Watching & Waiting
The German Sisters by Marty Wingate is a powerful and heartfelt novel that consumed me from the start.
The action starts in 1939 as we follow two German sisters who are sent by their parents from Hamburg to Britain for safety. Though the eldest sister is only ten-years-old and she is tasked with looking after her five-year-old sister. The girls begin a new life in Pickering before a near tragedy sees them relocate to Suffolk.
The elder sister has the weight of the world on her shoulders as she refuses to give up the hope that Mutti and Vati will join them. “Her momentary happiness melted away as she thought of Mutti and Vati in Germany waiting.” She feels it is her job to guide them to Britain, writing to them every week. Hen the postal services close their borders to Germany, she continues to write but hides the letters in her wardrobe, for when they will meet again.
We witness both the kindness and cruelty of children towards those who are different.
This extends to adults who pass judgment. A young girl is sent away to ‘help’ an aunt after being found in the family way. Young men and women have to hide their true selves for fear of imprisonment or worse. Recently divorced, a character is unable to remarry in church. The modern reader is so glad that attitudes have moved on.
We see the empathy of animals to those who are hurting. “Mrs Moffat [a cat] goes to the person who needs her the most.”
We learn of the antidote to evil. “God’s love extends to all… We defy evil by doing good.” Characters practice love and hospitality to all.
All the characters were well drawn, warm and welcoming. They were easy to empathise with.
I thoroughly enjoyed The German Sisters. It was a heartfelt read showing the goodness of humanity in the face of evil.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
JULIA WILSON
Marty Wingate
Marty Wingate is a USA Today best-selling author of both mysteries and historical fiction. Marty enjoys weaving humor into her books and creating characters—from quirky and loveable to sinister and duplicitous—that leap off the page. Before embarking on her series about the London Ladies Murder Club with Bookouture, Marty published three contemporary cozy mystery series (the Potting Shed, Birds of a Feather, and First Edition Library books). She has also published two standalone books of historical fiction and found stories of the past to be compelling. She’s delighted to combine her penchant for both mysteries and histories to bring her readers more satisfying stories. Marty currently resides near Seattle, Washington.
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The German Sisters
Marty Wingate
ISBN: 9781805508694
Publication Date: 06 July 2026
- Amazon: https://geni.us/B0H1NHLSJ9social
1938, Germany. “Be brave, little one,” her mother whispers. Dagmar holds her hand tightly through the train window, trembling, trying not to cry. But as the train lurches forward, they are torn apart, and her mother is swallowed by the darkness.
As the train carries her far away from home, ten-year-old Dagmar’s hand tightens around her sister’s. As little Heike leans in, her acorn-coloured eyes wide, Dagmar is terrified she won’t be able to keep her safe…
Dagma heart aches for her mother but only children were allowed on board. The carriage is crowded; a small boy hugs a battered teddy bear and cries for his father. A girl her own age whispers that this train is rescuing Jewish children. But their families have been left behind…
As the train jolts along the track, Dagmar holds her breath. Her scuffed suitcase, with everything she owns inside, bangs painfully against her. Dagmar and Heike have nobody else but each other; what will happen to them? And will they ever see their mother again?
A tear-jerking and unputdownable wartime novel inspired by the stories of what was later known as the Kindertransport. From USA Today bestselling author Marty Wingate, this heart-breaking and uplifting novel is perfect for fans of Orphan Train, Sold on a Monday, and Diney Costeloe.
What readers are saying about Marty Wingate:
‘Heart-wrenching… Oh my goodness… Stole my heart… Exquisite’ Kav’s Best Reads, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Heartbreaking… Tore my heart apart, but it also mended it… Tears streamed down my face, I couldn’t put this book down…. Completely captivated… Phenomenal.’ Page Turners, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Oohhh man, this had me in tears… What a read. I was moved to tears and jumping for joy… A rollercoaster of emotions, loved every minute.’ purpleosmondfan, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Heartbreaking and heartwarming… deeply emotional… will forever be a favourite of mine.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I loved it… I didn’t want it to end! … I wanted it to go on and on!… Heart-warming.’ mecraftyp, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘My heart soared, my heart plummeted, my heart broke, and my heart felt mended… I was totally absorbed!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘My heart broke… This story is a strong favourite of mine… it will stay in my mind forever.’ Leannebookstagram, >⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Stayed with me long after I turned the final page… feels like slipping into a well-worn armchair… you can practically smell the baking bread and hear the wireless crackling… perfect balance of heartache and humor… tugged at my heart… you find yourself blinking away tears.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I adored this… my first thought on finishing was “I must read this again”… who knew that tears could bring such happiness!’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