Launching my new series: Timeless Spies
I’m thrilled to share with you the first impressions of my upcoming new series "Timeless Spies". You may have already noticed a new section on my website dedicated to this series. What can you expect? In this blogpost we’ll dive a little deeper into what “Timeless Spies” is all about.
Introduction
I’m thrilled to share with you the first impressions of my upcoming new series "Timeless Spies".
Let me start with unveiling a new section on my website dedicated to the new series here. This historical fiction series promises to take you on a journey through time, linking the courageous tales of World War II's female agents of SOE Section France with the modern struggles and triumphs of contemporary women.
Series Description
"Timeless Spies" invites you to explore the phenomenal courage of the 40 female secret agents of the Special Operations Executive (SOE) French Section during World War II. Set against the backdrop of one of history's most turbulent periods, the series brings to light the daring exploits and untold stories of these extraordinary women. They were the first women soldiers, fighting mostly alone without the protection of an army and under incredible stress of being arrested by the Gestapo.
In every book a contemporary fictive woman stumbles upon the account of one of these real secret agents and can’t wait to find out more. As they explore, we go back in time with them and learn about the missions these real women undertook in the middle of German-occupied France. The eyes of contemporary protagonists are opened to the true meaning of resilience, freedom, and courage of women more than eighty years ago and the effects it has on the choices they make in their lives today.
In this dual timeline series we follow two women per book, whereby the contemporary woman takes the lead to explore the lives and missions of these Resistance heroines. As the secret agents not always returned alive, I’ll make sure a tender love story blossoms in the contemporary storyline, weaving together the universal struggles of women across generations.
A Commitment to Authenticity
As an author of Historical Fiction about WW2 Resistance Women, I am deeply committed to presenting a more diverse and accurate portrayal of history. Unlike traditional narratives that often overlook the contributions of women and minorities, this series will shine a spotlight on the remarkable feats of these unsung heroines. And my fictional contemporary women will be from all walks of life, exploring their own historical roots.
While "Timeless Spies" remains grounded in historical events, it is essential to remember it is a work of fiction. I have taken liberties with historical details to craft a compelling narrative, but every effort has been made to honor the bravery and sacrifice of these female agents authentically.
Honoring the Fallen
It's important to acknowledge the sacrifices made by these courageous women, including the 15 who did not return home, having perished in German captivity under horrific circumstances. While their deaths will not be depicted in detail within the books, resources will be provided for readers who wish to further explore their stories.
I Hope You Will Like this New Series
Through the pages of "Timeless Spies," you are invited to escape on a thrilling adventure through 20th-century history, where female courage knows no bounds, and the legacy of these agents will shine forever more.
Timeless Spies promises to be an adventure of espionage, spunk, significant others, and sacrifice. Preorder your copies today and prepare to be transported to a world where heroines are forged, and history is rewritten.
As many fictional and non-fiction books have been written about some of these heroines who have become famous, like Virginia Hall, Nancy Wake, Noor Inayat Khan and Violette Szabo, I have chosen to write the first books about lesser known but equally brave agents.
First Two books on Preorder
The first two books in the "Timeless Spies" series are now available for preorder:
"The Color of Courage: Charting History, Painting Destiny, A Spirited Graffiti Artist Unravels Lise de Baissac’s WWII Secret Missions."
Coming 24 September Preorder here
"The Echo of Valor: From Lost Legacies to Found Fortunes: Two Women, Two Journeys, One Echo of Valor. The Story of Eileen Nearne.
Coming 31 December Preorder here
Unveiling “The London Spymaker”: Book 7 in The Resistance Girl Series
The moment has arrived! I’m so happy to announce the release of my newest book “The London Spymaker". Set against the backdrop of World War II, this gripping tale of espionage, betrayal, and passion promises to captivate your imagination and tug at your heartstrings.
”The London Spymaker” is currently available at the low price of $4.99 for just a few more days. Don’t miss out on the latest book in “The Resistance Girl Series”. Grab your copy of “The London Spymaker” today and embark on an unforgettable journey through the shadows of wartime London and post-war Germany.
The moment has arrived! I’m so happy to announce the release of my newest book, “The London Spymaker,” the 7th book in “The Resistance Girl Series”. Set against the backdrop of World War II, this gripping tale of espionage, betrayal, and passion promises to captivate your imagination and tug at your heartstrings.
In “The London Spymaker,” we delve into the tumultuous world of Anna Adams, the indomitable spymistress of Baker Street Headquarters. Anna’s duty is to recruit female secret agents to be sent behind enemy lines in France, navigating a web of secrecy, love, and duty in wartime London.
However, Anna’s world is turned upside down when her former boyfriend, the Polish fighter pilot Major Henryk “Hubal” Pilecki, reenters her life. Torn between her undeniable feelings for Hubal and her duty to marry the British Count Roderick Macalister to erase all traces of her past, Anna is faced with an impossible choice.
As the war rages on, Anna’s decisions lead to catastrophic consequences, with her female agents disappearing without a trace. In the aftermath of the war, Anna embarks on a quest to uncover the fates of the women she sent to their deaths, while confronting her own troubled past and mysterious protector.
But don’t just take my word for it! Here’s what some early reviewers had to say:
1. “A really wonderful book! WWII Historical that is intriguing and heartbreaking. Lots of twists and turns and tragic events in this unpredictable haunting story make this a real page-turner and a must-read.”
2. “Highly Recommend This Series. Another riveting, well-researched resistance story by Hannah Byron. It shows a different side to the WW2 story, especially events immediately after the end of the war. Highly recommend this series, this is book 7.”
3. “This book by Hannah Byron is the best out of the whole series, so detailed descriptions, something just connected with me in this read to keep it one of my top 5 books this year. A KEEPER!”
4. “I Suggest You Read the whole Series and Be Swept Away. This is a story that will have you captivated from the very first page. Honestly, I never knew I could get into historical stories but this series has really captured my heart.”
And the best news yet? “The London Spymaker” is currently available at the low price of $4.99 for just a few more days before it goes up to $6.99. Whether you prefer ebook, paperback, or Kindle Unlimited, now is the perfect time to dive into this enthralling tale of courage, sacrifice, and redemption.
Don’t miss out on the latest book in “The Resistance Girl Series”. Grab your copy of “The London Spymaker” today and embark on an unforgettable journey through the shadows of wartime London and post-war Germany.
From Ruins to Rivalry: The Division of Post-War Germany in 1945
The division of post-war Germany in 1945 was a complex and multifaceted process. Initially intended as a temporary occupation, instead setting the stage for decades of Cold War rivalry between East and West.
The London Spymaker starts in 1945 and follows the Allies' pursuit of justice against Nazi war criminals. Squadron Officer Anna Adams embarks on a mission to locate her secret agents who failed to return to Britain after the war's end.
The timeline in The London Spymaker
The release date for my upcoming book, the 7th book in The Resistance Girl Series titled The London Spymaker, is set for April 2nd and is currently available for preorder. The story starts in 1945 after the German surrender, delving into Anna Adams' life before and during the war in later parts of the book.
Beginning with a Prologue set in 1937, the start of the book follows the Allies' pursuit of justice against Nazi war criminals while safeguarding Europe from another German conflict by dividing the country. Squadron Officer Anna Adams embarks on a mission to locate her secret agents who failed to return to Britain after the war's end.
In the weeks ahead, I'll be releasing several blogs pertaining to the themes explored in the new book. This initial blog focuses on the Allies' partitioning of Germany following its capitulation.
Why divide post-war Germany in 4 occupational zones?
In this blogpost we’ll take a closer look at the reasons for dividing Germany into occupational zones monitored by Great Britain, the United States, France and the Soviet Union.
In the wake of World War II, as the dust settled and the echoes of battle faded away, the world found itself facing a new challenge: the division of Germany. The year 1945 marked the end of Nazi Germany, but it also signaled the beginning of a new chapter in German history – a chapter characterized by division, rivalry, and the eventual Cold War confrontation between the Western Allies and the Soviet Union. Let’s explore the events that led to the division of post-war Germany and the consequences that followed.
Yalta Conference (Churchill, Roosevelt, Stalin)
The Yalta and Potsdam Conferences
The seeds of division were sown during the Yalta Conference in February 1945, where Allied leaders Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Joseph Stalin gathered to discuss the future of Europe after the defeat of Nazi Germany. It was here that the groundwork for the division of Germany was established. The Allies agreed to divide Germany into four occupation zones, with each of the major Allied powers – the United States, Great Britain, France, and the Soviet Union – administering one zone.
Potsdam Conference July 1945 (Attlee, Truman, Stalin)
The division was further solidified during the Potsdam Conference in July and August 1945, where the Allied leaders revisited the issue. The conference confirmed the division of Germany into occupation zones, with the city of Berlin, located deep within the Soviet zone, also being divided into four sectors. This division was intended to be temporary, with the goal of demilitarizing and denazifying Germany, as well as holding war criminals accountable.
The Emergence of Ideological Rifts
While the division of Germany was initially seen as a temporary measure, it quickly became apparent that the Allies had different visions for the post-war future of the country. The ideological differences between the Western Allies and the Soviet Union began to crystallize, setting the stage for the Cold War.
In the Western zones, efforts were made to establish democracy and a free-market economy. The introduction of the Marshall Plan in 1948 provided significant financial aid to Western Europe, including West Germany, aimed at promoting economic recovery and preventing the spread of communism. Meanwhile, in the Soviet zone, the focus was on establishing a socialist system under Soviet influence.
Marshall Plan poster
East (red) and West (blue) Germany October 1949 - July 1952
The Berlin Blockade and the Formation of Separate German States
One of the key turning points in the division of post-war Germany was the Berlin Blockade, which began in June 1948. In response to Western efforts to consolidate their zones and create a separate West German state, the Soviet Union blockaded access to West Berlin, attempting to starve the city into submission. In response, the Western Allies launched the Berlin Airlift, providing essential supplies to West Berlin via air.
Children in East and West Berlin
This standoff solidified the division between East and West. In May 1949, the Federal Republic of Germany, commonly known as West Germany, was officially established in the Western zones, while the German Democratic Republic, or East Germany, emerged in the Soviet zone in October 1949.
Conclusion
The division of post-war Germany in 1945 was a complex and multifaceted process that resulted from a combination of geopolitical considerations, ideological differences, and the legacy of World War II. What was initially intended as a temporary occupation soon became the defining feature of Germany's post-war landscape, setting the stage for decades of Cold War rivalry between East and West. The division of Germany would not be resolved until the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, but its impact on the course of history remains significant, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of war and the challenges of post-conflict reconstruction.
West and East Germans at the Brandenburg Gate in 1989
The Partisan Fighter: A Tale of Courage and Liberation
Join this thrilling adventure by diving into The Partisan Fighter, a story that is exclusively available to subscribers of my newsletter.
The Partisan Fighter is the heroic metamorphosis of a capricious, starry-eyed teenager into a death-dealing resistance fighter. Buckling down in a camouflage outfit, the upper-class heiress is hell-bent on bringing Liberté back to country and castle again.
Introduction
In the midst of the chaos and darkness that engulfs Europe during World War II an unlikely heroine emerges: a young French couture designer named Daphne de Dragoncourt. Her journey from a privileged life in Paris and Picardy to the heart of the resistance movement is a story of courage, transformation, and the fight for freedom. Join this thrilling adventure by diving into The Partisan Fighter, a story that is not for sale but exclusively available to subscribers of the Hannah Byron newsletter.
The Rainbow Couturier
Daphne de Dragoncourt is anything but the epitome of traditional French sophistication. With a penchant for risqué combinations and bold patterns inspired by the vibrant colors of her pet macaw, Liberté, she is a breath of fresh air in the world of couture dominated by black-and-white Chanel. Daphne’s dream is to leave behind her complicated family life and shine brightly on the catwalks of French fashion.
Hitler’s Invasion
However, Daphne’s dreams are shattered when Hitler’s forces invade Northern France in May 1940. The Dragoncourt family’s Château is overrun by German boots, and to make matters worse, her beloved macaw, Liberté, escapes during the chaos. Daphne finds herself fleeing into the fields of Picardy, stranded and alone.
A Chance Encounter
In the midst of her despair, Daphne stumbles upon a wounded resistance fighter named Paul Bâh, a Congolese-born merchant from Paris with a fierce appetite for warfare. Instead of fashioning garments with a needle and thread, Paul hands Daphne a German-snatched MP 40 gun and begins teaching her to wield it effectively.
Becoming Simone
With Paul by her side Daphne adopts the code name ‘Simone Charlet.’ Together with their motley crew of partisan fighters, they engage in daring clashes with the Nazi forces from Paris to Picardy. As Simone, the once capricious and starry-eyed teenager Daphne, transforms into a fearless resistance leader, ready to risk it all for her country and her castle.
Liberation and Reunion
As the war rages on, the Partisan movement is eventually reinforced by the D-Day landings, and together with the Allies, they bring an end to four years of German terror. Through determination and sheer willpower, Simone and her comrades fight valiantly to liberate their homeland.
The Triumph of Liberté
The Partisan Fighter is a remarkable tale of transformation, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of those who fought for freedom during World War II. Daphne de Dragoncourt’s journey from a couturier to a resistance fighter is a testament to the human capacity for bravery and adaptability in the face of adversity. As we follow Simone’s path, we are reminded that even in the darkest of times, the pursuit of liberty can lead to extraordinary heroism.
The Partisan Fighter is the free companion novella to the 7 books of The Resistance Girl Series.
Join my newsletter to exclusively experience this captivating story of courage and liberation.
But The Partisan Fighter is not just a historical account; it’s a tribute to the unwavering spirit of those who dared to cast off their jewels, their blueblood, and their privileges, all in the name of freedom. It is loosely based on the story of the real Partisan fighter Simone Segouin.
Subscribe here
Saving Chartres Cathedral
In the free WW2 Novella, The Partisan Fighter, the main character Daphne de Dragoncourt saves Chartres Cathedral in France from American bombings. The cathedral miraculously escaped destruction, but not by a fictional character. This is the actual story.
Introduction
In the free WW2 Novella, The Partisan Fighter (read the first two chapters here), that comes out in January, I let the main character Daphne de Dragoncourt save Chartres Cathedral in France from American bombings. The Allies thought Germans were hiding in the cathedral’s bell tower.
The cathedral miraculously escaped destruction, but not by a fictional character. This is the actual story.
Click on cover to read first 2 chapters
The magnificent 12th-century Catholic cathedral was at risk of destruction by American forces in August 1944. They believed the cathedral was being used as a sniper post by German forces. Until Colonel Welborn Barton Griffith, Jr., an American Army officer from Texas, stepped in and saved the century-old marvel. Colonel Griffith’s heroic act took place on 16 August 1944, on the same day he tragically lost his life in France while fighting to liberate the French people from German occupation.
Welborn Barton Griffith Jr. (1901–1944)
Who was Colonel Griffith?
Colonel Welborn Barton Griffith, Jr. was born on 10 November 1901, in Quanah, Texas. He attended Texas A&M University and the United States Military Academy at West Point. At West Point, he excelled in various sports, including football, and displayed exceptional skills in horsemanship, rifle shooting, and pistol marksmanship. He also took part in activities like boxing, wrestling, and lacrosse before graduating in 1925. In 1929, Griffith married Alice Torrey, the daughter of an army officer, and they had a daughter named Alice in 1931.
