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The Forest of Vanishing Stars
The Forest of Vanishing Stars: A Novel | Kristin Harmel
51 posts | 48 read | 44 to read
The New York Times bestselling author of the heart-stopping tale of survival and heroism (People) The Book of Lost Names returns with an evocative coming-of-age World War II story about a young woman who uses her knowledge of the wilderness to help Jewish refugees escape the Nazisuntil a secret from her past threatens everything. After being stolen from her wealthy German parents and raised in the unforgiving wilderness of eastern Europe, a young woman finds herself alone in 1941 after her kidnapper dies. Her solitary existence is interrupted, however, when she happens upon a group of Jews fleeing the Nazi terror. Stunned to learn whats happening in the outside world, she vows to teach the group all she can about surviving in the forestand in turn, they teach her some surprising lessons about opening her heart after years of isolation. But when she is betrayed and escapes into a German-occupied village, her past and present come together in a shocking collision that could change everything. Inspired by incredible true stories of survival against staggering odds, and suffused with the journey-from-the-wilderness elements that made Where the Crawdads Sing a worldwide phenomenon, The Forest of Vanishing Stars is a heart-wrenching and suspenseful novel from the #1 internationally bestselling author whose writing has been hailed as sweeping and magnificent (Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author), immersive and evocative (Publishers Weekly), and gripping (Tampa Bay Times).
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SilversReviews
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#SPRINGSKIES
@Eggs
@AlwaysBeenALoverOfBooks
@LitsyEvents
#LitsyEvents

Today‘s Prompt: FOREST

HISTORICAL FICTION - WWII

This book is a beautiful tribute to the human spirit, to perseverance, and to finding the qualities a person possesses for empathy, kindness, and making choices.

Another FIVE star but very heartbreaking gem from Kristin Harmel.

FULL REVIEW: https://tinyurl.com/mpk3cxpt

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks On my shelf ❤️ 6mo
SilversReviews @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks It is intense, but good. 6mo
Eggs I do like reading Harmel! 6mo
SilversReviews @Eggs Yes….she is excellent!! 6mo
29 likes4 comments
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Arvena
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Pickpick

There is much to learn in this book and it is heartbreaking to read. I found this to be a unique story, very inspiring. This book is beautifully written and well researched, creative, and tells an important piece of my history.

50 likes1 stack add
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SilversReviews
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#VOLUMES AND VOCALS
@Eggs
@AlwaysBeenALoverOfBooks
@LitsyEvents
#LitsyEvents

TODAY‘S PROMPT: I WILL SURVIVE by G Gaynor 🎶

HISTORICAL FICTION - WWII

This book is a beautiful tribute to the human spirit, to perseverance, and to finding the qualities a person possesses for empathy, kindness, and making choices.

Another FIVE star but very heartbreaking gem from Kristin Harmel.

https://tinyurl.com/mpk3cxpt

Eggs 🩷 K. Harmel🩷 1y
SilversReviews @Eggs Yes. Love her books. 1y
35 likes2 comments
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tpixie
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#12booksOf2022
#September
Good movie related to this is Defiance (2008 film)

Andrew65 Looks a good choice. 2y
44 likes1 comment
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Jas16
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Pickpick

Raised in the forest without friends or community, when Yona encounters a group of Jews attempting to hide from the Nazis she knows that they won‘t survive without her help. The first couple of chapters of this book made me wary but I ended up riveted by this story. It did have its overly convenient moments but Yona was an easy to root for character as she puts aside her fears and learns the beautiful and painful parts of caring for others.

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BookishTrish
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Pickpick

When your cat insists on helping you clean your closet, it‘s time to finish your book #earlgrey

Soubhiville So helpful! Without them there the clothes might float away. 😸 2y
DinoMom They are always so helpful 😹 2y
TheSpineView You must have a supervisor! 😹 2y
66 likes3 comments
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KristiAhlers
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Pickpick

Based on a true story this was both lovely and heartbreaking. I love the way this author writes. So lyrical and descriptive. This is truly a very good read. Although a WWII set story it is unique and different from the norm.

