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The Shopkeeper of Alsace
One unstoppable woman. Two World Wars. Based on a True Story.
When WWII comes for her family, Sarah thinks she’s ready. She’s had training, after all, coming of age in Poland during World War I.
In 1920, Sarah leaves behind the ruins of Poland for France, full of youthful hope and ambition. Jewish immigrants are welcome, and soon, she’s built the Perfect French Life. In the postcard-pretty Alsatian town of Colmar, she runs a thriving clothing store, gaining a reputation as a stylish and savvy businesswoman. She has three adorable children, a gorgeous husband, and a close extended family.
Sarah's legendary sixth sense for trouble grows through the 1930s, as Germany gathers strength under a frightening, new nationalist party. Everyone around her insists that there won’t be another war, and if there is, France will win. But Sarah calls upon her lessons learned from World War I, and begins to plan for the worst. Still, no instinct can fully prepare her for the next global conflict.
From the Great War in Poland to the long-contested borders of Alsace to the remote refuge Sarah finds in the Cévennes mountains, The Shopkeeper of Alsace is an uplifting tale of family, love, resilience, and one unstoppable woman. Perfect for fans of We Were the Lucky Ones, The Nightingale, and The Alice Network, this dramatic debut brings to life a little-known corner of wartime history—and an inspiring real-life heroine you’ll cheer for.
When WWII comes for her family, Sarah thinks she’s ready. She’s had training, after all, coming of age in Poland during World War I.
In 1920, Sarah leaves behind the ruins of Poland for France, full of youthful hope and ambition. Jewish immigrants are welcome, and soon, she’s built the Perfect French Life. In the postcard-pretty Alsatian town of Colmar, she runs a thriving clothing store, gaining a reputation as a stylish and savvy businesswoman. She has three adorable children, a gorgeous husband, and a close extended family.
Sarah's legendary sixth sense for trouble grows through the 1930s, as Germany gathers strength under a frightening, new nationalist party. Everyone around her insists that there won’t be another war, and if there is, France will win. But Sarah calls upon her lessons learned from World War I, and begins to plan for the worst. Still, no instinct can fully prepare her for the next global conflict.
From the Great War in Poland to the long-contested borders of Alsace to the remote refuge Sarah finds in the Cévennes mountains, The Shopkeeper of Alsace is an uplifting tale of family, love, resilience, and one unstoppable woman. Perfect for fans of We Were the Lucky Ones, The Nightingale, and The Alice Network, this dramatic debut brings to life a little-known corner of wartime history—and an inspiring real-life heroine you’ll cheer for.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2025
24 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 9, 2026
Laura Knoy’s debut novel, The Shopkeeper of Alsace, is a stunning and immersive work of historical fiction. A standout elements for me was the strong female lead, who is both resilient and compelling. Her journey is not only personal but intricately tied to the historical events unfolding around her, including content from true lived experiences of one woman in both WWI and WWII.
As someone who has been a long-time fan of Laura Knoy’s voice on the radio, I’m especially excited to hear her narrate the audiobook and look forward to that release. Her professional delivery and distinct tone will no doubt add another layer of richness to the story.
I highly recommended this local author for fans of historical fiction such as Kristin Hannah’s “The Nightingale” and Kristin Harmel’s “The Book of Lost Names”. Really I recommend this book to anyone who appreciates a well-crafted story, niche historical research, and unforgettable characters!
As someone who has been a long-time fan of Laura Knoy’s voice on the radio, I’m especially excited to hear her narrate the audiobook and look forward to that release. Her professional delivery and distinct tone will no doubt add another layer of richness to the story.
I highly recommended this local author for fans of historical fiction such as Kristin Hannah’s “The Nightingale” and Kristin Harmel’s “The Book of Lost Names”. Really I recommend this book to anyone who appreciates a well-crafted story, niche historical research, and unforgettable characters!
December 31, 2025
This was such a good read. So different from most WWII novels. It was based on a true story, which made this historical novel so real. The characters were so well developed that they felt like people I really knew the whole time I was reading it. It was like time traveling to the past. Great first novel, and I've learned that chapters that were edited out that were told with the voice of some of the characters in the novel will become available. I can't wait.
