The Secret Letter by Debbie Rix is based on real events and has two stories in one. Magda, a German girl living on a farm with her family, courageously joins the White Rose Movement. The next character is based on the author's mother. Imogen is one of the children evacuated to the countryside by their parents. She becomes a WREN and does her part for the war effort.

It's an intriguing story of courage and love. The characters are what made me keep turning the pages in this book. I wanted to know what happened to them, especially how they were connected. We cover a large time period of their lives so you get to know each of them very well. It's a well written coming of age story that's emotional and heartbreaking.


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"The Secret Letter" was beautifully written and follows the lives of two girls during World War II. Imogen and Magna are both wonderful protagonists and I quickly became engrossed in their lives. They had to grow up quickly and they are both strong, determined, strong and courageous. I admired the way they stood for what they believed, especially Magna, despite the risk to their own lives. Gradually their stories intertwine and the ending is quite emotional.

I loved the author's writing. She brought the characters and times alive. I experienced the same events as Imogen and Magna, and shared their fears, joys and sorrows. The inclusion of radio broadcasts, newspaper clippings and speeches also gives this novel authenticity and I enjoyed the Historical Notes at the end. I highly recommend "The Secret Letter" for those who enjoy historical fiction and I will be looking for other novels by this author. A wonderful read. ( )

What a hypnotic and transporting experience! No matter how many stories I read about the second world war, I never leave unscathed, the inhumanities that the Nazi’s bestowed uncompromising and unimaginable, and The Secret Letter is no exception.

The Secret Letter is the dual memoirs of Imogen Mitchell in England, and Magda Maier in Germany. Both are youths at the beginning of World War II in 1939, telling about their unique experiences as teens and young adults during one of the worst wars in history. This story brought a fresh perspective that I haven’t read much in historical fiction, especially during this era, showing what the beginning of the war was like for young adolescence, especially in Germany. There is an assumption that all Germans were for the Nazi party, but there were so many that were apart of the resistance, and I loved seeing this fresh perspective.

There are come cringing moments, including an instance of rape, but luckily, the details are not graphic, though the details do not need to be graphic in order to highlight such a horrific act. Sadly, this was another part of this senseless war that was a regular occurrence, so I was not surprised that it was included in this novel, especially when you find out who committed this abuse, and to whom.

I was fascinated and engrossed the entire time I read, the author having an incredible knack for putting me right there amid the angst and anger of this outrageous conflict. Seeing the parallels between what Imogen and Magda endured, and seeing how their stories would eventually intersect, was so powerful. I felt all waves of emotion as each girl went deeper into the war, feeling all the feels, including pride at how each of them were determined to do their part to help end this war.

I’ll admit I’ve been a little burned out with all of the World War II historical fictions that are saturating the market right now, but The Secret Letter stood out to me. It wasn’t overly graphic, yet it still conveyed the dark tone that shrouds this era. This is the first book that I’ve read by this author, but she now has a new fan in me. Such powerful writing, with rich character development, and strong female heroines, I enjoyed The Secret Letter immensely, and I know you will too.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) through NetGalley. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own. ( )

Great story of 2 young women on opposite sides of the war - Magda a young german girl and Imogene a young English girl - the book begins when both girls were still in school at the beginning of the war; thru their contributions during the war efforts and how they had a connection; I love it - the end had an little talk from the Author who shared that although fictional - her parents war efforts were the inspiration - some actual events included in the book. ( )

Debbie Rix has written a hard-hitting emotional tale about how World War II affected the lives of two young women, one in Germany and one in England. Although hundreds of miles away, Imogen and Magda were both severely affected by the war. As a matter of fact, they had very similar views, although it was hardly likely that the two girls would ever meet.

For Magda, living in Germany, as a thirteen-year-old teen was not easy. Magda was completely devastated after witnessing her best friend Lotte and her family being snatched away and forced into a concentration camp. This made it impossible for Magda to ever understand the strong political leanings when thousands of young people were being forced to accept Hitler's views. Magda has her own mind about matters, even at risk to herself and her family. When a boy Magda grew up with, Otto, not only rises high in Hitler's army, while at the same time pursues her romantically, things become increasingly difficult for her.

Imogen is fifteen-years-old and living in the country in England when the war begins. She witnesses many tragic and difficult things, including witnessing bombs being dropped. Writing letters to those she loves is as much as she can do to show how she feels about things. Little does she know that a young German girl would one day affect her very life.

I have read a lot of historical fiction over the past year, but this book certainly hit me the hardest. For example, I knew about the bombings that occurred, but in this story the devastation was so very hard hitting for both Imogen and Magda. Tears flowed freely while reading of some of these occurrences. Also, with the situation involving Magda's brother Karl, as well as her helping those in great need was done very well, and showed her incredible resilience.

I really felt for Imogen as her very future lied in the hands of others, and this included her heart's desire. She may not have had the same experiences as Magda, but her story was equally compelling. I savored this story and all that these girls went through. I cried happy tears at the ending because it was something that I kept hoping for the entire time I was reading this book.

This is my second read by Debbie Rix and I had a similar experience when I read The Photograph by her. She is a fantastic author who knows just how to pull the heartstrings with the wonderful ability to connect readers to her characters.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion. ( )