by: Olivia Hawker
Goodreads description:
For fans of All the Light We Cannot See, Beneath a Scarlet Sky, and The Nightingale comes an emotionally gripping, beautifully written historical novel about extraordinary hope, redemption, and one man’s search for light during the darkest times of World War II.
Germany, 1942. Franciscan friar Anton Starzmann is stripped of his place in the world when his school is seized by the Nazis. He relocates to a small German hamlet to wed Elisabeth Herter, a widow who seeks a marriage—in name only—to a man who can help raise her three children. Anton seeks something too—atonement for failing to protect his young students from the wrath of the Nazis. But neither he nor Elisabeth expects their lives to be shaken once again by the inescapable rumble of war.
As Anton struggles to adapt to the roles of husband and father, he learns of the Red Orchestra, an underground network of resisters plotting to assassinate Hitler. Despite Elisabeth’s reservations, Anton joins this army of shadows. But when the SS discovers his schemes, Anton will embark on a final act of defiance that may cost him his life—even if it means saying goodbye to the family he has come to love more than he ever believed possible.
Helen says: 🤓🤓🤓 1/2
This was our high brow read of the month! I don’t know about you, but I am having WW2 historical fiction fatigue…I don’t have the same zest to read a compelling story of Nazi resistance that I did a few years ago. Based on a true experience of the author’s husband’s grandfather, this was a feel good WW2 story (if there is such a thing!) and an unconventional love story. If you are a lover of this genre, you will definitely enjoy this book.
Holly says: 🤓🤓🤓🤓
This is just a beautifully written story about a family surviving in a small German village during Nazi occupation. You will love them and root for them. Their inner strength is in contrast to their soft-spoken ways, but the combination of both perseveres. This is a love story, among multiple characters, as well as a story of devotion, survival, and trying to do what is “right” in the worst of times. You will be glad you read this one – and do not stop until you have read the author’s note at the end of the story.
Helen and Holly Hit the Books 