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The Lost Husband
Auschwitz, 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.
355 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 7, 2026
About the author
Shari J. Ryan
65 books2,050 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 - 30 of 43 reviews
August 8, 2026
The Lost Husband is a beautifully woven story about surviving unimaginable heartbreak while never giving up hope and fighting for a future you’re not sure will exist by the time everything is said and done. Shari has this spectacular way of showing many facets of this horrific time in history while bringing all my emotions to the forefront as these characters exemplify bravery, sacrifice, compassion, fear, selflessness and love. I became attached to each character as they had their own individual struggles but bonded and protected each other at all costs during a time that it was so difficult to trust anyone. It’s a testament to Shari’s writing because I felt like I knew Celina, Noah, Avi, Elias and Christoph personally and was hanging onto every word of every chapter. During a time of so much loss there was so much found on this incredible journey because of their strength and resiliency.
Tracey, Life Reads With Friends Book Blog
Tracey, Life Reads With Friends Book Blog
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It’s been some time since I have read anything by historical fiction author Shari J.Ryan and after reading this incredible story, The Lost Husband, I can’t for the life of me figure out why she fell off my reading radar. I read lots of books in this genre particularly centred around World War Two and despite the subject matter and its importance I find myself at times becoming a bit tired reading of the same thing. It can feel as if I have read this all before but in this book a whole new perspective on the war was provided and I found my interest piqued once again. What sets this story apart is that it is focused on the months following the liberation of Auschwitz by the Russians in January 1945. Too often in books as you near the end the conclusion of the war is mentioned and then a brief epilogue is given to wrap things up but in this case it was totally different and as the author herself says , liberation was another chapter in finding a way to survive. The story of Celina and Noah proves this and instead of the plotlines that I have become familiar with in this genre I was taken on an incredible journey with love and hope being the two dominant themes that run throughout.
The horrors of the Holocaust are combined with a story of survival, strength, tenacity, love and hope. Set during the months following the Russian liberation of Auschwitz it tells the story of Celina as she navigates her way back to freedom but one thing is holding her back. Long believing her husband to be dead following a shooting in Amsterdam and as chaos reigns with the Germans fleeing the camp and herself in a state of weakness and illness following a bout of dysentery that left her hovering between life and death she thinks she saw Noah trying to help her. But it couldn’t have been the husband she mourned and longed to be with. For why would he be dressed in a German SS officer’s uniform? The opening chapter was incredibly powerful and did not spare the imagery as the writing was so descriptive and immersive. The readers attention is quickly caught and as with Celina, you find it difficult to comprehend that her husband was at the camp let alone someone who could have changed sides.
From this point on every few chapters alternate between the present day (as in the early months of 1945) and Amsterdam in the early years of the war. A clear picture is built up of life for Noah and Celina in Amsterdam as persecution of Jews increases and Hitler and National Socialism expand their reign of terror. Eventually the two strands of the story start to collide. I must admit as well written as the chapters were that uncovered Celina’s story and how she came to be in Auschwitz, it’s the more modern aspect (we will call it that) that completely had me in its thrall. But the inclusion of the backstory was necessary in order to comprehend and appreciate what was unfolding and to show a woman’s love will never diminish and to always believe in what your gut is telling you. Celina was fighting a war she didn’t want to be part of and all because of her religion but as the gates of the camp lie open despite her mental and physical state she is determined to reach safety in the hopes of starting a new life post war. But she can’t shake the feeling that it was Noah that she saw at the camp whilst others believe it is her memory playing tricks on her following significant trauma.
I loved the character of Celina. I felt I was with her every step of her journey as herself and a fellow inmate Avi, whom she meets travel through the snow covered landscapes of Poland in the depths of winter trying to reach a place where help and aid can be offered. Along the way they encounter Elias and in turn they make up a formidable trio. Avi was a fantastic character who I believe deserves a book of her own. She was blunt and forthright and took no nonsense from anyone. She never displayed her vulnerable side. It was sarcasm, feistiness and a tough, spunky attitude that propelled her forward at times when Celina was wavering. Celina, I felt was so caught up in trying to establish whether it was Noah or not that at times she placed the trio in unnecessary danger. But yet these qualities need to be admired. She was fuelled by the memories and experiences she shared with Noah and given the traumas she has endured -which I will not go into as they are sufficiently explained through the chapters that recollect her story- I can fully understand and appreciate that she had one goal on her mind and would not deviate from it until she discovered some solid evidence and the truth once and for all. The journey through Poland was brilliantly described and made for a haunting and atmospheric read where the darkest side of humanity was exposed. One would think following freedom from the camp that everything would be ok. But the war remained ongoing throughout the continent and danger lurked around every corner. After all the Russians may have reached the camp but that did not mean that they were as welcoming and forthcoming as they should have been. Peril, menace, uncertainty, jeopardy and hazards meet the trio at every corner, and the reader wonders have they survived the depths of hell only to emerge into a further ring of fire?
