Angela K. CouchRecensioner

I love it when history is brought to life in a fictional story, and I was instantly captivated by Capturing Hope. Author Angela K. Couch captured my heart with her moving story of war, death, and the valiant efforts to overcome evil. I was familiar with some of the facts of the German invasion of Poland, but Couch's intensive research introduced me to so much more.

This is a story of two very different people who work valiantly to save innocent children from annihilation during WWII. Death and despair are buffered by faith, hope, and redemption, and there's also a sweet romance woven into Nadia and David's harrowing journey. Capturing Hope is a mesmerizing addition to the Heroines of WWII series, and the epilogue is especially poignant!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. These are my thoughts and opinions.

A captivating story!

Wow! This book is amazing! The story is original and compelling. My attention was grabbed from the very beginning and I had a hard time putting the book down!

The characters are wonderful! Nadia is used to a life of wealth and everything changes for her in an instant. She develops so much during the story. She becomes a true heroine! David interested me right from the beginning! He is a reputable person, full of honor and compassion.

This story can be a little difficult to read. It deals with murder, displaced children and war. It does offer hope; hope for a brighter day! It touched my heart in many ways!

Set in Poland in 1939 during the beginning of the invasion of the country by the Germans, this riveting and compelling novel tells the story of Nadia Roenne, a privileged young lady whose life is upended by the start of World War II. When her father is murdered and her mother escapes to her native Germany, Nadia is left in the care of American David Reid who is charged with seeing her safely to London.

As Nadia and David prepare to leave, they come across others who are also in need of escape. It was inspiring to see Nadia change from a rather spoiled young lady to a caring, sacrificing person who thinks of others first.

With plenty of suspense, action, intrigue, inspiration, and even some romance, this story has something for everyone and is a great example of the courage and sacrifice of many people during World War II. It is often heart-wrenching and emotional, but is ultimately a tale of hope, courage, and service to others. Talented author Angela K. Couch has obviously done much research about this tragic piece of history. Although it is part of the Heroines of WWII series, it is a stand-alone book. I recommend it to those who enjoy historical fiction. 4.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing. All opinions are my own.½

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.

5 stars, Reasons for Everything

CAPTURING HOPE (HEROINES OF WWII)
by Angela K. Couch

Nadiashda (Nadia) Roenne is a Polish aristocrat who becomes anxious to leave her homeland after her father is murdered before her eyes. Her father was hosting a dinner party with the American photographer David Reid there as his important guest. Her father asks David to promise to get Nadia out of Poland before the Germans take over their beloved country. David makes the promise, not knowing what lies before them.
David is given a packet of letters and identification papers that will help with their escape, from Nadia's father before his murder. They run into many people trying to escape the Germans. Nadia and David feel led to help others they meet along their travels.

Even though Nadia and David have multiple chances to escape Poland, they decide not to leave, to stay and help someone else. There are orphaned children, widows and children, and injured children that desperately need help.

Highly recommend. This book drops you into the start of the invasion of Poland. You feel like you are in the middle of the bombs dropping and people running for their lives.

I received a complimentary copy of #CapturingHope from #BarbourFiction but was not required to post a review.

#InspirationalFiction #HistoricalFiction #TriggerWarnings #InspyFic #WWII #HeroinesOfWWIISeries #AngelaKCouch #Racism #StrongFemaleProtagonist #ChristianFiction

Capturing Hope by Angela K Couch is a Historical Christian Romance. It centers around Nadia Roenne and the invasion of Poland during World War II. Nadia watches her father be murdered, and her mother flees to Germany. Her father made arrangements before his death for an American, David Reidi, to get her to safety. While the two initially appeared to dislike each other,

The author takes you through twists, turns, and unexpected events during the course of the book. With harrowing bombings, orphans, injuries, and more, this book kept me engaged. I loved getting to know Nadia, David, and the other characters in the story. The lengths the two go to protect the ones they come into contact with make this book unforgettable.

This book is part of a series highlighting women of World War II. These standalone books from Barbour Publishing provide an engaging look into the history of World War II.

