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World War II Liberator #1
From Dust and Ashes: A Story of Liberation
Inspired by real-life stories and events, From Dust and Ashes takes place during World War II in 1945. A group of American soldiers liberate a Nazi concentration camp. Helene is an abandoned wife on the SS guard who has fled to avoid arrest. Overcome by guilt, she helps the needs of survivors. Throughout the process, she finds her own liberation – from spiritual bondage, sin, and guilt.Readers will be intrigued and touched by this fascinating story of love, faithfulness, and courage amidst one of the darkest chapters of mankind's history. From Dust and Ashes is perfect and women of all agesreaders that enjoy war novels and historical fiction based on true stories and actual eventshomeschoolers, summer reading programs for teens and adults, and book clubsinstructors teaching lessons about the Holocaust, WWII, and Veteran’s DayAfter reading, you’ll about liberators during WWIIthe horrifying emotional toll related to the concentration campsmore about the fundamentals of ChristianityFrom Dust and Ashes is book one of the Liberator Series. If you enjoy this book, check out the other novels in the Night Song, Dawn of a Thousand Nights, and Arms of Deliverance.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2003
359 people are currently reading
2047 people want to read
About the author
Tricia Goyer
162 books1,672 followersTricia Goyer is a busy mom of ten, grandmother of two, and wife to John. Somewhere around the hustle and bustle of family life, she manages to find the time to write fictional tales delighting and entertaining readers and non-fiction titles offering encouragement and hope. A bestselling author, Tricia has published thirty-three books to date and has written more than 500 articles. She is a two time Carol Award winner, as well as a Christy and ECPA Award Nominee. In 2010, she was selected as one of the Top 20 Moms to Follow on Twitter by SheKnows.com. Tricia is also on the blogging team at MomLifeToday.com, TheBetterMom.com and other homeschooling and Christian sites.In addition to her roles as mom, wife and author, Tricia volunteers around her community and mentors teen moms. She is the founder of Hope Pregnancy Ministries in Northwestern Montana, and she currently leads a Teen MOPS Group in Little Rock, AR. Learn more about Tricia at www.triciagoyer.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
January 29, 2009
I've been looking around for a Christian author I could recommend to others, and finally can say I've found one. I picked up this book from my local library's "Inspirational Reading" shelf and decided to give it a try. This is the only book I've read by Tricia Goyer, but I would recommend it. It's a story of the liberating of a concentration camp in the weeks/months leading up to the end of WWII. The author did a good job of allowing you to feel the horrors of the camps without getting too graphic. The reader is pushed to look at the situations of all involved: the prisoners, the soldiers who liberated them, the SS prison guards and their families, and the townspeople who lived their quiet lives just outside the barbed wire, knowing full well what was going on there.
The plot took enough twists and turns to keep me interested, and included elements of redemption, forgiveness, intrigue and romance. I like that the characters were messy and fallible, as we all are.
I enjoyed this book, and when I'm ready to curl up with a good inspirational novel again, I'll seek out another book by this author.
The plot took enough twists and turns to keep me interested, and included elements of redemption, forgiveness, intrigue and romance. I like that the characters were messy and fallible, as we all are.
I enjoyed this book, and when I'm ready to curl up with a good inspirational novel again, I'll seek out another book by this author.
March 23, 2023
I've always been fascinated with WWII history. It's actually what got me into historical fiction as a genre in the first place. And that opened a portal to many other periods in history and even developed into a love of history, which I never dreamed I'd have.
Among many things I appreciate about Tricia Goyer, her dedication to historical accuracy and authenticity is one of them. WWII is a tender time in our history, full of betrayal, inhumanity, and deep, deep pain. Tricia pays that tender time its due while still maintaining an inspirational thread to point readers to the light. She manages the delicate balance of the weight of WWII events and hope and it's beautiful.
The first few pages of the book confused me a little. I was a little disoriented, but once I got my footing and figured out what was going on, I followed the story easily. It seemed to fly by, too. I remember getting to the last few chapters and realizing there were eighteen pages left. My heart sped up. I wasn't sure how she'd wrap everything up and make it satisfying in time. But she did! I really enjoyed the different perspectives. And the characters were darling! I loved watching each of them grow and develop. It was beautiful to see how the story unfolded around each of them and threaded together.
And not only was the book historically accurate, but it's hard to find accurate military books, too! I appreciated that it wasn't all hype and unrealistic damsels in distress that military men break rules to go save. The story itself had enough engagement and intrigue rooted in history that it didn't need false tension.
This is the first of Tricia's fiction novels I've read, but it will most certainly not be the last.
