What do you think?
Rate this book
Beneath a Starless Sky
An epic tale of love, hope, glamour and courage set against the staggering true-life events leading up to World War 2.
For fans of A Woman of War and The Nightingale comes a heart-wrenching tale that takes the reader on an emotional roller-coaster ride from Munich to Hollywood, London, Paris and Lisbon.
A forbidden romance…
Munich 1930 Jewish ballet dancer Lilli Sternberg longs to escape the rising Nazi menace. But a whirl-wind romance with a promising young army officer, Captain Marco Zeiller, puts her Hollywood dreams on hold - until her heart is broken.
A dream shattered….
Making it to Hollywood, Lilli dances with the legendary Fred Astaire, who introduces her to high society and the heir to the British throne, Prince Edward. But when injury ends her film career, Edward and his American mistress, Wallis Simpson, both Nazi sympathisers, have other plans for Lilli.
A final chance to save her loved-ones and change the course of history...
As war looms and Marco Zeiller, now working for Goebbels, re-enters her life, Lilli’s loyalties are tested as one by one her family falls prey to Nazi terror. Against all odds, can Lilli save her family and foil Hitler’s plot to kidnap Edward?
For fans of A Woman of War and The Nightingale comes a heart-wrenching tale that takes the reader on an emotional roller-coaster ride from Munich to Hollywood, London, Paris and Lisbon.
A forbidden romance…
Munich 1930 Jewish ballet dancer Lilli Sternberg longs to escape the rising Nazi menace. But a whirl-wind romance with a promising young army officer, Captain Marco Zeiller, puts her Hollywood dreams on hold - until her heart is broken.
A dream shattered….
Making it to Hollywood, Lilli dances with the legendary Fred Astaire, who introduces her to high society and the heir to the British throne, Prince Edward. But when injury ends her film career, Edward and his American mistress, Wallis Simpson, both Nazi sympathisers, have other plans for Lilli.
A final chance to save her loved-ones and change the course of history...
As war looms and Marco Zeiller, now working for Goebbels, re-enters her life, Lilli’s loyalties are tested as one by one her family falls prey to Nazi terror. Against all odds, can Lilli save her family and foil Hitler’s plot to kidnap Edward?
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 9, 2020
577 people are currently reading
5392 people want to read
About the author
Tessa Harris
21 books525 followersFrom the author's website:After studying History at Oxford University, I began my journalistic career on a newspaper in my home town of Louth, in Lincolnshire. I progressed onto a London newspaper, where I became women's editor. From there I moved to become a feature writer on Best magazine. After two years I was made editor of a regional arts and listings publication. This was followed by another two years as deputy editor on Heritage magazine. Motherhood meant a spell as a freelance, contributing to several national magazines, such as Country Homes & Interiors, Perfect Home and Woman's Journal, as well as newspapers such as The Times, The Telegraph and The Guardian. During this time I also worked as a literary publicist and for a documentary-making company. In 2005 I was made editor of Berkshire Life magazine.
In 2000 I won a European-wide screenplay writing competition run by the London Screenwriters' Workshop and the resulting screenplay was optioned by a film company. The script was set in 18th century London and my subsequent research led to the invention of Dr Thomas Silkstone, an American anatomist and the world's first forensic scientist.
Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_...
Author Tessa Harris[5] also made him one of the main characters in her book The Dead Shall Not Rest which uses a fictional character Thomas Silkstone to examine the beginnings of forensic science, anatomy and surgery. The book, which is well referenced, emphasises the difficulty and need of anatomists of the time gaining access to bodies to dissect, and the illegal trade in dead bodies that eventuated due to this.
In 2000 I won a European-wide screenplay writing competition run by the London Screenwriters' Workshop and the resulting screenplay was optioned by a film company. The script was set in 18th century London and my subsequent research led to the invention of Dr Thomas Silkstone, an American anatomist and the world's first forensic scientist.
Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_...
Author Tessa Harris[5] also made him one of the main characters in her book The Dead Shall Not Rest which uses a fictional character Thomas Silkstone to examine the beginnings of forensic science, anatomy and surgery. The book, which is well referenced, emphasises the difficulty and need of anatomists of the time gaining access to bodies to dissect, and the illegal trade in dead bodies that eventuated due to this.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
June 24, 2021
Lilli Sternberg lives in Munich with her father Jacob, mother Golda and younger brother Leon. Her family are Jewish, things have just started to get tense in the city, and Lilli is studying ballet and she’s an extremely talented dancer. Lilli meets a young career army officer Marco Zeiller, they fall madly in love, suddenly Marco ends their relationship and he breaks her heart. However, Lilli is strong, she can endure the pain of hours of practice and losing her first love.
This makes her more determined to follow her dreams of dancing in Hollywood, she moves to American and receives a movie contract. The news from home isn’t good, even harder restrictions for Jewish people and she wants family to move to America. Lilli Stern dances with her idol Fred Astaire, he introduces her to so many important people and a very famous couple. Edward the Duke of Windsor and his mistress Wallis Simpson and who are rumored to be Nazi sympathizers.
Lilli visits London, here she meets James Marchington, he moves in the same social scene and they become romantically involved. The threat of a second world war is looming, Lilli’s only tie to Germany is her family, the situation in Munich is getting worse, it makes her vulnerable and Hermann Goebbels knows she’s a Jewish actress and uses this to his advantage. Lilli is drawn into underworld of being a spy, for Lilli it’s an easy choice which side she supports, she wants to save her family and she doesn’t want England to be ruled by the Nazi’s.
If you like WW II historical fiction with a strong, brave and resilient main female character and I suggest you read Beneath a Starless Sky. I received a copy of this book from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review and five stars from me. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
This makes her more determined to follow her dreams of dancing in Hollywood, she moves to American and receives a movie contract. The news from home isn’t good, even harder restrictions for Jewish people and she wants family to move to America. Lilli Stern dances with her idol Fred Astaire, he introduces her to so many important people and a very famous couple. Edward the Duke of Windsor and his mistress Wallis Simpson and who are rumored to be Nazi sympathizers.
Lilli visits London, here she meets James Marchington, he moves in the same social scene and they become romantically involved. The threat of a second world war is looming, Lilli’s only tie to Germany is her family, the situation in Munich is getting worse, it makes her vulnerable and Hermann Goebbels knows she’s a Jewish actress and uses this to his advantage. Lilli is drawn into underworld of being a spy, for Lilli it’s an easy choice which side she supports, she wants to save her family and she doesn’t want England to be ruled by the Nazi’s.
If you like WW II historical fiction with a strong, brave and resilient main female character and I suggest you read Beneath a Starless Sky. I received a copy of this book from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review and five stars from me. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
September 12, 2021
This is a very compelling story about a German dancer wanting to go to America, pre WWII in Munich, Germany.
As Lilli Sternberg was walking home she sees smoke. There is fire
Her family is in danger just for being Jewish. Her father’s tailor shop is in flames. Lilli’s life will never be the same.
This is an historical fiction novel born from Tessa Harris from a magazine article that she read from the Sunday Times in 1990. It reported that Dorothea Allen, an reclusive millionaire died without leaving a will. She had left photographs of herself defaced. On the back of one was written “The girl that danced with Fred Astaire.” Why deface the photos, what did she have to hide?
Truth or fiction?
This book was a hidden gem. We follow Lilli as she gets her break and goes to Hollywood leaving behind her family. We meet Fred Astaire in Hollywood.
We also learn of the fate of Wallis Simpson and the abdicated King, as Lilli tries to rescue her family.
This was a very well written and researched novel. It had everything. Intrigue, romance and espionage. It is filled with twists and turns.
I received this book as a giveaway promotion through Goodreads.
A must read.
As Lilli Sternberg was walking home she sees smoke. There is fire
Her family is in danger just for being Jewish. Her father’s tailor shop is in flames. Lilli’s life will never be the same.
This is an historical fiction novel born from Tessa Harris from a magazine article that she read from the Sunday Times in 1990. It reported that Dorothea Allen, an reclusive millionaire died without leaving a will. She had left photographs of herself defaced. On the back of one was written “The girl that danced with Fred Astaire.” Why deface the photos, what did she have to hide?
Truth or fiction?
This book was a hidden gem. We follow Lilli as she gets her break and goes to Hollywood leaving behind her family. We meet Fred Astaire in Hollywood.
We also learn of the fate of Wallis Simpson and the abdicated King, as Lilli tries to rescue her family.
This was a very well written and researched novel. It had everything. Intrigue, romance and espionage. It is filled with twists and turns.
I received this book as a giveaway promotion through Goodreads.
A must read.
August 19, 2021
Beneath a Starless Sky by Tessa Harris is a gripping, exciting, and very emotional story set in Europe before, during, and after World War II. It follows the story of Jewish ballet dancer Lilli Sternberg as she rises to stardom in Hollywood and after an injury, she becomes a spy.
Lilli works hard at the ballet school in dreams of making it out of her home in Germany and becoming a star in Hollywood. On her way, she meets and falls for German soldier Captain Marco Zeiller. After a short romance, her heart is broken, but she finally finds her way to Vaudeville in New York City and eventually to Hollywood and becomes a dancer in the movies.
Her life in America is what she’s always dreamed of and she meets and dances with Fred Astaire and other famous actors, actresses, and dancers. She also meets Prince Edward and his Americal mistress Wallis Simpson.
I was swept away by this historical story that brought real-life history to life for me. The prologue had me flying through the pages of this superbly written saga to learn the fate of Lilli and her loves and family. Lilli is a remarkable woman whose courage, strength, and resiliency are perfectly balanced with her vulnerability and love for her family and country. I loved how the author weaved in the very real historical figures into this work of fiction, making the story believable and very realistic. As if this story really happened.
I highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction and anyone who loves a good story. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Lilli works hard at the ballet school in dreams of making it out of her home in Germany and becoming a star in Hollywood. On her way, she meets and falls for German soldier Captain Marco Zeiller. After a short romance, her heart is broken, but she finally finds her way to Vaudeville in New York City and eventually to Hollywood and becomes a dancer in the movies.
Her life in America is what she’s always dreamed of and she meets and dances with Fred Astaire and other famous actors, actresses, and dancers. She also meets Prince Edward and his Americal mistress Wallis Simpson.
I was swept away by this historical story that brought real-life history to life for me. The prologue had me flying through the pages of this superbly written saga to learn the fate of Lilli and her loves and family. Lilli is a remarkable woman whose courage, strength, and resiliency are perfectly balanced with her vulnerability and love for her family and country. I loved how the author weaved in the very real historical figures into this work of fiction, making the story believable and very realistic. As if this story really happened.
I highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction and anyone who loves a good story. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 24, 2021
Beneath a Starless Sky by Tessa Harris is an excellent pre-WWII era historical fiction that has it all: action, history, suspense, a transcontinental and spanning narrative, and romance.
This is the first novel that I have read by this author, and I am now most certainly a fan. I really enjoyed reading the complex story line and the experiences that Lilli Sternberg experienced traveling from Munich to Old Hollywood and back. So many obstacles, so many stunning turns of events throughout the narrative.
I was continually surprised on what would happen next, and felt that those twists and turns really added to complexity of the narrative. I liked Lilli. She was strong, like able, imperfect, and I was really rooting for her and her continual perseverance. I also enjoyed the dash of romance that was interwoven throughout. It added a softer aspect to the action-packed story. And without giving any spoilers, I enjoyed how it all wrapped up.
A great historical fiction that kept me engaged throughout and I highly recommend.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and HQ for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR, Bookbub, Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts immediately. This book was published on 12/9/2020.
This is the first novel that I have read by this author, and I am now most certainly a fan. I really enjoyed reading the complex story line and the experiences that Lilli Sternberg experienced traveling from Munich to Old Hollywood and back. So many obstacles, so many stunning turns of events throughout the narrative.
I was continually surprised on what would happen next, and felt that those twists and turns really added to complexity of the narrative. I liked Lilli. She was strong, like able, imperfect, and I was really rooting for her and her continual perseverance. I also enjoyed the dash of romance that was interwoven throughout. It added a softer aspect to the action-packed story. And without giving any spoilers, I enjoyed how it all wrapped up.
A great historical fiction that kept me engaged throughout and I highly recommend.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and HQ for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR, Bookbub, Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts immediately. This book was published on 12/9/2020.
December 3, 2020
Beneath A Starless Sky by Tessa Harris is a powerful historical novel set during the 1930’s and World War II years mainly in Munich.
The reader witnesses the terrible persecution of the Jewish people as the horrific gradually becomes the acceptable. There are some brave souls who although they spot what is coming, are powerless to halt it.
Not every German is a Nazi. “There are some good people left in Germany.” Some fight the system from within.
Actual factual events and figures blend with fiction to create this marvellous story. As a historian it was fascinating to read.
Within the tale there are spies – brave men and women who do what they must to help the war effort.
Family is important as is true love.
The reader witnesses both the pure heart and the black, evil heart at work.
Beneath A Starless Sky was a compelling read. I cannot wait for more by Tessa Harris.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
The reader witnesses the terrible persecution of the Jewish people as the horrific gradually becomes the acceptable. There are some brave souls who although they spot what is coming, are powerless to halt it.
Not every German is a Nazi. “There are some good people left in Germany.” Some fight the system from within.
Actual factual events and figures blend with fiction to create this marvellous story. As a historian it was fascinating to read.
Within the tale there are spies – brave men and women who do what they must to help the war effort.
Family is important as is true love.
The reader witnesses both the pure heart and the black, evil heart at work.
Beneath A Starless Sky was a compelling read. I cannot wait for more by Tessa Harris.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
January 1, 2021
As Lilli Sternberg dreams of being a famous dancer or a Hollywood star she ignores the worries and political concerns of her earnest younger brother, Leon. Intending to train as a lawyer he is often outspoken about the plight of Jewish families like theirs. Naively, when Lilli meets the charming Marco Zeiller she hopes her family will accept the Italian/German army officer into their family but when her hopes are dashed, she takes up an opportunity to achieve her ambition.
As the 1930s progress Lilli is amazingly successful, mixing with the rich and powerful, but at some point, she must return to see her family. There she finds an impossible situation and she is prepared to put herself in danger in order to help the opposition to Hitler. Reading the story of this brave, likeable young woman we learn about the horrors building up to the Nazi atrocities and we desperately want her to find love and happiness, however unlikely that might be.
At times I found the interaction between Lilli and real people such as Fred Astair or Wallis Simpson unbelievable, but Lilli herself is very engaging. There are gaps in her story which are explained later but this maintains the pace of the plot. An interesting novel in its reflection of contrasting cultures in Germany, England and Hollywood in a turbulent era.
As the 1930s progress Lilli is amazingly successful, mixing with the rich and powerful, but at some point, she must return to see her family. There she finds an impossible situation and she is prepared to put herself in danger in order to help the opposition to Hitler. Reading the story of this brave, likeable young woman we learn about the horrors building up to the Nazi atrocities and we desperately want her to find love and happiness, however unlikely that might be.
At times I found the interaction between Lilli and real people such as Fred Astair or Wallis Simpson unbelievable, but Lilli herself is very engaging. There are gaps in her story which are explained later but this maintains the pace of the plot. An interesting novel in its reflection of contrasting cultures in Germany, England and Hollywood in a turbulent era.
March 14, 2021
I wanted to love this book but I just didn’t. It was an average read with a shocking amount of typos/errors. About halfway through the book I was frustrated and curious, so I Googled the author and book to see if she self-published or was a new writer. I was surprised to learn that not only was this book a long time in the making, but the author is a published and established writer.
The book starts off strong but it lost me somewhere in the first half. I was really put off by the errors and the slowdown in pace of the story, so I had to put the book down for a couple of days. I was curious enough to finish the read, however. There were exciting elements and a bit of glitz and glamour that intrigued me and I found the historical nuggets were most fascinating. But would I suggest this as a must-read? No.
It looks like there are a lot of positive reviews, but I disagree due to the pedestrian style of writing, poor character and story development, errors, and lack of depth.
The book starts off strong but it lost me somewhere in the first half. I was really put off by the errors and the slowdown in pace of the story, so I had to put the book down for a couple of days. I was curious enough to finish the read, however. There were exciting elements and a bit of glitz and glamour that intrigued me and I found the historical nuggets were most fascinating. But would I suggest this as a must-read? No.
It looks like there are a lot of positive reviews, but I disagree due to the pedestrian style of writing, poor character and story development, errors, and lack of depth.
August 27, 2021
If you love the time period of the 1930s this is the book for you. It’s Jammed full of deceit, love, betrayal, and repressive political rule. Two lovers find each other in an impossible time where their feelings are forbidden. Lily traverses the Atlantic and rubs elbows with some of,the most famous people of the time. The story has intrigue and the possibility of what if’s. There is much sorrow in the book so be prepared. It’s an enveloping story. Thanks to HQ digital and NetGalley for the early read.
January 31, 2021
A brilliant and suspenseful story.
This magnificently written story takes the reader from pre World War 2, through to the 1980s.
A very poignant read, it tells of the hardships of the Jewish people in Munich prior to and during the war; the double agents and spies, the involvement of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and the survival of very few.
I was very moved by this story, and cannot recommend it highly enough for lovers of this genre.
This magnificently written story takes the reader from pre World War 2, through to the 1980s.
A very poignant read, it tells of the hardships of the Jewish people in Munich prior to and during the war; the double agents and spies, the involvement of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and the survival of very few.
I was very moved by this story, and cannot recommend it highly enough for lovers of this genre.
November 23, 2021
I’m not sure why I even finished this book. It was full of errors about its setting and errors with the editing, such as the same sentence being repeated twice on a page.
There are so many moving books set during WWII. This one adds nothing to this genre.
There are so many moving books set during WWII. This one adds nothing to this genre.
December 8, 2020
What an incredible journey this is with some surprising historical figures playing major roles in the story. It begins in 1930 and follows the life of Lilli Sternberg. Lilli and her Jewish family lived in Munich, but attitudes are changing towards the family as long time friends turn their backs on them, and her father’s shop was burned down. Lilli, a ballet dancer, longs for her talents to be recognised and a way out of Germany.
The story follows Lilli through the war years, her loves, her career and the situations that she is forced into to survive and keep people she loves safe. There is never a dull moment in this story. I loved the romance and her determination, but for me, the second half of the book was riveting. The tension that the author brought to these pages just made the world around it become blurred. I had been watching a TV series, before and after reading this book, and the mix of them both brought this book even more to life. It was like this was the behind the scenes story, and it made my blood run cold.
It felt quite surreal that Lilli had no idea just how bad things had become for her family back in Germany. It was all too horrific to think that any of it could be true. It is, at times, extremely heart-breaking, and it becomes very personal to Lilli.
I can’t recommend this book enough. I wouldn’t even want to put in into a category because this for me is a book of life. One woman, brave and determined. A Perfect ending too.
The story follows Lilli through the war years, her loves, her career and the situations that she is forced into to survive and keep people she loves safe. There is never a dull moment in this story. I loved the romance and her determination, but for me, the second half of the book was riveting. The tension that the author brought to these pages just made the world around it become blurred. I had been watching a TV series, before and after reading this book, and the mix of them both brought this book even more to life. It was like this was the behind the scenes story, and it made my blood run cold.
It felt quite surreal that Lilli had no idea just how bad things had become for her family back in Germany. It was all too horrific to think that any of it could be true. It is, at times, extremely heart-breaking, and it becomes very personal to Lilli.
I can’t recommend this book enough. I wouldn’t even want to put in into a category because this for me is a book of life. One woman, brave and determined. A Perfect ending too.
February 12, 2022
This is another one of the many books about woman and WWII that I have read, but I actually learned a little history that I was unaware of. The protagonist, Lillian Sternberg, is a young Jewish woman living in Germany as Hitler and the Nazis are gaining power. She is a talented ballet dancer who aspires to star in American movies. She gets her wish and is featured in a movie with Fred Astaire, but when she injures her foot, her career ends. While she has been pursuing her career, her parents and brother have been suffering under the Nazis. Eventually, Lilli, who has married an Englishman who is working in intelligence for the British, becomes involved in espionage herself.
