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The Enemy Between Us
ITALY, 1943
As war tears her country apart, Franca Chessari's sole focus is on supporting her family amid Nazi occupation. But when her parents, both high-ranking partisans, go missing, Franca is compelled to take action---even if it means crossing enemy lines to save those she loves.
Peter Weimer is a German soldier forced into a war he abhors. When he can take no more of the Nazi atrocities he’s been forced to witness, he deserts the German army—a decision that brands him as an enemy.
Franca and Peter were nothing more than two strangers from enemy countries, but when their paths collide amid the horrors of war, they are swept into an epic journey of chilling danger, unparalleled courage, and a sweeping passion that could cost them everything they have fought for.
As war tears her country apart, Franca Chessari's sole focus is on supporting her family amid Nazi occupation. But when her parents, both high-ranking partisans, go missing, Franca is compelled to take action---even if it means crossing enemy lines to save those she loves.
Peter Weimer is a German soldier forced into a war he abhors. When he can take no more of the Nazi atrocities he’s been forced to witness, he deserts the German army—a decision that brands him as an enemy.
Franca and Peter were nothing more than two strangers from enemy countries, but when their paths collide amid the horrors of war, they are swept into an epic journey of chilling danger, unparalleled courage, and a sweeping passion that could cost them everything they have fought for.
288 pages, Paperback
First published July 6, 2020
20 people are currently reading
1598 people want to read
About the author
Melinda Sue Sanchez
2 books67 followersMelinda Sue Sanchez has been passionate about books and the worlds and people they bring to life since childhood. She wrote her first book in second grade and her first poetry at age ten.
Her love of reading and writing blossomed into writing full novels and resulted in her first book, The Fisherman's Daughter being published by Covenant Books in 2018.
Her next novel, The Enemy Between Us will be released in July 2020 and will continue the saga of The Fisherman's Daughter. We'll see Franca and Peter, two mortal enemies forced into hiding from the Nazis together, and fighting a forbidden attraction to one another as they traverse the battlefields of Italy to save their families.
Melinda lives in Az with her handsome husband, beautiful family. several dogs, a cat, bird, snake, turtle and hundreds of books.
Her love of reading and writing blossomed into writing full novels and resulted in her first book, The Fisherman's Daughter being published by Covenant Books in 2018.
Her next novel, The Enemy Between Us will be released in July 2020 and will continue the saga of The Fisherman's Daughter. We'll see Franca and Peter, two mortal enemies forced into hiding from the Nazis together, and fighting a forbidden attraction to one another as they traverse the battlefields of Italy to save their families.
Melinda lives in Az with her handsome husband, beautiful family. several dogs, a cat, bird, snake, turtle and hundreds of books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
June 16, 2020
WWII ROMANCE SET IN ITALY DURING THE RESISTANCE
This was the first WWII fiction novel I have read that was set in Italy. It was definitely this fact that originally drew me to this book - it was new, uncharted territory and I was excited to dive into it. However, it didn't completely meet my expectations. I loved the setting but a lot of other stuff disappointed me. It wasn't a bad book, it just didn't live up to its potential either.
👍 WHAT I LIKED 👍
Italy: WWII fiction set in Italy is uncommon, so I really liked getting this new point of view. WWII fiction has been done pretty much every which way, so it was nice to see that there are still avenues and stories left to be explored.
Peter: Our male lead, Peter Weimer, is a German soldier who defects when faced with the inhumanity of his fellow German soldiers. I really liked how much heart he had, how much conscience. I liked what he represented - the 'everyday' German, who didn't support the Nazi party or the war, but who had next to no say in their own fate.
👎 WHAT I DISLIKED 👎
Franca: While I enjoyed the our male lead, our female lead, Franca, was not to my liking. At first I didn't understand her at all. I couldn't fathom why she did what she did. I couldn't see through her motivation for her actions. I got her better later on, but not enough for me to actually like her.
Flow: There was something really off about the flow of the book. It felt choppy and weird.
Writing: The writing wasn't really bad, but it definitely had flaws that I had a hard time getting past. Especially when Sanchez introduced 'surprises' to the story. Every time a surprise occurred I almost missed it - it had no build up and it was hidden in a block of text. They didn't stand out and had very limited impact on me.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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This was the first WWII fiction novel I have read that was set in Italy. It was definitely this fact that originally drew me to this book - it was new, uncharted territory and I was excited to dive into it. However, it didn't completely meet my expectations. I loved the setting but a lot of other stuff disappointed me. It wasn't a bad book, it just didn't live up to its potential either.
"I wanted him - I could no longer deny the fact that I wanted Peter and he wanted me - but the war held us in its claws and would never let go."
- Franca
👍 WHAT I LIKED 👍
Italy: WWII fiction set in Italy is uncommon, so I really liked getting this new point of view. WWII fiction has been done pretty much every which way, so it was nice to see that there are still avenues and stories left to be explored.
Peter: Our male lead, Peter Weimer, is a German soldier who defects when faced with the inhumanity of his fellow German soldiers. I really liked how much heart he had, how much conscience. I liked what he represented - the 'everyday' German, who didn't support the Nazi party or the war, but who had next to no say in their own fate.
"The innocent suffered the most on both sides of the war and in the greatest number."
👎 WHAT I DISLIKED 👎
Franca: While I enjoyed the our male lead, our female lead, Franca, was not to my liking. At first I didn't understand her at all. I couldn't fathom why she did what she did. I couldn't see through her motivation for her actions. I got her better later on, but not enough for me to actually like her.
"The war may control my circumstances, but it could not control my heart."
- Franca
Flow: There was something really off about the flow of the book. It felt choppy and weird.
Writing: The writing wasn't really bad, but it definitely had flaws that I had a hard time getting past. Especially when Sanchez introduced 'surprises' to the story. Every time a surprise occurred I almost missed it - it had no build up and it was hidden in a block of text. They didn't stand out and had very limited impact on me.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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July 21, 2020
This book demonstrates perfectly why I love historical fiction. I've read a lot of WWII books set in many various places, typically England and Germany, but not so many set in Italy. I loved the dual first person perspectives from Franca and Peter which really helped me see and feel their inner struggles and desires.
I thought there was an excellent balance of charged moments of danger and still, more mundane moments where the characters could just be. It allowed the story to flow at a good pace and still gave me time to digest and relate to the characters. The happy, gentle moments stood out strongly against the many hardships of living in the midst of the war. These characters faced more difficulties than they did happy moments but the author did a great job of weaving hope into the characters and the story so that I never felt too overwhelmed.
Peter and Franca are both fantastic characters. Strong, even though they both feel weak in their own ways. Courageous, even when they are both afraid. Determined. Good. They both have heart and it really shined through. I could have kept reading more about these two and been perfectly content. I haven't read a historical fiction book in a couple months so this was a fun dive back into a genre I love.
Content: peril, war time violence, kissing
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
I thought there was an excellent balance of charged moments of danger and still, more mundane moments where the characters could just be. It allowed the story to flow at a good pace and still gave me time to digest and relate to the characters. The happy, gentle moments stood out strongly against the many hardships of living in the midst of the war. These characters faced more difficulties than they did happy moments but the author did a great job of weaving hope into the characters and the story so that I never felt too overwhelmed.
Peter and Franca are both fantastic characters. Strong, even though they both feel weak in their own ways. Courageous, even when they are both afraid. Determined. Good. They both have heart and it really shined through. I could have kept reading more about these two and been perfectly content. I haven't read a historical fiction book in a couple months so this was a fun dive back into a genre I love.
Content: peril, war time violence, kissing
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
June 25, 2020
What an amazing story!
It starts with Peter Weimer, a sergeant in the Nazi army, and stationed in Sicily, making a decision to save a prisoner girl instead of torturing her, as commanded. This decision changes the course of his life and leads him to meet the Chessari family.
Franca is the youngest in her family. Her father has stayed behind, and she's helping her mother, sister, sister's baby, and brother in law.
When Franca meets Peter, she doesn't trust him. Even though he's left the Nazi army, it takes Franca a while to see him as a German man instead of a Nazi.
The setting of war-time Italy is very well done, along with the history. At times, it was hard to read what the characters went through at the hands of truly evil men.
The relationship between Peter and Franca grows slowly, first with trust, then with friendship, until something more. I kept wondering how it was going to be possible for them to be together.
The ending was a bit abrupt, but satisfying.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
It starts with Peter Weimer, a sergeant in the Nazi army, and stationed in Sicily, making a decision to save a prisoner girl instead of torturing her, as commanded. This decision changes the course of his life and leads him to meet the Chessari family.
Franca is the youngest in her family. Her father has stayed behind, and she's helping her mother, sister, sister's baby, and brother in law.
When Franca meets Peter, she doesn't trust him. Even though he's left the Nazi army, it takes Franca a while to see him as a German man instead of a Nazi.
The setting of war-time Italy is very well done, along with the history. At times, it was hard to read what the characters went through at the hands of truly evil men.
The relationship between Peter and Franca grows slowly, first with trust, then with friendship, until something more. I kept wondering how it was going to be possible for them to be together.
The ending was a bit abrupt, but satisfying.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
July 13, 2020
Peter Weimer is a German soldier stationed in Italy, who has a higher ranking officer with a personal vendetta against him. When Peter is ordered to torture and kill a young female prisoner he decides he's had enough. He hides the prisoner, escapes, then turns himself into soldiers at an Axis prison camp telling them about the young women he hid in the cave so they can rescue her.
Franca Chessari's life is now drastically different than it was. Away from the comfortable home she and her family have lived in, she's now on a farm with her mother, sister, and her sister's baby and husband learning to do chores she's never done before, and make do with the little food and necessities they have. One of the things Franca has to learn is not all Germans are Nazis.
What a wonderful story. Both Peter and Franca are wonderful characters. Peter doesn't want to fight, but doesn't want to betray his friends who are like him--only in the war because they have to be. I loved how Peter was willing to do whatever the Chessari family needed him to do. He was used to hard work and wanted to help others. He also had a moral compass that he followed as much as he could.
I admit I had to get used to Franca. I had to remember that her life had changed drastically and she was the youngest in the family so she had been sheltered. She equated being German with also being a Nazi, and refused to trust Peter or let him help her with the chores for awhile. She could be stubborn, and it made a life that was already hard a little harder than it had to be. Her character had a lot of growth in the story and she went from being a sheltered young woman to joining a partisan group to find her parents. The Franca at the beginning of the war wouldn't have been able to do that.
I liked the dual perspectives of Peter and Franca, so we can see how each felt. Their romance was slow and wasn't the main focus of the story. The passages telling of the war and the cruelty others can inflict on people just because of war were so well written, it felt real. It was gripping yet sad. Not knowing who to trust--were they really on your side or not? I'm glad most of the villains got what they deserved and Peter and Franca got their happy ending.
This was my first book by this author but I don't think it will be my last. I received a complimentary copy from Covenant Communications via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Franca Chessari's life is now drastically different than it was. Away from the comfortable home she and her family have lived in, she's now on a farm with her mother, sister, and her sister's baby and husband learning to do chores she's never done before, and make do with the little food and necessities they have. One of the things Franca has to learn is not all Germans are Nazis.
What a wonderful story. Both Peter and Franca are wonderful characters. Peter doesn't want to fight, but doesn't want to betray his friends who are like him--only in the war because they have to be. I loved how Peter was willing to do whatever the Chessari family needed him to do. He was used to hard work and wanted to help others. He also had a moral compass that he followed as much as he could.
