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The German Sisters
Not yet published
Expected 6 Jul 261938, Germany. "Be brave, little one," her mother whispers. Dagmar holds her hand tightly through the train window, trembling, trying not to cry. But as the train lurches forward, they are torn apart, and her mother is swallowed by the darkness.
As the train carries her far away from home, ten-year-old Dagmar’s hand tightens around her sister’s. As little Heike leans in, her acorn-coloured eyes wide, Dagmar is terrified she won’t be able to keep her safe…
Dagma heart aches for her mother but only children were allowed on board. The carriage is crowded; a small boy hugs a battered teddy bear and cries for his father. A girl her own age whispers that this train is rescuing Jewish children. But their families have been left behind…
As the train jolts along the track, Dagmar holds her breath. Her scuffed suitcase, with everything she owns inside, bangs painfully against her. Dagmar and Heike have nobody else but each other; what will happen to them? And will they ever see their mother again?
A tear-jerking and unputdownable wartime novel inspired by the stories of what was later known as the Kindertransport. From USA Today bestselling author Marty Wingate, this heart-breaking and uplifting novel is perfect for fans of Orphan Train, Sold on a Monday, and Diney Costeloe.
As the train carries her far away from home, ten-year-old Dagmar’s hand tightens around her sister’s. As little Heike leans in, her acorn-coloured eyes wide, Dagmar is terrified she won’t be able to keep her safe…
Dagma heart aches for her mother but only children were allowed on board. The carriage is crowded; a small boy hugs a battered teddy bear and cries for his father. A girl her own age whispers that this train is rescuing Jewish children. But their families have been left behind…
As the train jolts along the track, Dagmar holds her breath. Her scuffed suitcase, with everything she owns inside, bangs painfully against her. Dagmar and Heike have nobody else but each other; what will happen to them? And will they ever see their mother again?
A tear-jerking and unputdownable wartime novel inspired by the stories of what was later known as the Kindertransport. From USA Today bestselling author Marty Wingate, this heart-breaking and uplifting novel is perfect for fans of Orphan Train, Sold on a Monday, and Diney Costeloe.
387 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 6, 2026
About the author
Marty Wingate
35 books704 followersUSA Today best-selling author Marty Wingate writes The First Edition Library series (Berkley) set in Bath, England, about the curator of a collection of books from the Golden Age of Mystery. Book one, The Bodies in the Library, concerns murder among an Agatha Christie fan-fiction writing group, and in book two, Murder Is a Must (October 2020), an exhibition manager is found dead at the bottom of a spiral staircase. Marty also writes historical fiction: Glamour Girls (Alcove Press, January 2021) follows Spitfire pilot Rosalie Wright through both the physical and emotional dangers of the Second World War. Marty writes two further mystery series: the Potting Shed books (Alibi) feature Pru Parke, a middle-aged American gardener transplanted from Texas to England, and the Birds of a Feather series (Alibi) follows Julia Lanchester, bird lover, who runs a tourist office in a Suffolk village.
Marty prefers on-the-ground research whenever possible, and so she and her husband regularly travel to England and Scotland, where she can be found tracing the steps of her characters, stopping for tea and a slice of Victoria sponge in a café, or enjoying a swift half in a pub.
Marty prefers on-the-ground research whenever possible, and so she and her husband regularly travel to England and Scotland, where she can be found tracing the steps of her characters, stopping for tea and a slice of Victoria sponge in a café, or enjoying a swift half in a pub.
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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The German Sisters by Marty Wingate is a powerful and heartfelt novel that consumed me from the start.
The action starts in 1939 as we follow two German sisters who are sent by their parents from Hamburg to Britain for safety. Though the eldest sister is only ten-years-old and she is tasked with looking after her five-year-old sister. The girls begin a new life in Pickering before a near tragedy sees them relocate to Suffolk.
The elder sister has the weight of the world on her shoulders as she refuses to give up the hope that Mutti and Vati will join them. “Her momentary happiness melted away as she thought of Mutti and Vati in Germany waiting.” She feels it is her job to guide them to Britain, writing to them every week. Hen the postal services close their borders to Germany, she continues to write but hides the letters in her wardrobe, for when they will meet again.
