From Sand and Ash by Amy Harmon [REVIEW]

Italy, 1943—Germany occupies much of the country, placing the Jewish population in grave danger during World War II.

As children, Eva Rosselli and Angelo Bianco were raised like family but divided by circumstance and religion. As the years go by, the two find themselves falling in love. But the church calls to Angelo and, despite his deep feelings for Eva, he chooses the priesthood.

Now, more than a decade later, Angelo is a Catholic priest and Eva is a woman with nowhere to turn. With the Gestapo closing in, Angelo hides Eva within the walls of a convent, where Eva discovers she is just one of many Jews being sheltered by the Catholic Church.

But Eva can’t quietly hide, waiting for deliverance, while Angelo risks everything to keep her safe. With the world at war and so 

many in need, Angelo and Eva face trial after trial, choice after agonizing choice, until fate and fortune finally collide, leaving them with the most difficult decision of all.

5 Breath taking stars

I was really nervous going into this book. I wasn’t even sure I wanted to read it. I didn’t know much about this book except it took place during World War II. I’m a mood reader and I love epic novels, but I had to get myself into the right frame of mind to read this one.

I wouldn’t even say this book was hard to read. In fact, it was really easy. In the sense, I never wanted to put it down. Of course I couldn’t read it all in one sitting, it’s a meaty book, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. From Sand and Ash is the kind of read that kind of makes you put perceptive on things, such as life, freedom and the kind of love you want to have.

I was really emotional and moved by this book. 

The love story is between Eva and Angelo. They are childhood friends and very close. Angelo is half Italian and half American. Eva is an Italian Jew. Eva loves Angelo deeply, but knows nothing can come of it because he will be a priest. 

No, it’s not like that kind of book. Don’t think anything taboo because he’s a priest. Yes, it’s part of the story, but it’s not THE story. The story is about two people living through War War II.

The thing I really enjoyed about this read was how developed the book was. The characters are 100% well-rounded and everything is written for a reason. There are no fillers or annoying facts. I knew going into this book that a lot of things that happened in this book happened in real life. That broke my heart, but it also made the story more epic. As horrific the events were, it happened and it’s something everyone needs to be exposed to. 

If you have questions or doubts, like if you are able to read this book, don’t second guess yourself. Yes you can. It’s the kind of book you will be so glad you didn’t pass up. I promise you, it’s an unforgettable read. 

An ARC was provided

AMAZON

Amy Harmon is a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and New York Times Bestselling author. Amy knew at an early age that writing was something she wanted to do, and she divided her time between writing songs and stories as she grew. Having grown up in the middle of wheat fields without a television, with only her books and her siblings to entertain her, she developed a strong sense of what made a good story. Her books are now being published in thirteen languages, truly a dream come true for a little country girl from Levan, Utah.

Amy Harmon has written ten novels - including the USA Today Bestsellers, Making Faces and Running Barefoot, as well as The Law of Moses, Infinity + One and the New York Times Bestseller, A Different Blue. Her recent release, The Bird and the Sword, is a Goodreads Choice finalist in Fantasy. FROM SAND AND ASH, her historical romance, will be released via Lake Union Publishing on December 1st. For updates on upcoming book releases, author posts and more, join Amy at www.authoramyharmon.com