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.

‘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 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

France 1944 and the streets are filled with swastikas. The story of a brave English girl behind enemy lines, a German soldier, and a terrible sacrifice… English nurse Sibyl Lake is young but skilled and confident. Resolving to do everything she can to help her country she begins to spy to support the French Resistance. She arrives in Colmar, a French town surrounded by vineyards and swarming with German soldiers, but her fear is dampened by the joy of being reunited with her childhood sweetheart. Jacques is now a French Resistance fighter, risking his life to free his friends and family from German occupation. Sibyl’s arrival has not gone unnoticed by Commander Wolfgang von Haagan, the commandant of the Colmar region. She realises letting him get closer is her best chance of learning enemy secrets. Yet despite her best intentions, Sibyl soon finds betrayal does not come easy to her. Commander von Haagen is a soldier who yearns for poetry, music, something beyond the war, and Sibyl begins to enjoy the company of the man she’s spying on... Determined to do what is right for her country, Sibyl knows what she must do. But will it put both the men she loves into terrible danger? A beautifully written, heart-wrenching and unforgettable tale of love and loss in a time of war. Perfect for fans of The Letter by Kathryn Hughes and The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. What readers are saying about The Soldier’s Girl: ‘The Soldier's Girl is a gripping and heart wrenching read that I couldn't tear myself away from… A moving and at times touching read that will stay with me for some time.’ By the Letter Book Reviews ‘This book brought tears to my eyes and every chapter was a new twist to the story… I could not stop reading this book and I know everyone is sure to love it.’ The Lovely Library ‘The Soldier’s Girl is a captivating, historical fiction novel… I was wholly engrossed until the very end.’ Write Escape ‘I loved this book a wonderful and heartbreaking tale which drew me in; it has strong characters and a beautiful story’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars ‘A fantastic book. I also loved reading about the Alsace Region. Makes you think "what would you do in her shoes.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars ‘I really enjoyed this book and all of the characters. What an exciting book with many twists and turns. This book kept me on the edge of my seat and it was hard to put down.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars ‘Really enjoyed this book. Great characters, very well written and it was fascinating and informative with the Resistance theme. Highly recommend!’ Netgalley Reviewer, 5 stars What readers are saying about Sharon Maas: ‘Wow! … Such a powerful story, so brilliantly narrated, in such a way that you feel part of it all and are left bereft when it is finished … I LOVED this story so much. So poignant and touching and heartbreaking … All the descriptions are so visceral and beautiful. I loved this book. I lived it.’ 5 stars – Renita D’Silva ‘A powerful and emotional story … truly heartbreaking. The writing was so beautifully descriptive and at times I felt as though I was right there in India. Wonderful … truly stunning … I can highly recommend this book.’ Goodreads Reviewer ‘This has everything … great characters … strong settings … serious issues. Put all these together with a fantastic writing style and this easily makes my top 10 books of 2016 list.’ 5 stars – Lexi Reads ‘Simply perfect! … from the first few pages I was drawn in and hooked! … I was blown away by how much I was affected by the story … a fantastic, emotional, evocative read … I urge you to pick up this book, you won't be disappointed!!!’ Dash Fan Book Reviews, 5 stars ‘I absolutely loved everything about this book … beautifully and evocatively written ... , this is a definite 'can't put it down' read.' 5 stars – Goodreads Review ‘A beautiful, mesmerising work of fiction ... I was completely transported.' Krafti Reader ‘A powerful story with so much depth your ears might pop, I absolutely loved this book. I was completely absorbed by this stunning story, I was there in India, living everything ... Another exceptional read from Sharon Maas, 5*.’ Purple Book Stand ‘WOW I think Winnie is the biggest hero ever ... This truly was a masterpiece.' Reading Renee ‘I loved, loved, loved this. An easy 5 stars. One of my top reads of this year … wonderful’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

'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, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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

‘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