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The Lost Husband
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Expected 7 Aug 26Auschwitz, 1945. The gates are flung open. Prisoners flee for their lives. But as Celina stumbles toward safety, a man in a German uniform seizes her arm. She knows it’s impossible… but he looks just like her husband.
Celina has given up hope of ever leaving Auschwitz. Only memories of her beloved husband Noah keep her sane—her childhood sweetheart, her protector, once her entire world. If she allows herself to remember that he was killed, she knows she’ll be lost too…
Now, as the Soviets liberate the camp, Celina screams when a man in a German uniform grabs her. But the familiar green and gold sparkling in his eyes steals her breath. He looks exactly like Noah. But it can’t be him. Not here, not in this uniform…
As a Soviet officer hauls him away, Celina can’t let him go without making absolutely sure. Did her husband somehow survive the war, disguised as a German soldier?
To find the truth, she must follow as the Germans—now prisoners themselves—are marched away through the snowy forests of Poland. Staying hidden, and staying alive, will prove almost impossible.
But if it’s really Noah—and he’s still the good man Celina fell in love with—can she find a way to rescue him before she loses him all over again?
An inspiring, heartbreaking World War Two novel which celebrates the strength of human spirit and the power of love in the darkest of times. Perfect for fans of The Midwife of Auschwitz, The Choice and The Nightingale.
Celina has given up hope of ever leaving Auschwitz. Only memories of her beloved husband Noah keep her sane—her childhood sweetheart, her protector, once her entire world. If she allows herself to remember that he was killed, she knows she’ll be lost too…
Now, as the Soviets liberate the camp, Celina screams when a man in a German uniform grabs her. But the familiar green and gold sparkling in his eyes steals her breath. He looks exactly like Noah. But it can’t be him. Not here, not in this uniform…
As a Soviet officer hauls him away, Celina can’t let him go without making absolutely sure. Did her husband somehow survive the war, disguised as a German soldier?
To find the truth, she must follow as the Germans—now prisoners themselves—are marched away through the snowy forests of Poland. Staying hidden, and staying alive, will prove almost impossible.
But if it’s really Noah—and he’s still the good man Celina fell in love with—can she find a way to rescue him before she loses him all over again?
An inspiring, heartbreaking World War Two novel which celebrates the strength of human spirit and the power of love in the darkest of times. Perfect for fans of The Midwife of Auschwitz, The Choice and The Nightingale.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
355 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication August 7, 2026
About the author
Shari J. Ryan
66 books2,041 followersShari J. Ryan is a USA Today and International Bestselling Author of over 40 novels, with more than 700,000 copies sold and translations in 13 languages. She writes emotionally evocative WWII fiction inspired by true stories that have resonated with readers around the globe. Her work has earned Top 100, Top 10, and #1 chart rankings, as well as two Rone Awards.
As the granddaughter and great-granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, Shari brings a deeply personal connection to her work. Her stories are rooted in truth and remembrance, written to ensure history is never forgotten.
For Shari, writing is more than a passion; it is her way of expressing herself and connecting with others. She strives to share every emotion she experiences with each reader who picks up one of her books.
Shari holds a bachelor's degree from Johnson & Wales University and began her career as a graphic artist and freelance writer until 2012, when she discovered her true calling in novels.
Some of Shari’s bestselling books include The Nurse Behind the Gates, The Stolen Twins, The Bookseller of Dachau, The Doctor’s Daughter, and The Last Words Series—gripping stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
A lifelong Boston girl, Shari now lives in a small town in the suburbs with her adored husband and two incredible sons, who make her feel like the luckiest woman in the world.
As the granddaughter and great-granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, Shari brings a deeply personal connection to her work. Her stories are rooted in truth and remembrance, written to ensure history is never forgotten.
For Shari, writing is more than a passion; it is her way of expressing herself and connecting with others. She strives to share every emotion she experiences with each reader who picks up one of her books.
Shari holds a bachelor's degree from Johnson & Wales University and began her career as a graphic artist and freelance writer until 2012, when she discovered her true calling in novels.
