By: Shari J. Ryan
Many thanks to Bookouture for the ARC of this book and the stop on the book tour!
About the Book
Day in, day out, servant Rosalie is forced to aid in the harrowing medical selections at Auschwitz, marking prisoners as “fit” or “unfit” with trembling hands. She once thought “unfit” meant they’d get the help they needed. Now she knows the devastating truth: “Fit” means they live another day, “unfit” means they don’t…
Every day, her heart breaks further as she hopelessly scans the crowds for the face of the man she loves, torn from her a year ago simply for being Jewish. Praying that he’s still alive, Rosalie desperately tries to save as many other men as she can—risking everything by marking them as fit and hoping her act of rebellion isn’t noticed.
Then one icy morning, she looks up from her list into the stunning green eyes of the man in her line—the man her heart beats for. And now the real fight begins, as Rosalie risks her life to save Stefan’s again and again. But then one morning, Stefan isn’t there. Rosalie frantically searches for him, blood turning to ice. He’s gone. But how far will she go to find him? And can he stay alive without her until she does…?
My Review
Wow, what a book. I’ve read a lot of historical fiction set during WWII, but this book is something special. It brings to the forefront what some did, or may have done, in order to just survive. Do you take the chance to survive, or do you fall on your death because of your morals?
Ryan writes characters with such emotional depth and strength. From a young age, Rosalie, due to her past, wanted to spend her time helping people. That stayed with her during the whole book, even knowing that if she made too many wrong choices, her life would be on the line. Stefan fights for his life after being taken to the camp. I can’t even imagine the realities, but this author certainly did a great job bringing realities to this book. Even the strength of Stefan’s father, which we learn at the end, is amazing.
Ryan writes vividly. Yes, I already knew of the horrors, but somehow reading it in this book gave me a visceral reaction. Words certainly were not minced. It’s so hard to imagine that anyone could be so hateful to others that aren’t like them. I just want to scream NO ONE IS SUPERIOR!!
This is a new to me author, but I will be reading more from this author. And if you decide to read this book, which I hope you do, remember to keep tissues near your side. I shed some tears quite a few times while reading this book.
Publish Date: March 5, 2026
Find the book here.
*This post contains an affiliate link. I earn a small commission if you purchase the book through this link.
Book Addict Book Blog 