This book is set in Poland, at the beginning of WWII. Pitor and Mila are a young couple with a son, Jakup. They are sent to live in the Warsaw ghetto and their lives are drastically changed. Hitler decided that the Germans were not producing enough children and tasked the soldiers to kidnap children who appeared to be Aryan. Little Jakup had blond hair and blue eyes. He attracted the attention of a soldier who was desperate to turn in a child. The soldier kidnapped Jakup and hoped no one would find out that he was Jewish. Pitor has been despondent over his inability to take care of his family financially. The pain of losing their son has almost broken the young couple and Pitor is willing to do anything to find him. The characters ae well developed and the story completely drew me in. I cannot wait for the next book!

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Pitor Barr has survived heartbreak after heartbreak, losing nearly everyone he’s ever loved. Scarred by grief, he makes a vow: he will never cry again. But then Mila walks into his life, and with her comes a spark of joy and hope he thought he’d lost forever. With war looming over Poland, their bond faces impossible trials—family betrayal, devastating loss, and the terrifying walls of the Warsaw Ghetto. As the Nazi grip tightens, Pitor must resurrect courage he never knew he had to protect his family and fight for their survival. But when their young son, Jakup, is torn from their arms, the pain threatens to break even Pitor’s steely resolve.

After devouring all four books in the Michal's Destiny series, Ms. Kagan has quickly become one of my favorite authors. So when I saw she had a new book out, I quickly requested it and thank NetGalley and the publisher for granting my request. Like the Michal's Destiny series, she left me hanging at the end of the first book wanting to know what happens to Jackup, and I hope she writes another book in the series!

Thank you to Netgalley and Book Whisperer for an early copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I enjoyed this book and did read it in one day. I did cry with this book and really felt for the characters in this book. I would recommend this book.

Roberta Kagan’s I'll Never Cry Again is a poignant and gripping tale that masterfully weaves history, human resilience, and the enduring power of hope. Set against the backdrop of [specific historical period or event], Kagan brings to life a deeply moving story of survival, loss, and the unyielding will to persevere.

The novel follows [protagonist’s name], who faces unimaginable challenges as they navigate a world torn apart by [specific conflict or historical event]. Through richly detailed prose, Kagan delves into the emotional and physical toll creating a narrative that is as heartbreaking as it is inspiring.

Kagan’s characters are vivid and multidimensional, each grappling with their own struggles while reflecting the broader human experience during a tumultuous time. The protagonist’s journey is both harrowing and empowering, and readers will find themselves deeply invested in their triumphs and tragedies. The supporting cast adds depth and texture to the story, making the world Kagan has built feel authentic and immersive.

The prose is both evocative and accessible, with Kagan’s meticulous attention to historical detail shining throughout the novel. Themes of resilience, identity, and the quest for redemption are explored with sensitivity and nuance, ensuring that the story resonates on both an emotional and intellectual level.

For readers who enjoy historical fiction with a deeply personal touch, I'll Never Cry Again is a standout. Fans of authors like Kristin Hannah and Heather Morris will appreciate Kagan’s ability to blend historical accuracy with compelling storytelling.

Final Thoughts: Roberta Kagan’s I'll Never Cry Again is a tour de force—a story of heartbreak, endurance, and the indomitable human spirit. It’s a powerful reminder of the strength that can be found in the face of adversity and a testament to Kagan’s skill as a storyteller. A must-read for fans of historical fiction and emotionally resonant narratives.

Prior to WWII the reader is introduced to Pitar - a secular (nonOrthodox) Jewish butcher in Warsaw. He meets Mila, an Orthodox Jewess betrothed to Anshel- a Jewish scholar. As Pitar talks to his mother on her deathbed, she tells him that he will know when the woman he meets is bashert - (meant to be) and he should go along with the feeling. She writes to her brother who has a butcher shop to ask him to apprentice Pitar, which he does.
However, Hitler soon breaks the peace treaty with Poland and invades the country, forcing the Jews into the Warsaw Ghetto where they were forced to live in squalor, in crowded apartments, with limited food or privacy. Through it all, Pitar and MIla maintained their family and their love and sheltered their son, who was blond haired and blue eyed (like his father). Their circumstances were made as bad as possible due to the Judenrat (Jewish Council rep) being the man who Mila had been betrothed to, and Anshel having anger at the breakup. As bad as the ghetto was, it got even worse when Hitler decided that the Germans were not producing enough children and he enforced kidnapping children who looked Aryan.
The author obviously did extensive research on the German occupation and the Warsaw Ghetto and described the challenges that the family faced and the actions of the Germans. I liked that she also brought out the love and respect that Pitar and Mila had for each other and their families. I thought that the characters were well developed, and believable. I hope that I get a chance to read the next book in this series as this one ended with a cliffhanger.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher and am leaving my own opinions voluntarily.

