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It is 1938, and Austria has just fallen to the Nazis. Amalia von Schoenenburg’s husband, Rudolf, has been murdered before her eyes. Fleeing to Switzerland with a message for Mr. Winston Churchill, she is accompanied by her two sons and Dr. Andrzej Zaleski, the man she has loved heart and soul since before the Great War. As this little band of exiles struggles to complete its vital mission, Amalia struggles with grief and guilt. She loved her husband and raised two children with him, but how can she deny the passion that has existed, hidden away—the passion of a lifetime?
332 pages, Paperback
First published January 2, 2015
37 people are currently reading
458 people want to read
About the author
G.G. Vandagriff
55 books323 followersG.G. Vandagriff is the author of over thirty novels Amazon #1 Bestselling Author. The Last Waltz, the first novel in her 20th Century Historical Romance Series won the Whitney Award for Best Historical Novel in 2009. There are now two more books in that series—Exile and Defiance.
Thirteen of her novels are Regency romances, compared by critics to the witty novels of Georgette Heyer. She has also written a lively genealogical mystery series featuring Briggie and Alex, two whacky widows, as sleuths. Her most recent publications are Romantic Suspense. Her trilogy featuring Breaking News, Sleeping Secrets, and Balkan Echo tell the tale of high profile TV journalists--the Super Sleuths of WOOT TV station in Chicago.
GG graduated from Stanford and received her master’s degree from George Washington University. She worked as an associate editor at Stanford’s Hoover Institution, an assistant treasurer in the Harvard Treasurer’s office, a bond analyst at Fidelity Investments, and an international banker for Continental Illinois National Bank (later acquired by Bank of America).
She and her husband David are the parents of three children and seven grandchildren, her greatest joys in life. Her favorite novel? Jane Eyre. She also loves Florence, Sundance Resort, The Voice, hot chocolate, lilacs, and dachshunds.
Find out more about her books, download a free novella, and sign up for her newsletter at http://ggvandagriff.com. Also, be the first to know when Vandagriff’s next book is available by following her at http://bookbub.com/authors/G.G.Vandag... to receive new releases and discount alerts.
Thirteen of her novels are Regency romances, compared by critics to the witty novels of Georgette Heyer. She has also written a lively genealogical mystery series featuring Briggie and Alex, two whacky widows, as sleuths. Her most recent publications are Romantic Suspense. Her trilogy featuring Breaking News, Sleeping Secrets, and Balkan Echo tell the tale of high profile TV journalists--the Super Sleuths of WOOT TV station in Chicago.
GG graduated from Stanford and received her master’s degree from George Washington University. She worked as an associate editor at Stanford’s Hoover Institution, an assistant treasurer in the Harvard Treasurer’s office, a bond analyst at Fidelity Investments, and an international banker for Continental Illinois National Bank (later acquired by Bank of America).
She and her husband David are the parents of three children and seven grandchildren, her greatest joys in life. Her favorite novel? Jane Eyre. She also loves Florence, Sundance Resort, The Voice, hot chocolate, lilacs, and dachshunds.
Find out more about her books, download a free novella, and sign up for her newsletter at http://ggvandagriff.com. Also, be the first to know when Vandagriff’s next book is available by following her at http://bookbub.com/authors/G.G.Vandag... to receive new releases and discount alerts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
January 24, 2015
I've been waiting for this sequel to THE LAST WALTZ for many years. EXILE is a fabulous continuation of Amalia and Andrzej's timeless love story. Amalia is facing tragedy again as her her husband Rudolf is killed by the Nazi's, and she and her two boys are entrusted to Andrzej's care in order to get them out of Austria safely. While fleeing for her life, and grieving for her husband, old passions are ignited in her heart for Andrzej, a man she had given up on many years before.
Author GG Vandagriff is a master at creating intrigue and heart-rendering characters against the intricate tapestry of pre-WWII. Hitler's strategy is amazing (and eerie) to watch as it unfolds across the nations and as he places supporters throughout Europe to rise up when the time is right.
Amalia and Andrzej face danger at every turn as they deliver the truth about the Germans in Austria to Churchill in England, and Vandagriff deftly weaves a tale of suspense with her scholarly knowledge of the 20th century Central European history.
I also read the author's historical notes at the end of the book, finding them very interesting, and adding to my knowledge of this complicated era of world powers vying for more power.
EXILE immediately immerses the reader into a time not so far distant with a good dose of political intrigue set against wonderful descriptions of the vibrancy of Europe.
Author GG Vandagriff is a master at creating intrigue and heart-rendering characters against the intricate tapestry of pre-WWII. Hitler's strategy is amazing (and eerie) to watch as it unfolds across the nations and as he places supporters throughout Europe to rise up when the time is right.
Amalia and Andrzej face danger at every turn as they deliver the truth about the Germans in Austria to Churchill in England, and Vandagriff deftly weaves a tale of suspense with her scholarly knowledge of the 20th century Central European history.
I also read the author's historical notes at the end of the book, finding them very interesting, and adding to my knowledge of this complicated era of world powers vying for more power.
EXILE immediately immerses the reader into a time not so far distant with a good dose of political intrigue set against wonderful descriptions of the vibrancy of Europe.
February 6, 2015
It is 1938, and Austria has just fallen to the Nazis. Amalia von Schoenenburg finds herself widowed and fleeing from the Nazi regime that took her husband's life. Together with her two teenage sons, Amalia relies on her old love, Andrzej, to take her to England where they must deliver a vital message to Mr. Winston Churchill. But Amalia can't deny the past and her long-buried love for Andrzej. As they struggle against Nazi minions across Europe and in England, Amalia's passion for Andrzej revives. But those feelings only compound her grief and guilt, and she must once again choose whether or not to follow her heart or keep it protected forever.
