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Heroines of WWII #12

Capturing Hope

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One step ahead of the Nazi’s. . .leaves Nadia little room for hope.
 
Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this new series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.
 
After her father is murdered by Nazis and her mother flees to her native Germany, hope is something of which Nadia Roenne feels little—even if it is the meaning of her name. It isn’t until an American photographer sacrifices his escape from Poland to save a Jewish family, that she finds a purpose. David Reid is very familiar with failure, but when he is charged with getting Nadia safely out of Poland, he is determined to succeed—even if she works against him at every turn, putting other’s lives ahead of her own. While they race against the daily shower of bombs over Warsaw and the ever-nearing German army, Nadia grows used to risking her life. . .but dare she risk her heart?  

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281 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2023

8 people are currently reading
1138 people want to read

About the author

Angela K. Couch

22 books425 followers
Fascinated by history and in love with creating fiction, Angela K Couch has been lost in writing novels most of her life. As a passionate believer in Christ, she can't help her faith from permeating the stories she tells. Often her martial arts training, love of horses, and appreciation for good romance sneaks in there as well.

To learn more and to see her latest news, please visit:

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
Profile Image for Marilyn (not getting notifications).
1,068 reviews461 followers
January 1, 2024
4.5 very strong stars. Capturing Hope was the first book that I had the pleasure of reading by Angela K. Couch. It was part of a series entitled Heroines of WWII. Although I have not had the opportunity to read the other books in this series, Capturing Hope, can easily be read as a standalone book. Although I read many books over the years that portrayed life in Poland during World War II, none have gone into the merciless destruction, bombing and killing that took place prior to the Nazi’s occupation of Poland. All my emotions were in turmoil as I read about the senseless atrocities the Nazis inflicted upon random Polish civilians. The Nazis were clearly immune to what they were doing as they bombed, shot and killer innocent women, children and unarmed civilians. The tactics the Nazis used were barbarically designed to destroy anything in their path. That included hospitals, homes and any unlucky civilians that happened to be in their way. In the author’s own words, “ The invasion of Poland was unlike that of many other countries where the goal had been to gain power over the government and people. In Poland the goal seemed to be to hurt and destroy. Especially the Jews.”
Capturing Hope took place in Poland during September of 1939.

Nadia Roenne was the only daughter of Baron Roenne. They resided in Poland. Nadia was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. She lived a very privileged and prosperous life. Her father, the Baron, had decided to arrange one last party at his estate before the Nazis invaded Poland. It was her father’s attempt to maintain a sense of normalcy before the inevitable invasion of the Nazis. His newest project, American photographer David Reid, had been invited and was monopolizing a lot of Nadia’s father’s attention.. Nadia’s father was impressed with anything or anyone that was American. His prize and joy was an American Packard automobile. Nadia was introduced to Mr. Reid by her father and was encouraged to dance with him. Nadia immediately noticed his dingy attire and that he was far below her social standards. However, Nadia complied with her father’s wishes but as soon as the dance was over she quickly excused herself.

Shortly after the Baron’s guests departed, he summoned David Reid to his study. The Baron had seen the writing on the wall for some time. He knew it was inevitable that the Nazis would invade Poland. His main concern was for his daughter’s and wife’s safety. The Baron entrusted David to get Nadia and her mother out of Poland and to London. He provided David with names of contacts and plenty of currency to help him with this endeavor. The Baron was adamant about staying in Poland. He was not prepared to leave his beloved homeland and family home just yet. While David Reid went to retrieve his camera case, he heard loud knocks. Then he heard German commands. Before long, a shot was fired. The Baron had been shot. Nadia’s mother willingly went with the Nazi officers. There was no way Nadia was going to go with the monsters who just shot her father. Somehow, David managed to find Nadia and the two hid until the Nazis left. David explained to Nadia what her father had entrusted him to do. After a lot of coaxing, David finally persuaded Nadia to leave her dead father. They packed up her father’s Packard. David had been instructed to get Nadia to Warsaw. From there a plane would take her to London. Before they had finished getting everything in the car, Jakub, one of her father’s staff, asked permission for him and his family to travel with Nadia and David. Jakub was Jewish and feared for his life and the lives of his family. Nadia allowed Jakub and his family to leave with them. When they arrived in Warsaw, they were instructed where to go to meet the plane that would take Nadia safely to London. Jakub and his family accompanied them as well. Unfortunately, there was not enough room for David, Jakub and one of Jakub’s children. Nadia insisted that Jakub and his child take her place. David was disgusted with Nadia. He had promised her father he would get her to London where she would be safe. She had just given up her ticket to safety. David failed to accomplish the task he had been asked to perform. Now, David was once again tasked with making sure Nadia remained safe in Warsaw until different arrangements could be made.

As much as Nadia tried not to like or admire David, she found that it became harder as each day passed. Nadia soon recognized just how kind and selfless David was. She saw how inspired David was to help others in need. While in Warsaw, they both experienced the unrelenting bombs the Nazis continued to explode over the city. There was damage and destruction everywhere. When a bomb was dropped close to where Nadia and David had been driving, they realized that their car was on fire. They quickly abandoned the car but witnessed the senseless deaths of women, children and unarmed civilians. Miraculously, two children had survived, two young sisters. David took the two orphans and shielded their eyes from the gruesome scene that was all around them. David vowed to care for the two young girls and protect them. They had no one else. David and Nadia vowed to care for them as if they were their own. Nadia came to admire the faith David exhibited and how he continued to protect her. Could Nadia trust the feelings she was beginning to feel for David? Had fate brought them together for a specific reason? Would they both be able to escape from Poland and get safely to London? What did the future hold for both Nadia and David?

Capturing Hope by Angela Couch was fast paced, had one or two twists and was quite thought provoking. Both Nadia’s and David’s characters evolved over time and displayed new inner strengths, determination and confidence that had not been present before. Nadia learned to see people as people and not in social classes as she had learned to do growing up the way she had. It no longer seemed important to Nadia whether people were rich, poor, entitled, Jewish or Christian. She now possessed a newly found sense of courage, bravery, determination, sacrifice and a strong sense of putting the fate of others before her own. Capturing Hope was a Christian historical fiction novel about finding faith and drawing on one’s faith to survive. I really enjoyed reading Capturing Hope by Angela Couch and highly recommend it.

Thank you to Barbour Publishing for allowing me to read Capturing Hope by Angela Couch through Netgalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Profile Image for Cindy aka "The Book Fairy".
690 reviews4 followers
May 6, 2024
Tremendous book......my heart ached so often as I wept at many parts. The sheer anguish so many millions suffered needlessly through was made so real as I felt as if I was there with them. When a book affects me emotionally as this was another one that did, it's powerful. Hitler intended to wipe Poland off the map unless they agreed to bow before him nearly resulted in it happening as his armies bombed city after city, as much of this book was based upon many historical facts as we know the basics from history (or mostly know I suppose) The flow kept my attention throughout, despite the sorrow but sadly it's real life.

I admired how even though there are always those who consider themselves superior (Nazis) and are brutal with their cruelty; those courageous resisters with compassion and bravery, shine through. Stories of resistance fascinate me...One of the main characters Nadia had been Polish nobility until Poland was invaded Sept 1, 1939 but her life changed quickly as she worked with an American photographer ,sacrificing her own chances of freedom with being rescued so that others could have that instead...giving up her own life. She had found her purpose in helping innocent Jewish children have a chance to live.

There is a satisfying conclusion to this amazing book that I can certainly recommend to anyone. She is an author I don't have any concerns about buying and reading for she writes with sincerity, from the heart and isn't afraid to include spiritual elements of faith and hope.
Profile Image for DevotedToHope.
578 reviews91 followers
December 9, 2023
In a world ensnared by the icy grip of Nazi tyranny, a noblewoman’s hope shines as a beacon of unwavering courage, love, and Christian faith. Capturing Hope is a captivating tribute to the unsung heroines of World War 2. I passionately recommend this novel for anyone who craves a heart-pounding narrative steeped in adventure, intrigue, and the timeless strength of love. It’s an unmissable journey that will captivate your soul and leave an indelible mark on your heart.

Angela K. Couch's latest work introduces readers to a cast of characters so intricately crafted that they leap off the page and into your heart. These characters grapple with profound emotions, inner conflicts, and personal struggles that make them not just relatable but deeply endearing. As the story unfolds, the emotional depth of their journeys becomes a powerful catalyst for reflection in the reader's own life. You'll find yourself witnessing their trials and triumphs as if you are right there with them. Couch's ability to infuse her characters with authenticity and vulnerability is nothing short of remarkable. Through their stories, readers are invited to explore themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the healing power of love, leaving an enduring impact on their own lives. It's a testament to the author's skill that these characters continue to resonate long after the final page is turned, reminding us of the enduring power of storytelling to touch our hearts and inspire our souls.

The resilience of the human spirit and the power of Christian faith intertwine in this beautifully crafted story. This book held my attention from start to finish. Its irresistible narrative kept me engaged and captivated. Even now, many days after turning the last page, its characters, theme, and vivid descriptions linger in my thoughts and heart.

I received an eARC of Capturing Hope from Celebrate Lit Publicity Group via NetGalley. I want to emphasize that I neither had an obligation to compose a favorable review nor received any compensation for my words. The sentiments expressed here genuinely reflect my sincere evaluation of the significant impact this book has had on me.
Profile Image for Jessica Brown.
Author 1 book36 followers
October 28, 2023
I consumed this book in less than 24 hours. I completely fell in love with the characters and had to know what happened to them!

The historical details were so rich, I can tell the author really put in a lot of research!

And oh, I loved the epilogue 💛 I'll definitely be thinking about this book for quite a while.

Note: I received an advanced reader copy from the author via Netgalley, and I was not required to leave a positive review. All views expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Staci.
2,233 reviews639 followers
October 9, 2023
Poland 1939

Affluent Nadia Roenne's world is upended when Nazis invade not only her country, but her home as well. American David Reid promises her father that he would get Nadia safely to England. They both show heart and courage in their journey. Several tense moments as they find themselves in difficult situations. Nadia and David not only try to save themselves, but Polish citizens they meet along the way.

There was a plot twist I didn't anticipate. Overall, I didn't find this novel as strong as the author's first book in this series (A Rose for the Resistance). My interest was fully engaged in the third quarter of the novel and not as much in the other sections. The author shines a light on the heroes and heroines that made a difference during this dark time in Polish history.

My gratitude to publisher Barbour for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Lucy.
1,131 reviews105 followers
December 9, 2023
I have loved all the books in the Heroines of WWII but this one was excellent in my opinion. The written word has the power to pull you in and immerse you into the lives of the characters. It is amazing how fast you can stretch and grow in the midst of horrendous situations and Nadia goes from being a rich, spoiled young lady to a woman with empathy and courage to lay her life on the line for others. There is no greater love than to lay your life down for others. David has made a promise to see Nadia to safety but how far will he have to go to succeed in that goal. Riveting events will transpire but in the midst can love and respect grow and bloom like a rose amidst the winter snow. Capturing Hope captured my attention, my heart, and my tears on its pages. Just an all around gobsmacking story that left me wearing my heart on my sleeve. Powerful tale that needs to be read.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
Profile Image for Pam.
237 reviews
September 2, 2023
I enjoyed this entry into the Heroines of WW2 series. I appreciated the way Nadia grew from a pampered heiress into a sympathetic and caring heroine. David – our hero – gained confidence as he navigated the complexities of his life caught behind the lines in Poland. The horror of the Nazi invasion of Poland and the havoc wreaked on the citizens of Poland – as well as the Jews – is well documented.
This stand-alone novel is worth reading!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Anne .
484 reviews2 followers
September 15, 2023
Capturing Hope
by Angela K Couch
Publisher: Barbour Publishing
Series: Heroines of WW2
Rated: 5
Obtain: Borrow or buy (and share with a friend)
Back of the Book: “One step ahead of the Nazi’s. . .leaves Nadia little room for hope.
Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this new series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.
After her father is murdered by Nazis and her mother flees to her native Germany, hope is something of which Nadia Roenne feels little—even if it is the meaning of her name. It isn’t until an American photographer sacrifices his escape from Poland to save a Jewish family, that she finds a purpose. David Reid is very familiar with failure, but when he is charged with getting Nadia safely out of Poland, he is determined to succeed—even if she works against him at every turn, putting other’s lives ahead of her own. While they race against the daily shower of bombs over Warsaw and the ever-nearing German army, Nadia grows used to risking her life. . .but dare she risk her heart?”

Impressions: What an adventure. I did not want to put this book down. I really enjoyed the characters' growth as the plot thickened. It felt like each economic class was represented by how they were affected by the war, which was interesting. This is one of those books where I want there to be more. I feel like the other characters could have side stories that would be fun to read about. I have enjoyed this series and all the different authors who I've gotten to know from it.

Quotes: “The pretense of happiness is a finely developed skill.”

“I would like to think that death is stepping into our Savior’s arms. That He is waiting there, in that moment, for us.” - I don’t like to get hung up on what death is going to be like for myself but I liked the idea of walking into my Savior's arms.

“I hate Nazis and Germans who are hurting our people, but I think we must be careful how we judge individuals.” - It is easy to generalize and group people into stereotypes, but do you ever get too caught up in a stereotype that you need to reset your thoughts and heart. I think knowledge helps me keep from making stereotypes a primary tool in understanding people. What do you use to understand people around you?

I received an ARC of this book via the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.
Profile Image for Susan Feaster.
115 reviews
September 22, 2023
Another entry in the Heroines of WW2 series, Barbour Publishing’s Capturing Hope by Angela K. Crouch gives us the story of Nadia Roenne and her escape from Poland at the beginning of WW2.

While it is difficult to read about the events of those days in Poland, Couch has given us a well researched and well written book, filled with well-developed characters. History, faith, and some romance combine to make this an excellent read.

Many thanks to Barbour Publishing and Net Galley for my copy of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for ASC Book Reviews.
402 reviews19 followers
December 2, 2023
WOW WOW WOW WOW!
WHAT A READ!
SO FAST PACED!
Ok enough caps, this story is so deep and beautiful.
Though here I must say the book description is not well done and doesn't do the story justice in my opinion. It's not until you read the book that the book description makes sense. So if I have one negative comment it would be about the book description.
I just finished and I'm almost speechless with how much I love this book! Especially the lead Nadia! David is loveable and so flawed as a struggling alcoholic. The kids are some of my favorites and I just love how Angela wraps up everything in the end. So many layers, so many twists, there was one moment where I had no clue what could possibly come next yet I was a little less than half way through. Such a fantastic read, such an amazing journey. I've said it again and again I love this series concept. I also love this book and love Angela's writing. There are so many scenes that left an imprint on my heart and I would love to read this one again. Though after a rest since it just keeps going and going with the action. Just wow!
Profile Image for J.E. Grace.
Author 24 books131 followers
December 8, 2023
Capturing Hope is a very well-written historical novel about the takeover of Poland by Germany during WWII. Also, the extermination of Polish Jews.

The storyline is a heart-wrenching one fraught with hardships, the unknown future, fear, and death. Among this, the main characters do their best to survive and rescue others, putting their lives in danger. David Reid, a photographer is sworn by Baron Roenne to bring his wife and daughter safely to London. Needless to say, nothing goes smoothly as the invasion begins. The confidence of David and Nadia is uplifting.

The characters seem to leap off the page and pull at your heart. I found myself fully engaged in the story and couldn't put it down through all the twists and turns. The research by the author is amazing.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and willingly chose to review it.
12 reviews3 followers
September 6, 2023
I loved it! This is my first book by the author and I was pleasantly surprised. At first, I thought it’d take time for me to like the heroine, Nadia. She came off as proud and snobbish but as the story unfolds we get to understand her better and she’s not as bad as I had first thought. The hero is easily likeable but we also see he has his own faults too, which is fine because no one is perfect really. This story has you rooting for them not just to get together but to also get to safety too. I enjoyed the minor characters, the children were enjoyable and I see the quiet strength in Zoita and others. We see them having to return back to their faith and really lean on God in a world where things weren’t making sense and Him coming through for them like He does for us. The faith aspect was subtle yet unmistakable. Overall, I will definitely recommend this book to everyone who loves a good historical read with enough twists and turns to leave it unpredictable yet still delightful.

I received an ARC from NetGalley but the thoughts and opinions are solely mine.
775 reviews12 followers
November 20, 2023
The stories set in the midst of WWII are often times filled with such despair but they highlight people who have risen above the challenges that they faced. This story had exemplary characters who faced the challenges of war head on. Nadia and David changed so much throughout the story but their resilience was inspiring. Bieta, Arek and Krys were really sweet additions in the story as well.

Thanks so much to netgalley and Barbour Publishing for the arc. The opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Anna.
83 reviews3 followers
October 26, 2023
Fantastic read! Nadia is forced to flee Poland with a man who she does not like. When the American photographer, David Reid finds himself promising to see Nadia to safety, he had no idea what that promise would cost him. Nadia and David are forced to work together to escape Poland before they are captured. Thrown together and fighting for their lives, Nadia and David might find a tense friendship turn into much more than they could have ever thought.
I absolutely loved this book. I felt as though I was right alongside Nadia and David. This is a story of hope and survival. I would absolutely recommend this book to any friends and family.
Profile Image for Sheila Samuelson .
1,206 reviews23 followers
August 24, 2024
Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
Thank you to Barbour Publishing's Review Crew for picking me to receive this FREE Paperback Copy to promote and review for them as part of their review crew.

This was my first time reading a Historical Fiction Novel by Angela Couch let alone in a series so I wasn't sure what to expect but I have to say I really like the way she wrote this book her storytelling Style and just overall all the information she included about The Poland Invasion in 1939 during World War 2.

The Characters were really fun and interesting to read about.

Nadia and David were definitely my favorites. At first I felt like David was a little pushy with Nadia when she just wanted to stay there in Poland to make sure that all of her friends were okay during The Invasion but David insisted that she leave Poland because that's what her parents wanted for her to get out of a country that has Germans attacking them and didn't want their daughter to be in the crossfire of that, which I totally understand but the same time if somebody doesn't want to leave their country just because there's a war is it really right to force them to leave?!

The Setting was so beautifully described about Poland and all the buildings the scenery everything made me feel like I was actually there in 1939 Poland while I was reading this book especially when there was a bombing that happened well it wasn't really a bombing but they thought it was a bombing it was actually a German plane that ran into a house a couple doors down from where Nadia and David were staying and those people lost their lives that was a really heartbreaking scene to read but at the same time I feel like Angela did really well with describing that making the reader feel like they were actually in the book when that happened.

A lot of what I read reminding me of stories that My Grandma(My Dad's Mom) would tell about growing up in Liverpool England during the war and how there was an apartment at least a block away maybe a couple stories away their house got bombed and those people lost their home I can't remember if those people died or not I think they did but remember my grandma talking about that and how hard it was hurt for her to describe that because she remembered that from the time she was like 12 years old when that happened.

Overall a very well written historical fiction about the Poland invasion in 1939.

I would like to see this book have another book after it from Angela just to continue the story of Nadia and David because I would like to see how their lives ended up after the war like toward the end of the book we kind of found that out but not really but I'd like to see how they were doing in the 50s and 60s and so on.