As for content: there's no swearing and no graphic violence. It is set in Austria during WWII, so there is weight and Tricia doesn't shy away from showing the conditions of the concentration camps, the grief of the people and the war-torn land. She explores themes of anger, bitterness, forgiveness, healing, and second chances. There's a sweet and mild romance. I'd probably recommend the book for maybe 15+
Among many things I appreciate about Tricia Goyer, her dedication to historical accuracy and authenticity is one of them. WWII is a tender time in our history, full of betrayal, inhumanity, and deep, deep pain. Tricia pays that tender time its due while still maintaining an inspirational thread to point readers to the light. She manages the delicate balance of the weight of WWII events and hope and it's beautiful.
The first few pages of the book confused me a little. I was a little disoriented, but once I got my footing and figured out what was going on, I followed the story easily. It seemed to fly by, too. I remember getting to the last few chapters and realizing there were eighteen pages left. My heart sped up. I wasn't sure how she'd wrap everything up and make it satisfying in time. But she did! I really enjoyed the different perspectives. And the characters were darling! I loved watching each of them grow and develop. It was beautiful to see how the story unfolded around each of them and threaded together.
And not only was the book historically accurate, but it's hard to find accurate military books, too! I appreciated that it wasn't all hype and unrealistic damsels in distress that military men break rules to go save. The story itself had enough engagement and intrigue rooted in history that it didn't need false tension.
This is the first of Tricia's fiction novels I've read, but it will most certainly not be the last.
As for content: there's no swearing and no graphic violence. It is set in Austria during WWII, so there is weight and Tricia doesn't shy away from showing the conditions of the concentration camps, the grief of the people and the war-torn land. She explores themes of anger, bitterness, forgiveness, healing, and second chances. There's a sweet and mild romance. I'd probably recommend the book for maybe 15+
June 27, 2025
A good story.
I wish there were more books set at the close, or just after, WWII. Fiction or non-fiction. When I saw this book was set then, I had to read it!
I appreciated how the main character's SS husband was written.
I didn't catch when the main characters who fell in love fell in love, but they said they had, so I guess they did. Also, one fellow hopped from being in love with one lady, to almost immediately falling in love with another. That would be my only qualm!
I wish there were more books set at the close, or just after, WWII. Fiction or non-fiction. When I saw this book was set then, I had to read it!
I appreciated how the main character's SS husband was written.
I didn't catch when the main characters who fell in love fell in love, but they said they had, so I guess they did. Also, one fellow hopped from being in love with one lady, to almost immediately falling in love with another. That would be my only qualm!
October 31, 2015
This was a complete nightmare of a book.
In 1945 Peter, Michaela, and Helene all meet.
Helen is the wife of a concentration camp soldier and for years has heard the cries for help from the camp. She hates it there but was afraid to leave her husband. When he finally runs as the Americans close in she goes to the camp with food to help whoever she can.
Michaela is one of those people. When they are released from the camp by the Americans Helene takes in Michaela and Leila into her father's house, feeding them and nursing them back to health. While doing so Helene meets the American soldier Peter, who helps her on her journey out of Austria. The two eventually fall in love and marry.
My primary complaints about the novel are the stock characters and the convoluted plot. Everyone is either good or bad and that depends strictly upon the authors telling us so. There might be some acts of charity done but they tend to be minor and lauded to the high heavens. Helene is completely without agency. She depends entirely on the men in her life, first her husband, then father, then Peter and the other American soldiers. Her sole act of independence is to list the names and information about the men who were guards in the concentration camp where her husband worked. She did this to help herself and her kids get to America so forgive me if I don't see that as an act of heroism.
The twist and turns in the plot could have been interesting but were made mediocre by the writing. The treasure should have been fascinating but instead was a minuscule part of the plot and solved too easily by Helene.
Clearly the book didn't work for me.
#2 Anniversary Challenge
In 1945 Peter, Michaela, and Helene all meet.
Helen is the wife of a concentration camp soldier and for years has heard the cries for help from the camp. She hates it there but was afraid to leave her husband. When he finally runs as the Americans close in she goes to the camp with food to help whoever she can.
Michaela is one of those people. When they are released from the camp by the Americans Helene takes in Michaela and Leila into her father's house, feeding them and nursing them back to health. While doing so Helene meets the American soldier Peter, who helps her on her journey out of Austria. The two eventually fall in love and marry.
