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Clouds Across the Sun
Before the end of WWII, Hitler charged a group of his most trusted and brilliant comrades with a mission-educate your progeny and then elevate them to positions of power throughout the world. Steeped in fact, and meticulously researched, Clouds Across the Sun is the story of just one of these children. From Naples, Florida, New York City, and Washington D.C. to Israel and then the killing grounds of Vilnius, Poland (Lithuania) this story is one of great romance, discovery, redemption, and enlightenment as Jotto Wells unravels the intrigue surrounding a plan to take over the government of the United States.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
363 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
27 people are currently reading
322 people want to read
About the author
Ellen Brazer
8 books36 followersEllen Brazer has written 5 books. She is the recipient of Hadassah's Myrtle Wreath Award, an award previously won by the late Maya Angelou. He book, Clouds Across the Sun is being made into a movie by Film Bridge International, Ellen has spoken all over the country and is now doing zoom talks for her newest book, and first biography.
I Am Meir’s brother https://amzn.to/3u4WgQZ
rated #1:https://bookauthority.org
Best Israeli Biography Books of All Time
It is a biography of the celebrated research scientist, Eliezer (Eli) Huberman, and the relationship he had with his Israeli spymaster brother, Meir (Huberman) Dagan. In order to grasp the influences that turn ordinary people into extraordinary people, the story begins with Eli and Meir’s parents. The family, including two-year-old Eli, escape from Poland and the Nazi extermination in 1941, only to find themselves entrapped in the frozen tundra of a Russian work camp. Through resilience, ingenuity and determination that would be passed down to their sons, the parents survive. Meir is born at the end of the war on the family’s way back to Poland, where they are greeted with devastation and derision. By the time they finally book passage to the newly formed State of Israel, their Zionist father has firmly instilled in the psyches of his sons a fervent commitment to a Jewish homeland. Eli excels as a gifted and exceptional student. He serves in the IDF, participates in the various wars, receives a master’s degree in microbiology and a PhD, and draws international attention for his published papers on cancer research. Upon meeting Lily Ginzburg, a life-long love affair begins. A child prodigy pianist from Lithuania and the descendant of survivors, the book examines her family’s life during the war and the impact it has on her. She becomes the bedrock of Eli’s existence, birthing and raising two sons, while shielding and protecting her husband from daily distractions. Eli’s demeanor, insightfulness and genius would open doors into the rarefied corridors of the greatest research institutions in Israel, America and the world. Every day of his life is spent searching for cures, unraveling mysteries, sailing another unchartered course, each step, deliberate and insightful. There are incalculable successes and heartbreaking failures, accolades and dismissals. Through it all, he never quits and never stops believing in the unbelievable.
Hearts of Fire is the prequel and extended version of Clouds Across the Sun. If you have read Clouds then reading this book will be like watching a favorite movie from a different perspective.
Shadowing the lives of two families, Hearts of Fire begins with the Milch Twins. Raised in Berlin, Germany, they are classic products of poverty and abuse. Brilliant, handsome and despotic, one twin maneuvers his way into the twisted bowels of the Nazi inner circle. Simultaneously, we follow the life of a girl born into a pious Jewish family in Vilna, Poland. Gifted, beautiful and determined to become an actress, Morgan Rabinowiszch she makes the momentous decision to break with the traditions of her faith. From pre-war Paris to post-war Russia, from the malaria-infested swamps of Israel to the greed-filled corridors of modern Washington, this historical sage is a story of duplicity and outrage, courage, termination, love and triumph.
Clouds Across the Sun https://rb.gy/k0tbck
was listed on Amazon under the best Holocaust related novels and is now being made into a movie. Ellen is thrilled to announce that she will be re-releasing Hearts of Fire, https://amzn.to/3u4WgQZ
the prequel and extended version to Clouds Across the Sun.
