History of Russia was one of my favorite college courses, but in all those studies I never learned about the Czech Legion. I enjoyed learning about this piece of history, even though a lot of it was tragic. Mrs. Sowards presented it in a way that you were pulled into the story even with tragedy happening all around them. I loved the different characters and how they handled their hardships. The love stories were beautiful and inspiring as was their devotion to their country.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley and this is my honest review.

A.L Sowards does it again, bringing us a rich historical gem about a time period and people who haven’t gotten much of the spotlight in fiction.

I love her books because she covers such vastly different time periods that always have me googling and wanting to know more about these hidden parts of history. She never shies away from the horrors and realities of war but does it in a way that makes it so I still still easily recommend this book to a wide audience.

A Waltz With Traitors is the story of the Czechoslovakian Legion. It is about the men who felt caught in a war that they wanted no part of but also felt they had to fight in order to gain a free country. There are crossing alliances and enemies everywhere they turn.

Sowards does an incredible job blending the dark with the light, making an ultimately hard read full of hope, love and the drive for a better future.

This book was incredibly well researched. I loved the multiple POVs, the propulsion of the plot as they progressed closer to their goal. There is a brotherhood that will steal your heart and a sweet marriage of convenience that is a slow burn but realistically done. I just loved it.

This is a HIGH stakes book with warfare that covers the evil horrors of it but also makes room for the sweet times of peace because these people had hope for brighter days. I definitely am glad I had the map for reference as I experienced one of the most exciting historical lessons this year. Do not skip the authors note for extra insight!

It is full of life lessons, light themes of Christianity and is a book that will stay with you days after reading it. This is an easy recommendation for me.


*please dm me for trigger questions. Nothing is described only referenced. Marital relationships, just kissing, rape, attempted rape, death, gun violence, kidnapping, miscarriage.

A.L. Sowards does a fantastic job brining history to life! I am still thinking about this story days after I finished reading it. This one will take you through action and a bit of romance through a little known chapter of WWI. You won't want to miss picking this one up!


TW: on page attempted rape and off page sexual assault

I received an ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.

Historical fiction has always been one of my favorite genres, even when I was a teenager. This author always does a really good job of bringing history to life, especially parts of history that I never even knew about. A Waltz With Traitors is exactly that. I don't think I've ever heard of the Czechoslovak Legion before, so I found this story fascinating. I know the author has done a good job with telling the story when I keep stopping to look up historical facts and constantly ask my family "Did you know...?" I did have to consult a map numerous times (because I tend to be a bit on the slow side) to figure out why they were heading east across Russia to make it to France. That may have been covered in the beginning of the book, but I don't remember if it said or not. Anyway, if high school history had been half as interesting as these books are, I would have paid much more attention.

Nadia was such a strong character. She went from a typical upper-class socialite to having her world turned completely upside-down and losing everything. She showed extreme fortitude and perseverance, and didn't give up no matter what she went through. Filip was equally as strong and admirable in character. The chemistry between them was a perfect fit for the story.

War is always horrible and this book does not shy away from or gloss over the realities of what these people lived through during that time period. It's also not overly graphic and descriptive about certain things, which I am also grateful for.

Definitely a well-written book, and I can see myself coming back to read this one more than once.

Caught up in wars not of his making, all Czech soldier Filip wants is a country of his own where he can be free. But to get that, he and the Czech legion must escape first the Germans in the Ukraine and then the Bolsheviks in Russia, making their way across Siberia to Vladivostok. When Nadia's family are murdered before her eyes for having been born rich, and she herself barely escapes, she'll do almost anything to get away from the Cheka - even agree to a sham marriage with a legionnaire she doesn't know. But as Filip and Nadia fight their way across Russia in search of a new life, the danger is ever increasing, to their lives - but also to their hearts...

This was the first book I've read by the author, but I hope it won't be the last. I wasn't sure what to expect, but what I found was great writing, war without excessive violence and characters I quickly came to care for. The story is more historically focussed than most I read, but it presented that history in a way that grabbed and held my attention by making it real through the eyes of those who lived it. (The historical note was a definite bonus - I like knowing what is fact and what fiction.) While the horrors of war aren't swept under the carpet, they are not the focus, freeing the book to be an uplifting read rather than a horror story. A delightful book with depth and heart, and a satisfying ending. Recommended.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

“We never intended to take over the Transiberian railway, prolong a civil war, spark the most famous tsar I is in history, or end up in charge of the Russian Imperial Treasury. We just wanted to go home the rest was forced on us.”

This story is a historical fiction set during WW1 and the Russian revolution. It follows Filip and his friends, members of the Czechoslovak Legion, and Nadia, a member of the Russian aristocracy, who is running for her life after her family is executed.

I really enjoyed this story about a time in history I know little about. I quickly became invested in the characters and was cheering them on during their triumphs and crying for them through their challenges.

Sowards is a master storyteller. She really has a gift of bringing history to life and making you feel you are there.

I have never considered the Czech and Slovakian soldiers that fought during the Russian Revolution, nor have I considered the fate of the Noble class outside of the Romanovs. This story brought both of these groups to my knowledge.

A.L. Sowards does a magical job of weaving this tale of survival and love. This is a story of brotherhood and fighting for the one thing that matters so much, home and country, This is a group that didn't have a country that was promised one if they fought. They were well trained and used like pawns.

Seeing this group of men from the inside brought to home the horrors of the wars of the past and present. It gave me a unique perspective of the battles that are waged and fought by the people who do not want them.

A.L. Sowards has a way of bringing the history and the people to life. The love story goes beyond romance. With a marriage of convenience, the story is one of love of country, learning to love each other, and knowing what you would be willing to die for. This story is touching and emotional on so many levels.

I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley and this is my honest review.

This epic tale set during World War I will change your perspective not only of what happened then, but perhaps on current events that are happening in our world today.

Filip has long held the dream of a free and independent Czechoslovakia. He is part of the Czechoslovak Legion and does all he can to recruit others to his cause. While in Russia, a woman on a horse takes a fall near their encampment. He helps her get home, but can’t seem to forget her. Nadia had an idyllic life until the war broke out. Now she’s lost everything and her entire family has been killed. She is on the run from men who want her dead with no money and nowhere to hide. She sees Filip at a train station and in the chaos of his train leaving, they strike a bargain—he’ll marry her so she can travel to France with him and his regiment. But the longer they are together, the more their feelings grow. With a war raging all around them, and Nadia’s enemies close by, can they ever find a refuge and moment of peace to explore a real future between them?

Ms. Sowards has created a beautiful masterpiece of World War I fiction that highlights a little-known aspect of the war. This book is a tapestry of deep emotions and scars from war and loss, intertwined with light and joy that find a way to shine through the darkness. The author’s well-researched setting and attention to detail was exceptional, providing a vivid setting for the reader to experience. Filip and Nadia are both complicated characters thrust into circumstances that show their strength in the face of conflict and their vulnerability as they forge a bond neither of them expected. But love during war is difficult and their journey as a couple is heartrending at times, but inspiring. This historical fiction is a compelling statement on perseverance and the innate need for freedom combined with the longing to find a connection with others and be loved. Heavy themes are addressed throughout the story, but those topics are written with a sensitive hand. Readers will gain a different perspective on the intrigues that were always in the background of World War 1 and admire the courage of those who lived it.

'We never intended to take over the Trans-Siberian railway, prolong a civil war, spark the most infamous tsaricide in history or end up in charge of the Russian Imperial Treasury. We just wanted to go home.'

A.L. Sowards is such a phenomenal writer. Her books are full of history and offers the reader an in-depth knowledge of unsung heroes who deserve to have their stories told. She doesn't shy away from the realities of war, but is able to write them with such class and respect for all readers. Her books always leave me wanting to do better, be better and to really appreciate the things that matter most in life.

This book covers multiple sides of different armies all fighting for different reasons/purposes.

'If people didn't join a side, they were susceptible, made a victim by all sides.'

I found myself entranced trying to decide which side would I fight for and loved getting so much information through the story of each army/group/character. DO NOT skip the author's notes at the ends. There is so much fascinating information on her writing process, research and additional details that are worth reading.

The characters of this book stole a piece of my heart and I am so glad (even though they are fictional) that they shared their story. The marriage of convenience trope was so well done and even though the romance wasn't the main plot of the story it still carried a huge part of the content. The relationship was sweet, tender and I loved watching it develop. I was constantly cheering for these characters in so many ways, nervous as they would go into battle and desperately hoped they would prevail!

I can't imagine fighting in a war and A.L. Sowards writing felt immersive and my heart went out to these characters and the situations they found themselves in.

'"Fall back!" the order came.
Filip slid his rifle across his back, and he and Novak scrambled from the rooftop. A splinter dug into his skin, but he ignored it. He was more concerned about larger things--like bullets--puncturing his skin.'

This is a book that will stay with you for a long time after reading. There are so many life lessons that can be taken away from this and applied to every day life-even without war. I loved the small Christian thread that offered these characters hope.

Overall, this is a book not to be missed. It was so well done on every aspect. I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars because that is what it deserves.

Thanks to the author/publisher and NetGalley for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Content/Trigger: With any book covering warfare you will see violent content (depictions of battle, death, executions, etc). I thought the author wrote all of it true to the situations, without having to include explicitly detailed descriptions. Sexual assault, consummation between husband and wife/marriage relationships are implied -minimal instances are mentioned but not described. Mention of miscarriage and loss/grief over losing loved ones.

A.L. Sowards continues to impress me with her detailed historical fiction writing about history I’m less familiar with. The setting is 1918-19 during WWII and Nadia is the daughter of an aristocrat Baron. The Bolsheviks take over Russia and are killing old leaders. Nadia is forced to flee and meets Filip. He is a Czech, forced to fight Russians but the legionnaires also wants to fight for independence from the Austria Hungarian Empire and have their own country . Transport is only available for Czech legionnaires and so Filip and Nadia enter into a marriage of convenience.

This is more historical fiction with the focus on the war. The romance is something that gives you hope as you read through harrowing events. Nadia and Filip end up separated. She is no longer an aristocrat and works hard learning skills to survive becoming a nurse in Petrograd. Filip and his legionnaires are learning that new leaders may be just as corrupt as old. Their hope is to get to the Allies and fight against Germany/Empire but alliances change and obstacles abound. Much of the story keeps Nadia and Filip apart facing difficulties of war relying on their inner strength or faith during hardship.

This is well written and researched. I appreciate the included maps, glossary of terms and historical background, and the final notes by the author or things she added or changed from history to make the story flow. There are content or trigger warnings for depictions of warfare including executions, war injuries, miscarriage, kidnapping and off page sexual assault and marriage intimacy. I honestly didn’t know much about the history of the Eastern front during this time period even though I’ve traveled in some of the areas covered in the book. I will absolutely look for the next book from the author. Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for the ARC. (4.5 Stars)

Excuse these overwhelmed,probably rambling thoughts as I’m currently exhausted and happily devastated. I mean, a harrowing, relentlessly perilous journey across war-torn Russia will really take it out of you. I was just transported back to the present, nerves frazzled, but so HEA satisfied. Bump this one up for when you feel like an epic, intense historical read that will wage war on your sleep cycle.

There’s no way I’m giving this less than five stars, but this was borderline too intense for me. Just know I’m coming from a place of being more Team Specifically Historical Romance than Team Historical Fiction, more silly Regency ballroom antics than these monumentally-researched, brutal ravages of civil war. The author’s content warnings were clear, but still I was like “Whoa, she wasn’t kidding”. The themes of the resilience of faith and the human spirit were constant and swell into a major chord ending, but this is by no means a light, easy read. By that third act, I was dying, ok? I’m not made for this kind of constant threat tactical war action and just blow after blow of catastrophe. But, following our stalwart heroine’s example, I hung in there and lived to tell this tale/review because *sigh* the romance was so sweet and lovely.

I’ll try to break it down. I skim blurbs, so it took me a minute to get situated: First World War, as the revolutionary Bolsheviks take over Russia’s rule, aristocrats like Nadia are in hiding and most Czechs like Filip, who were forced to fight the Russians, have organized and are trying to get out of the Russian conflict and into allied territory to seek help in fighting for their independence from Austria-Hungary. They’ll be using ye old sixteen thousand mile long railway to get outta there and on a boat to France, and, after tragic circumstances, Nadia needs to get on that train. The transport is only for the Czech legionnaires and their families though, so, enter, your favorite and mine: strangers marriage of convenience. Ah yes, the great class difference equalizer, I’ll take the tender, awkward tentativeness of a fake relationship in any context, era, continent. This is the kind of slow burn sweet romance where there’s a flicker of instant deep connection brought on by unexpected kindness and gratitude that then grows incrementally from brief tender interactions and witnessing the other’s true character during crisis situations. What’s another great class equalizer? Competence attraction. Scout/recruiter Filip is the best at what he does. The brave, kind, straightforward, curly-haired corporal does not expect the blindingly beautiful “grand duchess” he rescues on that train platform to constantly bowl him over with her spine of steel, adaptability and generous heart. I was sallivating for their moments together on this Trans-Siberian Railroad road trip of mortal danger. As I said, things get very bad, very bad indeed, but this ends on a triumphant note, and it hit all my history nerd and romance reader buttons. My kingdom for a post-war Prague epilogue. This was amazing.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the generous souls at Covenant Communications for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Content notes: Nothing is described graphically. On page war violence, on page attempted sexual assault, kissing only/ fade to black married intimacy, implied sexual assault, trauma miscarriage.

Thank you Netgalley and Covenant Communication for access to this arc.

As I delved into the story, I tried to keep up with the shifting political changes and alliances that seemed to flip from minute to minute much less day to day. 1918/1919 Russia was a hot mess. After a while, I gave up attempting to remember who was with which faction and whose side this group was supporting at any particular moment. I doubt anyone alive or dead could manage to keep everything straight. The main thing was to remember that the Czech Legion (made up mainly of deserters [from the Austro-Hungarian Imperial Army] and freed [from the Russians] POWs) was fighting to get out of Russia, make it to France where they wanted to fight on the side of the French to defeat Germany and the hated/loathed/despised Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Nadia impressed me. When the book starts, she is an aristocrat who doesn’t know how to do much in the way of basic survival. When she’s tossed into the deep end of life, she thinks, she makes her opportunities, then she buckles down, pitches in, and learns what she needs to in addition to offering her nursing services (she volunteered a bit in Petrograd alongside two of the Grand Duchesses). When Something Happened, Nadia engineered her own escape. Filip and his fellow Czechs (and Slovaks) just want to fight on the side which will let them finally have their own free country. To do this, they’ve got to make nice with the Bolsheviks, then the White Russians, then the Bolsheviks, then decide how to get the hell out of this country that is coming apart at the seams. They tried to act honorably even when they were not treated with honor.

I had to keep reminding myself that this was based on real events because honestly, you can’t make this stuff up. There is a romance in the book but it’s one of those “slow burn, takes over a hundred pages to be confessed, and the events of the story keep the couple separated far more than they’re together” ones. The book is MUCH more a historical fiction story. As the events proceeded, I kept certain characters in the back of my mind, just waiting for them to pop back up. This often happened. As I got to know and like other characters, I held my breath as the fighting got more intense and diseases raged because I just knew not everyone would survive. Yep, some of them died. I cried foul at one reunion that ended in heartbreak. Really, did we need that, too?

I strongly suggest readers pay attention to the CW/TW that the author lists. Nobody is spared in this book. The historical details are fantastic, the effort to ferret out all those details must have been incredibly hard. I felt for these Czech and Slovak men who were just trying to obtain freedom for their homeland after 300 years of subjugation and who wound up being used by all sides. I did care for the characters and wanted to see how things would finish but in the back of my mind I couldn’t help but think ahead to less than 20 years and what will happen. B

Many thanks to #NetGalley, #Covenant Publications and Author A.L. Sowards for allowing me the privilege to read an advance reader's copy of this book which is due for publication on March 14th. All opinions expressed are my own unbiased ones.

As a reader, I am more and more impressed with each novel that A.L. Sowards writes. This one is no exception. She makes history so interesting and so rich with detail that I can't help but become immediately absorbed in the story to the point where finishing it becomes my top priority and then I just wish it would go on a little longer so I could stay with her characters and find out what happens next. All of her novels are unique in their own way, ranging from medieval stories set in parts of the world I have no experience with to those that feature history of both World War's. You cannot leave one of her books without having learned a lot and having a better understanding of the history behind certain events. I only wish al my history teachers in school had the same ability she has to make these worlds and times come alive.

Because each book is so unique, you can count on there being a glossary available to help you with all the new words and terms that you you will be exposed to as you read. As I was reading on my Kindle app, I took a screenshot of the glossary so I could refer back to it easily without messing with my locations. You are also likely to find a map,. and that too is important when moving through unknown territory.. This lovely one was crafted by Briana Shawcroft. Lastly, when you are done reading there will be a detailed author's note that makes clear which information is completely factual and which may have been altered a little to make the story line work.. This is key for me as a reader. I believe really good writers will always put something like this in place. and encourage the reader to do more research on their own.

I was fortunate enough to also be a Beta reader for this novel and though much was the same as when I first read it, there were definitely changes from that first read which added to my enjoyment. This particular book tells the story of men who were fighting to have their own country rather than simply being vassals to Russia. It is set in the time of the Great War, but it is not strictly speaking , a Great War story. If you are looking for action, you will find plenty of it here. If you want to learn a little more about the Russian Revolution, that too can be found within these pages.. You will also hear about the horrors of war and the impact they can have on women in particular.

The book opens with Nadia Linskaya, daughter of a Russian Aristocrat, out riding her horse unattended when she falls and is offered assistance from a ragged group of soldiers who insist on following her back home to make sure she is safe. It is a real eye-opener to her that the world is no longer the safe haven she was used to.. Among this motley crew is Filip Sedlack, a man who would rather be a clockmaker than a soldier and certainly had no intention of fighting for the Austro-Hungarian Empire. His concern for her safety is one of the first things she notices, but she has no idea that very soon he will be a central part of her life. After narrowly escaping death after watching the murder of close family members, Nadia wonders out into the unknown with little money or street smarts and no real idea of what her next steps should be. I could just imagine how frightening that would have been for her. In all the surrounding towns, the train and train line are like characters as well. It is near the train station that she once again meets up with the men who had so recently escorted her home.. In fear for her life, she accepts a marriage proposal from Filip with the understanding that when their journey is complete, she may have an annulment. It was not unusual for women to travel on the trains with their husbands although they had a car to themselves. Nadia's schooling began almost immediately. As an aristocrat she had no idea how to do simple tasks like laundry or cooking but she was willing to learn. and to do her best to befriend the women she was now sharing a train with.

Filip and his men were considered by many to be traitors. Most had been recruited away from armies they had been conscripted to and that meant that they were also at risk if they encountered the wrong people.. Their only desire was to have their own country, Czechoslovakia. They hoped to achieve this by moving through Russia ( in winter in less) along the longest railway in the world, and making their way to France where they could aid the Allies in the Great War. Along the way that obstacles were legion and not all would make it alive.

The relationships between all the characters is very rich. The story is told from alternate viewpoints as there are times when the men are far away from their base unit in the Czechoslovak Legion. doing their best to make sure that tunnels remain unblocked so the soldiers can proceed. The camaraderie between the men is key to their success. They are willing to be there for each other (or at least most of them are!) and to have each other's backs. As their travels go on, Nadia and Filip are learning to get to know each other better and over time strong feelings start to develop although they are not readily expressed. As I reader I wanted them to speak out but separations because of orders and other events made it hard for them to have real quality time just for themselves. Hardships abound for both of them but Nadia's were particularly intense for me as a female reader. Sowards is not overly graphic in her descriptions of what can occur but it is easy to infer what kind of things Nadia experienced and her innate strength and will to survive was exceptional as was her desire to get back to her husband from whom she was inadvertently separated. Faith was one of the elements that helped both survive through each hardship and loss that they faced, both separately and together.

To get the full feel for this story, you will need to read it for yourself. I can promise you that you will not be sorry and that if you are new to Sowards books you will be on the look out for others!.

Where do I even begin?! I absolutely loved this story and it 100% reignited my passion for historical fiction. You know, the kind of stories that when you read them, you walk away from it with a deeper understanding of humanity, sacrifice, freedom, and the prices paid to achieve those human rights.

This book transports you to a world torn by war. Where not everything is so black and white, good versus evil. You have humans on both sides believing in their cause, believing they are justified in the atrocities of war.

This book also cemented for me why @a.l.sowards is such a stand out author for me. She brings alive time periods in history and moments that are not at the forefront of other stories. I went into this book sadly knowing almost nothing about the Czechoslovak Legion and the sacrifices they went through to have their own country. I also know little of Russian history, so everything I learned I found thoroughly fascinating and was hungry for more.

In this book you get a duel story of a Czech soldier who defects from the Austro Hungarian Empire to help form the Czechoslovak Legion. They are fighting their way through Russia along the Trans-Siberian railroad, hoping to make it to the Allies for help. Along the way, he meets Nadia who’s Russian and fleeing her world that was destroyed by the Bolsheviks.

Then, layered within this story, and all that you are learning, is a marriage of convenience to keep Nadia safe and a love story that was tender and heart-meltingly beautiful.

This book was a wild ride of emotions. Sometimes it was deeply heavy and at other times woven with so many feelings of hope and triumphs. And just when you think it’s over, there is more of the story to tell. At the end my only complaint was that I did not want it to end. I just wanted the story to keep going all the way to Czechoslovakia.

I highly highly recommend this book to all fans of historical fiction or historical romance. It will sweep you away and you will not want to put it down.

This book was phenomenal in its ability to completely transport a reader to a different time and place. I know very little of Russian culture and history and even less about Czech/Slovak/Czechoslovakia, but this book had me invested from the first few chapters. I wouldn't usually be able to read a book like this in just a few days, but this one pulled me in and I couldn't let go. I felt for these characters. I wanted them to survive and succeed in creating their new country. They felt real to me in the way that only historical fiction characters can, because the book is based on real history and circumstances that, although they didn't happen to these fictional characters, happened to someone, somewhere, in this time and place. I can see myself coming back to this book, and although it is a standalone novel, I really hope that we get a sequel in which we see these characters building the country they sacrificed so much to create.

A big thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advanced copy for review. All opinions are my own!

Wow, this was a stunning book! A Waltz with Traitors is written by A.L. Sowards and it is a historical fiction. I have to admit that it took me a little while to get into this book, but it was worth the effort.
The characters were engaging and I fell in love with Filip and Nadia. I loved getting to know both Filip and Nadia. Marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes so I was excited about that.They were such strong characters who had learned to overcome much. I was rooting for them as they fell in love. It was sweet to read about Filip and Nadia interacting.
The plot was very interesting. I was drawn into the war and the fight that Filip and Naida were facing. I didn’t know how this was going to end. I am not really a historical fiction type of person but this book was really good. I did have a harder time with the battles and such but I was still interested in the book.
A Waltz with Traitors is a historical romance. It does have a lighter romance but the characters were wonderful. I love the side characters and the family that they had created together.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

I love historical fiction and I’ve really enjoyed how A.L.Sowards writes about times and places in history that are less talked about.

Her latest book focuses on the formation of Czechoslovakia during WW1. The story involves a Czech soldier, Filip, who had defected from the Russians and a war he never wanted to fight in order to join a Czechoslovakia legion intent on forming their own nation. First they have to get out of Russia though and battle for time and space on the rail line.

Nadia was an aristocrat, whose father was a friend to the tzar. Because of this, the new power in Russia seeks their lives. Her family flees Russia to Ukraine, but it’s not far enough to be safe and she too must also find a way out of Russian controlled land for her freedom.

When Filip offers a marriage of convenience to Nadia to allow her passage with the Czechoslovakia legion out of Russia, both of their lives change.

The book involves exhausting warfare, fascinating politics among all the people in the area, and impressive war strategy. The grit of those who refuse to give up, in the name of freedom, always impresses me.

While I enjoyed the book and was drawn to the characters, it is a war book and included heavy and sometimes triggering topics. If you are a sensitive reader, please reach out and I can answer any questions.

A.L. Sowards
Historical fiction at its best. Full of thoroughly researched history with characters I loved from the very first pages. The historical setting, the Russian Revolution during WWI in Eastern Europe, is a dark difficult part of history. These events are hard to read about but A.L. Sowards has written an unforgettably beautiful story within the hard. I loved the main characters Nadia and Filip as well as the interesting supporting cast. The story is equal parts heartbreaking and beautifully captivating and was very truthfully hard to put down. If you like historical fiction put A Waltz with Traitors at the top of your TBR stack.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read for honest review.

“We just wanted to go home. The rest was forced on us.”

Set mainly in Russia in 1918 amidst the Revolution and the ending of WWI, this fascinating book details little known historical events involving the Czechoslovak Legion and their fight to get home and have a land of their own. With obvious impeccable research and rich historical detail, author A. L. Sowards has penned a riveting story of history and romance. Colorful, carefully-drawn characters pulled me right into this tale and kept me intrigued to the end. Nadia is a Russian aristocrat who narrowly escapes with her life as her family is killed by the Bolsheviks. She is rescued by Filip and his friends from the Czechoslovak Legion who are struggling to get across Russia and make their way home. Nadia and Filip enter into a sham marriage in order to protect her.

“Maybe all the darkness makes it easier to recognize the light.”
“God is always there, even when it’s too dark to see Him.”

With plenty of suspense, action, history, and a dollop of romance, this book is a good example of why I love historical fiction. I get to learn about historical events while enjoying a great story. The maps and glossary were very helpful in understanding what was going on and where the events took place, while the author’s notes in the back added interesting information. This is a well-written book which has earned a place on my keeper shelf. I’ll be looking forward to more from this author in the future.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Covenant Communications through Interviews & Reviews. All opinions are my own.

This one didn't quite do it for me, though the concept sounded so intriguing! Perhaps I wasn't in the right head space to thoroughly enjoy it and plan to give it another try at another time.

The cover is stunning and I would still love to pick up other novels from this author!