This is a great novel set during WWII in Germany and present day in El Paso, Texas. It gives us a different view of this time during the war in Germany from the people's viewpoint. The main character in Germany is Elsie, who is only 16 when the story begins. The story showcases her experiences with her family, engagement to a German officer, the Jewish boy she hides during the war, her marriage to an American army doctor, and her life in present day El Paso at age 79. In El Paso in the present, Reba interviews Elsie for a story she is writing on foreign celebrations. Reba is engaged to Riki, a Border Patrol Officer that has issues with some of the policies he must enforce with illegal immigrants. The two stories alternate and take the reader to two very different locations, but with similar themes. It was enlightening to read a WWII novel from the perspective of German citizens and Elsie's story was riveting. The only reason this novel received 4 stars instead of 5 was because the story line in El Paso was weaker. But, it is a must read for those that love historical fiction.

This is another great World War II book that teaches us some unknown history in Hungary.

Our book club received copies to review and we really enjoyed it - blended families always have their challenges and this was no exception. Thanks to Jane Green & her publisher! B & B Club

Great discussion book!

The novel is told in dual timelines that center around a work of art - a mural for a small southern town post office after the Depression. The original artist was Anna Dale who disappeared before the painting was completed and Morgan Christopher, the artist charged with restoring the old painting for an art gallery opening and became obsessed with finding out what really happened to Anna Dale. The author did a great job building suspense and developing the two main characters. Great discussion book.