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!

This is a well written, rapid paced, frightening story of a time in our history that so many wish to never, ever repeat.
It is told through three strong female characters. Cate is a nurse. Her job is to care for the soldiers in a France makeshift hospital during during World War II.
The day comes when she needs to suddenly leave! Where is she going to run too? What will happen to those left behind? What is the right thing to do?
Adelaide and Elise are sisters living in a small house in Le Paradis, France. They have been witness to a heinous crime by the German troops.
They now have some decisions to make. Can they help any survivors and keep them all safe?

This is definitely a story of friendship, trust, love, fear, and horror that had me thrust in the pages of this novel!
A fast read for sure!

The Secrets We Left Behind by Soraya Lane is an excellent WWII-era historical fiction that really kept me on the edge of my seat...and was well worth it!

I have been a huge fan of Ms. Lane for quite some time and have read ALL of her books. So, of course I had to read her newest addition. I loved this!

The wonderful cast of well-developed, complex characters that are brought together through different, but yet similar, circumstances and how this group is thrown into the middle of such dire circumstances...wow.

This takes place around occupied France during WWII, and also involves Dunkirk. It was fascinating to read the stories of Cate and sisters Adelaide and Elise. Adding a strong peripheral cast of characters, these three women exhibit what it means to be brave, strong, intelligent, and selfless in a time of such fear, strife, and unrest. My emotions went through the full gambit: happiness, cheering, suspense, stress, heartbreak, and through it all I just had to go on to the next page to see just how it would end up.

A wonderful ending that I truly enjoyed, and just solidifies my admiration for one of my favorite authors. Excellent!

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Lake Union Publishing for this awesome arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR, Instagram, and Bookbub accounts immediately (as of 4/3/21 no BB listing has been created) and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.

Wow! What a wonderfully written, suspenseful ride as a nurse and wounded Britain soldier, escape Dunkirk going deeper into Nazi-controlled France. Two sisters, very different in temperament, take in two wounded British soldiers who miraculously survived a massacre killing. You will be on edge, turning the pages to see who escapes and outlives the horrors of Nazi control.
This is a sobering tale, but history is there for us to learn from and try not to repeat.
The author does a great job with her writing and lures the reader in, not only to the story but also to help you identify with the characters and leaves you either cheering or booing for them.
I highly recommend this WWII read.

Loved this book and it had me drawn in from the start, heart was in my mouth quite a few times throughout, wonderful story of how a British nurse and one of her patients got left behind in the evacuation to Dunkirk beach and how they survive the journey into occupied France to.seek refuge which comes in the form of 2 French sisters and another British soldier who has miraculously survived the massacre of his troops
A story of friendships, horror, love, and survival
A brilliant read

It’s May 1940 and you are working as a nurse for the Royal Army Medical Corps. The army has set up a clearance hospital in a chateau in Dunkirk. You are aware that the Germans are closing in. but rest in the fact that there’s a huge red silk cross on the front lawn. It’s not until the Captain pulls the staff together to relay the frightful news that you finally realize the situation really is dire. You are being asked to draw straws, yes you read that properly, because somebody has to stay behind to look after the huge influx of soldier patients who can’t be evacuated. You watch your colleagues pull straws and gasp as you know that the two who draw short straws will most likely be taken prisoners of war by the Nazis and destined to live behind wire until they are liberated. It’s your turn…you pull….it’s a short straw. You are being left behind. Deserted. With men who can’t walk. Can’t help. True story.

Author Soraya Lane instantly pulls you into “The Secrets We Left Behind” and you feel like you are part of the action. My heart was pumping and I had no idea which direction the story was going to go. What I love about her writing is that she appeals to all the senses; it enables readers to place themselves in the plot. Quite often with multiple viewpoint stories, there’s one that stands out above the rest. Not so with this one! Cate, Elise, and Adelaide have equally compelling stories. Each girl is hiding a secret and they are relying on each other to keep a shared secret. War has forced them into a different life than they’d imagined. There’s sadness, grief, death, blood and hunger at every corner, yet they each find themselves helping others even when it means risking their life for another. The events in this book are all based on true events. In fact, even Oscar is real! Check out the author’s Facebook page and you will see that her dog has made it into the pages of her latest historical fiction. The pace is even and quick, the characters are believable, and the plot and twists will keep you on the edge of your seat. I’m off to source out Lane’s backlist as she has an impressive list of historical fiction!

