Suzanne Goldring

You can pay a terrible price for keeping a promise… Evelyn Taylor-Clarke sits in her chair at Forest Lawns Care Home in the heart of the English countryside, surrounded by residents with minds not as sharp as hers. It would be easy to dismiss Evelyn as a muddled old woman, but her lipstick is applied perfectly, and her buttons done up correctly. Because Evelyn is a woman with secrets and Evelyn remembers everything. She can never forget the promise she made to the love of her life, to discover the truth about the mission that led to his death, no matter what it cost her… When Evelyn’s niece Pat opens an old biscuit tin to find a photo of a small girl with a red ball entitled ‘Liese, 1951’ and a passport in another name, she has some questions for her aunt. And Evelyn is transported back to a place in Germany known as ‘The Forbidden Village,’ where a woman who called herself Eva went where no one else dared, amongst shivering prisoners, to find the man who gambled with her husband’s life… A gripping, haunting and compelling read about love, courage and betrayal set in the war-battered landscape of Germany. Fans of The Letter, The Alice Network and The Nightingale will be hooked. Readers are hooked on My Name is Eva: ‘Could not put this book down, and heaven help anyone that tried to disturb my reading !!…I absolutely loved this book !…I laughed, I cried, I cheered , I sympathized all because of Evelyn…I could so picture the setting and as Evelyn sets out to fool everyone, I thought you go girl !!...I don't want to say anything else but what a fantastic read… I can't recommend this book enough !!’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars ‘What a magnificent read! Eva is amazing. One of the best characters in a book EVER! What a fantastic, beautiful, heart-wrenching tale, incredibly told. I absolutely loved every single page. I sat for the last 20% of the book in tears, sad but happy tears. An absolutely beautiful book.’ Kim the Bookworm, 5 stars ‘A poignant and evocative story of love, betrayal and bravery that kept me page turning and completely engrossed from start to finish. Loved it and would definitely recommend.’ NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars ‘A phenomenal story of courage, love, murder and all the atrocities that go with war. Eva is an extraordinary character, strong, loyal, smart, funny, loving, and brave.A phenomenal read!!’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars ‘This may be my new favorite book!!!! I absolutely love the premise of the heroine faking dementia in her retirement home to cover up her knowledge of (and possible involvement in) questionable activities centering around WWII events. The tempo of this novel was perfect--kept me wondering until the very last page!’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars ‘Absolutely loved this book and its riveting plot!... The author has successfully penned a debut novel that I would highly recommend without any hesitation. An excellent debut novel from Suzanne Goldring and I look forward to reading more of her work. Historical fiction is my favourite genre to read and this book was every bit as good as some of the well-known WW2-themed titles published in recent years.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars ‘This book was excellent! Totally kept my attention and I wanted to find out what would become of the main characters. Highly recommended.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars ‘Everything about this book is amazing. I love the main character Eva, the way the author integrates the past with the present, and the emotional plot that kept me hooked from the beginning to the end. I’ve read over 30 historical fiction novels in the past year and this one is definitely in my top 10.’ Netgalley Reviewer, 5 stars ‘My Name is Eva is laugh out loud funny, sad in parts and had me glued to the pages… Wham!... I did not see “that” coming. Oh, the secrets Evelyn has!!!’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars ‘This book is haunting and moving and told in a way that had me engaged in the story from the start. Recommended!’ The Princess and the Pen, 5 stars ‘This book had me hooked from the start....and because my grandparents are currently in assisted-living facilities, Evelyn's time in her assisted-living resonated with my heart. I loved her sassy, snarky personality and being privileged to see the inner workings of her mind. And I loved the love letters between she and her husband during WWII. I am excited to read all of Goldring's works! This is the first book of hers I've read, and it won't be the last!’ The Book Distiller, 5 stars ‘This novel had me hooked from the very first page! I always enjoy delving into historical fiction novels and My Name is Eva is the perfect example of why! This riveting book time hops between the 1940’s, 1980’s and present day (2016) to tell the tale of Evelyn Taylor-Clarke’s life. Suzanne Goldring does a fantastic job with the pacing of this novel, I sometimes find historical fictions can get a little dry, but there wasn’t any parts that I felt lagged—love that! The storyline was incredibly moving and depth filled! Evelyn is a character that will definitely stay with me!’ Steph and Chris’s Book Review, 5 stars

An absolutely gripping and emotional historical novel

My Name is Eva

For readers of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Lost Girls of Paris, and The Paris Orphan comes an unforgettable story of love, betrayal, and a courageous woman's search for answers -- whatever the sacrifice. Evelyn Taylor-Clarke sits in her chair at Forest Lawns Care Home in the heart of the English countryside, surrounded by residents with minds not as sharp as hers. It would be easy to dismiss Evelyn as a muddled old woman, but her lipstick is applied perfectly and her buttons done up correctly. Because Evelyn is a woman with secrets, and Evelyn remembers everything. She can never forget the promise she made to the love of her life, to discover the truth about the mission that led to his death, no matter what it cost her . . . When Evelyn's niece Pat opens an old biscuit tin to find a photo of a small girl titled Liese, 1951 and a passport in another name, she has some questions for her aunt. And Evelyn is transported back to a place in Germany known as the Forbidden Village, where a woman who called herself Eva went where no one else dared, among shivering prisoners, to find the man who gambled with her husband's life.

My Name Is Eva

‘Wow what a book. I am still sitting thinking about this book even though I finished it a few days ago. I cannot write a review to do this book justice. I was hooked from the first page.’ Avid Reader, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Florence, 1943. A beautiful war-scarred city. A missing painting. A brave young girl on a black bicycle risking her life for the country she loved… As the bells toll and arrogant soldiers torment her family, fourteen-year-old Gabriella is determined to act. She seeks out her old friend Stefanina, an unlikely member of the Italian resistance with her dark curls and scarlet ribbon. Soon the two girls are criss-crossing the river with deadly information in their bicycle baskets. But then one terrible day Stefanina disappears… London 2019. Sofia is mourning the loss of her father, a famous painter. Desperate to feel closer to him, she begins to go through his paintings of wartime Florence, a time in his life he would never talk about. But then she realises one is missing and travels to Florence, the place of his tortured memories to find it. Her search takes her to her aunt Gabriella, an elegant old woman living in a palazzo filled with roses, who shows her the missing painting, a tiny picture of beautiful Stefanina, the girl with a scarlet ribbon. Gabriella tells her niece the story of Stefanina, a girl who captured her father’s heart, who rode her black bicycle into enemy territory. But will understanding the tragic story of the girl her father couldn’t forget, bring Sofia peace or further heartbreak? A completely compelling and heartbreaking story of a beautiful city, a violent war and a young woman’s daring. Fans of The Alice Network, The Nightingale and My Name is Eva will be captivated by The Girl with the Scarlet Ribbon. What everyone is saying about The Girl with the Scarlet Ribbon: ‘This is such a beautiful book and told with such feeling, I can't praise it enough.’ Redheaded Book Lady, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Historical fiction at the top of its game… The pages turn quickly from the first to the last page. I could not put this book down as I cried for Gabrielle and cheered for her and held my breath every step of the way. Suzanne Goldring writes mesmerizing stories that have you feeling like you are right there in the midst of it all… a captivating read that taught me so much.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This was a beautiful read that was well written… It was an emotive and gripping read, I really enjoyed it.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘The story is beautifully written and is an emotional tale of the effects of the war as viewed from an Italian point of view which at times had me in tears and trying to read through them to see where the story was going. Suzanne Goldring did an exceptional job wrapping up the two timelines and pulling everything together.’ Beaches and Books, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A compelling, powerful and heart-breaking World War II novel… I highly recommend this novel but you may need to take breaks while reading it and keep a box of tissues close by! 5 Stars… This was my first Suzanne Goldring reading but I just bought one of her earlier books and know I will love it, too. She knows how to jar the soul.’ Cindy L. Spear, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

An emotional and gripping World War 2 historical novel

The Girl with the Scarlet Ribbon

A secret wartime love affair. A girl nobody can find. Is it ever too late to say you’re sorry? September 1940. As the bombs of the Blitz fall on London, Ruby and Stevie are falling in love. United by a shocking experience when they were evacuees, Ruby believes that she understands Stevie like nobody else can. But then Stevie is sent abroad into danger and as Ruby waits, desperately, for letters with foreign stamps that never come, she begins to fear that he is lost forever. And when Stevie does return, he has changed, and Ruby faces a difficult choice… August 2004. Billie has rushed to her father Dick’s hospital bedside. A terrible stroke has robbed him of his speech, and he is a shell of the man he was before. But when Billie finds a crumpled black and white photo in his wallet of a smiling, dark-haired girl she doesn’t recognise, Dick frantically tries to talk. Billie knows that he is trying to tell her something important, and she must ask the questions her father cannot. All she has to go on is the name he is just able to mumble. Ruby. As Billie uncovers Ruby’s tragic story she is determined to find out what happened to the girl who went away for a weekend with the man she loved and never came home. Why did nobody miss her? And how is she connected to Billie’s beloved father? Can Billie lay the ghosts of the past to rest, even if it means revealing the darkest secrets of her father’s life and breaking her own heart? A completely compelling and heartbreaking read, this is the story of the bravery and courage of a young woman in wartime and another woman’s quest to put things right. Fans of The Letter and The Nightingale will be hooked on The Girl Without a Name. Readers are loving The Girl Without a Name: ‘A captivating and emotional wartime saga, a tale of love, loss, and courage. I couldn't put the book down. It is exciting and tragic at the same time. I absolutely loved this book! I laughed, I cried, I cheered.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘What an amazing tale, I've been totally captivated the whole way through… It’s heart wrenching at times, I totally loved every page and what an amazing ending. I can totally recommend this OUTSTANDING book for all.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I can't get over how good this book was. The Girl Without a Name filled me with so many emotions… A page-turner for sure as you are transported back and forth between past and present… Goldring's in-depth research, character development, and plot execution has made me a big fan. An excellent read. Five amazing stars. I loved it!’ Cyireadbooks, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A heartbreaking story of a young girl finding herself. Discovering her strengths and her potential. It is also a story of human frailties and that it's never too late to be sorry. Great story!!’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A fabulous wartime story that will really pull at your heart strings. I totally loved this book and the story was just brilliant.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Beautiful and heartbreaking World War 2 historical fiction

The Girl Without a Name

Two ordinary sisters. A long and brutal war. A heroic sacrifice… London, 1915. As German bombs rain down on the East End of London and hungry children queue for rations in the blistering cold, fifteen-year-old Florrie is forced to grow up fast. With her father fighting in the muddy trenches, Florrie turns to her older sister Edith for comfort. But the war has changed Edith. She has grown quiet, with dark shadows under her eyes, and has started leaving the house at night in secret. When Florrie follows her sister through the dark and winding streets of London, she is shocked by what she discovers. But she knows she must keep her sister’s secret for the sake of their family, even if she herself must pay the ultimate price… Years later Kate, running from her broken relationship, is sorting through her dead aunt Florrie’s house, which she shared with her sister Edith. As she sits on the threadbare carpets, looking at photos of Florrie during the war, she notices the change in her aunt – from carefree young girl with a hopeful smile to a hollow-cheeked young woman, with dark sad eyes. Determined to put her family’s ghosts to rest, Kate must unearth the secret past of her two aunts. Why is there a hidden locked room in the little house they shared? What is the story behind the abandoned wedding dress wrapped in tissue and tied up with a ribbon? And when Kate discovers the tragic secrets that have bound her family together, will she ever be able to move on? A heartbreaking historical novel of war, tragedy and the sacrifices we make for those we love. Fans of Fiona Valpy, Kristin Hannah and Victoria Hislop will be hooked by The Shut-Away Sisters. What everyone is saying about The Shut Away Sisters : ‘My first Suzanne Goldring novel and I hope it's not my last! I loved this story, I cried in places and was so hopeful in others. A wonderful read.’ Karen Loves Reading, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A wonderful story… I felt sad once I’d finished this book as I enjoyed it so much. I wish I could give it more stars as it was just that good.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘It had me crying at times. For a great historical fiction read make sure you don’t miss this book.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A warm and wonderful book!... For me, this story was a page-turner right from the beginning.’ The Retired Book Lady ‘Lovely read. thoroughly enjoyable and keeps you guessing … Would highly recommend’ Netgalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Goldring gives us a picture of two strong women who overcome the obstacles that are put in their path and are better people because of it… a lovely read for those who enjoy stories that weave the past and future together.’ My Book Babbles, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I loved this book!’ Fictionvixenreads ‘A beautifully written story.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ What everyone is saying about Suzanne Goldring: ‘I could not put this book down, and heaven help anyone that tried to disturb my reading!! I absolutely loved this book! I laughed, I cried, I cheered… what a fantastic read.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I just couldn't put this one down. I loved every page and I went through an entire box of tissues before I was done. You will keep turning the pages until the very end because you just won't be able to put it down at all.’ Crossroad Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘It made me cry at so many points… It left me completely hooked and towards the end I just couldn’t put the book down!’ Stardust Book Reviews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A gripping and utterly heartbreaking historical novel

