Download or read book Into the Darkest Day An Emotional and Totally Gripping WW2 Historical Novel written by Kate Hewitt and published by Bookouture. This book was released on 2020-05-14 with total page 374 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: She had to step outside and hold the paper up to the moonlight to read it, but when she was able to make out the words, her heart felt as if it would drop right out of her chest. Because the message was in German. 1944, London: When Lily meets enigmatic GI Matthew in war-torn London, she doesn't expect to fall in love. While her sister starts a reckless affair with another GI, Lily tries to hide her growing feelings for Matthew. But Matthew has a devastating secret. One that could change their lives forever. Present day, USA: Abby lives a quiet life on an apple farm in Wisconsin. Tormented by survivor's guilt after the tragic deaths of her mother and brother, Abby leaves the orchards as little as possible, keeping her life small, peaceful and safe... Until she is contacted by Englishman Simon Elliot, who arrives nursing a heartbreak of his own, and bearing a World War Two medal that he claims belonged to Abby's grandfather. Together they begin to piece together the heartbreaking story of their relatives' war. But as the story brings Abby and Simon closer--tentatively beginning to lean on one another to heal--they uncover a dark secret from the past. And like Lily and Matthew nearly eighty years before them, it will make Abby and Simon question whether you can ever truly trust someone, even when they have your heart... A heartbreakingly powerful, epic love story about courage, friendship and broken trusts, Into the Darkest Day is an unforgettable story perfect for fans of Nora Roberts, Kristin Hannah and The Notebook. Readers are loving Into the Darkest Day "Outstandingly beautiful and intriguing... I can't praise it enough." Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars "If you only read one book this year please make it this one. I cannot express how much I loved reading this book." Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars "The WW2 descriptions and stories were out of this world... A page-turner." Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars "Wow, Kate Hewitt has done it once again!... [It] grabbed me immediately!... I found the characters captivating and endearing... Kate Hewitt is one of my 'must read' authors." Steph and Chris's Book Review, 5 stars "Touching... truly a powerful story. It was incredibly deep... Kate Hewitt has done an exceptional job." Robin Loves Reading, 5 stars "[It] will stay with you long after it ends... A heartbreaking love story... A must read." Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars "[An] emotional story that grabbed me immediately!... Engaging and lovely!" Goodreads Reviewer
Download or read book Under a Sky on Fire written by Suzanne Kelman and published by Bookouture. This book was released on 2020-10-13 with total page 393 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The child stood in the road wearing a blue flannel nightie, her feet bare and dirt-splattered. Her blonde flyaway hair was golden, aglow from the fires behind her. Stumbling over, Lizzie reached her. The little girl’s eyes were closed, her palms facing upwards. If she’d been in church, you would have thought she was praying. September 1940, London As the German Luftwaffe begin a terrifying bombing campaign that will come to be known as the Blitz, thousands are evacuated to safety. But Lizzie Mackenzie finds herself heading towards London. She knows she must help in the war effort. But she has another reason for leaving the security of her Scottish village: the illegitimate child she gave up for adoption nearly five years before is somewhere in the city. And – as the bombs rain down – she will stop at nothing to find her and make sure her little girl is safe. Then she finds herself trapped in a dark theatre during a bombing raid, where she meets Pilot Officer Jack Henson. Against all her instincts, she falls in love. But what chance is there for that love to flourish? Because if he discovers the secret shame of her past, he may never forgive her. And with Jack facing the enemy every day in the sky, and Lizzie’s job guiding pilots into battle – life and love has never felt so fragile. Until a chance encounter with a little orphaned girl changes everything, forcing Lizzie to ask herself what truly matters. Because, in the darkest days of war, every life counts. And – when tragedy strikes – saving one child’s life might just give Lizzie a reason to survive… An unforgettable story about sacrifice, love and heartbreak set in World War Two London during the Blitz. If you liked All the Light We Cannot See, My Name is Eva and A Fire Sparkling, you will love Under a Sky on Fire. Readers love Under a Sky on Fire: ‘OMG! I felt the fear and the terror within the pages as if I was there living it. … It is heartbreaking but it is also heartwarming. I laughed and I cried and by the end I felt I had lived those lives alongside those women… You cannot come through Under a Sky on Fire unscathed… You will feel that you have lived it too… By the end of the story I was so moved and in tears… Will remain with you for a long time to come.’ Confessions of a Bookaholic ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A 10 Star book in every aspect! It has intrigue, romance, action, drama, and twists… could not put the book down.’ Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Historical fiction at its best! An amazing story of the bravery of women during the war… To read this story is to feel as though you were actually there during the Blitz.’ Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Three words: Have. Tissues. Ready… Fantastic… The emotion that pours from the pages is absolutely heart-wrenching. I loved every minute of this book, even though it left me a sniffling mess by the end.’ Fireflies and Free Kicks ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A spine-chilling account of Hitler's relentless bombing of the city, against the backdrop of the equally relentless courage of the British… A book you will not be able to put down!… A gripping story, and one you do not want to miss!’ Christian Novel Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘By reading Under a Sky on Fire, you understand what life was like in England during WWII, the sacrifices everyone made… The incredible determination, faith and enduring spirit of English people… I highly recommend the book.’ Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Under a Sky on Fire is a story of tenacity, endurance, love and friendship. Above all it is a story of bravery during World War 2. I felt like I was in the shelters with them… Suzanne Kelman is a born storyteller.’ Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Download or read book When We Were Brave written by Suzanne Kelman and published by Bookouture. This book was released on 2020-02-24 with total page 382 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The face of the woman in the photograph was tilted upwards, as if enjoying the sunshine just for a moment, even as the wreckage of the bombed-out street lay behind her… 1944, Cornwall: Blinded by love, Vivienne Hamilton eloped to Paris with a Nazi prisoner-of-war, never to be seen again. A disgrace to her family, her name would not be mentioned by any of her relatives for over 75 years. Present day, London: When Sophie discovers a photograph of her great aunt Vivi from World War Two, it throws her into a world of confusion. Because, as she learns about this secret relative, she quickly realises that the photograph doesn’t fit with her family’s story. It shows Vivi leaving an address associated with a spy network in London – a place she had no reason to be – and it is dated right before she disappeared. Meanwhile Sophie’s own life feels as blasted and bombed as the blitzed city in the photograph she’s looking at. Her beautiful daughter – as full of joy and wild energy as Vivi had apparently once been – is gone; and Sophie’s heart has been left broken into pieces. Retreating to the family home in rural Cornwall to seek solace from her pain and the feelings of guilt that she could have done more to protect her daughter, Sophie finds herself becoming obsessed with Vivi’s life. But nothing can prepare Sophie for what she is about to uncover – the story of a woman who risked everything for the person she loved the most; and a secret family history that could be the key to Sophie’s own future. A powerful, haunting and unforgettable read about love, heartbreak and betrayal set in Second World War Britain and France. Perfect for fans of The Nightingale, Beneath a Scarlet Sky and My Name is Eva. Readers love When We Were Brave: ‘Wow! Just wow! This book kept me on the edge of my seat right from the get-go!... [An] amazing story.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars ‘Fantastic… Historical fiction at its best. Characters that you fall in love with, a story you will hate to end.’ NetGalley Reviewer ‘Totally captivating… About the bravery of the silent heroes of WWII, the secret agents who intercepted codes… A wonderful, compelling story that will grip you to the very end, it will break your heart but it will also leave you with a sense of gratitude for these selfless individuals. I can't stop thinking about this story.’ Krafti Reader, 5 stars ‘I [am] hooked on this FANTASTIC author. When We Were Brave is another OUTSTANDING piece of fantastic writing… I have nothing but total admiration.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars ‘Mesmerising and captivated me with every turn of the page… Absolutely heart-breaking… Filled with sadness, love, courage and sacrifice – I couldn’t put this book down.’ Stardust Book Reviews, 5 stars ‘A heartbreaking tale of war, love, loss, betrayal and courage.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars ‘Oh my goodness I loved this book!!!… A beautifully woven time-slip novel… This story and its characters will stay with me.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars ‘I LOVED THIS BOOK!… Vivi is a fierce heroine and represents the bravery that everyone had to have during the war… I recommend this book to everyone that loves historical fiction.’ NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars ‘A truly heartbreaking and inspirational read. I was gripped from page one and literally flew through the pages.’ Jaynie’s Book Reviews, 5 stars ‘After reading When We Were Brave [Suzanne Kelman] is officially added to my autobuy author list… For a book to bring tears to my eyes it has to be amazing... I highly recommend this one to anyone who loves WWII fiction and even those that normally do not… You will not be disappointed.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
Download or read book The Girl from Berlin An Utterly Heart wrenching and Gripping World War Two Historical Novel written by Kate Hewitt and published by Bookouture. This book was released on 2021-02-25 with total page 410 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: They sat together on the roof, watching Berlin burn, as traces of smoke and cloud floated through the air. "I just want to be free," Rosa said quietly, "Even if only for a few minutes. It might be the last chance I have." Berlin, 1936 From her beautiful new home a young woman named Liesel Scholz barely notices the changes to the city around her. Her life is one of privilege and safety thanks to her father's job working for the new government. But soon a chance encounter with Rosa, the daughter of their Jewish housekeeper, leaves Liesel in no doubt that something isn't right. That this government's rules are not fair and that others aren't as safe as she is. When Rosa begs Liesel to help-pressing her grandfather's gold pocket watch into Liesel's hand-Liesel recklessly agrees. She will help hide Rosa and her family-in the dusty, unused rooms at the top of their house-even if it means putting everyone she loves in danger. Even if it means risking her own life. Frankfurt, 1946 An idealistic American captain, Sam Houghton, arrives in Germany to interrogate prominent Nazis on trial and to help rebuild a battered country. He hires an enigmatic and damaged woman named Anna as his interpreter. But, as sparks fly between them, the question of what happened to Anna in the war raises its head. Because Anna has secrets-ones that link her to the Nazi party, the darkest days in Europe's history, and the story of one gold pocket watch and two young women who became friends even when they were told it was impossible... A compelling and haunting story about courage, love and betrayal set in war-torn Berlin. Fans of The Alice Network, All the Light We Cannot See and The Nightingale will be not be able to put this down. Praise for Kate Hewitt: "An emotionally charged story right from the first chapter... I knew once I started I would not be able to put this book down... I was up till 4AM reading fighting for my eyes to stay open... Gripping and captivating!" Sinfully Wicked Book Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Download or read book Beyond the Olive Grove written by Kate Hewitt and published by Bookouture. This book was released on 2021-08-13 with total page 276 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The place seemed utterly still, the only sound was the wind rustling high in the pines above. Standing there, realizing she didn't even know which house had belonged to her grandmother, Ava wondered just how crazy and desperate she'd been to come all this way with no hope or plan. When Ava arrives in Greece, it's with a heart that's shattered into a thousand pieces. But as she pulls up in a tiny village nestled on a cliff above the glittering Ionian Sea, and steps out in front of a tumbledown house that once belonged to her grandmother Sophia, everything changes. At first Ava almost wants to laugh at this bizarre inheritance-a home that has been uninhabited since the Second World War-that appears as close to collapse as she herself feels. But with nowhere left to run to, her only choice is to start putting the house together again. What Ava doesn't expect is for pieces of her grandmother's story to emerge, as a local survivor from the war begins to share her secrets. Ava can't help but be drawn to Sophia's hidden past... even though the truth could change her own life forever. Because Sophia's story is one of devastating choices she had to make during the Nazi invasion of her beloved country. It's a story of bravery, betrayal and tragedy. But most of all, it is a story about love... An utterly unforgettable story of two remarkable women who find the strength to persevere against all odds and find hope, courage and light in the darkness. Perfect for fans of The Nightingale, The Lilac Girls and Victoria Hislop's The Island. Previously published as The Other Side of the Bridge by Katharine Swartz.
Download or read book From the Dark We Rise written by Marion Kummerow and published by Bookouture. This book was released on 2021-11-17 with total page 303 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 1942, Germany: A Nazi fortune. A Jewish girl hiding in plain sight. An impossible choice… When the Nazis destroyed everything Margarete Rosenbaum knew, taking everything and everyone she treasured, she prayed only to survive. Until, chance allowed her to disguise herself as Annegret Huber, the daughter of a prominent Nazi. As Annegret, Margarete had a moment of safety, but now the legacy of her false identity means she must make a devastating decision, and risk everything to save the lives of others. Because the true Annegret and her family are now dead, and the fortune is all hers – all Margarete’s. There is a grand house with crystal chandeliers, and a factory with fences built high and topped with cruel curls of barbed wire. Inside, the workers shiver, their faces gaunt from hunger. Margarete struggles to hide her gasp when—amongst the faces of the prisoners—she sees one that is achingly familiar. Suddenly, she has hundreds of lives in her hands, including one who means more to her than anyone else left in the world. There’s no question that she must act. From that moment, Margarete is more than just a girl in hiding. She’s a girl who can save others. But in her new position of power, surrounded by the Nazi elite, she knows every move she makes is being watched. As the war tears through the country she loves, and turns the world dark, Margarete knows she can’t ignore her chance to stand up against evil. Even if it means risking her own life to save the innocents in her protection… An absolutely gripping and devastating story about courage and sacrifice in the darkest days of war. Perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, All the Light We Cannot See, and The Nightingale. Readers are loving From the Dark We Rise: “Wow… so amazingly captivating. I devoured this book in one sitting, unable to stop turning the pages… I had to read through non-stop to the end. I loved it… Breath-taking and intense… Pne unforgettable read. I wish I could give ten stars… Wow, just wow, I’m totally speechless… Phenomenal.” PageTurners Blog ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Absolutely gripping and devastating… The book feels like a race against time. Will Margarete be discovered? Will she be able to make a difference? Will she live? A WWII page-turner that I loved until the last minute.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I devoured this book within about a 24-hour period… Gut-wrenching scenes… I felt really tense as I was reading… There is heartache and hope and at times I felt as if I could hardly take a breath.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Totally immersing… Pure escapism… If you enjoyed Schindler’s List and love a fast-paced 5-star historical fiction featuring a strong female protagonist, this book needs to be on your radar.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This author is seriously becoming one of my favorite historical fiction WW2 authors… I was feeling all of the emotions, and fear that our main character was feeling, plus the story just came off the page and came to life.” Spooky's Maze Of Books ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Brilliant… Both incredibly sad and encouragingly hopeful.” Christian Novel Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Highly addictive… Suspense, drama, mystery, intrigue, and surprises to keep even the seasoned historical fiction reader on their toes. Margarete is such a strong and complex lead character that I devoured her story.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Fantastic… A book that made me think about my own life and how we should appreciate…things that we so easily take for granted. A story of bravery and determination.” Linda Strong Book Reviews “Stays with you long after reading… This book made me cry and weep at the injustice of it all… A heart wrenching read… sprinkled with moments of kindness that gave me hope for humanity.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Heart-breaking, haunting and gut-wrenching…A brilliantly written novel about sacrifice, courage, resilience and love… Historical fiction at its best.” Bookish Jottings ⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Amazing!