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The Red Thread
Fear made him hide. Hope brought him back.
A lot has changed in the world in the many decades since Peter, a Holocaust survivor, settled into his new life in America. But meeting Peter, you'd never know it. The same furniture, the same black-and-white TV, the same rotary phone. Hidden away in the same tiny apartment in the same broken down New Jersey neighborhood, Peter is just fine with the nothingness of his life.
And then the dreams begin of his boyhood sweetheart, Mira, clear as the day he last saw her. Right before she disappeared without a trace from the camp at Theresienstadt Ghetto.
It's as if she is beckoning him to come find her. Begging Peter to venture out into a world he has hidden from all these years, to save her from a mysterious, dark force threatening to overtake her. And as his dreams become more real, and Mira's danger more imminent, Peter sets out on a most unusual adventure to save her and to re-engage with a world that has passed him by.
An old Chinese proverb states that lovers, destined for each other, remain connected through space and time by a red thread. As Peter is led across the globe in search of Mira, he'll finally confront the mysterious force that is closing in on her.
A lot has changed in the world in the many decades since Peter, a Holocaust survivor, settled into his new life in America. But meeting Peter, you'd never know it. The same furniture, the same black-and-white TV, the same rotary phone. Hidden away in the same tiny apartment in the same broken down New Jersey neighborhood, Peter is just fine with the nothingness of his life.
And then the dreams begin of his boyhood sweetheart, Mira, clear as the day he last saw her. Right before she disappeared without a trace from the camp at Theresienstadt Ghetto.
It's as if she is beckoning him to come find her. Begging Peter to venture out into a world he has hidden from all these years, to save her from a mysterious, dark force threatening to overtake her. And as his dreams become more real, and Mira's danger more imminent, Peter sets out on a most unusual adventure to save her and to re-engage with a world that has passed him by.
An old Chinese proverb states that lovers, destined for each other, remain connected through space and time by a red thread. As Peter is led across the globe in search of Mira, he'll finally confront the mysterious force that is closing in on her.
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About the author
Rebekah Pace
9 books25 followersRebekah Pace is a pseudonym for the writing team of William Roetzheim and Randy Becker. A former naval flight officer, William started his career in the tech industry. After launching multiple software companies, he turned his attention to writing, penning an award-winning trilogy of plays about America’s great poets. He was editor of the anthology and spoken word CD Poems of Inspiration and Faith. Randy is an Emmy-nominated producer who began his career as an actor starring in film, television, and on Broadway (including the Tony Award–winning play Love! Valour! Compassion!). He now expresses his creativity through writing and producing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
February 6, 2021
3.5 stars
This book is a mix of a fairy tale and a love story.
I was intrigued how the legend that lovers, destined for each other, remain connected through space and time by a red thread, would turn out in this book. Perhaps it was a little too sweet for me, despite the Holocaust subject, but it was a quick read and a nice one.
I forgot to mention that I've been to Theresienstadt. As I was only 12 I couldn't begin to understand what had happened there, but the images of the place remain.
This book is a mix of a fairy tale and a love story.
I was intrigued how the legend that lovers, destined for each other, remain connected through space and time by a red thread, would turn out in this book. Perhaps it was a little too sweet for me, despite the Holocaust subject, but it was a quick read and a nice one.
I forgot to mention that I've been to Theresienstadt. As I was only 12 I couldn't begin to understand what had happened there, but the images of the place remain.
December 17, 2020
Rebekah Pace and Tracy Lawson have partnered their creative energy to coauthor a powerful story, ‘The Red Thread,' that entertains, uplifts and inspires. They explore the possibility of what it might be like if those who had experienced the Holocaust had the chance to relive their life from the moment theirs was so abruptly taken from them.
Peter Ibbetz is a 91-year-old holocaust survivor who has lived in the same New Jersey apartment for 64 years since arriving from Leipzig, Germany. It’s as if he’s living in a time capsule complete with a rabbit ears television in black and white and threadbare vintage clothing. Never having obtained a license or driven a car, he only ventures out of his home to a shop on the corner of the street. He is able to connect with his childhood sweetheart, Miriam (Mira) Schloss, in a strange world of shared dreams. Mira was his next-door neighbour and his sweetheart. The neighbours were sent to Theresienstadt together and the last time he saw her she had given him her precious locket, a heart with a red silk thread, to guard. Now, decades later, when he feels his soulmate is in danger, he ventures out of the safety of his lonely life and embarks on a mission across continents to rescue her. Will the red thread continue to connect them? Is it too late?
What a welcome treat to help get us through the end of 2020! If only we could wake up as Peter did and ‘poof’ - 2020 was just a collective bad dream! I’ll admit, there were several times that I was unsure if what was happening was in Peter’s dream or if it was reality. I was amazed at the seamless writing and the juxtaposition of the elements that make this novel unique. On the one hand, there’s a beautiful dream where everything is as it should have been (without people or interference) and on the other hand, there’s the ugliness of life behind barbed wire in the Theresienstadt Ghetto. I was in tears several times at the raw nature of the story. With such a sensitive and horrifying subject as the Holocaust, this irresistible genre worked; the authors were able to mingle the probable with the real and present it in a unique manner. I also had mixed feelings about Melody Richter, the Elderly Services representative, who called in to check on Peter. One minute I was wishing she’d leave him alone and the next I was wishing that she’d been more assertive and probative. Peter proved me wrong. He did have his marbles after all!
Inspired by the Chinese legend, ‘The Red Thread of Fate,’ where it is believed that lovers, destined for each other remain connected through space and time by a red thread, this five-star read is to be published January 1, 2021. This is a story of love, loss, magic and mystery, regret and forgiveness and worth every moment I was completely absorbed in it. If you haven’t had the chance to experience magical realism books, you must read this one as it is expertly crafted.
Peter Ibbetz is a 91-year-old holocaust survivor who has lived in the same New Jersey apartment for 64 years since arriving from Leipzig, Germany. It’s as if he’s living in a time capsule complete with a rabbit ears television in black and white and threadbare vintage clothing. Never having obtained a license or driven a car, he only ventures out of his home to a shop on the corner of the street. He is able to connect with his childhood sweetheart, Miriam (Mira) Schloss, in a strange world of shared dreams. Mira was his next-door neighbour and his sweetheart. The neighbours were sent to Theresienstadt together and the last time he saw her she had given him her precious locket, a heart with a red silk thread, to guard. Now, decades later, when he feels his soulmate is in danger, he ventures out of the safety of his lonely life and embarks on a mission across continents to rescue her. Will the red thread continue to connect them? Is it too late?
What a welcome treat to help get us through the end of 2020! If only we could wake up as Peter did and ‘poof’ - 2020 was just a collective bad dream! I’ll admit, there were several times that I was unsure if what was happening was in Peter’s dream or if it was reality. I was amazed at the seamless writing and the juxtaposition of the elements that make this novel unique. On the one hand, there’s a beautiful dream where everything is as it should have been (without people or interference) and on the other hand, there’s the ugliness of life behind barbed wire in the Theresienstadt Ghetto. I was in tears several times at the raw nature of the story. With such a sensitive and horrifying subject as the Holocaust, this irresistible genre worked; the authors were able to mingle the probable with the real and present it in a unique manner. I also had mixed feelings about Melody Richter, the Elderly Services representative, who called in to check on Peter. One minute I was wishing she’d leave him alone and the next I was wishing that she’d been more assertive and probative. Peter proved me wrong. He did have his marbles after all!
Inspired by the Chinese legend, ‘The Red Thread of Fate,’ where it is believed that lovers, destined for each other remain connected through space and time by a red thread, this five-star read is to be published January 1, 2021. This is a story of love, loss, magic and mystery, regret and forgiveness and worth every moment I was completely absorbed in it. If you haven’t had the chance to experience magical realism books, you must read this one as it is expertly crafted.
July 2, 2021
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Get ready to have a box of tissues ready because “The Red Thread” will have you in tears. It is heart-wrenching, beautiful, emotional, poignant, and everything in between.
Before I get to the characters, I need to mention the various themes of the story. It is a beautifully intricate historical fiction novel that revolves around a Holocaust victim. The author did a fantastic job touching upon the various events during the time, like being in Concentration camps, deporting Jews from Bohemia and Moravia, and the Jews arriving in Theresienstadt. I admire the details the author put into the story to make it feel authentic.
However, the highlight of the story is our main characters, Peter and Mira. Theirs is the kind of love story that I love to read, and it was out of this world. It doesn’t matter that half of the scenes they share in the tale are in Peter’s dreams. The romance he shares and builds up with Mira is breathtaking. And I loved all the parts, whether it was going to the movies or riding a new Mercedes.
Furthermore, the author also adds a touch of adventure as Peter goes on a quest to search for Mira. I thought the author did a fantastic job in incorporating this as well. The whole book is gripping on one hand because you don’t know if what Peter experiences are actual. Yet, on the other hand, you want everything to work out for him because of the love he has for Mira and all the hardships he has endured.
Overall, “The Red Thread” is easily one of my favorite books that I enjoyed reading this year.
January 12, 2021
I love historical novels, but usually go for more distant time periods, so I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I was sucked into this story! The characters are lovely and established so well that you’re very quickly invested in each of them. The story bounces between past and present, but not in a jarring way. Instead each jump is logical and adds to the plot in a way that makes it hard to stop reading! It’s also one of those stories that you’re going to want to read again, so definitely a bonus there for me!
The historical aspect is handled beautifully! You feel like you learned something and can empathize with the situation without it being rubbed into you in a disrespectful way, but it also isn’t glossed over to the point where you lose the rawness. Very respectfully handled.
The historical aspect is handled beautifully! You feel like you learned something and can empathize with the situation without it being rubbed into you in a disrespectful way, but it also isn’t glossed over to the point where you lose the rawness. Very respectfully handled.
January 12, 2021
What a wonderful, beautiful, but also somewhat sad story of two teenage children who loved each other from childhood and found themselves in the unimaginable situation of being imprisoned in detention camps during World War II. Over time they were separated and eventually lost their families. They went through life with the hope of one day finding each other. The story weaves smoothly from present day to the past in their dreams. His determination to find her and save her is so heartwarming. A must read!
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January 12, 2021This book is an inspirational read. It traverses years and countries. It is a beautiful, heartbreaking story. How far would you go to find your love and solve the mysteries of the soul?
January 12, 2021
Great Book
This book should be a movie. Historical and romantic story about lifelong friends from childhood, the Holocaust, and their old age. A wonderful story that grabs you and pulls you in from the first page. You won't want to put it down. I highly recommend this book.
This book should be a movie. Historical and romantic story about lifelong friends from childhood, the Holocaust, and their old age. A wonderful story that grabs you and pulls you in from the first page. You won't want to put it down. I highly recommend this book.
December 8, 2020
The author skillfully weaves holocaust remembrance with a transcendent love story. The characters were compelling and complete, and the descriptive writing was evocative. Peter's reactions to familiar smells and experiences really resonated with me. The pacing was especially good - just when the reader wonders about Peter's motivations, more backstory is revealed.
I'm giving it 4 instead of 5 stars because of inconsistency in Peter's grammar. It's difficult to write English dialog for a character whose primary language was German, but the inconsistencies were distracting at times.
Readers of Cecelia Ahern and Amy Tan will enjoy this book.
I'm giving it 4 instead of 5 stars because of inconsistency in Peter's grammar. It's difficult to write English dialog for a character whose primary language was German, but the inconsistencies were distracting at times.
Readers of Cecelia Ahern and Amy Tan will enjoy this book.
February 2, 2022
DNF
I just couldn’t get into this book. It seemed like a great read but it just didn’t hold my attention at all. Super disappointed because I was so excited to read it.
I just couldn’t get into this book. It seemed like a great read but it just didn’t hold my attention at all. Super disappointed because I was so excited to read it.
