What do you think?
Rate this book
Copper Star #1
Copper Star
Smuggled out of Nazi Germany after working in the resistance, Louisa finds herself waiting out the war in a dusty Arizona copper mining town. Sponsored by the Reverend Robert Gordon, Louisa quickly discovers he is hiding a tragic secret. Louisa irritates, intrigues, and charms Robert, soon becoming an indispensable part of his household. Trouble begins to brew when Friedrich Mueller, a prominent resident of Copper Springs and avid Nazi sympathizer, ferrets out Louisa's background. Soon Louisa is once again running for her life. Can she outfox a fox like Mueller? Or will she be sent back to Germany as a hostage exchange, facing certain death?
292 pages, Paperback
First published June 30, 2007
26 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Woods Fisher
73 books3,971 followersSuzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling, award winning author of fiction and non-fiction books about the Old Order Amish for Revell Books, host of the radio-show-turned-blog Amish Wisdom, a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazine.
Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, who was raised Plain. A theme in her books (her life!) is that you don’t have to “go Amish” to incorporate the principles of simple living.
Suzanne lives in California with her family and raises puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To her way of thinking, you just can't life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth.
Suzanne can be found on-line at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com
Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, who was raised Plain. A theme in her books (her life!) is that you don’t have to “go Amish” to incorporate the principles of simple living.
Suzanne lives in California with her family and raises puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To her way of thinking, you just can't life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth.
Suzanne can be found on-line at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 8, 2020
This book was SO GOOD! It without a doubt will become one of my favourites. I could not put it down!
Louisa Schmetterling flees to the tiny town of Copper Springs, Arizona to stay with a minister and his family before the Nazis discover she is a Resistance Worker. Determined to return to Germany when the war is over, she never expects to grow so attached to the people and town. She also doesn't expect to be found out in the middle of nowhere...but niggling suspicions about a town member's loyalties won't go away.
First of all- the characters! Louisa and the whole Gordon household (Reverend Robert Gordon, his son William, and even stern Aunt Martha) wormed their way into my long, imaginative list of favourite storybook characters and boy am I glad that I don't have to say goodbye to them just yet (book 2!)!
This book was full of interesting historical tidbits that perfectly complemented and/or added to the story, such as Dietrich Bonhoeffer and his amazing ministry, copper production during the war, new methods (at the time) to teach deaf kids how to communicate (William was deaf), German composers and even diner slang. I also really enjoyed reading Robert and Louisa's mini debates/ discussions on current events and theology, which weren't ever long but made me think.
Then I thought that the book had the right mix of action, history, spirituality, romance, humour and suspense, and the writing flowed smoothly and effortlessly.
Clearly I have nothing but good things to say about this book. Highly, highly recommend! 5++ stars!
Louisa Schmetterling flees to the tiny town of Copper Springs, Arizona to stay with a minister and his family before the Nazis discover she is a Resistance Worker. Determined to return to Germany when the war is over, she never expects to grow so attached to the people and town. She also doesn't expect to be found out in the middle of nowhere...but niggling suspicions about a town member's loyalties won't go away.
First of all- the characters! Louisa and the whole Gordon household (Reverend Robert Gordon, his son William, and even stern Aunt Martha) wormed their way into my long, imaginative list of favourite storybook characters and boy am I glad that I don't have to say goodbye to them just yet (book 2!)!
This book was full of interesting historical tidbits that perfectly complemented and/or added to the story, such as Dietrich Bonhoeffer and his amazing ministry, copper production during the war, new methods (at the time) to teach deaf kids how to communicate (William was deaf), German composers and even diner slang. I also really enjoyed reading Robert and Louisa's mini debates/ discussions on current events and theology, which weren't ever long but made me think.
Then I thought that the book had the right mix of action, history, spirituality, romance, humour and suspense, and the writing flowed smoothly and effortlessly.
Clearly I have nothing but good things to say about this book. Highly, highly recommend! 5++ stars!