December 2, 2025
This is a first novel by Laura but will not probably be the last. Based on real people and true events, it is a saga of WWII set primarily in Alsace. (Oh, you would guess that from the title I would assume.) Most WWII stories do not highlight that region and there may be more stories coming from here in the future.
Laura leads the French Conversation group in Concord and is also fluent in German and so this novel is a real coup for her. The story moves along well, is fast paced, informative, and holds your interest. Once I started, I couldn't put it down.
The one passage I would like to remember is on page 81.'That spring, thousands of German Jews sought refuge from the new Nazi regime, with many of them coming to Alsace. I recognized the hurt, confused looks on their faces. I knew how it felt to be powerless against stupidity, violence, and hatred. At the same time, I was encouraged by the French government's reaction, which went out of it's way to welcome the newcomers, by easing rules around identity cards, visas, and work documents. But this warm reception did not last.'
A survival story, with New Hampshire connections. All war is terrible, and much has been written about WWII. This story follows a family through the many transitions they had to make. A well crafted story.
Laura leads the French Conversation group in Concord and is also fluent in German and so this novel is a real coup for her. The story moves along well, is fast paced, informative, and holds your interest. Once I started, I couldn't put it down.
The one passage I would like to remember is on page 81.'That spring, thousands of German Jews sought refuge from the new Nazi regime, with many of them coming to Alsace. I recognized the hurt, confused looks on their faces. I knew how it felt to be powerless against stupidity, violence, and hatred. At the same time, I was encouraged by the French government's reaction, which went out of it's way to welcome the newcomers, by easing rules around identity cards, visas, and work documents. But this warm reception did not last.'
A survival story, with New Hampshire connections. All war is terrible, and much has been written about WWII. This story follows a family through the many transitions they had to make. A well crafted story.
December 21, 2025
A fictionalized account of a true story about a Jewish family who spends st least a decade fleeing the nazis, moving in a southwesterly direction across Europe. Each new home they hope it will be permanent, settling anew, building a business, making friends and then having to move on.
Jews are being forced to sell their successful businesses to Aryans before they leave town. The mother of this family arranges to sell to one of her friends to be able to reclaim the store in Alsace again after the war.
At another point, later in the book, they move across France and she is worried that her sons on the one hand could be dragged off to a “work camp” for Jews and refugees, but if not captured or rounded up as a Jew, they could be drafted into the army.
The local French people who support the nazis seem a lot like MAGA…. fearful, suspicious, mean, even turning on their own children. The people learn who to be careful around.
Local people—many affiliated with Protestant churches(who has previously been maligned by French Catholics) — secretly help the family and create paperwork that identifies the family as Protestant, and changes birthdates of the sons so they won’t get drafted. There are people who make up food baskets and deliver it to resistance fighters living in old stone sheds in the woods. Few are for the war and many engage in small resistances.
The thing that was interesting was seeing how official announcements were often lagging behind rumor….this family stayed one step ahead of the nazis by acting in accordance with rumors. The father couldn’t believe this was happening in Alsace, then across France. He kept saying “We’ll be fine. We’re French.” But his wife was hearing rumors and then acting for the family, skirting them to a new safe location. One could think she had been paranoid, but she saved the family many times.
A good book mainly because a large part of it was rooted in a real story. It makes you wonder what you might do if you were in their shoes.
Jews are being forced to sell their successful businesses to Aryans before they leave town. The mother of this family arranges to sell to one of her friends to be able to reclaim the store in Alsace again after the war.
At another point, later in the book, they move across France and she is worried that her sons on the one hand could be dragged off to a “work camp” for Jews and refugees, but if not captured or rounded up as a Jew, they could be drafted into the army.
The local French people who support the nazis seem a lot like MAGA…. fearful, suspicious, mean, even turning on their own children. The people learn who to be careful around.
Local people—many affiliated with Protestant churches(who has previously been maligned by French Catholics) — secretly help the family and create paperwork that identifies the family as Protestant, and changes birthdates of the sons so they won’t get drafted. There are people who make up food baskets and deliver it to resistance fighters living in old stone sheds in the woods. Few are for the war and many engage in small resistances.
