Their fight for survival would change the course of history.

When rumors reach Vienna that an attack by the Ottoman army is imminent, Wilhelm von Schor, one of the emperor’s courtiers, prepares to evacuate his family—including his sister, Katja. But Katja’s reluctance to leave the city and the people she loves so well grows the farther the family carriage gets from her childhood home. When she learns that another brother, Xavier, is returning to Vienna with his musketeers, she decides to remain behind and face the shadow of war.

Katja soon reunites with Xavier and also with Toby, a dear friend from childhood. As Katja and Toby renew their friendship, an element of attraction builds on the comradery of their youth, and they quickly realize they have found something worth fighting for: love. But all too soon, the Ottomans encircle the city, blanketing its inhabitants in fear. Katja, Toby, and Xavier must each fulfill their new roles if they are to survive. In the overcrowded hospitals, below ground in the countermines, and on the ramparts defending the city walls, the three must fight for love, family, faith, and the survival of their city and everyone inside.

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I absolutely love historical fiction- especially ones by this author. She is so dedicated to research and an accurate showing of events that I know I am getting a good feel for the story just as it played out. A.L. Sowards is a master storyteller and I always feel so fortunate reading her books.

This book is based on war. Vienna and her determined people, fighting to save their city, their people, their way of life. Because it's war, this story is a hard one to read. There is so much sorrow, loss and fighting but there is also inspiration to be found. Threads of hope and most definitely resilience. The story follows three siblings and their different paths throughout the war. I learned things as I read and that always feels good. I didn't really understand mines and countermines so that part was especially interesting to me. I actually didn't know anything about this particular battle in Vienna before reading this but one day when I make it to Vienna, I will think of this story and remember as I witness it's current beauty.

I also felt my compassion growing for those who are facing the ravaging effects of war right now. It all feels so real and raw. My heart aches for the many people suffering.

"You keep working, and you keep praying. Grip your hope tightly and don't let it go. Clouds may darken it, may blot it out completely, but it's worth holding on to, even when you can't feel it or see it."

This book brought me to tears. My emotion was real and that's how I know this story is a great one. Not many books bring my tears flowing. 💙

Content: violence- most graphic in nature, death, peril, kissing. There are Christian elements and talk of God.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author:

A. L. Sowards is the author of multiple historical fiction novels, with settings spanning the globe from the fourteenth to twentieth centuries. Her stories have earned a Whitney Award, several Whitney Finalists positions, and a Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal. She enjoys hiking and swimming, usually manages to keep up with the laundry, and loves it when someone else cooks dinner. She currently lives in the beautiful state of Alaska with her husband, three children, and an ever-growing library.