June 4, 2022
1943 Arizona
While working with the Resistance in Berlin, Louisa is taken out for her protection and sent to Copper Springs, Arizona. She has a lot of guilt about leaving, but accepts her current situation and makes the most of it. Louisa has refuge with a pastor, the pastor's young son and the pastor's prickly aunt.
The story line includes a number of historical details about the time period and wonderful characters. I especially "loved" Aunt Martha. What a complicated lady. Underneath all that firmness, could there be a kind heart? And young William...wonderful to see his development.
While working with the Resistance in Berlin, Louisa is taken out for her protection and sent to Copper Springs, Arizona. She has a lot of guilt about leaving, but accepts her current situation and makes the most of it. Louisa has refuge with a pastor, the pastor's young son and the pastor's prickly aunt.
The story line includes a number of historical details about the time period and wonderful characters. I especially "loved" Aunt Martha. What a complicated lady. Underneath all that firmness, could there be a kind heart? And young William...wonderful to see his development.
December 2, 2017
Copper Star by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Timeframe: 1843-44
Location: Copper Springs, AZ
Main Characters:
Robert Gordon: Pastor, friend of Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Louisa Schmetterling: German Jew relocated by Bonhoeffer to AZ
Martha Gordon: Robert's aunt
William Gordon: Robert's deaf son
Friedrich Mueller: Wealthy Banker/Evil Nazi no one suspects
What a good book! Just the right length, too. The entire story was told, but missing were all the page fillers that make a story boring at times. No, I was never bored with this book.
Synopsis: Spoiler, read on only if you don't mind having the story spoiled.
I loved that the Louisa and Robert knew Dietrich Bonhoeffer very well, and that she and Robert followed what happened to him in Germany. I love how the characters grow to trust and love each other, and how a family is made out of broken and hardened people.
The faith issue is a lovely one. Louisa's sad history never caused her to waiver in her faith. She taught the whole family, including the Reverend, what Christ can do in the lives of those who trust in Him.
A side note:
An understanding of a person's less than honorable employment is talked about, but escape from that life and her redemption is a very good addition. Also, a suggestion of something improper is mentioned, but met with a resounding slap.
I'd recommend this book to anyone.
Timeframe: 1843-44
Location: Copper Springs, AZ
Main Characters:
Robert Gordon: Pastor, friend of Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Louisa Schmetterling: German Jew relocated by Bonhoeffer to AZ
Martha Gordon: Robert's aunt
William Gordon: Robert's deaf son
Friedrich Mueller: Wealthy Banker/Evil Nazi no one suspects
What a good book! Just the right length, too. The entire story was told, but missing were all the page fillers that make a story boring at times. No, I was never bored with this book.
Synopsis: Spoiler, read on only if you don't mind having the story spoiled.
I loved that the Louisa and Robert knew Dietrich Bonhoeffer very well, and that she and Robert followed what happened to him in Germany. I love how the characters grow to trust and love each other, and how a family is made out of broken and hardened people.
The faith issue is a lovely one. Louisa's sad history never caused her to waiver in her faith. She taught the whole family, including the Reverend, what Christ can do in the lives of those who trust in Him.
A side note:
An understanding of a person's less than honorable employment is talked about, but escape from that life and her redemption is a very good addition. Also, a suggestion of something improper is mentioned, but met with a resounding slap.
I'd recommend this book to anyone.
May 16, 2020
Oh, my--my sisters said this was a calmer, less heart-wrenching book (less so than other books I have lined up, anyway). And they were right, sort of. But they forgot that I love everything German and WWII and Dietrich Bonhoeffer. So yes, this book captured my heart, too.
Setting: Copper Springs, Arizona, 1943. Though this place is physically removed from the war, the action is largely concerned with the war, and the atmosphere is also connected to the worries of the decade. The setting is integral to the plot, since Louisa Schmetterling was a resistance worker who escaped from Germany. Oh, and did I mention that such a setting--WWII, the fight with Germany and the Resistance--is probably my favorite?
Characters: Due to the interesting writing style, the characters were developed a little differently--mainly because of the first person perspective. Because of that, Louisa's faults were slightly slower in developing, and the views of some of the characters were probably more slanted. But, I think, on the whole, that was an advantage in many ways. I think it especially helped with Louisa and William (also, she called him Wilhelm when speaking in German, which I absolutely adored). Also, Louisa herself is a German and is friends with Dietrich Bonhoeffer. I don't need any more reason to like her, although someone without those biased pleasures might find her to be a pushy annoyance. I did wonder how she survived in Germany that long, to say nothing of the Resistance, with that loud mouth of hers. I don't care if it's 1939 or 1943, one gets in trouble for saying such things about Hitler/Germany to anyone in Germany (Hey, look what happens in the U.S. when we question the "experts").
Ahem. End of rant. Next, Robert. I found him charming, mainly because he was so awkward. The balance of his annoyance with Louisa, because of her outspokenness, and his admiration for her was done well. Many of Louisa's blunt opinions of him, especially his sermons (she compared them to Bonhoeffer's!!!) were so good, because they developed the characters of both him and her simultaneously. I thought Robert's actions throughout the book (but particularly at the end) were realistic and endearing, in a strange way.(He was a strange guy. What can I say?)
Aunt Martha Gordon (whom I prefer to call "Tante Marta" <3) was a strange sort, as well, but ultimately good, which of course is the most important thing. I really enjoyed her portrayal: she obviously wasn't perfect, had erroneous notions, and was proud of the Gordon family name. In other words, realistic. The way Louisa was afraid of her was likewise amusing. William was a pretty sweet little boy--mischevious, of course, but that's also necessary to the plot (of course).
Another thing about the characters which I adored, though it's just personal. Everyone had an ethnic heritage. Not just Louisa and Herr Mueller, the Germans (I still think it should be spelled Müller, since he is actually German, not just American with German heritage), but all the others, as well. The Gordons had Scottish ancestry. Rosita was Mexican, and Ada had a Greek husband. Even Peter Marshall's Scottish accent was mentioned. And of course I loved the German phrases occasionally flavoring the dialogue (even when I ranted about the incorrect grammar).
Plot: For a large part of the book, it was pretty mellow. Before the real excitement started, though, I was entertained by William's plotline, which expertly contributed to the action-packed part of the plot, as well. The mellow but deep problems established in the first part of the book didn't give a clue as to how the book would end, and so I was kept guessing, even before the suspense began. As for the conclusion to the book, it was very well done, in my opinion. Nothing was rushed, and everything had sufficient closure.
Faith content: The characters' faith was woven throughout the plot; nothing too ridiculously outlandish, no heavy-handedness, but their faith was far from an afterthought. Robert was a minister, after all, and I enjoyed seeing how the author portrayed him as not a great preacher, but an amazing ambassador for Christ nonetheless. Louisa's spiritual struggle was portrayed as well--hard, but so, so realistic (unfortunately realistic).
If you're like me, I recommend this book 100%. If you don't fall head over heels in love with Dietrich Bonhoeffer and other anti-Nazi Germans during WWII, though, you might still enjoy the book. For readers who enjoy WWII intrigue in remote places, with a romantic element, this is probably a book for them.
Setting: Copper Springs, Arizona, 1943. Though this place is physically removed from the war, the action is largely concerned with the war, and the atmosphere is also connected to the worries of the decade. The setting is integral to the plot, since Louisa Schmetterling was a resistance worker who escaped from Germany. Oh, and did I mention that such a setting--WWII, the fight with Germany and the Resistance--is probably my favorite?
Characters: Due to the interesting writing style, the characters were developed a little differently--mainly because of the first person perspective. Because of that, Louisa's faults were slightly slower in developing, and the views of some of the characters were probably more slanted. But, I think, on the whole, that was an advantage in many ways. I think it especially helped with Louisa and William (also, she called him Wilhelm when speaking in German, which I absolutely adored). Also, Louisa herself is a German and is friends with Dietrich Bonhoeffer. I don't need any more reason to like her, although someone without those biased pleasures might find her to be a pushy annoyance. I did wonder how she survived in Germany that long, to say nothing of the Resistance, with that loud mouth of hers. I don't care if it's 1939 or 1943, one gets in trouble for saying such things about Hitler/Germany to anyone in Germany (Hey, look what happens in the U.S. when we question the "experts").
Ahem. End of rant. Next, Robert. I found him charming, mainly because he was so awkward. The balance of his annoyance with Louisa, because of her outspokenness, and his admiration for her was done well. Many of Louisa's blunt opinions of him, especially his sermons (she compared them to Bonhoeffer's!!!) were so good, because they developed the characters of both him and her simultaneously. I thought Robert's actions throughout the book (but particularly at the end) were realistic and endearing, in a strange way.(He was a strange guy. What can I say?)
Aunt Martha Gordon (whom I prefer to call "Tante Marta" <3) was a strange sort, as well, but ultimately good, which of course is the most important thing. I really enjoyed her portrayal: she obviously wasn't perfect, had erroneous notions, and was proud of the Gordon family name. In other words, realistic. The way Louisa was afraid of her was likewise amusing. William was a pretty sweet little boy--mischevious, of course, but that's also necessary to the plot (of course).
Another thing about the characters which I adored, though it's just personal. Everyone had an ethnic heritage. Not just Louisa and Herr Mueller, the Germans (I still think it should be spelled Müller, since he is actually German, not just American with German heritage), but all the others, as well. The Gordons had Scottish ancestry. Rosita was Mexican, and Ada had a Greek husband. Even Peter Marshall's Scottish accent was mentioned. And of course I loved the German phrases occasionally flavoring the dialogue (even when I ranted about the incorrect grammar).
Plot: For a large part of the book, it was pretty mellow. Before the real excitement started, though, I was entertained by William's plotline, which expertly contributed to the action-packed part of the plot, as well. The mellow but deep problems established in the first part of the book didn't give a clue as to how the book would end, and so I was kept guessing, even before the suspense began. As for the conclusion to the book, it was very well done, in my opinion. Nothing was rushed, and everything had sufficient closure.
Faith content: The characters' faith was woven throughout the plot; nothing too ridiculously outlandish, no heavy-handedness, but their faith was far from an afterthought. Robert was a minister, after all, and I enjoyed seeing how the author portrayed him as not a great preacher, but an amazing ambassador for Christ nonetheless. Louisa's spiritual struggle was portrayed as well--hard, but so, so realistic (unfortunately realistic).
If you're like me, I recommend this book 100%. If you don't fall head over heels in love with Dietrich Bonhoeffer and other anti-Nazi Germans during WWII, though, you might still enjoy the book. For readers who enjoy WWII intrigue in remote places, with a romantic element, this is probably a book for them.
February 10, 2020
You can tell this is one of Suzanne Woods Fisher’s first books. The writing isn’t as polished and I found the love story hard to connect with. I did however love the setting - WWII Arizona. I also loved the mystery. Louisa escapes from Germany and comes to live with Robert and his family. She opens this family up and they help her heal. There is someone in town however that isn’t what he seems.
June 14, 2021
Louisa, a former Resistance Worker, was smuggled out of Germany during World War Two and sent to live in America. She ended up in a one-horse town in Arizona and stayed in the home of the local pastor. She soon became a valuable member of his family but soon danger began to haunt her. She thought she had escaped the Nazi's only to discover that a Nazi sympathizer was hidden in the isolated town and that her life was in danger.
May 16, 2020
I enjoyed the story and the characters. The part about Louisa working with the child with the hearing problem was wonderful. The action parts of the story were exciting. You expect a happy ending but it I felt a little unsure. I liked that. I don't remember reading anything by this author before but I will look for more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2024
I read this book many years ago and remembered loving it so much, so I decided to read it again now that I’m older. I was a little disappointed with it at first, but as I got into it, I couldn’t put the book down. I learned so much about WW2 and really enjoyed the storyline. The ending is so sweet :)
March 2, 2023
My Musings
Ms. Fisher never disappoints. Copper Star is another emotionally charged story with complex characters and tell the story of a German refugee who escaped from Nazi Germany. I loved William and Louisa. So glad I found this one in a FB ad. Happy reading!
Ms. Fisher never disappoints. Copper Star is another emotionally charged story with complex characters and tell the story of a German refugee who escaped from Nazi Germany. I loved William and Louisa. So glad I found this one in a FB ad. Happy reading!
May 13, 2018
Audible Book
February 9, 2011
Copper Star by Suzanne Woods Fisher is a WWII romance with an exciting helping of romance and intrigue. Louisa Schmetterling has fled her beloved homeland of Germany in 1943 when her work with the underground Resistance movement is threatened by her fear of getting caught. Her mentor, Dietrich Bonhoeffer sends her to his friend from seminary, Robert Gordon who is a minister in the small mining town of Copper Springs, Arizona, where she has a difficult time fitting in. Louisa's outspoken ways shake up the Gordon household where no one speaks of Robert's mysterious missing wife, five-year-old son William has been written off as handicapped, and Aunt Martha runs the house with an iron fist. Louisa's love for others soon has William diagnosed as being mildly deaf and learning to speak, Robert's sermons have added depth from her input, and new pet Dog added as a member of the family. Despite the roots she is putting down, Louisa has no desire to stay in Arizona, feeling called back to her homeland to do something about the atrocities there, and her work in the Resistance just may come back to haunt her, even here in the US, when she crosses the wrong man in town. This is one of Fisher's earlier novels, but it already shows the talent and strong characterization her later books display. Her love for famous Lutheran minister Bonhoeffer shines through Louisa and readers who are unfamiliar with him will be intrigued by this fascinating real-life character. Louisa is a smart and quick-thinking heroine, but it's her love for those around her that make the people of Copper Springs, as well as readers, fall in love with her. The novel is a look at how Americans viewed WWII through the eyes of a German Jewish woman who witnessed it firsthand. Powerful, moving, and exciting, readers will be hooked on Fisher's writing with this book.
April 28, 2008
This kind of book is not generally my cup of tea. But I liked the story. The main character was a bit too perfect, and the writing just a little shallow. But it was a quick read, and I hope to get to go meet the author when she comes to town next month.
April 29, 2015
Wonderful book
Great author I loved the book and how the good&love won in the end. This is safe for anyone no sexual content which I am grateful for. God bless you for writing this story I am so glad the holocaust of Jews is over.
Great author I loved the book and how the good&love won in the end. This is safe for anyone no sexual content which I am grateful for. God bless you for writing this story I am so glad the holocaust of Jews is over.
February 18, 2008
Too much heavy-duty religion for me! Published by a Christian group. Author spoke at our group discussion. Sequel in the works; think I'll pass...
January 1, 2015
The author is a family friend. The novel is set during World War Two. The main character flees Germany since she has been part of the resistance against Hitler and it is about her life in Arizona.
January 25, 2016
This book was very predictable from beginning to end, but still a pleasant quick read. Very religious in nature.
June 20, 2012
really good historical fiction
July 25, 2012
Pretty good read. It started strong, but finished a bit weak. It was entertaining though. I am reading the sequel, Copper Fire.
Read
July 15, 2016I loved this book. Good, clean read.
June 12, 2023
I can’t even say enough about this book…it’s some what informative it’s a captivating story and I learned some interesting facts from it as well ie why there’s a huddle in football…love this book
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews