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Never Alone
Karl Stein’s childhood ended at nine years old when death claimed his mother, leaving him with an emotionally absent father, and a baby sister to raise. At eighteen years old Karl has had enough.
Abandoning family and country, Karl seeks his own life in the wide world, away from his father, and his father’s God. Only he doesn’t count on joining the British army to stay out of jail. Or Adolf Hitler’s blitzkrieg through Europe in May 1940 that shakes the world and causes him to question all his choices—especially the choice of leaving his sister.
Determined to fight the tyranny, save his family, and ease his nagging conscience, Karl joins the elite British 1st Para Battalion to bring peace back to the world, and hopefully, his guilty soul.
Aylen Stein holds the strings of her heart with a death grip. Trusting Pa with a few tendrils is safe enough—until the Germans occupy Holland, and Aylen fears more betrayal.
When the College of Utrecht offers a scholarship to the highest-grading student in her class, Aylen seizes the challenge, desperate to defeat her competitor, and secure a stable future for her family.
But when her competitor acts less like a rival than a collaborator, Aylen isn’t certain if his attention is romantic, or if his plans are more sinister. He is the son of a Nazi sympathizer after all.
And she is Jewish.
Can Karl redeem his past and still attain his life goals? Will Aylen learn to trust God with her heart, even if He allows it to break again?
Abandoning family and country, Karl seeks his own life in the wide world, away from his father, and his father’s God. Only he doesn’t count on joining the British army to stay out of jail. Or Adolf Hitler’s blitzkrieg through Europe in May 1940 that shakes the world and causes him to question all his choices—especially the choice of leaving his sister.
Determined to fight the tyranny, save his family, and ease his nagging conscience, Karl joins the elite British 1st Para Battalion to bring peace back to the world, and hopefully, his guilty soul.
Aylen Stein holds the strings of her heart with a death grip. Trusting Pa with a few tendrils is safe enough—until the Germans occupy Holland, and Aylen fears more betrayal.
When the College of Utrecht offers a scholarship to the highest-grading student in her class, Aylen seizes the challenge, desperate to defeat her competitor, and secure a stable future for her family.
But when her competitor acts less like a rival than a collaborator, Aylen isn’t certain if his attention is romantic, or if his plans are more sinister. He is the son of a Nazi sympathizer after all.
And she is Jewish.
Can Karl redeem his past and still attain his life goals? Will Aylen learn to trust God with her heart, even if He allows it to break again?
465 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2025
1 person is currently reading
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 19, 2025
5+ stars (6/10 hearts). We all know I love me a good WWII novel. And I've read my fair share of them. So every time I pick up a new one, I'm just a teensy bit worried that it'll be riddled with clichés or it'll fall flat—especially if it's a debut. But y'all, this book was so. good.
The characters were probably the thing that gripped me the most. I understood Karl so much, and mourned over him. I struggled with his chapters, just because he kept getting himself into scrapes more or less serious, but I never stopped loving him. I was so angry at his father for his reaction. But I was absolutely blown away and delighted to see how all that was handled—how his father's arc turned out, and how Karl's was influenced by George, especially, but also Monica. It was so beautiful, and so true-to-life! And I look forward to seeing how Karl's arc will continue.
As for Aylen, she was amazing. I related so much to her, and I loved how real she was. Her very mess-ups that compromised everything were so REAL, and brought in such a sense of the real danger around her. Her specific message really resonated with me, and I was moved to tears, though I read so fast because I was desperate to reach the end. (Also, Dietrich FASCINATES me and I eagerly anticipate seeing more of his story.) And I love her new family, though as soon as I find myself liking Bryan he annoys me all over again. XD
The joint settings of Holland and England delighted me, also the juxtaposition of Karl's life in the army, and later the paratroopers, and Aylen's life in hiding and the resistance. It wasn't exactly a new side of the war, but it was definitely not cliché and I never knew where things would go next. The plot kept me gripping my kindle, and I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish this. The ending is satisfying, though it leaves me desperate for the next book, and overall, I'll be thinking of this story or a long time.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
The characters were probably the thing that gripped me the most. I understood Karl so much, and mourned over him. I struggled with his chapters, just because he kept getting himself into scrapes more or less serious, but I never stopped loving him. I was so angry at his father for his reaction. But I was absolutely blown away and delighted to see how all that was handled—how his father's arc turned out, and how Karl's was influenced by George, especially, but also Monica. It was so beautiful, and so true-to-life! And I look forward to seeing how Karl's arc will continue.
