This book will awaken in you need for America to wake up. I read all Corrie Ten Boone's books on this time and saw the movies. Elsa was an Australian opera singer who became friends with Hattie a British typist. Hattie later turned to the art she wanted to do. It takes place in Europe during time of Hitler's reign. Good and bad happen during dark times. A husband may totally change and another couple work together to help the Jews escape Germany and draw closer. The pictures Hattie paints I spired by what she feels from opra music. The description are so good it is like you see the pictures in your mind. I have never been to an opera but through this book. I could picture the scenes. Excellent read for the time we live in ( )

*VERY SOFT SPOILERS INCLUDED*

THE GOOD:
A pleasant tale with a feel good ending. A story of being moved to do what is right. And of being knocked down but not broken.

Elsa and Hattie's friendship is moving and inspiring. The have such "brotherly" love for each other. It's so nice to see a strong, healthy friendship portrayed, these days, without the author feeling the need to make it a romantic attraction as well.

A great cast of supporting, and interesting, characters as well. From Hattie's sister to Elsa's opera cast mates, to romantic interests for our two leading ladies; even a cranky coworker or two.

Even though the book takes on gritty topics, the reader isn't really shoved into the devastation. Caution that there is a rape scene, but is extremely well handled in "fade to black" method.

Thankfully free of the "diversity checklist" of modern stories.

THE BAD:
The book's title does not appear in the story, which is always a faux pas, in my opinion.

Also, the characters narrating frequently use more modern day language, such as "your truth" or "hate" (in reference to prejudice); I found this distracting.

I was a bit confused at the beginning, as well, because the tale starts in 1943 and then flashes back to 1934. The years looked similar to me, and the story didn't make it clear that we were switching time frames. But, thankfully that quickly cleared up. The main thrust of the story is the 1934 and onward timeline, with the 1943-1945 timeline there as a sort of foreshadowing.

CONCLUSION:
Well worth a read.

The opera makes a significant part of the story's backbone and that was a unique and layered angle.

A little more emotional impact, or a tighter tethering to the true facts that inspired the tale, would have pushed this over to a 5-star read for me.

But, overall, a really good novel, with a different perspective, that makes it stand-out in the overcrowded WWII fiction genre. Well done! ( )

This book covers the tragic years between 1933 and 1945, when the world was torn apart by one man's desire to destroy anyone who was Jewish. Author Renee Ryan transports us to England, Austria, and Germany, in a captivating tale that's based on true life events. She explains in her author's note that she patterned Elsa Mayer-Braun and Hattie Featherstone after the real-life Cook sisters who orchestrated the rescue of twenty-nine Jews from Nazi Germany in the 1930s. As we're drawn into Elsa and Hattie's strong beliefs and witness their daring efforts to save others, we are reminded of the courage, love, and determination that were so prevalent during this time of persecution, betrayal, and death.

The Secret Society of Salzburg is truly a story of the heart, but its focus isn't romantic love. It is, instead, a moving portrayal of a bond of friendship and trust that couldn't be broken! I've always been fascinated by the events that surrounded World War II and I highly recommend this inspiring book to all who enjoy historical fiction!

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts. ( )

When Austrian opera singer Elsa meets English fan Hattie they forge an instant connection. As the Nazi menace grows stronger, the two team up to rescue as many Jewish artists and musicians as they can. A painter, Hattie schedules shows in cities where Elsa is playing and together they do everything they can to make a difference. Once war breaks out, Elsa is no longer safe and quickly comes under suspicion.

Although the story itself was a bit predictable, the characters were well developed and three dimensional. I really felt like I knew Elsa and Hattie. Both were interesting and dynamic characters. Overall 4 out of 5 stars. ( )

The Secret Society of Salzburg instantly immersed me into its world. It skips back and forth, between past and “present”, seamlessly, creating a full, clear picture of the story that transpires between Elsa and Hattie, two kindred spirits with beautiful souls connected by music.

The friendships between the women in this novel is truly poetic and I loved Hattie and Elsa’s shared passions for wanting to help those in need despite them both coming from such different backgrounds. The Second World War is an event that should’ve never came to pass, and I appreciate all stories that depict those brave souls who did what they could to fight one of the most evil regimes in history.

I appreciated the depth of the characters, understanding each ones plights and motivations before getting to the meat of the story. Though I am not personally an opera fan myself, I am a true fan of music and the arts and have such an appreciation for those that are able to sing at such a caliber. It truly is a gift from God that few possess that I truly am in awe of.

One thing that I really appreciated in this historical fiction was the touch of mystery surrounding the “betrayer”. Even though once the truth was revealed, and it was someone at the top of my suspect list, how that plot line played out touched me deeply, so I wasn’t the least bit upset that it was so predictable. The story has the perfect ebb and flow, the characters developed, their plights clear, and their motivations without question. It is a very character-driven novel, but that doesn’t take away from the tension and or rollercoaster of emotions that you feel when you’re reading.

I read The Secret Society of Salzburg in one sitting, staying up until the wee hours to see this truly touching story come to fruition, and I savored every moment.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own. ( )