The historical part of this novel that I was unaware of was the part involving Edward VIII, the Duke of Windsor. I was familiar with the well-worn story of how he gave up the throne to marry Wallis Simpson, the twice-divorced love of his life, but the real story is not that pretty. It turns out that Simpson and the Duke were big supporters of the Nazis and Adolph Hitler. While reading about this in this novel, I stopped to look up historical information about this. There is plenty of evidence to support the allegations. Simpson comes off as totally unlikable and the Duke seems naive and easily fooled. The author's note includes sources for more information.
There is also a love story involving Lilli and Marco Zeiller, an Italian young man who Lilli meets in her youth and reconnects with later after he has become a Nazi.
I enjoyed this book, but did find the print copy, a paperback, annoying because there were editing mistakes in it.
The historical part of this novel that I was unaware of was the part involving Edward VIII, the Duke of Windsor. I was familiar with the well-worn story of how he gave up the throne to marry Wallis Simpson, the twice-divorced love of his life, but the real story is not that pretty. It turns out that Simpson and the Duke were big supporters of the Nazis and Adolph Hitler. While reading about this in this novel, I stopped to look up historical information about this. There is plenty of evidence to support the allegations. Simpson comes off as totally unlikable and the Duke seems naive and easily fooled. The author's note includes sources for more information.
There is also a love story involving Lilli and Marco Zeiller, an Italian young man who Lilli meets in her youth and reconnects with later after he has become a Nazi.
I enjoyed this book, but did find the print copy, a paperback, annoying because there were editing mistakes in it.
December 10, 2020
4.5 stars
An amazing story about bravery, courage, resilience and family.
I'm a fan of these kinds of stories. The Second World War and everything that happened before, during and after it has always caught my attention, so when I saw this book I applied to review it and I was very happy to be entrusted with it.
I won't say much because when I like something, emotion usually wins over me and I release spoilers and I don't want you to miss out on reading a beautiful story.
It is not a book about romantic love in itself but it is about family, courage, resilience, helping yourself and others. I have always trusted that during this time there were good, self-sacrificing people who took risks for others.
What the Jews suffered is totally inhuman, the story of Lilli, Marco and her family is sad and heartbreaking but definitely one that those of us who love this kind of narrative will enjoy reading.
I leave a lot to be said but as I mentioned before anything else I say will be a spoiler because I am still very excited after finishing the book.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the author for trusting me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
An amazing story about bravery, courage, resilience and family.
I'm a fan of these kinds of stories. The Second World War and everything that happened before, during and after it has always caught my attention, so when I saw this book I applied to review it and I was very happy to be entrusted with it.
I won't say much because when I like something, emotion usually wins over me and I release spoilers and I don't want you to miss out on reading a beautiful story.
It is not a book about romantic love in itself but it is about family, courage, resilience, helping yourself and others. I have always trusted that during this time there were good, self-sacrificing people who took risks for others.
What the Jews suffered is totally inhuman, the story of Lilli, Marco and her family is sad and heartbreaking but definitely one that those of us who love this kind of narrative will enjoy reading.
I leave a lot to be said but as I mentioned before anything else I say will be a spoiler because I am still very excited after finishing the book.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the author for trusting me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 30, 2020
I enjoyed this book, the life of Lilli was cleverly designed and woven with threads of history through it.
At times, I did get a little confused with the names of the historical characters and I feel I would have benefitted from a cast list at the start of the book for reference.
The characters of Lilli and Marco were likeable (on the whole!) and I cared about their story.
The prologue was not resolved until the final chapters and I think parts of this could have been linked together as I had forgotten about some of the scene by that point.
At times, I did get a little confused with the names of the historical characters and I feel I would have benefitted from a cast list at the start of the book for reference.
The characters of Lilli and Marco were likeable (on the whole!) and I cared about their story.
The prologue was not resolved until the final chapters and I think parts of this could have been linked together as I had forgotten about some of the scene by that point.
March 24, 2023
Passion, love, spy this book had everything. Lilly Sternberg a Jewish younger woman with dreams of becoming a ballerina. That dreams suddenly changes when Hitler comes into power and she falls for a good looking SS officer Marco Zeiller who has a pass. Both of their lives will be in terminal and a child is born. Knowing that both their lives are in danger a lot happens. The child 40 years later finds the truth about her pass and parentage.
This book had me crying and angry!
Loved it. I highly recommended it!
This book had me crying and angry!
Loved it. I highly recommended it!
January 28, 2022
This story is not believable nor well written. The leaps taken in the telling defy logic and time. If is light weight and poorly devised and I only finished it to see if it improved which it didn’t. A Harlequin Romance at best. A book using every trope and created by AI in attempt to copy human imagination at worst. AI failed miserably. I bought it on a whim at Costco and will never make that mistake again.
January 13, 2022
4.5 stars
You had me at forbidden romance with this one. I am an absolute sucker for forbidden romances and this book sounded like it had the ultimate forbidden romance—German soldier and a Jewish woman during WWII. I mean come on how could I pass on that? I was super excited to dive into this one. Author Tessa Harris has written two other historical mysteries series (which I now need to read) but this is her first stand alone historical fiction novel.
While her other novels are set in the Victorian era, this one is set during WWII and I thought she did a wonderful job with her historical research and presentation not to mention the romance which is the reason why I am so excited to read her other books! I am a sucker for a well researched historical fiction novel and this one did not disappoint.
It came in at around 350 pages which might seem short by historical fiction standards—sometimes historical fiction novels run long because the authors like to add a lot of historical detail. This one did not skimp on historical details but kept the focus on the characters and romance while keeping the historic details pointed and clear rather than for filler (if that makes sense). If you are a fan of historical fiction you should know what I mean by this. If you need a last minute gift for the historical fiction fan on your shopping list, take a look at this lovely story!
In recent years, I am been loving all the female spy war time historical fiction. I love seeing these women and their stories brought to the light even if it’s a historical fiction novel, often they are based on true stories. And made up or not I love a character with grit, tenacity, and courage. Ultimately that’s what this novel is about, a brave woman who risks her life to save her family. I adored Lilli and found her easy to read and admire. I think other readers will agree that she is a fantastic character that you won’t want to stop reading!
Normally I don’t care for real life historical figures popping up randomly in fictional books. For example, Coco Chanel randomly showing up because a character visits her shop while in Paris once and meets her and then we never hear about Coco again. It’s one thing if said historical figure continues to be part of the story but as a one off, it comes across as simple name dropping and I typically don’t care for it. In this book we meet Fred Astaire as well as a few other well known historical figures like the Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson, in this book these characters have impact on the larger story so it didn’t bother me at all and I was so happy about this!
As I said earlier, Harris balances historical details with great characters and romance. I loved the history but wasn’t overwhelmed by it in this novel. There is enough to make historical fiction fans happy without being a dry history book. But where Harris shines is with the romance. I loved the romance in this one and that’s what made me absolutely fall in love with this one. I couldn’t get enough of Marco and then he broke Lilli’s heart and my heart hurt for her too. This is a story about history, romance, and family—-family plays a big part in this book and readers will delight in this one. I loved it and I cannot wait to read more from this author!
See my full review here
You had me at forbidden romance with this one. I am an absolute sucker for forbidden romances and this book sounded like it had the ultimate forbidden romance—German soldier and a Jewish woman during WWII. I mean come on how could I pass on that? I was super excited to dive into this one. Author Tessa Harris has written two other historical mysteries series (which I now need to read) but this is her first stand alone historical fiction novel.
While her other novels are set in the Victorian era, this one is set during WWII and I thought she did a wonderful job with her historical research and presentation not to mention the romance which is the reason why I am so excited to read her other books! I am a sucker for a well researched historical fiction novel and this one did not disappoint.
It came in at around 350 pages which might seem short by historical fiction standards—sometimes historical fiction novels run long because the authors like to add a lot of historical detail. This one did not skimp on historical details but kept the focus on the characters and romance while keeping the historic details pointed and clear rather than for filler (if that makes sense). If you are a fan of historical fiction you should know what I mean by this. If you need a last minute gift for the historical fiction fan on your shopping list, take a look at this lovely story!
In recent years, I am been loving all the female spy war time historical fiction. I love seeing these women and their stories brought to the light even if it’s a historical fiction novel, often they are based on true stories. And made up or not I love a character with grit, tenacity, and courage. Ultimately that’s what this novel is about, a brave woman who risks her life to save her family. I adored Lilli and found her easy to read and admire. I think other readers will agree that she is a fantastic character that you won’t want to stop reading!
Normally I don’t care for real life historical figures popping up randomly in fictional books. For example, Coco Chanel randomly showing up because a character visits her shop while in Paris once and meets her and then we never hear about Coco again. It’s one thing if said historical figure continues to be part of the story but as a one off, it comes across as simple name dropping and I typically don’t care for it. In this book we meet Fred Astaire as well as a few other well known historical figures like the Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson, in this book these characters have impact on the larger story so it didn’t bother me at all and I was so happy about this!
As I said earlier, Harris balances historical details with great characters and romance. I loved the history but wasn’t overwhelmed by it in this novel. There is enough to make historical fiction fans happy without being a dry history book. But where Harris shines is with the romance. I loved the romance in this one and that’s what made me absolutely fall in love with this one. I couldn’t get enough of Marco and then he broke Lilli’s heart and my heart hurt for her too. This is a story about history, romance, and family—-family plays a big part in this book and readers will delight in this one. I loved it and I cannot wait to read more from this author!
See my full review here
November 14, 2022
A book, chosen randomly…seemingly ordinary, but somehow it attracted me at that moment and I took it…I never thought for a single moment that that very book would leave me without sleep and plunge me into an unprecedented whirlwind of emotions…. ‘Beneath a Starless Sky’
An incredible novel about the love, loss, and courage of one young woman during wartime… An interesting tale about forbidden love, about a tender soul full of hope and broken by pain, about a young girl and a longing for a better future…
‘Beneath a Starless Sky’ by Tessa Harris takes us on an emotional journey before, during, and after World War II, following the life of Lilli Sternberg, a talented ballerina who takes us on her journey from Munich to Hollywood in search of success and fame.
We meet her, this gentle Jewish girl, and her family, living in a city where things are slowly becoming tense and dangerous. We feel the joy of her first love, the flutter of her heart as soon as she meets Marco, the young Italian soldier. A Jewish Girl and a Nazzi solder- a combination that is condemned even before it manages to be explored. We also feel her pain when Marco puts an end to that sincere love. We are enveloped by her fears and her desires. We pack together all her hopes and dreams and follow her on her way to Hollywood. But will this young lady succeed in making her dreams come true or do fate have other plans for her?
I cannot find adequate words to describe how much this admirable story of will and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of historical coincidences and tragedy affected me. The author has succeeded in crafting such a complex plot that pulls the reader in from the very beginning. Love, prejudices, action, history, suspense, and spanning narrative are all so skillfully balanced, that no matter how much you don’t want to, you stop from time to time to be able to think about what you read. Through a sumptuous style intertwined with vivid descriptions, the author opens up complex questions and exposes essential dilemmas that even modern man faces. The way this author balances historical facts and elements is also commendable, as there are enough elements to justify the genre but not overshadow the story. And the way in which the terrible persecution of the Jewish people is painted is something that particularly impressed me.
This timeless, multi-generational story is a heartbreaking tale about one woman’s struggle to survive and help her loved ones. Definitely, ‘Beneath a Starless Sky ‘ would delight all readers...
An incredible novel about the love, loss, and courage of one young woman during wartime… An interesting tale about forbidden love, about a tender soul full of hope and broken by pain, about a young girl and a longing for a better future…
‘Beneath a Starless Sky’ by Tessa Harris takes us on an emotional journey before, during, and after World War II, following the life of Lilli Sternberg, a talented ballerina who takes us on her journey from Munich to Hollywood in search of success and fame.
We meet her, this gentle Jewish girl, and her family, living in a city where things are slowly becoming tense and dangerous. We feel the joy of her first love, the flutter of her heart as soon as she meets Marco, the young Italian soldier. A Jewish Girl and a Nazzi solder- a combination that is condemned even before it manages to be explored. We also feel her pain when Marco puts an end to that sincere love. We are enveloped by her fears and her desires. We pack together all her hopes and dreams and follow her on her way to Hollywood. But will this young lady succeed in making her dreams come true or do fate have other plans for her?
I cannot find adequate words to describe how much this admirable story of will and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of historical coincidences and tragedy affected me. The author has succeeded in crafting such a complex plot that pulls the reader in from the very beginning. Love, prejudices, action, history, suspense, and spanning narrative are all so skillfully balanced, that no matter how much you don’t want to, you stop from time to time to be able to think about what you read. Through a sumptuous style intertwined with vivid descriptions, the author opens up complex questions and exposes essential dilemmas that even modern man faces. The way this author balances historical facts and elements is also commendable, as there are enough elements to justify the genre but not overshadow the story. And the way in which the terrible persecution of the Jewish people is painted is something that particularly impressed me.
This timeless, multi-generational story is a heartbreaking tale about one woman’s struggle to survive and help her loved ones. Definitely, ‘Beneath a Starless Sky ‘ would delight all readers...
Read
April 3, 2023Dance Through The Pain
This was Lilli's dance teacher's motto, one that always stayed with her but I must admit it's also what I had to do during parts of this book (read through the pain, more precisely, I suppose).
Beneath a Starless Sky is very much a slow-burner. The entire first part (maybe a third of the book) following Lilli as a young ballerina in Munich in 1930 dragged terribly and felt very long. We get it, being Jewish in Munich in the 1930s is not an enviable position... we knew that before starting the book and yes, we know things will only get worse from here, all this foreboding and innuendoes were useless and slowed the story down for no good reason.
Once Lilli reaches Hollywood, France, England, the plot really starts going and I was much more interested. This book remained flawed all along, for example there must be at most 5 sentences in French in the entire book, yet they all contain very basic mistakes that even Google translate would have corrected. It annoyed me. The characters quite often acted like people from the 2020s who have a lot of hindsight regarding WW2, another thing that irked me.
But Lilli's and Marco love story was captivating and I really liked the way Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII were depicted. For once, they weren't described as the ultimate glamor couple but showed for what they were, Nazi sympathizers and in the case of the former King, pretty much a traitor. The whole historical context around them was well done and interesting.
One last thing annoyed me though, I had the feeling this book was trying very hard to make me feel sorry for Eva Braun and... no, won't happen.
All in all, Beneath a Starless Sky had its moments, I don't regret reading but there are tons of better historical novels about this period and I probably wouldn't recommend it.
This was Lilli's dance teacher's motto, one that always stayed with her but I must admit it's also what I had to do during parts of this book (read through the pain, more precisely, I suppose).
Beneath a Starless Sky is very much a slow-burner. The entire first part (maybe a third of the book) following Lilli as a young ballerina in Munich in 1930 dragged terribly and felt very long. We get it, being Jewish in Munich in the 1930s is not an enviable position... we knew that before starting the book and yes, we know things will only get worse from here, all this foreboding and innuendoes were useless and slowed the story down for no good reason.
Once Lilli reaches Hollywood, France, England, the plot really starts going and I was much more interested. This book remained flawed all along, for example there must be at most 5 sentences in French in the entire book, yet they all contain very basic mistakes that even Google translate would have corrected. It annoyed me. The characters quite often acted like people from the 2020s who have a lot of hindsight regarding WW2, another thing that irked me.
But Lilli's and Marco love story was captivating and I really liked the way Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII were depicted. For once, they weren't described as the ultimate glamor couple but showed for what they were, Nazi sympathizers and in the case of the former King, pretty much a traitor. The whole historical context around them was well done and interesting.
One last thing annoyed me though, I had the feeling this book was trying very hard to make me feel sorry for Eva Braun and... no, won't happen.
All in all, Beneath a Starless Sky had its moments, I don't regret reading but there are tons of better historical novels about this period and I probably wouldn't recommend it.
September 28, 2021
Beneath a Starless Sky is the story of Lilli Steinburg, who lives in Munich with her Jewish family. She spends her days training as a ballet dancer and sacrificing to accomplish her dream of becoming a professional dancer. Then WWII hits and her life takes a different path. One day, on her way home, she meets German soldier Marco and quickly finds herself falling in forbidden love with him. After getting her heart shattered, she eventually finds her way to Hollywood and begins to rub shoulders with her icons and idols. Fred Astaire, Prince Edward and others! But Lilli is drawn into the dark underworld to help save her family during the war that are still in Munich as their situation becomes worse.
This was a beautiful story that captured me from the start. I love Historical Fiction and this one was no different. This was a delightful story about a woman with strength and determination. The story was beautifully written and while this is my first time reading anything by the author, Tessa Harris, I hope to enjoy more of her writing in the future!
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for my reviews and honest opinion.
This was a beautiful story that captured me from the start. I love Historical Fiction and this one was no different. This was a delightful story about a woman with strength and determination. The story was beautifully written and while this is my first time reading anything by the author, Tessa Harris, I hope to enjoy more of her writing in the future!
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for my reviews and honest opinion.
September 21, 2021
I won an Advanced Reader Copy of this selection in a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you!
3.5 stars, this is the story of a Jewish German young lady who flees Germany in the 1930s, leaving her family behind, to follow her dream of becoming a Hollywood starlet. Life, as always, has its own plans, and when injury prematurely ends her career, she must look elsewhere for employment and engagement, and to find new dreams, as well as face the guilt, reality, and consequences her family are living with each day in Germany.
3.5 stars, this is the story of a Jewish German young lady who flees Germany in the 1930s, leaving her family behind, to follow her dream of becoming a Hollywood starlet. Life, as always, has its own plans, and when injury prematurely ends her career, she must look elsewhere for employment and engagement, and to find new dreams, as well as face the guilt, reality, and consequences her family are living with each day in Germany.
August 4, 2024
Unlike many reviewers, I struggled with this novel. It started well when Lilli was attending ballet classes and falling in love with Marco, a German Italian officer, but when Lilli went to Hollywood it became unbelievable. I feel that the whole book, considering it was set pre WWII, did not portray the danger that the Jews were beginning to face under Hitler.
I didn’t like Lilli as a protagonist. She lacked depth and emotion making it difficult to like her. The cameos by various well-known people in the 1930s (Fred Aistaire, Edward the Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson just to name a few) didn’t enhance the story in any way.
Overall, I found Beneath a Starless Sky rather slow and mediocre compared to other WWII novels that I’ve read.
I didn’t like Lilli as a protagonist. She lacked depth and emotion making it difficult to like her. The cameos by various well-known people in the 1930s (Fred Aistaire, Edward the Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson just to name a few) didn’t enhance the story in any way.
Overall, I found Beneath a Starless Sky rather slow and mediocre compared to other WWII novels that I’ve read.
June 21, 2023
If anything, this one could have been longer simply to wrap things up better. There was a lot of book for a very quick conclusion. But the story moved at a good pace. I loved the romance aspect of the book, but watching Lilli come into her own was compelling too. Definitely glad this one made it on my bookshelf.
November 9, 2023
Another outstanding WWII novel by an amazing author that is new to me.
A Jewish girl who is a prima ballerina leaves Munich & goes to Hollywood to dance & Star in a movie with Fred Astaire.
What happens to her & how she ends up being a spy against the Reich is amazing.
A great read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
A Jewish girl who is a prima ballerina leaves Munich & goes to Hollywood to dance & Star in a movie with Fred Astaire.
What happens to her & how she ends up being a spy against the Reich is amazing.
A great read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2021
Am excellent read.
December 1, 2022
Really enjoyed this very heartbreaking, again fictional, WW11 novel (pre, during & post) the author adds in actual historical persons of that Era, so is very believable.
September 28, 2023
Beautiful book! This book made me cry and I liked how it had a different look into the war.
July 29, 2024
Page turner
October 24, 2025
Yay. It worked to start over. I enjoyed this story.
November 17, 2021
Interesting and original story lines. Munich - Jews suffering under Hitler and resistance from some Germans. Hollywood - Fred Astaire has heroine as dancing partner until she is injured. England, Germany and France - with the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. I will remember this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews