I am catching up on an older arc. Sarah Freethy’s debut novel is beautifully written. The story is told in dual timelines. It is a WWII story about a German artist, Bettina who falls in love with Max, a Jewish architect. Then, there is Bettina’s granddaughter who traces her grandmother’s past through porcelain.

Thank you #NetGalley, #StMartin’sPress, #SarahFreethy and #ThePorcelainMaker for the ebook for my honest review.

Beautiful story of the loves and losses during World War 2. This book alludes to the horrors of the Nazi regime without that being the focus. Instead, the focus is on the love and friendships between those that were caught in the trap of Hitler's regime.

Very lovely historical fiction and romance. with suspense, betrayal, and emotion. Highly recommend, but be prepared for tissues!

Aside from a middle grade book I recently read about Anne Frank, it has been a long time since I’ve read WWII fiction. I used to read it a lot, but WWII fiction can be emotionally draining. Don’t get me wrong… it is a crucially important period to understand, even via fiction, but the brutality and devastation can be hard to process. I needed a break for my mental health.

I chose to read The Porcelain Maker because it seemed more like a love story. While it was, the story was still heartbreaking. While happiness can be found, or at least a semblance of it, it’s still hard to read about the horrific nature of the war and its impact on people.

I enjoyed the dual timeline of this story, but the porcelain/art information was the best part of the book in my opinion. The story was well written, but for reasons I can’t explain, I struggled to connect with Max and Bettina… and I really wanted to.

I’d recommend this book to anyone who loves the WWII genre, especially if they have an interest in art or porcelain.

Thank you @netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC of this book, which I have read and reviewed voluntarily.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of The Porcelain Maker by Sarah Freethy in exchange for my honest review and opinion. I am typically not a fan of historical fiction but thought this book sounded fantastic! I'm so glad that I was able to read this as it's absolutely fantastic! I will warn you at times this book will break your heart but keep you turning the pages as fast as you can to see what is going to happen next. Great read!

A wonderful historical fiction. I loved the characters!

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for this review copy

Beautifully written historical fiction ft 2 timelines. This was a well researched and written. The characters were well developed and the story flowed smoothly. Look forward to more from this author!

The Porcelain Maker is a historical fiction novel by Sarah Freethy that masterfully interweaves a poignant love story with the chilling backdrop of Nazi Germany. The novel revolves around Bettina, a talented porcelain painter, and Max, a Jewish architect, who fall deeply in love amidst the growing turmoil of the 1930s. Their passionate relationship is threatened as the Nazis rise to power, casting a dark shadow over their lives and the lives of those around them.

Freethy's meticulous research is evident in the vivid portrayal of the Allach porcelain factory, where Bettina finds herself entangled in a web of secrets and survival. The author skillfully captures the atmosphere of fear and uncertainty that permeated everyday life under Nazi rule, while also highlighting the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

The characters are richly drawn and emotionally resonant. Bettina's strength and determination to protect her loved ones are inspiring, while Max's unwavering spirit in the face of persecution is deeply moving. The supporting characters, including the enigmatic Herr Kästner and the courageous Lena, add depth and complexity to the narrative.

The novel's exploration of themes such as love, loss, and the power of art is both thought-provoking and emotionally charged. Freethy's prose is lyrical and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the era and the characters' inner struggles. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in the story and its historical context.

Overall, The Porcelain Maker is a captivating and unforgettable novel that will stay with you long after you turn the final page. It is a testament to the enduring power of love and hope in the darkest of times.

Highlights:

Compelling storyline: The novel seamlessly blends a love story with historical events, creating a captivating narrative.
Well-developed characters: The characters are relatable and their struggles resonate with the reader.
Vivid historical setting: Freethy's meticulous research brings the era to life, immersing the reader in the atmosphere of Nazi Germany.
Exploration of important themes: The novel delves into themes of love, loss, resilience, and the power of art.
Lyrical prose: Freethy's writing style is evocative and engaging.
Minor Drawbacks:

Pacing: The pacing may feel slow at times, particularly in the first half of the novel.
Predictability: Some plot points may seem predictable to seasoned readers of historical fiction.
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Recommendation: Highly recommended for readers who enjoy historical fiction, particularly stories set during World War II. It is also a good choice for those who appreciate well-developed characters and thought-provoking themes.

I absolutely Loved this book. It was fascinating from the very beginning. I adored the characters. The plot was right on & I couldn't put the book down until I finished.

This dual timeline story is expertly plotted, woven with intriguing elements of the art community during WWII. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of a porcelain factory located within the Nazi concentration camp of Dachau.

Two artists, Max and Bettina, work together to create art that will outlast the horrors and heartache of war. With skillful character development, readers will find Max and Bettina's story tugging at their hearts. With a romance that endures betrayal and captivity, it celebrates the power of sacrifice, friendship and love.

Being an avid fan of historical fiction, I have read a lot of WWII novels. It is refreshing to find a story that takes a little known fact to center their story around, allowing it to rise above the masses.

***** I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher through Netgalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Porcelain Maker tells the heartbreakingly poignant tale of Max and Bettina's love story, set in both war-torn Germany and America on the eve of the twenty-first century. A powerful work of historical fiction, this story of love, courage, and hope will have you holding your loved ones a little bit harder.

WOW! This is a powerful, impactful book. As it’s the tragic story of two young people caught in the horrors of Naziism and World War II, the emotions it invokes are raw and visceral. It’s a dual timeline novel, going back and forth between the young couple’s undying love and passion for each other and the tragic circumstances of their relationship — she’s an Arian German girl from a cold, abusive family, who’s brother is a sadistic Nazi officer, and he’s a Jew from Austria destined to be sent to a Nazi labor camp — and their daughter’s and granddaughter’s efforts to discover the father and grandfather they never met sixty years later.