Some of Shari’s bestselling books include The Nurse Behind the Gates, The Stolen Twins, The Bookseller of Dachau, The Doctor’s Daughter, and The Last Words Series—gripping stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
A lifelong Boston girl, Shari now lives in a small town in the suburbs with her adored husband and two incredible sons, who make her feel like the luckiest woman in the world.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*Trigger Warnings – mentions of previous rape (quick mention), murder, and abuse, on-page murder and sight of dead bodies, high tension, starvation, torture, sickness, blood and vomit, miscarriage, antisemitism, mild language, intense fear and characteristics of PTSD.*
I would like to thank Bookouture and Shari Ryan for allowing reviewers access to this ARC copy of The Lost Husband in exchange for our honest opinions. Thank you!
As my third WWII historical fiction I have recently read and reviewed, The Lost Husband was the most intense of the three I would say. The overwhelming feelings of dread and trauma felt so much more overwhelming, mainly because this book takes place, in part, within the walls of one of the most infamous death camps of the Holocaust. That being said, Shari did not use an over abundance of detail, leaving the more gruesome scenes up to the imagination. I appreciated this since there are already so many harrowing personal stories out there from survivors of the Holocaust, that gives the full picture of depravity if you wish to go down that rabbit hole.
This book is written through Celina’s perspective, of whom gets caught up in WWII while living as a Jew in Amsterdam with her husband Noah. The story is written in both the present day (after the Soviet liberation of Auschwitz), and the past, chronicling the events that brought Celina to the camp in the first place.
I enjoyed this back and forth between time because you know what ultimately ends up happening to Celina so it felt like living in a parallel world for the majority of the book. It truly felt as though her life ended after a certain point and did not continue until the story reached another crescendo. Very good writing and set up from Shari for sure.
One aspect of this book that was one of the most realistic and yet heartbreaking facts of the war, was how untrusting the Jewish prisoners were to other Jews. When you have shared such immense trauma, you find it difficult to trust your own people. No face looks friendly anymore since anyone could have their own hidden agenda. This is apparent once the prisoners are in the unfortunate circumstance of being stuck within the wilderness in Winter. Sure they were no longer trapped within the death camp, but now they have to battle continued starvation along with the elements, with no idea where the nearest shelter is.
All while the Soviets are advancing on the Germans with no idea where the lines are. It constantly feels as though the characters are in a massive cat and mouse chase through an unknown land, not knowing who they should trust.
The tension and fear of the Jewish characters is intense and ever-present.
When it came to the other characters Celina sticks with, I found some issues with how they were interacting with each other. Avi and Elias are two other ex prisoners that escape after the Soviets take over. Right off the bat, Avi is grabbing Celina on multiple occasions, pulling her around and simply being very rough with her at times. While I can understand some situations in which Celina was about to give their position up to the soldiers, I felt like this was happening too often.
I do not know if people who had collectively been through regular physical abuse and man handling by the Nazis, would be so regularly doing that to a fellow Jew. Maybe that was just me though?
Also the fact Celina was purposefully putting the whole group at risk during the moments in which she was trying to get a closer look at the German prisoner who looked like Noah…It became a bit exasperating especially with Avi’s complete fear of the Soviets. While I can understand the desperation Celina had, it was a bit selfish to put everyone at risk due to a fleeting glance she had.
Besides that, I thought Avi and Elias were great side characters. Avi is a particularly headstrong individual who has an intense personality. You can tell her past trauma has caused her to put a shell over herself. Elias is a more levelheaded one of the group. He attempts to keep things in control and pretty quickly draws closer to Avi.
Christoph is yet another side character who ended up being a good friend to Noah and Celina before the war. He makes an appearance pre-liberation and plays a crucial role in the main plot of Celina trying to reunite with Noah. Christoph was my favorite character in this story, as he was not a Jew but he refused to turn his Jewish friends into the Germans and even stuck his own neck out for Celina on multiple occasions.
The relationship between Celina and Noah was very sweet at the beginning as they have been friends since childhood. You experience bits and pieces of their pre-war relationship that leads up to marriage and them settling down in Amsterdam. As the war outside heats up, Noah remains ever vigilant, keeping Celina and himself as safe and hidden as possible. Unfortunately his diligence would not be enough, as Celina assumes she saw him get shot by the Nazis.
