Waltraud

A gripping tale of love, survival, and quiet resistance, based on the true story of a German girl turned courageous young woman named Waltraud.

The Nazis tried to break her, but her very name means strength.

Germany 1937. Tucked away in northern Germany, young Waltraud and her family cling to a hope that the firestorm Hitler unleashed on Europe will never touch their quiet village. But their world is shattered when the Nazis steal away Waltraud's father to fight in a war he doesn't believe in.

As bombs fall and innocent people vanish, Waltraud faces a terrifying truth... She might be next. That's because she's been clinging to her father's words to stay true to her heart, and she's been quietly resisting all along. Now, she's entangled in a treasonous secret.

Torn between fear and defiance, Waltraud must summon the strength to subvert the SS while also enduring the bitter chasm left by a mother hardened by war. Ultimately, her courage is not enough to shield her from devastating loss. But forbidden love offers the hope of a new life in America. To seize it, she must risk everything and cross enemy borders where she comes face to face with forces even more terrifying than the Nazis.

Immersive, soul-stirring, unputdownable, Waltraud shines a rare light on World War II from inside Hitler's Germany, and introduces an unsung heroine who refuses to give in to an ideology of hate. Inspired by true accounts of the real Waltraud, this creative nonfiction WW2 novel is more than a story of war. It is a testament to resilience, unbreakable love, and the strength of the human spirit.
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Author Tammy Borden grew up hearing her mother Waltraud's firsthand accounts of coming of age during World War II, even joining her on several trips to Germany to stroll the cobblestone streets where recollections were shared in their actual settings. Through the years, she recorded Waltraud's life experiences, fully intent on writing a WW2 historical fiction novel based on a true story. She's now woven her mother's real-life stories of resistance and resolve into an eye-opening and unforgettable journey of sacrifice and enduring love.