"The Lost Baker of Vienna" by Sharon Kurtzman was a wonderful post WWII novel about bravery, family, aspirations, and sorrow. Well written, enjoyable and interesting dual timeline story, that ties together in a seamless manner. Thank you NetGalley, the author and publisher for the review copy. All opinions are my own.

What makes this work of historical fiction unique is the focus on the post WWII period and how the after effects of the Holocaust impacted lives. In 1946 Vienna, Chana, her mother and brother, Aron, were able to leave the displaced persons camp with hopes of eventually getting to America, where their late father’s family would sponsor them. While waiting, the three found work at the Empress Hotel where they meet Meyer, a black marketeer. Meyer is also a survivor, afraid to open his heart to anyone after his family was killed in the war. Chana’s father was a baker and as she worked in the kitchen of the Empress Hotel, she meets Elias, an apprentice baker. Chana is torn between the two men, as difficult choices face her, while the fate of her brother and mother weigh heavily on her. The story was hard to put down, providing many details of the life of some of the survivors and the challenges they faced. Highly recommended. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

Slow burn, took a while for me to get into. Didn’t care for the dual timelines. Back 25% of the book really picked up and I loved it

Dual timelines. In the past the focus is on Chana Rosensweig, a Holocaust refugee who has fled to Vienna with her brother and mother. Awaiting an opportunity for passage to America, the family encounters the underworld of Vienna, the remnants of a viral anti-Semitic past, opportunistic soldiers and a city where is lawlessness can make or break people and opportunities. As a worker in a hotel kitchen, Chana harbors a dream of baking and freedom. She believes in a path that give her both although she is being pressured by family and torn by duty to them.

In modern times in the US, Zoe is a food writer for a prestigious food magazine. It sounds glamourous but doesn’t pay the bills. Zoe’s beloved grandfather (himself a Holocaust survivor) has just died leaving behind some mysterious photos that whet her curiosity. There may be a trail that leads to a renown and reclusive bakery owner in Australia. Zoe’s editor sends her to Vienna where an exclusive event is being held to honor that man. If she can get an interview with him her financial problems may be resolved, and some personal history revealed.

The Chana story was the more riveting one, but Zoe’s tale also showed how women are still manipulated. Some parts are predictable, but others may well surprise the reader. Bakers will be googling for recipes! Based on the author’s family history, this book stands out. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this title. Recommended.

Her family has lost everything but their lives. Escaping the Nazi regime, Chana and her family are in Vienna, safe, but desperate. She has always been able to calm her anxiety by baking, using her skills to better her family's lives as she bakes for the war's black market. An unusual story of a woman using her skills to make her life better while knowing her options grow fewer with each day.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 out of 5 stars)

The Lost Baker of Vienna by Sharon Kurtzman is a heartfelt dual-timeline story that blends historical fiction with family secrets and the healing power of food. What sets it apart is how personal it feels, the novel is inspired by the author’s own family history, and that connection shines through in the writing.

We follow two women: Chana, a Holocaust survivor trying to build a life in post-war Vienna with her mother and brother, and Zoe, decades later, unraveling her family’s past after her grandfather’s death. Chana’s chapters were my favorite, raw and emotional, full of resilience as she faces both danger and difficult choices. Zoe’s storyline gave a nice balance, showing how the past continues to echo through generations and how uncovering the truth can reshape identity.

The historical details are vivid, and Vienna itself almost feels like a character. I also loved how the theme of baking wove the timelines together, it added a sensory warmth that softened some of the harsher realities of war. At times, the pacing slowed a little, especially in the modern-day chapters, but overall, both storylines tied together beautifully.

This is a moving debut that will appeal to fans of WWII historical fiction, family mysteries, and dual-timeline narratives. If you liked The Lost Bookshop or The Paris Library, this would be a great next read.

A big thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Viking Penguin | Pamela Dorman Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was an engaging read from start to finish - romance, suspense, historical. All of these aspects came together to create a story with many layers and a plot line that was continuously moving. I appreciated how it focused on the aspects of Jewish life, post World War 2, and the difficulties they faced. It wasn't just back to life as it had been prior to the war, and this rebuilding and continual hatred can get swept under the rug.

The suspense was incredible, and I won't lie, when I thought she was leaving with Elias, I was really disappointed. Following the story from Meyer's point of view was a nice touch, as was circling back to Elias at the end. Even though we had only been briefly introduced to Aron, I was incredibly sad when he died, but loved the way that he found peace with his sister at the same time.

You can't ignore history, and more stories from this time period are important. Those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it.

*Thank you to the publisher, Viking Penquin|Pamela Dorman Books for E-ARC via Netgalley, in exchange for a honest review*


4.5 ⭐️

I've read a variety of WWII books over the years, but I particularly enjoy the rare ones that stand out. The Lost Baker Of Vienna was the book for me. This beautifully written book will transport you to Vienna, taking you on adventures alongside Zoe and Chana. I loved how vivid the author's descriptions were that you could picture it in your mind. The Lost Baker Of Vienna reminded me why I love historical fiction. I’m so grateful that I got a chance to read this beautiful but heartbreaking story. My favorite part of the book was the way that the author described the characters' emotions, which were so raw that I felt every single emotion that each of the characters felt.

Dual timelines are my favorites to read about. However, every time that I read dual timelines I wonder what the connection between the two timelines would be. The way the author connected the two timelines was fantastic. I was curious how much Henri would tell Zoe. Although I enjoyed both perspectives, I preferred Chana's over Zoe's because it felt like there was more going on and was more fast paced for me. I can't imagine what Chana went through. I loved Chana's determination and bravery through it all. The character development in this book was fantastic, and even the minor characters stood out to me. The book had a few slower parts, but they didn't last very long.

I really enjoyed the book's setting. It's one of the places I'd like to visit in the future. The author made Vienna come to life for me. The Lost Baker Of Vienna was an incredible debut novel by Sharon Kurtzman. I would highly recommend it to any historical fiction fans. You won't forget this story. I'm excited to see what she has planned for us next.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
This was a fantastic work of historical fiction. The writing was phenomenal. This was a fresh take on WWII fiction. I loved the dual timeline, the mystery, and the Vienna setting. I can’t wait to read what this author writes next.

This is a lovely tale of Chana and her family trying to return to normal after surviving World War II. Chana knows what she wants. She loves to bake and her only goal in life is to try and find a way to keep her dads memory alive. Her mother is bound to have her marry someone who will help them get out of Europe and to the United States. Chana wants to be happy. She is able to find a job that allows her to bake after hours in a hotel. Here she meets a young man who loves working with her and is extremely kind. Her mother finds her a man who has the power to help their family get out of Europe, but he has ties to the black market and has some questionable behaviors. Chana is forced to decide who she wants to tie her fates with.
I love that this book is written in the past and the future. Zoes story lines up perfectly with Chana’s and how it unfolds is beautifully crafted. This book is perfect for a book club read.
Thank you so much to Penguin Group Viking Penguin and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.

4.5 stars

The Lost Baker of Vienna is a story of courage and survival set in post WWII Vienna.

Chana and her mother and younger brother have endured the horrors of WWII and are living free in Vienna. However, life is not easy as they struggle to find safety, housing, employment, and food. Chana is fortunate to land a job as a dishwasher in a hotel, but she risks a great deal to sneak out at night to return to the kitchen and bake her late father’s favorite recipes alongside the apprentice baker who shares her passion for baking.

Along with other refugees, the family’s long-term plan is to get to America. While facing the pain of the past, continued discrimination, broken promises, setbacks, and a lack of money, the family is vulnerable. Chana needs to take some risks to face overwhelming hardships and ensure her family’s survival. At times, everyone is at risk, adding a generous serving of tension to the story.

Chana is strong, determined, brave, and resilient as she takes risks and navigates some challenging and life-threatening situations. How can she follow her own dreams, honor her father’s memory, and keep her family safe?

In The Lost Baker of Vienna, we have a dual timeline: 1946 and 2018. The historical timeline is the most engaging. Although the current-day timeline adds an element of mystery, it isn’t as engaging (in my opinion) and is used as a device to propel the story forward. The two timelines intersect in a satisfying conclusion.

Content Consideration: post-war hardships, antisemitism

Fans of WWII histfic will appreciate this glimpse into the life of a refugee family surviving the post-war years. The Lost Baker of Vienna is inspired by the author’s own family history.

Thanks #NetGalley @VikingBooks for a complimentary eARC of #TheLostBakerOfVienna upon my request. All opinions are my own.

It is not often I read an historical fiction story of the aftermath of in months or year post World War II. I wonder how often people think about the dangers the Jewish people still faced during that time or how they had to completely rebuild their lives. There is also the fact that they were at the mercy of the allied forces and not all of them were honorable people to say the least. The Lost Baker of Vienna focuses on what the Rosenzweigs’ family experienced during and after the war.

The Lost Baker of Vienna is a dual timeline weaved with mystery, love, survival, loss, and rebuilding life after the horrors of war. I was fully immersed in this story and the outcome. Wonderful character development and the author portrayed a realistic reality to the post war era. As I understand it, this story is inspired by her own family’s experience after the war which makes this story even more impactful.

Thank you PENGUIN GROUP Viking for this arc.


What interested me most about reading this book is that it takes place in the time immediately after the end of World War II and the most time is spent in Vienna with Holocaust survivors trying to negotiate their new reality and find their future. Just because the war was over and they’d survived didn’t mean their problems were over.

I certainly learned a lot about post WWII life in Austria. Goods were scarce; jobs were hard and coveted; and painful, ethical decisions had to be made in the face of a “dog eat dog” world. Everyone had lost someone or something and life would never be the same as what people might have once dreamed for.

The story sets up the dilemmas and choices that both Zoe and Channa face. With Channa it’s a relationship triangle while for Zoe it’s about either finding out what happened to her Great-Aunt Channa or keeping her job. I think the set up for both is realistic but wow, both women could frustrate the hell out of me with their waffling and “it will hopefully be alright to do/or not do this important thing.” Yet, faced with life altering decisions, I could understand hesitating and yearning for what they wanted. But Channa’s got chutzpah so I never counted her out.

I did guess the main twist for Reasons.

The story moves along at a good clip though there’s some drag and repetition during the Viennese section. The last bit of the book also suddenly turned into tell vs show. I dove into the book and finished 432 pages in a day and a half so it did keep me wanting to know “what would happen next.” B

The Lost Baker of Vienna by Sharon Kurtzman is a historical novel inspired by the author’s family in the aftermath of the Holocaust and World War II. In Vienna, 1946, Chana Rosensweig survived the horrors of the war, only to find herself, her mother and her younger brother free and yet struggling to make a living and live in safety. Despite the danger, Chana sneaks into the hotel where she works and makes her late father’s recipes late at night. She soon finds herself caught in a dangerous love triangle, torn between the black market dealer who offered security and the apprentice baker who shares her passions. In North Carolina, 2018, Zoe Rosenzweig follows the clues left in her late grandfather’s writings to track down her great aunt in Europe and find out the truth to what happened to her. Soon, Zoe has the sense that someone is following her. Is there someone in the shadows looking for her aunt as well?
In a story about survival, loss, love and the effects of war, The Lost Baker of Vienna speaks of the unbreakable bonds of family and bringing to light the courageous spirit of survival as the World War II refugees begin to rebuild their lives and overcome the overwhelming hardships left behind in a world torn apart by war. I enjoyed that the author focused on the events and experiences in the aftermath of World War II. Often World War II novels focus on the actual war experiences and ignore the aftermath. I felt more drawn to Zoe’s experiences as she is tracing the steps of her great aunt than Chana’s point of view. Overall, I enjoyed both points of view as the web of secrets unraveled. Some parts were interesting and kept me reading while others were predictable. However, I commend the author for giving a voice to those left behind in war and worked to rebuild. If you enjoy historical novels, I recommend The Lost Baker of Vienna.

The Lost Baker of Vienna will be available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook
on August 19, 2025.

