The Secret Letter

Engaging and very descriptive makes you feel like you’re there along with all the characters, I would definitely recommend it.

As a baby boomer whose Jewish dad served in WW II at the Battle of the Bulge and its aftermath as part of Patton’s 3rd Army, I found this book totally engrossing. I particularly like the choice to portray two families, one British and one German, to understand some of the nuances of what was happening in the West and Germany from the outset of the war. This is also a coming of age story of two young women, British and German, growing into adulthood during the war covering their very unique experiences and circumstances. I definitely learned some new and fascinating information about the times, while put in the context of really good story telling. I highly recommend!

This is the story of two young teens at the beginning of WWII. one was English, the other German. It is a testament to love, courage, and caring.

I loved this book. My parents went through WW2 in Birmingham, so hearing others' stories of the war and what they went through is something I try to read and educate myself about. I know this is historical fiction, but as Ms Rix states, she took inspiration from her parents' stories and letters, as well as others. The victors write the history, and we forget to consider that the German people also suffered incredibly. Imagine living next door to someone, never knowing if you can trust them or if they will "report" you. This is an emotional read and thank you Debbie Rix, I look forward to hungrily reading more of your books.

I was riveted by the intricacies of this novel. Very hard to put down, as I became engrossed in the lives of Imogen & Magda & the ways in which they approached & resolved moral dilemas.

I found the book to be just okay...the plot is good but the characters are wooden.The story of two teenaged girls, one English and the other German, during WWII switches back and forth telling their stories. The best thing about the story is the comparison between the lives of these two girls as the war goes on. The life of Imogen in England is very different than the life of Magda who lives on a farm in Germany and is a sympathizer who abhors the Nazi movement and Hitler. You get a feel for what life was like for youngsters in the Hitler Youth corps and the Nazi dogma forced on these young Germans. The complete takeover of church and state is disgusting and frightening.I've read many books on WWII to date, and this story was apparently based on a true story of an RAF officer captured in Germany after his plane crashed. I have nothing but total respect and admiration for him and his courageous service.Much is covered in this book regarding the war and its affect on the lives of average people in both England and Germany then, but I think the attempt to bring 90-year-old war survivors together is a stretch.I would recommend to readers of historical fiction, but I would add that it gets a bit boring as the story drags out and bogs down in unnecessary minutiae. Probably a third of the story should have been edited out on my opinion.

This book shows historical research. The plot flows. The descriptions of personal feelings, physical characteristics, and physical encounters become predictable. This is a romance novel. If it were a library book, I would return it when I got done. This is an entertainment book, not a keeper book.

What I enjoyed about this book was the two points of view--one in Germany and one in England. It was interesting to see what went on for those civilians as a result of the war. The Hitler Youth has always fascinated me to see how Hitler indoctrinated them and brainwashed them. The character of Otto was a perfect example of a weak person who is suddenly elevated to a place of power and how he abuses it. At the end of the book I always like to read the information included in the credits, so it was interesting to see that the two characters in England were based on the author's parents or grandparents ( I forget which right now). The book gave me a different perspective on World War Two that I hadn't read about--the Wrens in England and how they helped the war effort. You won't be disappointed if you read this book.

The story written and lost letters about two women who finely meet in the year 1985. We go back to the year 1939 war is declared, Imogen Mitchell lives in Newcastle north east England and Magda Maier in Augsburg Germany. Imogen evacuated to Keswick lake district staying with the Latimers and sends endless letters home. both these girl's grow and have separate stories to tell in this book that I found enchanting to read. This is my first book by this author that is beautifully layed out throughout your reading. Two very different girls from different backgrounds who come together through secret letters.

This was such a good read.Through the characters of two young girls growing up in World War 2, Imogen in England and Magda in German, we see the war through their eyes. And fascinating and moving are their stories. I learned such a lot as well as being entertained. I feel this would be a good read for adolescents too, a way of introducing the social history of this time.The author has obviously done a lot of research and she also tells us at the end of the book how her own family’s experiences influenced her writing. I love these stories about real lives entwined with fiction – such an effective way of including history with narrative. I knew nothing about the White Rose Movement, for example, about a group of young Munich university students who attempted to fight back against Hitler. Such bravery. There are several accounts of courage in Debbie Rix’s story, bringing the reality of war home, and how it impacts on ordinary lives. I won’t give any spoilers, but I was pleased that not everything was neatly wrapped up at the end of the story. So much more realistic.A very moving, beautifully written book. Her best so far, I think. Keep writing! We want more.

I am a huge fan of ww2 novels, they're definitely the genre I most enjoy reading. This book is so cleverly written and is told by two young girls Magda and Imogen. I found it fascinating to read about their two different lives through the war. I was totally engrossed and extremely moved at times. It's so hard to imagine the suffering millions of people had to endure, such a special, brave and resilient generation they are/were. I would highly recommend reading. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

I have just finished reading this story, what a good read it is and well worth the number of stars I have given it. I would recommend this to any reader who enjoys books on WW2 . I just couldn't put it down and have read sometimes to the early hours.. This is the first book I have read by this author and will keep her name in mind for further books on her list.

His book held me all the way through as I was seven when W W 2 started. By 1944 I could tell terrible things were happening .You have brought all those names of people and places back. As I grew older I understood a lot more. I hope your book helps younger people to know more of what happened as it is a very good " record" .