Ensnare (Berlin Butterfly – 1) by Leah Moyes
Stay or flee? Life or family? An impossible choice.
It’s Aug 13, 1961, in Berlin Germany. Nationale Volksarmee soldiers roll barbed wire across the war-torn city to create the first Berlin Wall.
Families are separated, livelihoods destroyed, death comes easily as crippling fear paralyzes the occupants on both sides of the wall. Fifteen-year-old Ella is faced with an agonizing decision. Does she risk crossing the wall and possible death to reach her family? Or does she embrace her new life and blossoming love that could be wrenched from her at any moment? West Germany and possible freedom or East Germany and controlled chaos?
Ensnare, the first book in the “Berlin Butterfly” series, is a story of life, love, survival and the struggle of living through the dark early years of the Berlin Wall. Readers will be captivated with Ella’s strength, determination, and vulnerability as she opens her heart amidst a dangerous and terrifying journey.”
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About the Author
Leah Moyes is from Arizona but experienced many parts of the world in thanks to a career in the airlines. Now most of her time, aside from writing, is spent with her family, reading Historical Fiction novels or studying ancient cultures as a student of Archaeology.
She always believed she was born in the wrong time period, but since she doesn’t have access to a time machine she must write and read intriguing stories of the past.
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My Review
5 Stars
Ella has had a tough start in early 60’s Berlin. The only ones he has is her brother Josef and best friend, Anton. They did everything together until she gets adopted. But shortly after she finds a family she loses her mother and the first Berlin wall is created. She decides to stay in East Berlin with her failing father instead of leaving with Josef and Anton. Shortly after the wall is build she loses her father and finds herself employed to work off the funeral costs.
As Ella works off her debt, she finds the family’s son, Stefan particularly vile. He clearly hates her but we all know thinks have a way of working out. Ella has to balance her current life along with her relationship to someone that is not socially acceptable. Life in East Berlin is difficult but has a way of working out.
This is a wonderful historical story. I admit that I’m horrible and don’t know a lot of history regarding the Berlin Wall. Ensnare really brought it to my attention. I felt for Ella, she didn’t have a lot but she did have her own family. What a tough decision to make by staying behind as the wall went up! But when things seem toughest there is always a way.
This is a wonderful story and one I recommend for those that like historical romances. It really opened my eyes to a lot of what was happening. It sounds like this is going to be a trilogy and I would love to see where it goes from here.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
Snippet:
“El?” The sound was barely a purr, but there was no doubt where it emerged from.
I glanced at Anton then down to Papa. The commotion must’ve startled him awake. I went to him but delayed my touch, knowing he would sense my uneasiness. I knelt to the side of the couch and leaned my face in until I felt his breath on my cheek.
“Go,” he mumbled.
I looked at him alarmed, although the darkness hid my face. Is he really telling me to leave? I waited for a confirmation that came within seconds.
“You . . . must . . . go,” he gasped with very little strength.
I placed my trembling hand on the side of his face. “Please, Papa. Don’t make me choose.” My eyes stung from the strain. I looked back at Anton, my heart emotionally torn between the people I loved the most.
I would like to thank Loving the Book for the opportunity to share this book.
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