The Lost Husband, surprised me in how much I became involved in the story and reminded me just how good a writer Shari J.Ryan truly is. Survival, devotion, dedication, love and passion are what drives Celina on and as we neared the end of the book there were a few major surprises as the truth slowly started to be revealed. Yes, there was few moments where I felt I had to suspend my disbelief that something could have occurred given the overall situation. This is in relation to something Christoph ( a long time friend of Celina and Noah from Amsterdam) does. Well in fact two things but I won’t go into detail.I just felt that it wouldn’t have been practical or possible to have occurred but for the sake of moving the plot on/resolving things they needed to happen and I will forgive the author this.If you want something a bit different from your usual WW2 historical fiction than this is the book for you as it highlights the physiological impact of trauma proves love and devotion are enduring and that bravery and resilience will help you navigate the most gruelling and testing of times.
The horrors of the Holocaust are combined with a story of survival, strength, tenacity, love and hope. Set during the months following the Russian liberation of Auschwitz it tells the story of Celina as she navigates her way back to freedom but one thing is holding her back. Long believing her husband to be dead following a shooting in Amsterdam and as chaos reigns with the Germans fleeing the camp and herself in a state of weakness and illness following a bout of dysentery that left her hovering between life and death she thinks she saw Noah trying to help her. But it couldn’t have been the husband she mourned and longed to be with. For why would he be dressed in a German SS officer’s uniform? The opening chapter was incredibly powerful and did not spare the imagery as the writing was so descriptive and immersive. The readers attention is quickly caught and as with Celina, you find it difficult to comprehend that her husband was at the camp let alone someone who could have changed sides.
From this point on every few chapters alternate between the present day (as in the early months of 1945) and Amsterdam in the early years of the war. A clear picture is built up of life for Noah and Celina in Amsterdam as persecution of Jews increases and Hitler and National Socialism expand their reign of terror. Eventually the two strands of the story start to collide. I must admit as well written as the chapters were that uncovered Celina’s story and how she came to be in Auschwitz, it’s the more modern aspect (we will call it that) that completely had me in its thrall. But the inclusion of the backstory was necessary in order to comprehend and appreciate what was unfolding and to show a woman’s love will never diminish and to always believe in what your gut is telling you. Celina was fighting a war she didn’t want to be part of and all because of her religion but as the gates of the camp lie open despite her mental and physical state she is determined to reach safety in the hopes of starting a new life post war. But she can’t shake the feeling that it was Noah that she saw at the camp whilst others believe it is her memory playing tricks on her following significant trauma.
I loved the character of Celina. I felt I was with her every step of her journey as herself and a fellow inmate Avi, whom she meets travel through the snow covered landscapes of Poland in the depths of winter trying to reach a place where help and aid can be offered. Along the way they encounter Elias and in turn they make up a formidable trio. Avi was a fantastic character who I believe deserves a book of her own. She was blunt and forthright and took no nonsense from anyone. She never displayed her vulnerable side. It was sarcasm, feistiness and a tough, spunky attitude that propelled her forward at times when Celina was wavering. Celina, I felt was so caught up in trying to establish whether it was Noah or not that at times she placed the trio in unnecessary danger. But yet these qualities need to be admired. She was fuelled by the memories and experiences she shared with Noah and given the traumas she has endured -which I will not go into as they are sufficiently explained through the chapters that recollect her story- I can fully understand and appreciate that she had one goal on her mind and would not deviate from it until she discovered some solid evidence and the truth once and for all. The journey through Poland was brilliantly described and made for a haunting and atmospheric read where the darkest side of humanity was exposed. One would think following freedom from the camp that everything would be ok. But the war remained ongoing throughout the continent and danger lurked around every corner. After all the Russians may have reached the camp but that did not mean that they were as welcoming and forthcoming as they should have been. Peril, menace, uncertainty, jeopardy and hazards meet the trio at every corner, and the reader wonders have they survived the depths of hell only to emerge into a further ring of fire?
The Lost Husband, surprised me in how much I became involved in the story and reminded me just how good a writer Shari J.Ryan truly is. Survival, devotion, dedication, love and passion are what drives Celina on and as we neared the end of the book there were a few major surprises as the truth slowly started to be revealed. Yes, there was few moments where I felt I had to suspend my disbelief that something could have occurred given the overall situation. This is in relation to something Christoph ( a long time friend of Celina and Noah from Amsterdam) does. Well in fact two things but I won’t go into detail.I just felt that it wouldn’t have been practical or possible to have occurred but for the sake of moving the plot on/resolving things they needed to happen and I will forgive the author this.If you want something a bit different from your usual WW2 historical fiction than this is the book for you as it highlights the physiological impact of trauma proves love and devotion are enduring and that bravery and resilience will help you navigate the most gruelling and testing of times.
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 is yet another beautifully poignant story of love, loss and survival, by the wonderful Shari J. Ryan. She once again digs deep to give us a painful glimpse into life within the walls of Auschwitz and the aftermath of its brutality. This author always does a stellar job at giving us chapters in both the past and present to fully understand how and why our main couple ended up not only separated but forced to assume roles they could have never imagined. And for Noah and Celina, those roles took them on a path that was long and full of despair, but I'm forever amazed at how they never gave up on themselves or each other. Even when life continually pushed them down, their love and their bond is what continued to see them through their own form of hell.
At this point in time, I'm almost out of words to describe just how incredible these stories are for me. I guess it's a double-edged sword that on one hand I'm happy that I'm able to experience these remarkable tales of survival, yet on the other hand, I'm saddened that there is a never-ending well of stories that this author can tell. For Celina and Noah, as their lives are torn apart despite them having the very best kind of friend in Christoph, who created fake papers that said they weren't Jewish, I was holding my breath that what Celina witnessed in that alleyway the last time she saw her husband wasn't true. Her belief that her Noah was forever gone threw her in a tailspin that led to having to hide her pregancy and keep up the ruse that she wasn't a hunted Jew. What she endures would break most people but she never gave up and again, I'm still more than shocked at what she and so many did to simply survive another day.
Ryan creates the incredible as Celina's journey to freedom in January 1945 is a brutal one. With the feisty Avi and prudent Elias as her faithful companions, they decide to go west, as Celina is sure her husband is one of the German (!) soldiers taken prisoner by the Russians. Always wondering if perhaps her mind is playing tricks on her, Ryan does a great job in allowing Celina to imagine the impossible, knowing for sure her Noah must've been forced to pretend he is someone he most definitely isn't.
We're privy to ongoing horror for so many, who our trio see on their way, with Avi having her own brand of silent torture in her mind, not wanting to ever trust the Russians as they follow them close behind. I often wondered if Celina was truly driving them to their own demise, but her determination to find out for sure if who she saw was her Noah amongst the rest of the German prisoners, definitely kept her going. But I didn't blame her new friends for doubting her or for being upset at her keeping it a secret that this was why they were traveling West and not following others who seemed to know the best route out.
My emotions were all over the place and I had to put this book down many times, both wanting and dreading to turn the page as Celina, Avi and Elias get closer to finding and rescuing Noah. We also get to see Christoph again and his unwavering loyalty and all that he does to save his friends still has me tearing up. I get very involved in these stories and have to take a step back at times, knowing that although this is a work of fiction, more than enough truth is abundantly clear and that notion will always give me pause.
Shari Ryan's determination to continue to carry the torch for those who no longer have a voice is a blessing. That I'm able to devour her words, to get lost in a world that I hope is never repeated, is forever an honor and a privilege. These books are well-written and show the best in mankind even through the threats of the worst. And there is good in these stories as the strength and power of love continue to push these everyday people to survive even when they can't. And to find hope when all is lost.
I can't thank this author enough for always giving her all and offering up the important reminder that these stories must never be forgotten.. The Lost Husband is proof positive that what happened more than 80 years ago must never happen again and I for one will always recommend her books for those who might sometimes forget.
5 big stars!
At this point in time, I'm almost out of words to describe just how incredible these stories are for me. I guess it's a double-edged sword that on one hand I'm happy that I'm able to experience these remarkable tales of survival, yet on the other hand, I'm saddened that there is a never-ending well of stories that this author can tell. For Celina and Noah, as their lives are torn apart despite them having the very best kind of friend in Christoph, who created fake papers that said they weren't Jewish, I was holding my breath that what Celina witnessed in that alleyway the last time she saw her husband wasn't true. Her belief that her Noah was forever gone threw her in a tailspin that led to having to hide her pregancy and keep up the ruse that she wasn't a hunted Jew. What she endures would break most people but she never gave up and again, I'm still more than shocked at what she and so many did to simply survive another day.
Ryan creates the incredible as Celina's journey to freedom in January 1945 is a brutal one. With the feisty Avi and prudent Elias as her faithful companions, they decide to go west, as Celina is sure her husband is one of the German (!) soldiers taken prisoner by the Russians. Always wondering if perhaps her mind is playing tricks on her, Ryan does a great job in allowing Celina to imagine the impossible, knowing for sure her Noah must've been forced to pretend he is someone he most definitely isn't.
We're privy to ongoing horror for so many, who our trio see on their way, with Avi having her own brand of silent torture in her mind, not wanting to ever trust the Russians as they follow them close behind. I often wondered if Celina was truly driving them to their own demise, but her determination to find out for sure if who she saw was her Noah amongst the rest of the German prisoners, definitely kept her going. But I didn't blame her new friends for doubting her or for being upset at her keeping it a secret that this was why they were traveling West and not following others who seemed to know the best route out.
My emotions were all over the place and I had to put this book down many times, both wanting and dreading to turn the page as Celina, Avi and Elias get closer to finding and rescuing Noah. We also get to see Christoph again and his unwavering loyalty and all that he does to save his friends still has me tearing up. I get very involved in these stories and have to take a step back at times, knowing that although this is a work of fiction, more than enough truth is abundantly clear and that notion will always give me pause.
Shari Ryan's determination to continue to carry the torch for those who no longer have a voice is a blessing. That I'm able to devour her words, to get lost in a world that I hope is never repeated, is forever an honor and a privilege. These books are well-written and show the best in mankind even through the threats of the worst. And there is good in these stories as the strength and power of love continue to push these everyday people to survive even when they can't. And to find hope when all is lost.
I can't thank this author enough for always giving her all and offering up the important reminder that these stories must never be forgotten.. The Lost Husband is proof positive that what happened more than 80 years ago must never happen again and I for one will always recommend her books for those who might sometimes forget.
5 big stars!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Oh My Goodness!!! I forgot to write this review. I finished the story and found myself in a book coma. I kept remembering the challenges experienced by Celina, Avi and Elias. I wasn't ready to put the story aside.
After suffering horribly at the hand of the Nazis in Auschwitz the gates opened by the Soviet Army. But they are not free. Can the Soviets be any better? For Avi, that answer is a definite no. With Elias's help she helpsa very weak Celina out of the camp. They guide her away from the Soviets and any hope of saving her husband, Noah.
They live in fear with every step they take away from the camp. They have no food. They have no water. They have only the thin clothing on their backs. Avi is determined to stay away from the Soviet troops. They follow at a distance hoping to meet up with other prisoners. The plan is follow behind the Soviets hoping to finds safe passage and to find assistance.
Celina's hope is to follow the Soviets in order to save a German soldier that helped save her in the camp, a soldier she swears is her husband. She is determined to rescue him even if Avi doesn't believe her.
Grab the tissues. You are going to need them. Their journey is far from easy. Assistance is not always helpful or abundant. Displaced Person Camps lead to more issues and Avi won't stay. Fears of the past do not just go away.
Their only hope comes when Cristoph, a family friend, finds Celina in the camp. He listens when she tells him about Noah. She convinces Cristoph to help search for him. The four of them walk out of the camp into the unknown.
The journey will be difficult. The struggles gutted me. The cruelty had me in tears. Desperation will lead them to the one place Avi doesn't want to go--right in to the hands of the Soviets.
The continueing horrors of WW2 jump off the pages of The Lost Husband. Haven't they suffered enough? Celina's determination and Cristoph's desire not fail Celina or Noah again will make all the difference in the name of freedom.
I closed the book knowing there was a happily ever after. I closed the book knowing that their would always be a darkness alongside the happiness. I closed the book wanting to scream to the world that we can't let anything like World War Two ever happen again. Read Shari J. Ryan's stories and never forget. Share the books so others never forget.
After suffering horribly at the hand of the Nazis in Auschwitz the gates opened by the Soviet Army. But they are not free. Can the Soviets be any better? For Avi, that answer is a definite no. With Elias's help she helpsa very weak Celina out of the camp. They guide her away from the Soviets and any hope of saving her husband, Noah.
They live in fear with every step they take away from the camp. They have no food. They have no water. They have only the thin clothing on their backs. Avi is determined to stay away from the Soviet troops. They follow at a distance hoping to meet up with other prisoners. The plan is follow behind the Soviets hoping to finds safe passage and to find assistance.
Celina's hope is to follow the Soviets in order to save a German soldier that helped save her in the camp, a soldier she swears is her husband. She is determined to rescue him even if Avi doesn't believe her.
Grab the tissues. You are going to need them. Their journey is far from easy. Assistance is not always helpful or abundant. Displaced Person Camps lead to more issues and Avi won't stay. Fears of the past do not just go away.
Their only hope comes when Cristoph, a family friend, finds Celina in the camp. He listens when she tells him about Noah. She convinces Cristoph to help search for him. The four of them walk out of the camp into the unknown.
The journey will be difficult. The struggles gutted me. The cruelty had me in tears. Desperation will lead them to the one place Avi doesn't want to go--right in to the hands of the Soviets.
The continueing horrors of WW2 jump off the pages of The Lost Husband. Haven't they suffered enough? Celina's determination and Cristoph's desire not fail Celina or Noah again will make all the difference in the name of freedom.
I closed the book knowing there was a happily ever after. I closed the book knowing that their would always be a darkness alongside the happiness. I closed the book wanting to scream to the world that we can't let anything like World War Two ever happen again. Read Shari J. Ryan's stories and never forget. Share the books so others never forget.
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.
August 9, 2026
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
If you have ever read anything that Shari Ryan has written about the Holocaust, then you know what you are getting yourself into when you open the book. If you never have, then my best advice is to hold on to your heart. This story focuses on World War II and going into one of the most infamous death camps of the Holocaust. This is the story of Celina and Noah. These two are living in Amsterdam and Celina is Jewish. This book also is written in the past and the present that Celina is living in. I love when this is done in a book because you really know what happened in the past that has led to the present and what is happening. This is the story of two people whose lives are torn completely apart. Two Jewish people trying to survive even when they tried to pretend to not be Jewish. There are unimaginable things that happen in this book that will absolutely break your heart into tiny pieces. The things she had to live with believing they are true, a pregnancy she has to hid, all while keeping up with the farce of her not being a Jew. When I say this woman endures more than most people could handle, I mean it. This is a journey of survival, strength that these characters never knew they had and freedom. I loved that Celina never lost hope that the things she wanted to be true were. I could really go on and on about this book. I will end up saying something that I am not supposed to say. The main point is that this book is really amazing. You will not be able to lay it down. Now run and get it. You won't regret not one second you spend reading this book.
If you have ever read anything that Shari Ryan has written about the Holocaust, then you know what you are getting yourself into when you open the book. If you never have, then my best advice is to hold on to your heart. This story focuses on World War II and going into one of the most infamous death camps of the Holocaust. This is the story of Celina and Noah. These two are living in Amsterdam and Celina is Jewish. This book also is written in the past and the present that Celina is living in. I love when this is done in a book because you really know what happened in the past that has led to the present and what is happening. This is the story of two people whose lives are torn completely apart. Two Jewish people trying to survive even when they tried to pretend to not be Jewish. There are unimaginable things that happen in this book that will absolutely break your heart into tiny pieces. The things she had to live with believing they are true, a pregnancy she has to hid, all while keeping up with the farce of her not being a Jew. When I say this woman endures more than most people could handle, I mean it. This is a journey of survival, strength that these characters never knew they had and freedom. I loved that Celina never lost hope that the things she wanted to be true were. I could really go on and on about this book. I will end up saying something that I am not supposed to say. The main point is that this book is really amazing. You will not be able to lay it down. Now run and get it. You won't regret not one second you spend reading this book.
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.
August 8, 2026
This work of historical fiction takes place in 1945, as Auschwitz is "liberated" by the Soviets. The earlier years before the war are narrated as flashbacks to the life Celina and Noah enjoyed as a couple.
Just because Auschwitz was liberated doesn't mean that the prisoners were suddenly free and back with their families. Many of the prisoners had been there for so long they were severely emaciated, disease ridden and malnourished. They were given no help, the gates were simply opened by the Soviets and that's it. The Soviets turned the German guards into prisoners and tortured them just like they'd tortured the Jews.
As Celina and others are making their way out of the prison, she is certain she encounters her husband Noah. But how is this possible, she saw Noah shot dead on the street in front of her....but she is convinced. She joins up with a couple of other refugees, Avi and Elias, with the hope of following the prisoners and seeing Noah again.
This is a heartbreaking story, but also full of hope. Some of those who survived went on to have wonderful lives and families, others were not so lucky. It is hard to imagine the devastation and resilience needed to survive those terrible times. The book is an eye-opener and a sense of perspective in today's chaos.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
Just because Auschwitz was liberated doesn't mean that the prisoners were suddenly free and back with their families. Many of the prisoners had been there for so long they were severely emaciated, disease ridden and malnourished. They were given no help, the gates were simply opened by the Soviets and that's it. The Soviets turned the German guards into prisoners and tortured them just like they'd tortured the Jews.
As Celina and others are making their way out of the prison, she is certain she encounters her husband Noah. But how is this possible, she saw Noah shot dead on the street in front of her....but she is convinced. She joins up with a couple of other refugees, Avi and Elias, with the hope of following the prisoners and seeing Noah again.
This is a heartbreaking story, but also full of hope. Some of those who survived went on to have wonderful lives and families, others were not so lucky. It is hard to imagine the devastation and resilience needed to survive those terrible times. The book is an eye-opener and a sense of perspective in today's chaos.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The powerful story of Celina and her quest to discover if the guard at Birkenau wearing a German SS uniform is her Jewish husband Noah, who she believed to be dead following shots in Amsterdam.
The Lost Husband is both heartbreaking and heartwarming in equal measure. Shari J. Ryan has once again written a deeply emotional story that highlights the incredible resilience, courage and hope shown by ordinary people during the darkest of times.
One of the most powerful aspects of the novel is the long journey to freedom after the liberation of Auschwitz. The book doesn't shy away from the difficult reality that liberation didn't immediately mean safety or peace for everyone. It offers a sobering reminder that for many survivors, the suffering continued long after the camp gates were opened.
The descriptions of Auschwitz and Birkenau are particularly haunting. Having visited both places myself, I found these scenes especially moving. The bleakness, loss and overwhelming sense of sorrow were captured in a way that brought back memories of standing there and reflecting on the unimaginable horrors that took place.
Despite its heartbreaking subject matter, this is ultimately a story of love, hope and the strength of the human spirit. It's an unforgettable read that will stay with me long after I finished the final page.
The Lost Husband is both heartbreaking and heartwarming in equal measure. Shari J. Ryan has once again written a deeply emotional story that highlights the incredible resilience, courage and hope shown by ordinary people during the darkest of times.
One of the most powerful aspects of the novel is the long journey to freedom after the liberation of Auschwitz. The book doesn't shy away from the difficult reality that liberation didn't immediately mean safety or peace for everyone. It offers a sobering reminder that for many survivors, the suffering continued long after the camp gates were opened.
The descriptions of Auschwitz and Birkenau are particularly haunting. Having visited both places myself, I found these scenes especially moving. The bleakness, loss and overwhelming sense of sorrow were captured in a way that brought back memories of standing there and reflecting on the unimaginable horrors that took place.
Despite its heartbreaking subject matter, this is ultimately a story of love, hope and the strength of the human spirit. It's an unforgettable read that will stay with me long after I finished the final page.
August 12, 2026
The Lost Husband is another totally gripping book from the first to the last page. The storytelling is an amazing account of how utterly horrible it was during the WWII. This is the story about how terrible the conditions were in Auschwitz, sickness, starvation and just to survive being prisoners. This book is about Celina who is trying to find her husband Noah that she lost track of because of the war. It's Celina's long journey to find her husband when getting out of Auschwitz. A journey that takes Celina following the tracks of the Russians believing that it's how she will find Noah. The journey is very difficult and doesn't go so fast. Celina is not alone there are also others along the way, Avi and Elias are also there with her. Christoph the friend of Noah also tries to help Celina not always so easy. To keep safe during the war and near the end of the war was very difficult, there were several bad situations, the Nazi's hunting down people and making it so terrible. Then the difficulties to trust the Russians soldiers. This is a book that is truly emotional and heartbreaking over and over again, when you think that it can't get worse it does. It' s a book of courage and resilience.
This is a book that I definitely can recommend keep your tissues close by.
I'm grateful to have read this book.
Charlotte N
This is a book that I definitely can recommend keep your tissues close by.
I'm grateful to have read this book.
Charlotte N
August 30, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Heartbreaking, emotional, and unforgettable
The Lost Husband completely pulled me into Celina’s story. From the very beginning, I was captivated by the mystery surrounding her husband and found myself desperately wanting to know the truth. The uncertainty, fear, and hope throughout the story made it incredibly difficult to put down.
Celina’s strength and determination really stayed with me. After everything she had endured, watching her hold onto hope and fight for the possibility that Noah might still be alive was both heartbreaking and inspiring. The story beautifully captures the devastating realities of war while also showing the incredible strength of love, hope, and the human spirit.
Shari J. Ryan did an amazing job creating an emotional story that kept me invested in the characters and their journey. There were so many moments where I felt anxious, heartbroken, hopeful, and completely caught up in what was happening. This is definitely one of those books that stays with you after you finish it.
If you enjoy emotional WWII historical fiction filled with love, survival, hope, and plenty of suspense, I definitely recommend The Lost Husband. ❤️
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Shari J. Ryan for the opportunity to read this advance copy. It was an honor to read and review this beautiful story, and this is my honest opinion.
Heartbreaking, emotional, and unforgettable
The Lost Husband completely pulled me into Celina’s story. From the very beginning, I was captivated by the mystery surrounding her husband and found myself desperately wanting to know the truth. The uncertainty, fear, and hope throughout the story made it incredibly difficult to put down.
Celina’s strength and determination really stayed with me. After everything she had endured, watching her hold onto hope and fight for the possibility that Noah might still be alive was both heartbreaking and inspiring. The story beautifully captures the devastating realities of war while also showing the incredible strength of love, hope, and the human spirit.
Shari J. Ryan did an amazing job creating an emotional story that kept me invested in the characters and their journey. There were so many moments where I felt anxious, heartbroken, hopeful, and completely caught up in what was happening. This is definitely one of those books that stays with you after you finish it.
If you enjoy emotional WWII historical fiction filled with love, survival, hope, and plenty of suspense, I definitely recommend The Lost Husband. ❤️
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Shari J. Ryan for the opportunity to read this advance copy. It was an honor to read and review this beautiful story, and this is my honest opinion.
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.
August 13, 2026
I'll read anything by Shari J. Ryan and this book didn't disappoint.
Shari expertly weaves historical facts into her stories and sensitively brings events to life through her characters and, once again, I was invested in this story from the very first page. It's a story of survival, friendship, found family, strength and courage, and I felt every emotion, the fear, grief, trauma, hope and love. The characters felt so real, and I enjoyed getting to know them and finding out more about their history as they gradually shared their stories.
The Lost Husband gave me a lot to think about, and for this I am grateful to the author. I've read many fiction novels about WWII and this is one of the few that I've read that gives insight into escaping the hell of a concentration camp only to be faced with threats from the Soviets, roaming German soldiers, citizens and even fellow survivors, not to mention weather conditions, ill health and food shortages.
I finished the book a few days ago and can't stop thinking about the suffering survivors endured even after liberation. Highly recommended reading!
I received a complimentary digital copy on NetGalley from Bookouture publishers. My review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.
Shari expertly weaves historical facts into her stories and sensitively brings events to life through her characters and, once again, I was invested in this story from the very first page. It's a story of survival, friendship, found family, strength and courage, and I felt every emotion, the fear, grief, trauma, hope and love. The characters felt so real, and I enjoyed getting to know them and finding out more about their history as they gradually shared their stories.
The Lost Husband gave me a lot to think about, and for this I am grateful to the author. I've read many fiction novels about WWII and this is one of the few that I've read that gives insight into escaping the hell of a concentration camp only to be faced with threats from the Soviets, roaming German soldiers, citizens and even fellow survivors, not to mention weather conditions, ill health and food shortages.
I finished the book a few days ago and can't stop thinking about the suffering survivors endured even after liberation. Highly recommended reading!
I received a complimentary digital copy on NetGalley from Bookouture publishers. My review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Red Army has arrived, the gates are open and the earth is shaking. An explosion throws Celina to the ground and she’s looking at a man in a German uniform covering her and then tells her to run. She looks him in the eyes and she sees her dead Jewish husband, Noah. Another guard pulls the man away from her and he’s gone. But how can it be her Noah, in a German uniform when she saw him murdered three years ago in their hometown of Amsterdam? She must find out if the man is really Noah so she walks out of the gates to follow the Germans guards who are now the prisoners. She’s taking a huge risk because just because the camp was liberated doesn’t mean she’s free.
Goodness, this was a heartbreaking and emotional read that celebrated the strength of the human spirit and the depth of love. If you have read any of Shari J. Ryan’s books, you can count on her vivid descriptions that always makes her stories so real. The bond and love that she created between Noah and Celina is one that we hope to find just once in our lifetime. You should probably keep the tissues close for this story but it will be well worth it.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC.
Goodness, this was a heartbreaking and emotional read that celebrated the strength of the human spirit and the depth of love. If you have read any of Shari J. Ryan’s books, you can count on her vivid descriptions that always makes her stories so real. The bond and love that she created between Noah and Celina is one that we hope to find just once in our lifetime. You should probably keep the tissues close for this story but it will be well worth it.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Shari J. Ryan's WWII Historical Fiction is always top shelf. While reading about this time in history is always difficult (and more so these days), Shari always gives us these fictional stories from different perspectives. Yes the main characters are tortured and dehumanized in some of the most horrific ways, but there is also so much love amongst all the characters. Her stories come from the heart with a longing of hope that those who suffered during the Holocaust might have found their own love stories and not necessarily just romantic love. I hated to put the book down to sleep but alas, my body wasn't complying with my wishes but if I could have I would have finished it in a day because I just had to know. Did Celina's husband survive or was it just the delusion of a weary, beaten down woman? Painful read? Yes. Beautiful, colorful read? Also, yes. I keep telling myself that I need to not read a story of this era for a while BECAUSE it is so painful but Shari's stories always keep me coming back for more.
August 23, 2026
This was a heartbreaking reminder that, for the vast majority of Holocaust survivors, liberation didn't mean immediate freedom. The liberators didnt know what to do with them and didn't have enough supplies. The survivors were often untrusting or down right terrified of the soldiers. And if course the journey home was often in vain as there were no homes to return to. Add into that the fact that they were freezing, starving, seriously unwell and traumatised and it's a recipe for heartbreak.
I loved how Celina refused to give up on Noah. She was so sure that she had seen him, and anyone who's read this genre before, or knows anything about the Holocaust, knows how unlikely it was that he not only survived, but was in the same place as her. You'll have to read it to see if he was a figment of her imagination or not.
Of course the book wasn't an "easy" read. There was a lot of heartbreak and some mild (to my mind) depictions of Auschwitz. But like all if Sharis books I definitely recommend this book. I think she is one of the best Holocaust fiction authors, and a must read for me.
I loved how Celina refused to give up on Noah. She was so sure that she had seen him, and anyone who's read this genre before, or knows anything about the Holocaust, knows how unlikely it was that he not only survived, but was in the same place as her. You'll have to read it to see if he was a figment of her imagination or not.
Of course the book wasn't an "easy" read. There was a lot of heartbreak and some mild (to my mind) depictions of Auschwitz. But like all if Sharis books I definitely recommend this book. I think she is one of the best Holocaust fiction authors, and a must read for me.
August 8, 2026
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This story is set in the final days of Auschwitz in 1945 when the captives were liberated by the Russians..
Celina is shocked when a man in a German uniform seizes her arm. To her shock, he looks exactly like her husband, Noah. But how can that be? She saw her husband shot in Amsterdam.
This is a nail biting story of faith, hope and survival. It really showed us how although the people were freed they really weren't free. They had nowhere to go, no food, no clothing, no family. It was a no win situation. The suspense had me flipping the pages as Celina put herself in danger and uncertainty to find the truth. What a wonderful tribute to hope and courage in the face of despair. Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#TheLostHusband #ShariJRyanBookTour #NetGalley #Bookouture #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BookLove #Bookstagram #SummerRead
This story is set in the final days of Auschwitz in 1945 when the captives were liberated by the Russians..
Celina is shocked when a man in a German uniform seizes her arm. To her shock, he looks exactly like her husband, Noah. But how can that be? She saw her husband shot in Amsterdam.
This is a nail biting story of faith, hope and survival. It really showed us how although the people were freed they really weren't free. They had nowhere to go, no food, no clothing, no family. It was a no win situation. The suspense had me flipping the pages as Celina put herself in danger and uncertainty to find the truth. What a wonderful tribute to hope and courage in the face of despair. Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#TheLostHusband #ShariJRyanBookTour #NetGalley #Bookouture #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BookLove #Bookstagram #SummerRead
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.
August 10, 2026
There’s really something special about how Shari writes a historical fiction novel. I was drawn to these characters from the first chapter. I love that Shari writes a story of hope out of something so horrible as Auschwitz.
This was technically dual timeline, although the timelines were only a few years apart. We learn about Celina and Noah’s relationship and how they were separated during the early years of the war. Then we experience Celina’s time in Auschwitz. The primary timeline is when the Soviets liberate the camp and how so many prisoners leave and attempt to travel on their own.
Celina is convinced that she sees Noah when they leave the camp. I love the conviction she has, even though no one else believes her. She has such determination to find her husband. I love what a strong character she is.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy of this book.
This was technically dual timeline, although the timelines were only a few years apart. We learn about Celina and Noah’s relationship and how they were separated during the early years of the war. Then we experience Celina’s time in Auschwitz. The primary timeline is when the Soviets liberate the camp and how so many prisoners leave and attempt to travel on their own.
Celina is convinced that she sees Noah when they leave the camp. I love the conviction she has, even though no one else believes her. She has such determination to find her husband. I love what a strong character she is.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy of this book.
August 26, 2026
The Lost Husband is a beautifully written and deeply emotional story that stayed with me long after I finished it. Shari J. Ryan has such a gift for capturing love, the strength it takes to keep moving forward. This book is inspiring, a reminder of how powerful love can be, even in the darkest moments. The characters are shaped with such care and their sacrifices, heartbreak and resilience feel incredibly real. I especially loved the ending, it was both moving and uplifting, the perfect conclusion to a story built on courage and hope. A heartbreaking yet beautiful novel about love, loss and the strength we find. I absolutely love this author’s books, and this one is another unforgettable read. Highly recommended read. 5 stars
I would like to thank the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for my copy of this book, in exchange for my honest review.
#TheLostHusband #NetGalley
I would like to thank the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for my copy of this book, in exchange for my honest review.
#TheLostHusband #NetGalley
June 23, 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 19, 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.
August 7, 2026
Another masterpiece from this author! There is so much I want to say about this book but I am not sure how. Celina and Noah are married childhood sweethearts that are also Jewish. Trying to secure food, they are followed and Celina sees her husband killed by German soldiers. She is taken to Auschwitz as a prisoner. When the camp is finally liberated, she swears she sees Noah in a German uniform, who is now a Soviet prisoner. She is determined to find out if it is truly him. This book depicts what is was like for everyone after the liberation. The confusion, the conditions, the horrors left behind. We don't normally get to experience the after and it was intense. Once again, this author out did herself. Well done.
August 9, 2026
The Lost Husband is a WWII story hat is different from he norm. The most intense war story, especially since the terror does not end when the war does. Celina survives Auschwitz but what about her husband Noah. This is a heartbreaking story no doubt ne less than those who lived through much of Europe during the war. I found this to be an unforgettable story by Shari J. Ryan. While Celina and Noah are memorable, so are many others, several who do not survive. A story in which the characters shows strength and resilience in the face of absolute evil, the power of love and determination to keep going for a better world.
August 9, 2026
This was an emotional book to read very sad and painful at times it was a story of fighting for survival during a terrible period. Celina after surviving Auschwitz when the Russians liberated it along with two others tries to evade the Russians as they didn't really care and try to find Celinas husband Noah who she is sure was also intermediate in Auschwitz. It was a battle for all to survive and you were very invested in the story and the characters
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for my review copy
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for my review copy
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Historical fiction at its finest.
Ryan’s writing makes readers feel like they are enduring the same situations as the characters.
The book flashes back between the start of WWII and the aftermath.
Celina feels it in her bones that she saw her husband, Noah. But dressed in a German uniform?
In the chaos at the end of the war Celina and her friends pursue the impossible.
The message is one of love, endurance, and tenacity.
Thanks Bookouture and NetGalley for the advance copy.
Ryan’s writing makes readers feel like they are enduring the same situations as the characters.
The book flashes back between the start of WWII and the aftermath.
Celina feels it in her bones that she saw her husband, Noah. But dressed in a German uniform?
In the chaos at the end of the war Celina and her friends pursue the impossible.
The message is one of love, endurance, and tenacity.
Thanks Bookouture and NetGalley for the advance copy.
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