Broken Lines

War Across Waters #1

by Kelsey Gietl

With the threat of the Great War looming at America’s doorstep, fear of immigrant disloyalty has become enough to divide the nation. So when German-born Amara Müller’s brother decides to join the fight, he leaves her behind in St. Louis with one final directive: Stay safe. There’s only one certain way to keep herself out of suspicion’s spotlight, but will she have the courage to see it through?

Accustomed to a strict diet of cigars and spirits, Emil Kisch has become the master of a worry-free good time. And as one of St. Louis’s best morality squad detectives, he’s able to skirt the drinking laws as easily as he arrests others for breaking them. To him, war is a problem for other men. Until one night he makes a mistake that even a glass of whiskey can’t wash away. Is it too late to reverse the course set in motion?

As their lives are intertwined with the fate of the war, Emil and Amara must fight to save what they both hold most dear. But which side of the line do you stand on when your allegiance belongs to both?

Genres: Historical Fiction

366 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 27, 2020

About the author

Kelsey Gietl is the award-winning author of the Over the Atlantic, the War Across Waters, and the Larksong Legacy historical fiction series. Combining Catholic Christian faith, family, and lessons from our past, her books provide inspirational stories of hope, redemption, and realistic romance. She is a member of the Catholic Writers Guild and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Reviews

[Leslie McKee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This is the first book I've read from Gietl, and I was quite impressed. The author makes history come to life in light of the Great War and the struggles faced by German-Americans. Themes of faith and patriotism are woven throughout, but neither is overwhelming.

Amara (Amy) was an engaging character who was easy to connect with and root for. Emil is well-developed, but I had a bit of a harder time liking him for part of the story (until more of his backstory unfolds). Both characters had faced a great deal of pain in their young lives and struggled to create a better future for themselves.

It took me longer than expected to get into this story. That may have been due to the fact that there are a number of characters, and it was difficult to track them all at times. Some of the minor characters could have been removed without seriously impacting the overall story.

Prior to this book, I've only read a handful of novels about America's entrance into the Great War, so I enjoyed the author's detailing. Gietl shined a light on the discrimination and violence German-Americans faced. Emil had a quote that I think is still appropriate in today's society: "There are still good people out there, Amy. Good Americans. Don't toss out an entire bushel because of a few bad apples."

There is a romance, but it's not the major focus. I liked the fact that things weren't tied up in a nice, neat bow in the end, as that's rarely realistic. There are still loose ends and unanswered questions, paving the way for the sequel.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.

[Jenny Knipfer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The start of the Great War looms. German born Amara Mueller sets her mind to stay safe in America, separated from her family in Germany, serving on opposing sides. Amara takes her brother’s suggestion to heart and works to secure a husband. But will heart lead her astray and into the arms of a man who’s less than suitable?

Emil Kisch, an oxymoron, being a morality officer by day and a wastrel at night, can’t hide that fact that underneath he’s a caring man. Amara and Emil become entangled, but it’s anyone’s guess as to where their hearts will end up.

Will Amara rise above her past abuse at the hands of her prior fiancé? Will Emil see through the facade of a close friend, who works to keep Amara and Emil apart. Most important of all, will the would be lovers be able to break through their lines of allegiance to form a new bond?

Readers of historical fiction and historical romance will savor this wartime romance told with flare.

Gietl excels at writing romantic banter between the characters. The story of Amara and Emil pulls the reader in and keeps them turning the page to find out what happens next. The story flows easily through this well-wrought, opening tale of a wartime saga.

I recommend this wonderful novel to readers of historical fiction, clean romance, and wartime fiction.

[Tanya Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

One sentence on the back cover of Broken Lines says it all… “But which side of the line do you stand on when your allegiance belongs to both?” As WWI threatens to touch the lives of those on American soil, loyalties are decided, histories are hidden, and trusting the wrong person can cost you everything. Kelsey Gietl is a “go to” author for me and Broken Lines did not disappoint. I found myself instantly immersed in the lives of the characters, the setting, and the time period. A beautiful story woven deeply with the realities of life in 1917 St. Louis.

[Angel (Bookn.All.Night) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amara Mueller was only sixteen when she left Germany for America, believing love and marriage awaited her. After years of physical abuse at the hands of her fiance, the engagement has been called off. War has reached Germany and her brother and ex-fiance have been called home. Amara, however, finds her way to St. Louis...to a friend...hoping for temporary residence until the war is done.

Being German-American can be dangerous for her, and with her brothercs advice she changes her name to Amy Miller and adopts an English manner of speaking...creating a false past and identity. However, her secrets are soon to be spilled and danger is brought to her doorstep and puts those she loves at risk.

I think I need to add historical fiction, and this author, as a favorite genre. This was written with not just compassion and love, but with grit and true fear. For those who were considered not "true" Americans I couldn't imagine having to live daily life in fear of being singled out...being hunted...killed.

You would think with the atrocities this world has witnessed across the years...we would learn to be better people and treat others with kindness, love and respect.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Broken Lines is the story of a German girl living in America at the start of World War I. Amara Müller (Amy Miller) came to America following her brother five years earlier. When her brother receives a letter from her father to do his duty and return to fight, he leaves Amara behind with explicit instructions...stay safe. She travels to St. Louis to stay with her friend and her family until the war is over. With fear of immigrant disloyalty, Amy feels the only way to keep her situation intact is marry.

Emil Kisch works for the morality squad in St. Louis. He and his partner, Jonathan, are able to party and avoid the laws that he often arrests other people for imbibing in. Emil believes that the war and America's part in it is at bay and for other men to worry about. However, when he meets Amara (Amy) he starts to question many things, and the war is only the beginning.

I enjoyed this story because I have not read many historical fiction depicting WWI. However, I would have liked this story to delve a bit deeper into the war (for example: letters back and forth between Peter (Amara's brother) and Amara on the situation overseas). I would have also liked less characters (because I definitely had to take notes in the beginning) but, I felt that every character had their part in the story.

I felt that this story had a lot of different important subject matters (discrimination, infertility, adoption, abuse and family bonds). It was unquestionably a story that evoked emotions on those subjects. While I really enjoyed the book...I would have liked it to be more focused on one or two subjects rather than just touching on each of them.

This was a book club read and we were so blessed to have Kelsey Gietl be a part of the discussion! I believe I will read more of her books! She is a delight and I hope to see her grow more as an author!

[Jennifer Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kelsey Gietl takes a very real and heartbreaking epoch from our nation’s past and gives it faces, names, struggles, and seemingly impossible decisions. Both the Great War and the plight of German-Americans in it are long overdue attention in our nation’s stories, and in Broken Lines, Gietl delivers a satisfying read that is never preachy, never political, never pushy, yet touches the deep questions of faith, patriotism, and how to face your own fears and others’ prejudices.

Amara Müller is planning to go back to Germany with her brother and cousin, who are returning to their native land to fight with the Central Powers in the First World War. At almost the moment of departure, however, Amara's brother urges her to stay in America and make a new life for herself, including marrying an American so she will be “safe.” Amara changes her name to the American “Amy,” finds a home with her friend Maggie and her growing family, and soon becoming part of a much larger but close-knit group of family and friends. It is here that she is thrust into company with cocky, condescending, but charming Emil.

Emil Kisch lives a rather hypocritical life--his job is with the "morality squad" of the St. Louis police, but he is out indulging in the very things he arrests others for; in particular, he has become too dependent on alcohol, though he is usually careful not to get drunk. We find out as the book goes on that all of his “attitude” and his heavy drinking are to mask the pain of his brother’s untimely death.

I had a hard time getting into the book at first, in particular because I didn't really like the main characters and because there were a lot of minor characters to keep track of all at once. (I think part of the problem is that this is the first book by Gietl that I have read, and characters like Maggie and Reuben were main characters in previous books; reading the series in order is not necessary but could definitely help.) However, as the motivations behind Amy’s and Emil’s sometimes reckless behavior or desperate decisions became clearer, I empathized with them and really cared about what happened to them. Both had faced a great deal of pain and brokenness in their personal life and within their families. They each longed for a better future, but struggled with wondering if such a thing were possible.

The backdrop for their personal turmoil is America's entrance into the Great War. At first, I was kind of like Emil--so they're German by birth, but they are good Americans now, so is it really such a big deal? Sadly, it was, and Gietl's writing really shines as she brings to life the mistrust, violence, and discrimination that German-Americans faced under Wilson’s war. “There are still good people out there, Amy. Good Americans. Don’t toss out an entire bushel because of a few bad apples,” Emil tells her after they witness a horrific display of anti-German sentiment.