This story picks up right after The Last Waltz ends. I would have liked to re-read the first one so I could remember all that had happened, but I don't have time to read a 600 page book to "catch up" with the characters. Needless to say, there is plenty of drama, intrigue and suspense in this story--along with a romance.
This story is 333 pages--which is half the length of the first one, but still a good long story. I felt like I was getting an inside look into the lives of the people who fought against Hitler. A good read for those who like WW2 and historical fiction.
language: clean, heat level: mild
This story picks up right after The Last Waltz ends. I would have liked to re-read the first one so I could remember all that had happened, but I don't have time to read a 600 page book to "catch up" with the characters. Needless to say, there is plenty of drama, intrigue and suspense in this story--along with a romance.
This story is 333 pages--which is half the length of the first one, but still a good long story. I felt like I was getting an inside look into the lives of the people who fought against Hitler. A good read for those who like WW2 and historical fiction.
language: clean, heat level: mild
January 4, 2021
A Window into History
I greatly enjoyed this story of the beginning of Hitler's takeover of Europe told from the point of view of an Austrian woman and her two sons and a Polish doctor. I found interesting the degree of Nazi infiltration in Great Britain, and the information obtained that Churchill used to finally convince the British government of Hitler's true intentions. There were also two sweet, very well-written romances that added so much to the story. A must read.
I greatly enjoyed this story of the beginning of Hitler's takeover of Europe told from the point of view of an Austrian woman and her two sons and a Polish doctor. I found interesting the degree of Nazi infiltration in Great Britain, and the information obtained that Churchill used to finally convince the British government of Hitler's true intentions. There were also two sweet, very well-written romances that added so much to the story. A must read.
October 9, 2024
*I received a free e-copy of this book for an honest review*
I didn’t get a chance to read the first book in this series. I don’t know if that would give me a little more knowledge of the characters or the plot line. That being said, I never felt lost. The characters were well developed and the plot was intense. I am not a history buff, it was nice to read a book that was packed full of history-G.G. Vandagriff did great with the research involved in creating this story. It saddens me what people had to go through during this time, and Vandagriff caught their emotions and fear they must have been feeling. It is so crazy that people can be so naive as to Hitler’s motives, and I’m glad I was able to have this amazing story to learn a bit more about that time frame. Although the characters were fictional, they were strong and brought history back to life. I look forward to going back and reading The Last Waltz.
I didn’t get a chance to read the first book in this series. I don’t know if that would give me a little more knowledge of the characters or the plot line. That being said, I never felt lost. The characters were well developed and the plot was intense. I am not a history buff, it was nice to read a book that was packed full of history-G.G. Vandagriff did great with the research involved in creating this story. It saddens me what people had to go through during this time, and Vandagriff caught their emotions and fear they must have been feeling. It is so crazy that people can be so naive as to Hitler’s motives, and I’m glad I was able to have this amazing story to learn a bit more about that time frame. Although the characters were fictional, they were strong and brought history back to life. I look forward to going back and reading The Last Waltz.
April 29, 2018
It is 1938, and Austria has just fallen to the Nazis. Amalia von Schoenenburg’s husband, Rudolf, has been murdered by the SS before her eyes. Fleeing to Switzerland with a vital message from Rudolf for Mr. Winston Churchill, she is accompanied by her two sons and Dr. Andrzej Zaleski, the man she loved heart and soul before the Great War. As this little band of exiles works to complete its vital mission, Amalia struggles with grief and guilt. She loved her husband and raised two children with him, but how can she deny the passion that has existed, hidden away—the passion of a lifetime?
This is a clean read.
This is a clean read.
February 12, 2022
Another wonderful read! I love how the author was able to write a fiction story backed up with facts. It's more suspenseful compared to the first book. Their mission, the espionage, the challenges the characters faced all made me want to keep reading. I love Amalia's and Andrzej's character development, too, as I remember clearly how I hated their childish behavior from Book 1. My only criticism is that the timeline of the story is too centralized in one event whereas the first book dived into 4 major timelines (pre-WW1, WW1, post-WW1, pre-WW2). In the end, I'm left wanting more from it. Overall, it is such an engaging read!
Now onto Book 3 ~
Now onto Book 3 ~
June 6, 2022
Second in a series - based on true events. The world is moving closer to WWII - the politics of Europe and Great Britain are in turmoil. Many people fear Hitler, and others just don't want to get involved. After losing so many people in WWI, it is unthinkable that another war is looming.
The author presents good information about Churchill being alerted to the Nazi plans, especially the danger to Czechoslovakia and Poland.
The author presents good information about Churchill being alerted to the Nazi plans, especially the danger to Czechoslovakia and Poland.
June 15, 2023
Lost interest 50 pages in. Historical fiction I can read, historical romance not so much. Too much eye rolling, no matter how couched in history - skipping through the remainder didn't get better. Sorry G.G. - not my genre, even though I remember enjoying The Last Waltz.
September 30, 2021
Absolutely Wonderful!!
And it continues the sequel of Amalia & her sons having to escape her beloved country Austria!! Another definite must read!!!
And it continues the sequel of Amalia & her sons having to escape her beloved country Austria!! Another definite must read!!!
February 18, 2015
There are so many memoirs, biographies, and fictional accounts of World War II that a new entry on the scene--especially a fictional one--had better be something special and original. Exile is not. It is predictable of plot and shallow of characterization. It is essentially a sequel to the much better written The Last Waltz. In that book, the author does a good job of employing her studies of Central Europe before and during World War I as a setting for a romance novel, although with the confused characterizations, false conflicts, and unnecessary miscommunications that plague that genre. The characters continue into Exile.
In Exile, the author (as she says in her Historical Note) "take[s] the tiniest of bare facts and build[s] a story around them." Fortunately, we have many more than tiny and bare facts about the events that led up World War II, as the author realizes, citing Churchill's The Gathering Storm and Shirer's The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, among other sources from which she has derived snippets to bolster the idea that her story could have happened the way she tells it. But she seems less than forthright in presenting her characters as major sources of vital information to Churchill in the novel, and then pointing out as an afterthought that he had many similar sources of similar information in reality, undercutting the importance of the events in the story. That Churchill might have sent a former Polish government minister with known anti-fascist leanings on a mission to Nazi Germany to assess the balance of power between Hitler and the German military strains credibility, even if he does claim to have good contacts. That Churchill, with his decades of wartime experience and understanding of the way these things work, also would have endorsed a spying mission within England by a grieving, émigré Austrian baroness and her young adult sons is ridiculous, especially knowing that the pro-Nazi community in England was on the lookout for them. (Bath is really not that far from London, and they had telegraphs and telephones and even a 3-hour train ride to help the bad guys communicate.) That's when I gave up and decided to read something else.
The book has other problems. Unless you know the characters from their development in The Last Waltz, you may have trouble caring about them or their troubles. If you do know them, you may be frustrated that yet more obstacles are thrown in the path of true love, when those obstacles have been cropping up for about 20 years and the goodbyes and reunions and internal struggles become redundant. That the characters are frustrated by all this, too, does not save the reader from frustration.
There is no mention of the mechanisms of immigration that may or may not have existed at the time--the characters escape from Austria to Switzerland to France to England and back to France and back to England without so much as a "may I see your papers?" Perhaps that's realistic, but how do we know? How did the characters know they'd be able to cross international frontiers so easily? A question from one of the younger characters to an older, more experienced person could have cleared that up. Further, an SS officer did try to prevent the characters from leaving Austria, as we learned in the previous book, but then he decides to track them down alone and try to stop them in Switzerland and France, without the henchmen that you would think he would employ even in pursuit of a thinly supported personal vendetta, especially in countries where the SS has no legal authority and, if he did find them all together, it would be five against one. Indeed, the Nazis had good reason to try to stop our heroes from getting to England--can we have it both ways just so the SS pursuer can be more easily eluded or stopped?
Finally, the book needs another good edit at the sentence level. The author uses language unimaginatively in places, repeating like words too close together, and infelicitously in others, as when someone was saved from being left "dead on the doorstep of the German trenches" (do trenches have doorsteps?) and with the idea that "Rudolf would lay between them for some time." (This was meant to be figurative, of course, but the image provokes distress, if not a giggle.)
If someone wasn't paying attention in high school history and this book inspires her to read more and better accounts of the years leading to World War II, then Exile will have served a purpose. I just hope she doesn't think it represents history, especially Churchill, with a great degree of accuracy--or that the quality of the writing doesn't turn her off non-fiction books about the era that are much more exciting and have the benefit of being true.
In Exile, the author (as she says in her Historical Note) "take[s] the tiniest of bare facts and build[s] a story around them." Fortunately, we have many more than tiny and bare facts about the events that led up World War II, as the author realizes, citing Churchill's The Gathering Storm and Shirer's The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, among other sources from which she has derived snippets to bolster the idea that her story could have happened the way she tells it. But she seems less than forthright in presenting her characters as major sources of vital information to Churchill in the novel, and then pointing out as an afterthought that he had many similar sources of similar information in reality, undercutting the importance of the events in the story. That Churchill might have sent a former Polish government minister with known anti-fascist leanings on a mission to Nazi Germany to assess the balance of power between Hitler and the German military strains credibility, even if he does claim to have good contacts. That Churchill, with his decades of wartime experience and understanding of the way these things work, also would have endorsed a spying mission within England by a grieving, émigré Austrian baroness and her young adult sons is ridiculous, especially knowing that the pro-Nazi community in England was on the lookout for them. (Bath is really not that far from London, and they had telegraphs and telephones and even a 3-hour train ride to help the bad guys communicate.) That's when I gave up and decided to read something else.
The book has other problems. Unless you know the characters from their development in The Last Waltz, you may have trouble caring about them or their troubles. If you do know them, you may be frustrated that yet more obstacles are thrown in the path of true love, when those obstacles have been cropping up for about 20 years and the goodbyes and reunions and internal struggles become redundant. That the characters are frustrated by all this, too, does not save the reader from frustration.
There is no mention of the mechanisms of immigration that may or may not have existed at the time--the characters escape from Austria to Switzerland to France to England and back to France and back to England without so much as a "may I see your papers?" Perhaps that's realistic, but how do we know? How did the characters know they'd be able to cross international frontiers so easily? A question from one of the younger characters to an older, more experienced person could have cleared that up. Further, an SS officer did try to prevent the characters from leaving Austria, as we learned in the previous book, but then he decides to track them down alone and try to stop them in Switzerland and France, without the henchmen that you would think he would employ even in pursuit of a thinly supported personal vendetta, especially in countries where the SS has no legal authority and, if he did find them all together, it would be five against one. Indeed, the Nazis had good reason to try to stop our heroes from getting to England--can we have it both ways just so the SS pursuer can be more easily eluded or stopped?
Finally, the book needs another good edit at the sentence level. The author uses language unimaginatively in places, repeating like words too close together, and infelicitously in others, as when someone was saved from being left "dead on the doorstep of the German trenches" (do trenches have doorsteps?) and with the idea that "Rudolf would lay between them for some time." (This was meant to be figurative, of course, but the image provokes distress, if not a giggle.)
If someone wasn't paying attention in high school history and this book inspires her to read more and better accounts of the years leading to World War II, then Exile will have served a purpose. I just hope she doesn't think it represents history, especially Churchill, with a great degree of accuracy--or that the quality of the writing doesn't turn her off non-fiction books about the era that are much more exciting and have the benefit of being true.
February 15, 2017
This is an exciting sequel to “The Last Waltz”. I thoroughly enjoyed both books and the next one is arriving today. Yahoo!
“Exhale” continues the story of Amalia, Andrzej, Rudi, Christian, Max and Hannah as they all safely meet up in London, but danger lurks around every street, every dark hidden room, every train, and every secret gathering. War is eminent and the first thing on the agenda is for Andrzej and Amalia to deliver a vitally important message to Winston Churchill.
With that accomplished, Churchill gives them particular spying assignments: all in different directions with different goals. All are dangerous, but determination and courage trumps the hopeful, ultimate success over Hitler. The love and devotion of Amalia and Andrzej becomes richer and deeper than ever. Each character in the group is so important; each fulfills their role with courageous precision.
I love historical fiction stories that are based on real documented facts and events. G.G. Vandagriff includes a “Historical Notes” section which sites actual documentation of once secret facts, as well as real people who carried out Churchill’s crucial plans. Very interesting!
WWII was well before my time, but many of the places written about I have visited in person: Vienna, London, Berlin (wall still up), Bath, a session of Parliament, and even Chartwell, Churchill’s home. Makes me conjure up people and happenings to fill my tourist memories. For me, this series helps me understand WWII better as it affected those involved. I share the lives of ordinary citizens, the politically important, evil Nazi oppression and its henchmen, spies, and one highly educated Jew along their journey. Absolutely fascinating! And yeah…I admit, the girly part of me loves the thread of romance that stirs my sole!
The evolution of this group of characters is truly satisfying. They just keep striving for honor over evil: pg. 90 “Even though we are struggling in darkness now, we have to believe there is light out there somewhere.”
I agree. Now on to "Defiance"...
“Exhale” continues the story of Amalia, Andrzej, Rudi, Christian, Max and Hannah as they all safely meet up in London, but danger lurks around every street, every dark hidden room, every train, and every secret gathering. War is eminent and the first thing on the agenda is for Andrzej and Amalia to deliver a vitally important message to Winston Churchill.
With that accomplished, Churchill gives them particular spying assignments: all in different directions with different goals. All are dangerous, but determination and courage trumps the hopeful, ultimate success over Hitler. The love and devotion of Amalia and Andrzej becomes richer and deeper than ever. Each character in the group is so important; each fulfills their role with courageous precision.
I love historical fiction stories that are based on real documented facts and events. G.G. Vandagriff includes a “Historical Notes” section which sites actual documentation of once secret facts, as well as real people who carried out Churchill’s crucial plans. Very interesting!
WWII was well before my time, but many of the places written about I have visited in person: Vienna, London, Berlin (wall still up), Bath, a session of Parliament, and even Chartwell, Churchill’s home. Makes me conjure up people and happenings to fill my tourist memories. For me, this series helps me understand WWII better as it affected those involved. I share the lives of ordinary citizens, the politically important, evil Nazi oppression and its henchmen, spies, and one highly educated Jew along their journey. Absolutely fascinating! And yeah…I admit, the girly part of me loves the thread of romance that stirs my sole!
The evolution of this group of characters is truly satisfying. They just keep striving for honor over evil: pg. 90 “Even though we are struggling in darkness now, we have to believe there is light out there somewhere.”
I agree. Now on to "Defiance"...
June 19, 2015
I had a really difficult time rating this book. The topic was fascinating as I have never read a historical novel of pre- WW2 from the British view point. I had no idea there were so many Nazi sympathizers in Britain. Churchill is an even greater man than I thought. It was clean and very well written with an extensive vocabulary and very factual and well put together. My complaint is that it was boring up until the last quarter of the book. I had a hard time getting through this one. I feel bad saying that because I gained so much knowledge from this book (a lot of which was pulled together and verified in the author notes at the end). I always put it down for a more entertaining read until I couldn't put it aside any longer and just had to plug through it to the end. That's not how reading for enjoyment should be! I didn't connect immediately with the characters. Perhaps that is because there seems to be much previous history with the characters in another book. I felt as though I was missing something. There were enough clues and back history throughout that by then end of this book I felt as though I had pieced the happenings of the first book together pretty well. Sadly enough, this one was so difficult for me to get into that I don't think I would pick up the first book to see what I was missing. I'm not sure I'd make it through it. The end did make up for the first 3/4 of the book. Or maybe I was just so proud of myself for finally getting through it. I do feel a great deal more knowledgeable about certain aspects of history in the leading up to WW2 from a different point of view. So if that was the authors goal...Accomplished! I was intrigued by the cover which is what make me decide to read the book in the first place. I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 15, 2015
I received a copy of Exile in exchange for an honest review. I am really torn on how to review and rate this one. I considered opting out multiple times as i found it so difficult to get into and I was concerned if I could rate it fairly.
When I decided to read/review this book I was immediately drawn in by the time period and theme. I had not read anything else by G.G. Vandagriff - including The Last Waltz. Since it is promoted as being a stand alone story, I felt comfortable taking the project on.
I have to disagree that Exile is truly a stand alone story. I was immediately overwhelmed by the lack of knowledge I had of these characters and their lives leading up to the start of this novel. I felt clueless and had no emotions regarding these people. And that is hugely disappointing as I could tell how emotional this story should have started out! I believe if I had previously read The Last Waltz that I would have been bawling my eyes out! Instead I was left empty and trying to piece together who was who and how everyone was connected. It took me until chapter 12 to be able to settle into the story and even then I wasn't emotionally tied to the characters.
The truly disappointing part of this is that I could tell that this really should have been an epic story! I was missing out and felt cheated because I hadn't read The Last Waltz. That leaves me with the recommendation to ignore the claim that this is a stand alone story! It isn't! I truly would recommend to anyone that enjoys reading about this time period to read The Last Waltz (as I will be doing soon) and THEN read Exile. Don't cheat yourself.
When I decided to read/review this book I was immediately drawn in by the time period and theme. I had not read anything else by G.G. Vandagriff - including The Last Waltz. Since it is promoted as being a stand alone story, I felt comfortable taking the project on.
I have to disagree that Exile is truly a stand alone story. I was immediately overwhelmed by the lack of knowledge I had of these characters and their lives leading up to the start of this novel. I felt clueless and had no emotions regarding these people. And that is hugely disappointing as I could tell how emotional this story should have started out! I believe if I had previously read The Last Waltz that I would have been bawling my eyes out! Instead I was left empty and trying to piece together who was who and how everyone was connected. It took me until chapter 12 to be able to settle into the story and even then I wasn't emotionally tied to the characters.
The truly disappointing part of this is that I could tell that this really should have been an epic story! I was missing out and felt cheated because I hadn't read The Last Waltz. That leaves me with the recommendation to ignore the claim that this is a stand alone story! It isn't! I truly would recommend to anyone that enjoys reading about this time period to read The Last Waltz (as I will be doing soon) and THEN read Exile. Don't cheat yourself.
January 31, 2015
Exile
By G. G. Vandagriff
Not having read Vandagriff’s “The Last Waltz. I was somewhat unprepared for what I might find while reading this book, but I certainly was not disappointed.
Right from the beginning, I was caught up in this intriguing and suspenseful book. I found Amalia and her sons to be amazing in what they had already gone through with the loss of Baron Rudolf, Amalia’s husband and then to themselves help Churchill to better understand just where Hitler was coming from in his quest to take over the world. Being somewhat familiar with this time in history, I can sympathize with Amalia and her two sons and their having to flee their homeland and take up residence in England. This was, indeed, a difficult time for all Europeans.
The timeless love story of Amalia and Andrzej’s adds a personal touch to the story. Not only Amalia and Andrzej but also her sons were torn apart but also brought closer together by what was happening around them and what they chose to do to help Churchill and to move on themselves.
This time in history is so disturbing that I often am unable to stay with a story surrounding the war but this book is so well written that I was not unable to put it down. I feared for our heroes and I sympathized with their plight throughout their adventures depicted in this book.
Definitely a “must read” for anyone interested in this historical period of time. A love story, yes; but also a war story, or rather a pre-war story.
I am now going to have to read “The Last Waltz” and do expect that I will be just a happy with that story as I am with this one.
Mary K Jung
By G. G. Vandagriff
Not having read Vandagriff’s “The Last Waltz. I was somewhat unprepared for what I might find while reading this book, but I certainly was not disappointed.
Right from the beginning, I was caught up in this intriguing and suspenseful book. I found Amalia and her sons to be amazing in what they had already gone through with the loss of Baron Rudolf, Amalia’s husband and then to themselves help Churchill to better understand just where Hitler was coming from in his quest to take over the world. Being somewhat familiar with this time in history, I can sympathize with Amalia and her two sons and their having to flee their homeland and take up residence in England. This was, indeed, a difficult time for all Europeans.
The timeless love story of Amalia and Andrzej’s adds a personal touch to the story. Not only Amalia and Andrzej but also her sons were torn apart but also brought closer together by what was happening around them and what they chose to do to help Churchill and to move on themselves.
This time in history is so disturbing that I often am unable to stay with a story surrounding the war but this book is so well written that I was not unable to put it down. I feared for our heroes and I sympathized with their plight throughout their adventures depicted in this book.
Definitely a “must read” for anyone interested in this historical period of time. A love story, yes; but also a war story, or rather a pre-war story.
I am now going to have to read “The Last Waltz” and do expect that I will be just a happy with that story as I am with this one.
Mary K Jung
April 3, 2015
Clean, romance, historical
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. Also, I have not read the first book in this series.
That being said, I enjoyed the plot and story line. For me however, the book fell slightly flat. It was told in some ways, more than shown. I think I would have liked more details on the inner thoughts, and motivations of the characters. There were several different story lines going on. While the one with story line with Amalia and Andrzej was an older thread, there was also another story line with her son Rudi and a girl he meets in Austria that he then sees again in England after they both escape there.
Lots of intrigue, suspense, and different characters. It seemed that perhaps there might be another book to tell more of the story forthcoming with some unfinished threads were left in this book. While the story was interesting, there was just something not quite as developed or detailed in it that would make me want to 'care' deeply about the characters. In some ways, it felt more like reporting, perhaps a bit sparse on some of the things that get you to 'care' more about the story and the characters.
I will qualify and say that in some ways that element of 'reporting' perhaps was what the author wanted to portray to create the element of the chaos, fear, disarray, confusion, and worry that comes with being displaced and surviving in a time of war.
So not a perfect read, but a good overall story for me.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. Also, I have not read the first book in this series.
That being said, I enjoyed the plot and story line. For me however, the book fell slightly flat. It was told in some ways, more than shown. I think I would have liked more details on the inner thoughts, and motivations of the characters. There were several different story lines going on. While the one with story line with Amalia and Andrzej was an older thread, there was also another story line with her son Rudi and a girl he meets in Austria that he then sees again in England after they both escape there.
Lots of intrigue, suspense, and different characters. It seemed that perhaps there might be another book to tell more of the story forthcoming with some unfinished threads were left in this book. While the story was interesting, there was just something not quite as developed or detailed in it that would make me want to 'care' deeply about the characters. In some ways, it felt more like reporting, perhaps a bit sparse on some of the things that get you to 'care' more about the story and the characters.
I will qualify and say that in some ways that element of 'reporting' perhaps was what the author wanted to portray to create the element of the chaos, fear, disarray, confusion, and worry that comes with being displaced and surviving in a time of war.
So not a perfect read, but a good overall story for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2015
I read The Last Waltz over a year ago and LOVED it. My mom had loaned her ebook copy to me and I didn't want to return it. I ended up buying a hard copy of it so it could sit on my shelves and be reread. When I saw there was a second book in the series. I jumped at the chance to read it. I was expecting it to cover all the WWII years since the first book covered the first World War and many years between the two wars. The fact that this book covers only a few short months of time was my only disappointment. I wanted more. It wasn't long enough.
In the description it says it is a stand alone novel and I guess it could be but to really know these characters and the turmoil Amalia is going through after the death of Rudolf you have to read the first book. I loved the character of Rudolf in the first book and admit I still don't know exactly what she sees in the polish doctor.
I really liked getting to know Amailia's sons in this book. They are taking on characters all their own and Rudi is a good combination of Amalia and his father Rudolf. Christian hasn't got quite as much first person action yet but I still like his fun loving, boyish charm.
I really hope there will be more to this series. I want to know what happens next. This is a facinating timeperiod and with the point of view of Austrians it opens my mind to seeing things from a different point of view than I had before.
In the description it says it is a stand alone novel and I guess it could be but to really know these characters and the turmoil Amalia is going through after the death of Rudolf you have to read the first book. I loved the character of Rudolf in the first book and admit I still don't know exactly what she sees in the polish doctor.
I really liked getting to know Amailia's sons in this book. They are taking on characters all their own and Rudi is a good combination of Amalia and his father Rudolf. Christian hasn't got quite as much first person action yet but I still like his fun loving, boyish charm.
I really hope there will be more to this series. I want to know what happens next. This is a facinating timeperiod and with the point of view of Austrians it opens my mind to seeing things from a different point of view than I had before.
February 5, 2015
In 1938, during an escape from Austria, Amalia watches in horror as her husband, the baron is shot to death by Hitler’s SS. Amalia’s husbands final words to the Dr. are a plea to watch over and take care of his family. Dr. Andrzej Zaleski and the” family butler”, Max are able to overpower the SS officers, steal their limousine and whisk Amalia and her two sons, Rudi and Chris away to Switzerland. Hiding away in a luxury hotel under assumed names, the family tries to hide their grief and blend in with the Swiss. However, when the SS officer who murdered her husband shows up at their hotel searching for her, Amalia and her sons must flee to England for safety. Dr. Zaleski tries to escape also but the SS officer pursues him and Andrzej leads him away from Amalia and her family. When the SS man corners him in an alley and shoots Andrzej in the arm the Dr. is able to kill the SS officer the ensuing struggle, but is thrown in jail. Dr. Zaleski has loved Amalia since the day he met her, decades ago. Can she overcome her grief for her husband and discover a way to find love again? This book has masterful writing, interesting characters, and a great lesson in pre-World War II Europe.
***I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
***I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
February 12, 2015
Let me start off by saying while I enjoyed this book, I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more if I had read "The Last Waltz" first. It's easy to get involved in the story of "Exile," so you don't have to read the other book first. But I felt that I would care more about some of the characters if I had been with them from the beginning.
As it was, I was most interested in characters who I believe were really coming into their own, or being introduced, in this book.
"Exile" is the story of a family whose father has just been murdered by the SS just before the start of WWII. They flee Germany, ending up in England where they assist Churchill in gathering information that they hope will cause England to take action against Hitler before he brings all of Europe back into war.
The story flows smoothly with both moments of tenderness and suspense. The writing is clean, both is subject and technique. Overall it's a well told story with a good deal of research behind it. I enjoyed reading the words of Churchill before he became PM of England.
If you like WWII fiction, this is a good read, but read "The Last Waltz" first!!!
As it was, I was most interested in characters who I believe were really coming into their own, or being introduced, in this book.
"Exile" is the story of a family whose father has just been murdered by the SS just before the start of WWII. They flee Germany, ending up in England where they assist Churchill in gathering information that they hope will cause England to take action against Hitler before he brings all of Europe back into war.
The story flows smoothly with both moments of tenderness and suspense. The writing is clean, both is subject and technique. Overall it's a well told story with a good deal of research behind it. I enjoyed reading the words of Churchill before he became PM of England.
If you like WWII fiction, this is a good read, but read "The Last Waltz" first!!!
April 2, 2015
My first thought upon finishing this book was, "Wow." Set in the Pre-WWII era of 1938, it contains some impressive historical content. If you are a fan of historical fiction, as I am, you will love this. Yet, this is not the only contributing factor. The story is enticing, the characters are unique, and the suspense is palpable.
This author puts the reader in touch with the emotional aspects of some very real events, in a fictional account. Yet, the characters display such courage and bravery in times of intense hardship, that it is, indeed, also inspirational. I was left with the sense that the characters in this book could have easily been real people, doing real things.
As the book progresses, the sequence of events artfully unfolds, bringing the surprise of two love stories intertwined. Each story could be as good as the other, yet, together, they just make sense. The balance of love and courage, makes this a completely engrossing read.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This author puts the reader in touch with the emotional aspects of some very real events, in a fictional account. Yet, the characters display such courage and bravery in times of intense hardship, that it is, indeed, also inspirational. I was left with the sense that the characters in this book could have easily been real people, doing real things.
As the book progresses, the sequence of events artfully unfolds, bringing the surprise of two love stories intertwined. Each story could be as good as the other, yet, together, they just make sense. The balance of love and courage, makes this a completely engrossing read.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 31, 2015
This book is based in 1938. Austria has just been taken over by the Nazis. Amalia is a widow now and is attempting to do what she knows her husband would have done had he not been murdered. Andrzej has promised Rudolf, Amalia's late husband, that he would care for and protect his wife and 2 sons and get them out of Austria. Andrzej, however, is also Amalia's former fiance... Old feelings are revived, but compounded with guilt and grief.
I didn't read the first book in this series, and I wish I had just to get a better understanding. However, the characters were likeable and the story was pretty good, but a little drawn out and wordy for my liking. It took me a while to get through it and to understand what was happening because there were many storylines going on at the same time. I love the WWII era, but didn't really love this book. It was just ok for me.
**I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I didn't read the first book in this series, and I wish I had just to get a better understanding. However, the characters were likeable and the story was pretty good, but a little drawn out and wordy for my liking. It took me a while to get through it and to understand what was happening because there were many storylines going on at the same time. I love the WWII era, but didn't really love this book. It was just ok for me.
**I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 8, 2016
I received an e-book copy of this novel through the website Inspired Kathy for early review. Exile is a historical novel set in the beginning of the Second World War. While it is clearly fiction, it is beautifully pulled together with a believable story. It was gripping and gave me a new side of the war. While it is part of series, I would say it is possible to read it as a stand-alone novel.
The style of writing jumps to many different viewpoints of the characters within the story, the reader gets to see the events from each member of the family’s eyes, and also from the sub-characters. As far as the story line, I would have liked to have had a scene from the father’s (Rudolf’s) death to build it up the intensity of the novel at the beginning, even as just a paragraph from a prologue or something. Nevertheless I did stay glued to the book until the end. I loved the romance and war scenes powerfully twisted together to make the plot.
The style of writing jumps to many different viewpoints of the characters within the story, the reader gets to see the events from each member of the family’s eyes, and also from the sub-characters. As far as the story line, I would have liked to have had a scene from the father’s (Rudolf’s) death to build it up the intensity of the novel at the beginning, even as just a paragraph from a prologue or something. Nevertheless I did stay glued to the book until the end. I loved the romance and war scenes powerfully twisted together to make the plot.
February 13, 2015
Exile is a historical fiction novel that takes place on the brink of World War II. The book focuses on Amelia, her two children, and a close family friend. They are refugees who are on a mission to reach England and speak to Winston Churchill about Adolf Hitler and his dangerous plans.
For me, this book was okay. I really enjoyed the character of Amelia; however, there were times she was too whiny for me. Amelia was lost at the beginning of the book, due to the death of her husband, but she seemed to have found her way at the end of the book. I also like the character of Hannah Gluck; she is feisty, intelligent, and a strong woman. I think her and Amelia would make a good team.
Exile wasn't a book that I could read all in one sitting. There was a lot going on in this book and I had some difficulty keeping up. I thought the concept behind Exile was great, but it wasn't executed the way I needed it to.
*I received an ebook copy in exchange for an honest review*
For me, this book was okay. I really enjoyed the character of Amelia; however, there were times she was too whiny for me. Amelia was lost at the beginning of the book, due to the death of her husband, but she seemed to have found her way at the end of the book. I also like the character of Hannah Gluck; she is feisty, intelligent, and a strong woman. I think her and Amelia would make a good team.
Exile wasn't a book that I could read all in one sitting. There was a lot going on in this book and I had some difficulty keeping up. I thought the concept behind Exile was great, but it wasn't executed the way I needed it to.
*I received an ebook copy in exchange for an honest review*
February 22, 2015
*I received a free e-copy of this book for an honest review*
I didn’t get a chance to read the first book in this series. I don’t know if that would give me a little more knowledge of the characters or the plot line. That being said, I never felt lost. The characters were well developed and the plot was intense. I am not a history buff, it was nice to read a book that was packed full of history-G.G. Vandagriff did great with the research involved in creating this story. It saddens me what people had to go through during this time, and Vandagriff caught their emotions and fear they must have been feeling. It is so crazy that people can be so naive as to Hitler’s motives, and I’m glad I was able to have this amazing story to learn a bit more about that time frame. Although the characters were fictional, they were strong and brought history back to life. I look forward to going back and reading The Last Waltz.
I didn’t get a chance to read the first book in this series. I don’t know if that would give me a little more knowledge of the characters or the plot line. That being said, I never felt lost. The characters were well developed and the plot was intense. I am not a history buff, it was nice to read a book that was packed full of history-G.G. Vandagriff did great with the research involved in creating this story. It saddens me what people had to go through during this time, and Vandagriff caught their emotions and fear they must have been feeling. It is so crazy that people can be so naive as to Hitler’s motives, and I’m glad I was able to have this amazing story to learn a bit more about that time frame. Although the characters were fictional, they were strong and brought history back to life. I look forward to going back and reading The Last Waltz.
January 3, 2015
This book is the sequel to the award-winning The Last Waltz: A Novel of Love and War. It can be read as a standalone novel. Since I wrote it, I like it!
It is 1938, and Austria has just fallen to the Nazis. Amalia von Schoenenburg’s husband, Rudolf, has been murdered before her eyes. Fleeing to Switzerland with a message for Mr. Winston Churchill, she is accompanied by her two sons and Dr. Andrzej Zaleski, the man she has loved heart and soul since before the Great War. As this little band of exiles struggles to complete its vital mission, Amalia struggles with grief and guilt. She loved her husband and raised two children with him, but how can she deny the passion that has existed, hidden away—the passion of a lifetime?
The book not only follows the adventures of the characters from TLW, but introduces some new ones, as well, including the ever enigmatic Winston Churchill.
It is 1938, and Austria has just fallen to the Nazis. Amalia von Schoenenburg’s husband, Rudolf, has been murdered before her eyes. Fleeing to Switzerland with a message for Mr. Winston Churchill, she is accompanied by her two sons and Dr. Andrzej Zaleski, the man she has loved heart and soul since before the Great War. As this little band of exiles struggles to complete its vital mission, Amalia struggles with grief and guilt. She loved her husband and raised two children with him, but how can she deny the passion that has existed, hidden away—the passion of a lifetime?
The book not only follows the adventures of the characters from TLW, but introduces some new ones, as well, including the ever enigmatic Winston Churchill.
January 16, 2015
A good book pulls me in, captures my imagination, teaches me something I didn’t know, and transports me to another time and place. "Exile" by GG Vandagriff does all of that.
Set in pre-war Europe and England, and drawing on facts and fiction, "Exile" blends espionage, romance, history, and action in a grand tale that engrossed my mind. It is a book I know I’ll remember for a long time—like "The Last Waltz," GG Vandagriff’s first book in this series, an epic story that remains with me despite hundreds of books read since.
GG is a gifted writer who takes her readers on a journey to places she knows firsthand. Her characters are real, as is the threatening and dangerous situation in which they find themselves while interacting with Winston Churchill who struggles to do what’s best for England in the face of opposing forces leading to World War II.
Set in pre-war Europe and England, and drawing on facts and fiction, "Exile" blends espionage, romance, history, and action in a grand tale that engrossed my mind. It is a book I know I’ll remember for a long time—like "The Last Waltz," GG Vandagriff’s first book in this series, an epic story that remains with me despite hundreds of books read since.
GG is a gifted writer who takes her readers on a journey to places she knows firsthand. Her characters are real, as is the threatening and dangerous situation in which they find themselves while interacting with Winston Churchill who struggles to do what’s best for England in the face of opposing forces leading to World War II.
January 23, 2015
I was given a copy of the e-book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the sequel to another novel which details the protagonists' escape from Vienna. This is billed as a sequel which can be read as a standalone novel, which is true for the most part but there were definitely times when I felt I was coming in in the middle of the story. The author does do a decent job of weaving the backstory reminders into the current story though, so I did eventually feel as though I had most of the missing pieces.
I went into this expecting a romance with a bit of history thrown in and instead was pleasantly surprised to find a pretty decent historical novel with some romance thrown in.
If you like strong female protagonists, WWII history and/or a bit of romance, give this one a go.
This review is also posted on Amazon.ca.
This is the sequel to another novel which details the protagonists' escape from Vienna. This is billed as a sequel which can be read as a standalone novel, which is true for the most part but there were definitely times when I felt I was coming in in the middle of the story. The author does do a decent job of weaving the backstory reminders into the current story though, so I did eventually feel as though I had most of the missing pieces.
I went into this expecting a romance with a bit of history thrown in and instead was pleasantly surprised to find a pretty decent historical novel with some romance thrown in.
If you like strong female protagonists, WWII history and/or a bit of romance, give this one a go.
This review is also posted on Amazon.ca.
March 4, 2015
I agreed to review Exile with mixed feelings. It is the sequel to The Last Waltz, which some may not have read and many may be reluctant to read Exile. That said, you can certainly ready it alone and still be fully informed. Vandagriff does a great job of filling in the blanks along the way, stringing the reader along amidst the historical storyline. I actually liked Exile better than The Last Waltz, because the story is woven artfully with the events leading up to WWII and has less romantic drama. For those, like myself, who love historical novels on the world wars, Vandagriff is your author, and you must add The Last Waltz to your list of books to read (and read them in order). Overall, a beautiful novel with deep characters and rich history. Perhaps, another novel will be added to play out WWII in its fullness.
March 23, 2015
I enjoyed this book. I didn't realize until I was about half way done that there was a volume one to this series. I would strongly suggest that if you haven't read the first book, The last Waltz, to start with it. Although I understood the better part of this book the characters lives would have made a lot more sense had I read The last Waltz. There is just so much that I feel that I missed out on by reading this book first. That being said....I still enjoyed this book a lot. I have read several books by G. G. Vandagriff and have enjoyed them all.
This book takes you back to the brink of World War II and the beginnings of Hitler. The story has a satisfactory ending but definitely leaves the door open to future volumes.
Another great historical fiction that is worth the read!!
This book takes you back to the brink of World War II and the beginnings of Hitler. The story has a satisfactory ending but definitely leaves the door open to future volumes.
Another great historical fiction that is worth the read!!
April 6, 2015
This book is kind of a part of a 'serie'. But you can read this book on its own without getting feeling like you're missing information. I didn't read the first book and still got an awesome reading experience.
The beginning of this book is really good. Amalia's husband gets buried and she, her 2 sons, Max and Andrzej flee to Switzerland. The 2 boys, Rudi and Christian, get to know the reason why their father was killed by Hitler.
Amalia is struggling with the loss of her husband and old feelings for another man while also trying to stay hidden and keeping her son, the new baron, safe.
There were several different story lines going on and everything was mostly told. There are different POV's in this book but It isn't hard to follow. While reading I could picture everything and all the places. I liked that there were some german words.
The beginning of this book is really good. Amalia's husband gets buried and she, her 2 sons, Max and Andrzej flee to Switzerland. The 2 boys, Rudi and Christian, get to know the reason why their father was killed by Hitler.
Amalia is struggling with the loss of her husband and old feelings for another man while also trying to stay hidden and keeping her son, the new baron, safe.
There were several different story lines going on and everything was mostly told. There are different POV's in this book but It isn't hard to follow. While reading I could picture everything and all the places. I liked that there were some german words.
February 4, 2015
I didn't know this book was part 2 until coming on Amazon to rate it. There was enough information in the book that I didn't read and wonder if there was a book before this one. Now that I know there is a book before this one, I wish I had read it first. It can be a stand alone book, but I imagine it would be so much better if you had all of the background story of the characters. I knew that Amalia had been married twice, and neither husband was her "true love". I will have to read the first book to see how all of these relationships intertwined. It was really interesting to read about another side of World War 2 and learn how it may have been for different groups of people.
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