with superior coordination and an agenda that exemplified pure hatred and arrogance.
Maddie Gresham is summoned to Trent Park Mansion, her expertise needed to lure information from high ranking German soldiers captured and housed there.
Her affiliation with Germany, it’s Jewish civilians and it’s brutal anti semitic policy started before the war.
Experiences and relationships that shaped her determination to help crack the German captives.
An intense saga plays out with significant espionage skill at play.
Information was key to survival and winning.
Reacquainting with Max, her German Jewish love interest sparks new hope and desires.
I found this facet of war time history very interesting as it was based on true events. The two timelines culminated nicely in 1944 but I will admit I was so drawn into the earlier one.
The social, political and religious division that separated families was rife and I can imagine what happened to the Weitzler family may have been commonplace.
The mind boggles as to how many more untold stories we are yet to read about.
The extent intelligence agencies went too to extract vital information during the war is mind blowing.
Germany and the Nazis were a powerhouse intellectually, with superior coordination and an agenda that exemplified pure hatred and arrogance.
Maddie Gresham is summoned to Trent Park Mansion, her expertise needed to lure information from high ranking German soldiers captured and housed there.
Her affiliation with Germany, it’s Jewish civilians and it’s brutal anti semitic policy started before the war.
Experiences and relationships that shaped her determination to help crack the German captives.
An intense saga plays out with significant espionage skill at play.
Information was key to survival and winning.
Reacquainting with Max, her German Jewish love interest sparks new hope and desires.
I found this facet of war time history very interesting as it was based on true events. The two timelines culminated nicely in 1944 but I will admit I was so drawn into the earlier one.
The social, political and religious division that separated families was rife and I can imagine what happened to the Weitzler family may have been commonplace.
The mind boggles as to how many more untold stories we are yet to read about.
January 9, 2023
Really good and a different take on the usual WWII historical fiction. The author found out about a top secret facility whose records were declassified in 1996. She based her story on this facility and the people who were involved with its creation and who worked there. As usual, I didn’t read much of the synopsis prior to reading the book, so I didn’t know much beyond that it was about WWII. I found it very interesting and a quick and compelling read.
March 6, 2023
Fascinating look at a new aspect of WWII for me. An English estate housing German POWs that were recorded in an effort to learn German intel. Lots of intrigue in the book. Definitely peaked my interest in learning more about this operation.
January 30, 2022
If you liked The Rose Code you’ll enjoy this book. It was a good read with a few twists and turns.
March 1, 2023
The Light We Left Behind is a very good read.
February 18, 2024
I found the information about Trent Park very interesting. I enjoyed this historical fiction and thought it was a good read.
February 18, 2024
I really struggled getting into this one. I felt it had some really good moments and some really slow moments. I do appreciate a WW2 setting and did like the mystery aspect to it.
April 30, 2022
Loved this. Accurately depicted. Beautifully written. Great, tight plot, strong characters and fabulous story. I'm a fan!
July 6, 2023
2.5⭐️audio. Predictable with an unbelievable plot
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