Anna Stuart

Auschwitz, 1945: I rock my baby gently in my arms, willing him to be quiet so he's not taken from me... Naomi Demetriou has survived for three years behind the walls of Auschwitz. But when an SS officer singles her out, life becomes even harder. And she discovers she's pregnant... With the support of midwife Ana, Naomi gives birth to a baby boy. Hiding in the shadows, she vows to do whatever it takes to keep little Isaac safe. But Naomi is shoved into a line of people being marched out of the iron gates. Tears sting in her eyes. It all happened so fast. She was unable to grab the bundle of blankets containing her precious son. But Ana is still there, can she save him? What readers are saying about The Last Baby in Auschwitz: 'Heartbreaking... Grabbed me from the first chapter and didn't let go until the very end... Just leaves you speechless... Incredible.' Real reader review, ????? 'Stayed with me long after I turned the final page... Breaks your heart and then slowly pieces it back together... Heartbreaking... Drew me in completely... Unforgettable.' Real reader review, ????? 'Ripped my heart out and sewed it back together!... heartbreaking... amazing... have the tissues handy as yes, you will cry when reading it.' Real reader review, ????? 'Wow... heartbreaking... truly stole my heart... sticks with you long after the final page.' Real reader review, ????? 'Omg I think this book broke my heart. I ugly cried... A must read.' Real reader review, ?????

1943 god. Ana Kaminski prokhodit cherez vorota Aushvitsa rjadom s ispugannoj molodoj podrugoj Ester Pasternak. Podojdja k nachalu ocheredi, Ana vykhodit vpered i tikho zajavljaet sebja akusherkoj - a Ester svoej pomoschnitsej. Im delajut taturovki s nomerami i otpravljajut v rodilnyj barak. Ana ponimaet, chto sudba zhenschin v ee rukakh, i kljanetsja sdelat vse vozmozhnoe, chtoby spasti ikh - i ikh detej. Vskore v Aushvitse nachinaetsja programma "Lebensborn": zdorovykh detej so svetlymi volosami otpravljajut v nemetskie semi. Podrugi tajno tatuirujut mladentsev nomerami ikh materej v nadezhde, chto kogda-nibud te smogut vossoedinitsja. Poka rannim utrom Ana ne zamechaet okruglivshijsja zhivot pod tonkim polosatym platem Ester... Vdokhnovlennyj realnoj istoriej, roman "Akusherka Aushvitsa" stal mezhdunarodnoj sensatsiej i pereveden na neskolko jazykov.

Auschwitz, 1943Jeg stryker den nydelige datteren min over håret. Det er et mirakel at det er blondt, for det vil holde henne i live. Snart kommer de for å ta Pippa ut av Auschwitz-Birkenau – og ut av armene mine. Men så lenge det er liv, finnes det et håp om at jeg en dag vil gjenforenes med barnet som har en tatovering med nummeret 41400 – det samme som jeg har. Berlin, 1945Ester overlevde bare så vidt og mot alle odds de forferdelige forholdene i Auschwitz, og den dagen hun vakler ut av leirens porter og ut i friheten, har hun en lang vei foran seg. For med krigen som et vondt, tilbakelagt kapittel er hun desperat etter å finne datteren som ble tatt fra henne i leiren. Men ved krigens slutt er Europa i kaos. Jødiske familier er revet fra hverandre, og folk leter fortvilet etter sine kjære. Ester tråler barnehjem og sykehus, saumfarer ansiktet til alle jenter som kan være på alder med hennes Pippa, og som har hennes lyse hår og blå øyne. Kommer Ester til å finne barnet med den samme tatoveringen som hennes egen? Eller er det allerede for sent …? En oppslukende fortelling om en mors håp om en gang å kunne gjenforenes med datteren som ble revet fra henne under krigen.

