Historical Fiction Archives

February 16, 2022March 13, 2022

The Paris Network-Curham-Review-Historical Fiction-Available Now

I chose to read The Paris Network by Siobhan Curham. First, I loved Beyond This Broken Sky by the author. It was one of my favorite historical fiction reads of 2021. And the book description sounded interesting.

Little did I know that I would almost instantly feel connected to the book in so many more ways than one can imagine. Two stand out as very personal to me.

1. The main character’s name is Jeanne. So is mine.

2. The main character is named so because of her mother’s love of Joan of Arc. So am I.

Eerie coincidence, of course, but instantly endeared me to the character.

Add in a love of books and dabbling in local theater, and really, the book can’t hit many more of the targets for me.

On an even more personal note, I also recently found out the truth about my birth family. So, this novel really hit on several levels.

But again, that is all specific to me. What about someone who has none of these connections?

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It is still a fantastic historical fiction novel. The author captures the attitudes of the French people as they move from “it’s a phony war” to the disbelief regarding German callousness and ambition, to the realization they need to fight to save their country.

That overall arc is clear in the novel, but the way the author relays all of this through Laurence, Gigi, and the townspeople is heartfelt and realistic.

There are also stark portrayals of bravery and cowardice. And Laurence’s “dispensary of books” is a fascinating concept that I wish someone would establish now. That is some genius.

The Paris Network is another fine novel by Siobhan Curham, and I look forward to the next one.

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Author Bio:

Siobhan Curham is an award-winning author, ghost writer, editor and writing coach. She has spoken at businesses, schools, universities and literary festivals around the world, including the BBC, Hay Festival, Cheltenham Festival, Bath Festival, Ilkley Festival, London Book Fair and Sharjah Reading Festival.

February 7, 2022January 30, 2022

The Last Grand Duchess-Turnbull-Review-Historical Fiction-Available Now

To truly enjoy The Last Grand Duchess, a new book by Bryn Turnbull, there are a few things that you need to have straight in your mind.

1) This is Russian History. It’s dark. Dense doesn’t begin to describe it. Complexity is normal. It is epic and a huge topic to tackle.

2) There is a love/hate relationship with the Romanov family in the overall arc of Russian history. They are a pivotal family, and (as such) they are not always treated as people may expect.

3) Because of their position, and the era of history they occupy, there is little documentation available. Therefore, there is possibly a lot of supposition in any story involving them.

4) From what is known, Olga was a shy introvert. Therefore, even anecdotal evidence of her is difficult to find. She is also young and, therefore, immature.

5) You will absolutely, positively need to refer to the multi-page character list that precedes the story (see point number 1).

How do I know all of this?

Because I flunked a History of Russia class in college.

Twice.

It actually totally derailed my major. But I digress. To the book review.

If you have those four points in mind, you will enjoy this book so much more because you will know what to expect. The author does what she can with scant information, filling in blanks, and crafting a compelling story.

I should add here that I visited Russia in the mid-1990s, and one of our stops was the last known residence of the Romanov family. However, our tour guide was cagey about certain details. We were told this was typical. So, there is that as well.

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As mentioned above, Olga is young. Her perspectives are not as informed as those of an adult. But this is what makes her interesting. We get to see the history unfold from her point of view.

I feel like this is a vital point, because she is of the age where her concerns are not political or futuristic. She wants the life that a grand duchess should enjoy. The passages involving her experiences with her aunt illustrate this brilliantly.

The author also captures the intrigue of Russian politics in a time of turmoil accurately (at least from my knowledge).

I am not quite sure what else I can say. The story itself is intricate and detailed. For this reason, this is not a book that you can read in fits and spurts, catching chapters here and there.

You need to allow yourself to be immersed in Olga’s world, embracing the atmosphere and attitudes. Only then will you be able to fully enjoy the epic story that Bryn Turnbull has crafted.

For another perspective on Russian history, check out my book review of Tsarina by Ellen Alpsten.

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Bryn Turnbull is the bestselling author of The Woman Before Wallis. Equipped with a master’s of letters in creative writing from the University of St. Andrews, a master’s of professional communication from Ryerson University and a bachelor’s degree in English literature from McGill University, Bryn focuses on finding stories of women lost within the cracks of the historical record. She lives in Toronto.

January 28, 2022January 19, 2022

The Commandant’s Daughter-Review-Historical Fiction-Available Now

The Commandant’s Daughter is not your typical historical fiction novel. So, this may not be a typical review.