During the 1930s, Griffith was stationed in the Philippine Islands and then in Shanghai, China, as an observer with the Chinese Army. His adventures even took him to Japan, where he explored the country and took photographs. His activities raised suspicions, and Japanese authorities briefly detained him. After a divorce from his first marriage, Griffith married Nell Humphrey of Brooklyn, New York, in 1940.
World War 2 Activities
With the United States entering World War II in late 1941, Colonel Griffith dedicated his life to preparing soldiers for combat. He served as an instructor at the Command and General Staff School in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and later as the operations officer (G-3) at the IV Armored Corps Headquarters at the Desert Training Center in California in 1943. Here, he played a crucial role in training troops for desert warfare in North Africa. The Corps later transformed into the XX Corps and shifted its focus to the invasion of Western Europe.
In February 1944, the XX Corps departed for England, where they trained extensively for the D-Day invasion. They landed on the beaches of Utah Beach in Normandy in July 1944, and by August, they were attached to General George S. Patton, Jr.’s Third Army. It was during their advance towards Chartres, France, that Colonel Griffith’s heroic act took place.
12th-century Catholic cathedral Chartres
Saving Chartres Cathedral
On the morning of 16 August 1944, Colonel Griffith, along with General Walton Walker and other officers, learned about German machine gun and mortar positions in Chartres. During this briefing, they were informed orders had been issued to destroy the historic Chartres Cathedral, fearing it was occupied by German forces.
Colonel Griffith, determined to verify if German troops were indeed inside the cathedral, drove to Chartres with his jeep driver. Upon arrival, he witnessed American soldiers firing at the cathedral but observed no return fire. Unconvinced, he entered the cathedral, combed its compartments, and climbed to the top of the bell tower. To signal that the cathedral was free from enemy occupation, he rang the bell and hung an American flag from the belfry. Afterward, he sent an order to the artillery unit to spare the cathedral from destruction.
His Death
Colonel Griffith headed to the village of Lèves, where he encountered a German patrol. A firefight ensued, during which Griffith ordered his driver to return to Chartres, where they met a tank from the Seventh Armored Division. Griffith joined the tank crew, armed with a pistol and rifle. As they traversed the streets of Lèves, they came under heavy fire, and tragically, Colonel Griffith was struck in the back and killed instantly.
Eyewitnesses saw two French boys move Griffith's body to the sidewalk, where villagers placed a blanket, flowers, and an American flag. The villagers held a vigil until American forces arrived the following day and removed his body. Colonel Griffith was buried with full military honors at the Brittany American Cemetery and Memorial near the village of St. James.
His Legacy
Colonel Griffith’s valor on 16 August 1944 earned him several prestigious awards, including the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, the Purple Heart, the French Croix de Guerre avec Palm, the Legion of Merit, and the Legion of Honor.
His legacy lives on in France, where a plaque was placed in 1961 to honor his sacrifice. On the 51st anniversary of his heroic act, a new plaque was dedicated in his honor in Lèves. Griffith’s daughter, Alice, and other family members attended the memorial service held at Chartres Cathedral. During the ceremony, the Dean of the Cathedral acknowledged Griffith's actions, stating that the veritable tomb of a hero resides in the hearts of the living. A park was also established in Lèves to commemorate Colonel Griffith’s memory.
Colonel Welborn Barton Griffith Jr. will always remain a remarkable American hero of WW2.
Simone Segouin: The French Resistance Heroine Who Stood Strong
The Partisan Fighter (read the first two chapters here) is loosely based on the heroic actions of the 18-year-old French girl, Simone Segouin, who has become a symbol of French female resisters since the liberation. High time to put this incredible lady in the spotlight.
My soon-to-be released FREE introductory book to The Resistance Girl Series, The Partisan Fighter (read the first two chapters here) is loosely based on the heroic actions of the 18-year-old French girl, Simone Segouin, who has become a symbol of French female resisters since the liberation. High time to put this incredible lady in the spotlight.
Click on cover to read first two chapters for free
Introduction
In the annals of history, there are individuals who rise to the occasion when their countries face the darkest of times. Simone Segouin, also known by her code name Nicole Minet, was one such remarkable individual. She was a fearless young woman who played a pivotal role in the French Resistance during World War II. Her story is a testament to the bravery, determination, and resilience of those who fought against the Nazi occupation of France. In this blog post, we will delve into the life and heroic actions of Simone Segouin, a symbol of resistance and hope during one of the most trying periods in modern history.
Photos of Simone holding her German-confiscated MP-40 gun, popped up in newspapers in August 1944, leading to the assumption the photos were staged. To some extent this was true. Simone posed on the stairs for photographers after the liberation of Chartres, but not because the automatic gun wasn’t hers, or because she didn’t know how to wield it.
Simone Segouin, code name Nicole Minet, captured 25 Nazis while liberating Chartres
Generally, though, Simone Segouin was a French WW2 heroine and remained relatively unknown to the rest of the world. The French newspaper Independent Eure-et-Loir in its 26 August 1944 issue described her as “one of the purest fighters of heroic French Resistance who prepared the way for the Liberation”.
Early Life and the Call to Resistance
Simone Segouin was born on October 3, 1925, in Thivars, a small town south-west of Paris. Growing up in a modest family, she enjoyed a relatively ordinary childhood until the outbreak of World War II. The occupation of France by Nazi Germany in 1940 marked the beginning of a tumultuous period that would change her life forever. Witnessing the atrocities committed by the Nazis and the Vichy government, Simone felt a growing sense of outrage and a deep desire to take action. Her father had been a decorated soldier of the Great War.
Simone Joins the Resistance
In 1944, at the age of 18, Simone Segouin made the courageous decision to join the French Resistance. She adopted the nom de guerre “Nicole Minet” to protect her identity. Under the guidance of her older brother and other resistance fighters, she began her journey into the clandestine world of sabotage and espionage.
Simone’s Role in the Resistance
Simone Segouin’s role in the French Resistance was multifaceted and invaluable. She was involved in a range of activities that hindered the Nazi occupiers and their collaborators. For example:
Sabotage: She participated in acts of sabotage, targeting German military installations, communication lines, and transportation networks. These acts disrupted the Nazi war effort and helped slow their advance.
Espionage: With her youthful appearance, she could easily move through occupied areas without arousing suspicion. This made her an ideal courier for the resistance, relaying critical information between different cells and resistance leaders.
Participation in Liberation: As the Allied forces advanced through France in 1944, Simone was actively involved in the liberation of Chartres and Paris. In Chartres she captured 25 Nazis. In Paris she liquidated several Germans and actively helped to reclaim the capital from the clutches of the Nazis.
Iconic Photographs and Legacy
Simone Segouin’s fearless commitment to the resistance captured the imagination of many. Iconic photographs of her, brandishing weapons and sporting shorts and resistance emblems, remain etched in history. Especially her German-confiscated MP-40 gun, which she could wield as the best, made her a force to reckon with.
These images symbolize the strength and determination of the French people during their struggle against oppression.
Simone Segouin sporting shorts and an MP-40 gun
Simone’s legacy goes beyond her wartime actions. After the war, she continued to lead a life dedicated to preserving the memory of the resistance and the sacrifices made by her comrades. She served as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, ordinary individuals can rise to extraordinary heights when they choose to resist tyranny.
Simone was promoted to lieutenant and awarded the Croix de Guerre. A street in Courville-sur-Eure is named after her.
Later years
After the war Simone became a pediatric nurse in Chartres, where her wartime exploits made her hugely popular. While she had six children with her husband, she never took his name.
Despite her active participation in the resistance, Simone acknowledged the difficulty for women to be taken seriously. Only 10 percent of partisans were women and hardly any of those had combat roles.
Her proudest moment was going to Paris with General De Gaulle.
Simone died at age 97 in Courville-sur-Eure on 21 February 2023.
Conclusion
Simone Segouin’s life and actions serve as a powerful reminder of the indomitable spirit of those who fought against the Nazi occupation of France during World War II. Her courage, resourcefulness, and unwavering commitment to the resistance make her a genuine hero and an inspiration to generations to come. Simone Segouin’s story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity and remains a beacon of hope for all who believe in the power of resistance and resilience.
The Partisan Fighter
I've got some thrilling news to share with you all. I'm diving back into the world of De Dragoncourts from In Picardy’s Fields with my latest project, The Partisan Fighter.
I'm giving you the chance to read the first two — still unedited chapters right away — completely free!
Exciting News: the first two chapters of The Partisan Fighter are available!
I've got some thrilling news to share with you. I'm diving back into the world of De Dragoncourts from In Picardy’s Fields with my latest project, The Partisan Fighter. I'm so excited about writing Daphne’s story. Daphne is the 18-year-old daughter of Count Jacques de Dragoncourt. Do you remember the young manager of the WW1 hospital, who was so in love with surgeon Agnès? Alas, Agnès married her colleague Alan Bell instead. So, find out who Jacques married and what his daughter Daphne is like!
I'm giving you the chance to read the first two — still unedited chapters right away — completely free!
Flag of the Free France (1940-1944)
Simone Segouin during the liberation of Paris on 29 August 1944
What’s The Partisan Fighter About?
The Partisan Fighter takes us back to World War II, a time of bravery and tumultuous change in the French countryside. The story is loosely based on Simone Segouin’s story and the fight of the Partisans. This motley group of Resistance fighters was allied to the British SOE organization, which is now my main body of work, but The Partisan Fighter is a story purely about the French Resistance.
Based as always on actual facts, our protagonist, Daphne, a young couturier turned fighter, navigates the chaos of occupied territory. Her journey is filled with danger, sacrifice, and resilience, and I can't wait for you to join her on this thrilling ride.
Why Historical Fiction?
Historical fiction has a unique charm—it's like a time machine that lets us step into the shoes of people from the past. It's a chance to experience their world and understand the challenges they faced. The Partisan Fighter is my way of bringing history to life, creating characters you'll care about, and spinning a tale that'll have you hooked from the start.
Read the First Two Chapters
To give you a taste of what's in store, I'm sharing the first two chapters of The Partisan Fighter for free. Just head over to the downloadpage here to start reading. I hope these initial pages will grab your attention and leave you hungry for more of Daphne’s journey, which will be available in December. Exclusive for my newsletter subscribers! So it won’t be for sale.
Stay in the Loop
I'm super excited to share this novella with you, and I can't wait to hear what you think. Your support keeps me going and inspires me to keep telling stories.
To stay in the know about The Partisan Fighter and get updates on new chapters, subscribe to my newsletter or join my Reader group on Facebook.
Thanks for joining me on this historical adventure, and I can't wait to explore The Partisan Fighter with you.
Happy reading!
Cast off your jewels, your blue-blood, your privileges. Fight for freedom only.
Picardy, France, May 1940
Daphne de Dragoncourt simply knows she's the new French couture designer on the firmament. With her taste for risqué combinations and bold patterns, she's anything but the sophistication of black-and-white Chanel.
Inspired by the rainbow colors of her pet macaw, Liberté, Daphne can't wait to exchange her coveted countryside life in Picardy for her own atelier in Paris. Away from her depressed, alcoholic father, the 10th Count De Dragoncourt, and his complicated marriage to her Italian-Principessa mother, Marielle de Ibrio.
But Hitler's invasion of Northern France crushes all Daphne's dreams of a career in beauty and style. When her family's Château is overrun by German boots, and her beloved macaw escapes, she is forced to flee into the Picardy's fields.
Stranded and alone, she stumbles upon the wounded resistance fighter Paul Bâh, a Congolese-born merchant from Paris, with an avid taste for unruly warfare. Instead of a thread and needle, Paul presents the queen of patterns with a German-snatched MP 40 gun and teaches Daphne to wield it well.
With Paul by her side, Daphne - code name Simone - and their motley cell of partisan fighters clash with the Nazis from Paris to Picardy. Until the Partisans are finally reinforced by the D-Day landings and, together with the Allies, terminate four years of German terror.
The Partisan Fighter is the heroic metamorphosis of a capricious, starry-eyed teenager into a death-dealing resistance fighter. Buckling down in a camouflage outfit, the upper-class heiress is hell-bent on bringing Liberté back to country and castle.
From The Crystal Butterfly to The London Spymaker
Field trip to Canadian War Cemetery at Groesbeek and last week to read - as sneak peek - the first chapters of The London Spymaker!
Two months ago, I shared a video (link below) on YouTube, recounting the remarkable liberation of Amsterdam in May 1945. Little did I expect it would capture the hearts and minds of 54,000 viewers, many of whom were touched by the heroics of their Canadian relatives, who played a pivotal role in Holland's liberation. All these reactions from viewers ignited a spark in me, and made me think with even more fondness why I wrote my book on the Dutch Resistance, "The Crystal Butterfly." In the 7th book in The Resistance Girl Series, our heroine, Edda Van der Valk (then Edda Valkena), joins in the jubilation of Amsterdam's liberation.
The popularity of the old Dutch news reel also evoked a profound sense of gratitude in me towards the brave Canadians, Brits, Americans, Australians, and others who landed on Normandy's beaches on that historic day of June 6, 1944 to begin their relentless march northward. It spanned eleven grueling months and was marked by countless sacrifices before the European Continent was liberated from Hitler's Third Reich. How the SOE secret agents played a vital role in assisting the Allied forces with their sabotage actions will be at the core of my new series “Timeless Spies”, coming in 2024.
At an hour’s drive from where I live lies the Canadian War Cemetery at Groesbeek, Netherlands. Two weeks’ ago, on a sunny Sunday, I went on a field trip to honor these young heroes who gave their lives for our cherished freedom. Over 7,600 Canadian soldiers died for the liberation of Holland, and 2,331 of them found their eternal rest at Groesbeek. It stands as an immense Canadian Commonwealth Cemetery, with a minority of other nationalities interred alongside.
The original Canadian cemetery 1946
The Canadian cemetery 1947
My fascination with the Secret Operations Executive (SOE), as discussed in last week's blog, led me to discover that two of the five Canadian secret agents who were murdered in concentration camps while serving in the French section of SOE are commemorated on one pillar at this graveyard. That was my second motivation to pay a visit and pay tribute.
I also reached out to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and became a Foundation member, granting me the opportunity to contribute to their vital work. It puzzled me that the records showed that three agents were commemorated at Groesbeek - Pickersgill, Sabourin Biéler (correct spelling) -, whereas I could only find two names. (See photo left). The War Graves Commission told me that WW2 casualties with no known graves, like these five agents, may only be commemorated in one location. Where Biéler is commemorated elsewhere I’m still in the process of finding out. Considering that all 104 fallen agents of the French Section are commemorated on the Valencay Memorial in France (see last week’s post), the French memorial is not classified as a Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery. A valuable lesson learnt.
Mind you, these men are heroes of the highest class. They fought alone!
The author at Groesbeek, left of me you can see the two agents’ names
The 5 Canadian SOE agents who died in concentration camps
I invite you to watch my visit to Groesbeek through the video linked below, and I'm excited to share that you have one more week to download and read for free the first chapters of "The London Spymaker," set to be released next March.
The link between The London Spymaker and SOE
Read the rough draft of the first chapters of The London Spymaker! It will give you a taste of the history and research behind Anna’s story and SOE. The book is on preorder and will be available on 7 March 2024.
As I’m writing the last book in The Resistance Girl Series (for now), I’m already transitioning to what I’m going to specialize in for probably the rest of my writing career. The secret agents of SOE, an abbreviation for the Secret Operations Executive. A name and organization as shrouded in mystery as its non-descript name.
Hannah at SOE plaque in Beaulieu
In book 7 in The Resistance Girl Series, titled The London Spymaker, I’m already deeply invested in SOE, the British organization Winston Churchill launched in July 1940 “to set Europe Ablaze” with irregular warfare and sabotage actions. Flight officer Anna Adams in The London Spymaker, though fictive, is based on Vera Atkins’ remarkable position at the London-based organization, as the second person behind Colonel Maurice Buckmaster, the head of SOE’s French section.
Vera Atkins
From 1941 till after D-Day in June 1944 some 400 Section F agents were dropped into France. 109 of them didn’t survive the arrests, torture, and murder by the Gestapo. Most of these heroic agents, who came from all walks of life, were killed in concentration camps. Of the 40 brave women, whom SOE started recruiting in 1942 as women could more easily blend in with the French population and were less likely to be stopped by the Germans, 13 did not survive their missions. 104 of these agents are commemorated on the Valencay Memorial in France, which I will certainly visit in person one day and tell you all about.
Valencay memorial for SOE French Section
With Anna’s story, we start at the end of the second World War as she flies to post-war Germany in search of her “missing agents.” In the chaos after the liberation, with hundreds of thousands of bewildered and traumatized holocaust survivors trying to find their way to safety, it was often unclear what had happened to political prisoners, especially these agents whom Hitler had branded the worst enemies of the Third Reich. They fell in the “Nacht und Nebel” category, people the Nazis didn’t want to leave any trace of where they’d gone (Night and Fog), so their families would never know what had happened to them.
Anna not only attends the opening of the Nuremburg trials in November 1945, she also interrogates arrested camp commanders from Ravensbrück and Sachsenhausen to find out about the fate of “her girls”. The real Vera Atkins made it her life’s mission after the war to trace all the agents so she could tell their families what had happened to them.
To give you a taste of the history and research behind Anna’s story, you can read the rough draft of the first chapters of The London Spymaker here. The book is on preorder and will be available on 7 March 2024.
The London Spymaker sneak peek - click to download
Next week I will tell you about my visit to the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, where 2 of the 5 French-Canadian SOE male agents are commemorated. Though I intend to start my new series “Timeless Spies” (2024) with the female agents, in time I’d like to honour the brave men as well. What’s more, they usually worked together in teams.
Unveiling “The Crystal Butterfly”: A Triumph in Tales of Resilience from WW2's Unsung Heroines!
Today is a day that fills my heart with an electrifying surge of joy and pride. I am absolutely thrilled to announce the launch of my latest novel, The Crystal Butterfly, the sixth book in my gripping series, The Resistance Girl Series, on the extraordinary resistance women of World War II!
Hey, dear readers!
Today is a day that fills my heart with an electrifying surge of joy and pride. I am absolutely thrilled to announce the launch of my latest novel, The Crystal Butterfly, the sixth book in my gripping series, The Resistance Girl Series, on the extraordinary resistance women of World War II!
As an author, I have always been captivated by the untold stories of heroism and courage, and my journey through this riveting historical period has been nothing short of exhilarating. With each book, I have sought to shed light on the indomitable spirit and the remarkable achievements of the women who fought relentlessly behind the scenes, defying all odds.
The Crystal Butterfly takes you on a breath-taking journey through the lives of yet another group of unsung heroines who refused to bow down to the tyranny of war. This time the setting is the Northern European country called Holland, or The Netherlands.
Book 6, just like the earlier ones, is a tribute to the bravery, resilience, and unyielding determination of women to protect their loved ones and their countries. In this installment, I delve deeper into the personal struggles, sacrifices, and triumphs of these incredible Dutch women, weaving together a tapestry of emotions that will leave you spellbound.
With each book I transport you back in time as I unveil the hidden intricacies of their secret operations. Immerse yourself in the stories of their perilous missions, daring escapes, and their unbreakable bonds of friendship forged amidst the chaos of war. From code breakers to spies, from undercover agents to resistance leaders, my Resistance Girl Series unveils the pivotal roles played by these remarkable women in different European countries, shaping the outcome of the war.
Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, I have strived to recreate the atmosphere of the era, allowing readers to experience the sights, sounds, and emotions of a time when the world teetered on the precipice of destruction. The pages of The Crystal Butterfly will transport you to the heart of the Dutch Resistance, where ordinary women became extraordinary legends.
But The Crystal Butterfly is not just another historical account. It is a celebration of the human spirit, an ode to the triumph of love over hate and the unwavering resolve to protect the values we hold dear. It is a testament to the power of unity and the belief that, even in the darkest of times, a single person can make a difference.
To my loyal readers, I cannot express my gratitude enough for embarking on this journey with me. Your unwavering support and encouragement have fueled my creative fire, and it is because of you that The Crystal Butterfly has taken flight. It is my deepest hope that this book will touch your hearts, inspire you, and honor the indelible mark left by Edda, Tante Riet, Duifje, Miss Sterling and Maria, each an incredible woman with her own journey through the war.