Ingen skal måtte behøve å være ensommeCharlie liker jobben som sjåfør. Han frakter matvarer hjem til folk og liker å tilbringe tiden alene i bilen. Han har aldri vært særlig glad i å måtte forholde seg til mange mennesker, men når han blir satt til å levere matvarer i Hope Street, innser han at det er mange ensomme mennesker der ute, og for noen av dem er Charlie deres eneste møte med omverdenen. Butikksjefen må minne Charlie på at han er sjåfør, ikke sosialarbeider, og at han ikke må bruke mer enn fire minutter på hver kunde, men Charlie kan ikke hjelpe for at det harde ytret hans begynner å mykne. Han klarer ikke å la være å vise litt vennlighet til innbyggerne i Hope Street og hjelpe dem med å finne sin plass i verden igjen. Men vil hans hjelpende hånd bare gjøre alt verre? En rørende og inspirerende bok om fellesskap, vennskap og å finne sin egen vei«En fantastisk, følelsesladet, nydelig bok. Jeg elsket hver eneste side og gråt ikke så rent lite.» Tracy Rees, forfatter «Nydelig fortalt.» Ruth Hogan, forfatter «Jeg leste denne boken i ett strekk – det var rett og slett ikke mulig å forlate disse romanfigurene før historien var slutt. Og da følte jeg en slags sorg – disse menneskene hadde blitt vennene mine, så virkelige at jeg var helt oppslukt av livet deres og hvordan det kom til å gå med dem. Ikke gå glipp av denne boken – den er helt spesiell, og jeg elsket den.» Being Anne, blogg «Jeg vil ikke avsløre for mye av denne nydelig skrevne, følelsesladde boken, for det vil jeg at du selv skal finne ut. Men den handler om å være snill mot deg selv og andre, og hvordan selv de mest tilsynelatende ubetydelige barmhjertige handlinger kan utgjøre en stor forskjell. Jeg gråt og lo om hverandre. Jeg forgudet simpelthen romanfigurene, og elsket boken fra første til siste side.» Portobello Book Blog«Hvis du er på jakt etter en virkelig sterk og rørende leseopplevelse, er dette boken for deg. Anna Stuart har virkelig truffet blink når det gjelder følelser, og hun tar i bruk hele registeret. Jeg elsket denne boken. (…) Temaene hun tar for seg, blir sittende i. Det samme gjelder følelsene man får når man leser. Jeg trengte tid til å fordøye det jeg hadde lest, men jeg satt også igjen med en trang til å snakke med folk (…) Denne boken kommer jeg aldri til å glemme, og jo mer jeg tenker på den, jo mer forstår jeg hvor sterk den er.» A Rambling Reviewer, blogg

1944, Poland. 'Take this message, keep it hidden.' Shaking, I tuck the torn slip of paper in between the loaves of bread. I pray I can make it through the bombed-out streets and into the tunnels beneath this broken city without being caught. If this secret falls into the wrong hands, my sisters' lives are at stake... This heart-wrenching and unforgettable World War Two novel is inspired by the incredible true stories of the brave women who fought in the Warsaw Uprising. Hana's home has gone up in flames; the little bakery at the heart of the city is no more. Smoke curls into the sky and the buildings around her burn. But Hana has already lost far more - her blue-eyed fianc was wrenched from her arms at the start of the war and her brave father was murdered by the Nazis. She's determined to protect her younger sisters but every day more people are being killed... Hana realises that one person alone won't win the war and she has to accept her sisters are playing their own part in the resistance. Fiery Zuzi is working as part of a secret all-female combat unit while gentle Orla is a nurse in the underground hospital. As the women of Warsaw plan to rise up against the enemy, Hana risks her life to navigate the dangerous streets. The torn piece of paper she clutches in her hand has the potential to save her precious family. It's time to fight back. But when the moment they've been waiting for comes, will Hana and her sisters finally win back their freedom? Or will they lose their own lives as they fight for their futures...? An emotional and gripping WW2 story of incredible courage against all odds and of the power of love and hope in the darkest of times. Perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Orphan Train and The Nightingale. What readers are saying about The Secret Message: 'Absolute cracker... Rollercoaster of a ride, I laughed, I cried, I actually sat on the edge of my seat... I had every bit of emotion wrung out of me and just absolutely adored the characters... Absolutely heart-wrenching.' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Gripping... Excellent... Heartbreaking and heart-warming... It leaves you shattered, it throws a punch in the stomach but it's so, so good. I urge everyone to read this.' bookedmybook, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Hooked from start to finish... A real page-turner that will tug at your heartstrings... Gripping.' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Wow ... Had me desperate to read just one more chapter... Gripping... Everything I want from a book ' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Gut-wrenching... Captured my heart... Wonderful... Exceptional.' Cindy L. Spear, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Gripping... Deeply moving... Stays with you long after the final page... Unforgettable.' Novel Nerd Blog, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Gripping... Heart-warming... Incredible... Will absolutely capture your heart... A must-read ' shivar_anne, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Også kvinner bidro aktivt for å forsvare landet sitt under andre verdenskrig. Blant dem var artillerijentene, som bidro til å holde luftrommet over Storbritannia trygt. Den gamle dagboken bringer henne tilbake til en svunnen tid – og til en rystende hemmelighetEngland 1945Nancy Jones er ikke som ungjenter flest. Som artillerijente overvåker hun luftrommet, på jakt etter fly fra fienden. Det er et stort ansvar, men samtidig får det henne til å føle seg levende, og det føles godt å kunne bidra i krigsinnsatsen. Men en kveld blir hun tvunget til å ta en skjebnesvanger beslutning …Da krigen endelig er over, gifter hun seg med kjæresten. Sammen flytter de inn i et koselig lite hus på landsbygda, der ektemannen skal arbeide som viltvokter. Her håper hun å kunne falle til ro og legge bak seg de skrekkelige opplevelsene fra krigen. England 2019For å komme til hektene etter det plutselige tapet av ektemannen og faren til de to sønnene, søker Lorna Hayes tilflukt hos moren og stefaren. De har nylig flyttet inn i det som tidligere var en viltvokterbolig, og det er som å reise tilbake i tid. Det originale tapetet er intakt, og en soldatuniform fra andre verdenskrig henger på en dør. Og i et skjult rom i en kommodeskuff finner Lorna en gammel dagbok …

Inspired by an incredible true story, this poignant novel tells of one woman's fight for love, life and hope during a time of unimaginable darkness

Auschwitzin kätilö -menestysromaanin odotettu jatko-osa. Ester Pasternak käveli Auschwitzin porteista ulos juuri ja juuri elossa. Hän selviytyi hengissä, mutta hänen sydäntäsärkevä matkansa on vasta alussa. Leirillä Ester synnytti pienen vaaleatukkaisen vauvan, mutta kallisarvoinen lapsi vietiin saksalaisperheeseen. Nyt kun sota on ohi, Ester etsii epätoivoisesti pikkutyttöään. Eurooppa on kaaoksessa, juutalaisperheet on revitty hajalle ja kaikki etsivät rakkaitaan. Jokaisessa orpokodissa ja sairaalassa, jossa Ester vierailee, hän etsii kyynelehtivien pikkulasten kasvojen joukosta oman lapsensa kasvoja. Jokainen vaalea hiuslaikku ja sininen silmäpari saa hänen sydämensä sykkimään. Löytääkö Ester koskaan lapsen, jonka tatuointi vastaa hänen omaa tatuointiaan? Vai onko hän jo liian myöhässä? Auschwitzin kadonneet lapset on koskettava ja uskomattoman mukaansatempaava tarina yhden äidin rohkeudesta ja päättäväisyydestä sodan repimässä maailmassa. Anna Stuart asuu Englannin Derbyshiressa. Hän opiskeli kirjallisuutta Cambridgessa ja työskenteli sen jälkeen tehdassuunnittelijana, ennen kuin palasi ensimmäisen rakkautensa pariin ja ryhtyi kirjailijaksi.

1945, Auschwitz: I stumble out of the gates, tightly grasping the hands of two smaller children. Hunger swirls in my stomach and the barren landscape swims before my eyes. I can barely believe it. We're free. We survived. But what happens now... Sixteen-year-old Tasha Ancel turns to take one last look at the imposing place that stole her freedom and her childhood. She has no idea how she continued to live when so many others did not. For the first time in months, her heart beats with hope for her future and that of the smaller children who cling to her now. Tasha was torn from her mother's arms by an SS guard days before the gates of Auschwitz opened. Now she only has a lock of her mother's fiery hair. Desperate to be reunited, Tasha asks everyone she meets if they've seen a woman with flame-red hair. But with so many people trying to locate their loved ones in the chaotic aftermath of war finding her feels like an impossible task. Officially an orphan, Tasha is given the chance to start a new life in the Lake District in England. She knows her mother would want her to take the opportunity but she can't bear the thought of leaving Poland without her. Tasha must make a heartbreaking decision: will she stay in war-ravaged Europe and cling on to the hope that the person she loves most in the world is alive, or take a long journey across the sea towards an uncertain future? An absolutely unputdownable and heart-wrenching WW2 story of survival against all odds and learning to live and love again. Fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Orphan Train and The Nightingale will be gripped. What readers are saying about Anna Stuart: 'BLEW me away... I was in absolute AWE reading this... I could picture everything... SPEECHLESS... It brought tears to my eyes.' @thatbookishvixen, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Absolutely heart-wrenching... I raced through this book... Grabbed me from the first paragraph and didn't let go until the last line of the fabulous ending. Anna Stuart is fast becoming my favourite WW2 author. A cracker of a story.' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Shattered my heart... I was in tears... So powerful you feel as if you are there... incredibly moving... Absolutely brilliant... this gut-wrenching journey will hit your heart... I highly recommend.' Cindy L. Spear, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'This book is everything It deserves every one of its five stars and more ... I can't recommend this book highly enough, the writing and the storyline are exquisite.' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Inspired by a heartbreaking true story, this poignant novel tells of one woman's brave fight for love, life, and hope during a time of unimaginable darkness in WWII Germany, perfect for readers of The Tattooist of Auschwitz. Auschwitz, 1943: As I held the tiny baby in my arms, my fingers traced the black tattoo etched across her little thigh. And I prayed that one day this set of numbers, identical to her mother's, would have the power to reunite a family torn apart by war... Ana Kaminski is pushed through the iron gates of Auschwitz beside her frightened young friend Ester Pasternak. As they reach the front of the line, Ana steps forward and quietly declares herself a midwife--and Ester her assistant. Their arms are tattooed, and they're ordered to the maternity hut. Holding an innocent newborn baby, Ana knows the fate of so many are in her hands, and vows to do everything she can to save them. When two guards in their chilling SS uniforms march in and snatch a blond-haired baby from its mother, it's almost too much for Ana to bear. Consoling the distraught woman, Ana realizes amidst the terrible heartache there is a glimmer of hope. The guards are taking the healthiest babies and placing them with German families, so they will survive. And there are whispers the war is nearly over... Ana and Ester begin to secretly tattoo little ones with their mother's numbers, praying one day they might be reunited. Then, early one morning, Ana notices the small bump under Ester's thin, striped clothing...