In her acknowledgements at the end of the book “The Lost Baker of Vienna”, Sharon Kurtzman thanks her mother, aunt and grandmother for their stories she shares with the world. She also admits if she were ‘asked the party-game question of what person dead or alive with whom I’d like to speak, my answer” is always Aron Kraus, her maternal grandfather, purported to be one of the two original lost bakers.

In Kurtzman’s novel, Zoe’s grandfather’s death sets into motion her grandmother and uncle’s quest to emigrate to America at the end of World War II. There are people who would rather see them dead. Her great-aunt meets a black-market dealer who promised her family safe passage if only her great-aunt will marry him, a prospect her mother eagerly supports. But what does the investigative magazine reporter, Zoe’s great-aunt want to do – spend her life looking over her shoulder or peacefully being a baker like her father?

Zoe, Chana’s great-niece, sets out as an investigative reporter to go to Vienna and discover the truth. In the process, this book makes the reader ask himself, “Are you the hunter or the game in life?” And, in so doing, shakes him to the core and demands an answer.

This novel is reminiscent of the recent true story of her mother’s escape to Canada after World War II, “The Traitor’s Daughter”, by Roxana Spicer. Through the sacrifices of two lost bakers, Kurtzman’s grandfather and the character Zoe calls her great-aunt Chana, Kurtzman weaves a story of treachery, determination and redemption.

What an amazing book historical fiction with alternating time lines and a mystery all wrapped in this one book. Great character and plot development throughout the story. The ending wrapped the story up with a sense of healing and new beginning for other characters. If you are a fan of Kristen Hannah or Patty Callahan Henry this book if for you.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to read this a e-arc In exchange for my honest opinion.

A dual time line novel that sees Zoe looking for answers about her grandfather Aron's connection to Henri Martin, the famous and reclusive Australian baker. Henri agrees to talk to Zoe in Vienna where he's to receive an award. What she learns is a story of determination and sacrifice by her great aunt Chana who did not emigrate to the US with Aron and their mother. Post war Vienna was not a safe or kind place for refugees, especially Jews and Chana's mother is determined to get the family to New Jersey and a new future. By chance they are given jobs in the kitchen of the Empress Hotel, where Chana meets Elias, an apprentice baker who becomes her friend. But she's wooed by Meyer, a black market dealer who walks a dangerous line in competition with a Russian black marketeer. It's an emotional tale that doesn't spare the reader. As is so often the case in this genre the plot in the present involving Zoe is really only a framework for Chana's story as recounted by Henri. This is well written, immersive and engaging. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. A nice debut and a good read.

This is dual timeline historical fiction, alternating between 1946 and 2018. In 1946, Chana is 19 years old and struggling to survive post WWII Vienna. She, her mother, and her brother survived the concentration camps, but barely make enough money at menial jobs to provide food. They’re trying to emigrate to America, but there are quotas, and they have no money for bribes. Chana's mother tries to marry Chana off to a black marketer, believing it to be their best hope for getting to America.
In 2018, Zoë is a young reporter, whose beloved grandfather has just died. In going through his papers, she finds the name of a reclusive baker in Australia. When Zoë contacts the baker, he promises to tell her about her family's WWII history—something her grandfather had always refused to talk about.
Kurtzman artfully intertwines past and present in a remarkable story.

I absolutely loved this debut! Such a heartfelt and meaningful story of Vienna after WWII as displaced Jewish refugees try to pick up the pieces of their lives while dealing with the ever-present threat of violence. The way the story is crafted using a dual timeline is so well done, toggling back and forth in a way that makes you turn the pages fast.

If you liked “We Were the Lucky Ones,” this book will be for you. It was made even more special knowing that it is based on the author’s family history. So special!

In The Lost Baker of Vienna, Sharon Kurtzman has crafted a stunning, heart wrenching beautiful dual time line (WWII/2018 Vienna) story. I found it impossible to choose a favorite character or timeline among the complex, well-written choices. The history is wrapped in a gorgeous, intriguing tale and the story lines are seamlessly woven together. I found myself captivated from the first pages and carried along in a touching and emotional journey until the very last page. If you love WWII historical fiction this one is a little different and not to be missed.
Thank you to Net Galley and Viking Penguin Publishers for the opportunity to read for my honest review.