A beautiful telling of what the German citizens went through when Hitler came into power (hint: not everyone supported him and his causes).

This was one of the best written historical fiction novels I’ve read in awhile. It expertly weaves together true events that serve as the backbone to this story in a way that rings true with other historical sources I’ve come across. This includes the transition of Hitler into power, how fear was used to keep people in check, the White Rose, the rise of concentration camps, and the way people (Jews, those with disabilities, and the Germans) were treated.

But this is far from a dry historical book. The story starts with Franka, ready to end her life in the woods, only to stumble across a man, with two broken legs in a German uniform. Something about him makes her think he is more than he seems. Not turning him into authorities is an offense punishable by death, and yet she decides to bring him back to her cabin and nurse him back to health. Meanwhile she discovers that her suspicions are true and his reason for coming is so much bigger than she could have imagined.

Definitely recommend for those who enjoy a good WWII historical fiction novel.

Note: I spent a summer in Munich and learned a lot about these events while there so some of my sentiment comes from nostalgia too

Good entertaining story with historical accuracy, adventure and a bit of romance. Something slight bothered me in the editing though, John is a Marine note the capitol M. It was only used a few times but it was spelled with a lower case m.

Started out interesting but ended up predictable and boring. Not much character or relationship development.

Excellently nuanced story about Nazi Germany. Makes you think deeply about both sides of the conflict.

What a great book to start the year with. I liked this book because it showed another viewpoint of WWII. The innocent German victims always get lost in most books about the war. It makes me want to look into the White Rose more.

The first 50 pages and last 50 pages of this book were compelling. It was the 150 pages of drudgery in the middle, as well as the unrealistic and forced dialogue, that makes this a 2-Star read.

Franka finds a man in the snow with two broken legs, saves him from freezing to death. Then she tries to figure out if he is really who he says he is. They help each other escape Germany after his legs heal to avoid the Gestapo finding them. Great story!

Had all the makings of a great book, but it was written a bit odd and pieces felt jumbled. The romance between the characters is rushed; there's not much of a lead up to it and it is just sprung upon the reader. There's so much time spent on explaining the back story of the characters, and then the story just drops off and feels unfinished.

Entertaining read!