The Shut-Away Sisters

They were not her children. But she would protect them with her life... Corfu 1944. Though they don't know it, five-year-old Matilde and three-year-old Anna have kissed their mother for the last time. The Nazis have reached their sun-scorched home, and they are being taken to a place of safety, on the north-eastern tip of the rocky island, to be hidden at great risk by kindly Agata and her husband until the terrible war is over. Matilde and Anna's tears are soothed by Agata's bedtime stories, but she is always alert. So far no soldiers have ventured down the steep rocky hillside to their secret haven, but Agata knows they are constantly scouring the island for missing Jews. And then, on a day when Agata's husband is away, a German soldier appears... 2016. Under a baking June sun, Amber and her husband arrive in Corfu from England, hoping for a fresh start. But not everyone is pleased by their arrival, and with the pressures of pregnancy, the couple grow further apart. Desperate to find a sense of belonging for herself and her unborn child, Amber finds herself drawn to the local story of two little girls, left by their parents and hidden for their own protection. But there are some who would rather Amber left Corfu's terrible history well in the past. Can Amber uncover the heart-breaking truth about the two little girls, and what happened after a German soldier took a swim in the bay by their house? If she does, can the secrets of the past help her find happiness, or send her running from the island, alone? A gripping, heart-wrenching and compelling read about the shadows at the heart of the sun-drenched island of Corfu and survival against all odds. Fans of Victoria Hislop, The Nightingale and The Tattooist of Auschwitz will fall in love with Burning Island. Readers are hooked on Burning Island: 'Two tragic stories, both equally well told. I couldn't put the book down. The book will keep you reading until the end. It is exciting and tragic at the same time. It will keep you on the edge of your seat waiting to find out what happens next. This is one book you will not want to miss. I recommend it.' Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Told in two different time periods, this is a story that will leave you in tears, as humanity is exposed at its very worst, but also its very best' Cayo Costa, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'The way this author writes I could feel what the Jewish people were going through... this story will make you cry in some spots so beware when you take up this book. You'll not want to put it down! ...you might want a box of tissues too. I highly recommend this book' Red Headed Book Lady, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A captivating novel... You will not regret reading this book. Suzanne Goldring did a fantastic job of writing this.' Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Absolutely Heartbreaking World War 2 Historical Fiction

Burning Island

Mrs. Evelyn Taylor-Clarke sitzt in ihrem Stuhl im Forest Lawn Seniorenheim. Es wäre leicht, Evelyn als verwirrte alte Frau abzutun, doch Evelyn ist eine Frau mit Geheimnissen und sie erinnert sich an alles. Als ihre Nichte ein vergilbtes Foto eines kleinen Mädchens und einen Pass ihrer Tante mit einem anderen Namen findet, hat sie einige Fragen. Evelyn wird gezwungen, sich an einen Ort in Deutschland zu erinnern, der "Das verbotene Dorf" genannt wurde, und an eine Frau, die Eva genannt wurde und unter zitternden Gefangenen alles aufs Spiel setzt, um den zu finden, der das Leben ihres Mannes auf dem Gewissen hat.