Soraya Lane, Amazon Publishing UK, and NetGalley gifted me this advance digital copy and I was under no obligation to provide a review.

Publishes May 20,2021

My thanks to NetGalley for this advance copy.

The characters are charming and reflect the mood of the German occupation of France during WW2. I soon became immersed into this beautifully told story of the British and French striving against all odds to survive after the mass evacuation of British troops from Dunkirk and their resourcefulness and nerve. It is written in such a personal manner that you are drawn in and become part of this factual based story of survival. The author, through extensive research, has cleverly captured the reality of war and the fear, trust and love that bound the characters together.

An easy read, with twists of fate and suspense; a most enjoyable novel.

With thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest opinion
I would like thank publishers and soraya lane for a beautifully poignant read as always excellent characters who play there parts so well, I can highly recommend this book.

Romantic and heartbreaking, joyful and suspenseful. 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 rounded up.

Occupied France, 1940. The British are being evacuated from Dunkirk as the Germans continue to advance. Nurse Cate, who works at the nearby field hospital, draws the short straw and is left behind. But when the Nazis arrive, Cate decides to flee rather than become a POW…taking with her one of her patients, a charming soldier named Jack.

At the same time, in Le Paradis, France, sisters Elise and Adelaide watch as nearly 100 British soldiers surrender to the Germans only to be shot and killed on the spot. Two soldiers, Harry and Peter, survive beneath the bodies of their friends and find safety with the sisters, who risk everything to take them in.

The story follows as Cate and Jack’s journey brings them right to Elise and Adelaide’s door. The sisters are already in over their heads caring for the injured soldiers. Meanwhile, Adelaide has caught the affections of a handsome and high-ranking German soldier. Can the sisters keep their visitors, and themselves, safe while all eyes are on them?

The book is narrated by Cate, Elise, and Adelaide, three strong women who all make their own sacrifices. Each story is compelling and made me want to keep reading to see what happens next. The stories are romantic and heartbreaking, joyful and suspenseful all at the same time. Overall I really enjoyed The Secrets We Left Behind! I also liked how parts of it are based on truth. I’ll definitely be looking into more books by this author!

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

I received a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review
Soraya M. Lane has done it again! "The Secrets We Left Behind" was a truly magnificent novel. She always seems to capture this intimacy with every character to make you feel like you can relate with everyone involved even the negative people.

4.5 stars! The Secrets We Left Behind is another great WWII historical fiction novel from Soraya M Lane. Filled with suspense, friendship, love, and loss - you’ll become invested in the characters as you follow them through the story.

Set in occupied France in 1940, Nurse Cate flees Dunkirk with one of her patients when her field hospital is about to be captured by the Nazis. At the same time in a nearby town, sisters Elise and Adelaide witness German troops slaughter 100 British soldiers who were attempting to surrender. Two British soldiers survive and show up at Elise and Addy’s doorstep fighting for their lives. When Addy catches the eye of a high-ranking German official and Cate and Jack also end up at their home in need of hiding, how far will they all go to survive and stay safe from the Nazis?

Thank you #NetGalley, Soraya Lane, and Amazon Publishing UK for the advanced copy of #TheSecretsWeLeftBehind in exchange for an honest review.

Wow! This was an action-packed novel full of romance and danger! The Secrets We Left Behind brings a British nurse, 2 soldiers, and 2 French sisters together in quite an adventure in German-occupied France. I could not put this book down, and ended up finishing it in one day!!! This is my favorite Soraya Lane book yet!

t's 1940 and Cate, an English nurse, is working at the clearance hospital in Dunkirk. She loves her work and taking care of injured soldiers despite the fact that her fiancé has been declared 'missing, presumed dead'. As the bombing by the German army gets closer, there is a decision to evacuate the troops to England. But some people need to remain at the hospital to help the wounded, so the staff draws straws. Cate gets the short straw and watches her friends and co-workers and many of the injured leave for Dunkirk beach and hopeful evacuation. One of the few patients left is Jack and Cate has been having romantic feeling about him since he arrived. When the Germans arrive to take prisoners, Cate and Jack escape. Their walk to hopefully get to a safe place is filled with fear of capture and I was rapidly turning pages during this part of the book. They finally find a house with two young women living in it and ask for help. Sisters Elise and Adelaide are reluctant at first. Their town has been taken over by the Germans and they are already hiding a wounded English soldier. They all know that if they are discovered, they will all be executed. As each day passes, they lives become more perilous especially when a high level Nazi becomes interested in Adelaide. There are decisions to be made that will possibly put them in more danger.

