Wow, what a fantastic book. A story of joy and laughter, sorrow and loss. A story of courage and belief that was tested to the absolute limits. The impact this book had on me will ensure I will remember it for a long time to come. Thank to the author, Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this amazing book.

~book review~⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I loved Beneath A Scarlet Sky So i knew i would enjoy this too and it didnt disappoint

I have read many many WWII historical fictions. Survival stories from concentration camps, how jewish people hid, how the war affected the french people,german people but never how the plight of Germans caught in Soviet territory and Stalin's army during and after WWII

Fair warning this wasnt an easy read as there are dark moments but this story shows us that no matter what us thrown in front of them we can survive,endure and thrive through the worst things life can throw at us just like Emil and Adeline did

i recommend the book particularly to those who are interested in World War II.

I want to thank Netgalley and The publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for a review

My thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book was thought provoking and emotional and the way it was told gripped me from beginning to end. Really hard sometimes to read books set in WWII but it really makes you appreciate what we now have and what people went through to survive despite everything.

The Last Green Valley follows the Martel family at the end of and post-WWII. The Martel family, an ethic German family, has lived as farmers in Ukraine for over a century. However, having already lived under Communism, they decide to flee with the Germans, in what is known as the Great Trek, in hopes of eventually escaping the Nazi cruelties and reaching the American or British occupied zones.

The story of the Martel family exemplifies what it means to survive hard times with integrity. Even with so much tragedy around the family, they still somehow remain hopeful for the future.

I found that I enjoyed Beneath a Scarlet Sky more, but the Last Green Valley is still a new and different story in the same way Beneath a Scarlet Sky was. I’ve read many books set in this time period, but I had never heard of the Great Trek and the events surrounding it. It was refreshing to learn something new. The beginning was a little slow, but once it picked up speed, I couldn’t put it down.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #UnionLakePublishing for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review. I will post this review to Goodreads and Instagram.

Told in the last year of World War II, when Stalin’s forces were pushing through Ukraine where many families of German descent had farmed for years, the Martels’ journey is definitely one worth reading about.

Forced to decide between two awful choices, staying under Stalin’s oppressive communist regime that had already starved millions during the Holodomor of 1932-33, or following the Nazi’s who were fighting on their last fronts against the Allies. Emil and Adeline Martel, along with their two boys fled with the Nazi’s with the Soviet tanks on their tails for a chance to escape communism.

Split for part of their journey, Adeline in East Germany behind the rapidly closing Iron Curtain and Emil in a prison camp, they continued to hold out hope for Adeline’s dream of their own “Green Valley” in the west, preferably far away from a communist government.

The Martels’ story is one of perseverance, faith, and unwavering love and commitment during their Long Trek and will move even the most cynical of readers. I highly recommend reading this inspirational story when it is released on May 4th. Thank you to Mark Sullivan, Netgalley, and Lake Union Publishing for the advanced copy.

Beneath a Scarlet Sky is one of the best historical fictions I’ve ever read, so I couldn’t wait to see what Mark Sullivan would produce next. The Last Green Valley is also based on real people, again the history of a family now living in Montana.
This time, the story starts in Ukraine. The Martels are Volksdeutsche, sixth generation Germans brought to the Ukraine by Catherine the Great to share their agricultural skills. Of course, under Stalin, they became personae non gratae and Adeline’s father was sent to Siberia. During the war, the land was taken over by the Germans. Now, in 1945, the Germans are in retreat from the Russian Army and the Martels must make a choice whether to follow the Germans or stay behind to be destroyed by the Russians.
The story is told from Emil’s and Adeline’s perspectives - both in the “present day” of 1944 forward and the past, starting in 1922. Time and again, we see the contrast of doing what’s needed to survive and doing what’s right. One of the main themes of the book is faith- keeping it and losing it. The book also provides constant reminders about finding small joys in each day. One of my favorite characters was Corporal Gheorghe and I was thrilled to discover in the Author’s Notes that he was based on a real person.
This book isn’t as engaging as Under a Scarlet Sky. It was interesting, but not engrossing. But I felt I learned much more about the last days of WWII. It’s thoroughly researched and Sullivan does a great job of fleshing out the facts with fiction. It was a total revelation to learn about The Great Trek by the ethnic Germans. This book is also a reminder of the importance of immigrants to the US experience.
My thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an advance copy of this book.