And So It Was Written http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0095ZIB84
premiered as a bestseller under Jewish Literature on Amazon. It is the story of the building and consequent destruction of a Third Temple in Jerusalem and the discovery of the Ark of the Covenant holding the Ten Commandments. If you liked The Dove Keepers you wi
I Am Meir’s brother https://amzn.to/3u4WgQZ
rated #1:https://bookauthority.org
Best Israeli Biography Books of All Time
It is a biography of the celebrated research scientist, Eliezer (Eli) Huberman, and the relationship he had with his Israeli spymaster brother, Meir (Huberman) Dagan. In order to grasp the influences that turn ordinary people into extraordinary people, the story begins with Eli and Meir’s parents. The family, including two-year-old Eli, escape from Poland and the Nazi extermination in 1941, only to find themselves entrapped in the frozen tundra of a Russian work camp. Through resilience, ingenuity and determination that would be passed down to their sons, the parents survive. Meir is born at the end of the war on the family’s way back to Poland, where they are greeted with devastation and derision. By the time they finally book passage to the newly formed State of Israel, their Zionist father has firmly instilled in the psyches of his sons a fervent commitment to a Jewish homeland. Eli excels as a gifted and exceptional student. He serves in the IDF, participates in the various wars, receives a master’s degree in microbiology and a PhD, and draws international attention for his published papers on cancer research. Upon meeting Lily Ginzburg, a life-long love affair begins. A child prodigy pianist from Lithuania and the descendant of survivors, the book examines her family’s life during the war and the impact it has on her. She becomes the bedrock of Eli’s existence, birthing and raising two sons, while shielding and protecting her husband from daily distractions. Eli’s demeanor, insightfulness and genius would open doors into the rarefied corridors of the greatest research institutions in Israel, America and the world. Every day of his life is spent searching for cures, unraveling mysteries, sailing another unchartered course, each step, deliberate and insightful. There are incalculable successes and heartbreaking failures, accolades and dismissals. Through it all, he never quits and never stops believing in the unbelievable.
Hearts of Fire is the prequel and extended version of Clouds Across the Sun. If you have read Clouds then reading this book will be like watching a favorite movie from a different perspective.
Shadowing the lives of two families, Hearts of Fire begins with the Milch Twins. Raised in Berlin, Germany, they are classic products of poverty and abuse. Brilliant, handsome and despotic, one twin maneuvers his way into the twisted bowels of the Nazi inner circle. Simultaneously, we follow the life of a girl born into a pious Jewish family in Vilna, Poland. Gifted, beautiful and determined to become an actress, Morgan Rabinowiszch she makes the momentous decision to break with the traditions of her faith. From pre-war Paris to post-war Russia, from the malaria-infested swamps of Israel to the greed-filled corridors of modern Washington, this historical sage is a story of duplicity and outrage, courage, termination, love and triumph.
Clouds Across the Sun https://rb.gy/k0tbck
was listed on Amazon under the best Holocaust related novels and is now being made into a movie. Ellen is thrilled to announce that she will be re-releasing Hearts of Fire, https://amzn.to/3u4WgQZ
the prequel and extended version to Clouds Across the Sun.
And So It Was Written http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0095ZIB84
premiered as a bestseller under Jewish Literature on Amazon. It is the story of the building and consequent destruction of a Third Temple in Jerusalem and the discovery of the Ark of the Covenant holding the Ten Commandments. If you liked The Dove Keepers you wi
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 7, 2013
I had the honor of reading Ellen's other book, So It Was Written, and I fell in love with both her writing style and her ability to tell powerful stories with a lot of truth to them. This is a woman that does her research to make sure that her books are accurate. But it isn't just her attention to detail, but the amount of details and description she puts into the stories.
Clouds Across the Sun is just as awesome as So It Was Written. I fell in love with Jo. But it wasn't only her character, each character as they were introduced gave me an invested interest, even the ones that I disliked. Ellen knows how to use a character arc effectively. As the characters change and grow, the reader gets to see that change and development.
I really loved the underlying connections in this one too. It was such an amazing book. Ellen is a wonderful writer and I hope she releases some new books soon!
I recommend this book for those that like pieces that take a look at the past and put a new spin on what history has shown us.
Clouds Across the Sun is just as awesome as So It Was Written. I fell in love with Jo. But it wasn't only her character, each character as they were introduced gave me an invested interest, even the ones that I disliked. Ellen knows how to use a character arc effectively. As the characters change and grow, the reader gets to see that change and development.
I really loved the underlying connections in this one too. It was such an amazing book. Ellen is a wonderful writer and I hope she releases some new books soon!
I recommend this book for those that like pieces that take a look at the past and put a new spin on what history has shown us.
April 30, 2011
I was able to read this wonderful book by Ellen Brazer titled Clouds Across the Sun and I'm so glad I did .
The is historical fiction, but the story is so fascinating and compelling you will be wishing it was made into a movie more than once as I did .
The Story starts out in Naples Florida 1951 where we meat Jotto Wells as a young girl . From there we are taken to many places , Ellen's detailed description of places like Israel-Vilnius ,Poland are fantastic and I found this book to be unputdownable .
I do not want to spoil the readers adventure by describing the story much because its the story itself that will grab and hold you . This story has everything from intrigue and conspiracy to romance and happy endings as we follow Jotto on her journy of self discovery . This story may be fiction but its truly believable fiction and I thought many times while reading, what if this had actually happened and that thought alone gave me shivers .
This story is so filled with interesting characters that it totally captures the imagination like few novels can do . This is one of my book that I will read over and over again just to experience the discovery and journey again , and again .
Clouds Across the Sun is not only filled with factual information, its been so well researched as to be one of those rare novels that reads like history .
