I am very thankful for having the opportunity to read an advance copy of the book Three Sisters courtesy of #NetGalley and St Martin's Press. All opinions are my own unbiased ones.

Heather Morris has written several books which tell stories of people who were directly impacted by the Holocaust. This book is loosely classified as book three in the series which began with The Tattooist of Auschwitz. All of these books work extremely well as stand alone stories and while fictionalized, they are inspired by real people and events and extremely well researched. When you consider how many Jewish people and how many others such as Romany, political prisoners etc. were sent to concentration camps there are no doubt so many stories that are untold and sadly will continue to be untold. Heather Morris is to be commended for all of her efforts to help make some of these stories known. Three Sisters differs from The Tattooist of Auschwitz and Cilka's Journey in that it is not just about life at Auschwitz but also includes what happened at the end of the war and how life went on for sisters Cibi, Magda and Livi. It is , however, equally mesmerizing.

The author was approached by the children of one of the three sisters and asked if she would please tell their story. She had their co-operation throughout and was able to interview one of the sisters who was still alive at the time. This lends a real veracity to the story as she tells it and as in the previously mentioned two books, it set me to searching out for more about the story once I had finished reading it.

As the story begins, a father makes his three young daughters promise that they will always stay together. They had no idea at the time what difficulties this might entail and how life would unfold. Sadly their father had health issues that meant he would not be around to watch them grow up and see just how awful the situation would become for people of Jewish descent.

A kindly doctor admits Magda to hospital in order to help her avoid a round-up for work: by the German's. It was thought that her two sisters would be ok as one was "too young" and the other was out with a group preparing to ultimately move to Palestine. Sadly the German's paid no attention to youth and when one sister learned the other must report for "work" she remembered her promise to her father and without really understanding what would happen, opted to report with her sister. They ended up being two of the earliest inhabitants of Auschwitz Birkenau. Their sister Magda returned home to her mother and grandfather but ultimately she too was faced with forced deportation and experienced the death of her grandfather en route and eventually of her mother too. Fortunately she was found by her sisters who did their best to support her and give her a reason to keep on going. How they survived, made their way eventually to Palestine and prospered makes for a fascinating tale. I was incredibly moved by it and am so thankful that Heather Morris was able to share this story with the wider world. I hope it is read by many!

Three Sisters is the second book by Heather Morris that I read. Once again, she captivates us with her words and story-telling abilities. A story of three sisters and everything they endured, a story about strength and hope.
Based on the true story of the Meller sisters, this companion to The Tattooist of Auschwitz manages to capture a wide range of emotions, but one of the most important ones is probably admiration of the strength these three sisters had to overcome everything that happened to them.
Although there are times where the pace is slower, it is hard to stop reading and reaching the end and reading the epilogue was a very interesting task.
If you like Historical Fiction and want a story full of hope, then do not miss Three Sisters.

You are my victory. My family is my victory.

Based on the true story of 3 sisters that survived the holocaust and the promise they made to their father before he died. That they would care and be there for each other. The promise held strength, courage and love. Menachem knew that he would not be there for his 3 lovely daughters and he knew the tide was turning in Europe. He was a father who knew his children well and bestowed on them great faith. He describes each of daughters very well while they were quite young. As they got older they remembered their promise and watched out for each other and their mother. The daughters Cibi, the oldest, Magda, the middle and Livi the youngest.

Cibi and Livi were first brought to the camps while Livi was in the hospital. Being in the hospital kept her safe for a while. Livi was going to German work camp and Cibi did not want her to go alone being so young. Together they saw the terror of the Germans and they survived because of the promise they made to their father. The family did meet up in the camp with devastation and if you are the type of person to look for any type of good and hope, they did find that.

The most interesting part of their story is coming back to Israel. What it took and why it took place. I consider myself a friend of the Jewish people and nation because of what God has done and will continue to do. They are the graft that brings us all into the family of God. Their story of love and courage is why God has them for their chosen people.

I appreciated the Heather Morris care in writing this book and how she let the families speak in the end. I think most readers will appreciate it as well.

A special thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review

So, so, so good! I couldn’t put this book down. Heather Morris has such a way with her words and character development that you feel like you’re right there in the book. The epilogue had me in tears, don’t worry no spoilers here. Another great historical fiction title that should be read by everyone.

Why?
“May we never forget the evil that occurred”
Just so many unanswered questions.
What will sisters do to survive?
How much humiliation can they endure?
Heartbreaking story that is hard to read. But, so very important to read and remember. We honor them by keeping their memories and stories in our hearts.
No one can say they loved or enjoyed reading this story. It will put you through so many intense emotions that you will have to pause and gather your thoughts.
Thank you Heather Morris for sharing your writing talent.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.

This book is about a promise made to a father by his three daughters. The three daughters would experience such horrors and unimaginable things during the Holocaust. Each one has a unique experience and find ways to heal and thrive in life.

