Amanda Barratt

"In moments like this, it was easy to remember peace. When belief in “good tidings of great joy ” still held the wonder of innocence. When we trusted the future instead of feared it."

I stopped reading this one at 43% because of an inappropriate scene between two characters. While afterwards they were both sorry and ashamed for what they had did, the deed was already done.

Up until that point, the book was fine, just very filled with the heartache of war and atrocities committed against a people who had done nothing to deserve such brutality and hate. The truths of history must be told, regardless of whether it's popular or not.

I received a complimentary e-book from the publisher to review through Netgalley, and was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts above are my own.… (més)

Thank you to LibraryThing, the author and the publisher.

This was one of the hardest books I've read besides The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. I usually enjoy historical fiction especially set in WWII but this one was emotionally wrenching and set in Poland in 1939. The twin sisters were very close at one point and then they went separate ways and had totally different “jobs.” I had to put the book down a few times to catch my breath and get a hold of my emotions. Sometimes I wanted to not finish it since I couldn't read one more page of sadness but continued.

Even though it was almost 400 pages, I kept turning the pages to see what would happen next, good or bad.

I know I harp on this a lot, but reading 400 pages in small print was not easy and I put off reading this book because of it but it was worth reading.… (més)

It’s hard to put into words how beautifully poignant this novel truly is. Despite the fictional nature of the book, the author does a great job of depicting the very real courage of heroes during World War II. The historical details are accurate and very well researched. I felt like I learned so much about that time from reading this novel. The story telling is so well written I was transported back in time and found myself completely immersed in the story. The themes of family, faith, and sacrifice shine in this book and provide a sense of hope despite the pain. I really liked the read of this novel, even if the setting and circumstances are sobering. I highly recommend this novel by this talented author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing/LibraryThing. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.… (més)

The day after their father leaves to fight the German Invasion, twins Antonina and Helena lose their home when Warsaw is bombed. They move in with their aunt, each dwelling on their own troubles. Antonina is in love with Jewish Marek, who is forced into the Warsaw ghetto. Determined to help, Antonina joins the resistance, moves from her home with Helena, and begins to shelter Jewish children. Stunned at her sister's move, Helena finds work at a German office. After becoming disillusioned with the Germans, Helena joins the underground, learning how to wield a gun and fight back.

I found it a bit hard to distinguish the twins. They did not seem to have distinct or separate personalities. Their personalities seemed to be muted and blended together. Although their stories differed, I wish the author had done more to develop the characters. Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.… (més)