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Berlin Butterfly #2
Deception
Promises. Devotion. Deception. Betrayal.
It’s 1966 in East Berlin, Germany. The Wall is reinforced with cinder blocks, barbed wire, tank traps, and second-generation guard towers to oversee what is known as the death strip. Its function successfully claims a steady stream of victims longing for freedom and willing to risk everything to escape the destruction known as the Deutsche Democratic Republic.
Ella Kühn now in her twenties, faithfully awaits the end of Stefan‘s ten-year military sentence, yearning for the moment they will finally be together. A mysterious disappearance, startling news from the West, and surprising betrayal wrench Ella’s dedicated resolve in shocking directions. Her stubborn curiosity and devotion to those she loves pushes her to pursue answers in the face of doubt, danger, and even death.
In Deception, book 2 of the “Berlin Butterfly” series, Ella’s search for light in an ever-growing darkness introduces her to new friends, perilous associations, and deadly exploits. Will Stefan’s love and the belief that he will return be enough to keep Ella on the East side of the wall? Or does heartache and treachery push her to join the family and a life of freedom she longs for? Fans of German war fiction and historical romance will love this extraordinary twentieth-century political drama.
It’s 1966 in East Berlin, Germany. The Wall is reinforced with cinder blocks, barbed wire, tank traps, and second-generation guard towers to oversee what is known as the death strip. Its function successfully claims a steady stream of victims longing for freedom and willing to risk everything to escape the destruction known as the Deutsche Democratic Republic.
Ella Kühn now in her twenties, faithfully awaits the end of Stefan‘s ten-year military sentence, yearning for the moment they will finally be together. A mysterious disappearance, startling news from the West, and surprising betrayal wrench Ella’s dedicated resolve in shocking directions. Her stubborn curiosity and devotion to those she loves pushes her to pursue answers in the face of doubt, danger, and even death.
In Deception, book 2 of the “Berlin Butterfly” series, Ella’s search for light in an ever-growing darkness introduces her to new friends, perilous associations, and deadly exploits. Will Stefan’s love and the belief that he will return be enough to keep Ella on the East side of the wall? Or does heartache and treachery push her to join the family and a life of freedom she longs for? Fans of German war fiction and historical romance will love this extraordinary twentieth-century political drama.
375 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2018
159 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
Leah Moyes
31 books186 followersLeah Moyes is a wife and a mother, a former teacher and coach with a background in Anthropology and History. Between writing and archaeological digs, the world is her playground.
She loves popcorn and seafood (though not together) and is slowly checking off her very long bucket list.
She loves popcorn and seafood (though not together) and is slowly checking off her very long bucket list.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 30, 2019
It's been hard on Ella waiting out Stefan's service in the military, but she has the letters he has sent to her to keep her going, until, the letters stop. Time seems to keep crawling forward and Ella isn't sure what to make of Stefan's radio silence. He hasn't even communicated with his family, and more importantly, his sister Katherine with whom he is very close with. On the one hand, it makes Ella keep hope that he hasn't blown her off because he isn't writing his family, and on the other hand, it has everyone worried for Stefan's safety.
But as the months start to pile on top of each other, Ella starts to doubt Stefan. There is no reason for him to have gone on this long without writing her, so she crawls into a hole and shuts off communication with everyone who loves her. Finally realizing that this isn't the life she wants, she starts writing her brother and Anton again, she even makes contact with Katherine, who is now married and has returned home to work. Her desire for more out of life leads her back to some old friends, friends who don't want to stay in the East any longer.
What embarks is a dangerous mission to tunnel out of East Berlin, to make her way back to Josef and Anton, and to escape the pain of Anton's betrayal in the East.
I really love what Moyes has done with this series. Ella has evolved quite a bit since book 1 and while she still isn't completely strong and assertive, she is starting to take control of her life. There were things I wasn't expecting out of her relationship with Stefan and I can't wait to see how that resolves in book 3. Every time things started to go well for Ella, something set her back, and my heart broke for her. Deception is very nicely done and I cannot wait to continue Ella's story.
But as the months start to pile on top of each other, Ella starts to doubt Stefan. There is no reason for him to have gone on this long without writing her, so she crawls into a hole and shuts off communication with everyone who loves her. Finally realizing that this isn't the life she wants, she starts writing her brother and Anton again, she even makes contact with Katherine, who is now married and has returned home to work. Her desire for more out of life leads her back to some old friends, friends who don't want to stay in the East any longer.
