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Saving Anna
Germany’s sparkling Rhineland is the perfect place for a fresh start . . .
Warming people’s hearts with true accounts of kindness is what columnist Anna Kelly does best. But no one knows the private misery she endures in her abusive marriage. Still, leaving is difficult—until a deeply personal bequest from a beloved elderly neighbor compels Anna to travel to Germany. There she begins an unexpected adventure of paying it forward that will take her far from her complicated life in Brooklyn.
Arriving in the historic and picturesque city of Mainz, on the breathtaking Rhine River, Anna settles in at a cozy guesthouse filled with colorful residents. But fulfilling her task will require the help of a translator and knowledgeable guide.
Josef Schmitt will gladly shuttle the American visitor around if it distracts him from his dark thoughts. Ever since a serious accident sidelined him at the local excursions company, he’s been unable to forget the pain he caused or forgive himself. Now, accompanying Anna on her mission takes them both to surprising places—and they just may find the courage to truly set themselves free . . .
Praise for Sharon Struth
“Struth has a gift for layering stories within stories while keeping them all connected.”
—Library Journal
“Struth is an author to watch!”
—Laura Drake, author of RITA-award winner The Sweet Spot
“Sharon Struth writes a good story about love and loss. She knows her characters and has a path she wants them to take.”
—Eye on Romance
“The plot is refreshing and will definitely keep the reader turning page after page.”
—Fresh Fiction
Warming people’s hearts with true accounts of kindness is what columnist Anna Kelly does best. But no one knows the private misery she endures in her abusive marriage. Still, leaving is difficult—until a deeply personal bequest from a beloved elderly neighbor compels Anna to travel to Germany. There she begins an unexpected adventure of paying it forward that will take her far from her complicated life in Brooklyn.
Arriving in the historic and picturesque city of Mainz, on the breathtaking Rhine River, Anna settles in at a cozy guesthouse filled with colorful residents. But fulfilling her task will require the help of a translator and knowledgeable guide.
Josef Schmitt will gladly shuttle the American visitor around if it distracts him from his dark thoughts. Ever since a serious accident sidelined him at the local excursions company, he’s been unable to forget the pain he caused or forgive himself. Now, accompanying Anna on her mission takes them both to surprising places—and they just may find the courage to truly set themselves free . . .
Praise for Sharon Struth
“Struth has a gift for layering stories within stories while keeping them all connected.”
—Library Journal
“Struth is an author to watch!”
—Laura Drake, author of RITA-award winner The Sweet Spot
“Sharon Struth writes a good story about love and loss. She knows her characters and has a path she wants them to take.”
—Eye on Romance
“The plot is refreshing and will definitely keep the reader turning page after page.”
—Fresh Fiction
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 11, 2018
22 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Struth
13 books452 followersSharon Struth believes you’re never too old to pursue a dream. The Hourglass, her debut novel, was a finalist in the National Readers' Choice Awards for Best First Book, and her Blue Moon Lake Novels includes the Barnes & Noble bestseller, Share the Moon.
When she’s not working, she and her husband happily sip their way through the scenic towns of the Connecticut Wine Trail, travel the world, and enjoy spending time with their precious pets and two grown daughters.
She writes from the friendliest place she’s ever lived, Bethel, Connecticut. For more information, including where to find her published essays, please visit sharonstruth.com or visit her blog, Musings from the Middle Ages & More at www.sharonstruth.wordpress.com.
When she’s not working, she and her husband happily sip their way through the scenic towns of the Connecticut Wine Trail, travel the world, and enjoy spending time with their precious pets and two grown daughters.
She writes from the friendliest place she’s ever lived, Bethel, Connecticut. For more information, including where to find her published essays, please visit sharonstruth.com or visit her blog, Musings from the Middle Ages & More at www.sharonstruth.wordpress.com.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 6, 2022
++ Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review ++
4.5 stars.
What an arresting story about healing! It has a wounded hero and a strong heroine dealing with serious issues and it displays a delicious inter-lingual and intercultural romance, a dimension I love in romance novel. The dialogue between cultures (German hero/American heroine) and the plot’s relation to some of the ugliest events of Europe’s last century is amazing to watch and brings depth to characters and story.
I was completely engrossed in the slow-burn romance and captivated by the healing and struggles both main characters go through. The story felt very realistic – Anna’s problems are powerfully depicted – yet also romantic and heartwarming, with the supporting web of familial relationships and new and old friends.
Perhaps the resolution for our romantic couple came too soon, but I really enjoyed that the drama and obstacles had to do with external factors, and the normal instability of the growing attraction was realistically handled.
I'm grateful to the publisher, Kensington Books/Lyrical Press, and NetGalley for providing a free copy
4.5 stars.
What an arresting story about healing! It has a wounded hero and a strong heroine dealing with serious issues and it displays a delicious inter-lingual and intercultural romance, a dimension I love in romance novel. The dialogue between cultures (German hero/American heroine) and the plot’s relation to some of the ugliest events of Europe’s last century is amazing to watch and brings depth to characters and story.
I was completely engrossed in the slow-burn romance and captivated by the healing and struggles both main characters go through. The story felt very realistic – Anna’s problems are powerfully depicted – yet also romantic and heartwarming, with the supporting web of familial relationships and new and old friends.
Perhaps the resolution for our romantic couple came too soon, but I really enjoyed that the drama and obstacles had to do with external factors, and the normal instability of the growing attraction was realistically handled.
I'm grateful to the publisher, Kensington Books/Lyrical Press, and NetGalley for providing a free copy
October 2, 2018
I've read all of Ms. Struth's books, and haven't really commented on the romance of them in the last few. This time, I feel like I need to, because romance is romance and we all know that Happily Ever After is coming, but Struth has a way of taking two broken people, putting them together, and helping one another heal. There is no rescuing, only a mutual respect born in a bond that forms organically just at the point in the characters lives wherein such healing and love can happen. She doesn't rely on the "big misunderstanding" to create tension between the lovers, but drives outside forces into the mix to strengthen the love forming. It's quieter, and more beautiful, in my opinion. Relying on love, respect, and understanding to create a love story--who'da thunk it?
In books one and two of The Sweet Life, Tuscany and Bath were characters in their own right. In Saving Anna, Germany and Bruges were more like co-conspirators in the stories of Anna and Josef, and Anna and Isaak. Struth effortlessly gets in the culture, the customs, the cities themselves without ever sounding like a travelogue. I feel like I could go to any of the places in the book now, and have it feel like I've been there before. Like a place I lived, rather than one I visited.
While I've enjoyed all of her books, I feel this one has even more depth, and a maturity that comes with writing with both heart and brain engaged.
In books one and two of The Sweet Life, Tuscany and Bath were characters in their own right. In Saving Anna, Germany and Bruges were more like co-conspirators in the stories of Anna and Josef, and Anna and Isaak. Struth effortlessly gets in the culture, the customs, the cities themselves without ever sounding like a travelogue. I feel like I could go to any of the places in the book now, and have it feel like I've been there before. Like a place I lived, rather than one I visited.
While I've enjoyed all of her books, I feel this one has even more depth, and a maturity that comes with writing with both heart and brain engaged.
October 4, 2018
A story of escape, hope & love. Anna is a victim of abuse, her neighbour was a victim of war. He enabled her to leave her past behind to find his.
A beautiful tale of friendship, so well written, I got caught up in the history and impact war has on everybody’s life and also how domestic violence affects its victims and their family and friends. I just couldn’t put this book down and look forward to more from this author.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A beautiful tale of friendship, so well written, I got caught up in the history and impact war has on everybody’s life and also how domestic violence affects its victims and their family and friends. I just couldn’t put this book down and look forward to more from this author.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 17, 2019
Anna is in an abusive relationship with her husband and decides to escape and divorce him. To keep out of his way when he receives the papers she decides to honour the wishes of her late neighbour and travel to Germany to find the people that helped him escape during the war and thank them. Once she arrives in Mainz on the edge of the Rhine she realises that she needs a guide and a translator and so she hires Josef. Anna soon realises that he is also a damaged soul and they become close, but can they both get over their pasts and move on?