The author had me rapidly turning pages throughout this book. I needed to find out if they were able to escape or be executed. My favorite characters were Cate and Elsie. Both were stronger and more resilient than they knew and it was their bravery that helped the other people in the house.

This is a fantastic WWII story about strong women who did their best in extreme situations to help the Allies win the war. It's apparent on every page that the author has done extensive research. Many of the characters and plots were based on real people. This is a book full of suspense, history, love and an overwhelming need to help others.

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Two sisters are risking everything to keep a British nurse and two wounded soldiers safe from the Nazis.
Everything is on the line when they decide to leave and catch a boat back to France. Terror reins as they make their escape.
A great story of Dunkirk. The women involved are courageous and strong.
Great read!

Cate is a nurse with the British Army, during WWII who after drawing straws, is forced to stay behind and help care for the wounded while her unit evacuates. Accepting her fate until she realizes the Germans are much closer than she believed, she and a patient named Jack make a run for it... hoping to find safety from the impending attack.

Elise and her sister Adelaide secretly watch a group of British Army men surrender from their home. Believing it will be a quick capture and go the girls are shocked to witness the surrendering troops shot down and slaughtered. They have no reason to believe there are survivors...

Over the course of the story the lives of these three women converge, providing you with a story of ultimate love and survival.

This was a refreshing change from the usual WWII historical fiction I most often read. I really enjoyed how the characters lives and choices came together. I found the characters to be relatable and likeable as well. I also really enjoyed the summary at the back where the author dives into more detail about this time in history. I give this read a solid 4 🌟

THE SECRETS WE LEFT BEHIND by Soraya M. Lane is a beautifully written and compelling work of historical fiction that was both heart-wrenching and uplifting. Set in Nazi-occupied France in 1940, it tells the story of three brave women whose paths cross unexpectedly. Cate is a nurse with the Royal Army Medical Corps that has been deployed to France to a chateau turned hospital near Dunkirk. German soldiers surround the area. When the decision is made to evacuate all British troops from France, personnel who draw a short straw must remain behind to care for soldiers who are too injured to make it to the evacuation point. Imagine how devastating it was to know you were being left behind to face the enemy, being made a prisoner of war or worse. In an act of unimaginable courage, Cate flees on foot with Jack, a critically-ill soldier in her care. Can they make it to safety before being caught? After a grueling journey on foot, they find their way to the home of French sisters, Adelaide and Elise, who have just witnessed Nazi soldiers commit a heinous crime against a group of surrendering British troops. The story is told from the points of view of the three women who all have secrets to hide. Can they trust one another to do what is right for all of them? Action-packed and full of suspense, I was on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. There are moments of sadness and joy, heartbreak and hope. I loved this story of friendship, love and honor and I know it will remain on my mind for some time to come. Highly recommended! Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read an early copy.

Love WW2 books! And this one was a great one!
Love the writing style Lane has here! Beautifully written!
The characters were real fee!ing and felt every emotion that was in this novel!
A wonderful job done here!

The Secrets We Left Behind is a riveting historical fiction by Soraya M Lane.

The writing flows well and is easy to fall into. The descriptions of the war time terror, the fear, and setting are all well established.

Written in third person, the author does a great job following Cate, Elise, and Adelaide along this harrowing wartime journey. There are three main females, all of whom have an intriguing backstory.

This tale is gripping and will have you reading as quickly as possible. With dire situations, guns being fired everywhere, this story is not easy to forget. Everything flows well and is easy to read.

The Secrets We Left Behind is a must read for anyone in the mood for a wartime historical fiction read.

This book was captivating from the start. The Secrets We Left Behind is a story about the women of WWII. I always find it interesting how authors decide what to write about. Soraya M. Lane started with a question. What about the women? Three string women, Elise and Adelaide are sisters living in soon to be Nazi occupied France. Cate a nurse stationed in Dunkirk who chose to stay behind as the evacuations began when the Germans were closing in. Soraya told a story of how they all became connected in seemingly impossible ways. I loved the character and story development. Fans of The Nightingale will love this book. What lengths would you go to in order to ensure your family's safety? What sacrifices would you make in the face of so much sadness and horror? There's something about historical fiction especially WWII that always draws me in. Well researched as two characters and the events at Le Paradis and Dunkirk actually happened. The Nazi commander's name was changed in the story. At times both heartbreaking and beautiful, written with such description, this story will leave readers with a sense of hope, even in the darkest of times. The Secrets We Left Behind releases in May.

Soraya M. Lane is an amazing writer of historical fiction and this book does not disappoint. The Secrets We Left Behind tells the story of two French sisters, Adelaide and Elise, and a British nurse, Cate, in WWII Nazi-occupied France. Adelaide and Elise live in the village of La Paradis, where they secretly witness the slaughter of a platoon of British soldiers by the Nazis and risk their lives to take in two of the survivors. Cate is left behind with one of her patients when the hospital is evacuated and they, too, end up at the door of Adelaide and Elise. It is a story of love, loss, betrayal, friendship, and trust, all told by three very strong women. I couldn't put it down. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. (less)

What a wonderful book, from the onset it draws you into the story of incredible bravery, unimaginable cruelty, love, loss and hope The story is set in France just before the Dunkirk evacuation, in the hospitals they were awaiting transport to take them to the beaches and be repatriated to England. There would never be time to take all the staff and injured soldiers as they waited for the onslaught from the advancing German Army. These stories never fail to impress on me how they lived from day to day never knowing what the next few hours would bring and if they would survive.

The Secrets We Left Behind is a WWll novel set in France during 1940. Two French sisters, Elise and Adelaide, sacrifice their own safety to help two injured British soldiers and a nurse from a nearby hospital when the Nazis take control of the area. This is an emotional read about family and friendship that will pull you in from the start and hold your interest to the last page. If you are a historical fiction fan, I highly recommend this book. Thanks to the author Soraya M. Lane, publisher Amazon Publishing UK, and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book for review.

The Secrets We Left Behind by Soraya Lane is an excellent WWII-era historical fiction. This is my favorite genre to read and this one kept me on the edge of my seat. This is my first exposure to this author. I will definitely be getting more of her work to read. This book is the story of two French sisters, Adelaide and Elise, and a British nurse, Cate, in WWII Nazi-occupied France. I found it both heartbreaking and romantic.

Lane is truly my favourite Historical Fiction author. She did not disappoint with this one, from the very first chapter I was hooked and already invested in the characters and plot. Her ability to weave stories and lives together is one of my favourite things about her novels. I cared so deeply for these characters in the couple hundred pages that I knew them and by the end they felt real and tangible. As with almost every one of her books, I was tearing up by the end of it, wishing it wasn’t coming to an end so soon. Another wonderful book that I had a great time reading.

The Secrets We Left Behind is an inspired story based on facts that happened in Dunkirk during World War II. Though the main characters are fictionalized I wouldn't be shocked if there were such brave and strong women during those times. The women in this story are strong, brave, compassionate and you are pulled into their story. This novel is emotional and if you love historical fiction is a must read. Cate, Elise and Adelaide will stay with you even after you put the book.

The book is set in 1940 German occupied France in WW2 and was written so beautifully. I was instantly immersed into the world and viscerally felt the fear and uncertainty of war. It follows three women, British nurse Cate and French sisters Elise and Adelaide point of views but also with the side characters of soldier turned patient Jack and survivors of a massacre Harry and Peter. I really liked seeing their point of views and to see their stories converge together.

The story explored the complexities of war was full of strong female friendships, love, suspense, trust and survival and it had that 'on the edge of your seat' feel and had me reading quickly so I could see what happened next. I felt attached to the characters and was so invested in their stories, that the end really hit me in the emotional feels.

I highly recommend this book and I want to check out the authors other historical books because I really enjoyed reading this.

You guys, I'm speechless...
If someone told me last week that i would be reading a WWII fiction and end up liking it, i wouldn't have believed it.
That book was so easy to love, the author had this elegant way in describing her character and what they've faced during the war and how that changed them; i mean, let's be real, it's not everyday that you find war fiction that is simple without extravagant prose and heavy metaphors, but this one was a good exception.
I loved all the characters, they were all so well written, their pain was so raw that you can't help but sympathize and love them.
The ending was spectacular, it was the perfectly needed closure for the reader.
An amazing read.
*Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange of an honest review*

France, 1940.
Planes are flying overhead, they can hear gun fire and the sound of running men and they know Germans are getting closer. The British army are retreating, the French army are trying to hold the Germans off as long as possible and they desperately need to get to Dunkirk. The British medial staff at the field hospital in a French chateau draw straws to decide who stays behind with the patients and who goes with the walking wounded to the beach. Nurse Cate Alexander draws a short straw, she stays behind, and when the Germans arrive Cate climbs out of a window with recovering surgical patient Jack.

