Code Name Sapphire by Pam Jenoff; 4 stars

[Amy]

*This book takes place in Belgium, although the backstory as well as the current combines many countries. Alas, despite the name, it did not fit the codebreakers prompt. But has been at the top of my TBR for years. So a phenomenal success for me.

Pam Jenoff always spins a great tale. Back on my obsession of why my TBR is overfilled with holocaust, resistance, WWII, and spy plots, it does the beg the question: How good does the author and story need to be to compete with the enormity of what I have already read? And I have read so much of it that I am shocked that there is still so much of it out there and on my TBR.

Yet this one holds up. What is the angle that makes it interesting? Its a three woman point of view with one man they each encircle as the war encircles them. We have a brother-sister pair, and two cousins. And naturally both cousins have history and/or love interest with Matteo. And the sister? Kickass head of the spy network.

Well done, brava. It held my attention and told a newer tale. Something about the resistance fighters and especially the women, really pulls me in. Their bravery and humanity is something powerful. Its a thing of hope and strength. Its the ultimate sacrifice or threat to sacrifice that shows what women do to help the world. Throw Claire Frasier in there as well, since I am watching Outlander 7. Nothing like a badass woman to save lives and keep hope alive. Great tale.