The Secrets of Latimer House

by Jules Wake

In the war against Hitler every secret counts…

Society heiress Evelyn Brooke-Edwards is a skilled interrogator – her beauty making her a non-threat in the eyes of the prisoners.

Farm girl Betty Connors may not be able to type as she claimed, but her crack analytical skills soon find her unearthing covert connections.

German ex-pat Judith Stern never expected to find herself listening in to German POW’s whispered conversations, but the Nazis took her father from her so she will do whatever it takes to help the Allies end this war.

Billeted together in the attic of Latimer House – a place where secrets abound – Evelyn, Betty and Judith soon form a bond of friendship that carries them through the war. Because nothing is stronger than women united.

Tucked away in the Buckinghamshire countryside, Latimer House, a grand country estate, stands proudly – a witness to some of greatest secrets of WW2.

Used by the SOE to hold Nazi prisoners of war, this stunning historical novel is inspired by the untold story of the secret listeners of ‘M Room’ who worked day and night to help the Allies win the war. A must-read for fans of Dinah Jefferies, Fiona Valpy, Elaine Everest, Jean Fullerton and Deborah Burrowes.

Genres: Historical Fiction, World War II, Fiction, Historical, Romance, British Literature, Audiobook

435 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 30, 2021

About the author

Jule Wake's first book, Talk to Me, was published in 2014. Since then, she has written a further eighteen books, with another two in the pipeline. She has sold translation rights to various countries throughout Europe, she's had two best sellers with Covent Garden in the Snow reaching the heady height of No 2 in the Amazon Kindle chart, something she never thought she’d see and The Little Café in Copenhagen becoming a big hit in Sainsbury’s. In January 2021 The Saturday Morning Park Run was her first book to gather over 3,000 reviews on Amazon. Running and romance is a great combination!

Reviews

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one, it was so interesting and different from the usual World War Two sagas. This one dealt with secrets and German Prisoners of war and finding out secrets. I devoured this one so quickly as I just wanted to find out more. Hope to read more by this author. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Secret of Latimer House is based on a real place and a real section of war operations.
Evelyn, Judith and Betty, three girls from very different backgrounds, arrive here to do their bit for the war effort and become friends. Each one works in a different section of the house and it's all highly secretive. The girls can't even tell each other what they do.
I was flying along with this story and really enjoying it. Then about 60% in it descended into slush and sentimentality. It became all about the girls lives and there wasn't enough about the war work.
There were also too many coincidences. Things came about too easily.
Also I couldn't get to grips with Evelyn's story. She seemed to get away with things which in a highly secret operation was ridiculous to say the least. I couldn't believe she would have been allowed to do what she did and this made me sceptical about the story from there.
However, I enjoyed what I read about Latimer House itself. A piece of history I had not heard about before.

Thanks to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of this book.

[Shirley McAllister · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Tomorrow Because Today is Done

An amazing story of three brave young women in WWII. Not a pairing you would imagine. The socialite Evelyn, the farm girl Betty, and the Jewish expat Judith. Three of the strongest women sharing a room at Latimer house, a secret interrogation center for German Soldiers just outside London, England. Everything they do and even Latimer House itself is a secret not to be repeated to anyone. As far as the civilians know it is a distribution center.

Each one of the three girls is determined to help win the war in any way they can. They all have their own problems and the three of them work together to solve these problems. They help each other in their work and in their lifetime struggles. All the girls have either lost someone in the war or someone is missing, thus their work with the German Prisoner's is extremely hard for them.

Evelyn interrogates prisoners, Judith listens in on their conversations in their cells and Betty analyses the reports for similarities and importance before they go to the administrators. They share a room, they share their lives, their romances and their families with each other. They become the best of friends.

Sometimes the job becomes too much and sometimes family becomes too much, but the girls are there for each other even when it is bad. Through tears, secrets and anxiety they support one another. One quotation from Cicero I really enjoyed reading . Judith printed it on postcards for the other girls From Cicero "Friendship approves happiness and abates grief by the doubling of our joy and the dividing of our grief"

I was surprised to read in the epilogue that Latimer House really did exist and it really was a top secret military establishment even though the characters and the story is fiction.

My favorite character was Betty. She was so alive and peppy. She always seemed to light up a room in her special way.

I really enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it.

Thanks to Jules Wake, HarperCollins U.K, One More Chapter and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary copy for my honest review.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Latimer House in Buckinghamshire was used in WW2 secretly for interrogation of German prisoners of war.

