Book Spotlight & Author Interview: The Last Sketch by Gosia Nealon

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.

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About the Author:

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.

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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?

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.

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Connect with Gosia:

Website: www.gosianealon.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GosiaNealonHistoricalFiction

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GosiaNealon

Book Review: The Socialite by J'nell Ciesielski

About the Book:

As the eldest daughter of Sir Alfred Whitford, Kat has always played by the rules. Her little sister, Ellie, lives to break them. After running away to Paris, Ellie has disgraced the Whitfords by taking up with a Nazi officer and living in luxury as the world around her burns. Ellie has no intention of returning to a life dictated by the British upper class, but Kat is determined to change her reckless sister's mind -- and save her family's reputation -- even if it means stealing into Nazi-occupied France.

On her first night in Paris, Kat meets Scotsman Barrett Anderson -- the owner of a local bar and an undercover agent training Resistance fighters. In addition to his political identity, Barrett has a secret he's keeping from the two sisters: their father has hired him to return them safely to London. If Barrett proves successful, the payout will afford him a chance at a new life and an escape from his dark past -- an opportunity he cannot afford to lose.

When Barrett discovers that Kat's social wiles could be useful to the cause, they join forces to infiltrate the Nazis' inner circle. Neither Kat nor Barrett expects to fall for the other, but when Kat discovers Barrett's secret, she questions his motives and the wisdom of her feelings. Can she trust Barrett with her heart, or is he using her and her family's name to climb the very social ladder that has betrayed her?

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My Thoughts:

The Socialite, the first novel I’ve read by J’nell Ciesielski, captivated my attention immediately. Although the story takes place in Nazi-occupied France during WWII and the sad happenings of that time are depicted, I appreciated that the storyline isn’t overwhelmingly dark. The plot focuses not on the atrocities of that time, but on the characters and their relationships. I quickly found myself invested in the lives of Kat, Ellie, and Barrett. Kat and Ellie’s sisterly bond persisted even through times of disagreement and danger.  Kat and Barrett suited each other. I enjoyed their blossoming romance and how they prodded each other’s personal growth.

The Socialite by J’nell Ciesielski is written for the general market as a clean historical fiction novel with underlying inspirational themes. This beautiful novel oozes historical research and earns a five-star rating from me. I had a hard time putting it down and would love to reread this novel in the future.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Review: The Sky Above Us by Sarah Sundin

About the Book:

Facing the past may be the most fearsome battle of his life.

Numbed by grief and harboring shameful secrets, Lt. Adler Paxton ships to England with the US 357th Fighter Group in 1943. Determined to become an ace pilot, Adler battles the German Luftwaffe in treacherous dogfights in the skies over France as the Allies struggle for control of the air before the D-day invasion.

Violet Lindstrom wants to be a missionary, but for now she serves in the American Red Cross, arranging entertainment for the men of the 357th and setting up programs for local children. Drawn to the mysterious Adler, she enlists his help with her work and urges him to reconnect with his family after a long estrangement.

Despite himself, Adler finds his defenses crumbling when it comes to Violet. But D-day draws near . . . and secrets can't stay buried forever.

My Thoughts:

Though I normally avoid war novels, I enjoyed The Sky Above Us by Sarah Sundin. Initially, I was put off by Adler's drive to become an ace pilot (which involves shooting down five enemy aircraft). However, as Adler's mindset shifted and the author noted that Adler attempted to take down enemy aircraft without ending a life, I more fully embraced the story.

Adler has huge family drama that drives the plot line and his character development to a certain extent. Throughout the novel, Adler grows and changes – moving from an ashamed coward to a redeemed man who has made mistakes. I always like lots of character development in a story and his personal growth was one of my favorite aspects of the novel. The author used Adler and his situation to address the need for repentance, the art of an authentic apology, and emotional/relational healing.

Sarah Sundin is a seasoned novelist and her writing expertise shines in The Sky Above Us. The story is interesting, well-paced, and has a side note of mystery. The novel is not a romantic comedy, but contains some humor that juxtaposes the seriousness of war and death. Both Adler and Violet undergo substantial character development and come out better in the end. Faith-related themes are laced into this well-written story. I recommend The Sky Above Us to fans of historical fiction.

One final note: The Sky Above Us by Sarah Sundin is the second novel in the Sunrise at Normandy series. I have not read the first novel and this one was fine as a stand-alone. I'm looking forward to reading both the first and third installments in this series! 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."