As war escalates between the Russians and Ukrainians in the port city of Sevastopol, can one girl and a pod of dolphins prove that communication is the greatest weapon of all?

It's February of 2014 in the seaport city of Sevastopol in Crimea. Sofiya Oleksandrivna only wants two things: to figure out a way to get Ilya Ilyich to stop bullying her, and to convince her mother to come back home. But as battleships come to populate the waters around their city and Russian forces, including Ilya's father, start to make their presence known, an even greater threat takes over Sofiya's life.

The only escape Sofiya has is the dolphinarium where her father is a trainer at the forefront of teaching sign language to a pod of dolphins. And now the Russian military has ordered the dolphinarium to hand over its animals for military use. As armed Russian troops invade Crimea and conflict and tension continue to rise, Sofiya will do everything she can to keep her pod safe. And what she knows better than any of the soldiers occupying her city, is that the most powerful force is communication.

Based on the true events of the 2014 annexation of Crimea, Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger depicts a familiar world where divisions are sown by hate, but where love can make a world of difference.

1944, Germany: Gazing through the barbed wire fence, up to the pale blue sky, Antonia dreams of home: cherry orchards, golden fields, and the man she loves, who she may never see again...

Resistance fighter Antonia is out in the forest behind her family's beloved farm when the Nazi soldiers arrive. As she sees her sister Lena and her young nephews herded towards the trucks, guns pointed at their heads, she faces a split-second, heart-wrenching decision: to stay hidden, stay free and continue the fight. Or to give herself up and go with her family to protect them-no matter what lies ahead.

As she clutches her nephew's little hand in hers, her other arm tight around Lena, she knows she has made the right choice. And as the truck rattles towards a brutal labor camp, and they start to wonder what fate has in store for them, Antonia's only thought is of how to escape.

Because before they were captured, Antonia worked tirelessly to free her country from those who had turned her homeland into a bloody battleground. By her side had been clever, handsome Viktor. The man she was to marry, whose love shone like a light in the darkness of war surrounding them.

Antonia does not know if Viktor has been caught or executed. But she knows she must try to find a way back to him and she cannot wait any longer to be saved. Her precious nephews will die without proper food and they could all be killed at any moment.

The world outside the camp gates is full of danger, but they have to find a way through them first. And that is their only hope, even if it costs Antonia her life. The Nazis have taken everything from her, but they can never take away her courage...

A heartbreaking, inspiring and totally unforgettable story of the unbelievable courage and determination of extraordinary people in the darkest days of war. Fans of Kristin Hannah, Fiona Valpy, and The Tattooist of Auschwitz will be gripped from the very first page until the final, heart-stopping conclusion.

The story of one young woman's exceptional courage in the darkest of times, set in the stunningly atmospheric mountains of Czechoslovakia during the Second World War.

1938: Magda has led a sheltered life in her small village until the day she is forced from her home by the invading Nazi army. Torn away from her family and the only place she has ever known, she is offered refuge in an alpine villa owned by brilliant Dr Tauber and his talented, beautiful wife.

But despite having friends in high places, the Jewish Taubers are living on borrowed time. When the Gestapo come to arrest them, Magda is asked to protect something more precious than the silver and jewels they leave behind. Their newborn son Samuel.

Magda turns to the local Resistance, who hide Samuel nearby. Determined to help them and save her country, Magda remains in the house to serve the Nazi commander, passing messages and supplies to the secret network. But when she is caught, Magda is forced to flee into the high mountains with a price on her head.

With the Nazis in pursuit, and nothing left to lose, Magda takes up arms with a band of partisan fighters in the hope of rescuing the Taubers and reuniting them with Samuel. Even if it might mean laying down her life to win the freedom of those she loves...

This heartbreaking wartime epic of love, bravery and survival will stay with you long after you have turned the final page. Perfect for fans of My Name is Eva, The Alice Network and The German Midwife.

Previously published as Magda's Mark, this edition has substantial editorial changes.

Praise for The Girl from the Mountains:

A gripping read from the start... Magda is a compelling heroine living through the most devastating time in human history... The authenticity of time and place was captured so well. Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Action, adventures, family, war and so many different emotions... Grab a few tissues... Such a powerful story you must read. Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A wonderful intense read... So vivid you will feel you are there. I could not put this story down. I loved the book. Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Readers will be captivated by Magda's character... I could barely put down the book. I smiled, cried... I recommend it to all history lovers Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Riveting, intense... From the very beginning you feel like you're amidst the chaos, the heartbreak, the despair but also the incredible bravery and spirit of the people in WWII... A great reminder of what people are capable of. Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This extraordinary war story transports the reader into Czechoslovakia in the first years of German occupation... Conflict and tension await the reader on every page... This is an exceptional read. Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

With her heart in her mouth, Kitty let herself into her husband's private study. She knew where he kept the papers that might save her dearest friend from the Nazis. She just had to steal them...

Vienna, 1937. When beautiful American Kitty becomes engaged to Austrian diplomat Edgar, she finds herself thrown into a very different world in Europe, and soon longs for home. But when the woman designing her wedding dress, Judith, takes Kitty under her wing, she sees the city of Vienna in a new light - a city of culture and music that she can explore with her new friend.

But when the Nazis come, the fact that Judith is Jewish means she is no longer safe. Kitty knows that as a diplomat's wife she can steal the papers that will allow her closest friend to escape to safety, but will it mean betraying the love of her life?

Except that Edgar has grown distant and secretive since she joined him in Europe and, when war breaks out, Kitty wonders which side her husband is really on. And, as she prepares to betray him, Kitty begins to fear that she doesn't really know the man she married at all.

Facing an impossible choice between her dearest friend and the man she loves, Kitty knows she must be brave, and do the right thing, no matter the personal cost...

An absolutely heartbreaking, powerful and gripping story about finding love, resilience and friendship in the midst of the darkness of World War 2. Perfect for fans of The Nightingale, My Name is Eva and All the Light We Cannot See.

Praise for The American Wife:

'I found myself holding my breath... Completely blown away by the unexpected twist at the end... This series is a must-read!' Goodreads reviewer

'I cannot wait for the next book to be published... Highly recommend to every reader!' Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Thrilling... Kept me riveted to my sofa.' Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Absolutely heartbreaking, powerful and gripping.' Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

If I go back to Paris, it would be my third time there as an undercover agent... Kitty murmured. I ask myself, how many chances does one person get?

Paris, 1941. When Kitty is asked to return to Paris as an undercover agent, she knows the mission is her most dangerous yet. But she has been fighting the Nazis for too long to stop now. And her role within the Resistance has already cost her friends, family and now - almost - her own marriage.

Because while she and Edgar are more in love than ever, his role as an undercover Nazi means it is safer if they are no longer married. And while signing the divorce papers is a formality that breaks her heart, Kitty knows that she and Edgar will find a way to be together when the war is finally over...

More determined than ever to undermine the Nazi regime, Kitty has nothing left to lose. From secretly supplying Prisoner of War camps with essential items, to moving refugees across borders to safety, she will stop at nothing to play her part in bringing the war to a close, even if it means risking her own life.

But when Edgar goes missing, Kitty's world stops. As she begins a desperate search for her beloved husband, she hears from her contacts that he has been killed. But Kitty feels strongly in her heart that, somewhere out there, Edgar is still alive. And she knows she must risk everything to rescue the man she loves, no matter what...

An absolutely gripping, heartbreaking and powerful story about courage, love and bravery in the midst of World War 2. Perfect for fans of The Nightingale, My Name is Eva and All the Light We Cannot See.

Praise for The Diplomat's Wife series:

Fantastic... Wonderful... Superb... I did not want to put this story down. When my e-reader battery wore down I stood by the charger and read. Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Outstanding... I was hooked by this book and couldn't put it down... Incredible... Brilliant... Oh my goodness... I loved this book. Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A truly unputdownable book! The story kept getting better and better... You will have a hard time putting this book down. @kayy_lambert ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

INCREDIBLE!!!... Not to be missed. I cannot wait for the next in this series. Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This book is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat right up till the end. Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Kitty held her husband close to her chest, covering his beloved body with her own. She called for help, but none came. She stared down at the face she loved so well. Edgar! Don't go, my darling, not now. Not after all we've been through... please don't leave me here alone...

1944. Beautiful American Kitty Larsson knows better than most that fighting the Nazis comes at a price. She's spent years working undercover as an agent for the British and knows that doing what is right could cost her everything...

When Kitty is captured during a mission and her true identity is revealed, she learns her beloved husband, Edgar, has gone missing. The Gestapo tell her they have him, and that his life is in her hands. If she doesn't cooperate, he will die and her worst fears will be realized. If they are telling the truth, Kitty's secrets might be enough to save the man she loves... But what if they are lying?

Fueled by her desire to do what is right, but also to save the man she loves, Kitty knows that she won't be able to rest until she can escape and find Edgar. Because surely, somewhere out there, he is still alive...

As the war rages, Kitty tries to think of a plan. Surely this isn't where it all ends? She needs to know whether Edgar is safe, and to hold him in her arms once again. But, to do that, will Kitty finally have to make the ultimate sacrifice?

An absolutely unputdownable, gripping and powerful story about love, courage and doing what is right in the midst of the darkness of World War 2. Perfect for fans of The Nightingale, My Name is Eva and All the Light We Cannot See.

Praise for The Diplomat's Wife series:

Fantastic... Wonderful... Superb... I did not want to put this story down. When my e-reader battery wore down I stood by the charger and read. Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Outstanding... I was hooked by this book and couldn't put it down... Incredible... Brilliant...

Oh my goodness... I loved this. Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A truly unputdownable book! The story kept getting better and better... You will have a hard time putting this book down. @kayy_lambert ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

INCREDIBLE!!!... Not to be missed. I cannot wait for the next in this series. Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This book is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat right up till the end. Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Russia has been trying to wipe Ukraine off the world map for thousands of years. They haven't succeeded yet. Now, I'm picking up my stone and throwing it at Goliath. I want people to understand. I want to save this country.' Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger, March 2022

Larissa is a renowned embroiderer, surviving in occupied Ukraine during World War II as a seamstress in her ruin of a workshop. Surrounded by enemies, she expresses her defiance by threading history into her garments. But at what cost?

Mykhailo is a soldier on leave, returning to Ukraine from the front on Christmas Eve. As he travels through his country, he is confronted by the hardship the war has brought to his fellow countrymen. Will what he sees this Christmas change the course of his life forever?

Marusia and her family are woken early one morning by the arrival of the Nazis, who have come to search for her partisan brother. As the soldiers move through their house, her family has just moments to make choices that will determine their survival.

Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger's stories bring to life the true history of her Ukrainian family who fought to survive World War II. Laced with hope, Souvenirs from Kyiv celebrates the endurance and resilience of the human spirit.

Souvenirs from Kyiv was awarded 2nd Place in the 2014 HNS International Short Story Award and the collection won the silver medal in the IPPY Book Awards 2020 for Military and Wartime fiction.

Praise for Souvenirs from Kyiv:

'I am stunned by the sad beauty . . . That's how I feel after reading a really brilliant book.' Marina Osipova, author of How Dare the Birds Sing

'I couldn't put it down, I read it in one sitting. . . so beautifully written and completely heart-wrenching. . . This is an incredible book please read it.' NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'This book was an eye opener. . . The human need for freedom rings out. Read it. You owe it to yourself. . . I shed tears, tears of sadness and hope.' Sunhusky Books ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'This book opened my eyes to the atrocities that Ukrainians have endured and are once again enduring in 2022. . . Highly recommended' NetGalley reviewer

'A book that made me cry and marvel at the bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people' NetGalley reviewer

Burying the past comes at a high price...

1922, South Tyrol. A year after the Italian Fascists marched on Bozen. nationalism in the Tyrolean Reschen Valley creates enemies out of old friends. Trusting no one, Katharina Steinhauser fiercely protects the identity of her daughter's father from both her family and her community. Meanwhile, Mussolini has wrested control from the monarchy, and momentum behind the plans for the Reschen Lake reservoir increases-a project that could wipe out Katharina's valley. Katharina begs the man in charge, Angelo Grimani, to stop the plans at the risk of bringing him into her life again. But Angelo is hemmed in by a force that is tearing his family apart, steering him far from the Reschen Valley and that which binds him to Katharina. It's exactly the opportunity the Fascists have been waiting for.

Following No Man's Land, The Breach is the second novel in the Reschen Valley series. If you enjoy gripping historical fiction that won't let you go, you will love Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger's vivid, politically-charged saga.

An authentic, rich story. -Laurel Busch, historical fiction editor and author

Well-executed...powerful...moved me to my core. -Ann Howard Creel, The Uncertain Season

...transports you to another time and place. -Kristi Saare Duarte, The Transmigrant

It was so tense, I was holding my breath. ...even better than the first one! -Dori Harrell, A Christmas Hallelujah

In the process of understanding who she was, she discovered who she was not.

1937. Northern Italy. New political conflicts loom on the horizon, and Italy must feed its war machine. Angelo Grimani has a plan to keep the Reschen Valley reservoir out of his father's hands but he needs a local front to succeed. He faces his past and seeks Katharina Steinhauser out. But when he sees Annamarie, Katharina's daughter, for the first time, Angelo realizes he faces an altogether different conflict.

Unaware of the history between Angelo and Katharina, Annamarie is convinced her future lies beyond the confines of the valley. When an Italian delegation arrives to assess the reservoir, Annamarie believes she has found her ticket out...in the form of Angelo's son and a Fascist uniform. When you cannot hide from the truth, where do you run?

Love, betrayal, and deception explode in this next book in the Reschen Valley saga. This is the third book in the series and can be picked up as a stand-alone.

A plan to flood her valley. A means to destroy her culture.

1920, former Austrian Tyrol. Katharina Thaler prepares to be the first woman to ever own a farm in the Reschen Valley. The Great War has taken more than her beloved family, it has robbed the province of its autonomy and severed it in half. As her countrymen fight to prevent the annexation to Italy, Katharina finds a wounded Italian engineer on her mountain. Her decision to save Angelo Grimani's life, however, thrusts both of them into the middle of a new world order-a labyrinth of corruption, prejudice, and greed.

Trapped between a growing fascist regime and a man who threatens to tear her home away, Katharina must decide what to protect: love or country?

This gripping, historical saga reveals one of the least known political crises in Europe: the South Tyrolean and Italian conflict, which spanned nearly a century. The Reschen Valley series is based on the flooding of the valley that is now the Reschen Lake dam and reservoir, where a centuries-old church tower still stands straight out of the water.

NO MAN'S LAND is the first book in the Reschen Valley historical fiction series. If you enjoy gripping, meticulously researched historical fiction, with characters that stay long after you've read the last chapter, you will love Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger's vivid saga.

An authentic, rich story. Laurel Busch, historical fiction editor and author

Well-executed...powerful...moved me to my core. Ann Howard Creel, The Whiskey Sea

...vivid and intriguing...will have you mesmerized from page one. Kristi Saare Duarte, The Transmigrant

*** distributed by IngramSpark ***

She wants her home. He wants control. The Fascist regime wants both.

1920, former Austrian Tyrol. Katharina Thaler faces becoming the first woman to ever own a farm in the Reschen Valley. The end of the Great War has taken more than her beloved family, it has robbed the province of its autonomy and severed it in half. As her countrymen fight to prevent the annexation to Italy, Katharina finds a wounded Italian engineer on her mountain. Her decision to save Angelo Grimani's life, however, thrusts both into the midst of a new world order-a labyrinth of corruption, prejudice, and greed.

Trapped between a growing fascist regime and a man who threatens to tear her home away, Katharina must decide what to protect: love or country?

No Man's Land is the first book in the Reschen Valley historical fiction series. If you enjoy gripping, historical fiction that will stay long after you've read the last chapter, you will love Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger's vivid saga.

*** distributed by IngramSpark ***

Burying the past comes at a high price...

It's 1922 and a year after the Italian Fascists marched on Bozen.

Nationalism in the Tyrolean Reschen Valley creates enemies out of old friends and Katharina Steinhauser fiercely protects the identity of her daughter's father from both her family and her community.

Meanwhile, the Fascists have wrested control from the monarchy and momentum behind the Reschen Lake reservoir increases with plans to wipe out the Reschen Valley's towns and hamlets. Katharina risks writing to Angelo Grimani, the man in charge, and begs to have the project reassessed.

But Angelo is hemmed in by a force that steers him far from his dealings with the Reschen Valley and that which binds him to Katharina. It's the opportunity the Fascists have been waiting for.

Following No Man's Land, The Breach is the second part in the Reschen Valley series. If you enjoy gripping historical fiction that won't let you go, you will love Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger's vivid saga. Buy or try now

*** distributed by IngramSpark ***

In the process of understanding who you are, more often you discover who you are not.

1937. Northern Italy. New international conflicts loom on the horizon, and Italy must feed its war machine. Angelo Grimani has a plan to keep the Reschen Valley reservoir out of his father's hands but he needs a local front to succeed. He faces his past and seeks an alliance with Katharina Steinhauser.

They share a teenage daughter, Angelo discovers. Annamarie. And she is convinced her future lies beyond the confines of the valley. When an Italian delegation arrives to assess the reservoir, Annamarie believes she has found her ticket out...in the form of Angelo's son and a Fascist uniform.

Love, betrayal, and deception explode in this next instalment of the Reschen Valley. This is the third book in the series and can be picked up as a stand-alone.

*** distributed by IngramSpark ***

A plan to flood out her valley. A means to destroy her culture.

1920. Former Austrian Tyrol.

When Katharina Thaler, a young Tyrolean farmer, finds a wounded Italian engineer in the mountains of the Reschen Valley, her decision to save his life thrusts both of them into a labyrinth of corruption, prejudice and greed.

Angelo Grimani, a civil engineer, knows the details of a project that will destroy Katharina's valley. Not in favour of it himself, he returns home to fend off the forces that envision the biggest reservoir in Italy, headed by Angelo's own father.

As the Tyroleans gear themselves to fight for their land, the Fascist party gathers power and momentum. Katharina and Angelo must each decide what to protect: love or country?

Dive in and discover the gripping saga based on a history you never knew. This box set contains the first three of six books: No Man's Land: Part 1, The Breach: Part 2, and the dark prequel to the story, The Smuggler of Reschen Pass, plus bonus material. Save now on the regular individual retail price!

Winner of the Coffee Pot Book Club Book Award 2019 (Best Box Set); Wishing Shelf Book Awards 2019 Finalist, Discovering Diamonds Book of the Month Finalist 2019 and a Flash Fiction 500 Novel Award winner 2018.

*** distributed by IngramSpark ***

Pride goes before the fall.

1900s Austrian Tyrol. Fritz Hanny, confident and optimistic, enjoys the prestige of belonging to one of the most respected families in the Reschen Valley. When he falls in love with Cecilia, a young girl in a neighboring village, he is certain he has found his purpose in life. Already on his way to making his own fortune, Fritz pursues Cecilia only to be cut down by one external force after another. Disappointment, violence, and conflict turn Fritz into a desperate man. When the Great War ends, Fritz is trapped between two borders: on one side, the family he has. On the other, the family he wants.

This is a stand-alone novella and a prequel to NO MAN'S LAND, the first book in the Reschen Valley series.

*** distributed by IngramSpark ***

Pride goes before the fall.

1900s Austrian Tyrol. Fritz Hanny, confident and optimistic, enjoys the prestige of belonging to one of the most respected families in the Reschen Valley. When he falls in love with Cecilia, a young girl in a neighboring village, he is certain he has found his purpose in life. Already on his way to making his own fortune, Fritz pursues Cecilia only to be cut down by one external force after another. Disappointment, violence, and conflict turn Fritz into a desperate man. When the Great War ends, Fritz is trapped between two borders: on one side, the family he has. On the other, the family he wants.

This is a stand-alone novella and a prequel to NO MAN'S LAND, the first book in the Reschen Valley series.

*** distributed by IngramSpark ***

Pride goes before the fall.

1900s Austrian Tyrol. Fritz Hanny, confident and optimistic, enjoys the prestige of belonging to one of the most respected families in the Reschen Valley. When he falls in love with Cecilia, a young girl in a neighboring village, he is certain he has found his purpose in life. Already on his way to making his own fortune, Fritz pursues Cecilia only to be cut down by one external force after another. Disappointment, violence, and conflict turn Fritz into a desperate man. When the Great War ends, Fritz is trapped between two borders: on one side, the family he has. On the other, the family he wants.

This is a stand-alone novella and a prequel to NO MAN'S LAND, the first book in the Reschen Valley series.

*** distributed by IngramSpark ***

She wants her home. He wants control. The Fascist regime wants both.

1920, former Austrian Tyrol. Katharina Thaler faces becoming the first woman to ever own a farm in the Reschen Valley. The end of the Great War has taken more than her beloved family, it has robbed the province of its autonomy and severed it in half. As her countrymen fight to prevent the annexation to Italy, Katharina finds a wounded Italian engineer on her mountain. Her decision to save Angelo Grimani's life, however, thrusts both into the midst of a new world order-a labyrinth of corruption, prejudice, and greed.

Trapped between a growing fascist regime and a man who threatens to tear her home away, Katharina must decide what to protect: love or country?

No Man's Land is the first book in the Reschen Valley historical fiction series. If you enjoy gripping, historical fiction that will stay long after you've read the last chapter, you will love Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger's vivid saga.

*** distributed by IngramSpark ***

Burying the past comes at a high price...

It's 1922 and a year after the Italian Fascists marched on Bozen.

Nationalism in the Tyrolean Reschen Valley creates enemies out of old friends and Katharina Steinhauser fiercely protects the identity of her daughter's father from both her family and her community.

Meanwhile, the Fascists have wrested control from the monarchy and momentum behind the Reschen Lake reservoir increases with plans to wipe out the Reschen Valley's towns and hamlets. Katharina risks writing to Angelo Grimani, the man in charge, and begs to have the project reassessed.

But Angelo is hemmed in by a force that steers him far from his dealings with the Reschen Valley and that which binds him to Katharina. It's the opportunity the Fascists have been waiting for.

Following No Man's Land, The Breach is the second part in the Reschen Valley series. If you enjoy gripping historical fiction that won't let you go, you will love Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger's vivid saga. Buy or try now

*** distributed by IngramSpark ***

In the process of understanding who you are, more often you discover who you are not.

1937. Northern Italy. New international conflicts loom on the horizon, and Italy must feed its war machine. Angelo Grimani has a plan to keep the Reschen Valley reservoir out of his father's hands but he needs a local front to succeed. He faces his past and seeks an alliance with Katharina Steinhauser.

They share a teenage daughter, Angelo discovers. Annamarie. And she is convinced her future lies beyond the confines of the valley. When an Italian delegation arrives to assess the reservoir, Annamarie believes she has found her ticket out...in the form of Angelo's son and a Fascist uniform.

Love, betrayal, and deception explode in this next instalment of the Reschen Valley. This is the third book in the series and can be picked up as a stand-alone.