It is 1943 three young women Evelyn, Betty and Judith who all come from different backgrounds are brought to Latimer House, to do their duty for the war. Each has their own role to play to get information from the German prisoners to help win the war. The girls can't even tell each other what they do.

Each of the three girls are determined to help win the war anyway they can. They all have their own problems, but the three girls become friends and help each other.

I love reading historical fiction and had to Google Latimer House after reading this amazing book.

I loved the three women's characters and how strong they had to be to carry out this work. A well written gripping read that kept me fully hooked throughout.

I hope to read more from this author.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

This five-star read is the first historical fiction novel for Jules Wake and I think you’ll agree with me it’s a real treat for lovers of this genre!!!

Set in WW2, this novel is based on true events which took place in a local manor house tucked away in the Buckinghamshire countryside close to the author’s home. Latimer House was a witness to some of the greatest secrets of WW2. This top-secret site was where high-ranking POW were interrogated by MI5 and MI6. Thousands of German prisoners, including Hitler’s Generals, passed through between 1942-1945. What they didn’t know was that their cells were bugged and everything they said between themselves was listened to by German speakers. Conversations of over 10,000 POWs, now in the archives, revealed information about weapons, strategy and future plans.

Society heiress Evelyn Brooke-Edwards, farm girl Betty Connors, and German ex-pat Judith Stern, three very different women, were billeted together in the attic of Latimer House and developed a tight friendship which carried them through the war. It was fascinating to read about women who were given jobs that hadn’t previously been open to them and at this site, they were promoted for their ability and ended up having lots of responsibility. One of the three is a skilled interrogator, another has fantastic analytical skills she uses to unearth covert connections and one listens in on the whispered conversations. They each have a past that has pushed them to be willing to do whatever it takes to help the Allies win the war. When they experienced personal loss and tragedy, these girls were able to rely on each other for survival – The Three Musketeers. Doing the work they were trained for becomes second nature until the day that one of them is faced with a divided loyalty.

Expertly researched and passionately penned, this book is an easy read - like having a conversation with a good friend. It’s filled with lots of British expressions and sprinkled with exchanges that’ll bring a smile. You’ll have to read to find out what the girls called “passion killers!”

“Friendship improves happiness and abates grief by the doubling of our joy and the dividing of our grief.” - Marcus Tullius Cicero

Inspired by the women who carried out covert operations at Latimer House, which housed German prisoners during the Second World War, this book needs to be on your radar come August 30, 2021.

I was gifted this advance copy by Jules Wake, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 stars rounded down to 4

Society heiress Evelyn Brooke-Edwards is a skilled interrogator - her beauty making her a non-threat in the eyes of the prisoners. Farm girl Betty Connors may not be able to type as she claimed, but her crack analytical skills soon find her unearthing covert connections. German ex-pat Judith Stern never expected to find herself listening to German POW's whispered conversations, but the Nazis took her father from her so she will do whatever it takes to help the allies end the war. Tucked away in the Buckinghamshire countryside, Latimer House, a grand country estate, stands proudly - witness to some of the greatest secrets of WWII.

This is the story of three women who were chosen to work in Latimer House during WWII. The villagers are told it's a distribution centre.

Evelyn, Betty and Judith all work at the country house and quickly make good friends. Each woman has their own trials and tribulations. They also come from different backgrounds but they all have the same goal, to help the allies win the war. The story has been really well researched and it's intriguing. I loved the three women's characters and the strengths they needed to carry out this work. I loved this book from beginning to end.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #HaperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #JulesWake for my ARC of #TheSecretsOfLatimerHouse in exchange for an honest review.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers will be drawn to this book fo a number of different reasons – wartime stories are, I know, immensely popular, and the publishers are calling this book “a treat for lovers of this genre”. Indeed it is, but there will be others who are drawn to it because it’s written by an author they’ve loved before – and others will be intrigued by the secret history of Latimer House, the interrogation unit the Buckinghamshire locals believed to be a distribution centre, the inspiration for the story. And then there’ll be the saga readers, who simply enjoy reading about the lives of women in wartime – and they most certainly won’t be disappointed by this one. But whatever your reasons for picking it up, I can promise you have rather a treat in store.

This is the story of three women, who find themselves working at Latimer House, carrying out different roles, sharing a room. Evelyn is from a privileged background, an officer in naval intelligence, both intelligent and striking to look at, speaks fluent German, her self-confidence perhaps a little off-putting to some – but her family has been touched by the impact of war, and she’s been separated from the man she’d hoped to marry. Judith is German, and Jewish – she has no family now, fled from the Nazis as a refugee having witnessed some of the horrors, and finds it difficult to trust others and to forge new friendships. And then there’s Betty – with film star looks, a bubbly personality, a girl from a nearby village but aspiring to a better life than marriage to her family’s thug of a landlord.

Evelyn becomes an interrogator of the prisoners of war who pass through Latimer House on their way to the prison camps: Judith is a listener, working in M Room, noting and recording conversations between prisoners covertly monitored in their cells. Betty arrives as a rather inept typist, but proves to have other skills, and ends up analysing transcripts of conversations looking for links between them – but she also has die Helligkeit, the ability to light up a room, and you really can’t fail to take her to your heart.

The historical background to this book is simply fascinating, and I can see why the author was inspired to write it – I’d never heard of Latimer House before, and you might well want to turn to Google in the same way I did to find out more. The surrounding community were wholly unaware of the pivotal part both the house and its grounds played in the collection of crucial wartime intelligence, and its secrets aren’t anything like as well known as other locations like Bletchley Park. The author’s research is simply superb, and she brings the location and its day-to-day activities vividly to life.

But this is also the story of the strong friendship that develops between the three women, the trials and tribulations they all experience, their shared moments of joy, their bravery and determination – and I have to say I loved every single moment. It’s a cracking story, the characterisation is excellent – there’s a really strong supporting cast too, with some convincing villains and a few particularly well developed good guys – and I was more than happy to be carried away by it all for a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon of reading. There’s plenty of drama too, a good touch of romance, a few unexpected twists and turns… and there are more than a few moments of particular emotion, often accompanied by music, that brought a tear to my eye. And it’s a real page-turner too… I really loved it, and recommend it really highly.

[Leith Devine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read a lot of WWII historical fiction, and I really liked this book. Three girls are posted to Latimer House in different capacities. They’re told it’s a distribution facility, because it turns out to be a place where German POWs are interrogated. Women who speak German are valuable, because the prisoners take them for granted. Evelyn is an upper class girl who talks directly to the POWs, Judith is a Jewish girl who escaped Germany and listens in to the prisoner’s bugged bunks, and Betty is a local girl who works as an analyst. The three become close, but the work has to remain a secret. I recommend this book if you like home front WWII historical fiction, 4 stars.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Friendship improves happiness and abates grief by the doubling of our joy and the dividing of our grief.’
The Secrets of Latimer House drew me in and gave me all the feels♥️
What a beautifully written historical novel based on true events. Following three young women determined to help with the war effort no matter what comes their way. Judith, Evelyn and Betty….what endearing characters to get to know. It was heartwarming to watch their friendship grow and mature.
Such a unique insight into what went on at the Latimer House. The authors research and quest to get the facts. correct shows in her writing.
Highly recommend for fans of WWII novels.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.

[StinaStaffymum · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★★ 4.5 stars (rounded up)

I love historical fiction, particularly those featured during wartime. THE SECRETS OF LATIMER HOUSE may be a work of fiction and its characters fictionally drawn from the author's pen but the events upon which this story is based are real. Nestled in the Buckinghamshire countryside just an hour outside of London, Latimer House was a top secret site where high-ranking German POWs were held and interrogated during World War 2. Thousands of prisoners passed through its doors as their conversations were listened to by German speaking operatives via the bugs in their cells. Everything of note was transcribed, conversations recorded and are now in the archives, revealing information about Hitler's weapons and strategies to invade Britain and win the war. Thus providing an ideal background for this story.

Society heiress Evelyn Brookes-Edwards, a lieutenant with the Wrens, finds herself facing a court martial for breaking her commanding officer's jaw when he tried forcing himself on her. Instead she is transferred to a top secret location in a sleepy village in Buckinghamshire to Latimer House where she is to interrogate high-ranking German POWs. Her fluency in German proves her to be invaluable in Britain's war against Hitler.

Before the war, Evelyn enjoyed high society and trips to Bavaria where she met and fell in love with Peter Von Hoensbroek, a German aristocrat. The couple enjoyed a courtship before becoming engaged. And then war was declared. And so Peter thought it best to break off their engagement, being on opposite sides of battle. Her father agreed it was for the best as he and her brother David set off to fight for King and country. It is now 1943 and Evelyn hasn't heard from Peter in four years and her own brother for six months, who is now in a German POW camp. But Evelyn, whose German is impeccable, puts her strengths to good use for the war effort to help bring an end to it all.

Local girl Betty Connors enjoys her work with the ATS in London away from her the fussing of her mother and her sort-of fiance Bert. But on a visit home when her mother lets slip that something is going on "up at the big house" and that maybe she could get a job up there, Betty isn't so sure. It would mean she would always be there for Bert to paw at and expect things of her. Bert's family own the terraced cottage in which Betty's family live and to ensure their continued safety Betty has to keep in sweet with Bert...something which she does not relish. There is something about him she is not comfortable with but her mother thinks the sun shines out of him and it just became expected that they would marry. Now Bert throws his weight around and sits at the head of the table, where her father used to sit, when he visits, expecting Betty to do his bidding "when we're wed".

But when he begins to make insinuations about her younger sister who appears younger than her fifteen years, Betty realises she needs to be close by to protect her. So she requests a transfer to Latimer House, known locally as a Distribution Centre, as a typist though she is anything but. Her presence immediately catches the eye of American Major Carl Wendermeyer who notices right away that she is no typist, but she is smart and with her photographic memory of transcripts she has typed up - albeit terribly - she is transferred as an analyst and is promoted to sergeant.

Judith Stern is a German Jew is lost everything in Kristallnacht. She came to England at the tender age of 17 in 1938 but has never truly conformed. It is even harder now as all Germans are viewed as the enemy, even the Jews, which is ironic considering she fled her country to find peace only to find her new home is at war with her old one. Judith keeps to herself for even opening her mouth to speak will give her ethnicity away and then come the sneers and the outrage from those around her.

Her work in Hull was boring and unfulfilling until one day Judith is transferred to Latimer House where her job will be to listen in to the private conversations of prisoners in their cells to ascertain whether they will reveal any secrets they have not disclosed to their interrogators. Most of those she works alongside have escaped similar circumstances and can sympathise, but their knowledge of the German language can help work for Britain in its war against Germany. Judith is incredibly reserved and simply wants to get on with the job for which she has been employed. She wasn't prepared to meet Walther, nor find the bond of friendship with Evelyn and Betty.

The three women are billeted together in an attic room of the manor house where they become friends. Although having all signed the Official Secrets Act, neither woman can speak of the work they each undertake - even to each other. But it isn't long before they become familiar with the workings inside Latimer House, and its secrets, and what each of them does there. They each learn to trust each other and build a friendship that will last a lifetime as they face the demons of their pasts and in the present.

Although a little slow to take off as each of the women's stories are set, it then takes off into an emotionally addictive read. There are so many secrets wrapped up in this wonderful story that I found I didn't want it to end. It is such a different aspect to the war. It is entertaining, emotional and entirely believable. I loved each of the women for their differences and their strengths...but I loathed Bert.

THE SECRETS OF LATIMER HOUSE is an enjoyable leisurely read based on real event and fact of Britain's darkest time. It focuses somewhat on those events as well as friendship, loyalty and a little bit of romance. A pure delight to read.

I would like to thank #JulesWake, #Netgalley, #RachelsRandomResources and #OneMoreChapter for an ARC of #TheSecretsOfLatimerHouse in exchange for an honest review.

This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secrets of Latimer House by Jules Wake is an excellent WWII-era historical fiction novel that is gripping, suspenseful, and engaging. I really enjoyed it!

I loved the premise of these fantastic, strong, intelligent, and different women being brought together under cover to help lend their unique services to the war effort. With these covert operations, three women whom would not have had much in common: Judith, Betty, and Evelyn, are under one roof uniting in one common goal. The relationships that develop, the friendships forged through thick and thin are, what I think, is part of the best aspect of this novel. The character backgrounds, the progression, and the development are spot on. The author has a real talent!

I enjoyed the character cast, plot, pacing, suspense, twists, turns, and the spot of romance tossed in.

It was also fascinating to get a glimpse of a top secret location and some of the activities that took place at a true historic site. Latimer House in Buckinghamshire did exist and I always love it when I get to learn something new while I am enjoying a fictional novel.

Highly recommend.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Harper Collins One More Chapter for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.

[Tammy Jata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three girls find purpose and meaning in working for the war effort inside Latimer house. This story follows the girls, Evelyn, Judith and Betty as they unravel their lives and forge a friendship in their little dorm room in the very top of the Latimer House. None of them know what the other one does in the house. It’s all very secretive. The house is beautifully described and with the help of Betty, who had worked as a maid in the house previously, the girls were able to go back and forth to their room through a secret passage that only the servants knew. I thought that was a rather cool touch to the story.

The girls storylines are all intriguing, but my heart really went out to Judith. Her job at Latimer House was to listen in on the conversations of the POWS as they chatted to each other in their cells. She had lost her father when the Nazis took him. She entered the war effort after fleeing from the Nazis. She was both German and Jew and had seen enough of the horrors of the war that she knew she wanted to fight back, but her job in M room, became almost too much for her as she heard the men talking about lining up women and children and executing them. One evening the girls returned to their shared room to find her sobbing on her bed. Thanks to their sweet gentle words and their comforting hugs she was able to keep going.

On any given day the girls would find themselves in need of each other. They formed a sisterly bond up there in their attic room. It was their reprieve from the strenuous work they did every day.

This book has a little bit of everything, suspense, intrigue, women’s friendships, and lots of breathtaking moments..You will also feast on tea and crumpets in Evelyn’s mother’s beautiful mansion and roam through her flower gardens. It’s not heavy like a lot of WW2 novels. I think you all will find it a wonderful book with just the right amount of love and war spattered throughout, that you’ll keep turning the pages to the very end!

[Carol Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the setting of Latimer House, loved the room in the rooftops & the window to their own rooftop balcony. Really enjoyed getting to hear the ins & outs of the secrets gained by engaging displaced German Jews to listen in & psychoanalyse unaware prisoners of war.. did this really happen?
Disappointed that I didn’t feel the main characters had any special camaraderie together it felt like they had just been jammed together.. I guess in the end they did come together, two of them sharing their love of something special. What a shame this author is not generally a historic writer. I was sad we won’t get to see her improve herself in this genre, she’s clearly a talented writer but most especially a devoted researcher.

[Gmr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story set in more than trying times as everyone tries to find their place in a world on the edge, The Secrets of Latimer House takes you out of the here and now, and into history. Yes, ladies and gents, there WAS a 'Latimer House', and while the ins and outs of what went on moved us from battlefields to victory, the lives held within were just as important. Here is where the fiction part of the novel lies. The author learned about the reality, and created a world within that world so believable, so moving, so memorable that it goes beyond blurring the line between.

Despite there being many characters worthy of mention, for one reason or another, the heart and soul of the story reside in Evelyn, Betty, and Judith. Three women from more different backgrounds would be hard to find, but throughout their time together, through the ups, downs, heartaches, heart breaks, laughter, and tears, they realize that their similarities outweigh each and every one. They are women with families, and stories to share, all fighting for a common goal...to end a war that should never have been. They each contribute to the cause, some in bigger ways than they even realize, but the thing that really gets them through the bad times isn't just their gumption or resolve, but their friendship. The bond that they build, even while having to maintain secrets for the cause between them, gives them strength when they are down, courage when they are flagging, and backing for whatever may come their way. Evelyn with her good breeding and grace; she always knew how to handle any intimidating situation, but matters of the heart, she needed a hand. Betty was all beauty and bluster, but she learns that brains come along with that package and she only needed the right set of eyes to glimpse it for herself. Judith was reserved due to her darkened past, but she cared ever so much and so deeply that those friendships forged were her tethers in stormy times. They were sisters from different misters, brought together by choice and circumstance, in a world that didn't know how to break the hold evil had on it, but would never stop trying.

It was beautiful. It was heartbreaking. It had moments at which to shudder from anger and fear. It had moments with which to bask in the sun while remembering with fondness. I couldn't have asked for a better cast of characters, more memorable moments, or a clearer glimpse into a part of history I never knew.


**ecopy provided for review; opinions are my own

[Hazel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Historical fiction novel based on true happenings at Latimer house during WW2.

This was a story told from the 3 different POVs of Evelyn a ranked officer with a high society background, Betty a rubbish typist but brilliant analyst from a lower class background and Judith a German who escaped to London and finds her feet helping the war effort.

The chapters rotate through all 3 girls and their personal lives and how the war impacts them. It provides a glimpse into what life could have been like at the secret Latimer house facility which poses as a distribution centre but is actually an intelligence base for interrogating POW.

An enjoyable read with a good mix of historical information, interspersed with daily life. A story of tragedy, hope, despair and friendship. This book blends together the way in which people can overcome societal and cultural differences to make a difference and forge relationships.

Thanks to #NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy of #TheSecretsofLatimerHouse which is due to be published on August 30th 2021.