November 22, 2022
Just couldn’t get into the writing. Peter lived through his dreams. I forced myself to finish so I could find out what happened to them. Nope. Not satisfying at all
December 20, 2020
Rebekah Pace and Tracy Lawson’s The Red Thread is a beautifully written, extremely powerful, and heart-rending love story of Holocaust survivor, Peter Ibbetz and his life of yearning for his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life, Mira Schloss. The story winds its way through Peter’s memories of his pre-war neighborhood in Germany; imprisonment in two concentration camps during World War 2; and his isolated life as a nonagenarian retired plumber in Weequahic, New Jersey.
Before the war, Mira entrusted her precious locket strung on a red cord into Peter’s safekeeping. He keeps the necklace his entire life and knows in his heart that someday he and Mira will be meeting again. At that time, he will have the opportunity to return her locket to her.
After WW2, Peter lived a lonely life filled with the same routines in the same apartment and the same neighborhood in Weequahic, New Jersey. Fifty years later in 2019, Peter tells his only friend Benny, “I am all my life never finding Mira but still I do not believe she is dead.”
Peter is barely putting one foot in front of the other until a robbery startles him into having beautiful dreams of a life with Mira Schloss. Still not knowing if she is alive or her whereabouts, Peter dives head-first into the trip of a lifetime to find Mira.
Rebecca Pace with Tracy Lawson paints beautiful pictures with flowing language in this gripping, intriguing story. Pace and Lawson connect a wide range of incidents threaded together in the life of Peter Ibbetz. The Red Thread is wholly absorbing and reminds the reader of a time in our world’s history that we must not forget.
Before the war, Mira entrusted her precious locket strung on a red cord into Peter’s safekeeping. He keeps the necklace his entire life and knows in his heart that someday he and Mira will be meeting again. At that time, he will have the opportunity to return her locket to her.
After WW2, Peter lived a lonely life filled with the same routines in the same apartment and the same neighborhood in Weequahic, New Jersey. Fifty years later in 2019, Peter tells his only friend Benny, “I am all my life never finding Mira but still I do not believe she is dead.”
Peter is barely putting one foot in front of the other until a robbery startles him into having beautiful dreams of a life with Mira Schloss. Still not knowing if she is alive or her whereabouts, Peter dives head-first into the trip of a lifetime to find Mira.
Rebecca Pace with Tracy Lawson paints beautiful pictures with flowing language in this gripping, intriguing story. Pace and Lawson connect a wide range of incidents threaded together in the life of Peter Ibbetz. The Red Thread is wholly absorbing and reminds the reader of a time in our world’s history that we must not forget.
January 7, 2021
I enjoyed this novel that is sort of a combination of dual time, magical realism and alternative history. The main character is Peter, a Holocaust survivor. Part of the narrative is relatively current, Peter living in a tiny apartment in New Jersey. As the narrative progresses, we become aware of his childhood memories of living in Leipzig, first freely then forced to live in a Judenhaus, then being transported to Theresienstadt Jewish Ghetto and then Birkenau. A third aspect of the book comes in as Peter begins to have lucid dreams. He dreams of experiences with his childhood friend, Mira, who had become the love of his life. His dreams are as if the Holocaust had not happened and are an alternate reality.
The narrative and structure of the novel are complex but the authors do a good job of creating an interesting story. There is the theme of lost love, when Peter is separated from Mira at the concentration camp and he thinks he has lost her forever. There is the possibility of what might have been had Peter's future not been altered forever by Hitler. There is the heart breaking story of Peter's experiences in captivity. There is the issue of Peter being old and some thinking he should no longer be allowed to live alone. And there is the question of whether horrible experiences from the past should be talked about or kept quiet.
This is a good novel and a tender love story. It is based on a Chinese legend where lovers meant to be are connected through space and time by a red thread. It includes several interesting themes, is informative and touching and is a good debut effort from Pace.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the author. My comments are an independent and honest review.
The narrative and structure of the novel are complex but the authors do a good job of creating an interesting story. There is the theme of lost love, when Peter is separated from Mira at the concentration camp and he thinks he has lost her forever. There is the possibility of what might have been had Peter's future not been altered forever by Hitler. There is the heart breaking story of Peter's experiences in captivity. There is the issue of Peter being old and some thinking he should no longer be allowed to live alone. And there is the question of whether horrible experiences from the past should be talked about or kept quiet.
