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The Austrian Bride
Austria, 1938
After years of hardship, Ella is full of hope for a better future for Austrians, and when Hitler marches into Linz, she can’t help but become swept up in the euphoria of her boyfriend, Max.
But she soon realises her mistake. When she witnesses a woman being shot in the street and a childhood friend’s Jewish department store is closed down, she knows she must do something.
It’s a dangerous time to be a resistor, especially when her fascist boyfriend proposes to her. Knowing the secrets she can uncover, Ella enlists in a Reich Bride School, finding herself propelled into the social elite of the Nazi circle.
Ella knows she has a duty – to her family, her friends, and her country – so while Europe teeters on the brink of WW2, a desperate race begins to save the people she loves. But betraying the Nazis could be her death sentence…
A powerful and unforgettable story of the strength of women and the unwavering courage of those who seek a better world. Fans of Suzanne Goldring, Mandy Robotham and Debbie Rix will devour this heartbreaking tale.
After years of hardship, Ella is full of hope for a better future for Austrians, and when Hitler marches into Linz, she can’t help but become swept up in the euphoria of her boyfriend, Max.
But she soon realises her mistake. When she witnesses a woman being shot in the street and a childhood friend’s Jewish department store is closed down, she knows she must do something.
It’s a dangerous time to be a resistor, especially when her fascist boyfriend proposes to her. Knowing the secrets she can uncover, Ella enlists in a Reich Bride School, finding herself propelled into the social elite of the Nazi circle.
Ella knows she has a duty – to her family, her friends, and her country – so while Europe teeters on the brink of WW2, a desperate race begins to save the people she loves. But betraying the Nazis could be her death sentence…
A powerful and unforgettable story of the strength of women and the unwavering courage of those who seek a better world. Fans of Suzanne Goldring, Mandy Robotham and Debbie Rix will devour this heartbreaking tale.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 15, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
January 15, 2024
✿.｡.:* ☆:**:. Kinder, Kirche, und Küche .:**:.☆*.:｡.✿
This touching, tightly woven story from an always impressive author centers around the three Ks of women’s work under the Third Reich - Children, Church, and Kitchen.
Trust me, Parusel knows what she’s doing by stirring up big feels! By tapping into our emotions, even disgust and disdain such as the restraints above, the author ensures that she’s engaged her readers.
Set in March 1938 in Linz just as Austria is annexed for the Third Reich, this powerful story follows a mother and daughter as they fight against the increasing number of rules being imposed upon women.
Twenty-one-year-old Ella Mayer is head over heels in love with her handsome boyfriend, Maximilian Giesler. Shocked that he proposes so soon after they start dating, Ella is at first starry-eyed and oblivious to him re-aligning his ideals to fit with the other new Nazi party members. When she’s offered a coveted spot in Linz’s first Reich Bride School she realizes she’s got an important choice to make - save the people she loves by betraying the Nazis or live with the consequences that come with security within the Party.
Rooted in history and with an amazing sense of place, Parusel’s stunning sophomore book rivals her debut. She’s crafted one beautifully rendered scene after another, showcasing the tensions that derive from making the right choice, from letting go and allowing children to make their own way in life, from allowing our past choices to influence our present and future paths, from fear of repercussions in voting, in whom we befriend, and who we choose to keep and let go.
Parusel brings something new to the table for all us historical fiction lovers:
✔️Ostmark and the struggle for a new identity
✔️Aranization and the divisions among friends/neighbours/family
✔️Mutterkreuz and the opposing reactions to it
✔️Anschluss and the struggle to vote
✔️Albert Goring, Hermann’s anti-Nazi brother
✔️inclusion of a young Adolf Hitler
✔️Bridal boot camps
The inclusion of a middle-aged couple and their struggles, both marital, parental and healthwise, are a lovely addition to an often overlooked demographic.
This will be among the top of my favourite historical fiction reads for the year!
I was gifted this copy by Boldwood Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review
This touching, tightly woven story from an always impressive author centers around the three Ks of women’s work under the Third Reich - Children, Church, and Kitchen.
Trust me, Parusel knows what she’s doing by stirring up big feels! By tapping into our emotions, even disgust and disdain such as the restraints above, the author ensures that she’s engaged her readers.
Set in March 1938 in Linz just as Austria is annexed for the Third Reich, this powerful story follows a mother and daughter as they fight against the increasing number of rules being imposed upon women.
Twenty-one-year-old Ella Mayer is head over heels in love with her handsome boyfriend, Maximilian Giesler. Shocked that he proposes so soon after they start dating, Ella is at first starry-eyed and oblivious to him re-aligning his ideals to fit with the other new Nazi party members. When she’s offered a coveted spot in Linz’s first Reich Bride School she realizes she’s got an important choice to make - save the people she loves by betraying the Nazis or live with the consequences that come with security within the Party.
Rooted in history and with an amazing sense of place, Parusel’s stunning sophomore book rivals her debut. She’s crafted one beautifully rendered scene after another, showcasing the tensions that derive from making the right choice, from letting go and allowing children to make their own way in life, from allowing our past choices to influence our present and future paths, from fear of repercussions in voting, in whom we befriend, and who we choose to keep and let go.
Parusel brings something new to the table for all us historical fiction lovers:
✔️Ostmark and the struggle for a new identity
✔️Aranization and the divisions among friends/neighbours/family
✔️Mutterkreuz and the opposing reactions to it
✔️Anschluss and the struggle to vote
✔️Albert Goring, Hermann’s anti-Nazi brother
✔️inclusion of a young Adolf Hitler
✔️Bridal boot camps
The inclusion of a middle-aged couple and their struggles, both marital, parental and healthwise, are a lovely addition to an often overlooked demographic.
This will be among the top of my favourite historical fiction reads for the year!
I was gifted this copy by Boldwood Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review
January 20, 2024
Austria, 1938. After years of unemployment, food shortages, the prospect of change has everyone in Linz feeling hopeful, the Austrian chancellor resigned and Adolf Hitler is visiting and two weeks before Austrians vote in the Anschluss to decide if they want to become part of Germany. The crowds of people are going crazy, Ella can’t help but become swept up in the excitement and she's accompanied by her handsome boyfriend, Maximilian.
Ella’s parents Franz and Marlene aren’t so sure, they witness the spectacle, and no one will speak out due to fear of reprisals and who knows what the average Austrian thought behind closed doors. Things in Linz start to change immediately for Jewish people, being targeted and humiliated in public. Ella and Marlene have always shopped at the Pisinger's department store, now their shop has been taken over and house because of their religion.
Ella enlists in Austria’s first Reich Bride School, for young ladies who are engaged to German officers or Nazi sympathizers, they learn what their duties will be, look after their husband and he's the head of the household, make sure it’s spotless and have large families. Ella uses this as a chance to mix with the German elite, and pass on any information she overhears or finds.
Max changes and he's no longer the polite man she met, he becomes anti-Jewish, harsh and at times Ella is scared of him, her family doesn't discuss politics with him and she's considering breaking off their engagement. With Europe on the brink of another world war, she worries what would happen to her parents, brother Freddie who’s studying in Vienna and the man she secretly loves.
I received a digital copy of The Austrian Bride by Helen Parusel from Boldwood Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Inspired by Adolf Hitler’s ties to Austria and he was from Braunau am Inn, the Annexation and the authors mother being born in Linz during the Second World War.
An interesting story about women, having the courage to stand up for what they think is right and especially when Ella's childhood friend Hedy is classed as Jewish, both Ella and her mother Marlene are secretly involved in the resistance, it’s extremely dangerous, and at a time when you couldn’t trust anyone.
Four stars from me, I liked Ella's character, the descriptions of Linz, the Danube River, what the two women did to help people who were being persecuted and a perfect read for historical fiction fans of Suzanne Kelman, Ellie Midwood and Amanda Lees.
Ella’s parents Franz and Marlene aren’t so sure, they witness the spectacle, and no one will speak out due to fear of reprisals and who knows what the average Austrian thought behind closed doors. Things in Linz start to change immediately for Jewish people, being targeted and humiliated in public. Ella and Marlene have always shopped at the Pisinger's department store, now their shop has been taken over and house because of their religion.
Ella enlists in Austria’s first Reich Bride School, for young ladies who are engaged to German officers or Nazi sympathizers, they learn what their duties will be, look after their husband and he's the head of the household, make sure it’s spotless and have large families. Ella uses this as a chance to mix with the German elite, and pass on any information she overhears or finds.
Max changes and he's no longer the polite man she met, he becomes anti-Jewish, harsh and at times Ella is scared of him, her family doesn't discuss politics with him and she's considering breaking off their engagement. With Europe on the brink of another world war, she worries what would happen to her parents, brother Freddie who’s studying in Vienna and the man she secretly loves.
I received a digital copy of The Austrian Bride by Helen Parusel from Boldwood Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Inspired by Adolf Hitler’s ties to Austria and he was from Braunau am Inn, the Annexation and the authors mother being born in Linz during the Second World War.
An interesting story about women, having the courage to stand up for what they think is right and especially when Ella's childhood friend Hedy is classed as Jewish, both Ella and her mother Marlene are secretly involved in the resistance, it’s extremely dangerous, and at a time when you couldn’t trust anyone.
Four stars from me, I liked Ella's character, the descriptions of Linz, the Danube River, what the two women did to help people who were being persecuted and a perfect read for historical fiction fans of Suzanne Kelman, Ellie Midwood and Amanda Lees.
December 28, 2023
Part history lesson, part romance, part a cautionary tale.
Although beautifully written, this was a hard read at times. Not because of the words but of the horror they conjured up. The horror of seeing people beaten in the street. Bullies, including a romantic partner, randomly taunting and abusing innocent Jewish citizens in the streets, even using them to rest their muddy boots on. Seeing Jewish families being terrorized in their homes and businesses. Then, being forced out of those homes and businesses, even being arrested and taken away. Where? It's vague to them. The characters don't know the full horror of it yet but, you, the reader do. Linz, Austria, went from being hopeful to being frightened and distrusting of friends and neighbors as atrocity followed atrocity.
Again, we readers know the reality behind the bewildering events they are enduring and want to yell, "Run! Get out while you still can!" We know the reality of that warning, even in the earliest days, being futile, of course. Ella, the story's focus, doesn't. She starts out just turning 21, a rather naive and innocent young girl caught up in the romance of being picked by handsome Max as his girlfriend. Yes, there's a bit of pride in that, too. All too soon, however, she confronts reality. She's unnerved by Nazi officers overseeing the annexation vote early on, for instance. Then Max wants her to attend a Bride School for potential Nazi wives. It's more boot camp than bridal, with an emphasis of having lots of children and being subservient to your husband. Just to complicate things, Ella realizes she has feelings for an old friend, an old friend who just happens to be Jewish. How can she help him and others while remaining safe herself? That is the focus of the story, really, the resistance, in this case from inside.
I won't detail the plot further as I don't want to dilute the impact of Ella's story. You'll like and sympathize with her, a person who manages to find good in even her more strident fellow "brides" while risking it all to help those being persecuted. You'll definitely like her mother, too, and older readers will sympathize not only with her situation but her female changes, let's call them, too. She has a horrible secret, too, one that haunts her throughout the story. There are other fascinating characters, one who will feel real to you and, hey, you should look up Albert Goring, Hermann Goring's brother.
Bottom line, you'll immediately realize how relevant this story is to events happening today. The air of potential danger that hovers in the air is likely to give you chills at times. You'll being with the euphoria of Ella and her fellow Austrians as Hitler visits Linz and follow her heart-wrenching story through to the end. She learns a great deal about others and, more importantly, herself. What is important to her. You'll fret over her safety throughout, wanting to comfort her as she meets disappointment after disappointment. You'll also wonder if such a thing as Bride Schools existed. Yes. So did the Kindertransport, complete with reassurances to the children that Ella knew by then were unlikely to be true.
In other words, a heart-breaking but, oh, so wonderfully powerful and important read. While I cringed at the brutality, the hate, the sheer arrogance, and violence, I felt hope as Ella grew as a person and did what she could to make a difference. Thank you more than you know #BoldwoodBooks and #NetGalley for making this available to me early. It needs to be widely read. We must never forget, especially when we see the same patterns emerging again.
Although beautifully written, this was a hard read at times. Not because of the words but of the horror they conjured up. The horror of seeing people beaten in the street. Bullies, including a romantic partner, randomly taunting and abusing innocent Jewish citizens in the streets, even using them to rest their muddy boots on. Seeing Jewish families being terrorized in their homes and businesses. Then, being forced out of those homes and businesses, even being arrested and taken away. Where? It's vague to them. The characters don't know the full horror of it yet but, you, the reader do. Linz, Austria, went from being hopeful to being frightened and distrusting of friends and neighbors as atrocity followed atrocity.
Again, we readers know the reality behind the bewildering events they are enduring and want to yell, "Run! Get out while you still can!" We know the reality of that warning, even in the earliest days, being futile, of course. Ella, the story's focus, doesn't. She starts out just turning 21, a rather naive and innocent young girl caught up in the romance of being picked by handsome Max as his girlfriend. Yes, there's a bit of pride in that, too. All too soon, however, she confronts reality. She's unnerved by Nazi officers overseeing the annexation vote early on, for instance. Then Max wants her to attend a Bride School for potential Nazi wives. It's more boot camp than bridal, with an emphasis of having lots of children and being subservient to your husband. Just to complicate things, Ella realizes she has feelings for an old friend, an old friend who just happens to be Jewish. How can she help him and others while remaining safe herself? That is the focus of the story, really, the resistance, in this case from inside.
I won't detail the plot further as I don't want to dilute the impact of Ella's story. You'll like and sympathize with her, a person who manages to find good in even her more strident fellow "brides" while risking it all to help those being persecuted. You'll definitely like her mother, too, and older readers will sympathize not only with her situation but her female changes, let's call them, too. She has a horrible secret, too, one that haunts her throughout the story. There are other fascinating characters, one who will feel real to you and, hey, you should look up Albert Goring, Hermann Goring's brother.
Bottom line, you'll immediately realize how relevant this story is to events happening today. The air of potential danger that hovers in the air is likely to give you chills at times. You'll being with the euphoria of Ella and her fellow Austrians as Hitler visits Linz and follow her heart-wrenching story through to the end. She learns a great deal about others and, more importantly, herself. What is important to her. You'll fret over her safety throughout, wanting to comfort her as she meets disappointment after disappointment. You'll also wonder if such a thing as Bride Schools existed. Yes. So did the Kindertransport, complete with reassurances to the children that Ella knew by then were unlikely to be true.
In other words, a heart-breaking but, oh, so wonderfully powerful and important read. While I cringed at the brutality, the hate, the sheer arrogance, and violence, I felt hope as Ella grew as a person and did what she could to make a difference. Thank you more than you know #BoldwoodBooks and #NetGalley for making this available to me early. It needs to be widely read. We must never forget, especially when we see the same patterns emerging again.
December 6, 2023
Having read and loved Helen Parusel's debut book, A Mother's War, I was excited to read this newest one. Could she write another winning novel? Absolutely! Be prepared to be absorbed into the Nazi regime immediately because this story begins with the Anschluss in 1938, followed by the rapid Aryanization of Austria. Set in Linz, the story is told through two voices, mother and daughter, Marlene and Ella Mayer. Marlene, at 49, is skeptical of Hitler's promises from the start whereas Ella, just 21, has youthful optimism for a brighter future with her Nazi-supporting boyfriend. Both are quickly horrified at the changes brought by the SS and the devastation of friends' and neighbors' lives.
The author builds the tension moderately at first, but soon I felt like I was on a runaway rollercoaster. Within the carefully constructed plot, our characters interact with a Hitler Bride School, both Hermann and Albert Goring, and even briefly with Hitler. As you would expect, there is considerable violence in this tale, as there would have to be with this subject. One of the most heartbreaking scenes for me was when Ella had to place a friend's little sister on a Kindertransport to England. I can't imagine the pain of making empty promises to a child about being reunited with her family. I found that I couldn't turn the pages fast enough in the last half of this book, even when I was terrified as to what might happen next. This newest book is a must-read for all who enjoy WW II historical fiction. I loved it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the digital ARC. All opinions and the review are my own.
The author builds the tension moderately at first, but soon I felt like I was on a runaway rollercoaster. Within the carefully constructed plot, our characters interact with a Hitler Bride School, both Hermann and Albert Goring, and even briefly with Hitler. As you would expect, there is considerable violence in this tale, as there would have to be with this subject. One of the most heartbreaking scenes for me was when Ella had to place a friend's little sister on a Kindertransport to England. I can't imagine the pain of making empty promises to a child about being reunited with her family. I found that I couldn't turn the pages fast enough in the last half of this book, even when I was terrified as to what might happen next. This newest book is a must-read for all who enjoy WW II historical fiction. I loved it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the digital ARC. All opinions and the review are my own.
