Cover Image: The Girl with the Yellow Star

The Girl with the Yellow Star

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

We must always remember what happened to the Jewish people. This is heartbreaking story of love that shines through in the toughest of times. Lotti was the best part of this story. She suffered greatly but never gives up. This book shows the best and the worst of humanity. Thank you for a complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has a new slant on the Jewish story from ww2 focusing on the experience in England. Informative, believable and highly recommended.

Was this review helpful?

We must always remember what happened to the Jewish people during the war. We must remember the children who became orphans and the wonderful brave people who were afraid but offered them safety.
What happens though when after loosing your husband you finally think you found love again only to find out there are secrets about him you may not be able to get over. Do you still take a chance and do you have the right to take a chance on the children’s lives.
This is another great read. Winter is coming, grab your favorite chair, your hot coco and settle in for a wonderful story.

Was this review helpful?

A heartbreaking story of love that shines through in the toughest of times. I adored little Lotti and my heart was torn for her and the heartbreak she suffered through no fault of her own. A heartwrenching world war story that shows the best and the worst of humanity. Have the tissues handy!

Was this review helpful?

Thanks netgalley for this book, I did not find it as interesting and well written as it should have been as it was mainly about farming but I did enjoy reading about Lottie and what a brave girl she was.
They had escaped Germany and went to France.but knowing they were not safe in France an offer was made to them to go and live I. Cornwall.
Lottie was terrified about taking her yellow star off but was told in England they did not have to wear it.

On arriving in Cornwall an accident happened that was going to change Lottie for ever.

I learnt that there was a pow camp in Cornwall that I never knew and how the prisoners helped on the farms while the men were away fighting,
Loved Lottie she was such a strong brave girl.

Was this review helpful?

Many thanx to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book

Started reading this book some time ago and tried to pick up from where I left it, afraid it just couldn't hold my interest or attention but sure others will enjoy.

Was this review helpful?

This was another interesting aspect of WWII, which is a favorite subject of mine. Cornwall, a widow on a farm, a young Jewish girl who has lost her Mother and needs refuge. A German man. I rooted for them the whole time!

Was this review helpful?

The Girl with the Yellow Star by Natalie Meg Evans and Narrated by: Amalia Vitalie
Length: 12 hrs and 52 mins was a beautifully written book and the narrator was perfect.
This latest book The Girl with a Yellow Star, is a historical fiction book, set in Cornwall England in 1943.
Gwenna Devoran one of the main characters and is one wonderful kind woman. Her her husband was killed whilst fighting in the Navy. Gwenna wants to help others and is giving shelter to Jewish refugees in her farmhouse. A young girl called Lotti who is ten years old is waiting at the train station. Sadly lotti's mother was killed trying to get her to safety. Lotti is so scared and traumatised she does not speak.But, Lotti is a little Jewish girl who steals Gwenna’s heart. Gwenna does everything to protect this little girl.

This book was heartbreaking, gripping and a beautiful story about how love shines brightly even in the darkest times, and the incredible sacrifices people make in wartime.

I highly recommend this book especially if you love reading about WWII books.

Big Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for a free copy of this audio book for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This was an emotional read but it was good read. It was one that was worth the read. It did take me a bit to read it, not because it was bad book. But because it was a hard read.

Was this review helpful?

This was a great first outing with this author! I hadn't read any before, but I love historical fiction so couldn't resist!
WW2 books are, in my opinion, in a heavily saturated genre, but The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is one of my all time faves so I can't resist them!
This one is a good read. Emotional, raw and heartbreaking at times with characters you will to survive another day. Which is pretty much what you hope for with this genre, and what you can expect from this book!

Was this review helpful?

Young Lotti and her mother are forced to flee their home, pursued by the Nazis. Finding a home in Cornwall, the unthinkable happens and Lotti is alone among strangers. In Cornwall, German prisoners of war are sent to work the British farms, and Lotto's protector Gwenna finds herself drawn to one of the prisoners, regardless that he is her enemy. Well written and poignant.

Was this review helpful?

This was my first NetGalley read and I was so excited to read it! It took a bit longer than I expected to because of life, but I very much enjoyed it. I give this book 3 stars because I enjoyed it and felt that a fellow historical fiction WW2 lover reader would enjoy it as well. The story was sweet and a WW2 historical fiction book never gets old for me,

Was this review helpful?

One of the best WW2 historical fiction books that I’ve read.
10-year-old Lottie has seen some horrible things…
Her papa was taken away by the Nazis…
Her mama had an accident at the train station…
There are still Nazi soldiers all around, although this was supposed to be a safe place. Maybe, if she doesn’t say a word, like her Papa told her, and never German, like her mama warned, she can stay alive. Lottie can tell anything in secret to her bear Rumtopf, and he’ll keep it inside himself…along with something else she must forever hide…
*Thanks to Netgalley for a digital copy in return for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*

Was this review helpful?

Great story overall, a good detailed novel with a different wartime feel as the basis incorporates German POW ‘s working on the land in wartime England.
I found this a really sweet love story, but it was also heartbreaking with the conflicting feelings of the main characters Max and Gwenna.
Last 10 percent felt rushed, we jump from end 43 to February 45 in a page, but enjoyed the novel as a whole and would read more from the author.

Was this review helpful?

Childless and widowed by the war, Gwenna is thrilled to take in a German Jewish woman and her young daughter Lotti. She never expected the mother to die before she could even meet her - and German POWs to show up at her farm to work soon after she brings the orphaned girl home. Still less did she expect to ever come to feel anything other than hatred for the men she blames for the death of her husband - however conflicted their relationship. Can Gwenna keep Lotti safe and meet her needs amidst the uncertainties and horrors of war? And can Gwenna come to terms with the past and overcome her prejudices to make a future?

An interesting war-time read that held my attention even when I felt the characters were behaving irrationally (but in a very human way)! The setting isn't one I'm particularly familiar with, so that was interesting in itself, and I was intrigued to get a glimpse of POW life in Britain - complete with the attitudes of those around. While this book is what I would call clean (only the very occasional word I prefer to avoid and closed door scenes), I wasn't thrilled to find a homosexual couple in the background and sex outside marriage happening between Gwenna and Max. However, I'm aware that most people won't care about these things and mention it only for the few who will. All in all, other than those reservations, I enjoyed the book - especially seeing Gwenna gradually overcome her prejudices, and watching Lotti blossom. A good read.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

Was this review helpful?

Earc: NetGalley
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: 27th October 2022
Genre :General Fiction, Women's Fiction, Historical Fiction

really loved this book. A historical novel set in England in 1943.

Gwenna is a lovely lady who took in a Jewish refugee girl named Lottie after her mother was killed. Lottie was such a sweet, gentle, sensitive and wonderful girl and I really loved her. I also loved Gwena and Max, the German POW who works on Gwena's farm. The three are getting along well together.

It was heartbreaking and emotional at times, but I thought it was a really sweet story. It's a great book that I highly recommend.

#NetGalley #bookstagram #bookreview #goodreads #womensfiction #generalfiction #historicalfiction

Was this review helpful?

Still reeling from the loss of her husband, Gwenna Devoran continues working hard. She is struggling to keep her farm afloat, but she also agrees to house two Jewish refugees. When she arrives at the train station she discovers that there’s only ten-year-old Lottie, who tragically witnessed her mother’s death. Quite naturally, Gwenna takes Lottie home with her. Sadly, Lottie will not speak, but Gwenna hopes that with time she can bring the little girl out of her shell.

Meanwhile, things are difficult on the farm and Gwenna needs more assistance than she has. She is not pleased but she is forced to accept German prisoners-of-war to work on her farm with her. This increases her fear for Lottie, because she is hoping that these German soldiers did not discover that Lottie is Jewish.

Still, Gwenna has not been able to get Lottie to speak, but one day on the farm she does hear Lottie speak, quite happily in fact, and it is to a German soldier named Max Reiner. This really scares Gwenna. But there is something that she sees in Max that lessens that fear. This brings about confusing feelings for Gwenna, because Max should be the enemy. But, Lottie is getting better and better each day and part of it has to do with Max. Gwenna soon learns that Max is different than many of the German soldiers. In fact, he is a man who did not agree with the Nazi cause and has done what he could to distance himself from that part of the war. However, his actions in the world, might have a very personal connection to the loss that Gwenna has had in her life.

Of course Gwenna is torn. Focused on Lottie’s healing and future, the last thing Gwenna wants to deal with is any romantic notions she has towards Max. Meanwhile, Max has his own feelings and this might just place all of them in danger. This is a powerful story of courage, strength and love. Quite naturally it is about also about healing, as well as the strong bonds that grow between Gwenna, Lottie and Max.

What a fabulous read by Natalie Meg Evans. This book was so touching, so inspiring, so uplifting, that it was utterly impossible to put down. Gwenna, Lottie and Max were remarkable characters and a their story was truly compelling. I loved the different take on this World War II historical fiction book because of the viewpoint of German prisoners-of-war. You can’t go wrong when you read a book by this wonderful author, and I definitely would recommend this book.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Please enjoy my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/qaMdXchXzaM

Was this review helpful?

Thank you NetGalley & Bookouture!

Overall I really enjoyed this book.

I will say the beginning tends to get a bit long winded and then the ending is done and gone in a blink. I did absolutely love the ending though, I just wish we were given a bit more.

Triggers:
Mention of suicide
Physical Altercation

Was this review helpful?

The Girl With the Yellow Star by Natalie Meg Evans is one of the most enthralling books I have read in a long time.
The Girl With The Yellow Star grabs your attention and doesn't let go all the way through the book and you are still thinking about it when you're done.
I would have to say Lotti is my favorite character. I fell for this young Jewish girl and her gentle vulnerability. She gets thrust into a whole new environment with people she doesn't even know after a terrible tragedy. Luckily, she has her beloved teddy bear, Rumtopf which I looked up to see is a German word for preserved fruit in rum. Well, Rumtopf is a very useful bear and saves a life.
I could go on about this little girl saying after the tragedy she doesn't speak for quite some time despite being taken in and having excellent care. She goes to school and excels at all of her subjects.
Gwenna, who takes her in has her own sadness and problems to deal with but gives of herself by taking care of this sweet child. When she hears Lotti chatting with German captain Max Reiner, showing him her teddy bear she is so surprised to hear her speaking but scared for the little girl. Will they take her away?
As she gets to know Max more, she finds herself starting to trust him. I enjoyed seeing the trust develop between Gwenna and Max and also a relationship.
While Lotti heals a bit more each day Gwenna hears a terrible rumor in the village, that Max actually fired the torpedo that killed her husband. Max is desperate to have Gwenna trust him and prove his innocence, will he be able to?
"An absolutely heartbreaking, gripping and beautiful story about how love shines brightly even in the darkest times, and the incredible sacrifices people make in wartime."
One of the best books I've read this year. I need to see what other books the author has out right now!

Pub Date 28 Oct 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Cornwall, England 1943: Gwenna Devoran is working through her grief after her husband was killed. He was fighting in the Navy. She fills the hole in her heart by housing two Jewish refugees in her farmhouse. When a train arrives filled with Jewish passengers, Gwenna is immediately drawn to Lotti. She is ten years old and her mother died protecting Lotti. Lotti needs Gwenna’s help in order to survive what lies ahead.

Wow, this was such an amazing and captivating book. I was heartbroken by the storyline and found myself reaching for the Kleenex box so many times. This gripping story had me from the very first word on page one until the very last. I was inspired by Lotti and what she endured in such uncertain times. I was also inspired by Gwenna, and so many like her, that risked everything they had to save so many innocent children. What a heart-stopping and emotional story that broke my heart over, and over again. I devoured this book in one sitting because I was breathless, waiting to see what happened next. I was fascinated and amazed at the flip of every page. This absolutely intense story is a must read. I loved it.

Thank you Natalie Meg Evans for such a wonderfully written story. I enjoyed it very much, it was truly inspiring, and I highly recommend it.

Was this review helpful?