The Berlin Sisters

by Soraya M. Lane

From the bestselling author of The Secret Midwife comes a story of bravery, sacrifice and resilience in war-torn Berlin―and two sisters who will risk it all to make a difference. Berlin, 1943: Ava Müller is a proud supporter of the German war effort, working for Joseph Goebbels alongside her father, a high-ranking official in the Reich. With her sister Hanna, a nurse, braving bombing raids to save lives, they are a model Nazi family. Until Ava discovers her parents and Hanna are secretly working for the resistance… Returning to their country home, Ava is shocked to find her childhood friend Eliana Goldman and her family hidden in the attic. Suddenly she faces a stark denounce her family, as she’s been taught, or betray her country. She knows only too well what happens to traitors―but as Eliana’s story of terror at the hands of the Nazis unravels, Ava realises her loyalty to the regime has blinded her to the horrifying truth. Drawn into the resistance network alongside Hanna, Ava begins the dangerous work of undermining the Reich from within its own headquarters. Relying on each other for courage and resilience, the sisters must risk their own lives to save others, knowing that every day brings them one step closer to making the ultimate sacrifice… Heartbreaking, hopeful and thought-provoking, this is a powerful work of fiction inspired by those who chose to fight the Nazis from within Germany and the events that followed.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, World War II, Audiobook, Historical, Germany, Wwii Fiction

295 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 16, 2024

About the author

Soraya M. Lane is the Amazon Charts & Kindle #1 bestselling author of THE SECRET MIDWIFE and THE ITALIAN DAUGHTER.

Soraya is thrilled to be publishing four new novels in 2025. Soraya has two new historical WWII novels, THE PIANIST'S WIFE and THE SECRET LIBRARIAN, and they're both available now. Soraya has also published two more books in her Lost Daughters series. Book #6, THE SPANISH DAUGHTER, was published in March and book #7, THE HIDDEN DAUGHTER, was published in October.

As a child, Soraya dreamed of becoming an author. Fast forward more than a few years, and Soraya is now living her dream! Soraya describes being an author as "the best career in the world", and she hopes to be writing romance and women's fiction for many years to come.

Soraya loves spending her days thinking up characters for books, and her home is a constant source of inspiration. She lives with her own real life hero and two sons on a small farm in New Zealand, surrounded by animals and with an office overlooking a field where their horses graze.

Add Soraya's latest novel, THE HIDDEN DAUGHTER, to your Goodreads shelf today!

For more information about Soraya, her books and her writing life, visit sorayalane.com or www.facebook.com/SorayaLaneAuthor, or follow her on Instagram @SorayaLaneAuthor. She would love to hear from you.

Reviews

[elizabeth rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set against the gripping backdrop of WWII, The Berlin Sisters follows two sisters – Ava and Hanna Müller – as they navigate the turmoil in Berlin. Soraya M. Lane does a remarkable job of painting a vivid picture of the city during such a tumultuous time, which really pulled me into the narrative.

Lane delves deep into the German experience under Hitler's regime, shedding light on the everyday struggles, fears, and moral dilemmas faced by ordinary citizens. The book offers a nuanced perspective on how the war impacted families in Germany, a topic that isn't always given enough attention in WWII fiction. By focusing on the sisters' lives, Lane brings a personal touch to the broader historical events, making the reader feel the emotional and social weight of that era.

From the oppressive atmosphere of Nazi rule to the scarcity of resources and the constant threat of bombings, the historical context is woven seamlessly into the story. Lane skilfully explores Nazi propaganda and its reception in Berlin, including the brainwashing and manipulation of facts to increase fear among the German people. These details not only ground the reader in the time period but also enrich the sisters' personal struggles and triumphs.

In summary, The Berlin Sisters is a heartfelt and engaging read that offers a deep dive into the German experience of living in Berlin during one of history's most challenging times. While there were a few predictable moments and the pacing occasionally slowed, the characters' resilience shone through. If you're into WWII fiction with a strong emphasis on familial bonds and historical accuracy, this author is definitely worth your time. Highly recommend!

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly I would like to thank netgalley and Lake union publishing and the terrific author soraya m Lane for an early copy of her book to read.


This is my first read from this author, this was a brilliant read. Two sisters Ava and Hanna there father is a high ranked German,Ava works as a secretary for goebbels she spotted her father picking up paperwork but why? Her sister a nurse was helping Jews children...Ava didnt know this until she discovered they are in the resistance she has a choice to make help her family or put them in danger..a very emotional read and a shocker of an ending.this book had me hooked and would like to read more of her books..

This book will be reviewed on goodreads and Amazon uk.

[Soraya Lane]

This novel is a work of fiction; however, like all my novels it is based on actual historical events. My characters were inspired by the true stories of Germans who opposed the Nazi regime – some actively, some more passively – by saving the lives of Jews, spreading information and being part of a resistance network.

I think it’s easy to look back on history sometimes and believe that there was evil in every household in Nazi Germany, rather than taking the time to research and understand what living under that regime was truly like. Many people wholeheartedly embraced Hitler and believed in his vision for the Third Reich, but many simply did what they had to do to keep their families safe, and some did everything they could to oppose what was happening. This is how I came to write The Berlin Sisters, by understanding that not everything is black and white, that there are often shades of grey in every situation.

As always, my primary objective is to show respect to those who lived through these difficult times in history, and to shine light on what happened in the past, so that it is never forgotten. If you want to know more about what was happening in Germany at this time, particularly in regards to resistance, I encourage you to watch A German Life, and to look up both Sophie Scholl/The White Rose and the Wolf’s Lair assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler.

Soraya x

[Sydney Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her upcoming novel, The Berlin Sisters…Soraya M Lane takes us deep into WWII Berlin and introduces us to two sisters with very different mindsets despite their father’s place within the Nazi party. As the older sister, Hannah is a nurse who is mourning the loss of her young family. Her eyes are wide open to what is happening in her country and she risks not only job but her life to save the innocent. Her younger sister Ava, is the personal secretary of Joseph Goebbels. She is a model young German woman, engaged to a young officer who is quickly rising in the ranks. She believes everything that she has been told and taught. Until one day, she witnesses her father, a high ranking Nazi himself, secretly steal a document from Goebbels office. She’s stunned that her father who was well respected and even hosted parties for party officials would do something like that. When she returns home to talk to her father, she discovers that her family has been keeping secrets and are hiding the Jewish family of her childhood friend in their attic. Ava quickly reminds her family of the consequences of such actions. Her family is not phased and as the story progresses, her eyes become open to what is really happening within the regime and just how evil her fiancé is. It’s a hard lesson to learn but even harder for her to continue to play the dutiful role of secretary and fiancée and be a part of the resistance. But she finds an inner strength and does what is needed, what is right.

This story is a nail biting, page turner and I loved it! There are so many perspectives in this time of history that we don’t hear about and it’s amazing authors like Soraya that highlight them. I am so grateful to Soraya for asking me to read this prior to its release. I devoured it in a weekend and it left me with lots to think about which is one the best things to come out of historical fiction!

[linda hole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was about forgiveness, friendship, family ties and resilience. It was heartwrenching. And it had strong characters development. I recommend this book. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I look forward to every book that Lane writes. Her words are always emotional, detailed and stories that keep my glued to the pages until late at night.
This one is about two sisters, Ava and Hanna Muller. Their dad is a high-ranking German. But the family is hiding something. Ava has always been loyal to the Germans and she is a secretary to Joseph Goebbel. She transcribes his notes and reports daily.
When Ava discovers what her sister and father are up too, will she risk her family or will she help them? A very emotional read in the mist of the war as Jews are being rounded up and the Nazis are wreaking havoc.

[Susan Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Berlin Sisters is a heart wrenching story about a family of Germans who were part of their own resistance against Hitler and Nazi Germany. It was interesting to hear from this point of view, especially since this family was powerful and seemingly loyal to Nazi Germany. In fact, Ava is working for Joseph Goebbels as a secretary when she shockingly discovers what her own family is doing—and which goes against everything’s she’s been taught to believe. Many parts of the story are very hard to read, but this is a story of the utmost bravery and sacrifice. I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Megan Guillermo-Broady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Any book about WWII is so special to me. To think that the horrors described in this book happened to so many pains me to no end

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I have read many books set during WW2, I am always surprised when an author finds that one storyline that is just a bit different. I have read many books about the resistance, but I can't remember any where someone within Hitler's highest ranking officers is actually defying his orders and working to undermine him, but this one does. It's 1943 and Ava Müller is a proud supporter of the German war effort, working for Joseph Goebbels alongside her father, a high-ranking official in the Reich. Her sister Hannah is a nurse, saving victims of the bombing attacks, and her mother is the perfect Nazi official's wife. What Ava doesn't know is that her family are secretly working with the resistance, and that she is blinded to the horrors of what the Nazis are really doing. When Ava accidentally finds out, she isn't sure what to do at first, but eventually joins her family in their efforts.

The Berlin Sisters is the story of a family that secretly works together to try and save as many people as they can, while trying to come up with a way to destroy the Nazi regime. There were many in history who did the work that the Müller family did in this book, and it is important to remember that not all Germans were fooled, nor supported the Nazis. As I got to know the characters, I wanted them to be safe, although knowing the history at the time, was pretty sure they wouldn't have a happy ending. I thought about this family often after finishing this book. This was an emotional story, one that did have me flipping pages and listening whenever I could. It is a story of courage and strength, love of country and people, and sadness and remorse knowing what really happened during this time. I did a read/listen with the audiobook narrated by Sarah Zimmerman. She does a good job with the voices, tone and pace of the story. Although I enjoyed the audiobook, I also read much of this story as I wanted to know what would happen next and can always read faster than listen. I recommend this one in either format for those who enjoy historical fiction, specifically during WW2.

[Kiera · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️

Heartwrenchingly sad and beautiful. Anytime I picked it up, I didn't want to put it down! More than a few tears were shed.

Another thing of historical fiction that's piqued my interest to do some extra reading in the background.

Just brilliant, would thoroughly recommend!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soraya M. Lane never disappoints me. Her books are always very realistic and heartbreaking. Touching and so emotional. To say she is a great author is an understatement. She writes historical fiction like no one else can. Her books will make you stop and think. Hopefully make you want things to be better. They always make me have so many tears...

This is the story of a family. Mainly two sisters. A family that takes heart in helping a family who is in grave danger. A strict German family who help a Jewish family. A hight ranking German Officer who helps this family.

How this family finally came together to help their friends made my heart soar. I was happy to read about a good and decent German family that helped. Even though I know that it was most likely the only family that the father and mother helped. The Mullers consisted of A father, mother and two daughters. Hanna and Ava. Hanna had already been doing a lot of work helping get Jewish children out of harms way. To safe places. The family they help, the Goldmans are the parents and their son David and daughter, Eliana.

Hanna was a nurse and also worked driving an ambulance. The perfect cover to help children. Ava had no idea what her family were doing until she found the Goldman family living in her childhood home in the attic.

Through a lot of horror these two girls manage to keep helping others. Once Hanna and her parents make Ava understand that they had all been so deceived by Hitler and what he stood for she was ready to help. Ava worked as a personal secretary to a very high ranking Nazi official. She's also engaged to a strong Nazi. But she learns to hate him. With good reason.

How the people just turned their backs on lifelong friends always makes me stop and think. How do you do that. See them dragged out of their homes. Beaten, murdered. Women brutally raped. All of them treated less than animals. Many sent to camps never to be seen again. How do you justify that. I don't believe I could. I hope I couldn't. I understand fear can make you do things you would not normally do but still... Millions where murdered.

This book kept me on edge in quite a few places. Not like a thriller would but like horrific history does. It made me weep for people that I know who would probably do just this if they had too or some if they could. I never underestimate humanity anymore. I've heard things from people that I thought I knew that made my heart ache. But surely if it came down to it they could not. Surely they would have a conscience and heart. Surely....

Thank you #NetGalley, #SorayaMLane, #LakeUnion, for this ARC. This is my own true thoughts about this heartbreaking story.

Five huge stars.

[Eileen Potrock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a lot of books about the Holocaust - mostly from the viewpoint of the Jewish people who were hiding or in concentration camp, but this book took the horrors of that time into a totally different and compelling direction. Ava Muller is a loyal German. Daughter of a high-ranking SS Officer and engaged to another SS Officer. She works as a secretary to Joseph Goebbels transcribing his daily notes and reports. So imagine her shock when she goes to the Muller country home and finds that her family has been hiding a Jewish family, the Goldmans, in their attic. She is at first torn on whether to be a good German and turn her family in or listen to what they have to tell her. Her sister Hannah is a nurse and while she is tending to the injured Germans, she is also smuggling Jewish children to the resistance and to a new life. Ava finds that everything she has been led to believe has been turned on it's ear and she becomes loyal to the resistance - putting her life in danger to help save her childhood friend Iliana Goldman, her brother David and their parents. I stayed up much to late to read this book as I needed to know how it would resolve and now that it's done, I already miss Ava, David, Liliana, Hanna and the Mullers. It was a powerful story about how the Holocaust affected not on the Jews but also the Germans who realized that all life was sacred. Loved it. Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book.

[Erika Renee Lowry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Her writing is beautiful and easy to follow. I loved this story and the characters. A heartbreaking story of sacrifice in a time of such evil and hate. Any WWII enthusiasts will enjoy this book!

[rue ♡ what rue reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an avid romance reader, I was surprised not only by my intrigue in this book but by how this story sucked me in and stole a piece of my heart.

It was impossible to not fall in love with each character — their stories, their lives, their everything. My heart ached as Ava tried to sort through the horrors she once praised and accepted through blind obedience. My heart ached as the Goldman family’s safety was always one accidental creak, whisper, or dinner roll away from being compromised. My heart ached with every minute victory, every close-call, every friendship, every relationship.

It’s hard to face a reality that we never lived; a reality that seems so far away yet wasn’t even a century ago. Yet these are stories that need to be written, characters whose voices need to be heard. Though this is a historical fiction, with tragic, true events woven into its tapestry, we know there are so many who would be able to relate to the Müller’s and Goldman’s alike.

No matter your preferred genre, do yourself a favor and grab a copy of this book when it is finally published. I know I will so I can lose myself again amongst the wretched streets of Berlin, 1943.

==

Thank you Lake Union Publishing (@amazonpublishing), @netgalley, and @sorayalaneauthor for the ARC. All opinions are my own and honest.

[Erika Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Berlin Sisters tells the story of Ava and Hanna Müller, two sisters in war-torn Germany who appear to be the perfect Nazi family. Their father is a high ranking officer in the Reich, Ava is a secretary for Joseph Goebbels, and Hannah is a nurse. But when Ava finds out her family has been hiding a Jewish family, she must decide whether to join the resistance or keep supporting Hitler and the war.

I loved this! It wasn’t the most profound writing I’ve ever read, but the story is engaging from beginning to end. It showcased a wide range of characters, from those completely devoted to the war, those opposed to Hitler’s ideas, and those in between who are learning what is true and what has been fed to them. There is a love affair in the middle that I found unnecessary and could have done without, but I loved the Müller family and rooted for them to succeed. The book is sad in many ways but ends on a hopeful note, and the epilogue wraps up the story well.

[Anna Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in the chaos of WWII Germany, this is a story of two sisters and their calling to help those around them. Like so many during that time, their beliefs were shattered, and we get to tag along for the ride in this heartbreaking story of survival.

I thought this novel was written very well, and shows a point of view that is so often overlooked. As the author mentions, so many did what they had to do to survive, and I felt that she did a great job painting their side of the story.

This is the first novel that I’ve read by this author, and I look forward to reading many more.

[Vic G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just couldn’t put this book down, it was gripping and I just wanted to know what happened and if they were all safe.

[Tori Kline · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

[Clarissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story that will captivate you from the first chapter and will bring tears to your eyes.

Ava and Hanna.. where do I start?
Ava is a secretary to Joseph Goebbels and a proud supporter of the Nazi regime. Her sister, however, risks her life as a nurse by saving countless lives for the resistance.

Ava is met at a crossroads when she discovers that her family has been working for the resistance and housing a Jewish family in their country home attic.

Should she denounce the very thing that's been ingrained in her and her loyalty to her country, or should she denounce her family, thereby marking them as traitors to the regime.

She later finds out Eliana's story and is drawn into the tumultuous world of secrets and lies to keep herself and everyone she holds dear, safe.

This book was captivating, thought-provoking, and hopeful. The characters were beautifully developed, and I grew to love all of them. David, Ethan, Ava, Hanna, and even Noah. They were strong and added so much depth to the story. I also loved that there were factual events woven into this story, and that made it all the more real.
The ending will make you wish for more and definitely leave you heartbroken. This is a story about hope and resilience, even in the most bleak time.

Rating: 4.5 heartbreaking stars

I received a copy of this book via Netgalley.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[em · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Lane book that had me on the verge of tears! I love all of Lane’s books, and this one is no exception. Her writing had me hooked from the very first chapter. She has a way of writing characters and humanising them, even if their actions aren’t always agreeable. I adored reading about the sister relationship between Hanna and Ava, and the found sisterhood in Eliana.

As with all of Lane’s books, I was shocked by the sacrifices and emotional struggles the characters faced. While I’m no stranger to WWII novels, Lane’s have a special place in my heart. She writes in a way that’s so accessible and poignant. I was desperately waiting for a new book from her, and this didn’t disappoint! She could write 50 more books and it still wouldn’t be enough for me. The Berlin Sisters is another automatic 5 stars, full of hope and bravery and light.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #TheBerlinSisters #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart wrenching page turner. The character development leaves me in awe as well as the switching POV's. This was my first historical fiction that I've read on WW2 and it did not disappoint. The true stories woven into the pages and the raw emotions that were being felt throughout Germany are powerful. Finishing the book, my heart ached.

I'm left feeling grateful for this book but also a deep heaviness from realizing this work could easily be nonfiction opposed to fiction.

Most definitely will recommend.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars adjusted to 4 Goodreads stars. Soraya M. Lane has become a favorite author when I'm wanting historical fiction. I think this is probably my fifth book by her and I still have many of hers on my TBR list that I hope to read in the near future. I do wish that she would write in other historical periods. Since she lives in New Zealand, I'd love to read about some of New Zealand's history of which I know none and even Australia; I know very little of the land Down Under

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful

Another. Beautiful, heart wrenching story of love, loss and bravery. A story we must never forget for fear of history repeating itself. Thank you Soraya.

[giselle · Rating 5 out of 5]

soraya m lane i will read any and all books you write omg

[Brenna Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful story about a family’s courage when faced with impossible choices under Nazi rule. I was completely invested in the sisters, Ava and Hanna, their different beliefs and values at the start of the story, and how they ultimately came together for a greater cause. It really made me think how brave I would be during such a dark time.

[Carey Mundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Lane WWIi fiction novels, and this one was no exception. Ava and her sister Hannah are German to the core, and the daughters of an esteemed Nazi, but as the war toils on, their lives change. Both end up working for the resistance, along with their father, and take actions to
Save the people they care about. It’s a riveting story I finished in 24 hours!

[Mrs P E Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book, you really feel that you are part of the story, l found it very difficult to put down, you have done it again Soraya

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming

Such a wonderful, tragic, sad but beautiful story of that time in our world. thank you for writing this book

[Lisa Snider · Rating 4 out of 5]

High ranking SS Father and his family hid their Jewish neighbors & work in the resistance. The daughter Ava was the primary character and was initially committed to the regime then her eyes were opened and she took huge risks to pass info.

[Ariane Baet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been loving my historical fiction lately!! Soraya never fails!!