In The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt we meet the Antonina and Helena Dabrowska. Two sisters whose lives are turned upside in 1939. When Germany invades Poland, the sisters must make live changing decisions. As the occupation continues, each girl does what they must to survive. Even when their lives take different directions and without telling each other, they each get involved in the Nazi resistance to help people in Warsaw ghetto.

"The Warsaw Sisters" is a tragedy about Warsaw and all that its people lost in 1939-1945. The focus throughout was on the death and destruction and on what was happening on the Warsaw level more than about the sisters. Most chapters were full of one of the sisters thinking about what had happened to Warsaw since the last date/chapter or what she remembered from before the war or what she'd someday remember about the preset moment. It's a lot of thinking and introspection with only a few scenes with suspenseful action.

For the first part of the story (about 100 pages), the sisters were hard to tell apart. Helena worked for a German as a secretary and was pretty passive. Antonina loved a Jewish man that she knew would never propose to her, but she was flattered by his friendship. Once the Jews were forced into a ghetto, she foolishly risked her life to get in to see him and he told her to stop trying to see or write to him (for her own safety). She decided she hated him for rejecting her. Then she did the same thing to her sister, letting her think she was rejecting Helena while it was done to keep her safe. Antonina started housing smuggled Jewish children on their way to safety, but it felt like she did it to feel better about herself. There's only a couple of scenes with the children, though. Then we shifted focus to Helena running messages for the Polish hidden army, especially during its fight to free Warsaw.

Antonina had sex outside of marriage and had to deal with the results. About two-thirds of the way into the story, the sisters finally thought about God beyond their habitual church attendance. Antonina didn't think God cared about her before and certainly not after she felt like a sinner, but she did have a moment in a church where she felt God's presence. Helena couldn't see how God could be present amidst so much suffering. She briefly talked to a priest about it and finally decided God was present. Jesus wasn't really mentioned. There were no graphic sex scenes. There was no bad language. We're told in detail about the horrors done by the Germans, so the violence is somewhat graphic.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.

Historical fiction is one of my favorite gonre, and I will read anything in that gonre setbduring world War II.

This book is so spot on accurate, and it realistically portrays the horrors of what occurred in Poland during the war.

Enough books can not be written to accurately describe the horrors. Mant people belive enough has been said and written, but I believe in order to prevent these tragedies from occurring again, we must continually revisit them again and again lest we forget.

Highly recommend.

Fivebstars plus.

This book is beautifully written! It immediately throws you into WW II, following the stories of two seemingly "normal" sisters who are making their way through a devastating war. The history that is threaded throughout is heartbreaking and eye-opening. God's light shines through the darkness in the actions and thoughts of these brave women.

“No matter what we are asked to bear on earth, our days are in the hands of God.”
As the Germans invade their home city of Warsaw and continue to occupy for five years, sisters Antonina and Helena are asked to bear much. Although they suffer loss after excruciating loss, they ultimately learn to lean on God to survive. The writing was extraordinary, smoothly alternating between the two sisters’ points of view, every part of their story described in vivid detail. I felt the ground vibrate beneath me as I stood on the street and watched the German soldiers march into the city. I smelled the buildings burning and tasted the acrid air. I heard the approaching planes from the damp basement where I hid. My heart broke at the loss of all held dear. It gave me an entirely new perspective of the holocaust and the massive amount of suffering of so many, Jew and gentile alike.
The sheer amount of research completed by the author is abundantly evident. Set in the actual events of war-torn Poland, with characters based on real people, this book is a remembrance of all those who lost their lives to the Nazi regime, whether those lives were taken from them or they were laid down willingly by ordinary people in defense of freedom. While there is ample violence portrayed, it is all in the context of war and, in my opinion, necessary to portray the truth of what really happened. I have read many books about WWII, fiction and nonfiction alike, but none as gripping and vivid as this one.
The Warsaw Sisters drew me in from the very first page and would not let go. As I tried to put myself in the sisters’ shoes and wondered how I would react in the same circumstances, it was impossible to even imagine needing to make such choices. I recommend that every adult read this book. You will leave part of your heart with Antonina and Helena, wondering til the very end what will happen to them. It will stay with you, challenge you, and change you for the better.
“For as the tide ebbs, but in the end returns, so too is the bond between sisters. Changing yet changeless. Indelible. Unbreakable.”
*I received a complimentary copy of this e-book from NetGalley through Interviews & Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

In August in 1939, twin sisters Antonina and Helena Dąbrowska wave goodbye to all the able bodied men who leave to defend Poland against the threat of German invasion and their father is one of them. The next day, the Germans start bombing Warsaw, sitting in basements around the city, with very little food and water, people pray and worry about loves ones fighting. The German army is unstoppable and a month later the sisters hear a strange sound and it’s stomping of thousands of boots as the German march into Warsaw and they have no idea what's happened to their father.

Antonina is a music student and she's a pianist, she knows Marek Eisenberg a Jewish violinist, they hear rumors about the German's building a wall and creating a ghetto. In October 1940, all Jewish people living in Warsaw have to move into the designated area in the overcrowded ghetto and it's later sealed off. Antonina decides to help and she becomes a member of network of women who risk their lives to shelter Jewish children and move them onto the next safe house.

Helena works as a secretary for a German official and he’s an accountant and tax examiner for his government. Helena decides to join the Polish underground army, as the Soviet’s get closer to Warsaw, they are preparing to fight to free their homeland from the German occupation, they form into battalions, gather what weapons they can scavenge, make petrol bombs and wait for the signal.

Both sisters are involved in the Polish resistance, if discovered they would be killed or sent to a concentration camp, so for the first time ever they keep secrets from each other and this drives a wedge between them.

I received a copy of The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt from Revell Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. I knew Poland was invaded by the Germans during The Second World War and I had no idea how bad it was and this is a well written and extremely powerful story.

Ms. Barratt’s narrative looks at the war from the two sisters points of view and it highlights the major and tragic events that happened during the German occupation of Poland. Inspired by ordinary people who endured terrible hardship and what took place over five years, the building of the Warsaw ghetto, the Katyn massacre, the Warsaw ghetto uprising, the battle of Warsaw, the terrible repercussions for the innocent civilians at Wola and Ochta. The Germans destroyed over 80% of Warsaw’s buildings, almost the entire city was reduced to rubble and it was a smelly wasteland.

A story about courage, sacrifice, resilience, survival, urban guerilla warfare, everyday Polish men and women took up arms and it was the largest nonmilitary fight by an European resistance during the Second World War. Five stars from me, this is one of the best historical fiction books I have read, I will never forget what happened in Poland and I highly recommend.

A dramatic historical novel based on real people and events during the German Occupation of Warsaw, Poland. Readers who like serious WW2 stories, that are meticulously researched, will want to dig into this moving tale. A difficult subject, but one that should not be forgotten.
The author quickly immerses the reader into the war scene, as the main characters experience the turmoil of enemy occupation and the increasing danger to the people, especially Jewish citizens. It is tragic and heart breaking to learn all that went on there. The indomitable spirit of the ones who risked everything to help others is inspiring.
I learned a lot about the Warsaw ghetto, the Polish resistance, their battle for freedom, and the devastation that followed. Even in the midst of tragedy though, there is a spark of faith and hope. A reminder that even though we may walk in the shadow of death, we know He is still there.
Recommend for those readers who like reality based historical fiction. 4.5 stars

(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)

WW2, historical-novel, historical-figures, historical-places-events, historical-research, historical-setting, history-and-culture, family, sisters, resistance-efforts, riveting, suspense, violence, under-ground, perseverance, persecution, brutality, Poland*****

Separated by the horrors of war in their home country of Poland, each sister does whatever she can to work with others to protect the helpless and resist the onslaught. This is one of many stories from that horrible time and it is very sensitively written.
I requested and received an EARC from Revell via NetGalley. Thank you

Amanda Barratt delivers another engrossing WWII story that does not hold back on the horrors of war.

In this riveting, intense, and emotionally driven story, we meet two sisters, Antonina and Helena Dąbrowska, who have just sent their father off to defend Poland against Hitler's forces. The next day, Warsaw is bombed, and the two women are thrust into a fight for not only their lives but also the lives of their neighbours, their faith, and their values.

The author's exquisite writing provides spellbinding and sensory overload to readers that will leave them breathless. In fact, this novel is not for the faint of heart. If not for the subject matter, this book would have been removed from our database due to the violence. But Barratt has taken an engrossing story—two sisters with secrets that tear them apart—and dropped them into the most brutal world war in history. I am still reeling! I feel like I have just watched a movie, and like most good movies, it won't let me go.

The brutality inflicted on the Jewish people, the senselessness of war, and the desperation that it leads to are all depicted in a way that is both realistic and necessary. While God is rarely mentioned, when He is, it is with honesty from the characters, given the situation they found themselves in.

Hope is the underlying theme in this book. Hope for a better tomorrow, for peace, for love, and for two sisters who do the right thing in the face of inexplicable evil. 

I love to be entertained and enlightened while I'm reading. Barratt's research into the Warsaw Ghetto, the uprising there, and what Poland went through during the war gave this reader much to think about. I highly recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

1939 - 1945

I think when I first saw the cover of this book I was hoping it would be similar to the previous book I had read by the author, but it tells a different tale during a similar setting.

Two sisters lived in the city of Warsaw during the war. They go through many changes both together and separately. First, they see their Tata off to fight the war, and then they are presented with the death of their aunt at the hands of the Germans.

In many ways, the war separated them but not because they wanted to be, but because they reacted differently to what was happening around them. Secrets innocently kept begin the separation of the sisters, during a chaotic period.

I had a hard time connecting to this story in the beginning. It’s grittiness, and graphic nature though it is only a truthful narrative of what happened made it hard for me to read. But I stuck with it and I am glad, but I am left with a heaviness of what the people of Warsaw saw, lost, and suffered through but preserved in the end.

My gratitude to Netgalley and Revell. All opinions expressed are mine.

Interesting story of two sisters navigate life in Poland under Nazi occupation in WWII. Despite taking different paths, they each find a way to play their part in fighting the enemy.

World War 2 was thrust upon Warsaw residents with brutality and terror for all who lived there. Amanda Barratt has again shown us inhumaneness met with heroism. Women who risked all for others, wearing no uniform, yet deserving medals, who went forth to face the war in different roles. Two sisters who answered with steady resolve how they could make a difference. I could hardly wait to get to the author’s notes at the end to discover all the deep research and how these characters reflected the roles actual women took on during the five years Warsaw was under attack. This is not a happy Hallmark book, this is the character that develops when the worst of life happens, and yet faith remains a factor. I love the way Amanda writes in a descriptive manner that takes you there, and leaves you examining your own life, and asking how much you would sacrifice for strangers in desperate need. It is a love story, but not a romance. It is courage in in the face of devastation on all sides. It is love of family against uncertain outcomes. Warsaw Sisters is beyond 5 stars for me but have your tissues handy. Write on Amanda, bring history alive again.
Thanks to #Net Galley # Amanda Barratt #Revell

This was a very good book, but having had family who were part of WWII, it made it difficult for me to read, as the bad feelings I had from that time crept back in. Helena and Antonina are sisters that saw their father go off to war. Many of us have gone through this same exact thing, but when the war comes into their home and lives, things change drastically. Antonina is in love with Marek, a Jew, who is forced behind walls in the Warsaw ghetto. The question remains, will Marek, who also is a composer and violinist, make it through the war? Will he be the same or will he be changed? How about the sisters? How will life change for them? You can find the answers to these questions and more when you read this book. Amanda did a very good job in getting you into their story.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest review.

The Warsaw Sisters will become available November 7, 2023.

This story focus on the lives of two sisters, Antonia and Helena, and what happens when the evil that spread over Europe focuses on Poland.

We are with them when they Polish Army has such high hopes of defeating the enemy! Their father goes!

I really can't and don't want to imagine what it was like living under this evil, and the regard for human life is so low! The hate for God's chosen people, and be sure to read the author notes at the end when she reveal the number of survivors, very sad.

I enjoyed this read, even though I did know some of what was going to happen, and when they root for the red army to come, the best of two evils, horrible choice that they had no control over.

I'll now be look for more reads by this author!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.

The Warsaw Sisters is a heartbreaking account of the courage of the Polish people during WW2. As a Polish descendent myself, I was deeply moved and appreciated the accuracy and stark reality portrayed in this story. However, there is hope, woven through the unbelievable horror. This story rings with the truth that the Lord will never forsake us and the bonds of sisterhood will not be broken though all else lies in ruins.

The writing is very descriptive and well-done, but I felt like the characters voices could have been clearer. Halfway through the book I was still getting confused which point of view it was.

I also found myself wondering if the author had taken inspiration from The Pianist. Some of the instances were almost exact and I found myself a bit annoyed by the lack of uniquness in those few areas. However, that probably won't bother other readers.

Overall this was a gripping read. I definitely recommend this book if you enjoy sad stories, WW2 Poland, sister relationships, or Historical Fiction in general.

The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt is a heart wrenching taste of reality. Set during the occupation of Poland in 1939 through April 1945, Barratt follows the lives of twin sisters who fight individually against the Germans. Every time I read a World War II novel; I want to fight against the horrible Nazi’s. Makes me angry all that they had gotten away with. Reminds me slightly of what Biden tried to pull with his Covid vaccines in 2022. Not legal. I understand Hitler was worse, but if Americans did not stand up, I’m afraid the same thing will happen here one day. Anyways, as for the plot, Barratt did a good job of tugging at my heart a couple of times. I cringed. I wanted to cry. I was happy. The Teacher of Warsaw by Mario Escobar features inside the Ghetto that Barratt features in her story, but this time Barratt shows what the Polish people were doing to survive and fight on the outside. While the plot was nicely handled, Barratt has a skill at crafting characters that are three dimensional with pain, hurt, love, and strength. I wanted to see the girls succeed. Also, the setting was as much a character as the people moving through the story. Barratt showed the horror and destruction caused to the city and the buildings. Overall, The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt is a wonderful, yet haunting tale of Poland during World War II. I can’t wait to own this book in my library.

I received a complimentary copy of The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt from Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

"The Warsaw Sisters: A Novel of WWII Poland" by Amanda Barratt is a well-researched and sober account of the harrowing events during World War II, focusing on the experiences of two sisters, Antonina and Helena Dąbrowska. It is evident that the author has meticulously researched the historical backdrop, and this shines through in the authenticity of the narrative.

One of the strengths of this novel is its portrayal of human resilience, vividly showcasing the bravery and sacrifice of ordinary individuals in the face of unimaginable adversity. The story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who fought for freedom and humanity during one of the darkest periods in history.

However, I must admit that I didn't engage emotionally with this story as deeply as I have with the author's past works. Part of the reason for this is that the central relationship between Antonina and Marek didn't resonate with me, and I found it challenging to invest in their connection. Additionally, the rift between the sisters, while adding complexity to the plot, left me somewhat disconnected from their characters.

Furthermore, I found it somewhat surprising that the personal faith of the characters played only a minimal role in the story. Given that this is classified as Christian fiction, I expected a more pronounced exploration of faith and its impact on the characters' lives.

In conclusion, "The Warsaw Sisters" is a well-researched and historically grounded novel that sheds light on this period of Polish history. While I didn't connect with the characters as deeply as I had hoped and found the faith element somewhat understated, it remains a compelling read for those interested in the human stories of resilience and sacrifice during this tumultuous period in history.

3.5/5 stars

World War II, sadness, a little romance, secrets, fighting, underground. I personally like reading historical fiction, however, this one was so sad that I just couldn't love it. I realize that that's how WWII was, but I guess it's not something I'd normally choose to read in a fiction book.
Thank you to publisher and NetGalley for the advance e-copy of this book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

If you are looking for a book that takes you into the heart of Warsaw, Poland during the occupation of the German's of WW2--and you want to see the nitty gritty, uncomfortable truths of what life was like in that city for the average citizen and the Jew--this is a book for you.

If you want to see women tormented by the war and what they each have gone through wrestle with the question of where is God in the midst of this horror--this is a book for you.

You get to feel the terror of discovery with Antonia as she participates in the helping of the smuggling of Jewish children out of the ghetto. You will be side by side with Helena as she watches her friends die under her hands because she can't save them from the bomb blast or bullets.

In fact, the journey these two women go on as their paths diverge allows them to each reach their moment of "why God" and discovery of God's endless love and grace and mercy even in the midst of war and terror.

I also liked that the story included real characters like Irena Sendler who helps smuggle children out of the Jewish Ghetto--credited with 2500 children rescued.

Now--at first because of the journey each sister had to make--I was unsure if this truly was a Christian fiction selection. But finally they had their aha moment.

"For thou art with me." How coudl He be? How could we be anything but alone ina world where men slaughtered children in a courtyard, a world that held a place like Treblinka, a world devoid of hope? Perhpas He regarded our suffering adn deemed it justice for our sins. But how coudl He find justice in this and be anything but cruel? If justice He sought, then why hadn't the woman who besseched Him so fervently been spared instead of me? For my sins were plain. In my eyes, and surely in His."


Antonia struggled so much with what she saw and experienced. And she wrestled with this.

"You are not forsaken in His sight. Even in this. you must pray to Him to help you believe it is so". I had never forgotten the priest who had given me those words. In the months in Germany, I had clung to them....He is with us. There could be no greater hope. NO matter what this earth held, no matter how we were shaken and shattered, He alone endured.


Helena too finally understood.

And how many of us deal with the same things? I'm sure their thoughts rival our own when we see all the suffering in this world. But we can take heart from the same words.

4 Stars.

*I was given an ARC of this book by NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are 100% my own.

Oh my goodness . . . this book! Amanda Barratt's masterful storytelling and research skills are on full display in this stunning read. I loved The Warsaw Sisters! It's not necessarily an easy read . . . so much heartbreak woven through its pages. But there are glimpses of hope, too. This is the kind of story that stays with you. The reader in me couldn't stop reading and the writer in me is just plain in awe. And that ending . . . just beautiful. Come for the history, stay for the compelling and unputdownable story. I loved it, and I so, soooo highly recommend it!