Heartbreaking, joyous and hard to read at times. I felt so emotional with this one and it has blood shed battles. The characters are ones that you either love or hate. The plot is immensely intense. It's very emotive.

A new book by Mary-Anne O’Connor is always cause for celebration - her books are phenomenal - and I am happy to report that Never to Surrender may well be my all time favourite of hers - it’s that good! Mary-Anne is indisputably an exceptional writer of historical fiction with each novel earmarking her as one of Australia’s foremost writers of her genre. Reading one of her books is much like Athena in her latest tale feels … ‘the wondrous thrill it gave her to be here, the dreamy pleasure of being immersed in the past.’ That truly is a gift.

‘Wherever you are, and whatever happens, I’ll be with you, Carl. Right here.’ He tapped at his chest. ‘You take home with you, always.’

Where do I start? Never to Surrender is a sweeping saga that takes readers from the peaceful pastures of NSW to the shores of Crete as WWII rages. The characters are highly engaging from the eldest to the youngest, from the funniest to the most sadistic! One of the premier aspects of this book is the philosophy from the gentle spirits of Carl and his father Louis - I very much enjoyed their father/son discussions and shared thoughts. Then there are the injustices of war - from internment camps in Australia, to the Cretan village massacres. Mary-Anne brings balance to these horrors through two souls meeting and the depth of their connection in such extenuating circumstances being so real and heartfelt. Then there is Crete itself. There have been a number of books written of this period and place of late but I think Mary-Anne has done a stellar job with her interpretation. From the history of the Minoans and Knossos, to the culture, to the very landscape itself - she takes you on a vivid and inspired journey.

‘Carl gripped the gun handle, trying not to think about the individual ideology of each man they targeted.’

Never to Surrender is a truly powerful and mesmerising story. The factual events (read the Author’s Notes) are so cleverly combined with Mary-Anne’s own fictional contributions. The melding of fact and fiction being seamless. A tale of family, a tale that touches on what it is to be human with results that are sure to leave their indelible impression on you.

‘Even if they succeed in battle, we’ll never truly surrender and we’ll never give up until they are gone once more.’







This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Gripping, moving, shocking, brutal at times and gut-wrenching, yet also filled with love and kindness, Never To Surrender is, in my opinion, Mary Anne O’Connor’s best. This story took me through the full gamut of emotions starting with the appalling and unjustified incarceration of Carl’s father Louis as an enemy alien early in the book.
Emotions aside, I was fascinated by the history of the invasion of Crete and the extraordinary bravery of the Australian and New Zealand soldiers and the Cretan resistance. While the romance between Carl and Athena played out in the foreground, the events leading up to the Nazi arrival on Crete created plenty of interest to keep me on tenterhooks and turning the pages.

This is a beautiful, heartbreaking and heartwarming story, it tells of finding your soul mate the other half of you during times that were so hard. Set during the Nazi invasion of Crete during World War 2, it is beautifully told by Mary-Anne O’Connor, a must read, I am still crying as I write this review.

1939 and Carl Smith is studying to be a doctor and is happily enjoying life on the south coast of NSW in a small town called Berry, he lives there with his beloved Papa Dr. Louis Schmidt, a professor teaching at the university, his parents came to Australia from Germany after WW1 as immigrants and like is father Carl is a pacifist. But when war breaks out and there is every chance his father will be put into an internment camp, Carl does the unthinkable and signs up to fight for Australia.

1941 Athena Papandrakis lives on the beautiful island of Crete with her family, swimming in the sea and exploring the ruins of the ancient land are her passion she is strong and willing to go to any lengths to save her home and family, when the Nazis arrive in invade, she is as strong as her ancestors before her, the Cretans will always come through.

After fighting in Africa Carl and his battalion first go to Greece where he explores the ruins he has learnt so much about from his father, they then go onto to Crete to try and stave of the Nazis there, here he meets Athena the woman of his heart she is part of his soul when they first meet in the taverna run by her parents. They have a very short time together before the Nazis arrive and cause bedlam on this beautiful island, but they never ever give up on each other no matter what they go through.

I do love MS O’Connor’s stories and I think this one just might be my favourite so far, based on fact it is filled with emotion and love through such horrid times, the strength and courage that is shown by the characters in the story had me cheering them on through my tears, to see the Australian and New Zealand soldiers work together felt so real. I loved Carl and Athena so much and all of the characters that added so much to this story, they all played a big part. This is a story not to missed, I do highly recommend it.

My thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin AU for my digital copy to read and review.

It was 1939 when Carl Smith, Australian born of German parents, knew he had to enlist to save his father from the internment camps. Louis Schmidt was a professor, a pacifist and had arrived in Australia with his wife as refugees. Now though, anyone with German heritage would be locked behind bars for the smallest misdemeanor. Carl was studying to become a doctor and only had two years left to complete his degree. But alongside his best friend Joe, they set sail for war.

Two years later Carl and his group were the last evacuated from Athens, taken across to Crete to rest and recuperate after the exhausting days and weeks of constant barrage of terror by the Germans. When Carl first set eyes on Athena, he was captivated. As was Athena, who had lived in Crete all her life. Her younger sister Ariadne and little brother Nikos, along with their parents Georgios and Maria, ran the Papadakis restaurant, and were a happy, loving family. But when the Nazis attacked Crete, killing many, their lives took a dramatic turn. What would be the outcome in those dreadful days of war?

Never to Surrender by Aussie author Mary-Anne O'Connor was an exceptional read, based on truth. The author's notes at the end were interesting and I enjoyed reading them. The characters of Never to Surrender were beautifully crafted, right down to nine year old Nikos. I've come to love Ms O'Connor's tales, and this one is no different. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

This is a story of WWII ANZAC Australian Soldier Carl Smith from the farming lands of Berry NSW who ihas almost finished his degree in medicine and is aspiring to be a doctor.
He lives with his Father Louis Schmidt a professor, pacifist and a German. Carl and his best mate Joe sign up and join the Australian Army together. Carl' does this to as he fears the if he doesn't join the Australian Army his Father could be sent to detention camp because of his German heritage.
Carl and Joe along with their fellow army mates in their infantry regiment are first sent to battle in Africa then to Crete in Greece along with the New Zealand Army they endeavour to defend the island and it's civilians without reinforcement and very little ammunition or support.
This is where Carl meets Anthea Papadakis who lives in the fishing village called Rethymno with her father who owns a local Taverna.
Carl and Anthea fall in love in the ancient city and palace ruins. Carl wants to stop and save the precious artifacts from destruction. So that the history of Greek Mythology is preserved for future generations.
Before long the Germans infiltrate the island and the island's future is in extreme danger. The Australian and New Zealand Army along with brave local residents fight to save the island and the future of Greece as a whole.
Will Carl and Anthea survive the war? Will their love for each other endure the dangers?
Never to Surrender by Mary-Anne O'Connor is my first book i have received and reviewed from NetGalley and Harlquin Australia. Honestly, Mary-Anne O'Connor has written a noval true to the ANZAC - Loyalty to mateship along with historical facts about Crete and the Greek involvement in WWII. I rate this book a 5/5 stars. I highly recommend this book for fans of this genre, or Captain Correlli's Mandolin or the movie In Love and War with Sandra Bullock and Chris O'Donnell. It's a heartfelt saga that captivates you from the cover to the last page of the book. This book is due to be released on 1st February 2023.

Carl Smith lives in Berry, New South Wales, he’s studying to be a doctor and he's almost finished his degree. Carl’s parents immigrated to Australia from Germany after WW I, his father Louis Schmidt is a professor and a pacifist. Australia is fighting in another war, Carl’s best friend Joe is going to sign up and Carl is considering what he should do? He’s worried about the Australian enemy alien’s policy and would Carl joining the army save his German born father from being sent to a detention camp?

After facing action in Africa, Carl and Joe and what’s left of their infantry battalion make it to Crete. The last stand, here the Australian and New Zealand troops have to defend the island, with no reinforcements, limited ammunition, artillery and aerial support.

Anthea Papadakis lives in Rethymno a small fishing village in Crete, situated between Chania and Heraklion and where her father owns a Taverna. When a group of battle weary Australian solders arrive, she’s instantly drawn to Carl Smith and she shows him the ancient Palace ruins at Knossos. Carl’s determined to stop the Germans from harming Anthea, destroying the precious relics and because they have important links to Greek Mythology.

The young couple don’t have long before the Germans launch what’s to be their last airborne invasion and the brutal fight for the island of Crete begins. What’s left of the allied army and the locals are caught up in guerrilla style fighting against the German’s and the brave Maori soldiers have to engage in ferocious hand to hand combat.

I received a copy of Never to Surrender from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia in exchange for an honest review. Mary-Anne O’Connor has a way of writing a historical fiction saga that’s earnest, endearing and full of the Anzac spirit. Ms. O'Connor's latest narrative includes many interesting facts about ancient Crete and what happened during the Second World War, how thankful we should be for the sacrifices made by the Cretans and Anzac soldiers. Carl and Anthea were strong and resilient characters, I admired them both, especially Anthea who fought for her country and family. I highly recommend reading Never to Surrender and it has the most stunning and nostalgic cover, and five stars from me.

I always know that when I read a novel by Mary-Anne O’Connor, it is going to be exceptional historical fiction. She always delivers an interesting point of view and I learn something new that makes me think about the injustices that occurred in the past and whether they have spilled into the present.

Never to Surrender is a story about family and the horrific struggles encountered on two shores. This novel touches on prejudice but, also promise and passion and is set during WWII. A time when its dire effects were ripping through people’s lives and tearing many apart. This story also shows two kinds of passion: one jealous and one selfless. 

Australian-born Carl Smith is training to become a doctor. He is a kind, caring man who dearly loves his father and is very protective of him. Dr Louis Schmidt, a German born professor, fled his birth country with his wife many years previous to live peacefully in Australia. Carl has known no other home and is devoted to Australia. Both his father and late mother pledged their allegiance, too. But the war stirs up emotions of fear and distrust in those around them proving Australia is not as free as thought to be. And one woman, poised with the dagger of vengeance, takes advantage of this negative charged atmosphere. Sadly, her betrayal will cut deep into the fabric of Carl’s family.

Carl’s dedication and devotion to his family and countrymen radiates throughout this novel. He sacrifices his own safety, education and career to enlist as an Australian soldier. He goes to war and ends up in Crete with hopes his positive actions will protect his father’s reputation. For surely a man whose son is willing to fight for Australia proves his loyalty? But when things do not go as planned, despair rises within him. Until his father’s wise words of encouragement become his mantra and this helps him to press on. Even while staring down the barrel of a gun and being mutilated by a whip, his heart remains steadfast. When hatred for the enemy could rise from these horrible acts bestowed upon him and when betrayal could cause him to turn the other way, he fights against these negative reactions with surprising strength and reaps some interesting results.

One injustice that stands out in Never to Surrender is prejudice and its terrible effects. It is never right to blanket judge a race of people (even Athena must learn this lesson). Two pacificists like Carl and Louis have been wrongly treated because of their German heritage. The fact that Carl's parents fled their home country and came to Australia as refugees was not enough to save them or prevent them from being labelled as a threat even when they were not. This kind of prejudice stings and I truly felt sad for the victims in the story. As in real life, actions of betrayal and false judgement cut deep and hurts more than one person. And in Never to Surrender we see the destruction caused by a vengeful act aimed at one German -Australian family.

No novel of Mary-Anne’s would be without a love story and Never to Surrender has a beautiful one. Carl meeting a passionate Cretan girl named Athena turns his world around. It is uplifting to watch their relationship grow and experience some joyful interludes during a time of great upheaval. Even though this is fiction, it is still encouraging to witness a steadfast love that endures the horrors of war and separation.

Louis, Carl and Athena, along with the other characters, are well portrayed. I felt quite emotionally involved in their lives. Also, because the setting is so beautifully crafted, I was effortlessly transported to the island of Crete with Carl and Athena. Soon I was poking around in the ruins and swimming in the sapphire sea beside them! Then during chaos, when the ethereal landscape fades, my sights zeroed in on the enemy. During those dangerous times, I found myself wishing for their escape. Unfortunately, as it is with war, some will make it and others will not.

This is a powerful story. The events are believable and the emotions real, raw and raging. Even though, sadly there are losses, I was happy with the ending. For love lingers, endures and has a chance to flourish again. I sincerely loved Never to Surrender and highly recommend it. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Harlequin Australia (HarperCollins Au) and Netgalley for a review copy.

"Never to Surrender" is a beautiful family saga. In 1941 Carl Smith and a beautiful Crete girl Athena Papandrakis joined together to fight the German invasion of Crete. During their fight, they fall in love. Carl must decide whether to go home or stay during the last battle with the Germans. The readers of "Never to Surrender" will continue to follow Carl and Athena to discover what happens.

"Never to Surrender" is the first book I have read by Mary-Anne O'Connor. "Never to Surrender" allowed me to think about how communities lived during the war years in Europe. I did engage with "Never to Surrender" from the start. I love Mary-Anne O'Connor's portrayal of her characters and the way they interact with each other throughout this book. "Never to Surrender" is well-written and researched by Mary-Anne O'Connor. I like Mary-Anne O'Connor's description of the settings of "Never to Surrender", which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.

The readers of "Never to Surrender" will learn about the role of internment camps during WWII in Australia. Also, the readers of "Never to Surrender" will understand the role of local partisan fighters during the Second World War.

I am a big fan of Mary-Anne O'Connor and always look forward to reading her books. This was another long one but it is so absorbing you would never know.

War has started (1941) and this becomes a love story not just between two people but a love for family, friends and country. The two main characters Athena and Carl come from two different worlds and must prove their love, honour and loyalty while also gaining trust for each other and their families.

This is about families, friendships, the Anzac spirit, love and what war can do. It shows you how strong people were and can be in tough situations. These tow wonderful people had courage and this shown through in this story.

A wonderful book, another great historical fiction by this great author and another country to learn about. I really enjoyed it and would highly recommend.

Brittan has declared war on Germany loyal Australian’s are eager to enlist and do their part.
When Carl a young German-Australian studying to become a doctor is betrayed by someone he thought he loved, he has no choice but to join before finishing his study, hoping to make his beloved father’s life a little easier.
Athena is a young Cretan independent, passionate woman, willing to give her life to defend her family, friends and the home she loves.
In 1941 Carl arrives in Crete at an all-time low. Intoxicated by his first meeting with Athena, he needs to prove himself to her parents, who want Athena to marry a traditional Cretan man.
As Crete is invaded by Nazis Carl and Athena set out on a desperate quest to survive. Trust, loyalty and love is tested
A great love story I thoroughly enjoyed, full of interesting facts about a battle that I had little knowledge of our ANZACs fighting in. The description of Crete made me feel that I was there and has been added to my list of places I want to visit. Never to Surrender captured the ANZAC spirt and the humous Australian lingo that concluded with the most wonderful ending.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Harlequin Australia as I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.