What embarks is a dangerous mission to tunnel out of East Berlin, to make her way back to Josef and Anton, and to escape the pain of Anton's betrayal in the East.
I really love what Moyes has done with this series. Ella has evolved quite a bit since book 1 and while she still isn't completely strong and assertive, she is starting to take control of her life. There were things I wasn't expecting out of her relationship with Stefan and I can't wait to see how that resolves in book 3. Every time things started to go well for Ella, something set her back, and my heart broke for her. Deception is very nicely done and I cannot wait to continue Ella's story.
November 12, 2019
Captivating
I've read Ensnare, the first book in the Berlin Butterfly series, and while it's not necessary, I recommend it. In this story, now, it's 1966 and Ella is grown, there is still the battle of the Berlin sides, with its wall more than just barbed wire. This story was just as grand as the first one, and this one shows more character growth, and depth. A new storyline, but the same struggles and journey, adding heart-filled love to keep her going. This is just as much as a page turner as the other one, and I enjoyed both very much. I look forward to her next book due to be released soon. This book is recommended by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews.
I've read Ensnare, the first book in the Berlin Butterfly series, and while it's not necessary, I recommend it. In this story, now, it's 1966 and Ella is grown, there is still the battle of the Berlin sides, with its wall more than just barbed wire. This story was just as grand as the first one, and this one shows more character growth, and depth. A new storyline, but the same struggles and journey, adding heart-filled love to keep her going. This is just as much as a page turner as the other one, and I enjoyed both very much. I look forward to her next book due to be released soon. This book is recommended by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews.
February 8, 2019
I love this series! Deception is book 2 and I am captivated with the characters! Ella is strong yet vulnerable and Stefan and Anton...ahhhh...I understand there will be one more book, thank goodness! It was a cliff hanger!
February 4, 2021
Relinquish Butterfly
Deception - what a heart breaking story. This book goes through a lot of emotional turmoil. So many thins that transpire in this story are dreadful and distressing. This is the continuation of Book 1, and the life of Stefan and Ella seem to get worse, not better. The reality of this book is that the reader comprehends the brutality of the East German system especially when Ella and her friends go through a failed escape and how brutal the border police where. This book keeps you are your toes throughout the read. The reader has such a deflated understanding and a feeling of total entrapment. Definitely worth the read.
Deception - what a heart breaking story. This book goes through a lot of emotional turmoil. So many thins that transpire in this story are dreadful and distressing. This is the continuation of Book 1, and the life of Stefan and Ella seem to get worse, not better. The reality of this book is that the reader comprehends the brutality of the East German system especially when Ella and her friends go through a failed escape and how brutal the border police where. This book keeps you are your toes throughout the read. The reader has such a deflated understanding and a feeling of total entrapment. Definitely worth the read.
October 2, 2020
Stunning
Excellent book. I have been in East Berlin before the wall came down; sad place; just saw Documentary about a murder that took place after the wall came down and a person was assigned to liquidate the businesses on the eastern side. Someone killed him. All of the political intrigue was there, just like in the book. I definitely want to read the next chapter of this story.
Excellent book. I have been in East Berlin before the wall came down; sad place; just saw Documentary about a murder that took place after the wall came down and a person was assigned to liquidate the businesses on the eastern side. Someone killed him. All of the political intrigue was there, just like in the book. I definitely want to read the next chapter of this story.
January 29, 2022
Holy cow!
What more can this young woman go through! I got the 3 books in this series and have been marathoning them because I can't put them down. I love how even with all the nastiness in her life, and she's no angel. There is color in the form of butterflies. Not too often seen so you get used to good things. Just enough to remind her to hang in there. And hopefully to inspire others as well. Good books!
What more can this young woman go through! I got the 3 books in this series and have been marathoning them because I can't put them down. I love how even with all the nastiness in her life, and she's no angel. There is color in the form of butterflies. Not too often seen so you get used to good things. Just enough to remind her to hang in there. And hopefully to inspire others as well. Good books!
May 7, 2022
A great story of love and compassion.
The author has written a great story of life and love and what happens to them when the troubles of the world get in the way to keep lovers and friends apart. Very enjoyable and entertaining reading that will give you a great prospective on life.
