A Million Miracles: An Absolutely Heartbreaking and Unforgettable World War Two Story of Love and Survival

by Roberta Kagan

He has one vow, one mission, one impossible secret.

Pitor Barr no longer exists. To the world, he is Konrad Hoffman, a trusted SS officer deep inside Hitler’s inner circle. But beneath the uniform lies a desperate Jewish father, risking everything to find the last piece of his his stolen son, Jakup.

To uncover the boy’s fate, Pitor must marry Heidi, a woman entangled in the dark secrets of the Lebensborn home. She alone holds the key to Jakup’s whereabouts. But every day of this false marriage is a dangerous dance, where one wrong glance, one whispered word, could expose the truth. And now, Horst and Gretchen are watching, closing in.

Far from Berlin’s shadows, Steffi is torn from her quiet farm and thrown into the horror of Auschwitz. There, she collides with an old enemy whose twisted revenge could destroy her. Yet his cruelty may unwittingly spark a fragile chance to aid Pitor’s fight from within the heart of darkness.

Betrayal.
Sacrifice.
Love tested beyond endurance.

This unforgettable final installment of the A Million Miracles series delivers the answers you’ve been waiting for, and a breathtaking conclusion that will stay with you long after the last page.

Genres: Historical Fiction

276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 12, 2025

About the author

I’m an American writer of Jewish and Romany decent. I write Historical Fiction and Historical Romance, most of which is set during the holocaust. Although I never discount the horrors of the time period, the main focus of my work is on ordinary people who prove to be strong heroic characters in unfathomable circumstances.

Facebook Author page:
http://www.facebook.com/Rkagan4

Facebook Book Club:
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Instagram:
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Reviews

[Kathleen Riggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotion, History, and Humanity Combined.

Roberta Kagan never fails to amase me. A Million Miracles is another powerful, beautifully written story that captures history with such authenticity and heart. Kagan has an incredible gift for bringing the past to life and you can feel the emotions, the fear, the hope, and the strength of her characters in every page.

I have read quite a few of Kagan's books, and every time I am drawn in from the first page. Her research shines through, but it is her compassion and understanding of human nature that make her stories unforgettable. This book truly touched me as moving, and a heartfelt read that will linger long after you finish this book. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jean Blankenship · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Million Miracles by Roberta Kagan is a story that all historical fiction readers will enjoy. I didn’t know this was the 3rd. book in a series until I was half way through. The story was told so well that it could very well be a stand alone book. It is beautifully written and I couldn’t put it down. I had never read about the Germans that were published for helping the Jews. That is what happened to Steffie. She endured being treated horrible by the Germans. Pilar was a Jew posing as a German officer. He was trying to find his son that had been stolen from him and adopted by a German couple who didn’t know he was a Jew. It is a heartbreaking story and an emotional read at times. I highly recommend this book.
Thanks NetGalley and to the publisher for an ARC.

[Alyson Lucille · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wrap up to a great series. This one had lots of “oh no” moments. I had no clue how this was going to turn out for the characters but really enjoyed the ride! Thanks NetGalley and the author for another great read!

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚A Million Miracles
✍🏻Roberta Kagan
Blurb:
He has one vow, one mission, one impossible secret.

Pitor Barr no longer exists. To the world, he is Konrad Hoffman, a trusted SS officer deep inside Hitler’s inner circle. But beneath the uniform lies a desperate Jewish father, risking everything to find the last piece of his his stolen son, Jakup.

To uncover the boy’s fate, Pitor must marry Heidi, a woman entangled in the dark secrets of the Lebensborn home. She alone holds the key to Jakup’s whereabouts. But every day of this false marriage is a dangerous dance, where one wrong glance, one whispered word, could expose the truth. And now, Horst and Gretchen are watching, closing in.

Far from Berlin’s shadows, Steffi is torn from her quiet farm and thrown into the horror of Auschwitz. There, she collides with an old enemy whose twisted revenge could destroy her. Yet his cruelty may unwittingly spark a fragile chance to aid Pitor’s fight from within the heart of darkness.

Betrayal.
Sacrifice.
Love tested beyond endurance.

