The Secrets We Left Behind by Soraya Lane is a novel of historical fiction set in World War II. It opens with the retreat of the British Forces from Dunkirk. The author bases part of her story on the true life massacre at Le Paradis where 97 English soldiers of the Royal Norfolk Regiment were gunned down as they attempted to surrender. We also follow the story of Cate, a British nurse who stayed at the field hospital to assist the badly wounded and got left behind.

Cate, and her patient, Jack, sneak away into the French countryside. They are taken in by two French sisters, who also have taken in two wounded solders from the Norfolk Regiment. Unfortunately one of the French sisters has attracted the attention of the local Nazi commander, which complicates everything, as they attempt to put together a rescue mission. At this point the story got a little unbelievable as these strangers who are living with extreme stress and tension start developing romances with each other.

I did enjoy my read of The Secrets We Left Behind as it dealt with bravery, survival, loyalty, love and friendship and the three main characters were resilient, intelligent and brave young women. This is my first book by this author, but I would certainly be pleased to read more from her. ( )

Nurse and 2 British soldiers hiding in France with the help of 2 French women ( )

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

The Secrets We Left Behind follows Cate, a British Nurse, along Addy and Elise, a pair of sisters, as they all navigate 1940 LebParadis, France. Cate is present at the evacuation of Dunkirk, going on the run to safety with a patient of hers named Jack. Meanwhile, Addy and Elise witness a brutal execution just outside their home, a German commander commanding the deaths of 99 British soldiers. Somehow, miraculously two survive, Harry and Peter. Through a dire situation the six are brought together and must learn to survive in the German occupied town. This book was quick paced and my heart was in my throat for the majority of the book. Soraya is a masterful writer, and making you feel like you’re right in the thick of the action. Highly recommend this book! ( )

How would you react if you witnessed a horrific slaughter in your own backyard?

Soraya's newest novel addresses this very question as two different characters witness horrific events during World War II. How each woman handles the situation in her quest for survival differs, but at the end of the day, their pure hearts win out.

While it may sound confusing having two different stories colliding into one and multiple view points, the author does it in a way that is easy to follow along with and gives the reader something to look forward to. The book had heart, romance, friendship...

This is definitely a book I'll recommend to lovers of historical fiction!

In terms of the narration, I wish there had been more than 1 narrator, but the one choosen did an excellent job.

Thank you Brilliance for allowing me to listen to the audiobook and give my honest opinion. ( )

Visceral. When you start off at one of WWII's most infamous defeats (of the Allies) at Dunkirk and go right into one of its lesser known war crimes (the slaughter of nearly 100 British soldiers at Le Paradis), you know this is going to be one *intense* book. And it is. Here, Lane uses a British nurse and two French sisters to tell a tale of survival during the war's early years, when Germany seemingly could not be defeated. The way she tells it reads as some of the most gripping suspense (arguably even horror, without the supernatural elements often part of that genre) I've yet come across in tales of this era - and indeed, even in most other tales, period. From the opening chapters where the Germans attack through the closing chapters (other than the extended epilogue), Lane never really gives these characters - and thus, the reader - any real sense of calm or safety. The Germans are always *right there*, in mind if not in body, and the threat of capture and execution - or worse - is never far from anyones' thoughts. Releasing just one week before the 81st anniversary of the events it fictionalizes, this is easily one of the best books of Summer 2021, particularly for those looking for dark/ suspense tales. Very much recommended. ( )