This is a good novel and a tender love story. It is based on a Chinese legend where lovers meant to be are connected through space and time by a red thread. It includes several interesting themes, is informative and touching and is a good debut effort from Pace.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the author. My comments are an independent and honest review.
December 26, 2020
Thank you NetGalley and Independent Publishers Group for this advance readers copy ahead of The Red Thread’s publication on 1st January.
Of late, historical fiction has been my ‘go to’ genre and this beautifully crafted dual timeline WWII novel certainly did not disappoint.
Stemming from an East Asian belief of Chinese mythology; the ‘red thread of fate’ (also known as ‘the red thread of marriage’) is thought of as the connection of soul mates, “linking them forever so that they can always find one another” and that “love does not end. It goes on for all time.”
This is very applicable to our protagonist Peter, a holocaust survivor in his 90’s who since the war has settled in New Jersey though pines for childhood sweetheart Mira who were so sadly separated as a result of Nazi rule and the horrifying discrimination suffered by the Jewish community during WWII.
Returning to Mira in his dreams, this is a story of young love and injustice, full of what ifs and what could’ve been.
I sometimes felt that the factual elements of the story were a little staccato and would have loved for them to have been weaved in a little more smoothly however, this is a still a very well written story full of emotion and receives a great 4 stars from me!
Of late, historical fiction has been my ‘go to’ genre and this beautifully crafted dual timeline WWII novel certainly did not disappoint.
Stemming from an East Asian belief of Chinese mythology; the ‘red thread of fate’ (also known as ‘the red thread of marriage’) is thought of as the connection of soul mates, “linking them forever so that they can always find one another” and that “love does not end. It goes on for all time.”
This is very applicable to our protagonist Peter, a holocaust survivor in his 90’s who since the war has settled in New Jersey though pines for childhood sweetheart Mira who were so sadly separated as a result of Nazi rule and the horrifying discrimination suffered by the Jewish community during WWII.
Returning to Mira in his dreams, this is a story of young love and injustice, full of what ifs and what could’ve been.
I sometimes felt that the factual elements of the story were a little staccato and would have loved for them to have been weaved in a little more smoothly however, this is a still a very well written story full of emotion and receives a great 4 stars from me!
December 18, 2020
The Red Thread by Rebekah Pace is the most beautiful contemporary and historical tale about love, a love that never dies.
The main protagonist is a ninety two year old living in New York. He has been there since the end of World War II but his roots are in Leipzig. The novel alternates between present day and his childhood memories and then his horrific time in the camps under the Nazis.
A childhood promise made, has been kept. Fear has immobilised a life but now in old age regrets begin to surface. The wrongs of the past need to be righted.
A great love does not die. Life and love is lived in dreams as plans made in youth failed to blossom.
The Red Thread was a beautiful bittersweet novel. You cannot read this story and remain unchanged. It is a work of great beauty that demands an emotional response.
Rebekah Pace is clearly a talented author and I want to read more by her.
I will leave you with a quote that encapsulates the whole novel:
“Love does not end. It goes on for all time.”
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
The main protagonist is a ninety two year old living in New York. He has been there since the end of World War II but his roots are in Leipzig. The novel alternates between present day and his childhood memories and then his horrific time in the camps under the Nazis.
A childhood promise made, has been kept. Fear has immobilised a life but now in old age regrets begin to surface. The wrongs of the past need to be righted.
A great love does not die. Life and love is lived in dreams as plans made in youth failed to blossom.
The Red Thread was a beautiful bittersweet novel. You cannot read this story and remain unchanged. It is a work of great beauty that demands an emotional response.
Rebekah Pace is clearly a talented author and I want to read more by her.
I will leave you with a quote that encapsulates the whole novel:
“Love does not end. It goes on for all time.”
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
January 11, 2021
I loved this novel! The romance was tender and authentic to the characters, and the backdrop of the Holocaust is treated with truth and reverence. The authors skillfully evoked the loneliness and resignation of main character Peter's life in present-day New Jersey and the awakening of love and hope as he experiences the dreams that reconnect him to the promise of life with his soulmate before the horrors of the Holocaust separated them.
Lovely imagery and intriguing drama make the story compelling, but the touch of the mystical with legend of the red thread that binds lovers through space and time, make it magical.
A most satisfying read!
Lovely imagery and intriguing drama make the story compelling, but the touch of the mystical with legend of the red thread that binds lovers through space and time, make it magical.
A most satisfying read!
January 17, 2021
This was a beautiful story. I was kind of iffy on the dreams and jumping back and forth from the holocaust and present day, but it flowed so well it never bothered me. Wonderful book I highly recommend it. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 24, 2020
This is a very sweet love story that spans a lifetime. The backdrop of WWII and present day New Jersey are the setting for this story of a love that survives all. Skillfully written this is a beautiful story about 2 people, war, love and loss.
February 20, 2021
Truly captivating, full of the magic and power of a love of the kind we all hope for. Reflective of a staggering amount of research, painstakingly detailed. It held me to the last word.
January 7, 2021
A painfully believable fictional account of a Holocaust survivor’s quest to reunite with his childhood sweetheart. The Red Thread weaves a page-turning tale of Peter and Mira—the horrors they endured as children, the life that Peter dreamed they may have shared had they not been victims of the Holocaust, and his present-day quest to find his first and true love.
Readers will quickly sympathize with Peter’s cloistered life, but will rally behind him as he overcomes a lifetime of fear and doubt to rescue Mira from a darkness that threatens her in his dreams.
Relatable and varied supporting characters make Peter’s journey more entertaining, and an unexpected (though rather quick) conclusion will inspire readers to see life as a gift not to be wasted.
Readers will quickly sympathize with Peter’s cloistered life, but will rally behind him as he overcomes a lifetime of fear and doubt to rescue Mira from a darkness that threatens her in his dreams.
Relatable and varied supporting characters make Peter’s journey more entertaining, and an unexpected (though rather quick) conclusion will inspire readers to see life as a gift not to be wasted.
February 7, 2021
Peter Ibbetz, a Holocaust survivor, now lives in a small apartment in New Jersey where he keeps to a regular and safe routine, doing the same things very day, trying to keep the past at bay. But of course the past can never be kept at bay, especially when Peter starts to dream about his lost love, Mira, from whom he was so cruelly torn away in Theresienstadt. But in his dreams she lives again and the red thread that has bound them all these years starts to reel him and he sets off on a quest to find her. It’s a touching little tale but overall I found the book really quite banal and overly romanticised. The conclusion was sentimental and unconvincing and I just couldn’t relate to all the dream sequences in which Peter’s life follows a different path. Just too saccharine for me, but not badly written and it certainly seems to have appealed to many readers.
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January 2, 2023The author skillfully weaves holocaust remembrance with a transcendent love story. The characters were compelling and complete, and the descriptive writing was evocative. Peter's reactions to familiar smells and experiences really resonated with me. The pacing was especially good - just when the reader wonders about Peter's motivations, more backstory is revealed.
I'm giving it 4 instead of 5 stars because of inconsistency in Peter's grammar. It's difficult to write English dialog for a character whose primary language was German, but the inconsistencies were distracting at times.
Readers of Cecelia Ahern and Amy Tan will enjoy this book.
I'm giving it 4 instead of 5 stars because of inconsistency in Peter's grammar. It's difficult to write English dialog for a character whose primary language was German, but the inconsistencies were distracting at times.
Readers of Cecelia Ahern and Amy Tan will enjoy this book.
December 2, 2021
4 stars - I really liked it
Oh my heart! I'm not going to spend too much time thinking about the dream vs fairy tale aspect of this book...........but the underlying message that Gah!
Oh my heart! I'm not going to spend too much time thinking about the dream vs fairy tale aspect of this book...........but the underlying message that Gah!
February 10, 2024
Excellent read!! The historical knowledge makes this novel so interesting. The imagery makes me feel like I’m there and can vividly see the characters! I love and recommend this book for all readers!
January 19, 2021
Mr. Ibbetz has spent his whole life by himself. During his teenage years he spends time in a concentration camp with his childhood friend Mira Schloss. Until one day, she disappears. After the camp is liberated he tries to find her but to no avail.
Years went by, until one day she comes to him in a dream, as beautiful as ever... It seems life has found a way to help them reunite but is it real?
The descriptions are well done and the characters fully developed. The red thread theory at its best.
Mr Ibbetz shares his story with such feeling that it brought tears to my eyes more than once as I read.
The story has some magical moments with characters that help Mr Ibbetz and Mira find each other once more.
There are beautiful descriptions of places and cities. Folklore meets history in a tale about friendship, resilience, healing and suffering.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you so much NetGalley, Level 4 Press, Rebekah Pace and Tracy Lawson for this ARC!
Years went by, until one day she comes to him in a dream, as beautiful as ever... It seems life has found a way to help them reunite but is it real?
The descriptions are well done and the characters fully developed. The red thread theory at its best.
Mr Ibbetz shares his story with such feeling that it brought tears to my eyes more than once as I read.
The story has some magical moments with characters that help Mr Ibbetz and Mira find each other once more.
There are beautiful descriptions of places and cities. Folklore meets history in a tale about friendship, resilience, healing and suffering.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you so much NetGalley, Level 4 Press, Rebekah Pace and Tracy Lawson for this ARC!
January 11, 2021
I’m a fan of WWII historical fiction, and that’s one reason I decided to read The Red Thread. The book tells the story of Peter Ibbetz, Holocaust survivor, and his search for the lost love of his youth, Mira. What sets it apart from others in its genre? The authors, Rebekah Pace and Tracy Lawson weave a bit of fantasy into the story by creating an alternate reality, through Peter’s dreams, that allow what might have happened if Peter and Mira had not been separated. Central to the fantasy is a Chinese folk tale about an invisible red thread that connects two soul mates throughout their lives. The book is beautifully written and well researched. Pace and Lawson’s characters are interesting and a bit quirky. I liked them. Overall, I enjoyed The Red Thread as much as some of my other favorites in the genre – Beneath a Scarlet Sky, The Nightingale, and others.
January 16, 2021
This novel was a great blend of historical intrigue across genres. I appreciated the view into WWII Nazi Germany and Jewish persecution through the personal lens of Peter and Mira. The juxtaposition of present day America as experienced by Peter was heart-wrenching. Added to this was anticipation for what had become of Mira and the supernatural connection between the two! Tears and joy all rolled together.
Highly recommend!
Highly recommend!
October 22, 2023
A story of redemption and faith and regret
This is a well-written tale.
While the character is experiencing PTSD, it is difficult to read—the living out of fear, the disassociation, the disorienting depersonalization —the author captures all that well enough. But, from there, the story suggests an alternative, physics-based explanation for the psychological break from reality. Well, this is a work of fiction, and maybe that offers a comfort for some.
This is a well-written tale.
While the character is experiencing PTSD, it is difficult to read—the living out of fear, the disassociation, the disorienting depersonalization —the author captures all that well enough. But, from there, the story suggests an alternative, physics-based explanation for the psychological break from reality. Well, this is a work of fiction, and maybe that offers a comfort for some.
September 4, 2025
How does one tell the horrific, true story of the atrocities suffered during the Holocaust and still redeem the human race?? This beautiful story is filled with love, kindness and just enough magic to help a reader survive the painful truths and come out changed for the better for reading it. Tears of deep sorrow and joy! You cannot read this lovingly weaved story without having your heart touched and your soul forever changed.
September 27, 2021
Wonderful book
Enjoyed this book immensely. Loved Peter from the start. All through the book I kept thinking .... This part is so corny and unbelievable ... But I kept with the story because we all need something corny sometimes ..... It's what keeps a smile on our faces and hope in our hearts. The story was full of love and hope.
Enjoyed this book immensely. Loved Peter from the start. All through the book I kept thinking .... This part is so corny and unbelievable ... But I kept with the story because we all need something corny sometimes ..... It's what keeps a smile on our faces and hope in our hearts. The story was full of love and hope.
February 8, 2021
A love story of a Holocaust survivor named Peter Ibbetz finding the love of his life Mira Schloss after a long period of time. The addition of time travel and the wonderful cast of characters had me not wanting to put this one down.
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