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janeeyre_914716's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
5.0
Oh my gosh! What a book and story! I picked up the audiobook and Libby library kindle book from a recommendation from someone I know and oh my gosh! I'm soooooooo glad I picked this up when I did because it was so good! Especially for a little known part of American history where Hitler tried to overtake Hollywood/film studios to spread his propaganda and had it foiled by a small group of Jews who had a secret operation going on. Now I'm kind of wanting at least one more book to finish Liesl's story and that of Agent Thirteen's as well. I would totally love a part two of sorts, but overall, what a book for a historical fiction. Highly recommend this one is you're looking for a good historical fiction, particularly WWII.
lynnuwatson's review
5.0
This story is filled with prejudice, propaganda, spies, Hitler and his minions, and loads of courage in 1930s Hollywood. You'll wonder who can be trusted. You'll recognize Hollywood names, and you may be shocked at the truths Stephanie shows in this well-written book. Here's hoping there is a sequel.
english_lady03's review
4.0
Code Name Edelweiss was a compelling and exciting read set in 1930s America, surrounding a Nazi plot to infiltrate Hollywood and a spy network established by a Jewish banker to try and stop them. All is based on real events.
However, it is also a book which resonates today: showcasing the moral depravity and sexual politics which pervades the movie industry. (Leisel is sexually harassed on numerous occasions by her bosses), as well as how political inaction and casual prejudice can impact society.
It was also just an enjoyable story with flawed but relatable characters who were struggling to do the right thing whilst overcoming their own demons. Spies, as this shows, are not superhumans or Saints but normal – and often very troubled- people.
Leisel was very candid in saying that what caused her to work for Mr Lewis was just money and she did not believe in his cause, but as she saw how her brother was being influenced by extremists & the nature of what the groups, she was trying to infiltrate believed it gave her a new conviction & sense of purpose.
Thanks to Tyndale House for approving me for a PDF of this title on Netgalley. This didn't influence my review and all opinions expressed are my own & freely given.
I also reviewed the soon to be released Audiobook via Netgalley. As good as the book, and better stilll. It has two narrators for the major protaganists, which works really well for a dual perspective novel. Although I guessed who 13 was quite quickly it did not detract from the story.
However, it is also a book which resonates today: showcasing the moral depravity and sexual politics which pervades the movie industry. (Leisel is sexually harassed on numerous occasions by her bosses), as well as how political inaction and casual prejudice can impact society.
It was also just an enjoyable story with flawed but relatable characters who were struggling to do the right thing whilst overcoming their own demons. Spies, as this shows, are not superhumans or Saints but normal – and often very troubled- people.
Leisel was very candid in saying that what caused her to work for Mr Lewis was just money and she did not believe in his cause, but as she saw how her brother was being influenced by extremists & the nature of what the groups, she was trying to infiltrate believed it gave her a new conviction & sense of purpose.
Thanks to Tyndale House for approving me for a PDF of this title on Netgalley. This didn't influence my review and all opinions expressed are my own & freely given.
I also reviewed the soon to be released Audiobook via Netgalley. As good as the book, and better stilll. It has two narrators for the major protaganists, which works really well for a dual perspective novel. Although I guessed who 13 was quite quickly it did not detract from the story.
renzoreads's review
3.0
Liesl Weiss is the sole supporter for her two young children, her mother and her brother. All of whom live together in a small house in Germantown in L.A. - it’s 1933 and the Great Depression is taking its hold. Liesl knows only too well, the struggle to support her family. When she is unceremoniously dismissed from her job as a typist at MGM Studios, she is desperate for a new job. It isn’t long before she stumbles across a role that is seemingly perfect for her, yet it comes with a price.
Adolf Hitler is on the other side of the world, yet his influence and ideas are being felt and represented in L.A. and within the small community where Liesl lives. Neighbours and friends pitted against one another due to the politics and ideals of New Germany. This is how Liesl finds herself ensconced in the Friends of New Germany. She is their new, volunteer secretary. However, she is being paid and paid well to be there. She is being paid by a Jewish lawyer to spy off the organization and to gather vital information. Information that could save lives, information that could help put a stop to the Nazi rising in America. It’s a dangerous role, a role which puts herself and her whole family at risk.
I struggled with this one. The first half I didn’t find very engaging, as the pace felt very slow and I plodded along. It wasn’t until about three quarters of the way through that I really felt invested in the story. I did find the history side of the story interesting, I hadn’t previously known too much about the reach of Hitler, and the Nazi agenda into L.A. and America in the 1930s. I did appreciate the internal struggles of Liesl as a mother, trying to do what is best for her family. I think is the pace was fast throughout the novel I would have enjoyed it more.
Thanks to NetGally and TyndaleHouse Publishers for my digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Adolf Hitler is on the other side of the world, yet his influence and ideas are being felt and represented in L.A. and within the small community where Liesl lives. Neighbours and friends pitted against one another due to the politics and ideals of New Germany. This is how Liesl finds herself ensconced in the Friends of New Germany. She is their new, volunteer secretary. However, she is being paid and paid well to be there. She is being paid by a Jewish lawyer to spy off the organization and to gather vital information. Information that could save lives, information that could help put a stop to the Nazi rising in America. It’s a dangerous role, a role which puts herself and her whole family at risk.
I struggled with this one. The first half I didn’t find very engaging, as the pace felt very slow and I plodded along. It wasn’t until about three quarters of the way through that I really felt invested in the story. I did find the history side of the story interesting, I hadn’t previously known too much about the reach of Hitler, and the Nazi agenda into L.A. and America in the 1930s. I did appreciate the internal struggles of Liesl as a mother, trying to do what is best for her family. I think is the pace was fast throughout the novel I would have enjoyed it more.
Thanks to NetGally and TyndaleHouse Publishers for my digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
annag77's review against another edition
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism
Moderate: Racism, Religious bigotry, and Hate crime
Minor: Blood, Death of parent, Death, Gun violence, and Alcohol
jennbehindthebooks's review against another edition
5.0
I'll be honest... This is the first book I've ever read by Stephanie and I wasn't sure what to expect. Let me be the first to say, Code Name Edelweiss will knock your socks off! It is fresh, heart-breaking, and wonderful - all at the same time!
I read a lot of WWII fiction but I've never read one quite like this! It gave me a very different perspective than what I typically read, as it was written entirely from an American viewpoint. Code Name Edelweiss describes some of the challenges Americans were faced with Nazi viewpoints crept in and threatened to take hold in our country.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I read a lot of WWII fiction but I've never read one quite like this! It gave me a very different perspective than what I typically read, as it was written entirely from an American viewpoint. Code Name Edelweiss describes some of the challenges Americans were faced with Nazi viewpoints crept in and threatened to take hold in our country.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
cari1268's review against another edition
2.0
I listened to Codename Edelweiss with my husband who liked it more than me. Otherwise, I wouldn't have finished this read. The characters were annoying and everything felt overly dramatic. I think fans of Christian fiction would enjoy this one.
2 Stars.
2 Stars.
melissasbookshelf's review against another edition
5.0
“If not me, then who? If not now, when?”
This is my first book by Stephanie Landsem and certainly won’t be my last. I was first drawn to Code Name Edelweiss by the gorgeous cover. When I found out it was based on a true story of Nazis in Hollywood, I jumped at the chance to listen. One determined Jewish lawyer, a courageous German American woman, and a handsome FBI agent race against time to thwart Hitler’s plans for Hollywood in this suspenseful, intriguing story.
It’s 1933 and the height of the Great Depression. As rumors abound regarding what’s going on in Germany, residents of Los Angeles’ German Town face growing unease. As the sole support of her family, Liesl Weiss is devastated when she’s let go from her secretarial job at MGM. When a job interview unexpectedly turns out to be a recruitment for her to become a spy, she must decide if she’s willing to risk her life to thwart Hitler’s plans for America.
