Loved it!!! I'm pretty sure I would read anything by the author. I loved everything about it- the story, characters and writing style. The ending was perfect. I was not expecting how everyone would eventually be connected. I wasn't surprised about secrets surround Erich and Georg. I'm pretty sure everyone was able to figure it out except for Rosalind. Rosalind was not easy to like. She had more in common with Erich than she realized. She may have been happier in life if she wasn't so jealous of Monique. The story started off a little slow, but once Stefano meets Rosalind and Erich, I was completely captivated and wanted to know what was going to happen. This book was full of twists and turns. It was a completely different book than I thought it was going to be (in a good way). Loved getting to know the characters, even the ones I didn't like. I enjoyed how the chapters alternated between the main characters.

Definitely recommend the book. It's historical fiction with a bit of of an unexpected twist. I just loved it, I would have never guessed how it would end. I look forward to reading more books by the author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Lake Union Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Well researched and with fantastic character development. I've read many WWII books (they seem to be fairly common these days) but I loved that this was a unique take - focusing on events after the war and I loved the opportunity to learn something new.

I enjoyed this book. It deals with the lives of five people immediately after the end of WWII and shows how lives were impacted. It was very well written.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy free of charge. This is my honest and unbiased opinion of it.

I have to say that if you read this, you must read till the end. The last hour of the book was startling and made the entire experience worth it, else I would not have even liked the book!

This tale is not as it appears at first glance, as with a lot of the books I have read recently this is character heavy and not completely dependent on the storyline itself. It is 1945 and Germany has lost the war and Russian soldiers have taken over and are clearing the rubble looking for escaping Nazis. The common people are caught in the crossfire. We also have an italian with a personal stake who is trudging his way home. The story swings back and forth from the pre war to the current day too many times for my comfort but the author reveals the need to do just that later. We have childhood friends who grow apart as they grow older. Vicious emotions are at play and not all of the players are completely sane, the definition of sanity being brought into question here. I cannot reveal any more information about the story except that each one of the leading characters, three men and two women all get individual time to show us their side of things. In a slow and meandering fashion we get to know all of those people and what is happening in the house and river we become very familiar with. 

As mentioned earlier I really liked the ending but knowing the ending, I would still say that the book and the flashbacks could have been shorter. If it has been even a few hundred pages lesser I would have really loved the book. It took me a long time to get through it all which slightly dampened my enthusiasm for it.  
I recommend it to those people who like historical fiction and a chance to get to know more about possible people caught in the conflicts.

I LOVE all of Gemma's books - but with that said -- this is her absolute best!! I loved this story and her research was amazing!! If you think you have read enough WW2 historical fiction, don't quit until you read this one!!

This books tells the tale of 4 people's lives during WW2. Filled with ups and downs you could feel each of these characters highs and lows. While the book started off slow I did appreciate the author going back and forth with telling each characters story as it made it more clear. I did enjoy reading about both sides of the war from each prospective. I found it to be very honest and intriguing. I would recommend this book! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review this book!

Full of secrets and intrigue, this is an outstanding WWII novel. The characters are well-developed and each one hides their own agendas. Stefano, an Italian soldier; Erich, a Gestapo agent; Monique, Rosalind, and Georg. Setting is just after WWII ends, with Europe and its peoples attempting to pick up their lives and start again. Excellent writing, and recommended.

I have thought long and hard about this book. I found it very difficult to read. But, in the end my thoughts are these.

First, I loved the heart of the book. I have read many novels about the war itself. But this is the first book that I have read having to do with the aftermath and how affected the population was in general. Here we have former military, civilian and a child all confronted with how to literally live after the mass the destruction that was WWII. This is what held my attention.

However, I was confused by the back and forth of the story. I'm not sure I understood that. The characters were strong, the drama between Stefano and Erich particularly intrigued me. But I kept having to go back to find the thread I needed to proceed.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review. I will remember it for a long time!

Well done story of five people during and immediately after WWII. These are five damaged people, as can be expected under the circumstances, but you'll slowly find out why as their tales are told in three alternating voices that move back and forth in time. Not all of them are likable (how can an SS officer be likable?) but you will get insight into their characters and motivations. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. For fans of historical fiction.

I'm drawn to anything about WWII. This was a fantastic story with all the feels. Great writing and memorable characters make this book one to read and enjoy.