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Stella Bled #4
Dark Victory
Amsterdam 1940
It’s only a matter of time and time is running out.
The Third Reich is sweeping across Europe and Stella Bled Lawrence wants nothing more than to get out of the way. After three months undercover, the young spy is ready to return to England for a well-deserved rest, but fate and a friend at the Admiralty have other ideas.
Stella receives a second assignment and she wasn’t the first choice or even the third. Hardly, a vote of confidence, but orders are orders. Stella has to cozy up to two Dutch men and find out which side they’re on before inevitable fall of The Netherlands to the Reich. If she does the job fast enough, she can get back to Britain and to Nicky before the air war intensifies. If she can’t, she might not get there at all.
It’s only a matter of time and time is running out.
The Third Reich is sweeping across Europe and Stella Bled Lawrence wants nothing more than to get out of the way. After three months undercover, the young spy is ready to return to England for a well-deserved rest, but fate and a friend at the Admiralty have other ideas.
Stella receives a second assignment and she wasn’t the first choice or even the third. Hardly, a vote of confidence, but orders are orders. Stella has to cozy up to two Dutch men and find out which side they’re on before inevitable fall of The Netherlands to the Reich. If she does the job fast enough, she can get back to Britain and to Nicky before the air war intensifies. If she can’t, she might not get there at all.
480 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 18, 2021
198 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
A.W. Hartoin
47 books230 followersUSA Today bestselling author A.W. Hartoin grew up in rural Missouri, but her grandmother lived in the Central West End area of St. Louis. The CWE fascinated her with its enormous houses, every one unique. She was sure there was a story behind each ornate door. Going to Grandma’s house was a treat and an adventure. As the only grandchild around for many years, A.W. spent her visits exploring the many rooms with their many secrets. That’s how Mercy Watts and the fairies of Whipplethorn came to be.
As an adult, A.W. Hartoin decided she needed a whole lot more life experience if she was going to write good characters so she joined the Air Force. It was the best education she could’ve hoped for. She met her husband and traveled the world, living in Alaska, Italy, and Germany before settling in Colorado for nearly eleven years. Now A.W. has returned to Germany and lives in picturesque Waldenbuch with her family and two spoiled cats, who absolutely believe they should be allowed to escape and roam the village freely.
As an adult, A.W. Hartoin decided she needed a whole lot more life experience if she was going to write good characters so she joined the Air Force. It was the best education she could’ve hoped for. She met her husband and traveled the world, living in Alaska, Italy, and Germany before settling in Colorado for nearly eleven years. Now A.W. has returned to Germany and lives in picturesque Waldenbuch with her family and two spoiled cats, who absolutely believe they should be allowed to escape and roam the village freely.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 19, 2021
The most difficult thing about writing a review of a book written by A. W. Hartoin, be it the Stella Bled or Mercy Watts series, is my struggle to keep it to a somewhat reasonable length. It’s not possible to just write about the extraordinary parts, because they are all extraordinary. I am so immersed in the story and the so very real characters that I want to share every scene, every interaction, every minute of danger and suspense. Dark Victory, the fourth entry in the Stella Bled series set during World War II in Europe, is no exception.
It’s a pleasure to be back with Stella Bled Lawrence, even if her experiences have been anything but pleasant since she and husband Nicky Lawrence embarked on their honeymoon in Vienna in 1939. I’ve traveled with Stella from Vienna to Paris to Britain to Berlin and couldn’t wait to join her in the Netherlands.
The story is off to a very moving start with a glimpse into Abel Herschmann’s life in the Dachau prison camp. He used to be quite the thinker, used to use vivid imagery in his thoughts and words, but now he does not think; he very carefully keeps his mind blank. This is so disturbing and sets the tone for what is to come in Dark Victory.
We first see Stella as she is packing things in crates in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Things she is collecting and buying for her mother. Valuables purchased from European Jews for well above their worth, shipped to the United States for safekeeping during the war, where they will hopefully be retrieved by their owners someday. This little mission is in addition to Stella’s official mission for British Intelligence: keep her eyes and ears open and analyze if countries will resist the relentlessly advancing Nazis. Stella has a list, secret compartments in her luggage, a disguise and a false identity. And a very dangerous life.
As always, Stella is calm, poised and efficient, partly due to her upbringing, partly just the nature of her personality, and partly because of her Uncle Josiah’s influence. But whatever the source, this calm and poise gets her through many nerve-wracking experiences. It’s been rough but Stella thinks her mission is about done and she is looking forward to spending some time with Nicky. She misses him. Remember they are still practically newlyweds; all of their involvement with the war efforts started on their honeymoon. It’s not fair, nothing about war is fair but she’s done her duty, and doing that duty has about done her in. This is a new Stella we haven’t seen before. Instead of the young, vibrant newly-married girl-woman we met in the first book, she seems more like Micheline, the middle-aged, plain woman she is pretending to be. She is very discouraged and plagued by sadness. Like Abel she pushes memories down, doesn’t think about happiness, just about putting one foot in front of the other to get the job done. And she’s ready to go home and be Nicky’s wife, Abel’s friend – herself – again, if only for a little while.
But then she is approached by Oliver Fip, the very first spy she’d ever encountered, and her heart sinks. She knows going home is not happening yet. If there is one theme in this book, in Stella’s current life, it’s that she gets so close, has her hand on the doorknob of escape, her foot almost out the door, and the door slams because there is still more work to be done. Just one more thing, and one more, and . . . . what more do they want of her? What more does she have to give?
In every review I write for a work by author Hartoin I say this book is better than the last, and it’s true. I don’t know how she does it, but she does. There is so much history and detail, so many threads of the stories to pull together, so many fascinating, brave, amazing characters, so many heartbreaking moments. As the series continues it gets more and more intense and emotional. Just when you think there couldn’t be more suspense, more danger, there is. And why wouldn’t there be? These were real times, terrible times, with the Nazis advancing easily through Europe and eyeing the rest of the world. Life was intense and emotional and dangerous and dark. And once again A. W. Hartoin does an extraordinary job of portraying all of that. Of making the characters and events larger than life yet believable, even when everything going on in the world was unbelievable.
The suspense is almost unbearable. Everyone Stella – Marceline – meets could be a friend or a foe. Could be hiding their true identify behind a fake name and fake accent just like she is. There are the friends she makes that she regrets lying to to keep her identity and missions secret, the people she must trust because there is no other choice. Is the hotel staff what they seem? The Baron? The priest? The people at the refugee camp? Her old contacts showing up? And why has Uncle Josiah suddenly appeared?
The descriptions of the life and times are vivid and give you a sense of just how crazy life was: the Baron’s elaborate party, the Jewish neighborhoods, the everything-seems-normal life in the hotel. We know everything will tie together but we don’t know how, and the suspense is excruciating.
I had an almost overwhelming sense of foreboding every time Stella had her hand on that doorknob and was getting ready to leave. The farther away failure seemed the more dread I felt. I almost cried when she thought, “Nothing could keep me here.” Stella Bled is a remarkable woman and Dark Victory is a remarkable story. Sometimes things move at a slow, deliberate pace and sometimes events just tumble one after the other. But the thread, the continuity, is always there. And the Nazis just keep rolling along. The story gets so frightening and fast-paced and I am so worried about what will happen that I have to stop reading for a minute and catch my breath, but then I can’t stay away from it. By the end of the book I was wrung out. The ending was complete and satisfying if bittersweet. A lot has happened and there is a lot more to come. I cannot wait for the next entry in this amazing series (and a Mercy Watts adventure in-between!).
I received an advance copy of Dark Victory from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. It was my privilege to read this book and my pleasure to write this review. All opinions are my own. Read everything written by A. W. Hartoin and then go back and read it again to discover all the details you missed and experience the joy once again. You will be glad you did.
It’s a pleasure to be back with Stella Bled Lawrence, even if her experiences have been anything but pleasant since she and husband Nicky Lawrence embarked on their honeymoon in Vienna in 1939. I’ve traveled with Stella from Vienna to Paris to Britain to Berlin and couldn’t wait to join her in the Netherlands.
The story is off to a very moving start with a glimpse into Abel Herschmann’s life in the Dachau prison camp. He used to be quite the thinker, used to use vivid imagery in his thoughts and words, but now he does not think; he very carefully keeps his mind blank. This is so disturbing and sets the tone for what is to come in Dark Victory.
We first see Stella as she is packing things in crates in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Things she is collecting and buying for her mother. Valuables purchased from European Jews for well above their worth, shipped to the United States for safekeeping during the war, where they will hopefully be retrieved by their owners someday. This little mission is in addition to Stella’s official mission for British Intelligence: keep her eyes and ears open and analyze if countries will resist the relentlessly advancing Nazis. Stella has a list, secret compartments in her luggage, a disguise and a false identity. And a very dangerous life.
As always, Stella is calm, poised and efficient, partly due to her upbringing, partly just the nature of her personality, and partly because of her Uncle Josiah’s influence. But whatever the source, this calm and poise gets her through many nerve-wracking experiences. It’s been rough but Stella thinks her mission is about done and she is looking forward to spending some time with Nicky. She misses him. Remember they are still practically newlyweds; all of their involvement with the war efforts started on their honeymoon. It’s not fair, nothing about war is fair but she’s done her duty, and doing that duty has about done her in. This is a new Stella we haven’t seen before. Instead of the young, vibrant newly-married girl-woman we met in the first book, she seems more like Micheline, the middle-aged, plain woman she is pretending to be. She is very discouraged and plagued by sadness. Like Abel she pushes memories down, doesn’t think about happiness, just about putting one foot in front of the other to get the job done. And she’s ready to go home and be Nicky’s wife, Abel’s friend – herself – again, if only for a little while.
But then she is approached by Oliver Fip, the very first spy she’d ever encountered, and her heart sinks. She knows going home is not happening yet. If there is one theme in this book, in Stella’s current life, it’s that she gets so close, has her hand on the doorknob of escape, her foot almost out the door, and the door slams because there is still more work to be done. Just one more thing, and one more, and . . . . what more do they want of her? What more does she have to give?
In every review I write for a work by author Hartoin I say this book is better than the last, and it’s true. I don’t know how she does it, but she does. There is so much history and detail, so many threads of the stories to pull together, so many fascinating, brave, amazing characters, so many heartbreaking moments. As the series continues it gets more and more intense and emotional. Just when you think there couldn’t be more suspense, more danger, there is. And why wouldn’t there be? These were real times, terrible times, with the Nazis advancing easily through Europe and eyeing the rest of the world. Life was intense and emotional and dangerous and dark. And once again A. W. Hartoin does an extraordinary job of portraying all of that. Of making the characters and events larger than life yet believable, even when everything going on in the world was unbelievable.
The suspense is almost unbearable. Everyone Stella – Marceline – meets could be a friend or a foe. Could be hiding their true identify behind a fake name and fake accent just like she is. There are the friends she makes that she regrets lying to to keep her identity and missions secret, the people she must trust because there is no other choice. Is the hotel staff what they seem? The Baron? The priest? The people at the refugee camp? Her old contacts showing up? And why has Uncle Josiah suddenly appeared?
The descriptions of the life and times are vivid and give you a sense of just how crazy life was: the Baron’s elaborate party, the Jewish neighborhoods, the everything-seems-normal life in the hotel. We know everything will tie together but we don’t know how, and the suspense is excruciating.
I had an almost overwhelming sense of foreboding every time Stella had her hand on that doorknob and was getting ready to leave. The farther away failure seemed the more dread I felt. I almost cried when she thought, “Nothing could keep me here.” Stella Bled is a remarkable woman and Dark Victory is a remarkable story. Sometimes things move at a slow, deliberate pace and sometimes events just tumble one after the other. But the thread, the continuity, is always there. And the Nazis just keep rolling along. The story gets so frightening and fast-paced and I am so worried about what will happen that I have to stop reading for a minute and catch my breath, but then I can’t stay away from it. By the end of the book I was wrung out. The ending was complete and satisfying if bittersweet. A lot has happened and there is a lot more to come. I cannot wait for the next entry in this amazing series (and a Mercy Watts adventure in-between!).
I received an advance copy of Dark Victory from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. It was my privilege to read this book and my pleasure to write this review. All opinions are my own. Read everything written by A. W. Hartoin and then go back and read it again to discover all the details you missed and experience the joy once again. You will be glad you did.
February 20, 2021
I was given this book for free in exchange for a fair review. Having read the previous books I was really looking forward to the next chapter in Stella Bled Lawrence's spy career. The writer has done a great job describing the wartime scenarios and you almost forget that Stella is a young woman in her 20s trying to help the Jewish people. A thoroughly exciting and gripping read that I would highly recommend. 5 stars from me.
March 9, 2021
Great book!
This was a great book but I hope there is more to come as I don’t feel like it told the rest of the story!
This was a great book but I hope there is more to come as I don’t feel like it told the rest of the story!