Loved this slow burn romantic suspense! The romance develops gradually as Liesl and Agent 13 work together. I loved Liesl. She’s an amazingly strong woman who really grows as the story progresses. At first, she agrees to spy solely to support her family, but as she witnesses the growing antisemitism towards the Jews, she becomes even more dedicated to her job. She also faces difficulties at home with a mother and two small children to support after her husband disappeared, and a brother whose allegiances put her in danger. As the new secretary for the Friends of New Germany, an organization linked to Nazi Germany, she walks a tightrope trying to glean information while keeping her cover intact.
In addition to Liesl, we get Agent 13’s POV. He’s also working undercover, but his identity is not revealed until later in the story. He struggles with past losses and doesn’t think himself capable of being a family man. When he meets Liesl, his views begin to change especially as he becomes closer to her and her family.
The audiobook narration was fantastic. I enjoyed both narrators and the way they brought these characters to life. There’s just the right amount of emotion. I loved the male narrator’s deep, gravely voice.
Loved the historical aspects deftly woven into the story and found myself googling to find out fact from fiction. The suspenseful situations Liesl and Agent 13 find themselves in were nailbitters. Also enjoyed the way faith played a role for both Jews and Christians and the realistic struggles the main characters grapple with. The story ends in such a way that I hope means we’ll see more of these characters. I’m dying to know what happens next. Definitely recommend to historical & Christian fiction fans. I received an advanced complimentary audiobook from the publisher. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.
This is my first book by Stephanie Landsem and certainly won’t be my last. I was first drawn to Code Name Edelweiss by the gorgeous cover. When I found out it was based on a true story of Nazis in Hollywood, I jumped at the chance to listen. One determined Jewish lawyer, a courageous German American woman, and a handsome FBI agent race against time to thwart Hitler’s plans for Hollywood in this suspenseful, intriguing story.
It’s 1933 and the height of the Great Depression. As rumors abound regarding what’s going on in Germany, residents of Los Angeles’ German Town face growing unease. As the sole support of her family, Liesl Weiss is devastated when she’s let go from her secretarial job at MGM. When a job interview unexpectedly turns out to be a recruitment for her to become a spy, she must decide if she’s willing to risk her life to thwart Hitler’s plans for America.
Loved this slow burn romantic suspense! The romance develops gradually as Liesl and Agent 13 work together. I loved Liesl. She’s an amazingly strong woman who really grows as the story progresses. At first, she agrees to spy solely to support her family, but as she witnesses the growing antisemitism towards the Jews, she becomes even more dedicated to her job. She also faces difficulties at home with a mother and two small children to support after her husband disappeared, and a brother whose allegiances put her in danger. As the new secretary for the Friends of New Germany, an organization linked to Nazi Germany, she walks a tightrope trying to glean information while keeping her cover intact.
In addition to Liesl, we get Agent 13’s POV. He’s also working undercover, but his identity is not revealed until later in the story. He struggles with past losses and doesn’t think himself capable of being a family man. When he meets Liesl, his views begin to change especially as he becomes closer to her and her family.
The audiobook narration was fantastic. I enjoyed both narrators and the way they brought these characters to life. There’s just the right amount of emotion. I loved the male narrator’s deep, gravely voice.
Loved the historical aspects deftly woven into the story and found myself googling to find out fact from fiction. The suspenseful situations Liesl and Agent 13 find themselves in were nailbitters. Also enjoyed the way faith played a role for both Jews and Christians and the realistic struggles the main characters grapple with. The story ends in such a way that I hope means we’ll see more of these characters. I’m dying to know what happens next. Definitely recommend to historical & Christian fiction fans. I received an advanced complimentary audiobook from the publisher. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.
mkaym510's review against another edition
4.0
I received this audiobook from NetGalley in exchange for a review. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel about two individuals who work undercover to spy on Nazi agents working to take control of Hollywood. It provided an insight into a part of history that I had not previously considered and I felt the characters’ (especially Liesl) arcs were a natural progression, as oftentimes, they can feel rushed and hurried. I highly recommend reading this book.