Auschwitz, 1943: Da jeg holdt den nyfødte jenta i armene mine, lot jeg fingeren følge den svarte tatoveringen på låret hennes. Jeg ba til Gud om at dette tallet, som var identisk med morens fangenummer, en dag ville ville kunne ha kraft til å gjenforene en familie som var blitt revet fra hverandre av krigen. Inspirert av en utrolig, men sann historie om en kvinnes kamp for kjærlighet, håp – og livet – under grufulle omstendigheter Da Ana Kaminski blir dyttet gjennom porten til Auschwitz sammen med sin unge venninne Ester Pasternak, forstår hun at gode råd er dyre. For med hennes relativ høye alder er ikke fangevokterne overbevist om at hun kan være til nytte. Men Ana er jordmor, og med papirer som kan bevise det får hun og Ester, som assistenten hennes, armene tatovert med hvert sitt fangenummer og brakt til leirens fødeavdeling. En jordmor skal bistå den fødende med å bringe barnet trygt til verden, men forholdene i leiren gjør dette til en ufattelig prøvelse. For det er nemlig ikke meningen at mange av disse barna skal leve, og de få som gjør det, de sterkeste og med mest ariske trekk, blir plassert hos tyske familier. I dette helvete på jord får Ana et glimt av håp. Ana og Ester begynner å tatovere morens fangenummer et sted der det ikke er så synlig på den nyfødte, i håp om at mor og barn kan gjenforenes. For det går rykter om at krigen nærmer seg slutten. Men så legger Ana merke til kulen på Esters mage ... En aldeles hjerteskjærende og oppslukende roman om en kvinnes mot og besluttsomhet i en brutal og kaotisk verden. Perfekt for alle som liker Nattergalen, Tatovøren i Auschwitz og Alice-nettverket.«Wow ... det føltes som hjertet ble røsket ut av brystet mitt ... spiller på hele følelsesregisteret.» Spooky's Maze of Books ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐«Må leses, utvilsomt en av årets beste bøker ... for en hjerteskjærende historie ... Sørg for å ha nok snytepapir ...» Echoes in an Empty Room ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐«... Jeg slukte denne boken i ett jafs ... Jeg er nesten målløs ... Jeg elsket denne boken, historisk fiksjon på sitt beste. Jeg kunne ha gitt den 10 stjerner.» Page Turners ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐«Nydelig, hjerteskjærende, oppløftende og inspirerende.» Fiction Books ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐«... en særdeles velskrevet og godt researchet fiksjonalisert fortelling om disse menneskenes liv. Hjertet mitt blødde mens jeg leste om alle de tragiske skjebnene, men medmenneskeligheten, håpet og heltedådene gjorde meg svært ydmyk. (...) Den ufattelig grufulle historien inneholder glimt av håp og lykke.» The Sleepy Reader«... en ualminnelig følelsesmessig opplevelse ... en oppsiktsvekkende god bok, som forfatteren kan være stolt av.» Being Anne«En betimelig påminnelse om hvordan styrke, mot og rettskaffenhet kan seire over ondskapen, til sjuende og sist. Jeg er så glad for at jeg leste den.» Karen's Book Bag

1943, Bletchley Park: In the dark of night, my heart is pumping with adrenalin as I wait for news of the secret agent operating under the code name Elodie. She has a dangerous part to play in the Normandy landings and so many lives are at stake. But I couldn't bear to lose her... Inspired by the brave women of Bletchley Park, this is a totally gripping World War Two novel of friendship, heartbreak and hope. Perfect for fans of The Rose Code, The Alice Network and The Nightingale. Valerie Rousseau is burning with determination to help free her beloved France from the Nazi regime. Working at the mysterious Bletchley Park, she strikes up an unexpected bond with smart, fiercely loyal Fran Morgan as they spend long days together with their heads bent over maps of France in preparation for the Allied invasion. Their friendship grows increasingly important as they distract themselves from the dark days of war with afternoons skating across the icy pond at the heart of Bletchley Park and evenings talking late into the night. But Valerie's wartime role is shrouded in secrecy and there are things that she can't even tell Fran. When Valerie volunteers for a dangerous mission linked to the D-Day landings in Normandy, Fran is devastated. Valerie has knowingly put her life on the line and Fran is terrified that she will never see her again. Soon, Fran hears about the bravery of the agent operating under the code name Elodie. She's certain it's Valerie and she knows the work she is doing in her little office, overlooking the green fields of England, could be the difference between life and death for this secret agent... Can both women secure victory for their country? Or will the fight for freedom cost them their love - and their lives? What readers are saying about The Bletchley Park Girls series: 'Amazing... Captured my heart... So, so good and so immersed in the story it was hard to put it down... The best I've ever read ' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Familiemysterier og chokerende hemmeligheder, rørende venskaber og modige kvinder, som har sat tydelige aftryk under 2. Verdenskrig. Anna Stuart væver fortid og nutid sammen i sine hjerteskærende og velresearchede romaner. 89-årige Ginny McAllisters sidste ønske er at sende sit barnebarn på en skattejagt, som afslører detaljer om Ginnys liv som en af de første kvindelige piloter på Pearl Harbor. Skattejagten røber desuden rystende hemmeligheder fra 2. Verdenskrig.1941, Pearl Harbor: Ginny flyver sin lille gule flyvemaskine over det glimtende hav, da hun ser et ukendt fly nærme sig. Først i sidste øjeblik genkender hun det japanske kampfly, men til alt held lykkes det hende at lande i god behold. I de følgende timer tvinges Ginny til at træffe nogle valg, som får store konsekvenser …2019, Pearl Harbor: Robyn Harris er tynget af sorg over tabet af sin bedstemor, som har opfostret hende. Hendes eneste trøst er det brev, Ginny har skrevet til hende med sin umiskendelige håndskrift, og som nøje beskriver en skattejagt magen til den, hun plejede at lave, da Robyn var lille. Bortset fra at sporene denne gang er spredt ud over Hawaii.

