The Woman At The Gates Epic Heart Wrenching And Gripping World War 2 Historical Fiction

1944, Germany: Gazing through the barbed wire fence, up to the pale blue sky, Antonia dreams of home: cherry orchards, golden fields, and the man she loves, who she may never see again... Resistance fighter Antonia is out in the forest behind her family's beloved farm when the Nazi soldiers arrive. As she sees her sister Lena and her young nephews herded towards the trucks, guns pointed at their heads, she faces a split-second, heart-wrenching decision: to stay hidden, stay free and continue the fight. Or to give herself up and go with her family to protect them-no matter what lies ahead. As she clutches her nephew's little hand in hers, her other arm tight around Lena, she knows she has made the right choice. And as the truck rattles towards a brutal labor camp, and they start to wonder what fate has in store for them, Antonia's only thought is of how to escape. Because before they were captured, Antonia worked tirelessly to free her country from those who had turned her homeland into a bloody battleground. By her side had been clever, handsome Viktor. The man she was to marry, whose love shone like a light in the darkness of war surrounding them. Antonia does not know if Viktor has been caught or executed. But she knows she must try to find a way back to him and she cannot wait any longer to be saved. Her precious nephews will die without proper food and they could all be killed at any moment. The world outside the camp gates is full of danger, but they have to find a way through them first. And that is their only hope, even if it costs Antonia her life. The Nazis have taken everything from her, but they can never take away her courage... A heartbreaking, inspiring and totally unforgettable story of the unbelievable courage and determination of extraordinary people in the darkest days of war. Fans of Kristin Hannah, Fiona Valpy, and The Tattooist of Auschwitz will be gripped from the very first page until the final, heart-stopping conclusion.

'Our parents were taken. And if we go home, the Nazis will take us too...' Hamburg 1938. Fifteen-year-old Asta is hurrying home from school with her twin brother Jurgen. The mood in the city is tense - synagogues have been smashed with sledgehammers, and Asta is too frightened to laugh as she used to. But when she and Jurgen are stopped in the street by a friend, her world implodes further. Her Jewish parents have been dragged into the streets by German soldiers and if she and Jurgen return to their house, they will be taken too. Heartbroken at the loss of her parents, Asta knows they must flee. With her beloved brother, she must make the perilous journey across Germany and into Denmark to reach their only surviving relative, her aunt Trine, a woman they barely know. Jammed into a truck with other refugees, Asta prays for a miracle to save herself and Jurgen. Crossing the border is a crime punishable by death, and what she and Jurgen must embark on a dangerous crossing on foot, through the snowy forest dividing Germany and Denmark. And when barking dogs and armed soldiers find Jurgen and Asta escapes, she must hold on to hope no matter what. One day she will find her twin, the other half of herself. Whatever the price she has to pay... A gripping and poignant read that will break your heart and give you hope. Fans of Fiona Valpy, Kristin Hannah and Catherine Hokin will be gripped by the story of a brave brother and sister seeking safety during one of the darkest times in our history. What everyone's saying about The German Girl 'Keep the tissues handy... By far the absolute best book I've read this year!... I devoured it in one sitting... a historical fiction masterpiece... Please keep writing, Lily Graham, the world needs more of your books! ' Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I absolutely loved this book; it was beautifully written being heart-breaking and heart-warming in equal parts... I was completely hooked. The author has done a fabulous job in capturing what it must have been like at the time, and as I read, I could feel the tension and how frightening it must have been. The suspense which filled the pages kept me on the edge of my seat and had my heart beating so fast with the anticipation of it all. The chapter endings were written perfectly with so many cliff-hangers that it was impossible to put down!! It was an absolutely amazing book, one which I was completely captivated by. Full of emotions and sadness, but also with lots of love, family and friendships. This book will stay with you for such a long time after you've finished reading it... Would highly recommend!!' Stardust Book Reviews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ What everyone's saying about Lily Graham: 'Absolutely one of the best books I have read... Lily Graham has written one of the best books of the year in my honest opinion! If I could have given this a higher rating than 5 stars I would have done so... truly an unforgettable story!' Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rosa's blood runs cold. He hasn't seen her yet, but she would recognize those blue eyes anywhere. Will he reveal her secret? And if he does, how will she ever survive? Germany, 1939: When Rosa Herzelfeld boards the SS St Louis, she doesn't believe its promise of freedom. Surely there can be no escape from the Nazis, not even on the other side of the world. Besides, she knows that no matter how far she travels, there is no escaping her past... When the ship is refused entry to Cuba, Rosa finds herself penniless and alone in England. Desperately trying to make this strange country home, the last thing she expects is to fall in love. But when she meets fellow refugee Peter, she is surprised by how quickly his gentle smile and warm brown eyes help her forget the horrors she left behind. As their affection deepens, Rosa grows fearful. Should she tell Peter about the terrible decisions she was forced to make to survive in Germany, or simply pray he never finds out? Deep down, she begins to realise that she must tell him the truth... But before she can, Rosa is sent to a remote internment camp on the Isle of Man. And when fate finally reunites her with Peter, her past is threatening to catch up with her. With time running out before her secret is revealed, Rosa must make an impossible choice... This second book in the Emerald Sisters series tells a heartbreaking and unforgettable story about hope, second chances and the resilience of the human spirit. Perfect for fans of The Orphan Sisters and My Name is Eva. Readers love The Emerald Sisters series: "WOW! This book completely hooked me from the first page to the last... I literally couldn't put it down... Amazing." Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Beautiful... I was hooked from the very first page. A phenomenal novel... I was heartbroken... Keep the tissue box close by because you will surely need it. This unputdownable gem of a read is definitely a favourite... I love everything about this story... [a] ten star read." Page Turners ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Would you risk your life to save just one person? An incredible story of love, hope and friendship, and a testament to humanity and courage in history's darkest days. 1941, Nazi-occupied Amsterdam. Professor Josef Held has never recovered from the loss of his beloved wife - and has no intention of ever letting anyone new into his quiet, safe world. It is a world where the clock ticks steadily in his mathematics classroom, where every equation has a solution. Every day he walks the same route home, past his neighbour Mrs Epstein's, to a home inhabited only by him and a cat he refuses to even name. But then the Nazis come for the Jews - and Mrs Epstein is killed. And Josef, in an impulsive act of courage, offers his student Michael Blum a place to hide. Michael is everything Josef is not: spontaneous, poetic, and unafraid to love. Even though his passionate relationship with a Dutch girl called Elke strictly is forbidden by the Nazis - for he is Jewish, and she is not. Desperate to give Michael and Elke's love a chance to survive, Josef gives Michael refuge in his attic: an act of bravery and resistance that will change both of their lives. But as the dark days of war continue, with danger and betrayal at every turn, no-one can be trusted, and no one is safe. If Michael is going to get back to the woman he loves, it is down to Josef - to find the hero inside himself, and do whatever it takes to keep Michael alive. A heartbreakingly beautiful story about love, trust, and courage against the odds, perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Lilac Girls, and The Nightingale.

