About the Book:
They both hold tight to a terrible secret. When they cross paths in war-torn Europe, will their destinies lead to ruin… or victory over evil?
Poland, 1944. Wanda Odwaga will never stop resisting. As the Nazis occupy her beloved homeland, the twenty-three-year-old artist vows to do whatever it takes to help the underground movement mobilize against Hitler’s forces. But she’s devastated when the Gestapo storms her house in search of rebel leaders, killing her heroic father and leaving the face of his murderer forever etched in her mind.
New York. Finn Keller longs to balance the scales. Having escaped Germany with his mother as a teen, he’s disgusted his estranged twin brother has become a ruthless Nazi henchman with a vicious reputation. So when a covert government agency approaches him with a dangerous undercover mission, Finn willingly risks his life to play his part in turning the tide of war.
Still grieving her unforgivable loss, Wanda’s thirst for revenge takes an unexpected leap forward when she once again encounters her father’s killer. And as Finn dives deeply into the role of impersonating his cold-hearted sibling, he’s captivated by the beautiful Polish woman frozen in front of him… her eyes blazing with the promise of murder.
Can these two players in a deadly game survive the ravages of a sadistic conflict?
If you like engaging characters, exhilarating espionage, and a dash of enemy-to-lovers romance, then you’ll enjoy Gosia Nealon’s powerful drama.
Available September 1, 2021.
While Gosia Nealon is a proud New Yorker, she was born and raised in Poland. Her journey to the Big Apple revealed a wealth of cultural differences, but also the values that connect us all. Like the fierce desire to protect family, find love, and ultimately, discover who we are and why we’re here.
Gosia’s award-winning short stories have always delved into life’s biggest questions, but it was the drama, sacrifice, and tragedy of WWII that led her to pen her debut novel, "The Last Sketch."
Growing up in Poland, Gosia heard many firsthand accounts of the war, told from a perspective rarely captured in mainstream literature. She was compelled to breathe life into Wanda and Finn, two young people falling in love in the midst of the most terrifying conflict of our time.
When Gosia isn’t tapping away at her laptop, she’s often walking the streets of New York. With her husband and two young sons in tow, they search for the most succulent pierogi, transporting them back to the cobbled streets of her childhood.
Author Interview:
Q: What was the inspiration behind The Last Sketch?
Gosia: When I was in 7th grade, I read a book (based on a true story) about young people from the Polish resistance who died fighting for freedom. They had dreams and plans like everyone else... I promised myself that I would never forget about them. This is why I dedicated 'The Last Sketch' to them: 'To the lost generation of young people whose dreams faded away with the war.'
Q: How long did it take you to write this novel?
Gosia: Almost a year.
Gosia: To never take anyone or anything for granted. To realize how important it is to find happiness in little things.
Q: What are you reading now?
Q: How many bookcases are in your home?
Q: What do you like to do when you are not writing?
About the Author:
Gosia’s award-winning short stories have always delved into life’s biggest questions, but it was the drama, sacrifice, and tragedy of WWII that led her to pen her debut novel, "The Last Sketch."
Growing up in Poland, Gosia heard many firsthand accounts of the war, told from a perspective rarely captured in mainstream literature. She was compelled to breathe life into Wanda and Finn, two young people falling in love in the midst of the most terrifying conflict of our time.
When Gosia isn’t tapping away at her laptop, she’s often walking the streets of New York. With her husband and two young sons in tow, they search for the most succulent pierogi, transporting them back to the cobbled streets of her childhood.
Author Interview:
Q: What was the inspiration behind The Last Sketch?
Gosia: When I was in 7th grade, I read a book (based on a true story) about young people from the Polish resistance who died fighting for freedom. They had dreams and plans like everyone else... I promised myself that I would never forget about them. This is why I dedicated 'The Last Sketch' to them: 'To the lost generation of young people whose dreams faded away with the war.'
Q: How long did it take you to write this novel?
Gosia: Almost a year.
Q: Do you have a favorite quote from this novel?
Gosia: “My late husband said that fighting true feelings is the silliest thing a man can do.” Her voice softens. “Especially if tomorrow is not guaranteed.”
Q: What do you hope readers take away from The Last Sketch?
Q: What do you hope readers take away from The Last Sketch?
Gosia: To never take anyone or anything for granted. To realize how important it is to find happiness in little things.
Q: What are you reading now?
Gosia: Last One Home by Shari J. Ryan.
Q: How many bookcases are in your home?
Gosia: 3
Q: What do you like to do when you are not writing?
Gosia: Listen to good music and read good stories.
Connect with Gosia:
Website: www.gosianealon.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GosiaNealonHistoricalFiction
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GosiaNealon
