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Release Date: 8th June 2021 / Publisher: Bookouture

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.

Buy It Here!

Amazon: https://bit.ly/3yUGFWM

Apple: https://apple.co/2OSaq8y

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3vMJw2x

Google: https://bit.ly/3lDNQwg

My Review

Based in 1938, just before the start of the Second World War, this story introduces us to three sisters Johanna, Birgit and Lotte Eder.  They, along with their parents live in Salzburg, Austria and are already beginning to experience the changes which are happening around them due to the Nazi rule.  The three women all have their own opinions about what is happening but as time moves on, they realise they need to stick together as a family.

Told from the perspectives of Johanna, Birgit and Lotte, their story is given in alternate chapters throughout the book.  It is truly an emotional read and, whilst I have read books based around this era, it was interesting to see it from the viewpoint of the people living in Austria.  The three sisters were in a family singing group and known as the Edelweiss Sisters due to the sprig of Edelweiss they wore whilst on stage.  I loved how the story linked to real life people, such as Maria and the Von Trapp family, and thanks to a well-known film, I could picture perfectly the Austrian singing festivals, convents and Salzburg in general as I read.

Whilst it was a heart-breaking read seeing how the Eder family, amongst others, were treated and reading about their experiences, it was also an uplifting and captivating story showing the true resilience, strength and bravery of the people who lived through these times.  I was moved to tears as I read and was held enthralled throughout the book, capturing my attention right through to the last page.  An historical story of love, hope and survival which will take you right into the heart of the people in occupied Austria.  Would definitely recommend.

The Author

Kate Hewitt is the author of many romance and women's fiction novels. A former New Yorker and now an American ex-pat, she lives in a small town on the Welsh border with her husband, five children, and their overly affectionate Golden Retriever. Whatever the genre, she enjoys telling stories that tackle real issues and touch people's lives.

https://www.kate-hewitt.com/
https://www.facebook.com/KateHewittAuthor/
https://twitter.com/author_kate

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