The Librarians of Lisbon - by Suzanne Nelson (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

"Absolutely gripping historical fiction . . . Perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale." ―Kelly Rimmer

"A fast-paced roller-coaster ride of deceit, espionage, danger, and―above all―the unbreakable bonds of friendship." ―Kristin Harmel

The romance of Casablanca meets the spy world of Ian Fleming in this WWII love story for the ages.

In a glittering city of secrets and shadows, love is the most perilous gamble of all.

Lisbon 1943. As two American librarians are drawn into a city of dangerous subterfuge and unexpected love affairs, they are forced to choose between their missions and the men they love. Brimming with evocative writing and meticulous research, award-winning author Suzanne Nelson spins a web of secret aliases, sweeping romance, and great sacrifice. Inspired by real historical figures, this is the captivating story of two remarkable young women, their bravery and heartache, and a friendship that withstands the ravages of war.

With World War Two raging across Europe, best friends Selene Delmont and Beatrice Sullivan are enlisted by the U.S. Intelligence Office and sent to Lisbon--a sparkling city and hotbed of trouble, harboring exiled royalty, hunted refugees, and spies trading double-edged secrets in seductively dark corners. In official capacity, librarians Selene and Bea have been recruited to catalog the vast mountain of information gathered by the Allies, but by night, both women are undercover agents tasked with infiltrating the Axis spy network.

Where Selene is confident and brash, Bea is bookish and careful. Selene longs to escape her family's impossible expectations and embrace her independence, while all Bea wants is to heal from heartbreak and keep impulsive Selene out of trouble. But soon, both librarians are caught up in treacherous games of deception alongside two of Lisbon's most notorious men--the outcast Portuguese baron, Luca Caldeira, and the lethal double-agent, Gable. As Selene charms her way through lavish ballrooms and fêtes with Luca, Bea is plunged into Gable's shadowy underworld of informants. Victory depends upon the joint success of their missions, but when an unexpected betrayal throws a carefully spun web of lies into chaos, everything they've sacrificed is put at risk. As Selene and Bea are pushed to their breaking points can their friendship, and their hearts, survive the cost of war?

Review Quotes

"I could not put it down until I reached the last page! This is absolutely gripping and impeccably researched historical fiction--perfect for fans of Kate Quinn's The Rose Code and Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale." --Kelly Rimmer, New York Times bestselling author of The Things We Cannot Say

"You won't want to miss out on this terrific read." --Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Lions of Fifth Avenue

"Nelson masterfully weaves a tale filled with espionage, romance, and friendship, as her two heroines navigate a perilous world of secrets and lies. Meticulously researched with richly drawn characters and an atmospheric setting filled with both glamour and danger, this WWII novel is a must-read for fans of Kate Quinn and Pam Jenoff." --Jane Healey, Washington Post bestselling author of The Beantown Girls

"Nelson expertly weaves an edge-of-your-seat novel that depicts the dangers of espionage with the elegance of high-society reconnaissance, while tugging at the heartstrings. Highly recommend!" --Eliza Knight, USA Today bestselling author of The Mayfair Bookshop

"The Librarians of Lisbon is a gripping espionage thriller and an emotionally nuanced tribute to a lifelong friendship." --Shelf Awareness

"In The Librarians of Lisbon, two best friends from Boston are recruited as Allied spies and come to Lisbon, Portugal in the midst of World War II, both of them seeking answers in their own lives. What unfolds is a fast-paced roller-coaster ride of deceit, espionage, danger, and--above all--the unbreakable bonds of friendship. As Bea and Selene gain confidence--as both spies and women--they speed toward their destinies, both of them falling in love with potentially dangerous men along the way. Author Suzanne Nelson digs deep into the tangled wartime history of Lisbon, which was known as the City of Spies because of its popularity as a rendezvous point for intelligence agents in the midst of neutral Portugal. This tense page-turner peels back new layers in the complexities of World War II espionage as it hurtles toward its satisfying finish." --New York Times bestselling author Kristin Harmel

"Based on real historical figures, this captivating novel will keep readers on the edge of their seats while it explores themes of bravery, friendship, and sacrifice." --Booklist

About the Author

Suzanne Nelson is the award-winning author of dozens of middle grade novels, including "You're Bacon Me Crazy," which was adapted into a romantic comedy movie for the Hallmark Channel. Her YA novel, Serendipity's Footsteps, was a Sydney Taylor Honor Book. She has written articles about parenting for The Washington Post, and teaches writing workshops for adults and children. She loves reading and writing historical fiction. She was born in New Jersey, grew up in Southern California, attended college in Texas, and spent eight years as a children's book editor in New York City. She now lives with her family in Ridgefield, CT. Suzanne can be found on Twitter @snelsonbooks and on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram @suzannenelsonbooks. Her website is suzannenelson.com. This will be her adult fiction debut.