Munich 1930: Smoke filled the air. Lilli Sternberg’s quickening heart sounded an alarm as she rounded the street corner. Lifting her gaze to the rooftops, a roaring blaze of thick flames engulfed the side of the building and joined the stars to fill the black sky. Her father’s shop was no more.
Lilli Sternberg longs to be a ballet dancer. But outside the sanctuary of the theatre, her beloved city is in chaos and Munich is no longer a place for dreams.
The Nazi party are gaining power and the threats to those who deviate from the party line are increasing. Jewish families are being targeted and their businesses raided, even her father’s shop was torched because of their faith.
When Lilli meets Captain Marco Zeiller during a chance encounter, her heart soars. He is the perfect gentleman and her love for him feels like a bright hope under a bleak sky.
But battle lines are being drawn, and Marco has been spotted by the Reich as an officer with great potential. A relationship with Lilli would compromise them both.
Will Lilli be able to escape the threats facing her family, and how much is she willing to risk for the man she loves?
An absolutely gripping and emotional historical fiction novel about love, courage and betrayal for fans of My Name is Eva and The Woman of War
I'm a fan of these kinds of stories. The Second World War and everything that happened before, during and after it has always caught my attention, so when I saw this book I applied to review it and I was very happy to be entrusted with it.
I won't say much because when I like something, emotion usually wins over me and I release spoilers and I don't want you to miss out on reading a beautiful story.
It is not a book about romantic love in itself but it is about family, courage, resilience, helping yourself and others. I have always trusted that during this time there were good, self-sacrificing people who took risks for others.
What the Jews suffered is totally inhuman, the story of Lilli, Marco and her family is sad and heartbreaking but definitely one that those of us who love this kind of narrative will enjoy reading.
I leave a lot to be said but as I mentioned before anything else I say will be a spoiler because I am still very excited after finishing the book.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the author for trusting me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I went on to read History at Oxford University and qualified as a journalist and editor, contributing to several national publications such as The Times and The Telegraph. I also acted as a literary publicist for the English TV presenter and novelist Pam Rhodes.
Winning a European-wide screenplay writing competition led to the optioning of a screenplay. (Here's where the history comes in.) Set in 18th century England, it highlighted what has to be one of the most fascinating periods of England's past. The screenplay languished in what's known as development hell, but I was determined to tell some of the stories I'd discovered during my researches into the period. The result is "The Anatomist's Apprentice," the first of a series of Dr Thomas Silkstone Mysteries - stories from late 18th century England that are based on true stories.
Until last December I was editor of a regional glossy magazine and was regularly heard on BBC local radio. As well interviewing dozens of celebrities, I interviewed writers at literary events in front of audiences. My most recent interviews were with Oscar winner Julian Fellowes (screenplay for Gosford Park), Barbara Taylor Bradford and Hollywood legend Leslie Caron.
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