Historical Fiction Virtual Tours: The Medallion

The Medallion by Cathy Gohlke

Publication Date: June 4, 2019

Tyndale House Publishers

Hardcover, Paperback, eBook; 432 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance/Christian

Read an Excerpt Download the Discussion Guide Download the Recipes for The Medallion For fans of bestselling World War II fiction like Sarah's Key and The Nightingale comes an illuminating tale of courage, sacrifice, and survival, about two couples whose lives are ravaged by Hitler's mad war yet eventually redeemed through the fate of one little girl. Seemingly overnight, the German blitzkrieg of Warsaw in 1939 turns its streets to a war zone and shatters the life of each citizen--Polish, Jewish, or otherwise. Sophie Kumiega, a British bride working in the city's library, awaits news of her husband, Janek, recently deployed with the Polish Air Force. Though Sophie is determined that she and the baby in her womb will stay safe, the days ahead will draw her into the plight of those around her, compelling her to help, whatever the danger. Rosa and Itzhak Dunovich never imagined they would welcome their longed-for first child in the Jewish ghetto, or that they would let anything tear their family apart. But as daily atrocities intensify, Rosa soon faces a terrifying reality: to save their daughter's life, she must send her into hiding. Her only hope of finding her after the war--if any of them survive--is a medallion she cuts in half and places around her neck. Inspired by true events of Poland's darkest days and brightest heroes, The Medallion paints a stunning portrait of war and its aftermath, daring us to believe that when all seems lost, God can make a way forward.

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About the Author

Cathy Gohlke is the three-time Christy Award-winning author of the critically acclaimed novels The Medallion, Until We Find Home, Secrets She Kept (winner of the 2016 Carol and INSPY Awards), Saving Amelie (winner of the 2015 INSPY Award), Band of Sisters, Promise Me This (listed by Library Journal as one of the best books of 2012), William Henry Is a Fine Name, and I Have Seen Him in the Watchfires (listed by Library Journal as one of the best books of 2008), which also won the American Christian Fiction Writers' Book of the Year Award. Cathy writes novels steeped with inspirational lessons from history. Her stories reveal how people break the chains that bind them and triumph over adversity through faith. When not traveling to historic sites for research, she, her husband, and their dog, Reilly, divide their time between Northern Virginia and the Jersey Shore, enjoying time with their grown children and grandchildren. Visit her website at www.cathygohlke.com and on Facebook at CathyGohlkeBooks.

Review: There are so many reasons I can think of for any person with a love for historical fiction to read this book. There are even more reasons for ANYONE to read it.

It isn't a pretty story. No story about WWII that involves the Jewish community should be.   

It is a story that will break your heart into pieces many times over.

Its the story of a young English woman who married a polish man who is fighting for Poland. It is also the story of Rosa and Itzhak, a young Jewish couple who are fighting to stay alive.

Through the horrors of Hitler's occupation of Poland, these two sets of people find their lives entwined without even knowing it.

The story is told from many points of view, Sophie, Rosa and Itzhak. The writing is so wonderfully done that the shifts in narration are effortless and not at all confusing. It gives you the whole heartbreaking story from start to finish.

I wasn't sure how this book would end. I wasn't sure if I could expect a happy ending, not that I require one, but I was pleased at how everything worked out for everyone.

What I loved the most about this book was the strength of the characters. What each one of them goes through to survive and to help is amazing and some of the sacrifices you see in this story.

I loved that the medallion was a Tree of Life and that brings me to why this book is a must read for anyone that loves a good story. I'm from Pittsburgh, where there was a mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue. This book should serve as a reminder that we should be moving forward from the hatred that was Hitler's Germany and not back.

This is a book that should be on everyone's reading list this year.

Rating: 5 flowers

Blog Tour Schedule

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we will be giving away 5 paperback copies of The Medallion! To enter, please use the Gleam form below. Giveaway Rules – Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on June 19th. You must be 18 or older to enter. – Giveaway is open to US only. – Only one entry per household. – All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion. – The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen. The Medallion