January 21, 2024
Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for hosting this book's tour this week and for the FREE EBook to promote and review for Helen.
This was my first time reading a Historical Fiction by Helen so i didnt know what to expect but i have to say i really enjoyed this one despite it being heartwretching to read at times.
The Characters were interesting to read about. Ella since she was determined to help her fellow friends, family and Country of Austria to start rebuilding after Hitler visits and attacks Austria in 1939.
The Setting was beautifully described of 1939 Austria during WW2 even tho some of the violence in it was hard to read about but it really made the story that much more entertaining.
I do wish this book was part of a series cause i'd love to see how Ella's story would of continued.
Overall a Phenomenally Informative Historical Fiction about Austria in 1939. Can't wait to read more by Helen in the future!!
Review:
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for hosting this book's tour this week and for the FREE EBook to promote and review for Helen.
This was my first time reading a Historical Fiction by Helen so i didnt know what to expect but i have to say i really enjoyed this one despite it being heartwretching to read at times.
The Characters were interesting to read about. Ella since she was determined to help her fellow friends, family and Country of Austria to start rebuilding after Hitler visits and attacks Austria in 1939.
The Setting was beautifully described of 1939 Austria during WW2 even tho some of the violence in it was hard to read about but it really made the story that much more entertaining.
I do wish this book was part of a series cause i'd love to see how Ella's story would of continued.
Overall a Phenomenally Informative Historical Fiction about Austria in 1939. Can't wait to read more by Helen in the future!!
January 17, 2024
As much as I love WWII fiction, I do need a bit of a hook to pick up a book from a new to me author. Yes, I have the authors I already know and love so I will pick their books up without too much thought, but there has to be a reason to pick up a new author. So what was it that persuaded me to give this book a chance. Firstly, I have read books set in Germany, France, Italy and the UK, but I don't think I have read much set in Austria. And technically, this probably isn't truly a WWII story given that it starts with the events of the annexation of Austria in 1938.
This was such an interesting read, touching on many aspects of pre-war life. Ella Mayer is a young woman who lives in Linz in Austria, a town that the Fuhrer has a connection to. Austria has struggled economically for years, so the arrival of German rule brings with it promises of jobs and prosperity. We follow Ella and her family as they begin to realise that the reality is very different from the promises.
"Everything was the same as every summer, and yet nothing was the same. It was the perfect June day that was anything but perfect."
To read more head to
http://www.theintrepidreader.com/2024...
This was such an interesting read, touching on many aspects of pre-war life. Ella Mayer is a young woman who lives in Linz in Austria, a town that the Fuhrer has a connection to. Austria has struggled economically for years, so the arrival of German rule brings with it promises of jobs and prosperity. We follow Ella and her family as they begin to realise that the reality is very different from the promises.
"Everything was the same as every summer, and yet nothing was the same. It was the perfect June day that was anything but perfect."
To read more head to
http://www.theintrepidreader.com/2024...
August 3, 2025
Great read
January 15, 2024
The Austrian Bride is the latest novel from historical fiction author Helen Parusel. After reading – and loving – her debut novel A Mother’s War last year, I was eagerly anticipating the release of The Austrian Bride and it only exceeded my expectations.
Helen Parusel has a truly captivating writing style which immerses you into the story and makes it impossible to put the book down. She writes tension incredibly well and leaves readers on the edge of their seats. The book captured my emotions so intensely that I was audibly gasping, shouting and even sobbing along with the story.
The story is told through a perfectly-paced dual POV narrative, alternating between the perspectives of Ella and her mother Marlene. The two arcs interplayed with each other really nicely and allowed us to explore both their individual stories, particularly with how they were each supporting resistance efforts, and also their mother/daughter relationship. I’ve not seen a dual POV featuring a mother and daughter used within historical fiction in this way before and it provided a unique and incredibly powerful aspect to the story.
As you can expect from Helen Parusel, the story was impeccably researched and covered important topics such as the Anschluss, Kindertransport, Reich Bride Schools and the gradual build up to war in brilliant depth. The Austrian setting came alive on the page.
Ella was a fantastically written character who made a wonderful protagonist. It was wonderful to see her gradually grow disillusioned with Nazi ideology as the story progressed, eventually working to use her insider knowledge to help those being persecuted. Marlene was also a brilliant and beautifully complex character with incredible strength and courage. The Austrian Bride also has a nice romantic aspect and I loved the blossoming relationship between Ella and Jayden. They had some really sweet scenes and I was rooting for them from the beginning.
Our two primary antagonists in Max and Heinrich Steiner were both brilliantly written. Steiner made my skin crawl whenever he appeared, he was a truly vile character but this is credit to how well Helen Parusel can write antagonists. Max was also an excellent antagonist and there is a great twist to his character which suddenly explains a lot of his behaviour throughout the book.
Overall, The Austrian Bride is an incredible book which has truly set the standard high for all historical fiction which has to follow it in 2024. Helen Parusel has very quickly become one of my favourite writers within the genre and she really is one to watch. I will be recommending The Austrian Bride to anyone who will listen, but especially to fans of Second World War historical fiction as this is a must-read story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I have posted an extended review on my blog www.yourschloe.co.uk
*I received a copy of this book in eBook format via NetGalley in return for this review. All reviews published are completely honest and my own, and are in now way influenced by the gifting opportunity.
Helen Parusel has a truly captivating writing style which immerses you into the story and makes it impossible to put the book down. She writes tension incredibly well and leaves readers on the edge of their seats. The book captured my emotions so intensely that I was audibly gasping, shouting and even sobbing along with the story.
The story is told through a perfectly-paced dual POV narrative, alternating between the perspectives of Ella and her mother Marlene. The two arcs interplayed with each other really nicely and allowed us to explore both their individual stories, particularly with how they were each supporting resistance efforts, and also their mother/daughter relationship. I’ve not seen a dual POV featuring a mother and daughter used within historical fiction in this way before and it provided a unique and incredibly powerful aspect to the story.
As you can expect from Helen Parusel, the story was impeccably researched and covered important topics such as the Anschluss, Kindertransport, Reich Bride Schools and the gradual build up to war in brilliant depth. The Austrian setting came alive on the page.
Ella was a fantastically written character who made a wonderful protagonist. It was wonderful to see her gradually grow disillusioned with Nazi ideology as the story progressed, eventually working to use her insider knowledge to help those being persecuted. Marlene was also a brilliant and beautifully complex character with incredible strength and courage. The Austrian Bride also has a nice romantic aspect and I loved the blossoming relationship between Ella and Jayden. They had some really sweet scenes and I was rooting for them from the beginning.
Our two primary antagonists in Max and Heinrich Steiner were both brilliantly written. Steiner made my skin crawl whenever he appeared, he was a truly vile character but this is credit to how well Helen Parusel can write antagonists. Max was also an excellent antagonist and there is a great twist to his character which suddenly explains a lot of his behaviour throughout the book.
Overall, The Austrian Bride is an incredible book which has truly set the standard high for all historical fiction which has to follow it in 2024. Helen Parusel has very quickly become one of my favourite writers within the genre and she really is one to watch. I will be recommending The Austrian Bride to anyone who will listen, but especially to fans of Second World War historical fiction as this is a must-read story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I have posted an extended review on my blog www.yourschloe.co.uk
*I received a copy of this book in eBook format via NetGalley in return for this review. All reviews published are completely honest and my own, and are in now way influenced by the gifting opportunity.
April 20, 2024
This was a well written book, balancing somewhere between being true to the horrors of that time, and yet not so dark that you lose hope. I feel like a lot of WWII fiction, especially with an element of romance, can be a bit vapid, written for readers who want to read something‘meaningful’ but don’t want the heaviness that goes along with it. Of course, that is just my opinion, but I felt this book was a step up from vapid.
There were enough factual (side) characters that made it feel more realistic, and any one of the fictional characters could have had a real counterpart. The resistance did exist, and common, regular people did help to the extent of their abilities. This wasn’t zoned in on the resistance as the main plot, I felt, but wove between the two main female characters as they lived their lives. It had a natural feel.
I admit I was confused when the pov became Marlene, as I hadn’t realized it was a dual pov book. And having some of her flashbacks were a little confusing as well. But that is probably just a me thing.
After the slight disappointment of The School For German Brides, I was glad this book gave the Reichsbräuteschule a little more depth, and I could get more of a feel for the setting, even if the school for this book was fictional.
Also, for some reason, I didn’t know Jayden was a Hebrew name, and so for most of the book, I found it a little odd and possibly too modern. Sometimes Google can be your friend.
I would recommend this to anyone interested in this subject matter, and anyone who likes a bit of romance added to their historical fiction. The romance didn’t feel too cheesy, although the climax at the end was a bit cheesy; I won’t spoil anything, but villains can be quite the attention whores and always love their chance to talk.
There were enough factual (side) characters that made it feel more realistic, and any one of the fictional characters could have had a real counterpart. The resistance did exist, and common, regular people did help to the extent of their abilities. This wasn’t zoned in on the resistance as the main plot, I felt, but wove between the two main female characters as they lived their lives. It had a natural feel.
I admit I was confused when the pov became Marlene, as I hadn’t realized it was a dual pov book. And having some of her flashbacks were a little confusing as well. But that is probably just a me thing.
After the slight disappointment of The School For German Brides, I was glad this book gave the Reichsbräuteschule a little more depth, and I could get more of a feel for the setting, even if the school for this book was fictional.
Also, for some reason, I didn’t know Jayden was a Hebrew name, and so for most of the book, I found it a little odd and possibly too modern. Sometimes Google can be your friend.
I would recommend this to anyone interested in this subject matter, and anyone who likes a bit of romance added to their historical fiction. The romance didn’t feel too cheesy, although the climax at the end was a bit cheesy; I won’t spoil anything, but villains can be quite the attention whores and always love their chance to talk.
January 17, 2024
When I was offered a copy of The Austrian Wife on a blog tour I jumped at the opportunity to take part. I am so glad that I did as I enjoyed this book every bit as much as the previous one.
If you would like to read my full review please visit my blog at:
https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogsp...
If you would like to read my full review please visit my blog at:
https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogsp...
July 17, 2024
This was a beautifully chilling novel, interspersed with moments of happiness. It does a good job of portraying what the couple years, months, and days leading up to WWII were like in Austria, particularly in a place where Hitler had close ties before becoming the awful thing he later went on to be. With mystery, hope, struggle, and the crushing weight of the Nazi regime, the author does a great job of putting us in the midst of Linz at such an important - albeit terrible - moment in time.
December 11, 2023
Such a strong story
July 4, 2024
This was a perspective I had never considered at the onset of WWII, and I thought she did a good job of presenting it.
January 25, 2025
The first I’ve read by Helen Parusel and certainly not the last.
Each Holocaust story I read is always completely individual and just as horrifying and heart breaking as the last and next.
Ellen and her mum are so alike in their strength and drive to eliminate the horrors of the SS and the atrocities that face them.
My heart broke and filled with joy all at the same time, from the first page to the last.
Each character was meticulously researched and the storyline proved this. No stone was left unturned for me. I can’t wait to read the next from Helen.
Each Holocaust story I read is always completely individual and just as horrifying and heart breaking as the last and next.
Ellen and her mum are so alike in their strength and drive to eliminate the horrors of the SS and the atrocities that face them.
My heart broke and filled with joy all at the same time, from the first page to the last.
Each character was meticulously researched and the storyline proved this. No stone was left unturned for me. I can’t wait to read the next from Helen.
May 1, 2024
The Austrian Bride, by British author Helen Parusel, was a joy to read. Set in Austria in the pre-WW2 and WW2 period, it tells the story of the brave mother-daughter duo forced to make difficult decisions.
The chapters are from a duo point of view – one chapter with the daughter Ella and the next concerning the mother, Marlene. The author nails Marlene’s menopausal character to a “t”, but that doesn’t stop this brave mother from intervening when the Nazis begin to torment her Jewish neighbours.
Ella, being young, is the real focus of the book, although I was drawn more to Marlene’s story.
SPOILER ALERT
At the start of the book, Ella and her family must decide whether or not they are going to vote for the Anschluss – to unite Austria and Germany until the leadership of Adolf Hitler and the Nazis. Both women vote in favour of the annexation. Everything is going well in Ella’s life, she has the boyfriend of her dreams in handsome Max – the stereotypical blond, blue eyed Nazi. As the book progresses, Ella sees how Max is morphing into something far more dark, as he is swallowed up by the belief in the Master Race. Ella begins to see the evil, and the veil is dropped from her eyes. Her feelings turn to the handsome son of a shop keeper, Jayden, who happens to be Jewish. To keep Jayden safe, she keeps up the façade of being a loving fiancée to Max, and even attends a Nazi Bride School – which I didn’t know existed – so she can snoop on what’s going on and inform her Jewish friends.
Marlene, the mother, keeps a secret from her daughter – that she too is part of the resistance. Marlene is a very strong woman who protects her daughter and actually saves her life in the novel. Taken in for questioning, Marlene does not break even after being beaten. Upon release, she finds out her husband was killed by the Nazis.
The history is well researched, and includes references to Hermann Goering’s brother Albert who was rebelled against the Nazi system and helped the Jews, and even a flashback to a younger Marlene with an appearance of the youthful Adolf Hitler.
The author’s family lived in Linz, and she used her knowledge of the city to make it come to life. Her descriptions are strong, and the characters are well presented.
There are a few areas that could improve the novel, although I really liked it. There was the stereotype that all Nazis are the same. None of them has feelings at all – of course, Max had to become evil and hunt them down, that was almost laughable. Marlene’s flashback was very important and it was thrown in at the end almost like it was forgotten about. I would have liked for more hints to have been dropped, or for it to have been discussed earlier on.
None of this removes the fact that this book is excellent. I really enjoyed reading it and will keep Helen Parusel on my radar to read more of her books.
The chapters are from a duo point of view – one chapter with the daughter Ella and the next concerning the mother, Marlene. The author nails Marlene’s menopausal character to a “t”, but that doesn’t stop this brave mother from intervening when the Nazis begin to torment her Jewish neighbours.
Ella, being young, is the real focus of the book, although I was drawn more to Marlene’s story.
SPOILER ALERT
At the start of the book, Ella and her family must decide whether or not they are going to vote for the Anschluss – to unite Austria and Germany until the leadership of Adolf Hitler and the Nazis. Both women vote in favour of the annexation. Everything is going well in Ella’s life, she has the boyfriend of her dreams in handsome Max – the stereotypical blond, blue eyed Nazi. As the book progresses, Ella sees how Max is morphing into something far more dark, as he is swallowed up by the belief in the Master Race. Ella begins to see the evil, and the veil is dropped from her eyes. Her feelings turn to the handsome son of a shop keeper, Jayden, who happens to be Jewish. To keep Jayden safe, she keeps up the façade of being a loving fiancée to Max, and even attends a Nazi Bride School – which I didn’t know existed – so she can snoop on what’s going on and inform her Jewish friends.
Marlene, the mother, keeps a secret from her daughter – that she too is part of the resistance. Marlene is a very strong woman who protects her daughter and actually saves her life in the novel. Taken in for questioning, Marlene does not break even after being beaten. Upon release, she finds out her husband was killed by the Nazis.
The history is well researched, and includes references to Hermann Goering’s brother Albert who was rebelled against the Nazi system and helped the Jews, and even a flashback to a younger Marlene with an appearance of the youthful Adolf Hitler.
The author’s family lived in Linz, and she used her knowledge of the city to make it come to life. Her descriptions are strong, and the characters are well presented.
There are a few areas that could improve the novel, although I really liked it. There was the stereotype that all Nazis are the same. None of them has feelings at all – of course, Max had to become evil and hunt them down, that was almost laughable. Marlene’s flashback was very important and it was thrown in at the end almost like it was forgotten about. I would have liked for more hints to have been dropped, or for it to have been discussed earlier on.
None of this removes the fact that this book is excellent. I really enjoyed reading it and will keep Helen Parusel on my radar to read more of her books.
January 5, 2024
I highly recommend you grab some tissues. I cried gut wrenching tears. Have a stress ball on hand. I almost ruptured mine I was squeezing it so tightly. If someone is home give them some ear plugs. I yelled on more than one occasion.
The Austrian Bride begins before the start of WW2 in Linz, Austria. The Nazi party has taken over the country and life as they know it has disappeared. Soon the people find the Nazi flag everywhere. Being outspoken results in very unpleasant things. People are disappearing. The Jewish people have everything taken. Many lost their lives.
The story centers around Ella who has fallen for Max and they become engaged. Max is changing. He is a believer working his way up the ladder. She attends school for future Brides of the Reich. She doesn't like what she learns. She definitely isn't liking Max's actions.
She can't leave. She is collecting information to help save lives. She is risking everything to save her Austria. This story may be fiction but the truths are worth remembering. The issues are worth exploring.
There are many situations that broke my heart. The struggles. The Violence. The power plays. The treatment of those deemed unacceptable. I found myself really liking many of the characters. I became invested in their stories making the horrors they experienced even harder to accept. So many tissues were needed.
Many were risking their lives to save others. Many were working in secret to save their country. This was a stressful read. They risked so much. Consequences were horrendous. The treatment was gruesome. The usurpers took total control without concern of repercussions.
Some of the treatment of innocents and resistance members had me yelling very loudly. To be reminded in such detail of what happened will be not be forgotten. I can only hope that this story affects readers in some way. The Austrian Bride was a very emotional story. I got lost within the pages wanting to learn more.
The Austrian Bride begins before the start of WW2 in Linz, Austria. The Nazi party has taken over the country and life as they know it has disappeared. Soon the people find the Nazi flag everywhere. Being outspoken results in very unpleasant things. People are disappearing. The Jewish people have everything taken. Many lost their lives.
The story centers around Ella who has fallen for Max and they become engaged. Max is changing. He is a believer working his way up the ladder. She attends school for future Brides of the Reich. She doesn't like what she learns. She definitely isn't liking Max's actions.
She can't leave. She is collecting information to help save lives. She is risking everything to save her Austria. This story may be fiction but the truths are worth remembering. The issues are worth exploring.
There are many situations that broke my heart. The struggles. The Violence. The power plays. The treatment of those deemed unacceptable. I found myself really liking many of the characters. I became invested in their stories making the horrors they experienced even harder to accept. So many tissues were needed.
Many were risking their lives to save others. Many were working in secret to save their country. This was a stressful read. They risked so much. Consequences were horrendous. The treatment was gruesome. The usurpers took total control without concern of repercussions.
Some of the treatment of innocents and resistance members had me yelling very loudly. To be reminded in such detail of what happened will be not be forgotten. I can only hope that this story affects readers in some way. The Austrian Bride was a very emotional story. I got lost within the pages wanting to learn more.
January 13, 2024
Set just before the Second World War, we are taken to Austria as a vote is to be taken on whether Austria should join the greater German republic. History has already told us the outcome of that decision, but I knew nothing of the circumstances surrounding the choice. The descriptions of the escalating mob mentality and the venomous attitudes of the Austrian people caused me to repeatedly pause to regain my composure.
Ella holds the main focus in this book, although her mother, Marlene lends breathtaking support as she returns to her resistance ways and helps those in immediate danger.
As the Synopsis explains, Ella becomes enrolled in a Reich Bride School. This is something that I had never heard of, and I wish that I was still in the dark. The Fiancée’s of Nazi officers were trained in antisemitic propaganda and reading about it made my stomach churn. I found it particularly difficult to not draw comparisons with some of the inhumanity that we are witnessing in this day and age.
Despite the sombre themes in the book, I felt uplifted to be part of the movement to relieve the oppression of the Jews. The bravery of some of the Austrian people seemed to know no bounds when faced with the dangerous spectre of the rise of Nazi mentality.
The story accelerates toward a dangerous, terrifying climax for both mother and daughter, and I could feel my pulse racing as I hoped for some form of a happy ending.
The Austrian Bride tells an important story that I am glad I now know, as it has helped me to understand more about Austria’s involvement in WW2. Yes, I appreciate that the story is only partly factual, but I also know that it is inspired by a part of world history that needs to keep being shared.
An important novel that challenged me to bravely step out of my comfort zone. Everything about this book was perfectly executed. The story arc and the character development were excellent and left me believing that these people had existed and endured the unspeakable acts portrayed. Then I realised that whilst the people may not be real, their experiences were all based on terrifying facts. I genuinely recommend this book; it’s powerful, lamentable, and wholly important to help understand how people are so easily manipulated.
Ella holds the main focus in this book, although her mother, Marlene lends breathtaking support as she returns to her resistance ways and helps those in immediate danger.
As the Synopsis explains, Ella becomes enrolled in a Reich Bride School. This is something that I had never heard of, and I wish that I was still in the dark. The Fiancée’s of Nazi officers were trained in antisemitic propaganda and reading about it made my stomach churn. I found it particularly difficult to not draw comparisons with some of the inhumanity that we are witnessing in this day and age.
Despite the sombre themes in the book, I felt uplifted to be part of the movement to relieve the oppression of the Jews. The bravery of some of the Austrian people seemed to know no bounds when faced with the dangerous spectre of the rise of Nazi mentality.
The story accelerates toward a dangerous, terrifying climax for both mother and daughter, and I could feel my pulse racing as I hoped for some form of a happy ending.
The Austrian Bride tells an important story that I am glad I now know, as it has helped me to understand more about Austria’s involvement in WW2. Yes, I appreciate that the story is only partly factual, but I also know that it is inspired by a part of world history that needs to keep being shared.
An important novel that challenged me to bravely step out of my comfort zone. Everything about this book was perfectly executed. The story arc and the character development were excellent and left me believing that these people had existed and endured the unspeakable acts portrayed. Then I realised that whilst the people may not be real, their experiences were all based on terrifying facts. I genuinely recommend this book; it’s powerful, lamentable, and wholly important to help understand how people are so easily manipulated.
June 21, 2024
Book: The Austrian Bride
Author: Helen Parusel
Length: 392 Pages
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Blog Rating: 5/5 Saltire Flags
1938 Austria
This book centers around a mother and daughter Marlene 49 and her twenty-one year old daughter Ella. It is a couple weeks where everyone is very excited in Linz feeling excited before Adolph Hitler visits. Where everyone is excited, especially Ella’s new good looking boyfriend Max who sides with Nazi’s!
It isn’t until Ella sees a friend's department store that has been taken over and sees the first public shooting where a Jewish person is executed. All because they believe in a different religion.
Ella joins Austria's first Reich Bride School for young women who are going to marry Nazi military or Nazi sympathizers. Their duties will be to care for their husbands, make sure their homes are organized and absolutely immaculate and have enormous families. Ella uses this school to mix with the Nazi Nobles and to use any information she might discover.
It also shows how Ella now fears her boyfriend Max who now hates Jews and her family now never speaks of anything of any importance in front of him. Ella now wants to break up with this man and worries that war is coming soon! What will happen to her family and the man she loves but keeps it hidden from everyone?
This book meant a lot to me on a personal level having a Jewish grandmother in Austria who escaped to America in the Bronx, New York as a child. I hope my father shot a lot of Nazi’s in WW2. He was an American Captain in the United States Army trying to protect America and the Jews! This will never happen in the world ever again!
This book will break the reader's heart and is definitely an emotional read yet was brilliantly written. A book not to be missed I highly recommend.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from Boldwood Books and Netgalley for free that I voluntarily agreed to review and blog. All words, thoughts, and ideas are my own.
Author: Helen Parusel
Length: 392 Pages
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Blog Rating: 5/5 Saltire Flags
1938 Austria
This book centers around a mother and daughter Marlene 49 and her twenty-one year old daughter Ella. It is a couple weeks where everyone is very excited in Linz feeling excited before Adolph Hitler visits. Where everyone is excited, especially Ella’s new good looking boyfriend Max who sides with Nazi’s!
It isn’t until Ella sees a friend's department store that has been taken over and sees the first public shooting where a Jewish person is executed. All because they believe in a different religion.
Ella joins Austria's first Reich Bride School for young women who are going to marry Nazi military or Nazi sympathizers. Their duties will be to care for their husbands, make sure their homes are organized and absolutely immaculate and have enormous families. Ella uses this school to mix with the Nazi Nobles and to use any information she might discover.
It also shows how Ella now fears her boyfriend Max who now hates Jews and her family now never speaks of anything of any importance in front of him. Ella now wants to break up with this man and worries that war is coming soon! What will happen to her family and the man she loves but keeps it hidden from everyone?
This book meant a lot to me on a personal level having a Jewish grandmother in Austria who escaped to America in the Bronx, New York as a child. I hope my father shot a lot of Nazi’s in WW2. He was an American Captain in the United States Army trying to protect America and the Jews! This will never happen in the world ever again!
This book will break the reader's heart and is definitely an emotional read yet was brilliantly written. A book not to be missed I highly recommend.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from Boldwood Books and Netgalley for free that I voluntarily agreed to review and blog. All words, thoughts, and ideas are my own.
Read
July 7, 2025After years of hardship, Ella is full of hope for a better future for Austrians, and when Hitler marches into Linz, she can’t help but become swept up in the euphoria of her boyfriend, Max.
But she soon realises her mistake. When she witnesses a woman being shot in the street and a childhood friend’s Jewish department store is closed down, she knows she must do something.
It’s a dangerous time to be a resistor, especially when her fascist boyfriend proposes to her. Knowing the secrets she can uncover, Ella enlists in a Reich Bride School, finding herself propelled into the social elite of the Nazi circle.
Ella knows she has a duty – to her family, her friends, and her country – so while Europe teeters on the brink of WW2, a desperate race begins to save the people she loves. But betraying the Nazis could be her death sentence…
Fans of Suzanne Goldring, Mandy Robotham and Debbie Rix will devour this heartbreaking tale.
'Pacy, twisty and emotional... a beautiful page-turner ... I highly recommended it.' Amanda Geard, author of The Midnight House
‘This novel is a true page turner, as well as being a heart-wrenching, emotional story of one of the darkest chapters of history ...first class research and captivating story-telling!' Louise Fein, author of People Like Us
'I adored The Austrian Bride ... The story is poignant and compelling - and what an ending: wow! ... A brilliant story with a powerful message. I wholeheartedly recommend it.' Gill Thompson, author of The Child on Platform One
'...an amazing, edge of your seat, nail bitting, heart racing read.' netgalley reviewer
'Wow, what a powerful book ... absolutely heartbreaking but also beautiful at points.' netgalley reviewer
'The Austrian Bride is a heart warming story... of family, trust, love, loss, courage, friendship and above all bravery to do the right thing.' netgalley reviewer
'a heart-breaking but, oh, so wonderfully powerful and important read.' netgalley reviewer
But she soon realises her mistake. When she witnesses a woman being shot in the street and a childhood friend’s Jewish department store is closed down, she knows she must do something.
It’s a dangerous time to be a resistor, especially when her fascist boyfriend proposes to her. Knowing the secrets she can uncover, Ella enlists in a Reich Bride School, finding herself propelled into the social elite of the Nazi circle.
Ella knows she has a duty – to her family, her friends, and her country – so while Europe teeters on the brink of WW2, a desperate race begins to save the people she loves. But betraying the Nazis could be her death sentence…
Fans of Suzanne Goldring, Mandy Robotham and Debbie Rix will devour this heartbreaking tale.
'Pacy, twisty and emotional... a beautiful page-turner ... I highly recommended it.' Amanda Geard, author of The Midnight House
‘This novel is a true page turner, as well as being a heart-wrenching, emotional story of one of the darkest chapters of history ...first class research and captivating story-telling!' Louise Fein, author of People Like Us
'I adored The Austrian Bride ... The story is poignant and compelling - and what an ending: wow! ... A brilliant story with a powerful message. I wholeheartedly recommend it.' Gill Thompson, author of The Child on Platform One
'...an amazing, edge of your seat, nail bitting, heart racing read.' netgalley reviewer
'Wow, what a powerful book ... absolutely heartbreaking but also beautiful at points.' netgalley reviewer
'The Austrian Bride is a heart warming story... of family, trust, love, loss, courage, friendship and above all bravery to do the right thing.' netgalley reviewer
'a heart-breaking but, oh, so wonderfully powerful and important read.' netgalley reviewer
January 27, 2024
A powerful historical novel with a brave and resilient heroine readers will take to their hearts, The Austrian Bride is a compelling tale by Helen Parusel.
Austria 1938 and like most of her fellow countrymen, Ella has had her fair share of hardship, but there seem to be brighter days ahead. As Hitler marches into Linz, she finds herself swept up in all the glory and optimism – largely thanks to her boyfriend, Max. However, it soon transpires that there is a very sinister undercurrent to Hitler’s regime that immediately makes her apprehensive – and her alarm only increases when she witnesses a woman being shot in cold blood and a Jewish department store being closed down for no apparent reason.
Ella realises that she has to do something, but she needs to tread carefully. If she is caught helping out the Jewish population, the consequences simply do not bear thinking about and with Max proposing, Ella finds herself having to be even more vigilant because it’s not just her life that is at stake. Enlisting in a Reich Bride School, Ella is at the heart of the higher echelons of the Nazi circle. Yet, if she is to save her country and the people she loves, she will need to make the ultimate sacrifice – even if it means paying the harshest price of all.
Helen Parusel’s The Austrian Bride is a captivating historical novel that aims for the heart. A wonderfully vivid and highly atmospheric tale about courage, resilience and love, The Austrian Bride will blow readers away with its attention to detail, meticulous recreation of the past and nuanced characters that leap off the pages.
The Austrian Bride is a book that is hard to put down and even harder to forget and I look forward to more superb historical novels from Helen Parusel.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Austria 1938 and like most of her fellow countrymen, Ella has had her fair share of hardship, but there seem to be brighter days ahead. As Hitler marches into Linz, she finds herself swept up in all the glory and optimism – largely thanks to her boyfriend, Max. However, it soon transpires that there is a very sinister undercurrent to Hitler’s regime that immediately makes her apprehensive – and her alarm only increases when she witnesses a woman being shot in cold blood and a Jewish department store being closed down for no apparent reason.
Ella realises that she has to do something, but she needs to tread carefully. If she is caught helping out the Jewish population, the consequences simply do not bear thinking about and with Max proposing, Ella finds herself having to be even more vigilant because it’s not just her life that is at stake. Enlisting in a Reich Bride School, Ella is at the heart of the higher echelons of the Nazi circle. Yet, if she is to save her country and the people she loves, she will need to make the ultimate sacrifice – even if it means paying the harshest price of all.
Helen Parusel’s The Austrian Bride is a captivating historical novel that aims for the heart. A wonderfully vivid and highly atmospheric tale about courage, resilience and love, The Austrian Bride will blow readers away with its attention to detail, meticulous recreation of the past and nuanced characters that leap off the pages.
The Austrian Bride is a book that is hard to put down and even harder to forget and I look forward to more superb historical novels from Helen Parusel.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 10, 2023
The Austrian Bride by Helen Parusel is a marvellous historical novel that will educate you as you read. The main characters are fictitious but the events are true.
The novel is set in Linz, Austria in 1938 and up to the outbreak of World War II. It was a time of great change. People voted for the Anschluss with Germany but were ignorant as to what that really meant. They believed it would be jobs, peace and prosperity. The reality was a reign of terror. Many felt guilty about voting for unification with Nazi Germany.
A character also feels guilt from an event thirty years earlier. How different life would be for the whole world if she had just made different choices.
Persecution of the Jewish people began. We hear of Kristallnacht and see the cruelty and man’s inhumanity to man. “To defy the Nazis was to be prepared to die.” – not many were that brave, however when one character speaks up, others join their voice.
As Edmund Burke famously said “for evil to flourish, it just needs good men to do nothing.” Far too many blind eyes were turned. However, there were those souls who were brave, and stood up to help those in need.
We follow a forbidden love. It is a love that is beautiful to witness. In contrast there is the ugliness of the Nazi bride school where young women are taught how to be good Nazi wives.
Many are hiding secrets. Most are admirable because they are helping the persecuted. One is a hypocrite, pretending to be something he is not and involved in dreadful persecution along the way.
The Austrian Bride was a powerful read of love, secrets, lies and betrayal. I greedily devoured it.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The novel is set in Linz, Austria in 1938 and up to the outbreak of World War II. It was a time of great change. People voted for the Anschluss with Germany but were ignorant as to what that really meant. They believed it would be jobs, peace and prosperity. The reality was a reign of terror. Many felt guilty about voting for unification with Nazi Germany.
A character also feels guilt from an event thirty years earlier. How different life would be for the whole world if she had just made different choices.
Persecution of the Jewish people began. We hear of Kristallnacht and see the cruelty and man’s inhumanity to man. “To defy the Nazis was to be prepared to die.” – not many were that brave, however when one character speaks up, others join their voice.
As Edmund Burke famously said “for evil to flourish, it just needs good men to do nothing.” Far too many blind eyes were turned. However, there were those souls who were brave, and stood up to help those in need.
We follow a forbidden love. It is a love that is beautiful to witness. In contrast there is the ugliness of the Nazi bride school where young women are taught how to be good Nazi wives.
Many are hiding secrets. Most are admirable because they are helping the persecuted. One is a hypocrite, pretending to be something he is not and involved in dreadful persecution along the way.
The Austrian Bride was a powerful read of love, secrets, lies and betrayal. I greedily devoured it.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
January 16, 2024
In The Austrian Bride we meet Ella and her mother, Marlene. It starts just on the cusp of WWII. When Hitler parades into Austria promising a better future with more jobs and a higher quality of life, Ella and her boyfriend Max are excited. Once Austria votes to join Germany, things move in a direction that neither Ella or Marlene can predict. People are savagely treated if they disagree with Nazi ideology. As the Aryan way of life sets in, Ella joins the school for Brides of the Reich she realises that there is a sinister undercurrent in the Nazi party…
Although fictional, this story packs a powerful punch. Much like her first Book, Parusel really knows how to flesh out characters and make you root for them, her research is clearly top notch. This book is also very thought provoking. Whilst we all have the power of hindsight with the Nazi’s, it is understandable that the Austrian people rallied behind them to start with. Unemployment was high and the economy was dire. With a clear offer out of this, it would be hard not to support them.
When Max started to change and morph into a true Nazi boy, I was devastated for Ella. This isn’t an easy read, nor should it be given the topic, but the bravery of the few who stood up for the Austria that they loved and the lengths they went to protect others is astonishing. I also heartily applaud the touching upon the menopause with Marlene’s story – it’s not mentioned often enough and anything to normalise a natural progression for a woman is just fantastic. Parusel is now a go-to author for me. Whatever she writes, I will read it.
As with The Mother’s War, this book will stay with me for a long time. I highly recommend.
Although fictional, this story packs a powerful punch. Much like her first Book, Parusel really knows how to flesh out characters and make you root for them, her research is clearly top notch. This book is also very thought provoking. Whilst we all have the power of hindsight with the Nazi’s, it is understandable that the Austrian people rallied behind them to start with. Unemployment was high and the economy was dire. With a clear offer out of this, it would be hard not to support them.
When Max started to change and morph into a true Nazi boy, I was devastated for Ella. This isn’t an easy read, nor should it be given the topic, but the bravery of the few who stood up for the Austria that they loved and the lengths they went to protect others is astonishing. I also heartily applaud the touching upon the menopause with Marlene’s story – it’s not mentioned often enough and anything to normalise a natural progression for a woman is just fantastic. Parusel is now a go-to author for me. Whatever she writes, I will read it.
As with The Mother’s War, this book will stay with me for a long time. I highly recommend.
February 4, 2024
TRIGGER WARNING: Nazi racial ideology and brutality
1938, Linz, Austria. Ella is excited as her 21st birthday approaches. She is hoping to get engaged to Max and is happily thinking ahead. Germany and Austria unite under the Fuhrer, with promises of a bright future. But Ella discovers the reality is very different...
The Austrian Bride is an historical novel set in Austria in 1938.
Ella is hopeful for the future although she doesn't share her boyfriend Max's fervour for the Anschluss which joins their homeland with Germany under the might of the Nazis. The reality of the unification quickly becomes clear, and whilst Max becomes more zealous, Ella takes dangerous action to save Jewish lives.
Ella's mother Marlene is going through the menopause and struggling to adapt to the physical changes. She is secretly meeting a man who is not her husband, and has some connection to Max's father and HItler. These two strands are not tied up until the very end of the book, creating plenty of scope for contemplating the mystery.
The book is written from the third person perspectives of Ella and Marlene. Both women are bravely trying to undermine the horrors of the Nazi regime and put themselves in danger. There are sex scenes which are not necessary to the plot but do give us a refreshing look at first love and established love.
Due to the Nazi actions, there are episodes of violence including sexual violence which readers may find upsetting. The emotional elements to the characters are explored fully so I genuinely cared about them (particularly Marlene) and I felt fearful for their safety as the plot unfolded.
The Austrian Bride is a well researched historical novel.
1938, Linz, Austria. Ella is excited as her 21st birthday approaches. She is hoping to get engaged to Max and is happily thinking ahead. Germany and Austria unite under the Fuhrer, with promises of a bright future. But Ella discovers the reality is very different...
The Austrian Bride is an historical novel set in Austria in 1938.
Ella is hopeful for the future although she doesn't share her boyfriend Max's fervour for the Anschluss which joins their homeland with Germany under the might of the Nazis. The reality of the unification quickly becomes clear, and whilst Max becomes more zealous, Ella takes dangerous action to save Jewish lives.
Ella's mother Marlene is going through the menopause and struggling to adapt to the physical changes. She is secretly meeting a man who is not her husband, and has some connection to Max's father and HItler. These two strands are not tied up until the very end of the book, creating plenty of scope for contemplating the mystery.
The book is written from the third person perspectives of Ella and Marlene. Both women are bravely trying to undermine the horrors of the Nazi regime and put themselves in danger. There are sex scenes which are not necessary to the plot but do give us a refreshing look at first love and established love.
Due to the Nazi actions, there are episodes of violence including sexual violence which readers may find upsetting. The emotional elements to the characters are explored fully so I genuinely cared about them (particularly Marlene) and I felt fearful for their safety as the plot unfolded.
The Austrian Bride is a well researched historical novel.
January 25, 2024
Fascinating tale of resistance efforts against the Reich in Linz, Austria in 1938. Both mother, Marlene, and daughter, Ella, find their own ways to fight against the Nazis taking over their town and way of life. The story alternates between Marlene's and Ella's perspectives so you can see how the story unfolds from their points of view. Marlene is a complicated woman and we learn about her life and family as well as how her past impacts her current life. Ella is a young woman and enrolls in The Bride School to learn how to be the perfect wife to support the Reich, but ends up using the experience to gather information and help Jewish friends evade and escape capture, or worse.
I enjoyed the story from the two perspectives because similar or same events were looked at differently and it added depth to the story. There are some difficult parts to read because they were realistic to what did or could have happened to prisoners or enemies of the state, but needed to be included in this book. Marlene and Ella had some love interests and those relationships were complicated and added tension to the story.
The Author's Note explains that the story is inspired by her mother's childhood (I love stories like that). The main characters are fictional but many supporting characters were real.
As a fan of WW2 historical fiction, I am always amazed at how authors create a new perspective to this era. I would recommend this book.
Thank you Boldwood Books and Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
I enjoyed the story from the two perspectives because similar or same events were looked at differently and it added depth to the story. There are some difficult parts to read because they were realistic to what did or could have happened to prisoners or enemies of the state, but needed to be included in this book. Marlene and Ella had some love interests and those relationships were complicated and added tension to the story.
The Author's Note explains that the story is inspired by her mother's childhood (I love stories like that). The main characters are fictional but many supporting characters were real.
As a fan of WW2 historical fiction, I am always amazed at how authors create a new perspective to this era. I would recommend this book.
Thank you Boldwood Books and Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 20, 2025
Helen Parusel's The Austrian Bride opens with Ella, like many Austrians at the time of the Anschluss, caught in a wave of manipulated euphoria. However, her perspective soon shifts as she witnesses the persecution of Jewish friends and the escalating violence.
This awakening is further complicated by a marriage proposal from her fascist boyfriend, Max. In a daring act of defiance and a desperate bid to gather intelligence, Ella attends a Reich Bride School, designed to indoctrinate women into becoming ideal Nazi wives.
This decision thrusts her into the heart of the Nazi elite, forcing her to navigate a treacherous world of secrets and lies to protect her loved ones and her country.
Helen Parusel weaves a dual narrative, sharing the experiences of Ella's mother, Marlene, providing a multi-generational perspective on the resistance The mother-daughter dynamic adds depth to the story, highlighting their individual strength and their combined efforts against an oppressive regime.
Ella is a compelling protagonist, whose transformation from a hopeful young woman to a determined resistor is believable and inspiring. Marlene provides a steady, courageous counterpoint.
I particularly liked the authentic details of place and time, and learned the inspiration came from Helen Parusel’s mother, who was born in Linz and grew up during the war years. I was also surprised by Hitler's association with Linz and the account of his early life there.
The book deals with horrific events but is ultimately an uplifting novel. The Austrian Bride is a testament to the ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things in the darkest of times and show unwavering courage.
Tony Riches
This awakening is further complicated by a marriage proposal from her fascist boyfriend, Max. In a daring act of defiance and a desperate bid to gather intelligence, Ella attends a Reich Bride School, designed to indoctrinate women into becoming ideal Nazi wives.
This decision thrusts her into the heart of the Nazi elite, forcing her to navigate a treacherous world of secrets and lies to protect her loved ones and her country.
Helen Parusel weaves a dual narrative, sharing the experiences of Ella's mother, Marlene, providing a multi-generational perspective on the resistance The mother-daughter dynamic adds depth to the story, highlighting their individual strength and their combined efforts against an oppressive regime.
Ella is a compelling protagonist, whose transformation from a hopeful young woman to a determined resistor is believable and inspiring. Marlene provides a steady, courageous counterpoint.
I particularly liked the authentic details of place and time, and learned the inspiration came from Helen Parusel’s mother, who was born in Linz and grew up during the war years. I was also surprised by Hitler's association with Linz and the account of his early life there.
The book deals with horrific events but is ultimately an uplifting novel. The Austrian Bride is a testament to the ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things in the darkest of times and show unwavering courage.
Tony Riches
November 23, 2025
3.5 Stars- This was a decent WWII historical fiction novel set in Austria. I have recently read another book set in Austria in the same time period and maybe it is a little unfair of me but this paled in comparison to that one. However there were some enjoyable parts and I could really see some comparisons to what happened then to what is happening today.
The novel featured two points of view, Ella, and her mother, Marlene. Ella is dating a young man named Max who she is infatuated with. However as Max joins the Nazi party she starts to see a different side of him and realizes that he has a very cruel side to him. Ella decides to keep dating him but she hopes to use her closeness to him as a way to help others who are being targeted by the Nazis. Marlene is also working with the Resistance and is doing what she can to help others but also keep her family safe. She has a back story that is referred to but it is a mystery. We don't learn the full story until the end. I really enjoyed reading about her as she was much closer to my age and they made references to her going through menopause. She expressed different emotions about this stage in her life and I could relate to some of that.
This novel didn't grip me or force me to stay up reading late at night but I did not mind reading it and was able to read it quickly. As all WWII books it did teach a good lesson while highlighting the tragedies of that time.
The novel featured two points of view, Ella, and her mother, Marlene. Ella is dating a young man named Max who she is infatuated with. However as Max joins the Nazi party she starts to see a different side of him and realizes that he has a very cruel side to him. Ella decides to keep dating him but she hopes to use her closeness to him as a way to help others who are being targeted by the Nazis. Marlene is also working with the Resistance and is doing what she can to help others but also keep her family safe. She has a back story that is referred to but it is a mystery. We don't learn the full story until the end. I really enjoyed reading about her as she was much closer to my age and they made references to her going through menopause. She expressed different emotions about this stage in her life and I could relate to some of that.
This novel didn't grip me or force me to stay up reading late at night but I did not mind reading it and was able to read it quickly. As all WWII books it did teach a good lesson while highlighting the tragedies of that time.
January 16, 2024
This is the second Helen Parusel novel I've been privileged to read and review. Once again the author does not disappoint. There is plenty to raise the hairs on your arms, and many heart-gripping and stopping moments. This historical novel is set, obviously in Austria, just pre- and during WWII under Hitler's Reich. We often hear about what happened to the Jews in the concentration camps and so on. This work takes a look at the citizens, what they endured and how some resisted. I praise the author in how she wove all this together: the kindnesses, the courage, but also the cruelty of mankind, which in my opinion gave the reader a 'feel' for those times.
In the novel we meet Ella, who attended the Bride School. Had never heard of this angle before so it was of interest to me. Then there was Max and what he turned out to be. I found it all quite realistic.
The only caution I have about this book is the few bedroom scene intimacies described, which I would rather not have read. Other than that, this has been a great read.
4 star rating from me.
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
December 2023
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.
In the novel we meet Ella, who attended the Bride School. Had never heard of this angle before so it was of interest to me. Then there was Max and what he turned out to be. I found it all quite realistic.
The only caution I have about this book is the few bedroom scene intimacies described, which I would rather not have read. Other than that, this has been a great read.
4 star rating from me.
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
December 2023
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.
January 21, 2024
The Austrian Bride is written by by Helen Parusel. This is the first book that I have read by this author, and it will not be the last. This book is Set in March 1938 in Linz just as Austria is annexed for the Third Reich.
Ella Mayer who is twenty one years old, and is in love with her handsome boyfriend, Maximilian Giesler. However, Maximilian is soaking up all the Nazi theology. He proposes to her quickly after they start dating.
However, shortly after the Nazis move in - Jewish citizens start to be humiliated in public. Ella and her mother who previously loved shopping at a Jewish owned store - soon find that it’s taken over by the Nazis. Ella is tapped to go to a Reich Bride School. (I had no idea this was actually a thing) Ella starts to notice that her fiance has changed. He becomes very anti-Jewish, he’s harsh and he scares Ella.
Does Ella go through with her marriage? Or betray the Nazi party and risk the same treatment that the Jews have experienced.
This story is beautifully written and hard to read at times. However, it’s a part of history that we seem to have forgotten. The author has done a great job with this story.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Rachel's Random Resources for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.
January 17, 2024
Austria, 1938. Longing for a better future for her fellow Austrians, Ella is caught up in the excitement when Hitler marches into Linz. But her enthusiasm fades as she witnesses the Nazis methods. Encouraged to join the Reich Bride School by her boyfriend Max and his social circle, Ella begins to see a way that she might make a difference. Knowing she risks her own life and those of her family and friends, Ella must portray an image of herself that goes against everything she believes…
This is Helen Parusel’s second book focusing on World War Two, and it centres around a family who find themselves in a difficult position as they are forced to choose which side to support. Let’s be honest – this story has been told many times, but the author has her own take on these historic events, ably building tension as the influence of the Nazis pushes her characters towards danger and subterfuge. Ms Parusel’s use of language is occasionally a bit clunky, and some of the domestic scenes feel a little drawn out, but she tells a good story, throwing ever greater challenges and obstacles at her characters, and giving them plenty to think about.
A thoughtful and stimulating read.
This is Helen Parusel’s second book focusing on World War Two, and it centres around a family who find themselves in a difficult position as they are forced to choose which side to support. Let’s be honest – this story has been told many times, but the author has her own take on these historic events, ably building tension as the influence of the Nazis pushes her characters towards danger and subterfuge. Ms Parusel’s use of language is occasionally a bit clunky, and some of the domestic scenes feel a little drawn out, but she tells a good story, throwing ever greater challenges and obstacles at her characters, and giving them plenty to think about.
A thoughtful and stimulating read.
June 15, 2024
The Nazi Bride School
Ella is excited when her boyfriend Max proposes to her. She wishes to do everything to please him. At his insistence she enrolls in a school for Nazi brides.
She soon sees as Hitler rises in power that things are not as rosy as she thought. She sees her Jewish friend’s business destroyed and shooting in the street. She is not happy with these events and knows they are wrong.
As soon as she enters the school for Nazi brides, she realizes something is wrong. When she begins to resist is when she puts her life on the line.
Ella is a courageous woman with a loving family. She knows right from wrong and she knows that what she sees and experiences with the Nazi’s is not right and she must do something.
This was a book of courage and of a page out of the Nazi occupation I had never heard of the school for Nazi brides. So many bad things associated with these times and so many courageous people that resisted them
.
The book was a good read and I enjoyed reading it.
Thanks to Helen Parusel for writing a great story, to Boldwood books for publishing it and to NetGalley for providing me with a copy to read and review.
Ella is excited when her boyfriend Max proposes to her. She wishes to do everything to please him. At his insistence she enrolls in a school for Nazi brides.
She soon sees as Hitler rises in power that things are not as rosy as she thought. She sees her Jewish friend’s business destroyed and shooting in the street. She is not happy with these events and knows they are wrong.
As soon as she enters the school for Nazi brides, she realizes something is wrong. When she begins to resist is when she puts her life on the line.
Ella is a courageous woman with a loving family. She knows right from wrong and she knows that what she sees and experiences with the Nazi’s is not right and she must do something.
This was a book of courage and of a page out of the Nazi occupation I had never heard of the school for Nazi brides. So many bad things associated with these times and so many courageous people that resisted them
.
The book was a good read and I enjoyed reading it.
Thanks to Helen Parusel for writing a great story, to Boldwood books for publishing it and to NetGalley for providing me with a copy to read and review.
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