59 likes2 stack adds
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terryduncan5719
Pickpick

It was mystical and factual at the same time. Kristen Hammel did not disappoint. It is a historical novel during WWII but it is different from others. The writing was descriptive. I recommend this one.

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quirkyreader
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Pickpick

This book is going to my niece. My, was this ever powerful. Here is the link to my gr review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3772196594

BookBabe I emailed you 😊 2y
23 likes1 comment
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jspoelker
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Pickpick

Great historical fiction on WWII and Polish/German Jews with an extraordinary girl stolen at birth and raised in the woods and grew up learning lifesaving skills and honing her intuition/6th sense. As many historical fiction books are, this is based on many true instances. Wonderful read.

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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
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Happy Friday!

What are you reading today? I‘m going to try to start the tagged, but may have to read something on my phone as I have a social gathering later!! 😂

#FridayReads

MoonWitch94 Finishing up this ARC! 2y
BethM Totally loving this! 2y
IuliaC Short stories by Edgar Allan Poe 😁 2y
See All 6 Comments
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @BethM I should move this one up!! 2y
63 likes6 comments
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Reecaspieces
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Had a blast meeting Kristin Harmel last night. She is a jewel! @GalleryBooks

Ashley31 Just finished this book. Such a powerful read. So cool that you met the writer! 3y
Reecaspieces @Ashley31 yes! It is a fabulous book! And she was a blast to meet 3y
SilversReviews Lucky Girl!! ♥️ 3y
Cathythoughts Very nice ! 3y
mrp27 Fun! 3y
57 likes1 stack add5 comments
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MaggieCarr
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Pickpick

I tend to deviate from books featuring war for personal preferences however my ongoing interest in feral children drew me to this book. I'll be completely honest in that our protagonist was far from feral, though residing in and eating from the woods her education was far from letting her be uncivilized in a feral respect. A few confessed liberties from the author to make the story flow doesn't take from the life well lived within these pages.

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Jess861
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Pickpick

A story about a woman who grows up in the forest and uses her knowledge to help some of the Jewish refugees fleeing the war. It is well written, well researched and a different take on WWII. It's a book you won't want to put down even if parts are hard to read. A story that shows us that goodness that can come out of the darkest of places.

#AwesomeApril #Readathon #WWII #Forest #HistoricalFiction

@Andrew65

Bec_lectic Sounds like a good one!! 3y
Jess861 @Bec_lectic - I really is, it's ended up in my favourite pile! 3y
Andrew65 Great 👏👏👏 3y
61 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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Jess861
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I seem to be speeding through this book. I'm really enjoying the book and don't want to put it down. Can't wait to see what the last third brings.

#AwesomeApril #Readathon

BookBosomed1 Oh, this is on my TBR shelf. 3y
48 likes1 comment
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Jess861
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Starting The Forest Of Vanishing Stars on this rainy evening. Perfect way to end the day!

#RainyReading #Fiction #WWII #Forest

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quirkyreader
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#bookmail. I won this as a goodreads giveaway. Thank you @SimonSchuster and @GalleryBooks

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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
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🍃 the tagged! 💫
🌱not yet!! But I‘m going to read The Magnolia Palace soon!
🍃The Last Thing He Told Me

#WondrousWednesday

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs I‘m almost done with it! It‘s really good! 3y
44 likes2 comments
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Danay
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22 #6 ❤️

2 likes1 stack add
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Asthecroweflies
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Pickpick

I gave this 5 stars on Goodreads. It is a book about a girl raised in the woods and who helps Jewish individuals who escape from the ghettos in Poland survive in the woods and avoid German soldiers during the Holocaust. Not only is it a historical fiction book with romance…it‘s an existential masterpiece.

32 likes1 stack add
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Deblovestoread
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Erica, thank you for my #Jolabokaflod package! The book is high on my most wanted list and I cannot wait to dive into the chocolate! I hope you have a very happy Christmas!

Thanks, Chelle, for hosting my favorite swap!

bibliobard Yay! Glad you like it and Merry Christmas 🎅 3y
61 likes1 comment
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JHSiess
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Pickpick

🌟𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀⁣🌟
⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
Author 𝐊𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐥 has penned a compassionate, deeply moving, & memorable story of survival, hope, and coming-of-age to realize one's destiny. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐕𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬 features a touch of magical realism. It's a must-read for fans of World War II-era historical fiction. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⁣⭐️⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸: https://tinyurl.com/2cjhfmv4

39 likes1 stack add
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sblbooks
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Pickpick

🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲
Reminiscent of Where the Crawdads Sing, except this time we're in the forest of Poland during World War II. I loved Yona, what an intriguing character. This won't be my last Kristen Harmel. All the stars!

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Cissystix
Pickpick

Very enjoyable book and writing style The book plot and setting have a basis in terms of actual WWII events but the characters are fictional. It dealt with some events about WWII which were new to me. Yona, the heroine, is an interesting and admirable character but not realistic. The ending seemed rather abrupt and left me with the feeling that several more chapters were needed. I want to read more from this author.

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AmyK1
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Pickpick

A WWII novel about a young woman who, after being taken from her family as a two year old, is raised in the forest of Poland and helps escaping Jews to survive.

29 likes2 stack adds
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JHSiess
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🌴 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗿𝗮𝗽-𝗨𝗽 🌺⁣

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⁣:

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗩𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀 | Kristin Harmel
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗚𝗵𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲 | Wiley Cash ⁣

⭐⭐⭐⭐:

⁣𝗜𝗻 𝗔𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 | A.J. Banner⁣
𝗕𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿 | Sandra Brown⁣
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁 | Lecia Cornwall⁣
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 | Max Seeck⁣
𝗔𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗶𝗱𝗼𝘄𝘀 | Jeff Abbott

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MelKelsey
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Pickpick

Book 111

WWII historical fiction, with magical elements, about hiding and surviving in the forest from Nazis. An original novel, The Forest of Vanishing Stars is compellingly readable. Unfortunately it loses focus near the end when the protagonist leaves the forest. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Cissystix
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Currently reading and enjoying this book. The plot is unusual.

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Valhalla
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5 likes1 stack add
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InnerSavvy
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Pickpick

If you are looking for a WWII book from a different perspective I recommend this book. Entertaining and intriguing.

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JHSiess
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🌊🌴 𝗩𝗮𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴🌴🌊⁣

I'm spending time in my happy place. ⁣

How lucky I am to relish the beauty & spirit of Maui while reading 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗩𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀 by 𝗞𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗹 about Yona, stolen from her German parents & raised in the eastern European forest. She uses her knowledge & understanding of the outdoors to hide & help Jewish refugees survive, a story inspired by true events.

ReadingisMyPassion Loved this one. I love all her books. 3y
43 likes1 comment
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ElleMNOpe
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Pickpick

WWII historical fiction, but from a fresh angle. The start was a little slow & more fantastical than the rest of the novel, but worked out alright. The writing was good & very atmospheric. The narrative felt incredibly tangible & realistic. The author's historical note at the end of the story was particularly interesting. Harmel took great care with this work & that should be appreciated. I would not hesitate to recommend it with high praise.

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SilverShanica
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Pickpick

A lovely WW2 story of a young woman who, raised wild in the forest, helps to save Jews in Poland/Belarus. A great story for those who love historical fiction.

7 likes1 stack add
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Hana321
Pickpick

In a sea of WW11 era novels, this offering brings a fresh perspective featuring an expert outdoors woman named Yona who vows to use her skills to survive to assist Jews who are fleeing their homes to take refuge in the forest to escape the German led extermination. Constructed from historical records, this is a tale of survival in an unimaginable situation. With a touch of the metaphysical, this tale is a departure from typical tales in the genre.