We witness both the kindness and cruelty of children towards those who are different.
This extends to adults who pass judgment. A young girl is sent away to ‘help’ an aunt after being found in the family way. Young men and women have to hide their true selves for fear of imprisonment or worse. Recently divorced, a character is unable to remarry in church. The modern reader is so glad that attitudes have moved on.
We see the empathy of animals to those who are hurting. “Mrs Moffat [a cat] goes to the person who needs her the most.”
We learn of the antidote to evil. “God’s love extends to all… We defy evil by doing good.” Characters practice love and hospitality to all.
All the characters were well drawn, warm and welcoming. They were easy to empathise with.
I thoroughly enjoyed The German Sisters. It was a heartfelt read showing the goodness of humanity in the face of evil.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The action starts in 1939 as we follow two German sisters who are sent by their parents from Hamburg to Britain for safety. Though the eldest sister is only ten-years-old and she is tasked with looking after her five-year-old sister. The girls begin a new life in Pickering before a near tragedy sees them relocate to Suffolk.
The elder sister has the weight of the world on her shoulders as she refuses to give up the hope that Mutti and Vati will join them. “Her momentary happiness melted away as she thought of Mutti and Vati in Germany waiting.” She feels it is her job to guide them to Britain, writing to them every week. Hen the postal services close their borders to Germany, she continues to write but hides the letters in her wardrobe, for when they will meet again.
We witness both the kindness and cruelty of children towards those who are different.
This extends to adults who pass judgment. A young girl is sent away to ‘help’ an aunt after being found in the family way. Young men and women have to hide their true selves for fear of imprisonment or worse. Recently divorced, a character is unable to remarry in church. The modern reader is so glad that attitudes have moved on.
We see the empathy of animals to those who are hurting. “Mrs Moffat [a cat] goes to the person who needs her the most.”
We learn of the antidote to evil. “God’s love extends to all… We defy evil by doing good.” Characters practice love and hospitality to all.
All the characters were well drawn, warm and welcoming. They were easy to empathise with.
I thoroughly enjoyed The German Sisters. It was a heartfelt read showing the goodness of humanity in the face of evil.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I am always drawn to stories of survival and especially hope. You can find an abundance of survival against incredible odds and hope in the midst of indescribable darkness in historical fiction. I tend to read a lot of these stories in the summer, and this is one of the gems. I had the chance to read an advance of The German Sisters, coming July 6th from author Marty Wingate and Bookouture.
𝙈𝛄 2 ¢𝓮𝞰𝒕𝐬: Deeply emotional, from the eyes of a child.
The German sisters is a richly developed and emotional tale of two young girls, inspired by the historical Kindertransport. After the events of Kristallnacht in Germany their parents send them to England for their safety. Told from the perspective of big sister Dagmar as she carries an emotional weight of responsibility for little sister Heiki, it’s a look at war from a child’s perspective.
Expect emotional wreckage, but with strong bursts of sweetness, and hope. I am rarely moved to actual tears when reading but there was a scene in this book where I set the book down and weeped for Dagmar. Throughout the story she felt without any allies as she faced horrible possibilities, grief, fear, and unreasonable expectations caused by her youthful take on the situation. It all came to a head in a scene that shattered me.
Luckily for fictional Dagmar, and my own heart, this author has given us a diverse and vibrant array of characters who bring comfort, levity, hope, and pragmatism. This story felt very real, and left me feeling joyful in spite of the many somber moments. It’s hard to say there’s a “happy ending” to any story set in the midst of war, but it’s definitely has an uplifting ending.
I hadn’t ever read anything by Marty Wingate before this, but will definitely be on the lookout for other titles after reading this one.
𝙈𝛄 2 ¢𝓮𝞰𝒕𝐬: Deeply emotional, from the eyes of a child.
