The Girl Who Never Gave Up

The Emerald Sisters #4

by Kate Hewitt

Auschwitz, 1944: “Quickly, give me your baby, Rachel.” Her friend whispers. “This is the only way to save her…”

Germany, 1939: When Rachel Blau’s husband Franz is released from Dachau, she barely recognizes the man she married. But she knows in order to keep him safe they must leave the country they call home and pray a life far from the Nazis will heal him. Until he is better, she must be brave for both of them…

As Jewish refugees in the Netherlands, terrified and without a word of Dutch, Rachel and Franz watch helplessly as the Germans march closer to the border. And after the Nazis invade, they are forced, with the help of courageous Corrie ten Boom and her family, to hide from the Gestapo. Then their worst fears are realized when they are sent to a camp and—with a final whispered “I love you”—separated.

In the darkness that night, Rachel makes a wondrous yet terrifying discovery. Brushing a hand over her stomach, she realizes she has more than just a memory of her husband. In a heartbeat, she becomes determined to survive for the sake of her unborn child. But with the Nazis showing no sign of defeat, how will she protect the precious life inside her?

If the guards discover her secret, Rachel knows her baby will not live. But if she manages to smuggle her newborn from the camp, there is a chance her baby will survive. With tears streaming down her face, Rachel clasps her newborn tightly to her chest. Can she find the strength to give her longed-for child to strangers? And if she lets her baby be taken from her arms, how will she ever find her again?

This final book in the Emerald Sisters series tells the heart-wrenching and unputdownable story of the power of a mother’s love, even in the face of the darkness of the Second World War. Perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Kate Quinn and The Nightingale.

Genres: Historical Fiction, World War II

318 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2025

About the author

Kate is the USA Today-bsetselling author of many books of both historical and contemporary fiction. Under the name Katharine Swartz, she is the author of the Tales from Goswell books, a series of time-slip novels set in the village of Goswell.

She likes to read women's fiction, mystery and thrillers, as well as historical novels. She particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.

Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in a market town in Wales with her husband, five children, and two Golden Retrievers.

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel Blau and her husband Franz had managed to survive through the torments that dogged them both. They'd arrived in Haarlem after disembarking from the SS St Louis and then leaving the quarantine camp. The little apartment had been lent to them by a friend of Franz's, but as the Germans came closer, Rachel and Franz hid, first in one house and then another. Dutch people who had sympathy for the Jewish people and risked their own lives to keep them safe. But finally their luck ran out, and the cramped and overcrowded train took them to Auschwitz/Birkenau, where they were separated. Because of her work in Haarlem, Rachel could confidently say she worked in a bakery, so her job in Auschwitz was in their bakery, cooking bread for the Nazis.

As Rachel's pregnancy progressed, the terror of knowing her baby would die once born in the camp, saw her planning for the safety of her child. A kind midwife, as well as one of her old friends, performed a miracle, and Rachel's baby girl, Corrie, was taken to safety. But would Rachel find her after the war was over? All the while, Rachel had kept her sliver of the emerald they all had - when they met again in Henri's in Paris, once the war was over, would they all be there, reunited again?

The Girl Who Never Gave Up is the 4th and final episode in The Emerald Sisters series by Kate Hewitt and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Rachel's story was as harrowing as the rest, but maybe moreso as the brutality of the Germans overruled it all. I have loved this series, and look forward to more stories by Ms Hewitt in the future. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Setting sail on the SS St Louis from Hamburg to Havana was supposed to be the start of a new life for Rachel Blau and her husband Franz getting away from Germany and the persecution of Jews, but it never happened instead they found themselves being sent to the Netherlands, neither spoke Dutch and their hopes for a bright future were squashed especially when not long after the Nazis crossed the border, will Rachel ever meet up with the friends she made on the ship in Paris after the war?

Their life in The Netherlands is fraught with danger and uncertainty, Rachel and Franz are having their problems, Rachel gets a job firstly in a bakery then as a teacher of two small girls but as the Nazis take over the town, they make friends with Corrie Ten Bloom and her family and when the time comes they help them be safe for a short while but sadly they soon end up being taken captive and end up at Auschwitz, separated, Rachel is heartbroken, will they ever make it out safe and what about the baby she is carrying?