Throughout the story, those few glimpses Celina has of a man that eerily looks exactly like her deceased Noah, pushes her forward. There were many moments in which she could have given up all hope but as it turns out, love is a strong motivator that can carry us through anything.
All in all, The Lost Husband is a great historical fiction to give a shot if you enjoy World War II emotional stories. There were several scenes that brought tears to my eyes so maybe prepare for that with some tissues.
Seeing how Shari’s written works consists of other WWII fiction, I am full heartedly looking forward to reading more from her.
Once again, I would like to thank Bookouture and Shari J. Ryan for allowing me access to this ARC of The Lost Husband for my honest review. Thank yall!
I would like to thank Bookouture and Shari Ryan for allowing reviewers access to this ARC copy of The Lost Husband in exchange for our honest opinions. Thank you!
As my third WWII historical fiction I have recently read and reviewed, The Lost Husband was the most intense of the three I would say. The overwhelming feelings of dread and trauma felt so much more overwhelming, mainly because this book takes place, in part, within the walls of one of the most infamous death camps of the Holocaust. That being said, Shari did not use an over abundance of detail, leaving the more gruesome scenes up to the imagination. I appreciated this since there are already so many harrowing personal stories out there from survivors of the Holocaust, that gives the full picture of depravity if you wish to go down that rabbit hole.
This book is written through Celina’s perspective, of whom gets caught up in WWII while living as a Jew in Amsterdam with her husband Noah. The story is written in both the present day (after the Soviet liberation of Auschwitz), and the past, chronicling the events that brought Celina to the camp in the first place.
I enjoyed this back and forth between time because you know what ultimately ends up happening to Celina so it felt like living in a parallel world for the majority of the book. It truly felt as though her life ended after a certain point and did not continue until the story reached another crescendo. Very good writing and set up from Shari for sure.
One aspect of this book that was one of the most realistic and yet heartbreaking facts of the war, was how untrusting the Jewish prisoners were to other Jews. When you have shared such immense trauma, you find it difficult to trust your own people. No face looks friendly anymore since anyone could have their own hidden agenda. This is apparent once the prisoners are in the unfortunate circumstance of being stuck within the wilderness in Winter. Sure they were no longer trapped within the death camp, but now they have to battle continued starvation along with the elements, with no idea where the nearest shelter is.
All while the Soviets are advancing on the Germans with no idea where the lines are. It constantly feels as though the characters are in a massive cat and mouse chase through an unknown land, not knowing who they should trust.
The tension and fear of the Jewish characters is intense and ever-present.
When it came to the other characters Celina sticks with, I found some issues with how they were interacting with each other. Avi and Elias are two other ex prisoners that escape after the Soviets take over. Right off the bat, Avi is grabbing Celina on multiple occasions, pulling her around and simply being very rough with her at times. While I can understand some situations in which Celina was about to give their position up to the soldiers, I felt like this was happening too often.
I do not know if people who had collectively been through regular physical abuse and man handling by the Nazis, would be so regularly doing that to a fellow Jew. Maybe that was just me though?
Also the fact Celina was purposefully putting the whole group at risk during the moments in which she was trying to get a closer look at the German prisoner who looked like Noah…It became a bit exasperating especially with Avi’s complete fear of the Soviets. While I can understand the desperation Celina had, it was a bit selfish to put everyone at risk due to a fleeting glance she had.
Besides that, I thought Avi and Elias were great side characters. Avi is a particularly headstrong individual who has an intense personality. You can tell her past trauma has caused her to put a shell over herself. Elias is a more levelheaded one of the group. He attempts to keep things in control and pretty quickly draws closer to Avi.
Christoph is yet another side character who ended up being a good friend to Noah and Celina before the war. He makes an appearance pre-liberation and plays a crucial role in the main plot of Celina trying to reunite with Noah. Christoph was my favorite character in this story, as he was not a Jew but he refused to turn his Jewish friends into the Germans and even stuck his own neck out for Celina on multiple occasions.