This is a book I won't soon forget. The main characters are ethnic Germans whose families have lived in Ukraine for several generations. As WWII comes to a close, they flee the Stalinist regime for Germany - forced to choose between the Communists and the Nazis. After an action packed journey to Germany, the couple becomes separated. The book becomes rather dark after this point. The husband is sent to a Soviet labor camp and finally comes to terms with horrors he witnessed under the Nazis. The wife is threatened with rape and other severe difficulties at the hand of the emerging East German regime in Berlin.

I couldn't put this book down. Based on a true story, this book tells a story most of us haven't heard yet - the plight of ethnic Germans caught in Soviet territory during and after WWII. Though not explicit during the beginning of the book, the horrors of the Holocaust emerge as the story progresses. This book was far darker than I expected. However, it's a wonderful story of how ordinary human beings can endure and survive the worst terrors other humans can dish out.

One interesting aspect of this book was its embrace of Law of Attraction theory and the power of positive thinking and visualization. I had not come across these themes in recent fiction, and I found these philosophies particularly interested used in historical fiction.

In The Last Green Valley, Mark Sullivan brings us the story of the Martel family and their long, arduous escape from the evils of the end of World War II. The ethnic German family, including parents Emil and Adeline and their two young sons, Walt and Will, make the decision to leave behind the life they’ve built for themselves in Ukraine to escape the inevitability of once again living under Stalin’s barbaric control.

Their journey towards freedom in Adeline’s dream of a lush green valley where their family can settle once and for all is a constant life or death struggle. We follow the Martel’s and their extended family’s travels through several European countries in a search for a better life. This extraordinary tale is told from multiple points of view and through alternating timelines. Sullivan’s descriptions of the people, places, and events really brought the story to life for this reader, and I found myself skimming ahead at certain points, feeling dread over what was potentially to come and needing to brace myself for the possibilities.

While the book is historical fiction, it is based on the stories shared with the author by the Martel sons, Will and Walt, and other friends and family members of the family. There are several historically accurate accounts of atrocities and hardships faced by many ethnic Germans, Jews, Russians, and others living under the brutality of Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler’s regimes. I was riveted and stopped here and there throughout the book to read the true accounts of some of the people and places detailed therein. In a sea of recent World War II era tales, Mark Sullivan’s work stands out for me as one of the best in the genre.

A powerful, often disturbing story of survival during the years surrounding World War II -- based on a true story.

While not quite as varied a story, in my opinion, as Beneath a Scarlet Sky (also by Mark T. Sullivan) The Last Green Valley remains a compelling story of one family's struggle against extremely difficult circumstances.

Emil Martel and his wife Adeline are ethnic Germans who were relocated to the Ukraine as part of Hitler's plan to expand German influence. As World War II starts to turn against Germany, Nazi officers begin escorting German residents from the Ukraine to Poland, which still remains under German control. Then, of course, that too becomes unsafe.

As the Martels, their children, and their extended families move from place to place -- facing difficult travel, inadequate food and lodging, and human brutality -- the book completely engulfed me. To the point that I had to take breaks from reading, because of the relentless horror of their lives.

Nevertheless, goodbyes, separations, and deprivation do not shake the dedication of these family members to each other -- making the story as inspirational as it is horrific. And recognizing how the Martels represent millions of other refugees during the same period put me in awe of what humans can survive.

Fortunately, the ending is a happy one. So you can finish the final chapters with a sense of satisfaction. I recommend the book particularly to those who are interested in an aspect of World War II (i.e. German refugees) than is usually told.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc of this book. All opinions expressed are my own. I am rating this book, The Last Green Valley by Mark Sullivan, 4 stars.

This historical fiction book is an incredible and (somewhat) true tale of bravery and faith. Adeline and Emil Martel, along with their families make the arduous journey from Ukraine headed west under protection of the German army from Stalin and his troops. Throughout their difficult journey, you truly see what a brave, determined, and faithful person Adeline is and how much her and Emil are true partners.

Reading through the difficulties that these characters experienced while being intentionally starved, forced to work in prison camps, forced to kill Jewish people, all while trying to keep their families alive, was so hard to read.

