I love reading historical fiction. Devouring books like the American Girl series and Dear America diaries led into a lifelong love of historical fiction. I have learned so much over the years from historical fiction and I don’t intend to stop!

I appreciate Roseanna M. White’s books because they are engaging and clean. When I first saw a blurb teasing her latest release several months ago, I knew it would be one I would want to read. It didn’t disappoint. I was privileged to be a part of the launch team for the book.

History, suspense, action, espionage, betrayal, a little closed-door romance, and beautiful music—The Spy Keeper of Marseille has it all! White shares the captivating story of Zelie Bellerose, a whip-smart French war widow who is willing to put it all on the line to help free France from the grip of the Nazis and make the world a better place, especially for her two children. Along the way she receives help from Marcel Laurent, a concert pianist and former POW, and many others from all different walks of life. Even better—it’s based on a true story! I now want to read more about Marie-Madeleine Fourcade, the real-life spy who inspired the novel.

I particularly loved how White beautifully wove the love of music into a melodic refrain throughout the novel. She even created a Spotify playlist that includes all the songs referenced in the book.

Here’s the official book summary:

“Marseille, France, 1941. Zelie Bellerose never fit the mold of an army officer’s wife. She was too passionate in her convictions, too indifferent to societal expectations. After her husband is killed in the war, Zelie focuses on securing a brighter future for her children, hoping to help free her country from the Nazi regime by joining the Resistance. She is soon one of the most trusted operatives in Alliance, and when their leader is imprisoned, she takes command, hiding her identity from all but a few. With enemies closing in, Zelie must earn the trust of her network and prove herself to those who doubt a woman’s place at the helm of France’s largest spy ring.

Marcel Laurent was a renowned concert pianist before joining the French army and being sent to a POW camp. Freed in a prisoner exchange by a wealthy businessman with ties to the Resistance, Marcel agrees to spy for Alliance by conducting a youth orchestra, gathering intelligence from patrons who are loose-lipped Nazi sympathizers. Marcel’s weekly radio broadcasts introducing the orchestra’s performances give him the perfect cover to send coded messages over the airwaves.

As Zelie and Marcel grow closer through their shared love of music, she begins to rely on him. But betrayal from within Alliance puts everything they’ve fought for at risk. When a double agent infiltrates their ranks and the two are captured, their bond faces its greatest test . . . and any misstep could jeopardize not only Alliance but the very outcome of the war.”

It earns five stars from me. If you enjoy Christian historical fiction, you don’t want to miss this one!