October 1939—What happens when you run from danger… and into a trap?
After the Anschluss, Austria becomes a place its citizens don’t recognize—especially its Jewish citizens. Whispers ripple through Jewish communities—whispers about a chalet where a woman protects Jewish children from discovery. She’ll keep them safe, fed, and far away from Nazis.
Parents are forced to make horrific decisions. Send their children away to safety, possibly never seeing them again, or keep their families together and risk their children’s lives?
Hans Hartmann arrives at the chalet with a chip on his shoulder and a little girl in tow. He found Grete waiting at the train station. Alone. But life at Chalet Versteck feels more ominous than the streets of Vienna. Children sometimes vanish, and before Hans can figure out what’s happening, a high-ranking officer appears—and is killed.
It’s a race to find out who killed the man and get himself (and probably that pesky Grete) out!
A Ransomed Grete is the bridge book between the 1920s and 1940s Ever After Mysteries, combining fairy tales with mysteries.
My Review:
A stunning retelling of Hansel and Gretel. Beautifully written, descriptive to the point of heartbreaking in places. And the way the author incorporates the Holocaust into the tale is both brilliant and chilling. Havig has really captured the desperation of the times, the ignorant prejudices, the varying degrees of compliance in an occupied country…it all just took my breath away.
I listened to the audible edition narrated by Christa DelSorbo who did an amazing job bringing these characters to life. Her heartfelt performance kept me entranced all the way through.
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.
US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice
Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice
International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.
If you would like a chance to win a copy of the A Ransomed Grete, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday November 9 2024.
Kav's Best Reads 
wow! This sounds interesting & unique. Thanks for sharing. leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com
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It’s very unique. I’m enjoying this series. Good luck, Lucy!
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I’ve read a few of Chautona’s books here and there. This one sounds good. What a difficult time in Europe and our world’s history.
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And so important to remember! Good luck, Patty!
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WW II stories have always fascinated me. No matter how many I read they all have a different angle to what happened during that time, and I have appreciated the effort that went into the research to write these stories. I so look forward to reading this one now too.
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Yes — and this angle is very unique. Good luck, Becky!
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LOVE this author’s books! A RANSOMED GRETE is already on my TBR list. Your fabulous review just revved up my desire to dive in reading it.
Thank you for the chance to win a copy!
2clowns at arkansas dot net
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You’re welcome, Kay. Good luck!
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I am intrigued by this one and I love the cover.
mauback55 at gmail dot com
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The cover art really grabs your attention, doesn’t it? Good luck, Melanie!
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Ooh! This sounds good!
manderley23 at gmail dot com
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Good luck, Kimmy!
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This sounds really intriguing! I would have not thought of combining the two elements that way, but it really would showcase human nature and events really well💔
sarahdar0801ATgmailDOTcom
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Yes, it’s a really different approach to both a fairy tale retelling and a Holocaust story. Good luck, Sarah!
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This sounds intriguing! I would love to be entered into the giveaway. Thank you, Rebecca
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You’re welcome, Rebecca. Good luck!
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I hadn’t heard of this book but it sounds fascinating. The cover draws me into the story.
pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com
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Good luck, Pam!
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I am drawn to World War II stories and this is one I definitely want to read. Thanks!
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
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And it’s always fun to find a WWII story with a fresh angle. Good luck, rubynreba~
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