I am a fan of the charming Steel books, so I was a bit startled by the heaviness of this novel taking place in WW II Germany. It’s the story of Sophia who goes through enormous change and pain during the war. Her father, a righteous doctor, is arrested and murdered when he refuses to participate in Nazi persecution and killings of undesirables. Her dream is serving her faith as a nun, so she has moved to a convent. Even there, she is not safe.

Because of her connection to him, she is brought to the infamous Ravensbruck concentration camp. She helps to engineer an escape. As a nun, she has no interest in romance, but the rescue of a downed officer makes her question her vocation.

Though I found this book compelling, I generally expect a Steel book to bring me joy, but this was disappointing.

Thank you Netgalley for this very different Danielle Steel book.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. This new book by Danielle Steel is a deeper, harder to read story concerning a young woman in Germany during World War II, Sophia Alexander.. The story focuses on her becoming a nurse, becoming involved in the underground resistance, and ultimately deciding to become a nun. I don’t want to divulge to much of the story, suffice to say, it has great suffering and heartbreak with much joy and happiness. I enjoyed this quick book and would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction..

Sophia Alexander's courage is put to the test when faced with her mother's illness, sister's struggles and World War II looming. Forced to grow up early, she puts herself in danger to save others.

Although still a novice, her faith gets her through challenging circumstances, While bravely facing obstacles, they leave Sophia examining if the convent is her calling. While Danielle Steel is regarded for her romance novels, historical fiction provide her best and heart-felt stories.

Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the early edition of #OnlytheBrave in exchange for an honest review. My only issue with the novel was that it ended and wrapped up too quickly. It would have benefited from an epilogue or an additional chapter.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House publishing group for the opportunity to read this ARC!

I have read so many Danielle Steel books over the years and she’s one of the authors who got me into reading. I loved this one. Love when she does historical fiction like Message from Nam! This one takes us on a journey with Sophia as she navigates her life in WW2 with inspirations to be a nun. It was a heartbreaking and heartwarming story at the same time. We see her do much good in the face of adversity and never lose her spirit of giving.

4.5 Stars for this amazing book. Steel's books are always a good read - some better than others but always stories with great characters, warmth, and real life struggles. This book was a hard read due to the era but by the time you realized it, you are fully involved and care deeply about Sophia and those around her. It was difficult to read as fiction was woven with fact and the author doesn't gloss over the wartime events including bombings, hidden children, round-ups, and more. Reading about concentration camps and other terrors made this book very emotional and one that will stick with me for a long time. Now more than ever this story resonates. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley.

This talented and gifted author has written a fantastic book of historical fiction which is really nonfiction in parts. The characters are realistic, for the most part, and the history is mysterious and intriguing. The war was horrible, and what happened to those involved beyond words. This popular author has once again written in her historical genre to bring us a book that will be remembered. Some parts are difficult to read/to comprehend/but true events. I read this book without stopping except when I had to. It is a real page turner. It is a must read. This happened. This could happen. This might happen. Thanks Netgalley. Thank you Danielle Steel again.

Omgosh. Danielle Steel has wrote another superb historical fiction novel. I couldn't put it down. I like many of her novels but I love the historical books better. This one takes place in Germany during the the Hitler Era. Although it flirted with some previous novels I still loved it. I would diffently recommend this book to anyone that is interested in a good book to cuddle up with

"Only the Brave" by Danielle Steel is a powerful historical novel set in World War II Germany, centering on the courageous journey of Sophia Alexander. As the daughter of a prominent surgeon in Berlin, Sophia must assume responsibilities beyond her years when her mother falls ill. The narrative explores her growth, resilience, and involvement in the resistance against Hitler's regime.

The story delves into Sophia's personal sacrifices and determination to protect her family and aid in the resistance efforts. Tragedy strikes with her mother's death, propelling Sophia into a more active role in the resistance. The plot intensifies as she assists her sister's escape from Germany, facing increasing danger and personal loss.

Danielle Steel portrays the harsh realities of the time, depicting Sophia's involvement in the resistance, her father's arrest and imprisonment, and her own risky endeavors to help Jewish children find safety. The novel captures the tension, fear, and oppression of the era, while highlighting moments of compassion and bravery.

The narrative explores Sophia's commitment to aiding those in need, even at the risk of her own freedom. The involvement with the Sisters of Mercy adds layers to the story, showcasing Sophia's resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

"Only the Brave" promises a poignant portrayal of war, compassion, and courage, blending historical accuracy with the personal journey of a strong female protagonist. Readers interested in historical fiction, particularly focused on World War II, may find this novel compelling. If you've read the book, feel free to share your thoughts or discuss specific aspects that resonated with you!

THIS is why I continue to read Danielle Steel novels - for that gem that comes out periodically. “Only the Brave” was such a gem. Sophia Alexander is a responsible young woman coming of age in Germany at the start of the rise of Hitler. She is the daughter of a renowned surgeon who operates his own surgical center in Berlin. He operates on those in the high commands of the German military as well as the smallest sick Jewish child. As a member of the Aryan race, he has enjoyed prosperity while Sophia looks after her sick mother and frivolous younger sister. The reader gets to see the rise of the Third Reich through Sophia’s eyes and experience the atrocities of Hitler to Jews and gentiles alike.
Sophia decides that she wants to join the convent and follow in the steps of her hero, Edith Stein, a woman who was born Jewish, but entered the convent as a nun who opposed the Nazis. The majority of the story follows Sophia as she uses her calling to help the anti-Nazi movement while the world she has known crumbles around her. The descriptions and terror are keenly felt and I found myself tearing up and actively crying quite a few times and yet, I couldn’t put this book down. Using one of my most hated DS words, it’s one of her most “important” works. I could go off on a political rant, but suffice it to say, read this one. Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Books for the advanced copy in return for my honest review.