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A Jewish Family Saga #3
When The Dust Settled
As the world races like a runaway train toward World War 2, the Schatzman family remains divided.
In New York, prohibition has ended, and Sam’s world is turned upside down. He has been earning a good living transporting illegal liquor for the Jewish mob. Now that alcohol is legal, America is celebrating. But as the liquor flows freely, the mob boss realizes he must expand his illegal interests if he is going to continue to live the lavish lifestyle he’s come to know. Some of the jobs Sam is offered go against his moral character. Transporting alcohol was one thing, but threatening lives is another.
Meanwhile, across the ocean in Italy, Mussolini, a heartless dictator, runs the country with an iron fist. Those who speak out against him disappear and are never seen again. For the first time since that horrible incident in Medina, Alma is finally happy and has fallen in love with a kind and generous Italian doctor who already has a job awaiting him in Rome; however, he is not Jewish.
Alma must decide whether to marry him and risk disappointing her bubbie or let him go to find a suitable Jewish match.
In Berlin, the Nazis are quickly rising to power. Flags with swastikas are appearing everywhere. And Dr. Goebbels, the minister of propaganda is openly spewing hideous lies designed to turn the German people against the Jews. Adolf Hitler had disposed of his enemies, and the SA has been replaced by the even more terrifying SS.
After the horrors they witnessed during Kristallnacht, Goldie’s mother, Esther, is ready to abandon all she knows to escape the country. She begs her husband to leave Germany. But Ted refuses to leave everything that he spent his entire life working for. At what point is it too late to leave? And besides, where would they go? What would they do?
The Nazis have taken the country by the throat, and the electrifying atmosphere of the Weimar a distant memory. The period of artistic tolerance and debauchery has been replaced by a strict and cruel regime that seeks to destroy all who do not fit its ideal. Goldie's path of depravity is catching up with her, and her secrets are threatened.
Will her Nazi enemies finally strike?
In New York, prohibition has ended, and Sam’s world is turned upside down. He has been earning a good living transporting illegal liquor for the Jewish mob. Now that alcohol is legal, America is celebrating. But as the liquor flows freely, the mob boss realizes he must expand his illegal interests if he is going to continue to live the lavish lifestyle he’s come to know. Some of the jobs Sam is offered go against his moral character. Transporting alcohol was one thing, but threatening lives is another.
Meanwhile, across the ocean in Italy, Mussolini, a heartless dictator, runs the country with an iron fist. Those who speak out against him disappear and are never seen again. For the first time since that horrible incident in Medina, Alma is finally happy and has fallen in love with a kind and generous Italian doctor who already has a job awaiting him in Rome; however, he is not Jewish.
Alma must decide whether to marry him and risk disappointing her bubbie or let him go to find a suitable Jewish match.
In Berlin, the Nazis are quickly rising to power. Flags with swastikas are appearing everywhere. And Dr. Goebbels, the minister of propaganda is openly spewing hideous lies designed to turn the German people against the Jews. Adolf Hitler had disposed of his enemies, and the SA has been replaced by the even more terrifying SS.
After the horrors they witnessed during Kristallnacht, Goldie’s mother, Esther, is ready to abandon all she knows to escape the country. She begs her husband to leave Germany. But Ted refuses to leave everything that he spent his entire life working for. At what point is it too late to leave? And besides, where would they go? What would they do?
The Nazis have taken the country by the throat, and the electrifying atmosphere of the Weimar a distant memory. The period of artistic tolerance and debauchery has been replaced by a strict and cruel regime that seeks to destroy all who do not fit its ideal. Goldie's path of depravity is catching up with her, and her secrets are threatened.
Will her Nazi enemies finally strike?
436 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 6, 2020
384 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
Roberta Kagan
72 books648 followersI’m an American writer of Jewish and Romany decent. I write Historical Fiction and Historical Romance, most of which is set during the holocaust. Although I never discount the horrors of the time period, the main focus of my work is on ordinary people who prove to be strong heroic characters in unfathomable circumstances.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 22, 2023
Audiobook- This one was an emotional roller coaster!
January 16, 2021
Very good book
It is evident how much time and researched went into this series of books but, of course all of Roberta's books are that way. If you have never read her books, today is a great day to start.
It is evident how much time and researched went into this series of books but, of course all of Roberta's books are that way. If you have never read her books, today is a great day to start.
December 19, 2021
Another superb book by RK. Well researched, compelling authentic storyline, informative and insightful. Even if you have no real interest in war stories or books you will enjoy this family saga as the Jewish family navigates the Nazi persecutions and anti semitism of the time.
Though part of a set, this book is a great read even if you aren't reading the others in the series. Once you've read this one you will want to read the others.
If history is not what you really want to read about, this book will still draw you in as Sam lives in the USA working for a Jewish mob running clandestine operations, his parents running a successful garment factory in Berlin, Germany, and his sister's romance with an Italian doctor. When WWII slowly develops around them the war has an enormous ripple effect as the family loses touch with each other and experience the war from vastly different perspectives.
Highly recommended reading and bound to be a page turner for just about anyone.
Though part of a set, this book is a great read even if you aren't reading the others in the series. Once you've read this one you will want to read the others.
If history is not what you really want to read about, this book will still draw you in as Sam lives in the USA working for a Jewish mob running clandestine operations, his parents running a successful garment factory in Berlin, Germany, and his sister's romance with an Italian doctor. When WWII slowly develops around them the war has an enormous ripple effect as the family loses touch with each other and experience the war from vastly different perspectives.
Highly recommended reading and bound to be a page turner for just about anyone.
December 25, 2021
This book is the third in a family saga series. While the story line was interesting the writing felt a bit cheesy- superficial and unbelievable at times.
Actually I think that could be said for all 3 books but more so for this third one.
The series is an historical novel and the history of that time is there-such as prohibition and WW11. But the fictional part of the story was not well woven into the history and at times it felt like a novel and some history side by side.
The characters are well developed but I’ve never seen so many self absorbed characters in one book. I started out liking Sam but by the end of the third book I just found him to be another self absorbed unlikeable character.
I thought the third book was the final one of the saga but it seems there is one more. While I’d like to know how it ends not sure if I’ll read the last one.
Actually I think that could be said for all 3 books but more so for this third one.
The series is an historical novel and the history of that time is there-such as prohibition and WW11. But the fictional part of the story was not well woven into the history and at times it felt like a novel and some history side by side.
The characters are well developed but I’ve never seen so many self absorbed characters in one book. I started out liking Sam but by the end of the third book I just found him to be another self absorbed unlikeable character.
I thought the third book was the final one of the saga but it seems there is one more. While I’d like to know how it ends not sure if I’ll read the last one.
December 14, 2020
This book was WONDERFUL! I am not Jewish but I feel all should read this to understand what they went through before, during, and after WWII. This was a page turner. I started on Saturday, didn't read on Sunday, and finished on Monday. All of Kagan's books have been great but this one touched me the family in the book are so separated by faith and distance and yet they all are connected. My own family was like this in a way, so I related to the story. Read this and all of Roberta Kagan's books and I promise that you will not be disappointed.
December 16, 2023
I am 100% invested in these characters. While often hard to read, I find these books addicting and important to our time in history today because Ms. Kagan brilliantly shows how hate and bigotry take root.
Highly personal to those of us who grew up with parents and families effected by these events. Their stories could very well have been my family's story.
The ending of each book make it impossible not to dive right into the next one.
Love this author. Don't know why it took me so long to finally read her.
Highly personal to those of us who grew up with parents and families effected by these events. Their stories could very well have been my family's story.
The ending of each book make it impossible not to dive right into the next one.
Love this author. Don't know why it took me so long to finally read her.
December 13, 2021
Even though I’m a Christian this was such an enlightening read for me to see all the trials and tribulations these people who are God’s chosen ones, have been put through even here in America! I was raised to never hate people just because they are different faiths and look differently than myself! Lagan made the reader know the truth of what really happened! Very good reading and I will be reading all this series!
December 23, 2020
Another winning series
I start reading a book written by Roberta Kagan and just cannot put it down.
At this time, our life in America is in such chaos that it is important to know how political decision can cause such destruction. Praying g for all people every where in this world.
I start reading a book written by Roberta Kagan and just cannot put it down.
At this time, our life in America is in such chaos that it is important to know how political decision can cause such destruction. Praying g for all people every where in this world.
February 23, 2022
This was a most enlightening book. I have been following the situations of the Jews from the earliest of times. Those times in Spain where Jews had once been welcomed and then were banished. I followed the Intufada with horrorl
Perhaps Whooppee Goldberg should have read this series while on her 2 week suspension.
Perhaps Whooppee Goldberg should have read this series while on her 2 week suspension.
May 31, 2024
The series of Roberta Kagan
I 'read quite a few of your books & xi have never been let down on any of them ! This is my second time reading this series. I read slot of Holocaust books by survivers. I love hours because you make them into page turners. Thank goodness for Kindle or I couldn't see to read a regular book. Can't afford those that read to you. Thank you so much .
I 'read quite a few of your books & xi have never been let down on any of them ! This is my second time reading this series. I read slot of Holocaust books by survivers. I love hours because you make them into page turners. Thank goodness for Kindle or I couldn't see to read a regular book. Can't afford those that read to you. Thank you so much .
December 18, 2020
When the Dust Settled.
Every book by Roberta Kagan is excellent. This one is no exception. This book takes place in America and Berlin in the early 1930’s and goes thru 1942. Excellent.
Every book by Roberta Kagan is excellent. This one is no exception. This book takes place in America and Berlin in the early 1930’s and goes thru 1942. Excellent.
June 1, 2021
The Staccato Writing Style......
Book three done. Good plot, surprises, twists and turns. The Staccato Writing Style is not to my liking, but, I have an interest in the subject matter so I will grit my teeth!
Book three done. Good plot, surprises, twists and turns. The Staccato Writing Style is not to my liking, but, I have an interest in the subject matter so I will grit my teeth!
July 4, 2021
Jewish Saga Book 3 continues powerfully
Each of these could stand alone, but you’d never want to. Such interesting happenings never seem contrived. Will continue right to #4 with great anticipation to see what comes next.
Each of these could stand alone, but you’d never want to. Such interesting happenings never seem contrived. Will continue right to #4 with great anticipation to see what comes next.
October 30, 2021
Hard to put down!
I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 because there are portions that seem to be filler instead of being pertinent and relevant. I would still recommend purchasing. It*s a good read!!
I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 because there are portions that seem to be filler instead of being pertinent and relevant. I would still recommend purchasing. It*s a good read!!
June 5, 2023
Continues to be a masterpiece! New characters mixed in with old and the story advances on with time. So many unexpected events happen that I find myself gasping out loud. Highly recommend this series - I can't put it down!
July 2, 2023
Captivating
The story pulls you in. The character development puts you right next to them in the story. And, the story is filled with every emotion there could be, you laugh, you cry and in your mind's eye you are there
Excellent
The story pulls you in. The character development puts you right next to them in the story. And, the story is filled with every emotion there could be, you laugh, you cry and in your mind's eye you are there
Excellent
July 23, 2023
Nothing settles
Heart wrenching and wicked with cruel intentions. You'll chase this families plight thru the good times and the bad. No matter what it's a reminder to pay attention. . .
Heart wrenching and wicked with cruel intentions. You'll chase this families plight thru the good times and the bad. No matter what it's a reminder to pay attention. . .
July 16, 2024
interesting characters
A book series slowly leading up to the Holocaust. Very interesting characters and situations. You just know what’s coming. Looking forward to reading the fourth book.
A book series slowly leading up to the Holocaust. Very interesting characters and situations. You just know what’s coming. Looking forward to reading the fourth book.
December 1, 2024
This beautiful saga. So much upset now.
Nazi Germany has invaded Poland.
Sam and Chana have split up. So much grief between them.
And the book leaves on such a cliff hanger, I have to read the next and final book
Nazi Germany has invaded Poland.
Sam and Chana have split up. So much grief between them.
And the book leaves on such a cliff hanger, I have to read the next and final book
December 12, 2020
I love Roberta Kagan!!! This was definitely a “can’t put it down” book. I’m anxiously waiting for book 4 in this series to be released next month!
December 19, 2020
Excellent
Totally engrossing, the characters are so well developed, you can’t stop reading. We have to find out what happens next.
Totally engrossing, the characters are so well developed, you can’t stop reading. We have to find out what happens next.
January 5, 2021
I enjoy how Ms Kagan draws you into the history of her . Very compelling stories.
January 12, 2021
Would b probably be better if read in sequence....
February 1, 2021
How will it end?
A must read! This was the happiest and saddest of the series so far. Ready to read the finale but not sure I want it to end.
A must read! This was the happiest and saddest of the series so far. Ready to read the finale but not sure I want it to end.
May 22, 2021
Heavy impact.
This book was amazing from start to finish. The storyline kept my interest, as it was filled with life in it's rawest form.
This book was amazing from start to finish. The storyline kept my interest, as it was filled with life in it's rawest form.
July 24, 2021
Excellent
March 20, 2022
This was just as fantastic as book 1 and 2. Great intense characters as the plot continues. Awaiting the delivery of book 4, it can't get here fast enough!!
March 21, 2022
I enjoyed reading this book. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
June 21, 2022
Another Good Read from Roberta Kagan
Roberta Kagan did it again. A novel that you hate to put down. Recommend reading this entire series and am sure you won’t be disappointed.
Roberta Kagan did it again. A novel that you hate to put down. Recommend reading this entire series and am sure you won’t be disappointed.
March 7, 2023
it only gets better
I actually cried over the great loss but especially the loss of a child. These people feel real to me. I’m on to the next book.
I actually cried over the great loss but especially the loss of a child. These people feel real to me. I’m on to the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews