The Garden of Lost Secrets

By: Kelly Bowen

Narrated by: Polly Lee, Marisa Calin, Matthew Wolf

From an award-winning author, two sisters discover the fairy tales written by their great-grandmother during WWII in this riveting tale of one woman’s secrets lost in the chaos of war—perfect for fans of Julia Kelly and Natasha Lester.

1940 - Stasia always found comfort in the idyllic French countryside where she spent her childhood summers, roaming the gardens of an old chateau and finding inspiration for fairy tales full of bravery and adventure. But these days are much darker, and with Nazis storming across Europe, she soon finds herself one of the most hunted agents of the Resistance. The only safe haven she can think of is Chateau de Montissaire. But she’s about to discover that it just may be the center of her biggest mission yet.

Present day - When Isabelle purchases a crumbling chateau in Rouen, it’s not just a renovation project—it’s a chance to reconnect with her sister, Emilie, the only family she has left. What she uncovers instead is an intriguing mystery…

As the siblings piece together the incredible truth behind the books written by their great-grandmother Stasia, they discover an exciting story of courage in the face of treachery, and an explosive secret that will change everything they believed about their family.

Critic reviews

“Bowen draws on the lives of Nancy Wake and Josephine Baker and the 2018 discovery of a Paris apartment untouched since WWII in this rich historical tale. The stories unearthed in the apartment pique from the first page in this magnetic novel full of tragedy and rich characters.”—Publishers Weekly on The Paris Apartment

"Kelly Bowen creates an evocative and thrilling glimpse into the lives of two heroic women risking everything in occupied Paris during World War II. A beautiful novel for fans of The Nightingale."—Karen White, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Night in London, on The Paris Apartment

“A beautifully written cast of characters unraveling the mysteries and humanity of war. Enticing.”—Mandy Robotham, USA Today bestselling author, on The Paris Apartment

"Kelly Bowen's The Paris Apartment is a compelling story of two women navigating the dangers of occupied Paris with bravery and compassion. Bowen paints a richly layered picture of glamour, intrigue, and sacrifice that is at once heartbreaking and hopeful."—Julia Kelly, international bestselling author of The Light Over London, on The Paris Apartment

Brilliant

I loved this book and didn’t want to stop listening!!! Story was brilliant and beautiful and tragic all rolled into one. Narrator was lovely to listen to

Outstanding!

I loved this book! I'm so sad it's over. The characters will live within me for a long time.

Review before completion.

I love this book. I can’t turn off Audible as I am so engaged. But, I know this will end too soon and I will sorely miss the characters.

It is GOOD.

Great read

Easy to listen to, some intense parts that had you on the edge of your seat. very well written, and the performance was outstanding.

An Enjoyable Read

I really enjoyed this book, though the dynamic between Isabelle and Emilie, and Emilie’s seeming estrangement from her family was not fully explained. Regardless, the story of Stasia and Nicholas…their bravery and fortitude in the face of unimaginable loss, gave me all the feels. 💕