A good storyline with believable characters and I also enjoyed the world war 2 history aspect of the book, definitely worth reading
A good storyline with believable characters and I also enjoyed the world war 2 history aspect of the book, definitely worth reading
November 19, 2018
Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing Corporation, and Sharon Struth for an ARC ebook copy to review. As always, an honest review from me.
My rating is actually 4.5/5 stars, but since there aren't half stars I always round up.
Anna’s divorcing her abusive husband. She’s using a trip to Germany from an old friend as a way to hopefully stay safe while the divorce papers are served. I thought it was a great setup for her to explore the German countryside and let us readers experience the adventure as well. The story reminds us of the atrocities of WWII, and the good people who tried to help others as well. The fictional story was a way to remind us of all those people persecuted, not just those in the concentration camps.
I also enjoyed Anna’s relationship with Josef. They were both recovering from a lot in life. They were making the best of it and trying to move forward. Their relationship helped each other grow as people.
Overall, it’s a wonderful story of trust, vulnerability, kindness and friendship.
My rating is actually 4.5/5 stars, but since there aren't half stars I always round up.
Anna’s divorcing her abusive husband. She’s using a trip to Germany from an old friend as a way to hopefully stay safe while the divorce papers are served. I thought it was a great setup for her to explore the German countryside and let us readers experience the adventure as well. The story reminds us of the atrocities of WWII, and the good people who tried to help others as well. The fictional story was a way to remind us of all those people persecuted, not just those in the concentration camps.
I also enjoyed Anna’s relationship with Josef. They were both recovering from a lot in life. They were making the best of it and trying to move forward. Their relationship helped each other grow as people.
Overall, it’s a wonderful story of trust, vulnerability, kindness and friendship.
Want to read
November 20, 2018When I first read the book blurb, I knew I just had to read this book. Not only was this book written by one of my favorite authors, Mrs. Struth – as I had previously read, reviewed, and totally loved her book last year, Bella Luna – I felt an instant draw to this book.
This book is about Anna, who is getting away from an abusive marriage and is leaving the USA for a trip to Germany. Anna’s elderly neighbor, Isaak, also, helping to get Anna away from her abusive husband, had tasked her with a dying request to help him find the man who had long ago saved his family from the Nazi’s. Anna’s been looking for the perfect out and with Isaak’s help and him relying on her, she knows now is the time she must go.
Anna arrives in beautiful Mainz, Germany and quickly realizes she will need help getting around the city. Anna hires Josef to drive her around town and translate for her. After some interesting adventures and long hours together, Anna and Josef seem to hit it off. It seems obvious that Josef is also hiding some of his own past emotional demons, but that shared bond only brings them closer as these two characters find love, healing, and so much more in one another.
I really liked the main characters, Anna and Josef! They were realistic, genuine, and relatable. I really enjoyed watching these two characters develop a relationship. They both were severely emotionally damaged and were drowning in their grief and heartache. But the more time they spent together you could see a glimmer of light get through as they started to heal. They were good for each other. And isn’t that what we all want in a partner? Someone that makes us whole? Makes us a better person?
It is clear Mrs. Struth does not know how to write a boring, cookie-cutter character. She writes her characters with depth, that have emotional baggage, are dealing with real-life struggles, and are working on over-coming personal obstacles. She writes real-life characters that face real-world problems. Which is one of the reasons I love her books, because I know when I read it, I will be able to easily connect with the characters and possibly even grow with the characters in the story.
As someone who has personal experience with Domestic Violence, I appreciate books, like this one, that provide an honest insight into that world and even shine light on how walking away isn’t as easy as some people think. I appreciate that Anna’s and Patrick’s abusive relationship was not downplayed or sugar-coated. Also, that this book showed how Domestic Violence doesn’t just affect the couple – it also affects the family, friends, neighbors, and other loved ones.
