What a terrific, suspenseful, emotional, heartfelt read this is! Rosli, a nurse with the Swiss Red Cross, takes over a group of Jewish orphans in 1943 France and builds a small community in the chateau where they are housed until...Suddenly, the collaborating French authorities demand that she turn over all Jews over 18 and one horrible night, they manage to snare a large group of them. But Rosli stands up and demands their return, setting up a conflict between herself, the Nazis, and the Red Cross itself. Undaunted, she finds a way to hide the teens and then to smuggle them out of France with the help of Anne Marie, another Red Cross worker. This is their story as well as the story of Ella, 17 at the start, who does not want to leave her little sister Hanni. Not all goes well in this novel (be prepared) but it is very much a story of heroism by a dynamic group of women and teens (and little Hanni as well). Beck's storytelling shines here and she's created indelible characters building on the real life people (don't miss the afterword) who saved as many Jewish children as possible. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. Fans of WWII and historical fiction should pick this one up asap. Highly recommend.

This is a story about the Nazis and the Jews. It's pretty factual and not very uplifting. But it's a part of history that is good to know.
Berkley and Net Galley let me read this book for review (thank you). It will be published the 13th of September.

The Jewish women work on helping the children escape. Not everyone makes it. The Germans shoot to kill.

This tale is filled with tension and many escapades trying to save the children. One woman falls in love but she has to leave him taking her little sister and herself to safety. He's fighting the Germans. Will he survive?

It's an interesting and unforgettable story. The Jewish women were very brave.

If you have an interest in history, you need to read this book.

The Winter Orphans by Kristin Beck

Southern France, 1942 The Château de la Hille is home to one hundred refugee children, given up by their parents in the hopes that their children can survive the horrors of the persecution that is enslaving and killing so many people. Swiss Red Cross volunteer Rösli Näf is in charge of these children and the adults that care for them. Rosli is a real life hero and her actions to try to save ALL the children are unbelievable but true. Because the Swiss Red Cross took care of so many French orphans and displaced children during WWII, they were allowed to have this refuge for these one hundred Jewish children. But the enemy is at the door and wanting to spirit the children who age out, at first at the age of 18 and then at younger ages, away to certain death. When Rosli can't get more protection for the children, when she can't get help to move the children out of harms way, when she is told to stand own while young people are hauled off to their deaths, she takes matters into her own hands. These are her children and she will not stand by and let them be destroyed if she can help it.

Anne-Marie Piguet is another real life hero who worked as a volunteer for the Swiss Red Cross. She grew up in the rugged mountains that can provide a way out for the children and at the risk of being caught and killed, she spends weeks canvassing the area, scouting paths and hiding places, and actually leading children to safety. As a member of the Resistance she knows people that will help, all willing to give their lives for the freedom of others.

We also follow fictional Jewish refugee Ella Rosenthal, one of Rosli's children, who was sent away by her parents, four years earlier. She was fourteen and her little sister Hanni was four. After several false starts, they thought they had found their safe haven but now it's threatened and if Ella doesn't get away soon, she will be hauled off to the camps. But escaping would be almost impossible with her little sister on a journey that is extremely difficult for adults. Almost all the choices each of these people have are heartbreaking but each woman will not give up.

The story is told in chronological order which I appreciate. Going back and forth in time can be so hard when trying to keep track of so many people. I felt for each of these woman and enjoyed each of their POVs equally. As often happens when I enjoy learning about real people in our past, I want to learn more about Rosli and Anne-Marie, two women who were willing to give all for those who needed their help.

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for this ARC.

Well written and researched novel based on the true/historical stories of Jewish child refugees in France during WWII. There is much heroism here, mostly of the caretakers who took it upon themselves to smuggle teens to Switzerland as they were being hunted down for deportation. But, also the heroism of the parents who shipped their children out in order to save them, and the children themselves facing the decisions to stay and hide, risk running away to Spain or Switzerland, or to join the resistance. So hard to imagine. There is shame in not only the German Nazis, but the French police, French collaborators, and the Swiss Red Cross.

Another heart wrenching ww2 era read with characters who strive to beat the odds.

With any good historical read, the writer needs to put the reader right into the heart of the story, and give them the feels that go along with the sad, inconsolable content. Kristin Beck has the ability to do just that and I found myself teary eyed throughout the story. A sign of a good book.

This genre is always hard for me to read, but I keep finding myself drawn back into the stories. The characters bring a strength that we can only imagine and hope to be able to embody.

A great read by Beck.

4.5 stars

The Winter Orphans is a book that will have you grasping for kleenex and in the next moment cheering not only the orphans on but also the people that sheltered them, hid them and kept them from being deported . Kept them alive.

It is World War II in France and Jewish parents that had foresight to see the danger for their children had them relocated to France.

We meet Ella and her sister Hanni who are sheltering at Chateau de la Hille.

When Germany invades France the children are in danger and it is heroes like Rosili and Anne- Marie that plot to get as many as they can to safety.

My heart was pounding and I was holding my breath for all those trying to escape.

The heroism and the resilience and courage of the town people is beyond amazing.

Please take time to read the author's notes at the end of the book , I found them fascinating.

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group, Berkley for a heartfelt read.

I received a complimentary advanced copy of THE WINTER ORPHANS by Kristen Beck. Thank you to Berkley Publishing and PRH Audio for the chance to provide an honest review.

THE WINTER ORPHANS is set in the midst of World War II following the lives of children who fled from the Nazis to relative though dubious safety in France and the adults who cared for them. Ella Rosenthal and her little sister were among these children who have come into the care of the Swiss Red Cross in a run down castle. While they are underage they are relatively safe, but with the war ongoing and the teens growing older, this safety is questionable at best. The women of the Red Cross must find ways to help the oldest of their charges cross the border under the watchful eye of German guards.

I have at times felt a bit of burnout with WWII stories, but I found this book to bring a new take with the focus on the Swiss Red Cross and the lengths that these women and children went to find ways out to safety. This is a story that will break your heart at times, but the author does a fantastic job of balancing the stress and difficulties with the beauty of the sacrifices made to keep these children safe and to give them moments of joy in the midst of the war.

We get to follow the POVs of Ella as she is approaching her 18th birthday and the perspective of those who took these children into their care. They weren’t able to get all of the children out, but many lives were saved. This is a fictional account, but based on actual history and actual people from history. I found it a very interesting story to follow full of amazing characters.

This book was so moving. WW2 is a well-tread topic in fiction, particularly women's fiction but I found myself unable to put this one down. Highly recommend.

Four and a Half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒
The Winter Orphans by Kristin Beck is a historical fiction book that takes place mostly in France during WWII. It’s about a woman who works for the Swiss Red Cross and her determination to save as many children refugees as possible from the Germans. All based on a true story of courage and determination.

Swiss volunteers Rösli Näf and Anne-Marie Piguet both work to protect the children refugees, whose parents have had to go to war, or worse. Rösli is a tough, no-nonsense former nurse who runs the colony of Château de la Hille and has built a thriving home for the children. They grow fresh food and they work hard with chores, but there is also time to play and grow and learn. She’s proud of the Château and keeping the children safe as the threat of war increased in France. Anne-Marie is the daughter of a forester and knows the local forest and trails better than most.

Elle is one of the older children at the camp. She vowed to keep her little sister, Hanni safe when they left Nazi Germany and their parents in search of safety. They found the Château de la Hille, where they will be kept safe until the war is over. At least that is what they thought.

First, I appreciated that this is NOT a dual timeline WWII story. I enjoyed that the book is set in chronological order. There are three POVs in the book, and that kept the book moving along it was nice to see how the action unfolded through the different POVs, and how the events affected each character so differently.

The absolute courage and perseverance of these characters were amazing. Rösli is one tough woman, and although she doesn’t show much emotion, especially towards the children, she demonstrates her love for them by how fiercely she fights for them. Ella is also a very courageous young woman. Her determination to protect her younger sister is admirable. Anne Marie’s knowledge of the woods and her caring personality helped with the escape.

As the book was in chronological order, I felt like I was living the story with the characters and the fear and suspense as they faced all sorts of trouble.

I highly recommend The Winter Orphans to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Rosli Naf runs a Red Cross refugee shelter for displaced children during World War 2. When Nazis invade France, even the children are no longer safe. The Red Cross wants to play by the rules, but Rosli will keep her charges safe no matter what.

I enjoyed this one because it was about children and teenagers and really stayed about them the whole time. While this is fiction, it is based on a true story and you can tell by reading it. It is hard to read, given it deal with the Holocaust and children, but it will have its sad moments and it’s happy moments.

“The Germans may be winning the war, but that doesn’t mean we can’t fight back.”

The Winter Orphans comes out 9/13.

The story is told from the perspective of Rösli, Anne-Marie, and Ella. Each has a unique voice and personality they bring to the story. It is a story of so much hardship and of trying to figure out the best way to survive. I felt drawn into the characters' choices, and I felt all of the suspense and uncertainty about what would be safest for children who should have been safe in southern France.

But this is also a story about the ways in which many organizations, including the Swiss Red Cross, chose to collaborate with and appease Nazi Germany. And it's a story of how individuals chose to help at great cost to themselves. The narration was fabulous throughout and kept me engaged.

The book was incredibly well researched. I greatly appreciated the Author's Note which clarified which portions drew from history and which she needed to imagine to fill in the details of her novel. I was surprised by how much was accurate. Indeed, it is on reading the Author's Note that I began to cry.

Thank you to UpLitReads, the author, and Berkley Publishing Group for the complimentary book.

Based on true events, follow the work of Swiss Red Cross workers and ordinary people go to extraordinary lengths to save Jewish children placed in colonies during WWII in France. Fictional characters along with real people bring to light the effort given to protect the children from the police during raids and smuggle them to Switzerland and Spain. Powerful story! The author's note is not to be missed. Highly recommended!

Rosli is working with the Swiss Red Cross to provide a home to Jewish refugees in France. When the war threatens the older chidlren, she decides to find a way to smuggle them to safety in Switzerland. Ella, one of the Jewish refugees worries about her sister Hanni and how to protect her. Anne-Marie, a swiss volunteer, partners with Rosli to help her find ways across the border.

This was a well written and engaging book. The author did an excellent job balancing the different points of view while progressing the story. I can't wait to read more from this author!

WOW!! AMAZING READ!!

Protecting the children under her care is Rosli’s only goal.

Rosli is in charge of a home full of Jewish children...Chateau de la Hille supported by the Swiss Red Cross.

The young ones seem to be protected for now, but the teenagers are subject to roundup.

One roundup happened but thankfully Rosli got all the children back. She knows the children are still in danger and must make plans to get them to safety.

We also meet Ella. She is one of the teenagers in danger and one that has to make a decision about illegally crossing the border out of France.

Ella definitely wants to leave, but she can’t leave her little sister behind...a tough decision.

You will fall in love with fierce Rosli, based on an actual person, as she makes the children her top priority.

Despite the heartbreaking story line and the heart pounding terror for the teenagers as they escaped, Ms. Beck’s beautiful writing is just so smooth and pull-you-in that you won’t want to put the book down.

You will want to find out what happens to all the endearing characters in this beautifully told story.

It always amazes me how the people of Europe survived through the war and did what they did to help each other and to survive.

A marvelous, well-researched read based on very sad but true events and real people. 5/5

This book was given to me by the publisher for an honest review.

#TheWinterOrphans #NetGalley

The Winter Orphans, was a novel, I couldn't put down. It is a heart wrenching story of courage and bravery. It is based on a true story, of Jewish children, who were sent away, by their parents, hoping that their lives would be spared. Although, it is a sad story, it showed, that there are moments of happiness, that can be found in the darkest of times. This story will be one that stays with me.

This stirring World War II novel of courage and sacrifice focuses on 100 Jewish orphans whose parents send them to France in 1942 for their safety. The children are housed in an old chateau paid for by the Swiss Red Cross and overseen by a stiff martinet called Rosli. The protagonist is a teen-ager, Ella Rosenthal, who is desperate to protect her wild younger sister Hanni while slowly succumbing to the love of a fellow teen-anger. When the Nazis come for the older children, Rosli refuses the soldiers entry but knows their respect for her orders will wane quickly. She commits herself to spiriting the teens to safety across the border to Switzerland. Ella is torn between loyalty to her sister, who is viewed as too young for the arduous journey, and the desire to run away with her young man.

Excellent prose draws the reader immediately into the story, and Beck’s ability to ratchet up the tension page by page makes the book hard to put down. In my case, it kept me up well into the night. The life-or-death consequences of the string of quandaries facing the main characters force the teen-angers into the forest to join the Resistance, deepen the bond between them, push Hanni beyond the physical limits of most young children, and provide the reader with a constantly burgeoning picture of terror and bravery. Highly recommend!

Absolutely astonishing. I read this book in two days. I could not put it down. The story is astonishing because it is steeped in so much truth and humanity. While the book certainly contained heartbreaking elements, there's a final note of triumph at the end that makes me so happy to have spent time learning about the experiences of the brave Jewish children at La Hille. The Swiss Red Cross workers and French Resistance who defied senseless policies and cruel laws to help bring children to safety were also truly amazing. This is based on the true story of Rösli Näf and Anne-Marie Piguet (two characters in the book) who smuggled Jewish children out of Nazi-occupied France. The story is also told through the eyes of a young 18 year old Jewish girl named Ella who lives with Rösli at La Hille in France. It details the difficult, heartbreaking choices she must make to secure her freedom and her sister's. Anyone who enjoys historical fiction based on real circumstances and influenced by ordinary people doing remarkable things should pick up this story. The author's research was wonderfully done and her note at the end of the novel was interesting to read.

Thank you to Berkley and Netgalley for allowing me to read and review an ebook ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I am an historical fiction fan, particularly as it relates to the untold stories of WWII. This novel did not disappoint. Employed by the Swiss Red Cross, Rosli is caretaker to approximately 100 refugee children who have fled the Nazis and are now living in a rundown castle in Southern France. All is well until the Nazis invade and conquer France. The children are once again in danger – especially the older teens, who once they reach eighteen face deportation and certain death. Rosli realizes the teens’ only hope is to flee France.
Although the children in the story are fictional, their experiences are based on real events. Rosli, as well as other Swiss Red Cross characters are real. The story chronicles the trials and dangers they faced as they tried to smuggle the teens out of France to safety in Switzerland or Spain. Highly recommended read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Being Jewish in France in WWII was not a good thing. This story is based on a true story of two women, one a Red Cross worker who helped children escape. Rosli was in charge of what was to be a refuge home for displaced children, but when the Germans take over southern France they begin taking the children. Rosli, who is a stubborn woman, helps find a way to save her children, even though it means sending them through snowy mountain passes to get them to safety. I will especially recommend this to my high school students, who need to be reminded of the sacrifices and horrors of World War II. I was given an ARC, and was not influenced in my review.

n a remote corner of France, Jewish refugee Ella Rosenthal has finally found a safe haven. It has been three years since she and her little sister, Hanni, left their parents to flee Nazi Germany, and they have been pursued and adrift in the chaos of war ever since. Now, they shelter among one hundred other young refugees in a derelict castle overseen by the Swiss Red Cross. Swiss volunteers Rösli Näf and Anne-Marie Piguet uphold a common mission: to protect children in peril. Rösli, a stubborn and resourceful nurse, directs the colony of Château de la Hille, and has created a thriving community against all odds. Anne-Marie, raised by Swiss foresters, becomes both caretaker and friend to the children, and she vows to do whatever is necessary to keep them safe. However, when Germany invades southern France, safeguarding Jewish refugees becomes impossible. Château de la Hille faces unrelenting danger, and Rösli and Anne-Marie realize that the only way to protect the eldest of their charges is to smuggle them out of France. Relying on Rösli's fierce will and Anne-Marie's knowledge of secret mountain paths, they plot escape routes through vast Nazi-occupied territory to the distant border. Amid staggering risk, Ella and Hanni embark on a journey that, if successful, could change the course of their lives and grant them a future.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Through tragic circumstances, the children and caretakers find happiness by being able to escape. The author notes that the story was based on real people, but she fictionalized the characters in her story in order to flesh out the story as some of the real people's lives were sketchy in details. It was obvious that the author did a great deal of research. The characters lives are very real and you are rooting for them to escape. I read a lot of WWII historical fiction but had not read anything about what happened in France with the Jewish children other than their parents tried to send them to safety. This is a remarkable story and I think anyone interested in this era will enjoy it.