… I was gripped… Brilliant story, brilliant characters, brilliant writing.” Nat’s Bookish Corner ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Download or read book A Light in the Window written by Marion Kummerow and published by Bookouture. This book was released on 2021-07-20 with total page 314 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Margarete stumbles out of the bombed-out house, the dust settling around her like snow. Mistaking her for the dead officer’s daughter, a guard rushes over to gently ask her if she is all right and whether there’s anything he can do to help her. She glances down at where the hated yellow star had once been, and with barely a pause, she replies “Yes”. Berlin, 1941: Margarete Rosenbaum is working as a housemaid for a senior Nazi officer when his house is bombed, leaving her the only survivor. But when she’s mistaken for his daughter in the aftermath of the blast, Margarete knows she can make a bid for freedom… Issued with temporary papers—and with the freedom of not being seen as Jewish—a few hours are all she needs to escape to relative safety. That is, until her former employer’s son, SS officer Wilhelm Huber, tracks her down. But strangely he doesn’t reveal her true identity right away. Instead he insists she comes and lives with him in Paris, and seems determined to keep her hidden. His only condition: she must continue to pretend to be his sister. Because whoever would suspect a Nazi girl of secretly being a Jew? His plan seems impossible, and Margarete is terrified they might be found out, not to mention worried about what Wilhelm might want in return. But as the Nazis start rounding up Jews in Paris and the Résistance steps up its activities, putting everyone who opposes the regime in peril, she realizes staying hidden in plain sight may be her only chance of survival… Can Margarete trust a Nazi officer with the only things she has left though… her safety, her life, even her heart? A totally heartbreaking and unputdownable story about how far someone would go to save one life, that fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Nightingale and All the Light We Cannot See will adore. Readers are loving A Light in the Window: ‘Wonderful, wonderful… I was blown away by this book. I couldn’t put it down. I ignored everything and everyone until I finished it.” Nicki’s Book Blog, 5 stars “Blew me away… You get engulfed in the storytelling until the end!… Perfect!… I loved this book – I lost my whole day reading – just couldn't bear to put it down!” NetGalley reviewer “I can’t put into words how incredible A Light in the Window is… Extraordinary, well written, beautiful story.” Goodreads reviewer “This story was heartbreaking and riveting. I was up until wee hours of the morning reading it. It couldn’t put it down until I found out what was happening next.” Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars “A poignant love story… beautifully written and rich with emotion… It is a story about courage and sacrificial love that I found really beautiful and one I highly recommend.” Christian Novel Review, 5 stars “Heartwrenching… A compelling read you won’t want to put down. It draws you in and has you questioning the moral dilemma of whether one human life is worth more than another… A tale that is heartbreaking as well as intriguing.” Confessions of a Bookaholic “I was hooked from the first to the last page, holding my breath… You will feel that you are in France and Berlin… The pages flew by… A read that will stay with me for a long time.” Goodreads reviewer “I love those books that REALLY make you think! It’s not just a story. It’s a moral compass check-in point… I can always count on Marion Kummerow to pen a compelling historical fiction novel that grabs my attention, holds it and rewards me.” Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars “Beautiful. Poignant. Heart rending. Stunning. Hopeful. Astounding. A wonderful, nuanced, beautifully written story about love and hope in the darkest of times.” NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars
Download or read book The Edelweiss Sisters written by Kate Hewitt and published by Bookouture. This book was released on 2021-06-08 with total page 386 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 1938, Salzburg. A powerful story of hope, forbidden love, and incredible courage, about three sisters who will risk everything-even their own lives-as part of the resistance movement in Nazi-occupied Austria. Johanna, Birgit and Lotte Eder have always lived quiet lives, working in their father's clockmaking shop and helping their mother in the house. But like many other Austrians, they find it impossible to ignore the changes in the world around them. At first Johanna finds it hard to believe the Nazis pose a real threat. But then her father hires Franz to help in his shop. He's kind and soulful, with dark eyes that twinkle with intelligence. But he's Jewish, and as Johanna falls for him, she realizes that loving him puts them all in danger. Then comes the Anschluss-the reunification of Austria and Germany under Nazi rule. The three sisters' lives have become ever more separate with Lotte joining the convent at Nonnberg Abbey and Birgit's secret involvement with the Resistance. But as Johanna realizes how mistaken she was about the level of danger, she begins to see that it may be down to her to protect the man she loves. She knows that she can't do it alone though. She will have to turn to the people she trusts the most: her sisters. The three of them work together to try to get Franz to the safety of Switzerland, and they soon prove invaluable to the Resistance. But they're risking everything. Can three women who would die for each other, also be prepared to die for what is right? The sisters' subsequent journey from Nazi-occupied Salzburg to the devastating concentration camps of Ravensbruck and Mauthausen will show the strength of human spirit like never before. As, out of the darkness, a tiny seed of hope flowers... A totally heartbreaking and impossibly powerful story about love, tragedy, and the power of humanity. Perfect for fans of The Nightingale, The Lilac Girls and The Sound of Music. Readers are loving The Edelweiss Sisters: "A heart-breaking, tear-jerking and emotional book... I was so hooked into the story that I felt I was living with these sisters during that time!! The ending was so sad, heart-breaking that I felt like I wanted to cry... I stayed up all night reading this book and didn't want to let this book go!... A tear-jerking, heart-breaking emotional tale of three sisters who are brave and courageous women... Will keep you up all night." Tropical Girl Reads Books, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Soooo hauntingly raw & captivating, it was so hard to put it down. Reading this, I felt instantly transported... This is one novel I would 100% recommend putting on your TBR list this summer. You find instant connection with at least one of the sisters, if not all of them. It will completely move you & pull at your heart strings." Kate J Renee Book Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "What a wonderfully written book... Sobbed my eyes out... it should have come with a hankie-needed warning. Felt so much for each of the characters it was like they were also my family and friends. Highly recommended and worth more than a five-star rating." NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Download or read book A View Across the Rooftops written by Suzanne Kelman and published by Bookouture. This book was released on 2019-10-25 with total page 441 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: ‘Heart wrenching… I really struggled to put this book down, particularly the end of the book which I sat up until 2am reading and trying hard not to wake my husband with my crying!’ Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1941, Nazi-occupied Amsterdam. An unforgettable story of love, hope and betrayal, and a testament to the courage of humanity in history’s darkest days. As Nazis occupy his beloved city, Professor Josef Held feels helpless. So when he discovers his former pupil Michael Blum is trying to escape the Gestapo, he offers Michael a place to hide in his attic. In the quiet gloom of the secret room, Michael talks of his beautiful, fearless girlfriend, Elke. Michael insists that not even the Nazis will come between them. But Elke is a non-Jewish Dutch girl, and their relationship is strictly forbidden. Josef sees the passionate determination in his young friend’s eyes. Furious with the rules of the cruel German soldiers and remembering his own heartbreak, Josef feels desperate to give Michael and Elke’s love a chance. But then tragedy strikes, and Josef is faced with an impossible choice. In the dark days of war, with danger and betrayal at every turn, no-one can be trusted. If Michael is to survive and get back to the woman he loves, it will be down to Josef – to find the hero inside himself, and do whatever it takes to keep Michael alive. Even if it means putting his own life in mortal danger. A heartbreakingly beautiful story about courage against the odds, perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, All The Light We Cannot See, and The Nightingale. Readers are loving A View Across the Rooftops: ‘Oh my goodness... Hauntingly beautiful… Incredibly powerful… I cried, I grieved and I hoped… I was left both heartbroken and satisfied.’ Robin Loves Reading ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Heart-wrenching… It is an emotional journey of heartache and love that will leave you in tears. One of the finest books I have ever read.’ NetGalley Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I’ve read many books on WW2… but I’ve never read one like this before. Mesmerising, emotional and beautifully written.’ NetGalley Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘The rollercoaster of emotions I went through while reading this book is amazing… For an author to make me literally cry… The story is just incredible.’ Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would. From the first moment I started reading the story, I could not stop. I was captured… Made me feel like I was right there.’ Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Oh my Goodness! What a wonderful book! There is so much love, hope, and fear as well. This is a book I will put back to read again, I enjoyed it so much. It is a book you can't put down.’ Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘It brought me to tears… impossible for me to put it down. One of my best reads of 2019.’ Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Took me on a rollercoaster of emotions – happiness, sadness, anger. This story made me cry and the writing style is amazing. An amazing book.’ NetGalley Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A beautifully written story of love, courage, self-sacrifice and determination… Such an emotional story and so different to others that I have read in this subject… [A] big fat 5 stars from me.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Download or read book In Darkness Look for Stars written by Clara Benson and published by Bookouture. This book was released on 2020-04-17 with total page 400 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Utterly captivating.’ Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I was completely hooked.’ Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘One of the best books I have read.’ Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Fantastic… My heart was in my mouth.’ Shaz’s Book Blog Paris, 1941: Going against her mother’s orders, spirited Maggie devotes herself to the Resistance. Her life is a whirlwind of forged passports and secret midnight runs, helping Jews escape Paris, which grows more dangerous by the day. Under the cloak of darkness, she bids farewell to Emil, who flees the city with the Nazis hot on his heels. Emil is bound for Maggie’s sister, Cecilia, hundreds of miles away in the South of France. Innocent and shy Cecilia is shocked to the core when Emil turns up, seeking refuge. Up until now, she has lived a sheltered existence: wild and dangerous Emil turns her world upside down. Her life is on the line as she risks everything to protect him and soon she is drawn into the secret work of the underground Resistance. As each day passes and the war rages on, Cecilia cannot help being drawn to Emil… But as the Nazis close in on them, she faces a terrible choice. Exactly how far she is willing to go for love? Her decision will haunt her for the rest of her life… An evocative, riveting and stirring tale about the tragic realities of war, the fine line between loyalty and lies, and the power of love, even in the darkest of times. Fans of The Nightingale, The Letter and All The Light We Cannot See will be spellbound by this magnificent historical novel. Readers absolutely love In Darkness, Look for Stars: ‘Amazing… One of my favourite stories… A brilliant story that is full of twists and turns… I felt like I was on the edge of my seat the whole time while reading… A must-read.’ Chells and Books, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Oh my word, this was definitely an emotive and additive read, and then some… I felt myself well up… I fully immersed myself in the story and I knew that nothing much would be done for the rest of the day as I would be too busy reading!... I was too hooked… Superbly written… I became so emotionally involved with certain characters that every time they felt pain, I felt pain… The author uses such vivid and realistic descriptions that I actually felt as though I was part of the story myself.’ Ginger Book Geek, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Amazing… I truly loved this book… Clara Benson does a masterful job of bringing her characters to life… Fans of All the Light We Cannot See will thoroughly enjoy this book.’ Historically Yours, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Stirring, captivating and electrifying… So poignant it could sever readers’ heartstrings… A wonderfully written historical novel, In Darkness, Look for Stars was the first Clara Benson novel I read, but it shall certainly not be my last.’ Bookish Jottings, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A beautifully devastating book. Highly emotional and utterly captivating from the first page to the last.’ Loopyloulaura, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Fantastic… The author captures the relationships beautifully over the split time spans and intertwines them seamlessly. A real page-turner filled with suspenseful twists and turns.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This book was so good! The characters were so well rounded, you felt like you actually knew them! The plot was so good you didn't want the book to end!’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Beautifully written.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘First of all, what a lovely title and so apt during these dark times!... Heartbreaking as well as heartwarming. An insightful look into what war can bring but what we can get out of life when everything is crumbling around us. There’s plenty of war stories out there, but this one stands out.’ The Book Trail, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I have read lots of books in the war fiction genre and found this book to be one of the best I have read!’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Download or read book A Light in the Window written by Marion Kummerow and published by Bookouture. This book was released on 2021-07-20 with total page 314 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Margarete stumbles out of the bombed-out house, the dust settling around her like snow. Mistaking her for the dead officer’s daughter, a guard rushes over to gently ask her if she is all right and whether there’s anything he can do to help her. She glances down at where the hated yellow star had once been, and with barely a pause, she replies “Yes”. Berlin, 1941: Margarete Rosenbaum is working as a housemaid for a senior Nazi officer when his house is bombed, leaving her the only survivor. But when she’s mistaken for his daughter in the aftermath of the blast, Margarete knows she can make a bid for freedom… Issued with temporary papers—and with the freedom of not being seen as Jewish—a few hours are all she needs to escape to relative safety. That is, until her former employer’s son, SS officer Wilhelm Huber, tracks her down. But strangely he doesn’t reveal her true identity right away. Instead he insists she comes and lives with him in Paris, and seems determined to keep her hidden. His only condition: she must continue to pretend to be his sister. Because whoever would suspect a Nazi girl of secretly being a Jew? His plan seems impossible, and Margarete is terrified they might be found out, not to mention worried about what Wilhelm might want in return. But as the Nazis start rounding up Jews in Paris and the Résistance steps up its activities, putting everyone who opposes the regime in peril, she realizes staying hidden in plain sight may be her only chance of survival… Can Margarete trust a Nazi officer with the only things she has left though… her safety, her life, even her heart? A totally heartbreaking and unputdownable story about how far someone would go to save one life, that fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Nightingale and All the Light We Cannot See will adore. Readers are loving A Light in the Window: ‘Wonderful, wonderful… I was blown away by this book. I couldn’t put it down. I ignored everything and everyone until I finished it.” Nicki’s Book Blog, 5 stars “Blew me away… You get engulfed in the storytelling until the end!… Perfect!… I loved this book – I lost my whole day reading – just couldn't bear to put it down!” NetGalley reviewer “I can’t put into words how incredible A Light in the Window is… Extraordinary, well written, beautiful story.” Goodreads reviewer “This story was heartbreaking and riveting. I was up until wee hours of the morning reading it. It couldn’t put it down until I found out what was happening next.” Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars “A poignant love story… beautifully written and rich with emotion… It is a story about courage and sacrificial love that I found really beautiful and one I highly recommend.” Christian Novel Review, 5 stars “Heartwrenching… A compelling read you won’t want to put down. It draws you in and has you questioning the moral dilemma of whether one human life is worth more than another… A tale that is heartbreaking as well as intriguing.” Confessions of a Bookaholic “I was hooked from the first to the last page, holding my breath… You will feel that you are in France and Berlin… The pages flew by… A read that will stay with me for a long time.” Goodreads reviewer “I love those books that REALLY make you think! It’s not just a story. It’s a moral compass check-in point… I can always count on Marion Kummerow to pen a compelling historical fiction novel that grabs my attention, holds it and rewards me.” Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars “Beautiful. Poignant. Heart rending. Stunning. Hopeful. Astounding. A wonderful, nuanced, beautifully written story about love and hope in the darkest of times.” NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars
Download or read book The Tuscan Secret written by Angela Petch and published by Forever. This book was released on 2022 with total page 368 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This sweeping historical novel from a bestselling author follows the lives of two generations of women, the secrets they keep, their sacrifices for love, and the heartbreaking betrayals they encounter--perfect for fans of Kelly Rimmer and Natasha Lester. Il Mulino. An old crumbling mill, by a winding river, nestled in the Tuscan mountains. An empty home that holds memories of homemade pasta and Nonna's stories by the fire, and later: the Nazi invasion, and a family torn apart by a heartbreaking betrayal. Anna is distraught when her beloved mother, Ines, passes away. She inherits a box of papers, handwritten in Italian and yellowed with age, and a tantalizing promise that the truth about what happened during the war lies within. The diaries lead Anna to the small village of Rofelle, where she slowly starts to heal as she explores sun-kissed olive groves, and pieces together her mother's past: memories of homemade pasta, Nonna's stories by the fire, and happy days spent herding sheep across Tuscan meadows cruelly interrupted when World War II erupted and the Nazis arrived. Her mother fleeing her home to join the Resistenza and risking everything to protect an injured British soldier who captured her heart. But Anna is no closer to learning the truth . . . What sent Ines running from her adored homeland? When she meets an elderly Italian gentleman living in a deserted hamlet, who flinches at her mother's name and refuses to speak English, Anna is sure he knows more about the devastating secret that tore apart her mother's family. But in this small Tuscan community, some wartime secrets were never meant to be uncovered . . .
