YA Historical Fiction

An Impossible Promise

A WWII Survival Novel

Formerly published as Mr. K’s Sonata

Michal is smitten. Then the Nazi death train comes for her family. Can he save her?
Present-day Idaho. Jodi yearns for summer break. Awkward and friendless, she is constantly being humiliated by the class bully. Even the orchestra teacher singles her out for ridicule. After an embarrassing altercation with her nemesis, Jodi flees into an unknown neighborhood and is trapped in a sudden thunderstorm. A frail old man whisks her into the safety of his cozy home. Jodi’s simple question regarding a photo on the mantel prompts the old man to reveal his harrowing wartime story.
1943 German-occupied Poland. Michal lives a privileged and sheltered life in war-ravaged Warsaw. On his fourteenth birthday, he meets and is smitten with the daughter of his powerful father’s Jewish assistant. When Michal learns that the occupants of the Jewish ghetto are being herded to the train station to be taken to the camps, he races to the depot. In a moment of chaos, and without a plan, he grabs the girl by the wrist and whisks her from the station—but not without a hasty promise to her father to keep her safe. As the duo flee from one danger right into the next, what lengths will Michal go to honor that promise?
And decades later, will the story of Michal’s horrific and dangerous act under the eyes of the ruthless Nazis give Jodi the confidence she needs to navigate the unfriendly halls of junior high and sow the seeds for her future?
Fans of Ruta Sepetys and Alan Grantz will be captivated by Michal’s journey.

This book is available here

Praise for An Impossible Promise

…a worthy addition to the pantheon of novels set at least partly in the Second World War.

I really liked your book! I like your style of writing. It is beautiful. I like short chapters and that you use fresh similes…I love your book.

Susan M.

I just finished reading your book Mr. K’s Sonata…it was an amazing read. Once I started it I couldn’t put it down.

Dani

I loved your book. What a great read. Never a dull moment with all kinds of action. Really impressed how you blended all those peoples lives together. I truly loved the WWII story. The facts and language were superb.

Colleen F.

I loved how the author interwove the two stories, one littered with history from the travesties of WW II and the second telling of a young girl who finds safety and comfort from the now aged man who suffered through that war. It’s a story of hope and determination, of love and forgiveness. It’s a must read.

Andrea K.

This is a very well written story. I couldn’t put it down. Both stories were equally engaging and entertaining. I am looking forward to the next book.

Avid Reader

This is a great evening story balancing the obstacles of adolescence, adventure, war experience, and heart. Recommended for readers of all ages. An absolutely amazing author.

Delano P.

Fantastic Book. Easy read, very interesting. Can’t wait for the next book.

Naomi G.

I liked how a young girl could learn from an aging violin virtuoso with a gardening and storytelling skill.

Gail H.
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