Courtesy of The Book Whisperer and Netgalley, I received the ARC of I'll Never Cry Again by Roberta Kagan. This WWII historical novel is set in Poland and portrays a beautiful love story of a Jewish couple who find each other, as they are meant to be together, in spite of many odds. Happily living in their village, blessed by the arrival of a son, not monetarily wealthy, but delighting in their everyday life: this lasts until Hitler comes to power and they are taken to the Warsaw Ghetto, with all of it's horrors and trauma. A bit repetitive in the beginning with declarations of love, the narrative evens out and this well researched story becomes suspenseful and compelling, ending with a cliff hanger!

Another terrific WWII story from this sensitive, talented author. I loved the depth of character exploration, which made some of the outcomes all the more tragic. The author has done a lot of research into the period and I found their insights into the practices of the various Jewish communities fascinating,

A heartbreaking WWII story by one of my favorite authors. The story had me from the beginning. I cried throughout the story as they struggled. A must read!

totally pulled at my heart strings and brought me to tears. such a moving and well written novel. highly recommend to all!!!!!

"I’ll Never Cry Again" by Roberta Kagan is yet another compelling Holocaust novel. Much like a romance where the ending is predictable, these stories also lead to an inevitable, tragic conclusion.

The storyline, characters, and narrative are exceptional. Kagan has a remarkable talent for bringing her characters to life, provoking strong emotions—both uplifting and heartbreaking. I'm eagerly anticipating the rest of what is sure to be an incredible series!

While I found this book somewhat straightforward, it still has its merits. I appreciated Ms. Kagan’s discussion on the complexities of taking a Jewish child to pose as an Aryan, which shows her depth as a writer. However, I did notice some repetition, and the language sometimes felt a bit simplistic. I believe new readers of Ms. Kagan’s work will find this book especially engaging. Her writing is infused with heart, consistently placing family at the center of her narratives.

I’m grateful to have received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher.

This was a strong start to the Million Miracles series, it had that historical element that I was looking for and thought worked well in this. The characters felt like they were supposed to in this universe and time-period. Roberta Kagan has a strong writing style and am excited to read more.

By the time the Nazis took over Poland, Pitor and Mila had already made a happy life for themselves. By marrying Pitor, Mila was denied contact with her family because her father had betrothed her to another man and would not give them his blessing. But the heart wants what the heart wants. They had a beautiful son and their own home and business. One day they were stripped of their livelihood and home and were forced to move into the Warsaw Ghetto. From that time on all they had left from their previous life was their love and the desire to survive. Sadly, things go from bad to worse.
Set during the worst of times, the author vividly brings to life believable characters as they face terrors they never could have imagined. In their voices readers can feel their fears and anger. How could this happen to them?
Heartfelt and moving, this work of historical fiction is well worth reading. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Book Whisperer through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

3.5 / 5.0 Stars

Author Roberta Kagan has crafted an engrossing story about Jewish life in Poland during the years leading up to and during World War II. It is an emotional roller-coaster in its delivery and it beautifully captures the traditions of and challenges faced by the Polish Jewish people - all through the eyes of a young Jewish couple.

Pitor Barr, a secular Jewish boy, sets his sites on a lovely, albeit, Orthodox Jewish girl, Mila Zielinsky, who is promised to another. Eventually, Pitor and Mila make a life together and face its challenges in their unified front. They are eventually relocated into the Warsaw Ghetto and face more challenges. These challenges, ultimately, lead to the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising - the largest single revolt by Jews during World War II.

This story was well thought out and the writing is good. The reader's empathy is drawn upon as the young couple rise above each and every challenge they face. The scene settings are evocative and the use of Yiddish throughout the story contributes to it. The ending felt a bit rushed, even more so than the action may have called for. One can only hope that the cliffhangers at the end of the book are resolved in the next book in series, of which, this is the first.

(There were a couple of modest plot errors in the copy I received, which were hopefully corrected prior to publication.)