October 4, 2022
I have really taken to this series, even if it does tug on your heart strings. I have read all four books in this series and they just get better and better, I do think that you need to read the books in order because then you really get a sense of the dire situation that Stella and the others find herself in. The author has created such a wonderful and caring character in Stella and having read so much about Uncle Josiah it was great to finally meet the eccentric black sheep of the family. There was also a number of other wonderful and new characters that I was up late into the night trying to find out what happened to them. Loved it from elaborate parties to running through dark alleyways Stella certainly took you on a roller coaster of a ride in this book.
Stella Bleed is in Belgium trying to do what she can for its Jewish citizen before the German invade. To do that she has to find out if two men will help or hinder there cause but to do that she will have to get close to them. It's a good job she is handy with a make-up brush because to get close to one she will have to walk through fire to get to. At the same time she can't turn down helping the younger generation find safe passage out but as her alias begins to gain a reputation is she putting her own life in danger? With one of the men she is supposed to watch sending his own men to follow her, its finally time Stella herself got out. Then her uncle turns up begging for her help and for Stella a woman who family means everything to her how can she turn him down by going. She will get to see her beloved Nicky once again, after she has completed just one more little job.
I can't wait for the next book to see what the author has in store for Stella
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Stella Bleed is in Belgium trying to do what she can for its Jewish citizen before the German invade. To do that she has to find out if two men will help or hinder there cause but to do that she will have to get close to them. It's a good job she is handy with a make-up brush because to get close to one she will have to walk through fire to get to. At the same time she can't turn down helping the younger generation find safe passage out but as her alias begins to gain a reputation is she putting her own life in danger? With one of the men she is supposed to watch sending his own men to follow her, its finally time Stella herself got out. Then her uncle turns up begging for her help and for Stella a woman who family means everything to her how can she turn him down by going. She will get to see her beloved Nicky once again, after she has completed just one more little job.
I can't wait for the next book to see what the author has in store for Stella
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
April 11, 2021
The phony war is about to heat up and it finds Stella Bled in the Netherlands. In cooperation with her mother she is buying valuable things from Jews and unlike others she is paying well for the items. She gives them the means to retrieve them. Her real job is to find out whether a Dutch baron or a wealthy hotel owner would be a good contact after Holland falls. The tension of those last days before the German attack is felt here. Stella promises to try and get two Polish Jewish children out of Europe, and to help Uncle Josiah. When Rotterdam is bombed Stella has to get there as her uncle was in Rotterdam. A.W. Hartoin paints those days with the tension and fear that was very real, the days the phony war ended. So many characters in Dark Victory. I hope the next chapter of Stella Bled will be written as there are five more years of war for the world.
August 16, 2021
Somewhat confusing
I found Stella disappointing as a middle-age spy. Her snap and wits didn’t rise to her usual level. Her assignment was weak and confusing. The baron’s party bash was too unbelievable and lacked coherence for supporting her assignment. Efforts to save the children were commendable and in character for the Stella I have met. Superwoman Stella who persevered through bombing and illness was hard to comprehend, even as a 21-year-old. This author has incredible skills and imagination. Somehow it seems this book was rushed.
I found Stella disappointing as a middle-age spy. Her snap and wits didn’t rise to her usual level. Her assignment was weak and confusing. The baron’s party bash was too unbelievable and lacked coherence for supporting her assignment. Efforts to save the children were commendable and in character for the Stella I have met. Superwoman Stella who persevered through bombing and illness was hard to comprehend, even as a 21-year-old. This author has incredible skills and imagination. Somehow it seems this book was rushed.
January 3, 2022
Amsterdam, 1940
In this fourth book by A. W. Hartoin we encounter Stella once more, this time in Amsterdam.
Moments before the Nazi Invasion.
Stella has only one job. Cozy up to two influential Dutch men to find out which side they are on before The Netherlands fall to the Reich.
But obeying orders is never easy for Stella.
Something else comes up and Stella has to make a quick decision.
Will she be able to leave Holland before things get too thick?
~Nancy Huber, author of Days of Fire and Homeschooling Against All Odds
In this fourth book by A. W. Hartoin we encounter Stella once more, this time in Amsterdam.
Moments before the Nazi Invasion.
Stella has only one job. Cozy up to two influential Dutch men to find out which side they are on before The Netherlands fall to the Reich.
But obeying orders is never easy for Stella.
Something else comes up and Stella has to make a quick decision.
Will she be able to leave Holland before things get too thick?
~Nancy Huber, author of Days of Fire and Homeschooling Against All Odds
May 25, 2021
I have read all the books in this series and I’m guessing the author isn’t done with it. I enjoyed the story and style but this author could take some lessons from other writers who write books in series. This author doesn’t recap characters brought in from prior novels. Very frustrating!
In spite of that, I did enjoy the book.
In spite of that, I did enjoy the book.
March 14, 2021
Where is book #5.
What happened to Able?
Where is Nicky ?
What happened to Stella?
This book ended with a lot of unfinished business.
Please continue this series!!
I’m very disappointed in the ending . Has it ended?
I read all 4 books in a week and I want more please.
What happened to Able?
Where is Nicky ?
What happened to Stella?
This book ended with a lot of unfinished business.
Please continue this series!!
I’m very disappointed in the ending . Has it ended?
I read all 4 books in a week and I want more please.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2021
Book 4 and Stella Bled is still keeping me on edge, turning pages, and hoping that she is successful. Still hoping that she will find her way "home" or be able to meet Nicky somewhere.... Looking forward to book 5.
July 28, 2021
So Good, Makes My Heart Pound
Great stories, though stressful reading. It's also difficult reading about all the horrors of the Nazi's. It's scary to see the world turning that way again.
Great stories, though stressful reading. It's also difficult reading about all the horrors of the Nazi's. It's scary to see the world turning that way again.
January 13, 2022
Overall, a decent HS read. However, the series has been a bit of a letdown with the lack of follow-up or follow-thru with the character that starts as a travel agent/guide. It was hard to keep reading with such a glaring hole throughout multiple books.
January 20, 2022
Strong Women Rule!
I appreciate the smart and fast paced writing with a strong woman as the lead.
I can only imagine the danger real women spies in the resistance during WW II faced daily.
I appreciate the smart and fast paced writing with a strong woman as the lead.
I can only imagine the danger real women spies in the resistance during WW II faced daily.
August 14, 2023
Intrigue Suspense Justice
Brilliant compelling story telling one of the best series to get involved in. It will whisk you away while imploring you to take in the world around you. Thank you A. W. Hartoin
Brilliant compelling story telling one of the best series to get involved in. It will whisk you away while imploring you to take in the world around you. Thank you A. W. Hartoin
January 23, 2024
Another great story in the xeries
The author did an d comment job of describing what SAS happens v st the start of the war . could picture itckdsr!g with all the details .The new character s were interesting
This one had lots of zction.
The author did an d comment job of describing what SAS happens v st the start of the war . could picture itckdsr!g with all the details .The new character s were interesting
This one had lots of zction.
March 3, 2021
I loved this book!
March 16, 2021
Good historical fiction
Very engaging. Good historical novel. This author is the best..never pass up a chance to read anything by this writer
Very engaging. Good historical novel. This author is the best..never pass up a chance to read anything by this writer
March 21, 2021
Entire series
I enjoyed the entire series. Stella was a captivating heroine. I recommend it. It is a reminder that democracy is truly a freedom.
I enjoyed the entire series. Stella was a captivating heroine. I recommend it. It is a reminder that democracy is truly a freedom.
March 28, 2021
Great!
I love the Stella Bled Thrillers! Keep up the great writing! Can hardly wait for the next books. Thank you
I love the Stella Bled Thrillers! Keep up the great writing! Can hardly wait for the next books. Thank you
April 4, 2021
Latest in the Stella Bled spy novels, this one takes Her to Amsterdam in spring of 1940 when the Nazis invade. Keeps you on your toes til the last page
June 9, 2021
I absolutely LOVE the Stell Bled books! I highly recommend this book and the series!
July 4, 2021
Not a page turner
Good plot. Main character and her uncle not so much. Impossibly self focused and placed in unbelievable, unlikely situations, both were hard to follow.
Good plot. Main character and her uncle not so much. Impossibly self focused and placed in unbelievable, unlikely situations, both were hard to follow.
August 14, 2021
It was an EXCELLENT book. Lots of interesting characters.
December 5, 2021
Great read.
A good last book in the series. I enjoyed the plot. Only negative was Elias ghost, as it spoiled the realism.
A good last book in the series. I enjoyed the plot. Only negative was Elias ghost, as it spoiled the realism.
October 13, 2025
I didn’t care for the first half of this book, but liked the other half rather well.
December 8, 2025
Stella Bled is fabulous company!
So many twists and turns. It is impossible to put down this book. I love the heroine in this series and must know what will happen next.
So many twists and turns. It is impossible to put down this book. I love the heroine in this series and must know what will happen next.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews