While chaos reigns over WW II Berlin, seventeen-year-old Liddy returns to her family's bakery only to be confronted by a new customer -- Keppler, a Nazi officer. Marek, a young man with a secretive past, labors just a few paces away in the kitchen, but where do his loyalties lie? With the Nazis? With Liddy?
Liddy's father, Klaus, secures a night job as a prison guard where anti-Nazi dissident, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, is being held. Klaus smuggles out the pastor's letters, but tensions rise as Keppler establishes a tenuous relationship with Liddy's young brother, Willy. Does the Nazi officer wish to recruit Willy, or is Keppler there to spy on Liddy's family?
From air raids to the Hitler Youth, Liddy becomes enmeshed in a world of spies intent on betrayal. When Liddy makes a critical mistake that endangers a loved one, she faces a decision that puts her own faith on the line and her family's safety in jeopardy.
Marek (a Polish refugee) and Liddy (a baker’s daughter who wants to be a history teacher) are both compelling characters – two adolescents who find themselves in Berlin during the second World War. Marek has been forced to grow up faster than anyone should have to, while Liddy is still fairly immature and self-centered. As the novel (and their friendship) progresses, Liddy’s character shows great growth and courage. Their budding romance is bittersweet in many ways, and I wish there was the promise of another book to continue their story further.
Along with Marek and Liddy, a host of other vivid characters grace these pages: Liddy’s parents and her little brother, a Nazi officer named Keppler, and members of the Resistance. I was particularly struck by Keppler’s character, namely how the author gave him a backstory and a heart and soul apart from the typical Nazi stereotype. Along with these fictional faces, readers will also be introduced to a handful of real-life historical figures who lived – and died – courageously for Christ during this era: a Polish friar named Kolbe who voluntarily dies for another Auschwitz prisoner, an imprisoned anti-Nazi dissident named Bonhoeffer, and a Dutch watchmaker named Betsy at Ravensbruck. Their words and testimonies are woven throughout the story in their interaction with the fictional characters, their stories thusly reaching a new generation of readers.
While The Baker’s Daughter is labeled as ‘young adult’, I really think it would appeal more to a middle grade reading level. The reading level is geared toward the younger end of ‘young adult’, and so is the structure of the story. Some of the things that bugged me as an adult reader (some dialogue that reads as historical narrative, etc.) would not even be noticed by middle grade readers. And this is an age group that needs to be start learning about people who stood up to evil, no matter the cost. The story itself only touches on the Holocaust, allowing it to stay in the shadows, but it’s a good starting point to whet their curiosity for more research, further reading, etc.
Bottom Line: The Baker’s Daughter takes readers into the heart of WW2 Berlin, to a simple family and a young refugee trying to survive. It reminds us that everyone we meet is more than what we see on the outside. It shows us the difference one person can make, especially someone young. And it spotlights true heroes, those willing to die if that’s what was necessary to stand up to evil. Will appeal most to middle grade readers, but can be enjoyed at various levels by older ages too.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
The Baker’s Daughter is a story that brought two young people to meet during WWII. The characters are well developed with different backgrounds. The story had the realism of the suffering in Germany during this time of history where Jews were being prosecuted. There’s an underlying message of God’s salvation to anyone no matter their status shared throughout the tale. Will Libby and Marek become friends and stand up for one another with different backgrounds?
I won a copy of this book from the author in 2021 from a Facebook party promoting this book. I was not asked to write a review but have shared my own thoughts.
The Baker’s Legacy by D. P. Cornelius is a Christian historical novel set in Berlin in 1945. It is the second book in the series and can be read as a stand-alone. I had not read book one but I think it would have been helpful to do so as I was unable to track character progression. The aftermath of war is portrayed from various points of view. We follow the daughter of a local baker, a former Nazi and a young Pole. Each has had a different experience and view of war and peace. God redeems lives. It is a joyful thing to watch especially when those who have practiced evil, turn from their ways and know God. When the Russians marched into Berlin, it was a terrible thing for the female population. We witness much cruelty and acts of depravity as the soldiers force themselves on the women of Berlin. War and its aftermath has hardened hearts. No matter what has been done, we need to forgive or risk bitterness dragging us down. Every child is a gift from God, no matter what the circumstances of conception. No child is ever a mistake or unwanted in the eyes of God. A character feels forgotten by God. She is angry with Him but still prays to Him. God wants us to bring our emotions to Him so that He can help us heal. The Baker’s Legacy showed the end of the war and peace from the German point of view. It was interesting and a refreshing change to see a different take on familiar events. I received a free copy from Just Read Tours. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The Baker’s Daughter- Braving Evil in WWII Berlin is by Douglas P. Cornelius. This fiction is set in mid war Berlin and references many historical people. Douglas Cornelius took some leeway with their place in history and placed them in the proximity of each other. This book deals with the Christian faith of several of the characters. They have to figure out what they are going to do that fits their faith. Are they going to help Jews and others who cross the Nazis or are they going to ignore what is going on? Marek is half Jewish and half Catholic. However, according to the Nazis, he is Jewish. He comes home and finds his family is gone. He has no idea where they are and contacts his Uncle in Berlin. His uncle tells him to come to Berlin. In Berlin, he finds a job at the Mittendorf Bakery. He also works for the underground. Liddy Mittendorf is in Munich with her grandparents with the intention of going to school to be a history teacher. However, upon the death of her Uncle, her grandfather finds that the Uncle’s money is no longer in his accounts. There is no money for Liddy to attend school. She then returns to Berlin to help her parents run the Mittendorf Bakery. Through her association with Marek, Liddy begins to see the way the Nazis treat the Jews and other people, including her own parents. Then a Nazi officer, Keppler, begins coming to the Bakery. Why is he there all the time? What part does he play in the book? The book is very interesting and does seem to show what was going on with the German population during the way. At the end, he includes a brief overview of the war so the reader begins to really understand the story. It was a little slow at the beginning but got better.
I enjoy reading some stories of WW2 because my grandfather fought in Germany. I'm not sure where he was but as I was reading this book or any other WW2 fiction I could imagine my grandfather in some of the places in Germany. Isn't it weird how friendship can sneak in at the weirdest of times? And with whom? Music is a special blessing in my life. I don't know what I'd do without it. I played piano for 9 years and now can't play worth a lick because I didn't keep up with it. Now, I play the viola in an orchestra because Ithink that's what God led me to do. I liked Liddys family. I felt as if they were my own. I'm so very glad that God was in their lives. I did drool throughout this book tho. and I'll admit I wanted to reach out and grab a sweet treat while I was reading this book. God wants us to branch out and follow him in His ministry ministry if it means going out of your way to help someone in need. God does answer prayers. Just not in the way we want Him to. Our God is an awesome God! His timing not ours is what makes thing s happen if they're meant to be. I'm going to keep saying this and hopefully my reviews will bless someone who reads them. I feel led by God to mention this in all of my reviews. I believe that God had a hand in writing this story. Otherwise I don't think the author would have mentioned a certain bible story in he re. I love when authors can slide those in. I received this book for free.. In no way required to review this. All words are my own opinion
The Baker's Daughter by D.P. Cornelius is a simple but powerful story written not only for the YA/teen reader, but adults as well. What I really admire about this novel is that the author doesn't hold back with the Christian faith, yet it wasn't sermon-like either. Just the right balance to inspire the reader to think, to believe, to hope.
I have always enjoyed stories about WWII... from many different angles. I was captivated by this story of atrocities done to German citizens, Polish and Jewish people innwar-torn Berlin. The romance budding between a baker's daughter Liddy and Marek, a Polish refugee, is bitter-sweet. With a German officer constantly harrassing them and Liddy's family, and the unthinkable happening to Marek, this story takes amazing twists and turns. What is Marek involved in that could cost his life if discovered? What happens to Marek? How does Liddy help him? What transpires between the German officer and Liddy. But most important,how does Liddy's and her family's faith in God aid the officer, Marek and more? This author answers all those questions and more. I can't wait to read the second book in this series. Reviewed by Betty Dravis, July 22, 2017 Author of "1106 Grand Boulevard"
I love stories about ww2 and people helping Jews. Just knowing many tender hearted people made hard sacrificed for them and protecting them. Thanks to the author great job. Please continue to write novels that honor the Lord. I recommend this book and author. Only one negative the characters were not ended in my heart but the story ended without saying what happened to them.
he Baker’s Daughter by D.P. Cornelius is a powerful and inspiring read about the life of those during WWII. Cornelius brings to life the day to day activities and life of a family and those around them and of the challenges and struggles, as well as hopes that they all have. This story is about how people are human and how they may or may not be who and what we think they are. Topics of spies, betrayal, and Hitler Youth are discussed in this story. It is also about involving God in our lives. This is a beautifully written historical novel that that teens and adults alike will enjoy.
Genre: historical, romance, abandoned Publisher: LPC Publication date: February 1, 2017 Number of pages: 216
A review copy of this book was gifted through Amazon by the author via SLB Tours. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Have not read too many WWII stories with the setting actually within Germany, however I found it to be somewhat unrealistic. The conditions seemed to be "too good" for the times. Without reiterating the story line, I cannot envision a seventeen-year-old lecturing or preaching to a Nazi officer, attempting to convert or enhance his faith to provide "favors" for Jewish people or citizens. If Marek was part Jewish, when his parents disappeared, he should have headed as far away from Poland/Germany, instead of to Berlin. Could have been designated for YA readers with its presentation and contents. Always disappointed when the well-being of the main character or mystery surrounding it, is left up-in-the-air at the end. Despite being somewhat fanciful in parts, it could be an informative book for the younger reader.
The Baker’s Daughter is an engaging historical fiction novel for teens, set in Germany during World War II. It was interesting to see the time period portrayed through the eyes of a good Christian family, trying their best to survive during the evil regime of their government. While I felt that parts were a little unrealistic and that the writing was a little awkward at times, it was an interesting story and offered many great discussion questions.
Liddy is fascinated by Marek, the young man who comes to work at her family’s bakery. As she gets to know him, she discovers an intriguing world that she didn’t know existed. As the war progresses and dangers increase, a German officer begins frequenting the bakery. Soon the family must face some difficult moral decisions. Secrets, intrigue, faith, and history make this book an interesting one.
I thought this book sounded interesting so I decided to give it a chance. This book is well written and had an interesting premise,l but I had a hard time connecting with the character and so it just felt off.
I love it when authors work in conversations about the Bible and God, and this author did a good job of making it seem like a real conversation, however once it seemed very unnatural and more like a sermon and it just didn't feel right to .
Over all I thought this book was good, just not great.
I really enjoyed this book, but I was disappointed in the ending. It seemed like the author lost interest in her subject-matter and summed up the entire book in two pages. I wanted a bit more of a conclusion. The rest of the book was really well-written, and it captured my attention.
I was blessed with a free copy of this book and have chosen of my own volition to share this review with you!
I received this book free in a giveaway in exchange for an unbiased honest report.
This is a hard to put down book, once I started reading it I had a hard time putting this book down. In this book we get a glimpse of life in war torn Germany and how the Jewish people had to hide just to survive. Would recommend this book to anyone that likes a good read.
Amid this Corvid 19 virus, I couldn't have picked a better time to read this book. This book had me on the edge of my seat. Liddy lives with her family and doesn't really like to help out in their bakery. They don't know that Marek is half Catholic and half Jewish. Marek comes to work in the bakery. Believing in God gets them through tough times. Loss and reunion with loss again.
The storyline had potential but I did not find it to be realistic, based on other readings of life in Germany in that time. There is a shortage of sugar but nothing else. Kids move about freely in the city and a teen in the resistance movement converts a strict Nazi officer? I did appreciate the author working in the stories of known resistance groups and giving their history at the end.
This story is an uplifting story of faith during a time of extreme adversity. The strong characters portrayed what life was like in Berlin. If you like historic based books you will enjoy this one.
Was very good until the end, left one hanging as to what happened to all the characters. Wish she had gone further. Always good to see that there were Germans who did not agree with the Hitler strategy.
Well written, wonderful story line of faith, hope, passion and the will of many to survive the terrible Nazi tragedy. Hope and the love of jesuschristwillsurvive!
I did not like this at all but felt I should finish it. I found the story too preachy. The story did not feel real when compared to other stories about war time Germany. Can not recommend.
An interesting story but it left me without an adequate conclusion. Room for a second book? What happened during the fall of Berlin? What happened to M...?
It’s always interesting to read historical fiction, along with true happenings during historical times and events. This book entails a seventeen-year-old girl by the name of Liddy and her family, who own a bakery during WWII in Berlin. From air raids to Hitler youth, Liddy becomes involved in a world of spies intent on betrayal. When she makes a critical mistake that endangers a loved one, she faces a decision that puts her own faith on the line and her family’s in jeopardy. Follow along as Liddy’s father, Krause, secures a night job as a prison guard where an anti-dissident is being held. Krause smuggles out the letters of the Pastoral anti-dissident. as tensions rise when a customer from the bakery —a Nazi officer by the name of Keppler— establishes a tenuous relationship with Liddy’s young brother, Willy. I highly recommend this book that’s filled with intrigue, danger as a Christian novel of family loyalty and sacrifice.
I absolutely loved this book. D.P. Cornelius' style of writing, his fleshed out characters, and the setting of the story are superb. He has beautifully captured the atmosphere of the underground resistance. I just wish he had taken it further and written about what happened with Marek and Keppler. I would love to read their stories.
A story that takes you to what it would be like living in Berlin, as a Christian, during the times of Hitler. The book makes very good points that can be applied to anyone's life. A very enjoyable read.
I didn't finish this story. It dragged. I felt lost though most of it not sure where I was or who I was with. I was having some physical problems at the time and that could have contributed to that, but the story just wasn't drawing me in, but rather pushing me away.
The setting: Nazi Germany. I enjoyed this read for several reasons. The characters came alive on the pages. Liddy cared about Marek, even to the point in risking her own life. I also loved being in a Bakery. I could smell the fresh bread and pastries, a memory that took me back my Navy days as a baker.
The right amount of tension filled the story. The author didn't get into the gory details but shared enough information to demonstrate the evil of Hitler's reign. We observed the Hitler Youth in action as well as the Gestapo.
This book could have been so much better if the author had finished with character follow through. Why introduce characters if they are not filed in. Liddy hurts her hand and Keppler becomes human and the story ends? Just leaves so many things up in the air.
This story has glimmers of promise but the writing Is elementary and the story simply stopped...the ending so abrupt I thought it was a joke. Disappointing.
Very good. I love historical fiction and the author did a good job putting this together. I enjoyed learning more about some of the key people God enabled to play a part in His plan. There was a lot of good spiritual insight as well. The only things I didn't like was that some catholic false teaching wasn't clarified in two instances and lastly how a key character was taken away with right at the end with no closure for the other characters or the reader. In fact, normally I wouldn't give this a 5 star rating because of that. I only did so because it shares some great spiritual insights.