The Bakers Secret, Lelita Baldock
The Bakers Secret, Lelita Baldock
List: $34.99 | Sale: $24.50
Club: $17.49

The Baker's Secret
Absolutely gripping and heartbreaking World War Two historical fiction

Author: Lelita Baldock

Narrator: Taryn Ryan

Unabridged: 13 hr 23 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 01/25/2024


Synopsis

In Nazi-occupied Latvia, two sisters are forced to make an impossible choice. To save a child, one sister must flee, while the other must stay behind. The secret of what happens next will endure for generations. But the truth won’t stay hidden forever... Riga, 1943. Cycling the streets to deliver fresh loaves, Zenta passes empty houses, curtains open, doors unlocked, their occupants forced out by Russian or German hands. Above the newly built town hall, a Nazi flag waves in the breeze. Since her brother became a soldier and her sister joined the resistance, Zenta is all her parents have left. Then one morning her sister returns. Tired, worn, with a newly rounded belly, Estere is as determined as ever to fight for their freedom. She convinces Zenta to join the Latvian resistance efforts and use her bread deliveries as a cover for smuggling letters, newspapers and supplies. When the bell over the bakery door chimes and German officers cross the threshold, Estere pleads with her sister to run – and to take her new-born daughter with her. An agreement between sisters made in the desperation of war sends Zenta to a new life across the world, a baby at her side, with a secret she’ll never tell. Until, decades later, now a grandmother, the smells and warmth of the bakery still in her heart, Zenta is finally ready to set the truth free... An emotional and heartbreaking tale of sacrifice, courage and love that spotlights the resilience of women in the Second World War. Perfect for readers of Kristin Hannah, Fiona Valpy and Kelly Rimmer.

About Lelita Baldock

Lelita Baldock is an author of historical fiction, a wife, cat-mum, passionate reader and writer, history-researcher, and avid adventure-seeker. Born and raised in Australia, Lelita grew up living between the capital cities of Adelaide and Melbourne. In 2018 she relocated to Surrey. She is the author of two historical novels, her debut, Widow's Lace, and her award-winning novel, Where the Gulls Fall Silent. She is inspired by untold stories, especially drawn from the experiences of women throughout history.


Reviews

Goodreads review by linda hole on December 29, 2023

Omg what a heartwrenching book. I learnt so much by reading it. The author does not shy away from graphic scenes. She writes beautiful characters, you Will love them. And love their spirit. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion......more

Goodreads review by Cindy on December 13, 2023

What a heart crushing novel of unspeakable horrors. It left me speechless due to the intensity of suffering the Latvian people experienced during WW2. And the heartbreak thereafter—the death of loved ones, the loss of many unable to locate or reconnect with family members who were scattered or fled......more

Goodreads review by Jenny on March 05, 2024

A great read about a country Latvia that I knew little about. Interesting to read of the impact of WW2 on the residents of Latvia swinging between being occupied by the Nazis or the Soviets. Tough decisions made in the attempts for survival.......more

Goodreads review by Kara on February 08, 2024

3.5 stars but I can’t round up to 4. GOD I thought this book was going to be a winner right from the beginning and I simply feel like I didn’t read the same book as everyone else that enjoyed it. I genuinely enjoyed Baldock immersing you in the many many occupations of Latvia. I have never read any b......more

Goodreads review by Stormi on January 16, 2024

The Bakers Secret By: Lelita Baldock 4 Stars War. Family. Survival. That is what you find in these pages. With war pushing on all fronts, Zenta is made to leave her home of Latvia. After watching her whole family either slaughtered or captured, she is left alone with her niece. Save her. That is her onl......more