Download or read book The Secret Diary written by Anna Stuart and published by Bookouture. This book was released on 2021-08-03 with total page 342 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Two women. One house. And a secret that spans decades... The past merges with the present in an unforgettable, poignant story of love, loss and courage in this beautifully written story set between World War Two and the present day. She steps into the room and it's like going back in time. Catapulting her right into the heart of the 1940s. The spindle of the record player frozen and ready to play. The flowery wallpaper faded but intact. A soldier's uniform pressed and hung on a door, coal still in the fireplace. A floorboard creaks beneath her and she notices a small desk in the corner of the room. She opens the top drawer and runs her hands along the edges, something catching at her fingertips. A hidden compartment. And behind it, the soft edges of a book. As she dusts it off, she can see it has a red leather covering, the pages yellowing with age. She realises it's a diary. Some of the pages have been torn out. The first entry has 16th June 1945 printed in neat little letters at the top. Below it, in hurried, untidy script are the words: 'My name is Nancy Jones. And I have a secret...' Fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Alice Network, and Lilac Girls will love this incredible tale of the amazing bravery and inspiring friendships of everyday women during World War Two that had the power to change history. Why readers love Anna Stuart: 'I absolutely LOVE this book... it had my heart breaking and tears constantly streaming down my face!... I can't give this enough praise, I genuinely loved it so much... A beautiful love story... an emotional rollercoaster... such a tear jerker. Absolutely recommended from me, you NEED to read this!' Curled Up With a Good Book,⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Oh my heart... I love this book... a real tearjerker... so heart-warming. If you need a little warm hug of a read then this is just perfect.' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Download or read book The English Girl written by Sarah Mitchell and published by Bookouture. This book was released on 2021-06-18 with total page 347 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: ‘5 stars for sure!! This book gripped me, and I just couldn’t stop reading it… beautiful… extraordinary!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1946, Norfolk, England: Fran gazes out across the beach, its beauty marred by the sharp barbed wire, hiding deadly mines beneath the sand. Everyone is nervously awaiting the arrival of the German prisoners, who will change everything.... When a prison camp is created on the outskirts of Fran’s village, the sudden presence of the captured German soldiers in their small community feels almost too painful to bear. People are grieving the loss of fathers, husbands and sons killed overseas, and Fran struggles to see these young men as anything other than the villains who murdered her beloved brother. But when Fran meets Thomas, a German prisoner with a gentle nature and piercing blue eyes, she is forced to question everything she thought she knew. Their connection is immediate, and Fran soon finds herself falling for someone she had thought was the enemy. Knowing that a relationship with Thomas would be seen as a terrible betrayal by those closest to her, she must keep the secret or face losing everything she holds dear. Until a devastating event threatens to tear Fran and Thomas apart, and Fran must decide how much she is willing to risk for love... 1989, Berlin, Germany: After losing her grandfather, a heartbroken Tiffany arrives in Germany just in time to witness the Berlin Wall fall. As joy erupts throughout the streets, she joins the swell of people crossing the border from West to East. In her pocket is a crumpled letter addressed to her grandmother Fran, proof of a wartime secret that has been buried for decades. What Tiffany finds will change everything she thought she knew about herself and her family. But can she find the final piece of the puzzle and give herself and Fran a second chance at happiness, or is it too late to heal the scars of the past? An absolutely unputdownable story inspired by an incredible true love story, this is a beautiful, sweeping tale of hope, courage and heartbreaking choices. Fans of Fiona Valpy, The Forgotten Village, and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society will be absolutely gripped until the final, heart-stopping conclusion. Readers love The English Girl: ‘The English Girl will capture your heart. I found myself glued to the book as I wanted to know what would happen… Historical fiction at its best.’ Goodreads reviewer ‘A wonderful story. Anyone who has an old love they still think about will appreciate the depth in Ms. Mitchell's book… I highly recommend it.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A heart-breaking story of forbidden love… I loved the book… I learned a lot… A great book and highly recommended!!!’ @fictiongodess ‘A fresh perspective on WW2 historical fiction!... I loved everything about this book and can’t wait to share it with others!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Makes for a great weekend read for a fan of historical fiction… Kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what happened next… An excellent weekend or rainy day read!’ To Read Is To Breathe ‘This quick paced story will ensnare you and not let go until the end.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I love a good wartime forbidden love story! Great storytelling and weaving of real events with the fiction.’ Our Happily Ever After ‘An exciting and even inspirational read… I can highly recommend to anyone who enjoys historical romance novels, especially those about WWII.’ Christian Novel Review
Download or read book The Secret Agent written by Elisabeth Hobbes and published by HarperCollins UK. This book was released on 2020-11-27 with total page 389 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: My name is Sylvie Duchene and I am a dancer. There is no network. I am just a dancer. I know nothing. Please...I swear it...
Download or read book We Were the Lucky Ones written by Georgia Hunter and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2019-07-30 with total page 530 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The New York Times bestseller with more than 1 million copies sold worldwide Inspired by the incredible true story of one Jewish family separated at the start of World War II, determined to survive—and to reunite—We Were the Lucky Ones is a tribute to the triumph of hope and love against all odds. “Love in the face of global adversity? It couldn't be more timely.” —Glamour It is the spring of 1939 and three generations of the Kurc family are doing their best to live normal lives, even as the shadow of war grows closer. The talk around the family Seder table is of new babies and budding romance, not of the increasing hardships threatening Jews in their hometown of Radom, Poland. But soon the horrors overtaking Europe will become inescapable and the Kurcs will be flung to the far corners of the world, each desperately trying to navigate his or her own path to safety. As one sibling is forced into exile, another attempts to flee the continent, while others struggle to escape certain death, either by working grueling hours on empty stomachs in the factories of the ghetto or by hiding as gentiles in plain sight. Driven by an unwavering will to survive and by the fear that they may never see one another again, the Kurcs must rely on hope, ingenuity, and inner strength to persevere. An extraordinary, propulsive novel, We Were the Lucky Ones demonstrates how in the face of the twentieth century’s darkest moment, the human spirit can endure and even thrive.
Download or read book The Italian Girl s Secret An Absolutely Gripping and Emotional WW2 Historical Fiction Novel written by Natalie Meg Evans and published by Bookouture. This book was released on 2021-09-10 with total page 380 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An urgent knock on the wooden farmhouse door breaks the midnight silence. Heart racing, she tip-toes down the stairs, draws back the bolts and gazes into the eyes of a stranger. "Please, signorina. I must find a way to send my message. The war depends upon it." Italy, 1943. On her nonna's tomato farm in the hills outside Naples, sheltering a soldier with an English accent is the most dangerous thing Carmela del Bosco could do. But with one look at his wounds, Carmela is filled with hatred for those who would tear apart her beautiful home and decides to risk everything, hiding the stranger in an abandoned watchtower outside the village. In his pain and fever, he murmurs in English, but insists his name is Sebastiano and that he has a message to send that will end the war. Carmela tends to his injuries and smuggles fresh pasta from her grandmother to the watchtower whenever she can. But just as his strength returns - and passion grows between them - they are seen and betrayed by a member of Carmela's own family. With their lives on the line, the pair flee down the mountains into the city of Naples, where German soldiers patrol every street. Desperate, Sebastiano begs Carmela to send the message for him. But as soon as she hears it, her blood runs cold... Can she find the courage to do what's right for her country, if it threatens the lives of everyone she loves? Will she ever see her beloved nonna again? And can she trust Sebastiano with her heart - or will he lead her into terrible danger? An absolutely stunning and heartbreaking historical novel about the choices people are forced to make in wartime, and how one act of incredible bravery can change everything. Fans of The Nightingale, All the Light We Cannot See and Rhys Bowen will be captivated. Read what everyone's saying about Natalie Meg Evans: 'Wow, wow, wow is all I can say... tense and the surprises just kept on coming... tore at my heart.' Shaz's Book Blog, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Amazing stuff! I felt so many emotions and I highly recommend this book! Five stars all the way!' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I was completely gripped... the writing was superb, the historical details completely immersive. I would love to read anything this author writes.' Squeezed Peach, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Heartbreaking, haunting... you are going to devour this one... a mesmerizing, poignant, emotional, gripping, passionate and compelling novel... powerful and evocative... I cannot recommend this enough.' Chicks, Rogues and Scandals 'Wonderful... one of the best love stories I've read... dramatic, passionate... suspenseful and cinematic... The emotion she conjures up is phenomenal.' Jthbooks, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A beautifully written novel by an extremely talented writer. Excellent character depiction, plus an exciting storyline makes for a roaring success. Highly recommended.' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