Suzanne Goldring Bücher

Mrs. Evelyn Taylor-Clarke sitzt in ihrem Stuhl im Forest Lawn Seniorenheim. Es wäre leicht, Evelyn als verwirrte alte Frau abzutun, doch Evelyn ist eine Frau mit Geheimnissen und sie erinnert sich an alles. Als ihre Nichte ein vergilbtes Foto eines kleinen Mädchens und einen Pass ihrer Tante mit einem anderen Namen findet, hat sie einige Fragen. Evelyn wird gezwungen, sich an einen Ort in Deutschland zu erinnern, der »Das verbotene Dorf« genannt wurde, und an eine Frau, die Eva genannt wurde und unter zitternden Gefangenen alles aufs Spiel setzt, um den zu finden, der das Leben ihres Mannes auf dem Gewissen hat.

Set against the backdrop of wartime, the story revolves around a hidden romance and the mystery of a girl whose whereabouts remain unknown. As the narrative unfolds, themes of regret and the quest for redemption emerge, prompting the question of whether it’s ever too late to express remorse. The blend of love, loss, and the search for closure creates a poignant exploration of human connections amidst chaos.

"They were not her children. But she would protect them with her life... Corfu 1944. Though they don't know it, five-year-old Matilde and three-year-old Anna have kissed their mother for the last time. The Nazis have reached their sun-scorched home, and they are being taken to a place of safety, on the north-eastern tip of the rocky island, to be hidden at great risk by kindly Agata and her husband until the terrible war is over. Matilde and Anna's tears are soothed by Agata's bedtime stories, but she is always alert. So far no soldiers have ventured down the steep rocky hillside to their secret haven, but Agata knows they are constantly scouring the island for missing Jews. And then, on a day when Agata's husband is away, a German soldier appears... 2016. Under a baking June sun, Amber and her husband arrive in Corfu from England, hoping for a fresh start. But not everyone is pleased by their arrival, and with the pressures of pregnancy, the couple grow further apart. Desperate to find a sense of belonging for herself and her unborn child, Amber finds herself drawn to the local story of two little girls, left by their parents and hidden for their own protection. But there are some who would rather Amber left Corfu's terrible history well in the past. Can Amber uncover the heart-breaking truth about the two little girls, and what happened after a German soldier took a swim in the bay by their house? If she does, can the secrets of the past help her find happiness, or will they send her running from the island, alone?"--Back cover

Two ordinary sisters face the harsh realities of a brutal war. In London, 1915, as German bombs fall and children wait for rations, fifteen-year-old Florrie matures quickly while her father fights in the trenches. Seeking comfort, she turns to her older sister Edith, who has changed—becoming quiet and secretive, often leaving home at night. When Florrie follows her, she uncovers shocking truths and realizes she must protect Edith's secret for their family's sake, even at great personal cost. Years later, Kate, escaping a broken relationship, sorts through her deceased aunt Florrie's home, shared with Edith. Sitting on the worn carpets, she examines photos of Florrie from the war, noting the stark transformation from a carefree girl to a hollow-eyed young woman. Determined to confront her family's past, Kate seeks to uncover the mysteries surrounding her aunts, including a hidden locked room and an abandoned wedding dress wrapped in tissue. As she delves deeper into the tragic secrets that have intertwined their lives, Kate must confront whether she can truly move forward after learning the truth about her family's history.

The narrative centers on a character who anticipates the inevitable revelation of hidden truths from their past. As a relentless search unfolds, individuals who have remained concealed are being discovered, suggesting a looming confrontation. The protagonist grapples with the fear of being found and the consequences that might follow, hinting at themes of identity, secrecy, and the inescapable nature of fate.

A gripping tale of determination unfolds as the protagonist embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the truth behind a loved one's disappearance. Driven by desperation, they confront danger and unravel secrets that threaten their very existence. This intense narrative explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the lengths one will go for those they care about, promising readers a suspenseful and emotional experience.

Set in wartime Florence, the story follows a courageous young girl who rides her black bicycle through a city marked by conflict. As she navigates the dangers of 1943, she embarks on a mission to recover a missing painting, showcasing her bravery and devotion to her country amidst the chaos. The narrative intertwines themes of resilience and patriotism, highlighting the impact of war on both personal and cultural levels.