The author has written a great story of life and love and what happens to them when the troubles of the world get in the way to keep lovers and friends apart. Very enjoyable and entertaining reading that will give you a great prospective on life.
January 9, 2020
Great story
This book gives you a glimpse of what life was like on the east side of Berlin. It's a great book but unfortunately these are true stories of people who suffered so much.
This book gives you a glimpse of what life was like on the east side of Berlin. It's a great book but unfortunately these are true stories of people who suffered so much.
January 16, 2023
Berlin Butterfly Book 2
So many things happened to Ella from childhood to adult. Love, hate and even wanted to die. She feels doomed to East Berlin. I really cried with this book.
So many things happened to Ella from childhood to adult. Love, hate and even wanted to die. She feels doomed to East Berlin. I really cried with this book.
March 28, 2021
Berlin Butterfly: Deception: Berlin Butterfly Series Book 2 is by Leah Moyes. This is the second in the series about the Berlin Wall and its effect on the people who were separated from loved ones because of it. It is the continuing story of Ella and Stefan.
The Wall went up one night without warning. At first, it was simply wire; but that swiftly changed into concrete barriers and then a second wall creating a zone between where many were caught trying to escape. There were many attempts at escape from the East to the West. Most of them probably didn’t make it. There was never a count and people just disappeared. Some tried to swim across and were shot or drowned. Some tried to climb the wall and were shot. Some tried to tunnel under the wall and either the tunnel collapsed, they were caught, or they made it through. The Stasi infiltrated clubs and groups and meetings to try to catch people talking about trying to escape. If caught, they were questioned, tortured, or bribed into exposing everyone possible in the group.
Ella had not heard from Stefan for over thirty-three months. He had promised to write; but either he was unable to or his letters were being confiscated or he had fallen out of love with her. She was desperate to hear from him and tried everything to get news about him. His sister, Katherine, had not heard from him either and through her, she knew his parents hadn’t heard. There was to be a military parade that afternoon and the troops were to be marched through town so she intended to be there to see if she would be able to see him at least. She finally made her way to a place where she could see the men and watched them go by. Unfortunately, they all looked alike from a distance and she was unable to pick him out. So, she went to work at the café. When she got there, she served a group of soldiers and noticed they had the same insignia on their sleeves as Stefan did. She asked them about him and they knew exactly who she was. He was to meet them there. At that moment, he came in. She was able to spend the next three days with him. Of course, she had to share him evenings with his parents and she could not go to their house as they disapproved of her. Then he was gone again and they had no idea how long nor where. At lease they had reaffirmed their commitment to each other. Now they were back to letterwriting for who knew how long.
While Stefan is gone, Ella tries to keep busy with her job and with the little girl Mari that they saved from the streets and managed to get into the orphanage where Ella had been brought up. She also tried to keep in contact with Josef and Anton who were in the West. She missed her brother and best friend very much; but not as much as she missed Stefan. Why didn’t he write?
The Wall went up one night without warning. At first, it was simply wire; but that swiftly changed into concrete barriers and then a second wall creating a zone between where many were caught trying to escape. There were many attempts at escape from the East to the West. Most of them probably didn’t make it. There was never a count and people just disappeared. Some tried to swim across and were shot or drowned. Some tried to climb the wall and were shot. Some tried to tunnel under the wall and either the tunnel collapsed, they were caught, or they made it through. The Stasi infiltrated clubs and groups and meetings to try to catch people talking about trying to escape. If caught, they were questioned, tortured, or bribed into exposing everyone possible in the group.
Ella had not heard from Stefan for over thirty-three months. He had promised to write; but either he was unable to or his letters were being confiscated or he had fallen out of love with her. She was desperate to hear from him and tried everything to get news about him. His sister, Katherine, had not heard from him either and through her, she knew his parents hadn’t heard. There was to be a military parade that afternoon and the troops were to be marched through town so she intended to be there to see if she would be able to see him at least. She finally made her way to a place where she could see the men and watched them go by. Unfortunately, they all looked alike from a distance and she was unable to pick him out. So, she went to work at the café. When she got there, she served a group of soldiers and noticed they had the same insignia on their sleeves as Stefan did. She asked them about him and they knew exactly who she was. He was to meet them there. At that moment, he came in. She was able to spend the next three days with him. Of course, she had to share him evenings with his parents and she could not go to their house as they disapproved of her. Then he was gone again and they had no idea how long nor where. At lease they had reaffirmed their commitment to each other. Now they were back to letterwriting for who knew how long.
While Stefan is gone, Ella tries to keep busy with her job and with the little girl Mari that they saved from the streets and managed to get into the orphanage where Ella had been brought up. She also tried to keep in contact with Josef and Anton who were in the West. She missed her brother and best friend very much; but not as much as she missed Stefan. Why didn’t he write?
January 31, 2022
After reading Ensnare, the first book in this trilogy about Ella Kuhn, left on her own in East Berlin when her brother and her best friend from the orphanage make it to West Berlin just as the Berlin wall goes up, I gobbled up the other two books. The next installment takes place five years later. Ella is living on her own, working in a diner and still recovering emotionally from a trauma she endured five years ago that caused uncertainty in her young love relationship. She is, in one sense, in a more stable living situation with a loving landlady and kind employers. She maintains a friendship with another person who worked for the Frankes. But the oppression in East Germany grows and her ongoing wish to be able to connect with her brother and best friend in West Germany is palpable. To avoid spoilers, I will just say that again, Moyes writes beautifully, develops Ella's character and strength in the face of adversity and shows us what life behind the wall was like. She begins to give us a larger picture of the resistance to the government and police and Ella's burgeoning sense that she must do something to show opposition. Again, the romance parts of a romance novel always feel unrealistic and manipulative to me but that is their reason d'être for people who gobble these up. What made me read the whole trilogy is that Moyes is a fabulous writer and wonderful story teller and I'm a sucker for historical fiction that is well researched. This is well worth the read!
February 7, 2022
Berlin Butterfly series – Book two – Deception
Deception is the second book in the trilogy Berlin Butterfly by Leah Moyes. Ella, the heroine of book one, continues to live a sparse life trapped behind the Wall. No longer employed by the wealthy Franke family, she now works as a waitress. Her beloved Stephan is serving a ten-year military service sentence and she spends her free time writing to him. However, she does not have his address, so her letters remain in a pile.
Whenever there is a military parade in Berlin, Ella searches for a possible sight of Stephan. Three years after his departure, she miraculously finds him, and they reunite for a couple of wonderful days. Stephan even proposes to Ella, and she accepts. Later, they come across a young girl living under street debris, they decide to help her. They name her Mari. Mari needs immediate medical treatment to survive. Stephan gives the doctor his gold pocket watch to cover the costs.
Then he is gone. He gives her his communal mail address. She continually writes to him but receives only one reply. Meanwhile, Ella speaks with the head of the orphanage where she herself grew up and secures a spot for Mari. Ella also makes contact with her brothers in the West. Her desire to be reunited with them grows and she begins to question her commitment to Stephan.
Ella starts taking increased risks as she pursues the idea of trying to escape to the West. She puts herself in much more danger. In this second book, we see a much more confident and angry Ella. She keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.
As in Book One, Moyes provides a vivid sense of time and place. The atmosphere of constant surveillance and danger is loud and clear. The military presence has increased as the government clamps down on any signs of subversive activity. The reader feels goosebumps!
This historically accurate page-turner is a gem!!
Deception is the second book in the trilogy Berlin Butterfly by Leah Moyes. Ella, the heroine of book one, continues to live a sparse life trapped behind the Wall. No longer employed by the wealthy Franke family, she now works as a waitress. Her beloved Stephan is serving a ten-year military service sentence and she spends her free time writing to him. However, she does not have his address, so her letters remain in a pile.
Whenever there is a military parade in Berlin, Ella searches for a possible sight of Stephan. Three years after his departure, she miraculously finds him, and they reunite for a couple of wonderful days. Stephan even proposes to Ella, and she accepts. Later, they come across a young girl living under street debris, they decide to help her. They name her Mari. Mari needs immediate medical treatment to survive. Stephan gives the doctor his gold pocket watch to cover the costs.
Then he is gone. He gives her his communal mail address. She continually writes to him but receives only one reply. Meanwhile, Ella speaks with the head of the orphanage where she herself grew up and secures a spot for Mari. Ella also makes contact with her brothers in the West. Her desire to be reunited with them grows and she begins to question her commitment to Stephan.
Ella starts taking increased risks as she pursues the idea of trying to escape to the West. She puts herself in much more danger. In this second book, we see a much more confident and angry Ella. She keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.
As in Book One, Moyes provides a vivid sense of time and place. The atmosphere of constant surveillance and danger is loud and clear. The military presence has increased as the government clamps down on any signs of subversive activity. The reader feels goosebumps!
This historically accurate page-turner is a gem!!
November 28, 2018
Keeper, I can't wait for book 3
I am so excited to share this book with you. The Berlin Butterfly series, written by Leah Moyes, is the story of Ella, a young woman who finds herself alone and separated from her friends and family on the east side of the Berlin wall. It is a story of survival, strength, hope, and love. Berlin Butterfly Deception continues Ella’s story finding Ella still separated from her friend Anton and her brother Josef but with a hope for her future, a hope of love and family with Stefan that keeps her from escaping to the west. But her struggles are not over. Can her hope survive the challenges of being trapped in East Berlin? Please order Berlin Butterfly Deception and of course start with Berlin Butterfly Ensnare. My hope is you will love Ella's story as much as I do.
I am so excited to share this book with you. The Berlin Butterfly series, written by Leah Moyes, is the story of Ella, a young woman who finds herself alone and separated from her friends and family on the east side of the Berlin wall. It is a story of survival, strength, hope, and love. Berlin Butterfly Deception continues Ella’s story finding Ella still separated from her friend Anton and her brother Josef but with a hope for her future, a hope of love and family with Stefan that keeps her from escaping to the west. But her struggles are not over. Can her hope survive the challenges of being trapped in East Berlin? Please order Berlin Butterfly Deception and of course start with Berlin Butterfly Ensnare. My hope is you will love Ella's story as much as I do.
December 19, 2023
wonderfully written
It’s a book full of sorrow in so many ways but so wonderfully written. I know it’s not the end of the story for Ella and look forward to reading her next season in her life. Living behind the wall must have been excruciating for people who had loved ones on the other side. Imagine that went both ways really. I recommend this book and all of Leah Moyes books. She’s a great author who brings her characters to life so I want to know more about them. To me that’s what a good book is.
It’s a book full of sorrow in so many ways but so wonderfully written. I know it’s not the end of the story for Ella and look forward to reading her next season in her life. Living behind the wall must have been excruciating for people who had loved ones on the other side. Imagine that went both ways really. I recommend this book and all of Leah Moyes books. She’s a great author who brings her characters to life so I want to know more about them. To me that’s what a good book is.
October 23, 2020
Wonderful series
This poor Ella has so much to endure, no wonder she has deep depression and turned to the bottle. I recommend this series it is wonderful! Looking forward to last book.
This poor Ella has so much to endure, no wonder she has deep depression and turned to the bottle. I recommend this series it is wonderful! Looking forward to last book.
November 9, 2022
Heartbreaking
Parts of the writing annoyed me but Moyes can really tell a story. A heart wrenching, realistic story that is as messy as real life. I didn't want to stop reading. My heart aches along with Ella. Can't wait to the next.
Parts of the writing annoyed me but Moyes can really tell a story. A heart wrenching, realistic story that is as messy as real life. I didn't want to stop reading. My heart aches along with Ella. Can't wait to the next.
December 20, 2023
Another wonderful book in the Butterfly Series by Leah Moyes.The book just keeps you hanging on in hopeful anticipation.Unfortunately while there is some uplifting moments,you are still left with a desire for a better outcome.Well,maybe soon!!
January 1, 2024
wonderful book
This is a great series. Many twist and turns. Very well written. I have not read any books post WW2 with the wall. Didn’t think I would enjoy it. Starting the third book now.
This is a great series. Many twist and turns. Very well written. I have not read any books post WW2 with the wall. Didn’t think I would enjoy it. Starting the third book now.
March 17, 2022
I really loved this one! I love how there is so much depth in each and every one of the characters. It helps me become more invested in the story and their emotions.
August 7, 2020
Must read series!
Wow! Such an amazing book, I can’t wait to read #3. It’ll keep you drawn in! What more can I say than the other reviews??!
Wow! Such an amazing book, I can’t wait to read #3. It’ll keep you drawn in! What more can I say than the other reviews??!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews