Codes of Courage

About the Book:

1940: Austrian refugee Karl Lang has lost everything―his country, his home, and his family. All that is left to him is a burning ambition to see the Nazis defeated. Desperate for work and a way to help the war effort, he finds the one place that will take a refugee like him: a supply steamer traversing a deadly path past enemy U-boats.

Since their first meeting, Millie Stevens has felt an undeniable connection to Karl. As the war rages, she shares his determination to oppose the Nazis and finds work at the British codebreaking center at Bletchley Park. There she uses all her intellect and determination to break German codes and read U-boat transmissions―or risk losing the man she loves.

Rolf Denhart will do anything to defend the Fatherland, including long patrols in a cramped U-boat. But rumors from Germany leave him uneasy, forcing a choice between loyalty to his homeland, the safety of his family, and his peace of conscience.

In the midst of war, three lives are woven together to create an epic tapestry of love and loss, joy and pain, sacrifice and courage.

My Review: 

I’m not a huge fan of WWII stories due in part to the aspect of the havoc they wreak on people’s lives. Because, let’s face it, many people died and lives were forever changed. But… author A.L. Sowards is a phenomenal writer and is able to portray this moving narrative through the eyes of three characters, a couple on the Allies side, Millie and Karl, and one on the Axis side, Rolf. I loved how the lives of these three individuals are intertwined through love and self sacrifice. 

If you are interested in a story that has depth and stays with you long after you have read it, then this is just the book for you. It would be a perfect selection for a book club or a friend read. It is too good to keep to yourself and is one of those types of books you’ll want to hear what someone else experienced.

Karl and his family are introduced in Heirs of Falcon Point, but you do not need to read it in order to enjoy this book. Although, you will thoroughly enjoy that story too. :)

I received a copy of the book, and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.