This last book in the series is a story that was heart-wrenching to read but the strength and courage that is shown by Rachel had me cheering her on in such difficult circumstances, what she and Franz went through not to mention the other characters as well, but I loved this story and the finish of the series, will all of The Emerald Sisters make their rendezvous at Henri’s Café in Paris?

This is one story and series that I highly recommend, yes I cried lots of tears but there were also lots of cheers and smiles, thank you Kate Hewitt for and another fabulous story and series.

My thanks to Bookouture and Netgally for my copy to read and review.

[linda hole · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a tearjerker 😔😭

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

No one writes WWII saga series like Kate Hewitt!
This is the concluding book of four friends on the doomed St. Louis ship, sent back to Europe and how they all fared.
For most of the book Franz was just a hollow shell and I felt sorry for Rachel.
I loved how Hewitt inserted the ten Boom family into this book and how they played an integral role.
Rachel endures must about every facet of persecution.
Ultimately, the book ends on a high note although Hewitt makes readers think something else for most of the book.
Hope can be a powerful motivation.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the advance read.

[Caroline|Page~Turners · Rating 5 out of 5]

Germany 1939, World War II rages on across Europe and Franz Blau is released from Dachau. Franz and his wife Rachel, know that they have to leave their homeland, Germany, if they want any chance at all of survival. Franz is weak from Dachau and Rachel is his strength and hope.

They seek solace in the Netherlands and without knowing the language, they see the Germans getting closer and closer to the border. They don’t think they have anywhere to go until Corrie ten Boom and her family help them hide in order to survive.

Once again Franz and Rachel are captured and they are separated from each other and sent to different camps. It’s not long before Rachel discovers she is expecting, and now her focus is not only to find Franz but now she must risk her life to save her baby.

The Girl Who Never Gave Up, written by author Kate Hewitt, is an amazing story of courage and never giving up hope. I loved this book from cover to cover. What a phenomenal storyline, incorporating the amazing Corrie ten Boom into the book.

This wonderful story had me in tears quite a few times, but I was also cheering on Franz, Rachel and their baby. I loved the faith they had in each other, and they never, ever gave up. As difficult as it was they still held on to the hope of making it through. This heartbreaking and unputdownable story is one that I highly recommend.

[Melissa * bookedwithmel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve loved this series and I’m sorry to see it come to an end. Kate did a great job telling the stories of Hannah, Rosa, Sophie and Rachel. They were four unlikely friends who survived unthinkable odds to make it back to each other.

This is Rachel’s story. From when she first meets the girls, then everything her and her husband went through, all the way until the girls are all together again in Paris. They escape Germany only to be left in the Netherlands and they end up in the camps anyway. A good chunk of the story is how Rachel survives Birkenau.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC of this book.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very compelling story that made me tear up because it is brutally honest and detailed. Every page was gut wrenching and I will be reading the prior stories of this series. It’s a reminder of how much effort it takes to make a marriage work and how difficult it can be. It is a story of survival and growth. It was beautifully written. I will be recommending it to my friends.

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 5 out of 5]

✅A story about four girls that meet and become fast friends. The individual journeys the four of them go on is heartbreaking and heartwarming.
You will go through many emotions reading this heartfelt story.
A story about courage above all else. And, never giving up hope.
This is the 4th book in the Emerald Sisters series. From what I understand, it is the last book in the series. I recommend reading the books in order as there is so much back story to each one of the main characters.
Recommended for fans of WW2 historical fiction books.
Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the last book in this group of four.
This was Rachel’s story. It was sad but full of hope too.
It was a fitting conclusion to the four girls who had become friends during an awful time.
Perfect for all historical fiction fans

[Paula Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful series has been touching & heart wrenching. I’ve loved getting to know each of the Emerald Sisters in their individual stories. I felt a lot of timely comparisons to horrific events that are part of these heartbreaking World War 2 novels.

This final book in the Emerald Sisters series tells the story of the power of a mother’s love, even in the darkness of the Second World War. Rachel’s story is riveting with all she goes through hiding from the Nazis & in the traumatic concentration camp. It was wonderful getting to see Sophie, Rosa, & Hannah again, in this final installment.

[Cinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

Though the ending of this series was somewhat predictable, I enjoyed the concept of following 4 Jewish lives and their different experiences through the war.

[Rachel Kline · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Girl Who Never Gave Up is the fourth and final book in The Emerald Sisters series and it tells the story of Rachel Blau and her husband, Franz.

The book opens with Rachel and Franz boarding the ill-fated SS St Louis. They are a young married couple fleeing Germany after Franz was released from seven months in Dachau. Franz is just a shell of himself, and Rachel is trying her best to care for him.

I do believe that this book was my favorite of the series, and Rachel’s story really touched me. It was a reminder that marriage is sacred and we should never turn our back on our spouse. A reminder that we should love them while they are here, the best that we can, even when we struggle to like them.

After reading all four books I have come to feel like Sophie, Rosa, Hannah, and Rachel are my friends, and I’m going to miss them!

Thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Kate Hewitt for the chance to read this book and share my thoughts!

[Emma Crowley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Girl Who Never Gave Up is the fourth and final instalment in the Emerald Sisters series by Kate Hewitt. I’ve loved this series since the very beginning and this story provided me with all the answers to the burning questions which have only increased with each book. It was a brilliant and fitting conclusion to what has been a well-developed and well written series based on four young women who shared their intriguing and at times heart-breaking life experiences during World War Two. Each book can be read as a standalone but I would suggest to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the work gone into the overall series start with book one and work your way through them.

This story opens as the women gather in June 1946 to meet at a café in Paris, a year after the war had ended. It was a promise the four had made to each other after meeting on the SS. St Louis which left Hamburg in 1939 bound for the safety of Cuba. As the women gather after being through such turbulent times over the last seven years they are keen to share their stories but there are a few shocks and surprises in story. One big question is will all the women make the meeting that has been set in stone for so long?

I enjoyed how there wasn’t a specific overly long and detailed rehash of the women’s time on the ship. I’d read this before and knew what had happened so I really wanted to get stuck straight into Rachel’s story. But suffice to say enough of an explanation is given so that readers new to the series will understand what has already occurred. The promise of a haven in Cuba for so many Jewish people wishing to evade persecution in Germany did not materialise and the ship is forced to turn back with Sophie, Rachel, Rosa and Hannah all scattered to different parts of the world. Before they separate they break an emerald into four pieces and this becomes their talisman which they cling to through the good times and the bad. On that designated day in Paris hopefully all four shards will be placed together. But before that can happen there are a lot of trials, tribulations, suffering, uncertainty and dark times to get through.

Rachel is a German Jew married to Franz. She has left behind her mother and grandmother who were not able to travel and this is one thing that she will always regret. She wishes desperately that they were by her side but she must traverse her path with Franz. Although a lot of the time I felt she was flying solo as Franz was and could not be the husband she wanted him to be. Franz is recently released from Dachau having spent seven months at the internment camp. He is a shell of his former shelf and no longer the man Rachel married but she clings to the hope that she will be able to penetrate the walls he has established around himself and she will find the Franz that she fell in love with. Franz was once reckless, passionate, defiant, brave and had fierce convictions but now he barely speaks or interacts with Rachel and is in a state of just existing rather than living. Rachel is despondent and struggles to deal with this new Franz but she knows that her loyalty always lies with her husband and that when they married it was for better for worse, in sickness and in health and that she must never give up on him. She is the strength and pillar now of the relationship. She has taken over the role that a man usually occupies and without Rachel by his side he would quite simply cease to exist and go down without a fight.

Rachel tries everything to get through to him whilst on board the boat and when they are shipped back to a quarantine camp in the Netherlands. She is persistent and loyal despite the lack of interaction, support, affection and encouragement that a spouse should offer. I admired how she kept going and never gave up on him. I understand why he acted the way he did, for God knows what he must have witnessed and experienced in the camp but at the same time I thought should he not have been grateful that he was still alive and back in the arms of somebody who had missed and loved him very much? I wanted him to step up and shoulder the burden with Rachel. She couldn’t do everything on her nor should she have had to. Rachel kept trying with him, for if you don’t with regards to both Franz and their deteriorating situation there is no other choice but to curl up and die.

I found the chapters set in the Netherlands detailing Rachel and Franz’s new challenging life very well written, interesting and absorbing. I didn’t feel the chapters going by and the way the years slipped by too felt right and the pacing was good. Sometimes when there is a jump forward in years in a book or months moving by very quickly it can feel jarring to the story but here it felt natural and fitting. The themes of survival and resilience start coming to the fore as war is declared and over time Hitler extends his power and soon the Netherlands finds itself invaded and times grow ever more precarious for Rachel and Franz. I felt they were living on the edge all the time. That they could never fully relax because there was always the threat that they would be detained and shipped off to a concentration camp. Rachel had done her best to create some sort of life for them in the town of Haarlem and the new characters at this point added to her story especially the Ten Boom family whom I only discovered were real people when I read the historical notes at the end. I can’t imagine how it must have been living your life on your nerves in daily fear that at any time the Nazi’s would come for you and then what fate would await you.

The later half of the book was fantastic despite its harrowing nature. As mentioned in the blurb as the Nazi’s draw ever nearer and Rachel and Franz are discovered hiding along with others they are taken away on a cattle train. Their destination being Auschwitz. Here is where I felt Franz truly changed and a glimmer of his former self was beginning to make itself known. So cruel that just when their relationship was softening and maybe could get on track the gates of hell opened up and swallowed them. Whether they would emerge unscathed remained to be seen.

Rachel thought she had been through it all but little did she realise that her strength, bravery, courage and her power of endurance would be tested more than ever within the walls of the camp. She has a secret that she is holding close to her heart and she hopes that given it is late 1944 and there are rumours of the Soviets advancing through Germany that both herself and Franz might survive. But there are a lot of harrowing things to go through and I was glad the author did not spare any details when it came to describing what went on at the camp and to specifically Franz and Rachel. An outstanding picture as built by the author that only had my compassion and admiration growing by the page for Rachel. Dare I say it I think she was my favourite woman out of all four even though at the time of reading each book it was that woman that I liked. But Rachel was a standout character and I crossed my fingers that she would be one of the women that would be there on the right date at the café in the City of Lights.

Kate Hewitt has done herself proud with this series. It seemed slightly ambitious in its scope at the beginning and I wondered would it hold my attention throughout given some of the story had to be repeated with each book as it was necessary to do so. But I needn’t have worried at all, the characterisation, the settings and all the plotlines were superb all combining to make the series as a whole and in particular The Girl Who Never Gave up is an unmissable read that will leave every reader deeply satisfied.

[Mrs Merrily Willis · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first two to three books in this series were good - but by the time I got to this last one, I was totally over the reworked plot. We are all fully aware of the story of the horrific Jew experiences and to repeat it over and over across four books was not a good idea. This series should have ended sooner.

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in The Emerald Sisters series by Kate Hewitt which follows four young Jewish women during World War II. We first meet the four main characters in the first book, The Girl on the Boat. This establishes them meeting each other on the S.S. St. Louis, a boat of Jewish refugees which left Germany for Cuba, only to be denied entry and sent back.

The Girl Who Never Gave Up follows Rachel’s story. She is the oldest of the four women and was already married by the time we met her in The Girl on the Boat. Her husband, Franz, was a political prisoner at Dachau who was released. He has never talked about what happened to him there, but he came back a very different man from the one she married. After being turned away from Cuba, Franz and Rebecca are sent to the Netherlands. At first, they are in a refugee camp that is not much better than a concentration camp. Some of Franz’s friends come to their aid, and after a month, they are in a small apartment in Haarlem.

Franz is supposedly working for a law firm, but is not bringing home much money. Rachel must look for a job to keep food on the table. Still, Franz is mostly silent and moody around her. Rachel tries to be positive and encouraging to Franz, but there is no sign that he even listens to her most of the time. When the war comes to Haarlem, Rachel and Franz must hide from the Nazis. They move around several times, grateful for the people who are helping them. Eventually, their luck runs out and they are sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau.

I found The Girl Who Never Gave Up to be the weakest of the four books, which is a shame because it’s building to the hinted conclusion that only three of the four women have survived. I was quite anxious to see the story resolved, but I had to wade through Rachel’s story first. Looking back on Rachel’s life and choices can be difficult from a 21st-century perspective. Yes, Franz went through a horrible experience at Dachau, and it’s understandable that he would shut down after that. However, he seems to blame Rachel for all of their problem, and she seems to accept that blame. This frustrated me to no end. Rachel was always trying, and Franz seemed just to want to criticize her and place blame. He doesn’t give her any feedback about what happened to him or what he needs from her, so she is in the dark and guessing about how best to reach him. It’s a traditional wife’s role, and it’s a frustrating thing to read eighty years later. I know it’s authentic, but it’s also something that’s becoming harder to relate to. I would have walked away from Franz on any number of occasions, but especially when he allows his friends to mock her while she is the main breadwinner who is providing for the two of them.

To read my complete review, please go to The Girl Who Never Gave Up by Kate Hewitt – Strength and Survival in War

[The Bookish Pilgrim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Girl Who Never Gave Up (The Emerald Sisters book 4) by Kate Hewitt, is a poignant reminder that even with the worst heartache, there is always hope.

Four Jewish women meet on a refugee transport in 1939, fleeing Germany with little more than their lives. They become fast friends, their shared experiences binding them in a lasting sisterhood and exemplified by an emerald shard that each one is given. They vow to meet a year after the war ends in a Parsian cafe.

This novel is about Rachel and Franz Blau who hoped to settle down and begin anew in Cuba, but are forced to settle down in the Netherlands. Hewitt details their life there beautifully: the varying attitudes and people they meet before and during the Occupation. Their struggles to live as a couple. Relationships, friendships, joys, sorrows, worries, fears are all explored beautifully and organically.

Despite raging anti semitism, the weary Blaus meet people like the Ten Booms who with their love for the Jewish people, consider it a privilege to help them, even though it means a concentration camp and maybe death.

The Blaus learn vital lessons from the Ten Booms: you can trust God will give you the strength you need for the moment, just when you need it, not before. Lessons they need to draw on to face what lies ahead.

When the women meet again in June 1945, they are faced with their biggest heartbreak: the absence of Sophie. Rachel and Hannah had seen her during the war, but now no one knows if she's dead or alive or even where she can be.

The novel is a celebration of life, hope and the sheer resilience of the human spirit.

I was given an ARC for my reading pleasure by the publishers, but the opinions expressed are mine alone.


#TheGirlWhoNeverGaveUp #WorldWarTwoFiction #Holocaust #Historical #HeartbreakingYetHopeful #KateHewitt #Bookouture #NetGalley #TheBookishPilgrim

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Hewitt is unrivalled when it comes to powerful, evocative and heart-wrenching historical fiction and she is at her most outstanding with her latest novel, The Girl Who Never Gave Up.

When her husband Franz is released from Dachau, Rachel barely recognises him. Changed forever by the horrors he had endured, Rachel knows that she must be the strong one now and with the Nazi’s reign of terror showing no sign of slowing down, she realises that her only hope is to escape Germany for the Netherlands. Yet, the happy ending Rachel had envisaged is not meant to be…

When their worst fears materialise in the most terrifying of ways with Hitler’s tentacles of menace having reached their new home in the Netherlands, Rachel and her husband are sent to a camp and separated. But just when Rachel thinks that the situation is at its most helpless, she realises that she’s pregnant. The Nazis have taken so much from her, she refuses to let them take her spirit, her courage and her future.

Keeping her baby a secret is of the utmost importance and the consequences should her pregnancy be discovered do not bear thinking about. She must smuggle her baby out of the camp once its born and hand it over to strangers. But will Rachel manage to go through with it? Can she make the hardest sacrifice of all? Or will the girl who never gave up have no other choice but to surrender?

To say I was blown away by Kate Hewitt’s latest novel would be an understatement. A stellar historical tale of courage, triumphing over adversity, the cruelty of war and the power of love that will have readers sobbing their hearts out, The Girl Who Never Gave Up is a nuanced, beautifully written and wonderfully engaging novel by Kate Hewitt that is simply unforgettable.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in the Emerald Sister series, but can be read as a standalone. Each book follows one of four friends who meet aboard the MS St Louis bound for Cuba on the eve of WW2. This sailing would become known as the Voyage of the Damned, as countries around the world refused to allow the ship full of Jewish refugees to dock. Eventually England, France, the Netherlands, and Belgium agree to each take a portion of the passengers. This is when the four friends are separated, with a promise to meet again at Henri’s in Paris after the war: each taking a small emerald shard with them for luck and a reminder of their friendship.

This book follows Rachel, the oldest of the girls and the only one who is married. She and her husband are taken to the Netherlands where they spend time in a quarantine camp before moving to a small city apartment, and eventually move around as they try to navigate the increasing restrictions on Jews as the war progresses. She encounters people with various and complex attitudes toward Jews and the Nazis before they are eventually arrested and taken to Auschwitz-Birkenau. There are many heartbreaking aspects of this book, both on the larger scale of the holocaust horrors, but also the deeply personal struggles for Rachel- as a daughter, a wife, a friend, and a mother - as the situations she finds herself in become more and more dire.

I have always been a fan of historical fiction, and tend to gravitate toward WW2 fiction specifically. If that’s a genre you enjoy, or you like books like the Nightingale or Kate Quinn books, I recommend this book!

I was excited to receive an Advanced Reader Copy of this book, but all opinions are my own.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not need to read the previous three books in the series to appreciate and understand this story. This is the conclusion of the stories of four young women who got on a ship to flee Germany in 1939 and promised to meet again after the war.

The story was different from many of the historical fiction WWII novels I have read in the past. It described at length Rachel’s and Franz’s journeys before they were led to Auschwitz. Initially, Rachel was a frustrating character—so naive and sheltered—but as the story unfolded, I could see how her experiences shaped her into a more resilient and self-aware individual. Her emotional growth was one of the most engaging parts of the book, especially when she began to understand the depth of the horrors around her, especially in understanding the reasoning behind Franz's behavior. It's so sad they lost so much time in the years they were together by not sharing in their grief.

The themes of survival, resilience, and the human will to endure were central to the novel. Rachel’s determination to survive, despite everything she faced, was inspiring. The bond that developed between her and Franz was equally moving, and their relationship added an emotional layer to the historical backdrop. Kate Hewitt’s portrayal of the period was vivid and poignant, especially in the way she captured the fear and uncertainty of those living through the Holocaust. Kate Hewitt’s storytelling captured both the horrors and the moments of hope, making this book a memorable addition to WWII historical fiction.

Thanks to the publisher, author and NetGalley for the chance to read and review

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Girl Who Never Gave Up by Kate Hewitt is the next in the Emerald Sisters series, the story of four young women who met on the ill-fated voyage of the St. Louis. After they were turned away in the Americas, they were returned to Europe where each of them was sent to a different county. This is the story of Rachel BlAu and her husband, Franz, who had been released from Dachau and as a condition of his release he had to leave Germany. This was the chance that they saw dwindling in front of their eyes. Well, Rachel did. Franz had not recovered from his time in the camp and the burden was on Rachel. They ended up in the Netherlands and for a while life was bearable, sometimes even good, for them. Then, of course, the Nazis came and despite the neutrality of the Netherlands, Rachel and Franz were eventually included in a roundup and sent to Auschwitz where they were separated. Amazing things happened in the ensuing time.

Rachel was a good character. She was strong and carried her mother’s messages with her as she tried to navigate this strange world in which she found herself. Franz did finally break out of his stupor but it did him very little good at that point. We end up at the meeting place in Paris the women had agreed upon and Sophie was missing. She had escaped several times, had Auschwitz finally killed her? An emotional story showing multiple viewpoints of these women who were little more than girls when they met and now, years later, were women, for better or worse. As always, an amazing story.

I was invited to read The Girl Who Never Gave Up by Bookoutre. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #KateHewitt #TheGirlWhoNeverGaveUp

[Sue Garland · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE GIRL WHO NEVER GAVE UP is rhe fourth novel in the Emerald Sisters series by KATE HEWITT and finishes it off very well. As with each of the books this one can be read as a stand alone because of the way the author gives us background in the first few chapters.
This book is Rachel’s story, and as with the other three, we see what horrific extremes Hitler and his followers will go to in otder to rid the world of Jews. We see tremendous courage shown not only by Rachel as she deals with a husband who has been broken by his time in Dachau and her hard work to feed them against all odds, and her will to live and find her baby, but also by Sophie and Jakob, to name a few. I like to see how Rachel tries to hold onto her faith in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Things change for the better for her and Franz’s marriage and their faith when they meet the ten Boom family and come across their unconditional love for God’s chosen people. Franz’s faith grows when he reads the Bible from cover to cover …….
Will the four friends all make it in June to their rendez-vous at Henri’s with the four pieces of emerald?………
The faith aspect in this book and how it generates hope make this my favourite in the series.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bookouture. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the fourth and final book in the Emerald Sisters series, readers follow Rachel Blau and her husband Franz as they attempt to escape Nazi Germany only to arrive in the Netherlands knowing no Dutch. Having been imprisoned in Dachau, Franz is a shadow of himself, so Rachel must gather her strength for the both of them by hiding with Corrie ten Bloom until the Nazis, inevitably, find them and place them in separate camps. When her choices become harder and fewer, Rachel’s strength and her love of her husband must be enough to keep her going even in the darkest hours of their relationship. With a series of complicated challenges and powerful historical details, this is a powerful and emotional conclusion to this brilliant World War II historical fiction series, bringing the final member of the group, Rachel, to life. As she copes with the challenges of the occupation of the Netherlands and the struggles of being Jewish during the Second World War, Rachel deals with realistic historical circumstances and interactions which really impact her character development and her relationship with the other girls and Franz. Brilliantly written and emotional, this is a great conclusion to a unique and dynamic historical fiction series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance copy.

[Inspiredbypmdd Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review:
It was wonderful to return to the Emerald Girls, this time the focus on Rachel Blau, wife of Franz and their journey post SS St Louis. For me this was the best out of the 4 experiences and believe me they are all wonderfully written. If you are just joining the girls now, you are lucky you can get all four experiences now. Franz remains dazed from his experience at Dachau and its so hard for Rachel to reach him, her faith in getting her husband back rarely wavers as they navigate their way through living in Holland, reconnecting with an old friend of Franz’s and Rachel finding a job to help pay for food and rent. As the Nazi’s draw closer and closer their lives become ever more restricted, along the way they meet some incredibly brave souls to support them no matter what risks they may face themselves, and some who turn their back on them as soon as the threat becomes more real.
Their story is hard, lonely, strong and I was totally in awe so have the ten Booms woven into the story. It’s also nice to meet characters such as Jakob. Will they make it to meet the others in Paris? A recommended 5 star read.

[Mystica · Rating 4 out of 5]

1939 Germany not a very secure place for Jews and when Fran’s returns from Dachau he is not the same man he was before. A flight to Holland to escape the persecution is strife with tension with Rachel making every effort to make some sort of family life. The odds are stacked heavily against them because Hitler is steadily advancing into Europe. The unthinkable happens and both of them are sent to Auschwitz. Franz never to return and Rachel scarred but triumphant with the baby she was able to save from the wardens at Auschwitz.

The backdrop of four girls forging a friendship when they faced such an uncertain future and all going separate ways reunited again was a marvelous tribute to determination to survive and a will to never give up. This period in history churns out courageous stories, each one similar and different too. The long haul to Cuba hoping for refuge, then the traumatic return to Europe not knowing what their future would be, the ability of those who were rich enough to pay their way to a secure future, whilst those who were penniless had to rely on luck and their wits.

Very emotional and heart breaking this was a beautiful story very well told.

