Two brave women, two countries, and WWII.

We meet Ava who had worked at the Library of Congress but was transferred to Lisbon because of her language skills and to serve as a spy.

We also meet Elaine in Lyon who is helping the French Resistance by working with the printing press and distributing the real news of the war.

These women meet via a coded message sent through the printed pamphlets that saved a mother and son.

Ms. Martin brings to light what went on in both places - the horror Europeans went through - and how refugees tried to get to Portugal since it was a neutral country. I had never heard anything about Portugal during the war.

You will cry with the characters and feel their pain and terror as well as share some joys in this marvelous, well-researched book with great characters, a great story line, and filled with as Ms. Martin said “the power of the written word.”

You have to read this book to experience the hope and determination within. 5/5

This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.