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The Girl Who Crossed Mountains
San Sebastian, 1936.
Abene García, a fisherman’s daughter, must make a terrible choice: risk being caught in the crossfires of the escalating Spanish Civil War or abandon her seaside home and make the perilous journey across the Pyrenees to the border of France. But the safety she finds on the other side of the mountains is shattered when the Nazis enter the country. Abene won’t stand by and do nothing while innocent Jewish men, women and children are in desperate need – not when she knows a way to escape.
Abene has crossed the mountains before, and she knows the dangers. Joining the resistance network, she helps to set up a route across the mountains. But when her safe house is discovered, a group of injured Allied soldiers is shot down, except for one – a Canadian pilot too sick to make the crossing alone. Abene knows what she must do. She will cross the mountains once again, back to the home she left years before, where her journey truly began, and many dangers remain…
Perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah, Kelly Rimmer and Fiona Valpy, The Girl Who Crossed Mountains is an extraordinary tale of survival, family bonds and the power of love to persevere against all odds.
Abene García, a fisherman’s daughter, must make a terrible choice: risk being caught in the crossfires of the escalating Spanish Civil War or abandon her seaside home and make the perilous journey across the Pyrenees to the border of France. But the safety she finds on the other side of the mountains is shattered when the Nazis enter the country. Abene won’t stand by and do nothing while innocent Jewish men, women and children are in desperate need – not when she knows a way to escape.
Abene has crossed the mountains before, and she knows the dangers. Joining the resistance network, she helps to set up a route across the mountains. But when her safe house is discovered, a group of injured Allied soldiers is shot down, except for one – a Canadian pilot too sick to make the crossing alone. Abene knows what she must do. She will cross the mountains once again, back to the home she left years before, where her journey truly began, and many dangers remain…
Perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah, Kelly Rimmer and Fiona Valpy, The Girl Who Crossed Mountains is an extraordinary tale of survival, family bonds and the power of love to persevere against all odds.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 10, 2024
687 people are currently reading
402 people want to read
About the author
Lelita Baldock
7 books76 followersLelita Baldock is an author of historical and literary fiction.
Lelita's novels focus on lesser-known aspects of history and the incredible everyday people who endure and overcome.
You can follow her on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/lelit...
Lelita's novels focus on lesser-known aspects of history and the incredible everyday people who endure and overcome.
You can follow her on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/lelit...
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July 1, 2024
The Girl Who Crossed Mountains by Lelita Baldock
Synopsis /
San Sebastian, 1936
Abene García, a fisherman’s daughter, must make a terrible choice: risk being caught in the crossfires of the escalating Spanish Civil War or abandon her seaside home and make the perilous journey across the Pyrenees to the border of France. But the safety she finds on the other side of the mountains is shattered when the Nazis enter the country. Abene won’t stand by and do nothing while innocent Jewish men, women and children are in desperate need – not when she knows a way to escape.
Abene has crossed the mountains before, and she knows the dangers. Joining the resistance network, she helps to set up a route across the mountains. But when her safe house is discovered, a group of injured Allied soldiers is shot down, except for one – a Canadian pilot too sick to make the crossing alone. Abene knows what she must do. She will cross the mountains once again, back to the home she left years before, where her journey truly began, and many dangers remain…
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and author Lelita Baldock, for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review. Publication date is currently set for July 10, 2024.
Wow, Lelita Baldock, you got me good. I did not see that ending coming!
Thank you, Ms Baldock, for this was an interesting one. The main thread of our story takes place between 1936 and 1939, during the time of the Spanish Civil War; and out of all of the historical fiction books I've read, I don't think I've come across one which has this as the main background.
The Spanish Civil War was the bloodiest conflict western Europe had experienced since the end of World War I in 1918. It was the breeding ground for mass atrocities. The number of persons killed in the Spanish Civil War can be only roughly estimated. Nationalist forces put the figure at 1,000,000, including not only those killed in battle but also the victims of bombardment, execution, and assassination. More recent estimates have been closer to 500,000 or less. This does not include all those who died from malnutrition, starvation, and war-engendered disease. The fighting displaced millions of Spaniards. Some 500,000 refugees fled in 1939 to France, where many of them would be interned in camps. Approximately 15,000 Spanish Republicans ended up in Nazi concentration camps after 1940.
One of the most powerful influencers of this war was the General and Dictator, Francisco Franco, who ruled over Spain from 1939 until his death in 1975. Franco rose to power during the bloody Spanish Civil War when, with the help of Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, his Nationalist forces overthrew the democratically elected Second Republic. Franco presided over a government that was basically a military dictatorship. Adopting the title of “El Caudillo” (The Leader), Franco persecuted political opponents, repressed the culture and language of Spain’s Basque and Catalan regions, censured the media and otherwise exerted absolute control over the country. Although Franco had visions of restoring Spanish grandeur after the Civil War, in reality: he was the leader of an exhausted country still divided internally and impoverished by a long and costly war.
Our story focuses on the lives of two incredibly different women, Abene Ortiz and Miren Perez. Their lives, although vastly different, had one commanding thing in common - to make a stand against injustice and tyranny in a war which was not of their making. Both women defied Franco's Nationalist forces and Hitler's Nazi troops and assisted fellow Basque and Jewish refugees, and allied soldiers to escape across the border into France. Make no mistake - if they were caught, they would be executed.
The author has structured her story in four main parts, and each part (time-period) is then broken down into smaller chapter bites, with each focussing on either Abene or Miren. Parts 1 and 2 of the book deal mainly with the Civil War and it's here where the author sets out the ground roots of her story. It's slow going and there's a lot of information. It's at this point where I was thinking 'what have I got myself into here!' and while I was not thinking of throwing in the towel, I was slightly regretting my NetGalley choices!!
BUT. Then came Parts 3 and 4 and I have to say...WOW. Neither hunger nor hurricanes could pull me away from this book now. My eyes devouring every word. I was spellbound. It's here the author's narrative shines. The author did a remarkable job with her descriptive prose, which so eloquently portrayed the remarkable courage and heartfelt compassion these heroines had in the face of overwhelming adversity. Abene's journey is particularly noteworthy, for she endured both physical and mental hardship in her resistance efforts. To help those wishing to flee, Abene and her charges had to undertake an arduous and dangerous journey across the Pyrenees and into France. I have so much respect for Abene, "The Girl Who Crossed Mountains".
The fatigue, the pain and the gut-wrenching fear Abene and Miren experienced oozed off the pages and made my heart cry. These were ordinary women, living ordinary lives; but were exercising extraordinary feats of bravery in a cruel war that was threatening their lives and the lives of their loved ones.
A deeply moving and inspirational story that is both historically accurate and emotionally profound, making it a must-read for anyone who appreciates well-crafted historical fiction.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Storm Publishing for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
#TheGirlWhoCrossedMountains #NetGalley
Synopsis /
San Sebastian, 1936
Abene García, a fisherman’s daughter, must make a terrible choice: risk being caught in the crossfires of the escalating Spanish Civil War or abandon her seaside home and make the perilous journey across the Pyrenees to the border of France. But the safety she finds on the other side of the mountains is shattered when the Nazis enter the country. Abene won’t stand by and do nothing while innocent Jewish men, women and children are in desperate need – not when she knows a way to escape.