Le Paradis is fifty miles away from the chateau, a hundred soldiers of the Royal Norfolk Regiment are cut off and stranded in a barn. They decide they have no option but to surrender and following the orders of Commander Wolfgang Schmidt and the British soldiers are gunned down.
Lying beneath the pile of their fallen comrades are Peter and Harry they’re still alive, wounded they crawl to a nearby farmhouse, sisters Elsie and Adelaide DuPont rescue them. Jack decided he and Cate should try to walk to Le Paradis and by chance they also end up staying at the farm with the sisters. With three injured British soldiers and a nurse staying with them the DuPont sisters are in danger and it gets worse when Commander Schmidt becomes interested in Adelaide and what will they do?

Three incredibly brave and strong women all took huge risks, they had to trust in each other, and they became friends and one of them made the ultimate sacrifice. The Secrets We Left Behind is based on true facts about the Royal Norfolk Regiment, the British armies retreat from the beaches of Dunkirk and it’s a cracking story.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, Soraya M. Lane never disappoints, brilliant book and five stars from me.

World War II France: Cate is a British nurse working in France when the Germans bear down and start taking over the country mile by mile. She is engaged but her eyes keep drifting to Jack, an injured British soldier who she is helping take care of. When word comes that most of the staff will be evacuated, Cate is left behind. In a flash of gunfire, she tells Jack that they need to escape regardless of his injuries. After trapping across the countryside, slowed by the depth of Jack’s wounds, Cate comes across sisters Addy and Elise.

Adelaide and Elise have lost their family. Their parents have died and their brother was killed soon after he left to fight the war. One day, they witness what will be known as Le Paradis massacre and find two survivors on their doorstep. With Nazis encamped nearby, they take a chance to hide them in their house. When Cate arrives in their doorstep, they take her in as their “cousin.” With France about to fall into Hitler’s hands, how will the refugees ever get out and back to England?

This book is an escape back to a time that history will never forget. I actually completed this book in a day. It was easy to read and you fall in love with the characters. I highly recommend it if you are a fan of historical fiction. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#netgalley #thesecretsweleftbehind

#TheSecretsWeLeftBehind opens with the evacuation of Dunkirk and is told by three different women that were left behind to survive. Cate is a British nurse, Elise and Addy are French sisters. Each woman has her own story as they survive the German occupation. I found myself shocked at how fast I devoured this book. It just seemed that I was there with them, part of their story and the pace just continued until I had no more to read. Thank you #NetGalley for allowing me to give my voluntary and honest opinion.

The Secrets We Left Behind is based on facts that happened in Dunkirk during World War II. Soraya Lane writes an engrossing story about those events and three brave women.

By the picture on the front of the book you would not think this would be the story.

Based in Occupied France, 1940. , Nurse Cate is left behind following an evacuation of a field hospital in France.. When the Nazis arrive to take all the remaining patients to prisoners of war, she takes her chance and flees into the night, taking one patient with her.
Fifty miles away, the surrendering soldiers of the Royal Norfolk Regiment are shot dead by the Germans. Two men survive, and take refuge in a nearby farmhouse, where sisters Elise and Adelaide live. Cate, arrives at their door with her injured soldier, and the 2 sisters take them in.

I loved this book and couldn’t put it down, I kept hoping the outcome would be different, I finished it in 2 days
Highly recommend

HUMBLED is the word that comes to mind when I finished The Secrets We Left Behind by Soraya M Lane. I’m humbled when I stop to think of all the people in the world who gave up their lives and all the families that lost loved ones to fight in WWII. We had a lot of folks who gave all and not just in the United States.

This is the second book I’ve read written by Soraya M Lane. I read her book The Last Correspondent and loved that one as well. She puts so much research into her stories. It is unbelievable. I feel like I’m right there in the midst of the war and what the women are fighting for. These two books are from a woman’s perspective. It doesn’t make war any easier to read about but, it does give you a look at how long we have had to fight for our rights and how strong we are as women.