And don’t forget their counterparts: the men. Fall in love with Asher Hoffman as Edda does, vouch for Ome Jan, for Doctor Geuze and Rick. Even understand Ludovicus Van Limburg Stirum.
Though this is a book about wartime in Holland, it’s also very much a book about the dance world. Immerse yourself in the magical ballets, the Nutcracker, Giselle, Les Sylphides. Even in wartime dance took place. And it saved Edda from despair.
So, dear reader, I hope you’ll let the enchantment of The Crystal Butterfly transport you to a time when heroes walked among us, hidden in plain sight. Join me as we celebrate the strength, courage, and resilience of these remarkable resistance women who shaped the course of 20th Century history. The grandmothers and great-grandmothers on whose shoulders today’s power women celebrate their equality and freedom.
The Crystal Butterfly is available on Amazon. The paperback is also available on all the leading book platforms! If you have a Kindle Unlimited subscription, you can also read the new book “for free”. As you can with the rest of the series!
Together let us honor the heroes and heroines of the past and pave the way for a future where their legacy lives on! And peace - hopefully - reigns forever.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
Hannah
2023: the birth of a new book
New book, but also a new home and a new website. Years of research on European countries during World Wars NOT lost, and more to come! Did you know about Audrey Hepburn’s Dutch war years?
Since book 5 in The Resistance Girl Series, The Highland Raven, came out, I took a short break from writing about my main topic World War 2. In the interim I launched a new historical detective series, titled The Mrs Imogene Lynch Series. I also moved to another part of Holland at the end of December ‘22 and became a first-time grandmother in January. All very exciting but very distracting from my WW2 writing schedule! :-)
In January 2023 I began writing The Crystal Butterfly, my newest book in The Resistance Girl Series. This book is about the Dutch Resistance. It was a Godsent to be able this time to do all my groundwork ‘around the corner’ and I’ll share plenty of my (on the spot) research with you on this blog.
I took the time to deep-dive into the new story and get to the heart of my heroine’s journey before and during WW2. Her name is Edda Van der Valk and in The Crystal Butterfly she will take you through her Dutch war years.
As I now live close to Den Bosch - which is in the centre of Holland - I can easily travel to the most important places of action during WW2 in this country. So let me take you with me on my field trips as I retrace my steps to that gruesome part of our history, now some 80 years ago.
Few people living through WW2 are still with us today. The medalled-up veterans and bravely surviving Jews have become sparse centenaries, whose live presence in TV shows and newspaper articles are almost non-existent. WW2 is now almost history, lived through by the generation of our parents, grandparents, great-grandparents. But I still feel it is my duty to keep the history alive LEST WE FORGET.
The Crystal Butterfly is also inspired by - though far from identical to - Audrey Hepburn’s Dutch war years, so I’ll take you to places where she lived and spent some of the most arduous years of her life. And, of course, Anne Frank cannot be ignored in a book that is centred heavily on the deportations of Dutch-based Jewish people. After all, the arrest of Edda’s big love, Asher Hoffmann, was her reason for joining the Resistance.
PS For avid readers of my blog you may notice I have a new website and miss the abundant archive of years of research on many European countries during the World Wars. Fear not for it will return in an even clearer and more user friendly way.
Hello Reader
Welcome to Historical Facts & Fiction. Here imagination meets reality. I created this blog as a space to assemble my own research that had no place in my World War novels. Find out more about the background to The Resistance Girl Series!
Welcome to Historical Facts & Fiction. Here imagination meets reality. I created this blog as a space to assemble my own research that had no place in my World War novels. I hope you’ll enjoy finding out more about the background to The Resistance Girl Series.
Titbits of research certainly have their place in historical fiction, but when it becomes info dump, it’s too much. But in a blog there’s enough space to share all in-depth investigations and fieldwork to my heart’s content.
Most Historical Fiction readers are fervent researchers themselves; half the fun of reading a good HF novel is popping onto the net to fact-check what you’ve just read. You simply must know if SOE really had women spies, or if Eva Braun actually married Hitler hours before joining him in death. The internet is our treasure trove. I know I can’t stop myself, and love learning a thing or two in the process.
Have you ever wondered where HF authors get their ideas for a new book or series, or how they do their research? No two HF authors are alike – of course – but we all do rely heavily on today’s search engines. No work gets done without it.
However, as you’ll read in an upcoming blog post, my reason for starting The Resistance Girl Series was a family photo I found by chance. Curiosity is a good start. As a European with lineage in several countries, I not only study the lives of these people. They are in my bloodline.
My Great-uncles William and Jack Westcott
But it wasn’t just my uncles’ photograph that incited me to write In Picardy’s Fields. It may sound terrible to say - and I won’t do so aloud - but I love the World Wars. For me as a fiction writer these intense and dark periods in recent human history provide the greatest canvas on which to splash my stories, in an endless variety; this was the period – par excellence – in which ordinary people performed extraordinary deeds. And we all love us a decent hero(ine)!
I’m never tired of learning more about the first half of the 20th century and how it’s shaped our current society. So, please permit me to infect you with some of that passion.
Next to online studies, you can also join me on my field trips to various countries while I do my onsite research.
On to the first blog now…
Thank you for being here!