The Spy Keeper of Marseille

By Roseanna M. White

In occupied France, a woman becomes a spy for the Resistance and rises to lead the largest intelligence operation in the country in this propulsive new World War II historical novel by bestselling author Roseanna M. White.

Marseille, France, 1941. Zelie Bellerose never fit the mold of an army officer's wife. She was too passionate in her convictions, too indifferent to societal expectations. After her husband is killed in the war, Zelie focuses on securing a brighter future for her children, hoping to help free her country from the Nazi regime by joining the Resistance. She is soon one of the most trusted operatives in Alliance, and when their leader is imprisoned, she takes command, hiding her identity from all but a few. With enemies closing in, Zelie must earn the trust of her network and prove herself to those who doubt a woman's place at the helm of France's largest spy ring.

Marcel Laurent was a renowned concert pianist before joining the French army and being sent to a POW camp. Freed in a prisoner exchange by a wealthy businessman with ties to the Resistance, Marcel agrees to spy for Alliance by conducting a youth orchestra, gathering intelligence from patrons who are loose-lipped Nazi sympathizers. Marcel's weekly radio broadcasts introducing the orchestra's performances give him the perfect cover to send coded messages over the airwaves.

As Zelie and Marcel grow closer through their shared love of music, she begins to rely on him. But betrayal from within Alliance puts everything they've fought for at risk. When a double agent infiltrates their ranks and the two are captured, their bond faces its greatest test . . . and any misstep could jeopardize not only Alliance but the very outcome of the war.

A thrilling, propulsive novel based on the real life of a female spy during World War IIPerfect for fans of WWII historical fiction by Ariel Lawhon, Lynn Austin, Martha Hally Kelly, and Kristy CambronA captivating romance featuring a strong female heroine and a musician heroIncludes discussion questions for book clubs

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0FVTWMTNS
• ISBN13: 9798400501791
• Release Date: July 2026
• Publisher: Tyndale Fiction
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

A 5 star_& beautiful WWII story set in France. Couldn't put it down!

All opinions are my own.  I loved this book!  I was totally engrossed from page one, as it was soooo good! I loved the story line, set in the German occupation of France in WWII. Also really enjoyed the main characters Zelie and Marcel, and how they both had their own hard pasts, but each played their parts in the French resistance in WWII - Zelie as a spy, and Marcel as a pianist.  Their paths crossed,  leading them to work together with the French resistance to stop the Nazi's from destroying their beloved France.  As they work together, their courage and strength, plus the power and beauty of music, help them realize that they are fighting for more than just their countries' freedom, but also for the beautiful relationship that is developing between them! During WWII, it was a very dark time, but even though fiction, this story reminded me of all those who really did sacrifice through the resistance to free France, as did Zelie & Marcel, both individually and together, and who worked hard so that through freedom, the music would never die! Five stars indeed!!!  Highly recommend it!

Compelling Story of Love and Sacrifice!

A daring mother and talented musician fight for freedom from the Nazi regime in occupied France, in this gripping story of love and sacrifice. Zelie Bellrose is a young widow who is willing to fight for a future for her two children, suddenly finding herself the unlikely leader of an intelligence agency. Every chance they take could possibly put all that she holds dear at risk. I admired her courage, as well as her cool-headed common sense, humility, and fierce devotion to her children. She knows the cost, and doesn't let it defeat her, but push her forward instead. Marcel Laurent recently freed from a POW camp, takes a job with a travelling orchestra that comes with special privileges that he can use to help the fight for a free France. Marcel is a kind and discerning man, a quiet leader, who proves his mettle again and again. I loved how he showed his strength in trusting and being willing to follow, while being a source of support, and encouraging others to hope. A compelling story of ordinary people, willing to risk everything for their families and country, doing extraordinary things. I was inspired by the faith of Zelie and Marcel, trusting God when hope is hard to hold onto. A gripping story from beginning to end, emotional and full of adventure that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Another stand out novel from Roseanna M. White. Highly recommend! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Leaves You Speechless

If you are a WWII enthusiast and looking for a unique reading experience then look no further. If you love bravery, denying self, and accepting the calling of what God has set forth in your life then look no further. If you love characters that speak to your heart and sensibilities then look no further as this story contains all that and more. This author pens words that seep in and leave you speechless as you realize the research and how so much truth is woven into the story. I love that I can learn something new while it is also intriguing and captivating from beginning to end. I love how music played such an important role in the spy keeper’s missions and that a strong capable woman was so admirable. This book is rich in history, faith that keeps the characters realistic, family values that are being fought for, and friends that have your back. Sometimes people are not what they seem and can jeopardize what you have worked so hard to accomplish and that is when the edge of your seat drama unfolds and leaves you needing tissues. I found the drama and sweet romance spot on as a great combination to keep you turning pages quickly while also keeping true to historical details. May we all dig deeper and stand up to make a difference. I highly recommend reading and placing on your keeper shelf of favorite books. I received a complimentary copy from author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

incredible WWII historical fiction

"How foolish he'd been, to think God had been trapped in those fences too." Roseanna M White is indeed a master of espionage and romance in historical fiction. I loved her WWI spymasters in Shadows Over England and The Codebreakers, her Edwardian spymasters in The Imposters, and her American spymasters in The Culper Ring. This book brings us the spymasters in the French Resistance during WWII as they dodge, outsmart, and outplan the enemy during the long years between 1941 and 1944. The author has a gift for enfolding the reader into her setting and atmosphere where befriending the characters is a true pleasure, rooting for them is second nature and reading beyond bedtime to find out what happens to them is a necessity. Zelie was a complex and wonderful heroine. She was a combination of a fierce leader with keen intelligence, a devoted mother whose sole purpose was her children's safety and freedom, a widow with a bruised heart and confidence, and a talented musician who has had her wings clipped. Zelie was a fascinating puzzle of strength, vulnerability, determination, tenderness, cunning, innocence, stubbornness and humility. Marcel was the perfect Roseanna M White hero the author is known for. Not physically intimidating but full of charm, intelligence, giftedness, faith, integrity, loyalty, and heart, Marcel won me over with his musical prowess and dedication to Zelie. Every time Marcel played piano on the pages, I could actually hear him; that's how good the descriptions of his playing were. I loved watching him conduct the youth orchestra and mentor the young men under his direction. There were plenty of plot twists, with betrayals upon betrayals, and fast-paced action that kept the plot moving at a good pace. Marcel's rock-solid faith was incredible and Zelie's moment of surrender was real and raw. If you enjoy WWII historical fiction, you will absolutely love this book. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers via Interviews and Reviews and NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.