So if you are looking for a Historical Christian Romance, check out Capturing Hope by Angela K Couch for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

I have loved all the books in the Heroines of WWII but this one was excellent in my opinion. The written word has the power to pull you in and immerse you into the lives of the characters. It is amazing how fast you can stretch and grow in the midst of horrendous situations and Nadia goes from being a rich, spoiled young lady to a woman with empathy and courage to lay her life on the line for others. There is no greater love than to lay your life down for others. David has made a promise to see Nadia to safety but how far will he have to go to succeed in that goal. Riveting events will transpire but in the midst can love and respect grow and bloom like a rose amidst the winter snow. Capturing Hope captured my attention, my heart, and my tears on its pages. Just an all around gobsmacking story that left me wearing my heart on my sleeve. Powerful tale that needs to be read.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

I am enjoying reading WWII stories and especially this series about its heroines. I know there are many tales yet to be told and I am glad for the authors who are brave enough to tell them.
What struck me in this book was the determination of Nadia and her compassion for the refugees trying to flee Poland. She was used to a lavish, privileged lifestyle but she bravely faced what problems came and worked to free the innocent when she could have just escaped herself.
David made a promise to her father to see Nadia safely to England and he tried his best to sacrificially work to fulfill that promise. The author used interesting details to convey the dire situations that they faced. The romance between David and Nadia was helped along by the forced proximity, but that just brought out their faith and true characters.
The author showed the horrors and dangers of the times but also hope and human kindness that is found even under impossible conditions.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Barbour Review Program. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

3.5 stars

In Capturing Hope, Angela K. Couch gives readers an accounting of the German invasion of Poland during WWII through the eyes of socialite Nadia and American photographer David.

At first meeting, these two people want nothing to do with the other, but when David makes a promise to get Nadia out of Poland, they are forced together. Despite her affluence, Nadia’s heart shows as she refuses to leave children behind. As she gathers her group of people, she exasperates David, yet he can’t help but admire her kindness and compassion toward others.

While this wasn’t my favorite of the Heroines of WWII series, I appreciated the themes of redemption, healing, history, and family that Couch wove into this story. I was rooting for David and Nadia, but sometimes they drove me crazy with their poor decisions (which did show their humanity).

If you are on the hunt for a WWII romance that’s not too graphic and focus more on the characters than the war (of course, the war is its own character in a way), Capturing Hope is a good choice.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own.

Amazing. No matter how many stories you hear about war it's always heart wrenching in it's own unique way. Nadia is a girl who was raised in Polish nobility. Her father befriended an American photographer and confided in him. As the Germans begin to invade Poland, things change rapidly and David promises her father to see Nadia safely to England. Their journey changes their lives forever, as well as some of those they encounter. Gripping story...you just have to know what will happen next, how they'll get out. So much sadness, but they also learn to recognize the miracles that happen along the way. Very well told, mostly documenting actual events.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#CapturingHope #AngelaKCouch #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistoricalFiction #FiveStarNovel

First of all, I have enjoyed this series so much and am thrilled to read another in the series that deals with two countries that are my personal heritage. Germany and Poland. Nadia's father is killed by the Nazis and is left by her German mother. This is a very dramatic book that touched my soul. My own mother suffered terribly in the War. And I have been really drawn to the messages in this series of books. This is a really well written book with Christian values. I loved the changes that transpired Nadia into the woman she becomes despite the privileged life she has had before.The history of these two countries is quite intertwined and the author has done an excellent job of capturing the events in her story. I really recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This a moving story of escaping from the clutches of the Nazis and trying to find a new place to find hope.I loved how the author incorporated historic facts into the story. It was easy to sympathize with Nadia. She is unsure of the American who has been charged with her safety. Tension arises between them which makes the story so interesting.

David has his own internal battles going on as he is tasked with getting Nadia to safety. It must be so unnerving to have this huge burden to protect someone who is not friendly at tines. There is so much emotion in the story with heartbreak. What is so good about the story is the change in several characters and how faith is a factor throughout the story.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

“Swear to me you will keep them safe.” “Keep him safe, David.”

“If he failed again? How many more lives would he wear on his conscience?”

In 1939 Poland, the country moves suddenly from talking about war to being overrun overnight by Germany. Nadia Roenne goes from ballroom to seeing the murder of her father, to fleeing with an American stranger, David Reid.

Nadia Roenne has a sharp tongue, and despite David’s repeated sacrifices for her, arrives at one destination still with her attitude of class superiority. “He’d saved her life, and she still didn’t care enough to remember his name.”

Facing unimaginable atrocities the German Army inflicted on the Polish people, but especially the Jews, can David and Nadia work together, or will their language, ideals, and nationality keep them apart? What inner resources will it take to survive the horrendous onslaught?

The evil of mankind makes this a difficult book to read, although only one who has experienced them can truly understand. Still, I shuddered as the bombs came whistling in, and the sirens screamed. I turned my head ,if possible, at the inhumane sights.

But… there is hope in this darkness, one that makes the novel one you’ll want to read. Facing their own mortality, ultimate hope is uncovered. “I imagine death is like stepping into a warm embrace. Like walking through a doorway away from pain and hurt into the waiting arms of those who are already gone. Family. Friends. Jesus. . .”