Stirring, emotional journey of 3 sisters who lived thru the Holocaust, based on a true story
By reading the Afterwards in this book you find out that these were real people (pictures included), with real situations, from happy times at home with Mumma and Grandfather Yitzchak to dangerous and treacherous times when Cibi, Magda and Livi are sent to the Nazi camps Auschwitz and Birkenau. This book should be required reading so that we never forget, nor allow it to happen again: how inhumane we can be to one another.
Told in Three parts: The Promise, The Gates of Hell and The Promised Land the three sisters tell of their life and times from teenagers to great-grandmothers. I can’t remember crying this much while reading one book. So poignant and haunting that I am confident I shall remember this book forever. Slovakian, Jewish sisters Magda and Livi recount to the author Heather Morris what they endured and the impact their experiences had on their lives. The Meller mantra: strength and hope, which is how the girls survived! The essence of the book: Cibi tells her sisters, “We are all survivors. We have all been beaten, starved and tortured, but look at us, we’re still moving, still alive.” Their survival was their justice and retribution toward the Nazis.
If you would like to read about true events during a tumultuous period of our history, read and enjoy this book. I was invited and I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through NetGalley. I would give it 10 stars if I could.

THREE SISTERS
By Heather Morris

There is something about Healther Morris' writing that completely engrosses me. I loved each and every single one of her previous books, beginning with Cilka's Journey to The Tattooist of Auschwitz.

In this third book, we are immersed back into the harrowing world of the Nazis where three sisters, Cibi, Magda, and Livia would not be torn apart no matter what as a promise to their father that they will protect each other and stay together. The story of their experience in Auschwitz, as told about their hardships, determination, their story of love and courage, until they could escape to Israel.

As always Morris' writing based on true stories always is meticulously researched, always thought-provoking, and quite powerful no matter the atrocities, there is always that glimmer of hope for survival and resilience.

One of the best author of WWII Historical Fictions I always recommend.

I am so glad this book! It was so good and I could not put it down. I love historical fiction and this was no exception. The writing and research were remarkably done and the writing transports you into the story.

“Three Sisters”, ….Historical Holocaust- ‘based-on-a- true-story’, novel was written from love, warmth, and compassion….which any reader can see.
Heather Morris’s own heart is as big as they come.

In Slovakia, years before World War II, the three young Meller sisters made a promise to their ill father that they would always stay together. Their promise would be tested in 1942 when the Nazis started to round up all the Jewish teenagers. Middle sister Magda, age 17, was sent to the local hospital for protection while Cibi, the oldest at 19 and young Livi, age 15, were rounded up and told they were being sent to do work for the Germans. They were transported and sent to a compound of barbed wired buildings with an entry sign reading Arbeit Macht Frei. They were sent to Auschwitz.

This was a "deep" dive into a very sad history and while I did stick it out, it wasn't my normal read.

Three sisters is the incredibly powerful historical fiction based on three real-life sisters, Cibi, Magda, and Livi. They lived in Slovakia with their mother and grandfather, as their father passed away in the 1920's. The girls were forced to grow up too fast as they were sent to forced labor and concentration camps.
I was blown away by the writing style and bringing to life this story. The bond between the sisters, who made a promise to their father to never be apart, was incredible. Their survival was based on their support of each other. Have a box of tissues nearby as you read this emotional book.

Thank you NetGalley, Heather Morris and St. Martin’s Press for the copy of Three Sisters. This is my personal review.
The story of the sisters Livia, Magda, and Cibi is one that will stay with me for a long time.
Just opening the book and reading the first words I knew I was going to be told an unforgettable story of what the sisters went through. I was drawn into their world and held there until the very end.
They made a promise to their father, and they knew they would keep that promise no matter what happens.
The story is heart wrenching, emotional and at times tender.
Thank you goes to the author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz Series. Each book is so well written.

4.5 Stars rounded up to 5

An ailing father extracts a promise from three young sisters, Cibi, Magda, and Livi, to always stay together, no matter what. Little do they realize that this will be the most challenging promise of their lives. This is a story of love, resilience and dedication to family. Your heart will break, as in any story of this kind, for what these young girls will have to endure, what they will witness, and the strength of their will, character and heart. From the death camps to returning home to making a new home in a new country. These sisters will show what it takes to keep a promise.

This is the third book in the Tattooist of Auschwitz series, but definitely can be read as a stand-alone. I have yet to read The Tattooist, but have read Cilka’s Journey, and have had no issues following the storyline. As in the previous book, you will find how these prisoners will do whatever they need to do to survive, without judging any others.

I would have loved to have learned more about their lives in Israel, since I knew very little about this part of the history. Make sure you read the Afterwords, and learn how this book came about and the women behind it. To say I loved a book about this horrendous time in history, sounds harsh, but I enjoyed reading this from teenager/early 20s point of view, and each story brings in new insight. Well written and researched. You take every step with these sisters as they fight to stay together, find family and seek out happiness and love.

Thanks to Ms. Morris, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone.

What a way to end a trilogy! Thank you, Ms. Morris, for a challenging story of the bond of three sisters as they face the atrocities in their home country of Slovakia to Auschwitz to the new country of Israel. This is based on the true story of three sisters. I do not want to retell the story's premise that has been in other reviews. I just want to focus on the fortitude and strength of siblings in an effort to survive and eventually thrive. There is just enough reference to the first two books to tie the three together. Though each book can stand alone. Highly recommend especially for those who have sisters.