The relationship between Celina and Noah was very sweet at the beginning as they have been friends since childhood. You experience bits and pieces of their pre-war relationship that leads up to marriage and them settling down in Amsterdam. As the war outside heats up, Noah remains ever vigilant, keeping Celina and himself as safe and hidden as possible. Unfortunately his diligence would not be enough, as Celina assumes she saw him get shot by the Nazis.
Throughout the story, those few glimpses Celina has of a man that eerily looks exactly like her deceased Noah, pushes her forward. There were many moments in which she could have given up all hope but as it turns out, love is a strong motivator that can carry us through anything.
All in all, The Lost Husband is a great historical fiction to give a shot if you enjoy World War II emotional stories. There were several scenes that brought tears to my eyes so maybe prepare for that with some tissues.
Seeing how Shari’s written works consists of other WWII fiction, I am full heartedly looking forward to reading more from her.
Once again, I would like to thank Bookouture and Shari J. Ryan for allowing me access to this ARC of The Lost Husband for my honest review. Thank yall!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Lost Husband by Shari J Ryan is a powerful and heartbreaking historical dual timeline novel that consumed me from the start.
The action is set in Amsterdam at the start of World War II, and then moves to Auschwitz in January 1945. Historians will recognise the latter date as the time when the Nazis emptied Auschwitz of all those who were able to walk, to go on a death march, before the Soviets liberated the camp. The story sees the leading characters marching through Poland. Both time periods alternate as the tale is told through the eyes of the leading lady.
We learn about the indomitable human spirit. Despite witnessing her husband die at the hands of the Nazis, the leading lady kept going for the life within. Darkness and despair could not kill the human spirit.
Ending up in Auschwitz, we see the dehumanisation of the people – their names, clothes and hair were taken from them but their humanity remained. “I still see humans. Suffering.” Little acts of kindness, that said ‘I see you’, meant a great deal.
Suffering from dysentery, a character wonders if she hallucinated seeing her husband in a Nazi uniform. She was left “in limbo between grief and a sliver of hope that my eyes had deceived me.” She needed to know. She clung to the hope that what she had seen all those years ago, simply wasn’t the truth.
Love spurred her on. “You aren’t just a survivor. You’re a fighter.”
Love was a powerful force. Love hopes. Love perseveres. Love protects. Love sacrifices. This is a book about love. In the pits of hell that was Auschwitz, when the Nazis practiced horrendous acts of cruelty, they could not kill love. Bodies died but love remained.
Shari J Ryan has once more written a powerful tale about love at a time of great evil.
The Lost Husband must be read in memory of the six million innocents who died, and of those who survived.
I received a free copy from the publishers for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The action is set in Amsterdam at the start of World War II, and then moves to Auschwitz in January 1945. Historians will recognise the latter date as the time when the Nazis emptied Auschwitz of all those who were able to walk, to go on a death march, before the Soviets liberated the camp. The story sees the leading characters marching through Poland. Both time periods alternate as the tale is told through the eyes of the leading lady.
We learn about the indomitable human spirit. Despite witnessing her husband die at the hands of the Nazis, the leading lady kept going for the life within. Darkness and despair could not kill the human spirit.
Ending up in Auschwitz, we see the dehumanisation of the people – their names, clothes and hair were taken from them but their humanity remained. “I still see humans. Suffering.” Little acts of kindness, that said ‘I see you’, meant a great deal.
Suffering from dysentery, a character wonders if she hallucinated seeing her husband in a Nazi uniform. She was left “in limbo between grief and a sliver of hope that my eyes had deceived me.” She needed to know. She clung to the hope that what she had seen all those years ago, simply wasn’t the truth.
Love spurred her on. “You aren’t just a survivor. You’re a fighter.”
Love was a powerful force. Love hopes. Love perseveres. Love protects. Love sacrifices. This is a book about love. In the pits of hell that was Auschwitz, when the Nazis practiced horrendous acts of cruelty, they could not kill love. Bodies died but love remained.
Shari J Ryan has once more written a powerful tale about love at a time of great evil.
The Lost Husband must be read in memory of the six million innocents who died, and of those who survived.