As they await terror and uncertainty, reflection with friends again visits, hitting home. “Perhaps there are those who will not like us because we are Polish or because you are Jewish, but not everyone is like that.” “You are not like that.” “No, I believe all people deserve to be treated fairly.” “Even Germans?”

Read Capturing Hope by Angela K Couch. If you dare.

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit and Netgalley. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

I adore the Heroines of WWII series so much and Capturing Hope, the latest by Angela K. Couch, knocks it out of the park. The story starts off at a clipped pace and the tension tightens the further along you go in the story as you witness the effects of the attack on Poland in 1939 at the beginning of the war. I cannot imagine the fear and horror that must’ve been tangible during that time when the war began. To have life as you know it gone in an instant is the stuff of nightmares. To not only have a will to survive yourself but to also have strangers that depend on you is a lot of pressure but to David and Nadia it comes as naturally as breathing. They both just want “to be seen. To be needed. To be loved,” like we all do, and this tugged on my heartstrings the entire time I read.

The whole novel was very harrowing, but the ending was the best as we see beauty comes from the ashes. I loved that David and Nadia created a makeshift family that became real and that their love felt authentic as they fought to stay alive and keep those that are with them alive. When I read historical fiction from WWII when I hear about Poland it always crushes me. How can such evil have been allowed to do such heinous acts of violence is something I will never understand, and I hope that we can learn from these horrors and not repeat it.

Thank you to the author for telling such a harrowing tale with such heart and imagination. These characters feel so real that I would think they were based on a true story. The writing flows seamlessly as we hear their tale of escape from Poland during such a tumultuous time, and it is a story I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to read.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.

Capturing Hope, by Angela K. Couch, is part of Barbour Publishing's Heroines of WWII series. This is a series of powerful stand alone stories that are written by different authors about strong women and their part in the war. This story is set in Poland in 1939. Nadia's father asks American photographer, David, to take his wife and daughter out of Poland before the German's take over the city.

This story starts out with action and suspense that does not end. It captured my attention right from the beginning. It is well written, easy to read and hard to put down. I was left wondering what would happen next to delay Nadia and David's trip out of Poland. It is very easy to see how caring both are for others and how quick they are to step in to help others, even putting themselves at risk. As Nadia fleece Poland she meets someone tells her life has not been what she always thought. As she flees, David is left feeling he is once again a failure.

I just loved this story, it gives a brief look into what the situation in Poland might have been, yet it is not to overwhelming to read. It also shows the strength the characters have. I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

Danger at Every Turn!

It is 1939 in Poland, and the Nazis have arrived. In 24 hours, Nadia goes from living the life of a rich aristocrat to seeing her father killed, and running for her life.

David, an American acquaintance of her father, helps her get to the city of Warsaw. Instead of that being a refuge, the Germans begin bombing the city multiple times day and night. While the couple try to flee to safety, they encounter even more danger. During their attempts to escape, they take over the care of three children who are orphaned from the bombing.

Everywhere they turn, they encounter more horrors from the invaders. Nadia and David try to convince the other people they meet to flee as well. The two face more threatening situations and roadblocks as they, along with a small band of adult and children, try to make it to freedom.

At one time, Nadia looked down on David because he was beneath her socially, but as they fight to stay alive, she finds all those divisions meaningless.

This inspiring and sobering tale includes talk of faith. Although this is fiction, it is based on real events that took place during the Nazi invasion of Poland. The story is clean, and you will feel like you are there witnessing everything. Be aware that one of the characters turns to drinking until drunk to cope. Fans of World War II accounts, and suspense will enjoy this well-written, five-star book.

Thank you, Barbour Books, for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.

You have no control. You can do nothing. Only God above.

Nadia woke up as the daughter of a Baron on Aug. 31, 1939. Then Evil arrived and she was suddenly in the care of an American, David Reid. This was not to be believed!! Follow along as a spoiled young lady learns how shallow and sheltered her life really was. Will the horror she experiences change her? Suddenly responsibility stares her in the face. What will she do with this new knowledge?

The author has obviously done a great deal of research into the atrocities that occurred in that period. Poland would never be the same again. Could her people come out of this with a renewed zeal to be free? There were so very many heroes and heroines that never survived to tell their story.

This early copy of Heroines of WWII #12 was received through Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.

I read an ARC of this book and really enjoyed it. I like reading historical fiction. This story captured my attention for the first page. I hated to put it down. The characters were quite well-developed. The story flowed well and the editing was well done.

What I did not like was the use of Polish words and not knowing what they were. That is my biggest complaint.

The history in the story was quite accurate and sad to read. I was thankful that the story had an epilogue to wrap it up. It still left one issue unresolved in my mind, but I do not want to reveal what it is and ruin the story.

I give this book a 4 out of 5-star review. I was given a copy of this book through CelebrateLit and this review is totally my own. I am not required to leave a positive review.

Capturing Hope takes place during Germany's invasion of Poland. I had not fully understood how different their invasion of Poland was to that of many of the other countries they invaded. As the author states in her historical note at the end of the book, the atrocities and genocide in Poland went much deeper in Poland. Hitler had stated that if Poland did not comply he would wipe them off of the map, and try he did. In this story American David Reid is tasked by the father of Nadia Roenne to insure that his daughter escapes from Poland to England. Having been born into nobility, Nadia meets many ordinary and extraordinary people, people of a class she would never have encounter before, as she and David make their way out of Poland. Both become convicted to help several of those they meet along the way, changing their outlook on both themselves and others as well as God. The story is very well written, character development strong, and emotion intense. The theme of self-sacrifice is genuinely expressed throughout the story. Don't pass up the historical note at the end. It is amazing how much of what David and Nadia encounter was historically accurate. May we not forget.

I highly recommend Capturing Hope and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Two basically strangers that end up risking their lives to help others. Yes, this is a continuing theme as the evil that was flooding Europe comes into Poland.

So much hate for God's Chosen People, and we are there witnessing this and then the Hope of those that are willing and do help others at the expense of possibly loosing their own lives.

So much danger, but then there are secrets, and we are there as some of them unfold, and we are gifted a page turner! This is such a great read, and we need to never forget and hopefully never repeat what happened!

Be sure to read epilogue!

I received this book through Net Galley and Barbour, and was not required to give a positive review.

1851 to 1942 four stories that each feel like their own get lost in book, yet just with an overlap of generational relatives. Different places, different circumstances, with a necklace that has a bible scripture engraved that is the same through time, shining a light to their unique situations. Excellent investment!

I received this book free from the authors, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#NetGalley #AcrossTheShores #AngelaKCouch #KellyJGoshorn #CarolynMiller #CaraPutman #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #BarbourPublishing #ChristianHistoricalFiction

With her father in a German POW camp and her home in Ste Mere Eglise, France, under Nazi occupation, Rosalie Barrieau will do anything to keep her younger brother safe. . .even from his desire to join the French resistance. Until she falls into the debt of a German solder―one who delivers a wounded British pilot to her door. Though not sure what to make of her German ally, Rosalie is thrust deep into the heart of the local underground. As tensions build toward the allied invasion of Normandy, she must decide how much she is willing to risk for freedom.

The back blurb of this book begins, in large typeface, I might add "A French woman and a German soldier form a truce" and there it is... the hook. I'm such a easy catch. I just adore a WWII romance. The plot is already so well known it's almost irrelevant. I am there for the scenery, the journey, the color. Well, I guess there are worse vices out there.
I enjoy when characters struggle to find their way, when they learn from their mistakes and when they resolve to do the "right' thing in hard situations. I thought the pacing was really good and I liked all of the characters, though I would have enjoyed a little more of the mother.

I enjoyed the novella Love Along the Shores by Cara Putman. I enjoyed getting to know Lauren and John and how they both survived living on the island off of the North Carolina coast during WWll. I liked the romance in the story but also liked seeing how the people of the island survived seeing what happened as wrecks of boats washed ashore after being hit by uboats. I look forward to reading the rest of the stories in this book. I received a copy of this novella from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

This a collection of Novellas written by four different authors. The thread that ties them is a gold necklace, made from a gold nugget that is found in the first read. The necklace appears in each of these reads, and through the generations these women are related.

From the Gold Fields in New South Wales, to Baltimore MD when a veiled woman arrives during a railroad strike, then to Canada, and a story with a young woman and a Mountie, and lastly to the Outer Banks NC during WWII.

You can choose to read one at a time, but I found myself moving quickly to the next one!

This is read is a treat!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour, and was not required to give a positive review.

I read Love Across the Shores by Cara Putman and was drawn in immediately. It takes place during WWII on the shores of NC and I realized how lives and families were changed. I wish this had been a full length novel as I really enjoyed it and didn’t want it to end. I loved how Lauren cared for her little sister and opened her home to help the war effort. It is poignant and I loved the sparks between her and John. I look forward to reading the other stories in this collection and finding out how they tie together. I definitely recommend Ms Putman contribution.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.