Suzanne Kelman

‘Heart wrenching… I really struggled to put this book down, particularly the end of the book which I sat up until 2am reading and trying hard not to wake my husband with my crying!’ Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1941, Nazi-occupied Amsterdam. An unforgettable story of love, hope and betrayal, and a testament to the courage of humanity in history’s darkest days. As Nazis occupy his beloved city, Professor Josef Held feels helpless. So when he discovers his former pupil Michael Blum is trying to escape the Gestapo, he offers Michael a place to hide in his attic. In the quiet gloom of the secret room, Michael talks of his beautiful, fearless girlfriend, Elke. Michael insists that not even the Nazis will come between them. But Elke is a non-Jewish Dutch girl, and their relationship is strictly forbidden. Josef sees the passionate determination in his young friend’s eyes. Furious with the rules of the cruel German soldiers and remembering his own heartbreak, Josef feels desperate to give Michael and Elke’s love a chance. But then tragedy strikes, and Josef is faced with an impossible choice. In the dark days of war, with danger and betrayal at every turn, no-one can be trusted. If Michael is to survive and get back to the woman he loves, it will be down to Josef – to find the hero inside himself, and do whatever it takes to keep Michael alive. Even if it means putting his own life in mortal danger. A heartbreakingly beautiful story about courage against the odds, perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, All The Light We Cannot See, and The Nightingale. Readers are loving A View Across the Rooftops: ‘Oh my goodness... Hauntingly beautiful… Incredibly powerful… I cried, I grieved and I hoped… I was left both heartbroken and satisfied.’ Robin Loves Reading ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Heart-wrenching… It is an emotional journey of heartache and love that will leave you in tears. One of the finest books I have ever read.’ NetGalley Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I’ve read many books on WW2… but I’ve never read one like this before. Mesmerising, emotional and beautifully written.’ NetGalley Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘The rollercoaster of emotions I went through while reading this book is amazing… For an author to make me literally cry… The story is just incredible.’ Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would. From the first moment I started reading the story, I could not stop. I was captured… Made me feel like I was right there.’ Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Oh my Goodness! What a wonderful book! There is so much love, hope, and fear as well. This is a book I will put back to read again, I enjoyed it so much. It is a book you can't put down.’ Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘It brought me to tears… impossible for me to put it down. One of my best reads of 2019.’ Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Took me on a rollercoaster of emotions – happiness, sadness, anger. This story made me cry and the writing style is amazing. An amazing book.’ NetGalley Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A beautifully written story of love, courage, self-sacrifice and determination… Such an emotional story and so different to others that I have read in this subject… [A] big fat 5 stars from me.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

An epic, heart-wrenching and gripping World War Two historical novel

A View Across the Rooftops

Librarian Janet Johnson is puzzled when she is invited--and practically dragged--to her first meeting of the Rejected Writers' Book Club. This quirky group of women would much rather celebrate one another's rejected manuscripts over cups of tea and slices of lemon cake than actually publish a book. But good friends are exactly what Janet needs after moving to the small town of Southlea Bay, Washington. Just as the ladies are about to raise a teacup to their five hundredth rejection letter, they receive bad news that could destroy one member's reputation--and disband the group forever. To save the club, Janet joins her fellow writers on a wild road trip to San Francisco in search of the local publisher who holds the key to a long-buried secret. As they race to the finish line, they'll face their fears--landslides, haunted houses, handsome strangers, ungrateful children--and have the time of their lives.

The Rejected Writers' Book Club

The face of the woman in the photograph was tilted upwards, as if enjoying the sunshine just for a moment, even as the wreckage of the bombed-out street lay behind her… 1944, Cornwall: Blinded by love, Vivienne Hamilton eloped to Paris with a Nazi prisoner-of-war, never to be seen again. A disgrace to her family, her name would not be mentioned by any of her relatives for over 75 years. Present day, London: When Sophie discovers a photograph of her great aunt Vivi from World War Two, it throws her into a world of confusion. Because, as she learns about this secret relative, she quickly realises that the photograph doesn’t fit with her family’s story. It shows Vivi leaving an address associated with a spy network in London – a place she had no reason to be – and it is dated right before she disappeared. Meanwhile Sophie’s own life feels as blasted and bombed as the blitzed city in the photograph she’s looking at. Her beautiful daughter – as full of joy and wild energy as Vivi had apparently once been – is gone; and Sophie’s heart has been left broken into pieces. Retreating to the family home in rural Cornwall to seek solace from her pain and the feelings of guilt that she could have done more to protect her daughter, Sophie finds herself becoming obsessed with Vivi’s life. But nothing can prepare Sophie for what she is about to uncover – the story of a woman who risked everything for the person she loved the most; and a secret family history that could be the key to Sophie’s own future. A powerful, haunting and unforgettable read about love, heartbreak and betrayal set in Second World War Britain and France. Perfect for fans of The Nightingale, Beneath a Scarlet Sky and My Name is Eva. Readers love When We Were Brave: ‘Wow! Just wow! This book kept me on the edge of my seat right from the get-go!... [An] amazing story.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars ‘Fantastic… Historical fiction at its best. Characters that you fall in love with, a story you will hate to end.’ NetGalley Reviewer ‘Totally captivating… About the bravery of the silent heroes of WWII, the secret agents who intercepted codes… A wonderful, compelling story that will grip you to the very end, it will break your heart but it will also leave you with a sense of gratitude for these selfless individuals. I can't stop thinking about this story.’ Krafti Reader, 5 stars ‘I [am] hooked on this FANTASTIC author. When We Were Brave is another OUTSTANDING piece of fantastic writing… I have nothing but total admiration.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars ‘Mesmerising and captivated me with every turn of the page… Absolutely heart-breaking… Filled with sadness, love, courage and sacrifice – I couldn’t put this book down.’ Stardust Book Reviews, 5 stars ‘A heartbreaking tale of war, love, loss, betrayal and courage.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars ‘Oh my goodness I loved this book!!!… A beautifully woven time-slip novel… This story and its characters will stay with me.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars ‘I LOVED THIS BOOK!… Vivi is a fierce heroine and represents the bravery that everyone had to have during the war… I recommend this book to everyone that loves historical fiction.’ NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars ‘A truly heartbreaking and inspirational read. I was gripped from page one and literally flew through the pages.’ Jaynie’s Book Reviews, 5 stars ‘After reading When We Were Brave [Suzanne Kelman] is officially added to my autobuy author list… For a book to bring tears to my eyes it has to be amazing... I highly recommend this one to anyone who loves WWII fiction and even those that normally do not… You will not be disappointed.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

A completely gripping and emotional WW2 historical novel

When We Were Brave

The child stood in the road wearing a blue flannel nightie, her feet bare and dirt-splattered. Her blonde flyaway hair was golden, aglow from the fires behind her. Stumbling over, Lizzie reached her. The little girl’s eyes were closed, her palms facing upwards. If she’d been in church, you would have thought she was praying. September 1940, London As the German Luftwaffe begin a terrifying bombing campaign that will come to be known as the Blitz, thousands are evacuated to safety. But Lizzie Mackenzie finds herself heading towards London. She knows she must help in the war effort. But she has another reason for leaving the security of her Scottish village: the illegitimate child she gave up for adoption nearly five years before is somewhere in the city. And – as the bombs rain down – she will stop at nothing to find her and make sure her little girl is safe. Then she finds herself trapped in a dark theatre during a bombing raid, where she meets Pilot Officer Jack Henson. Against all her instincts, she falls in love. But what chance is there for that love to flourish? Because if he discovers the secret shame of her past, he may never forgive her. And with Jack facing the enemy every day in the sky, and Lizzie’s job guiding pilots into battle – life and love has never felt so fragile. Until a chance encounter with a little orphaned girl changes everything, forcing Lizzie to ask herself what truly matters. Because, in the darkest days of war, every life counts. And – when tragedy strikes – saving one child’s life might just give Lizzie a reason to survive… An unforgettable story about sacrifice, love and heartbreak set in World War Two London during the Blitz. If you liked All the Light We Cannot See, My Name is Eva and A Fire Sparkling, you will love Under a Sky on Fire. Readers love Under a Sky on Fire: ‘OMG! I felt the fear and the terror within the pages as if I was there living it. … It is heartbreaking but it is also heartwarming. I laughed and I cried and by the end I felt I had lived those lives alongside those women… You cannot come through Under a Sky on Fire unscathed… You will feel that you have lived it too… By the end of the story I was so moved and in tears… Will remain with you for a long time to come.’ Confessions of a Bookaholic ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A 10 Star book in every aspect! It has intrigue, romance, action, drama, and twists… could not put the book down.’ Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Historical fiction at its best! An amazing story of the bravery of women during the war… To read this story is to feel as though you were actually there during the Blitz.’ Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Three words: Have. Tissues. Ready… Fantastic… The emotion that pours from the pages is absolutely heart-wrenching. I loved every minute of this book, even though it left me a sniffling mess by the end.’ Fireflies and Free Kicks ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A spine-chilling account of Hitler's relentless bombing of the city, against the backdrop of the equally relentless courage of the British… A book you will not be able to put down!… A gripping story, and one you do not want to miss!’ Christian Novel Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘By reading Under a Sky on Fire, you understand what life was like in England during WWII, the sacrifices everyone made… The incredible determination, faith and enduring spirit of English people… I highly recommend the book.’ Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Under a Sky on Fire is a story of tenacity, endurance, love and friendship. Above all it is a story of bravery during World War 2. I felt like I was in the shelters with them… Suzanne Kelman is a born storyteller.’ Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A gripping and utterly heartbreaking WW2 historical novel

Under a Sky on Fire

Clutching her suitcase tightly to hide her trembling hands, Charlotte takes a steadying breath. This is the most dangerous thing she has ever done, but the lives of five innocent children are depending on her. I can do this… Paris, 1943: As Charlotte rushes into the station, she can feel the unmistakeable chill of being watched. Turning her head, she catches the eye of a Nazi guard, and forces herself to slow down. Not today, please not today… Reaching the platform, she sees her sisters Isabelle, Madeline, Antoinette and Gigi waiting with five children, fear etched onto their young faces. As she gets closer, Charlotte can see each child has a faded patch on their coat where a yellow star has been carefully unpicked. Once she and the children are onboard, Charlotte turns and stares down at her sisters on the platform. Squeezing her eyes shut, she tries to imprint their beloved faces in her mind. And as the whistle blows, she presses her hand to the cold glass, murmuring a silent prayer that her sisters will be safe, and that they will all meet again… As she turns her attention back to the children in her care, her heart breaks to see tears glistening in their eyes. Taking a deep breath, she promises that they will be safe, that she won’t let anything happen to them. But has Charlotte just made a promise she can’t possibly keep? The prequel to the Paris Sisters series, this short story tells a tale of bravery and determination in the face of the darkness of the Second World War. Perfect for fans of Roberta Kagan, Kristin Hannah, and Fiona Valpy. Praise for Suzanne Kelman’s novels: ‘Wow! I was completely blown away… Such powerful emotions and heartbreaking experiences ripping through this story like a tornado, it leaves your heart in shreds and your eyes sopping up the tears with a giant box of tissues!… A novel you won’t want to miss… Be prepared, though, to lose sleep and expect tears… Will grip and shake your heart!… Oh my goodness, I loved this… Such a powerful story.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I was truly swept away… Spellbinding!… Powerful and captivating from the first page to the last, and it deserves more stars than can be rated. I could not put it down and missed a lot of sleep!… Even after finishing the story, I have not stopped thinking about it… Totally awe-inspiring story… Loved, loved, loved.’ Musician’s Poet ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Absolutely phenomenal… I was completely captivated… Emotionally heartbreaking… Amazing on so many levels. The twists and turns in this story sent my emotions on a rollercoaster, and I ran through a box of Kleenex like it was nothing… I loved it.’ Page Turners ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Totally captivating… A wonderful, compelling story that will grip you to the very end, it will break your heart but it will also leave you with a sense of gratitude for these selfless individuals. I can’t stop thinking about this story.’ Krafti Reader ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Oh my goodness… Hauntingly beautiful… Incredibly powerful… I cried, I grieved and I hoped… I was left both heartbroken and satisfied.’ Robin Loves Reading ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Heart-wrenching… It is an emotional journey of heartache and love that will leave you in tears. One of the finest books I have ever read.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A heart-wrenching and moving WW2 historical fiction short story

The Paris Orphans

1942, Europe: Based on the true story of a female-only bomber battalion, this is a totally heartbreaking and unforgettable story about sacrifice, sisterhood and a love that transcends war. When the love of Tasha's life, Luca, joins the air force to fight against the evil Nazi invaders, she knows she has to follow her heart-and him-into battle. Headstrong, impulsive and a daredevil, she's the perfect recruit. Tasha's sensible older sister Nadia plans only to stop Tasha's madness and bring her home. But a chance encounter puts her in a plane, soaring above the clouds, and she also finds her calling. Underestimated by their superiors, Nadia and her sister find themselves in airplanes barely fit to fly, being sent on perilous missions with little hope of return. But before long their battalion is being nicknamed 'the Night Witches' by the Nazis, their ownership of the skies second to none. But danger is up in the storm clouds with them, and when both sisters are shot down behind Nazi enemy lines, and taken to a brutal prison camp, they expect to never see their beloved homeland again. Until Tasha's eyes meet across the wire fence with someone she never expected to see again: the love of her life, Luca. But with love comes peril... Will one sister have to sacrifice everything to save the other? Absolutely unputdownable historical fiction, perfect for fans of All the Light We Cannot See, The Ragged Edge of Night, and The Tattooist of Auschwitz. Readers love Suzanne Kelman: "OMG! I felt the fear and the terror within the pages as if I was there living it... Heartbreaking... By the end of the story I was so moved and in tears." Confessions of a Bookaholic ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I was truly swept away... Spellbinding!... Powerful and captivating from the first page to the last, and it deserves more stars than can be rated. I could not put it down and missed a lot of sleep!... Even after finishing the story, I have not stopped thinking about it... Totally awe-inspiring... Loved, loved, loved." Musician's Poet ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Absolutely heartbreaking... Filled with sadness, love, courage and sacrifice-I couldn't put this book down." Stardust Book Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Oh my goodness! Evocatively unsettling yet hauntingly beautiful... Incredibly powerful... I read this book with bated breath. I cried, I grieved and I hoped... I was left heartbroken." Robin Loves Reading ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Three words: Have. Tissues. Ready... Fantastic... The emotion that pours from the pages is absolutely heart-wrenching. I loved every minute of this book, even though it left me a sniffling mess by the end." Fireflies and Free Kicks ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I LOVED THIS BOOK!... I recommend this book to everyone that loves historical fiction." NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Exceptional... Heart-wrenching... Captivating... Had me on the edge of my seat... I was reduced to tears... Top of my list of books I have read." Carol Clasper ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

We Fly Beneath the Stars: An Utterly Heartbreaking and Powerful WW2 Novel Based on a True Story

La scelta di Josef

Rejected Writers Take the Stage

1939, Berlin, Cambridge, Paris, California. The world is in the grips of a terrible war. Can two young women change the course of history? As war is declared in Europe, shy young Judy Morgan finishes her studies in Physics at Cambridge University. She never thought she’d be friends with someone as beautiful and glamorous as Hedy Lamarr, a young Jewish woman who has fled the Nazis, but Judy can’t ignore her brilliance. It is a time when women are expected to stay at home, but as bombs tear apart the country she loves, Judy knows she must act. With Judy’s unparalleled knowledge of how the world works, and Hedy’s flair for invention, Judy is sure they can find a way to keep their loved ones safe. But in war, impossible decisions must be made, unthinkable sacrifices must be suffered, and their work puts them in grave danger. As they journey down a dark, uncertain path together, Judy realises her next step could tear their friendship apart. But the fate of the world is in her hands. Tragedy is inevitable, but can Judy solve the puzzle she has set herself, save millions, and put an end to this terrible war? Fans of The Nightingale and Beneath a Scarlet Sky will love this unputdownable, heartbreaking but uplifting novel. Based on two true stories of amazing ‘hidden women’ who altered the fate of the Second World War, this unforgettable novel about extraordinary courage, love and sacrifice proves the power of friendship even in the darkest hours of history. What readers are saying about When the Nightingale Sings: “Oh my word... This book had me in tears… Fantastic.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Wow… such an inspiring emotional book! … Absolutely amazing. Would I recommend this book? Hell yes! Historical fans will go nuts over this book.” @oh.happy.reading ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Fantastic… This should be at the top of your reading list…. I needed tissues… one of my favorites of the year.” Fireflies and Free Kicks ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Exceptional… heart-wrenching… captivating… had me on the edge of my seat… An absolutely brilliant read where love and friendship wins out in the end. I was reduced to tears… Top of my list of books I have read.” Carol Clasper ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Heartbreaking… Truly a wonderful book.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Outstandingly beautiful.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Stunning, absolutely stunning!” NetGalley reviewer “Oh my gosh! What a powerful yet heartbreaking novel… The telling of this story is so real… brilliant.” Karen Loves Reading ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Unforgettable… A heartbreaking tale of two women who struggled to be recognised… An epic tale of their friendship, their resilience, courage and strength… Fascinating… Perfect for fans of historical wartime fiction.” Confessions of a Bookaholic

An absolutely heartbreaking WW2 novel based on a true story

When the Nightingale Sings

1941, Amesterdão está ocupada pelos nazis. Uma inesquecível história de amor, esperança e traição, e um testemunho da coragem da Humanidade nos dias mais negros da História. Quando os nazis ocupam a sua adorada cidade, o professor Josef Held sente-se impotente. Mas, ao descobrir que o antigo aluno Michael Blum anda a tentar fugir à Gestapo, oferece-lhe abrigo no seu sótão. Na serena obscuridade desse aposento secreto, Michael fala-lhe da sua bela e destemida namorada, Elke, e garante que nem mesmo os nazis conseguirão separá-los. Mas Elke é uma rapariga holandesa não judia, e a sua relação é estritamente proibida. Josef vê a determinação apaixonada no olhar do jovem amigo. Enfurecido com as regras impostas pelos cruéis soldados alemães e lembrando-se do seu próprio desgosto amoroso, sente-se desesperado para oferecer uma oportunidade ao amor de Michael e Elke. Mas é então que a tragédia o atinge e Josef é confrontado com uma escolha impossível. Nos dias sombrios da guerra, com o perigo e a traição a cada esquina, não se pode confiar em ninguém. Para que Michael sobreviva e regresse para junto da mulher que ama, caberá a Josef encontrar o herói que há dentro de si, e fazer tudo que for preciso para manter Michael vivo. Mesmo que isso signifique colocar a sua vida em risco. Uma bela e enternecedora história sobre coragem, altruísmo e sacrifício.

Uma Janela com Vista sobre os Telhados

1937, Europe and America. Based on a powerful true story, this extraordinary novel about wartime courage and extraordinary friendship, tells how two women changed the fate of the Second World War and the course of history. When an impossibly shy young woman named Judy Morgan finishes her studies in Physics at Cambridge University, it is with dreams of changing the world for the better. Meanwhile, a beautiful, brilliant young Jewish actress called Hedy Kiesler decides to flee her beloved Austria, changing her name to Hedy Lamarr, and risking everything to get to America, as far away from the Nazi threat as possible. A powerful friendship is formed when the two women meet in pre-war London-discovering a shared passion for science and invention. So when the world is gripped by a war that nobody could have imagined in their worst nightmares, both Hedy and Judy know they must act now. As bombs rain down from Europe to Pearl Harbor and beyond, both women find themselves seeking ways to help end the war. But neither of them will know that one of them is on a path of tragedy. One that could destroy not only their friendship, but threaten the fate of the world forever... Fans of The Ragged Edge of Night, My Name is Eva and Beneath a Scarlet Sky, will love this unforgettable story about love, courage and devastation set in World War Two Britain, Hollywood and Pearl Harbor. Based on two true stories of amazing 'hidden women' who changed the world, this novel shows the power of friendship in the darkest hours of history. Praise for Suzanne Kelman: "Oh my goodness! Evocatively unsettling yet hauntingly beautiful... Incredibly powerful... I read this book with bated breath. I cried, I grieved and I hoped... I was left both heartbroken and satisfied. Suzanne Kelman... has floored me with this book." Robin Loves Reading ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Three words: Have. Tissues. Ready... Fantastic... The emotion that pours from the pages is absolutely heart-wrenching. I loved every minute of this book, even though it left me a sniffling mess by the end." Fireflies and Free Kicks ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Wow! Just wow! This book kept me on the edge of my seat right from the get-go!... Amazing." Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A heart-wrenching story of ordinary people elevated to the realm of heroes through love and sacrifice... An emotional journey of heartache and love that will leave you in tears. One of the finest books I have ever read." NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I LOVED THIS BOOK!... I recommend this book to everyone that loves historical fiction." NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "OMG! I felt the fear and the terror within the pages as if I was there living it... It is heartbreaking... By the end of the story I was so moved and in tears.' Confessions of a Bookaholic ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would. From the first moment I started reading, I could not stop. I was captured by the story and the characters... Amidst turmoil, death and fear of the unknown, friendships and love win out." Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Suzanne Kelman

About

Books

Join the club