The Spy Keeper of Marseille

A former housewife finds her calling in a French Resistance group in this propulsive historical from White (The Collector of Burned Books). In the wake of the Nazi invasion in 1940, newly widowed Zelie Bellerose joins Alliance, France’s largest network of rebel spies. Determined to combat the Nazis’ control over French culture, she recruits formerly renowned concert pianist Marcel Laurent and helps him secure a position as the conductor for a traveling youth orchestra, which also allows them to expand the spy network across France. Back at headquarters in Marseille, Zelie struggles to earn respect as a female leader while yearning for her two children, whom she’s sent away to the countryside. As tensions rise throughout France and a leadership shake-up within the Alliance saddles Zelie with more responsibilities, she and Marcel lean on their faith to evade capture and weigh what they’re willing to sacrifice for their country. White ushers her narrative to a suspenseful climax while building passionate chemistry between Marcel and Zelie. (“If fear is the only thing stopping you,” he tells her, “then be the star I love and burn that away.”) Readers will be swept up. (July)