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Crystal83
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Mehso-so

I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway for an honest review. This my own opinion. I did enjoy reading this book. It is a World War II historical fiction, although it didn't feel like it while I was reading it. I felt like it had some magical realism in the book. I like the fact that the synopsis doesn't give away the plot or the characters in the book

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FelinesAndFelonies
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Pickpick

This novel was absolutely beautiful. I loved The Book of Lost Names & ordered this one a year ago. Harmel has a gift that makes each of her stories come alive & develops female protagonists that are impossible to not love. This gorgeous historical fiction novel follows Yona as she survives WWII hidden in the forest with a group of Jewish refugees. Using her unique talents, Yona helps them all hold on to each other & hope for the future. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

70 likes3 stack adds
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Crystal83
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Thank you to @goodreads @simonandschuster @gallerybooks for the beautiful book that I won in the goodreads giveaway!!! The book is The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kirstin Harmel!!! I can't wait to read this book!!! It is a WWII historical fiction!!! The cover is gorgeous!!!

#goodreads #goodreadsgiveaway

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ReadingisMyPassion
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Pickpick

I love Ms. Harmel‘s books and think this may be her best so far. Her newest book is a story of hope, courage, bravery, survival, and love. It is also a story of determining who we are inside and how to become that person.

17 likes1 stack add
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FelinesAndFelonies
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In the less than a minute I spent trying to take a picture two of the cats, Midge & Hallow, had to get involved. 🤦🏻‍♀️
#catsoflitsy #catsy #littenskittens

All other reading will be temporarily halted & ignored until I finish this one. I pre-ordered it before Christmas. I just love Kristin Harmel!!

RaeLovesToRead 😻😻 3y
rubyslippersreads Too cute! 😻 3y
Megabooks 😁😍 3y
68 likes3 comments
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Reecaspieces
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Pickpick
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SilversReviews
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Pickpick

This book is a beautiful tribute to the human spirit, to perseverance, and to finding the qualities a person possesses for empathy, kindness, and making choices.

Another FIVE star but very heartbreaking gem from Kristin Harmel. 5/5

FULL REVIEW: https://tinyurl.com/y3auxs9f

@kristinharmel

47 likes2 stack adds
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FelinesAndFelonies
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Watching out my front window and waiting impatiently for the postal carrier. 📦📬📚

Megabooks I‘m watching for this one! 3y
51 likes1 comment
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SilverShanica
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I am posting one book per day from my to-be-read collection. No description and providing no reason for wanting to read it, I just do. Some will be old, some will be new - don‘t judge me I have a lot of books.
Join the fun if you want. This is day 179.
#bookstoread
#tbrpile
#bookstagram

5 likes1 stack add
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Lsmoore43
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In each historical fiction book I read I learn something new. In all I learn the atrocities that the Jewish people had to live with. The horrors of seeing the ones they love murdered. How they see each other in starvation. And how strong their faith is. What these people went through is beyond horrible. Beyond the scope of my human brain.

My full review is here: https://tinyurl.com/y6yxd6f4

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Lsmoore43
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1922
The old woman watched from the shadows outside Behaimstrasse 72, waiting for the lights inside to blink out. The apartment's balcony dripped with crimson roses, and ivy climbed the iron rails, but the young couple who lived there-the power-hungry Siegfried Juttner and his aloof wife, Alwine-weren't the ones who tended the plants.

#FirstLineFridays
@ShyBookOwl

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SilversReviews
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WOW!!

Another beautiful, but heartbreaking gem by Kristin Harmel.

Meticulous research.

FULL REVIEW will be on July 7.

@kristinharmel

EliLiszt Are you open to receiving a free paperback in exchange for a review on Amazon, B&N and Goodreads? I published my novel in July 2020 and looking for some honest & constructive reviews by avid readers like yourself. Please email me if this is something that you‘re interested in at eliliszt39@gmail.com 3y
39 likes1 comment
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Booknerd2
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Pickpick

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC! Yona has lived a solitary life in the forest since being taken from her family as a toddler. This changes as the forest fills with Jews fleeing the Nazis. Yona must decide to help or protect herself! Highly recommend💜💜💜

58 likes4 stack adds
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Wslovell
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Pickpick

Such a good book. I have only read one other by this author and it was just as great as this one!

37 likes4 stack adds