The Secret History of Audrey James

The Secret History of Audrey James

A Novel

About the Book

An astonishing historical novel of one woman’s dangerous journey through World War II Germany and her life-changing friendship with a young woman decades later—from the #1 international bestselling author of Looking for Jane

“A fascinating and moving story of courage, sacrifice, and friendship.”—Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Lost Names

Northern England, 2010. After a tragic accident upends her life, Kate Mercer leaves London to work at an old guest house near the Scottish border, where she hopes to find a fresh start and heal from her loss. When she arrives, she begins to unravel the truth about her past, but discovers that the mysterious elderly proprietor is harboring secrets of her own.

Berlin, 1938. Audrey James is weeks away from graduating from a prestigious music school in Berlin, where she’s been living with her best friend, Ilse Kaplan. As war looms, Ilse’s family disappears and high-ranking Nazi officers confiscate the house. In desperation, Audrey becomes their housekeeper while Ilse is forced into hiding in the attic. When a shocking turn of events embroils Audrey in the anti-Hitler movement, she must decide what matters most: protecting those she loves, or sacrificing everything for the greater good.

Inspired by true stories of courageous women and the German resistance during World War II, The Secret History of Audrey James is a captivating novel about the unbreakable bonds of friendship, the sacrifices we make for those we love, and the healing that comes from human connection.
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Praise for The Secret History of Audrey James

“A fascinating and moving story of courage, sacrifice, and friendship, The Secret History of Audrey James draws from real historical events to remind us of the power of standing up for what we believe in, and of the way love can shape the course of our lives.”—Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Daughter

“Historical fiction at its most immersive.”—Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author of The Secret Book of Flora Lea

“An epic tale of unsung female heroes written with wisdom and compassion.”—Marissa Stapley, New York Times bestselling author of the Reese’s Book Club pick Lucky

“A poignant tale of friendship, the unbreakable bonds of family—both blood and chosen—and the irrefutable strength of women.”—Karma Brown, #1 bestselling author of Recipe for a Perfect Wife

“Emotionally charged and brutally beautiful.”—Janet Skeslien Charles, bestselling author of The Paris Library and Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade

“Gripping, haunting, and inspiring, The Secret History of Audrey James is historical fiction full of meaning and heart, and an unforgettable account of the profound impact of sacrifice and survival across generations.”—Natalie Jenner, bestselling author of Every Time We Say Goodbye

“In another exploration of resilient women confronting systemic oppression, Heather Marshall reaffirms her place as a formidable storyteller and a writer to watch.”—Ellen Keith, bestselling author of The Dutch Orphan

“A captivating and gripping tale told with vivid prose and a deeply emotional heart. . . . Dazzling!”—Louise Fein, bestselling author of Daughter of the Reich

“A deeply affecting novel about love, loss, and guilt across multiple generations.”—Caroline Bishop, author of The Other Daughter

“Readers of Kristin Harmel and Pam Jenoff will be dazzled.”—Rachel McMillan, author of The Mozart Code and The Liberty Scarf

“A beautifully researched story about friendship, bravery, and resistance. Well-drawn characters, a compelling plot, and friends risking their lives for each other.”—Andie Newton, USA Today bestselling author of A Child for the Reich

The Secret History of Audrey James is . . . a study in the enduring power of women’s friendships and their resourcefulness at a time when Hitler had relegated women to ‘Kinder, Kűche, Kirche’—children, kitchen, and church.”—Roberta Rich, #1 bestselling author of The Midwife of Venice and The Jazz Club Spy

“Heartbreaking and uplifting in equal measure, this is a tender, sensitive page-turner that will have you rooting for Audrey and Kate to beat the odds.”—Margaret DeRosia, bestselling author of Eight Strings
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About the Author

Heather Marshall
Heather Marshall is the #1 bestselling author of Looking for Jane. She worked in politics and communications before turning her attention to her true passion: storytelling. Marshall lives with her family near Toronto. More by Heather Marshall
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