The Austrian Bride: The BRAND NEW heartbreaking WWII novel from Helen Parusel for 2024

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars | 1,442 ratings

Price: 0.99

Last update: 06-21-2024


About this item

A powerful and unforgettable story of the strength of women and the unwavering courage of those who seek a better world.

Austria, 1938

After years of hardship, Ella is full of hope for a better future for Austrians, and when Hitler marches into Linz, she can’t help but become swept up in the euphoria of her boyfriend, Max.

But she soon realises her mistake. When she witnesses a woman being shot in the street and a childhood friend’s Jewish department store is closed down, she knows she must do something.

It’s a dangerous time to be a resistor, especially when her fascist boyfriend proposes to her. Knowing the secrets she can uncover, Ella enlists in a Reich Bride School, finding herself propelled into the social elite of the Nazi circle.

Ella knows she has a duty – to her family, her friends, and her country – so while Europe teeters on the brink of WW2, a desperate race begins to save the people she loves. But betraying the Nazis could be her death sentence…

Fans of Suzanne Goldring, Mandy Robotham and Debbie Rix will devour this heartbreaking tale.

'Pacy, twisty and emotional... a beautiful page-turner ... I highly recommended it.' Amanda Geard, author of The Midnight House

‘This novel is a true page turner, as well as being a heart-wrenching, emotional story of one of the darkest chapters of history ...first class research and captivating story-telling!' Louise Fein, author of People Like Us

'I adored The Austrian Bride ... The story is poignant and compelling - and what an ending: wow! ... A brilliant story with a powerful message. I wholeheartedly recommend it.' Gill Thompson, author of The Child on Platform One

'...an amazing, edge of your seat, nail bitting, heart racing read.' netgalley reviewer

'Wow, what a powerful book ... absolutely heartbreaking but also beautiful at points.' netgalley reviewer

'The Austrian Bride is a heart warming story... of family, trust, love, loss, courage, friendship and above all bravery to do the right thing.' netgalley reviewer

'a heart-breaking but, oh, so wonderfully powerful and important read.' netgalley reviewer


Top reviews from the United States

Sherralynne
5.0 out of 5 stars A heart breaking story
Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2024
I loved reading this heartbreaking story. Despite the sadness, there is hope for the main characters which is heart warming.

I highly recommend this story.

Thanks Helen, from a New Zealand fan
Sally L. Fiala
4.0 out of 5 stars Twists and Turns!
Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2024
This was a fast read and intriguing in the twists and turns of the story. The brutalization of those who did not comply with the Nazis was so real and appeared to be aligned with accounts that I have read before.
Mama Cheryl
5.0 out of 5 stars Redemptive
Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2024
The story had me from the first word. WWII. This story is written from the Austrian perspective, which is eye opening. The author writes descriptively transporting back in time. Vivid landmarks. Thank God for the resistance workers, who sacrificed their lives to help others escape Nazi Germany. Wonderful characters: Marlene, Franc, Ella, Freddie, Hedy and Hilde. It is a quick read. I recommend.
Ronald Hanson
5.0 out of 5 stars Heartbreaking story
Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2024
The Austrian Bride is a deeply involved story taking place in Austria, primarily prior to and during World War II. A young Austrian girl, swayed by the Nazi she has been dating, enters a Nazi bridal school - however, she has since seen his true colors, and decides to use this opportunity to spy and get useful information for the resistance.
There are many secrets, even among family members, about efforts to help protect those the Nazis are seeking to get rid of. And there is heartbreak and loss as the Nazi purge continues.
I recommend this story for the reader to see more aspects of this time in Austrian history, what it was like for the people who found themselves under the rule of the Nazis.
Polly W.
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful tale!
Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this tale - a fresh perspective on how ordinary people reacted to, and were affected by, the dark days of tyranny in Germany and Austria in the late 1930's. The story is told from the point of view of two brave women - a mother and daughter - both of whom have reason to hide their true response to Hitler and the Nazi Party from their friends and neighbors, from their shared loved ones, and even from each other. The prose sparkles in this well-crafted, multiple-layered, heart-rending story. Highly recommend
Marilyn Fell
3.0 out of 5 stars Austrian Bride
Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2024
I feel like this was a good book. Of course I knew it would be sad given the storyline. My ancestors were able to leave Austria and relocate to the USA. Unfortunately I know very little of their story or the timeline as my Dad was an orphan. I wish we did have some information. I love history but don't know my own.
Taylor
4.0 out of 5 stars an excellent historical fiction read!
Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2024
The author wove such an elaborate story, one that I could hardly put down. It’s worth reading and realizing what really took place among the fiction enter twined.
Shirley-Ruth Wright
5.0 out of 5 stars couldn’t put it down
Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2024
I read it in 2 days! The story is very different from some other WW2 stories. Descriptive story telling.Recommend wholeheartedly!

Best Sellers in

 
 

The Butterfly Garden (The Collector Book 1)

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 88029
2.99
 
 

Dead End Girl (Violet Darger FBI Mystery Thriller Book 1)

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 30969
4.99
 
 

Lilac: An Enemies-to-Lovers Romance

4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 11294
5.99
 
 

The Kiss Thief: An Arranged Marriage Romance

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 24872
5.99
 
 

An Innocent Client: A Legal Thriller (Joe Dillard Series Book 1)

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 76332
7.99
 
 

Charlie's Secret: Inspired by a true story (Samantha Mallon Book 1)

4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 2676
4.99
 
 

The Last Eligible Billionaire

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 16489
5.99
 
 

Nowhere to Hide: A completely gripping psychological thriller from TOP 10 BESTSELLER Keri Beevis for 2024

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 3011
2.99