I love historical fiction books ... especially those that are set during WWII. And I have enjoyed the books I have read in the Heroines of WWII series. They have each focused on a different aspect of the war with strong female characters. Though part of a series, you can read each one as a standalone. A Christian romance, there is not too much of a sappy love story. But the dedication of Nadia and David to rescue people from the clutches of Hitler’s reign of terror ... especially children ... will have you cheering them on. The focus on faith and relying on God to help provide strength, courage, and simply trusting in Him. Focused on the invasion of Poland at the beginning of WWII, you will struggle along with Nadia and David as they work together and Nadia learns how to grow from the spoiled aristocrat to a caring young woman who is willing to risk everything to make a difference.

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Fiction for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

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This was an amazing story and the first one that I have read by this author, Angela K Couch. She did an amazing job of showing how the main character Nadie overcomes the many trials she faces after the Nazis invade Poland and kill her father. Her mother flees back to her home country of Germany and Nadie is left alone and must fend for herself. Her character shows so much growth as the story progresses and she gains an understanding of her purpose in the world. She is helped in this process by an American photographer, David. He is tasked with getting her safely out of Poland but both of them continue to put others' safety before their own and face many trials as they try to escape from Poland. They witness the horrors and war and still somehow come to have a stronger faith and belief in God.

This was an amazing story and I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy historical fiction and romance stories.

I received a free copy of the book from NetGalley and am leaving my honest review.

A moving and thought provoking story of WWII in Poland. I loved the message of faith and how Hope began to see people as they were, and not their social class.
Many thanks to Barbour Publishing and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Nadia Roenne wakes up the daughter of a Baron and then the invasion of Poland begins and her father is killed, her mother escapes to Germany, and Nadia finds herself in the care of an American photographer David Reid who is charged with getting her out of Poland. I enjoyed the character growth as Nadia finds her purpose and sheds her pampered upbringing after she sees David give up his chance to escape to a refugee family. They try to help themselves and others stay alive in this war torn land.

A wonderful installment of the Heroines of WWII series! I recommend Capturing Hope for lovers of historical fiction.

Thank you to Barbour Publishing and Net Galley for allowing me to read this an ecopy. All opinions are my own.

A Fairly quick WWII read, but I"m beginning to think that I've read to many of them. As they are starting to get predictable.

In this high-stakes World War II historical fiction novel, readers follow Nadia Roenne, a Polish noblewoman, and David Reid, an American photographer, in the first days of World War II shortly after the invasion of Poland. With the death of her father at German hands, Nadia and David attempt to escape to England, but their plans continue to change and be foiled as they cross Poland, despising each other along the way. Circumstances change, however, and Nadia and David work together to save as many as they can on their way to Lithuania, though the journey to England is much harder than either of them anticipate. Couch’s characters are the center of the story, and Nadia and David’s relationship is particularly wonderful and dynamic as it grows and evolves over the course of the novel. Nadia and David, too, are complex individuals and experience their own personal journeys and challenges during the novel; they have fully formed personalities yet undergo changes as their lives progress during the novel. The side characters are dynamic, developed personalities, and their relationships with Nadia and David add to all of their challenges and character development over this high-stakes, character-centric historical fiction novel.

Capturing Hope #12 Heroines of WWII by Angela K. Couch

Poland and London 1939
Nadia Roenne is used to a privileged lifestyle but leaves that behind while fleeing the Nazis with the help of American photographer David Reid. Even though the road to freedom is fraught with danger and death, heartbreak, Nadia soon finds a purpose – a purpose she is determined to complete. Her new-found purpose hinders David in his goal to get her to safety as he promised her father. Along the way, they gather children and others who need a safe place as well. As their numbers grow, the chances of getting out of Poland safely dwindles. David sacrifices his own escape to save a Jewish family. But, is it enough?

As Nadia and David’s faith grows they learn - they have no control, they can do nothing, only God above. A story filled war and danger, destruction, fear, hopelessness and heartbreak, compassion, bravery, love, new hope and faith. The authors notes share historical events that are woven within the fictional characters and lives.

~I received an e-book copy from the author/publisher via NetGalley (no monetary gain was exchanged), this is my honest review~

4.5 very strong stars. Capturing Hope was the first book that I had the pleasure of reading by Angela K. Couch. It was part of a series entitled Heroines of WWII. Although I have not had the opportunity to read the other books in this series, Capturing Hope, can easily be read as a standalone book. Although I read many books over the years that portrayed life in Poland during World War II, none have gone into the merciless destruction, bombing and killing that took place prior to the Nazi’s occupation of Poland. All my emotions were in turmoil as I read about the senseless atrocities the Nazis inflicted upon random Polish civilians. The Nazis were clearly immune to what they were doing as they bombed, shot and killer innocent women, children and unarmed civilians. The tactics the Nazis used were barbarically designed to destroy anything in their path. That included hospitals, homes and any unlucky civilians that happened to be in their way. In the author’s own words, “ The invasion of Poland was unlike that of many other countries where the goal had been to gain power over the government and people. In Poland the goal seemed to be to hurt and destroy. Especially the Jews.”
Capturing Hope took place in Poland during September of 1939.

Nadia Roenne was the only daughter of Baron Roenne. They resided in Poland. Nadia was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. She lived a very privileged and prosperous life. Her father, the Baron, had decided to arrange one last party at his estate before the Nazis invaded Poland. It was her father’s attempt to maintain a sense of normalcy before the inevitable invasion of the Nazis. His newest project, American photographer David Reid, had been invited and was monopolizing a lot of Nadia’s father’s attention.. Nadia’s father was impressed with anything or anyone that was American. His prize and joy was an American Packard automobile. Nadia was introduced to Mr. Reid by her father and was encouraged to dance with him. Nadia immediately noticed his dingy attire and that he was far below her social standards. However, Nadia complied with her father’s wishes but as soon as the dance was over she quickly excused herself.

Shortly after the Baron’s guests departed, he summoned David Reid to his study. The Baron had seen the writing on the wall for some time. He knew it was inevitable that the Nazis would invade Poland. His main concern was for his daughter’s and wife’s safety. The Baron entrusted David to get Nadia and her mother out of Poland and to London. He provided David with names of contacts and plenty of currency to help him with this endeavor. The Baron was adamant about staying in Poland. He was not prepared to leave his beloved homeland and family home just yet. While David Reid went to retrieve his camera case, he heard loud knocks. Then he heard German commands. Before long, a shot was fired. The Baron had been shot. Nadia’s mother willingly went with the Nazi officers. There was no way Nadia was going to go with the monsters who just shot her father. Somehow, David managed to find Nadia and the two hid until the Nazis left. David explained to Nadia what her father had entrusted him to do. After a lot of coaxing, David finally persuaded Nadia to leave her dead father. They packed up her father’s Packard. David had been instructed to get Nadia to Warsaw. From there a plane would take her to London. Before they had finished getting everything in the car, Jakub, one of her father’s staff, asked permission for him and his family to travel with Nadia and David. Jakub was Jewish and feared for his life and the lives of his family. Nadia allowed Jakub and his family to leave with them. When they arrived in Warsaw, they were instructed where to go to meet the plane that would take Nadia safely to London. Jakub and his family accompanied them as well. Unfortunately, there was not enough room for David, Jakub and one of Jakub’s children. Nadia insisted that Jakub and his child take her place. David was disgusted with Nadia. He had promised her father he would get her to London where she would be safe. She had just given up her ticket to safety. David failed to accomplish the task he had been asked to perform. Now, David was once again tasked with making sure Nadia remained safe in Warsaw until different arrangements could be made.

