The Woman at the Gates: Epic, heart-wrenching and gripping World War 2 historical fiction | Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger
1944, Germany: Gazing through the barbed wire fence, up to the pale blue sky, Antonia dreams of home: cherry orchards, golden fields, and the man she loves, who she may never see again… The Nazi soldier thrust the barrel of his gun between Antonia’s shoulder blades and she stumbled, still clutching the chubby hand of her small nephew tightly in her own. Her sister lifted her other little boy up into the back of the truck. Under the watchful gaze of the Germans, their eyes met, full of fear. They both looked back towards the farmhouse, their childhood home, for one final time… Before Antonia and her family were captured and sent to a labor camp, she was a fighter rather than a victim. Working in a resistance group to free her country from those who had turned her home into a bloody battleground. By her side was clever, handsome Viktor. The man she was to marry, whose love shone like a light in the darkness of war surrounding them. Antonia does not know if her beloved Viktor has been caught or executed. But she does know she cannot wait any longer to be saved. Her precious nephews will die without proper food and they could all be killed at any moment. The world outside the camp gates is full of danger and war, but finding a way through them is their only hope, even if it costs Antonia her life. The Nazis have taken everything from her, but they can never take away her courage… A heartbreaking, inspiring and totally unforgettable story of the unbelievable courage and determination of extraordinary people in the darkest days of war. Fans of Mandy Robotham, Kate Quinn and Pam Jenoff will be gripped from the very first page until the final, heart-stopping conclusion. Readers love Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger: “Absolutely heartbreaking… Gripped me from the first page and I read it in one sitting!… Will stay with me for a long time.” Goodreads reviewer, ????? “Fantastic!!! There wasn’t a moment when I wasn’t gripped!… My heart really ached… Incredibly gripping!” Goodreads reviewer, ????? “Kept me up all night and I finished this book with tears in my eyes after I read the ending!… Powerful, gripping… Unputdownable… Five stars!” Tropical Girl Reads Books, ????? “A gripping story that will stay with you long after you have put it down… I highly recommend.” NetGalley reviewer, ????? “I could barely put down the book. I smiled, cried… I recommend it to all history lovers!” Goodreads reviewer, ????? “What a story!… I loved the ending!” NetGalley reviewer “Grab a few tissues… Such a powerful story you must read.” Goodreads reviewer, ????? “I loved Magda… A unique and gripping novel. It was hard to put it down.” NetGalley reviewer, ????? “Gripping read… Magda is a compelling heroine… The authenticity of time and place was captured so well.” Goodreads reviewer, ????? “Wonderful intense read… So vivid you will feel you are there. I could not put this story down. I loved the book.” Goodreads reviewer, ????? “Riveting, intense… From the very beginning you feel like you're amidst the chaos, the heartbreak, the despair but also the incredible bravery and spirit of the people in WWII.” Goodreads reviewer, ?????