“Fate has our joy and misery entwined; one cannot exist without the other.”

Historical fiction readers, you need to add this forbidden romance in occupied Norway to your reading list! This debut author has astonishing ability and promise.

Highlighting Himmler’s Aryan breeding program, author Helen Parusel sheds light on Norway’s dark secret - the children of shame. Written with a unique perspective, readers will see the impact of the Nazi occupation of Norway and the ripple effect of a hastily made decision.

Parusel’s carefully crafted main character, Laila Olson, possesses the courage to prevail despite finding out that her home and her family are not all she thought they were. She has a certain naivety that I found endearing and a big heart that drives her to make a difference. Counterbalancing Laila, is Private Josef Schultz. Despite being a Nazi, he’s driven by his conscience and pure motives. I loved reading about how they navigated the challenges that had the potential to steamroll them and was on the edge of my seat wondering if there would be repercussions for their actions.

How ironic that a heroine who strongly believes that family is important, is let down by the very people she thought she could rely on.

I don’t feel that Parusel is finished with Laila and Joseph’s story and hope that a sequel is planned. Congratulations on a title that gives readers pause, rather than handing it to them on a silver platter!

I will eagerly read this author’s future work as I loved how she implemented the occupation to bring out the soul of her characters and show us the effects of Lebensborn in unwilling, albeit naive, characters with shaky or misplaced allegiance.

I was gifted this copy by Boldwood Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.2023-reads netgalley15 s Janilyn Kocher4,036 93

I have always been fascinated by Norway’s history during WWII and the Lebensborn homes so this novel was a must read for me.
Laila commits an almost unforgivable sin by having a relationship with Josef, a German soldier. Then the inevitable occurs.
I thought the author’s depiction of the Lebensborn home was fairly accurate, given all that I’ve read an know.
Although the story ends well, I do think reality would have played a much harsher hand to the main characters as far as forgiveness, grudges, and acceptance.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the early read.4 s Kayla Lambert139 6

A Mother’s War is an incredible debut novel for author Helen Parusel. Set in Norway beginning in April of 1940 when the Nazi’s invaded, the main character Laila is angry and heartbroken as her homeland is invaded. She vows to do whatever it takes to fight back and remain true to her country and its people. But, fate intervenes and before Laila can stop herself, she falls for the young soldier Josef, who also hates the Nazi’s and what they’ve done to his homeland of Germany, and does whatever he can to defy the uniform he’s forced to wear. The romance of a summers night by the fjord with Josef ends with Laila pregnant. To avoid being shamed, Laila is sent to a Norwegian Lebensborn home to carry out her pregnancy.

I admire the strength and bravery of Laila. She is the true definition of a mothers love. She will let nothing and no one come between her and her baby. The author tells a beautiful story of heroism, bravery, womanhood, motherhood, and love amidst the chaos of war. It’s such an addicting and beautifully written story. I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish this book! I can’t wait to read future books from this author.

Thank you to Boldwood Books, Helen Parusel and NetGalley for an ARC of this book! 2 s Becky166 3

In this debut novel, the author brings to life a young Norwegian woman’s perspective during WWII. There were a few places where I felt the story was drawn out unnecessarily and others were I felt the story needed more time and development. Overall though, I enjoyed the story. (3.5 rounded to 4)

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the eARC of this title.
2 s Su Thor47 3

An amazing story set in Narvik (Norway) during WW2. so many others’ living in Norway at this time, her life was turned upside down overnight. But this strong-willed woman vowed to undermine the Nazi’s at every opportunity she could. Through her work in a hotel and in the resistance, supported by Josef, a able Nazi who doesn’t approve of what is going around him. When she finds herself pregnant by him, she ends up in the Lebensborn program and he on the Russian front.
This is a story with high emotional attachments to the characters. Read it with a box of tissues. When I reached the end of the book, it feels as if the story is unfinished. I do hope that Helen Parusel finds it in her heart to write more, to tell us what happens to Laila and Josef, and perhaps some of the supporting characters while “get what is coming to them”.
I look forward to reading more of Helen’s work.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.netgalley1 Kerry Beavers179 1 follower

It was just okay. I found the characters very wishy washy. The main character Laila was always acting impulsively and then spending all her lamenting the outcome. 1 Hayley312

In a Mother's War we meet Laila who lives in Narvik (Norway). Early 1940, her home is invaded by the Nazi's and overnight her world is turned upside down. Determined to undermine the Nazi's as best she can, she utilises her job at a hotel (where the Nazi's have set up headquarters) to filter information to the resistance. However one soldier, Josef, is the antithesis of what she thought the Nazi's would be . He actively helps protect her and support her work in the resistance.  She falls hard and ends up pregnant with his baby. As Josef is sent to the Russian front, Laila confesses to her family, who immediately disown her. With nowhere to go, she ends up a Nazi run women's home who promise to provide for her and her child. It is here that she learns how insidious the Nazi regime is. But with nowhere to go and no one to support her, can she untangle herself from the web she's trapped in? 