Thank you, NetGalley, the publisher and author for an advanced copy.

The heartbreaking tale of three sisters and their journey through the concentration camps. It was beautifully told but so hard to read at times because of the hardships they faced. Still, Heather Morris does a fantastic (almost too good) job of making you feel like you are there with them; you feel their pain, their joy, and their love for one another. I loved this book for the women it brought into my life but am sad for the story it told.

Three Slovakian sisters make a promise to their father that they will always be together and look out for each other. Based on the true experiences of these sisters, the author takes us on their heart-breaking journey to Auschwitz and on their hopefully journey to Israel.

4.5 stars!

The third and final book in Heather Morris' Tattooist Of Auschwitz series, Three Sisters is a haunting, bittersweet, lovely finale.

In 1942, having made a promise to their father that they would always stay together, the family struggles as Nazi's, with the help of local villagers, begin to round up the young people of Slovakia. One sister, Magda, manages to evade capture with the assistance of a kindly doctor, but eventually, all three sisters endure the same fate - imprisonment in the brutal concentration camp, Auschwitz.

The most interesting aspect of Three Sisters is that while we spend a lot of time in Auschwitz/Birkenau, the story doesn't end there. As the Allied Forces close in, the three sisters are taken from Auschwitz and forced to march through the cold, bitter winter. We then move on to life post-war, where the sisters are returned to Slovakia, to a home stolen by a former neighbour, their friends and family lost, and townspeople that, more often than not, still hold their Hitler-fed hatred toward Jews. And so, they decide it's time to go to the promised land - Israel.

I've said it before and I'll say it again - Heather Morris is not an author prone to being overly dramatic or wordy. Her writing is perfunctory and to the point, but for these books, it works. The drama lies in the horror of the events themselves, and in the people impacted by those events. She did take a little more license when it came to depicting the family's life in Israel - from helping to establish their new home, to their lives afterwards, the tone of the novel changed completely. While I still wouldn't describe this one as a feel-good novel per se, I'm happy to admit that I found myself laughing and smiling for the first time throughout this series.

Once you've finished the story, you would be well served to continue reading. From Ms Morris' personal thoughts on visiting with the sisters in Israel to the thoughts and letters from members of the Meller family, including the sisters - it's eye-opening to see how each of the sisters processed their trauma and how they did, or didn't, tell their stories to their children.

TL;DR: Kiwi’s Quick Take
What I Loved: As with both of the other Tattooist books, Heather Morris does an amazing job of taking you on an emotional rollercoaster of a journey with the people she writes about. And it was even more obvious, I think, with Three Sisters.
What I Didn't Like: I honestly can't think of a thing with this one! If anything, it's that it's the conclusion of the series.
Conclusion: As with Cilka's Journey, while Three Sisters is part of a series, it can be read standalone. And, as with both previous books, make sure you have tissues handy! This one is an even bigger tear-jerker!

Heather Morris is a master storyteller, captivating us with characters who are determined to survive at all costs, despite the horrific conditions of the Nazi concentration camps. This story of three sisters will leave you astonished at just how much a person can endure, and still come out a survivor.

Heather Morris has done it again!

A promise to stay together.
An unbreakable bond.
A fierce will to survive.

The day before a dangerous operation, their father asked his three daughters, Cibi, Magda and Livia to make a promise that they will look after each other and stay together no matter. That's a hard promise to make as people are different, have different personalities and life takes us in all different directions. But a promise is a promise....

Years later one by one the sisters find themselves in Auschwitz where the sister are reunited. Not the place one wants to meet a loved one, but still, they were happy at least to be there for each other. Plus, they are determined to live. They survive the horrors and eventually make their way to Israel to begin their lives.

Heather Morris tells the three sister's stories of hardship, love, courage, determination, and strength. In her Author's note, she tells not only their story but the story of their beloved parents, and grandfather. She shares how their lives changed once living in Israel and included notes in the form of "Afterward" with family members. It left me gutted. I know what it is like to love a survivor and I can relate to how their families felt about their stories being told.

Heather Morris can do no wrong in my book and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.

Powerful and moving.


Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Heather Morris continues to captivate me with her words, and Three Sisters is a true testament to her ability to bring a powerful and emotionally-driven story to life.

There is nothing stronger than the bond between sisters, and for Cibi, Magda, and Livi this bond was unbreakable. They made a promise to their father as children that they would always stay together, and through the horrors of war and the Holocaust, they fought not only to survive but to not lose one another too. Their story didn’t end there, though. They had to learn how to navigate through a world that once hated them (and in some places, still did) while trying to move on with their lives. But how does one even begin to live after having gone through hell and back?

This was such a beautiful and heart-breaking story. Cibi, Magda, and Livi were so strong and so determined to remain together, and somehow through the evil they endured in the death camps, they survived. But they never forgot. Had it not been for Gita and Lale’s story, we might not have ever known about these three sisters and the love that kept them together and helped them to survive. I am so thankful for those who continue to share their stories, and remind the world that we must never forget what happened, and we must learn from history so that this atrocity never happens again.

Highly recommend!

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4070056766