This novel is told in two timelines. In one timeline, Freya Amsel has lost her mother as unrest continues to grow in Berlin. As the economic depression worsens, Freya finds herself working in a night club, as an assistant the costumer. She becomes friends with one performer, Violet, a young woman from England, who is far more than what she seems. At home, the need for more money leads the Amsel family to rent out a room to a man who is rising up in the Nazi party.

In the other timeline, Maddie is a journalist who has been having some trouble at work and has decided to return home to Los Angeles to visit her family. While there, she starts to help her grandfather go through his things and finds some items belonging to her great grandmother, including a diary. As she reads through the diary, Maddie learns about how her great-grandmother's life during the rise of the Nazi party was far more interesting than she could have possibly imagined.

A well-crafted novel with incidents and themes relevant to events happening today.

** Please note: Contains spoilers
What a great read. I've always loved historical fiction, especially WW II novels. As many as I have read, it still amazes me that people can be so cruel & heartless. I wonder if I could have been as brave as Freya, Violet, Leon & the others. I grew to hate Walther early. He was conceited and rude. I knew it was going to be a good book when I started feeling strong feelings for the characters. I was heartbroken when I learned Leon was unfaithful l, but can also see the draw of the strong feelings of passion during war time. I also loved that Gramps was understanding of the situation & not bad at Freya or Violet for the outcome. In a world full of hate, it shows you that there are still good, kind-hearted people in the world. Thank you for this book, I will definitely be reading more Daisy Wood novels in the future.