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

Author:
Lelita Baldock
Read by:
Taryn Ryan
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Unabridged Audiobook

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Ratings
Book
5
Narrator
3
Release Date
January 25, 2024
Duration
13 hours 23 minutes
Summary
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.
Reviews
Profile Avatar Thandekile M. Sep 2025

Heartbreaking story shining a light on the realities, tragedies and choices made in times of war. Narrator was too slow in my opinion but that was easy to solve by increasing the playback speed. Beautifully written. I loved this book.

Profile Avatar Carol R. Jun 2025

Wonderful story. captivating and eye opening. I breaks your heart open with both the horror of war and the beaty and resiliency of the human spirit. well worth the listen. I had a bit of difficulty at first adjusting to the slow tempo at which the narrator read the main characters voice and found it a little irritating, but after the 1st chapter realized it was just a part of the character portrayal of an elderly person who didn't speak very fast. the other sections were not like that and I quickly adjusted to the voice ans tempo.

Profile Avatar Ranae Jan 2026

The book was good, but switching from present day to past, occasionally, made the characters sometimes hard to follow (especially in the beginning). I really liked hearing about the history of other European countries (I hadn’t read about) and how they were affected by the Nazis and Soviets fighting for control of their small countries. It was sad to hear about the people and their inability to even find a place to flee to for safety. The narrator was somewhat less likable. I understand speaking as an old person, but this was a little extreme and annoying.

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

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

Author: Lelita Baldock
Read by: Taryn Ryan
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