Abene has crossed the mountains before, and she knows the dangers. Joining the resistance network, she helps to set up a route across the mountains. But when her safe house is discovered, a group of injured Allied soldiers is shot down, except for one – a Canadian pilot too sick to make the crossing alone. Abene knows what she must do. She will cross the mountains once again, back to the home she left years before, where her journey truly began, and many dangers remain…
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and author Lelita Baldock, for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review. Publication date is currently set for July 10, 2024.
Wow, Lelita Baldock, you got me good. I did not see that ending coming!
Thank you, Ms Baldock, for this was an interesting one. The main thread of our story takes place between 1936 and 1939, during the time of the Spanish Civil War; and out of all of the historical fiction books I've read, I don't think I've come across one which has this as the main background.
The Spanish Civil War was the bloodiest conflict western Europe had experienced since the end of World War I in 1918. It was the breeding ground for mass atrocities. The number of persons killed in the Spanish Civil War can be only roughly estimated. Nationalist forces put the figure at 1,000,000, including not only those killed in battle but also the victims of bombardment, execution, and assassination. More recent estimates have been closer to 500,000 or less. This does not include all those who died from malnutrition, starvation, and war-engendered disease. The fighting displaced millions of Spaniards. Some 500,000 refugees fled in 1939 to France, where many of them would be interned in camps. Approximately 15,000 Spanish Republicans ended up in Nazi concentration camps after 1940.
One of the most powerful influencers of this war was the General and Dictator, Francisco Franco, who ruled over Spain from 1939 until his death in 1975. Franco rose to power during the bloody Spanish Civil War when, with the help of Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, his Nationalist forces overthrew the democratically elected Second Republic. Franco presided over a government that was basically a military dictatorship. Adopting the title of “El Caudillo” (The Leader), Franco persecuted political opponents, repressed the culture and language of Spain’s Basque and Catalan regions, censured the media and otherwise exerted absolute control over the country. Although Franco had visions of restoring Spanish grandeur after the Civil War, in reality: he was the leader of an exhausted country still divided internally and impoverished by a long and costly war.
Our story focuses on the lives of two incredibly different women, Abene Ortiz and Miren Perez. Their lives, although vastly different, had one commanding thing in common - to make a stand against injustice and tyranny in a war which was not of their making. Both women defied Franco's Nationalist forces and Hitler's Nazi troops and assisted fellow Basque and Jewish refugees, and allied soldiers to escape across the border into France. Make no mistake - if they were caught, they would be executed.
The author has structured her story in four main parts, and each part (time-period) is then broken down into smaller chapter bites, with each focussing on either Abene or Miren. Parts 1 and 2 of the book deal mainly with the Civil War and it's here where the author sets out the ground roots of her story. It's slow going and there's a lot of information. It's at this point where I was thinking 'what have I got myself into here!' and while I was not thinking of throwing in the towel, I was slightly regretting my NetGalley choices!!
BUT. Then came Parts 3 and 4 and I have to say...WOW. Neither hunger nor hurricanes could pull me away from this book now. My eyes devouring every word. I was spellbound. It's here the author's narrative shines. The author did a remarkable job with her descriptive prose, which so eloquently portrayed the remarkable courage and heartfelt compassion these heroines had in the face of overwhelming adversity. Abene's journey is particularly noteworthy, for she endured both physical and mental hardship in her resistance efforts. To help those wishing to flee, Abene and her charges had to undertake an arduous and dangerous journey across the Pyrenees and into France. I have so much respect for Abene, "The Girl Who Crossed Mountains".
The fatigue, the pain and the gut-wrenching fear Abene and Miren experienced oozed off the pages and made my heart cry. These were ordinary women, living ordinary lives; but were exercising extraordinary feats of bravery in a cruel war that was threatening their lives and the lives of their loved ones.
A deeply moving and inspirational story that is both historically accurate and emotionally profound, making it a must-read for anyone who appreciates well-crafted historical fiction.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Storm Publishing for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
#TheGirlWhoCrossedMountains #NetGalley
July 18, 2024
San Sebastian in Spain, 1936, and Abene, a fisherman's daughter, fled her home across the Pyrenees to the border of France, escaping Franco's cruelty, for the peaceful countryside of France. But when the Nazis invaded, circumstances changed and it wasn't long before Abene joined the resistance, ferrying injured young men, a lot of them pilots, through the countryside from one safe house to the next, where two others took over, escorting them across the Pyrenees. The danger was intense, and constant, but those of the resistance were determined. When Abene took an injured Canadian pilot across the mountains, it was the dead of winter, and a torturous journey...
Miren lived in San Sebastian with her parents after she'd returned home from the job she'd taken on. When she was forced to marry a cruel, arrogant man whom Miren feared, she spent the time she was away from him planning her escape. Miren was as different as chalk and cheese to Abene, but they had known each other years before and had formed a tentative friendship. What would happen to the two young women caught up in the horrors of war?
The Girl Who Crossed Mountains is an exceptional, emotional and heartbreaking read by Aussie author Lelita Baldock which I thoroughly enjoyed. The two main characters - Abene and Miren - were perfectly written, and told their stories well. Support characters - Eduardo, Camille, Juan, Pierre, Udane and Lourdes - and more, made up the wonderful cast. And the twist at the end shocked me (in a good way). I previously read and loved The Baker's Secret - I'll be reading all I can by this author! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Miren lived in San Sebastian with her parents after she'd returned home from the job she'd taken on. When she was forced to marry a cruel, arrogant man whom Miren feared, she spent the time she was away from him planning her escape. Miren was as different as chalk and cheese to Abene, but they had known each other years before and had formed a tentative friendship. What would happen to the two young women caught up in the horrors of war?
The Girl Who Crossed Mountains is an exceptional, emotional and heartbreaking read by Aussie author Lelita Baldock which I thoroughly enjoyed. The two main characters - Abene and Miren - were perfectly written, and told their stories well. Support characters - Eduardo, Camille, Juan, Pierre, Udane and Lourdes - and more, made up the wonderful cast. And the twist at the end shocked me (in a good way). I previously read and loved The Baker's Secret - I'll be reading all I can by this author! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2024
This is another stellar novel from Lelita Baldock that grips you from the first page to the last. In fact, I was so shocked by the revelations at the end that I went back and reread the first third of the book to see if I had missed something. I hadn't...she's just that good a writer. Having read two of her other books, I thought I was prepared for the emotional turmoil that was sure to ensue but I wasn't. This story is set in the Basque region of Spain and the Basque region of France where many Spanish Basque refugees found safety from Franco's brutality until Hitler invaded. We view both wars through the eyes of two very different young women, Abene and Miren, as they try to survive with their humanity intact.
I love how this author writes so authentically of these two women's experiences, allowing the reader to slip into their skin and feel their emotions. Indeed, at times I was so overwhelmed that I had to set the book aside for a while. Their pain, fear, and fatigue oozed off the pages and touched my soul. These women weren't trained resistance fighters, just regular young women living in extraordinary circumstances and trying to protect their families.