Can't wait to read more by Angela in the future!!
Profile Image for Debbie.
3,598 reviews84 followers
October 4, 2023
"Capturing Hope" is a Christian romance set in 1939 in Poland. Nadia was raised to think herself as above others, but she's lonely because even her parents don't seem to love her. David feels responsible for a relative's death when he was young, and he's determined to get Nadia to safety after her father makes him promise to help her escape Poland. They're more aware than most about Hitler's hatred for Jews, so David gives his seat on an escape plane to a Jewish family and Nadia's inspired to do the same. As bombs fall on Warsaw and David captures the truth on film, Nadia can't abandoned those left orphaned...especially the Jews. Every time David finds a way to escape, Nadia ends up sending those in more danger in their place. As they spend time together, David comes to love the increasingly kind and caring Nadia, and Nadia appreciates his courage, kindness, and sacrificial character. They're better people for knowing each other.

The main characters were engaging and reacted realistically to events. Historical details were woven into the story. There was plenty of suspense due to the dangers from the invasion. David was a Christian. Nadia questioned if God cared about them and life after death. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable historical.

I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
1,838 reviews
December 11, 2023
Capturing Hope by Angela K Couch is a Historical Christian Romance. It centers around Nadia Roenne and the invasion of Poland during World War II. Nadia watches her father be murdered, and her mother flees to Germany. Her father made arrangements before his death for an American, David Reidi, to get her to safety. While the two initially appeared to dislike each other,

The author takes you through twists, turns, and unexpected events during the course of the book. With harrowing bombings, orphans, injuries, and more, this book kept me engaged. I loved getting to know Nadia, David, and the other characters in the story. The lengths the two go to protect the ones they come into contact with make this book unforgettable.

This book is part of a series highlighting women of World War II. These standalone books from Barbour Publishing provide an engaging look into the history of World War II.

So if you are looking for a Historical Christian Romance, check out Capturing Hope by Angela K Couch for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Faith.
2,151 reviews
December 5, 2023
A compelling story of faith, family, and love in the face of the Nazi invasion of Poland.

After her father is murdered, an American David Reid is tasked with getting Nadia Roenne out of Poland. Her compassionate heart puts her at odds with David's sense of duty and urgency, but gives her purpose. I liked how David found himself leaning more on his faith, and sharing it with Nadia as they fight to find a way out of Poland.

I admired Nadia's heart for others, and how she is drawn to help families affected by the invasion, putting their needs before her own.

Overall, a compelling read with strong characters, with storytelling that brought the bleak plight of those in Poland realistically to life.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Connie Hill.
1,848 reviews45 followers
December 10, 2023
Capturing Hope is written by Angela K Couch. This is part of the Heroines of WWII series The series is written by multiple authors, but is held together by strong female characters during WWII. In this story, we see Nadia Roenne. She lives in Poland and its close to the German invasion. However, her father is murdered by the Nazi's. An American photographer, David Reid is tasked with getting Nadia to safety.


Nadia who in the beginning of the book seems like a spoiled girl - starts to put others before her. This causes some tension with her and David, since he had strict orders to get her out of harms way. Nadia starts to see David differently, when he saves the life of a Jewish family. . One of the most beautiful things about this story is the adventure they go on. Nadia and David create a group that feels like family. A family determined to survive.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Paula Shreckhise.
1,484 reviews127 followers
December 8, 2023
I am enjoying reading WWII stories and especially this series about its heroines. I know there are many tales yet to be told and I am glad for the authors who are brave enough to tell them.
What struck me in this book was the determination of Nadia and her compassion for the refugees trying to flee Poland. She was used to a lavish, privileged lifestyle but she bravely faced what problems came and worked to free the innocent when she could have just escaped herself.
David made a promise to her father to see Nadia safely to England and he tried his best to sacrificially work to fulfill that promise. The author used interesting details to convey the dire situations that they faced. The romance between David and Nadia was helped along by the forced proximity, but that just brought out their faith and true characters.
The author showed the horrors and dangers of the times but also hope and human kindness that is found even under impossible conditions.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Barbour Review Program. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
Profile Image for Jeanne Alfveby Crea.
932 reviews100 followers
February 19, 2024
Nadia Roenne wakes up the daughter of a Baron and then the invasion of Poland begins and her father is killed, her mother escapes to Germany, and Nadia finds herself in the care of an American photographer David Reid who is charged with getting her out of Poland. I enjoyed the character growth as Nadia finds her purpose and sheds her pampered upbringing after she sees David give up his chance to escape to a refugee family. They try to help themselves and others stay alive in this war torn land.

A wonderful installment of the Heroines of WWII series! I recommend Capturing Hope for lovers of historical fiction.

Thank you to Barbour Publishing and Net Galley for allowing me to read this an ecopy. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Jeanette Durkin.
1,502 reviews43 followers
December 11, 2023
A captivating story!

Wow! This book is amazing! The story is original and compelling. My attention was grabbed from the very beginning and I had a hard time putting the book down!

The characters are wonderful! Nadia is used to a life of wealth and everything changes for her in an instant. She develops so much during the story. She becomes a true heroine! David interested me right from the beginning! He is a reputable person, full of honor and compassion.

This story can be a little difficult to read. It deals with murder, displaced children and war. It does offer hope; hope for a brighter day! It touched my heart in many ways!
Profile Image for Brooklyne E..
95 reviews17 followers
July 22, 2025
3.5 stars!

This was a wild ride WW2 story with lots of children (yay) and ultimately a story of strength in difficult times.

I didn’t get into the characters that much but they were likable. Not my favorite couple but they seemed to go well together in the end. There was an interesting plot twist at the end and lots of intense scenes throughout which helped the pace of the book.

It fell a little flat for me but I can’t put my finger on why. I’d recommend this book to WW2 fiction fans! It was a story of hope, finding Faith through prayer, and healing from the past.

8 reviews2 followers
December 11, 2023
As the Nazis invade Poland, Nadia has many decisions to make. She sees her father murdered, her mother flees to her native Germany, and Nadia is left to fend for herself...with the help of an American photographer whose name she can't even remember. Racing against the invasion, trying to help save orphaned Jewish children, Nadia & David risk everything...maybe even love. This book is filled with one harrowing experience after another. In the end, love and good triumph. Another great adventure from the "Heroines of WWII."
Profile Image for Liz Tolsma.
Author 38 books1,782 followers
September 29, 2024
I enjoyed it

I have really enjoyed the Heroines of WWII series, including this book. The action was enough to keep me reading, and there was plenty of tension between the characters. It was populated with secondary characters who didn’t capture my attention. I would have preferred fewer who got more development and screen time. Overall, it was a good read that I got through quickly, and I would recommend it.
Profile Image for Jessica E.
1 review1 follower
September 17, 2023
Capturing Hope tells the story of Nadia, the wealthy daughter of a Polish Baron, and her journey to escape Nazi occupied Poland at the start of WWII. Assisted by David, an American friend of her father's, she leaves her comfortable world behind in her attempt to escape. Along the way, she finds purpose, faith, and love for others that she did think herself capable of.
This book has all the best kinds of predictable elements without being too cliche. She was a strong character, who still needed help and was still teachable. It incorporated elements of faith without being cheesy.
1,255 reviews
November 28, 2023
Capturing Hope, by Angela K. Couch, is part of Barbour Publishing's Heroines of WWII series. This is a series of powerful stand alone stories that are written by different authors about strong women and their part in the war. This story is set in Poland in 1939. Nadia's father asks American photographer, David, to take his wife and daughter out of Poland before the German's take over the city.

This story starts out with action and suspense that does not end. It captured my attention right from the beginning. It is well written, easy to read and hard to put down. I was left wondering what would happen next to delay Nadia and David's trip out of Poland. It is very easy to see how caring both are for others and how quick they are to step in to help others, even putting themselves at risk. As Nadia fleece Poland she meets someone tells her life has not been what she always thought. As she flees, David is left feeling he is once again a failure.

I just loved this story, it gives a brief look into what the situation in Poland might have been, yet it is not to overwhelming to read. It also shows the strength the characters have. I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Tamara.
1,313 reviews
March 6, 2025
*Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Fiction for the eARC of this book; the review is my own.*

I always forget how much I get lost in historical fiction when I’m off reading other things. Good historical fiction, that is. And this one was good! It’s kind of hard to believe it was only 256 pages since so much happened. I would say that perhaps its short page length is in indication that it lacked detail, but I can’t recall any time in the book when I felt like it needed more description or information. Oh wait, there were a couple of times, but I don’t want to spoil anything here. Let’s just say that I wish certain conversations and events had happened on the page rather than off of it (and no, I’m not talking about sex). It was all very well balanced between plot, character development, dialogue, and historical background. I always appreciate author’s historical notes at the end, too. All in all, this was a great book.

The slowly developing relationship between Nadia (25) and David (26) was completely unsurprising, despite the initial frostiness between them. Neither was without flaw, and I loved them for it. I like seeing characters work to overcome their weaknesses and develop their strengths. These two challenged and supported each other, and I appreciated that neither person’s personal improvement was motivated solely by an effort to be worthy of the other. David’s sense of honor and the importance of his given word were the handrails that kept him accountable and led him to be a better man. Though she started the book as a naive heiress, Nadia’s innate compassion required her to set herself aside for the welfare of others.

Something I really liked about this book was that, while the author didn’t shy away from the atrocities committed by the Nazis during WWII, she didn’t make any blanket statements about the people. Before I continue, I would like to firmly state that I condemn the horrible acts committed by the Nazis—there are no excuses, and I have no sympathies for them as a whole. But I don’t think that precludes me from agreeing with Nadia when she said, “I think we must be careful how we judge individuals.” Life and people are too complex for that, which is why I am very grateful that I can leave judgment to God. It’s an important thing for us to remember, especially in today’s political climate: each person makes decisions based on their own moral compass and what they believe to be right. I may not share the same values or ideals as others around me, but we need to respect one another enough to try to understand rather than judging. I can’t remember which book I read somewhat recently, but the following quote from it has stuck with me: “Grace costs you nothing.”

I am definitely interested in reading more from this author, as well as looking into other books that are a part of this multi-author series about WWII heroines.

How it ends:

Note: Nothing bad. Mild depictions of war.

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:

This narrator was not my favorite. Though I appreciated (what I assume were) the correct pronunciations of Polish, German, and other eastern European words and names, something about her voice bothered me. She always sounded like she needed a really big drink of water or needed to clear her throat—maybe both. And sometimes she whispered so quietly that I had to go back and turn the volume up to hear what she said.

Narrator: Natasha Soudek
Profile Image for LouAnn.
76 reviews
September 1, 2023
I love historical fiction with some romance, especially during WWII. This new book by Angela K Couch fit the bill and kept me engaged with the story until the end. Nadia Roenne is a baron's daughter, enjoying a life of privilege until the Nazis move into Poland. Though she lived among the wealthy, she was missing purpose and love in her life, even love from her parents. She begins her journey toward freedom and learns how to care for others along the way, putting her own life at risk.

The author did a great job with character development. I felt like I really understood Nadia and what she was going through. The story develops at a nice pace, with just enough details and surprises to keep me fully engaged.

This book has an element of Christian faith involved, and I found it to be perfectly woven into the storyline. It is not overbearing and fits in with the war theme about being helpless to do more, but to trust in a higher power at times. It’s a clean read with a great storyline and engaging writing. History, war, romance, and faith —what more could you ask for?

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are expressly my own.)

#NetGalley #CapturingHope
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