The Girl They Left Behind: A Novel by Roxanne Veletzos

A sweeping historical romance that is “gripping, tragic, yet filled with passion and hope” (Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author), offering a vivid and unique portrayal of life in war-torn 1941 Bucharest during World War II and its aftermath—perfect for fans of Lilac Girls and Sarah’s Key.

On a freezing night in January 1941, a little Jewish girl is found on the steps of an apartment building in Bucharest. With Romania recently allied with the Nazis, the Jewish population is in grave danger so the girl is placed in an orphanage and eventually adopted by a wealthy childless couple who name her Natalia. As she assimilates into her new life, she all but forgets the parents who were forced to leave her behind.

As a young woman in Soviet Romania, Natalia crosses paths with Victor—an important official in the Communist regime that she used to know as an impoverished young student. Now they are fatefully drawn into a passionate affair despite the obstacles swirling around them and Victor’s dark secrets.

When Natalia is suddenly offered a one-time chance at freedom, Victor is determined to help her escape, even if it means losing her. Natalia must make an agonizing decision: remain in Bucharest with her beloved adoptive parents and the man she has come to love, or seize the chance to finally live life on her own terms, and to confront the painful enigma of her past.

Paperback, 368 pages 

Published October 9, 2018 by

Atria Books

4.5/5 stars

This book came highly recommended so I jumped at the chance to do a combo read and audiobook. It wasn’t until I finished and read the author notes that I realized this book is based on the author's own family’s history. Her mother was the little girl left behind, making this book all the more compelling.

This story begins in January 1941 with the hardest decision a couple must make, I can’t even imagine. What follows is decades of struggle for this girl now called Natalia. Adopted by loving parent, growing up during the war, then behind the Iron Curtain with all the struggles.

The Girl They Left Behind is a well researched and well written captivating story of hope, family and history. I never knew about the Bucharest Pogroms or what living behind the Iron Curtain was like. This book opened my eyes to how much history I don't know. I highly recommend to those that love historical fiction or just a good read.

This book was part of my 2022 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge #4/17

When the Summer Was Ours by Roxanne Veletzos

Hungary, 1943: As war encroaches on the country’s borders, willful young Eva César arrives in the idyllic town of Sopron to spend her last summer as a single woman on her aristocratic family’s estate. Longing for freedom from her domineering father, she counts the days to her upcoming nuptials to a kind and dedicated Red Cross doctor whom she greatly admires.

But Eva’s life changes when she meets Aleandro, a charming and passionate Romani fiddler and artist. With time and profound class differences against them, Eva and Aleandro still fall deeply in love—only to be separated by a brutal act of hatred.

As each are swept into the tides of war, they try to forget their romance. Yet, the haunting memory of that summer will reshape their destinies and lead to decisions which are felt through generations.

From the horrors of the Second World War to the tensions of the 1956 Hungarian uprising and beyond, When the Summer Was Ours is a sweeping story about the toll of secrets, the blurred lines between sacrifice and obsession, and the endurance of the human spirit.

Kindle, 384 pages,

Published August 24, 2021 

by Washington Square Press

3/5 stars

This is my first time reading Roxanne Veletzos after hearing glowing reviews of her debut, The Girl They Left Behind.  I was excited to discover a new author.

Beginning in 1942 Budapest was a nice switch for me, in terms of WW2 books.  While I appreciated this setting and how the war affected its citizens and even the historical events afterwards, slowly this book fell a little flat for me.

I was craving something new in terms of storyline.  This story was interesting enough but I struggled to connect with the characters and I kinda felt like I've read this story before in it being predictable.

When the Summer Was Ours is a heart aching story that showed resilience and determination.  It released on August 24th.

My thanks to Atria Books for a digital arc (via Netgalley) in exchange for a honest review.