Angels of the Resistance: A WWII Novel

by Noelle Salazar

Overview

Notes From Your Bookseller

An unshakeable story of sisterhood, Angels of Resistance is the story of two sisters dealing with their own loss who risk everything they have left to join the Dutch resistance. Shining a light on the sacrifice it takes to be part of resistance work, this story is one that will leave readers ruminating on the story long after they’ve finished the final page.

For fans of All the Light We Cannot See and The Tattooist of Auschwitz!

“Angels of the Resistance brings to life a deadly-effective and deeply moving sisterhood.” —Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Rose Code

From the bestselling author of The Flight Girls comes a story inspired by true events, about courageous women who risked everything for country, for family, and for each other.

Netherlands, 1940

As bombs fall across Europe, fourteen-year-old Lien Vinke fears that the reality of war is inescapable. Though she lives a quiet life with her mother and older sister, Elif, in their small town of Haarlem, they are no strangers to heartache, having recently suffered an immeasurable loss. And when the Nazis invade the Netherlands, joining the Dutch resistance with Elif offers just the atonement Lien craves.

Trained to shoot by their late father, the sisters are deadly wolves in sheep’s clothing. They soon find themselves entrenched in the underground movement, forging friendships with the other young recruits, and Lien even discovers a kindred spirit in a boy named Charlie. But in wartime, emotional attachments are a liability she can’t afford, especially when a deeply personal mission jeopardizes everything she holds dear—her friendships, her family, and her one shot at redemption.

“This story of two teenage sisters who risk everything to join the Dutch Resistance is a dazzling tour-de-force.” —Karen Robards, bestselling author of The Black Swan of Paris

Don't miss Noelle Salazar's next sweeping story, THE LIES WE LEAVE BEHIND, where a fearless nurse must leave love behind when duty calls her back to the front...

More from Noelle Salazar:

• The Roaring Days of Zora Lily
• The Flight Girls

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780778386797
Publisher:	MIRA Books
Publication date:	11/29/2022
Edition description:	Original
Pages:	416
Sales rank:	211,537
Product dimensions:	5.10(w) x 7.80(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Noelle Salazar is the USA Today bestselling author of The Flight Girls. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, she's been a Navy recruit, a medical assistant, an NFL cheerleader and always a storyteller. When she’s not writing, she can be found dodging raindrops and daydreaming of her next book. Noelle lives in Bothell, Washington, with her family.

Editorial Reviews

10/01/2022

Salazar's second World War II novel (following The Flight Girls) begins in April 1940, as the Dutch people who thought they would escape Hitler's Nazi war machine receive a rude awakening. Fourteen-year-old Lien Vinke, her older sister Elif, and their mother soon find their country overrun by the Germans. Lien, still carrying guilt over the death of her younger sister, begs to join her mother and Elif working for the Resistance. Perhaps the lives she saves will make up for the one that was lost and the guilt she feels. Lien and Elif become part of a cell that carries out many successful missions. Along the way, lives are lost, confidences betrayed, and Lien finds she can forgive herself and let happiness into her life again. Readers will be moved to tears by this sometimes heart-pumping, moving novel. Lien, as narrator, reveals the most, but the supporting characters are well-drawn as well. The flaw in the writing is sloppy research, mostly in the small details; if readers can overlook those, it is a fascinating look at the Netherlands during World War II. VERDICT Despite its flaws, this is a worthwhile read, especially for those who enjoy fiction set during the Second World War.—Pam O'Sullivan

Library Journal

Angels of the Resistance brings to life a deadly-effective and deeply moving sisterhood in Lien and Elif Vinke, based on real-life sister operatives of the WWII Dutch resistance. Still reeling from a family tragedy when the Netherlands are invaded, the two teenage girls soon find themselves sabotaging trains, guiding downed airmen to safety, and staking themselves out as bait to assassinate unsuspecting Nazi targets. But at what cost to their family—and their souls? Noelle Salazar shines a light on the grit and tragedy behind resistance work, never forgetting the humanity in her beautifully drawn heroines!” —Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Rose Code


“An unforgettable story of teenage sisters who risk everything to join the Dutch resistance during World War II. Combining meticulous research with riveting prose, Salazar crafts a story of family, romance and heroism that will keep readers riveted until the final page and beyond.” —Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author of The Woman with the Blue Star

“Angels of the Resistance is riveting historical fiction at its finest. Teen sisters risk all to join the Dutch Resistance, which Noelle Salazar writes in vivid detail as she highlights not only incredible historical details, but also the very real dangers faced by these brave women.” —Madeline Martin, New York Times Bestselling author of The Last Bookshop in London


“Noelle Salazar delivers another knock-out WWII novel with Angels of the Resistance. Her writing shines in this intimate and beautiful look at one family of Dutch women, and the lengths they will go to protect their own. Haunting, moving and unputdownable!” —Sara Ackerman, USA Today bestselling author of Radar Girls


“Rich with meticulously researched details, this story of two teenage sisters who risk everything to join the Dutch Resistance is a dazzling tour-de-force of historical fiction. You’ll cheer and root for Lien and Elif as they face a tangled web of love, danger and heartbreak while fighting to save all they hold dear. ANGELS OF THE RESISTANCE will have you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.” —Karen Robards, bestselling author of The Black Swan of Paris

Praise for Noelle Salazar's bestselling novel, The Flight Girls

“This World War II drama highlights the role of women pilots and the sacrifices they made for our country. I read well into the night, unable to stop. The book is unputdownable.”—Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"Heart-breaking, validating, exciting, entertaining, and swoon-worthy... There are some novels that readers look to as the pinnacle of World War II fiction and storytelling. Noelle Salazar’s The Flight Girls is sure to earn its rightful spot on that list in no time."—Hypable, 2019 Staff Favorite Pick

"Rich historical detail, drama and dynamic characters…this saga has it all."—Woman's World

“From now on, I’ll be recommending Noelle Salazar’s book to anyone who feels beaten down by the status quo.”—Forbes

“An unforgettable and beautifully written historical novel about a fascinating piece of WWII history...masterfully weaves a story of female strength and friendship, with an emotionally resonant epic love story...I could not put this book down!”—Jillian Cantor, author of The Lost Letter and In Another Time

"Salazar brings to life the stories of so many others who joined the WASP program and whose tales have been lost to history. A fascinating, captivating and triumphant read."—Roseanne Montillo, author of The Wilderness of Ruin and Atomic Women

"Captivated me from the first page and never let go...a powerful tale of courage and sacrifice by the Women Airforce Service Pilots during WWII. A spectacular first novel."—Sara Ackerman, USA TODAY bestselling author of Radar Girls

"Offers a glimpse into the lives of female WWII pilots, retrieving an underappreciated chapter in U.S. history... A fine suggestion for fans of both sweet romance and romantic historical fiction."—Booklist

“A debut author uncovers a nearly forgotten piece of American history in this dynamic novel.”—Shelf Awareness

From the Publisher