"For Such a Time," by Kate Breslin

"For Such a Time," by Kate Breslin

In 1944, blonde and blue-eyed Jewess Hadassah Benjamin feels abandoned by God when she is saved from a firing squad only to be handed over to a new enemy. Pressed into service by SS-Kommandant Colonel Aric von Schmidt at the transit camp of Theresienstadt in Czechoslovakia, she is able to hide behind the false identity of Stella Muller. However, in order to survive and maintain her cover as Aric's secretary, she is forced to stand by as her own people are sent to Auschwitz.

Suspecting her employer is a man of hidden depths and sympathies, Stella cautiously appeals to him on behalf of those in the camp. Aric's compassion gives her hope, and she finds herself battling a growing attraction for this man she knows she should despise as an enemy.

Stella pours herself into her efforts to keep even some of the camp's prisoners safe, but she risks the revelation of her true identity with every attempt. When her bravery brings her to the point of the ultimate sacrifice, she has only her faith to lean upon. Perhaps God has placed her there for such a time as this, but how can she save her people when she is unable to save herself?

I am generally not a fan of World War II stories but this one is one book that you won't want to put down.  It isn't graphic, but tells enough of what the Jews were put through to let you know it wasn't a walk in the park for them.  Hadassah (Stella) and Aric are such good lead characters, you want them to be together forever and ever.  What actually happens puts you through a whirlwind of emotions.

There is never a dull moment and the speed of the story speeds up and up until it comes to a crashing stop and then you think it's all over.........but it's not.  Without giving away the end this book is well worth the read and it will keep you on edge wanting to know what happens next.

Stars out of 5 : 5 A must read in my eyes.  Also make sure you read the authors note at the end as that too is very interesting.  This is the authors first book, I can't wait to read more of what she writes.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".