Helen Parusel’s A Mother’s War is a poignant, affecting and heart-breaking tale of forbidden love, courage and sacrifice.

Norway, 1940 and when Laila wakes up to the horrific sight of warships in the fjord, she realises that she could never possibly support the brutal Nazi regime. Determined to turn resistor, Laila vows to do whatever she can to help defeat the Nazis, so she is horrified when local girls suddenly begin affairs with enemy soldiers. Laila is sure that she will not follow suit – until she finds herself falling in love with German soldier Josef…

Josef is not like other Nazi soldiers who delight in abusing their power and hurting and terrorising the vulnerable. He is kind, gentle and just as passionate about helping defeat this deadly regime. Josef becomes involved in helping the locals out with their resistance activities, however, when he is sent to join the Russian front, Laila finds herself having to bid farewell to the man who has come to mean everything to her.

When she discovers she is pregnant with his child, Laila finds herself all alone. Thrown out by her family, she has no other choice but to turn to a home for unmarried mothers. Yet, little did Laila realise when she crossed the home’s threshold that she had just made the biggest mistake of her life. Caught up in a system of terrifying evil, will Laila ever manage to get out of the home alive with her baby? Will she ever see Josef again? Or should Laila kiss goodbye to any hope she might have had of a future with the man she loved and their child?

Vivid, atmospheric and written straight from the heart, Helen Parusel’s A Mother’s War is a beautifully told and impeccably researched historical novel that tells the story of a noble, spirited and brave heroine whom you will root for as she embarks on an impossible fight which she must win at all costs.

Helen Parusel’s A Mother’s War is a fantastic historical novel that should come with a warning: keep a box of tissues handy when you start reading this book because it will make you cry buckets.

When I started reading this I didn't realise that it was the author's debut novel which is a real surprise as there is a real quality and engagement to her writing which really illuminates the story. A Mothers War is a breathtaking story of what a woman and mother will do to protect herself and those she loves, it's full of bravery and courage, or struggle and utter despair, with haunting and compelling historical detail richly entwined with a sensitive and emotional story this is a must to be added to any historical fiction readers bookshelf and I will certainly be reading more from this author!

Another emotional read by Helen Parusel
This book was so emotional and eye opening about the horrors of the second world war.
What the mother's had to go through was terrible all because the Nazi regime wanted the children to form a perfect race.
The characters were strong and I felt for them, it was that well written!
Thank you netgalley

A Mother’s War is the debut historical fiction work from author Helen Parusel. It is a forbidden romance set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Norway and focusing on the experiences of Norwegian women within the Nazi Lebensborn homes.
Helen Parusel has a wonderfully engaging writing style which truly made the setting of northern Norway truly come alive on the page. I was completely enthralled by the story and read it in a single sitting over the course of an evening. The narrative is well-paced and full of action, from vivid descriptions of the Nazi invasion of Norway to the experiences of women in the Lebensborn homes to the work of the resistance in helping people escape out of Nazi-occupied territory.
The story was clearly impeccably researched, particularly surrounding the history of the Lebensborn program which is a dark and little-known aspect of Second World War history that I’m glad is being covered within historical fiction.
Laila is a wonderful protagonist with such depth to her character. Her strength and courageous nature was fantastically written and it was so easy to become completely emotionally invested in her story. Seeing her completely ostracised by her family and community was heartbreaking but a painful reality for many women in Nazi-occupied countries. Josef was another fantastically written character and I really enjoyed seeing their relationship develop over the course of the story.
Overall, A Mother’s War is a standout debut historical fiction novel and I look forward to seeing what Helen Parusel brings to the literary world next. I did find myself craving more when the book finished so would welcome the opportunity to return to Laila and Josef’s story again in a possible sequel.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

I have posted an extended review on my blog www.yourschloe.co.uk and the post is linked.

A brilliant read very addictive and sad at times. I haven't enough words to describe how much I enjoyed this book. Compelling and I read it quickly. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

It’s hard to believe this is a debut novel from Helen Parusel, such is the quality of the writing and the attention to detail about the Nazi regime in occupied Norway during World War II.

Norway itself is brought alive on the pages through descriptions of the landscapes and its traditions and legends. The depiction of the hytte in the woods is exquisite and brought a smile to my face instantly!

Central characters Laila and Josef are both extremely likeable and the initial struggle and turmoil Laila goes through as she battles her feelings for Josef and her sense of loyalty to her family is sensitively handled.

I admit to not knowing much about the occupation of Norway during WWII and had no knowledge Lebensborn programme. I found this part of the book fascinating but horrifying in equal measure.

This is a wonderfully captivating piece of historical fiction which I thoroughly recommend to everyone!

With thanks to the author, Rachel at Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to participate in the tour.

When Norway is occupied by Nazi's, Laila tries to lay low. However, she works at the hotel, where she encounters Nazi's every day. When local girls begin dating Nazi officers, they are ostracized from society. Despite her scorn for these women, Laila begins secretly meeting with Josef, a soldier. When she falls pregnant, she is thrown out by her family and seeks refuge at the Lebensborn home.

This book was a bit slow moving. I didn't particularly like Laila, she was a bit entitled and a hypocrite. It was hard to sympathize with her, making the story drag. Overall, not a book I would re-read or recommend.

Not sure why i requested this book as I’m not a lover of historical fiction. Unfortunately i didnt fall in love with this book

An amazing story set in Narvik (Norway) during WW2. Like so many others’ living in Norway at this time, her life was turned upside down overnight. But this strong-willed woman vowed to undermine the Nazi’s at every opportunity she could. Through her work in a hotel and in the resistance, supported by Josef, a likeable Nazi who doesn’t approve of what is going around him. When she finds herself pregnant by him, she ends up in the Lebensborn program and he on the Russian front.
This is a story with high emotional attachments to the characters. Read it with a box of tissues. When I reached the end of the book, it feels as if the story is unfinished. I do hope that Helen Parusel finds it in her heart to write more, to tell us what happens to Laila and Josef, and perhaps some of the supporting characters while “get what is coming to them”.
I look forward to reading more of Helen’s work.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

This historical fiction book is set in Norway in April of 1940 when the Nazi’s invaded, The main character Laila is angry and vows as many others do to make back her country. I However things take a turn when she true love strikes.
An excellent debut novel by Helen Parusel

Book review :
'The compelling story of Laila - a woman of great hope and courage - who showed how love, loyalty and compassion can endure despite the evils of war.' This book is powerful,, thought provoking and is written in such a beautiful way. I think it depicts the difficult and equally heartbreaking situations unmarried women found themselves in at that time perfectly.

How ironic that a heroine who strongly believes that family is important, is let down by the very people she thought she could rely on. Set in Norway beginning in April of 1940 when the Nazi’s invaded, the main character Laila is angry and heartbroken as her homeland is invaded. She vows to do whatever it takes to fight back and remain true to her country and its people. But, fate intervenes and before Laila can stop herself, she falls for the young soldier Josef, who also hates the Nazi’s and what they’ve done to his homeland of Germany, and does whatever he can to defy the uniform he’s forced to wear. The romance of a summers night by the fjord with Josef ends with Laila pregnant.

As Josef is sent to the Russian front, Laila confesses to her family, who immediately disown her. With nowhere to go, she ends up a Nazi run women's home who promise to provide for her and her child. It is here that she learns how insidious the Nazi regime is. But with nowhere to go and no one to support her, can she untangle herself from the web she's trapped in?

The author tells a beautiful story of heroism, bravery, womanhood, motherhood, and love amidst the chaos of war. It’s such an addicting and beautifully written story. All the characters were well drawn and likable.
Overall , the book is a beautiful story of heroism, bravery, womanhood, motherhood, and love amidst the chaos of war. It’s such an addicting and beautifully written story. I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish this book. I am thankful to @netgalley and the publisher for providing me the book in return of an honest review.

A Mothers War is set in Norway April 1940 when the nazi show up. Laila is fighting back but ends up falling for a soldier who hates the nazis. She ends up pregnant and gets sent away. This was a great story of love and bravery! I would recommend this book to anyone that loves a unforgettable WW2 story.

Well what can I say about this phenomenal debut book by Helen Parusel other than, Go and buy a copy right now! The End :)

A Mother's war is a superbly written book about the occupation of Norway during WW2. This is not a topic I know an awful lot about so it made a change to read another new viewpoint based on the war. I fell in love with Laila, the main character and her utter hatred of the occupation and everything it is doing to her country and her people. She wants to help the resistance but also knows she must keep her family safe. Then against all her deep rooted beliefs she falls in love with a German soldier and her life changes more than she could ever have expected. She is beautifully written character and we get to know her well. Her feelings, her thoughts, her desires are all so realistic that I became really invested in her and just wanted her to be safe.

The Lebensborn program was a fascinating part of this book and one that I had heard of but again didn't really know that much about it. The things that happen to the mother's and children here, on the suffice appear to be good. They are fed and looked after but scratch beneath the suffice as Laila does and all is definitely not as it seems. Babies disappear, babies are adopted against the mother's wishes and a whole host of other unjust and undignified events occur that pushes Laila to her limit. Laila is a woman who puts others before herself and she needs to get out of the awful Lebensborn program. Does she manage to escape? Can she keep her baby? Will her family accept her back after the worst betrayal? Well no spoilers so you really do need to buy this book. It is truly a sublime read that creates a picture of beauty, sadness, lose and the ability to overcome. I LOVED IT!

My Review:I could not put this book down and read it in one sitting. Even when my eyes were yelling for sleep, I carried on to the end. This isn't my usual genre, although it seems to be finding its place in my reading preferences. Helen did a fantastic job bringing alive the character of Laila, a young Norwegian woman. She lives with her family in a war torn area. The pains of war, bombings, loss, spying, town gossips, burning buildings are featured here and of course the resistance, the brave people who tried to bring peace back to the country. Joseph is a young German soldier who captures the attention of Layla, much to her parents disapproval and so she finds herself in Lebensborn. A horrific place, there's a reality that single women went through to support the blue eyed, blond haired idealism. Laila is a strong woman and the love for a child knows no boundaries, no limits to what a mother will put herself though to survive and give her baby a chance at life. I found myself humming A letter to Elise by The Cure for some reason. I have done my best to keep spoilers out of this review, fingers crossed I succeeded. A recommended 5 star read.

WWII historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and even though there are a lot of books set in this time period there is always an untold story. Laila hates the German soldiers that invaded her town but one is not like the others and captures her heart. When Laila becomes pregnant and is sent to a house for unmarried mothers she finds herself needing to be strong. This story will wrap you up and not let go until you read the last word. I’m always amazed to read stories about WWII that I have not heard before. Every story is important and must be told.

A incredible debut historical fiction novel that I was glued to from the start and couldn't take my eyes off my kindle while reading. It starts in 1940 and the Nazis are taking over. Laila is horrified by what she is seeing but she meets Josef a soldier who isn't like the others. Laila soon finds herself pregnant and in a home for mother's but it isn't long before she is fighting for her life and that of her baby. The story tore my heart out but I love the strength and determination in the most vulnerable characters. Not all are bad and a select few have a heart. A gripping and exciting read that is also a great history lesson that has taught me that it's okay to not always follow the leader and to have your own opinions.

This is a fascinating story about part of WW2 that I knew nothing of. It’s a love story with a difference. A slow build that had me investing fully in what happened to Laila. Really enjoyed it. What a great debut novel from Helen Parusel. Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC

I thinks this year was my year for historical novels. I have been reading a lot of books in that genre, and I don't regret it.
📚❤️
➡️ Setting
Set during WWII, one may think it's yet another book about this era in our history, but the book happens in Norway. That, to me, was a different take, which allowed other conversations and thoughts.

➡️ Characters
We follow mainly Laila, and I loved the emotional growth that happened during the entire journey. It was a journey for me as well, as I learned more about her, the strength she had during all the revelations and the entire roller-coaster.
Of course, we met lots of other characters that gave the book an in-depths vibe, going back to this time period and mentality.
One surprising character was Josef. I wasn't sure if I would like him, from the start, or if I would understand his motives as true, so it was an interesting relationship I had with him. The Josef with his conscious thoughts that challenged the concept one may have about him from first impressions.

➡️ Plot
The book is about a mother's love, bravery and a woman's strength during a time of war and chaos.
It had some this element of "things are not as they seem" and I loved it.
I learned a lot about certain systems that were in place for women, and I don't know if I should've been surprised.
It was definitely different from other books I have read set in this era, and I really enjoyed learning more, following Laila's journey.

A Mothers War is a detailed fast paced story that is separated into 3 parts dated between 1940-1945.

Parusel has researched the effects WW2 had on Norway. The reader is able to imagine the damage and terror of the lives of people and Nazi forces invaded. There is mention of the Norwegian resistance forces, supply restrictions and rationing. The Lebensborn scheme, as well as the poor treatment of russian and Yugoslavian prisoners by the SS guards is also mentioned. The writing style is easy to follow with a mixture of description and dialogue.

The character development of A Mothers War gives the reader a brief background information about different characters and provides an insight into the characters lives as they have no other choice than to accept and obey rules that are forced on them. The characters are relatable and realistic characters that have their own personalities.

Laila is a reliable and strong willed person. She works as a reception manager in a hotel that had been requisitioned by the Germans as living quarters. Seeing the damage inflicted on everything around her she becomes determined to fight back, eventually aiding the resistance by gathering any information she could.

Private Josef Schultz is unlike other Nazi officers...he makes an effort to help those around him. When Josef saves Laila in a bombardment a slow burning attraction forms between them. Leaving Laila conflicted, as she tries to ignore her growing feelings towards Josef...

My overall opinion of A Mothers War is a very emotional story with a very interesting plot, but there were some scenes that became predictable. I enjoyed finding out about Laila's experiences. I would have liked to have seen Josef's viewpoint and felt that the ending was very open ended as Laila has yet to find out what happened to some of her friends and how does life start now that she has been reunited with Josef?

I would suggest A Mothers War to people who enjoy historical fiction and coming of age stories based around WW2, as it is an emotive story about one woman's journey of friendship and other experiences as she falls in love with the enemy...

This book is powerful,, thought provoking and is written in such a beautiful way. I think it depicts the difficult and equally heartbreaking situations unmarried women found themselves in at that time perfectly. Laila is such a strong character and the way she stood up for herself and the women around her was empowering. From where the book ended I think we just NEED a sequel as simple as that.