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.

What readers are saying about The Baker's Secret:‘WOW. It’s been so long since I’ve loved every character in a story… This beautifully tragic novel absolutely broke my heart (and made me want to bake bread).

It is a must read for 2024. ’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Wow! I am speechless.

. .

. What an amazing read! Truly one of the best this year.

’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘A wonderful story of life in Latvia in the Second World War… You will smile with them and cry with them…You must read this book!’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘I rarely give 5 stars but this one absolutely deserves it! Beautifully written… just the right amount of romance, family tension, and amazing plot twist (never saw that coming). I would highly recommend this book to anyone.

’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Once I started reading this, I couldn’t put it down… a story of the choices people make in war and after to protect their families… this is a book that will move you and stay with you. ’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Heartbreaking… a profoundly moving book… I highly recommend it.

’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Told with so much passion, so much insight into human nature… I encourage you to pick up this book. ’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘I loved this story… secrets and betrayal, weakness and strength and a forever loyalty and love for family.

’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Heartwarming and heartbreaking… it made me question what I’d potentially have done if I was in Zenta’s shoes. ’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘A deeply moving read… make sure you have tissue ready.

’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Heart-wrenching… It shows the love of family and country and the difficult decisions made for both… I learned a lot. ’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘A poignant tale, simultaneously heartwarming and heartbreaking… provoking thought and prompting introspection about the choices one might make.

’Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Powerful and moving… there was sacrifice, courage, and love on display, demonstrating the strength and resilience of women during the Second World War. ’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.