Should you choose to read this deeply moving and truly unforgettable story, you’ll meet twins Ava and Shalom who navigate the highs and lows of life after it changed in an instant.

Raised thinking they were of German heritage, they are shocked one day to discover that they are Jewish. Once this secret is revealed, it doesn’t take long before they’re arrested and the scramble to save them begins.

I appreciated a glimpse into the girls’ lives prior to it being stolen by tragedy as it made the harrowing events more impactful. Suddenly, the holocaust didn’t just happen to a group of people in a faraway country long ago. It happened to people I’d just met and felt connected to. For days after reading this book, I kept wondering how resentful I’d be if something was kept from me and later revealed, with devastating repercussions, by the one person who had my best interests at heart. How could I forgive them? What if this stranger had never arrived at the farm that night? The paradoxical pull fascinated me.

I’d never heard about the British Schindler, Sir Nicholas George Winton, and the hundreds he saved who later became known as Nicky’s children, so I appreciated the lessons. I have been to Rothenburg and my memories of this beautiful Bavarian town have now been reshaped to include possibilities such as the one mentioned in this book. There's always so much history just below the surface.

By giving Ava and Shalom a voice, the authors reminded me of the danger of keeping secrets, the resilience and hope that can be found amid the devastation, and the lengths we’ll go for loved ones.

This isn’t an easy read. It’s uncomfortable in parts. We should never forget what happened during WWII.

I was gifted this copy by BooksGoSocial and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

Ava and Shalom wrapped around my heart while breaking it at the same time. My mind engaged with unique storytelling, copious historical details and intricate characterization. The book took me to places of disquiet, anguish, disgust, sorrow, anger, joy and hope. Though difficult to read at times due to the Holocaust subject matter, I am so very glad I did. Sometimes we need sobering reality to gain perspective. The thing is, what happened in the story happened to many, many real people. Millions of innocents were persecuted, humiliated, tortured, demoralized, dehumanized and slaughtered by evil. The authors did not gloss over the cruelty of the Nazis, especially the SS, but also included many sweet moments of happiness.

Set near the enchanting Bavarian town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber from 1921 to after World War II, artist Hanz met his lovely wife Maria, married and settled on a grain farm with animals and garden. Hanz was also a caretaker. After experiencing the heartache of childlessness, it was serendipitous that newborn twin girls were left in their barn with a note from their Jewish mother who couldn't care for them. The couple told everyone they were their biological children, including the girls, which worked at first. A German boy was also adopted into their loving household. But the Nazis later came. Families were ripped apart. Betrayals occurred. Many were killed outright, others were taken to concentration camps where they experienced the terror that was Dr. Josef Mengele. Ava and Shalom's birth mother sought Hanz for help in desperation, placing many in danger. But danger came from all over, causing widespread pain and fear.

The significance of the deer and tree was touching. The nature writing was poetic and gentle. Characters ranged from kind and caring to horrifying and despicable. Plots and subplots flowed seamlessly and engaged me from beginning to end. Those who read World War II Historical Fiction ought to priorize this one. You won't regret it.

My sincere thank you to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this achingly beautiful and memorable novel.