The research for this book is woven through seamlessly and beautifully. It’s never a history lesson, yet gives a flavor both of the time of the First World War and the location of St. Louis. My own great-grandfather served in the Great War, yet faced mistrust because of his German heritage. This book made me really think about what he might have gone through (and his mother, who was a teenage immigrant to this country like Amara).

The romance is clean and Amy and Emil uphold personal moral standards even when tempted to do otherwise, which is in keeping with their times and their characterization as people of faith. The book is not explicitly “Christian” as in quoting of Scripture or presenting a lot of Christian themes. The characters’ faith is woven in as part of their lives; I appreciated that the spiritual questions they asked were deep and not resolved in a Hallmarky kind of way. In fact, one of my favorite things about this book is that it resolved and yet it didn’t feel too “wrapped up.” There were many unanswered questions and unknowns, which felt very realistic, as opposed to a contrived or forced “happy ending.” The relationships between each of the couples were that way, too; they were able to love each other while still being realistic about their problems and not having to have a perfect relationship.

I look forward to reading more books by this author, especially the sequel to Broken Lines. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review; all opinions expressed are my own.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken lines by Kelsey Gietl is not a book for the faint of heart. It definitely does not fall into the category of rainbows and puppies. This book comes with a sensitivity warning for those readers who are triggered by alcohol-related stories or domestic abuse.

That being said, Gietl’s book Broken Lines is a terrific read with a satisfying ending, one I wasn’t sure would happen.

What if just before you board a ship back home to Germany, your brother informs you that you can’t come with him. Instead, he insists that you don’t. He hands you a ticket to St. Louis, tells you to change your name and to marry an American? That’s what happens to Amara. When she tries to do as her brother requested she is rejected and abandoned on a street in a city she doesn’t know.

The main characters of this book struggle with what side of the war they favor. How do you give up what you know and embrace what is new or has been your life for only a few years? There is an identity struggle that was common before and during the war. Are you German or American? There is not in between and if your name sounds German then there will be trouble.

The story begins just before America joins the allies fighting against the Germans. It is set in St. Louis, Missouri during 1916. A familiar city to me as I grew up in a small town close by as did the author. A lot of the landmarks and history in the story were familiar, making the reading the descriptions of back then even more intriguing to me.

Emil works as a morality police officer. He along with his partner frequently breaks the moral laws that he is supposed to be upholding. He wrestles with this throughout the book knowing that what he is doing is not right. He’s not willing to change until he meets Amara a woman he must decide to change his life for, or let go. It is not an easy decision for him.

Amara has her own demons to fight, an abusive ex-fiancé, and a man she thinks she could love but wants nothing to do with her. How will she be able to stay safe if she can’t find an American citizen to marry?

Emil and Amara’s journey is intense with action and filled with secrets. Broken Lines is book 1 in this series but it is a complete story. If you like books where characters have a chance at redemption this one is for you.

Broken Lines is a terrific read and will likely keep you up until you finish it. Geitl knows her history and she weaves it throughout the book with an intricacy that doesn’t shout here’s a historical fact that you need to know. She slips in those details where they make the most sense helping the reader feel the story.
Broken Lines

Kelsey Gietl

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broken Lines is the first book I’ve read by Kelsey Gietl and the first book in her new series Hope or High Water – War Across Waters. I love historical fiction and the idea of reading about two German-Americans facing life on the brink of World War II intrigued me.

Amara Muller expects to return to Germany with her brother who is answering their father’s summons to join the German army. But her brother has other plans for her. He gives her a new identity and sends her to stay with a friend with the express purpose of finding an American man and marrying him. It’s only way to assure her safety once America enters the war.

Emil Kisch works on the Morality Squad, even though he should really arrest himself for his own behavior. He knows it, but it isn’t until he meets Amara Muller that he considers his ways of ignoring the past aren’t working as well as he thought. He’s forced to face his true self and is reminded just how wanting that part of himself happens to be.

Broken Lines is an epic tale of heartache, pain, and the search for love. It’s the type of story that wraps itself around your heart and won’t let go, even when you feel the same heartbreak as the characters. Because of that, it is not a light read (with trigger warnings for alcohol and domestic abuse as well as women’s health issues). While it is not particularly action intense, it is definitely emotionally intense. Especially toward the end.

It seems like Broken Lines is not entirely a standalone story, though it can be read that way. I got the sense that reading the previous series would better inform this one and that the story continues in the following book in the series. I love Emil and Amara and if they appear in previous books or the next one, those are books I definitely want to read.

If you’re ready for a story that will take you on a journey through the prelude of war, give Broken Lines a read. I hope you’ll like Emil and Amara as much as I did.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

[Susie Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Gietl’s best work to date. While it is the first book of a duology and can be read as a standalone, many of the characters overlap with Gietl’s previous duology containing Across Oceans and Twisted River. Having read those previous two books, I was able to dive straight into Broken Lines and into familiar territory.

The protagonists of this book, Amara and Emil, played minor roles in Across Oceans and Twisted River but they had each made a lasting impression at the time, so I was looking forward to seeing them take centre stage themselves. And I wasn’t disappointed. Both characters were well drawn out, real and believable, and I enjoyed all of their interactions on the page (despite one of Emil’s idiotic rules!).

The storyline was convincing and an interesting take on the Great War, given that it was set in America, far from where the fighting was taking place in Europe. There were some moments I didn’t anticipate and I thought the ending was satisfying. Having said that, certain questions remain unanswered, so it’s good to know that a sequel is on its way.

This is my favourite book by Kelsey Gietl so far and I look forward to reading more from her!

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broken Lines takes place around the time America entered into the Great War. What sets this novel apart from many others I have read is that it centers around what it was like to be German in America at that time. I enjoyed the characters, although it was a bit hard to keep track of them all at first, especially the growth in the main characters Amara and Emil. Kelsey Gietl tackles many hard topics in this novel including domestic violence, infertility, loss and war and she does it well. This is the first novel of Gietl's that I have read, but I am looking forward to the next in this series as well as checking out her previous work! I recommend this book to those who enjoy Historical fiction and clean romances.

[Susan Laspe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drama can come upon a family at any time; but add complicated friendships, dangerous secrets, and an impending world war—your own troubles may seem minuscule in comparison...

I was drawn to the characters and their story from the first! On the brink of WWI, the journey in the lives of Amara and Emile, their families and friends, are interconnected and messy, and I love them. Their personalities shine.

[Steffani Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by Gietl and I really enjoyed it! I loved that it brought history to life and the writing was so vivid I felt like I was there! Within the first couple sentences, I was pulled into the character’s world and I love when books do that. The author definitely has a gift for storytelling! There are heavy topics in the book that I typically stay away from but I think they were handled well.

[Kelly-Ann ~ Sassy Bookish Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kelsey Gietl does a phenomenal job at making this story very realistic. You definitely get immersed from the first chapter into the lives of all these characters. Although we meet various characters throughout the story, the main focus is on are Emil and Amara. Emil is not what you would consider an upstanding gentleman. Even though his job is being a morality officer he does all the things that his job stands against. But underneath it all he's a caring man, carrying different hurts that wants to succeed.

Amara also has past hurts especially in her relationship with her former intended. She takes her brother's words to heart regarding her getting married but she keeps to to herself. She is definitely a bit more guarded. The love story is not all rainbows and sunshine but it is definitely a journey of faith and redemption.

The author also brings up some hard topics to this story that could be to some readers potential triggers. The topic of alcoholism, domestic abuse and infertility are brought to light but I think Kelsey does an amazing job at brining those topics forth in the story with grace.

Overall I loved the story. I think it was very well written. She is very descriptive in the setting and it makes you feel like you are in that time period with the characters so I didn't find it as being too much. I am curious to see what happens in book two and see if we get to find out a bit more about Amara's brother and what his story is.

I received this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Kelsey Gietl]

I’m the author so I can’t rate this book, but I LOVED revisiting WW1 and some of my favorite couples after five years away. I’m excited to be heading back to the 1910s with my next book.

Update October 2025 - Just finished listening to the audiobook version. My lovely narrator, Tawnya Rollingson makes these characters come to life!

[Kaylee | The Enchanted Library · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75*

[The Book Distiller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d give this 3.5 stars. Good writing. Interesting historical perspective. Cute cover.