Angels of the Resistance: A WWII Novel by Noelle Salazar
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Web ID: 15419539Incredible story!
I have learned that evil cannot be bargained with - to destroy it, one must almost become it. Where will I be when this is all over? Will I even know who I am? — thoughts from Lien as she becomes more and more involved in the resistance. Taken from true events, this novel will keep you awake and very observant of what is going on around you even at this time. Learning who could be trusted, how to hide in the shadows while making a difference and more importantly how to survive were lessons no parent wanted for a young lady. But during wartime, they were so very important. I found myself needing to set this story aside until the morning as the shadows started to fall around me and even the smallest noise became a distraction. What an incredible thing to have survived! War truly provides a devastating education. This ebook was received through Harlequin and NetGalley. These thoughts and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Fictionalized account of real heroines
This was a spectacular and enthralling read. Just when you believe that you've heard all the World War II stories which can be told, along comes this deeply moving story of tremendous bravery, skill, fortitude and moxy. To top that off, it is based on the very real lives of two Dutch teenage sisters, Freddie and Truus Oversteegen, who, by joining the Dutch Resistance, effectively thwart the heinous actions of their Nazi occupiers. Yes, there are many dark moments within this story. Yet, arching above it all is the message, "Endure what you must, help one another and hold fast to hope." Author Noelle Salazar writes smartly and she beautifully captures the emotions of her well-developed characters. We observe the youthful exuberance of the two sisters and their friends. Over the course of the story we observe their push into adulthood, given the harsh realities of an occupied homeland. We embrace their sorrow when missions aren't pulled off as planned and cheer them on when they succeed. The first half of the story is a slow build with gradually increasing tension which is tautly held nearly to the end at which point the story gently eases into a satisfying conclusion. The story deftly holds the reader's attention right through to the finish. To historical fiction fans, I highly recommend this book. Or if you know such a fan, the book is now available, just in time for the holiday gift-giving season.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
The author really did her homework!
Surprisingly, this is the second book I've read this week about WWII in the Netherlands, and prior to these two, I had never known anything about the level of involvement of this country. I'll be honest about my ignorance: I truly thought the Netherlands had no part in WWII at all since they declared neutrality, but I am shocked at the extent of what occurred. This novel is certainly worth your time to glean information about a country that is rarely spoken about with regard to the second world war, and the level of resistance that took place. As with any good historical fiction novel, it propelled me to research even further and I was impressed that Noelle Salazar really did her homework. I'm shocked that this is only her second novel! I absolutely loved the heart in this story. The sisters' bond and commitment to one another was beautiful - what a tribute to the Oversteegen sisters. The characters were well fleshed out and the inclusion of the ten Booms was just so awesome. Bravo Ms. Salazar! Your work is impressive! Many thanks to partners TLC Book Tours and Mira Books for this gifted ARC.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Well Researched Story
I have mixed feelings about this book. There was things about it that I liked and things that I didn’t care for. I have always enjoyed WWII fiction . I thought the story content was very good . I especially liked that the author mentioned the TenBoom Clock repair shop in this book. As some will remember the book that Corrie Ten Boom wrote called The Hiding Place which was a true story about the part that her family played out during Nazi occupation when they hide Jewish people in a secret room in their home. I thought this book was very well researched which helped to make the story seem real. I’ve never felt comfortable reading books that had intimacy and sex added into the story. There also was mild cuss words occasionally. When the Angels of Resistance went on assignment to kill someone the book gave a graphic account of how it was done. Especially the times when daggers were used and descriptions of how the victims looked when they died . I know this is very much a part of the story and how it might have happened in the actual resistance forces. I’m just not comfortable reading these things I mentioned here and probably would not read a book written by this Author in the future. Readers of WWII novels or fans of the author might enjoy this book. It can be read as a stand alone. This book is scheduled to be released on 11/29/22. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions mentioned here are my own . #AngelsoftheResistance#NetGalley
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Harrowing and Heartbreaking
Hitler is rising. The Netherlands had been neutral in WWI, but now in the 1940s, Germany has invaded and their soldiers are everywhere. When their peaceful town is taken, two young sisters are called upon to join the fight against the invaders. The assignments are risky and not for the faint of heart. Transporting historical fiction about the Dutch Resistance during WWII. It’s a story of love, loss and fighting for a cause. Based on a true story, it is filled with perilous missions and palpable tension. The sisters are so courageous and daring. It makes me wonder if I could have been as brave. Highly recommend to all historical fiction and thriller fans. 4.5 stars
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
WWII women in the resistance in the Netherlands
This story takes place in the Netherlands during World War II. It follows Lien, who is growing up in the quiet town of Haarlem with her mother and older sister and shows her experiences as the Netherlands is forced to join the war. Lien and her family join the resistance in her country to fight back against the Germans anyway they can. Flight Girls by Salazar is one of my favorite novels so I went into this one with very high expectations and she did not disappoint. I was worried when I first started this book because it starts out very slow. In hindsight, I wonder if the author used this as an analogy for how the Germans invaded the Netherlands. As it was with many countries before, the Germans gradually invaded and many people hoped, even believed, that they would be spared from the horrors other countries were experiencing. I felt like this showed the false sense of security many people and countries felt when the Germans started to invade and why they were able to conquer so much so quickly, something many people today have a hard time understanding. Once Lien took up her position in the resistance the pace of the book took off and I could not put it down. Lien’s character growth is beautiful in this story. She starts out as a teenage girl still throwing tantrums because she is too young to be included and by the end, she becomes a strong young woman risking her life to do what is necessary to protect her country and the people she loves. Salazar also does a wonderful job at describing not only the horrible things these girls went through being part of the resistance but also how they dealt with the mental, physical, and emotional repercussions for completing their jobs. The resistance had many jobs including forging documents, bombing supply trains, moving people in hiding, and killing Germans or traitors and Salazar describes them in vivid detail so that you feel and see everything they go through. It feels like such a raw, emotional, and even traumatic experience when reading this novel but it is exquisitely done and one that I highly recommend.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Unique setting
Lien and her older sister, Elif, are recruited to be in the Dutch resistance. Both are very young, so they are perfect for passing messages and other various forms of espionage. But, Lien struggles with the death of her young sister. She feels it is her fault so she tends to take unnecessary risks. This invariably puts everyone’s lives at stake. I really enjoyed the setting of the Netherlands during WWII. Now, I did feel there are a good many day to day, unimportant details in this story. But, that is a minor issue. The characters and the setting kept this novel moving for me. I loved Lien. She is one tough young lady. And her struggles just enhance the story and create a bond with the reader. She and her sister make a great team. And these two young ladies grew up on the pages of this book. Need a unique WWII novel…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today! I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Wonderful WWll book
This story had me crying through much of it. I loved Lien and Elif and Charlie. I wonder how people get the courage to do what these young women and men did during this horrible time. I enjoyed that this book took place in the Netherlands. This was my first WWll book based in the Netherlands. I really enjoyed this book. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com