1940, Bletchley Park: I stand alone outside the gates, with no idea what lies ahead. It's cold and dark. All I have are my suitcases and a handful of letters from my fianc . Every day, the bombs have been getting closer. I'm only an ordinary civilian, but I was asked to come here in secret, and I'm determined to fight in whatever way I can for freedom and for love... Inspired by the unforgettable true story of the women of Bletchley Park, this utterly gripping novel of secrets, love and courage shines a light on the incredible wartime work that changed the course of history. When Stefania Carmichael steps into the mysterious world of Bletchley Park, she immediately finds herself signing the Official Secrets Act. In whispers, she is told that she's been recruited because of her talent for languages. Before the war ripped Europe apart, Steffie was living in Rome, charming everyone she met with her quick wit and sharp mind, and engaged to the man of her dreams, handsome and brave Matteo. Now everything has changed. With secrets swirling around the building, Steffie finds it hard to know who to trust, until she forms a close bond with two other new recruits. Ailsa is a gifted radio operator and Fran a logistics genius, and the two women help Steffie navigate her new world of codebreaking. But even though Steffie's skills are crucial to the war effort, her position is put in jeopardy when Italy joins the opposite side of the battle - and her beloved fianc becomes the enemy. Her heart belongs to Matteo, but Steffie knows she must do whatever it takes to help England win the war. So when she is asked to go on a classified mission, she jumps at the chance. But it soon becomes clear there's a traitor in their midst, and all eyes turn to her... With her life at stake, can she prove herself innocent and save the man she loves? Or will Steffie lose everything? An absolutely addictive World War Two novel of friendship, betrayal and heartbreak. Perfect for fans of The Rose Code, The Alice Network and The Nightingale. Why readers love Anna Stuart: 'A must-read, one of the books of this year for sure...such a heart-breaking story... The emotions I went through reading this book were unbelievable... I loved it.' Echoes in an Empty Room, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ninety-eight-year-old Ginny McAllister's last wish is for her granddaughter to complete a treasure hunt containing clues to her past. Clues that reveal her life as one of the first female pilots at Pearl Harbor, and a devastating World War Two secret.1941, Pearl Harbor: On the morning of December 7th, Ginny is flying her little yellow plane above the sparkling seas when she spots an unknown aircraft closing in on her. She recognises the red symbol of the Japanese fighter planes almost too late. Somehow, she manages to land unscathed but the choices she is forced to make in the terrible hours that follow have tragic consequences...2019, Pearl Harbor: Heartbroken Robyn Harris is reeling from the death of the strong, determined grandmother who raised her. Her only comfort is a letter written in Ginny's distinctive hand which details a treasure hunt, just like the ones she used to set for her as a little girl. Except this time, the clues are scattered across the beautiful island of Hawaii. Despite her grief, Robyn finds herself intrigued as she follows the trail of letters, revealing the truth about Ginny's service during the Second World War. But Robyn's whole world is turned upside down when she's faced with a shocking secret which has the power to change the course of her own life... Inspired by true events, this is a heartbreaking and unforgettable WW2 novel about love, loss and bravery. Perfect for fans of The Alice Network, The Nightingale and Kathryn Hughes. Readers love Anna Stuart: 'I absolutely LOVE this book... it had my heart breaking and tears constantly streaming down my face ... I can't give this enough praise, I genuinely loved it so much... A beautiful love story... an emotional rollercoaster... such a tearjerker... you NEED to read this ' Curled Up With a Good Book, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Oh my heart... I love this book... a real tearjerker... so heart-warming. If you need a little warm hug of a read then this is just perfect.' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Oh wow... I absolutely loved it... once I started it I didn't want to put it down. I have recommended it to all my friends.' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'It broke my heart and put it back together several times... loved the book from the first page to the last.' Portobello Book Blog, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'I fell hook, line and sinker for this story... Heart-warming... not just a book you read, it's a book you feel every moment of and is a true treasure.' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Grabs you from the first page... I didn't want to put it down. My favourite read so far this year.' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'I absolutely loved this book, and devoured it in one glorious afternoon... very highly recommended.' Being Anne, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Oh my One truly stunning read I will remember for a very long time.' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Two women. One house. And a secret that spans decades... The past merges with the present in an unforgettable, poignant story of love, loss and courage in this beautifully written story set between World War Two and the present day. She steps into the room and it's like going back in time. Catapulting her right into the heart of the 1940s. The spindle of the record player frozen and ready to play. The flowery wallpaper faded but intact. A soldier's uniform pressed and hung on a door, coal still in the fireplace. A floorboard creaks beneath her and she notices a small desk in the corner of the room. She opens the top drawer and runs her hands along the edges, something catching at her fingertips. A hidden compartment. And behind it, the soft edges of a book. As she dusts it off, she can see it has a red leather covering, the pages yellowing with age. She realises it's a diary. Some of the pages have been torn out. The first entry has 16th June 1945 printed in neat little letters at the top. Below it, in hurried, untidy script are the words: 'My name is Nancy Jones. And I have a secret...'Fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Alice Network, and Lilac Girls will love this incredible tale of the amazing bravery and inspiring friendships of everyday women during World War Two that had the power to change history. Why readers love Anna Stuart: 'I absolutely LOVE this book... it had my heart breaking and tears constantly streaming down my face ... I can't give this enough praise, I genuinely loved it so much... A beautiful love story... an emotional rollercoaster... such a tear jerker. Absolutely recommended from me, you NEED to read this ' Curled Up With a Good Book,⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Oh my heart... I love this book... a real tearjerker... so heart-warming. If you need a little warm hug of a read then this is just perfect.' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Two women. One shocking wartime secret. And a family mystery just waiting to be discovered... Berlin Zoo, 1943: Ten-year-old Adelaide and her newborn sister are orphaned after a devastating night of bombing. Heartbroken and frightened, Adelaide runs to her mother's closest friend, Katharina Heinroth, and the kind zookeeper takes the two little girls under her protection. As the bombing intensifies, Adelaide tries to shut out the horrors of war by caring for her tiny sister and playing with the adorable baby monkeys. But when Katharina organises a dangerous operation to enable children and animals to escape the battle-scarred city, something goes wrong. And Adelaide has to promise her adopted mother to keep a shocking secret. A secret that will change Adelaide's life forever. Berlin Zoo, 2019: Bethan Taylor notices the elderly lady sitting on the bench next to her seems confused, her thoughts flitting between past and present. Ada talks of her childhood, played out in an underground bunker beneath the animal enclosures during the war. As Ada's story unfolds, Bethan is surprised to hear a name she recognises... Katharina Heinroth is at the top of a list of German names Bethan found in a hidden compartment of her late mother's jewellery box. Bethan's father couldn't tell her anything about the crumpled piece of paper and she's been searching for the meaning ever since. As the two women are brought together by the pain of the past can they help each other to heal? And after decades of silence, can Ada help Bethan to uncover a long-buried family mystery? An unforgettable and heart-wrenching novel of a brave orphan girl and a shocking wartime secret. Inspired by a true WW2 story and perfect for fans of Orphan Train, The Tattooist of Auschwitz and The Alice Network.