Helpful Score: 1
This is one of the most boring books I've ever read! The movie, however, is soooo much better and one of my favorites. I saw the movie first and then decided to read the book and I'm glad I did because if I'd read the book first, I probably would have never seen the movie. It was like the director read the book. liked the premise of the book but had to totally rewrite the script to make the movie much more interesting. I highly recommend the movie! The book -- not so much!
Helpful Score: 1
Surprisingly, I quite liked the book. It did take a little while for the most intriguing part of the plot to begin (when Linda actually becomes a spy in Berlin). The plot leading up to that part was good, but it was nothing in comparison to Isaacs's description of war-weary Berlin through the eyes of a light-hearted, yet surprisingly competent, American spy.
I was hooked with the first sentence.
From Publishers Weekly
A truly compulsive read, Isaacs's fourth novel (after Almost Paradise) is a smooth blend of romantic fiction and spy thriller. Again demonstrating her unbeatable flair for down-to-earth dialogue, sassy, outspoken heroines and social nuances that convey character and period, Isaacs tells a Cinderella story with a contemporary twist. Linda Voss is a 31-year-old secretary to the dreamiest looking man on Wall Street, international lawyer John Berringer, with whom she is secretly and hopelessly in love: she is a poor girl from Queens, and he boasts an Ivy League background along with his perfect profile. When circumstances lead to their unlikely marriage, however, sexual fireworks keep them together. As World War II engulfs Europe, the Berringers move to Washington, where both become involved in undercover work for the COI, soon to become the OSS. Heartbreak, plus a feeling of kinship for the victims of Nazism, leads Linda, whose childhood was spent in a German-speaking household, to volunteer for a dangerous mission in Berlin. There, events tumble her into heroic action. Isaacs's depiction of daily life in wartime Germany rings with accurate detail, as does her picture of the American espionage organization and of the psychological orientation of the people who made up its ranks. She has hit her stride here with a book that has all the marks of a runaway bestseller.
A truly compulsive read, Isaacs's fourth novel (after Almost Paradise) is a smooth blend of romantic fiction and spy thriller. Again demonstrating her unbeatable flair for down-to-earth dialogue, sassy, outspoken heroines and social nuances that convey character and period, Isaacs tells a Cinderella story with a contemporary twist. Linda Voss is a 31-year-old secretary to the dreamiest looking man on Wall Street, international lawyer John Berringer, with whom she is secretly and hopelessly in love: she is a poor girl from Queens, and he boasts an Ivy League background along with his perfect profile. When circumstances lead to their unlikely marriage, however, sexual fireworks keep them together. As World War II engulfs Europe, the Berringers move to Washington, where both become involved in undercover work for the COI, soon to become the OSS. Heartbreak, plus a feeling of kinship for the victims of Nazism, leads Linda, whose childhood was spent in a German-speaking household, to volunteer for a dangerous mission in Berlin. There, events tumble her into heroic action. Isaacs's depiction of daily life in wartime Germany rings with accurate detail, as does her picture of the American espionage organization and of the psychological orientation of the people who made up its ranks. She has hit her stride here with a book that has all the marks of a runaway bestseller.
This is a really good book...the concept sounds a little trite, but as the story evolves, you become very involved in the story line. There's enough intrigue to keep you turning the pages.
I enjoyed this book. I also enjoyed the movie, although some of the parts were omitted or changed. Susan Isaacs has a humorous, wise-cracking way of writing. Parts were funny, adventurous, suspenseful and sad. The movie was a real tear-jerker.
Very well written. Fictitious account of Linda Voss, secretary, going underground during wartime Germany to divulge enemy secrets to the OSS and undermine Hilter's efforts. Great story.
I was a fan of the film and wanted to read the book. They are two very different stories. I still prefer the film
t's 1940 and Linda Voss, secretary extraordinaire, has a secret: she's in love with her boss, John Berringer, the pride of the Ivy Leage. Not that he'd take a second look at her, a German-Jewish girl from Queens who spends her time caring for her faded beauty of a mother, and following the news of the war that is engulfing Europe.