Historischer Roman

Die drei Leben der ehrenwerten Mrs Evelyn Taylor-Clarke

They were not her children. But she would protect them with her life… Greece 1944. Though they don’t know it, five-year-old Matilde and three-year-old Anna have kissed their mother for the last time. The Nazis have reached their sun-scorched home, and they are being taken to a place of safety, on the north-eastern tip of the rocky island of Corfu, to be hidden at great risk by kindly Agata and her husband until the terrible war is over. Matilde and Anna’s tears are soothed by Agata’s bedtime stories, but she is always alert. So far no soldiers have ventured down the steep rocky hillside to their secret haven, but Agata knows they are constantly scouring the island for missing Jews. And then, on a day when Agata’s husband is away, a German soldier appears… 2016. Under a baking June sun, Amber and her husband arrive in Corfu from England, hoping for a fresh start. But not everyone is pleased by their arrival, and with the pressures of pregnancy, the couple grow further apart. Desperate to find a sense of belonging for herself and her unborn child, Amber finds herself drawn to the local story of two little girls, left by their parents and hidden for their own protection. But there are some who would rather Amber left Corfu’s terrible history well in the past. Can Amber uncover the heart-breaking truth about the two little girls, and what happened after a German soldier took a swim in the bay by their house? If she does, can the secrets of the past help her find happiness, or will they send her running from the island, alone? A gripping, heart-wrenching and compelling read about the shadows at the heart of the sun-drenched island of Corfu and survival against all odds. Fans of Victoria Hislop, The Nightingale and The Tattooist of Auschwitz will fall in love with Burning Island. Readers are hooked on Burning Island: ‘Two tragic stories, both equally well told. I couldn't put the book down. The book will keep you reading until the end. It is exciting and tragic at the same time. It will keep you on the edge of your seat waiting to find out what happens next. This is one book you will not want to miss. I recommend it.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Told in two different time periods, this is a story that will leave you in tears, as humanity is exposed at its very worst, but also its very best’ Cayo Costa, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘The way this author writes I could feel what the Jewish people were going through… this story will make you cry in some spots so beware when you take up this book. You'll not want to put it down!… you might want a box of tissues too. I highly recommend this book’ Red Headed Book Lady, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Beautifully written story with a dual storyline. Tragic and sad but filled with strong women this story will have you crying and reaching for that ray of hope… I had never read any book on Hitler’s reach in Greece. Wonderful book. Definitely recommend.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Wow where to start with this one… both stories are gripping in themselves and as both storylines continue you are gripped with each of them… willing them on’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Have to admit to shedding a few tears at the end and will be keeping an eye out for more of this author’s work, this book won’t disappoint and it highlights the journey of the Corfu Jews and how they were treated by the Germans’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A captivating novel… You will not regret reading this book. Suzanne Goldring did a fantastic job of writing this.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This was a heart wrenching story and it was told well. Having no idea there were Jews on Corfu, even though I know Greece suffered horribly at the hands of the Germans during WWII. A dual timeline novel made it even more interesting. These stories are difficult to read, but authors such as Suzanne Goldring bring you the reality, capturing the history and the humanity that can't help but draw you in.’ Goodreads Reviewer. ‘This was a beautiful story, though heartbreaking and tragic. The writing flowed perfectly and made even a sad story such as this a joy to read. I felt the emotions in every character to the point that I was in tears. I especially liked seeing a WWII story focusing on strong women. I look forward to reading more from this author!’ Goodreads Reviewer ‘Two storylines come together beautifully in this historical fiction story. They cross over in ways that I didn't see coming and both stories show us strong women in different situations. I really loved the flow of this story and I would love to see what else this author has out there. The characters are all written wonderfully and I couldn't put this down.’ Crossroad Reviews ‘I really enjoyed this book. I found the juxtaposition between the two story lines very interesting and captivating… Both storylines cross in a beautiful and unexpected way, drawing Amber, Anna, and Matilde closer and giving them an even deeper appreciation for their lives.’ Goodreads Reviewer

Absolutely heartbreaking World War 2 historical fiction

A nationwide power cut sends the UK into darkness and the lights are going to be off for a long time. There is no mains water, no petrol and no news. Towns and cities are chaotic and dangerous. Who will survive the months ahead without electricity? But out in the country, Sandra is determined to keep going. Can she keep her family healthy through the long, wet winter? And can they all adapt to life without power?

Suzanne Goldring

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