I really enjoyed this one.
I'm always a little apprehensive reading WW2 fiction these days, expecting them to be similar.
I knew within a few pages of starting this that I'd love it. There's a lot of intrigue in the opening chapter to hook the reader and drive the pace of the story forward.
The plot then opens up to involve more characters, and by then, I was truly invested.
A very interesting story that taught me about an area of artefacts I knew little of.

Tried really hard to get I to this one but was unable to, so this one was a DNF for me. Willing to try the author and the narrator again in the future but I just wasn’t feeling this one.

The Porcelain Maker is a dual timeline story that is set during WW2 and 1993 in Germany. Bettina Vogel is a German artist and Max Ehrlich a German architect. They meet at a party full of artists and are immediately attracted to one another. They fall in love, but being Jewish in Hitler's Germany is not safe. Max is reported to the SS and sent to Dachau. Bettina's work is considered degenerative, and although some people still sell it and want it, she can not make a living. She marries an SS man to protect herself and when she has a daughter, she is trapped. Max works in the porcelain factory in Dachau and is kept safe by the man who runs it. He and Bettina meet there for a time, but eventually are found out. In 1993, Bettina's daughter and granddaughter are in Germany trying to find out who Clara's father is. Tracking down porcelain figurines and who originally owned them gives her clues. Will they find her father?

I enjoyed this beautifully written story. Although it is set in Dachau, a camp for Jews, we don't see a lot of the horrors and Max is safe working in the factory. I really enjoyed the love story between Bettina and Max and how much they tried to keep each other's sprits up, as well as what they were trying to do with their porcelain figurines. I will say that I enjoyed both timelines, but enjoyed the past more. It was interesting to see how Clara was able to put information together to help in her search. One of the reasons I enjoy historical fiction is that I like to learn about things in the past that I don't know about. I knew that the Jewish prisoners were used as slave labor in the factories around the camps, but I knew nothing about Allach porcelain factory. Himmler's plans for this factory making beautiful white animals with the SS insignia to demonstrate German culture and workmanship, may have kept many alive, but still prisoners under terrible circumstances. This is a story that is not too heavy considering the time it is set. It is also hopeful and showed how some of the Germans would still do what they could to help the Jewish people. I definitely recommend it. I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Kristin Atherton. She does a nice job with the voices and storytelling. You would have thought there was more than one narrator, especially with the male and female voices.

Thank you to the publishers, author and NetGalley for the free copy of this audio book.

This one took a bit for me to get into but picked up speed and ended up being really enjoyable. I got thrown off a little by the dual timelines on this one but it wasn't bad. The narrator did a good job.

The Porcelain Maker is great historical fiction mixed with art. This is a beautiful entertaining and at times sad story.

This is a book that spans many years and has a dual timeline. The main characters are talented artists that try to adjust to the world during WWII. I had no idea that Hitler did not like and discouraged what was considered modern art before and during WWII. The war is difficult for the Jews in the story and also for those that are not Jews.

I knew that Hitler and the Nazi's collected and stole art during WWII. But I did not know that the art included porcelain that the Nazi's produced, collected and gave as gifts. I spent days researching the porcelain that the Nazi's made before and during the war.. You can still see the actual porcelain in pictures with SS members. Some of them are for sale, but they have not been made since WWII ended.

I listened to the audiobook and also read some of the book. The narrator, Kristin Atherton, did a great job. I love having access to both, so I can listen in the car and read the book later in the house.

I was honestly so bored by this audiobook, I found it really difficult to pay attention. The narrator was bland, but I feel like I’d have liked the actual book more so I’ll be generous with my stars!

What a stunning debut! It was powerful and poignant and incredibly easy to become immersed in.

Freethy effortlessly weaves two time periods as we travel between Germany in 1929 and America in 1993. It’s a heartbreakingly beautiful but cruel tale of survival and hope.

I applaud how well written it was and the meticulous research that must have gone into teaching us readers the authenticity of the factories and porcelain making.

This one’s certainly worth checking out if you’re a fan of historical fiction!

I was a little bit skeptical going into this book because I've read so much WW2 historical fiction that it's hard to do anything new in that genre/era. That said, The Porcelain Maker was a bit different than any other WW2 historical fiction that I've read previously. It centers around a love story and the things that people do to try and survive. I loved that this had an element of social protest and art to it. I think that made this feel very unique. The ending was also different than I was anticipating. All in all, if you like WW2 historical fiction, I think this should definitely be on your "To read" list.

This debut novel is good! I loved the idea of the story line but I feel like the execution could have been better. I didn't feel super invested in the characters and the story itself isn't super memorable other than the idea of the porcelain. If more time was spent to create a connection to the characters, more emotion could have been attained.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! No spoilers. Beyond amazing I enjoyed this audiobook so very much. The characters and storyline were fantastic. The ending I did not see coming Could not put down nor did I want to. Truly Amazing and appreciated the whole story. This is going to be a must listen for many many readers. Maybe even a book club pick.

This novel is a World War 2 historical fiction love story. It's 1993 and Clara, along with her daughter, is searching to find out who her father is. During Clara's search, which revolves around porcelain figurines, we go back in time to before WW2 in Germany. We meet Bettina who is Clara's mother and an artist in 1929. Clara falls in love with Max, a Jew, which will shortly be a problem for them and then even against the law. This is also the story of survival and the ways regular citizens can fight back against the law when those in charge are evil. The narration is well done.

The Porcelain Maker is a dual time period story that revolves around an unknown part of WW2 history that was new for this reader. I was lucky to get both the digital arc in audio and kindle format - I love being a hybrid reader. Both worked nicely, the reader for the audio was stellar bringing this story to life.

The past story begins in 1929 giving the history of Bertie and Max's relationship and what transpired until they meet again in Dachau concentrate camp. In Dachau there is a porcelain factory where this story gets its inspiration.

Jump ahead to 1993 as Bertie's daughter seeks to trace her roots and find out who her father really is.

The Porcelain Marker is an intriguing story that was well written, mysterious and heart breaking, given the time period how could it be anything but. Definitely a good fit for those HF readers who like something different.

I love the author notes, I miss them especially in a story like this. It would have been great to know the author's inspiration and what was fact vs fiction.

My thanks to St. Martin's Press and Macmillain Audio for advanced copies in exchange for a honest review.

Heart-wrenching story.. Very Deep and Moving!

I found so many parts that broke my heart. The story was captivating and the characters were memorable. There was so much packed into this book that you need a minute to process before picking up the next book.

Audiobook: read by Kristin Atherton
Kristin read with a thick accent that at times had me going back to make sure I heard correctly. Especially if I was distracted. This kept me on my toes.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

I need to remind myself that very few WWII stories are going to have a happy ending to them, even the romances. That makes them even more realistic though and I really appreciate that. This one was so beautifully done. Their love story was beautiful and I had so much hope but I was absolutely shattered by the ending. That’s the best kind of book though. Sweeps you right up and knocks you off your feet. I loved this one. It left me wanting more for sure.

Honestly, it has been a while since I read a historical fiction novel that I just couldn’t really follow the storyline. I tried both digitally and the audiobook and neither really solidified what was happening. I think that’s also because I struggled to really connect with the characters.

It covers the horrors of war, the artistry of porcelain, and jumps from the WWII era to the modern era. A modern daughter searches for the truth that goes all the way back to the war, and the lengths people will go to in order to protect those they love.

I think it might have just been the time I was reading it, because the storyline is truly one I would enjoy. If you like historical fiction, definitely give this a shot. The audio is well read as well.

This stunning cover drew me in. The Porcelain Maker houses such stunning artwork and craftsmanship surrounded by the Holocaust, making this an unforgettable read.

Max and Bettina fell in love, from the moment Max saw her painting, their love is fast and all consuming. As a Jew Max is forced into hiding, using his hands for Porcelain in a factory rather than sculpting. Bettina leaves the bustling city of Berlin to hide in plain sight as her and Max save up for an escape. Living with her estranged brother, a member of Hitler's Nazi party and her mother.

The Love and story woven between 1993 and 1929 are part "The Woman in Gold" part Holocaust love story. Beautiful, heartbreaking and extraordinary.

Thank you Netgalley, St. Martins Press and Macmillan Audio for the ALC!

What a story full of heart and heartache! There’s something about books set in the WWII era that always brings me to my knees and this one was no different. The dual timeline was intriguing and both were as interesting as the other, which I find rare. Usually one timeline grabs my attention more. The characters were great, they’re ones you’re rooting for and are just so dang likable.

This was a success in my eyes!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5 Stars

Happy publication to Sarah Freethy and The Porcelain Maker! Thank you to Sarah Freethy, Erica Martirano, and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read a physical copy of the book prior to its publication date.

And thank you to the author, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley ( @netgalley ) for allowing me to read an ALC (Advanced Listener 🎧 Copy). The narrator🎙️for this audiobook 🎧 is Kristin Atherton.

The ARC and ALC copies were provided to me in exchange for an honest review!

📅 The Porcelain Maker is now available for purchase at your local bookstore or online. The book was published on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. 📅

If you are a lover of historical fiction, please pick up a copy of this book. I just read Sisters of the Rising Sun by Heather Morris and she gives a rave review to Sarah Freethy. The quote follows: “Brilliant…a page-turning journey that uncovers a past of heroism and betrayal, love, and loss.”

A dual timeline novel that takes place in Germany, year 1929 and America, year 1993.

In 1993, Clara embarks in a journey to learn more about her ancestry and family lineage. Her mother, Bettina, has been very tight lipped about who Clara’s father is and she is bound and determined to find out who he is.

Clara’s research takes the reader to Germany circa 1929 during the threat of Nazism. Two lovers, Bettina and Max, are separated while trying to escape to safety.

Max is arrested and sent to a concentration camp where he is sentenced to making porcelain figurines. Hence, being named the Porcelain Maker. Bettina cannot fathom living without Max by her side. She sets out to find and save him because she would rather die than live another day without him.

Beautifully written. Pulls at your heart strings. Educates the reader. Brutal but captivating. Inspired by the Allach porcelain factory in Dachau where figurines were made by forced labor in the concentration camps.

4.5 honestly might have to round up to 5?! This debut was BEAUTIFUL! I could not put this down. Once I was in it, I was there to stay. This is about how art can bring people together, how cruel people can be, and how love can save & break us. I am truly crushed. The narrator did a great job. I would listen again. Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen in exchange for a review.

Title: "The Porcelain Maker" by Sarah Freethy

"The Porcelain Maker" is a riveting tale that seamlessly weaves love, betrayal, and art across decades, from the shadows of World War II to the complexities of 21st-century America. Inspired by the haunting backdrop of a porcelain factory in Dachau, the narrative unfolds through the intertwined lives of Max, a skilled Jewish architect, and Bettina, a sometimes celebrated painter.

Set against the backdrop of 1929 Germany, the story commences with a whirlwind romance between Max and Bettina. As the threat of Nazism looms, their lives take a perilous turn, leading Max to the horrors of Dachau. The novel skillfully captures the tension of the era, where survival hinges on strength, loyalty, and discerning friend from foe.

Fast forward to 1993 America, where Clara, Bettina's daughter, embarks on a quest to unravel the mysteries of her lineage. The narrative seamlessly shuttles between time periods, immersing readers in the darkness of Nazi Germany and the challenges of Clara's contemporary journey. The author masterfully crafts a tale of enduring love and courage in the face of unimaginable brutality.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its vivid portrayal of characters, especially the resilient Bettina and the talented Max, whose survival depends on their artistry in a place of unspeakable horrors. The exploration of Clara's quest adds depth to the narrative, questioning the reasons behind her mother's silence about their painful past.

"The Porcelain Maker" is a poignant exploration of the human spirit's resilience, love's endurance, and the profound impact of historical atrocities. The author's meticulous research and evocative storytelling create a powerful narrative that lingers in the reader's mind long after the final page. This is a compelling read for those who appreciate historical fiction with a profound emotional impact.

"The Porcelain Maker" deeply touched my emotions; I found myself in tears. The narrative is profoundly moving, making it a beautiful addition to my personal library. I'll be keeping a close watch on this author for future works, captivated by the emotional resonance woven into this unforgettable story. The audiobook version was spectacular. They put a lot of work into the production value. It felt like listening to a movie. Highly recommend! Thanks to St. Martins Press and Sarah Freethy for the opportunity to have an advance listen to this audiobook.