Beautiful, sobering, heartfelt, poignant. I loved everything about it, only complaint is I wanted more!

David Reid is an aspiring photographer visiting his mother’s homeland when the Nazis begin their brutal and genocidal invasion of Poland. In a moment of desperation his host Baron Roenne has him to swear to deliver his wife and daughter safely to London. As the world around them begins to crumble, Nadia must place her trust in the American who despises.

I don’t want to ruin the story but there is so much to love about this book. David struggles with his past and is estranged from his family. He is burdened with guilt and regret. He feels that he is not capable enough to help Nadia to safety. The guilt and pain have separated him from his faith in God, doubt and fear are consist companions. But he vows to do as Baron Roenne has asked even though he knows Nadia doesn’t trust him or want his help.

Nadia has lead a pampered life. Wanted for nothing, at least as far as material things are concerned. Her mother and father have not shown her much affection, though she is certain of their love. She looks down at others not in her social standing, especially Americans like David. Her father always seemed to love all American things more than her.

As David and Nadia attempt their escape, they see firsthand the atrocities that have befallen the Poles at the hands of the Nazi army, all while being caught in the middle of the devastation and destruction. Their lives are forever changed by desperation to survive and to aid other Jews in escaping.

A tremendously heartbreaking, but hopefully story. Nadia changes so much throughout the book. She is humbled greatly, she finds strength in David, embraces faith in God, and sacrifices her safety and comfort time and time again. David strives for redemption for his past by helping Nadia to escape. But she helps him to realizes he is not God and he cannot control who lives or dies, he cannot be responsible for others actions. When survival trumps all other thoughts and notions, vulnerability strips them of their pride, they realize how much they need and care for each other.

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy, all opinions are my own.

Readers who like historical fiction will enjoy this story. Set in Poland during the Nazi invasion, Nadia, a privileged heiress finds her heart when her life is changed forever after her father is murdered. This new addition of the Heroines of WWII series follows Nadia and photographer, David Reid as they try to save Jewish families from the atrocities. Recommended.

I have never read anything by this author but I was pleasantly surprised. Angela Couch captures the invasion of Poland beautifully. She uses history to paint both a painful picture of war but also the story of love in the midst of war. She also reminds the reader of the relationship that one can have with God even if they have messed up. Her characters are not perfect and struggle with real sins but she shows the redemption that only God can bring.

If you like historical fiction, I highly recommend this book.

Fantastic read! Nadia is forced to flee Poland with a man who she does not like. When the American photographer, David Reid finds himself promising to see Nadia to safety, he had no idea what that promise would cost him. Nadia and David are forced to work together to escape Poland before they are captured. Thrown together and fighting for their lives, Nadia and David might find a tense friendship turn into much more than they could have ever thought.
I absolutely loved this book. I felt as though I was right alongside Nadia and David. This is a story of hope and survival. I would absolutely recommend this book to any friends and family.

The main characters David and Nadia are both strong and engaging. The story set in 1939 Poland has lots of good historical detail from a horrifically difficult time. Like all the books from the Heroines of WWII series I was moved by the choices ordinary people made to saved the lives of others, often strangers, even as their own lives were put in great hardship and peril. Capturing Hope is a good title. While the circumstances were dark, hope was woven throughout. The plot moves along at a good pace with plenty of suspense and unexpected turns telling a powerful story of sacrifice, forgiveness and love.
Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the opportunity to read for my honest review.

"Only God above."

The Heroines of WWII series continues with Capturing Hope by Angela K. Couch. I have read several of the books in this series and this is a powerful story. I received an advanced reader's copy from Barbour Fiction through NetGalley. This is my unsolicited opinion about it.
Nadia Roenne is of the upper class in Poland. She has little regard for those who are beneath her. She can't stand Americans. Her world comes to a crashing halt when her father is been murdered. Her mother leaves with the murderous Germans to return to her native land.
American photographer, David Reid, is an honorable man who is determined to keep his promise to get Nadia to a safer country despite how she treats him. They undertake a desperate journey to escape, to survive the Nazi invasion.
This book is excellently written, true to historical events. (In one way the book gives me an eerie sensation because of current world events with the invasion of Israel.) Each of the two main characters change as they endure the dangerous journey. I could feel anxiety during particularly dramatic scenes. Nadia's changes are realistic and meaningful. Nearly halfway through the book I knew I loved these two characters and their involvement with those around them. There is a major twist too!
I give the book a 4.8. It's a great addition to the series that features heroic women during World War Two.

WWII story of a woman from a wealthy family who teams up with an American to escape Poland, and finds purpose along the way in rescuing Jewish children..

I was a little nervous reading this book - I don’t like anything too exciting. But! I still couldn’t put it down because I had to know.

There were a lot of surprises - a huge amount of unexpected forgiveness in the end.

It was a great story that I read in 1 sitting - I highly recommend.

I just reviewed Capturing Hope by Angela K Couch. #CapturingHope #NetGalley

Poland 1939

Affluent Nadia Roenne's world is upended when Nazis invade not only her country, but her home as well. American David Reid promises her father that he would get Nadia safely to England. They both show heart and courage in their journey. Several tense moments as they find themselves in difficult situations. Nadia and David not only try to save themselves, but Polish citizens they meet along the way.

There was a plot twist I didn't anticipate. Overall, I didn't find this novel as strong as the author's first book in this series (A Rose for the Resistance). My interest was fully engaged in the third quarter of the novel and not as much in the other sections. The author shines a light on the heroes and heroines that made a difference during this dark time in Polish history.

My gratitude to publisher Barbour for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

"Capturing Hope" is a Christian romance set in 1939 in Poland. Nadia was raised to think herself as above others, but she's lonely because even her parents don't seem to love her. David feels responsible for a relative's death when he was young, and he's determined to get Nadia to safety after her father makes him promise to help her escape Poland. They're more aware than most about Hitler's hatred for Jews, so David gives his seat on an escape plane to a Jewish family and Nadia's inspired to do the same. As bombs fall on Warsaw and David captures the truth on film, Nadia can't abandoned those left orphaned...especially the Jews. Every time David finds a way to escape, Nadia ends up sending those in more danger in their place. As they spend time together, David comes to love the increasingly kind and caring Nadia, and Nadia appreciates his courage, kindness, and sacrificial character. They're better people for knowing each other.

The main characters were engaging and reacted realistically to events. Historical details were woven into the story. There was plenty of suspense due to the dangers from the invasion. David was a Christian. Nadia questioned if God cared about them and life after death. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable historical.

In a world ensnared by the icy grip of Nazi tyranny, a noblewoman’s hope shines as a beacon of unwavering courage, love, and Christian faith. Capturing Hope is a captivating tribute to the unsung heroines of World War 2. I passionately recommend this novel for anyone who craves a heart-pounding narrative steeped in adventure, intrigue, and the timeless strength of love. It’s an unmissable journey that will captivate your soul and leave an indelible mark on your heart.

Angela K. Couch's latest work introduces readers to a cast of characters so intricately crafted that they leap off the page and into your heart. These characters grapple with profound emotions, inner conflicts, and personal struggles that make them not just relatable but deeply endearing. As the story unfolds, the emotional depth of their journeys becomes a powerful catalyst for reflection in the reader's own life. You'll find yourself witnessing their trials and triumphs as if you are right there with them. Couch's ability to infuse her characters with authenticity and vulnerability is nothing short of remarkable. Through their stories, readers are invited to explore themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the healing power of love, leaving an enduring impact on their own lives. It's a testament to the author's skill that these characters continue to resonate long after the final page is turned, reminding us of the enduring power of storytelling to touch our hearts and inspire our souls.

The resilience of the human spirit and the power of Christian faith intertwine in this beautifully crafted story. This book held my attention from start to finish. Its irresistible narrative kept me engaged and captivated. Even now, many days after turning the last page, its characters, theme, and vivid descriptions linger in my thoughts and heart.

I received an eARC of Capturing Hope from Celebrate Lit Publicity Group via NetGalley. I want to emphasize that I neither had an obligation to compose a favorable review nor received any compensation for my words. The sentiments expressed here genuinely reflect my sincere evaluation of the significant impact this book has had on me.

This is a great WWII read!
Set in Poland as the Nazis march in, an American photographer and Heiress are thrown together. Trying to flee to safely, London, their number begins to grow. They cannot turn away those who are fleeing the death and destruction.
There are many twists and turns. I did not want to put this story down!
We must never forget the evil that has happened in the past and we must do all we can to fight against the evils of our day.

Another entry in the Heroines of WW2 series, Barbour Publishing’s Capturing Hope by Angela K. Crouch gives us the story of Nadia Roenne and her escape from Poland at the beginning of WW2.

While it is difficult to read about the events of those days in Poland, Couch has given us a well researched and well written book, filled with well-developed characters. History, faith, and some romance combine to make this an excellent read.

Many thanks to Barbour Publishing and Net Galley for my copy of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.

Capturing Hope tells the story of Nadia, the wealthy daughter of a Polish Baron, and her journey to escape Nazi occupied Poland at the start of WWII. Assisted by David, an American friend of her father's, she leaves her comfortable world behind in her attempt to escape. Along the way, she finds purpose, faith, and love for others that she did think herself capable of.
This book has all the best kinds of predictable elements without being too cliche. She was a strong character, who still needed help and was still teachable. It incorporated elements of faith without being cheesy.

This book was hard for me to read. The plot seemed dark and unrelenting and the characters seemed flat to me.
Nadia Roenne's father tasked David Reid to get her out of Poland and to England safely. At every turn, Nadia thwarted his attempts to leave the country. Along the way, she collected all kinds of children, a couple of mothers with the children, and a baby whose mother died shortly after childbirth. For the baby, she also had to get a goat for the milk to add to the entourage. Given the chances she had to leave Poland, she gives them up to others and creates more havoc throughout the book.

I appreciate the work Angela K Couch put into the research for the events in Poland and the difficulties experienced by the Poles at the hands of the Germans. For me, the book lacked dimension, it seemed to be a retelling of events rather than a cohesive story. The best part of the story came in at the epilogue when all the bits and pieces got all tied up in a nice, little package.

I know Barbour Publishing has put a lot of work in bringing this series to its readers. Overall I love the Heroines of WWII series. This one felt just a bit off for me. Three stars

Barbour Publishing did provide the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

I liked reading this book and the story. It never ceases to amaze me what I can see and learn from, a book

Capturing Hope
by Angela K Couch
Publisher: Barbour Publishing
Series: Heroines of WW2
Rated: 5
Obtain: Borrow or buy (and share with a friend)
Back of the Book: “One step ahead of the Nazi’s. . .leaves Nadia little room for hope.
Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this new series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.
After her father is murdered by Nazis and her mother flees to her native Germany, hope is something of which Nadia Roenne feels little—even if it is the meaning of her name. It isn’t until an American photographer sacrifices his escape from Poland to save a Jewish family, that she finds a purpose. David Reid is very familiar with failure, but when he is charged with getting Nadia safely out of Poland, he is determined to succeed—even if she works against him at every turn, putting other’s lives ahead of her own. While they race against the daily shower of bombs over Warsaw and the ever-nearing German army, Nadia grows used to risking her life. . .but dare she risk her heart?”

Impressions: What an adventure. I did not want to put this book down. I really enjoyed the characters' growth as the plot thickened. It felt like each economic class was represented by how they were affected by the war, which was interesting. This is one of those books where I want there to be more. I feel like the other characters could have side stories that would be fun to read about. I have enjoyed this series and all the different authors who I've gotten to know from it.

Quotes: “The pretense of happiness is a finely developed skill.”

“I would like to think that death is stepping into our Savior’s arms. That He is waiting there, in that moment, for us.” - I don’t like to get hung up on what death is going to be like for myself but I liked the idea of walking into my Savior's arms.

“I hate Nazis and Germans who are hurting our people, but I think we must be careful how we judge individuals.” - It is easy to generalize and group people into stereotypes, but do you ever get too caught up in a stereotype that you need to reset your thoughts and heart. I think knowledge helps me keep from making stereotypes a primary tool in understanding people. What do you use to understand people around you?

I received an ARC of this book via the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.

Two basically strangers that end up risking their lives to help others. Yes, this is a continuing theme as the evil that was flooding Europe comes into Poland.

So much hate for God's Chosen People, and we are there witnessing this and then the Hope of those that are willing and do help others at the expense of possibly loosing their own lives.

So much danger, but then there are secrets, and we are there as some of them unfold, and we are gifted a page turner! This is such a great read, and we need to never forget and hopefully never repeat what happened!

Be sure to read epilogue!

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

I’m not much of a history buff so a lot of this story I wasn’t really aware of. It is set in 1939 when Germany begins their invasion of Poland with the goal of destroying the country and primarily the Jewish people living there. Many are fleeing the country any way they can. Nadia’s father is wealthy and has asked his photographer friend, an American named David, to see her safely to England. Her mother has chosen to return to her native Germany. Their travels are not without sacrifice and danger. Nadia gives as much as she can to help others even though it puts her in more danger. David is taking pictures along the way in hopes of getting information to the world about the atrocities happening in Poland.
At times this is a difficult read due to the terrible things happening to the people. Within that there is also hope that it will get better. This is a novel based on historical events so there is a blending of what Nadia and David do with the actions of the German army. I found this to be an enlightening story and am so glad I chose to read it.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

I loved it! This is my first book by the author and I was pleasantly surprised. At first, I thought it’d take time for me to like the heroine, Nadia. She came off as proud and snobbish but as the story unfolds we get to understand her better and she’s not as bad as I had first thought. The hero is easily likeable but we also see he has his own faults too, which is fine because no one is perfect really. This story has you rooting for them not just to get together but to also get to safety too. I enjoyed the minor characters, the children were enjoyable and I see the quiet strength in Zoita and others. We see them having to return back to their faith and really lean on God in a world where things weren’t making sense and Him coming through for them like He does for us. The faith aspect was subtle yet unmistakable. Overall, I will definitely recommend this book to everyone who loves a good historical read with enough twists and turns to leave it unpredictable yet still delightful.

I received an ARC from NetGalley but the thoughts and opinions are solely mine.