The Girl Who Never Gave Up (The Emerald Sisters book 4) by Kate Hewitt, is a poignant reminder that even with the worst heartache, there is always hope.

Four Jewish women meet on a refugee transport in 1939, fleeing Germany with little more than their lives. They become fast friends, their shared experiences binding them in a lasting sisterhood and exemplified by an emerald shard that each one is given. They vow to meet a year after the war ends in a Parsian cafe.

This novel is about Rachel and Franz Blau who hoped to settle down and begin anew in Cuba, but are forced to settle down in the Netherlands. Hewitt details their life there beautifully: the varying attitudes and people they meet before and during the Occupation. Their struggles to live as a couple. Relationships, friendships, joys, sorrows, worries, fears are all explored beautifully and organically.

Despite raging anti semitism, the weary Blaus meet people like the Ten Booms who with their love for the Jewish people, consider it a privilege to help them, even though it means a concentration camp and maybe death.

The Blaus learn vital lessons from the Ten Booms: you can trust God will give you the strength you need for the moment, just when you need it, not before. Lessons they need to draw on to face what lies ahead.

When the women meet again in June 1945, they are faced with their biggest heartbreak: the absence of Sophie. Rachel and Hannah had seen her during the war, but now no one knows if she's dead or alive or even where she can be.

The novel is a celebration of life, hope and the sheer resilience of the human spirit.

I was given an ARC for my reading pleasure by the publishers, but the opinions expressed are mine alone.


#TheGirlWhoNeverGaveUp #WorldWarTwoFiction #Holocaust #Historical #HeartbreakingYetHopeful #KateHewitt #Bookouture #NetGalley #TheBookishPilgrim

I did not need to read the previous three books in the series to appreciate and understand this story. This is the conclusion of the stories of four young women who got on a ship to flee Germany in 1939 and promised to meet again after the war.

The story was different from many of the historical fiction WWII novels I have read in the past. It described at length Rachel’s and Franz’s journeys before they were led to Auschwitz. Initially, Rachel was a frustrating character—so naive and sheltered—but as the story unfolded, I could see how her experiences shaped her into a more resilient and self-aware individual. Her emotional growth was one of the most engaging parts of the book, especially when she began to understand the depth of the horrors around her, especially in understanding the reasoning behind Franz's behavior. It's so sad they lost so much time in the years they were together by not sharing in their grief.

The themes of survival, resilience, and the human will to endure were central to the novel. Rachel’s determination to survive, despite everything she faced, was inspiring. The bond that developed between her and Franz was equally moving, and their relationship added an emotional layer to the historical backdrop. Kate Hewitt’s portrayal of the period was vivid and poignant, especially in the way she captured the fear and uncertainty of those living through the Holocaust. Kate Hewitt’s storytelling captured both the horrors and the moments of hope, making this book a memorable addition to WWII historical fiction.

Thanks to the publisher, author and NetGalley for the chance to read and review

This is Book #4 in the Emerald Girl series, although it could be read as a standalone story. This one follows the story of Rachel and her husband Franz. After being denied entry to Cuba, at the start of WWII, they end up being dropped off in Holland.

I have loved the stories of the girls and Rachel's was no exception. Rachel and Franz tried and make a living in Holland, which was difficult with all of the restrictions placed on them since they were Jewish. While there she met and got to know Corrie Ten Boom, a real life heroine who helped save many Jews during WWII, along with her family. What an amazing person and family. I really need to read more about her and her life. I loved Rachel's tenacity and how she drew strength from her religion during horrifying times. I loved her friendship with the girls she met on the boat even from afar. This was a great series about faith, friendship, and forgiveness.

Thanks to @bookouture, @netgalley, and the author for this arc

A great end to the series so best to read them in order. Rachel and Franz story is told in this book as they go from the ship St Louis to try and evade the Germans to Auschwitz as they are captured. The four friends make a promise to meet in Paris once the war is over so who will turn up? Although the characters are fictional it was amazing to introduce The Ten Booms who were a real family. Thanks to Kate and her publisher. Thanks also to NetGalley

The ending to the final book in The Emerald Sisters had me in tears!

Each book can be read as a standalone, however the threads woven throughout the whole series kept me guessing from the first page of book one until the very last chapter. Kate Hewitt did a fantastic job of navigating the timeline so that each girls’ appearance in the other books built on the overall story, rather than confusing it. I did feel that Rachel’s story was slow to start, but a lot of the earlier details contributed to her time in Auschwitz so the slow start all made sense in the end.

Overall an amazing series, with a heart-wrenching conclusion.

4 stars out of 5 ⭐️

The Girl Who Never Gave Up by Kate Hewitt is the fourth and final book in the Emerald Sisters Series. The book is published by Bookouture.
Raw and gritty, the heroine is fighting for her life and her baby's in a concentration camp.
Literally unputdownable I read the whole book in one sitting, shed more than one tear and now I'm sitting here with a massive bookhangie.
The fitting conclusion to this historical fiction series, that gave all the feels, made me sad, a bit happy,but mostly my heart hurt for the characters and their story.
I recommend the book and the series, 5 stars.

The fourth-and last- in an emotional series about four young women during WWII. Rachel and her husband Franz thought they were safe in the Netherlands but no. And now, Rachel is pregnant and despairing of her baby. She is. however, resilient and has a power of positive thinking that many could not imagine, No spoilers from me but know that this is well written and heart wrenching. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. For those who have followed along and for those who haven't but who want a good read.

This is book 4 in the Emerald sisters series which is the final book but can be read as a standalone novel.
It follows the troubles of 4 friends who face heartbreak and sorrow in the camp in Ww2.
But above all, you read about friendship,strength ,love and loyalty .
Impossible to put down .
5 stars from me

This is the 4th book in the Emerald Sister series, but can be read as a standalone. Each book follows one of four friends who meet aboard the MS St Louis bound for Cuba on the eve of WW2. This sailing would become known as the Voyage of the Damned, as countries around the world refused to allow the ship full of Jewish refugees to dock. Eventually England, France, the Netherlands, and Belgium agree to each take a portion of the passengers. This is when the four friends are separated, with a promise to meet again at Henri’s in Paris after the war: each taking a small emerald shard with them for luck and a reminder of their friendship.

This book follows Rachel, the oldest of the girls and the only one who is married. She and her husband are taken to the Netherlands where they spend time in a quarantine camp before moving to a small city apartment, and eventually move around as they try to navigate the increasing restrictions on Jews as the war progresses. She encounters people with various and complex attitudes toward Jews and the Nazis before they are eventually arrested and taken to Auschwitz-Birkenau. There are many heartbreaking aspects of this book, both on the larger scale of the holocaust horrors, but also the deeply personal struggles for Rachel- as a daughter, a wife, a friend, and a mother - as the situations she finds herself in become more and more dire.

I have always been a fan of historical fiction, and tend to gravitate toward WW2 fiction specifically. If that’s a genre you enjoy, or you like books like the Nightingale or Kate Quinn books, I recommend this book!

I was excited to receive an Advanced Reader Copy of this book, but all opinions are my own.

I have read all of the books in this series and enjoyed reading them all. A must for any avid wartime fans. It can be quite moving at times as it tells the story of 4 friends trying to flee for safety as war lo0ms and how all of their lives are changed by it.
A wonderful book in the series.

This was a wonderful, but sad and tragic, story of WWII. Rachel’s struggles as a young Jewish woman during this time are absolutely heart wrenching. The author did a great job of portraying Rachel’s journey in a way that makes you feel you are right there with Rachel. This is a story that will stay with me!

This is a heartbreaking WWII story. I’d give it more stars if possible. I suggest you read the whole series. Kate Hewitt is an awesome author.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*

A solid 5 star read!! You can’t help but be drawn into this WWII story about a young Jewish couple and their journey through the horrors that Hitler unleashed in Europe. Faith in God and a promise between four friends gives Rachel Blau the strength to persevere through hope to hopelessness, over and over again. You will find yourself wiping away tears as you are unable to put this one down! This was my first book by Kate Hewitt, and truly one of the best that I’ve read recently!

There is so much emotion in the words of this story it's utterly unbelievable! Through all the terror and hate of the war the four girls friendship and love has stayed true and strong. This book follows the story of Rachel as her and Franz face unimaginable times of hunger, disease, fear and so much more. Through it all Rachel is determined to stay strong and protect her unborn baby as best she can. I was entranced by Rachel and her courage and despite everything Rachel always seemed to be positive and look at the bright side of things. It's a true testament to a character who has the ability to do so. I cried and felt so angry at how human beings could treat another human beings with such disgust and disregard. I love the characters who were willing to risk their own lives to assist others! The story while I found it hard to read because of the nastiness, it also was highly entertaining and I could feel the love shining through the hate!

This is a great WWII read.
Rachel, a German Jew and her husband, end up in Holland after being returned from Havana on an ill fated trip across the ocean.
Eventually falling into the hands of the Gestapo, Rachel ends up in a concentration camp, pregnant and holding on to a fourth of an emerald that four girlfriends aboard ship divided amongst themselves with the promise to reunite in Paris after the war.
There is a lot about the TenBoom family in this storyline. One correction. Peter was a nephew, not a foster child. You can read the story in “The Hiding Place”.
The hard knocks of life have taught Rachel many painful lessons.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

This was a strong fourth book in the Emerald Sisters series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed from the previous three books. The characters had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed the overall feel of the time-period. It had that World War element that I was looking for. Kate Hewitt has a strong writing style and was glad I got to read this.

What a great conclusion of this series. We’ve followed four young women who got on a ship to flee Germany in 1939. They promised to meet again after the war. Each of the four women has a story to tell and this was the last one Rachel. Her story is heartbreaking but we know she survived but what has she to endure and will she meet her friends again?
What a series, it brings questions about what would I do in that situation.

Thanks to the publisher, author and NetGalley for the chance to read and review.

Omg the author has done again, book 4 in the series, and it still made me cry, cry out because of all the gruesome thing happening, it made me think , and it made me scared , because I am afraid the history Will repeat it selv.
I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.

WOW! This series was amazing. I was looking forward to the fourth and final book in the set and it did not disappoint at all. Rachel and Franz face the challenges of being left in Netherlands when their boat is turned away from Cuba. While this book is fiction, the pain and torment of what they experienced seemed very real.
The series is a wonderfully written Historical Fiction of the horrors of WWII. The characters are very real, and their emotions come clear through in the writing. My favorite series in this genre in a long time. A must read!
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.