The thing that was interesting was seeing how official announcements were often lagging behind rumor….this family stayed one step ahead of the nazis by acting in accordance with rumors. The father couldn’t believe this was happening in Alsace, then across France. He kept saying “We’ll be fine. We’re French.” But his wife was hearing rumors and then acting for the family, skirting them to a new safe location. One could think she had been paranoid, but she saved the family many times.
A good book mainly because a large part of it was rooted in a real story. It makes you wonder what you might do if you were in their shoes.
January 30, 2026
Historical fiction based on the true story of Sarah, a Jewish woman who faced danger in both WWI and WWII.
As a girl of 14, sarah was almost raped by Russian soldiers who had come into her father's store to take whatever they wanted. The family flees into the country, enduring several hardships until that war ends.
Sarah then moves to France where she helps her older brother in his store. Sarah has a knack for marketing and helps the store prosper. She marries a handsome man named Melach. They open a store of their own in Alsace, an area on the border of Germany. They are very successful, wealthy, and happy. They have many Christian friends including the woman who owns the bakery across the street.
When Hitler begins to rise to power, Sarah immediately recognizes the same anti-Semitism she experienced as a child and wisely plans for her family's escape, asking her friend to "buy" their business and to store valuable items they can later sell to survive. Thanks to Sarah's bravery and quick thinking, they stay one step ahead of the Nazis through several moves, even managing to get papers showing they are Christians.
the book contained stories of some remarkable heroes and cruel villians. Both Sarah and her husband are easy to root for, but there's no doubt that Sarah is the glue holding it all together
As a girl of 14, sarah was almost raped by Russian soldiers who had come into her father's store to take whatever they wanted. The family flees into the country, enduring several hardships until that war ends.
Sarah then moves to France where she helps her older brother in his store. Sarah has a knack for marketing and helps the store prosper. She marries a handsome man named Melach. They open a store of their own in Alsace, an area on the border of Germany. They are very successful, wealthy, and happy. They have many Christian friends including the woman who owns the bakery across the street.
When Hitler begins to rise to power, Sarah immediately recognizes the same anti-Semitism she experienced as a child and wisely plans for her family's escape, asking her friend to "buy" their business and to store valuable items they can later sell to survive. Thanks to Sarah's bravery and quick thinking, they stay one step ahead of the Nazis through several moves, even managing to get papers showing they are Christians.
the book contained stories of some remarkable heroes and cruel villians. Both Sarah and her husband are easy to root for, but there's no doubt that Sarah is the glue holding it all together
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2025
I have read quite a number of historical novels set in WWII Europe. This one intrigued me because it begins in Poland. The central figure is a strong Polish Jew who initially helps her father with his shop. As the Nazis expand their power, this woman/wife/ mother transcends every traditional role and is a model of strength and bravery. While I encountered two small editing oversights, I felt a bit unfulfilled with three areas that I wish were fleshed out more. I acknowledge that the answers may have been the victims of printing realities. Nonetheless, I read this story with film running through my mind of the various settings in France. I do recommend this work, especially for a reader who thrives upon the rapid pulse of plot that resembles a terrifying carnival ride.
February 15, 2026
I was in my local bookstore the other day doing some shopping for a young reader when this novel with the cover facing out from the shelf caught my eye. I recognized the author from her radio career and decided I should read it definitely. Even though I was trying to stay on a budget in the bookstore. Hah! (It's not hoarding if its books! as they say. ) Well the book is tremendous; an interesting part of the WWII conflict that is rarely told. While the story was often heart-wrenching, the author did an exceptional job exposing the senselessness and cruelty of bigotry and prejudice. This is a profound story that was supported by excellent research and great writing. I look forward to more by this author.
January 4, 2026
Because I listened to Laura Knoy when she was an NPR journalist, I was excited to read her novel. Although a World War 2 novel, this one, unlike so many others, focuses on the lives of a Jewish family who struggle to survive the war and who evade the concentration camps and direct Nazi cruelty. The portrayal of the character of the heroine, Sarah Seibert, is dynamic and believable, as she struggles to evade the consequences of war. Descriptions of Alsace and its surroundings are vivid and contribute to the story by adding context. On the whole, a very good read, based on a true story depicting the lives of ordinary people in trying times.
January 20, 2026
Historical fiction is my favorite genre and this is a book that does not disappoint. The main characters are all real people -- using their real names. Much of the detail was provided by one of the sons of the family or from recordings that the family made. There are a few characters that are based on other real people, with their names changed, and there are a few fictional characters that were needed to carry the story forward. In some cases, they were fictionalized in an effort to protect them.
I read this book in just a few days -- the plot is compelling and while you know that things turn out well for at least some of the family members, there are many intense moments when you worry about them being in danger.
The main character is Sarah--a formidable woman who faces reality and is willing to make the hard decisions in life in order to live. She was smart, resourceful, and creative. She was married to Melach and they had three children. I felt that I really understood all of them--their foibles, attitudes, and strengths. Although, Sarah and her husband were the most relatable and detailed. They were deeply in love, even though they approached life very differently and had to deal with the other's reaction to some of their decisions and actions.
I think this is the first book that I have read that deals with both of the world wars. It made me reflect on my grandmothers who lived through both of them. I'm sorry that I never discussed this with either of them.
The strength that this family showed in overcoming so many moves to stay one step ahead of the Nazis is both amazing and inspiring. Please read this book. It's that good.
I read this book in just a few days -- the plot is compelling and while you know that things turn out well for at least some of the family members, there are many intense moments when you worry about them being in danger.
The main character is Sarah--a formidable woman who faces reality and is willing to make the hard decisions in life in order to live. She was smart, resourceful, and creative. She was married to Melach and they had three children. I felt that I really understood all of them--their foibles, attitudes, and strengths. Although, Sarah and her husband were the most relatable and detailed. They were deeply in love, even though they approached life very differently and had to deal with the other's reaction to some of their decisions and actions.
I think this is the first book that I have read that deals with both of the world wars. It made me reflect on my grandmothers who lived through both of them. I'm sorry that I never discussed this with either of them.
The strength that this family showed in overcoming so many moves to stay one step ahead of the Nazis is both amazing and inspiring. Please read this book. It's that good.
January 13, 2026
An incredible story, taking us through two World Wars, based on the life of a fierce heroine, Sarah. As we follow her and her family first in Poland, and then into France, we witness a story of family love, resilience, and the strength of a woman who would not back down to the circumstances surrounding her and her family. Having traveled now to many of the areas mentioned in the book, I enjoyed picturing them in my mind, and learning more about how WWII affected and took over the northwest corner of the beautiful Alsace region. As always when I read a new book about the wars, I always learn something new.
January 3, 2026
Messages sent by this story that apply universally: get a clear-eyed view of your disadvantages, plan how to overcome them, clear obstacles starting immediately, and keep in mind that work may entail risks that bring you to the attention of others, some of whom you need to keep contact to a minimum in order to succeed. Through it all, keep the faith. There were parts that were so discouraging, I almost gave up, but the continued reading paid off in the end.
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January 15, 2026Beautifully written! This was a fresh take on the typical depiction of WW2. The retelling of Sarah’s story could have come off as more of a biography or a text book but it did not! It was a wonderfully written narrative with so much heart. I was drawn in to Sarah and the story of her family from the first chapter.
February 4, 2026
Interesting book on polish families multiples escapes from Nazi Germany. Based on real people but a bit too young adult/ romance for me. Still a very impressive story from a well respected journalist
December 13, 2025
Thank-you, Laura Knoy, for bringing this story to life.
Currently reading
January 3, 2026Off to a good start. Laura's characters are well-drawn and understandable. Her descriptions of places are full of clear and interesting details.
February 11, 2026
A page turner! Fascinating story of the human spirit, family bonds, resiliency and being Jewish during the world wars. Love Laura Knoy as a journalist and now as a novelist!
February 28, 2026
This well-researched historical novel is based on real-life individuals. This debut story by Laura Knoy is a well-known radio celebrity in New England who balances both fact and fiction in her book, which took her seven years to complete. The book is primarily set in the Alsace region of France during WWII, but also begins when Sarah, the protagonist, is a little girl in Poland during WWI. Sarah is a fierce leader who makes tough decisions to help her family survive. It depicts the struggle to live, the love of family, and the knowledge, courage, and strength to stay one step ahead of the Nazis.
This author is coming to my library to speak, so I am looking forward to hearing her talk.
This author is coming to my library to speak, so I am looking forward to hearing her talk.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews