J. L. Witterick

Inspired by a true story, My Mother's Secret is a profound, captivating, and ultimately uplifting tale intertwining the lives of two Jewish families in hiding from the Nazis, a fleeing German soldier, and the mother and daughter who teamed up to save them. Franciszka and her daughter, Helena, are unlikely heroines. They are simple people who mind their own business and don't stand out from the crowd . . . until 1939, when crisis strikes. The Nazis invade Poland and start to persecute the Jews. Providing shelter to Jews has become a death sentence, and yet Franciszka and Helena do exactly that. In their tiny two room home in Sokal, they cleverly hide a Jewish family in a loft above their pigsty, a Jewish doctor with his wife and son in a makeshift cellar under the kitchen floorboards, and a defecting German soldier in the attic - each party completely unknown to the others. For everyone to survive, Franciszka will have to outsmart her neighbors and the German commander standing guard outside her door. Told simply and succinctly from four different perspectives - all under one roof - My Mother's Secret is a testament to the kindness, courage, and generosity of ordinary people who choose to be extraordinary. Praise for My Mother's Secret 'A touching, humane work that celebrates the power of love, the attributes of leadership, and the importance of family.' Margaret Southern, Companion of the Order of Canada, Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order, Alberta Order of Excellence 'A gripping story about the dark period of the Holocaust, My Mother's Secret will educate young people born after the end of World War 11, as well as refresh the memory of their seniors. It is a fitting testament to two very courageous ladies.' Charles H. Belzile, CM, CMM, CD, Lieutenant General of Canada (Retired), Order of Canada, Commander of the Order of Military Merit, Vimy Award, Honorary Grand President of the Royal Canadian Legion 'Writer J. L. Witterick paints a vivid picture of the world of Franciszka Halamajowa, a heroine in Nazi-occupied Poland who, with her daughter, Helena, harbored Jews despite the mortal danger. A moving and captivating portrait of that terrible period.' Amir R. Gissin, Consul General, Toronto and Western Canada, Consulate General of Israel 'My granddaughter says it's the best book she's ever read!' Harold J. Wolfe, Board of Trustees, The Jewish Theological Seminary, and Chairman, Beth Tzedec Foundation of Toronto 'A poignant reminder of what can happen, and a tale of incredible courage.' Tony Gage, Board of Governors, University of Victoria

A Novel Based on a True Holocaust Story

My Mother's Secret

The world is at war and many believe the president is at fault. Whether anyone could have prevented the series of events which drove regional wars to become a global one is unclear. But, as has always been, we need to blame someone. For most, the man in charge is an obvious choice. General George Emmerson plots to send someone back in time to assassinate the president in high school. For the mission, he chooses Bruce Meyer, a first year student at West Point, who is an orphan and won't be missed. At the last minute, however, the general is persuaded to change his plans. He instructs Bruce instead to save the girl who can prevent the war by marrying the future president. The problem is, Bruce falls in love with her too. It Was Always Her is a gripping tale about love, sacrifice and the impossible choices faced by a man with a second chance.

It Was Always Her

Polonia, 1942. Alla periferia del villaggio di Sokal, in una modesta casetta di legno con un po' di terreno intorno, vivono Franciszka e la figlia Helena. Al culmine della persecuzione nazista, tutti gli ebrei di Sokal vengono radunati nel ghetto per poi essere deportati. A rischio della sua stessa vita e di quella della figlia, Franciszka accetta di nascondere due famiglie ebree e un giovane disertore tedesco; dietro la sua decisione non c'è un'ideologia né la spinta della religione, ma solo un profondo senso di giustizia e rispetto per la vita umana. Nella sua piccolissima casa Franciszka tiene accesa e protegge la fiamma della speranza nel futuro per quelle persone che a lei si affidano come a una madre. E in fondo, per tutti loro Franciszka sarà proprio questo: una madre amorevole e forte, capace di compiere il più grande dei sacrifici con la naturalezza dei gesti quotidiani più semplici. Perché quando un giorno la guerra sarà finita non conterà ciò che si sarebbe potuto fare, ma solo ciò che si è avuto il coraggio di fare.

J. L. Witterick

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