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Resilient Women of WWII #2
Our Daughters' Last Hope
Amsterdam, the Netherlands 1940. Herta, and her family, Jewish refugees, are living contentedly until the Nazi invasion, which echoes the persecution and fear they experienced before fleeing Germany. Across town, another wife and mother, Julia, also faces upheaval when her husband becomes more involved in the Nazis' effort in controlling the world.
When their husbands go missing, one accused falsely of crimes and the other to fight on behalf of the Nazis, Herta, despite the heartache, takes charge and places her daughters into hiding believing they'll keep safe. Meanwhile, Julia, as the only parent home, chooses to redefine family. These unexpected developments bring Herta and Julia together... until their true identities surface and they're thrown into dangerous consequences that could harm not only them but their daughters.
Following We Shall Not Shatter, Book 1 of the Resilient Women of WWII Trilogy, this story of friendship questions whether two mothers, acting to ensure their children's future, can put aside the issues of faith and heritage that could bring the Nazis right to their doorstep.
When their husbands go missing, one accused falsely of crimes and the other to fight on behalf of the Nazis, Herta, despite the heartache, takes charge and places her daughters into hiding believing they'll keep safe. Meanwhile, Julia, as the only parent home, chooses to redefine family. These unexpected developments bring Herta and Julia together... until their true identities surface and they're thrown into dangerous consequences that could harm not only them but their daughters.
Following We Shall Not Shatter, Book 1 of the Resilient Women of WWII Trilogy, this story of friendship questions whether two mothers, acting to ensure their children's future, can put aside the issues of faith and heritage that could bring the Nazis right to their doorstep.
424 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2022
23 people are currently reading
918 people want to read
About the author
Elaine Stock
11 books421 followersElaine Stock writes historical fiction and domestic suspense novels. While her novels continue to appear on several Amazon Bestseller Lists, what pleases her the most is hearing from readers around the world who say these stories inspire them to face their own tomorrows. Elaine and her husband are owned by two cats, who sometimes allow them to go on long walks down country roads and explore New England towns.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 20, 2022
I have always loved WWII fiction and Our Daughters Last Hope didn’t disappoint. This book picks up where We Shall Not Shatter ended. Readers get to catch up with Herta and Kurt Webber and this book is their story after they were refused entrance to America. The Author has well researched this time frame and she was able to bring this story to life for her readers. It’s a though I was there with the realistic characters that lived through those terrible war years. The book was intense and unpredictable as the characters took risks to help hide Jewish children from the cruel Nazi SS soldiers who thought nothing of killing Men, Women or children whether they were Jews or not. I thought the book was an original and an excellent read!
The main characters are Herta and Kurt Webber. They have moved to The Netherlands after they and their children were refused admittance to America. The Netherlands was a neutral country not taking sides during WWI and planned to take the same stance in the second war but Hitler and his Nazi Army had other plans for this country and they were willing to put their plans into action. Soon the Nazi were occupying the Netherlands and forcing the citizens to be obedient to their forced rules. Herta and Kurt wanted to keep their family together so they searched for a way to hide their Jewish heritage and beliefs. As the war progresses it gets harder to hide their true identities from the Nazi soldiers. Will this family be able to stay together or will the war separate them all into hiding .
I recommend this book to readers of WW II fiction and to fans of the Author. I recommend that you read We Shall Not Shatter first as it is book one in the series and this book picks up where book one ends.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are my own.
The main characters are Herta and Kurt Webber. They have moved to The Netherlands after they and their children were refused admittance to America. The Netherlands was a neutral country not taking sides during WWI and planned to take the same stance in the second war but Hitler and his Nazi Army had other plans for this country and they were willing to put their plans into action. Soon the Nazi were occupying the Netherlands and forcing the citizens to be obedient to their forced rules. Herta and Kurt wanted to keep their family together so they searched for a way to hide their Jewish heritage and beliefs. As the war progresses it gets harder to hide their true identities from the Nazi soldiers. Will this family be able to stay together or will the war separate them all into hiding .
I recommend this book to readers of WW II fiction and to fans of the Author. I recommend that you read We Shall Not Shatter first as it is book one in the series and this book picks up where book one ends.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are my own.
September 29, 2022
“Life Must Go On”
Not giving away any more than the author has already chosen to share, whilst all three episodes of this trilogy are intrinsically and inextricably linked, in as much as each story features a character from its preceding book, there is no definitive backstory precluding them from being read and enjoyed as stand-alone stories. For me personally however, as I aim to read all three novels, I am really hoping that they eventually join together full circle, linking our strong female lead characters back to the beginning of their tumultuous journeys of family and love, lost and found amidst a cruel and devastating war.
Here is a ‘potted and hopefully spoiler free’ version of what is a much more complicated and nuanced storyline…
…
Our story opens in 1940, when Jewish family Kurt, Herta and their two daughters, Edith who is thirteen and Krista who is ten, have been caught up in the Nazi Aryan cleansing regime against all minority groups and races, causing them to flee their homeland, even as the borders begin to close in against them. They had hoped to board a ship taking them to a new and safe life in America, however that was not to be, and they have instead been forced to make Amsterdam in The Netherlands, their new home. Having settled into a new routine, they have become relatively well established, however that is all about to change, when the long arm of the Nazi regime, ignoring the protocols of neutrality, reaches out to invade their near neighbours and once again, tough but life-saving decisions have to be made.
The family, along with all their fellow Jews and other ethnic minorities, have three choices – run, hide, or brazen things out. Weary of running, Herta steadfastly refuses to budge, so Kurt purchases forged documents, with new identities for them all. Some physical appearances need to change and a new address close by is acquired. Little by little all rights and freedoms are rescinded for the community, but with much caution and looking over their shoulders, and children who are obedient and understand the risks of careless talk and behaviour, the family manage to remain undetected for some time.
It is a fluke of bad luck and a little bad judgement by Kurt, which sees him arrested, although he manages to escape and gets word to Herta that she should think about placing the children in hiding, even though it will mean they all need to go their separate ways for the remaining duration of the war. Kurt disappears and it is with much soul-searching and great reluctance that Herta sees the sense in his words and with a heavy heart and great foreboding, sends her daughters one at a time, away to unknown families in strange new places, in the hope that they will survive the atrocities and can be reunited as a family again one day.
It is by sheer fate, that a brave and selfless Herta, now living a solitary life as Charlotte Beck, crosses paths with Julia Arzt and her three much younger daughters, when she bravely saves one of the children’s lives. Julia takes it upon herself to repay the debt by offering Charlotte sanctuary in her home, believing the lie that she is of good Dutch descent, which is just as well, because Julia’s own husband Luuk, had chosen his side, when all Dutchmen were offered the choice of either being voluntarily conscripted to fight for Germany or being forced to join the ranks of the German slave-labour forces, and now proudly boasts his SS allegiance, as he sets about hunting down and turning in his fellow citizens to the occupying forces. As Julia lives next door to Luuk’s brother Liam, who has been discharged from the fighting with a life-limiting battle injury, and his wife Mila, she is understandably wary about introducing her new house guest, especially when she begins to have suspicions that Charlotte’s story doesn’t quite add up and she isn’t altogether sure what her brother-in-law’s reaction might be, should he ever discover what Julia believes to be the truth about Charlotte’s past.
Living within such intensely personal confines, Charlotte picks up on signs that Julia’s life is not exactly the idyllic picture she is painting either, or it later transpires, never really has been. The truth when eventually confided, is much worse than Charlotte imagined, especially when Julia has another well-kept secret she has never revealed to Luuk, as she knows that this would probably send him over the edge, placing her own life and that of her daughters in extreme danger. The pair decide to chance their luck and fall on the mercy of Liam and Mila, especially as they have now both decided to work alongside one group of resistance fighters, helping to clear the streets of abandoned children and sending them on to places of safety, where they can hopefully begin to rebuild trust, regain their childhood and in some cases, maybe reunite with their birth families one day. Liam and Mila are surprisingly understanding and had long held suspicions about Luuk’s extreme behaviour and mood swings, and exactly how that translated into his treatment of his family. When Luuk makes a surprise visit home during the Christmas of 1944, it is too late to hide the evidence, the cat is well and truly out of the bag and things unsurprisingly and quickly become out of control, with fatal consequences!
It turns out that Kurt has never really been all that far from Herta’s (Charlotte) side and has been watching over her from a distance. His arrival to reclaim the love of his life; the fact that Julia and her family can now consider themselves to always be part of a larger extended family and vice versa; together with one other monumentally happy event; are still bittersweet for Herta though, as she is left to wonder if they are all ever truly destined to be together ever again, although she is determined to never give up searching for the missing piece of her heart.
…
There is a compelling compassionate honesty and integrity in this totally immersive, well structured, multi-layered storyline, which is powerful, intense and highly textured, conveying a cloying and oppressively claustrophobic atmosphere of mistrust and fear. It is seamlessly narrated in well-paced and clearly signposted chapters, compellingly perceptive, intuitive, often raw and passionate, yet profoundly touching, highlighting both the fragility and resilience of the human mind, whilst uncovering the long-term and unseen effects the trauma of grief and loss can have.
As has always been the case in times of war, with all the fit and able-bodied men away fighting, it is predominantly left to the women to become the stronger parent for their family, providing for and ensuring the safety, wellbeing and emotional stability of the children and vulnerable members left at home. However, when the Jewish race was set up by the Nazis to be persecuted into extinction, the fight for life was even more pressing, calling for extreme actions which were definitely ‘cruel to be kind’. It is so difficult to comprehend that, unlike the evacuation of children living in the most dangerous of areas of the Allied countries, who were sent to places of security and safety within their own country, Jewish parents had to survive the emotional trauma of entrusting their children to complete strangers, often in another country, without a promise that they would ever see them again, or having any way of even being able to keep track of them. The story explores the lengths a parent will go to and the sacrifices they will make, to keep their child safe from harm and the gut-wrenching feelings of failure when they are unable to protect them as they feel they should.
This story also shines a spotlight onto the age-old problem of abusive relationships and domestic violence, both physical and emotional; namely that of the abused party always accepting the guilt, shouldering the responsibility and blame for their abuser’s violence, convinced that they are the ones at fault and often seeking to exonerate the perpetrators violence towards them.
Events which completely drew me into the action, totally immersed me as they unfolded before me, and held me captive in their thrall until the very last page; when the suspense, suspicion and tension, finally gave way, like a gentle sigh and the release of a long-held breath, to a future full of calm fulfilment, promise and most of all, hope.
The well-developed cast of characters is quite small and tight-knit and although they all have a voice, albeit always tempered with caution, to tell their own story, the pervading air of necessary secrecy is there, just beneath the surface, for all to feel. They were therefore quite a complex, vulnerable and emotional group, a many-sided jigsaw of human emotions, which often made them appear unreliable, rather volatile, not always easy to engage with, or relate to, yet still totally authentic. Circumstances meant that everyone was searching for a sense of belonging and closure, on what had been a tumultuous period in all their lives, frail yet displaying an amazing inner strength and tenacity to rebuild their shattered hopes and dreams.
Whilst the storyline has a relatively small footprint, thus not perhaps completely satisfying for any avid ‘armchair travellers’ out there, the evocatively descriptive dialogue and narrative, conjures up the very essence of a time, a place and its people, beautifully. All in all, a very satisfying, if poignant journey.
My only passing observation with this book, is that perhaps the writing style is not quite as fluent as that of book #1 in the series, which means that the storyline didn’t travel as freely as it might have. However, that didn’t detract from the powerful messaging behind the words, nor did it in any way curtail my enthusiasm for the series.
An emotionally draining, well rendered, multi-sensory experience and a chilling reminder, if one was needed, of the often-silent war waged far away from the main theatre of conflict, but no less bravely fought.
What always makes reading such a wonderful experience for me, is that with each and every new book, I am taken on a unique and individual journey, by authors who fire my imagination, stir my emotions and stimulate my senses. This story certainly had the power to evoke so many feelings, that I’m sure I won’t have felt the same way about it as the last reader, nor the next, so I can only recommend that you read Our Daughters’ Last Hope for yourself and see where your journey leads you!
I can’t wait to read book #3 Elaine!
Not giving away any more than the author has already chosen to share, whilst all three episodes of this trilogy are intrinsically and inextricably linked, in as much as each story features a character from its preceding book, there is no definitive backstory precluding them from being read and enjoyed as stand-alone stories. For me personally however, as I aim to read all three novels, I am really hoping that they eventually join together full circle, linking our strong female lead characters back to the beginning of their tumultuous journeys of family and love, lost and found amidst a cruel and devastating war.
Here is a ‘potted and hopefully spoiler free’ version of what is a much more complicated and nuanced storyline…
…
Our story opens in 1940, when Jewish family Kurt, Herta and their two daughters, Edith who is thirteen and Krista who is ten, have been caught up in the Nazi Aryan cleansing regime against all minority groups and races, causing them to flee their homeland, even as the borders begin to close in against them. They had hoped to board a ship taking them to a new and safe life in America, however that was not to be, and they have instead been forced to make Amsterdam in The Netherlands, their new home. Having settled into a new routine, they have become relatively well established, however that is all about to change, when the long arm of the Nazi regime, ignoring the protocols of neutrality, reaches out to invade their near neighbours and once again, tough but life-saving decisions have to be made.
The family, along with all their fellow Jews and other ethnic minorities, have three choices – run, hide, or brazen things out. Weary of running, Herta steadfastly refuses to budge, so Kurt purchases forged documents, with new identities for them all. Some physical appearances need to change and a new address close by is acquired. Little by little all rights and freedoms are rescinded for the community, but with much caution and looking over their shoulders, and children who are obedient and understand the risks of careless talk and behaviour, the family manage to remain undetected for some time.
It is a fluke of bad luck and a little bad judgement by Kurt, which sees him arrested, although he manages to escape and gets word to Herta that she should think about placing the children in hiding, even though it will mean they all need to go their separate ways for the remaining duration of the war. Kurt disappears and it is with much soul-searching and great reluctance that Herta sees the sense in his words and with a heavy heart and great foreboding, sends her daughters one at a time, away to unknown families in strange new places, in the hope that they will survive the atrocities and can be reunited as a family again one day.
It is by sheer fate, that a brave and selfless Herta, now living a solitary life as Charlotte Beck, crosses paths with Julia Arzt and her three much younger daughters, when she bravely saves one of the children’s lives. Julia takes it upon herself to repay the debt by offering Charlotte sanctuary in her home, believing the lie that she is of good Dutch descent, which is just as well, because Julia’s own husband Luuk, had chosen his side, when all Dutchmen were offered the choice of either being voluntarily conscripted to fight for Germany or being forced to join the ranks of the German slave-labour forces, and now proudly boasts his SS allegiance, as he sets about hunting down and turning in his fellow citizens to the occupying forces. As Julia lives next door to Luuk’s brother Liam, who has been discharged from the fighting with a life-limiting battle injury, and his wife Mila, she is understandably wary about introducing her new house guest, especially when she begins to have suspicions that Charlotte’s story doesn’t quite add up and she isn’t altogether sure what her brother-in-law’s reaction might be, should he ever discover what Julia believes to be the truth about Charlotte’s past.
Living within such intensely personal confines, Charlotte picks up on signs that Julia’s life is not exactly the idyllic picture she is painting either, or it later transpires, never really has been. The truth when eventually confided, is much worse than Charlotte imagined, especially when Julia has another well-kept secret she has never revealed to Luuk, as she knows that this would probably send him over the edge, placing her own life and that of her daughters in extreme danger. The pair decide to chance their luck and fall on the mercy of Liam and Mila, especially as they have now both decided to work alongside one group of resistance fighters, helping to clear the streets of abandoned children and sending them on to places of safety, where they can hopefully begin to rebuild trust, regain their childhood and in some cases, maybe reunite with their birth families one day. Liam and Mila are surprisingly understanding and had long held suspicions about Luuk’s extreme behaviour and mood swings, and exactly how that translated into his treatment of his family. When Luuk makes a surprise visit home during the Christmas of 1944, it is too late to hide the evidence, the cat is well and truly out of the bag and things unsurprisingly and quickly become out of control, with fatal consequences!
It turns out that Kurt has never really been all that far from Herta’s (Charlotte) side and has been watching over her from a distance. His arrival to reclaim the love of his life; the fact that Julia and her family can now consider themselves to always be part of a larger extended family and vice versa; together with one other monumentally happy event; are still bittersweet for Herta though, as she is left to wonder if they are all ever truly destined to be together ever again, although she is determined to never give up searching for the missing piece of her heart.
…
There is a compelling compassionate honesty and integrity in this totally immersive, well structured, multi-layered storyline, which is powerful, intense and highly textured, conveying a cloying and oppressively claustrophobic atmosphere of mistrust and fear. It is seamlessly narrated in well-paced and clearly signposted chapters, compellingly perceptive, intuitive, often raw and passionate, yet profoundly touching, highlighting both the fragility and resilience of the human mind, whilst uncovering the long-term and unseen effects the trauma of grief and loss can have.
As has always been the case in times of war, with all the fit and able-bodied men away fighting, it is predominantly left to the women to become the stronger parent for their family, providing for and ensuring the safety, wellbeing and emotional stability of the children and vulnerable members left at home. However, when the Jewish race was set up by the Nazis to be persecuted into extinction, the fight for life was even more pressing, calling for extreme actions which were definitely ‘cruel to be kind’. It is so difficult to comprehend that, unlike the evacuation of children living in the most dangerous of areas of the Allied countries, who were sent to places of security and safety within their own country, Jewish parents had to survive the emotional trauma of entrusting their children to complete strangers, often in another country, without a promise that they would ever see them again, or having any way of even being able to keep track of them. The story explores the lengths a parent will go to and the sacrifices they will make, to keep their child safe from harm and the gut-wrenching feelings of failure when they are unable to protect them as they feel they should.
This story also shines a spotlight onto the age-old problem of abusive relationships and domestic violence, both physical and emotional; namely that of the abused party always accepting the guilt, shouldering the responsibility and blame for their abuser’s violence, convinced that they are the ones at fault and often seeking to exonerate the perpetrators violence towards them.
Events which completely drew me into the action, totally immersed me as they unfolded before me, and held me captive in their thrall until the very last page; when the suspense, suspicion and tension, finally gave way, like a gentle sigh and the release of a long-held breath, to a future full of calm fulfilment, promise and most of all, hope.
The well-developed cast of characters is quite small and tight-knit and although they all have a voice, albeit always tempered with caution, to tell their own story, the pervading air of necessary secrecy is there, just beneath the surface, for all to feel. They were therefore quite a complex, vulnerable and emotional group, a many-sided jigsaw of human emotions, which often made them appear unreliable, rather volatile, not always easy to engage with, or relate to, yet still totally authentic. Circumstances meant that everyone was searching for a sense of belonging and closure, on what had been a tumultuous period in all their lives, frail yet displaying an amazing inner strength and tenacity to rebuild their shattered hopes and dreams.
Whilst the storyline has a relatively small footprint, thus not perhaps completely satisfying for any avid ‘armchair travellers’ out there, the evocatively descriptive dialogue and narrative, conjures up the very essence of a time, a place and its people, beautifully. All in all, a very satisfying, if poignant journey.
My only passing observation with this book, is that perhaps the writing style is not quite as fluent as that of book #1 in the series, which means that the storyline didn’t travel as freely as it might have. However, that didn’t detract from the powerful messaging behind the words, nor did it in any way curtail my enthusiasm for the series.
An emotionally draining, well rendered, multi-sensory experience and a chilling reminder, if one was needed, of the often-silent war waged far away from the main theatre of conflict, but no less bravely fought.
What always makes reading such a wonderful experience for me, is that with each and every new book, I am taken on a unique and individual journey, by authors who fire my imagination, stir my emotions and stimulate my senses. This story certainly had the power to evoke so many feelings, that I’m sure I won’t have felt the same way about it as the last reader, nor the next, so I can only recommend that you read Our Daughters’ Last Hope for yourself and see where your journey leads you!
I can’t wait to read book #3 Elaine!
July 31, 2022
Elaine Stock’s “old world” voice immerses us in the poignant stories of two women who plumb depths of amazing resiliency and revise the concept of family to survive and protect their children during the unspeakable ravages of the Holocaust. Such deeply personal novels connect and remind us we must never forget these horrors.
August 1, 2022
Beautifully written. Touching. Poignant.
Elaine Stock's second instalment in her trilogy Resilient Women of WWII, Our Daughters Last Hope shines with real emotion.
Grounded in the relationships between friends and the love and determination of a mother to protect her child, Stock leads us through her tale at pace, never losing the meaning behind her story. Her characters are depicted with raw honesty, drawing us in; we become truly invested in their journeys from the first page.
It is historical fiction that honours the strength of people of the past as they faced unimaginable horror, seeking to continue the memories so we never forget.
A story that will stay with you long after you finish the last page.
Elaine Stock's second instalment in her trilogy Resilient Women of WWII, Our Daughters Last Hope shines with real emotion.
Grounded in the relationships between friends and the love and determination of a mother to protect her child, Stock leads us through her tale at pace, never losing the meaning behind her story. Her characters are depicted with raw honesty, drawing us in; we become truly invested in their journeys from the first page.
It is historical fiction that honours the strength of people of the past as they faced unimaginable horror, seeking to continue the memories so we never forget.
A story that will stay with you long after you finish the last page.
July 22, 2023
4.5 stars
Yes! The sequel was as good as the first one! (That’s a rarity!)
Follows the story of Herta and her family from the first in the series.
*Old radio drama music*
“When we last read of Herta, her husband, and their two young daughters, they were aboard the ship The St. Louis, hearing news that a chance at life in America may not be possible after all. Only 28 passengers will be allowed to enter America; the rest will be sent back across the sea. Will this family, fleeing persecution like so many others, be granted the opportunity to start over in a new country? Or will they be forced to return to a continent being slowly taken over by an evil dictator?”…
Immerse yourself in this historical fiction novel, but make sure the tissues are handy.
Yes! The sequel was as good as the first one! (That’s a rarity!)
Follows the story of Herta and her family from the first in the series.
*Old radio drama music*
“When we last read of Herta, her husband, and their two young daughters, they were aboard the ship The St. Louis, hearing news that a chance at life in America may not be possible after all. Only 28 passengers will be allowed to enter America; the rest will be sent back across the sea. Will this family, fleeing persecution like so many others, be granted the opportunity to start over in a new country? Or will they be forced to return to a continent being slowly taken over by an evil dictator?”…
Immerse yourself in this historical fiction novel, but make sure the tissues are handy.
July 31, 2022
Another 5 star read from Elaine, book 1 in the trilogy, “We Shall Not Shatter”, was also a 5 star read for me. Elaine has a wonderful way of making the characters real, I worried about the main characters in “Our Daughters’ Last Hope”, and had my fingers crossed for their happiness as the story progressed. After I had finished the book, the story and the characters stayed in my thoughts long after I finished reading
August 6, 2022
Our Daughters' Last Hope focuses on the experiences of two women, Herta and Julia, following the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam in 1940. A visceral, terrifying blend of fear and hope, violence and solidarity swirls as the two face disappearances - and sometimes unwelcome reappearances - of loved ones, growing repression, increasingly grim living conditions and the constant threat of denunciation or death. Stock raises fundamental questions: how far can you trust your friends, or family? What should you do if duty conflicts with what seems right? What if survival means breaking taboos? And what would you do if Nazis took over your country?
Like her earlier work in the "Resilient Women of WW2" series, the story draws on solid chunks of research as well as a rich vein of imagination to examine the fate of ordinary women driven to extraordinary feats by awful circumstances. Worth a look if you like historical fiction.
Like her earlier work in the "Resilient Women of WW2" series, the story draws on solid chunks of research as well as a rich vein of imagination to examine the fate of ordinary women driven to extraordinary feats by awful circumstances. Worth a look if you like historical fiction.
September 23, 2022
I just love all things WWII, so I'm afraid that I was already prejudiced in its favor when I began this novel.
However, once I began reading I had a whole new perspective on this story. While many authors of WWII genres spend a great deal of time "describing" (ex. clothing, hairstyles, 1940's language and expressions, etc.), this novel jumped right into a closeup look at its characters' motivations and decisions. Rather than holding the reader at arm's length, we were drawn right into the homes and dealings of the characters and forced to see things from their perspectives.
I just think this is an extremely successful attempt to show the reader what life might have truly been like in this horrendous time in history.
I won this novel in a GR giveaway. The opinions and evaluation are completely mine.
Excellent read!
However, once I began reading I had a whole new perspective on this story. While many authors of WWII genres spend a great deal of time "describing" (ex. clothing, hairstyles, 1940's language and expressions, etc.), this novel jumped right into a closeup look at its characters' motivations and decisions. Rather than holding the reader at arm's length, we were drawn right into the homes and dealings of the characters and forced to see things from their perspectives.
I just think this is an extremely successful attempt to show the reader what life might have truly been like in this horrendous time in history.
I won this novel in a GR giveaway. The opinions and evaluation are completely mine.
Excellent read!
September 20, 2022
If you thought the first installment of this series - We Shall Not Shatter was good then you are in for a treat with this book. The writing is engaging and kept me gripped right from the very start as this book follows on with the family settling in the Netherlands after being refused entry into the USA and it isn't long until the Naxis take over the country and the family are forced to try and hide who they are.
I found the book to have perfect pacing to go with the intense and emotive storyline. I historical fiction and particualrly historical fiction around dark periods of history, and the Nazi's and the Holocaust are one of my favourites to read about in this genre and this book really didn't disappoint.
The story is emotive and intense and the author researched the book so incredibly well and gave such vivid descriptions and rich imagery that I felt like I was right there with the family dealing with the daily life under Nazi.
This is a fantastic read that I cannot recommend enough
I found the book to have perfect pacing to go with the intense and emotive storyline. I historical fiction and particualrly historical fiction around dark periods of history, and the Nazi's and the Holocaust are one of my favourites to read about in this genre and this book really didn't disappoint.
The story is emotive and intense and the author researched the book so incredibly well and gave such vivid descriptions and rich imagery that I felt like I was right there with the family dealing with the daily life under Nazi.
This is a fantastic read that I cannot recommend enough
February 18, 2023
This wonderful author has done it again with Book 2 of her trilogy, Resilient Women of WWII. I was so invested in Book 1 that I immediately began this book upon completion. In my experience, subsequent books in a series seldom captivate me as much as the first, but this book was an exception. Friendship and family were once again at the core of this story, and I was completely enthralled from the first page. Ms. Stock expertly writes strong women; nuanced with various complexities. Perceived flaws enhance the humanity of these beautifully constructed characters, allowing them to face and overcome unimaginable hardships. In my opinion, this is the truest definition of resilience. This story of hope is a reminder that the past doesn't need to predict the future. We can all do our part to achieve a better tomorrow, no matter how small or insignificant our contributions may seem. I strongly recommend this book and anxiously await the 3rd installment in this trilogy.
September 28, 2022
Thank you to “Goodreads “ for the opportunity to read and review this book. I am a fan of historical fiction, especially WW II stories, each one that I have read enlightens me and leaves me with more to think about. This story to me was about Herta and Julia ‘s relationship and their strength and determination to protect themselves and their daughters. This story was well written, moved at a good pace, at times so heartbreaking and gut wrenching. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of well written historical fiction.
September 26, 2022
An unexpected friendship
A remarkable story of two women who bravely struggle to save their families during the hatred and slaughter of war. Another suspenseful novel by Elaine Stock in her Resilient Women of WWII series. Well researched and tenderly written, this book is a must read. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
A remarkable story of two women who bravely struggle to save their families during the hatred and slaughter of war. Another suspenseful novel by Elaine Stock in her Resilient Women of WWII series. Well researched and tenderly written, this book is a must read. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
November 17, 2022
I've read the first book in this series and really enjoyed it. This second one blew me away as well. It is the well-researched and well-written story of two women's experiences in WWII. It's heartbreaking, informative and thought provoking. A great story of love, courage and family that I'll remember a long time.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
August 6, 2022
OUR DAUGHTERS LAST HOPE is the story of two mothers, one Jewish and one Dutch, whose sole purpose during Hitler’s invasion of Europe was to keep their daughters safe above all else. It is also the story of family love and what one can do to preserve it under horrific circumstances. I found myself unable to get the story out of my mind long after I finished reading it. The atrocities that the Jewish characters suffer throughout the book stick with you. The author, Ms. Stock, has done her research and it shows. I highly recommend OUR DAUGHTERS LAST HOPE. It is well written and in a way that the reader experiences all the good and bad things that went on during this time in our history. My kudos to Ms. Stock. I anxiously await her third book in this trilogy
September 26, 2022
Book Review…Our Daughters' Last Hope by Elaine Stock
Amsterdam, the Netherlands 1940
When Herta and Julia's husbands go missing, one accused falsely of crimes and the other to fight on behalf of the Nazis, Herta, despite the heartache, takes charge and places her daughters into hiding believing they'll keep safe. Meanwhile, Julia, as the only parent home, chooses to redefine family. These unexpected developments bring Herta and Julia together... until their true identities surface and they're thrown into dangerous consequences that could harm not only them but their daughters.
This is the second book in the Resilient Women of WWII and while it can be read as a standalone the first book is about Herta and her family so I do recommend reading it first. Despite it being about a dark time in history it was a good read. The characters are wonderful. They are raw and real. You can actually feel their feelings and it adds to the experience. The pace isn't fast or slow, it just flows well with the story. It's a great read that is about love, family, surviving and more! Thank you Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours and Elaine Stock for sharing this book with me!
Amsterdam, the Netherlands 1940
When Herta and Julia's husbands go missing, one accused falsely of crimes and the other to fight on behalf of the Nazis, Herta, despite the heartache, takes charge and places her daughters into hiding believing they'll keep safe. Meanwhile, Julia, as the only parent home, chooses to redefine family. These unexpected developments bring Herta and Julia together... until their true identities surface and they're thrown into dangerous consequences that could harm not only them but their daughters.
This is the second book in the Resilient Women of WWII and while it can be read as a standalone the first book is about Herta and her family so I do recommend reading it first. Despite it being about a dark time in history it was a good read. The characters are wonderful. They are raw and real. You can actually feel their feelings and it adds to the experience. The pace isn't fast or slow, it just flows well with the story. It's a great read that is about love, family, surviving and more! Thank you Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours and Elaine Stock for sharing this book with me!
September 27, 2022
Our Daughters’ Last Hope by Elaine Stock
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This is the second book in Stocks trilogy ‘The Resilient Women of WWII but is a stand alone book that can be read without knowing the first story (I haven’t read the first book but I definitely think I’ll check it out!)
This book follows two families, both with husband, wife and two daughters. Both families lives change dramatically during the Nazi takeover and when both husbands go missing, one to hide from the Nazis and one to join them, both wives need to figure out what’s best for their families to do next. In an unexpected turn of events, these women meet, both keeping secrets, and a new friendship is formed.
I found it really interesting seeing the way the war effected these families from both sides and how difficult it was everyone but protecting their families was the one thing that they shared. Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres and this didn’t disappoint.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This is the second book in Stocks trilogy ‘The Resilient Women of WWII but is a stand alone book that can be read without knowing the first story (I haven’t read the first book but I definitely think I’ll check it out!)
This book follows two families, both with husband, wife and two daughters. Both families lives change dramatically during the Nazi takeover and when both husbands go missing, one to hide from the Nazis and one to join them, both wives need to figure out what’s best for their families to do next. In an unexpected turn of events, these women meet, both keeping secrets, and a new friendship is formed.
I found it really interesting seeing the way the war effected these families from both sides and how difficult it was everyone but protecting their families was the one thing that they shared. Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres and this didn’t disappoint.
September 23, 2022
The 2nd book in the “Resilient Women of WWII” series, this historical novel resonates with white knuckle fear and unconditional love. Herta, a mother and Jewish refugee, wants only to keep her family safe. But there are no guarantees in The Netherlands of 1940.
Faced with the impossible decision to send her daughters into hiding Herta’s world entangles with that of Julia, a fellow mother whose husband is swept up in Nazi fervor.
The author rises to the occasion writing in the supercharged emotional time and place of the Holocaust. The sacrifice required by motherhood, the senselessness of hate and paranoia necessary when faith in one’s neighbors could mean death: it’s a lot. OUR DAUGHTERS’ LAST HOPE beautifully handles these elements and more in an historical tale I’m happy to have read.
Faced with the impossible decision to send her daughters into hiding Herta’s world entangles with that of Julia, a fellow mother whose husband is swept up in Nazi fervor.
The author rises to the occasion writing in the supercharged emotional time and place of the Holocaust. The sacrifice required by motherhood, the senselessness of hate and paranoia necessary when faith in one’s neighbors could mean death: it’s a lot. OUR DAUGHTERS’ LAST HOPE beautifully handles these elements and more in an historical tale I’m happy to have read.
February 19, 2024
The book I read last night is called “Our Daughters Last Hope” by Elaine Stock. This is her second trilogy book I have read. I must say, the author leads us through her tale pace, never losing a plot behind her story. I thoroughly enjoyed her characters are described with raw honesty, where I became invested in their journeys from the first page. Between the grounded relationships where two people, two mothers have gone lengths to protect their children’s future. It shows their commitment of friendship, love, care, compassion, determination, resilience, and take a bold risk, where two mothers have gained each other’s back. Jew, Herta, and a Dutch, Julia, their husbands go missing- one to hide from the Nazis, and the other to collaborate with them. As a result, did they survive? You can decide.
September 18, 2022
OUR DAUGHTERS' LAST HOPE, by Elaine Stock is book 2 of the RESILIENT WOMEN OF WWII series and is Herta's story and what becomes of her family in Amsterdam when Germany occupies the country. Herta was a minor character in book 1, WE SHALL NOT SHATTER.
Again, Elaine Stock captures the reader with both heartwarming and frightening events that each character is dealt and made to endure during a horrific time. This novel is another page turner that I highly recommend reading.
Roberta C.M. DeCaprio
Published Author
Again, Elaine Stock captures the reader with both heartwarming and frightening events that each character is dealt and made to endure during a horrific time. This novel is another page turner that I highly recommend reading.
Roberta C.M. DeCaprio
Published Author
May 5, 2024
This is a book about struggle, strength, and reshaping of lives lived. If you’re a fan of WWII books about strong women then this is a book for you. The plot has mystery, hard choices, and friendship. You really to start to cheer when things finally work themselves out. History, whether fictionalized or accurate, should always be told so we don’t repeat the bad parts. Well done!!
September 20, 2022
Elaine Stock brings this story of true sisterhood, set in a horrifying time, to life with her realistic characters – women you’ll want to know and want to save. The author obviously did her research and should be applauded for weaving history with imagination. I look forward to her third book in this Resilient Women of WWII series.
August 17, 2022
Deeply thought-provoking. The author follows the lives of two very different mothers who live in the Netherlands during WWII. As the war presses in around them, their relationship with each other evolves from distrust to a true sisterhood that will enable them to survive and even help others during a truly horrifying time in history.
September 25, 2022
Herta and her family escaped Germany once. Now they are in the Netherlands in 1940 and Germany has just declared war again. She is scared for her family. Her husband Kurt is gone due to unforseen circumstances and she must keep her two little girls calm in the face of so much strife. Julia is another wife in peril but her husband goes to fight for Germany leaving her all alone. She's not sure if her husband is right and she loses faith in him as the war goes on. The two women come together despite being in very different situations in this war.
This novel was detailed, poignant and well researched. I felt well connected to each woman and their individual struggle. Both were strong and loving wives. Both did what they felt best for their families. I admired them both.
This novel was detailed, poignant and well researched. I felt well connected to each woman and their individual struggle. Both were strong and loving wives. Both did what they felt best for their families. I admired them both.
March 11, 2024
2nd book in this series. This one set in the Netherlands which is dear to my heart as my parents lived hrough and had two
Children during the war. More of a story than historical but still intresting for me to read about some of the history my family actually experienced.
Children during the war. More of a story than historical but still intresting for me to read about some of the history my family actually experienced.
September 1, 2022
This new book begins right where book one ended. Herta (Aanya) and her family have been turned away from the United States in 1939 and sent back to Europe. Instead of going back to their home in Germany, they decided to settle their family in Amsterdam where they believed that they'd be safe from Hitler's plan to eradicate the Jewish population. Herta and Kurt and their two daughters lived peacefully in Amsterdam until the Spring of 1940, when the Germans invade the Netherlands. They realize that they are in danger because they are Jewish so they all got forged papers and started to live as a Christian family.
Julia, her husband and two daughters have roots in Amsterdam for generations. After the invasion, her husband sides strongly with the Nazis and works very hard to become part of their alliance with the police. Julia is mainly concerned with her children and getting food on the table and keep her daughters safe She doesn't share his anti-Jewish beliefs but is unable to express her opinions without worrying about him abusing her in his anger.
When Herta and Julia meet, they both are keeping major secrets. Herta has sent her two daughters to safety outside the country and her husband has disappeared. Julia offers her a home and because she has nowhere else to go, she accepts. As the two women become closer they start to help the resistance doing jobs that could not only harm them but also put their beloved daughters in danger.
Can these two women remain friends when they each learn the secrets that are being hidden. Will they be able to continue their help to the resistance and will their friendship help them survive during a war that is full of hatred??
Elaine Stock has done considerable research and her characters perfectly reflect what was going on at this time. Her two main characters are well written with all of their flaws apparent. The friendship between these two women was strong and they were both braver and more resilient than they knew. I won't soon forget Herta and Julia and how the strength of their friendship protected not only their families but also other people who were in danger.
Book Three in this series is due to publish in the Spring of 2023 and I can't wait to read it and be taken back into the world that Elaine Stock creates for her readers that is full of friendship and love despite the hardships going on in the world.
Julia, her husband and two daughters have roots in Amsterdam for generations. After the invasion, her husband sides strongly with the Nazis and works very hard to become part of their alliance with the police. Julia is mainly concerned with her children and getting food on the table and keep her daughters safe She doesn't share his anti-Jewish beliefs but is unable to express her opinions without worrying about him abusing her in his anger.
When Herta and Julia meet, they both are keeping major secrets. Herta has sent her two daughters to safety outside the country and her husband has disappeared. Julia offers her a home and because she has nowhere else to go, she accepts. As the two women become closer they start to help the resistance doing jobs that could not only harm them but also put their beloved daughters in danger.
Can these two women remain friends when they each learn the secrets that are being hidden. Will they be able to continue their help to the resistance and will their friendship help them survive during a war that is full of hatred??
Elaine Stock has done considerable research and her characters perfectly reflect what was going on at this time. Her two main characters are well written with all of their flaws apparent. The friendship between these two women was strong and they were both braver and more resilient than they knew. I won't soon forget Herta and Julia and how the strength of their friendship protected not only their families but also other people who were in danger.
Book Three in this series is due to publish in the Spring of 2023 and I can't wait to read it and be taken back into the world that Elaine Stock creates for her readers that is full of friendship and love despite the hardships going on in the world.
September 20, 2022
Elaine Stock writes the most beautiful, heart warming, soul stirring stories I have ever read. She is not afraid to put emotion into her characters and their stories. She isn’t afraid to write about hard time periods. You can see the tireless hours of research she must have spent before penning these novels, because every little detail is so carefully placed on the page. Stock makes you want to jump into the story and help the characters, encourage them, pray with them, and just be a part of their story.
Herta and Julia were such wonderfully written heroines, each with their own hurts and fear, but together a winning a combination. They were strong, and often made my ponder how I might have reacted to their circumstances. Most likely not as brave. But they made you believe that you might. And that is what makes Stock such an amazing story teller. She makes you believe in the characters, yes, but also in yourself. I can’t really describe it. Just to say you’re going to have to check this out for yourself. Get tissues, a warm blanket, and some cocoa, it’s going to be a long (but worth it!) ride. Your emotions will go all over the place, but when you reach the ending, you will not regret one single moment.
I highly encourage historical fiction fans to read not only this charming book, but the first book in the series as well. I can’t wait to see what comes next! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Herta and Julia were such wonderfully written heroines, each with their own hurts and fear, but together a winning a combination. They were strong, and often made my ponder how I might have reacted to their circumstances. Most likely not as brave. But they made you believe that you might. And that is what makes Stock such an amazing story teller. She makes you believe in the characters, yes, but also in yourself. I can’t really describe it. Just to say you’re going to have to check this out for yourself. Get tissues, a warm blanket, and some cocoa, it’s going to be a long (but worth it!) ride. Your emotions will go all over the place, but when you reach the ending, you will not regret one single moment.
I highly encourage historical fiction fans to read not only this charming book, but the first book in the series as well. I can’t wait to see what comes next! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 1, 2022
27th September was my spot on LoveBooksTour blog tour for Our Daughters’ Last Hope by Elaine stock. I read this historical fiction novel as an ebook for this tour, and I’m so happy that I took part on this blog tour as I really liked this poignant and touching novel. I’m a few days late posting my review as I’ve fallen a little behind with my reading, but I’m determined to crack on and catch up. Still, I must apologise.
I really liked this historical fiction novel, and could really relate to the female main characters. As a mother myself I totally understand mum’s love and the terror of trying to protect your children during war times. It sounded very frightening and terrifying. This novel was such an emotional read, but it was beautifully written. It told a story of courage, mother’s love and friendship. I love reading historical fiction novels. Reading a novel that’s based on real events is fascinating, especially one that is so intelligently written.
Once I started reading this historical novel I didn’t want to put it down, and I read this novel in one sitting. I was gripped by the fascinating and touching story of this novel, and throughout it I wished for the main characters to remain strong so that they would survive. I’m giving this novel 4 stars as I really liked this historical novel, and I’m sure other readers will do too.
I really liked this historical fiction novel, and could really relate to the female main characters. As a mother myself I totally understand mum’s love and the terror of trying to protect your children during war times. It sounded very frightening and terrifying. This novel was such an emotional read, but it was beautifully written. It told a story of courage, mother’s love and friendship. I love reading historical fiction novels. Reading a novel that’s based on real events is fascinating, especially one that is so intelligently written.
Once I started reading this historical novel I didn’t want to put it down, and I read this novel in one sitting. I was gripped by the fascinating and touching story of this novel, and throughout it I wished for the main characters to remain strong so that they would survive. I’m giving this novel 4 stars as I really liked this historical novel, and I’m sure other readers will do too.
September 19, 2022
This is book 2 in the trilogy Resilient Women of WWII and although it could be read as a stand-alone I do recommend reading We Shall Not Shatter as this book picks up the lives of Herta and Kurt Webber and their children after being refused refuge in America and returning to Europe to live in The Netherlands. Set in Amsterdam in 1940 it is the story of two mothers Herta and Julia and the actions they take to save their families.
Briefly, when the Nazi soldiers invaded The Netherlands Herta and Kurt decide to hide their Jewish heritage in order to protect themselves. Meanwhile Julia’s husband, an abusive man, is anti-semitic and trying to ingratiate himself with the police who support the Nazis. When both husbands go missing the two women are thrown together and end up helping the resistance, a dangerous course of action for them and their families.
This was a terrible time in World history and one that should never be forgotten. The author has clearly done painstaking research and it shows. Well written with some wonderful characters this was, despite the subject matter, a very enjoyable read. You could feel the terror dripping off the pages but you could also feel the love and compassion as people fought against the unthinkable cruelties inflicted. A great read.
Briefly, when the Nazi soldiers invaded The Netherlands Herta and Kurt decide to hide their Jewish heritage in order to protect themselves. Meanwhile Julia’s husband, an abusive man, is anti-semitic and trying to ingratiate himself with the police who support the Nazis. When both husbands go missing the two women are thrown together and end up helping the resistance, a dangerous course of action for them and their families.
This was a terrible time in World history and one that should never be forgotten. The author has clearly done painstaking research and it shows. Well written with some wonderful characters this was, despite the subject matter, a very enjoyable read. You could feel the terror dripping off the pages but you could also feel the love and compassion as people fought against the unthinkable cruelties inflicted. A great read.
September 6, 2022
Set in 1940 against the backdrop of Amsterdam and World War II, two women’s lives intersect in this story of friendship and survival.
Elaine Stock’s novels never disappoint, and this one is no different. Our Daughters’ Last Hope combines masterful storytelling, exquisite writing, and heartfelt emotion with characters that will haunt you long after you close the book. Stock has a way of leading you down the difficult path these characters are taking by keeping you focused on the relationships that form out of the horror around them. Living up to the series’ name, Herta and Julia are strong, resilient women whose desire to save and protect their children collides with their identities, faith, and families.
Readers of historical fiction will love this beautifully written, well-researched novel. It is a welcome addition to the World War II canon, inspiring hope and determination during the most difficult of times.
Elaine Stock’s novels never disappoint, and this one is no different. Our Daughters’ Last Hope combines masterful storytelling, exquisite writing, and heartfelt emotion with characters that will haunt you long after you close the book. Stock has a way of leading you down the difficult path these characters are taking by keeping you focused on the relationships that form out of the horror around them. Living up to the series’ name, Herta and Julia are strong, resilient women whose desire to save and protect their children collides with their identities, faith, and families.
Readers of historical fiction will love this beautifully written, well-researched novel. It is a welcome addition to the World War II canon, inspiring hope and determination during the most difficult of times.
September 28, 2022
I enjoyed this novel full of suspense, hope and most importantly the friendship uniting the three main female characters. In a time when trust was very difficult to offer, those women will find out that they actually do share a lot....
Well researched, I also learned interesting facts about Amsterdam during the WWII. Highly recommended!
Well researched, I also learned interesting facts about Amsterdam during the WWII. Highly recommended!
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