What a dazzling debut from Parusel. I only know the bare minimum about Norway's occupation during WWII in that Hitlter saw them as a superior Aryan race and actively wanted his soldiers to be proactive in building relations. However, I never have thought deeply about the young women who ended up being completely ostracised when they fell pregnant to a German. Their whole families and communities shunned them, happily putting them in Nazi run women's homes to be either shipped off to Germany (at best) or used as a baby factory and then sent to concentration camps if they didn't fall in line with Hitler's politics. 

In Laila, Parusel has given us a protagonist that you really care about and become invested in her story. It's a very easy story to get into and perfect if you love historical fiction. I found myself tearing through the last quarter of the book as the crescendo of tension built. It isn't a graphic or brutal book, but the undertones are implied. In fact, sometimes its more sinister when it is implied as we know more than the protagonist. A belter of a book, I highly recommend. 1 Shifali1,009 15

Book review :
'The compelling story of Laila - a woman of great hope and courage - who showed how love, loyalty and compassion can endure despite the evils of war.' This book is powerful,, thought provoking and is written in such a beautiful way. I think it depicts the difficult and equally heartbreaking situations unmarried women found themselves in at that time perfectly.

How ironic that a heroine who strongly believes that family is important, is let down by the very people she thought she could rely on. Set in Norway beginning in April of 1940 when the Nazi’s invaded, the main character Laila is angry and heartbroken as her homeland is invaded. She vows to do whatever it takes to fight back and remain true to her country and its people. But, fate intervenes and before Laila can stop herself, she falls for the young soldier Josef, who also hates the Nazi’s and what they’ve done to his homeland of Germany, and does whatever he can to defy the uniform he’s forced to wear. The romance of a summers night by the fjord with Josef ends with Laila pregnant.

As Josef is sent to the Russian front, Laila confesses to her family, who immediately disown her. With nowhere to go, she ends up a Nazi run women's home who promise to provide for her and her child. It is here that she learns how insidious the Nazi regime is. But with nowhere to go and no one to support her, can she untangle herself from the web she's trapped in?

The author tells a beautiful story of heroism, bravery, womanhood, motherhood, and love amidst the chaos of war. It’s such an addicting and beautifully written story. All the characters were well drawn and likable.
Overall , the book is a beautiful story of heroism, bravery, womanhood, motherhood, and love amidst the chaos of war. It’s such an addicting and beautifully written story. I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish this book. I am thankful to @netgalley and the publisher for providing me the book in return of an honest review.
Niki186 4

Well what can I say about this phenomenal debut book by Helen Parusel other than, Go and buy a copy right now! The End :)

A Mother's war is a superbly written book about the occupation of Norway during WW2. This is not a topic I know an awful lot about so it made a change to read another new viewpoint based on the war. I fell in love with Laila, the main character and her utter hatred of the occupation and everything it is doing to her country and her people. She wants to help the resistance but also knows she must keep her family safe. Then against all her deep rooted beliefs she falls in love with a German soldier and her life changes more than she could ever have expected. She is beautifully written character and we get to know her well. Her feelings, her thoughts, her desires are all so realistic that I became really invested in her and just wanted her to be safe.

The Lebensborn program was a fascinating part of this book and one that I had heard of but again didn't really know that much about it. The things that happen to the mother's and children here, on the suffice appear to be good. They are fed and looked after but scratch beneath the suffice as Laila does and all is definitely not as it seems. Babies disappear, babies are adopted against the mother's wishes and a whole host of other unjust and undignified events occur that pushes Laila to her limit. Laila is a woman who puts others before herself and she needs to get out of the awful Lebensborn program. Does she manage to escape? Can she keep her baby? Will her family accept her back after the worst betrayal? Well no spoilers so you really do need to buy this book. It is truly a sublime read that creates a picture of beauty, sadness, lose and the ability to overcome. I LOVED IT!blogtour boldwood emotional ...more1 Julia2,637 80

A Mother’s War by Helen Parusel is a marvellous historical debut that enthralled me.
The story educates as you read. It is set in Nazi occupied Norway during World War II and concerns the Lebensborn program. This was designed to re-populate Germany with Aryan looking babies – some were born in Lebensborn homes, others were kidnapped from their parents and sent to Germany to be adopted. It was an open secret and not talked about much. After the war, some mothers and their children were shunned.
Mothers entered the program for a variety of reasons – for some it was the kudos, others had genuinely fallen in love.
We see that not all Germans were Nazis. Some were abhorrent at the persecution and the horrors that they witnessed. They did what they could to help others, from inside the Nazi war machine.
There was the Norwegian resistance. We see the courage needed to stand up and make a difference.
Love happens where it will. We witness the dilemma a character faces when she meets kindness in a young German soldier.
Children are a gift from God, whatever the circumstances of their birth.
There is the theme of forgiveness. Some withhold it and become bitter but sooner or later they will realise that enough is enough and forgiveness must be given.
All the characters were well drawn and likable. I cared for the fates of the two lead characters.
Thank you Helen Parusel for opening my eyes to a little known period in recent history. A Mother’s War is a fabulous debut and I look forward to hearing much more from this fantastic author.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
1 Jennifer Moore135 4

In Helen Parusel’s debut novel, A Mother’s War, Laila lives in Narvik, Norway when the Nazis arrive and quickly occupy the town. With her work at the hotel, she discovers a few things about herself. She is able to have firsthand contact with the Nazis housed at the hotel and she meets a young Nazi named Josef who awakens something within her. As she gets closer to helping the local resistance, she also realizes that Josef is not all he appears to be. As their relationship builds, Laila knows her family would disapprove if they knew. After a Josef is sent to the Russian front, Laila throws herself more into helping the resistance in the hope the war ends sooner.

Soon, Laila finds she is pregnant and goes to a Lebensborn house near Oslo. Within the walls of the houses she finds secrets and has questions that people are hesitant to answer. When she finds herself in the fight for her life with he baby, will she be able to find her way home? Will she be reunited with Josef and able to build a family? Will her family welcome her back or continue to shun her for the choices she made? Parusel writes a sometimes difficult to read novel that sheds light on the Nazis’ push for a perfect Aryan race and their willingness to get it at any cost. As this was a debut novel by Parusel, I look forward to her storytelling in the future. ????????

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced copy. Opinions expressed are my own. This book is set for publication on May 16, 2023.

#netgalley #arc #bookstagram #helenparusel #amotherswar #boldwoodbooks2023 Eunice Chin135 3

At first while reading into the early pages of this book entitled, A Mother's War, I wondered how this could be about mothers. After all it is a wartime setting and it was the men who went out to fight. The battlefront of WWII was not in Norway either - so how and where do mother's get into the fray? Hitler's evil plan for his master race unfolds in this historical fiction account and as it progressed I realized, "Aha!" - the mother's war indeed. Laila, the Norwegian lass and Joseph, one of the German conqueror lads, along with other young Norweigian-German couples unfurl the little spoken of aspect of how young unwed mothers were treated as 'baby factories'.

There was some joy in the narrative but also the heartbreak. Readers will need some stomach to read through the pages outlining the 'awful truth' of wicked men and war. Intimate scenes are described so some readers may need to take these graphics into consideration.

I that there were good friendships made among the mothers and even compassionate German individuals showing how not all of them were condoning these actions and plans.

4-star rating from me.

~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~

April 2023

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent to me by NetGalley and the publisher. J609

As usual in my , I will not rehash the plot.

This is an excellent debut novel by Helen Parusel.

Set during WW2 during the Nazi occupation of Norway, the author has obviously done plenty of research into the background of this period.

I was initially puzzled by the book title, but eventually the reason became apparent, as a large part of the book deals with the "Lebensborn" program. Whilst I'd heard of it, I knew very little about it, and was shocked to find out that it also involved the kidnapping and "adoption" (by suitable German families) of children born outside the program. Dark secrets indeed.

The main female character - Laila Olson - is very able, a naive yet courageous young woman, who stepped outside the world she knew and made a difference. I d Josef - the main male character - as although he's in the German army (technically a Nazi) he has a conscience and does not approve of what he sees going on around him.

There's a strong cast of supporting characters - some able, others definitely not! - and the plot is well thought out. Plenty of ups and downs, and some heartbreaking scenes, so be prepared to shed a tear.

Maybe this will become a series? I would be interested to hear how Laila and Josef's story developed further, wise some of the other characters.

Looking forward to reading more by this new author, this was an excellent debut!

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.family-saga ww2 Deb Kiley215 21

In this debut novel, the WW2 story is told from a Norwegian girl's perspective and how she ended up at a German run Lebensborn home in Norway. I d that it was set in Norway and starts out by explaining how the Germans took over the small town of Narvik. The main character, Laila, is an assistant manager at a hotel, and eventually falls in love with a German soldier and finds herself pregnant. Laila struggles with this information and her family doesn't allow her to stay. She goes to a Lebensborn home in another Norwegian town run by the Germans since her child will add to the Aryan race. With what she experienced and witnessed at this home, she knew she had to escape and tell the world. Laila and the other women at the Lebensborn home made unbelievably difficult decisions and had to live with the consequences. At one point in the book, there is a story about trolls watching over a lake and why you shouldn't swim in the lake. I d the nod to the native legends. As a HF reader who enjoys WW2 stories, this novel tells one of the thousands of stories of this era from a different perspective. I would have d to read more about the research and for this book and where the inspiration for the characters came from in the Author's Notes.

Thank you Boldwood Books and Net Galley of an ARC for A Mother's War by Helen Parusel in exchange for an honest review. Bev Walkling1,157 44

Many many thanks to #NetGalley, #BoldwoodBooks and the author #HelenParusel for allowing me to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own!

This is a debut book by author Helen Parusel but I wouldn't have known it if I hadn't read it. The quality of her writing was such that it literally kept me up reading all night!

I was drawn to the book both by the excellent cover art work and by the subject matter. The last big trip my husband and I took before the pandemic was to Scandinavia and we spent quite a bit of time in Norway visiting various museums that told their wartime story. I knew about the "Shetland Bus" and had definitely read about Lebensborn scheme which was part of Himmler's plan to create a perfect Aryan race, but this story told a lot more about what it was for women who went there, many unaware of what they were really signing up for and what the consequences could potentially be.

Laila is a young Norwegian woman on the brink of adulthood, who lives with her loving family, grieves the disappearance of her brother several years earlier and works in a local hotel. She experiences the German invasion firsthand in her seaside community and though she hates the Germans, she is forced to work for them in her job at the hotel. She agrees with her parents who believe those who befriend the Germans are collaborators, but over time, she learns that not all soldiers agree with Hitler's goals and plans. When she gets to know Josef, she is torn between her parent's beliefs and her emotions. She wants to do her part to fight the Nazi machine but she recognizes Josef's innate goodness and becomes intimately involved with him. She discovers she is pregnant just as he is sent to the Eastern Front, and when rejected by her family she needs to look elsewhere for help.

She ends up entering the Lebensborn program assuming that she and Josef will marry when the war ends. She soon finds out, that life doesn't always turn out as hoped. She is a strong character and reading the book both shows that and educates as to the differing motivations of all who entered the program. The novel also touches on the stolen children of Norway who were brought to Lebensborn homes and adopted out.

There were a lot of emotions to process as I read through the book. It was devastating how quickly her family abandoned her believing she brought shame on them through her pregnancy. The violence of war was also in evidence and the entitlement displayed by the German officers. Laila's story was exciting and heartbreaking by turns. I would definitely recommend it to those interested in learning more about Norway in wartime. The story will stick with me for a long time.advance-reader-copy bullying children ...more2 s Elaine Thatcher99 2

3.5 out of 5. Rounded up to 4.

After hearing stories of the War in Norway from my Norwegian friend, I was eager to read A Mother's War, especially with its focus on Ledensborn. However, the nativity of the main character partnered with the near perfection of the Nazi officer seemed troublesome. Laila Olson witnesses horrors as Norway is invaded, her mother nearly dying during their flight to freedom, and yet she remains hopeful that everything will turn out for the best. Private Josef Shultz is a Nazi with a heart of gold and pure conscience. It is not a surprise when our heroine becomes pregnant and Shultz is shipped off.

One aspect of this book I truly struggled with is the treatment of the pregnancy and the resulting child. I was not surprised when her family rejected the notion, or when her community did the same. However, Parusel takes a very dark aspect of Norwegian history, the harsh mistreatment of these mothers and babies, and puts a glossy spin on the whole ordeal.

This book is not bad, It is quite good for a debut novel. In fact, I will be greatly interested in reading future books by Parusel. However, I feel this story could have gone deeper, and told a darker story that is closer to the truth.

Thank you to Netgalley for this e-arc in exchange for a fair review. David28 1 follower

In the Nazi occupied town of Narvik, a young Norwegian girl named Laila finds herself simultaneously joining the growing resistance movement and falling in love with a German soldier. Josef, who harbors his own distaste for the regime he serves. The story that unfolds is at times disturbing and at times most inspiting. It wonderfully written, with very natural sounding dialog, excellent detail to the settings in which each scene takes place, and evidence of the author’s meticulous research into the historical elements involved.

Without wanting to give away any of the plot I must say that Parusel’s portrayal of the infamous Nazi program known as Lebensborn is, to me, a highlight of the book. That and her descriptions of the German invasion of Norway (at the beginning of the book) and escape routes run by the Resistance (toward the end). I’m pleased to give this one a five-star review and encourage others to give it a read.
a-great-read Leanne1,464 22

A incredible debut historical fiction novel that I was glued to from the start and couldn't take my eyes off my kindle while reading. It starts in 1940 and the Nazis are taking over. Laila is horrified by what she is seeing but she meets Josef a soldier who isn't the others. Laila soon finds herself pregnant and in a home for mother's but it isn't long before she is fighting for her life and that of her baby. The story tore my heart out but I love the strength and determination in the most vulnerable characters. Not all are bad and a select few have a heart. A gripping and exciting read that is also a great history lesson that has taught me that it's okay to not always follow the leader and to have your own opinions. Sheri1,245 31

WWII historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and even though there are a lot of books set in this time period there is always an untold story. Laila hates the German soldiers that invaded her town but one is not the others and captures her heart. When Laila becomes pregnant and is sent to a house for unmarried mothers she finds herself needing to be strong. This story will wrap you up and not let go until you read the last word. I’m always amazed to read stories about WWII that I have not heard before. Every story is important and must be told. Shirley245 1 follower

I enjoy historical fiction and A Mother's War did not disappoint. Young Laila living with her family in Norway is suddenly thrust into war life when the Germans take over Norway. Terrible things occur prompting Laila to help with resistance efforts. The story follows as Laila's life takes many turns. I was completely engaged in this novel. Helen Parusel has done an amazing job with writing this book. I felt I was with Laila in the forest, running and seeing friends die, so vivid and real! I hope to read more from this author.2023-books historical-fiction Vivian953

Gripping story of heartbreaking happenings

What a gripping story. I’ve not read many stories from Norway in WWII so this one was very interesting. I think the strongest message from this book was not to judge people without considering their circumstances. Not all Germans were evil even some of the soldiers hated Hitler but it was enlist or die. The young girls who fell in love with German soldiers were just that…young girls. Looking back now from my sixties, I cringe at some of the choices I made in my teens so I felt for those girls. Really good read. Anna534 32

There are many books on the market which are set during WWII. This particular book is an excellent addition and in fact offers something a little different. Set in Norway during the occupation there was much to glean about life for Norwegian people during this time.

If you would to read my full review please visit my blog at:

https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogsp... Amylynn Salmon77

shocked

I'm shocked at how good of book this was. I couldn't put it down! These characters were so fill of life and even the ones who I hated played their part. I wish I would know what happened after they meet up with Josef... There was so much more that could have been written. That's the only reason I have 4 stars instead of 5! But this was a great book even the times it seemed rush. LouiseAuthor 4 books76

I loved this assured, gripping tale of wartime love in a country I know very little about. I learned so much about Norway in the Second World War, and the struggles the neutral Norwegians endured when the Nazis occupied their country. The main character of Laila was strong and believable and her terrible dilemma pulled at my heartstrings. A brilliant historical novel, and I can’t wait to read more by this talented author . Denise -Marie195 26

Gripping and chilling

A look into the lives of women allegedly giving birth for the Reich. A lesson that you can't judge; history and time have a way of unraveling the truth in all it's layers of love & hate. Exceptionally well researched and written to evoke emotion from readers from happy to aghast to horrified. You'll be bent on finishing the book hoping for justice... peter walton120 1 follower

War is evil, with ordinary people subjected to atrocities, while despots usually escape unhurt ; I'm glad that evil was eventually beaten by goodness re. WW2 but saddened that innocent young mothers & their children were treat the way they were during these horrible years , especially when love was to the fore in many cases. Such a heart warming novel that exposed the evil of "Lebensborn" Anne1 review

untold stories

As a fan of accurate historical fiction I had never heard of the Lebensborn houses in Norway. I only knew of those in Germany and children either bred or stolen for the Nazis’ evil germanization. Thank you for sharing their stories and insuring that what was done isn’t whitewashed or erased. Sharon Marcyes48

A Story Not Often Told

The unwed homes for young pregnant Norwegian girls and their German lovers and all the intrigue surrounding them is a main part of this excellent book. It sheds another light on the atrocities of WWII. Excellent writing and the characters are real. I enjoyed the book very much. Marilyn541 1 follower

The author’s notes state up to 12,000 children with a Norwegian mother and German father were born in Norway under the Lebensborn to propagate the Aryan race during WWII. The plan was for children to be adopted into German homes.
None of it went well. Historical fiction of Laila and those around her. Zoë Richards28

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