Daughters of Warsaw is an exceptional historical novel by Maria Frances which I enjoyed very much. Set in both 1942-1945 and the current day, Zofia's character plus several others in the resistance were strong and determined while fearful of what could happen. The horrors of what the Jewish people crammed into the Warsaw ghetto were put through is the stuff of nightmares. A recommended read for fans of the genre And/or fans of Kristin Hannah’s book The Book of Lost Names. This is a wonderful book that will have you questioning if you are brave enough to take the risks to do what’s right. Even if everyone else is against you?

Wow! Will stay with you!

This is a fascinating, heartbreaking, but heartwarming dual time-line book about the efforts to save the Jewish children in Poland during WW2, inspiring by a real life heroine. Definitely a must read!

Thank you to the publisher who lent me an e-arc via Netgalley. This review is optional an my own opinion.

Daughters of Warsaw is a dual time narrative about the courage and fortitude of the Polish people during WW2. The two timelines are Zofia a social worker in Warsaw during WW2 and Lizzie in the contemporary timeline who returns back to her family after several personal problems. One day Lizzie discovers photos of her great-grandmother Zofia and it leads to some shocking revelations.

This is a tale full of bravery, courage, determination and family bonds about a time that we must never forget. This is a tale of the many brave people who risked and sacrificed their own lives to help others. This book was inspired by Irena Sendler, a heroine of the Warsaw Ghetto working with the Polish Underground Resistance to help Jewish children escape.

Irena Sendler's tireless efforts to rescue Jewish children from the Warsaw ghetto are the centerpiece of this dual timeline novel. I was enthralled. The 1942-45 timeline was riveting. Zophie works closely with Irena to provide relief for those in the ghetto and smuggle as many out before it is too late. Her great granddaughter Lizzie begins looking into her family history while in mourning over her inability to carry a baby to term. A visit to Warsaw lends clarity and some unexpected answers. If you loved Kristin Harmel's "The Bookod Lost Names," you will also love this new release.

Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

Having recently visited Poland I was keen to be able to read this ARC. I wasn't disappointed. Very moving from Maria Francis.

This is an absolutely heartbreaking yet heartwarming story set during the second world war. It's told over dual timelines and is so powerful and beautifully written.

I can't remember the last time I cried so much while reading a book. There was so much devastation within the pages. I am amazed that the people of Warsaw were able to rise from the ashes.

I found myself obsessed. The author's words grabbed me. I wanted to know more and more. I wanted to read about the heroism and dedication. The more I learned the more crushed I became. The more I read the more I needed to discover truths. I found those truths. I was horrified. Daughter of Warsaw guided me in ways I had not been before.

The determination of resistance workers left me in awe. Daughters of Warsaw helped me create a picture in my mind of the dedication of those trying to save the Jewish children in the ghetto. The Jewish people lived in such squaller.

One of the reasons I read World War Two historical fiction is to attempt to understand why and how it happened. I find myself at a loss. The horrors, the atrocities. I am left speechless over the strength they must have had to go on as they did.

Maria Frances has taken the dry words of history textbooks and humanized them. She has taken what many have tried to brush under the rug and brought it into the light. She has put faces to names. She has built the ghettos in my mind in away that they will remain forever.

We all need the horrors brought to life so we don't need to repeat them. Our imaginations should be enough to make sure it never happens again. Too make sure we must read more, learn more.

This cannot be anything other than 5 stars for me.

It's emotional and heart breaking but, at the same time, full of bravery and hope. It's beautifully written with the author painting the pictures of the characters and their situations so well that it felt I was watching it on a screen.

Although this is historical fiction, some of the characters are real people which makes it all the more powerful.

A must-read for historical fiction lovers and those who are interested in the resistance during this horrendous period.

Many thanks to the author, Avon Books UK and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this powerful and emotional book.

"Daughters of Warsaw" by Maria Frances is a personal and rousing The Second Great War time-slip novel that winds around together the existences of two amazing ladies, isolated by ages but associated by fortitude and versatility. The story is propelled by obvious occasions and the exceptional endeavors of Irena Sendler and the ladies of the Polish Żegota during the most obscure long stretches of mankind.

Set in 1942 Warsaw, the novel acquaints us with youthful Zofia, who is pushed into a risky twofold life when she joins the valiant Irena Sendler in a mission to save many Jewish youngsters from the repulsions of the Warsaw Ghetto. Many evenings, Zofia puts her life in danger to direct these guiltless spirits to somewhere safe and secure. As the stakes heighten, Zofia is confronted with her most difficult excursion yet, compelling her to go up against the actual embodiment of fortitude and penance.

The account flawlessly advances to introduce day Seattle, where devastated Lizzie, wrestling with the aggravation of one more unsuccessful labor, looks for comfort in her experience growing up at home. Uncovering a secret photo of her extraordinary grandma among a puzzling gathering, Lizzie leaves on a mission to uncover the covered past that ends up being hazier and more hazardous than she might have at any point envisioned.

Maria Frances handily explores the intricacies of interweaving timetables, creating a general and deplorable story that investigates topics of versatility, trust, and the unyielding soul of ladies confronting unfavorable chances. The characters are luxuriously evolved, and the creator's fastidious examination is apparent in the credibility with which she depicts the authentic scenery.

The novel succeeds in catching the differentiations of human experience during quite possibly of the most distressing period ever. Notwithstanding the terrible conditions, "Daughters of Warsaw" figures out how to track down light in the dimness, depicting the unflinching strength of people who, despite everything, face foul play and fashion ways of expectation for people in the future.

Peruser's who delighted in "The Midwife of Auschwitz" and "The Woman Outside the Walls" will view Maria Frances' work as a powerful expansion to the class. "Daughters of Warsaw" is a demonstration of the force of human flexibility, a holding recognition for the overlooked yet truly great individuals who opposed oppression, and an update that even in the haziest times, the radiance of boldness and sympathy can radiate through.


Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Book UK for the digital eBook advance copy of my honest Review.

Against the backdrop of the horrors of Nazi occupied Warsaw and the Jewish Ghetto, young Zofia is helping to snuggle children out to safety, bringing hope to families where there was none. The parallel story set in present time being told is about Lizzie. Facing the heartbreak of miscarriages, she seeks the story of her family and travels to Warsaw, where she discovers the rest of the story that lay undiscovered for so many years. Unlike other parallel stories, this one really does connect and the two stories being told enhance and complete the book, rather than distract. Using real characters such as Irena bring authenticity to this gripping story.

This was a beautifully written, historical book based on true events. It was a heart wrenching read, but at the same time it gave you faith in humanity. It showed that there are not only evil in war, but also people who would do anything to help those in need.

As is my usual way with reviews, I will not be repeating the precise of the story here as I believe that the professionals do a better job without giving too much away. What you really need to know is whether this book is worth reading.

This is one of those books where having finished it, I feel as if I have watched a movie. The pictures painted in my mind as I read, had me right in the situation, visualising the places, mapping the routes. What a powerful story and a reminder of the way in which humanity can have deep compassion or inflict enormous suffering. Highly recommended for anyone who likes true to life historical retelling.

Seattle in the current day saw Lizzie shattered by yet another miscarriage and the feeling of drifting from her husband Alex. She went to stay at her mother's house in hope of peace, but when she went through the trunk in her mother's attic and found old black and white photos, it was the beginning of change in her life. Lizzie's grandmother was in a nursing home and although her memories of the past were sharp, the current day wasn't always. When Lizzie spoke to her about it, she became distressed.

Lizzie was in contact with a reporter from Warsaw and when she suggested Lizzie visit, she was keen. Soon she was roaming the streets of Warsaw, checking out the site where the ghetto had been, hearing many dreadful things of what happened there. Gradually Lizzie learned about her great-grandmother, Zofia, a member of the Polish resistance in the war; a young woman who saved many children's lives alongside Irena Sendler, a fearless advocate for Jewish children during the war years. Would Lizzie find the answers she was searching for?

Daughters of Warsaw is an exceptional historical novel by Maria Frances which I enjoyed very much. Set in both 1942-1945 and the current day, Zofia's character plus several others in the resistance were strong and determined while fearful of what could happen. The horrors of what the Jewish people crammed into the Warsaw ghetto were put through is the stuff of nightmares. A recommended read for fans of the genre.

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

I love these time period stories and this one was no different. The book is in two parts and both are good stories.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book.

Daughters of Warsaw by Maria Frances is an evocative dual timeline Historical Fiction novel set during WWII in Warsaw and Now in Seattle. Courage, sorrow, perseverance, (dis)loyalty and unfailing love are some of the themes. Many characters are admirable and historical details captured me. There's just something about the writing which drew me in right away. But it's the spirit of the characters, real and fictional, which pulled at my heart.

In 1942, the Warsaw Ghetto is home to many Jews who are forced by the Nazis to live in deplorable conditions.. Children are starving and orphaned. Social worker Irena Sendler with the Social Welfare Department sees the need for transporting children to safety and many nights are spent rescuing them. (In real life Irena was one of the Righteous Among the Nations for her humanitarian work.) Fictional character Zofia also works as a social worker at the same place and, posing as a nurse, secretly helps Irena and others in the Resistance. Her day job begins to suffer as her nights are full of stress and risk taking. But her heart is full of compassion.

In the present in Seattle, Lizzie is suffering terribly but in a different way. Her marriage is strained as she has endured several miscarriages. She finds her great grandmother's photo and is intrigued by what she sees so she begins a research project of her own. She takes a literal and figurative journey and discovers far more than she would have imagined. Her life beautifully intertwines with Zofia's.

I have read hundreds of Historical Fiction novels, many set in the Warsaw Ghetto, but this perspective is fresh and different. Do add it to your list if you seek a novel a notch above many others. Though sad, the story is also a hopeful and very rewarding read. Women like Irena are true heroines. I cannot begin to fathom her selflessness!

My sincere thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this phenomenal novel, one I thoroughly enjoyed.

This was such a heartbreaking and simultaneously heartwarming read. It was a unique story line that I haven't read in a WWII novel. The dual timeline was so well written, and both main characters has such wonderful stories and voices. The story was intriguing and the relationships were believable. I truly enjoyed and would recommend this one to fans of historical fiction!

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy to read. All opinions are my own.

4.5 which I will round up to 5.

Daughters of Warsaw captivates your interest and grips your heart from the first to the last page.

Maria Frances has written a very heartwarming and heart wrenching book that has you cheering on the Underground Resistance in Warsaw during WWII and in present day Lizzie as she travels to Warsaw to trace her grandmother's history.

Zofia during the war is asked to join the resistance to help get the Jewish children out of Warsaw to safety.

The tension mounts with every mission and you can almost hear their heart's racing as they lead the children out of the ghetto.

The pages turn quickly as you follow Zofia and Lizzie on their respective journey's.

Highly recommend you get your copy of Daughters of Warsaw and settle in for an exceptional read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK, Avon for a story that needs telling again and again.

Daughters of Warsaw by Maria Frances is a dual timeline story, beginning with Lizzie who finds a photo of her great-grandmother taken in Warsaw during the war.

Also Zofia works in the social welfare department in Warsaw and becomes a reluctant member of the resistance movement.
an easy but emotional read for all who like historical fiction.

This book cries the pain of thousands of Jewish people that died during WWII. It takes place in Warsaw which was once the Jewish Capital of Europe.

There are two parts.

Zophia loves children and wants to help with the resistance in Poland in the early 40s. Yet, she trembles when she has to show her pass to the Nazis to get in and out of the ghetto to help the Jews. It’s overcrowded and smells horribly. Yet, she stays strong as she smuggles in as much food and medicine as she can.

Lizzie is a teacher in the Seattle area in the present time period. She also loves children and would like to get pregnant. However, she keeps having miscarriages and fears her marriage may be falling apart because of the stress. She decides a change for the summer could be beneficial. She stays with her parents and finds an old chess in the attic which piques her curiosity.

One can predict what will happen with the two stories. Yet, this book, with a great deal of research involved, takes us back to the war. It shows how it’s easy for most to look the other way when poor people are desperately trying to cope without food and medicine. However, someone has to step up and help people in need.

The story makes a good discussion. While it takes place in Warsaw, we’ve seen how the prejudice and violence with the Jews still occurs in different parts of the world today. One has to wonder what will it take for changes to happen. It also shows how the good and bad has an odd way of balancing each other out.

My thanks to Avon and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of January 18, 2024.

This summer my husband and I went on a one-in-a lifetime trip to Poland to see where his family origin were uprooted. How coincidental it was to receive upon my return home an offer to receive this book, which takes place in Warsaw during the war. Understand, for most Jewish people, when one says “the war” there is never a doubt which one we mean – World War II - when 2/3 of the entire European Jewish population was murdered during the holocaust. At the time there were few extremely brave and selfless souls who did what they could to save some of them, and they have been named and rightly honoured as “Righteous Amongst the Nations” by the holocaust centre in Israel. One of them was the real Irena Sendler.

So to this engaging book tells the deeds of Irena Sendler who saved perhaps hundreds of children from certain death in the Warsaw Ghetto (for real) told through her resistance workers. We get involved through the character Sophia (Zophia in Polish) who while still working in a government social welfare office, volunteers for extremely dangerous activity working with her as a faux nurse, saving lives clandestinely.

A parallel story starts in present day in Seattle where a woman, Lizzie, goes to heal physically and psychologically at her family home after suffering a miscarriage, leaving her husband behind, and trying to figure out her life. What the connection is between her and the Warsaw people is the gist of the story. The book is written so I cared about both Zophia and Lizzie, and all the others, and at the end I had tears in my eyes.

This book is engaging and exciting, and as it makes Irena Sendler’s courageous story accessible and it is well worth reading for those, especially, who are not as familiar with the history. And for the rest of us who love historical fiction from the WWII years.

Thank you to Harper Collins, Avon Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.