This is the story of a devious plan to take over the United States by Hitler's most trusted comrades as he charges them to educate there children and elevate them to positions of power - Clouds Across the Sun is the story of one of these children . Totally creative and superbly unique, It is a fantastic read for any history lover .
Thanks for reading my review of Clouds across the sun
The is historical fiction, but the story is so fascinating and compelling you will be wishing it was made into a movie more than once as I did .
The Story starts out in Naples Florida 1951 where we meat Jotto Wells as a young girl . From there we are taken to many places , Ellen's detailed description of places like Israel-Vilnius ,Poland are fantastic and I found this book to be unputdownable .
I do not want to spoil the readers adventure by describing the story much because its the story itself that will grab and hold you . This story has everything from intrigue and conspiracy to romance and happy endings as we follow Jotto on her journy of self discovery . This story may be fiction but its truly believable fiction and I thought many times while reading, what if this had actually happened and that thought alone gave me shivers .
This story is so filled with interesting characters that it totally captures the imagination like few novels can do . This is one of my book that I will read over and over again just to experience the discovery and journey again , and again .
Clouds Across the Sun is not only filled with factual information, its been so well researched as to be one of those rare novels that reads like history .
This is the story of a devious plan to take over the United States by Hitler's most trusted comrades as he charges them to educate there children and elevate them to positions of power - Clouds Across the Sun is the story of one of these children . Totally creative and superbly unique, It is a fantastic read for any history lover .
Thanks for reading my review of Clouds across the sun
August 14, 2017
Heartwarming, richly written tale
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. In the interest of full disclosure, I know the author and her husband casually, but am rating the book as though I didn't.
While I'm not Jewish, one can't live in MIAMI as long as I have without picking up a bit of knowledge about the Jewish people, their culture and Israel. This book helped me understand the personal tragedy of the holocaust in a different light, and how it echoes through generations. It also helped me put into perspective how the hatred demonstrated by the Nazis did not end with WWII, but remains with us as a subculture operating in the shadows most of the time even today.
I have always been a fan of history and so historical fiction. I likely spent as much time Googling expensive wines, foreign locales, and famous/infamous names as I did reading the book. To me this wonderful, as it offers a glimpse into history and culture through the lens of fiction, and allow me to live vicariously for a few hours through others.
I love the author's writing style. Not a particularly religious person myself, the author provided characters who are religious, but still human and relatable. This is a thoroughly enjoyable book and a worthwhile read.
I rated this 4 stars to help ensure my very humble author friend remains that way. (Grin).
Probably 5 stars for lovers of the romantic genre, although this book lives comfortably in historical fiction just as well.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. In the interest of full disclosure, I know the author and her husband casually, but am rating the book as though I didn't.
While I'm not Jewish, one can't live in MIAMI as long as I have without picking up a bit of knowledge about the Jewish people, their culture and Israel. This book helped me understand the personal tragedy of the holocaust in a different light, and how it echoes through generations. It also helped me put into perspective how the hatred demonstrated by the Nazis did not end with WWII, but remains with us as a subculture operating in the shadows most of the time even today.
I have always been a fan of history and so historical fiction. I likely spent as much time Googling expensive wines, foreign locales, and famous/infamous names as I did reading the book. To me this wonderful, as it offers a glimpse into history and culture through the lens of fiction, and allow me to live vicariously for a few hours through others.
I love the author's writing style. Not a particularly religious person myself, the author provided characters who are religious, but still human and relatable. This is a thoroughly enjoyable book and a worthwhile read.
I rated this 4 stars to help ensure my very humble author friend remains that way. (Grin).
Probably 5 stars for lovers of the romantic genre, although this book lives comfortably in historical fiction just as well.
July 7, 2021
My reply
Moving,historical,filled with determination. Lovely descriptions but overwhelmingly human emotions. For a change a realistic novel with a happy ending. Cimpelling
Moving,historical,filled with determination. Lovely descriptions but overwhelmingly human emotions. For a change a realistic novel with a happy ending. Cimpelling
January 25, 2015
The book starts out simple enough, a little girl born in Nazi Germany getting up in the morning. From there it takes an interesting twist. Her father has been sanctioned by Hitler to brainwash his child in order for her to grow up become powerful and carry out Hitlers plan.
I found the book intriguing and wondering if this could really happen in modern times. Then I look at what's going on in the world with sleeper cells, Russian, Chinese and who ever else in the world wants to do us harm and said "Yes" it could happen. The book kept me reading pages well into the evening, for that I give it a thumbs up and a 4. It was a little long in places which is why I didnt give it a 5 but I still recommend the book.
I received this from goodreads in exchange for a review
I found the book intriguing and wondering if this could really happen in modern times. Then I look at what's going on in the world with sleeper cells, Russian, Chinese and who ever else in the world wants to do us harm and said "Yes" it could happen. The book kept me reading pages well into the evening, for that I give it a thumbs up and a 4. It was a little long in places which is why I didnt give it a 5 but I still recommend the book.
I received this from goodreads in exchange for a review
January 18, 2013
Based on the idea that the U.S. was complicit in allowing Nazis to enter the states after the war in exchange for information about the Soviet regime, Brazer puts forth a novel where a group of men manipulate those in power to ensure a powerful future for their children to further the ideals of the Third Reich. The first part of the book is intriguing and even has a action packed climax but after that the story retreats to a fairyland where all wishes comes true complete with a happily ever after conclusion.
February 21, 2010
Although sometimes described as a sequel to Hearts of Fire, this novel is more of a rewriting. Indeed, some details are changed, such as how people die and, significantly, what happens to the protagonist's mother after the Holocaust.
Almost every character seems to have "sapphire" or "aqua" or "emerald" or some kind of bright blue eyes. Really? Also, every man the protagonist meets falls in love with her. Really?
Parts of the storyline are moving.
Almost every character seems to have "sapphire" or "aqua" or "emerald" or some kind of bright blue eyes. Really? Also, every man the protagonist meets falls in love with her. Really?
Parts of the storyline are moving.
June 21, 2012
I heard the author speak and she was an absolute delight. Great speaker;very authentic.Although the book is a recipient of Hadassah's Myrtle Wreath Award and listed on Amazon's top 10 Holocaust-Related Novels, the story seemed too simplistic for me. The reality that the United States allowed Nazi scientists into the country was a new concept for me. This book may be a story enjoyed by teenagers.
January 16, 2015
I enjoyed reading this. That said, I feel like it could use some pruning, I felt like some characters were added just to make certain points that weren't needed and a lot was contrived. I also felt like the audience for the book wasn't quite clear either, there were facts thrown in that felt like the author was putting them in to show that she knew them. I'm looking forward to discussing it as it did bring up lots interesting points.
January 21, 2013
I really enjoyed this book, but I felt some of it was a little farfetched and the plot just all worked out in the end- With that being said, there is a lot to learn from the book and from the different settings in the book. I do recommend it- author's love of Israel really came through the characters in the book.
February 17, 2017
All the good characters are good looking, strong, smart and end up rich. All the bad characters are completely evil and end up dead. (Of course, they are Nazis) The premise, that people can be hypnotized against their will to act in specific ways is not believable. Other than that the good characters are likable and the story moves along.
August 14, 2016
Always a shame that goodreads doesn't offer half stars. This book is a 2.5.. It was an okay story with a lot of accurate history. It was also a story that went a little beyond reality. Figured out most of what was going to happen except for Jo's last event. Everything was just a little too perfect for Jo, even in her struggles, hardships and pain.
October 6, 2012
This was a really good read, despite the pat ending. I was engaged from the 1st page and the author did a great job keeping everything moving. Perhaps the ending was a bit contrived, but sometimes that is just what you need :)
February 19, 2014
I started this book 2 days ago. It was a very quick read. It's a bit schmaltzy and it brought tears to my eyes. Definitely NOT a work of literature but a good story. You can definitely live without reading this.
May 26, 2015
This is fiction, but so possible that it is scary, especially with the current occupant of the White House usurping the power of Congress with his Executive orders and bureaucrats disregarding court orders.
Read
February 23, 2011my mom says it's good, we'll see - done - it's contrived
Read
June 7, 2012Haven't read yet but will review after I read it.
Want to Read
March 13, 2020This is a must read. Well written and very fast reading. A good story as well as historical
July 10, 2012
Had it all. Mystery, romance. Great read and very interesting
August 8, 2012
I wish it had Been split into two books. The first part was great, the second part was less great.
September 25, 2012
Easy and fast read. A bit like Boys From Brazil, but a bit simplistic and too easily solved. Ending was a bit too pat!
June 14, 2013
Very gripping story. Enjoyed reading it
September 19, 2013
Excellent book
November 14, 2013
Interesting concept but the plot is way to contrived for that 'happy ending'. Reminded me of books written by Naomi Ragen. Good beach bag reading, but that's all.
November 25, 2013
I enjoyed reading this book very much. It was a quick read that tied up nicely in the end, a bit too nicely. I would recommend this book to all who enjoy reading Jewish themed stories.
Read
March 15, 2014Excellent read. A different take on what happened during WWII,
July 11, 2016
not my cup of tea
March 9, 2015
Loved!! Don't normally read holocaust books but this one was amazing. Possibly one of my favorite books yet. Inspiring.
October 20, 2015
I truly enjoyed this book I could not put it down I loved the story line and believe it is based on real life!
March 4, 2013
I finished this awhile ago and love it!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews