The Heart of a Gypsy

by Roberta Kagan

During the Nazi occupation, bands of freedom fighters roamed the forests of Eastern Europe. They hid, waging their own private war against Hitler’s tyrannical, and murderous reign. Among these Resistance Fighters, there were groups of Romany people (gypsies).

“The Heart of A Gypsy” is a spellbinding love story filled with Romance, and spiced with the magic of the Gypsy culture. It takes place in Poland during the time of the Third Reich, while World War Two was raging. This is a tale of a people who would rather die, than surrender their freedom.

Enter into a little known world, where only a few have traveled before… The world of the Romany.

If you enjoy romance, secret magical traditions, riveting action, and steamy sex….you will love “The Heart of A Gypsy.”

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Historical, Historical Romance, Amazon, Poland, World War II

246 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2012

About the author

I’m an American writer of Jewish and Romany decent. I write Historical Fiction and Historical Romance, most of which is set during the holocaust. Although I never discount the horrors of the time period, the main focus of my work is on ordinary people who prove to be strong heroic characters in unfathomable circumstances.

Facebook Author page:
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Reviews

[brandy oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roberta Kagan has proven yet again, to be a brilliant author, and historian. I haven't read all of her books yet, but I am planning on it, as she does seem to be ending up as one of my favorite authors.
The Heart of the Gypsy, is truly a masterpiece. I actually read this twice and also did some research, because this is a topic I don't see to much and I don't really think a lot of people realize that the Gypsies were involved, or treated the way they were.
This book takes place during WW2, in Nazi controlled Europe. There is a lot of this war that we aren't taught in school, and a lot we don't know much about, (unless of course you studied this time or place, a historian) There were Resistance bands across Europe, and these were the people who formed groups of people of different nationalities, and lived in the forests.
They were a very well organized group of resistors, or partisans, who were able to survive from the land and each other. Of course they had many a horrific fight, travel, victims who came and stumbled upon their hideaways, but for the most part, they managed to survive, had plentiful food, and were very strategically placed throughout their tents and groups. They had everybody that would be needed to create their own communities and had some highly intelligent tactics and ways and means of getting enough food, (for example, sending people out to different areas for their ration cards), and even had guns, ammunition, doctors, and Christian, who was of Aryan race.
Christian, came to them to help, however he was injured with broken ribs. He was well taken care of by Nadya, a young Gypsy girl, and her brother, Ion. (Nadya and Ion's family were imprisoned by the Nazi's.)
This is a remarkable book, with plenty of history, lots of fascinating scenes, characters, and terrifying events. It isn't as much just a history book, as the author very cleverly, wove a beautiful story of romance and passion throughout the pages. I am a big fan of history books, and this one was especially a pleasure to read because my own ancestors are of Gypsy descent.
Unfortunately, I only actually ever met a couple great grandparents who arrived in our country shortly after this was began. But this is something my mom always discusses and tells me about the different family members and our history and I am proud of who we are and where we originated from.
The Heart of a Gypsy, has now entered my top 10 favorite books of all time list. I read this book over as soon as I was done with it the first time around because I was sad when it ended.
I would recommend Roberta Kagan's books to anybody who enjoys a good history book, a well written novel, (they are a little longer then some may expect but I find that her books are just the right length.) and for anybody who desires a good romance novel, although this isn't your typical, gushy, romance book.

[Louise Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book it really opened my eyes to the other parts of resistance and victims of the concentration camps thanks

[Brandon Shire · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. The blurb had me, the book didn't even come close. Got to chap 3 and couldn't take it anymore. Stereotypes, poor prose, unbelievable characters. :( I was looking for a great book on the Romani, this wasn't it.

[Lorri · Rating 1 out of 5]

I won this book from Goodreads giveaway. I was quite excited by the description (historical fiction about the gypsy resistance in World War Two)but totally disappointed by the book itself. The characters are unbelievable, the dialogue is unrealistic and the plot is a poorly constructed pulp fiction type romance.

The only thing I can say is that I will go looking for books on the topic of the gypsy involvement in the resistance movement

[Maggie Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although I enjoyed certain aspects of this book I felt it was poorly executed. I thought the theme of second world war resistance fighters was initially very captivating but it felt like this(and most of rest of the story line) was padding around educating the reader about gypsy way of life. There were certain inconsistencies in the story line which was very frustrating and some of the dialog felt very much like an American teen story. All in all a little disappointing.

[Shirley McAllister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love is the strongest bond

We have many causes and travel many different paths. As the book shows we are all not so different. We love our children and our family and we will do anything for the one we love. This story is about family, love and the horror that is war. It is a story of the Roma gypsy and their fight against the awfulness of the Nazi's and the terror they caused. A tale of the resistance movement.

[Avi B · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable read. It was a love story that had me gripped from beginning to the end. The characters were very endearing. If your looking for an historical romance story to sink into, i would recommend this book.

[Kimberley D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was okay. I was expecting more information about Gypsy folklore, but just got a mere tip of the iceberg. The style wasn't my cup of tea, and the author relied heavily on info-dumping with dialogue that didn't sound natural at all. No one talks like that! The Gypsy girl, Nadya, was only fourteen when she met Christian and fell in love, so that was not cool. Plus, the company is supposed to be in hiding, and we first meet the lovely Nadya prancing around the town without even trying to stay under cover. She never had any agency of her own throughout the entire book, and only served as a plot device to be rescued, or assaulted, so Christian had to come to the rescue time and time again. When she is delivered to a hotel for prostitutes toward the end of the book, she's there for weeks and no one ever touches her. Not exactly believable. I've since learned too that the Roma people didn't marry outsiders back in the 30s, so having Nadya marry a German was a bit of a stretch. I do think the Nazi conflict was well-researched, but the love story missed the mark in execution. Wasn't the worst book I've ever read, but it wasn't the best by a landslide.

[Elissa Mahler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was blessed with a free copy of this book, and I have chosen of my own volition to share my review with you.

This book transports the reader from the modern world back in time to the era of World War II. Viewing this war from the point of view of a gypsy named Nayda and her husband Christian. The story begins with Christian being rescued by a group of gypsies. The tale chronicles his journey with the gypsies, including a love story with his wife. Christian joins the ranks of the freedom fighters, and whilst away on a mission his wife Nadya vanishes? Can he find her? What will be the cost? What happens when the truth comes out? How will those Christian loves react to his true identity?

Fantastically written. Story line has multiple twists and turns, yet remains coherently focused on the tale being told. This book brought both laughter to my lips and tears to my eyes (at different points).

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book and I like some of it quite a lot. The characters were fairly well developed. The storyline flowed quite well, though there were places I skimmed through as it really didn't add much to the story as a whole. I liked that it was historical. I liked learning some of the gypsy lifestyles. But, I did NOT like the very graphic, very unnecessary explicit sexual content. I wish I had been warned about that and I would not have read this book. I did skip completely over this but had read enough to know what was being written. Also, it needs a lot more editing. For these reasons, I only gave it 3 stars.

[Terri Mayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roberta Kagan is amazing

I love absolutely everything that this woman writes. I have learned so much about the atrocities committed by the nazis than I ever knew before. My only criticism of this book in particular is too many sexual details for my comfort. I know that this is just me personally but I just didn’t feel that they were necessary. But I will continue to read everything that this lady writes. I have fallen in love with so many of her characters and I am sad when each book or series ends.

[Erin Kelch Zerby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful

This is the first time I've read a piece by Roberta Kagan, but it won't be the last! I was completely immersed in this book from the first page. While parts were difficult to read due to the brutality of the war, I feel like Ms. Kagan was able to include the necessary violence without being gratuitous or grotesque. This love story is unconventional but beautiful.

ARC for an honest review

[KelticKat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Promising story

This story had promise - the action and history of both WWII & the Romani was well research and details brought the times and culture to life.

Where the story fell short for me was in the relationships and the use of long descriptive details - that allowed me to wander from the story - for some reason it just didn’t keep my interest.

Others may find this book a better fit and read for them for me it was not a good one at this time.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart of a Gypsy



I enjoy Ms. Megan's historical fiction. This book have a different perspective & was poignant. I have to say after reading many of her other Holocaust books, I was surprised at the intense description of Nadya & Christian's lovemaking, especially since her other books were not as "descriptive." But the story line was intriguing and it was good to get the Romany perspective of the Holocaust.

[Florence Primrose · Rating 4 out of 5]

During World War II Resistance fighters roamed Germany and neighboring countries. Gypsies and Jews were often part of the Resistance. Christian, a supposed Norwegian, was rescued from jail by a Gypsy and joined a group of Roms, eventually falling in love with Nadya.

Interesting story of activities done by Roms at that time.

[Willie. Van Den Hoek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and beautiful book of love courage and Gods grace

The book kept me captivated right till the end of the story .The characters were well chosen and very strong people in all aspects. Nice to read about the Gypsy way of life too.Back to nature. Very well written and entertaining and informative.

[Katie Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book and I am freely reviewing it.

This was a beautiful step into history. Full of heart and emotion, and gorgeous characters, Heart of a Gypsy delves into the Romani Resistance in Poland during the Third Reich's grip.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are looking for a historical love story about what the gypsy culture might have endured during this timeframe, then I think the author did a good job of bringing the reader into that storyline.

[Janet Olszewski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting facts

I would’ve given five stars if this book had been edited properly & not so amateurish in its romantic prose. The story is good & the gypsy life facts are great. I loved that part. Also, the intimacy scenes are well done.

[Patricia Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

I liked the story it was very good. And how he saved his wife at the end and she didn't care that he was a German.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grammar and editing issues

The story was interesting, however I was taken out of being immersed in it because of the poor grammar and editing.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read many books about the holocaust it was refreshing to read from a gypsy perspective. Generally a good book, a little predictable other than the final twist

[Scott Slaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

As all the other Roberta Kagan books I have read, this one too is very good. I recommend it and all her others.

[Maritza · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a love story however it brings back some of WWII into the storyline. I will check in the future the other books from this author. It seems to me all are around the same period of time.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very engrossing story

This book made it hard for me to put it down . The story was heartbreaking, but in the end love conquers all

[Teena Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

During Nazi Germay Christian Stearn, a freedom-fighter is rescued by a band of gypsies involved in the resistance after being captured by the Nazis. Christian immediately falls in love with Nadya the beautify gypsy girl who helps orchestrate his rescue. Christian then joins forces and works with the gypsies.

The author uses the story to help educate readers as the the plight of the gypsies during this time. They were treated as the Jews were as scum by the superior Aryan race and were annilated as well in the concentration camps. At times it felt like an info dump of gypsy culture and history and Kagan tends to tell more than show what happens. There were a couple of steamy sex scenes. Nadya ends up being virtually an object with little to do but stay at camp and pine for Christian to return from dangerous missions. Had this been better written I would have given it a higher rating. I give if 3 out of 5 stars.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Heart of a Gypsy is a historical Holocaust novel by Roberta Kagan.
Christian Stearns is in a tight spot. He was arrested by the Gestapo and will most likely be sent to a concentration camp or death will stalk him. They are questioning him and beating him. So far, he hasn’t told anything. He definitely doesn’t want to tell them his horrible story, especially his secret.
Nadya finds him and gives him bread and water and tells him that help is on the way. Elated with locating the man they are looking for, she takes him bread and water and gets him some help escaping. He comes to live with the Romney.
Tabor is a young gypsy man who loves Nadya and wants to marry her. He has to ask her brother for her hand in marriage.
Christian stays with the gypsies and carried out his orders. He falls in love with Nadya. Will the two find love and be able to keep it? Will Christian’s secret come between them?

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed plot of the story in this book, but found it to be poorly written. I had difficulty following the passage of time, and the dialogue was often repetitive. Parts that could use more detail often left me disappointed in the telling of the story. There was a lot of back and forth in styles. One minute you felt like you were right there, and in the story. The next minute the story was being "told" by someone, and was less inclusive. Some of the characters could have been better developed in the story. They would be mentioned occasionally, or "thrown in" at times, but didn't really add to the story, but could have. I think this author has potential, but needs to develop her writing skills more fully.

[Eileen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The synopsis of the novel grabbed my attention but I was a bit disappointed with the unfolding plot of The Heart of a Gypsy. In places it reminded me very much of the historical novels by Barbara Cartland but in others the author showed skill, particularly when writing about the crimes committed against humanity in WWII.
Some of the characters were a bit twee, naive and unbelievable. Christian's character needed to be depicted a lot stronger and maturer to offset the vulnerability in his relationship with Nadya.
On a more positive side, Ms Kagan's research into the Roma customs and ways of life was certainly interesting and I felt I had a better understanding of their lives in that deplorable time in history.