The German sisters is a richly developed and emotional tale of two young girls, inspired by the historical Kindertransport. After the events of Kristallnacht in Germany their parents send them to England for their safety. Told from the perspective of big sister Dagmar as she carries an emotional weight of responsibility for little sister Heiki, it’s a look at war from a child’s perspective.
Expect emotional wreckage, but with strong bursts of sweetness, and hope. I am rarely moved to actual tears when reading but there was a scene in this book where I set the book down and weeped for Dagmar. Throughout the story she felt without any allies as she faced horrible possibilities, grief, fear, and unreasonable expectations caused by her youthful take on the situation. It all came to a head in a scene that shattered me.
Luckily for fictional Dagmar, and my own heart, this author has given us a diverse and vibrant array of characters who bring comfort, levity, hope, and pragmatism. This story felt very real, and left me feeling joyful in spite of the many somber moments. It’s hard to say there’s a “happy ending” to any story set in the midst of war, but it’s definitely has an uplifting ending.
I hadn’t ever read anything by Marty Wingate before this, but will definitely be on the lookout for other titles after reading this one.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Book Review | The German Sisters by Marty Wingate
Publication Date: 6 July 2026
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of The German Sisters, and what an emotional and beautifully written read it turned out to be.
Set against the backdrop of the Second World War, the story follows two young Jewish sisters, Dagmar and Heike, aged ten and five, who are sent away from Nazi Germany as part of the Kindertransport. Before they leave, their parents make Dagmar promise to write and tell them where they are staying, hoping that one day the family can be reunited.
The sisters arrive in England and are placed with foster families, first in Yorkshire and later in Suffolk. The story is told through the perspectives of Dagmar and Louisa, one of the foster mothers, which gives the novel both emotional depth and a wonderfully human perspective.
At its heart, this is a story about love, loss, resilience and hope. Dagmar carries an enormous responsibility for someone so young, and my heart broke for her as she struggled with the burden of keeping her promise while desperately longing to see her parents again.
Marty Wingate’s writing is both evocative and compassionate. I felt completely immersed in the world she created and deeply connected to the characters throughout. There were moments that left me heartbroken, others that were incredibly heartwarming, and more than a few that brought me to tears.
This is the kind of historical fiction I love, rich in emotion, beautifully researched, and impossible to put down. A moving and unforgettable novel that stayed with me long after I turned the final page.
Thank you to NetGalley and Marty Wingate for giving me the opportunity to read and review this excellent book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Publication Date: 6 July 2026
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of The German Sisters, and what an emotional and beautifully written read it turned out to be.
Set against the backdrop of the Second World War, the story follows two young Jewish sisters, Dagmar and Heike, aged ten and five, who are sent away from Nazi Germany as part of the Kindertransport. Before they leave, their parents make Dagmar promise to write and tell them where they are staying, hoping that one day the family can be reunited.
The sisters arrive in England and are placed with foster families, first in Yorkshire and later in Suffolk. The story is told through the perspectives of Dagmar and Louisa, one of the foster mothers, which gives the novel both emotional depth and a wonderfully human perspective.
At its heart, this is a story about love, loss, resilience and hope. Dagmar carries an enormous responsibility for someone so young, and my heart broke for her as she struggled with the burden of keeping her promise while desperately longing to see her parents again.
Marty Wingate’s writing is both evocative and compassionate. I felt completely immersed in the world she created and deeply connected to the characters throughout. There were moments that left me heartbroken, others that were incredibly heartwarming, and more than a few that brought me to tears.
This is the kind of historical fiction I love, rich in emotion, beautifully researched, and impossible to put down. A moving and unforgettable novel that stayed with me long after I turned the final page.
Thank you to NetGalley and Marty Wingate for giving me the opportunity to read and review this excellent book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy
Book Review | The German Sisters by Marty Wingate
Publication Date: 6 July 2026
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of The German Sisters, and what an emotional and beautifully written read it turned out to be.
Set against the backdrop of the Second World War, the story follows two young Jewish sisters, Dagmar and Heike, aged ten and five, who are sent away from Nazi Germany as part of the Kindertransport. Before they leave, their parents make Dagmar promise to write and tell them where they are staying, hoping that one day the family can be reunited.
The sisters arrive in England and are placed with foster families, first in Yorkshire and later in Suffolk. The story is told through the perspectives of Dagmar and Louisa, one of the foster mothers, which gives the novel both emotional depth and a wonderfully human perspective.
At its heart, this is a story about love, loss, resilience and hope. Dagmar carries an enormous responsibility for someone so young, and my heart broke for her as she struggled with the burden of keeping her promise while desperately longing to see her parents again.
Marty Wingate’s writing is both evocative and compassionate. I felt completely immersed in the world she created and deeply connected to the characters throughout. There were moments that left me heartbroken, others that were incredibly heartwarming, and more than a few that brought me to tears.
This is the kind of historical fiction I love—rich in emotion, beautifully researched, and impossible to put down. A moving and unforgettable novel that stayed with me long after I turned the final page.
Publication Date: 6 July 2026
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of The German Sisters, and what an emotional and beautifully written read it turned out to be.
Set against the backdrop of the Second World War, the story follows two young Jewish sisters, Dagmar and Heike, aged ten and five, who are sent away from Nazi Germany as part of the Kindertransport. Before they leave, their parents make Dagmar promise to write and tell them where they are staying, hoping that one day the family can be reunited.
The sisters arrive in England and are placed with foster families, first in Yorkshire and later in Suffolk. The story is told through the perspectives of Dagmar and Louisa, one of the foster mothers, which gives the novel both emotional depth and a wonderfully human perspective.
At its heart, this is a story about love, loss, resilience and hope. Dagmar carries an enormous responsibility for someone so young, and my heart broke for her as she struggled with the burden of keeping her promise while desperately longing to see her parents again.
Marty Wingate’s writing is both evocative and compassionate. I felt completely immersed in the world she created and deeply connected to the characters throughout. There were moments that left me heartbroken, others that were incredibly heartwarming, and more than a few that brought me to tears.
This is the kind of historical fiction I love—rich in emotion, beautifully researched, and impossible to put down. A moving and unforgettable novel that stayed with me long after I turned the final page.
Did Not Finish
June 12, 2026Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for this arc.
- What I liked:
- the descriptions
- What I didn’t like/why i dnf:
- i wished it stayed in one pov or if it had to be dual pov, of both the sisters instead
- Ratings
- Descriptions: 9/10
- Use of other languages: 8/10
- Foreign languages used that I liked and it being incorporated in my opinion, good: German
- English as a second language depictions: 9/10
- What was good in terms of showing:
- not knowing what something means, but just smiled at what was being said, instead, when someone uses the word, because I have done that
- Cultural nuances:
- **SPOILERS**
-
- How are young characters written:
- **SPOILERS**
-
- What I liked:
- the descriptions
- What I didn’t like/why i dnf:
- i wished it stayed in one pov or if it had to be dual pov, of both the sisters instead
- Ratings
- Descriptions: 9/10
- Use of other languages: 8/10
- Foreign languages used that I liked and it being incorporated in my opinion, good: German
- English as a second language depictions: 9/10
- What was good in terms of showing:
- not knowing what something means, but just smiled at what was being said, instead, when someone uses the word, because I have done that
- Cultural nuances:
- **SPOILERS**
-
- How are young characters written:
- **SPOILERS**
-
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This read starts in Germany, and parents making the hard decision to send their children to safety. Evil has taken over Europe in the thirties, such horrible hate, and we meet a Jewish family that makes that hard decision, a hard sacrifice. We follow their daughters Dagmar and Heike to England, and hopefully away from harm.
Dagmar is a ten year old girl, and keeps writing letters to home, she want her parents to come to England. We meet the people put in these girls lives, and the road is not always easy for them. They do finally land in a home of "love", but still no word on Mutti and Vatti.
The author does a great job of weaving this story of the great sacrifices being made, the danger of even being in England, and the story of family, new and old.
I did like the epilogue here, and wished I could have followed these girls further!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bookouture, and was not required to give a positive review.
Dagmar is a ten year old girl, and keeps writing letters to home, she want her parents to come to England. We meet the people put in these girls lives, and the road is not always easy for them. They do finally land in a home of "love", but still no word on Mutti and Vatti.
The author does a great job of weaving this story of the great sacrifices being made, the danger of even being in England, and the story of family, new and old.
I did like the epilogue here, and wished I could have followed these girls further!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bookouture, and was not required to give a positive review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Marty Wingate
Wow what an Author , the German sisters had me crying waiting , smiling, Nervous and relieved , 2 young Girls leaving Vatti (Father ) Mutti (Mother ) Jewish family seperated by the Pains of the war of Germany , a mother and father send thier girls to England to be cared for by caretakers the Catterwicks and also moved to Oxburrow where the eldest Dagmar learns to relax amongst her undeniable pursuit to bring her Father and mother to England encountering a wedding and friends and learning of the Loss of Mutti (Mother ) the 2 girls are reunited with Vatti (Father ) a beautiful book about the fate of 2 beautiful girls during the Nazi occupation and the Dark days of the Hollacaust and the Bombing of England.
Wow I cannot wait to purchase this book anyone who loves Historical please purchase this book.
Wow what an Author , the German sisters had me crying waiting , smiling, Nervous and relieved , 2 young Girls leaving Vatti (Father ) Mutti (Mother ) Jewish family seperated by the Pains of the war of Germany , a mother and father send thier girls to England to be cared for by caretakers the Catterwicks and also moved to Oxburrow where the eldest Dagmar learns to relax amongst her undeniable pursuit to bring her Father and mother to England encountering a wedding and friends and learning of the Loss of Mutti (Mother ) the 2 girls are reunited with Vatti (Father ) a beautiful book about the fate of 2 beautiful girls during the Nazi occupation and the Dark days of the Hollacaust and the Bombing of England.
Wow I cannot wait to purchase this book anyone who loves Historical please purchase this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Germany, 1939
Young Dagmar has been entrusted with the care of her young sister Heike. Together, they will travel to England on the Kindertransport, away from the brutalities that Hitler is bringing upon Jews. Unfortunately, their parents cannot leave with them. As the train pulls out, Dagmar, Heike, and many other children like them must come to grips with the fact that they may have seen their parents for the last time.
I dare anyone to have dry Kleenexes after reading this book…
* I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
Young Dagmar has been entrusted with the care of her young sister Heike. Together, they will travel to England on the Kindertransport, away from the brutalities that Hitler is bringing upon Jews. Unfortunately, their parents cannot leave with them. As the train pulls out, Dagmar, Heike, and many other children like them must come to grips with the fact that they may have seen their parents for the last time.
I dare anyone to have dry Kleenexes after reading this book…
* I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This fabulous story really pulled at the heartstrings, its was emotional, sad and heartbreaking but it also had hope and love. Dagmar and her little sister Heike are sent to England to keep them safe from the war raging in Germany. Dagmar is certain their parents will soon follow and they will be
Reunited. Over the next couple of years we follow the girls story, will they find their parents? This is a hard hitting story that had me, Mrs never cries feeling a bit dewy eyed! It was so tragic but had wonderful moments. I loved it, it was a brilliant read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. Publication date 6 July 2026.
Reunited. Over the next couple of years we follow the girls story, will they find their parents? This is a hard hitting story that had me, Mrs never cries feeling a bit dewy eyed! It was so tragic but had wonderful moments. I loved it, it was a brilliant read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. Publication date 6 July 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.75⭐️
I am not sure, I don’t think I connected with this book and its characters in the right way. I also didn’t have a good sense of time or atmosphere — there was a lot of talking but not much else going on. This is probably just a me issue though, and I do usually like this genre, but this one just wasn’t for me
I am not sure, I don’t think I connected with this book and its characters in the right way. I also didn’t have a good sense of time or atmosphere — there was a lot of talking but not much else going on. This is probably just a me issue though, and I do usually like this genre, but this one just wasn’t for me
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews