Hello lovely readers!

Popping in today to share with you a novel worth reading — Code Name Edelweiss by Stephanie Landsem. Stephanie is on my (very) short list of favorite histfic novelists. I’ve been a fan of Stephanie’s ever since reading The Thief, which became one of my most recommended reads in historical fiction. All of which makes me extra delighted to welcome her to our community today for a peek behind the curtain and some Quick Qs.

But before we hear from Stephanie, I have to say — isn’t that just the prettiest cover? Hard to resist for that alone. All the same, I wasn’t sure I would love this book, only because as a reader I’ve not had stellar success with histfic of this ilk. But in addition to the lovely image, it had Stephanie Landsem’s name on the cover, so I was willing to take a chance. And, friends, Stephanie did not disappoint. Though she weaves historical detail into every page, it doesn’t distract but rather contributes to the story, allowing the unique plot and compelling characters to shine. In Liesl Weiss, Stephanie has created a complex and engaging protagonist.

One more item of note  — as you’ll see, she herself says she’s not a fast writer. This made me so happy to hear because, truly, I think the time she gives to the research and development of her novels is what makes Stephanie’s work rise above the rest.

Behind the Scenes

1. Novel in a nutshell: What’s Code Name Edelweiss about, in two sentences or less?

Code Name Edelweiss is based on a true story, unknown until recent years: How a lone Jewish lawyer and a handful of amateur spies discovered and foiled Adolf Hitler’s plan to take over Hollywood.

2. You write “historical fiction for women, about women.” What draws you to this subject and audience?

I’ve always been an avid reader of historical fiction. I love how it transports us in imagination to another time and place. My favorite books are those that show how historical women draw on courage and faith in the face of hardships and difficulties. I hope to write books that inspire women today to face the everyday challenges of their own lives with the same courage and faith in God.

3. At first glance, it seems that your first series, the Living Waters series, set in the time of Jesus, could hardly be more different from your two latest hist-fics set in Hollywood’s Golden Age. What makes them similar?

I loved writing both biblical fiction and the novels set in the 1930s. In both, I hope to craft characters who are transformed and cared for by a good and faithful Father. Even as I research diverse historical time periods, I know that no matter what era we live in, God is working in our lives and wishes to draw us close to him. I hope to make that connection in all my stories.

4. To me, celebrating beauty in the midst of brokenness means living a life that reflects a beautiful God, even when life is painful. How does this theme play out in Code Name Edelweiss?

When Liesl meets Leon Lewis, he asks her if she’s a woman of faith. Her response is unsure: “My solitary prayers in the dark of night were not those of faith. They were of confusion and doubt. Did that mean I had no faith?”

As Liesl at first doubtfully—then heroically—joins the fight against the Nazi agenda in Los Angeles, she discovers a renewed faith in God’s love and care for her. With that she has the strength to face down hatred and violence with a renewed trust in God’s goodness.

5. What can your readers look forward to next, in 20 words or less?

I’m a terribly slow writer and I contemplate my stories a long time. As soon as I know what my next story is, I’ll let everybody else know. 😊

Quick Qs

FAVORITE PLACE TO WRITE

Beside my fireplace with snow falling outside

EARLY BIRD OR NIGHT OWL

Early bird—I love a quiet house in the early morning.

COFFEE OR TEA

Strong coffee and lots of it

MOUNTAINS OR SEASIDE

Mountains are home to me.

FAVORITE WAY TO SPEND A FRIDAY NIGHT

Hanging out at home, making a delicious meal with my husband, and relaxing

ONE THING YOU LOVE ABOUT WHERE YOU LIVE

I love the snow in Minnesota in December, January, and February. I don’t like it in March, April, and occasionally May.

SECRET SUPERPOWER

I have a precise internal clock. I always know what time it is.

MOST MEMORABLE PLACE YOU’VE TRAVELED

Hmmm. Tough one, but I’d say my most recent trip to Cambodia and Thailand with my youngest daughter since it was full of new experiences that I could share with her.

DREAM DESTINATION

New Zealand, see LOTR below

FICTION OR NONFICTION (ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND)

A tall pile of fiction

CURRENTLY READING (FICTION AND NON-)

Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin. The Long Loneliness by Dorothy Day

ONE GOOD BOOK REC

Right now, I’d recommend Amanda Barratt’s masterfully done WWII novel Within These Walls of Sorrow.

ONE MEMORABLE MOVIE

The Lord of the Rings trilogy. I know most of the dialogue by heart and watch it at least once a year.

AGE YOU CAME TO FAITH IN JESUS

Childhood but renewed my commitment to my Catholic faith in my late twenties

ONE MEANINGFUL VERSE FROM GOD’S WORD

Romans 8:28 is a continual comfort to me: “We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”

About the Book

“What I am looking for―what I desperately need, Mrs. Weiss―is a spy.”

Adolf Hitler is still a distant rumble on the horizon, but a Jewish spymaster and his courageous spies uncover a storm of Nazi terror in their own backyard.

In the summer of 1933, a man named Adolf Hitler is the new and powerful anti-Semitic chancellor of Germany. But in Los Angeles, no-nonsense secretary Liesl Weiss has concerns much closer to home. The Great Depression is tightening its grip and Liesl is the sole supporter of two children, an opinionated mother, and a troubled brother.

Leon Lewis is a Jewish lawyer who has watched Adolf Hitler’s rise to power―and the increase in anti-Semitism in America―with growing alarm. He believes Nazi agents are working to seize control of Hollywood, the greatest propaganda machine the world has ever known. The trouble is, authorities scoff at his dire warnings.

When Liesl loses her job at MGM, her only choice is to work with Leon Lewis and the mysterious Agent Thirteen to spy on her friends and neighbors in her German American community. What Leon Lewis and his spies find is more chilling―and more dangerous―than any of them suspected.

Buy the book here.

About the Author

Stephanie Landsem writes historical fiction for women, about women. She’s traveled the world in real life and traveled through time in her research and imagination. As she’s learned about women of the past, she’s come to realize that these long-ago women were very much like us. They loved, dreamed, and made mistakes. They struggled, failed, and triumphed. She writes to honor their lives and to bring today’s women hope and encouragement.

Stephanie makes her home in Minnesota with her husband, two cats and a dog, and frequent visits from her four adult children. Along with reading, writing, and research, she dreams about her next travel adventure—whether it be in person or on the page.

Connect with Stephanie at stephanielandsem.com

Happy reading!
🌺 Katherine

With thanks to Tyndale Publishers for providing me a free copy to review. All opinions are mine.