[em · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this. From the first chapter, I was hooked. Each character was well developed and has their own trauma, anxieties and hope. There is something that works so well between the three women, Evelyn, Betty and Judith, their friendship exceeds the limits of the pages of this book. They felt real and raw and human. Over the course of this novel, we learn about their pasts and futures as they work through the war and everything that is thrown at them. There wasn't a single moment during this book where I was bored, by the end of it I was almost disappointed with how quickly I had finished it. Wake has a talent for crafting stories and characters that feel honest and evoke such strong emotions from the reader. A brilliant Historical Fiction that was an absolute joy to read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #TheSecretsOfLatimerHouse #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Skyesmum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I enjoyed this book! The setting was described with such richness, I could see the house, the mess hall, the Buckinghamshire area. I loved the main characters with their stories that we discovered and how hard life was during WW2. There were facts that were completely new to me and as a Brit, I was proud to read on. Jules Wakes always writes books that capture my imagination, but this one is quite possibly one of my top reads for 2021, and I hope there's more historical fiction to come.

[Kimberly (kimmerthebooknerd) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful historical fiction piece. The characters alone pulled me in. They each have such diverse stories and I loved their journeys.
Pub date : August 30, 2021
Thank you NetGalley for the DRC in exchange for an honest review.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Jules’ work for a little while now. I also absolutely love historical fiction with a special focus on the Second World War. So you can probably appreciate why the synopsis of ‘The Secrets Of Latimer House’ screamed ‘read me’ at me. I was so looking forward to reading ‘The Secrets Of Latimer House’ and I wasn’t to be disappointed. I loved reading ‘The Secrets Of Latimer House’ but more about that in a bit.
I absolutely loved the three main characters in this story- Evelyn, Betty and Judith. All three young ladies are from totally different backgrounds and united by the fact that they want to do something to help the war effort. Evelyn is from an upper class background, Betty is from a farming background but she is an ace analyst and Judith is actually a German Jew who managed to escape Nazi Germany and she wants to help defeat the regime in her home country. I just wanted to grab Evelyn, Betty and Judith and give them a hug. In their own way, each of the young ladies have their own problems and they need a helping hand to find a way through. The three young ladies form a strong friendship and their bond continues to grow. I kept everything crossed that things would work out for the three young ladies. What happens? Well for the answer to that question and more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
Oh wow, I was drawn into this story from the very start. As soon as I started to read, I knew that I would find it extremely difficult to put this book to one side for any length of time. I made the fatal mistake of starting to read the book shortly before I went to bed. Let’s just say that bedtime was delayed and I had a ‘lack of sleep’ hangover the following morning. This was one of those books that was constantly on my mind. If I wasn’t reading the book, then I was thinking about the book. If I had to put the book down for any length of time then I would immediately look forward to being able to pick the book up again. I was desperate to find out what happened and I couldn’t turn the pages quick enough. I become so wrapped up in the story that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the story. All too quickly I reached the end of the story and I had to say goodbye to all three ladies. I found ‘The Secrets Of Latimer House’ to be a gripping read, which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
‘The Secrets Of Latimer House’ is extremely well written. Jules certainly knows how to grab your attention and draw you into what proves to be one hell of a story. I love the very vivid and realistic way in which Jules tells the story as she really did make me feel as though I had borrowed a time machine and I had travelled back to Wartime Britain. Jules has clearly done a lot of research into the Second World War and this shines through in the quality of her writing. Reading ‘The Secrets Of Latimer House’ was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster at times. I find that if I enjoy a story to the extent that I enjoyed this one then I tend to get far too involved in the story. I kept finding myself wanting to jump inside the pages of the story to sort out certain characters.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Secrets Of Latimer House’ and I would definitely recommend this book to the other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Jules’ work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Dive Into A Good Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets! Who does not love a good secret? There are so many tantalizing secrets wrapped up in this emotionally charged read. The Secrets of Latimer House is based on true historical events that occurred at the Latimer House in Buckinghamshire. Where secrets were deeply hidden during World War II. No one knew what was going on within these walls. All the townspeople believed it was a distribution center. Little did they know that Latimer House was the place where high ranking German POWs were questioned and their cells were bugged. Listening for any tiny piece of information that could help change the tide in the war. Even the people working within the walls did not know everything that was occurring. You can tell that Jules Wake did a deep dive into researching this fascinating place, which made the story of her three incredible female characters even more rich and vivid.

All aspects of this book are amazing. But the characters immediately hooked me and dragged me into their world from the get-go. They are deeply layered, fantastically different, strong, unique, and develop a deep sense of belonging. Evelyn is from a family of means, who also have a strong history of being in the Navy. She is intelligent, posh, stands up for herself, and knows her way around an interrogation room. Betty asks for a transfer back to her hometown distribution center, the Latimer House. She is quick witted, beautiful, full of fun, feisty, and has a great mind for details. Judith is Jewish and was able to escape from Germany and make her way to England. She feels immense guilt for being able to have this second chance at life, while she hears about the horrific atrocities that are occurring to other Jews. Judith is a pillar of strength, once she allows herself to breath and be able to live for all those who cannot.