As for Aylen, she was amazing. I related so much to her, and I loved how real she was. Her very mess-ups that compromised everything were so REAL, and brought in such a sense of the real danger around her. Her specific message really resonated with me, and I was moved to tears, though I read so fast because I was desperate to reach the end. (Also, Dietrich FASCINATES me and I eagerly anticipate seeing more of his story.) And I love her new family, though as soon as I find myself liking Bryan he annoys me all over again. XD
The joint settings of Holland and England delighted me, also the juxtaposition of Karl's life in the army, and later the paratroopers, and Aylen's life in hiding and the resistance. It wasn't exactly a new side of the war, but it was definitely not cliché and I never knew where things would go next. The plot kept me gripping my kindle, and I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish this. The ending is satisfying, though it leaves me desperate for the next book, and overall, I'll be thinking of this story or a long time.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
November 3, 2025
Such a wonderful story!! It took me just a mintue to get into it because its not normally my preferred genre, but it was absolutely worth it and I loved reading it all. I was hooked until the end and very sad when it ended, but with a good segue to make you excited for the sequel. (Which hopefully won’t take long! lol)
I loved reading the thoughts and struggles of faith and trust from the main character, Aylen.
The parts that followed her brother Karl were frustrating but in a good story way as it makes his slow growth very natural. I also really appreciated that Karl’s friends weren’t afraid to speak truth to him and call out his prejudices.
I already can’t wait for the next book! I need to see how the story continues and I’m also very curious where some of the minor characters end up.
(I had the pleasure of receiving an ARC for this, for an honest review and my opinions are my own!)
I loved reading the thoughts and struggles of faith and trust from the main character, Aylen.
The parts that followed her brother Karl were frustrating but in a good story way as it makes his slow growth very natural. I also really appreciated that Karl’s friends weren’t afraid to speak truth to him and call out his prejudices.
I already can’t wait for the next book! I need to see how the story continues and I’m also very curious where some of the minor characters end up.
(I had the pleasure of receiving an ARC for this, for an honest review and my opinions are my own!)
November 3, 2025
In Never Alone by Shanea Rinn, you follow siblings Karl and Aylen Stien as they experience life leading up to and while the Nazi invasions are starting to shake the European countries. Karl leaves his childhood home in Holland at eighteen searching for adventure while Aylen, who is still growing up, is left home with her father.
Karl ends up in Europe and after many mistakes and missteps, he finds his only opinion is to join the British Army. Aylen continues growing and maturing as she works to help support her and her father.
And then the Nazi’s invade Holland, Aylen’s life as a young Jewish woman gets turned upside down. Fearing she could lose her father and end up alone forever, she is forced to trust strangers in order to survive the growing hate and restrictions from her community and the Green Police.
Guys, I was truly impressed by this book! The characters are so relatable, the dialogue felt real and not cliche. The way it moved through the different pov’s was flawless. Just stunning!
This is Book 1 of a trilogy and my impression of this book is that it’s really meant to lay the ground work for the other two book that are to come. There’s a lot of character building, a lot of getting to know the feeling that the story is trying to give its readers. I think it’s really setting you up for an immersive experience for book 2 and book 3. Not to mention, the amount to action and nail biting moments the story contains.
I loved every minute of this book! There is growth, not only in character but also in faith, resilience, strength, and trust. There are also moments of shock and turns I wasn’t expecting the story to take. I can’t wait for book 2 to become available!
Shanea Rinn is truly a talented author! She has an amazing gift in making her stories and characters feel real with details that are beautifully written. You can tell that a lot of love and care went into this story.
Karl ends up in Europe and after many mistakes and missteps, he finds his only opinion is to join the British Army. Aylen continues growing and maturing as she works to help support her and her father.
And then the Nazi’s invade Holland, Aylen’s life as a young Jewish woman gets turned upside down. Fearing she could lose her father and end up alone forever, she is forced to trust strangers in order to survive the growing hate and restrictions from her community and the Green Police.
Guys, I was truly impressed by this book! The characters are so relatable, the dialogue felt real and not cliche. The way it moved through the different pov’s was flawless. Just stunning!
This is Book 1 of a trilogy and my impression of this book is that it’s really meant to lay the ground work for the other two book that are to come. There’s a lot of character building, a lot of getting to know the feeling that the story is trying to give its readers. I think it’s really setting you up for an immersive experience for book 2 and book 3. Not to mention, the amount to action and nail biting moments the story contains.
I loved every minute of this book! There is growth, not only in character but also in faith, resilience, strength, and trust. There are also moments of shock and turns I wasn’t expecting the story to take. I can’t wait for book 2 to become available!
Shanea Rinn is truly a talented author! She has an amazing gift in making her stories and characters feel real with details that are beautifully written. You can tell that a lot of love and care went into this story.
December 7, 2025
I LOVED this book. 10/10 recommend. Unfortunately I have to read it again to coherently list out why because Goodreads deleted my review initially and it wasn’t duplicated on Fable because Fable didn’t have the book yet.
But that’s okay, because I was going to re-read anyway.
But that’s okay, because I was going to re-read anyway.
November 3, 2025
Where to start? Never Alone has been an absolute joy of a book to read, and one I would easily read again. It comes in second to A Tale of Two Cities as my favorite books of the year!! I’m beyond excited for the next two books in the trilogy. @shanearinn is a masterful storyteller, and you can tell the years of effort she has put into her work! The characters were wonderful and realistic, the story was compelling, and the emotion was powerfully captured. There was an epic feel to the story. I can’t wait to see more!
Never Alone is sound both in structure and in content; refreshingly honest about the struggles we all face with pride, lack of trust, and guilt, without being crude or explicit. I found it reminiscent of classical authors like L.M Montgomery.
(I also greatly enjoyed her story in Fall Through Time!!)
Do yourself a favor and check out her work!! If you love historical fiction, and clean Christian reads, you will love her work.
Never Alone is sound both in structure and in content; refreshingly honest about the struggles we all face with pride, lack of trust, and guilt, without being crude or explicit. I found it reminiscent of classical authors like L.M Montgomery.
(I also greatly enjoyed her story in Fall Through Time!!)
Do yourself a favor and check out her work!! If you love historical fiction, and clean Christian reads, you will love her work.
November 5, 2025
Guys, I am stingy with my 5-star reviews—but Never Alone earned one early on and held onto all five stars until the end! It’s one of those rare books that never lost my interest and kept me excited to pick it up EVERY time. I’m not kidding when I say it is my favorite read of the year! Keep reading to see if it could be yours…
Why I highly recommend it:
- It has clear Gospel messaging woven throughout, as well as strong themes of how Christians can trust in God and His promise to never leave us.
- The characters are well-rounded and feel real. Not just names you’re reading about, they’re flesh and blood that leap off the page and fix themselves in your heart. Each has their own unique personalities, motives, and struggles that you can’t wait to see them work through.
- The plot is exciting and unpredictable, keeping you turning pages to see what new adventures and dangers Karl and Aylen face next.
- The WWII setting is emotional and exciting. From Aylen’s perspective, you’ll learn about the atrocities that the Jews faced, their struggles to escape with their lives, and the dangerous and risky life of resistance workers. From Karl’s perspective, you’ll find behind-the-scenes British paratrooper training and exciting battlefield action scenes.
- For all of Never Alone’s fast-paced adventure, it also has a lot of heart. You yearn to see Karl find redemption through Christ and reunite with the sister and father he left behind. And you grieve for Aylen and her father’s loss, while you happily watch them grow closer to the Lord and each other through the many challenges they face.
- While it’s not predominately a romance, every good book needs a love story or two, and Never Alone doesn’t disappoint in that category, either!
One important thing to know is that Never Alone is book one of a series, so if you’re expecting everything to be resolved for the characters by the end…yeah, maybe don’t go into it with that expectation. 😉
I received an eARC of Never Alone in exchange for my honest review, but that’s not keeping me from buying a physical copy for my collection—it’s THAT good.
Congrats on your awesome release, Shanea! Can’t wait for the rest of the series!
Why I highly recommend it:
- It has clear Gospel messaging woven throughout, as well as strong themes of how Christians can trust in God and His promise to never leave us.
- The characters are well-rounded and feel real. Not just names you’re reading about, they’re flesh and blood that leap off the page and fix themselves in your heart. Each has their own unique personalities, motives, and struggles that you can’t wait to see them work through.
- The plot is exciting and unpredictable, keeping you turning pages to see what new adventures and dangers Karl and Aylen face next.
- The WWII setting is emotional and exciting. From Aylen’s perspective, you’ll learn about the atrocities that the Jews faced, their struggles to escape with their lives, and the dangerous and risky life of resistance workers. From Karl’s perspective, you’ll find behind-the-scenes British paratrooper training and exciting battlefield action scenes.
- For all of Never Alone’s fast-paced adventure, it also has a lot of heart. You yearn to see Karl find redemption through Christ and reunite with the sister and father he left behind. And you grieve for Aylen and her father’s loss, while you happily watch them grow closer to the Lord and each other through the many challenges they face.
- While it’s not predominately a romance, every good book needs a love story or two, and Never Alone doesn’t disappoint in that category, either!
One important thing to know is that Never Alone is book one of a series, so if you’re expecting everything to be resolved for the characters by the end…yeah, maybe don’t go into it with that expectation. 😉
I received an eARC of Never Alone in exchange for my honest review, but that’s not keeping me from buying a physical copy for my collection—it’s THAT good.
Congrats on your awesome release, Shanea! Can’t wait for the rest of the series!
November 3, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐+
Never Alone by author Shanea Rinn was one of my top favorite books of the year! Not only was I constantly on the edge of my seat, but the plot was so unpredictable, it was hard for me to figure out what was going to happen next. Never Alone is a true page turner. 👏🏼
Often times when I read WW2 fiction, I wish there were more battles scenes and high stakes. Well let me tell you… This book did NOT disappoint!
I would describe Never Alone as a clean, Christian, WW2 thriller.
There were so many things I loved about this novel.
For starters, the book is rich with biblical themes and scriptural parallels. I was reminded of scripture as I read, and was highly encouraged. 🤍
The characters are also so real and relatable. In many instances, I was able to relate to their struggles, fears, hopes, and dreams. It was truly amazing!
Some of my favorite scenes:
☁️ The moment in the basket
☕️ We’ve got to get you that afternoon tea!” *Oh, my heart*
💥 Meeting Bryan for the first time
🧳 The very beginning (the Prologue)
Well done writing such a lovely story, Shanea! You have won a faithful reader. I look forward to reading part two of Karl and Aylen Steins’ story.
ENDORSEMENT:
Gut-wrenching suspense, relatable characters, and an unpredictable plot are all woven together in this stellar tale of war, faith, and family, by author Shanea Rinn! Your faith will be strengthened, your beliefs challenged, and ultimately, Karl and Aylen Steins' story will leave you with a greater understanding of God's promises. Specifically, His enduring promise found in the scriptures that says He will never leave us, nor forsake us. We truly are never alone.
- Misty Woods, author of Gold in Fire
Never Alone by author Shanea Rinn was one of my top favorite books of the year! Not only was I constantly on the edge of my seat, but the plot was so unpredictable, it was hard for me to figure out what was going to happen next. Never Alone is a true page turner. 👏🏼
Often times when I read WW2 fiction, I wish there were more battles scenes and high stakes. Well let me tell you… This book did NOT disappoint!
I would describe Never Alone as a clean, Christian, WW2 thriller.
There were so many things I loved about this novel.
For starters, the book is rich with biblical themes and scriptural parallels. I was reminded of scripture as I read, and was highly encouraged. 🤍
The characters are also so real and relatable. In many instances, I was able to relate to their struggles, fears, hopes, and dreams. It was truly amazing!
Some of my favorite scenes:
☁️ The moment in the basket
☕️ We’ve got to get you that afternoon tea!” *Oh, my heart*
💥 Meeting Bryan for the first time
🧳 The very beginning (the Prologue)
Well done writing such a lovely story, Shanea! You have won a faithful reader. I look forward to reading part two of Karl and Aylen Steins’ story.
ENDORSEMENT:
Gut-wrenching suspense, relatable characters, and an unpredictable plot are all woven together in this stellar tale of war, faith, and family, by author Shanea Rinn! Your faith will be strengthened, your beliefs challenged, and ultimately, Karl and Aylen Steins' story will leave you with a greater understanding of God's promises. Specifically, His enduring promise found in the scriptures that says He will never leave us, nor forsake us. We truly are never alone.
- Misty Woods, author of Gold in Fire
November 3, 2025
WOW, what a wonderful journey this book was! I would definitely recommend it to those who enjoy Christian fiction and Christian historical fiction. Below, I'll get into specific parts of the book that I especially enjoyed and appreciated.
Firstly, the Biblical encouragement and elements in this book were so beautiful and encouraging. There are various reminders of truths from God's Word and other Biblical themes woven throughout the journeys the characters take during this story.
That leads into my second point - the characters. I so appreciated the various characters in this book and the journeys they each go on. I also appreciated how those in their lives are willing to call them out when needed, when the other one has messed up somehow. There are various friendships in this book between characters that were very heart-warming.
Thirdly, the romance (more of a side story but there is still some romance in there which was very sweet!) is all clean. I definitely appreciate that, as my standards for romance in fiction can be higher than others'!
All in all, this was a wonderful book. It took me a bit to get more interested in the story, but as I kept reading and more characters were introduced and more unfolded, I wanted to keep going and see where things went and how things panned out. And I wasn't disappointed. The encouraging, Biblical reminders, and the ending were so sweet and heartwarming. Lord willing, I'm excited for books 2 and 3 in this series! Thank you Shanea for sharing this story!
*I was given a free, digital copy of this book in exchange for a review. These are my honest opinions about the book.*
Firstly, the Biblical encouragement and elements in this book were so beautiful and encouraging. There are various reminders of truths from God's Word and other Biblical themes woven throughout the journeys the characters take during this story.
That leads into my second point - the characters. I so appreciated the various characters in this book and the journeys they each go on. I also appreciated how those in their lives are willing to call them out when needed, when the other one has messed up somehow. There are various friendships in this book between characters that were very heart-warming.
Thirdly, the romance (more of a side story but there is still some romance in there which was very sweet!) is all clean. I definitely appreciate that, as my standards for romance in fiction can be higher than others'!
All in all, this was a wonderful book. It took me a bit to get more interested in the story, but as I kept reading and more characters were introduced and more unfolded, I wanted to keep going and see where things went and how things panned out. And I wasn't disappointed. The encouraging, Biblical reminders, and the ending were so sweet and heartwarming. Lord willing, I'm excited for books 2 and 3 in this series! Thank you Shanea for sharing this story!
*I was given a free, digital copy of this book in exchange for a review. These are my honest opinions about the book.*
November 19, 2025
Never Alone is a beautifully penned story about family and forgiveness set against the atmospheric background of WWII. Readers will follow the story of both a brother and sister from a Jewish family in Holland.
Ms. Rinn peels back the curtain on the inner turmoil of a young man who questions the existence of a God who seems distant and uncaring. This journey of faith is deftly woven throughout Karl's story. His is one of struggle, running from grief and a father's expectations he felt he could not meet. He runs to England, but when war breaks out, all he can think of is those he left behind.
Aylen leans upon her faith amidst what is becoming the darkest moments of her young life. As the Germans invade Holland, she finds that she must be willing to leave behind her dreams in her struggle to survive.
Ms. Rinn's attention to historical detail, her expertly paced plot and strongly etched characters are a perfect blend, one that kept me riveted from the beginning to the end. With skillful foreshadowing of what awaits these beloved characters in the next book, readers will be eagerly anticipating its release. I highly recommend for fans of historical fiction. Appropriate for young adults as well.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Ms. Rinn peels back the curtain on the inner turmoil of a young man who questions the existence of a God who seems distant and uncaring. This journey of faith is deftly woven throughout Karl's story. His is one of struggle, running from grief and a father's expectations he felt he could not meet. He runs to England, but when war breaks out, all he can think of is those he left behind.
Aylen leans upon her faith amidst what is becoming the darkest moments of her young life. As the Germans invade Holland, she finds that she must be willing to leave behind her dreams in her struggle to survive.
Ms. Rinn's attention to historical detail, her expertly paced plot and strongly etched characters are a perfect blend, one that kept me riveted from the beginning to the end. With skillful foreshadowing of what awaits these beloved characters in the next book, readers will be eagerly anticipating its release. I highly recommend for fans of historical fiction. Appropriate for young adults as well.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 15, 2025
If I only had one word to describe NEVER ALONE, it would be ‘gripping’. Each chapter leaves you hungry for the next. Rinn’s mix of suspence, action, and real life moments made this an unforgettable read that will stay with me forever. Each character, even minor side-characters, are dimensional and fully fleshed out. The story is full of so much tension that it felt impossible to put down, and left me sitting on the edge of my seat. For a debut novel, this author hit a home run. You can tell she studied her craft. For a historically acurate setting depicting how the naxis began taking over, I didn’t find it too dark. I wasn’t left feeling grim or yucky like I normally am with these story settings, but rather, I found hope that even in the darkest of times, we are never truly alone.
This book gave me everything I need in a good story. Slow burn romance (Real slow burn lol), humorous moments, and moments that make me cry. Shanea Rinn serves each componant on a silver platter. And I can’t forget the tension. She writes it in a way that’s addicting. This author ate and left no crumbs. I’m excited for what she writes next!
This book gave me everything I need in a good story. Slow burn romance (Real slow burn lol), humorous moments, and moments that make me cry. Shanea Rinn serves each componant on a silver platter. And I can’t forget the tension. She writes it in a way that’s addicting. This author ate and left no crumbs. I’m excited for what she writes next!
November 17, 2025
I have nothing but wonderful things to say about this book! From the historical setting to the dialogue to the incredible characters, everything about this book was just *chef’s kiss*.
The story follows a pair of siblings—Karl is running from everything he knows because he’s tired of hearing about a God who supposedly loves him beyond all comprehension yet always seems to fail to answer any of prayers. His younger sister Aylen clings to her faith after being abandoned by the older brother she adored. Yet no matter how hard she tries, she can’t get rid of the nagging fear of being left alone again.
Set in England (Karl) and war-torn Holland (Aylen), this book feels SO realistic. The characters feel so real and relatable that they practically jump off the page (Bryan is my favorite!). Their struggles with various aspects of faith are so well written.
I cannot wait for the second book to come out!
The story follows a pair of siblings—Karl is running from everything he knows because he’s tired of hearing about a God who supposedly loves him beyond all comprehension yet always seems to fail to answer any of prayers. His younger sister Aylen clings to her faith after being abandoned by the older brother she adored. Yet no matter how hard she tries, she can’t get rid of the nagging fear of being left alone again.
Set in England (Karl) and war-torn Holland (Aylen), this book feels SO realistic. The characters feel so real and relatable that they practically jump off the page (Bryan is my favorite!). Their struggles with various aspects of faith are so well written.
I cannot wait for the second book to come out!
December 24, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Powerful Story of Faith, Friendship, and Survival
Never Alone by Shanae Rinn is a beautifully written and deeply moving work of historical fiction set in the early days of World War II. The story captures the growing fear and persecution faced by the Jewish people, while also shining a light on the incredible strength of the human spirit.
What touched me most was how authentically the characters wrestled with hope, trust, and faith in the midst of darkness. Their journey of survival and spiritual growth felt so real that I often found myself in tears 😭—not just from sorrow, but from the beauty of their courage and the power of friendship that carried them through.
Shanae Rinn has created a story that lingers in the heart long after the final page. It’s a reminder that even in the bleakest times, faith can be a light that never fades. Truly an inspiring and unforgettable read.
Never Alone by Shanae Rinn is a beautifully written and deeply moving work of historical fiction set in the early days of World War II. The story captures the growing fear and persecution faced by the Jewish people, while also shining a light on the incredible strength of the human spirit.
What touched me most was how authentically the characters wrestled with hope, trust, and faith in the midst of darkness. Their journey of survival and spiritual growth felt so real that I often found myself in tears 😭—not just from sorrow, but from the beauty of their courage and the power of friendship that carried them through.
Shanae Rinn has created a story that lingers in the heart long after the final page. It’s a reminder that even in the bleakest times, faith can be a light that never fades. Truly an inspiring and unforgettable read.
November 4, 2025
EARLY READ:
Wow. Wow. Wow.
Never Alone was, for sure, one of my favorite reads in 2025.
The characters’ development, the faith journeys, the characters, the stories, every element of this novel had me 100% invested.
This book was an experience not just another read.
I felt involved in every scene, every interaction and every conversation. I was there. What a ride!
You will not be disappointed when you pick up this book. Just make sure you plan to clear your schedule because you will not want to put it down!
PS: I am someone who watches out for how characters are introduced AND if they are actually necessary contributors to pushing the story along. Never Alone did not disappoint.
Each character was absolutely necessary and their introductions, you DO NOT want to skip.
Again….What. A. Ride!
Wow. Wow. Wow.
Never Alone was, for sure, one of my favorite reads in 2025.
The characters’ development, the faith journeys, the characters, the stories, every element of this novel had me 100% invested.
This book was an experience not just another read.
I felt involved in every scene, every interaction and every conversation. I was there. What a ride!
You will not be disappointed when you pick up this book. Just make sure you plan to clear your schedule because you will not want to put it down!
PS: I am someone who watches out for how characters are introduced AND if they are actually necessary contributors to pushing the story along. Never Alone did not disappoint.
Each character was absolutely necessary and their introductions, you DO NOT want to skip.
Again….What. A. Ride!
November 14, 2025
This book is everything and more. As a current Christian love story enthusiast I had no idea what this book had to offer. There are moments of love, fear, angst, thrill, adventure, tears and more. This novel had me captivated and committed in the prologue alone! Fantastic read. Can't wait for book 2!
November 7, 2025
I just finished reading never alone and can not wait to dive into the next book in this series as soon as it is released 😃😃. I would one hundred percent read this book again and recommend to all my friends
December 10, 2025
Wonderfully, realistic characters came to life in this captivating World War novel. A thrilling story filled with adventure.
December 23, 2025
FULL REVIEW COMING.
But WOWWWW. This book FULLY deserves the perfect 5 star rating.
But WOWWWW. This book FULLY deserves the perfect 5 star rating.
January 16, 2026
I went into this book because I'm a WWII buff, and I'd heard only good things about it. I have to say I was a little disappointed. It took me quite some time to get into the story and a long time to get it finished. I will say, the book picked up speed quite a bit near the middle, and, somehow, after all the action that happened there, Shanea's writing seemed to also get better and kept me turning pages! The thing that disappointed me the most was Karl's relationship with Monica. She was a brilliant, witty, sensible woman who deserved more than a man who was attracted solely to her beauty. I really hope their relationship reaches a deeper level as the trilogy continues. Based on my current opinion, I probably wouldn't buy the book, but, since there are still two more to come, I may end up liking them a lot more and, if that's the case, I would definitely want this one. Never Alone is worth at least one read, anyway, and I know a lot of people would say more than one. I guess you'll just have to decide for yourself!
January 18, 2026
I am stingy with my 5-star reviews—but Never Alone earned one early on and held onto all five stars until the end! It’s one of those rare books that never lost my interest and kept me excited to pick it up EVERY time. I’m not kidding when I say it is my favorite read of the year! Keep reading to see if it could be yours…
Why I highly recommend it:
- It has clear Gospel messaging woven throughout, as well as strong themes of how Christians can trust in God and His promise to never leave us.
- The characters are well-rounded and feel real. Not just names you’re reading about, they’re flesh and blood that leap off the page and fix themselves in your heart. Each has their own unique personalities, motives, and struggles that you can’t wait to see them work through.
- The plot is exciting and unpredictable, keeping you turning pages to see what new adventures and dangers Karl and Aylen face next.
- The WWII setting is emotional and exciting. From Aylen’s perspective, you’ll learn about the atrocities that the Jews faced, their struggles to escape with their lives, and the dangerous and risky life of resistance workers. From Karl’s perspective, you’ll find behind-the-scenes British paratrooper training and exciting battlefield action scenes.
- For all of Never Alone’s fast-paced adventure, it also has a lot of heart. You yearn to see Karl find redemption through Christ and reunite with the sister and father he left behind. And you grieve for Aylen and her father’s loss, while you happily watch them grow closer to the Lord and each other through the many challenges they face.
- While it’s not predominately a romance, every good book needs a love story or two, and Never Alone doesn’t disappoint in that category, either!
One important thing to know is that Never Alone is book one of a series, so if you’re expecting everything to be resolved for the characters by the end…yeah, maybe don’t go into it with that expectation. 😉
I received an eARC of Never Alone in exchange for my honest review, but that’s not keeping me from buying a physical copy for my collection—it’s THAT good.
Congrats on your awesome release, Shanea! Can’t wait for the rest of the series!
Why I highly recommend it:
- It has clear Gospel messaging woven throughout, as well as strong themes of how Christians can trust in God and His promise to never leave us.
- The characters are well-rounded and feel real. Not just names you’re reading about, they’re flesh and blood that leap off the page and fix themselves in your heart. Each has their own unique personalities, motives, and struggles that you can’t wait to see them work through.
- The plot is exciting and unpredictable, keeping you turning pages to see what new adventures and dangers Karl and Aylen face next.
- The WWII setting is emotional and exciting. From Aylen’s perspective, you’ll learn about the atrocities that the Jews faced, their struggles to escape with their lives, and the dangerous and risky life of resistance workers. From Karl’s perspective, you’ll find behind-the-scenes British paratrooper training and exciting battlefield action scenes.
- For all of Never Alone’s fast-paced adventure, it also has a lot of heart. You yearn to see Karl find redemption through Christ and reunite with the sister and father he left behind. And you grieve for Aylen and her father’s loss, while you happily watch them grow closer to the Lord and each other through the many challenges they face.
- While it’s not predominately a romance, every good book needs a love story or two, and Never Alone doesn’t disappoint in that category, either!
One important thing to know is that Never Alone is book one of a series, so if you’re expecting everything to be resolved for the characters by the end…yeah, maybe don’t go into it with that expectation. 😉
I received an eARC of Never Alone in exchange for my honest review, but that’s not keeping me from buying a physical copy for my collection—it’s THAT good.
Congrats on your awesome release, Shanea! Can’t wait for the rest of the series!
December 26, 2025
This book was far from what I expected. But in a great way. The POV characters are siblings instead of romantic interests. Wounded by his father’s neglect, Karl leaves his family to live a life on his own. Aylen stays with her father and loves him dearly. They are very close. Never Alone follows Karl’s and Aylen’s journeys as they deal with different parts during the nazi invasion of holland. During this rough time period Aylen relies on her steadfast faith in God while Karl rediscovers his. Highly recommend this book!
I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to leave a positive review.
I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to leave a positive review.
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