"So much was taken, all for the greed and power-driven desires of men. Franco in Spain, Hitler in France." Women and children are always the victims but never a consideration of war, considered expendable. Both of these women refused to allow their loved ones to be nothing more than collateral damage. They endured unspeakable violence to protect the children and provide a home, even as refugees. This book enlightened me about the Basque people and their struggles for identity, not only during Franco's regime. If you enjoy historical fiction with an intense storyline and unpredictable plot twists driven by unforgettable characters, don't miss this one. It's a treasure.
My thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing. All opinions and the review are entirely my own.
I love how this author writes so authentically of these two women's experiences, allowing the reader to slip into their skin and feel their emotions. Indeed, at times I was so overwhelmed that I had to set the book aside for a while. Their pain, fear, and fatigue oozed off the pages and touched my soul. These women weren't trained resistance fighters, just regular young women living in extraordinary circumstances and trying to protect their families.
"So much was taken, all for the greed and power-driven desires of men. Franco in Spain, Hitler in France." Women and children are always the victims but never a consideration of war, considered expendable. Both of these women refused to allow their loved ones to be nothing more than collateral damage. They endured unspeakable violence to protect the children and provide a home, even as refugees. This book enlightened me about the Basque people and their struggles for identity, not only during Franco's regime. If you enjoy historical fiction with an intense storyline and unpredictable plot twists driven by unforgettable characters, don't miss this one. It's a treasure.
My thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing. All opinions and the review are entirely my own.
March 31, 2025
Slow start but beautiful unexpected ending
November 14, 2024
Lelita Baldock has taken the story of the Basque of Spain who became refugees as hey ran from the Nationalists of Franco. Those who could packed up what they could carry and headed to France for safety. Many crossed the Pyrennes to safety. Crossing the mountains was a huge undertaking; but families, some who had not been able to get their children out by boats, headed over the mountains as best they could to safety. Those who stayed came under the control of the Nationalists. They could no longer speak the Basque language, use the Basque names for their towns and streets, or follow their traditions. Those who fled to France, eventually came under the control of Hitler as the Nazis took over France. Then, those fleeing over the mountains to Spain were those who were being hunted by the Nazis, especially downed pilots and crew members. Thus the story is based on truth; but the majority of characters are fiction as is the story. Could it have happened? Yes. Did it happen much like the story? Possibly.
Abene and Juan grew up together as their mothers were very close. They spent their childhood roaming the hills and the streets of the fishing village of San Sebastian. During their childhood on the beach, they became aware of a young girl watching them from a balcony. They knew she was wealthy; but nothing else about her. Juan decided he would marry her one day. One rainy evening, Abene found Miren standing in the rain. Abene insisted on giving Miren her coat and escorting her to her father's hotel. From this slight interaction, a connection was made.
Abene, her mother, Juan's mother, and Juan fled to France over the Pyrenees with Juan leading. The women were housed in a convent while Juan was elsewhere. Then Juan left to fight against the Nazis. Abene, her mother and Juan's mother were taken by a nurse, Camille, to her father's fermette in the countryside. Here, Pierre (Camille's father) welcomed them to his fermette for as long as they needed. In return, they helped him on his fermette. They were living in a Basque community, so the women agreed to help in the community center and help teach the children Basque traditions. Also, with the help from Camille, Abene became the mother of a young orphan, Eduardo. She had met him at the convent childcare and fell in love with the orphan. Eduardo came to live on the fermette, thrilled to be with Abene and be her son.
Just as they settle into the community, the soldiers take over the area. Although she felt helpless, Abene wanted to do something to help the cause. Pietter's neighbors, Marguerite and Jeans Starling, were working with the resistance, helping get downed pilots across France and over the Pyrenees. When "visitors" were staying with them, their daughter Giselle would stay with Abene for her own safety. Since she knew what it was like to flee, Abene began to help move men from the safe house just north of Acotz to Starling Farm where the Starlings would move them on to the next point. It was fine until the Comet Line was discovered and shut down. Someone who had knowledge of the entire route had informed on it. Everyone found at the safe houses was killed or taken prisoner and the home burned. Luckily, the person who was forced to inform did not know where Abene lived or even her full name. So, she, at least for the moment was safe. However, the aviator she had saved on the line was at the fermette and needed to get to Spain as soon as he was healed enough to make the journey. The safety of those at the fermette was at stake. Only Abene could help.
Does she get Gilles to safety? What about herself? Does she make it back home? Does Juan survive the war?
This book is excellent; but watch out! You can get caught up reading it a stay up way too late. It is very hard to put down.
Abene and Juan grew up together as their mothers were very close. They spent their childhood roaming the hills and the streets of the fishing village of San Sebastian. During their childhood on the beach, they became aware of a young girl watching them from a balcony. They knew she was wealthy; but nothing else about her. Juan decided he would marry her one day. One rainy evening, Abene found Miren standing in the rain. Abene insisted on giving Miren her coat and escorting her to her father's hotel. From this slight interaction, a connection was made.
Abene, her mother, Juan's mother, and Juan fled to France over the Pyrenees with Juan leading. The women were housed in a convent while Juan was elsewhere. Then Juan left to fight against the Nazis. Abene, her mother and Juan's mother were taken by a nurse, Camille, to her father's fermette in the countryside. Here, Pierre (Camille's father) welcomed them to his fermette for as long as they needed. In return, they helped him on his fermette. They were living in a Basque community, so the women agreed to help in the community center and help teach the children Basque traditions. Also, with the help from Camille, Abene became the mother of a young orphan, Eduardo. She had met him at the convent childcare and fell in love with the orphan. Eduardo came to live on the fermette, thrilled to be with Abene and be her son.
Just as they settle into the community, the soldiers take over the area. Although she felt helpless, Abene wanted to do something to help the cause. Pietter's neighbors, Marguerite and Jeans Starling, were working with the resistance, helping get downed pilots across France and over the Pyrenees. When "visitors" were staying with them, their daughter Giselle would stay with Abene for her own safety. Since she knew what it was like to flee, Abene began to help move men from the safe house just north of Acotz to Starling Farm where the Starlings would move them on to the next point. It was fine until the Comet Line was discovered and shut down. Someone who had knowledge of the entire route had informed on it. Everyone found at the safe houses was killed or taken prisoner and the home burned. Luckily, the person who was forced to inform did not know where Abene lived or even her full name. So, she, at least for the moment was safe. However, the aviator she had saved on the line was at the fermette and needed to get to Spain as soon as he was healed enough to make the journey. The safety of those at the fermette was at stake. Only Abene could help.
Does she get Gilles to safety? What about herself? Does she make it back home? Does Juan survive the war?
This book is excellent; but watch out! You can get caught up reading it a stay up way too late. It is very hard to put down.
October 13, 2024
This one has sat on my TBR pile for a while, and I only want to confess how sorry I am it took me so long to get to it. The Girl Who Crossed Mountains is far more than a simple resistance story.
1936: Abene Garcia’s world is being torn apart as Franco’s Nationalist army cruelly marches across Spain mercilessly killing and imprisoning anyone who stands in their way. The only way to survive the new dictatorship is to flee her beloved San Sebastian, the only home she has ever known, across the Pyrenees to France. On the other side of the mountains, Abene eventually finds a home with a local French family and her purpose teaching young Spanish refugees about their Basque culture in hopes that one day they can return home.