[Trudy Dowling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was left speechless after reading The Girl Who Never Gave Up. Hannah's story gutted me. There is so much in this story. There is so much to learn from this story. Putting a face on those that went through the struggles of WW2 brings it to life. A life I would never wish on anyone.

Hannah is one of four women that came together on the MS St. Louis, but were soon separated when Cuba failed them. Each of the women were sent to a different country. Hannah and her husband, Franz, were dropped in the Netherlands with nothing, not knowing what would happen in the future.

The Girl Who Never Gave Up is Hannah's story of survival. The story is filled with drama; as they try to survive. No matter the horrors, Hannah's strength was an inspiration. Open the book and travel along with Hannah. Experience the challenges. Feel the fear. The determination to survive had me in awe. I can't imagine what it took to not give up, to just give in. Thanks to stories like this I can atleast get a glimpse of the past so we don't repeat in the future.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amongst all the hate they found friendship and love and during the darkest time they still had hope, courage, determination and strength. The Girl Who Never Gave Up is the final instalment of the Emerald Sisters series. Rachel never gave up, no matter what hardship was laid in front of her. The first couple of chapters, as we revisited the St Louise were a litter slow but it picked up as we followed Rachels experience through the war. Kate Hewitt did an amazing job with the series as we followed these four strong, relentless, fearless women on their path to survive. A story of self-discovery, family, loss, unconditional love and courage. I loved the ending. A beautifully well written novel and series. 4 1/2 stars. Recommended to those that love WW2 historical fiction
I would like to thank the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.
#TheGirlWhoNeverGaveUp #NetGalley.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much emotion in the words of this story it's utterly unbelievable! Through all the terror and hate of the war the four girls friendship and love has stayed true and strong. This book follows the story of Rachel as her and Franz face unimaginable times of hunger, disease, fear and so much more. Through it all Rachel is determined to stay strong and protect her unborn baby as best she can. I was entranced by Rachel and her courage and despite everything Rachel always seemed to be positive and look at the bright side of things. It's a true testament to a character who has the ability to do so. I cried and felt so angry at how human beings could treat another human beings with such disgust and disregard. I love the characters who were willing to risk their own lives to assist others! The story while I found it hard to read because of the nastiness, it also was highly entertaining and I could feel the love shining through the hate!

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Girl Who Never Gave Up is the final book of WWII Series The Emerald Sisters by Kate Hewitt. While the story begins with the girls meeting in 1946,the story quickly turns to Rachel and Franz boarding the ill-fated SS St Louis in 1939. They settle in the Netherlands which is a difficult place to be. Be sure to have a tissue handy for this story is a heart-wrenching tale of wartime suffering, spirit, and love with such sadness but also some wonderful surprises. Many in the Netherlands may agree with the Nazis concerning Jew but not all. It is the few who did not that stand out in Rachel’s story.

Of the four stories this was the hardest for me to read. The horrors seen, experienced and so few surviving it is heart breaking. Still there is hope. It is important for us today as readers and thinkers to know so hat history does not repeat itself. The Girl Who Never Gave Up is an inspirational story that is part of a stirring series.

[Sall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bittersweet ending, after all their efforts to stay alive Franz was killed in Birkenau, but the poignent story of tatooing babies and sneaking them out more than made up for it.

I knew somehow that Sophie was alive and the reunion without her seemed wrong...so I was thrilled that she survived the camp and that they were all reunited.

The best part of this was not just the stories of the resistance but the ending where Rachel was going to work with displaced refugees, both Jews and Germans...it's important to remember that not all subscribed to the Nazi propoganda and yet for fear of their's and their families lives they participated in cruelties beyond imagination and mass murder thus they too needed help to live with what they had done.

[Nethanja · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great conclusion of this series. We’ve followed four young women who got on a ship to flee Germany in 1939. They promised to meet again after the war. Each of the four women has a story to tell and this was the last one Rachel. Her story is heartbreaking but we know she survived but what has she to endure and will she meet her friends again?
What a series, it brings questions about what would I do in that situation.

Thanks to the publisher, author and NetGalley for the chance to read and review.