My primary complaints about the novel are the stock characters and the convoluted plot. Everyone is either good or bad and that depends strictly upon the authors telling us so. There might be some acts of charity done but they tend to be minor and lauded to the high heavens. Helene is completely without agency. She depends entirely on the men in her life, first her husband, then father, then Peter and the other American soldiers. Her sole act of independence is to list the names and information about the men who were guards in the concentration camp where her husband worked. She did this to help herself and her kids get to America so forgive me if I don't see that as an act of heroism.
The twist and turns in the plot could have been interesting but were made mediocre by the writing. The treasure should have been fascinating but instead was a minuscule part of the plot and solved too easily by Helene.
Clearly the book didn't work for me.
#2 Anniversary Challenge
August 14, 2019
The Aftermath of WW11
Tricia Goyer has done her research so well that it made this reader forget it was fiction. The author had interviewed and came to know veterans from the second world war, personally. She wrote this story based on their experiences from the time the American service men entered the death camps in Austria to free the victims to the first two years after the war ended. Although the story was fiction she was able to make it seem real because of the time she spent talking with these veterans at their last reunion.
The story was filled with accounts of the struggles the victims from the concentration camps faced as they healed and recovered from the horrible treatment and starvation they experienced through their years of imprisonment. Readers were swept into many unpredictable situations that made for edge of seat reading. The love of God shone through whenever a compassionate character reached out to help these holocaust victims recover and adapt to living outside the concentration camps.
I had previously read The Night Song , book one of this series which took readers from the prewar years and on through WW11 and as the war ended. I plan to continue on in this series .
Readers who love reading WW11 stories , Christian Fiction or follow the author will love this book. I highly recommend it.
I bought an ebook copy from Amazon. A positive review was not requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Tricia Goyer has done her research so well that it made this reader forget it was fiction. The author had interviewed and came to know veterans from the second world war, personally. She wrote this story based on their experiences from the time the American service men entered the death camps in Austria to free the victims to the first two years after the war ended. Although the story was fiction she was able to make it seem real because of the time she spent talking with these veterans at their last reunion.
The story was filled with accounts of the struggles the victims from the concentration camps faced as they healed and recovered from the horrible treatment and starvation they experienced through their years of imprisonment. Readers were swept into many unpredictable situations that made for edge of seat reading. The love of God shone through whenever a compassionate character reached out to help these holocaust victims recover and adapt to living outside the concentration camps.
I had previously read The Night Song , book one of this series which took readers from the prewar years and on through WW11 and as the war ended. I plan to continue on in this series .
Readers who love reading WW11 stories , Christian Fiction or follow the author will love this book. I highly recommend it.
I bought an ebook copy from Amazon. A positive review was not requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
August 13, 2012
I can't recommend this book. It was offered "free" by Amazon; and I got what I paid for. I picked this book no only because it was free, but because it dealt with WWII and Germany. I have always been fascinated by the time period, what led up to the war, the war itself, and immediately after the war. The back cover of the book and the recommendations given lead one to believe that this story was based upon true events, and was accurate in its historical detail. Well, that might be a little stretch of the truth. Yes, there were death camps near the town the story takes place in, and yes the 11th Armored were the soldiers that entered the camps and released the prisoners; from that point on fiction takes over. The characters reminded me of the kids on South Park; flat, no depth, what you see is what you get. The good guys were all very good and the bad guys were always very bad, no shades of grey here. Another thing that bothered me was that this turned out to be a Christian book. Th..."
February 28, 2016
Wow. This. Book. Was. Amazing. I got it for Christmas but I didn't get a chance to read it until recently. Now I need to collect the whole series!!!! :)
Tricia Goyer does an excellent job intertwining the lives of the three main characters. There were many times I thought I had figured out how it all would end, only to be thrown a whole new twist in the next chapter. and of course it's set in WWII, which is my favorite time period ever!!! I can't wait to read the rest of the books in the series!
Tricia Goyer does an excellent job intertwining the lives of the three main characters. There were many times I thought I had figured out how it all would end, only to be thrown a whole new twist in the next chapter. and of course it's set in WWII, which is my favorite time period ever!!! I can't wait to read the rest of the books in the series!
November 17, 2021
In lieu of Remembrance Day, I wanted to read a story with a WWII theme. Since I love Tricia Goyer's other books so much, I decided to give hers a try.
It was exactly what I knew the author would deliver. A solid story that pulled at my heart in so many ways. Helene is a strong woman that should be admired. I'm so glad she gets her happily ever after. Peter is such a gentleman. Michaela and Lelia show the bonds of friendship. Plus as always, God is ever present to lead the way.
The Nazi parts were tough to read, as they should be. It should also teach people how not to be.
I don't normally read war stories, but I would read more from this author. She just knows how to blend the reader's emotions and keep them rapt. I guess now I'm off to save Night Song to my list!
It was exactly what I knew the author would deliver. A solid story that pulled at my heart in so many ways. Helene is a strong woman that should be admired. I'm so glad she gets her happily ever after. Peter is such a gentleman. Michaela and Lelia show the bonds of friendship. Plus as always, God is ever present to lead the way.
The Nazi parts were tough to read, as they should be. It should also teach people how not to be.
I don't normally read war stories, but I would read more from this author. She just knows how to blend the reader's emotions and keep them rapt. I guess now I'm off to save Night Song to my list!
April 7, 2016
Okay, I took this book up because I supposed this novel dealt with the subject of World War II, but the book was essentially a romance saga. So, the "World War II" part in the title is deceiving, take it from me. It's nothing more than a side-track.
This would have been a good read had I been into mushy-mushy romance, but as it happens, I'm not. Romance lovers can, however, delve right into it.
This story revolves around three people-
- Helene, wife of a former SS guard;
- Peter, an American Sergeant;
- Michaela, a prisoner of the Mauthausen-Gusen concentration camp during the war.
It's about how they each deal with the aftermath of war.
Sounds appealing, right? This story indeed had so much scope to become an epic war tale. But regrettably, I found it a bit lacking in some aspects.
The writing and the dialogues seemed a bit, just a little bit, amateurish to me. I couldn't help wincing at some parts. Also, one of the central characters, Helene, was too nonsensical at times for a book of such gravity. And of course, since I do not particularly enjoy the romance genre, it didn't work for me. But it could work for you.
I cannot say that it was a completely worthless read for me. The characters had good and redeeming qualities and that sure made this book worth a one-time read. And the war details, however few, were all right. Most importantly, it wasn't boring. Not one bit.
This would have been a good read had I been into mushy-mushy romance, but as it happens, I'm not. Romance lovers can, however, delve right into it.
This story revolves around three people-
- Helene, wife of a former SS guard;
- Peter, an American Sergeant;
- Michaela, a prisoner of the Mauthausen-Gusen concentration camp during the war.
It's about how they each deal with the aftermath of war.
Sounds appealing, right? This story indeed had so much scope to become an epic war tale. But regrettably, I found it a bit lacking in some aspects.
The writing and the dialogues seemed a bit, just a little bit, amateurish to me. I couldn't help wincing at some parts. Also, one of the central characters, Helene, was too nonsensical at times for a book of such gravity. And of course, since I do not particularly enjoy the romance genre, it didn't work for me. But it could work for you.
I cannot say that it was a completely worthless read for me. The characters had good and redeeming qualities and that sure made this book worth a one-time read. And the war details, however few, were all right. Most importantly, it wasn't boring. Not one bit.
September 14, 2021
A poignant and powerful story of life in the aftermath of World War II. Highly recommended!
November 2, 2010
In May, 1945, advance elements of the 11th Armored Divsion rolled into St. Georgen, Austria. What awaited them there would be gouged into the soldiers' memories for the rest of their lives: the Gusen concentration camp.
Sergeant Peter Scott is among the first to arrive at the front gates. The skeletal remnants of men and women cling to the fence and clutter the main entrance to glimpse their liberators and beg for even a morsel to eat. He encounters the gaunt figure of Michaela, a Polish Christian, standing erect among the dead and dying, intent on thanking the saviors of the camp with her final vestige of dignity. He also encounters Helene, the recalcitrant wife of a former SS guard bringing soup and whatever comfort she can to the emaciated prisoners. The lives of the three are inextricably bound together from this point forward.
Sgt. Scott has fought the European war from the Normandy beaches to the Rhine River, his once-strong faith now smothered under too much carnage and destruction. Michaela fights her own war of physical and emotional restoration from years of internment, her faith still vibrant, but confusing in where it's leading her. Helene must deal with her own conscience at too many years of silence, if not acceptance, over the atrocities her husband has committed. Each leans on and learns from the others in winning their own personal battles.
"From Dust to Ashes" is a tender story of love, faith and redemption overlying a background of indescribable horror and bruality. It may not be the most recent work by Ms. Goyer (released in 2003), but it has to be one of the best. The book is not for the faint of heart, but neither is it overly graphic in its depiction of reality. Meticuloulsy researched and skillfully presented, "From Dust to Ashes" is an entrancing read. Highly recommended.
Sergeant Peter Scott is among the first to arrive at the front gates. The skeletal remnants of men and women cling to the fence and clutter the main entrance to glimpse their liberators and beg for even a morsel to eat. He encounters the gaunt figure of Michaela, a Polish Christian, standing erect among the dead and dying, intent on thanking the saviors of the camp with her final vestige of dignity. He also encounters Helene, the recalcitrant wife of a former SS guard bringing soup and whatever comfort she can to the emaciated prisoners. The lives of the three are inextricably bound together from this point forward.
Sgt. Scott has fought the European war from the Normandy beaches to the Rhine River, his once-strong faith now smothered under too much carnage and destruction. Michaela fights her own war of physical and emotional restoration from years of internment, her faith still vibrant, but confusing in where it's leading her. Helene must deal with her own conscience at too many years of silence, if not acceptance, over the atrocities her husband has committed. Each leans on and learns from the others in winning their own personal battles.
"From Dust to Ashes" is a tender story of love, faith and redemption overlying a background of indescribable horror and bruality. It may not be the most recent work by Ms. Goyer (released in 2003), but it has to be one of the best. The book is not for the faint of heart, but neither is it overly graphic in its depiction of reality. Meticuloulsy researched and skillfully presented, "From Dust to Ashes" is an entrancing read. Highly recommended.
August 19, 2018
Should have read some reviews. Didn’t know this was Christian fiction and once that became clear it was already to late with my annoying habit of having to finish a book I started. Well at least it was short but my god it was dull.
The characters where bland and their stories less then inspiring. Maybe it would have been better if she had showed more instead of telling us about life altering events. Really? We are going to jump from Michaela hating her betrayer in one chapters to having already forgiven and accepted him back into her inner circle once the next started? My little black heathen heart would have never found that believable but at least try to sell it. This was just awful.
& don’t get me started on Helene, in the end she was mad at her husband for leaving her above anything else? After everything he’s done? Really? & again it ends in forgiveness. Yawn. But the worst part was her wanting him to find Jesus so he can access heaven!? If heaven exists he has no place in it whatsoever, utterly disgusting. And poor Peter, he was the true victim, that character was used solely for the author to sell her Christian message, him falling in love with Michaela and then Helene so quickly after each other made me roll my eyes and truly that story line was one of the only ones that could have worked in my opinion, if only the author had sold it better but again she told us of their feelings, instead of showing it, it was just there one day.
I regret not liking this book, because I was planning on reading the rest of this serie and the Spanish civil war one, amazing topics but if this one is any indication the execution will be bad. So I’ll pass, and I’ll drag my little heathen heart away from Christian fiction again.
The characters where bland and their stories less then inspiring. Maybe it would have been better if she had showed more instead of telling us about life altering events. Really? We are going to jump from Michaela hating her betrayer in one chapters to having already forgiven and accepted him back into her inner circle once the next started? My little black heathen heart would have never found that believable but at least try to sell it. This was just awful.
& don’t get me started on Helene, in the end she was mad at her husband for leaving her above anything else? After everything he’s done? Really? & again it ends in forgiveness. Yawn. But the worst part was her wanting him to find Jesus so he can access heaven!? If heaven exists he has no place in it whatsoever, utterly disgusting. And poor Peter, he was the true victim, that character was used solely for the author to sell her Christian message, him falling in love with Michaela and then Helene so quickly after each other made me roll my eyes and truly that story line was one of the only ones that could have worked in my opinion, if only the author had sold it better but again she told us of their feelings, instead of showing it, it was just there one day.
I regret not liking this book, because I was planning on reading the rest of this serie and the Spanish civil war one, amazing topics but if this one is any indication the execution will be bad. So I’ll pass, and I’ll drag my little heathen heart away from Christian fiction again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2015
So gripping that I had to tear myself away to get to bed!
From Dust and Ashes: A Story of Liberation(The Liberator Series,Book 4) was so hard for me to put down. I love it when a book is THAT good! I also love when an historical teaches me history,as this novel did. It was fascinating to read that General Patton ordered the liberating American soldiers to make the civilians around the concentration camps to help bury the dead and attend funerals for them,so they would be forced to see and acknowledge what their inaction had caused.
I don't see how a book about this era could have been more perfectly written.This book is so perfect that I wouldn't want to change a single word of it!
I got totally wrapped up in the characters and really cared about wanting everything to work out for them.
This book is not a 'light' read.It will really stir your emotions and make you ask yourself some questions about how you would conduct yourself in the same situation,and even questions about how did these horrors affect people's faith and how would you handle those questions about where was God?
The author was perfectly right to bring such questions into the story,because I know any thinking person,has asked them.
The romances were also wonderfully developed and so sweet.
I just realized when I was almost finished with this book,that I had read the last book in the series,first,so now I will go back and read the other 3 in order!
I highly recommend this WW II historical romance to any who have an interest in this horrible period of history.
Be forewarned however,that it IS tagged Christian fiction and Christian Historical Romance!
From Dust and Ashes: A Story of Liberation(The Liberator Series,Book 4) was so hard for me to put down. I love it when a book is THAT good! I also love when an historical teaches me history,as this novel did. It was fascinating to read that General Patton ordered the liberating American soldiers to make the civilians around the concentration camps to help bury the dead and attend funerals for them,so they would be forced to see and acknowledge what their inaction had caused.
I don't see how a book about this era could have been more perfectly written.This book is so perfect that I wouldn't want to change a single word of it!
I got totally wrapped up in the characters and really cared about wanting everything to work out for them.
This book is not a 'light' read.It will really stir your emotions and make you ask yourself some questions about how you would conduct yourself in the same situation,and even questions about how did these horrors affect people's faith and how would you handle those questions about where was God?
The author was perfectly right to bring such questions into the story,because I know any thinking person,has asked them.
The romances were also wonderfully developed and so sweet.
I just realized when I was almost finished with this book,that I had read the last book in the series,first,so now I will go back and read the other 3 in order!
I highly recommend this WW II historical romance to any who have an interest in this horrible period of history.
Be forewarned however,that it IS tagged Christian fiction and Christian Historical Romance!
September 18, 2007
This is one of the best books on WWII fiction that I've read. I especially like the emphasis on the liberation of people from the concentration camps. There are not very many stories out there like this one. I couldn't put the book down. Great love story, great intrigue/action, and accurate. I went to the Holocaust Museum in DC and this story takes you right into that era. Also, I like the Nazi piece to the story. War is a terrible thing and many people are stuck on a side they don't necessarily want to be on. Tricia Goyer did an excellent job writing this novel. I laughed, I cried. I felt the love of these people. It doesn't get better than this.
August 17, 2013
This book will have you crying, introspecting, and thinking "how could anyone be so strong".
Tricia Goyer is a master at bringing the emotions and the action of WWII alive.
While this is a Christian Historical Fiction MASTERPIECE, anyone who enjoys WWII history or WWII fiction is sure to be enchanted with this book "From Dust and Ashes"!!
Tricia Goyer is a master at bringing the emotions and the action of WWII alive.
While this is a Christian Historical Fiction MASTERPIECE, anyone who enjoys WWII history or WWII fiction is sure to be enchanted with this book "From Dust and Ashes"!!
November 30, 2010
I really enjoyed this book . Tricia did wonderful job writing this book and fill in history of Germany .
August 25, 2016
This book is just as good the third time I read it as the first time! We discussed this in book club and what a story! Great read!
September 6, 2021
Hope Realized
Such a heartfelt story filled with scripture. So encouraging and inspiring. The writing was superb. It transported me to another time and place. I couldn't wait to read each night!
Such a heartfelt story filled with scripture. So encouraging and inspiring. The writing was superb. It transported me to another time and place. I couldn't wait to read each night!
July 27, 2024
Ive read a ton of historical fiction and many about WWII specifically, but this book focused on the aftermath of the war. Following the main character, the wife of an SS officer and how she finds redemption and healing as well as other characters God brings into her life.
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November 4, 2017Love WWII novels even though they are so sad but to go thru these these trials my gosh i can't even imagine. If u love these kind of stories you have to read!
August 13, 2011
I’ve always enjoyed history, and therefore historical fiction is my favorite genre (after suspense, that is! ;-). Recently I’ve become really interested in books set around either of the World Wars, and From Dust and Ashes, set in 1945, really intrigued me. Presenting many somber facts about the cruelty of war and a prisoners life after being set free, Tricia Goyer holds you captive with her amazing story plot that will leave you amazed.
From Dust and Ashes is not your typical historical. There’s three main characters—Peter, Helene, and Michaela—and I honestly did not know how this book was going to end. A rather thick book, I soon forgot about the length and became immersed in these characters. Each one was so amazing and memorable. All were well portrayed, vividly described, and so believable, I almost wanted to go search up these names and see if Lelia and Michaela really were liberated from a death camp by Peter Scott and nurtured back to health by Helene Volkneir.
Tricia Goyer did an amazing job with this work of fiction. She wrote with such passion and strength in her words, I could almost feel the grimness of the time period. From Dust and Ashes doesn’t talk about the fighting against the German’s on the front lines, but instead the sobering facts of the camps. What people experience in the death camps can never truly be understood unless by those who’ve actually experienced. But Tricia got as close as possible, in my opinion.
Wording her story so beautifully, Tricia always kept the book accurate, realistic, and true to facts. It’s amazing how much research was put into From Dust and Ashes. But it shows. Throughout the book, accuracy shines. This was the first book I read by Tricia Goyer, but I can promise you it won’t be my last! I cannot wait to read more historical fiction by such a talented author. One thing really stood out to me throughout the entire book is that Tricia Goyer wrote this story from the heart. It shines from every page. I highly recommend it for any historical fiction fan.
From Dust and Ashes is not your typical historical. There’s three main characters—Peter, Helene, and Michaela—and I honestly did not know how this book was going to end. A rather thick book, I soon forgot about the length and became immersed in these characters. Each one was so amazing and memorable. All were well portrayed, vividly described, and so believable, I almost wanted to go search up these names and see if Lelia and Michaela really were liberated from a death camp by Peter Scott and nurtured back to health by Helene Volkneir.
Tricia Goyer did an amazing job with this work of fiction. She wrote with such passion and strength in her words, I could almost feel the grimness of the time period. From Dust and Ashes doesn’t talk about the fighting against the German’s on the front lines, but instead the sobering facts of the camps. What people experience in the death camps can never truly be understood unless by those who’ve actually experienced. But Tricia got as close as possible, in my opinion.
Wording her story so beautifully, Tricia always kept the book accurate, realistic, and true to facts. It’s amazing how much research was put into From Dust and Ashes. But it shows. Throughout the book, accuracy shines. This was the first book I read by Tricia Goyer, but I can promise you it won’t be my last! I cannot wait to read more historical fiction by such a talented author. One thing really stood out to me throughout the entire book is that Tricia Goyer wrote this story from the heart. It shines from every page. I highly recommend it for any historical fiction fan.
September 8, 2021
I enjoyed this book despite what stood out to me as its flaws. The author clearly did her homework and it comes across as very well-researched. I didn't find the romance especially believable - Peter's feelings seemed to change pretty fast and it felt a bit odd that they were all developing these romantic feelings in the midst of the liberation of the camp. But then again I am always fussy about that aspect and I still enjoyed the story. I agree with some other reviewers that it was very black and white - the good people were very good and the bad people very bad. Not much nuance there. I found the ending unsatisfying - like how Helene managed to start over in a new country and set up a tailor shop in only a year or 2. Best parts: the childbirth scene, the secretive grandfather, the sympathetic portrayal of a mother battling the odds with little kids in tow, authentic setting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2015
Helene is a SS Nazi wife whose husband was a concentration camp guard. He runs off when the Americans come. On the day the camp was liberated Helene is there with food and love for the prisoners; finally doing what she'd wanted to do for five long years. She takes two of the sickest home to nurse them and both end up falling for American G.I.s. The drama increases when Allied boundaries are revised and the village is now under the jurisdiction of the Russians. Bad news for Helene and her children who will be viewed by them as Nazi sympathizers. Loved the story. It is well written and inspiring if somewhat predictable.
September 17, 2015
This book was not especially well written, but it got better as I kept reading. The story had a lot of heart and I did come to care for the characters, even if I wished they were a little more complex. The book seemed to be well researched. I've read many books set during WWII, but this one dealt with an aspect I hadn't read much about: the aftermath of the liberation of the concentration camps and the rounding up and prosecution of those responsible for the horrors of the holocaust, as the Soviet iron curtain was rapidly descending on much of Hitler's formerly occupied territory.
November 4, 2008
A story about faith, love, and forgiveness. I liked it because it was not the typical story about the holocaust. They had different people's perspectives in it such as a wife of a Nazi, an American soldier, and a concentration camp survivor.
February 1, 2008
Helene is married to an SS officer during WWII. She comes to abhor what he stands for. She helps Jewish prisoners while her husband is away. Twists and turns abound. Riveting read.
December 29, 2016
THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ THE FIRST TIME I READ IT WHEN IT WAS FIRST OUT AND I LOANED IT TO A FRIEND AND NEVER GOT IT BACK
June 19, 2016
if you like romance and WWII fiction this book is for you.
December 12, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. As a mom of 4 littles I stayed up until midnight to finish it, knowing full well that my kiddos would be waking me much too early in the morning, but I could not put it down until I knew how everyone’s story ended.
WW11 is a subject that is full of so much raw emotion for me. I’ve read many books on it, both fiction and non, mostly non Christian stories as this was what I was able to find more easily. I became interested in WW11 as a teenager after reading about Corrie ten Boom and her family. My heart hurt after reading so many non Christian books and experiencing the deep emptiness and despair of the characters with no hope for the future without God to help them heal. I didn’t read the overview of this book before starting it; all I knew was that it was a Christian WW11 book. I was surprised to be taken on a journey from the view point of an SS wife. I felt for her deeply. Her bravery in helping those from the camp, eventually forgiving, not only her husband but also herself, it was an emotional experience. I loved that she went from relying on her on husband, father, and then Peter before finally realizing she needed to rely on God before anyone else. I found her mindset, of being subject to the man in her life, to be historically accurate for the 1940’s. Difficult, sometimes, for us women now to understand but I liked that the author didn’t shy away from that fact.
I loved Michaela’s bravery, deep love for God, and tender sweetness in spite of all she endured. She was an inspiration.
I really enjoyed how the author showed us the war through the eyes of multiple characters. From the perspective of American soldiers coming in towards the end of the war and finding the horrors of the Holocaust, to an SS wife, her husband, and of course a camp survivor herself.
Most of all, I loved the journey they all went on with God and their faith. All three different, but all three beautiful.
I’m looking forward to starting Night Song next!
WW11 is a subject that is full of so much raw emotion for me. I’ve read many books on it, both fiction and non, mostly non Christian stories as this was what I was able to find more easily. I became interested in WW11 as a teenager after reading about Corrie ten Boom and her family. My heart hurt after reading so many non Christian books and experiencing the deep emptiness and despair of the characters with no hope for the future without God to help them heal. I didn’t read the overview of this book before starting it; all I knew was that it was a Christian WW11 book. I was surprised to be taken on a journey from the view point of an SS wife. I felt for her deeply. Her bravery in helping those from the camp, eventually forgiving, not only her husband but also herself, it was an emotional experience. I loved that she went from relying on her on husband, father, and then Peter before finally realizing she needed to rely on God before anyone else. I found her mindset, of being subject to the man in her life, to be historically accurate for the 1940’s. Difficult, sometimes, for us women now to understand but I liked that the author didn’t shy away from that fact.
I loved Michaela’s bravery, deep love for God, and tender sweetness in spite of all she endured. She was an inspiration.
I really enjoyed how the author showed us the war through the eyes of multiple characters. From the perspective of American soldiers coming in towards the end of the war and finding the horrors of the Holocaust, to an SS wife, her husband, and of course a camp survivor herself.
Most of all, I loved the journey they all went on with God and their faith. All three different, but all three beautiful.
I’m looking forward to starting Night Song next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2023
A powerful story of facing pain, of finding light in the darkness, of forgiveness, of taking ownership, of making friends with enemies, of the power of God’s love.
Even though it was a weighty story, I’m so glad I read it for God used it to bring about healing in my own heart.
I learned if we want to heal, we have to face our pain, but also that the only way will be able to bear it is with Jesus.
Thank you, Tricia Goyer, for writing a beautiful, redemptive story.
Favorite Quotes:
-“Yet greater than her fear was the sense of urgency to help those people.”
-“But crying is a good thing. My mother always said tears water the garden of your heart. If there were no tears, there would be no life.”
-“For through her tears, she saw not who she had been, nor who she was, but who she could be.”
-“If Christ is truth, then I either have to accept Him or reject Him. If she had learned one thing during the war, it was that there was no middle ground.”
-“He now understood that, just like in a foxhole, God didn’t always make the bullets of life disappear. Instead He provided a place of shelter with Him, and the strength to climb out of the hole and carry on.”
-“And, finally, may all glory go to God, who birthed this story in my heart and showed me the truth about His true, eternal liberation. In Christ there is freedom indeed.”
Even though it was a weighty story, I’m so glad I read it for God used it to bring about healing in my own heart.
I learned if we want to heal, we have to face our pain, but also that the only way will be able to bear it is with Jesus.
Thank you, Tricia Goyer, for writing a beautiful, redemptive story.
Favorite Quotes:
-“Yet greater than her fear was the sense of urgency to help those people.”
-“But crying is a good thing. My mother always said tears water the garden of your heart. If there were no tears, there would be no life.”
-“For through her tears, she saw not who she had been, nor who she was, but who she could be.”
-“If Christ is truth, then I either have to accept Him or reject Him. If she had learned one thing during the war, it was that there was no middle ground.”
-“He now understood that, just like in a foxhole, God didn’t always make the bullets of life disappear. Instead He provided a place of shelter with Him, and the strength to climb out of the hole and carry on.”
-“And, finally, may all glory go to God, who birthed this story in my heart and showed me the truth about His true, eternal liberation. In Christ there is freedom indeed.”
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