The Secrets We Keep: Heartbreaking and compelling World War 2 historical fiction for fans of Kate Quinn and Kristin Hannah

‘Truly gripping… I loved it.’ Jill Mansell, Sunday Times bestseller

A heartbreakingly beautiful novel which captures the endurance and strength of ordinary people in the darkest of times, and the courage of one woman who put her life on the line to join the resistance. Perfect for fans of The Nightingale and The Secret Messenger.

1944, the Cote d’Azur.
Artist Marguerite Segal is recruited by British Intelligence into befriending Etienne Valade, a local priest. Her mission is to persuade him to pass on information from the high-ranking German officers who attend his church: evidence of their war crimes.

Connected by a passion for art, Marguerite and Etienne soon fall in love, but their association increasingly puts her at danger of violent reprisals. With his church frequented by Nazis, Etienne is a suspected collaborator, and distrust is high.

And Marguerite is keeping her own secret too. Like the Jews whose identity cards she forges to hide them from the Third Reich, she is hiding behind a false name, her true identity and past known only to her closest friend.

Marguerite must get hold of the documents that will condemn the German officers but, in a world where everything is at stake, can she truly trust anyone – even the man she loves?

Praise for The Secrets We Keep:

‘I absolutely loved this… Vivid and heartbreaking.’ Lana Kortchik, USA Today bestselling author of Sisters of War

‘War, passion and tragedy unite in this atmospheric and moving tale.’ S D Sykes, author of the Oswald de Lacy Medieval Murders series

‘A wonderfully immersive, emotional read.’ Annabelle Thorpe, author of The Enemy of Love

‘I stayed up late into the night to finish… A thrilling, exciting story… You might want to have some tissues handy.’ Reader review

‘I enjoyed this novel very much!’ Reader review

‘I highly recommend reading this.’ Reader review

‘Wonderful.’ Reader review

In this historical masterpiece, Theresa Howes weaves a tale of 20th-century romance and military intrigue. The Secrets We Keep is a top pick for fans of literary fiction, offering a deep dive into the heart-wrenching realities of World War II.

For fans of Catherine Hokin (The German Child), Rachel Wesson (Light Rises), Amanda Lees (The Silence Before Dawn), Lucinda Riley (Atlas), and Siobhan Curham (The Storyteller of Auschwitz).

HarperCollins 2022