Emily Flynn
Jul 17, 20202 min
ITALY, 1943
As war tears her country apart, Franca Chessari's sole focus is on supporting her family amid Nazi occupation. But when her parents, both high-ranking partisans, go missing, Franca is compelled to take action---even if it means crossing enemy lines to save those she loves.
Peter Weimer is a German soldier forced into a war he abhors. When he can take no more of the Nazi atrocities he’s been forced to witness, he deserts the German army—a decision that brands him as an enemy.
Franca and Peter were nothing more than two strangers from enemy countries, but when their paths collide amid the horrors of war, they are swept into an epic journey of chilling danger, unparalleled courage, and a sweeping passion that could cost them everything they have fought for.
I am loving this author more with each book. She captures the horrors of war as well as the history. I haven't been as familiar with WWII in Italy, but this book set in Sicily gives me so much in history, in story, and in romance.
Franca and Peter's story looks at the implications of enemies, of going against evil, and of fighting for all that is right. It highlights the atrocities committed by evil people without taking away the humanity that survives. Nothing is black and white and this story illustrates that beautifully,
I was sucked into this one, even more than the Fisherman's Daughter and I loved Marianna and Mossimo. I think I love Peter and Franca more.
What I love about historical fiction is the narrative that it provides to otherwise dry dates and events. Inserting me into the story makes it possible for me to make the events real. WWII in Italy is so real to me now due to these books. It gives me a much richer perspective.
I love the battle that Franca fights with herself, she is finding herself at the same time. There is just such a rich story for me to devour.
I received an early copy from the publisher and this is my honest review of this book. I will definitely be reading this again and will recommend it highly to others.
Also by Melinda Sue Sanchez