When the Nazi’s invade Abene’s new home, she refuses to stand by as another dictator wreaks havoc. She joins the resistance helping downed pilots and Jews fleeing persecution to escape to “neutral” Spain. Her experience with making that terrible crossing and her deep-rooted empathy makes her an asset to those seeking her help.
Abene’s experiences through not one war, but two are physically and emotionally heartbreaking, and her capacity to find hope in the face of overwhelming opposition is inspiring. Her persistence in the fight against evil is truly heroic. The support cast of characters and the structure of this book make this story rich and complex, and the twist at the end is one very few will see coming. I thoroughly enjoyed this story of resilience and courage. If you are a fan of The Nightingale, you will appreciate the depth of this story.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Muse, and of course author Lelita Baldock for the advanced copy of the book. The Girl Who Crossed Mountains is out now! All opinions are my own.
http://www.instagram.com/passionforprose
1936: Abene Garcia’s world is being torn apart as Franco’s Nationalist army cruelly marches across Spain mercilessly killing and imprisoning anyone who stands in their way. The only way to survive the new dictatorship is to flee her beloved San Sebastian, the only home she has ever known, across the Pyrenees to France. On the other side of the mountains, Abene eventually finds a home with a local French family and her purpose teaching young Spanish refugees about their Basque culture in hopes that one day they can return home.
When the Nazi’s invade Abene’s new home, she refuses to stand by as another dictator wreaks havoc. She joins the resistance helping downed pilots and Jews fleeing persecution to escape to “neutral” Spain. Her experience with making that terrible crossing and her deep-rooted empathy makes her an asset to those seeking her help.
Abene’s experiences through not one war, but two are physically and emotionally heartbreaking, and her capacity to find hope in the face of overwhelming opposition is inspiring. Her persistence in the fight against evil is truly heroic. The support cast of characters and the structure of this book make this story rich and complex, and the twist at the end is one very few will see coming. I thoroughly enjoyed this story of resilience and courage. If you are a fan of The Nightingale, you will appreciate the depth of this story.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Muse, and of course author Lelita Baldock for the advanced copy of the book. The Girl Who Crossed Mountains is out now! All opinions are my own.
http://www.instagram.com/passionforprose
July 9, 2024
Once again, Lelita Baldock has crafted a wonderful tale of resilience, loss and loyalty based on one of WWII’s less familiar aspects. Heart-rending and beautiful writing with such emotional depth, it’s impossible not to be gripped by Abene and Miren’s story. I raced through, swept along in eagerness to know what would happen next and stunned by the twists and turns of this superbly crafted book. It offered tragedy and hope, complex and fascinating characters, gorgeous descriptions and a real sense of time and place.
The Girl Who Crossed Mountains gets an unhesitating five stars from me, and is my favourite read of 2024 so far. If you enjoy top notch historical fiction, this is a must-read. I’ll be at the head of the queue for Ms Baldock’s next book.
The Girl Who Crossed Mountains gets an unhesitating five stars from me, and is my favourite read of 2024 so far. If you enjoy top notch historical fiction, this is a must-read. I’ll be at the head of the queue for Ms Baldock’s next book.
July 29, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5, only because I don’t really do 5 stars unless I would definitely read it again.
This was a lovely historical fiction that follows Abene through the turmoil of war-torn Spain and France during the Nationalist takeover and then WWII. Character development was delicious and the story beautifully unfolded to a perfect ending. No lags and the romance was just enough and never over the top. I loved it. It perfectly illustrates the fact that family is not always blood but who you choose to love and who loves you; and that home is never a place, but the people you love and surround yourself with.
This was a lovely historical fiction that follows Abene through the turmoil of war-torn Spain and France during the Nationalist takeover and then WWII. Character development was delicious and the story beautifully unfolded to a perfect ending. No lags and the romance was just enough and never over the top. I loved it. It perfectly illustrates the fact that family is not always blood but who you choose to love and who loves you; and that home is never a place, but the people you love and surround yourself with.
August 29, 2024
An amazing sorry of heroism, friendship and loyalty
Loved the story. Although I sometimes found it difficult to follow with the change of characters. Excellent, thought out ending.
Loved the story. Although I sometimes found it difficult to follow with the change of characters. Excellent, thought out ending.
July 16, 2024
A heart-wrenching WW2 tale about a brave Basque woman, the lives she impacted, and the true meaning of family and home. Set alternately in San Sebastián, Spain and a French farm, this story follows Abene as she escapes Spain in the midst of civil war into France and documents her life there. After becoming involved in resistance work, her life is forever changed. The story is told from 2 alternating early-timeline narrators, as well as a third unnamed current-day (the 80s) narrator. To whom this voice belongs is not revealed until the very end.
It is worth mentioning that the story takes place over a number of years, and in order to fit everything into the timeline, great chunks of details are not given (example—there are 2 journeys through the Pyrenees mountains that start and end but offer no details of the treks). I find this quite odd and abrupt in some places, but understand the need to cover the time.
Thanks for the ARC NetGalley!
It is worth mentioning that the story takes place over a number of years, and in order to fit everything into the timeline, great chunks of details are not given (example—there are 2 journeys through the Pyrenees mountains that start and end but offer no details of the treks). I find this quite odd and abrupt in some places, but understand the need to cover the time.
Thanks for the ARC NetGalley!
July 13, 2024
The Girl Who Crossed Mountains was my introduction to author Lelita Baldock. This wasn't just a novel of World War II, but also encompassed the Spanish Civil War. The story ran a little too long for me, but I'm glad I was determined to finish it. It was worth it when I got close to the end and I was sobbing...and shocked! Yes, I will.definitely be reading more books by Ms. Baldock.
In San Sebastián, Basque region of Spain in 1936, Abene García, a fisherman's daughter, must make a difficult decision. The Spanish Civil War is raging; will she risk dying in her seaside homeland, or should she leave her home and make the dangerous journey across the Pyrenees to the border of France? She chooses France, but that safety doesn't last long, as Nazis soon enter the country. She can't stay on the sidelines when innocent Jews and others desperately need help, especially when she knows a way to escape. She knows the mountains, so she joins the Resistance network and helps set up an escape route across them. When the safe house is discovered and Abene discovers a severely injured Canadian pilot who is too hurt to journey on his own, she knows what she must do: Help him cross the mountains and return to the home she left years before, where many dangers still abound.