What brought the lovers together and what kept them linked was their love and devotion to the arts. They met through a mutual friend while all were in art school, sharing a love for expressionism and modern art, which the Nazis deemed to be degenerate and subversive. To stay alive and attempt to escape the evils of Naziism, they both were forced to make art that appealed to the Nazis interests and tastes, while at the same time mocking such tastes.

Eventually, the couple’s daughter and granddaughter visit Germany and the concentration camp they found to be linked to them, ultimately learning the truth that their mother and grandmother kept hidden from them their entire lives. The dual timeline and language of the novel is engrossing, revealing bits upon bits and layers upon layers of the leaves these characters led. It’s heartbreaking much of the time, but there are periods which are uplifting, showing both the brutality of the Nazi regime and the compassion certain people displayed when confronted with such degradation.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the advanced reader’s copy of “The Porcelain Maker” by first time novelist Sarah Freethy and am grateful to her, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for providing me the opportunity. I look forward to reading more of what Ms. Freethy may have in store. This review was written voluntarily by me.

Told in duel timelines.
In 1993, Clara is at an American auction purchasing porcelain figurines made from 1940’s Dachau, Germany. She anticipates the art can be traced to the previous owner and continue her research to find her father. Her mother, Bettina, has kept him a mystery and Clara is determined to find answers.
This search takes us back to the past and lands us in 1929 Germany. Max is a Jewish architect and Bettina an artist of paint. They meet at a festive gathering and the romance begins there, a forbidden love story. Max is arrested and sent to a concentration camp at Dachau. Bettina is willing to risk everything to escape.
I enjoyed the dual timeline. Each storyline had me wanting to skip the other to move forward with Max and Bettina vs Clara and her research. The author had done some research herself with history facts during WWII area and focusing attention on abstract/classic art.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC read in exchange for my review.

Yest another love story set in Nazi Germany. This one has some new twists, and many unique details. Well worth setting time aside to enjoy it fully

This book blew away my expectations and hopes for it with every page turned. I can’t imagine a better/more perfect ending, other than if the main characters were to end up how they should have- if the evils of the Nazis did not exist.

Sarah Freethy’s debut novel intertwines the haunting past of Nazi Germany with a daughter’s quest for truth.

1920s: Bettina, a free-spirited German avant-garde artist, meets and falls in love with Max Ehrlich, a Jewish Austrian student. The rise of the Nazis shatters their dream of escaping Germany. Max is sent to Dachau, where his skill in creating exquisite figures at the Allach porcelain factory helps him survive. Desperate to protect their unborn child, Bettina marries a rising Nazi SS officer.

1993: Clara, who grew up not knowing her father, sets out to discover his identity after her mother’s death. Bettina left behind a single clue—a rare porcelain Viking figurine. Clara’s journey uncovers her mother’s love story with Max and reveals why Bettina kept the truth hidden.

The novel excels in its rich historical detail and focus on art, highlighting how it protected and ultimately led to the artist’s downfall. The Allach porcelain factory, which used labor from Dachau to produce porcelain figures from 1936 to 1945, adds an intriguing and lesser-known aspect.

However, parts of the novel fall flat and feel underwhelming. The characters never fully come to life, and the author often tells rather than shows. Despite its poignant love story and historical insights, it may not captivate those well-versed in WWII literature. 4 stars.

** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a comp of this title. The opinions are my own.

In 1929 Germany, Max, a skilled Jewish architect, and Bettina, a painter, meet and fall in love. Soon, they are separated when Max is arrested and sent to the Dachau concentration camp. Here, he earns a job making porcelain figurines. Meanwhile, Bettina thinks Max has died and marries a Nazi officer to protect her unborn child. When she realizes Max is still alive, she creates an escape plan that involves their art.
Years later, Bettina’s daughter Clara begins searching for her father. She and her daughter gradually uncover the story of their parents' love and behavior before, during and after WW2, which is both inspiring and heart-breaking.
The story is told in dual timeline, which is surprisingly not confusing.
Some of the characters are truly evil, as per the time period. But even the characters who are not evil are a bit one-dimensional.
Although I didn't connect emotionally with any of the characters, I like the unique porcelain factory angle. I researched the actual porcelain factory of Allach after reading this book, and the true story behind the book is why I give it three stars instead of two.

This debut novel is a beautifully written love story set in Germany during WWII. This story breaks your heart - and leaves the reader unsettled because of life's injustices against good people who keep trying to stay positive. The story touched me deeply. This is a novel I would highly recommend.

I really enjoyed Max and Bettina’s love story. This was beautiful, heart wrenching, and one I couldn’t put down.

Stirring. Two young artists, Bettina and Max meet and immediately fall for each other in 1929 in Germany. Sadly, they are soon to be separated by the start of World War II. Jewish Max is arrested and sent to Dachau, while Bettina is forced into an unwanted marriage with a high ranking SS officer. Cut to 1993, when Bettina's daughter Clara begins to search for the truth about a father her mother refused to mention. Her search will bring her back to Germany and reveal many unexpected truths.

As you would expect, this was a heartbreaking read. You know from the start that Bettina and Max's love wouldn't have a happy ending, but that didn't stop me from hoping for one. It's beautifully written and so very emotional. The two timelines are woven together well. Absolutely recommend to historical fiction readers.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.