Based on a true story. this novel explores a subject seldom seen in fiction- the ordinary German family in the middle of WWII. It's well written and thoughtful- will be welcomed by fans of the genre and beyond.

I was quite taken with the stunning cover and the blurb intrigued me. Escpailly the fact that the book was based on her discovery about her great-grandfather. I found the start of the book great with the introduction of the characters that live in Blumental. I especially loved the viewpoint of little Rosie, the youngest daughter of Mariana. I'm used to reading books about WW2 from the Allies side of the story, so reading a book set in Germany was a nice change. As I wrote before did I find the start of the book great, especially the egocentric Nazi captain that thinks he will single handle stop the French from invading Blumental. If there will ever get there of course.

The whole story takes place during three intensive days where much happens. There are preparations for the arrival of the Führer which coincide with the hiding of two Polish girls. We get to know more about Edith and Oskar Eberhardt and their family, recollections from the past. Personally, did I find the start of the book and the end the best. There were some nerve-wracking moments towards the end of the book. Unfortunately, I found the middle part of the story not always that engaging, but it's still a very good book. And, I was quite taken with the epilogue.

Thanks Touchstone and netgalley for this ARC.

We can all say what we would have maybe done in a horrible situation but I think this novel comes close to the real life feelings of a family. A microcosm of a village and family in the Nazi era makes us think hard about the past and present. I don't want to say what I would do because its too hard to put myself there. this novel is the perfect springboard for this kind of discussion.

I love stories that are based on fact, and this one did not let me down, from the first page forward we get an in-depth look at the lives of the Eberhardt family, and the parts they played in WWII over a two-day period.
Made me think how I would feel if my father was involved with something that I detested, and then deciding to go him against by helping others. We are in a small village in Germany in 1944 and the family has just found out they are to serve the Furhur or Emperor as he is also know, at a coffee, he doesn’t like tea, that is English.
We see jealousy, greed, and pure hate, and yet life must go on, and at what costs, and what can be done? Things are not always as we perceive, and that is exactly what those that are looking to help hope.
I found myself right there in this picturesque setting, with so much evil surrounding and it, and yet they are not untouched by what is happening. We see those who cannot stand the atrocities, and others who love that they are benefiting, yes sad.
We should not forget what happened here, and this puts faces on a place far away from where we live. Should be a mandated read.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Touchstone, and was not required to give a positive review.

The Good at Heart: A Novel by Ursula Werner
This piece of historical-fiction is based on the author’s discoveries about her great-grandfather and his family during WW II, which takes place over a three day period, in the small town of Blumental, near the Swiss border.
When WW II breaks out, Oskar Eberhardt, a member of Hitler’s cabinet, moves his family from Berlin to Blumental, wife Edith, daughter Marina, son in law Franz, and his three granddaughters. He is hardly ever there and his son in law is also sent to fight in the war, so the women of the house create a life on their own.
Marina the daughter, has a hatred of the Reich, and starts to help a local pastor in his effort to smuggle Jewish refugees over the nearby Swiss border. Also at this time the town is about to have a visit from the Fuhrer, who is coming to hear a concert to be put on in his honor, by a local friend and composer.
There is a lot that happens, with curious and nosy neighbors, old friends of the family etc. This book gives us not only a look at this town and its people, but also about the far reaching hand of the Nazi regime.
A lot goes on in these three days, a story of a families love for each other, tragedy, people getting into each others business and a lot of suspense.
It is about a family trying to figure out what is important to them between doing their duty for their country or doing what’s right for their country and family.
Very well written, it is definitely a story worth reading.
Thank you NetGalley and Touchstone