I did enjoy this book as a work of historical fiction and appreciated the Martel family’s work ethic and commitment to stay together after they settled in Montana.

In an afterward to this book Mark Sullivan indicates that it is an account of the vicissitudes of a real family living through one the most horrific periods to ever have faced human beings. The novel is more than a compelling read; it is an adventure into emotion that crosses between hope and despair bringing to life the resiliency of an extraordinary family. The Martels are people with roots in Germany that have emigrated into the Ukraine in order to enjoy a better life. Making a life there the transplanted colony suddenly becomes caught up in war when Germany invades Russia during World war II.
The slaughter of both the Russian and German armies at the battle for Stalingrad causes the Germanic residents of the Ukraine to flee the Russian army which goes after the Wehrmacht in order to destroy them. The Germans tell the transplants to pack up and leave with them to try and make it back to Germany before Stalin, the Russian leader moves his army to slaughter them. The Wehrmacht offers protection and food during the escape. Emil and Adeline Martel and their two sons are among the group leaving their home to escape with their lives. It is their story that Mark Sullivan celebrates. The fleeing group are subjected to being caught up with the running battles of both armies. They narrowly escape being killed by tanks of both armies fighting each other and not looking to see if civilians are in the way of their shells.
The Martels are strengthened by a vision they hold of coming at last to live in a beautiful Green valley where they can enjoy peace and the tranquility of life together and with their family. The events of their travel could normally crush the spirit of anyone but in a memorable accounting of what befalls them Mark Sullivan does an excellent job of painting a picture of the triumph of the human spirit. The reader will not be able to lay down the book until finished and know that they have read a superb story and an extremely well told one that will stay with them for a long time.

I have heard great things about Mark Sullivan’s previous novel Beneath a scarlet sky so, I couldn’t wait to delve into his latest offering The Last Green Valley.
The last green Valley is based on the actual story of the Martel family, Emil, and Adeline and their two sons Will and Walter. Who are Ukrainian but have some German heritage. They are stuck the regimes of the Soviets and Stalin. So, they will not be put into camps like others where they live. they do not want to be deported to Siberia to cut timber, so the family decide to leave what they know and escape to the west.
But the journeys not an easy one and they experience several hardships on their journey and make several sacrifices along the way. Even separated for years not knowing of either of them is alive or dead. But Emil and Adeline seem to gather strength from each other’s hopes and dreams and prayers that somehow, they get through them and eventually meet up again.
I thank Lake union for a copy of The last green Valley. I have read several books in this genre, but I thought this was a unique and spiritual account of a family escaping the Soviet and Stalin regime. It was also very emotional. I did feel that though sometimes the author was repeating areas of the story. But saying that I really enjoyed this and now can’t wait to read his previous novel, Beneath the scarlet sky. 4 stars from me.

Thank you #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and offer my review of #TheLastGreenValley.

Nearly four years ago, Beneath a Scarlet Sky came out. Up until that time I had never read anything by Mark Sullivan and, in fact, had never heard of him. I can't remember what made me pick it up, but I imagine because he co-writes The Private Series with James Patterson. I've been a big fan of Patterson's, although that has waxed and waned a bit over time. It's likely, though, that I found Sullivan because of Patterson. To say I like some of Patterson's work is true, but to say the same of Mark Sullivan doesn't begin to accurately describe my esteem for him as an author.

I was so impressed with Beneath a Scarlet Sky I RAVED about it to every reader I knew and some I didn't. I spoke of it relentlessly, until my brother pick it up, read and enjoyed it too. Mind you that is a compliment of the highest order since historical fiction is usually outside his wheelhouse.

Moving forward four years, the release of The Last Green Valley scheduled for May, I found Mr. Sullivan's work in an uncorrected proof and made an immediate request. I would gladly have paid whatever the purchase price, but was so glad that I didn't have to wait an additional four months for it's release. This book, like Scarlet Sky, has to be on its way to one of the best of the year. It will certainly make my list of favorites of 2021! Beyond that it is expert crafting of a true story, superior research and just the right touch of poetic license to pull it all together. I can't remember when I have been so supremely impressed with a work of this sort, unless it was four years ago. However, in my opinion Green Valley surpassed Scarlet Sky.

