The Secret Society of Salzburg

By: Renee Ryan

Narrated by: Henrietta Meire

From the author of The Widows of Champagne, and inspired by true events, comes a gripping and heartwrenching story of two very different women united to bring light to the darkest days of World War II.

London, 1933

At first glance, Austrian opera singer Elsa Mayer-Braun has little in common with the young English typist she encounters on tour. Yet she and Hattie Featherstone forge an instant connection—and strike a dangerous alliance. Using their friendship as a cover, they form a secret society with a daring goal: to rescue as many Jews as possible from Nazi persecution.

Though the war’s outbreak threatens Elsa and Hattie’s network, their efforts attract the covert attention of the British government, offering more opportunities to thwart the Germans. But Elsa’s growing fame as Hitler’s favorite opera singer, coupled with her secret Jewish ancestry, make her both a weapon and a target—until her future, too, hangs in the balance.

From the glamorous stages of Covent Garden and Salzburg to the horrors of Bergen-Belsen, two ordinary women swept up by the tide of war discover an extraordinary friendship—and the courage to save countless lives.

©2022 Renee Ryan (P)2022 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited

The aers and art of espionage

Great story, portraying Elsa”s particular in aiding Jews escaping Germany. It was surprising where the love story came into the picture.

Good story well told

Two love stories—one with a tragic ending and a bumpy one with a happy ending.

The reader did voices really well, but her German pronunciation left something to be desired.

Interesting story.

Narrator spoke in bursts. After a moment it became annoying to the point that I had to stop. A better narrator with a smooth transition from sentence to sentence would be much easier to listen to.

Magnificent story brought further to life by Audio

As a fan of Renee Ryan’s category romances, I’m equally thrilled with her historicals. The Secret Society of Salzburg is a breathless undertaking full of lovely writing and in-depth research. I traveled to Austria, Germany, and England, thanks to this book. Learned so much about opera, art, and the inhumanity unleashed on the world during Hitler’s rise to power.

Finally, brava to Henrietta Meier for her exceptional voice and talented portrayals. She made these characters unique in which they leapt off the page and into audio. Amazing!!

Great story great narrator

I very much enjoyed this story. I was sad when it ended. I will look for more books by Renee Ryan.

Loved this story!

While I wasn’t a big fan of the narration style (it just didn’t seem like the best fit for the story), I absolutely fell in love with the story itself. The bravery and personalities written into the characters was wonderful. I will definitely listen to this one again in the future!

Compelling and inspiring read

As someone who normally reads fantasy fiction I was amazed at how engrossing I found this novel. Compelling characters, unexpected turns and a surprise ending- via author’s note.

Two strangers from different world brought together to become hero’s

I loved this book and couldn’t wait to get back into the story every time I had to step away. I was pulled in from the start and left wanting more at the end. Thank you.

Disappointed

I am usually a fan of this era of story but I was actually bored and I cannot figure out why. I had to force myself to finish it. The narrator, while having a beautiful accent read in such a monotone voice. I had a hard time falling in love with the characters or even connecting with what they were going through. Evidently just not for me.

Excellent

Excellent romance World War II three women who helped Jews to escape the Nazis. Opera, art how their secret society saved many lives.