Operation Tulip
by
Deborah Swift
Holland, 1944: Undercover British agent Nancy Callaghan has been given her toughest case yet. A key member of the Dutch resistance has been captured, and Nancy must play the role of a wealthy Nazi to win over a notorious SS officer, Detlef Keller, and gain crucial information.
England: Coding expert Tom Lockwood is devastated that the Allies have failed to push back the Nazis, leaving Northern Holland completely cut off from the rest of Europe, and him from his beloved Nancy. Desperate to rescue the love of his life, Tom devises Operation Tulip, a plan to bring Nancy home.
But as Nancy infiltrates the Dutch SS, she finds herself catching the eye of an even more senior member of the Party. Is Nancy in too deep, or can Tom reach her before she gets caught?
Inspired by the true events of occupied Holland during WW2, don’t miss this utterly gripping story of love, bravery and sacrifice.
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Praise for Deborah Swift:
‘A well crafted tale… this book did not disappoint’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘There is action, mystery and romantic entanglements stirred into the story for a fantastically entertaining read’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Deborah Swift never disappoints’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A joy to read‘ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I am delighted to add my review to Deborah’s other Five Star ratings. Operation Tulip is a great read, and I highly recommend.
Gripping storytelling with emotional depth and immersive action
Operation Tulip, Deborah Swift’s new novel, is a worthy sequel to The Silk Code, offering an immersive and emotionally charged journey into the heart of WWII. Like its predecessor, this novel excels at weaving gripping storytelling with raw, human experiences of war. What sets it apart from other WWII fiction is the emotional depth and authenticity with which its characters are portrayed.
Set in Nazi-occupied Holland, the story follows secret agent Nancy as she infiltrates enemy ranks, posing as a wealthy Nazi sympathizer. Her mission is dangerous, marked by lies and the constant threat of exposure. Meanwhile, in England, Tom—her partner in both love and war—crafts a daring rescue plan, knowing that any misstep could cost Nancy her life.
Ms. Swift’s meticulous research and attention to historical detail are seamlessly integrated, creating a vivid and immediate world. Her prose invites readers to experience the chaos, fear, and resilience of those living in occupied Holland, not as distant observers but as participants in the dangers of survival. Nancy, the central character, is a multifaceted woman whose bravery, vulnerability, and quiet strength resonate deeply. Her journey, both internal and external, forms the soul of the story, and her choices carry weight, giving readers much to reflect on.
The novel doesn’t shy away from grim details—food shortages, betrayals, and violence lurking around every corner. Nancy’s courage is hard-earned, her resilience tested in a world where survival often requires ruthless decisions. Her relationship with Tom, strained by distance and danger, adds emotional complexity as they fight for each other and those trapped in Nazi-controlled territory.
Operation Tulip offers more than just a historical narrative; it explores identity, love, and the sacrifices that define us. It’s a richly layered, unforgettable read.
Deborah Swift is a USA TODAY bestselling author of twenty books who is passionate about the past. Deborah used to be a costume designer for the BBC, before becoming a writer. Now she lives in an old English school house in a village full of 17th Century houses, near the glorious Lake District. After taking a Masters Degree in Creative Writing, she enjoys mentoring aspiring novelists and has an award-winning historical fiction blog at her website www.deborahswift.com.
Deborah loves to write about how extraordinary events in history have transformed the lives of ordinary people, and how the events of the past can live on in her books and still resonate today.
Recent books include The Poison Keeper, about the Renaissance poisoner Giulia Tofana, which was a winner of the Wishing Shelf Book of the Decade Award, and a Coffee Pot Book Club Gold Medal. Her most recent books are The Silk Code and The Shadow Network both set in the Second World War.
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