I loved this book. I loved the love stories. I loved the fight for survival. I loved the characters. Did it all bring me to tears. YES!

If you haven’t read anything like this, I strongly urge you to try a book by Soraya M Lane. She is awesome. The Secrets We Left Behind releases May 20th. Pre-order yours now. I promise you, you will be glad you did!

I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher and #Netgalley for a fair and honest review. Thank you!

Sacrifice for freedom

A breathtaking story of people brought together in the midst of the enemy during WWII. The characters were so true to life and the story kept you in suspense.

LIlly and Cate the British nurse's stationed at Dunkirk. Lilly evacuated and Cate stayed behind with the patients. Jack Cate's patient at the hospital who fled with her after the evacuation. Harry and Peter the British soldiers that cheated death at the hands of the Nazi commander the only two to survive the "Le Paradis Massacre". Adelaide and Elise the farm girls that took in the fleeing British soldiers Peter and Harry as well as Jack and Cate.

The story is of these characters in a farmhouse in the middle of Nazi troops. The different opinions, the romances, the disagreements and the plans to escape which went horribly wrong. The ones that escaped, the ones that stayed behind and one that did not survive.

Their story of the life in the farmhouse and the escape will keep you in suspense and keep you reading. The courage these young people showed in the face of the enemy is awesome. It is a story that proves the quest for life and freedom is strong enough to sustain and that love and memories live on. So many lost so much in the war and some were true heroes.

This was a very good story and based on events at the time. The ending was perfect. I was sad for those lost but very happy for those that survived. I would recommend this book.

Thanks to Soraya M. Lane, Amazon Publishing U.K. and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review an advanced copy of this book.

WWII historical fiction has become my specialty. I did not intend for it to be, but after reading my first novel about the most horrifying period in our history I was hooked and have read and reviewed every possible book I could get my hands on. I love all the different perspectives this war is written from. It seems to me there is always a story to be told and always a different point of view to be shared. To me reading about the heroes of WWII is never dull, boring or repetitive, and this story is no exception.
Cate is a British nurse, left behind at a clearance hospital in France, when the British soldiers begin evacuating from Dunkirk, France, with the Germans closing in on them. Cate, seeing that if they remain in the hospital capture is inevitable, she rouses Jack a patient whom she has grown fond of, but who is not ready to leave the hospital telling him they must go. With Jack leading the way they venture in the opposite direction than that of the soldiers, hoping the Germans have already been through and left. This is not the case.
When Cate leaves a stricken Jack to go find help she encounters German soldiers and faking living in a nearby house lucks out when the young woman who answers the door goes along with her story, claiming Cate as her cousin.
In Le Paradis France, Elise and her sister Adelaide witness the massacre of nearly 100 hundred British soldiers from behind the living room curtains. So when there is a knock on the door Elise is reluctant to answer and even more reluctant to offer help, wanting to protect the only family she has left, her younger sister. Realizing she must help she allows them in, along with two British soldiers that survived the massacre.
This book brings the characters to life as we read of Elise's reluctance, and then her and Addy's heroic sacrifices to help others. We read of the lengths people go to to survive, and the bonds that are formed in the facing the common enemy together. The ties that are formed when one person risks everything to help another simply because it is the right thing to do.
This story is partly based on truth, the evacuation of British troops at Dunkirk did occur, and the Le Paradis Massacre is a true event, making this story all the more real and heart-wrenching.
This is a must read for all historical fiction fans, along the lines of Pam Jenoff, Karen Robards, and Ellen Marie Wiseman.
I give 5 stars, and say thank you to the publishers at Amazon publishing and Net Galley for the free ARC copy of the e-book version of this novel, I am leaving my honest review in return.
#NetGalley
#TheSecretsWeLeftBehind

I so wanted to love this book. I'm a huge fan of WW2 historical fiction, particularly when we see the secret lives of the women involved.
This book just missed the mark for me, by a very wide margin. I hate to leave a negative review, but I just didn't get on with this book at all.
We start in 1939 in Dunkirk, and swiftly move to the 1940 at the very well known evacuation of British troops. We meet Cate, a nurse who is developing feelings for a soldier under her care. We get a bit of backstory about her fiance who is missing presumed dead. At the invasion by the Germans, they escape from the hospital and walk to Le Paradis - where we meet Addy and Elise, French sisters who have witnessed the terrible massacre at Le Paradis. What happens next is basically what feels like a paint-by-numbers WW2 novel with love interests, the Resistance, and of course eventual escape. 
It just felt like this could be any romance novel set at any time. The language felt anachronistic to the time, the characters were not well fleshed out at all, and the romance parts just all of a sudden happened, between two characters who up until someone says 'I thought you liked one another' had been arguing. Maybe I'm being unfair - I'm no linguistic expert after all - but some of it just jarred. 
The author fails at show don't tell, and ultimately that is what I didn't enjoy about this book. I got no sense at all about anything that wasn't explicitly told to me. I felt no suspense at all, it was blatantly obvious at every turn what was going to happen.
Thanks Netgalley for the opportunity to read, but this one was a dud. I'm giving 2 stars because it was readable in that spelling and grammar was fine, and although it was a frustrating read for me, it was the type of book I'd call a 'beach read' - something you'll read because there's not much else available but you wouldn't ever be bothered reading again.

A riveting story of WWII: the evacuation of Dunkirk, the massacre at Le Paradis and the strength and courage of those fighting against the German occupation of France.

French sisters (Elise and Adelaide) are hiding a British nurse (Cate) and two injured British soldiers (Harry and Jack) in their house in the small Village of Le Paradis.

The story is an emotional read about family, friendship, trust and love. It is hard not to become invested in the lives of all living together under incredibly difficult circumstances.

The story is told through the three women and their strength and commitment to each other and to the men they are treating leaps from the pages.

I could not put down this book until I knew what happened to each of the characters.

Very well told story. I was so saddened to hear that some of the events were actually historical. It's amazing what people will do to/ for others. The author managed to get every emotion from me whilst I was reading! #terrifying, #romantic, #family, #friendship,#deception, #tragic, #heroic, #descriptive, #nostalgic, #amazing.

We all what happened at the battle of Dunkirk through books, films etc. But there is not a lot is written about those that were left behind. The Secrets we left behind by Soraya M Lane talks about just that. The base of this story is fact but the characters etc are fiction.
Cate is a British nurse in German occupied France, on the beaches of Dunkirk when she is given the short straw (literally) to stay behind and look after the wounded soldiers left behind. With one of the patients (Jack) she runs to safety.
Adelaide and her sister Elise live on their own in a village of La Paradis. There parents died and so did their brother Louis fight in the war. The two-sister witness 100 British soldiers being executed on the spot after trying to surrender. But luckily two soldiers Harry and Peter survive, but severely injured. Peter is so much in pain the end he asks Adelaide to take him to surrender. When the two sisters meet Cate and Jack. This starts a course of determination and bravery to help them escape and return to England.
Ms Lane has done it again with this beautifully written story of sacrifes and bravery in the aftermath of Dunkirk. It is also a very thought-provoking book. It also made me want to find out more to what happened to the soldiers etc that were left behind. This had a great character and a little bit of romance thrown in. If you love Historical fiction, you will love this too. I highly recommend.

I enjoyed this book as I didn't know anything about the people left behind at Dunkirk. It was sad, but good to read and I enjoyed the epilogue.

‘The Secrets We Left Behind’ tells of five young people whose lives suddenly collide in a French farmhouse at the height of WWII. The house belongs to sisters Elise and Adelaide, the only members left of their family. As the Germans advance towards their area, they unwittingly witness the Le Paradis massacre, a historical event I was unaware of until reading this novel. They make the dangerous choice to shelter the only two British soldiers to survive this horror.

Simultaneously, British nurse Cate is caught up in the fracas surrounding Dunkirk’s evacuation, but she and a wounded patient, Jack, uncertain what’s happening on the beaches of Dunkirk, make the decision to flee further into France instead. They too find their way to the home of the sisters, where the remaining five play a dangerous game of subterfuge and hiding as the Germans overrun the village. To complicate matters even further, Adelaide has caught the attention of a high-ranking Nazi officer, putting everyone in danger and causing conflict between the sisters as Adelaide struggles to reconcile her attraction for Wolfgang with the reports of his cruelty. Because clearly they can’t hide for an indeterminate amount of time in this farmhouse, the five come up with a plan (thanks to the burgeoning French resistance) to help the British stowaways be smuggled back to England.

I really wanted to love this book, but while it was an enjoyable, fast read, I didn’t love it. Without giving too much away, at times it felt like a rather cliche romance within a romance within a romance, and each of the romantic entanglements lacked the depth or plausibility I needed to connect with their characters — not to mention my frustration at foolish reactions or choices. The ending section felt oddly rushed, which unfortunately contributed to me feeling as if I didn’t really know any of the characters very well. So sadly, for me this was good but not great. However, I very much appreciate the publishers and NetGalley giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for my unbiased review.

There was so much sadness in this book. I really love historical fiction and especially WW2 era. Her writing was beautiful and it made me feel like I was there holding her hand in the terror. Real tears flowed and this one will be one to remember for a while.

The Secrets We Left Behind is a highly compelling story, one that I could simply not put down once I started reading! I was instantly invested in the characters of this story, brave women and men living in a constant state of fear and uncertainty as the Nazis take control of France in the spring of 1940. Cate is a British nurse who is left behind at an evacuation hospital as the British are being rescued from Dunkirk, escaping the Nazis with a critically wounded soldier. Elise and Adelaide are French sisters who suddenly find themselves providing refuge to wounded British soldiers of their own, even as the Nazis are taking over their town, placing themselves in grave danger. It was fascinating to read the story of Dunkirk, not from the point of view of those who were rescued, but by those who were left behind, at the mercy of the Nazis. The author sometimes paints a very graphic picture of the horrors that are encountered at this time, but that is alleviated by the humanity shown by the sisters, by the courage of Cate, and the determination of them all to survive.

Thank you Netgalley for an ARC of The Secrets We Left Behind in exchange for my honest opinion.

My first Soraya M. Lane book. Definitely not my last. This book took me on an emotional journey. I could not put it down. Following the lives of 5 people brought together by tragedy, during one of the worst times in the history of the world. Germany has invaded France. 2 sisters living alone in a house just trying to get by happen to open the doors to strangers in need of help.

The story started out great and I was really enjoying it. Then slowly if just fell flat. Poor character development (really never felt attached to any of them), forced relationships that developed ridiculously quickly and seemed so out of character. Just wasn't satisfied with the ending either. Too many details left (exactly what was Jack's injury?) and just unrealistic attachments (every WWII novel I read placed in France seems to use General Schmitt as a characters there are other avenues to explore)

Overall, good story idea just needed better character development.

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.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
The story is set in occupied France with varied point of views. It started with alternating views of a nurse in a hospital with the wounded soldiers and 2 sisters living in a farmhouse who witness an horrific incident. The story is fast paced and the stories do intertwine. Loved the story it told and will definitely recommend!!!

The moment I picked up this book I was hooked.
1939 Dunkirk France.
Cate and Lilly what lies ahead for these two nurses, best friends and nearly sister's in law's Cate misses Charlie her fiancé but both girls are kept so busy tending the soldiers, as the Germans fly overhead and WW2 is declared they only are meant to spend a few months in Dunkirk then be shipped back home to England.
Elise and Adelaide French sister's witness so much heartache as they fight to survive. You really must read on, oh gosh harrowing accounts all the way through this book, a unique story that secrets were definitely left behind.
I loved it

This is a breathtaking and heartbreaking story set during the second world war. The British troops in France are being evacuated because the Germans are overwhelming. Two French sisters are living alone after tragic losses. Three injured British soldiers and a British nurse show up at their house looking for a safe place to hide. The German military is all around them and the sisters have to decide if they are willing to help the soldiers and nurse. If they help, they risk their own lives. If they turn them away, they could be sending the visitors to their deaths. This is a powerful story of desperation, love, loss, hope, family and the sacrifices they were willing to make. This is a mesmerizing story that is based on some historical facts. The characters will capture your heart and break it a few times along the way. I highly recommend this book.

A powerful, and very emotional story of survival during World War II
This is my first book by this author and I was blown away by her writing! She wrote this novel during Covid19 lockdown in New Zealand. Wow, something wonderful that has come out of lockdown!

This is basically the story of three very strong women. One is a British nurse who together with a wounded soldier are left behind in Dunkirk and must find their way to freedom. The other is a French woman who lives with her younger sister in a small village in France. They witness a massacre of British soldiers right in front of their house. They risk their lives helping two surviving British soldiers. The stories of these three women come together.

I could not stop turning the pages fast enough. I was that captivated with the story. This is hands down my favourite (so far) Historical Fiction book that I've read this year. A moving and compelling story that made me cry.

I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK, and Lake Union Publishing for kindly granting me access to this Advance Reader Copy.