Let me start my explanation by saying that I am a big fan of this author (see reviews: The Lost Mother, The Secretary, The Fortunate Ones, What Only We Know). I am always excited to see another book by her.

She has a talent for writing stories that make the reader think by exploring complicated situations and posing questions that bring a deeper understanding.

This is no exception.

At the heart is the story of Hanni (the commandant’s daughter in question), a young woman who is trying to follow a dream given to her when she was a child. She loves photography, and she is good at it.

There are just a few problems.

It is 1947. She’s a woman. Her mentor was a Jew. And her father is the Commandant of the title. Plus, he is one of the nastiest villains I can remember. And when one is talking about people who run concentration camps, that is saying a lot.

But there is more to the story than just Hanni trying to do better than her father while pursuing her passion.

Because there also happens to be a killer loose in the city. And he is taking care of people overlooked by the Nuremberg Trials. The officer who receives the case (Freddy) recognizes Hanni’s eye (through her camera) and they work together to catch the killer.

It is a thrilling, complicated, and thought-provoking story that had me turning pages.

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The descriptions of the casualness of some people even after the atrocities of the camps come to light are…well, illuminating. This was pure evil at work, and there were still people who tried to defend the actions of the men in charge.

This begs the natural question that haunts Hanni and Freddy: should a killer be stopped if that killer is ridding the world of evil men who were about to escape justice?

It makes you think about the moral and ethical implications.

Additionally, the author reflects on the laws in place to ostracize and marginalize Jews. As Freddy remembers it: “The measures were enshrined in the statutes…they were both just and justified.”

One can’t help but draw parallels to what is occurring in some countries even as I write this review. Staggering to think that the lessons of history have still not been learned.

That’s not to say that the book lectures or gets preachy, making connections between the past and present. It is solely in the past. And it is well-plotted and researched.

I liked everything about The Commandant’s Daughter. It is a unique entry in the historical fiction genre, and I highly recommend it.

Twitter: @cathokin

Author Bio:

I seem to have followed a rather meandering career, including marketing and teaching and politics (don’t try and join the dots), to get where I have always wanted to be, which is writing historical fiction. I am a story lover as well as a story writer and nothing fascinates me more than a strong female protagonist and a quest. Hopefully, those are what you will encounter when you pick up my books.

I am from the North of England but now live very happily in Glasgow with my American husband. Both my children have left home (one to London and one to Berlin) which may explain why I am finally writing. If I’m not at my desk you’ll most probably find me in the cinema, or just follow the sound of very loud music.

I’d love to hear from you and there are lots of ways you can find me.

January 12, 2022January 10, 2022

The Italian Island-Review-Historical Fiction-Available Now

The Italian Island in question is Galatea, a small, fictional island off the coast of Italy. It’s a beautiful setting for an ambitious historical fiction story.

The author has struck on a consistent theme. As with her previous books (The Italian Villa and The Lost Village), we have a heroine – in this case, Anna – who goes to Italy at the request of her father.

Well, that is not entirely accurate. Her father was Anna’s ally. After he passes away, Anna finds a note telling her that although he was adopted, he believes that there are family roots in Italy. He urges her to explore them.

And, not having anything else going for her (apparently), she is off to Italy to find her family history. But when gets to the island, she finds that everything is more complicated than just uncovering family connections.

With a touch of poignancy, and a dollop of magic (maybe?), Anna discovers history unfurling right before her eyes. And what she finds out is more heartbreaking than she could imagine.

The author improves upon past books in that she takes a unique approach to the historical aspects of the story…Anna sees them in visions. That’s the best way I can describe it.

It puts the reader squarely in the past, experiencing the events with Mira. This is better than simply hearing about the past from other people.

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However, it does create an imbalance in the two timelines. For example, the first time it happens to Anna, it is roughly 19% into the book. We are then in the past storyline all the way until 34%.

It enables the reader to become immersed in the past (like Anna). But returning to the present is a jolt. While I like the idea, I wish there is more of a balance between the two.

But it also results in Annie’s character arc being little more than the vessel to tell the story of the past. Yes, it is not a spoiler to say that she discovers her family lineage. And I will add that the byssus adds an interesting facet to that. I’m not giving anything else away.

Unfortunately, the book ended abruptly, and the epilogue seemed to be an afterthought. Plus, after the setup regarding Anna’s mom and her judgmental attitude, it seemed odd that she didn’t figure anywhere in the rest of the book.

It wasn’t that she disappeared. It felt more like she was totally forgotten.

Regardless, The Italian Island is another pleasant read, and I would recommend it, same as the author’s two previous books.

Historical fiction author — Facebook: OfficialDanielaSacerdoti/

Author Bio:
Daniela Sacerdoti is the author of the bestselling Glen Avich series which has sold over one million copies in ebook to date, Sacerdoti’s debut novel Watch Over Me was named the eighth bestselling Kindle book of all time in 2015, when she was also ranked as the eleventh top-selling Kindle author. She lives in a small village in the middle of nowhere, with her Scottish husband, two children, a Cocker spaniel and a foundling kitten (who was definitely a witch in a past life).

November 18, 2021November 19, 2021

Historical Fiction-From the Dark We Rise-Available Now

I have made no secret that historical fiction intrigues me. There is so much fodder and untold stories abound.

Case in point, this trilogy.

The first book in the series (A Light in the Window) was engaging and I was surprised to see that it would be a trilogy. Here we have the second book, and once again, the author tackles the ugly history from a unique perspective.

If you have not read the first book, you may want to skip this review and just go pick it up so you can read it for yourself. If not, this is a warning that this review gives away plot points from the first book.

Margarete continues her charade as Annagret. She has absolutely no choice but to do so. The opening chapters are heavy with recap, but that is to be expected.

The connection between the first and second books is tenuous. It takes a while for Margarete (as Annagret) to remember the promise she made at the end of the first book. But one event changes that.

Margarete sees how easily her life could be very different – if she still had a life at all. And from that point, the story becomes brisker.

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Sometimes we need a stark reminder to goad us to action, and that is what happens to Margarete. She recognizes herself in Lena and knows she needs to do…something.

She is clever in the steps that she takes, and it is fortunate that she receives help from both Lena and Dora. Their involvement is another reminder that good people had to do bad things for their own survival.

However, the specter of atrocities always hovers. And when Margarete sees a familiar face, she knows she has to kick her plan into higher gear.

Margarete walks a tightrope with her charade, and the reader walks along with her. Every time she thinks she is caught, the tension rises. Ultimately, this becomes a page-turner to see how Margarete progresses with her ruse.

To me, this takes more focus than the plot points for the story itself. But that is probably a personal thing.

This historical fiction novel mimics history in that the reader knows there is more to come. It ends in a similar fashion to the first book.

I look forward to seeing how Margarete’s plan works out in the end.

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Author Bio:

Marion Kummerow was born and raised in Germany, before she set out to “discover the world” and lived in various countries. In 1999 she returned to Germany and settled down in Munich where she’s now living with her family.

Inspired by the true story about her grandparents, who belonged to the German resistance and fought against the Nazi regime, she started writing historical fiction, set during World War II. Her books are filled with raw emotions, fierce loyalty and resilience. She loves to put her characters through the mangle, making them reach deep within to find the strength to face moral dilemma, take difficult decisions or fight for what is right. And she never forgets to include humor and undying love in her books, because ultimately love is what makes the world go round.

November 9, 2021November 4, 2021

Historical Fiction-A Letter From Pearl Harbor-Available Now

When reading a historical fiction novel, there are times when I have a sense of dread even before I get to the plot of the story. I know what the general era will be, so I know what to expect. Sometimes it is in the name, but that doesn’t always convey what is coming next.

This is the case with this book.

Putting a disclaimer in, I spent a lot of time in Hawaii when I was a kid, so many of the places in this book were familiar to me – I am sure that gave it a special poignancy. But I don’t think it is a prerequisite to getting emotional over the events.

The historical era is obvious in the title, but the author wisely sets the prologue on the eve before. I wasn’t two paragraphs in when I thought, “Oh no, these poor people had no clue.”

I think that is a strength in a good historical fiction story – if I can put myself into their shoes and wish that I could warn them. Or just simply imagine what it would have been like prior to the historical event.

Anyway, this author does a great job with stories like this. (Check out her other historical fiction novels: The Berlin Zookeeper and The Secret Diary). I’m a big fan of her style, her research, and her commitment to her characters.

Told in alternating eras, we get the story of sisters Robyn and Ashleigh (contemporary) and Ginny (historical). I don’t want to give away the connections, but I absolutely loved how the author weaves the stories of these women together.

It is one of the most unique contemporary storylines I have read in recent memory, and it is an effective way to relate Ginny’s side of the story. By the time I was about 1/3 of the way through, it was Dec 6…and my dread just grew stronger.

I’ll be honest…I read a good section of the middle of the book through tears. It was so raw and so realistic. Which made it even more emotional.

I’ll leave that part alone. Anyone with a knowledge of history and half a heart won’t be able to get through the center of the book without some strong emotions.

But even after you get through that, you’re still not finished – because you still have to go through the rest of Robyn and Ashleigh’s story (as well as Ginny’s).

Historical fiction novels are funny in that even if you know the history there can still be plot points that are important. That is the case in this book. Robyn and Ashleigh experience a lot of growth, as does Ginny. And that personal growth is almost as emotional as history itself.

There is a lot I want to mention: Ginny’s secrets, Ashleigh and Robyn’s relationship, the sports involved, the history of women’s pilots…all of this combined make for a lush and detailed story.

I don’t want to give anything away, though. So, as with this author’s past historical fiction novels, I highly recommend reading it with tissues close at hand. You’ll need them to the very last pages.

Facebook: annastuartauthor Twitter: @annastuartbooks

Author Bio:
Anna Stuart lives in Derbyshire with her campervan-mad husband, two hungry teenagers and a slightly loopy dog. History has also always fascinated her. Living in an old house with a stone fireplace, she often wonders who sat around it before her and is intrigued by how actively the past is woven into the present, something she likes to explore in her novels.

Anna loves the way that writing lets her ‘try on’ so many different lives, but her favourite part of the job is undoubtedly hearing from readers. You can reach her on Facebook @annastuartauthor or Twitter @annastuartbooks.

October 30, 2021October 27, 2021

Historical Fiction-The Bookseller of Dachau-Available Now

This historical fiction novel was difficult to read. Not because it was bad by any means. But because the author did such an amazing job of conveying the attitudes, fears, and straight facts of the historical sections.

Full disclosure from the beginning. My parents and I took a trip to Germany in the early 80s. One of the places we visited was Dachau. People are not lying when they say that you can feel the evil that was perpetrated there. And you can feel the sorrow and the pain.

I have never in my life experienced anything like it.

I was 12 years old. And it has stuck with me to this day.

So, when Grace found out about her history and traveled to Germany, I was right there along with her. And I actually had to stop reading a few times because I was so overcome with emotion

The memories still linger nearly 40 years later. I can’t even imagine what it might feel like to have had relatives or a stronger connection to the place.

This all endeared me to Grace from the moment she decided to take the trip, but especially as she discovers more about her grandmother. The way Matilda’s story is related makes sense in the context of the contemporary storyline, and the transitions between the past and the present were seamless.

Matilda is a heroine of all ages. She is the embodiment of strength and resilience. Even as we know what happened to her in the long run, I still found myself on pins and needles hoping that she would get through her trials in the past.

And no…no spoilers here.

Some historical fiction novels don’t have a good balance between the historical and contemporary storylines, relying too heavily on one or the other. That wasn’t the case here.

The author wisely weaves the two together. I was never unhappy to be in either period, even though Matilda’s had more intrigue. But I very much enjoyed Grace’s line as well. Especially as she learned more about her inheritance.

I’m obviously not going to tell you how everything plays out, because that would ruin the story for you.

However, at the risk of sounding political (I always try to avoid it), I couldn’t help but notice the parallels in the thinking of Matilda’s parents – which were reflective of others in the town. It is those attitudes that allowed for the atrocities to occur.

And frankly, I have seen thoughts very similar to those of Matilda’s father on social media. Which is just scary and should be a wake-up call.

But all of that aside, the author does a phenomenal job with this story. You’ll be amazed at the resilience and ingenuity of Matilda and root for Grace as she makes difficult decisions.

If you are a historical fiction fan (and even if you aren’t) this should be at the top of your list!

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Author Bio

Shari J. Ryan is a USA Today Bestselling Historical Fiction writer. Her desire to write stories revolving Jewish livelihood during World War II stems from being a descendant of two Holocaust survivors. After the passing of Shari’s grandmother, she pursued an active interest in learning more about the inherited stories she yearned to understand better.

Shortly after earning a bachelors degree from Johnson & Wales University, Shari began her career as a graphic artist and freelance writer. She then found her passion for writing books in 2012. In 2016, Shari began writing her first Historical Fiction novel, Last Words, a story about a lifelong journey through the eyes of a Holocaust survivor. With two character related books to follow, Shari quickly found a new passion to share untold World War II stories within a fictional setting.

Shari is a lifelong New England girl who lives to make people laugh. She is happily married with two wonderful sons and a spunky Australian Shepard, who fits right in with the family.

October 22, 2021October 20, 2021

When the Nightingale Sings-Book Review-Available Now

My love of learning new things from a historical fiction book should be obvious by now (I’ve mentioned it enough times in other book reviews). But what I am finding that I like even more is when an author takes a little-known fact – or something that is widely known but rarely detailed – and runs with it, turning it into a full story.

That is certainly the case with this book. From the blurb, you know what is going to happen, but the details that go into making the story come alive are superbly researched. And if there is any artistic license taken, it is done so in such a way that it is seamless within the kernels of truth.

The author does a fantastic job of describing the science loved by both Hedy and Judy so that a layperson can understand it. Even as they are working on advanced physics and other topics, the descriptions are general enough to know that they’re important without getting bogged down with scientific details.

What I really enjoyed most about the book was the balance between the science and horrors of war and the Hollywood scene of the era. It was as if the author captured exactly how people viewed Hollywood at the time – as an escape from the despair.

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Even as I write this book review, it’s crystallizing in my mind – the scenes set in Hollywood were little escapes from what was going on elsewhere with Judy. This was truly excellent plotting by the author. As a fan of several of her books, I have to believe that this was done purposely, and it was masterful.

The author also has a knack for writing vividly detailed scenes that make the reader feel as if they are actually experiencing the event with the characters. This was especially true with the London Blitz and Pearl Harbor in this book.

She gave depth to a Hollywood bombshell who never really got the credit that she deserved for her mind. I liked how this paralleled what Judy experienced, even though Judy felt that she was never attractive. Neither woman was acknowledged at the moment for their contributions.

I also like it when I get towards the end of the book and have been so caught up in the narrative that I forgot where it all started. That was the case in this book. I was taken away by Hedy and Judy’s stories, and when the author returned to the scene from the beginning, I was able to look at it with a deeper understanding of both characters. That is a job extremely well done.

I could go on and on, analyzing Hedy and Judy’s parallels and dissecting the story, but I’d be better off just saying that this should be at the top of your reading list. It is impeccably researched, heartfelt and emotional (I needed tissues for the last few chapters).

By far, one of my favorites of the year.

Other book reviews for this author:

Author Bio:
Suzanne Kelman is a 2015 Academy of Motion Pictures Nicholl Finalist, Multi-Award-Winning Screenwriter and a Film Producer. As well as working in film she is also an International Amazon Bestselling Fiction Author of the Southlea Bay Series – The Rejected Writers’ Book Club, Rejected Writers Take the Stage and The Rejected Writers’ Christmas Wedding. Born in the United Kingdom, she now resides in Washington State.

September 14, 2021September 14, 2021

The Italian Girl’s Secret (Evans)-BoT-Historical Fiction-Available now

I am a huge fan of this author’s work (see links to my reviews for previous books at the end of this review). She always manages to create wholly realized scenes that make it seem as if the reader is watching a movie. She also has a unique writing style that makes it possible to smell and feel the same things as the characters.

Or maybe that’s just my imagination. But I know I have mentioned it in past reviews, and it still occurs in this book.

Anyway, the main character in this book (Carmela) is the “Italian Girl” of the title (or is she – more on that later). She and her grandmother live relatively simple on a farm above Naples Bay. Sounds picturesque (and the descriptions of it absolutely are) …until you note that the time is September 1943, and Italy is pretty much anything BUT picturesque.

Their simplicity is uprooted by an old friend asking for a favor, and that favor completely disrupts Carmela’s life. Because the secret in the title isn’t exactly what you think it is. Or rather, it is, in addition to the new one.

I know that sounds convoluted, but I don’t want to give away any major plot points – even though the blurbs can explain what I mean.

I thought the story was a good one. It captured the urgency of the time (and the mission) but also allowed the reader to fully embrace the Italian countryside. Let me try to explain.

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I think therein lies the author’s real talents. Descriptions like that of a bubbling pot of tomato sauce that fills a kitchen with the scents of garlic and basil are easy for readers to imagine which in turn makes it easy to put themselves right in the action. It also conveys the simplicity of life that did continue even during the fraught days of 1943 WWII Italy.

But the urgency of the stranger’s mission is also conveyed smartly without it being overly dramatic. The author wisely lets the reader come to their own conclusions about what is important (although it should be obvious).

I keep wandering in this review, but the author doesn’t in the plot. Once Carmela is fully aware of the stranger’s mission and what needs to be done, she finds the courage to help him because she knows that it could mean the difference between living under occupation or helping to fight for freedom.

I mentioned earlier that Carmela may or may not be the Italian girl of the title. I think it does fit her, but there are other characters who could be that character – a fact that the author reveals nicely toward the end.

The juxtaposition of the idyllic and the urgent, the beautiful and the ugly made for a dynamic read. And, as the action takes place over the course of less than a month, it moves along quickly.

I would highly recommend this historical fiction novel to anyone interested in the genre. But especially if you are someone who wants the background of WWII without the emotional drain of the concentration camps that are so often the center of this genre.

The author makes it a habit to set her novels in other arenas of the war, and that alone makes them intriguing reads.

Previous reviews: The Paris Girl, Into the Burning Dawn

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Author Bio

Natalie Meg Evans has been an art student, actor, PR copywriter, book-keeper and bar tender but always wanted to write. A USA Today best-seller and RITA nominee, she is author of four published novels which follow the fortunes of strong-minded women during the 1930s and 40s. Fashion, manners and art are the glass through which her characters’ lives are viewed. Each novel is laced with passion, romance and desire. Mystery is never far away.

An avid absorber of history – for her sixth birthday she got a toy Arthurian castle with plastic knights – Natalie views historical fiction as theatre for the imagination. Her novels delve behind the scenes of a prestige industry: high fashion, millinery, theatre, wine making. Rich arenas for love and conflict. Most at home in the English countryside, Natalie lives in rural Suffolk. She has one son.

September 8, 2021September 9, 2021

The Girl Who Survived (Midwood)-BoT-Historical Fiction-Available Now

I am a big fan of this author and have enjoyed past books by her.

But I am left in a quandary about this one.

It isn’t a bad book by any stretch, but there’s something missing that I can’t quite put my finger on.

As I have mentioned countless times before, I read historical fiction to learn about known events from different perspectives. Here is another book that checks that box.

The setting of a Minsk ghetto is a stark reminder of just how widespread the German scourge was – even as the Russians ultimately helped defeat the Germans, Jews were not safe in any country.

(And yes, I’m careful of what words I am using because I have had posts flagged for certain phrases – which is ridiculous, considering the setting of WWII Europe). But I digress.

The message of hope and resilience, and doing what needs to be done, is very clear and well-relayed via the characters and their actions, especially Ilse.

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Contrary to other readers, I actually like when an author is bold enough to show the humanity of a German soldier or officer. It’s another reminder that humans are individuals and to paint all of them with a single brushstroke does a disservice to humanity.

Sometimes people get caught up in things beyond their control and do what they have to do in order to survive. Doesn’t that apply to both Ilse and Willy – even though they are on opposite sides of the conflict?

Even though I liked the individual characters and felt sympathetic to both for their situations, I’m not sure that the romance aspect rang especially true. But, seeing as how this is a book based on a true story, I guess it did? I didn’t get caught up in that part like I have in other books.

I also thought that the descriptions bogged down the reading – it didn’t move at a comfortable clip. I understand where the author was trying to paint the picture and give the reader the feeling of “being there,” but I didn’t feel as if it was successful all the time.

This appears to be a rewrite/re-release of a book the author wrote a few years ago. Perhaps the author has improved her style since then?

Regardless, it was still a compelling story from a new perspective. If you enjoy historical fiction, specifically WWII, I would recommend it.

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Author Bio

Ellie Midwood is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning historical fiction author. She owes her interest in the history of the Second World War to her grandfather, Junior Sergeant in the 2nd Guards Tank Army of the First Belorussian Front, who began telling her about his experiences on the frontline when she was a young girl. Growing up, her interest in history only deepened and transformed from reading about the war to writing about it. After obtaining her BA in Linguistics, Ellie decided to make writing her full-time career and began working on her first full-length historical novel, “The Girl from Berlin.” Ellie is continuously enriching her library with new research material and feeds her passion for WWII and Holocaust history by collecting rare memorabilia and documents.

In her free time, Ellie is a health-obsessed yoga enthusiast, neat freak, adventurer, Nazi Germany history expert, polyglot, philosopher, a proud Jew, and a doggie mama. Ellie lives in New York with her fiancé and their Chihuahua named Shark Bait.