All three of these women of completely different backgrounds are billeted together at Latimer House. Learning to lean on one another, trust each other, and build a solid relationship that will last a lifetime. It was compelling to read about these three woman's jobs, which were normally held by men. Their stories and lives weaving together flawlessly making for an astonishing read.

This book takes you in from the first page. The characters are enticing and relatable. I always find old estates, fascinating when you research what has occurred there over the years. The things these places have seen fills me with such wonder and awe. The Secrets of Latimer House did it for me. As soon as I read it of course I looked up the Latimer House and the internet is full of information. Wake did astonishing job presenting the history that courses through the book. Do yourself a favor and add this book to your list, do not keep it a secret either! Thank you to Jules Wake, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for allowing me to read this riveting, enthralling, all-encompassing book.

[Grace J Reviewerlady · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exhilarating tale of three young women ‘doing their bit’ for Britain during the second world war.

Coming from all walks of life, Betty, Judith and Evelyn find themselves on a level playing field as they begin work in Latimer House where the work is highly confidential and completely unknow between departments and especially to outsiders. Each young woman has hopes and dreams for the future, but first – and more immediate – they want to do all they can to help stop the Nazis and help Britain and the Allies win the war.

Latimer House, like Bletchley Park, was bursting with secrets during wartime completely unknown to the greater population, especially those who lived in the area and this is a most intriguing and fascinating tale, based on facts but with fictional characters. Captivating and intriguing, this is a novel which pulled me in from the very beginning. While Jules Wake is an author new to me, I shall certainly be looking out for her work in future. This is a beautifully spun tale, skilfully written and enthralling to the very end, by which everything is neatly finished off, something I really appreciate in any novel. Truly enchanting and, on a more serious note, food for thought resulting in total admiration for a generation who put King and Country before themselves; worth pondering on today’s often selfish society. A sparkling five star read and one I’m happy to recommend.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book.

The story is about three women working at Latimer House during the war. They were so different from but their personalities complemented each other. Evelyn was a socialite whose job was to interrogate the German prisoners of war; Judith was a Jewish woman who escaped Germany and she listened into the prisoners conversations in their cells and Betty was a local gal who left school young and was a parlor maid in Latimer House and now analyzes the reports put out by the others. The characters were so well developed but Betty was my favorite. She was always so upbeat and positive but was insecure about her background. Judith was a bit more somber but she had lost so much due to the war. Evelyn was pretty grounded and she had been engaged to a German but broke it off when the war began.

There was a little bit of romance, lots of intrigue and in the time they were together they shared different hardships and became close. It had to be interesting working in this 100 year old mansion turned into a POW camp. It was so secret that even the villagers just thought it was a distribution center.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for providing me the opportunity to read this interesting story.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an engrossing story about three women assigned to work at Latimer House during World War 2. Evelyn is a high-society Englishwoman and an officer, who speaks fluent German and is used to question German POWs. Prior to the war, she was engaged to a German, and her brother is a POW in Germany, so she has a lot of worries.

Judith is a Jew who escaped from Germany at the beginning of the War. She has lost much, and is bitter towards the Germans and grieving for her past life.

Betty grew up in a cottage in a small village. She's beautiful, and bubbly, but worries about her mother and sister.

The three women are competent, patriotic, and very real. I loved watching their friendship grow. And it was interesting seeing that facet of the war effort. I'd recommend this book to people who enjoy historical fiction about World War 2 - this gives a different view than what I've typically read.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secrets of Latimer House by Jules Wake is Historical World War II Fiction. The author tells the story of a local manor used to gather intelligence from German Prisoners during World War II. I am so impressed by the historical details, writing style, characters, descriptions and the various perspectives in this book.
Wow, an incredible story that is far beyond what I ever expected, all I can think of now is I hope there will be a sequel.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 5 Stars

[Sandy Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning read - three beautifully written characters, each with their own motivations and dreams, drawn together by incredible and important work. I loved the over-arching stories, the characters and their development, the thoughtful exploration of the nuances of war, and the richly detailed explanations and descriptions, which indicated deep and clever research.

A must read.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about three girls all working together during WW2. They become good friends and help each other out through some difficult times. This book has strong female characters and their story was interesting. I enjoyed the book.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

[Val Asker · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting book by an author who usually writes romances, based on historical fact. Latimer House was requisitioned during world war II as a holding centre for Nazi prisoners who were interrogated before being moved on to more permanent prisoner of war camps. Their cells were bugged and conversations listened to in the hope of gleaning information about Hitler’s plans.

The three main (fictional) characters are all women from different backgrounds recruited, as many women were, to help with the war effort. Evelyn is from a very privileged background and having spent several summers in Germany is fluent in the language. She interrogates selected prisoners and it is hoped that as a woman she will be perceived as less intimidating and therefore more likely to get them to open up. Betty is a local girl who is selected because she claims to be a good typist - she isn’t, but she has a photographic memory so is able to help analyse the information gleaned from the prisoners. Judith is Jewish and has fled Germany. She listens to the prisoners conversations and records anything of interest.

The three women are billeted together in an attic room and despite their different backgrounds become friends. They all come to enjoy their work and the sense of purpose it gives them. I thought the book showed well the limited opportunities that women had. Betty was expected to marry a man she didn’t like so that her widowed mother and sister could be supported financially. Despite her wealth, similarly Evelyn was expected to marry and produce heirs. Judith had lost her family and would have to find a way to support herself in a country that felt very alien to her.

As the book progressed it became evident that the secrets referred to in the book’s title could equally be applied to Evelyn, Betty and Judith who all have secrets of their own. Gradually as they get to know and trust one another, they open up and share their problems. By the end of the book their friendship is deep.

I enjoyed the world war II setting and liked the three main characters. There was some interesting detail, such as a German prisoner being driven round London, following a carefully selected route to make it look like the capital had escaped all but superficial damage from bombing, with the intent of lowering German morale.

I was less convinced by the male characters however. In particular Bert, the man Betty was expected to marry, was not nuanced at all - more like a pantomime villain. Likewise the American Major who befriends her seems just too good to be true. And I don’t think the reader ever gets to know Peter, the prisoner that Evelyn interrogates either. I also thought that everything was rather too neatly tied up at the end.

However it was worth reading as a good example of life as it was for women in 1940s Britain and it showed the importance of friendship.

[Jéssica · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something quite powerful about WWII stories. We all have heard survivors' stories, we have seen historical fiction novels about the horrors that happened during that time, we have read the nonfiction stories and we may have wondered what we could have done with we had been there.

This is a fiction story, it focus on the secrets, on the uncovering the information that could help during the war. It's about three women doing their role in a secret group, helping the Allies. It's about them forming a friendship, it's about their strength and about their lives.

We follow Evelyn Brooke-Edwards, a society heiress, Betty Connors, a farm girl, and Judith Stern, a German ex-pat. This may be a fictional story set in our world and our story, but that meant nothing. The characters were brilliant and I felt connected to them. I felt as if I was part of their lives. Each one of them was amazing, and unique. They had their past, their goals, their fears and their roles.

From start to finish I was mind blown. It was the kind of book I enjoy. It was powerful, it had a sense of community and friendship, it had secrets and the connection to the real History. It has inspiring and it made me want to go learn more about this particular side of the WWII history.

[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, Jules Wake and One More Chapter for the eCopy of this book, via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]

[Lisa Henderson-Farr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This story follows the lives of three women in Britain working at a secret POW interrogation site.

Evelyn Brooke-Edwards is a British officer, fluent in German, that is involved in the questioning of the prisoners.

Betty Connors comes from a nearby village and applies to be a typist at the site, hoping that no one realizes that she is not a trained typist.

Judith Stern escaped from Germany after losing everything and is employed as a translator listening in to bugged prisoner cells to glean any information that may help the British.

Even though this book highlights a tense and horrific time in history, the storyline has a very lighthearted tone in it's telling. These three women come from very different lives but become close friends fighting for a common cause. They share their struggles and triumphs, supporting each other in a very difficult time.

Enjoyable book sure to be loved by many readers.

[Lisbeth Zabihi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spændende indblik i forhør af krigsfanger!

Vi møder tre unge kvinder, som hver især har nogle evner ud over det sædvanlige.

Evelyn er særdeles dygtig til at foretage forhør af de tyske fanger.
Judit er tysk jødisk flygtning og hendes særlige evne, er at hun kan finde ind til fangernes hemmeligheder. Hun lytter til samtaler fangerne ikke ved, bliver aflyttet.
Betty er skarp til at finde sammenhænge. Hun gennemgår rapporterne fra overvågningen.

Tre meget forskellige kvinder, der danner et fællesskab og bliver veninder.

En virkelig læseværdig roman.