I enjoyed the history lessons that were weaved throughout the book and learning more about WWII and the impact of the Nazi’s in Germany. There were some very sad stories that were hard to hear. It’s still unbelievable what happened there!
I loved the detailed scenes and beautiful descriptions of the landscape that made me feel like I was right there in the car with Anna and Josef overlooking the Rhine River! I have never been to Germany, but I think after reading this book it will definitely be on my travel bucket list!
Furthermore, I also enjoyed reading the passages with the German customs and traditions. It is clear, Mrs. Struth is familiar with German Culture and was able to add them into fun and interesting scenes while showing a strong knowledge of the area.
This book hits on so many topics such as friendship, love, romance, hope, faith, kindness, growth, healing, forgiveness, new beginnings, second chances, fresh starts, overcoming obstacles, support, determination, domestic violence, respect, compassion, integrity, and so much more.
This book is book three in the A Sweet Life Novel Book Series. However, it can be read as a standalone. I had not read the first two books before reading this book, however, as much as I’ve enjoyed reading this book I definitely wish I had.
I would absolutely recommend this book, this book series, and this author as I was truly impressed with the quality of writing, intriguing storylines, and excellent character development! I will definitely be checking out the other books in this series and other works by this author!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**
This book is about Anna, who is getting away from an abusive marriage and is leaving the USA for a trip to Germany. Anna’s elderly neighbor, Isaak, also, helping to get Anna away from her abusive husband, had tasked her with a dying request to help him find the man who had long ago saved his family from the Nazi’s. Anna’s been looking for the perfect out and with Isaak’s help and him relying on her, she knows now is the time she must go.
Anna arrives in beautiful Mainz, Germany and quickly realizes she will need help getting around the city. Anna hires Josef to drive her around town and translate for her. After some interesting adventures and long hours together, Anna and Josef seem to hit it off. It seems obvious that Josef is also hiding some of his own past emotional demons, but that shared bond only brings them closer as these two characters find love, healing, and so much more in one another.
I really liked the main characters, Anna and Josef! They were realistic, genuine, and relatable. I really enjoyed watching these two characters develop a relationship. They both were severely emotionally damaged and were drowning in their grief and heartache. But the more time they spent together you could see a glimmer of light get through as they started to heal. They were good for each other. And isn’t that what we all want in a partner? Someone that makes us whole? Makes us a better person?
It is clear Mrs. Struth does not know how to write a boring, cookie-cutter character. She writes her characters with depth, that have emotional baggage, are dealing with real-life struggles, and are working on over-coming personal obstacles. She writes real-life characters that face real-world problems. Which is one of the reasons I love her books, because I know when I read it, I will be able to easily connect with the characters and possibly even grow with the characters in the story.
As someone who has personal experience with Domestic Violence, I appreciate books, like this one, that provide an honest insight into that world and even shine light on how walking away isn’t as easy as some people think. I appreciate that Anna’s and Patrick’s abusive relationship was not downplayed or sugar-coated. Also, that this book showed how Domestic Violence doesn’t just affect the couple – it also affects the family, friends, neighbors, and other loved ones.
I enjoyed the history lessons that were weaved throughout the book and learning more about WWII and the impact of the Nazi’s in Germany. There were some very sad stories that were hard to hear. It’s still unbelievable what happened there!
I loved the detailed scenes and beautiful descriptions of the landscape that made me feel like I was right there in the car with Anna and Josef overlooking the Rhine River! I have never been to Germany, but I think after reading this book it will definitely be on my travel bucket list!
Furthermore, I also enjoyed reading the passages with the German customs and traditions. It is clear, Mrs. Struth is familiar with German Culture and was able to add them into fun and interesting scenes while showing a strong knowledge of the area.
This book hits on so many topics such as friendship, love, romance, hope, faith, kindness, growth, healing, forgiveness, new beginnings, second chances, fresh starts, overcoming obstacles, support, determination, domestic violence, respect, compassion, integrity, and so much more.
This book is book three in the A Sweet Life Novel Book Series. However, it can be read as a standalone. I had not read the first two books before reading this book, however, as much as I’ve enjoyed reading this book I definitely wish I had.
I would absolutely recommend this book, this book series, and this author as I was truly impressed with the quality of writing, intriguing storylines, and excellent character development! I will definitely be checking out the other books in this series and other works by this author!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**
November 7, 2018
I loved SAVING ANNA, a powerful story of the strength of the human spirit told in a gentle tone. I've read two other books by Sharon Struth, BELLA LUNA and WILLOW'S WAY, and all three books have wonderful, likable, and relatable female lead characters, all stronger than they give themselves credit for initially but who, through their openness to new experiences and a willingness to take a risk by listening to both their heart and their head, have the bravery to put themselves out there to find themselves, and love, after having been hurt. The book has many levels and threads, all tied together in one way or another by the theme of survival, whether it be about surviving political atrocities or domestic violence or our own psychological defenses stemming from personal trauma that limit our growth and development. SAVING ANNA is a fascinating learning experience about current German culture seen through the eyes of an American. It is also a thoughtful history lesson on the horrors of Nazism in WWII Germany and its insidious growth (with similarities to our present day political climate hard to ignore) as told by characters who survived it, and further personalized by the protagonist's mission to deliver a letter for a departed friend who was orphaned during the Holocaust, which leads her to an exploration of her own roots. The story also provides a teaching moment about how and when to balance altruism with self-interest and survival. My favorite insightful line comes towards the end of the book: "You tried to help the man you loved. That was why you stayed." And a few lines later: "Everything you ever did for love, do now for yourself." As in her other books, but in SAVING ANNA even more so, the author handles some heavy topics with a deftness that is fresh and hopeful. I highly recommend SAVING ANNA. It is at once entertaining, enriching, and thought-provoking, with characters you won't want to say goodbye to.
November 22, 2018
As I was browsing books on NetGalley one night, I came across todays book, Saving Anna by Sharon Struth. I had never heard of the author and I didn't know anything about the book. I read a little about the book and the author, and then thanks to my relationship as a book blogger, I requested the book and was approved.
The protagonist of this book is obvious if you happen to read the title to the book - Anna. Another thing about the title of the book - even though the title would make you think there are folks who are saving Anna, the truth is that Anna saved herself.
"Dear Patrick,
By now you’ve been served the divorce papers and know I’m leaving you. Please seek help and do not look for me. If you are calm when I return, we can talk. Otherwise, you will deal with my attorney.
Anna
She propped the note next to a bowl of fruit, where they always left messages they wanted the other to see…"
Anna's getting away from an abusive marriage and is leaving the United States for a trip to Germany in the hopes that she can stay safely away with friends while the divorce papers are served. She leaves the country and her marriage to try and fulfill her neighbor's wish to thank the people who helped him escape Germany, which he was unable to do before he died.
When Anna arrives in Germany, she soon realizes she needs someone to help her get around the city. She hires Josef to help drive her around and to translate for her. She spends long and interesting hours with Josef and they really get along. Anna is quick to learn that Josef has his own past riddled with emotional demons. The shared bond of their problems brings them closer as they find healing and love with each other.
I was provided with a complimentary electronic advanced reader copy through Net Galley in exchange for my post. I was not required to post a positive review.
The protagonist of this book is obvious if you happen to read the title to the book - Anna. Another thing about the title of the book - even though the title would make you think there are folks who are saving Anna, the truth is that Anna saved herself.
"Dear Patrick,
By now you’ve been served the divorce papers and know I’m leaving you. Please seek help and do not look for me. If you are calm when I return, we can talk. Otherwise, you will deal with my attorney.
Anna
She propped the note next to a bowl of fruit, where they always left messages they wanted the other to see…"
Anna's getting away from an abusive marriage and is leaving the United States for a trip to Germany in the hopes that she can stay safely away with friends while the divorce papers are served. She leaves the country and her marriage to try and fulfill her neighbor's wish to thank the people who helped him escape Germany, which he was unable to do before he died.
When Anna arrives in Germany, she soon realizes she needs someone to help her get around the city. She hires Josef to help drive her around and to translate for her. She spends long and interesting hours with Josef and they really get along. Anna is quick to learn that Josef has his own past riddled with emotional demons. The shared bond of their problems brings them closer as they find healing and love with each other.
I was provided with a complimentary electronic advanced reader copy through Net Galley in exchange for my post. I was not required to post a positive review.
November 27, 2018
Anna Abrams Kelly is an abused spouse who has finally gotten enough strength to leave her horrible situation. She leaves on a trip to Germany to help her neighbor find a missing person who helped him during World War II. Anna has hired a driver and translator, Josef Schmitt, who is recovering from a terrible accident that has affected him physically and mentally. The two form a bond and forge a way to find the healing they both need. This beautifully-written story was poignant and heartwarming. I truly think it is one of the most original and realistic stories of love and second chances that I've read in a long time. I loved this book and am really looking forward to reading more of Susan Struth’s fabulous storytelling.
Saving Anna by Sharon Struth is available from Lyrical Press, an imprint of Kensington Books. An egalley of this book was made available by the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
Saving Anna by Sharon Struth is available from Lyrical Press, an imprint of Kensington Books. An egalley of this book was made available by the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
November 12, 2018
There are so many different themes in Saving Anna and all are wrapped up in a interesting and often complex plot line. Even thought the title makes you think that others are saving Anna the truth is that Anna saved herself. True she had support but it was up to her to do the saving. Anna has been in abusive marriage and as the book opens she is taking steps to leave the marriage. She leaves the country and her marriage to fulfill a quest left to her by her neighbor who died without thanking people who helped him escape Germany. That lead to a look at the past and what happens when you target on group of people. It also left Anna discovering events and people from her own past. I enjoyed meeting the characters in Saving Anna and following her journey of discovery. Turns out that as Anna saved herself she also offered support to others who needed saving.
November 12, 2018
The story is about an abusive marriage and the healing that takes place after the heroine leaves. The things that happen to the main character, Anna send a powerful message but the book is still heartwarming until the end. There is the chance for love again in this slow-burn romance. The book shows you that anything is possible and that love always finds a way.
November 20, 2018
Saving Anna,
To get away from an abusive husband, and to be able to help a friend in need. After they have passed on. A journey that is of a lifetime... one not many can say they will ever get to do... to travel to another place to meet people and do the things you can to help a dear friend and neighbor.. the places you go the things you'll do the people you'll get to meet.. this is a book that I absolutely loved I recommend it to those of you who haven't read a book by Sharon or would like to read a book by Sharon pick it up check it out I haven't read a book by Miss Sharon that I have not loved she fastly become one of my favorite authors I know that if you pick up this story you will not be able to put it down it is a great story it is a book 3 and the other two are amazing that go with this one unbelievable story you will love this one as much as I did I would give it 10 Stars if I could thank you Sharon for writing such an amazing stories..☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
To get away from an abusive husband, and to be able to help a friend in need. After they have passed on. A journey that is of a lifetime... one not many can say they will ever get to do... to travel to another place to meet people and do the things you can to help a dear friend and neighbor.. the places you go the things you'll do the people you'll get to meet.. this is a book that I absolutely loved I recommend it to those of you who haven't read a book by Sharon or would like to read a book by Sharon pick it up check it out I haven't read a book by Miss Sharon that I have not loved she fastly become one of my favorite authors I know that if you pick up this story you will not be able to put it down it is a great story it is a book 3 and the other two are amazing that go with this one unbelievable story you will love this one as much as I did I would give it 10 Stars if I could thank you Sharon for writing such an amazing stories..☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
December 10, 2018
I love this series by Sharon Struth. She takes people who are damaged from their pasts, pluts them in a new environment, and they learn how to forgive themselves and fall in love again, both with themselves and with someone else. And these two characters are definitely damaged.
Josef still suffers from physical pain as a result of a deadly car accident in which he was the sole survivor. He also suffers from a tremendous amount of survivor's guilt, as his passenger, whom he didn't know very well, was killed. He cannot remember any details from the accident and is still searching for an answer to they question of why it happened.
Anna has escaped an abusive marriage, though Patrick could conceivably come after her at any given moment. She has escaped to Germany, thanks to an intuitive neighbor who saw through her covering up and realized what kind of situation she was in. He asked her to please go to Germany and find the man who saved him from the Nazis back during the early days of WWII. He also knew it would be a great excuse for her to leave Patrick, and he left her the means to be able to do it. It was his dying wish for her to do so, and she feels obligated to do this for him. Plus she needs the escape and the history is fascinating.
Josef has been hired to drive Anna wherever she needs to go, and to serve as an interpreter for her should she need one. This forces him to face his demons from the accident. Plus Anna reminds him of Lily, the woman he inadvertently killed. As in the other books in this series, the two MCs end up helping each other heal, without realizing that was going to happen when they met.
I admit that this one took me a little bit longer to get into, but I still enjoyed reading it. I especially liked learning some more of the history. I have along been fascinated by WWII stories, and this one layers in the past with the present to provide an interesting tale. Plus I like these stories of finding redemption and healing in Europe. I look forward to seeing where the next book takes us!
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
Josef still suffers from physical pain as a result of a deadly car accident in which he was the sole survivor. He also suffers from a tremendous amount of survivor's guilt, as his passenger, whom he didn't know very well, was killed. He cannot remember any details from the accident and is still searching for an answer to they question of why it happened.
Anna has escaped an abusive marriage, though Patrick could conceivably come after her at any given moment. She has escaped to Germany, thanks to an intuitive neighbor who saw through her covering up and realized what kind of situation she was in. He asked her to please go to Germany and find the man who saved him from the Nazis back during the early days of WWII. He also knew it would be a great excuse for her to leave Patrick, and he left her the means to be able to do it. It was his dying wish for her to do so, and she feels obligated to do this for him. Plus she needs the escape and the history is fascinating.
Josef has been hired to drive Anna wherever she needs to go, and to serve as an interpreter for her should she need one. This forces him to face his demons from the accident. Plus Anna reminds him of Lily, the woman he inadvertently killed. As in the other books in this series, the two MCs end up helping each other heal, without realizing that was going to happen when they met.
I admit that this one took me a little bit longer to get into, but I still enjoyed reading it. I especially liked learning some more of the history. I have along been fascinated by WWII stories, and this one layers in the past with the present to provide an interesting tale. Plus I like these stories of finding redemption and healing in Europe. I look forward to seeing where the next book takes us!
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
November 18, 2018
Sometimes our relationships change so fast it’s almost as if we weren’t looking. Then we have to wonder which side changed. Which one of us became so different or did we really just not want to see the problems in the first place. You know what I mean, back at the beginning when we were so happy. What a tangled web huh? Along with all of this comes having to find the strength to leave; to just get out. Often when we finally accomplish this, we end up meeting someone with their own baggage. Sometimes it’s good to have someone to share it with and sometimes what you left behind might be harmful to the health of everyone around you. This is the story of Anna.
This is an involved book; one that could be thought of as the romance genre or maybe Women’s Fiction. While this genre is not particularly my “thing”, I had a hard time putting this book down. The storyline is good, and it also touches on a subject many people understand; others question, and some cannot even conceive of. This leads to the only thing I became impatient with in this book. I kept wondering why in the world anyone would feel any obligation to an abuser. But you see, it hasn’t happened to me. Those of us in this position all think we would just walk right out. But we don’t know what that life is like. Struth did such a good job of describing and portraying the situation, I became impatient with the character Anna. Guess that’s what you call good writing huh?
This is the second book I have read and reviewed by Sharon Struth. It’s the second time I’ve said romance was not a genre I enjoyed. She just writes well and sort of sucks you into the story.
***This book was provided to me free of charge in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are definitely my own.
This is an involved book; one that could be thought of as the romance genre or maybe Women’s Fiction. While this genre is not particularly my “thing”, I had a hard time putting this book down. The storyline is good, and it also touches on a subject many people understand; others question, and some cannot even conceive of. This leads to the only thing I became impatient with in this book. I kept wondering why in the world anyone would feel any obligation to an abuser. But you see, it hasn’t happened to me. Those of us in this position all think we would just walk right out. But we don’t know what that life is like. Struth did such a good job of describing and portraying the situation, I became impatient with the character Anna. Guess that’s what you call good writing huh?
This is the second book I have read and reviewed by Sharon Struth. It’s the second time I’ve said romance was not a genre I enjoyed. She just writes well and sort of sucks you into the story.
***This book was provided to me free of charge in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are definitely my own.
November 19, 2018
I have enjoyed every book I have read by Sharon Struth and Saving Anna is no exception. The characters were relatable to me. I loved the sweet and beautiful romance.
I give Saving Anna five plus stars. I highly recommend it. This is such a powerful tale of love, healing and forgiveness. So many readers will be able to connect to this book like I did. I cannot wait for more by this author in the future.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I give Saving Anna five plus stars. I highly recommend it. This is such a powerful tale of love, healing and forgiveness. So many readers will be able to connect to this book like I did. I cannot wait for more by this author in the future.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
November 21, 2018
Saving Anna is a very well written book. I enjoyed the plot and characters. I really enjoyed the author’s writing and look forward to reading more of her books. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my digital arc this is my unbiased review.
December 2, 2018
4.5/5.0
“Saving Anna” is a lovely journey, starring two appealing characters with believable backstories and a genuine chemistry that heats up the prose.
Read full review in the 2018 Nov issue of InD'tale Magazine.
“Saving Anna” is a lovely journey, starring two appealing characters with believable backstories and a genuine chemistry that heats up the prose.
Read full review in the 2018 Nov issue of InD'tale Magazine.
January 12, 2020
Never too late for a second chance
This book is titled Saving Anna, but I think it could also be Saving Josef. Anna finally gets the courage to leave her abusive husband. She embarks on a quest to free herself, but also to carryout a final wish for a friend. Her journey leads her to Josef, her guide, who is recovering from an tragic accident. Through their journey, they each find strength and courage to move past the bad times. The author addresses the issue of domestic violence with realism and tact. I found this book to be a very enjoyable read. Seeing Anna and Josef each come back to their full potential, with the assistance of the other, was refreshing.
This book is titled Saving Anna, but I think it could also be Saving Josef. Anna finally gets the courage to leave her abusive husband. She embarks on a quest to free herself, but also to carryout a final wish for a friend. Her journey leads her to Josef, her guide, who is recovering from an tragic accident. Through their journey, they each find strength and courage to move past the bad times. The author addresses the issue of domestic violence with realism and tact. I found this book to be a very enjoyable read. Seeing Anna and Josef each come back to their full potential, with the assistance of the other, was refreshing.
October 26, 2018
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for a review.
This book starts off a little boring and takes awhile to get good. Maybe 60% boring and 40% good in my opinion.
I can relate to Anna in this whole book and wish it had been more interesting.
I did like the characters in the book but felt the writing style was lacking.
Even though I liked the characters I feel like they needed more depth.
The abuse Anna suffers needs to be gone into more and she needs to be mad about it instead of so forgiving towards her husband.
I went through an abusive marriage and I was more mad than forgiving at first. Also Anna needs to put the blame for the abuse on her husband where it belongs instead of blaming herself for staying with him. These things might make her seem more real to readers.
This book starts off a little boring and takes awhile to get good. Maybe 60% boring and 40% good in my opinion.
I can relate to Anna in this whole book and wish it had been more interesting.
I did like the characters in the book but felt the writing style was lacking.
Even though I liked the characters I feel like they needed more depth.
The abuse Anna suffers needs to be gone into more and she needs to be mad about it instead of so forgiving towards her husband.
I went through an abusive marriage and I was more mad than forgiving at first. Also Anna needs to put the blame for the abuse on her husband where it belongs instead of blaming herself for staying with him. These things might make her seem more real to readers.
Want to read
November 4, 201811/11/2018
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