The Martels, Emil and Adeline, were the backbone of a family that had tragedy befall them at nearly every turn. Unimaginable circumstances to most of us, but through it all their love, faith and belief that to find happiness you must move through tragedy kept them from the brink. Their encounters with Corporal Gheorghe taught important spiritual lessons that carried him and the Martels through the remainder of their lives. Whatever label you might place on it, the belief in someone or something greater than ourselves and its ultimate power cannot be dismissed or overlooked. It is a real as the Corporal himself.

The Last Green Valley is an outstanding and distinctive piece of work. Mark Sullivan has told another important and never-to-be forgotten story. If you read one book this year, let it be this one!

A wonderful title from an amazing author.
I loved Beneath the Scarlet Sky, which made me wish to read more by Mark Sullivan. WWII stories are hard, but u need an excellent hand to write then beautifully.

Although this book is based during WWII, most of the events take place at the end of the war and the immediate years following. This definitely sets this book apart from the many WWII historical fictions that are out there (and there are a lot!). Adeline and Emil's families are fleeing the the oppressive hand of Stalin, only to be hit with hardship after hardship. Even at the war's end, their lives continue to be controlled by others. Through all of their heartbreak, Adeline and Emil continue to rely on their faith and love for each other to continue their search for freedom.
Sullivan's characters are well developed and I found myself feeling the heartbreaks, hope, and joy right along with each of them. I appreciated the author's note that gave additional information about this amazing family. I would definitely recommend this book!

If you enjoyed this author's 'Beneath a Scarlet Sky' you will enjoy this one, too. The Martel family was Ukrainian. And during Hitler's WWII, they were seen as 'Aryan' and not in danger of being sent to death camps. But what happens when Stalin's regime starts taking over? What happens to non-jews after the war, even though they weren't involved in the massacre? This story follows this family from the Ukraine throughout their harrowing journey to their quest for ultimate freedom. It's based on a true story, and I couldn't put it down.

Mark Sullivan, once again, has used his gift of words to capture one family’s epic story of survival during one of the darkest periods in history. The incredible, true story sweeps across the landscapes of Ukraine, Romania, Poland, Germany and finally, the US, and compels the reader to experience the family’s triumphs, tragedy, and ultimate peace.

This is the story of the German family of Emil & Adeline Martel and their two young sons as they deal with the impacts of WW2 on their life in Ukraine. They load their wagon and leave their home behind, trusting the Germans to lead them to safety and a better life - that beautiful green valley. The story evolves as they face certain trials associated with the ongoing war, and face constant fear regarding their safety, health, and survival.

This book was fairly long and a slower read. It faces and describes many tough topics such as the labor camps. However, it is a story that will stick with me and a slightly new perspective on WW2 experiences.

I was delighted to get my hands one as I really enjoyed Beneath a Scarlet Sky.

This is the story of the journey of escape to freedom of Ukrainians Adeline and Emil Martel and their two young sons who are a family of German heritage living on the border in the aftermath of WW2. The Martels along with others in the area are caught between the warring Stalin and his Soviet regime and also the fast approaching Nazis. The Martels have, along with their extended families, farmed on the border for years but they do not want to risk being deported to Soviet settlements in Siberia and decided they would head west to start a new life.

I have to say I found this quite heart-breaking to read at times as it is based on real events. The author’s writing is excellent and really draws you in and transports you to that time and place. He also does an excellent job of telling the story of the family’s struggles and their strength in their will to survive.

This book is quite slow at the beginning, but I urge you to keep going, it is worth it!

Thanks to Lake Union Publishing, NetGalley and the author for the ARC.

I was really excited to get my hands on this book since I read Beneath a Scarlett Sky a few years ago and loved it. I could not stop recommending it to friends and family. I would like to thank NetGalley and publisher for providing me with a copy of this new book in exchange for an honest review.
I'll start off with stating that this book was worth a read. It highlighted parts of history that I had no idea about or limited information. I learned quite a bit and was intrigued that it followed a real life family's story.
That being said, I should state a few problems I had with it. One being that it was too repetitive and made it a bit of a struggle to read a good portion if it before needing a break. My second problem was that some of the things that occur were too much of a coincidence. On the other hand, it was about having faith so if you look at it that way, then they were little miracles.
All in all, I would recommend this book and am glad I had the opportunity to read it.