I admit I had to get used to Franca. I had to remember that her life had changed drastically and she was the youngest in the family so she had been sheltered. She equated being German with also being a Nazi, and refused to trust Peter or let him help her with the chores for awhile. She could be stubborn, and it made a life that was already hard a little harder than it had to be. Her character had a lot of growth in the story and she went from being a sheltered young woman to joining a partisan group to find her parents. The Franca at the beginning of the war wouldn't have been able to do that.
I liked the dual perspectives of Peter and Franca, so we can see how each felt. Their romance was slow and wasn't the main focus of the story. The passages telling of the war and the cruelty others can inflict on people just because of war were so well written, it felt real. It was gripping yet sad. Not knowing who to trust--were they really on your side or not? I'm glad most of the villains got what they deserved and Peter and Franca got their happy ending.
This was my first book by this author but I don't think it will be my last. I received a complimentary copy from Covenant Communications via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
June 26, 2020
Where. To. Start.
Wow. It’s been many years since I picked up a book of this caliber, and also interestingly this genre. I’ve read many World War 2 novels over the years, but it has been a while. Almost all of those books centered on the south coast of England, or Channel Islands - one even set on the Isle of Man. But nothing that ventured on the southern side of Europe, and so I am very unfamiliar with the events that happened during the War in Italy, past the basics we got in our history classes in school.
I was also expecting this to be your typical romance. Although it has been woven throughout the story, this is quite an honest and raw take on the realities of war. Danger and death - enemies hidden amongst the towns and cities.
The beginning of this story is developed very well without any of the romance, and for a long time reads like beautiful Women’s fiction. Written in first person, but alternating between both Peter & Franca’s perspectives you will be gifted quite a stunning adventure, their voices clear. While gratefully this ends positively, the journey is, as expected, a challenging one.
The growth is clear for Franca. She begins as quite a naive, overly protected by her family, female. However, when you live in an area invaded by Nazi’s it was inevitable that it would come to her door. Her heavy bias against the Germans is clear, and it seems she is the last one to accept Peter’s goodness. Peter is constant and brave throughout, always putting the needs of himself behind those around him that he cares about.
Of course some may be irritated that the main contender for bad guy of the year, is so terribly evil. Stereotypical, I doubt it. I do believe that there are those, power hungry enough with no morals or integrity that could have been so bolstered by the environment of war. He adds an element that elevates the tension, never seeming to relent.
Overall, the forbidden romance is beautifully scripted. The war scenes at time heartbreaking. This is one story that will stay with me.
A beautiful Christian Fiction historical masterpiece.
Wow. It’s been many years since I picked up a book of this caliber, and also interestingly this genre. I’ve read many World War 2 novels over the years, but it has been a while. Almost all of those books centered on the south coast of England, or Channel Islands - one even set on the Isle of Man. But nothing that ventured on the southern side of Europe, and so I am very unfamiliar with the events that happened during the War in Italy, past the basics we got in our history classes in school.
I was also expecting this to be your typical romance. Although it has been woven throughout the story, this is quite an honest and raw take on the realities of war. Danger and death - enemies hidden amongst the towns and cities.
The beginning of this story is developed very well without any of the romance, and for a long time reads like beautiful Women’s fiction. Written in first person, but alternating between both Peter & Franca’s perspectives you will be gifted quite a stunning adventure, their voices clear. While gratefully this ends positively, the journey is, as expected, a challenging one.
The growth is clear for Franca. She begins as quite a naive, overly protected by her family, female. However, when you live in an area invaded by Nazi’s it was inevitable that it would come to her door. Her heavy bias against the Germans is clear, and it seems she is the last one to accept Peter’s goodness. Peter is constant and brave throughout, always putting the needs of himself behind those around him that he cares about.
Of course some may be irritated that the main contender for bad guy of the year, is so terribly evil. Stereotypical, I doubt it. I do believe that there are those, power hungry enough with no morals or integrity that could have been so bolstered by the environment of war. He adds an element that elevates the tension, never seeming to relent.
Overall, the forbidden romance is beautifully scripted. The war scenes at time heartbreaking. This is one story that will stay with me.
A beautiful Christian Fiction historical masterpiece.
June 16, 2020
I am loving this author more with each book. She captures the horrors of war as well as the history. I haven't been as familiar with WWII in Italy, but this book set in Sicily gives me so much in history, in story, and in romance.
Franca and Peter's story looks at the implications of enemies, of going against evil, and of fighting for all that is right. It highlights the atrocities committed by evil people without taking away the humanity that survives. Nothing is black and white and this story illustrates that beautifully,
I was sucked into this one, even more than the Fisherman's Daughter and I loved Marianna and Mossimo. I think I love Peter and Franca more.
What I love about historical fiction is the narrative that it provides to otherwise dry dates and events. Inserting me into the story makes it possible for me to make the events real. WWII in Italy is so real to me now due to these books. It gives me a much richer perspective.
I love the battle that Franca fights with herself, she is finding herself at the same time. There is just such a rich story for me to devour.
I received an early copy from the publisher and this is my honest review of this book. I will definitely be reading this again and will recommend it highly to others.
Franca and Peter's story looks at the implications of enemies, of going against evil, and of fighting for all that is right. It highlights the atrocities committed by evil people without taking away the humanity that survives. Nothing is black and white and this story illustrates that beautifully,
I was sucked into this one, even more than the Fisherman's Daughter and I loved Marianna and Mossimo. I think I love Peter and Franca more.
What I love about historical fiction is the narrative that it provides to otherwise dry dates and events. Inserting me into the story makes it possible for me to make the events real. WWII in Italy is so real to me now due to these books. It gives me a much richer perspective.
I love the battle that Franca fights with herself, she is finding herself at the same time. There is just such a rich story for me to devour.
I received an early copy from the publisher and this is my honest review of this book. I will definitely be reading this again and will recommend it highly to others.
July 17, 2020
The Enemy Between Us is the second book I've read from this author. I read, The Fisherman's Daughter, which you could say is the first book in this series since the same characters are in both books. I love these books because they give readers an insight into Sicily, Italy during WWII. The book is a Historical Romance but the romance is a slow build and you get a lot of "history" depicted in a very engaging and breathtaking way. War is so ugly, and this author doesn't hold back in showing how awful it was for the soldiers and the civilians. Throughout all of this, the characters get taken on a very long, challenging journey. Franca, an Italian citizen, and Peter, a German soldier, both grow and learn so much as they start as enemies, become friends, and then something more. It should be noted that Franca is younger than Peter in this book and so much more immature at the start. I felt she showed the greatest personal growth and I truly grew to love and admire her by the end of the book.
This novel has many selling points; forbidden love between an Italian and a German during WWII, a mean and despicable German officer(He's very well written because he gave me the creeps), families pulling together to help their loved ones during a time of war and often helping strangers, dealing with loss, and of course, not giving up, even when it comes to love. I thoroughly enjoyed The Enemy Between Us and know that anyone else that loves Historical Romance will want to read it too.
This novel has many selling points; forbidden love between an Italian and a German during WWII, a mean and despicable German officer(He's very well written because he gave me the creeps), families pulling together to help their loved ones during a time of war and often helping strangers, dealing with loss, and of course, not giving up, even when it comes to love. I thoroughly enjoyed The Enemy Between Us and know that anyone else that loves Historical Romance will want to read it too.
June 21, 2020
A poignant WWII novel that shows the casualties of war while also offering up a timely reminder of hope and that there is more to mankind then hate and dividing lines. I LOVED this book. It exceeded my expectations right from the start and I ended up reading this in one day because I could not put it down. I am a fan of WWII literature, but there often is not a lot of fiction set in Italy during this time. I enjoyed the different perspective the author and novel offered setting it among the Italian's varying roles in the war. I had previously read Sanchez's The Fisherman's Daughter, which takes place right before this book with the first few chapters overlapping but now from Peter Weimer's perspective, and found it an enjoyable and engaging read. This book took things up a notch and I was very impressed with everything from the details of the setting, the real and honest struggles faced by the characters, and honestly how solid of a love story the author was able to build. Often in war books the romance seems to take a secondary role due to separation that takes place for the main characters keeping them removed from one another for a large portion of time, but the author amazed me with how well she developed the bond between Peter and Franca throughout the story. Seriously, A+ for the romance.
I also loved the overall themes in this novel. What really makes one an enemy and what does it mean to act with integrity, honor, and loyalty? I feel like, while this book is about WWII, it has a lot of messages that we can benefit from today in terms of loving one another and not defining each other based on nationality or circumstances. In my opinion, this novel is something I think many could benefit by reading today. I definitely recommend this and hope the author writes more stories in this era.
I received an advance reader copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving a review; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I also loved the overall themes in this novel. What really makes one an enemy and what does it mean to act with integrity, honor, and loyalty? I feel like, while this book is about WWII, it has a lot of messages that we can benefit from today in terms of loving one another and not defining each other based on nationality or circumstances. In my opinion, this novel is something I think many could benefit by reading today. I definitely recommend this and hope the author writes more stories in this era.
I received an advance reader copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving a review; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 20, 2020
The Enemy Between Us by Melinda Sue Sanchez is an excellent historical fiction novel that held my interest throughout. This is a story that takes place in occupied Italy during WWII. Not many novels in this genre focus of the events in this beautiful landscape, so this is what initially drew me to this book.
This novel has it all: suspense, romance, tension, complexity in its characters, interesting plot, and a satisfying ending. I enjoyed the growth in Franca through the trials that she faced as the story goes on, and I always enjoyed the character of Peter, the German soldier forced to escape his ranks to do what he felt was right. I thought both characters worked well together and that their chemistry and passion towards one another was fitting and realistic. I enjoyed the twists and the suspense that the author created, and I enjoyed this story from beginning to end.
5/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Covenant Communications for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately (as of 6/20/20 no listing for this book is present on BB) and will post it to my Amazon and B&N accounts upon publication.
This novel has it all: suspense, romance, tension, complexity in its characters, interesting plot, and a satisfying ending. I enjoyed the growth in Franca through the trials that she faced as the story goes on, and I always enjoyed the character of Peter, the German soldier forced to escape his ranks to do what he felt was right. I thought both characters worked well together and that their chemistry and passion towards one another was fitting and realistic. I enjoyed the twists and the suspense that the author created, and I enjoyed this story from beginning to end.
5/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Covenant Communications for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately (as of 6/20/20 no listing for this book is present on BB) and will post it to my Amazon and B&N accounts upon publication.
July 3, 2020
Rich and beautiful love story set in Italy during World War II! Peter Weimer defects from the Nazi army when he refuses to follow a direct command that would violate his conscience, and he ends up escaping to a farm where Franca's family are hiding away as refugees.
I loved Peter's character - he was solid and straight despite facing several moral dilemmas. Franca was understandably naive and a little close minded in the first part of the book but had suffered some traumatic events that contributed to that. I enjoyed her character growth throughout the book because it illustrates that the temptation to paint the opposing side in a conflict with broad brushstrokes leads to people failing to see the humanity of their "enemies." It is easier to hate someone you do not see as human, a pertinent lesson for today's landscape as well.
I enjoyed the focus on how war impacts those not on the battlefield as there is always suffering and challenges faced by those who stay behind, yet the romance between Peter and Franca was not lost in the shuffle.
This was a gripping story of love, betrayal, and honor set during a time when the whole word was in upheaval. Highly recommend this thrilling read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but my opinions are my own.
I loved Peter's character - he was solid and straight despite facing several moral dilemmas. Franca was understandably naive and a little close minded in the first part of the book but had suffered some traumatic events that contributed to that. I enjoyed her character growth throughout the book because it illustrates that the temptation to paint the opposing side in a conflict with broad brushstrokes leads to people failing to see the humanity of their "enemies." It is easier to hate someone you do not see as human, a pertinent lesson for today's landscape as well.