Publisher: ‎ Roberta Kagan Publishing
Publication Date: ‎ January 8, 2025
Number of Pages: 298
ISBN-13:‎ 978-1957207803

4.25 stars! I’m a huge Roberta fan and so excited to delve into another series by her! I can tell this first in the series is setting up the groundwork and backstory for another great story. I excited to follow these characters and be either heartbroken or joyful for a happy ending. Will definitely be reading the next in the series! Thanks NetGalley and the author for this read!

I’ll Never Cry Again by Roberta Kagan is yet another Holocaust novel. Like a romance novel wherein the reader knows how it will end, in Holocaust novels, the reader knows how it will end and it’s not good. I have overdosed on Holocaust novels and yet when I see one by Roberta Kagan I am once again drawn in. She is the ultimate storyteller, imbuing each character with personality and a compelling backstory. Thus she has done with this novel which is the story of Mila and Pitor, Jews who live in a small village in Poland. Pitor is a fallen-away Jew who has lived through the deaths of both parents, as well as his aunt and uncle with whom he and his father came to live after his mother’s death. He was fifteen and headed in the wrong direction in Warsaw. Too many bad influences. Early in his time in the village he saw a girl; he knew at that moment she was the other half of his soul, just as his mother had said. After several years of watching and discovering she was betrothed, he convinced her to meet him so he could talk her out of the marriage her Orthodox father had arranged for her and marry him instead.

These characters are such good people. Mila is a little flakey but Pitor loves her anyway and eventually they have a child: the spitting image of his father, blonde, curly hair and blue eyes. Life is good for them. Until one day when soldiers appear and load all of the Jews into trucks and take them to the Warsaw Ghetto where life changes. Life was hard there. They met other people who had been snatched out of their lives as well, but things got worse and worse. Pitor was a naturally positive person and always saw opportunities. Mila would follow him anywhere. This was a heart-breaking, while enlightening novel. But, know what you are getting into.

I was invited to read I’ll Never Cry Again by Book Whisperer. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BookWhisperer #RobertaKagan #IllNeverCryAgain

Another great read by this author and one I thoroughly enjoyed, yet again. Pitor Barr has lost so many people he has loved. His vow to himself is to never cry again. This is a very heartfelt read that is emotional to the core.

I read this book without stopping as I was so invested in it. And I'm glad I did as I just didn't want to put it down. I loved Pitor and Mia, loved their story, it pulled me right in and held on to me throughout. I loved it yet again.

Thank you NetGalley and Book Whisperer for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Not my favourite by Kagan so far. A little too predictable for my liking but I expect Kagan to pull out a few twists in the next book of the series.

Roberta is an expert at writing books which focus on love, sacrifice and hope during the Holocaust, and I'll Never Cry Again certainly does that.

It touches on the Warsaw Ghetto uprising, and also the lebensborn programme which the Nazis set up to try and increase the aryan population. I find at times that I have to suspend my belief/knowledge of the period a little, as there are a few things that don't quite add up for me. Having said that, I still find myself fully invested in the story and desperately hoping for a happy outcome.

I loved Pitor and Mila, their love for each other, and their son, was palpable. I could feel it radiating from every page. And I can't even begin to imagine how awful it was for families like them. Their strength and courage really shone through.

This was a heart-wrenching love story of a young Jewish couple during the lead up to and the Nazi occupation of Poland during WWII. The characters capture and break your heart from start to finish. Roberta Kagan pulls you into the lives and small community of these characters as they struggle to follow their heart and overcome the challenges of this time.

I read this book in one day- I couldn’t put it down. I highly recommend this book!

Book review for I'll NEver Cry Again by Roberta Kagan. I always enjoy and look forward to reading Kagen's books. This is the first book in a new series. Looking forward to next book to continue following Pitor and Mila.
I'll Never Cry Again by Roberta Kagan is a captivating start to a new series that promises to be as engaging as her previous works. The story introduces us to Pitor and Mila, whose lives are intricately woven with historical events and personal struggles. Kagan's ability to create vivid, relatable characters shines through, making readers eagerly anticipate the next installment in the series.

The book's emotional depth and historical context add layers to the narrative, making it a compelling read for fans of historical fiction. If you enjoy Kagan's storytelling, you'll find yourself eagerly awaiting the continuation of Pitor and Mila's journey in the next book.