Within the pages of The White Rose Resists, Amanda Barratt has crafted a heart-wrenching and profoundly moving story of courage, conviction, and sacrifice. Based on actual events, this well-written novel boldly contrasts humanity’s capacity for love and hate, hope and despair, self-sacrifice and cruelty, perseverance and struggle, and faithfulness and uncertainty. With undeniable artistry, Ms. Barratt arranges ink on paper to paint a story that draws the reader into a gripping journey through chilling historical events that challenge the resiliency of the human heart and the human will to oppose evil and fight valiantly for truth, decency, morality, and justice.

Set in Germany during WWII, a young group of university students find that blind obedience to a tyrannical regime becomes unfathomable. At great personal risk, they dedicate themselves to exposing evil and spreading truth. In their raw vulnerability and heartrending authenticity, the characters are simply captivating. Their fears, their needs, their desires, and their actions are wholly believable and gripping. The opportunities, the choices, and the trials that the characters endure are intricately developed, and from them there unfurls a story that is extremely poignant, emotionally-stirring, and thought-provoking.

The White Rose Resists is an utterly breathtaking and moving novel. Ms. Barratt's talent for storytelling is remarkable. Her writing is well-researched, descriptive, and incredibly immersive. Within every paragraph and page there is deep meaning, real truth, and thoughtful purpose. This tender story is relevant, compelling, unforgettable, and inspiring. I recommend it enthusiastically.  

*I was given a copy of this novel by the publisher and NetGalley. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

There is no way that I can do justice to The White Rose Resists with my simple words. Amanda Barratt has done extensive research into the lives of the students and others involved in the resistance to Nazi propaganda and carnage. How can a small band of students make a difference? How much will it cost them? Will they have the courage they need if they are forced to make the ultimate sacrifice? Questions they ask themselves as they seek to make a difference.

Amanda Barratt breathes life into her characters. So many times I realized that I was holding my breath as I read of the struggles and daring deeds of this small band of dissenters. I was often afraid to read the next page and yet pulled by a force that made me want to know what happened even though I knew the outcome of this historical writing.

Two of the main characters are totally fictional but I without the author’s notes, I wouldn’t have known. This novel is so compelling, so true to history, so heartbreaking, and so convicting, written by an amazing young woman who is already known as a master of her craft.

“Some answers we will never receive this side of eternity. It is enough to know God is present in all of our moments. Our greatest triumphs and deepest tragedies. Our beginnings and our ends.” (Quote from the book)

As I write this review, my eyes are filled with tears and my heart is full. Every chapter of this book is filled with courage, faith, hope, and love.

Amanda Barrett’s novel about the students involved in the White Rose resistance is firmly rooted in accurate historical details, and I’m glad I learned more about them than I originally knew when I started this book. But this author is not only an excellent researcher, she’s in a masterclass of her own in making the lives of these students jump out of the history books. By the time I finished this book, I felt as if I’d personally known Sophie, Hans, and the other students involved in the resistance.

I thought she summed the victory in the lives of these students very well in this quote:

“The world around us may not showcase good. Evil may continue to flourish. Darkness may, in fact, choke us like never before.....even the greatest darkness can be breached by the flame of a single candle.”
The candles of these students burn brightly on the pages of this book. Once you read their story, you’ll never forget the lives of the students of the White Rose resistance.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

4.5 stars for this WWII historical fiction. This book brought to light a movement that I'd not heard of before - the White Rose. This book is based on the actual lives of brother/sister duo Hans and Sophie Scholl, and their effort as college students to educate their fellow German citizens on what Hitler was really doing. Having not heard about any German resistance during WWII, I found this fascinating, particularly because of their youth.

Because of the subject matter, this book was a bit "heavier" than what I'm used to reading, though it's not TOO heavy. As the White Rose group was fighting against the racism prevalent in the era - seeking a pure Aryan race, there were a lot of conversations and sentiments that were particularly reminiscent of what's happening in the US right now after the recent death of George Floyd. I was able to relate a lot to how the group was feeling. Belonging to the race that is claiming superiority, but wanting to broadcast that it's not at all superior. I appreciated the differing viewpoints throughout the book and the fact that Ms. Barratt combined some of the outlying members of the White Rose to be represented in her fictional characters of Annaliese Brandt and Kirk Hoffman. The other viewpoint was Sophie Scholl, whose journals offered insight to the author on her thoughts, feelings and character. I think it is difficult to write about real-life historical figures, but I believe Ms. Barratt did an admirable job in this instance.

One of the things I love most about historical fiction is the ability to teach me something different or to see a different perspective of well known historical events. This book did both of those things and I loved learning about this group who fought back against their own countrymen with the written word. I would strongly recommend this one to any fans of historical (particularly WWII) fiction.

Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to write a positive review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

Only action can bring absolution!

‘How can we expect righteousness to prevail if there is hardly anyone willing to sacrifice themselves for a righteous cause?’

I am always drawn to books that will teach me more about history. This narrative fills all the criteria - a true account of real people during a time that both fascinates and horrifies. This is the story of Hans and Sophie Scholl and their friends, who stepped out of that comfortable university life to make a difference. ‘Somebody, after all, had to make a start’ —Sophie Scholl

An account that will long stay in your mind, this will certainly start a conversation in your mind as to what price you would be willing to pay for freedom. For these young people, they were not willing to remain silent but rather to be different, knowing that they were not going to be only hearers but also doers! Between the danger and treachery of that time, there is love, hope and extraordinary bravery.

‘Truth is worth everything!’

This digital copy was received through Krefeld Publications and NetGalley. The quotes come directly from the book. My impressions and comments were in no way solicited.

Barratt's storytelling ability is extraordinary delivering a fictional account of a significant historical happening that left an enduring legacy well beyond the end of WW11. I was riveted in the story of Sophie and Hans Scholl and their university friends within the first pages as the POV pivots between Sophie and a handful of the other key characters.

I wasn't aware of the significance of the White Rose resistance before reading the story and so I really didn't know what was fact and what was fiction which makes it even more exciting as a reader. The story is both captivating and heartbreaking with the sheer grittiness and brutality of war. But what grabbed me the most were the willingness of these young students to do something in the face of extreme opposition and threat of death if captured. In a week when the riots in America have consumed every news broadcast it challenged me to seek to better understand critical societal issues so I can be an informed advocate rather than a naive abstainer.

I warmed to each of the main characters as Barratt brought each one alive in a true portrayal. There's a beautiful romance in the story plus the faith of Sophie, Annalise and Kirk is inspirational.

I really can't recommend this enough and now must read Barratt's first story of Bonhoeffer.

I'm thankful to Kregel for providing an ebook copy via NetGalley without any expectations of a positive review.

This book is inspired by the true story of Sophie and Hans Scholl and the members of the White Rose (Christoph Probst, Alexander Schmorell, Willi Graf…)
A group of student during world war 2 who didn’t agree to the Nazi ideology. They realized that what Hitler was doing was wrong and that the consequences will be devastating for Germany , they hope that the german people will open their eyes. They illegaly made leaflets and send them to people… they decided to leave some in their university and it is where they get caught and imprisonned…
Even though they did not survive they fought for justice, for human rights.
It is an inspiring story, they were brave and bold. It was not easy to read their story, I feel for them and for all the sufferings of the jewish people.

Wow! This book is so good! I found myself completely immersed in the plot as the well-researched history came to life with fictional details. I love reading about characters that are based on true stories, and this novel is full of real heroes who stood up for the wrongs and injustices in the world during a tragic time in Germany’s history. I often found myself pausing in reading as I reflected on their courage despite such risks and dangers. And the story made me think about my own beliefs and what I am doing in our current culture to stand up for those who are voiceless. This story is very well written and it is easy to visualize the scenes and get to know the characters. I cried more than once as I read about their bravery and learned even more about the cruelties of that time period. The spiritual truths were woven seamlessly among the story and were easily relatable. I could say a lot of good things about this amazing book, but it is hard to put into words that way that this story touched me. I highly recommend that you obtain a copy and read for yourself how impactful this book can truly be!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Heart wrenching story of German college students who dared to defy Hitler. Sophie Scholl and her fellow students form The White Rose, a group seeking the truth about the new Germany. While this book has a different feel than the author's previous book on Bonhoeffer, it pulls you in to the story of this new band of heroes, who are ready to stand up against tyranny and injustice.

Barratt has a knack for applying documented history to develop her stories and setting, while capturing the reader's heart with characters who choose to sacrifice safety in exchange for courage. "The White Rose Resists," is a testament to those who watched evil continue creeping closer to their communities until they could be silent no more. Instead of leaving it to the adults, these young people called the darkness into the light and devoted themselves to fighting the good fight.

Be prepared--this is an emotional read. If you 'enjoy WWII stories of triumph in a time of great loss, this book is for you. This would be an excellent book to use for a book club or discussion group.

I was an early reader, thanks to Kregel Publications. All opinions are my own.

I just finished this book, and, oh my! It is so good!! This is historical fiction, based on actual people in the resistance. Amanda Barrett did such a great job of writing the characters! I was feeling for and with each of them, especially Sophie, Annalise, and Kirk. It made me cry, and that is hard to do!! I LOVE the doctor in the end.
I really like reading this type of story, and if you do too, The White Rose Resists does not disappoint.
Thank you so much, Amanda, for writing this story. I'm looking forward to reading your previous book as well!
I received an advance e-book from Netgalley and the publisher. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

The White Rose Resists is heart-pounding historical fiction that leaps off the page. Told with characters both real and fictional that will grab your heart, the story is as thought-provoking as it is lyrical, and as intriguing as it is heart-wrenching. Thoroughly researched and deftly written, the author captivated me from the first pages of this must-read story as she emerges you in the sights and sounds of WWII Munich. Rarely does a book affect me so much that it’s hard to put into words how it affected me. I can honestly say that a work of fiction has never left me feeling like a better person for having read it—until now.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to leave a favorable review. All opinions expressed are my own.

There are some books that move you and challenge you, leaving an indelible impression. The White Rose Resists is one of them.

I’d never heard of the White Rose Resistance until this book. After reading it, I will not forget about these young people who dared to stand up for their beliefs in the midst of tyranny.

With a fictional story steeped in research and historical facts, Amanda Barratt pulls readers into the horrors of World War II Germany, the sacrifice made by a handful of young people to take a stand and now waver no matter the cost, and the thread of hope that one day, the war would end.

The White Rose Resists is an emotional story of courage and honor of love and sacrifice. It is a story I will not soon forget. And it a story everyone should read.

“Someday perhaps my story will be told, and others will remember. That to witness wrong and stay silent is as much a crime as committing evil oneself.”


Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

This book was so wonderful and well-written, Amanda Barratt has such a God-Given talent for writing beautiful historical fiction that moves you.

The two fictional characters in the book, Annalise and Kirk - seemed very real and Amanda wrote them in such a way that they could very well have been, I appreciated how carefully she took and weaved the threads of their stories together with the story of enduring courage, choosing faith over fear, and the ultimate sacrifice that Sophie, Hans, Alex and others made to stand up for truth and speak out against tyranny.
It all came together as one beautiful tapestry of a book!

This is a book that truly spoke to me and I think it would be a wonderful read for anyone looking to be Inspired to step up and do your part to use your voice for the greater good of humanity, to speak out for what is just and right.

In the words of Sophie Scholl -
“Someday perhaps my story will be told, and others will remember. That to witness wrong and stay silent is as much a crime as committing evil oneself. That youth does not exempt one from responsibility.”

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

When I first heard that Amanda Barratt was going to write a book about Sophie Scholl and her brother Hanz, I was supper excited! I had read her previous book My Dearest Dietrich and loved it. I just knew that if anyone could write about the White Rose Resistance, it would be Amanda Barratt.

Let me just say that this story is phenomenal. My simple words could never do it justice. This story is powerful and one that not only needed to be told, but should never be forgotten. I knew the over view of the White Rose Resistance. But I didn’t have an in depth intimate understanding. Reading this book, I felt like I lived it right along side the characters. To read this book is to experience it.

(I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)

"Faith is trusting through the darkness, but sometimes I ask how and come up empty."

Amanda Barratt is a master storyteller who weaves beautifully crafted fiction into heart-rending history to produce a thought-provoking and soul-stirring story of unspeakable tragedy and hope. She pens such unique and unforgettable historical fiction with attention to detail that will bring you into the heart of her characters, both historical and fictional, and have you living in their shoes. I knew nothing about the White Rose student movement in Munich during WWII prior to reading this book but experiencing the students' passion and sacrifice for freedom through the author's poignant words has given me a new focus in perspective. This is a book that will stay with you long after you've finished the last page; echoes of "if an opportunity presented itself, would you risk your own life to save another?" will continue to resound in your spirit once you get to know Hans, Alex, Kirk, Sophie, Annalise, and Willi.

The White Rose Resists has a very different feel and tempo from the author's previous book My Dearest Dietrich but is equally captivating. Told from first person present perspectives of Sophie (historical figure), Annalise and Kirk (fictional characters), the plot has a passionate - almost reckless - urgency, fire and abandon that can only come from university students in 1942 Munich. Sophie's brother Hans, with his like-minded friends, Sophie, and Annalise, forms White Rose to stand up against the inhumane atrocities through printed pamphlets. There is also a relatively large secondary character cast which is mostly made up of actual historical figures who were a part of White Rose or helped with some type of resistance during the war. Even in the midst of darkest evil, death, and suffering, the author infuses hope into each character and encounter. Yes, the fate of Sophie and Hans is known, but you will not be able to stop the tears from flowing or heart from breaking when they bravely meet their sentence.

With poetic, melodic voice and meticulous research, Amanda Barratt puts forth another must-read, faith-based historical fiction that is absolutely riveting. This is definitely on my Top 10 for The Best Books of 2020.

I received a copy of the book from Kregel Publications/author and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

Amanda Barratt clearly loves historical research- so do I. So that rather guaranteed that I would like this book. I loved the way she wrapped it up. These were real people that died for a cause they believed in. Very inspiring to think of their sacrifice. Author did not just report history, she made it come alive with characters that felt so very real. Even though it dealt with a sad part of history, it gave hope. It makes you ask" what would I be willing to die for?"

Haunting yet inspiring:
It was interesting seeing WWII from a German perspective and learning about what life was like for them during that time. This is the story of a group of students in Munich who decided that they couldn't stay silent any longer and they encouraged others to also stand up and resist. It is based on a true story and it was inspiring learning about their courage and faith. It makes one contemplate what risks you'd be prepared to take and what you'd be prepared to do in the face of such evil.
I found it quite tragic and the book seemed to drag a bit in the middle, but maybe that was just because of the heavy subject matter. What I did enjoy was how the author presented us with an array of different individuals who each responded and interacted differently so that you could really get a broad picture of what it may have been like. The relationship between Kirk and Annalise is so tender and sweet and I loved journeying with them.
I highly recommend reading the Author's Note at the end which provides historical background as well as additional information regarding the original White Rose group.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

I’m having trouble finding the words to describe this book. It was that good! I enjoyed it immensely. It is such a powerful story about young people standing up against injustice. I truly cared for these characters, including the fictional ones. This book even made me cry a few times, which is really hard to do. I hadn’t heard of The White Rose group before this, but now I want to know more about these brave young people. I highly recommend this book!




I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone

Ms. Barratt has penned a well-written, captivating story of a heroic group of college students called The White Rose who at great personal cost dare to denounce Hitler’s regime and atrocities with a campaign of passive resistance through the written word. Based on true events in Germany during World War 2, the narrative is the perfect blend of historical and fictional events and characters evidencing extensive research. The story flows at a fitting pace, and detailed descriptions and sensory imagery bring the harrowing, emotional story to life. Spiritual insights are woven beautifully into the narrative. The skilled use of first person multiple narrators allows greater insight to the thoughts and feelings of the characters most of whom are real-life and adds depth to the read. You can feel their fervor and anxiety and their courage and determination to stand for the truth. A bit of romance adds a little sweetness to the bitterness of the events going on around them. This read really touched me, and I can truthfully say it is one of the best books I have ever read! I highly recommend it!
Meaningful quotes:
“In spite of my exhaustion, the risk of discovery, the nagging anxiety, I wouldn’t go back to doing nothing.” Sophie Scholl
“Some things you can’t wait to do until you’re strong enough. Some things you just do afraid.” Annalise Brant

I received a copy of this book in e-book form from the publisher via netgalley but am under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Amanda Barratt grabbed my interest in her new book when I interviewed her about it, and I knew I had to read it. I am so glad I did!

Set in Germany during WWII and based on the true story of Sophie Scholl, a member of a student-lead resistance group called The White Rose, this is a book everyone should read. I had never heard of the White Rose Resistance, and so I'm delighted Amanda took up the challenge of writing a fictional account based on facts. While Sophie is the main character in the book, the author has allowed the reader to be a sort of "fly on the wall" by writing in the first person and giving us their take on why they joined the resistance. So we are not only privy to Sophie's thoughts, but also her brother Hans' and other members of the group as well.

The only fictional characters in the book are Annalise and Kirk, but this well-developed story with its carefully crafted characters will have the reader wishing they were real. I found this book incredibly hard to put down. The courage, faith and sacrifice of Sophie, Hans, Alex and others made to warn their fellow Germans is a testament to all those who stand up for truth and stand against tyranny.


This book is a definite keeper, and if you are a homeschooling mom (and who isn't in the time of COVID-19?), you need to make this book part of your curriculum.


Kudos to the author! You made history real and gave a voice to those who gave their lives for freedom.

I received this book courtesy of Kregel Publications through NetGalley.