Helen Parusel – författare

An emotional WWII historical novel, based on real events

A forbidden romance in occupied Norway…

Narvik, 1940.

After Laila awakens to the sight of warships in the fjord, it isn''t long before she turns resistor to the brutal Nazi regime. She is horrified when local girls begin affairs with enemy soldiers, yet against her own principles, she finds herself falling in love with German soldier, Josef.

Josef is not like the others. He becomes involved in helping her and the locals with resistance activities, risking his life on more than one occasion.

But then Laila finds out she is pregnant. With Josef sent to the Russian front, and Laila cast out by her family, she turns to a home for women which promises to care for her and her unborn child. But instead, she finds herself caught in a system of evil far beyond what she thought possible…

A Mother''s War is a powerful tale of the bond between mother and child, and fighting against the odds. Fans of Suzanne Goldring, Mandy Robotham and Debbie Rix will devour this unforgettable novel.

Praise for Helen Parusel:

''This debut shines a light on a little known, but no less vital, corner of the war - events we should all know about. Fascinating'' Mandy Robotham, author of The War Pianist

''The layers of deception Laila encounters at the Lebensborn home were masterfully done and had me glued to the pages. A powerful debut, and a must-read for fans of historical fiction'' USA Today bestseller, Andie Newton

''Atmospheric and gripping'' Jacquie Bloese, author of The French House

''...both a poignant love story, and a fascinating exploration of the experience of being an occupied nation during a time of war... An accomplished and gripping debut!'' Louise Fein, author of People Like Us

''A heartbreaking tale of love, loss and overwhelming courage. I was captivated, and couldn''t turn the pages fast enough'' Siobhan Daiko, author of The Girl from Venice

''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'' Catherine Law, author of The Officer''s Wife

‘The story tore my heart out but I love the strength and determination in the most vulnerable characters … A gripping and exciting read’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

‘This book is powerful, thought provoking and is written in such a beautiful way … we just NEED a sequel as simple as that’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

‘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!’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

‘A superbly written book … It is truly a sublime read that creates a picture of beauty, sadness, loss and the ability to overcome. I LOVED IT!’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

‘A marvellous historical debut that enthralled me … a fabulous debut’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

A powerful and unforgettable story of the strength of women and the unwavering courage of those who seek a better world

Austria, 1938

After years of hardship, Ella is full of hope for a better future for Austrians, and when Hitler marches into Linz, she can’t help but become swept up in the euphoria of her boyfriend, Max.

But she soon realises her mistake. When she witnesses a woman being shot in the street and a childhood friend’s Jewish department store is closed down, she knows she must do something.

It’s a dangerous time to be a resistor, especially when her fascist boyfriend proposes to her. Knowing the secrets she can uncover, Ella enlists in a Reich Bride School, finding herself propelled into the social elite of the Nazi circle.

Ella knows she has a duty – to her family, her friends, and her country – so while Europe teeters on the brink of WW2, a desperate race begins to save the people she loves. But betraying the Nazis could be her death sentence…

Fans of Suzanne Goldring, Mandy Robotham and Debbie Rix will devour this heartbreaking WWII tale.

Praise for Helen Parusel:

''Pacy, twisty and emotional... a beautiful page-turner ... I highly recommended it'' Amanda Geard, author of The Midnight House

‘This novel is a true page turner, as well as being a heart-wrenching, emotional story of one of the darkest chapters of history ...first class research and captivating story-telling!'' Louise Fein, author of People Like Us

''I adored The Austrian Bride ... The story is poignant and compelling - and what an ending: wow! ... A brilliant story with a powerful message. I wholeheartedly recommend it'' Gill Thompson, author of The Child on Platform One

''...an amazing, edge of your seat, nail bitting, heart racing read'' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

''Wow, what a powerful book ... absolutely heartbreaking but also beautiful at points'' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

''The Austrian Bride is a heart warming story... of family, trust, love, loss, courage, friendship and above all bravery to do the right thing'' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

''A heart-breaking but, oh, so wonderfully powerful and important read'' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

An utterly breathtaking WWII historical novel, perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah

Was she incredibly brave or incredibly stupid? Neither. Just a bookshop girl doing what she could against her country’s oppressors.

The banned books club was only the beginning; a place for the women of Prague to come together and share the tales the Germans wanted to silence.

For bookshop owner, Jana, doing the right thing was never a question. So when opportunity comes to help the resistance, she offers herself – and her bookshop. Using her window displays as covert signals and hiding secret codes in book marks, she’ll do all in her power to help.

But the arrival of two people in her bookshop will change everything: a young Jewish boy with nowhere else to turn, and a fascist police captain Jana can’t read at all. In a time where secrets are currency and stories can be fatal, will she know who to trust?

A heart-wrenching and powerful story of courage, tenacity and love in wartime. Fans of Suzanne Goldring, Mandy Robotham and Debbie Rix will devour this unforgettable novel.

‘A wonderful story with the healing power of books at its heart, this inspiring and compelling novel kept me turning the pages late into the night. Steeped in fascinating historical detail, and packed with compassion, I didn’t want The Last Bookshop in Prague to end.’ Kate Storey

''Helen Parusel takes you on Jana''s traumatic journey through fear, bravery and the determination to do the right thing in this captivating, unforgettable book.'' Catherine Law

Praise for Helen Parusel:

''This debut shines a light on a little known, but no less vital, corner of the war - events we should all know about. Fascinating.'' Mandy Robotham

''The story is poignant and compelling - and what an ending: wow! ... A brilliant story with a powerful message. I wholeheartedly recommend it.'' Gill Thompson

‘This novel is a true page turner, as well as being a heart-wrenching, emotional story of one of the darkest chapters of history ...first class research and captivating story-telling!'' Louise Fein

''Pacy, twisty and emotional... a beautiful page-turner ... I highly recommended it.'' Amanda Geard

''The layers of deception Laila encounters at the Lebensborn home were masterfully done and had me glued to the pages. A powerful debut, and a must-read for fans of historical fiction.'' Andie Newton

''Atmospheric and gripping.'' Jacquie Bloese

''A heartbreaking tale of love, loss and overwhelming courage. I was captivated, and couldn''t turn the pages fast enough.'' Siobhan Daiko

''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.'' Catherine Law