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

‘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

'A moving novel of strength and resistance in the face of evil but also an inspiring journey of resilience after loss' Erin Litteken, bestselling author of The Memory Keeper of Kyiv A heartbreaking World War 2 novel that tells the story of two women’s fight for love, family and hope, as the world crumbles around them. Based on the true story of the Kindertransport rescue from Nazi-occupied Europe. Berlin, 1936. The Landau family are at the heart of their community, running a music shop in Berlin and just trying to survive. But their lives are unravelling as Hitler's power increases and the treatment of Jewish families deteriorates. Eldest daughter, Rachel, fears for her sisters' future and will do anything she can to keep them safe. Will she find hope in the darkness? Paris, 1936. As whispers of war travel over from Europe, American debutante Kay escapes her mother's grasp and travels as a reluctant spy from Paris to Berlin. But a chance meeting with the Landau family will change her life forever. Kay is determined to give Rachel and her sisters a fighting chance in a society where the youngest are paying the ultimate price, even if it means making dangerous enemies along the way... As the world marches toward war, these brave women will find strength in joining forces to save the ones they love. But they will need the support of one another more than they will ever realise in order to survive... A gripping and heart-wrenching historical novel about hope, tragedy and two women's limitless courage. Perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Nightingale and My Name is Eva. Praise for The Orphans of Berlin: 'The Orphans of Berlin is a moving novel of strength and resistance in the face of evil but also an inspiring journey of resilience after loss. Delving into a lesser known angle of the Kindertransport rescue efforts, Jina Bacarr deftly combines history and compelling characters into a fast-paced, emotional WWII story that readers will love' Erin Litteken, bestselling author of The Memory Keeper of KyivReader Reviews for The Orphans of Berlin:'I wanted this book to continue! I cried with the characters! Utterly amazing story' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review 'I would give this book more than 5 stars if I could, and there's only one word to describe it...... Brilliant!!' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review 'Really enjoyed this book from beginning to end a very emotional story, highly recommend everyone to read it' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

The truck stopped for a moment in the freezing, bombed-out street and Kate caught sight of a little girl in a ragged dress on the steps of a once-beautiful mansion. The child's eyes were startling blue, a pair of endless pools, drawing Kate towards her... 1946, Berlin. War correspondent Kate Mancini is in Germany, reporting on the aftermath of the devastating war. For her readers back home in New York, she tells the stories of innocent families, trying to rebuild the wreckage of their lives now the soldiers have left at last. But in the Russian-held sector of Berlin on an icy winter's day, Kate breaks all the rules, rescuing Mia Stein, a silent orphan who she fears will otherwise perish. Together with her fellow journalist, handsome Rick Shearer, Kate manages to find a safe house for Mia before she returns to America and vows to keep in touch. Back home, the reality of post-war life for women is stark. Whilst Rick walks into his dream job, no newspaper will hire a woman. The editors laugh her out of their offices, telling her to get married and raise a family. Rick does all he can to support her, as she takes her first steps towards the new medium of television news, and their friendship deepens into something more. Then tragedy strikes: Rick is falsely named as a communist sympathizer. He is arrested, blacklisted and faces prison. Kate knows she must do all she can to free the man she loves. But that means returning to Germany, to seek out the little orphan girl who is her only chance at salvation. Kate and Rick saved Mia-will she help them both now? And even if Kate succeeds, freedom might never be hers when she returns home... From Amazon Charts bestseller Ella Carey comes an utterly heartbreaking historical novel, inspired by true events, about the courage, love and friendships that sustain us in the darkest of days. Fans of Fiona Davis, All the Light We Cannot See and My Name is Eva will be totally captivated. What readers are saying about Ella Carey: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "I wish I could give this beautiful book more stars! It is absolutely a Five Star Gold book! It is so well written and historical fiction at its finest!" Goodreads reviewer