This unforgettable final installment of the A Million Miracles series delivers the answers you’ve been waiting for, and a breathtaking conclusion that will stay with you long after the last page.
My Thoughts:
A Million Miracles
The main focus of the book is a little boy, Liam, who was adopted by the Kommandant and his wife, but who is really the son of a Jewish man who is posing as a high ranking trusted SS officer in Hitler's inner circle. while desperately seeking Jakup (Liam). The Jewish father has found his son, who has been adopted by Nazi officer who does not realize the child is a Jew. He's living a dangerous life but it's the only way to find Jakub his stolen son. Steffi, has to endure the torture of someone from her past and forced to come the nanny to his son.This book truly touched me as moving, and a heartfelt read that will linger long after you finish this book.
Thanks NetGalley,Roberta Kagan and Roberta Kagan Publishing for the advanced copy of "A Million Miracles" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#RobertaKagan
#RovertaKaganPublishing
#AMillionMiracles
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of ARC Edition eBook

Pitor Barr is living a lie, pretending to be SS officer Konrad Hoffmann and marrying Hoffmann’s fiancé, Heidi. Her best friend, Gretchen, and her husband, Horst, are with them, but Horst is only pretending to be Pitor’s friend.

it does not matter to Pitor; he will do everything necessary to keep up the pretense. Nazis murdered his wife, Mila, and stole his son, Jakup.

And Pitor is determined to find his son.

=========

Although this is the third book in the author’s A Million Miracles series, there is sufficient backstory here for readers new to the series. The story, set in the midst of World War Two and the Holocaust, grabs readers from the outset and keeps the pages turning as quickly as possible. Anchored by a strong sense of place, characters readers really care about, and a compelling plot, the unfolding narrative is not at all shy about describing the horrors of war, the brutality of German officers toward Jewish prisoners, and the continuall struggle for survival.

The graphic descriptions of Kommandant Reinhard Woolf’s attacks on Steffi Seidel are difficult to read, but they fit within the context of the story being told. With some unexpected twists and turns in the plot, the story plays out, pitting the horrors of the Nazi regime against the faith of their tortured prisoners.

Readers who enjoy historical fiction and/or World War Two tales will find much to appreciate in this difficult-to-set-aside tale of heartbreak and hope.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book from The Book Whisperer and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
#AMillionMiracles #NetGalley

[Heather Copping · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just outside of Poland in a small town a young boy plays with a gun that he has just been given for his birthday, his father explains to him that he is a pure German, a member of the superior race and he will one day grow up to rule the world! But all is not as it appears and there is certainly a dark past that his father is not going to admit to.
Steffi has been arrested by the Germans, for looking after a young Jewish girl whose family had already been arrested, now she is in a hell-hole of a camp, being made to work as a prostitute for the officers. Then she gets a job as a nanny to a young boy Liam whom she is sure is Pitors child, Pitor is someone she knew years ago, but worse of all she knows he is actually a jew, taken without consent because he has blond hair and blue eyes and looks like a German. But what happens next to Steffi is horrific and at times is difficult to read, but we all know now that these atrocities did happen and we must never forget. As their home was attached to the Austzwich camp more people were continually arriving but never left!

Meanwhile Pitor was continually searching for his son, will he find him? Plus will he be safe?
This book really tugs at your heartstrings as you read it, and find out about people that you can't help but care about and also those you can't help but despise and hate.

I found it to be heartbreaking yet readable and extremely informative too.

I have given it five stars and my heart is still beating fast from the action.

Thanks to netgalley and The Book Whisperer for allowing me to read it.

#RobertaKagan
#AMillionMiracles
#Netgalley
#BookWhisperer

[T M. Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roberta Kagan brings her A Million Miracles trilogy to a breathtaking and heartbreaking conclusion with this final installment, a story as harrowing as it is filled with grace.

Set against the devastating backdrop of the Holocaust, Kagan’s prose pulls readers into a world where despair shadows every moment—yet hope, faith, and the human spirit shine with quiet resilience.

What strikes me most about Kagan’s storytelling is how real it feels. Her attention to setting and historical detail immerses the reader completely; you don’t just read this book, you live it. The despair is palpable, the darkness heavy, yet through it all, the hand of God moves gently between the lines—reminding us that even in humanity’s darkest hours, miracles still find a way.

It feels unusual to give five stars to a story that left me so profoundly sad. But that’s where Roberta Kagan’s brilliance lies. She doesn’t just write about history—she makes us feel it. Grief, courage, loss, faith—all interwoven into a tapestry that demands we remember. Because to forget what happened, to turn away from stories like this, is to risk complacency and allow history’s horrors to repeat.

A Million Miracles is a sobering yet essential reminder of the strength of the human soul. It’s a book that breaks your heart and mends it with hope. I am deeply grateful to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free advance copy in exchange for this honest review

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A million miracles, Roberta Kagan

This book is the final chapter of the series, which begins with ghettos and Kristallnacht, and ends with the Allied troops liberating the concentration camps, leaving 6 million Jews, and 3 million other people dead.

Roberta Kagan has successfully documented the horrors of the Holocaust, by writing the love story of a family, and ultimately the survival of a father and son.

This volume, “Finding Jakeup”, tells us about the boy, Jakeup, who was stolen from his Jewish parents , and then adopted by a German family. Pitor, his father, goes to no ends to find his son. Masquerading as a German soldier, he rises in the ranks of the Nazi army, until he can find out where his son is living. Despite all risks, Pitor never gives up.

Ms.Kagan doesn’t leave out any horrors of the Holocaust. The truth must be told, over and over again.
We read quotes like these spewed from the mouths of Nazis:

“Dirty Jews, filthy gypsies
UNTERMENSCHEN

Jew spreading diseases from ashes of their cremated bodies.

“Jews are demons”
The Nazis tell their children that Jews kill people and drink their blood.
“We were all just following orders” Nazi Soldiers.

This entire series, and especially Finding Jakeup, deserves 5 giant stars.
The books are a must read. They are horrifying and educational.
NEVER AGAIN.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Million Miracles by Roberta Kagan is the conclusion in a multi-book Holocaust story that relies on miracles and coincidences. Kagan manages to make it believable with the featured characters, Pitor, his son Jakup, and Jakup’s Christian caretaker, Steffi. The story proves the adage that it’s a small world, with people meeting up again after years, sometimes to the good. Pitor is a good character. He is stubborn and loving and did some hideous things to regain his son, who had been stolen by a Nazi, sent to a Lebensborn home, and adopted by a ruthless and hateful Nazi officer. Pitor tracked him and found him in the care of a Christian woman, Steffi, whom he had met earlier. Together they ran.

Good stories. Often depressing. Always grotesque. Robert Kagan had a handle on the Nazi regime and Holocaust-related events. She humanizes the victims, the opposite of what the regime was going for. She always has excellent characters, even the bad ones are well-written. This story is creative and bold, if not just a little heart-breaking. All’s well that ends well.

I was invited to read A Million Miracles by Book Whisperer. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BookWhisperer #RobertaKagan #AMillionMiracles

[Firetruckmama · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.

“A Million Miracles” is the last book in a series by Roberta Kagan. This book does provide enough background to fill in character arcs and backstories for the main players in this book for new readers. In this book, Pitor/Konrad has a better lead on who stole his child (Jakup) and where he possibly has been taken. The one thing I’ll say for Pitor is that he’s a driven man … he wants to find his child and will do anything in order to find where he is. Ms Kagan does an admirable job of, once again, not shying away from the horrors of the treatment of people from the Nazis, but also (again) treats those scenes with care. I did think one of the scenes was a bit far fetched, but it could have happened so I let it slide - plus it bridged a bit of the story, which was needed. I also found the ending a bit rushed - regarding the timeline - but the ending was satisfying both for this book and the series.

[Sue Schiel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t read the first two books in this series, but I was surprised by how well this one stood on its own. Roberta Kagan does a great job filling in enough background so I could understand the characters and connect with their stories right away.

Pitor (Konrad) is such a determined father — you can really feel his pain and his drive to find his son, Jakup. His love and desperation come through on every page. The story is emotional, and like all of Kagan’s books, it doesn’t shy away from the dark realities of the time. She handles those difficult moments with care and respect, which I really appreciated.

There were a few parts that felt a little far-fetched, but they still worked within the story and helped tie everything together. I did think the ending moved a bit quickly, but it still wrapped things up in a way that felt right and satisfying.

Even though I came into the series at the end, A Million Miracles touched my heart. It’s a story about love, loss, and never giving up hope — and it reminded me why I enjoy Roberta Kagan’s writing so much.

[Su Thor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful story, bringing conclusion to the story of Jakup. I loved every minute I have spent reading it. Although, I have to say that there were some scary bits, some tearful episodes and some moments where I thought how is this going to end. End it did with a happy ever after. for which I was grateful. This story was so well told that all the likeable characters became friends. So, how could the reader feel less for their friends.

This story has bravery, heroism, friendship, revenge and love. This has to be one of the best trilogies I've read this year. (Maybe even this decade). Thank you Roberta for bringing these people to life and giving the Holocaust a new twist. Believable, yes it is. Why not. If in another tale the Commandant's Son can be in the wrong place at the wrong time and loose his life, why can't a Jew mascaraed as an SS officer!

Thank you Roberta for this amazing story, to Roberta Kagan Publishing and netgalley for the advance copy in exchange for this freely given, honest and heartfelt review.

[SHIRLEY · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Million Miracles trilogy but is easily a stand alone book.
The book opens in WWII Germany in Auschwitz where Steffi (a Christian) is thrown into the horror of Auschwitz when her farm is seized by the Nazis.
When she was younger, she made an enemy of a mean boy, who is now the Kommandant of Auschwitz, who gets his revenge in cruel ways.
The main focus of the book is a little boy, Liam, who was adopted by the Kommandant and his wife, but who is really the son of a Jewish man who is posing as a high ranking trusted SS officer in Hitler's inner circle. while desperately seeking Jakup (Liam).
This story tells the struggles, the sacrifices, the abject fear, and the determination of the main characters, and it is heartbreaking.
It did have a satisfying conclusion with closure to the dilemmas posed in the trilogy- although it was poignant, it was the right ending to the book (and had me crying tears of joy for the characters).
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

[KAY♠️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of A Million Miracles by Roberta Kagan, and I didn’t realize at first that it’s the third book in a series. lol😅
* I might purchase and read the first two books 🙈
Still, I was drawn in from the very first page and had no trouble following the story.

This book is heartbreaking and powerful. It follows Pitor, a Jewish man living under a false identity as an SS officer, risking everything to find his stolen son during WWII. Even without reading the earlier books, I could feel his pain, fear, and determination so deeply.

Roberta Kagan writes with such compassion that you can’t help but feel every emotion — sorrow, hope, and even moments of unexpected grace. The scenes in Auschwitz, especially those with Steffi, were devastating yet filled with quiet strength.

Just like Lale Sokolov in The Tattooist of Auschwitz❤️🥹, this story and its characters are hard to forget. It stays with you long after the last page🫡

Thank you for the ARC📚

[Robin Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting so long for the last book in this trilogy. Pitor has been assuming the role of a SS officer for quite some time in his quest to find his son who was kidnapped by the SS. He has forced himself to marry the woman who cared for him before he was adopted to find the family he was given to. Steffi, a woman whom Pitor briefly met, has been taken to Auschwitz for hiding a Jewish girl. She was discovered in the camp by a childhood classmate who was very cruel. She was taken to his home during the days to be their maid, returning to the camp at night. As the family was pleased with her work, she was then given the job of their nanny. She had a good relationship with the young boy, who was mostly ignored by his parents. There is something that seems familiar about him, but she can’t figure out why. These two people are in desperate situations, with each constantly plotting their next move. I loved this book, as I have both of the first two in the series.

[ARLENE · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read a Roberta Kagan book but now I will look for more of her books. She writes in series so I will have to get the whole series in order. This book, A Million Miracles, was the third book in a trilogy but I was given it as a gift. It was a good book and I read it in two days because I couldn't put it down and I wanted to see what happened to the characters. The main characters are Pitor, Jakup and Steffi. Pitor's wife was killed in one of the previous books but this book starts with Pitor looking for his kidnapped son and how Steffi, a non-Jewish German, that Pitor had befriended in another book, watched over Jakup, now called Liam, when she found him in the home of a high ranking Nazi who was in charge of Auschwitz-Birkenau. The story unfolds as Steffi takes care of Liam/Jakup and Pitor looks for his son. It is a good read if you like WWII historical fiction of which I am a big fan. Lest we forget...

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Million Miracles by Roberta Kagan is the third and final book in this trilogy. Pitor has been and done many things to find his son, Jakup and survive the Holocaust. The title of this third book sums it up well, without a million small miracles the ending would have been much different. If the Nazis had been the only enemies, survival would have been almost impossible, but Pitor has someone else also after him, so it is a miracle that he did. This is a story of endurance, hope and resilience and truly doing whatever is necessary. The conclusion is a satisfying one to say the least. I suggest that the entire trilogy be read in order with A Million Miracles being my favorite of the three, perhaps because of the ending.

[Howard Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with all of Roberta Kagan’s novels, the reader is rooting for the characters to overcome somewhat overwhelming challenges and obstacles. The story of a father’s search for his son against the background of Nazi Germany and the extermination camps is exciting, heartbreaking and heartwarming. The characters and situations seem to be authentic and it is refreshing to read a novel with a satisfying and poignant conclusion. I thank NetGalley and bookwhisper.ink for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to publication

[Shirley McAllister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jakob Home at Last

Wow! What a great concluding book, this is the best of the three in the series. What a wonderful story of love between Jakob and Steffie and then Steffie and Pitor.

I love how Roberta tells Holocaust stories with the truth of the horror but somehow puts Love, Kindness and compassion in every book.

Each one of Roberta’s series are unique and filled with wonderful characters. I enjoy every one of them. Her books are a ray of light while covering such a dark period in history.

I was given a copy of the book to read and review. The review is my own.

[Nethanja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will pitor finally find his son in the conclusion of this series. He's living a dangerous life but it's the only way to find Jakub his stolen son. Meanwhile a woman Steffi, has to endure the torture of someone from her past and forced to come the nanny to his son.
But she knows that boy's face.......
For the most part I enjoyed reading this series and I know the terrible things that has happened during thecwar but the description in this story was a bit to much for me.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this story.

[Ash Laverty · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing end to a truely moving series.

A Million Miracles was my favourite book of this series. A couple of the “coincidences” in the storylines were a bit far fetched - such as Steffi, the woman who Piotr met in an earlier book whose childhood bully turned out to be the Kommandant of the camp she was in and also the adoptive Nazi father of Jakup. However even with these unrealistic coincidences, the story was beautifully written and kept me on my toes the whole time!

4.5 out of 5 stars ⭐️

[Christine Cazeneuve · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author is one of my favorites and I loved the previous two books in the series. However, I was a bit disappointed in this one which surprised me greatly. The problem was there were too many coincidences that I found hard to believe. Without spoiling the story it's still worth reading the series. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Terry M · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author weaves a story of compassion, pain and suffering around the horrors of the holocaust. This grand finale in the story of Pitor, brings to the fore the love and determination to find his kidnapped son and how far he will go to get him back where he belongs. Excellent, well written and heartfelt. Highly recommended. I received an advance review copy from Storm Publishing/Netgalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Carey Mundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Roberta Kagan books and this book 3 in the Million Miracles series was outstanding. Pyotor is still on a mission to find his young son who was kidnapped in the Warsaw ghetto and adopted by an SS officer and his wife. He decides to marry Heidi so she will tell him where his son is although she does not know he is the father. It will take all of his wits and effort, fighting many obstacles, to get to his son. A riveting tale for sure

[Lynn Grimes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A million miracles

Wow! Once again, I feel like I have been on a roller coaster of emotions. I laughed and cried and begged and raged my way through this story, as I have through all her others. I love the characters she creates. She has a wonderful way of teaching about the horrors of the Holocaust without lecturing you. Well done, Roberta, you have another great hit x

[Melissa Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book held me captivated as the story continues with Pitor trying to find Jakub, his son.

The character of Pitor uses all his abilities to continue his search. He must impersonate another to be able to find his son. However, things are not going his way and he finds out who to trust and who not to.

The author takes us on a heartbreaking journey, which will be tested by all.

[Lisa Carlile · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third and final book in this series by Roberta Kagan’s based on the Holocaust.

This is a hard, and traumatic look at Nazi cruelty
It concludes the saga and story of love between Jakob and Steffie and then Steffie and Pitor.
A wonderful read as usual by Roberta Kagan .

[sally crowell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miracle after Miracle

Surviving the Holocaust two people fell in love with his son. Walked out of Poland and Germany into Chicago il.
A story of struggle and survival through the most difficult time. God perserves

[Carol Platt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the series. A million miracles brought Pilar and his son together.

[annasbook nookk · Rating 3 out of 5]

etc