As much as Nadia tried not to like or admire David, she found that it became harder as each day passed. Nadia soon recognized just how kind and selfless David was. She saw how inspired David was to help others in need. While in Warsaw, they both experienced the unrelenting bombs the Nazis continued to explode over the city. There was damage and destruction everywhere. When a bomb was dropped close to where Nadia and David had been driving, they realized that their car was on fire. They quickly abandoned the car but witnessed the senseless deaths of women, children and unarmed civilians. Miraculously, two children had survived, two young sisters. David took the two orphans and shielded their eyes from the gruesome scene that was all around them. David vowed to care for the two young girls and protect them. They had no one else. David and Nadia vowed to care for them as if they were their own. Nadia came to admire the faith David exhibited and how he continued to protect her. Could Nadia trust the feelings she was beginning to feel for David? Had fate brought them together for a specific reason? Would they both be able to escape from Poland and get safely to London? What did the future hold for both Nadia and David?

Capturing Hope by Angela Couch was fast paced, had one or two twists and was quite thought provoking. Both Nadia’s and David’s characters evolved over time and displayed new inner strengths, determination and confidence that had not been present before. Nadia learned to see people as people and not in social classes as she had learned to do growing up the way she had. It no longer seemed important to Nadia whether people were rich, poor, entitled, Jewish or Christian. She now possessed a newly found sense of courage, bravery, determination, sacrifice and a strong sense of putting the fate of others before her own. Capturing Hope was a Christian historical fiction novel about finding faith and drawing on one’s faith to survive. I really enjoyed reading Capturing Hope by Angela Couch and highly recommend it.

Thank you to Barbour Publishing for allowing me to read Capturing Hope by Angela Couch through Netgalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

I think I just found a new favorite author. If I'm allowed to have favorites! 😄 And it looks like this book is part of a series of World War II novels! (Heroines of WWII!). I devoured this book; I'll definitely be back for more.

I identified with the fact that our protagonist Nadia is a reader, a woman who wants to talk about the real world and not just the expected girl talk of her day. When she finds herself without family, traveling with the stranger her father asked to get her safely to England, she can't seem to stop picking up strays along the way! Her mission to get these kids and families to safety (a list of people that grows longer with each chapter!) drives her to keep putting herself back in jeopardy...and God draws her into his family even as she rescues so many others. And without spoilers, let's just say that there are relationships we think are beyond repair, until God steps in the picture. Meanwhile, her American escort - trying to fulfill the last wish of Nadia's father - may find that Nadia's heart is the biggest obstacle to get her to London safely.

I don't usually like it when stories show a romance growing too much between a believer and a not-yet-believer (no missionary dating here). But there is something about war, and two strangers running together for their lives, that moves relationships along faster, so I think I can forgive that particular pet peeve showing up here. You might need tissues along the journey, but this book will leave you with some satisfying warm fuzzies. Not the marshmallow fluff kind, but more like a good hug after a hard day. I definitely recommend this book!

This is one of the best, most thought-provoking women’s Christian WWII novels I’ve read in 2023! The author has written a fabulous novel about a terrible time in history. It has many powerful scenes. The one impacting me most was of Nadia and David discussing an aspect of his Christian belief. Based on their pasts and the nightmare unfolding before them, I easily understood their challenge believing God would help them. The main setting is Poland during the German invasion. Drama builds throughout, with a stunning plot twist.

They met at a small soiree given by Nadia’s parents at the ancestral home of her father, the baron. Nadia’s father befriended a young American man, then desperately needed his help. Her father wanted one last chance to gather with friends before Germans crossed the border, but it was not to be.

Nadia, meaning “Hope”, was named after her Russian born royal grandmother. She was raised in affluence, and had no patience for those considered beneath her. Her mother wanted her to marry well, but she didn’t want to marry at all. Proficient in several languages, an avid reader and talented artist, she didn’t need a husband to be fulfilled.

David was what Nadia considered one of her father’s “projects”. He was of a lower class, lacking even proper attire for the gathering. Her father wanted them to dance. Nadia was not kind to David, and was happy when the dance ended. The soiree ended when they learned Germans would arrive by morning.

David went to get his camera and satchel, and was stopped by Nadia’s father. David could get out of Poland as long as he helped his wife and daughter get to England. He gave David all they would need to leave ASAP. A German officer entered the home, and the baroness chose to leave with him as soon as Nadia could pack. They would go to her mother’s parents in Germany. The baron was shot and killed, Nadia hid, and her mother left without her.

David found and told Nadia the baron’s wishes for her. One of the staff, Jakub, was Jewish, and wanted his family out of the country before they were rounded up. They went to meet David and Nadia’s plane, but there was only one open seat where his wife and baby could sit. David and Nadia gave their seats so the family could be together.

They sought another way to escape. They contacted people on the list the baron gave David to get out of Germany. They saw the horrors of German attacks everywhere. One bombing left them without a car and the friends they stayed with lost their home. Nadia knew nothing about children or babies, but they soon cared for young orphans when parents were killed in the street. I don’t know who had the bigger challenge, one returning to faith in the Lord or one coming to faith.

I was fully invested quickly in the characters of Nadia, David, and those they rescued. My heart ached for all they experienced, and saw a glimpse of what people in Europe endured. David and Nadia showed that there is no greater love to give their food, their time, even their seats on the plane to safety.

The end was very different than I would have thought at the start, and I was very satisfied with it. I highly recommend this novel to those who appreciate Christian historical fiction, strong and likable characters, and people coming to faith or growing in faith through unimaginable events.

From a thankful heart: I received an uncorrected copy of this from the publisher and Celebrate Lit through NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

Capturing Hope
by Angela K Couch
Pub Date 01 Nov 2023
Barbour Publishing,Barbour Fiction
Christian| Historical Fiction| Romance

Barbour Publishing and Netgalley sent me a copy of Capturing Hope to review:


After her father was murdered by the Nazis and her mother fled to Germany, Nadia Roenne has little hope, even if it's in her name. It's not until an American photographer sacrifices his escape from Poland to save a Jewish family that she finds purpose.


David Reid is used to failure, but when it comes to getting Nadia out of Poland safely, he's determined to win-even if she works against him at every turn, putting other people's lives before her own. While they race against bombs over Warsaw and the German army, Nadia grows used to risking her life. But does she dare risk her heart?  



I give Capturing Hope five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Capturing Hope by Angela K. Couch is the twelfth book in the multi-author Heroines of WWll series. Each book is a stand-alone story. In this installment we travel to war-time Poland at the beginning of World War two. Nadia Roenne has lived a very affluent life up until now. When her father is murdered and her mother goes back to Germany, she is forced to make some very hard choices. With all that is going on around her it is hard for Nadia to find any hope, until she meets American photographer, David Reid. This was a very touching story. With the fall of Warsaw, Poland came the beginnings of a very dark period of history. But, Nadia’s story shown a little spark of light during this troubling time.


I received this book from Celebrate-Lit for my honest review.

This is such an emotional read. It’s one of those novels that is hard to read but also hard to pot down.

The plight of the people who experienced this in real time has stayed with me, and reading the story saddened me but I feel iyr important to read.

Masterfully written with memorable characters.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy of this book.

My father-in-law served in the US Navy during WWII so I’m naturally drawn to any stories from that time period. Ive read several books in this Heroines of WWII series and this is another good one. In 1939 Poland, as Germany invades, Nadia finds herself fleeing from her sheltered life after her father is murdered. Right before that, Nadia’s father asks American David Reid to get her safely out of Poland. These characters had life breathed into them by this new to me author. I could almost place myself right beside them, although I’d be scared out of my mind! I admired Nadia in some ways with her humanitarian heart. Just as David would procure them a way out, Nadia would give it up to save Jewish families. I can’t imagine being in a war zone with bombs exploding all around me, but like Nadia and David, you do what you have to do in a fight to survive.
If you enjoy reading WWII stories with real history interspersed with fictional characters and lots of intrigue, you’ll like this one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review.

In Capturing Hope, we have two characters who would not have been friends under normal circumstances, and certainly not romantically involved. Nadia is a Pole and a somewhat spoiled and bitter daughter of her baron father and German mother. David Reid is an American photographer from a large family. One fateful night her father decides to throw a party. David is invited but Nadia is unimpressed with the American and doesn't even remember what his name is. However, that night the German army storms into Poland with the goal of wiping them off of the map.

Nadia's world of comfort and ease crashes down around her. She is witness to something most horrible, and she loses both parents in one night. David is the only hope she has to escape to England. Her father had previously prepared a way for her to escape, but as she watches the sacrifice the American makes for a Jewish family, how can she do any different.

David made a promise to Nadia's father to get her to safety. Now that their only way of escape is gone, bombs are raining down everywhere, it is going to be much harder for him to keep that promise. This is their harrowing journey as they try to escape the evil that has gripped Poland. This is a fast-moving novel of escape and survival, and ultimately true love.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

The stories set in the midst of WWII are often times filled with such despair but they highlight people who have risen above the challenges that they faced. This story had exemplary characters who faced the challenges of war head on. Nadia and David changed so much throughout the story but their resilience was inspiring. Bieta, Arek and Krys were really sweet additions in the story as well.



Thanks so much to netgalley and Barbour Publishing for the arc. The opinions are my own.

Capturing Hope is written by Angela K Couch. This is part of the Heroines of WWII series The series is written by multiple authors, but is held together by strong female characters during WWII. In this story, we see Nadia Roenne. She lives in Poland and its close to the German invasion. However, her father is murdered by the Nazi's. An American photographer, David Reid is tasked with getting Nadia to safety.


Nadia who in the beginning of the book seems like a spoiled girl - starts to put others before her. This causes some tension with her and David, since he had strict orders to get her out of harms way. Nadia starts to see David differently, when he saves the life of a Jewish family. . One of the most beautiful things about this story is the adventure they go on. Nadia and David create a group that feels like family. A family determined to survive.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

This was a very emotional book. I loved how the author took us to Poland at the start of WWII and gave us a glimpse into what the Polish people went through as they tried to escape the German invasion. The author did a good job of making me care for the characters and be worried for them. I also like how she showed the courage of people as they tried to help people escape. I also enjoyed the romance between Nadia and David and how she didn't like him at first but as they worked to make it out of Poland they found a connection that lasted.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

Capturing Hope is a very well-written historical novel about the takeover of Poland by Germany during WWII. Also, the extermination of Polish Jews.

The storyline is a heart-wrenching one fraught with hardships, the unknown future, fear, and death. Among this, the main characters do their best to survive and rescue others, putting their lives in danger. David Reid, a photographer is sworn by Baron Roenne to bring his wife and daughter safely to London. Needless to say, nothing goes smoothly as the invasion begins. The confidence of David and Nadia is uplifting.

The characters seem to leap off the page and pull at your heart. I found myself fully engaged in the story and couldn't put it down through all the twists and turns. The research by the author is amazing.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and willingly chose to review it.

Capturing Hope had my heart racing. From the opening chapter to the very last page, I could not put the book down.

Capturing Hope opens in Poland on the eve of the Nazi’s invasion. Nadia’s father makes David promise to get Nadia safely to England–and the adventure is on.

Angela brought the reality of the bombing of Poland to life. I’m pretty sure my breathing was coming way too fast and shallow as I followed David and Nadia through Warsaw, dodging bombs and rescuing innocent lives.

The characters were absolutely captivating. David and Nadia both had a lovely character arc as they learned to put others ahead of themselves. My favorite kind of people to read about.

I loved the beautiful theme of the hope in the midst of trials and sacrifice.

I wasn’t entirely satisfied with how David’s problems were dealt with in the end. He was making progress in trusting God, but I would have liked to see him come just a little farther, become just a little stronger in his faith. Especially before becoming a husband and father.

All things considered, I truly did enjoy this book. I would definitely recommend it for anyone in the mood for a World War II novel full of danger, adventure, and faith.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book, but my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.