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"1949" : Book One of the Historical Fiction Trilogy "Starlings of Peace" , Second Edition
Berlin, January 1949.
The city stands divided, its future uncertain. In the icy grip of winter, the Soviet Union blocks all road, rail, and canal access to the Western sectors of Berlin. Cut off from the outside world, the people of West Berlin teeter on the edge of survival.
But three air corridors remain—narrow lifelines the Soviets dare not close without provoking war. From the skies, the Western Allies launch a bold a massive airlift of food, coal, and hope.
Amid this epic struggle, lives converge in a city reborn from
Captain John Jacob MacDonald, once shot down over Berlin in 1944, returns not as a pilot but as an aircraft engineer, shaping the planes that now keep Berlin alive.Magdalene “Maggie” Eva Wells, a sharp-minded political operative from Washington, arrives to create her own diplomatic assignment. Witnessing Berlin’s suffering, she chooses to stay.Sir Robert Anthony Taylor, a British baronet and publisher, wields influence through his financial newspaper and deep ties to Parliament.Lady Evelyn Taylor, aristocrat and financier, brings poise and power to a city in flux, shaping policy from afar while never far from her husband’s shadow.René Laurent Boulanger, a Jewish linguist who fled Paris in 1940, finds new purpose—and old ghosts—as he serves as an interpreter in the Cold War’s crucible.Violet Charlet Boulanger, his Russian-speaking wife, clings to dignity and duty. She still grieves the death of their son, Noël, and navigates a city filled with memory and menace.Sebastian Lukas Gauss, a former Wehrmacht soldier and POW in England, returns to rebuild not just his city, but his soul—starting with a humble guesthouse and grander dreams.Heidimarie “Heidi” Regina Bauer, orphaned and brutalized by war, survives through grit and silence—until she finds unexpected refuge and a fragile kind of family.Together, their paths converge in a city surrounded, suspended between ruin and revival. As the planes roar overhead and the world watches, Berlin becomes more than a symbol—it becomes the beating heart of a new world order.
The city stands divided, its future uncertain. In the icy grip of winter, the Soviet Union blocks all road, rail, and canal access to the Western sectors of Berlin. Cut off from the outside world, the people of West Berlin teeter on the edge of survival.
But three air corridors remain—narrow lifelines the Soviets dare not close without provoking war. From the skies, the Western Allies launch a bold a massive airlift of food, coal, and hope.
Amid this epic struggle, lives converge in a city reborn from
Captain John Jacob MacDonald, once shot down over Berlin in 1944, returns not as a pilot but as an aircraft engineer, shaping the planes that now keep Berlin alive.Magdalene “Maggie” Eva Wells, a sharp-minded political operative from Washington, arrives to create her own diplomatic assignment. Witnessing Berlin’s suffering, she chooses to stay.Sir Robert Anthony Taylor, a British baronet and publisher, wields influence through his financial newspaper and deep ties to Parliament.Lady Evelyn Taylor, aristocrat and financier, brings poise and power to a city in flux, shaping policy from afar while never far from her husband’s shadow.René Laurent Boulanger, a Jewish linguist who fled Paris in 1940, finds new purpose—and old ghosts—as he serves as an interpreter in the Cold War’s crucible.Violet Charlet Boulanger, his Russian-speaking wife, clings to dignity and duty. She still grieves the death of their son, Noël, and navigates a city filled with memory and menace.Sebastian Lukas Gauss, a former Wehrmacht soldier and POW in England, returns to rebuild not just his city, but his soul—starting with a humble guesthouse and grander dreams.Heidimarie “Heidi” Regina Bauer, orphaned and brutalized by war, survives through grit and silence—until she finds unexpected refuge and a fragile kind of family.Together, their paths converge in a city surrounded, suspended between ruin and revival. As the planes roar overhead and the world watches, Berlin becomes more than a symbol—it becomes the beating heart of a new world order.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
460 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 30, 2024
4 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Catharine A Deever also writing as Dani Dee
3 books1 follower“People will forget . . . what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou
I'm currently looking for Beta Readers to give me feedback on how I've conveyed the feelings of families living through the Cold War, 1949, 1969, 1989 ... in the last book, "1989": Book Three of the Historical Fiction Trilogy "Starlings of Peace".
The Group "FREE BOOKS for Book lovers: ARC & Polished Manuscript Readers for Authors" is the one I'm working with to find such readers.
My current historical fiction trilogy focuses on families from the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Germany (East and West).
The first two books are already available on Amazon: "1949": Book One of the Historical Fiction Trilogy "Starlings of Peace", and
"1969": Book Two of the "Starlings of Peace" trilogy.
