This was a beautiful story that appealed to me for so many reasons. I love to cook and bake, and as as someone with Jewish ancestry, I too have lost relatives who I am still trying to find. I enjoyed the dual timeline, as the story switched between Zoe and Chana, and how their connection was slowly revealed in each chapter. I found myself as eager as Zoe to uncover her family's history.

The minor characters in the story were also well-developed, and aside from a few unsavory antagonists, I grew to love them all. As someone who reads a lot of historical fiction, this book featured a setting and characters that were unique enough to keep me engaged. And I definitely related to the idea of baking as therapy! Despite the backdrop of the Holocaust and persecution of Jews, this book was ultimately hopeful and happy. 4.5 stars!

This book was amazing. The novel takes placed after WWII in Vienna where we read about a family of 3...the Rosensweig family. The mother Ruth, her son Aron and her daughter Chana. We meet them in 1946 after they leave the Displaced Person camp and arrive in Vienna. There they will be resettled until they are able to get visas to go to America. For them they stay together as they find jobs at The Empress Hotel doing menial labor and live in a boardinghouse together in one room. This is a story of family, the struggles of refugees from the Holocaust wanting to leave Europe. Chana is the main focus in the book, a young woman who wants to be a baker just like her father. Along the way she finds herself in a love triangle, making her life somewhat more difficult. Living in Vienna which was divided into sections run by the United States, Soviet Union, Britain and France was difficult. It is dangerous to be out after curfew (or for that fact any time). The area is crowded with black market dealers, thieves and the many men who seek the bodies of young females It is Zoe Rosenzweig who is the stepping stone that sets the story. As a journalist, she flies to Vienna to cover the story of a man, a famous baker, she believes to have known her family and begins to unravel this remarkable tale. As we take this journey with Zoe, it is hard to believe all that these survivors had to endure. With immigration quotas from many countries, getting a visa to leave Europe was next to impossible. This was an emotional story, one which will resonate within me for quite a while. My thanks to Sharon Kurtzman who wrote this remarkable novel as well as NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

We often hear/read stories about what happened in specific areas during WW2, but we never hear anything about what happened afterwards in Germany, Austria and other places that had been taken over by Hitler and his people to the refugees left behind. Their businesses, homes, and part of their families gone. This story is based mainly in 1946 in Vienna, Austria, where a young woman by the name of Chana Rosensweig, is trying to make ends meet with her brother Aaron and her mother. As the months pass in not being successful in getting a visa and passage to the family in America, Chana catches herself in the middle of a situation. Two men offering very different ways out of the world they are in, one who loves baking as much as she does and the other who works the black market getting the ingredients needed for baking. Both have their own stories, both claim to love her and now Chana must decide does she follow her dreams or follow her heart. But she doesn’t care though as long as her mother and brother are safe. Then the tragic fire in July 1946 happens and the true story is lost…or is it?

Because in 2018, Zoe came across information in her grandfather Aaron Rosenzweigh’s house that might not just help save the house that she grew up in after her parents died, but it could be the break she needs to become a successful journalist. The problem is though that she will need to decide what is better, hearing about her family history or breaking the NDA and writing the story about the owner of a successful baker & business man who is telling it. Just like her great aunt had to make a decision that would affect her future, now Zoe does.

This is a very interesting book that tells a new side of things that we had not thought about. While I really got into it more in the 2nd half of it, there were a few times in the first few chapters I had to walk away. So while some can love it from the start, others might not. It is one book that you will want to finish when everything finally comes together and makes sense.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishing company for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion

This emotional story inspired by the author’s family is exactly what historical fiction readers are looking for!

We meet Zoe in 2018. After losing her grandfather, a holocaust survivor, she discovers clues to his past and decides to look into it to see what she can uncover.

We meet Chana Rosensweig and her family in 1946. They are now free after the war. But freedom isn’t that simple and there is danger at every turn. Chana’s only joy is sneaking out during the night to bake her beloved father’s recipes. But duty to her family and a love triangle turn Chana’s world upside down.

This beautiful story of survival, family, love and loss is told in dual timeline through Zoe and Chana’s points of view. Throughout the story, you get pieces of the puzzle that will have you flying through the pages of this book to find out what happens. You see this family’s struggles with life post war and watch them find the strength to start over. This story also depicts our FMC’s resilience, courage and determination to follow her own path.!i absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it to all historical fiction lovers!

Thank you to NetGally and Penguin Group (Viking Penguin) for the opportunity to read an ARC of The Lost Baker of Vienna in exchange for my honest review.

Zoe finds a document in her grandfathers belongings which sends her on a quest to find the history of her grandfather’s family in 1946 Vienna. In a dual timeline we learn of Chandra’ and Aron’s journey in post war Vienna. This post war story illustrates how difficult it continued to be for the Jewish people.

Following the death of her beloved grandfather Aron, Zoe discovers something among his possessions that will lead her to Vienna- and the long-lost story of her great-aunt Chana. When WWII comes to an end, Chana, Aron and their mother attempt to get to America and escape the memories of life under the Nazis. They are waylaid in Vienna where their lives are changed forever.

This was an enjoyable historical fiction novel that offers a unique perspective of Europe immediately following WW2. The characters are easy to root for and though I guessed some of the plot points, I still had a good time reading this novel. I don’t love dual timeline but it was done fairly well here and we didn’t spend too much time getting bogged down in Zoe’s 2018 timeline.

I’m not sure this novel will stick with me long-term but I did enjoy it. Thank you to NetGalley, Edelweiss and Pamela Dorman Books for the egalley.

4 stars

This was a heartbreaking dual timeline post World War 2 book. I thought both timelines were interweaved well, but the twist was predictable. Nevertheless, reading about Chana’s journey was still highly enjoyable yet heartwrenching at times when the character’s backstories are brought up.

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an e-ARC of this book!

A dual timeliness novel that takes place.during the dark times of World War two and mosern times.. a glorious well-written novel. It had me hooked from.the first page.until the last.

This started off in a somewhat Hallmark fashion--girl writer looking for a break and to find out about her family history after her grandfather dies. But Hallmark never could imagine something as heartbreaking and very real as Sharon Kurtzman offers in this book. I could not stop reading it! All in one sitting (a long sitting) is how I read it. First of all , it deals with the postwar period and resettlement of refugees--not the clean and easy process one would like to think--there are black marketeers, revenge plots by gangsters--and romance, betrayal, Our protagonist, the young writer in the modern ear, faces challenges to her wits, and her integrity. All believable. All well done.
I'm afraid to say too much--don't want to give away the plot. Just let me say that the pacing is that of a suspense novel--quick, cliff hanging, but with emotional depth as well as amazing action, fight scenes. Life in the early 1950s was no picnic for those who had survived WWII but once freed from death camps had no place to live.
I love historical fiction and this is one of the best I've recently read.

The Lost Baker of Vienna is a wonderfully written dual timeline novel which takes place during the aftermath of the Holocaust and 2018. Usually with these types of novels, I find myself enjoying one timeline more than the other. That is not the case with this novel. Ms. Kurtzman does a terrific job of keeping you engaged from start to finish. A moving and compelling story of survival, resilience, and the strong bond of family.

Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for an advanced copy of this novel.

I couldn't put this fast-paced book down. It was suspenseful right up until the very end! I might be a little biased because it had all of my favorite things: historical fiction, dual timelines, a dash of suspense, and a love triangle. What more could a girl want?

Sharon's portrayal of the Holocaust was both respectful and haunting. I also loved exploring the intricacies of family relationships and how far someone would go for the ones they love. This story was moving, gripping, and beautifully written.

I’m a huge fan of WWII historical fiction novels, so I was thrilled to receive this ARC. I’m not sure why I took so long to read it after receiving it months ago, but I’m glad I finally got around to it and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Zoe’s journey to find her aunt immediately captivated me, and I particularly liked the dual timeline. Despite the numerous twists and turns, the story ended on a satisfying note that resolved all the loose ends. Great writing and characters. Highly recommend picking this one up when it comes out this fall!

First, a big thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Sharon Kurtzman’s novel “The Lost Baker of Vienna" – “An historical novel inspired by the experiences of the author’s own family after the Holocaust, a sweeping saga about survival, loss, love, and the reverberating effects of war”

The Lost Baker of Vienna is a historical novel that weaves the past and present. It explores the aftermath of the Holocaust through the eyes of its narrator, Zoe Rosenzweig who existed in the present day.

The story begins in 2018 when Zoe grieves the death of her grandfather. Her quest to uncover her family's history leads her back to post-World War II Vienna, where her ancestor Chana Rosenzweig is trying to navigate the complexities of freedom after enduring unimaginable horrors during the Holocaust. Chana's struggle to provide for her family while pursuing her passion for baking. The main conflict though is a love triangle, as Chana finds herself caught between two men—one offering security and another sharing her love for baking.

Through Zoe's quest, she discovers Chana’s resilience and sacrifices, illuminating themes of survival and love amidst challenging times. The novel explores identity, trauma, and the impact of war on society. It highlights how history affects generations and remains relevant to discussion.

Kurtzman's engaging writing brings Vienna to life. The tone balances tenderness with tension, capturing the emotional depth of Chana’s experiences without being overly sentimental.

I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

An unputdownable, show stopping novel that melds two different eras into one family. A dual timeline novel that not only keeps you interested but keeps you guessing who did what and how it all played out in the current timeline. An in depth look at not only what the Jewish people suffered during the war but after and the consequences that they faced to live the lives they not only wanted but needed. Books like these are a rare find and few can bring the war to life like Sharon Kurtzman. The thing that stood out the most to me regarding this novel was the inhumane treatments that the Jewish people suffered after the war and how they had to rebuild lives with so much hate and discrimination. The Nazi’s were defeated but the people were not and continued with their antisemitism and hate. The characters of this book bring all of this and more front and center and no reader will be able to read this book without feeling some sort of sympathy for these people. In a world gone mad how do you find the strength to carry on? How do you put aside all that you suffered and build a new life, possibly finding love and raising a family? I can only imagine the internal struggles they went through just living normal lives after the war. In today’s world this book can teach us that a little sympathy can go a long way and if you only put yourself in someone else’s shoes, perhaps you can crush the biases you have been taught and reach out with love instead. If you are a true historian, this book will bless you and disturb you as the research is well conducted and thorough and sheds a light on Vienna that will not be forgotten. Impeccable in its delivery, the Lost Baker of Vienna delves into so many historical facts and delivers them into a must-read book for the ages. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone that loves a well-researched book that will keep you up reading while others are snoring in their beds. A book for your TBR shelf for sure.

When Zoe Rosenzweig’s grandfather, Aron, dies, she’s left alone in the world. Already an orphan raised by her grandparents, not only is she the last one left from her family, but she doesn’t even know much about where she came from. She knows her grandfather was a Holocaust survivor who lost his father and beloved sister in the war, but that’s about it.

After Grandpa Aron’s death, Zoe discovers a file folder with her name on it. Inside is a photo of Aron, his sister Chana, and another young man, Meyer Suconick, copies of travel ID paperwork, and an article about the Martin Baking Company.

Zoe, a journalist, starts putting the pieces together, reaching out to the Martin Baking Company to learn more. Reclusive Henri Martin, the company founder, calls her back, inviting her to Vienna for a big conference where he and his wife, posthumously, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, promising her that when she arrives in Vienna, he’ll tell her everything.

Told in both Zoe’s time and during and after the war, Chana’s story unfolds. It’s a story of grief and loss, but also tremendous love and fortitude, and. Zoe realizes she’s not as alone as she thinks.

“The Lost Baker of Vienna” by Sharon Kurtzman is an interesting dual timeline story set in the aftermath of WWll and 2018. The story revolves around a female Jewish Holocaust survivor trying to make her way in war-torn Vienna. She and her family are constantly dealing with hunger and physical violence, as they seek protection while waiting for a visa to emigrate to the US.
The 2018 timeframe follows a young woman’s journey to discover her family’s history. Upon the recent passing of her beloved grandfather she finds mysterious documents relating to the horrific suffering shared by his family during the Holocaust, and the mystery surrounding his sister who she always believed perished.
As an investigative reporter, she flies to Vienna to cover the story of a man, a famous baker, she believes to have known her family and begins to unravel this remarkable tale.

This book is a wonderful testament to the courageous survivors, and an honor to those who tragically did not survive.

Thank you NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Viking Penguin for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

i love a WWII novel. and will definitely be revisiting this one again later. Thank you for the opportunity to review this book.

When a journalist sets out to discover her family’s history during the Holocaust she finds many mysteries filled with twists and turns.

Sharon Kurtzman’s captivating tale, The Lost Baker of Vienna, intertwines two stories: one set in 1946, just after World War II, and the other in 2018. It’s a powerful tribute to survival, love, and family strength during challenging times. This book is a must-read.

A stunning, emotional story inspired by true family history. The Lost Baker of Vienna beautifully weaves past and present as Zoe uncovers her family’s hidden legacy. Chana’s resilience, her passion for baking, and the impossible choices she faces in post-war Vienna absolutely broke and healed my heart. This is a powerful tribute to survival, love, and the strength of family through even the darkest times.