I received a free copy from the publishers for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Book synopsis: In 1945, prisoners are liberated from Auschwitz, and they flee for their lives. But as Celina stumbles toward safety, a man in a German uniform seizes her arm. She knows it’s impossible… but he looks just like her husband. She had believed Noah to be dead and only the memories of him were keeping her alive. But this man is in a German uniform and her husband would never wear a German uniform. Or would he? As the German soldiers are captured by the Soviet officers, Celina feels she must follow them to find out if it could be her husband.
I really liked this book and it held my interest right from the start. Many historical World War II novels seem to go back and forth between eras with modern families searching to learn about their background. This book was also written in two time frames, with 1945 being the "present" and 1941-43 being the flashback. I loved that the author focused the book on something most others don't: the difficult days for prisoners right after the liberation. The flashbacks described their lives leading up to their incarceration, which was a great way to build background.
The characters were vibrant, the emotions well-depicted, and the situations suspenseful to the point of having the reader glued to the pages to find what would happen next. You could almost feel the cold, hunger, and desperation these escaped prisoners endured on their journey. Their heartbreaking losses were felt throughout the book. The ending was bittersweet yet satisfying.
I would definitely recommend this book - not just for the historical fiction but the beautiful story.
Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I really liked this book and it held my interest right from the start. Many historical World War II novels seem to go back and forth between eras with modern families searching to learn about their background. This book was also written in two time frames, with 1945 being the "present" and 1941-43 being the flashback. I loved that the author focused the book on something most others don't: the difficult days for prisoners right after the liberation. The flashbacks described their lives leading up to their incarceration, which was a great way to build background.
The characters were vibrant, the emotions well-depicted, and the situations suspenseful to the point of having the reader glued to the pages to find what would happen next. You could almost feel the cold, hunger, and desperation these escaped prisoners endured on their journey. Their heartbreaking losses were felt throughout the book. The ending was bittersweet yet satisfying.
I would definitely recommend this book - not just for the historical fiction but the beautiful story.
Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Title: The Last Husband
Author: Shari J. Ryan
Publisher: Bookouture
Genre: Historical Fiction, WWII
Pub Date: August 7, 2026
My Rating: 4.3 Stars
Pages: 355
Story is told in two timelines Current Day 1945 and
Auschwitz, 1945. Story starts when Celina and other prisoners flee Auschwitz. Celina stumbles and a man in uniform leads her to safety. When she looks at him, she knows he is a German based on his uniform, but he looks like her husband Noah. However, Celina was with Noah when they were attacked, and he told her to run and when she looked back, she knows he died.
This story follows Celina’s unimaginable horrors during the Holocaust, her journey of hiding, nearly starving to death while surviving so much loss.
Story is told pre and post WWII.
I have read other Historical fiction stories by Shari J. Ryan and although they are well written and I am always impressed with the amazing among of research she does. It was a time of terrible things and therefore not really a fun read. But it was a time we should never forget, we need to remember what ordinary wonderful people had to endure. Of course, something we never want to happen again.
I always enjoy reading the author’s Notes and Acknowledgement. Something I always consider part of the story.
I want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for August 7, 2026.
Author: Shari J. Ryan
Publisher: Bookouture
Genre: Historical Fiction, WWII
Pub Date: August 7, 2026
My Rating: 4.3 Stars
Pages: 355
Story is told in two timelines Current Day 1945 and
Auschwitz, 1945. Story starts when Celina and other prisoners flee Auschwitz. Celina stumbles and a man in uniform leads her to safety. When she looks at him, she knows he is a German based on his uniform, but he looks like her husband Noah. However, Celina was with Noah when they were attacked, and he told her to run and when she looked back, she knows he died.
This story follows Celina’s unimaginable horrors during the Holocaust, her journey of hiding, nearly starving to death while surviving so much loss.
Story is told pre and post WWII.
I have read other Historical fiction stories by Shari J. Ryan and although they are well written and I am always impressed with the amazing among of research she does. It was a time of terrible things and therefore not really a fun read. But it was a time we should never forget, we need to remember what ordinary wonderful people had to endure. Of course, something we never want to happen again.
I always enjoy reading the author’s Notes and Acknowledgement. Something I always consider part of the story.
I want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for August 7, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Another stunning read from Shari J. Ryan as she transports us back to 1945, when Auschwitz was being liberated by Russian soldiers and Celina is finally freed from the horrors she has endured as a young Jewish woman in World War II. The story is told in dual timelines; the present day in 1945 and in the past when Celina and her husband, Noah, meet, fall in love and marry.
One day, as the danger for Jews in Amsterdam is mounting, they venture out to buy food and Celina has to watch on as Noah is killed by Nazis. My heart was breaking for Celina as she hid in plain sight before eventually being discovered and sent to Auschwitz.
In the present day as Celina is leaving the camp, having somehow survived, she spots a German soldier who looks exactly like Noah. Celina knows Noah would never willingly wear the uniform of the enemy but she has to know; is it really him?
Shari J. Ryan writes so emotively and sensitively, capturing every nuance of life in WWII, without sensationalising the horrors that so many suffered. Her characters feel completely real and her stories stay with me, reminding me of the sacrifices that were made by so many for us to enjoy the freedom that have today.
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Shari J. Ryan and Bookouture, for an ARC of this book.
One day, as the danger for Jews in Amsterdam is mounting, they venture out to buy food and Celina has to watch on as Noah is killed by Nazis. My heart was breaking for Celina as she hid in plain sight before eventually being discovered and sent to Auschwitz.
In the present day as Celina is leaving the camp, having somehow survived, she spots a German soldier who looks exactly like Noah. Celina knows Noah would never willingly wear the uniform of the enemy but she has to know; is it really him?
Shari J. Ryan writes so emotively and sensitively, capturing every nuance of life in WWII, without sensationalising the horrors that so many suffered. Her characters feel completely real and her stories stay with me, reminding me of the sacrifices that were made by so many for us to enjoy the freedom that have today.
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Shari J. Ryan and Bookouture, for an ARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wow! This is a five star read! This story is Shari J Ryan at her finest, it was fantastic. It had it all, heartbreak, terror, bravery, loss and love to name a few emotions. It’s the story of Celina and Noah, Jewish people living in Amsterdam. Can they survive the war after being split up and taken by the Nazis? Can Celina and her new friends Avi and Elias find their way home to safety from the prison camps and find Noah? Such a totally heartbreaking story reading the horrors that they went through but honestly I couldn’t put it down. It seems strange to love a story that is so awful but I was hanging on to every word, I literally couldn’t stop reading. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy WW2 Fiction. Highly recommend!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. Publication date 7 August 2026.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. Publication date 7 August 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wow.. just wow.
I love a book based on this time period. I find it heart wrenching, historically fascinating, and always a lesson in humanity. Celina’s story is one of strength, true love and an iron will. After being tortured in a concentration camp, left for dead in the infirmary, and blasted by German bombs trying to cover up their crimes, she is saved by a man in a German uniform. From that moment on she swears it was her lost husband Noah.
No matter what she’s faces, the judgement from other survivors, or the threat of violence from the soviets, she will not give up until she knows whether that guard was really her Noah or not.
This book gives you that feeling of being on the run, I could have let my brain convince itself I was standing next to Celina at all times, living through what she was experiencing. It was a five star read all the way.
I love a book based on this time period. I find it heart wrenching, historically fascinating, and always a lesson in humanity. Celina’s story is one of strength, true love and an iron will. After being tortured in a concentration camp, left for dead in the infirmary, and blasted by German bombs trying to cover up their crimes, she is saved by a man in a German uniform. From that moment on she swears it was her lost husband Noah.
No matter what she’s faces, the judgement from other survivors, or the threat of violence from the soviets, she will not give up until she knows whether that guard was really her Noah or not.
This book gives you that feeling of being on the run, I could have let my brain convince itself I was standing next to Celina at all times, living through what she was experiencing. It was a five star read all the way.
July 9, 2026
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Bookouture, for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
As the author, Shari J. Ryan, states in her “Letter from the Author” at the end of the novel, she “wanted to take readers on the journey of what it was like to hide, to be found, and then face the unimaginable while learning how to survive with a broken heart.” However, she does not tell a simple tale of loss/lost and found. She also explores in a seamless manner the road before the war, the horrors during the Holocaust, and the turbulence, chaos and struggle to survive after liberation.
By creating two timelines, Shari J. Ryan is able to take us on an incredibly fraught journey and help the reader fully comprehend the complexities of war and the struggles throughout that period (pre and post). As a reader of historical fiction, it is not only fascinating to understand, through dynamic characters (such as Celina), the challenges that individuals faced and endured, but also the strength they had to continue. The author brilliantly and deftly demonstrates that “liberation itself wasn't a simple act of freedom. It was another chapter in finding a way to survive.” Often we think that once liberation occurred and the gates of the camps were open, that chaos and horror ended. In many cases, the nightmare continued and the struggle to survive was a perilous process, with new dangers, as well as continued cold and hunger, further exacerbating depleted survivors.
I loved the individual narratives and complexity of the characters in “The Lost Husband”. All the characters faced their own difficulties and experiences. While still acknowledging that humanity can be flawed, this novel also honoured that we can be kind, resilient and strong when faced with adversity. Celina and Noah have a bond that defines selflessness and love. Celina and Avi create a bond that holds one another up on their quest to survive after liberation. This bond demonstrates that together humans are stronger.
In a historical fiction story that is based around the backdrop of a bleak period of history and the worst of humanity, it is important to present the truth, yet also honour the best of humanity, through realistic individual experiences and champion human’s strength, love, and endurance. Well done!
As the author, Shari J. Ryan, states in her “Letter from the Author” at the end of the novel, she “wanted to take readers on the journey of what it was like to hide, to be found, and then face the unimaginable while learning how to survive with a broken heart.” However, she does not tell a simple tale of loss/lost and found. She also explores in a seamless manner the road before the war, the horrors during the Holocaust, and the turbulence, chaos and struggle to survive after liberation.
By creating two timelines, Shari J. Ryan is able to take us on an incredibly fraught journey and help the reader fully comprehend the complexities of war and the struggles throughout that period (pre and post). As a reader of historical fiction, it is not only fascinating to understand, through dynamic characters (such as Celina), the challenges that individuals faced and endured, but also the strength they had to continue. The author brilliantly and deftly demonstrates that “liberation itself wasn't a simple act of freedom. It was another chapter in finding a way to survive.” Often we think that once liberation occurred and the gates of the camps were open, that chaos and horror ended. In many cases, the nightmare continued and the struggle to survive was a perilous process, with new dangers, as well as continued cold and hunger, further exacerbating depleted survivors.
I loved the individual narratives and complexity of the characters in “The Lost Husband”. All the characters faced their own difficulties and experiences. While still acknowledging that humanity can be flawed, this novel also honoured that we can be kind, resilient and strong when faced with adversity. Celina and Noah have a bond that defines selflessness and love. Celina and Avi create a bond that holds one another up on their quest to survive after liberation. This bond demonstrates that together humans are stronger.
In a historical fiction story that is based around the backdrop of a bleak period of history and the worst of humanity, it is important to present the truth, yet also honour the best of humanity, through realistic individual experiences and champion human’s strength, love, and endurance. Well done!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Lost Husband, a great love story written by author Shari J Ryan. Celina and Noah are a sweet, young, newlywed Jewish couple from the Netherlands. They grew up knowing each other and fell in love early. They wanted to start a family, and raise their kids in a loving home. This all came crashing down as the Nazis invaded the Netherlands. They tried to avoid the roundups, the SS interrogations, and the camps, but their lives were changed during an attempt to secure food. Since that dreadful day their lives will never be the same. Neither the Nazis nor the Soviets were ready to deal with a woman who refused to stop loving her husband. #historicalfiction #wwii #worldwartwobooks #kindle #readersofinstagram
July 30, 2026
Another fantastic novel by Shari Ryan, The Lost Husband. This is a WWII historical fiction novel and is written in a dual timeline of when Celina was in Auschwitz, a concentration camp and then prior to that when Celina and her husband, Noah, fell in love.
It begins in Amsterdam when Jews were persecuted, Celina and Noah go out to buy food with their ration cards. The store owners suspect them of a false ration card. They have them followed. Noah instructs Celina to run and she witnesses Noah being killed by the Nazis. She is eventually found out and sent to Auschwitz. During her time there, she contracted dysentery and even hallucinated seeing Noah wearing a Nazi uniform.
In present day, 1945, the Russians liberate the camp after years of prisoners enduring horrific conditions and many deaths. As she leaves with other prisoners, she spots a German soldier that looks just like Noah. She saw him being killed so surely it cannot be him. The German soldiers have now become prisoners of the Russians and they are marched away. Celina knows that she must be discrete and follow them. With her two friends, they set out to do this. It was cold and snowy and all they had to wear were the thin clothes on their backs. She has to know if this soldier is Noah. Celina and her two friends faced so much hardship during this journey. Do they find this soldier? Was it Noah? Is he still alive?
This was an emotional story of heartbreak, love, perseverance, strength, hope, suffering, and sacrifice. It was such a page turner and I highly recommend it. The Nazis were cruel and inhumane. It is a reminder of what the Jews experienced during this time. I cannot even imagine the torture and the unthinkable amount of lives that were lost at the hands of the Nazis.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
It begins in Amsterdam when Jews were persecuted, Celina and Noah go out to buy food with their ration cards. The store owners suspect them of a false ration card. They have them followed. Noah instructs Celina to run and she witnesses Noah being killed by the Nazis. She is eventually found out and sent to Auschwitz. During her time there, she contracted dysentery and even hallucinated seeing Noah wearing a Nazi uniform.
In present day, 1945, the Russians liberate the camp after years of prisoners enduring horrific conditions and many deaths. As she leaves with other prisoners, she spots a German soldier that looks just like Noah. She saw him being killed so surely it cannot be him. The German soldiers have now become prisoners of the Russians and they are marched away. Celina knows that she must be discrete and follow them. With her two friends, they set out to do this. It was cold and snowy and all they had to wear were the thin clothes on their backs. She has to know if this soldier is Noah. Celina and her two friends faced so much hardship during this journey. Do they find this soldier? Was it Noah? Is he still alive?
This was an emotional story of heartbreak, love, perseverance, strength, hope, suffering, and sacrifice. It was such a page turner and I highly recommend it. The Nazis were cruel and inhumane. It is a reminder of what the Jews experienced during this time. I cannot even imagine the torture and the unthinkable amount of lives that were lost at the hands of the Nazis.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
My thoughts:
What a heartbreaking and emotionally charged read from Shari J. Ryan. She takes us back to 1945, when Auschwitz was being liberated by Russian soldiers.
Main characters is Celina. She is finally freed from the horrors she experienced as a young Jewish woman. Now she needs to find out if her husband, Noah, survived or has died.
The Lost Husband is told in dual timelines.
The story is full of love and strength as well as perseverance and hope.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Lost Husband
By: Shari J. Ryan
Pub Date: August 7, 2026
Publisher: Bookouture
This one is so emotional. Celina and Noah’s story is filled with heartbreak, bravery, loss and love had me feeling every emotion. They are split up in Amsterdam, as most Jewish people were during this horrific time in history.
Celina is in Auschwitz and hopes Noah has survived. When she sees someone who looks like her husband in a German uniform after the camp is liberated, her eyes are deceiving her or are they?
I highly recommend to other historical fiction fans.
By: Shari J. Ryan
Pub Date: August 7, 2026
Publisher: Bookouture
This one is so emotional. Celina and Noah’s story is filled with heartbreak, bravery, loss and love had me feeling every emotion. They are split up in Amsterdam, as most Jewish people were during this horrific time in history.
Celina is in Auschwitz and hopes Noah has survived. When she sees someone who looks like her husband in a German uniform after the camp is liberated, her eyes are deceiving her or are they?
I highly recommend to other historical fiction fans.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First I want to say Thank you to Shari J Ryan, Bookatour, and Netgalley for the ARC of this book. I was hooked from the start, and lost sleep over this book. I couldn’t not get enough. Noah and Celina story is one that will stick with me for a long time. This story will have you reaching for tissues!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It was beautifully written historical fiction that was immersive and heartbreaking. I really enjoyed my second book of this author. With so much thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher Bookouture for the arc.
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