The characters are composite personalities from America and a variety of other countries who lived before me. There are millions of people – who were smart, strong and brave, but not glorified in headlines. They simply survived and and wanted to live past the blood, shattered opportunities, and lost hopes for better lives.
I met some of them in Germany, where I studied for a year as an exchange student in 1969 - and many more in my travels thereafter.
I have a B.A. in foreign languages and an M.A. in Communications.
I'm currently looking for Beta Readers to give me feedback on how I've conveyed the feelings of families living through the Cold War, 1949, 1969, 1989 ... in the last book, "1989": Book Three of the Historical Fiction Trilogy "Starlings of Peace".
The Group "FREE BOOKS for Book lovers: ARC & Polished Manuscript Readers for Authors" is the one I'm working with to find such readers.
My current historical fiction trilogy focuses on families from the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Germany (East and West).
The first two books are already available on Amazon: "1949": Book One of the Historical Fiction Trilogy "Starlings of Peace", and
"1969": Book Two of the "Starlings of Peace" trilogy.
The characters are composite personalities from America and a variety of other countries who lived before me. There are millions of people – who were smart, strong and brave, but not glorified in headlines. They simply survived and and wanted to live past the blood, shattered opportunities, and lost hopes for better lives.
I met some of them in Germany, where I studied for a year as an exchange student in 1969 - and many more in my travels thereafter.
I have a B.A. in foreign languages and an M.A. in Communications.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 18, 2024
This is a character-driven look into Berlin during 1949. I think that Catharine A Deever has done significant research into the history of the place; it can be clearly seen in all the small details in the language between characters and how she sets the scene. Further more, the book ends with a playlist that turns out to be the names of all the chapters and are songs from 1949. This is a book that you can fully immerse yourself in if you want.
The character-driven nature of the book keeps the reader engaged with the plot through emotional settings in which character backstories weave together and characters in the present grow closer. Because of this, the book has quite a lot of heart. To continue to highlight the character-driven point - the beginning of the book has a list of the main characters for you to read before jumping into the story. This is immensely helpful since there are so many.
People who enjoy historical fiction will enjoy this book; however, I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars due to some of the scene set up being a bit dry. With that being said, maybe my real concern is that the book could have been a bit shorter. All in all, though, I appreciate what the author has done with this story and felt that this book was a great overall read.
I received this book as an ARC from GEMS books.
The character-driven nature of the book keeps the reader engaged with the plot through emotional settings in which character backstories weave together and characters in the present grow closer. Because of this, the book has quite a lot of heart. To continue to highlight the character-driven point - the beginning of the book has a list of the main characters for you to read before jumping into the story. This is immensely helpful since there are so many.
People who enjoy historical fiction will enjoy this book; however, I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars due to some of the scene set up being a bit dry. With that being said, maybe my real concern is that the book could have been a bit shorter. All in all, though, I appreciate what the author has done with this story and felt that this book was a great overall read.
I received this book as an ARC from GEMS books.
October 30, 2025
"The Airlift may have saved West Berlin from total starvation, but Germans still have many needs..."
“1949,” the first book in the Historical Fiction Trilogy “Starlings of Peace” by Catharine A. Deever, tells the stories of five couples against the backdrop of the Berlin Airlift. The story unfolds during a crucial post-World War II era, a time when Europe is grappling with the repercussions of the war and the rising tensions of the Cold War.
The narrative revolves around a diverse ensemble of characters, each with a unique background that shapes their perspectives and experiences. Despite their varied histories and circumstances, they unite with a shared objective that drives their interactions and developments throughout the story.
John Jacob MacDonald, who goes by Mac, is depicted as a highly competent and respected leader, deeply committed to his responsibilities. His past as a bomber pilot adds a rich layer of complexity to his character, revealing not only his bravery and skill in high-pressure situations but also the psychological and physical scars that haunt him from his experiences in battle. These elements of trauma are portrayed with sensitivity and depth, allowing the reader to understand the weight he carries. Mac’s unwavering dedication and resilience make him a character that readers can truly rally behind, feeling both empathy for his struggles and admiration for his strength.
Maggie emerges as a fiercely determined and politically astute woman, driven by a clear vision for her future. Her privileged upbringing is unmistakable, offering her advantages that she is both aware of and willing to leverage. However, beneath her ambition lies a genuine desire to make a meaningful contribution to society and to build a partnership based on shared values and mutual respect. She is resolute in her pursuits, exemplified by her bold decision to propose to Mac after having known him for less than a month. This unexpected move takes Mac by surprise, forcing him to grapple with his own feelings and reservations. Their differing perspectives on love and marriage create an intriguing tension, particularly at the novel's beginning. The contrast in their outlooks on what it means to be a hero in society further complicates their relationship. While Maggie embodies a relentless drive, demonstrating her willingness to fight for what she believes and wants, Mac’s hesitations and vulnerabilities highlight his more thoughtful and measured approach to commitment. This dynamic generates a palpable sense of anticipation and uncertainty, leaving readers eager to discover how their interactions will unfold and whether they can bridge the gap between their contrasting views.
René and Violet’s story is profoundly heartbreaking, marked by loss and the struggle for healing. As they slowly reconnect, they begin to realise that together they can confront the future and find hope amidst their shared sorrow over the murder of their young son. At the forefront of René’s thoughts is his relentless quest to uncover the truth about what happened to his Jewish parents during the Holocaust. This journey takes him deep into the past as he meticulously pieces together clues about their last known whereabouts. His visits to the sombre and haunting concentration camps serve as emotional milestones, filled with anguish and reflection. Each step he takes is a haunting reminder of the atrocities endured by countless families, including his own.
Heidi has faced profound trauma throughout her life, yet she exhibits an unexpected resilience that sets her apart. She often reflects on the actions of the Soviet soldiers during her past; their behaviour is something she regards as almost inevitable, a harsh reality of her circumstances. To protect herself, she resorted to dressing as a boy, concealing her feminine form in a desperate attempt to evade their attention. This act of survival highlights her resourcefulness and determination amidst adversity. Despite the challenges she has endured, Heidi navigates her daily life with a remarkable inner strength that speaks to her character. Her unwavering admiration of her employer, Sebastian, stands out as particularly significant. This admiration is not merely rooted in gratitude; it reflects the deep trust she has cultivated in him, born from a relationship that combines professional respect with a personal connection. Heidi’s loyalty to Sebastian illustrates not only her resilience but also her desire for stability and support in a world that has often been cruel to her.
The extensive research underpinning this novel is truly commendable, reflecting a deep commitment to historical accuracy and detail. However, a few small inaccuracies and confusing paragraphs can occasionally disrupt the reading experience. For instance, the portrayal of France sheltering Nazis implies a level of agency in a dire situation where choices were severely limited, which may mislead readers about the complexity of historical events.
Deever prioritises the dissemination of historical information, often allowing this focus to overshadow the development of the narrative itself. As a result, the story’s flow becomes disrupted, pulling readers out of immersion and making it challenging to engage with the characters on a deeper level. Additionally, while the inclusion of photographs introduces a fascinating visual element that can enhance the narrative, they unfortunately detract from the overall enjoyment by interrupting the pacing of the story. Readers find themselves shifting focus from the unfolding plot to the visual content, which can momentarily disorient them.
To improve the narrative flow, Deever might consider dedicating more time to illustrating the historical background through the characters’ experiences and perspectives. By focusing on what the characters know about the historical events they are entangled in, the author could create a richer and more engaging story. Rather than simply telling readers what happened, showing these events through character experiences would not only enhance the emotional connection but also help integrate the historical context more seamlessly into the narrative.
“1949, Book One of the Historical Fiction Trilogy, ‘Starlings of Peace” by Catharine A. Deever, showcases a fascinating story with considerable potential. To enhance its impact, further refinement and development could be beneficial. While the current narrative may feel like it lacks momentum at times, this can be addressed through focused revisions that elevate the overall reading experience. With the right adjustments, this story has the makings of a truly compelling read.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde
The Coffee Pot Book Club
“1949,” the first book in the Historical Fiction Trilogy “Starlings of Peace” by Catharine A. Deever, tells the stories of five couples against the backdrop of the Berlin Airlift. The story unfolds during a crucial post-World War II era, a time when Europe is grappling with the repercussions of the war and the rising tensions of the Cold War.
The narrative revolves around a diverse ensemble of characters, each with a unique background that shapes their perspectives and experiences. Despite their varied histories and circumstances, they unite with a shared objective that drives their interactions and developments throughout the story.
John Jacob MacDonald, who goes by Mac, is depicted as a highly competent and respected leader, deeply committed to his responsibilities. His past as a bomber pilot adds a rich layer of complexity to his character, revealing not only his bravery and skill in high-pressure situations but also the psychological and physical scars that haunt him from his experiences in battle. These elements of trauma are portrayed with sensitivity and depth, allowing the reader to understand the weight he carries. Mac’s unwavering dedication and resilience make him a character that readers can truly rally behind, feeling both empathy for his struggles and admiration for his strength.
Maggie emerges as a fiercely determined and politically astute woman, driven by a clear vision for her future. Her privileged upbringing is unmistakable, offering her advantages that she is both aware of and willing to leverage. However, beneath her ambition lies a genuine desire to make a meaningful contribution to society and to build a partnership based on shared values and mutual respect. She is resolute in her pursuits, exemplified by her bold decision to propose to Mac after having known him for less than a month. This unexpected move takes Mac by surprise, forcing him to grapple with his own feelings and reservations. Their differing perspectives on love and marriage create an intriguing tension, particularly at the novel's beginning. The contrast in their outlooks on what it means to be a hero in society further complicates their relationship. While Maggie embodies a relentless drive, demonstrating her willingness to fight for what she believes and wants, Mac’s hesitations and vulnerabilities highlight his more thoughtful and measured approach to commitment. This dynamic generates a palpable sense of anticipation and uncertainty, leaving readers eager to discover how their interactions will unfold and whether they can bridge the gap between their contrasting views.
René and Violet’s story is profoundly heartbreaking, marked by loss and the struggle for healing. As they slowly reconnect, they begin to realise that together they can confront the future and find hope amidst their shared sorrow over the murder of their young son. At the forefront of René’s thoughts is his relentless quest to uncover the truth about what happened to his Jewish parents during the Holocaust. This journey takes him deep into the past as he meticulously pieces together clues about their last known whereabouts. His visits to the sombre and haunting concentration camps serve as emotional milestones, filled with anguish and reflection. Each step he takes is a haunting reminder of the atrocities endured by countless families, including his own.
Heidi has faced profound trauma throughout her life, yet she exhibits an unexpected resilience that sets her apart. She often reflects on the actions of the Soviet soldiers during her past; their behaviour is something she regards as almost inevitable, a harsh reality of her circumstances. To protect herself, she resorted to dressing as a boy, concealing her feminine form in a desperate attempt to evade their attention. This act of survival highlights her resourcefulness and determination amidst adversity. Despite the challenges she has endured, Heidi navigates her daily life with a remarkable inner strength that speaks to her character. Her unwavering admiration of her employer, Sebastian, stands out as particularly significant. This admiration is not merely rooted in gratitude; it reflects the deep trust she has cultivated in him, born from a relationship that combines professional respect with a personal connection. Heidi’s loyalty to Sebastian illustrates not only her resilience but also her desire for stability and support in a world that has often been cruel to her.
The extensive research underpinning this novel is truly commendable, reflecting a deep commitment to historical accuracy and detail. However, a few small inaccuracies and confusing paragraphs can occasionally disrupt the reading experience. For instance, the portrayal of France sheltering Nazis implies a level of agency in a dire situation where choices were severely limited, which may mislead readers about the complexity of historical events.
Deever prioritises the dissemination of historical information, often allowing this focus to overshadow the development of the narrative itself. As a result, the story’s flow becomes disrupted, pulling readers out of immersion and making it challenging to engage with the characters on a deeper level. Additionally, while the inclusion of photographs introduces a fascinating visual element that can enhance the narrative, they unfortunately detract from the overall enjoyment by interrupting the pacing of the story. Readers find themselves shifting focus from the unfolding plot to the visual content, which can momentarily disorient them.
To improve the narrative flow, Deever might consider dedicating more time to illustrating the historical background through the characters’ experiences and perspectives. By focusing on what the characters know about the historical events they are entangled in, the author could create a richer and more engaging story. Rather than simply telling readers what happened, showing these events through character experiences would not only enhance the emotional connection but also help integrate the historical context more seamlessly into the narrative.
“1949, Book One of the Historical Fiction Trilogy, ‘Starlings of Peace” by Catharine A. Deever, showcases a fascinating story with considerable potential. To enhance its impact, further refinement and development could be beneficial. While the current narrative may feel like it lacks momentum at times, this can be addressed through focused revisions that elevate the overall reading experience. With the right adjustments, this story has the makings of a truly compelling read.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde
The Coffee Pot Book Club
October 15, 2024
A great tale about how four couples who share the same house and it follows them in a city divided by a wall. Their friendship grows stronger as they learn how to deal with all the issues around the dangers of a divided city. A very powerful read which will make you see how to deal with problems
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and it makes you think about how they deal with everything
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and it makes you think about how they deal with everything
October 12, 2024
Interesting book. The story of four couples who live in the same B&B and become fast friends. They are helping in their various ways to help West Germany rebuild.
This book was received from the author through Voracious Readers Only, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was received from the author through Voracious Readers Only, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 19, 2026
1949, the debut of the Starlings of Peace Trilogy by Catharine A. Deever/ Dani Dee, is an intelligent discussion of life after World War II in Berlin.
Against the backdrop of a divided city, the novel evokes the tumult, the strength, and the future that characterized that time. Using thorough historical investigation and rich storytelling, Deever provides a compelling narrative that weighs the grandeur of history with deeply felt human stories.
The novel focuses on a diverse cast of characters grappling with the aftermath of war. As Berlin transitions from devastation to reconstruction, the story brings to life the complexities of a city caught between emerging Cold War tensions and the shadow of its recent past.
Deever's attention to detail is remarkable, painting an authentic portrait of Berlin's landscapes and the struggles of its inhabitants. Based on food shortages, political shifts, and the like, the historical setting is realistic and believable.
1949 is primarily a story about the power of recovery and the human tendency to transcend adversity united in a web of connections. Everyone has their travails and history, and they form together a dense fabric of experiences. Deever navigates the personal struggles with broader historical forces to show how common people deal with extraordinary situations. Survival, loyalty, and hope are all themes that are evoked with subtlety, and as such the characters are made both human and touching with their journeys.
The writing is both evocative and accessible, with a pace that keeps readers engaged while allowing for moments of reflection. Deever catches between historical fact and emotional experience and guarantees that the work is of interest to history buffs and those who love character-based literature. Although the book addresses a particular period and location, its themes are contemporaneously relevant, and thus the text serves not only as a powerful commentary on how mankind can rebuild and achieve peace from destruction. Among the many stories for those interested in post-war history or tales of survival, 1949 is a good one. It paints a picture very well for the next three books in the trilogy which leaves readers wanting to read on. Highly recommended!
Against the backdrop of a divided city, the novel evokes the tumult, the strength, and the future that characterized that time. Using thorough historical investigation and rich storytelling, Deever provides a compelling narrative that weighs the grandeur of history with deeply felt human stories.
The novel focuses on a diverse cast of characters grappling with the aftermath of war. As Berlin transitions from devastation to reconstruction, the story brings to life the complexities of a city caught between emerging Cold War tensions and the shadow of its recent past.
Deever's attention to detail is remarkable, painting an authentic portrait of Berlin's landscapes and the struggles of its inhabitants. Based on food shortages, political shifts, and the like, the historical setting is realistic and believable.
1949 is primarily a story about the power of recovery and the human tendency to transcend adversity united in a web of connections. Everyone has their travails and history, and they form together a dense fabric of experiences. Deever navigates the personal struggles with broader historical forces to show how common people deal with extraordinary situations. Survival, loyalty, and hope are all themes that are evoked with subtlety, and as such the characters are made both human and touching with their journeys.
The writing is both evocative and accessible, with a pace that keeps readers engaged while allowing for moments of reflection. Deever catches between historical fact and emotional experience and guarantees that the work is of interest to history buffs and those who love character-based literature. Although the book addresses a particular period and location, its themes are contemporaneously relevant, and thus the text serves not only as a powerful commentary on how mankind can rebuild and achieve peace from destruction. Among the many stories for those interested in post-war history or tales of survival, 1949 is a good one. It paints a picture very well for the next three books in the trilogy which leaves readers wanting to read on. Highly recommended!
October 15, 2024
This is a character-driven look into Berlin during 1949. I think that Catharine A Deever has done significant research into the history of the place; it can be clearly seen in all the small details in the language between characters and how she sets the scene. Further more, the book ends with a playlist that turns out to be the names of all the chapters and are songs from 1949. This is a book that you can fully immerse yourself in if you want.
The character-driven nature of the book keeps the reader engaged with the plot through emotional settings in which character backstories weave together and characters in the present grow closer. Because of this, the book has quite a lot of heart. To continue to highlight the character-driven point - the beginning of the book has a list of the main characters for you to read before jumping into the story. This is immensely helpful since there are so many.
People who enjoy historical fiction will enjoy this book; however, I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars due to some of the scene set up being a bit dry. With that being said, maybe my real concern is that the book could have been a bit shorter. All in all, though, I appreciate what the author has done with this story and felt that this book was a great overall read.
I received this book as an ARC from GEMS books.
The character-driven nature of the book keeps the reader engaged with the plot through emotional settings in which character backstories weave together and characters in the present grow closer. Because of this, the book has quite a lot of heart. To continue to highlight the character-driven point - the beginning of the book has a list of the main characters for you to read before jumping into the story. This is immensely helpful since there are so many.
People who enjoy historical fiction will enjoy this book; however, I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars due to some of the scene set up being a bit dry. With that being said, maybe my real concern is that the book could have been a bit shorter. All in all, though, I appreciate what the author has done with this story and felt that this book was a great overall read.
I received this book as an ARC from GEMS books.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews