THE SECRET HOTEL IN BERLIN

MY THOUGHTS:

Lili Rodenberg and her husband Marius run the Edel Hotel.  It’s a prestigious hotel located in Berlin.  Its guests are among the most wealthy.  The war is raging on just outside the beautiful, grand entrance.  There seems to be no end on sight.  Lili is Jewish, hiding in plain sight, walking among the very people that she despises.  She knows that if any of the German officers find out her secret of being Jewish it would surely be the end for her and her family.  Even thought they fear of being caught they use their wine cellar to hide Jews in until they can be transported to a safe location.  Shortly after her husband Marius is called up to fight in the war, he is soon missing in action.  Lili must do everything she can to protect her daughter, search for her husband and protect those she is hiding.


The Secret Hotel in Berlin written by author Catherine Hokin is a heartbreaking historical fiction that will leave you inspired.  I was captivated from the very first page and was engaged until the last page was turned.  I felt such empathy for Lili and Marius.  They risked everything to keep others safe.  And my heat broke again when Marius went missing. I am always amazed at the risk that people took and knowing the tragedy that would come if they were caught.  I loved this story of hope, courage and sacrifice and I highly recommend it.


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating: 5 out of 5.

DESCRIPTION:

THE SECRET HOTEL IN BERLIN
Author:  Catherine Hokin
Publisher: Bookouture 
Publication Date: July 12, 2024 
Pages: 366

Berlin, 1944. ‘It is a great honour to have you here, Herr Hitler.’ Lili doesn’t stumble over the lie, her hand steady as she pours champagne. Everything must be perfect, no one can suspect a thing…

Lili Rodenberg and her husband Marius run the Edel, Berlin’s most glamorous hotel. For its wealthy guests, it is an escape from the destruction outside, with its elegant piano bar and fine amber brandy. But Lili is Jewish, a secret she is terrified will end in tragedy for her and their beloved little girl.

Lili’s only choice is to hide in plain sight, her heart racing each time uniformed officers step through the Edel’s grand entrance. As Berlin becomes a more frightening place, Lili pleads with her husband to help shelter those in danger but Marius is adamant: he will not risk the lives of his wife and daughter. Until the day he is called to the front – and goes missing in action.

Left in sole charge of the Edel, a heartbroken Lily fixes her smile as she serves men who would have her killed in an instant if they knew the truth. She decides she must fight back, hiding Jews in the hotel’s wine cellar before moving them to safety. Though she is seized with terror, it gives her the strength to carry on.

But her courage catches the attention of the Resistance. 
What they ask of her is impossible.

Lili has protected her daughter by living a life full of secrets. Can she risk it all now and put her child in danger for the sake of her country?

ABOUT CATHERINE HOKIN

I seem to have followed a rather meandering career, including marketing and teaching and politics (don't try and join the dots), to get where I have always wanted to be, which is writing historical fiction. I am a story lover as well as a story writer and nothing fascinates me more than a strong female protagonist and a quest. Hopefully those are what you will encounter when you pick up my books.

I am from the North of England but now live very happily in Glasgow with my American husband. Both my children have left home (one to London and one to Berlin) which may explain why I am finally writing. If I'm not at my desk you'll most probably find me in the cinema, or just follow the sound of very loud music.

I'd love to hear from you and there are lots of ways you can find me, so jump in via my website.

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