Welcome to Friday Reads!
Amanda has offered to give away a print copy of The White Rose Resists. (US ONLY) You can enter by using the Rafflecopter link at the end of my blog post. (Giveaway ends June 26, 2020.) Click To TweetIf you are the randomly chosen winner, I’ll contact you.
Generally for Friday Reads I include my review. While I LOVED this book, I won’t be reviewing it, as I was blessed with the opportunity to work on this book ( as a proofreader). But, it’s still something I wanted to share with you, and it’s one I highly recommend (and that would be the case even if I hadn’t worked on this wonderful book!).
About the book….
Inspired by the incredible true story of a group of ordinary men and women who dared to stand against evil
The ideal of a new Germany swept up Sophie Scholl in a maelstrom of patriotic fervor–that is, until she realized the truth behind Hitler’s machinations for the fatherland. Now she and other students in Munich, the cradle of the Nazi government, have banded together to form a group to fight for the truth: the White Rose. Risking everything to print and distribute leaflets calling for Germans to rise up against the evil permeating their country, the White Rose treads a knife’s edge of discovery by the Gestapo.
Annalise Brandt came to the University of Munich to study art, not get involved with conspiracy. The daughter of an SS officer, she’s been brought up to believe in the Führer’s divinely appointed leadership. But the more she comes to know Sophie and her friends, the more she questions the Nazi propaganda.
Soon Annalise joins their double life–students by day, resisters by night. And as the stakes increase, they’re all forced to confront the deadly consequences meted out to any who dare to oppose the Reich.
A gripping testament to courage, The White Rose Resists illuminates the sacrifice and conviction of an unlikely group of revolutionaries who refused to remain silent-no matter the cost.
Excerpt…
How long has it been since I’ve been able to give free vent to my feelings, trusting that no ideology-tuned ears are within range? Too long.
“Red and black everywhere.” I meet Kirk’s eyes, sensing the gazes of everyone upon me—these bright young university men. “There’s not a great building in the city that isn’t plastered with one of Hitler’s symbols. It’s disgusting, scars on our beautiful architecture. Of course, Ulm isn’t much different.”
“I wonder how long before it becomes our symbol of defeat, instead of victory?” Alex sets aside his half-finished plate as if he no longer has an appetite.
“That”—Kirk’s tone is quiet, but distinct—“depends on the people.”
Alex’s eyes, twinkling moments ago, now blaze with inner fire. Looking into them makes me start. Embodied in their depths is a passion the whole army of Hitler’s goose-stepping minions puffed up with propaganda, can’t match, much less quench.
I cannot tear my gaze away.
“It’s our fault, you know.” Our casual circle seems to shrink, until we’re leaning forward, hanging on Hans’s words. “We’ve allowed ourselves to be governed without resistance by an irresponsible faction ruled by dark instincts. Worse than children. Children, at least, sometimes question their parents’ decisions. But have we questioned? Nein, we’ve let ourselves be led like dogs on a leash, panting after Goebbels’s every speech, Sieg Heiling like trained monkeys.” My brother spits the words.
Christl nods. “Yet some have spoken out. Bishop von Galen, for example.”
“Who’s reading him?” Darkness creeps through the window, a shadow falling on Alex’s features. Soon, it will be time to draw the blackout curtains. “He preached three sermons, which a few brave souls dared to duplicate, resulting in a few hundred copies, likely little more. That’s not enough. Germany has been allowed to nap in the middle of carnage. It’s time to wake up, for this country to rub its eyes and look around and see the truth.”
Christl glances up. He’s no longer the gentle family man, smiling at the mention of his little ones, but a revolutionary with a fervor Goebbels, no matter how many stupid speeches he gives, could never emulate. His hands draw into fists. “It’s not just ‘this country.’ It’s our country. When this madness has ended, those who are left will be judged by the world, no matter what they thought amongst themselves. It’s action that will stand the test. Only action provides absolution.”
The words remain in my mind long after the men leave for their lodgings. I stand at the window, peering through a crack in the stifling blackout curtain, the evening chill soaking into my bones.
Only action provides absolution.
Purchase links…
Christian Book Distributors link
About Amanda…
Amanda Barratt is the ECPA best-selling author of over a dozen novels and novellas, including My Dearest Dietrich: A Novel of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Lost Love. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a two-time FHL Reader’s Choice Award finalist. She and her family live in northern Michigan. Connect with her at www.facebook.com/amandabarrattauthor and visit her at www.amandabarratt.net.
Where you can find Amanda online…
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amandabarrattauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmandaMBarratt
Rules for giveaway can be found here.
I like historical fiction and non-fiction. This sounds an intense and interesting story.
Oh, if you enjoy historicals and nonfiction, I think you’ll really enjoy this one. Good luck, Vivian!
I love historical fiction and nonfiction. I love that it’s based on a true story and that it’s set during WW2. I love learning and reading about the world wars so this is totally for me.
Meredith, this sounds like a perfect book for you!
Good luck, and thanks for stopping by my blog.
Absolutely would love this book. I enjoy reading historical (fixtion & non fiction). WWII especially.
That’s my favorite genre, too, Heather. Good luck, and thanks for visiting my blog!
I really enjoy historical fiction and realize that we are living during a time that is going to be written about and examined extensively in the future. It is interesting to connect the past to our current reality. The last time there was a pandemic was 1918, so anyone who survived the Spanish flu back then has to be extremely elderly now. It’s an eye-opener to see old pictures with people in masks. History does repeat itself.
Oh, definitely! We are certainly living in historic times. History does repeat itself. Hopefully, future generations are better about learning from the past and not repeating it.
Good luck, Perrianne, and thanks for stopping by my blog.
I love the history thst us in the book about a very turbulent time in history. It is a book I would love to read. Thank you for a chance.
I enjoy that, as well. Rory. I think you’ll really enjoy this one.
Thanks for stopping by my blog. Good luck!
I did not like history in school but enjoy learning about history through Christian fiction!
Joan, I wasn’t a huge fan either, but I love learning while I’m being entertained.
Good luck, and thanks for visiting my blog.
I’ll never forget the first time I watched the movie Valkyrie. Good people must stand up when evil threatens, though doing so may be the most dangerous things they’ve ever done. I hope I would have the courage to do the same.
I’ve heard nothing but good things about this story. Thanks for the chance to win!
Thanks for sharing, Erin. I’d like to think I would, as well.
The praise for this book is well deserved. I think you’ll love it. Thanks for visiting my blog. Good luck!
History is something when we can live it out in fiction, it becomes reality to us.
That’s true, Martha.
Love books based on true events! Although in the span of things this wasn’t all that long ago, it’s not an error I know much about.
An era I mean
I love that as well, Patty. Good luck!
My family has ties to Germany and WWII, so this book sounds amazing to me.
Oh, how fascinating, Danielle. I think you’ll really enjoy this one.
Good luck, and thanks for stopping by.
This sounds really good.
It is!
Good luck, Kara. Thanks for visiting my blog.
I love reading about people who stand up for what is right. Even though it can be difficult we all should do this.
I agree. So important, even in this day and age.
Good luck, Cindi. Thanks for visiting my blog.
This sounds like a great book. I entered. Thank you for the chance 🙂
Good luck, Yasmine! I think you’ll enjoy it.
interesting people
I agree!
Good luck, and thanks for stopping by my blog!
Sounds very intriguing! I’m adding this to my want to read list.
It is! Good luck, and thanks for stopping by my blog.
I have heard alot about this book. I love WW2 stories and would love to read you book. Thank you for the chance to win!
It’s a fabulous book! WWII-era books are some of my faves, as well.
Good luck, Debra. Thanks for stopping by my blog.
Hi Leslie! I love learning about the past. Historicals are the best. MOO! =) Thanks for the giveaway opportunity. Really want to read this one.
Cynthia, you’re welcome, and thanks for visiting my blog.
Yes, I recall that you love historicals 🙂 I think you’ll love this one.
Good luck!
I like that this book is told from a different perspective. It’d be interesting to see how her point of view changes.
I enjoy that in stories, as well.
Thanks for stopping by Irene. Good luck!
The cover is wonderful!
It is … and so is the book!
Good luck, and thanks for visiting my blog.
I like to read books that are based on true events/people. This sounds very intriguing!
I enjoy that, as well. I think you’ll really enjoy this book. Good luck, Jean!
I like true story books. Following on Facebook.
I do, too, Nancy. Thanks for the follow. Good luck!