The Secret History of Audrey James    by Heather Marshall Order:  USA  Can Ballantine, 2025 (2025) Softcover, e-Book     Reviewed by Hilary Williamson Heather Marshall's historical novel The Secret History of Audrey James brings together two women, moving back and forth in time to tell their stories. Audrey James' journey begins in 1938 Berlin, while Kate Mercer's lies in modern day England. Audrey is English but attends the Berlin music conservatory, staying with close family friends, the Kaplans. Her best friend is their daughter Ilse. Tensions have risen since Ilse's younger brother was badly beaten by a Hitler Youth gang. Audrey's father urges her to leave. Of course, readers know where this will lead. Soon, Ilse's family is rounded up, while she and Audrey watch nearby. High-ranking Nazis take over their house. Audrey gets hired there as a housekeeper and hides Ilse in the attic. She also works with the Resistance on a plot to kill Hitler. To Ilse, Audrey is a dear sister, but Audrey wants more than friendship from her. We join Kate Mercer and her dog Ozzie in 2010 London after an accident killed her parents. Looking through old photos, she finds they enjoyed a visit to the Oakwood Inn, a B&B near the Scottish border. Looking it up, she sees a 'HELP WANTED' notice and applies to be an Assistant Administrator. She hopes for a fresh start and healing there. On arrival, Kate meets elderly Audrey and learns that it was the housekeeper (Sue) who hired her without Audrey's knowledge. She's allowed to stay on a probationary basis and gradually earns Audrey's trust. In a grand finale, a locket reveals the powerful link between them. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Historical books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews