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A Daughter's Duty: An absolutely heartbreaking tale of love and survival in wartime Germany
Germany, 1912. Greta Zolner has never been loved — not the way a daughter deserves to be loved.
She gets up before dawn. She scrubs until her hands bleed. She watches her beautiful little sister receive everything while she receives nothing. When she falls in love with Hermann, a gentle man at the village market, her father beats her for it.
Her only friend is Ruth, a young Jewish girl from the local library who shares her love of books. In Ruth’s warm, loving home, beneath the gentle care of her bubbie, Greta finds something she thought she’d lost forever—a place to belong.
Then a wealthy family from Berlin arrive at their small village. They need a wife for their son. A simple girl. Innocent. Someone who won't ask questions. Greta is sent away — delivered to a cold house, a faithless husband, and a world of secrets she knows nothing about.
She has no idea that a woman is watching from the shadows. A woman whose life her husband has destroyed.
A woman with nothing left to lose.
Only Ella, the old cook, takes Greta's hand and whispers what she has seen.
You are not here by accident. Someday, Greta—you will save lives the world cannot afford to lose.
A heartbreaking story of survival, sacrifice, and the courage of one ordinary woman on the eve of history's darkest chapter.
She gets up before dawn. She scrubs until her hands bleed. She watches her beautiful little sister receive everything while she receives nothing. When she falls in love with Hermann, a gentle man at the village market, her father beats her for it.
Her only friend is Ruth, a young Jewish girl from the local library who shares her love of books. In Ruth’s warm, loving home, beneath the gentle care of her bubbie, Greta finds something she thought she’d lost forever—a place to belong.
Then a wealthy family from Berlin arrive at their small village. They need a wife for their son. A simple girl. Innocent. Someone who won't ask questions. Greta is sent away — delivered to a cold house, a faithless husband, and a world of secrets she knows nothing about.
She has no idea that a woman is watching from the shadows. A woman whose life her husband has destroyed.
A woman with nothing left to lose.
Only Ella, the old cook, takes Greta's hand and whispers what she has seen.
You are not here by accident. Someday, Greta—you will save lives the world cannot afford to lose.
A heartbreaking story of survival, sacrifice, and the courage of one ordinary woman on the eve of history's darkest chapter.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 6, 2026
About the author
Roberta Kagan
76 books670 followersI’m an American writer of Jewish and Romany decent. I write Historical Fiction and Historical Romance, most of which is set during the holocaust. Although I never discount the horrors of the time period, the main focus of my work is on ordinary people who prove to be strong heroic characters in unfathomable circumstances.
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April 7, 2026I received a free copy of, A Daughter's Duty, by Roberta Kagan, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book one in the Duty and Betrayal series. This was a sad story, Greta is such a great character, even after all she went through. Thee early 1900's in Europe was not an easy time at all.
April 17, 2026
This is the first book in what seems like is going to be another great series by Roberta. I’m excited to see where this is going to go, what side characters are going to show up again, and what the main characters are going to do next! Thanks NetGalley & to the author for this early read. Anxious for the next book!
May 8, 2026
DNF at 47%. This book is not for me. It’s completely depressing with no glimmers of happiness or hope. Too unhappy for me!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
How often do you get the opportunity to immerse yourself in a true literary treasure that seizes you and leaves you yearning for more?! This is what 5-star reviews are reserved for! A Daughter’s Duty vividly portrays where one’s self-sacrifice & inner strength paves the way for self-preservation & survival during precarious times which in turn becomes the destiny that forges the future for many to come.
Roberta Kagan’s A Daughter’s Duty is fast-paced, gritty, and riveting! It’s a coming of age, historical fiction where life & death, love & loss, and compassion & contempt intersect, takes you captive, renders then breaks your heart, and leaves you anticipating what will unfold from beginning to end. Although I generally appreciate historical fiction, this novel captivated me. It transformed me into a full-fledged 20th Century, early 1900’s, WWI era stories fan. This story is compelling and I cannot wait for the story to continue. This is an all-time favorite, must read!
The story is set in the backdrop of Germany during WWI. Greta Zolner is a hardworking but unappreciated, impoverished farmer’s daughter from a small German village whose only glimmer of joy and escape from her bleak & laborious existence is found in books, and her friendship with an older Jewish girl, Ruth, who works at the library. Greta lacks love & acceptance until she finds it in a kindhearted vegetable vendor, Hermann Weber, who she envisions a future with. Yet, as scarcity & uncertainty increases with war, Greta’s forced to become a dowry and sacrifice her future to secure financial stability for her family as she is chosen to marry the wayward son of a wealthy family, Ludwig Lang. In Berlin, Ludwig’s wounded pride & unconscionable actions have taken a man’s life, he’s left a young Jewish girl, Lily, without her fiancé who succumbs to his fatal injuries, and Lily wants Ludwig to suffer the price. Ludwig’s Father, Herr Lang, has arranged Ludwig’s marriage to Greta with the hope of producing a family heir to safeguard the family’s fortune & estate which Ludwig will receive without another inheritor in line. While lives are at stake due to war, Ludwig’s recklessness leaves Greta & Lily’s lives hanging in the balance.
I especially appreciated the lucid & accessible writing style which made it an easy & enjoyable read for the casual reader. The prologue immediately caught my attention, the storyline reeled me in, and the characters captivated me. The characters are well-rounded, realistic, and believable.
Greta’s exceptionally sympathetic due to her sacrifice & suffering coupled with her compassion & humanness which makes her relatable. Alongside Greta, Ruth & her Bubbie’s loving-kindness & humanity and Ella’s acceptance & honesty juxtaposed with Greta’s family’s cruelty & disregard and Ludwig’s vileness & depravity bring a balance between good & evil within the story. Honestly, all the characters are well-developed & memorable, but these few standout.
Greta & Lily’s stories worked well together. Although their lives & upbringing are vastly different, they each have love, but they are simultaneously & similarly impacted with loss once Ludwig enters the picture which merges & ties the story together. It flows and carries the story through seamlessly.
Overall, this intriguing historical fiction completely seized me and left me unable to cease flying through this luring, page-turning treasure. It captured my attention, kept me engaged, and left me yearning for more. Undoubtedly, this story is a thoroughly enjoyable read! This receives a glowing 5-stars!
“Believe me, all I want to do is to help you. Because I know in my soul that a time will come in the future, when you are going to help me and a lot of other people too.”
Roberta Kagan’s A Daughter’s Duty is fast-paced, gritty, and riveting! It’s a coming of age, historical fiction where life & death, love & loss, and compassion & contempt intersect, takes you captive, renders then breaks your heart, and leaves you anticipating what will unfold from beginning to end. Although I generally appreciate historical fiction, this novel captivated me. It transformed me into a full-fledged 20th Century, early 1900’s, WWI era stories fan. This story is compelling and I cannot wait for the story to continue. This is an all-time favorite, must read!
The story is set in the backdrop of Germany during WWI. Greta Zolner is a hardworking but unappreciated, impoverished farmer’s daughter from a small German village whose only glimmer of joy and escape from her bleak & laborious existence is found in books, and her friendship with an older Jewish girl, Ruth, who works at the library. Greta lacks love & acceptance until she finds it in a kindhearted vegetable vendor, Hermann Weber, who she envisions a future with. Yet, as scarcity & uncertainty increases with war, Greta’s forced to become a dowry and sacrifice her future to secure financial stability for her family as she is chosen to marry the wayward son of a wealthy family, Ludwig Lang. In Berlin, Ludwig’s wounded pride & unconscionable actions have taken a man’s life, he’s left a young Jewish girl, Lily, without her fiancé who succumbs to his fatal injuries, and Lily wants Ludwig to suffer the price. Ludwig’s Father, Herr Lang, has arranged Ludwig’s marriage to Greta with the hope of producing a family heir to safeguard the family’s fortune & estate which Ludwig will receive without another inheritor in line. While lives are at stake due to war, Ludwig’s recklessness leaves Greta & Lily’s lives hanging in the balance.
I especially appreciated the lucid & accessible writing style which made it an easy & enjoyable read for the casual reader. The prologue immediately caught my attention, the storyline reeled me in, and the characters captivated me. The characters are well-rounded, realistic, and believable.
Greta’s exceptionally sympathetic due to her sacrifice & suffering coupled with her compassion & humanness which makes her relatable. Alongside Greta, Ruth & her Bubbie’s loving-kindness & humanity and Ella’s acceptance & honesty juxtaposed with Greta’s family’s cruelty & disregard and Ludwig’s vileness & depravity bring a balance between good & evil within the story. Honestly, all the characters are well-developed & memorable, but these few standout.
Greta & Lily’s stories worked well together. Although their lives & upbringing are vastly different, they each have love, but they are simultaneously & similarly impacted with loss once Ludwig enters the picture which merges & ties the story together. It flows and carries the story through seamlessly.
Overall, this intriguing historical fiction completely seized me and left me unable to cease flying through this luring, page-turning treasure. It captured my attention, kept me engaged, and left me yearning for more. Undoubtedly, this story is a thoroughly enjoyable read! This receives a glowing 5-stars!
“Believe me, all I want to do is to help you. Because I know in my soul that a time will come in the future, when you are going to help me and a lot of other people too.”
May 6, 2026
“A Daughter’s Duty” is the first in a new series by Roberta Kagan. This story is written from three points of view. The first part of the book tells the story of Greta, a young woman living in post World War I Germany. Greta is abused by her parents. Spoiler allert – the descriptions of her abuse are hard to read. As with any victim of abuse she believes what her parents tell her about being worthless and ugly and useless. She desperately craves their approval, love, attention, and affection.
The second point of view is from Lily. Lily is the cherished Jewish daughter of a Berlin jeweler who is happily engaged. Lily's life is juxtaposed to Greta’s. Lily is more loving and open and cared about. Greta and Lily’s lives intersect when their lives are affected by the same man - Ludwig Lang. He the third point of view in this story. Ludwig is an obnoxious, rich, spoiled, heartless, man who thinks the world owes him everything.
Greta is bartered into marriage with Ludwig. Ms. Kagan does a great job of making the reader dislike Ludwig. Since this is the first book in the series there’s a lot of a focus on the characters.
I’m not sure that I’ll continue with this series because except for Ruth and Lily. As by design, I really didn’t like most of the characters. I found the introduction of Ludwig to be quite disturbing. The layout of the book followed Greta for the first ¼ of the book and then out of no where we are introduced to Ludwig out of the blue. Where did he come from? Why did Greta’s story stop so abruptly. Things do start to meld and pick up toward the end of this book and then you are left hanging. Whether the author feels this will draw you into the next the book in the series I am not sure. I hate when things are hanging so precariously. I don’t need them tied up in a neat little bow but this ending could have been better. The author’s writing style was jumpy and all over the place. I only hope that the second book has more focus.
The second point of view is from Lily. Lily is the cherished Jewish daughter of a Berlin jeweler who is happily engaged. Lily's life is juxtaposed to Greta’s. Lily is more loving and open and cared about. Greta and Lily’s lives intersect when their lives are affected by the same man - Ludwig Lang. He the third point of view in this story. Ludwig is an obnoxious, rich, spoiled, heartless, man who thinks the world owes him everything.
Greta is bartered into marriage with Ludwig. Ms. Kagan does a great job of making the reader dislike Ludwig. Since this is the first book in the series there’s a lot of a focus on the characters.
I’m not sure that I’ll continue with this series because except for Ruth and Lily. As by design, I really didn’t like most of the characters. I found the introduction of Ludwig to be quite disturbing. The layout of the book followed Greta for the first ¼ of the book and then out of no where we are introduced to Ludwig out of the blue. Where did he come from? Why did Greta’s story stop so abruptly. Things do start to meld and pick up toward the end of this book and then you are left hanging. Whether the author feels this will draw you into the next the book in the series I am not sure. I hate when things are hanging so precariously. I don’t need them tied up in a neat little bow but this ending could have been better. The author’s writing style was jumpy and all over the place. I only hope that the second book has more focus.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received this e-book ARC of A Daughter's Duty: An absolutely heartbreaking tale of love and survival in wartime Germany by Roberta Kagan through Net Galley in exchange for a truthful review.
This is Book 1 in the Duty and Betrayal series.
At first I thought it was going to jump right in as a WWII historical fiction, but I soon came to realize that this if a foundation-laying book. Almost all of the story takes place squarely during WWI Germany, ending in 1920 with the rise of you-know-who.
There are 74 pretty short chapters.
The story revolves are two main characters, a Christian country girl Greta, daughter of a farmer who only sees worth in sons and Lily, cherished Jewish daughter of a Berlin jeweler. Greta's upbringing is oppressive and the main focus, while Lily's is more loving and open.
How their two lives are negatively affected by the same man, Ludwig Lang, an obnoxious, wealthy scion is heartbreaking.
I think this is the only book I've ever read where I was actually in FAVOR of the karma which beset one of the children in the book - I won't say more.
I would categorize this book as Inspirational Historical Fiction with both Christian and Jewish themes.
I am looking forward to reading Book 2 in the series, to see how several plot lines are resolved.
This is Book 1 in the Duty and Betrayal series.
At first I thought it was going to jump right in as a WWII historical fiction, but I soon came to realize that this if a foundation-laying book. Almost all of the story takes place squarely during WWI Germany, ending in 1920 with the rise of you-know-who.
There are 74 pretty short chapters.
The story revolves are two main characters, a Christian country girl Greta, daughter of a farmer who only sees worth in sons and Lily, cherished Jewish daughter of a Berlin jeweler. Greta's upbringing is oppressive and the main focus, while Lily's is more loving and open.
How their two lives are negatively affected by the same man, Ludwig Lang, an obnoxious, wealthy scion is heartbreaking.
I think this is the only book I've ever read where I was actually in FAVOR of the karma which beset one of the children in the book - I won't say more.
I would categorize this book as Inspirational Historical Fiction with both Christian and Jewish themes.
I am looking forward to reading Book 2 in the series, to see how several plot lines are resolved.
May 13, 2026
Unwanted Marriage
Greta was a farm girl. She was the plain one and her sister Mary Beth the pretty favorite of her parents. She always feels that her parents love Mary Beth more than her and she wishes Mary Beth was gone. When Mary Beth is killed in an unfortunate accident at a friend’s house Greta feels it was her fault for her thoughts.
Greta meets a man at the market named Hermann and falls in love with him. However , her parents arrange a marriage for her and she feels obligated to take the marriage. The man she marries is very flighty and immature and his father is very controlling..
When she does not have a child, he stops helping her family and threatens to get rid of her. She does not know what to do. The housekeeper helps her with a scheme. This scheme nets her a child although not her husband’s although he thinks it is.
She is unhappy in the marriage but dotes on her son. She has a good relationship with the housekeeper. She never forgets Hermann but is resigned to raising her son.
The flu epidemic begins and takes a toll on everyone. It changes life as it comes around again it causes even more upheaval.
A second story within the story is of Lily and David. They are Jewish. Ludwig (Greta’s husband) beat David and caused him mental damage. Now Lily is out for revenge against Ludwig.
The story is a good one, and I enjoyed reading it. I will need to read book two to find out what happens next.
I was given a copy of the book to read and review. The review is my own.
Greta was a farm girl. She was the plain one and her sister Mary Beth the pretty favorite of her parents. She always feels that her parents love Mary Beth more than her and she wishes Mary Beth was gone. When Mary Beth is killed in an unfortunate accident at a friend’s house Greta feels it was her fault for her thoughts.
Greta meets a man at the market named Hermann and falls in love with him. However , her parents arrange a marriage for her and she feels obligated to take the marriage. The man she marries is very flighty and immature and his father is very controlling..
When she does not have a child, he stops helping her family and threatens to get rid of her. She does not know what to do. The housekeeper helps her with a scheme. This scheme nets her a child although not her husband’s although he thinks it is.
She is unhappy in the marriage but dotes on her son. She has a good relationship with the housekeeper. She never forgets Hermann but is resigned to raising her son.
The flu epidemic begins and takes a toll on everyone. It changes life as it comes around again it causes even more upheaval.
A second story within the story is of Lily and David. They are Jewish. Ludwig (Greta’s husband) beat David and caused him mental damage. Now Lily is out for revenge against Ludwig.
The story is a good one, and I enjoyed reading it. I will need to read book two to find out what happens next.
I was given a copy of the book to read and review. The review is my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is really easy to read and I sped through it but it was lacking something for me. The characters felt very one dimensional, I wasn't invested in any of them. The part with Ella felt weird and contrived. Deus ex machina like the author couldn't think of a natural/romantic way for this to come about.
I also found it rather American/too modern. Doubtful Germans would've used words like diaper, bra and panties at this time. I'm dubious of some of the historical accuracy but I'm not familiar enough with the events at that time to be sure (and it didn't ruin things enough to go down a rabbit hole if searching). Things such as translations and jewish words/traditions were explained like a middle grade book rather than an adult one. We are perfectly capable of looking things up if we need to.
I don't think it needed the preface (spoilery!) or final chapter at all. Would've been much better to be a surprise or gradually learn of during the book.
I think to me it read more like a middle grade book (which i love reading) than an adult one. Something about the writing style is just too basic or not enough depth in the plot. I can't quite put my finger on it. It was rather frustrating at times but I still zoomed through it and will be waiting for book two!
My thanks to netgalley for an advance ebook copy, I do hope the multiple errors i came across were corrected before publication...
I also found it rather American/too modern. Doubtful Germans would've used words like diaper, bra and panties at this time. I'm dubious of some of the historical accuracy but I'm not familiar enough with the events at that time to be sure (and it didn't ruin things enough to go down a rabbit hole if searching). Things such as translations and jewish words/traditions were explained like a middle grade book rather than an adult one. We are perfectly capable of looking things up if we need to.
I don't think it needed the preface (spoilery!) or final chapter at all. Would've been much better to be a surprise or gradually learn of during the book.
I think to me it read more like a middle grade book (which i love reading) than an adult one. Something about the writing style is just too basic or not enough depth in the plot. I can't quite put my finger on it. It was rather frustrating at times but I still zoomed through it and will be waiting for book two!
My thanks to netgalley for an advance ebook copy, I do hope the multiple errors i came across were corrected before publication...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A Daughter’s Duty by Roberta Kagan
I enjoyed reading book one of Roberta Kagan’s latest serious Duty and Betrayal.
Greta Zolner is a sweet and innocent country girl who only wants to win her strict parent’s approval and love. She loves a poor vegetable vendor, Hermann but is being forced to marry the rich Ludwig Lang. Ludwig doesn’t want to marry anyone especially a boring country bumpkin like Greta but his father is sick of Ludwig’s shenanigans, which he has given up trying to stop, he is hoping when Greta births Ludwig a son, he will have a second chance to raise the man he always wanted Ludwig to be.
Meanwhile in the city Lily wants revenge. She was meant to marry the love of her life, David, but when Ludwig flirted with Lily, she did not like his advances and said she has a fiance, David, Ludwig did not like being rejected so he paid a gang of thugs to beat up David on his behalf. After the beating David was never the same man Lily fell in love with. Lily still honoured her promise and married David but he died soon after.
I cannot wait to read book two of Roberta Kagan’s serious Duty and Betrayal and find out what else is in store for Greta and Lily.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Book Whisperer for a copy of this eBook in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed reading book one of Roberta Kagan’s latest serious Duty and Betrayal.
Greta Zolner is a sweet and innocent country girl who only wants to win her strict parent’s approval and love. She loves a poor vegetable vendor, Hermann but is being forced to marry the rich Ludwig Lang. Ludwig doesn’t want to marry anyone especially a boring country bumpkin like Greta but his father is sick of Ludwig’s shenanigans, which he has given up trying to stop, he is hoping when Greta births Ludwig a son, he will have a second chance to raise the man he always wanted Ludwig to be.
Meanwhile in the city Lily wants revenge. She was meant to marry the love of her life, David, but when Ludwig flirted with Lily, she did not like his advances and said she has a fiance, David, Ludwig did not like being rejected so he paid a gang of thugs to beat up David on his behalf. After the beating David was never the same man Lily fell in love with. Lily still honoured her promise and married David but he died soon after.
I cannot wait to read book two of Roberta Kagan’s serious Duty and Betrayal and find out what else is in store for Greta and Lily.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Book Whisperer for a copy of this eBook in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.
“A Daughter’s Duty” is the first in a new series by Roberta Kagan. This book tells the story of Greta, a young woman living in post-WWI Germany, who is treated horribly by her parents yet she still craves their love, attention, and affection. Two other points of view are from Lily, a jeweler in Berlin, and Ludwig, Greta’s eventual husband. This book is really setting up the series, so there’s a lot more of a focus on the characters than action. I’m not sure that I’ll continue with this series because except for Ruth, I really didn’t like any of the characters that much. I found the introduction of Ludwig to be jarring … the book followed Greta for 25% and then - blam - Ludwig’s introduced out of the blue and his storyline is being followed for a few chapters. However, I do believe that if you’ve read other works by Ms. Kagan, this book may be up your alley. For me, it felt a bit young adult for my writing style preference, but there’s nothing wrong with that - just that I wasn’t in the mood for it when I read this book. Things do pick up toward the end of this book (1920 if that helps with anyone who knows German history), which was a nice preview for the next book in this series.
“A Daughter’s Duty” is the first in a new series by Roberta Kagan. This book tells the story of Greta, a young woman living in post-WWI Germany, who is treated horribly by her parents yet she still craves their love, attention, and affection. Two other points of view are from Lily, a jeweler in Berlin, and Ludwig, Greta’s eventual husband. This book is really setting up the series, so there’s a lot more of a focus on the characters than action. I’m not sure that I’ll continue with this series because except for Ruth, I really didn’t like any of the characters that much. I found the introduction of Ludwig to be jarring … the book followed Greta for 25% and then - blam - Ludwig’s introduced out of the blue and his storyline is being followed for a few chapters. However, I do believe that if you’ve read other works by Ms. Kagan, this book may be up your alley. For me, it felt a bit young adult for my writing style preference, but there’s nothing wrong with that - just that I wasn’t in the mood for it when I read this book. Things do pick up toward the end of this book (1920 if that helps with anyone who knows German history), which was a nice preview for the next book in this series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received a digital copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to leave a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I love historical books in general but especially early 1900s. This book kept me engaged and honestly guessing where it was going. I was a little thrown off by the "seer" popping up because that would have been a time period that didn't graciously accept people who claimed to have such abilities. I desparetly wanted to jump through the book and strangle Greta's family. Although I'm well aware how society viewed women at that time it is still infuriating.
I cannot wait to see how her brother makes an appearance in additional stories or how Lily fares. Will she find forgiveness or will she ally herself with Greta and help free her from Ludwig's idiocy? The contrast in how awful Greta's homelife is without a strong religious foundation versus how loving Lily's and Ruth's are as Jews is glaringly obvious and I loved that!
I love historical books in general but especially early 1900s. This book kept me engaged and honestly guessing where it was going. I was a little thrown off by the "seer" popping up because that would have been a time period that didn't graciously accept people who claimed to have such abilities. I desparetly wanted to jump through the book and strangle Greta's family. Although I'm well aware how society viewed women at that time it is still infuriating.
I cannot wait to see how her brother makes an appearance in additional stories or how Lily fares. Will she find forgiveness or will she ally herself with Greta and help free her from Ludwig's idiocy? The contrast in how awful Greta's homelife is without a strong religious foundation versus how loving Lily's and Ruth's are as Jews is glaringly obvious and I loved that!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Daughters Duty by Roberta Kagan is a story of a daughter looking for love from family and others but finding it to be in short demand. While it takes place in turbulent German during WWI, Greta Zolner’s childhood could have happened anywhere during any time. For Greta she sought to be loved but though a parent flaw that was not hers, love was not given. What causes parents to love one child and not another is an unanswerable question. Life did not improve for Great after an arranged marriage. Empathy was strong as I read of Greta and her life.
While Greta may seem a weak character to some, she is more meek than weak surviving the best she is able at this time in society. She is an intriguing character while her husband is one I loathe. There is a subplot involving him which is implied to affect Greta and her young son in the future. This is the first book with more to come according to the ending. While Greta has joy with her young sone, heartbreak is sure to come again in the years to come for her.
While Greta may seem a weak character to some, she is more meek than weak surviving the best she is able at this time in society. She is an intriguing character while her husband is one I loathe. There is a subplot involving him which is implied to affect Greta and her young son in the future. This is the first book with more to come according to the ending. While Greta has joy with her young sone, heartbreak is sure to come again in the years to come for her.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Gripping from the First Page
The Daughter’s Duty by Roberta Kagan is another powerful and emotional read from an author who never fails to deliver. From the very first page, the story pulls you in and doesn’t let go. Kagan has a real gift for bringing her characters to life, making you feel every struggle, fear, and moment of hope right alongside them. The writing is vivid and heartfelt, and the storyline is both compelling and deeply moving. As with her other books, the historical detail adds depth without ever slowing the pace. It’s a story of strength, resilience, and the bonds that tie us together, even in the darkest times.
I’ve read many of Kagan’s books, and this is another standout. If you enjoy emotional, character-driven historical fiction that stays with you long after you’ve finished, this is definitely one to add to your list. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Daughter’s Duty by Roberta Kagan is another powerful and emotional read from an author who never fails to deliver. From the very first page, the story pulls you in and doesn’t let go. Kagan has a real gift for bringing her characters to life, making you feel every struggle, fear, and moment of hope right alongside them. The writing is vivid and heartfelt, and the storyline is both compelling and deeply moving. As with her other books, the historical detail adds depth without ever slowing the pace. It’s a story of strength, resilience, and the bonds that tie us together, even in the darkest times.
I’ve read many of Kagan’s books, and this is another standout. If you enjoy emotional, character-driven historical fiction that stays with you long after you’ve finished, this is definitely one to add to your list. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I had a very hard time getting into this book - about half way through, I almost put it down but because it is a novel I had received from NetGalley, I continued reading. A Daughter's Duty tells the story of Greta, a German around the time after WWI, who lives with her parents who do not appreciate or love her. She is bartered in marriage to Ludwig Lang, a wealthy and arrogant jerk, who had once hired thugs to beat up the fiance of a woman he was interested in. There is more going on but no spoilers. The writing style did not draw me in and I really didn't like the majority of the characters. The book ended on a cliffhanger but I really don't care enough about these characters to want to know what happens to them.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
May 14, 2026
Greta is a young girl in 1912 Germany. She is not the favored child in the household. Besides school, she is required to do all the household chores. She is very poor and only has one friend. Ruth is a nice Jewish girl who works in the library. She puts books aside for Greta. Ruth lives with her grandmother, and Greta becomes close to them. Greta also meets Hermann at the market and the two fall in love. If her father finds out about any of these relationships, he will beat her again. When a wealthy family comes to her town from Berlin, Greta’s father hopes he chooses Greta for a wife. Greta is chosen and soon finds out that her life as the wife of a wealthy man is not what it seems to be. When she sneaks out to see her friend, she has no idea that she’s being followed by a woman her husband has wronged. I am anxious to read the next book to see what happens when the women meet!
May 4, 2026
This was a very engaging book. Taking place during World War 1, Germany, we read about the life of a poor farming family. With only two daughters, and no son to help with farming, they are suffering from the hardships of wartime. In desperation, they turn towards an offer to marry off their oldest daughter to a wealthy German man’s son. There is no love, only the promise of financial aid. Thus,the daughter marries, and fulfills the dream of birthing a son.
There are many hidden secrets, lies and deceptions, and the book ends with the rise of Hitler, which will be a continuation in the next book
Roberta Kagan writes with emotion, and clarity about life during very disturbing times in history.
I’m looking foward to the next book!
There are many hidden secrets, lies and deceptions, and the book ends with the rise of Hitler, which will be a continuation in the next book
Roberta Kagan writes with emotion, and clarity about life during very disturbing times in history.
I’m looking foward to the next book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you want to read a series of books that will never disappoint you then put Roberta Kagan on your list of authors to read. I've yet to read a book of hers that hasn't checked all the boxes for me and this first book in her new series is no different. Roberta Kagan has a unique ability to write fresh stories with authentic and amazing characters that take place during the same historical time frame. I will put aside whatever book I am reading when she releases a new one and hold my breath until the next. You will devour her stories like it's your last meal on earth! Thanks to NetGalley, this amazing author and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Heartbreaking, powerful, and deeply moving. A Daughter’s Duty is a deeply emotional story set against the harsh realities of wartime Germany. It explores love, survival, and impossible choices in a world shaped by fear, loss, and moral conflict.
What makes this book stand out is its emotional weight. The story doesn’t shy away from the pain of war—the sacrifices, the heartbreak, and the constant tension between duty and humanity.
The characters feel real, shaped by their circumstances, forced to make decisions that challenge their beliefs and identities.
It’s not an easy read—but it’s a meaningful and impactful one that stays with you long after finishing.
What makes this book stand out is its emotional weight. The story doesn’t shy away from the pain of war—the sacrifices, the heartbreak, and the constant tension between duty and humanity.
The characters feel real, shaped by their circumstances, forced to make decisions that challenge their beliefs and identities.
It’s not an easy read—but it’s a meaningful and impactful one that stays with you long after finishing.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookwhisper for this ARC for my honest review:
I thought A Daughter’s Duty was actually pretty good. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect going into it, but I ended up really enjoying the storyline—especially the multiple points of view, which kept it engaging. Roberta Kagan definitely created a lot of characters you love to hate. I’m excited to see where the second book goes and how the story wraps up. My only complaint is that I do wish there had been more focus on WWI itself, rather than just brief mentions...I almost forgot at times that it was set during that period. Other than that, the story was engaging and kept my interest throughout.
I thought A Daughter’s Duty was actually pretty good. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect going into it, but I ended up really enjoying the storyline—especially the multiple points of view, which kept it engaging. Roberta Kagan definitely created a lot of characters you love to hate. I’m excited to see where the second book goes and how the story wraps up. My only complaint is that I do wish there had been more focus on WWI itself, rather than just brief mentions...I almost forgot at times that it was set during that period. Other than that, the story was engaging and kept my interest throughout.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What an amazing story of love and hardship against the backdrop of WW1 and its effect on German society. I loved the way all the strands came together. It has certainly set the scene well for the next book which I now can’t wait to read. Keep the stories coming, Roberta. Again you have given us just the right amount of detail so that we feel that we know the character and can place them in their respective settings. Once I started reading I couldn’t put the book down until I’d finished. Thanks to NetGalley and Book whisperer for the advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As a fan of Roberta Kagan’s novels, I am always glad to start a new series. I found A Daughter’s Duty to be mildly interesting. Without actually divulging the plot, I found the characters somewhat believable considering the time frame. However, this novel seemed more like a soap opera complete with all the subterfuge and themes of revenge and unrequited love. Ms. Kagan has written better novels in the past and hope she will in the future. I thank NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to its publication.
Review of advance copy
A compelling story of hardship and an unhappy homelife, as Greta is treated as a slave. There is so little love in her life and yet she strives to make the best of what little she has. Then there is Lily, who also suffers, but in a different way. The author draws you in and you feel the pain and struggles of the characters. Sad times, secrets and a cliff hanger that leaves you wanting more. Highly recommended. I received an ARC from Book Whisperer/Bookfunnel and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 9, 2026
My thanks to Net Galley, Book Whisperer, and the personal invitation I received to review this arc.
This was a very well written and told story.
I liked the beginning of the book with Greta s story but her parents were horrible. No more was said about Zeno. MaryBeth was horrible. I enjoyed the story when Ruth, Bubbie, and Hermann entered the picture. But very sad read. Then suddenly enter Ludwig and Lilly and their perspectives. I wish Greta stood up to her father and the ending didn't leave me hanging.
This was a very well written and told story.
I liked the beginning of the book with Greta s story but her parents were horrible. No more was said about Zeno. MaryBeth was horrible. I enjoyed the story when Ruth, Bubbie, and Hermann entered the picture. But very sad read. Then suddenly enter Ludwig and Lilly and their perspectives. I wish Greta stood up to her father and the ending didn't leave me hanging.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A Daughter’s Duty by Roberta Kagan is an emotional read which takes place in Germany 1912. Roberta Kagan always writes wonderful stories that holds my interest and makes me want to keep reading. I just couldn’t put it down. It is an historical fiction about the life of 4 main characters, Greta, Ludwig, Herman, and Lily. It is a five star read for me and I can’t wait for the second part.
I received an ARC copy from the publisher and Net Galley for an honest opinion.
I received an ARC copy from the publisher and Net Galley for an honest opinion.
May 15, 2026
I always enjoy Kagan novels - this one begins in 1912 in the countryside outside of Berlin. Greta is the unwanted daughter of poor farmers who falls for a crippled young man. But it is not to be as she is to be married to a rich man in Berlin. But that man is a degenerate whom she has no feelings for. When she has a baby, her life now has meaning. However, her husband’s past is about to threaten them. Can’t wait for the sequel!
Review of advance copy
I was given an advance copy of A Daughter’s Duty and this novel, like so many of Roberta Kagan’s, is absolutely “unputdownable”! It is spellbinding and simply so well written. Kagan researches her material so thoroughly. Greta’s character is very relatable as is Lily’s. I am already anxiously awaiting the next book in this series!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is an intriguing story and really captivated me. The characters are fascinating and it felt as though they are all being set up for a sequel. When the story ended I was left hanging with many questions as to what happens next. It didn't feel like a conclusion but instead the beginning of the next chapter in these people's lives.
May 4, 2026
I loved this book and cannot wait to read the continued story in the next book. It is a historical love story. Thank you #netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 12, 2026
Greta has a difficult life, she has to put her own wants and needs back to help her ungrateful family. But this is just book one in this series. Very curious what will happen with her and the rest of the characters in the next book.
May 13, 2026
Thank you Netgaley for the opportunity to read this book. Overall it was just ok. Except for Ludwig the characters were too good to be true. The dialog was not well written. Overall the story felt a bit contrived.
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