The novel opens in 1981 in San Sebastián, where the horrible acts of the Spanish Civil War were causing death and destruction in 1936. Our narrator is meeting with Gilles, the Canadian pilot who escaped France over the mountains. The 1981 interludes appear throughout the story. The main story of our characters' lives begins as the the Spanish Civil War, led by Franco, is tearing the country apart. I must admit I don't remember much of that war from my school history classes, and I'm embarrassed about that. Most of my knowledge comes from reading about Pablo Picasso's painting "Guernica" which depicts the bombing of that town in the Basque Country in northern Spain by Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy at the request of the Spanish Nationalists. Abene, her family and Miren Perez, a young woman to whom Abene once did a kindness, accompanied children on boats to the safety of France. Some, like Miren, returned to Spain, but Abene, family and friends decided to stay. The book has chapters about Abene's life in the Basque region of France, her fights for the innocent, her struggle to help soldiers and airmen escape France and her love of family and friends. She was an incredibly kind young woman with a huge heart. Abene fell in love with little Eduardo, one of the children she helped ferry to safety and became his mother. She also fell for injured pilot Gilles, and their parting broke my heart. I was quite surprised that many chapters were told about Miren's experiences, as there was no mention of her in the synopsis. She was the daughter of a well-to-do hotelier and his wife. In Spain she worked for a politician - Anders - who was trying to save Spain. He was married, yet they were engaged. When she returned to Spain from France, she was still helping him; when the situation became dangerous for him, Anders went into hiding to continue his work, leaving Miren behind. That put her in the sights of Hernandez, one of Franco's men, a hard, brutal and abusive man. Her father forced her to marry him; when she could take no more, she spotted Abene and approached her for help. I didn't care for the relationship between Mirel and Anders. She thought of theirs as a true romance. However, though he was helping his people, I saw him as a man using a young woman for his work. There was much excitement in this story, but at times it seemed to run on too long. When I was getting close to the end, two secrets totally threw me! I really didn't see either coming. Now one of them may not have been a secret to other readers - the narrator - but it was to me. I spent a lot of time sobbing. I will definitely read more work by Lelita Baldock.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
In San Sebastián, Basque region of Spain in 1936, Abene García, a fisherman's daughter, must make a difficult decision. The Spanish Civil War is raging; will she risk dying in her seaside homeland, or should she leave her home and make the dangerous journey across the Pyrenees to the border of France? She chooses France, but that safety doesn't last long, as Nazis soon enter the country. She can't stay on the sidelines when innocent Jews and others desperately need help, especially when she knows a way to escape. She knows the mountains, so she joins the Resistance network and helps set up an escape route across them. When the safe house is discovered and Abene discovers a severely injured Canadian pilot who is too hurt to journey on his own, she knows what she must do: Help him cross the mountains and return to the home she left years before, where many dangers still abound.
The novel opens in 1981 in San Sebastián, where the horrible acts of the Spanish Civil War were causing death and destruction in 1936. Our narrator is meeting with Gilles, the Canadian pilot who escaped France over the mountains. The 1981 interludes appear throughout the story. The main story of our characters' lives begins as the the Spanish Civil War, led by Franco, is tearing the country apart. I must admit I don't remember much of that war from my school history classes, and I'm embarrassed about that. Most of my knowledge comes from reading about Pablo Picasso's painting "Guernica" which depicts the bombing of that town in the Basque Country in northern Spain by Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy at the request of the Spanish Nationalists. Abene, her family and Miren Perez, a young woman to whom Abene once did a kindness, accompanied children on boats to the safety of France. Some, like Miren, returned to Spain, but Abene, family and friends decided to stay. The book has chapters about Abene's life in the Basque region of France, her fights for the innocent, her struggle to help soldiers and airmen escape France and her love of family and friends. She was an incredibly kind young woman with a huge heart. Abene fell in love with little Eduardo, one of the children she helped ferry to safety and became his mother. She also fell for injured pilot Gilles, and their parting broke my heart. I was quite surprised that many chapters were told about Miren's experiences, as there was no mention of her in the synopsis. She was the daughter of a well-to-do hotelier and his wife. In Spain she worked for a politician - Anders - who was trying to save Spain. He was married, yet they were engaged. When she returned to Spain from France, she was still helping him; when the situation became dangerous for him, Anders went into hiding to continue his work, leaving Miren behind. That put her in the sights of Hernandez, one of Franco's men, a hard, brutal and abusive man. Her father forced her to marry him; when she could take no more, she spotted Abene and approached her for help. I didn't care for the relationship between Mirel and Anders. She thought of theirs as a true romance. However, though he was helping his people, I saw him as a man using a young woman for his work. There was much excitement in this story, but at times it seemed to run on too long. When I was getting close to the end, two secrets totally threw me! I really didn't see either coming. Now one of them may not have been a secret to other readers - the narrator - but it was to me. I spent a lot of time sobbing. I will definitely read more work by Lelita Baldock.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
June 30, 2024
Lelita Baldock's "The Girl Who Crossed Mountains" is a poignant and compelling tale set against the tumultuous backdrop of the Spanish Civil War and World War II. This historical women's fiction novel follows the courageous journey of Abene García, a fisherman's daughter from San Sebastian, who faces unimaginable challenges and makes heart-wrenching decisions in her quest for survival and justice.
The story begins in a serene yet evocative manner, with an elderly Abene accompanying her granddaughter, Laia, to the train station. They are there to meet Gilles, a former Canadian pilot whose life Abene saved during the war. This reunion stirs up a flood of memories for Abene, taking her—and the readers—back to the perilous times of her youth. This reflective opening not only sets the emotional tone of the novel but also hooks readers with its promise of a richly layered narrative.
As a young woman in 1936, Abene is confronted with a dire choice: stay in her beloved seaside home and risk the horrors of the escalating Spanish Civil War, or undertake the dangerous journey across the Pyrenees to France. Her decision to flee is just the beginning of her struggles. Safety in France proves to be short-lived with the Nazi invasion, and Abene's sense of justice drives her to join the resistance. Her knowledge of the mountain routes becomes invaluable as she helps establish escape pathways for Jewish refugees and Allied soldiers.
Baldock's narrative shines in its detailed depiction of Abene's harrowing experiences and the resilience she exhibits. The character of Abene is masterfully crafted—she is a symbol of strength, bravery, and unwavering moral fortitude. Her interactions with other resistance members, and the refugees she helps, are portrayed with emotional depth and authenticity, drawing readers deeply into her story.
The novel's historical setting is vividly brought to life through Baldock's meticulous research and descriptive prose. The reader can almost feel the icy winds of the Pyrenees, the tense atmosphere of the resistance meetings, and the oppressive fear of Nazi-occupied France. This attention to detail not only enhances the narrative's realism but also immerses the reader in the era's emotional and physical landscapes.
One of the most compelling aspects of "The Girl Who Crossed Mountains" is its exploration of the human spirit's capacity for courage and compassion in the face of overwhelming adversity. Abene's journey is not just a physical crossing of dangerous terrain but also a profound internal journey of self-discovery and resilience. Her story is interwoven with themes of sacrifice, love, and the enduring fight for justice, making it resonate deeply with fans of historical women's fiction.
In addition to its rich historical context and strong character development, the novel is also a testament to the power of memory and the lasting impact of past actions. The reunion between Abene and Gilles serves as a poignant reminder of the lives touched and saved through acts of bravery, and how those moments continue to echo through time.
"The Girl Who Crossed Mountains" is a deeply moving and inspirational story that will captivate readers from the first page to the last. Lelita Baldock has created a narrative that is both historically significant and emotionally resonant, making it a must-read for anyone who appreciates well-crafted historical fiction with strong, relatable heroines. Abene García's story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of hope and courage in the darkest of times.
The story begins in a serene yet evocative manner, with an elderly Abene accompanying her granddaughter, Laia, to the train station. They are there to meet Gilles, a former Canadian pilot whose life Abene saved during the war. This reunion stirs up a flood of memories for Abene, taking her—and the readers—back to the perilous times of her youth. This reflective opening not only sets the emotional tone of the novel but also hooks readers with its promise of a richly layered narrative.
As a young woman in 1936, Abene is confronted with a dire choice: stay in her beloved seaside home and risk the horrors of the escalating Spanish Civil War, or undertake the dangerous journey across the Pyrenees to France. Her decision to flee is just the beginning of her struggles. Safety in France proves to be short-lived with the Nazi invasion, and Abene's sense of justice drives her to join the resistance. Her knowledge of the mountain routes becomes invaluable as she helps establish escape pathways for Jewish refugees and Allied soldiers.
Baldock's narrative shines in its detailed depiction of Abene's harrowing experiences and the resilience she exhibits. The character of Abene is masterfully crafted—she is a symbol of strength, bravery, and unwavering moral fortitude. Her interactions with other resistance members, and the refugees she helps, are portrayed with emotional depth and authenticity, drawing readers deeply into her story.
The novel's historical setting is vividly brought to life through Baldock's meticulous research and descriptive prose. The reader can almost feel the icy winds of the Pyrenees, the tense atmosphere of the resistance meetings, and the oppressive fear of Nazi-occupied France. This attention to detail not only enhances the narrative's realism but also immerses the reader in the era's emotional and physical landscapes.
One of the most compelling aspects of "The Girl Who Crossed Mountains" is its exploration of the human spirit's capacity for courage and compassion in the face of overwhelming adversity. Abene's journey is not just a physical crossing of dangerous terrain but also a profound internal journey of self-discovery and resilience. Her story is interwoven with themes of sacrifice, love, and the enduring fight for justice, making it resonate deeply with fans of historical women's fiction.
In addition to its rich historical context and strong character development, the novel is also a testament to the power of memory and the lasting impact of past actions. The reunion between Abene and Gilles serves as a poignant reminder of the lives touched and saved through acts of bravery, and how those moments continue to echo through time.
"The Girl Who Crossed Mountains" is a deeply moving and inspirational story that will captivate readers from the first page to the last. Lelita Baldock has created a narrative that is both historically significant and emotionally resonant, making it a must-read for anyone who appreciates well-crafted historical fiction with strong, relatable heroines. Abene García's story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of hope and courage in the darkest of times.
July 12, 2024
The Girl Who Crossed Mountains is another stunning literary masterpiece by Lelita Baldock, steeped in historical substance, that took my heart by storm! The emotions I felt while reading this story kept me on the edge of my seat as the tension mounted! I was choked on many occasions as I kept turning the pages with one hand and holding the tissues with my other. I felt so much love and appreciation for these characters who suffered deep anguish in losing their freedom and loved ones. War is gut wrenching for soldiers at any time but the innocent civilians caught in its net, trapped by its rules and restrictions, becomes soul destroying for many. Not to mention the immense heartbreak that follows such dire events. The author brings home with vivid detail the struggles these people faced, along with the heroism they exhibited. Those who fought back and tried to push on to survive in mind blowing conditions include both the members of the resistance and average residents who helped wherever they could. I felt I was there in the midst of the storms and trials, feeling the freezing temperatures and holding trembling and injured bodies. I believe The Girl Who Crossed Mountains gives us a true glimpse of the suffering these people in the past really experienced. The author handles it all with great respect and sensitivity through characters like Miren, Abene and others.
The drumbeat of war beats loud. And Abene, a fisherman’s daughter in Spain, must flee from her home and cross the treacherous Pyrenees to get to France for safety. She joins the resistance and participates in life-threatening activities. Reading about these dangerous missions often made my heart thump very loud! But she is not afraid and performs great acts of bravery: one of which is taking an injured Canadian soldier across the mountains in the dead of winter. It is a brutal journey but she is determined to get him to safety. I admired her resilience and dedication but also felt sadness for the little boy (Eduardo) left in her care. She makes great sacrifices in leaving him behind but kind friends agree to care for him if she does not return. It was a heartbreaking scene when they parted. For she is his world and Abene loves him with her whole heart, too. But her desire to help those who need assistance by working with those in the resistance, cannot be denied.
Miren who lives in San Sabastian, Spain, is forced to marry a rough, cruel and arrogant man Hernandez that her parents think will keep her safe during war. But this is far from the truth. And her heart belongs to another. A man named Anders. We are given some very touching scenes between this couple, so it is painful watching them being torn apart by circumstances and his missions. Anders is involved in the war on the resistance side. So, he is away often while she tries to juggle her life with her husband. Until she can bear it no more. When she gets an opportunity to plan an escape from her husband, she does. When Miren’s path crosses with childhood friend Abene, her life takes on an interesting direction with lots of on-the edge-of-your-seat moments!
The novel is told from these two women’s viewpoints. Both from the same city in Spain and how they (and other supporting characters) deal with the effects of the Spanish Civil War and then Hitler. There is so much one could say about this novel but I think it is best to just read it. There are many twists and turns that will grip your heart fiercely. This is an amazing stellar story that shines with courage, love, determination and heroism of the highest order. The Girl Who Crossed Mountains is breathtaking and unforgettable! A Must-Read 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for a review copy.
The drumbeat of war beats loud. And Abene, a fisherman’s daughter in Spain, must flee from her home and cross the treacherous Pyrenees to get to France for safety. She joins the resistance and participates in life-threatening activities. Reading about these dangerous missions often made my heart thump very loud! But she is not afraid and performs great acts of bravery: one of which is taking an injured Canadian soldier across the mountains in the dead of winter. It is a brutal journey but she is determined to get him to safety. I admired her resilience and dedication but also felt sadness for the little boy (Eduardo) left in her care. She makes great sacrifices in leaving him behind but kind friends agree to care for him if she does not return. It was a heartbreaking scene when they parted. For she is his world and Abene loves him with her whole heart, too. But her desire to help those who need assistance by working with those in the resistance, cannot be denied.
Miren who lives in San Sabastian, Spain, is forced to marry a rough, cruel and arrogant man Hernandez that her parents think will keep her safe during war. But this is far from the truth. And her heart belongs to another. A man named Anders. We are given some very touching scenes between this couple, so it is painful watching them being torn apart by circumstances and his missions. Anders is involved in the war on the resistance side. So, he is away often while she tries to juggle her life with her husband. Until she can bear it no more. When she gets an opportunity to plan an escape from her husband, she does. When Miren’s path crosses with childhood friend Abene, her life takes on an interesting direction with lots of on-the edge-of-your-seat moments!
The novel is told from these two women’s viewpoints. Both from the same city in Spain and how they (and other supporting characters) deal with the effects of the Spanish Civil War and then Hitler. There is so much one could say about this novel but I think it is best to just read it. There are many twists and turns that will grip your heart fiercely. This is an amazing stellar story that shines with courage, love, determination and heroism of the highest order. The Girl Who Crossed Mountains is breathtaking and unforgettable! A Must-Read 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for a review copy.
July 24, 2024
Note: Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and Lelita Babcock for the advanced reader copy of the book. This review will also be posted on NetGalley. What follows is my unbiased review of the book.
I’ve been reading a lot of historical fiction as of late, so I thought I was immune from the tugging-at-the-heartstrings emotion that some of them evoke. Reading The Girl Who Crossed Mountains proved that to be wrong. For the last few chapters of the book, I was bawling my eyes out.
Beginning in 1936, the story is set in San Sebastian, Spain. The Spanish Civil War is playing out around the residents of the town. Abene is a fisherman’s daughter who lives in the poorer outskirts of the town with her family and close friends. Miren is the daughter of a wealthy hotelier. They meet at one point and then are apart for the majority of the story. When the Civil War comes to town, Abene flees with her mother and a close friend over the mountains to the Basque region of France. Miren helps people escape the Nationalists through her job in the local government. Her boss and lover, Anders, flits in and out of her life, making a lot of promises he never follows through on.
With Hitler making noise in Germany, France was not a safe haven either, but the refugees did not know what was coming. Abene makes close friends in France. As the funding dries up for the refugee centers and the refugees themselves, she takes sanctuary with one of them, Camille, at the small farm Camille’s father owns. Feeling she must do something to help out in the war, Abene is soon part of a network that helps get Allied soldiers and others across the Pyrenees Mountains to freedom.
To read my full review please go to The Girl Who Crossed Mountains by Lelita Baldock – Keep the Tissues Handy
I’ve been reading a lot of historical fiction as of late, so I thought I was immune from the tugging-at-the-heartstrings emotion that some of them evoke. Reading The Girl Who Crossed Mountains proved that to be wrong. For the last few chapters of the book, I was bawling my eyes out.
Beginning in 1936, the story is set in San Sebastian, Spain. The Spanish Civil War is playing out around the residents of the town. Abene is a fisherman’s daughter who lives in the poorer outskirts of the town with her family and close friends. Miren is the daughter of a wealthy hotelier. They meet at one point and then are apart for the majority of the story. When the Civil War comes to town, Abene flees with her mother and a close friend over the mountains to the Basque region of France. Miren helps people escape the Nationalists through her job in the local government. Her boss and lover, Anders, flits in and out of her life, making a lot of promises he never follows through on.
With Hitler making noise in Germany, France was not a safe haven either, but the refugees did not know what was coming. Abene makes close friends in France. As the funding dries up for the refugee centers and the refugees themselves, she takes sanctuary with one of them, Camille, at the small farm Camille’s father owns. Feeling she must do something to help out in the war, Abene is soon part of a network that helps get Allied soldiers and others across the Pyrenees Mountains to freedom.
To read my full review please go to The Girl Who Crossed Mountains by Lelita Baldock – Keep the Tissues Handy
June 27, 2024
Beautiful story of the power love, survival, sacrifice and the invisible strings that pull us all together.
Miren is the daughter of a well to do hotelier while Abene is the daughter if a fisherman. They both live in the town of Donostia (San Sebastián), Spain When the Spanish Civil War comes each woman is faced their impossible choices they need to make in the name of survival. Abene and her family flee over the Pyrenees to France while Miren remains in Spain. Years later, WWII breaks out and Abene and Miren are brought together and their fates are forever changed,
This was an easy read for me. I’ve read about these “Lines” that helped downed airmen escape through Spain before but it was always thought the French/Dutch perspective so this was a nice change. The end felt a bit rushed to me but overall the story was good.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the digital ARC.
Miren is the daughter of a well to do hotelier while Abene is the daughter if a fisherman. They both live in the town of Donostia (San Sebastián), Spain When the Spanish Civil War comes each woman is faced their impossible choices they need to make in the name of survival. Abene and her family flee over the Pyrenees to France while Miren remains in Spain. Years later, WWII breaks out and Abene and Miren are brought together and their fates are forever changed,
This was an easy read for me. I’ve read about these “Lines” that helped downed airmen escape through Spain before but it was always thought the French/Dutch perspective so this was a nice change. The end felt a bit rushed to me but overall the story was good.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the digital ARC.
July 8, 2024
Wow! Historical fiction, especially WWII, is my favorite genre. Having loved Lelilta’s first book, "The Baker’s Secret," I was thrilled to find this read equally engaging.
“The Girl Who Crossed Mountains” is an emotional and gripping story set against the Spanish Civil War and WWII in the Basque regions of Spain and France. It follows Abene, a courageous fisherman's daughter, and Miren, a resilient hotelier's daughter, as they navigate war-torn lands.
The first half of the book beautifully sets up their backgrounds. I made a character chart to keep track of everyone, which was helpful. The chapters, marked by character and timeline, seamlessly built the story’s tension. By parts 3 and 4, I was hooked and couldn't put it down.
One of the highlights was the surprise ending—I never saw it coming!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with strong, dynamic characters. I can't wait to read more from this author!
Publication Date: July 10, 2024
My thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for this eARC.
“The Girl Who Crossed Mountains” is an emotional and gripping story set against the Spanish Civil War and WWII in the Basque regions of Spain and France. It follows Abene, a courageous fisherman's daughter, and Miren, a resilient hotelier's daughter, as they navigate war-torn lands.
The first half of the book beautifully sets up their backgrounds. I made a character chart to keep track of everyone, which was helpful. The chapters, marked by character and timeline, seamlessly built the story’s tension. By parts 3 and 4, I was hooked and couldn't put it down.
One of the highlights was the surprise ending—I never saw it coming!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with strong, dynamic characters. I can't wait to read more from this author!
Publication Date: July 10, 2024
My thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for this eARC.
July 14, 2024
I read a lot of WW2 historical fiction. I thought I had an idea of what the story was about. Boy, was I wrong. I found myself riveted to a story that began with another war, a war I knew nothing about. I am ashamed to admit I had know ideal what the Basque people went through, what they endured. Grab the tissues you are going to need them.
When all felt hopeless, when all seemed lost Juan, Abene and their mothers escaped to France over the Pyrenees Mountains. They crawled over rocks. They slid in the soil. They traveled in darkness. When the rested they only had each other to keep warm. Their journey has just begun.
Get lost within the pages of The Girl Who Crossed Mountains. Experience the suffering, the hopes of those landing in France as they fled Spain. Learn of those that helped, those that couldn't just ignore what was happening. Experience friendships made of necessity.
Just when you think things are looking a little bit better, the Nazis invade. They fled Spain only to find themselves living in an occupied France. With every page I respected Abene more and more. She helped where she could. Her bravery jumps off the pages.
There are many stories within The Girl Who Crossed Mountains. You will be taken on many missions. You will experience the horrible treatment mitigated by Nazis. You will gain a new understanding of desperate times call for desperate measures. I lost count of the times I didn't see something coming. The story is filled with shocking twists. The biggest twist comes at the end. Holy Moly, I was left speechless.
When all felt hopeless, when all seemed lost Juan, Abene and their mothers escaped to France over the Pyrenees Mountains. They crawled over rocks. They slid in the soil. They traveled in darkness. When the rested they only had each other to keep warm. Their journey has just begun.
Get lost within the pages of The Girl Who Crossed Mountains. Experience the suffering, the hopes of those landing in France as they fled Spain. Learn of those that helped, those that couldn't just ignore what was happening. Experience friendships made of necessity.
Just when you think things are looking a little bit better, the Nazis invade. They fled Spain only to find themselves living in an occupied France. With every page I respected Abene more and more. She helped where she could. Her bravery jumps off the pages.
There are many stories within The Girl Who Crossed Mountains. You will be taken on many missions. You will experience the horrible treatment mitigated by Nazis. You will gain a new understanding of desperate times call for desperate measures. I lost count of the times I didn't see something coming. The story is filled with shocking twists. The biggest twist comes at the end. Holy Moly, I was left speechless.
July 7, 2024
Although I’ve read quite a lot of historical fiction, I have never read about the Spanish and French Basque regions and, shamefully, have never read about the Spanish Civil War. This book was cleverly and beautifully written but heartbreaking, the two main female characters a credit to women. The writing transported me there and I could picture the landscape and feel the cold. Displacement must be the most difficult situation to find yourself in and it saddens me that it still continues today, but to be displaced from the Civil War to then find yourself involved in WW2 must have taken all the strength you had. One sentence has stuck with me - ‘So much was taken, all for the greed and power-driven desires of men’. Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for letting me read and review this book. 4.5 ⭐️
June 18, 2024
This is the second book I have read by this author, and what a ripper it was! It starts during the Spanish Civil War and then goes into World War 2. I am constantly amazed by the resilience shown by people in those trying times, and wonder how well we soft 21 st century folk would cope. Beautifully drawn characters, especially Adele, Miren, Juan and Eduardo. And there is the secret that we know exists, but we are not sure who is telling Gilles what, and what actually the secret is until the very end. A wonderful story about bravery, duty, love and family in difficult circumstances and a true pleasure to read. Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for a chance to read and review this book.
June 29, 2024
When reading historical fiction about WWII, I have never read about the Basques Regions (Spain & France). This story is about the Spanish Civil War followed by WWII. This story is beautifully written. The characters suck you into their imaginary bodies and you will experience the emotions these young women feel. Their bravery is amazing and there were a lot of times I was holding my breath. The scene settings were written very well. This book just drags you in and doesn't let you go. A beautiful historical fiction that you must read if you like this genre.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, NetGalley, and Storm Publishing for this ARC.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, NetGalley, and Storm Publishing for this ARC.
June 13, 2024
A really good novel!!! I enjoyed reading about these women (and men also) who discovered their courage in face of danger. Whether they were strong or not to start with, they still found strength somewhere in their inner self. The excellent plot did not let down its intensity all through the novel. What I also particularly enjoyed in this WWII story is that it takes place in the Basque country, both in France and Spain. It made the novel even more interesting to read about Spanish history just before Franco's rise to power. A great novel!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.
June 29, 2024
The Girl Who Crossed Mountains by Lelita Blalock is a dual timeline novel. Following the Spanish Civil War after many had escaped to neighboring France, WWII broke out. Even though Spain attempted to remain neutral, those who had fled the Franco regime could not return to Spain to escape the Nazi advances. Many groups attempted to aid allies and Jews to escape over the Pyrenees into Spain. The main character Abene is one who aided others. Her story is gut-wrenching, inspirational, tragic, and plot twisting.
Releases July 10th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Releases July 10th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 16, 2024
This book is a dual timeline it is based at the start on the Spanish War and then when the outbreak of World War 2.
This book is about two strong woman Abene and Miren who are both Spanish. Abene ends up leaving Spain to go to France to escape the Spanish War she ends up on a farm with her Mother and also her best friend’s Mother helping the farmer. Miren stays in Spain but she has to do what her parents say. Abene helps the resistance with taking soldiers or Jews to escape to Spain.
The book has everything romance, heartache and also has a twist in it.
It was well written and the research that went into it was amazing.
This book is about two strong woman Abene and Miren who are both Spanish. Abene ends up leaving Spain to go to France to escape the Spanish War she ends up on a farm with her Mother and also her best friend’s Mother helping the farmer. Miren stays in Spain but she has to do what her parents say. Abene helps the resistance with taking soldiers or Jews to escape to Spain.
The book has everything romance, heartache and also has a twist in it.
It was well written and the research that went into it was amazing.
August 12, 2024
Love historical fiction especially women’s historical fiction. The Girl Who Crossed Mountains was a really interesting read as it covered not only WWII but the Spanish Civil War, which I had not read much about.
The strength and bravery of Abene as she leaves her hometown of San Sebastián . She escapes across the Pyrenees to France with her family only to be confronted with the Nazis entering France. She joins the resistance and with her knowledge of the mountains she guides and plans escape paths for refugees and allied soldiers. One Canadian pilot is too sick to travel alone so Abene must do the trip with him.
Years later the Canadian pilot who Abene helped returns to find her.
A wonderful story of survival, family ties, bravery and love.
The strength and bravery of Abene as she leaves her hometown of San Sebastián . She escapes across the Pyrenees to France with her family only to be confronted with the Nazis entering France. She joins the resistance and with her knowledge of the mountains she guides and plans escape paths for refugees and allied soldiers. One Canadian pilot is too sick to travel alone so Abene must do the trip with him.
Years later the Canadian pilot who Abene helped returns to find her.
A wonderful story of survival, family ties, bravery and love.
March 18, 2025
I was intrigued right from the beginning. The book starts during the Spanish Civil War and continues through WW2 and after. Following two strong young Spanish women, Miren and Abene from different backgrounds you are immersed into their worlds as they struggle to survive. The Girl Who Crossed Mountains is filled with heartbreak, courage, friendship and family. It is filled with hope and heartwarming moments and with the perfect amount of romance. The heartwarming ending makes this novel such a worthy read, it demonstrated that home doesn’t necessarily have to be a place, it can be the people you surround yourself with. 5 stars
June 26, 2024
This was a readable, engaging story that focused on Basque culture and how Basque people were treated between 1935 and 1945. I had hoped for more detail about the civil war and to use the novel for an opportunity for learning. There was as much of not more focus on ww2, however there was still much to take from this book, especially the power of love and devotion. This gave ordinary people to do things normally beyond their scope. There was plenty of self sacrifice to go with it making this a worthwhile read.
July 16, 2024
The book deals with the Spanish Civil War and World War II. It is especially focused on the role of women in Spain and France during the Spanish Civil War and on their activities in France during World War II. The story develops by describing the life of a Spanish family and, afterward, with the description of French and Spanish people's activities during World War II. It is a story of overcoming, love and survival.
August 8, 2024
Thank you for allowing me to review this book. I found this story totally gripping. Abene a brave girl from San Sebastian escapes Basque Spain, during the Civil war., crossing the Pyranees to France. I knew only that Franco took over Spain prior to the 2nd World War, but not how how the French helped those escaping Spain. Such an interesting story, well researched and beautifully written. Lovely characters telling the story so well. Highly recommended book.
June 15, 2024
This historic WWII novel tells the story of two courage women and their journey to navigate safety while helping a soldier. Personally I found that this book was a bit slow and overly descriptive in painting a backdrop. The beginning made it hard to want to finish, but the further you got the story became more riveting.
July 10, 2024
This is an account of families in northern Spain during the Spanish Civil War and WW2. Life is good until the government is overthrown. The alternating chapters follow different characters as they work to survive the trials of war.
The ending is particularly heart-warming and surprising. This is a great read for fans of historical fiction. I've spent a lot of time in Spain so was particularly interested in this novel and the account of Spaniards during these critical times in history.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this eARC.
The ending is particularly heart-warming and surprising. This is a great read for fans of historical fiction. I've spent a lot of time in Spain so was particularly interested in this novel and the account of Spaniards during these critical times in history.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this eARC.
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