I enjoyed the focus on how war impacts those not on the battlefield as there is always suffering and challenges faced by those who stay behind, yet the romance between Peter and Franca was not lost in the shuffle.
This was a gripping story of love, betrayal, and honor set during a time when the whole word was in upheaval. Highly recommend this thrilling read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but my opinions are my own.
July 7, 2020
I had never read a WWII novel set in Italy before The Enemy Between Us. This was such a beautiful story! Action, fear, heartache, and romance. You are pulled into all the emotions these characters are feeling. Melinda did a great job of showing you the hardships of war while writing such a sweet romance between Peter and Franca.
June 29, 2020
Set in World War II Italy, this tale of enemies to lovers is filled with rich detail. Peter dispels the notion that a heritage or nationality defines our souls. Franca must put away her long-held beliefs in order to trust him in order to save herself and her family. There are all the expected ossicles of the war including hunger, danger, and war.
Melinda Sandchez creates believable, deep characters that were easy to care about. I wanted to share when the villains got what they deserved. And rejoice when Pete and Franca got their HEA. The ending was somewhat abrupt and not as satisfying as it could have been. Overall a wonderful read, full of historical detail that pulls the reader into the book.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley for my honest review.
Melinda Sandchez creates believable, deep characters that were easy to care about. I wanted to share when the villains got what they deserved. And rejoice when Pete and Franca got their HEA. The ending was somewhat abrupt and not as satisfying as it could have been. Overall a wonderful read, full of historical detail that pulls the reader into the book.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley for my honest review.
July 19, 2020
The Enemy Between Us
I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of Melinda Sue Sanchez’s book to come in the mail. Luckily, it came just a few days before we left for a week’s vacation at the cabin. This was the perfect place for me to sit around and immerse myself in this book. I had read her previous book, The Fisherman’s Daughter” and had loved it.
This book has some of the same characters as the first , but the main characters are different and is like a sequel but could be read on its own. The setting is southern Italy during World War II. Franca and her family have been temporarily displaced from their home to ride out the war. They are living on a farm in Sicily. Peter, is a German soldier who doesn’t agree with the Nazi’s and chooses to leave. Franca and Peter’s lives cross and that’s what this story is all about. (I hate giving a lot of details lest I spoil it for the future reader.)
Through Melinda’s writing we see into the lives of ordinary people trying to survive the effects of war. She gives us insight into the Italian lifestyle , even writing about the types of foods they eat. I liked where she describes Franca making pasta. Pasta is an everyday food in Italy. Franca learns to milk a cow and does various chores around the farm they are living at.
There was just as much suspense, running from the bad guys (the Nazi soldier’s), Franca trying to find and rescue a loved one. There is romance interwoven in the book. The book cover tells who that is, but this is not your ordinary romance. It is between two individuals from countries who are at war with each other. It takes a lot of time and experiences for that love to develop.
Melinda’s skilled use of figurative language is woven throughout the book painting a picture in my mind of what each scene looked like. One of my favorite examples was near the end of the book. “The sun glowed on the horizon, orange as a peach ready to be picked from the sky.”
I loved how she slips in a few Italian words here and there, and I could detect the meaning by the words used around it.
I loved reading “The Enemy Between Us” and I think I will probably read it again.
Bonnie Gardner
review written July 19, 2020
I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of Melinda Sue Sanchez’s book to come in the mail. Luckily, it came just a few days before we left for a week’s vacation at the cabin. This was the perfect place for me to sit around and immerse myself in this book. I had read her previous book, The Fisherman’s Daughter” and had loved it.
This book has some of the same characters as the first , but the main characters are different and is like a sequel but could be read on its own. The setting is southern Italy during World War II. Franca and her family have been temporarily displaced from their home to ride out the war. They are living on a farm in Sicily. Peter, is a German soldier who doesn’t agree with the Nazi’s and chooses to leave. Franca and Peter’s lives cross and that’s what this story is all about. (I hate giving a lot of details lest I spoil it for the future reader.)
Through Melinda’s writing we see into the lives of ordinary people trying to survive the effects of war. She gives us insight into the Italian lifestyle , even writing about the types of foods they eat. I liked where she describes Franca making pasta. Pasta is an everyday food in Italy. Franca learns to milk a cow and does various chores around the farm they are living at.
There was just as much suspense, running from the bad guys (the Nazi soldier’s), Franca trying to find and rescue a loved one. There is romance interwoven in the book. The book cover tells who that is, but this is not your ordinary romance. It is between two individuals from countries who are at war with each other. It takes a lot of time and experiences for that love to develop.
Melinda’s skilled use of figurative language is woven throughout the book painting a picture in my mind of what each scene looked like. One of my favorite examples was near the end of the book. “The sun glowed on the horizon, orange as a peach ready to be picked from the sky.”
I loved how she slips in a few Italian words here and there, and I could detect the meaning by the words used around it.
I loved reading “The Enemy Between Us” and I think I will probably read it again.
Bonnie Gardner
review written July 19, 2020
June 24, 2020
I have read a lot of WWII novels, but this is the first that was set in Italy. I feel that I learned a lot what life was like for the Italians under Stalin with Hitler's influence.
I love Franca and Peter. Franca worked so hard to do so much for the family. I was a little surprised by how kept in the dark she was regarding all that her friends and family were doing. I think that once she knew, she proved how beneficial she could have been all along.
This book had a bit of everything, mystery, sorrow, love, hardship, etc. I found that once I started reading I couldn't put it down. I love how the story between Franca and Peter developed and that both families were accepting of the relationship. It really was a beautiful love story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for the ARC of this book. All opinions are expressed are my own.
I love Franca and Peter. Franca worked so hard to do so much for the family. I was a little surprised by how kept in the dark she was regarding all that her friends and family were doing. I think that once she knew, she proved how beneficial she could have been all along.
This book had a bit of everything, mystery, sorrow, love, hardship, etc. I found that once I started reading I couldn't put it down. I love how the story between Franca and Peter developed and that both families were accepting of the relationship. It really was a beautiful love story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for the ARC of this book. All opinions are expressed are my own.
May 28, 2020
I thought this was a very interesting story set during World War 2 in Italy. The story involves Peter, a German soldier who is opposed to the Nazis. He saves and hides a young woman who works with the partisans and turns himself in to the Allies so that he can send someone to save her. Following that, he becomes involved with an Italian family that is involved with the partisans including the beautiful young daughter.
The book has it all - drama, hardship, terror, fear, family and love. It’s focus on the Italian partisans and a German defector makes it markedly different from many WW2 historical fiction novels. A very good read.
The book has it all - drama, hardship, terror, fear, family and love. It’s focus on the Italian partisans and a German defector makes it markedly different from many WW2 historical fiction novels. A very good read.
July 8, 2020
This book is one of my favorite World War II books ever! I loved the way the author wrote it. And I loved that it had characters that I loved in her first novel, The Fisherman’s Daughter.
This book is about Peter and Franca. Peter is a German soldier, serving in Italy in World War II. He sees the brutality of war in his comrades and decides to not be part of that any more. When he tells the Italians of a spot where the Germans are hiding, he knows he can never go back to the army. He ends up hiding with Franca’s family. I loved the way he wanted to help her family. He was always wanting to do whatever chores he could, or help the Italians in any way he could. But war is tough. And Franca couldn’t trust him.
Franca was a great character. She had gone from being the pampered daughter of a vineyard owner to having to serve and take care of everyone around her. I can’t really blame her for having a hard time trusting Peter. But…I wish she could have trusted him sooner. It may have saved her some grief and it really would have saved her a lot of work and stress.
I loved the World War II setting of this book. It’s always fascinating to learn a little bit more about history and what people might have thought as they were living in it. I hope this author has more to write!
I was sent an e-copy of The Enemy Between Us as a gift from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This book is about Peter and Franca. Peter is a German soldier, serving in Italy in World War II. He sees the brutality of war in his comrades and decides to not be part of that any more. When he tells the Italians of a spot where the Germans are hiding, he knows he can never go back to the army. He ends up hiding with Franca’s family. I loved the way he wanted to help her family. He was always wanting to do whatever chores he could, or help the Italians in any way he could. But war is tough. And Franca couldn’t trust him.
Franca was a great character. She had gone from being the pampered daughter of a vineyard owner to having to serve and take care of everyone around her. I can’t really blame her for having a hard time trusting Peter. But…I wish she could have trusted him sooner. It may have saved her some grief and it really would have saved her a lot of work and stress.
I loved the World War II setting of this book. It’s always fascinating to learn a little bit more about history and what people might have thought as they were living in it. I hope this author has more to write!
I was sent an e-copy of The Enemy Between Us as a gift from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
July 29, 2020
3.5 Stars
THE ENEMY BETWEEN US has such a wonderful message of seeing friendship among those who would be labelled as our enemies. The characters are endearing and the story is one of struggle, hardship, family, hope and love. If you enjoyed this author's first book, then definitely pick up this one as well.
This story picks up a bit before the end of this author's first book, THE FISHERMAN'S DAUGHTER, but readers don't need to have read it to read this one. The first pages are not very pleasant to read as a woman is being tortured and a soldier is ordered to further humiliate her. However, things end up taking a turn and then we soon get introduced to the heroine of the story who is trying to help her family survive as best she can.
Franca was full of spunk and a fierceness that I think you'd need to survive WWII while living in occupied France. She was a bit of a loose cannon because she was held in the dark a lot and, being a young woman, was trying to find herself amidst this terrible situation. Peter does not want to witness and do terrible things for a war his nation was fighting, but didn't know how to move forward. Together, they make quite a pair, and their romance was forbidden and difficult, but the sweeter for it.
I really liked the relationships in this book. There was Franca and her family, Franca's family and their friends and neighbors, Franca and Peter, Peter with fellow friends, and then there were the different political groups. What I found most rewarding about this read was the way people pushed forward, protected their loved ones, and made really tough choices. They had to take what chances they could and do their best to live even amidst the terribleness of their world, which I think many of us can relate to even now. Franca sums it up herself here:
"Life does not wait for us to be ready or brave. It will move on without us if we do not grab on."
I also did have some issues with the story. I felt that a lot of the more violent parts could have been less detailed while still carrying the same impact. It just made it a bit of a difficult read. I've read other authors who do this remarkably well with their stories set during war. Then other places felt like they needed more development or to make more sense to me.
In the end, was it what I wished for? Overall, I did enjoy reading this and seeing what happened after the last book by this author. It's foremost a story of seeing through prejudice, being brave enough to live life, and protecting what is most important.
Content: Some innuendo and violence (some of it fairly violent and detailed, including torture and desecration)
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
THE ENEMY BETWEEN US has such a wonderful message of seeing friendship among those who would be labelled as our enemies. The characters are endearing and the story is one of struggle, hardship, family, hope and love. If you enjoyed this author's first book, then definitely pick up this one as well.
This story picks up a bit before the end of this author's first book, THE FISHERMAN'S DAUGHTER, but readers don't need to have read it to read this one. The first pages are not very pleasant to read as a woman is being tortured and a soldier is ordered to further humiliate her. However, things end up taking a turn and then we soon get introduced to the heroine of the story who is trying to help her family survive as best she can.
Franca was full of spunk and a fierceness that I think you'd need to survive WWII while living in occupied France. She was a bit of a loose cannon because she was held in the dark a lot and, being a young woman, was trying to find herself amidst this terrible situation. Peter does not want to witness and do terrible things for a war his nation was fighting, but didn't know how to move forward. Together, they make quite a pair, and their romance was forbidden and difficult, but the sweeter for it.
I really liked the relationships in this book. There was Franca and her family, Franca's family and their friends and neighbors, Franca and Peter, Peter with fellow friends, and then there were the different political groups. What I found most rewarding about this read was the way people pushed forward, protected their loved ones, and made really tough choices. They had to take what chances they could and do their best to live even amidst the terribleness of their world, which I think many of us can relate to even now. Franca sums it up herself here:
"Life does not wait for us to be ready or brave. It will move on without us if we do not grab on."
I also did have some issues with the story. I felt that a lot of the more violent parts could have been less detailed while still carrying the same impact. It just made it a bit of a difficult read. I've read other authors who do this remarkably well with their stories set during war. Then other places felt like they needed more development or to make more sense to me.
In the end, was it what I wished for? Overall, I did enjoy reading this and seeing what happened after the last book by this author. It's foremost a story of seeing through prejudice, being brave enough to live life, and protecting what is most important.
Content: Some innuendo and violence (some of it fairly violent and detailed, including torture and desecration)
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
July 23, 2022
I have mixed feelings about this book. I feel like Sanchez has potential as an author, but the books just aren't quite there for me. (However, my mom loved the books.) I listened to this book, and since the Fisherman's Daughter didn't have historical notes, I assume this one didn't either, and I would like the books a lot more if they did have historical notes. (Of course, yes, I know what happens when you assume...)
As with Fisherman's Daughter, I really enjoyed the first part of the book. About 1/3 of the way through, I got irritated with Franca and wanted to slap her. She was upset about being treated like a child, but she kept acting like one. Fortunately, that ended quicker than I expected, and I started enjoying the book again up to a point.
I felt like there were too many coincidences with some of the way the story evolved. (I understand things like that really are possible, and sometimes truth is stranger than fiction, but these just felt like a stretch to me.) I also got a little frustrated with all the close calls when it came to Kyler. I'm glad the close calls didn't go any further than they did, but it felt like she kept bringing him in for dramatic effect, and it wasn't necessary.
I also felt like the romance was a little too pat in the ending. She created a very difficult situation between Franca and Peter -- and I can well imagine the difficulties were realistic -- but then in the end difficulty got all wrapped up in a nice little bow very easily. Not to mention a religious issue that I'm sure would have come up but wasn't even mentioned. (And there was DEFINITELY a part at the end that I didn't think fit the time period, but no spoilers.)
I liked this well enough that if she wrote a follow up book (possibly about Betina?), I would either listen to that one from Bookshelf Plus or check it out from the library, but I wouldn't buy it.
As with Fisherman's Daughter, I really enjoyed the first part of the book. About 1/3 of the way through, I got irritated with Franca and wanted to slap her. She was upset about being treated like a child, but she kept acting like one. Fortunately, that ended quicker than I expected, and I started enjoying the book again up to a point.
I felt like there were too many coincidences with some of the way the story evolved. (I understand things like that really are possible, and sometimes truth is stranger than fiction, but these just felt like a stretch to me.) I also got a little frustrated with all the close calls when it came to Kyler. I'm glad the close calls didn't go any further than they did, but it felt like she kept bringing him in for dramatic effect, and it wasn't necessary.
I also felt like the romance was a little too pat in the ending. She created a very difficult situation between Franca and Peter -- and I can well imagine the difficulties were realistic -- but then in the end difficulty got all wrapped up in a nice little bow very easily. Not to mention a religious issue that I'm sure would have come up but wasn't even mentioned. (And there was DEFINITELY a part at the end that I didn't think fit the time period, but no spoilers.)
I liked this well enough that if she wrote a follow up book (possibly about Betina?), I would either listen to that one from Bookshelf Plus or check it out from the library, but I wouldn't buy it.
February 12, 2024
I'm a sucker for a WW2 historical fiction romance like this one. I enjoyed the unique Italian setting and the dual POVs between Franca (a young Italian woman hiding away in the countryside) and Peter (a defected German soldier). Peter's perspective is especially intriguing as it demonstrates the frustrations an average German might have faced being forced into service alongside the Nazi party.
The pacing of the novel oscillates between slower, more mundane, everyday scenes and faster paced scenes of fear and danger. Woven throughout are an array of emotions, from anger and hate to excitement, hope, and love.
I was totally invested in the forbidden romance and felt every pang of frustration. There is a lot of heartache along the way, but I really like the way everything unfolds in the end.
The pacing of the novel oscillates between slower, more mundane, everyday scenes and faster paced scenes of fear and danger. Woven throughout are an array of emotions, from anger and hate to excitement, hope, and love.
I was totally invested in the forbidden romance and felt every pang of frustration. There is a lot of heartache along the way, but I really like the way everything unfolds in the end.
May 19, 2024
I really wanted to like this book, but I just couldn't. It started out so slow. I'm not a fan of Franca. She seemed so helpless, like she couldn't do anything. I thought the dialogue in the book was forced, like when Franca was talking to Donatella or Franca's father talking to Peter at the end. It just seemed forced, with no emotion. I also thought Franca was so dumb going off on her own to find her father. She's a young woman with no military training, trekking through the mountains....it just was not believable. Like I said though, I really wanted to like this book because of the era, WW2, I'm obsessed with it, I just had a hard time getting into it and believing Franca's story.
June 22, 2020
4.5* This was a gripping story, full of danger, action, and high emotion. It highlights the effect of changing loyalties and the humanness of the "enemy." Melinda S. Sanchez did a masterful job telling the story of two fictional characters who struggle with attraction and differences through harrowing experiences over the course of months at war. Multifaceted characters and a strong plotline made this book very difficult for me to want to put down - it was a memorable story that will stay with me for a long time!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 11, 2020
An exhilarating story full of danger, betrayal, and love from Melinda Sue Sanchez! I was excited to read this story, because although I read plenty of WWII fiction, The Enemy Between Us details a side of that history I have not read before. There was always a lot going on and the story moved very quickly, but there were times where it dragged a bit. Overall, I liked the story and found it interesting, but I wasn’t grabbed by it. It was predictable in every aspect, but I still recommend this story to anyone who likes WWII fiction, especially since it is unique in its perspectives. 2.5/5 stars
received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 17, 2020
I have a deep love for the beautiful stories (both fictional and true) that come from the WWII era. I love how these stories show how resilient, forgiving, and teachable we can be as humans. The Enemy Between Us is no exception. As Peter and Franca navigate the prejudice, hatred, and difficulties of war, they learn and grow in the most admirable of ways while also finding joy and happiness in heartache.
I did struggle with Franca's immaturity in the beginning, but she grows quickly. As I put myself in her place, I completely understand why she felt so angry and helpless when surrounded by secrets. By the end, I found her to be brave, feisty, and delightful; a woman to admire and emulate, rather than a young naive girl. Peter's moral compass and bravery make him a phenomenal leading man while he struggles with his choice to stay in true to himself or stay true to his commitment to the Nazi army. If you love WWII romances, add this to your must read list ASAP!
I did struggle with Franca's immaturity in the beginning, but she grows quickly. As I put myself in her place, I completely understand why she felt so angry and helpless when surrounded by secrets. By the end, I found her to be brave, feisty, and delightful; a woman to admire and emulate, rather than a young naive girl. Peter's moral compass and bravery make him a phenomenal leading man while he struggles with his choice to stay in true to himself or stay true to his commitment to the Nazi army. If you love WWII romances, add this to your must read list ASAP!
June 10, 2020
Love that we get to see a new perspective with characters intermingled from her precious novel ‘The Fisherman's Daughter’ yet get a whole new point of view with these two riveting characters. The romantic struggle in this novel is tantalizing! Character growth within such a setting is beautifully set and each character just comes to life against the background of a war torn world. This one had me plowing through it to see what would happen next and missing it once it was over. A must read!
June 20, 2020
I love WWII books. I really enjoyed this book. This book was different then a lot of the WWII books that I have read in the past. This book was set in Italy which most WWII books aren’t. This book gave you a different look at what others went through during and what they were doing during the war. This book is about family, learning to trust, learning to not judge and learning to look at things differently. At least that is what I got out of it. If you enjoy WWII books you will enjoy this book. It’s not like the others.
June 27, 2020
Enemies and Friends
Wow! This book is exciting from page one, it draws you in and won't let go. You open the book and you are there in the middle of a war fighting with the resistance.
Peter and Franca meet in Italy and against all odds fall in love. The problem is Peter is a German soldier and Franca's father is the leader of the resistance.
Peter is fleeing the Nazi's that wish to kill him for desertion and fleeing the Allis that wish to imprison him for being a German. When he saves the life of a Partisan resistance girl they reluctantly accept him and he hides a on a farm where Franca lives.
When all are endangered by the Nazi's Peter and Franca must save everyone while risking their lives.
You will feel like you are fighting the war as you hold your breath through one tight spot after another as they race against time to save those that they love.
This is definitely a page turner, a must read, and I highly recommend it.
Thanks to Melinda Sue Sanchez, Covenant Communications, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advance copy in return for an honest review.
Covenant Communications. 7-06-2020
Wow! This book is exciting from page one, it draws you in and won't let go. You open the book and you are there in the middle of a war fighting with the resistance.
Peter and Franca meet in Italy and against all odds fall in love. The problem is Peter is a German soldier and Franca's father is the leader of the resistance.
Peter is fleeing the Nazi's that wish to kill him for desertion and fleeing the Allis that wish to imprison him for being a German. When he saves the life of a Partisan resistance girl they reluctantly accept him and he hides a on a farm where Franca lives.
When all are endangered by the Nazi's Peter and Franca must save everyone while risking their lives.
You will feel like you are fighting the war as you hold your breath through one tight spot after another as they race against time to save those that they love.
This is definitely a page turner, a must read, and I highly recommend it.
Thanks to Melinda Sue Sanchez, Covenant Communications, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advance copy in return for an honest review.
Covenant Communications. 7-06-2020
August 22, 2020
The Enemy Between Us is a vivid, thought provoking story set in Italy towards the end of WWII. I loved Sanchez’s detailed story full of love, loss, and courage.
Over the course of the war, Franca Chessari has learned to hate the Nazis after watching them terrorize and tear apart her country. But when Peter Weimer, a Nazi deserter who wishes to end the war and find healing for his country, comes to her aid, Franca is forced to re-examine her prejudices. Now Franca must decide if she can trust a German soldier to not only help her family, but to also protect her heart.
Over the course of the war, Franca Chessari has learned to hate the Nazis after watching them terrorize and tear apart her country. But when Peter Weimer, a Nazi deserter who wishes to end the war and find healing for his country, comes to her aid, Franca is forced to re-examine her prejudices. Now Franca must decide if she can trust a German soldier to not only help her family, but to also protect her heart.
August 24, 2020
I read The Fisherman’s daughter and was excited to see Franca Marianna’s best friend was going to get her story told. Franca is a being spoiled and pampered at first but throughout the story she finds her inner strength and fights for what she believes in. There are some harsh parts of this book as there is usually with books that involve war. Overall I really enjoyed it and felt pulled into the story from beginning and it had my full attention until the end.
January 4, 2021
I really enjoyed this book! The romance was fun and clean, but the action and suspense really pulled me in. While there was plenty of romance, there was also a whole world of war and trials. It really pulled me into Sicily during World War 2. The history was brought to life and I found myself anxious to find out what happened. Great read!
August 25, 2020
Great book from a great author.
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