How Linda wins and loses her man, puts her life on the line for her beliefs, and finally gets the man she deserved all along.
How Linda wins and loses her man, puts her life on the line for her beliefs, and finally gets the man she deserved all along.
Isaacs is a brilliant author, I loved this book just as much as all her others
Great book. Very different from the movie staring Melanie Griffiths and Michael Douglas, but still good.
Linda Voss, legal secretary becomes war heroine. I loved this book, although it took me a couple chapters to get into it. It was worth the effort. It's a thrilling story with intrigue and romance, told in Isaacs witty style. One minute I was holding my breath, and the next, laughing out loud. If you're thinking of the movie with the same title, the book is far superior.
It is 1940 and Linda Voss, legal secretary is in love with her boss.
extraordinary adventure, from New York to Nazi Germany, a secretary can do anything...
A truly compulsive read, Isaacs's fourth novel (after Almost Paradise) is a smooth blend of romantic fiction and spy thriller. Again demonstrating her unbeatable flair for down-to-earth dialogue, sassy, outspoken heroines and social nuances that convey character and period, Isaacs tells a Cinderella story with a contemporary twist. Linda Voss is a 31-year-old secretary to the dreamiest looking man on Wall Street, international lawyer John Berringer, with whom she is secretly and hopelessly in love: she is a poor girl from Queens, and he boasts an Ivy League background along with his perfect profile. When circumstances lead to their unlikely marriage, however, sexual fireworks keep them together. As World War II engulfs Europe, the Berringers move to Washington, where both become involved in undercover work for the COI, soon to become the OSS. Heartbreak, plus a feeling of kinship for the victims of Nazism, leads Linda, whose childhood was spent in a German-speaking household, to volunteer for a dangerous mission in Berlin. There, events tumble her into heroic action. Isaacs's depiction of daily life in wartime Germany rings with accurate detail, as does her picture of the American espionage organization and of the psychological orientation of the people who made up its ranks. She has hit her stride here with a book that has all the marks of a runaway bestseller.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY REVIEW
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY REVIEW
This book really held my interest. GREAT story! I was cherring for the heroin by the time it was over.
This book will remind you of a 1940's movie. You cannot help but root for Linda Voss, legal secretary extraordinaire, who secretly loves her handsome boss. It is the story of how Linda wins and loses her man, puts her life on the line for her beliefs, and finally gets the man she deserved all along. This story stayed with me long after I finished the last page.
I really enjoyed this book.
A poignant love story, exciting spy novel and working girl saga all in one.
Set in WWII, it brings that era to life. An entertaining read.
From cover:
It's 1940 and Linda Voss, secretary extraordinaire, has a secret: she's in love with her boss, John Berringer, the pride of the Ivy Leage. Not that he'd take a second look at her, a German-Jewish girl from Queens who spends her time caring for her faded beauty of a mother, and following the news of the war that is engulfing Europe.
How Linda wins and loses her man, puts her life on the line for her beliefs, and finally gets the man she deserved all along is the story that only Susan Isaacs, author of the accalimed bestseller ALMOST PARADISE, can tell.
It's 1940 and Linda Voss, secretary extraordinaire, has a secret: she's in love with her boss, John Berringer, the pride of the Ivy Leage. Not that he'd take a second look at her, a German-Jewish girl from Queens who spends her time caring for her faded beauty of a mother, and following the news of the war that is engulfing Europe.
How Linda wins and loses her man, puts her life on the line for her beliefs, and finally gets the man she deserved all along is the story that only Susan Isaacs, author of the accalimed bestseller ALMOST PARADISE, can tell.
This was was okay.
I have not read this book.
Never read it, and am ashamed of how it's gathering dust. Time to pass it on.
