Showing posts with label world war 2. Show all posts
Showing posts with label world war 2. Show all posts

Saturday, November 1, 2025

Bestselling WWII Novel, Aaron's War By Richard McMaster, Will Be Available At No Charge In Ebook Form November 4 and 5, 2025


Aaron's War is an extraordinary work that will likely take its place as one of the best WWII historical fiction novels ever written. 

World War II stories still hold a special place in the minds of millions of Americans. We are enthralled by stories about this time period like Saving Private Ryan, Band of Brothers and Winds of War. Amazon best-selling novel, Aaron’s War, is a story of devotion, faith, and redemption—where the battle for one man’s soul proves as fierce as the war itself.

On the eve of World War II, Aaron Vanko learns two truths that shatter his world: his friends doubt he can kill, and his Ukrainian mother reveals he is Jewish, shattering his plans to marry the pastor’s daughter he loves. As he fights across Europe, Aaron witnesses the ruins of churches and synagogues, the horrors of death camps, and German soldiers clutching Bibles. Haunted by faith, identity, and the question of what separates belief from humanity, he returns home broken—until a twist of fate forces him to confront the German soldier who’s tormented his dreams, and to choose between vengeance and forgiveness.

The ebook version will be available at no charge November 4 and 5, 2025 at Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Richard-McMaster/author/B01LDIJ2QU.

In a story about the author, Richard McMaster, printed by The Hudson Weekly, Dennis Keller said, "There have been multiple authors that have made a significant contribution to the world of literacy. In the current era, we have come across several first-time authors with the gift of writing. Richard McMaster is an accomplished author whose works have been praised for their depth, complexity, and emotional resonance."

Keller continued with "Richard McMaster never falls into the trap of presenting his characters as simplistic archetypes or caricatures, instead allowing them to emerge as fully-formed individuals with their unique voices and perspectives.

"In addition to his skillful characterization, he is also a master of plot and pacing. The structure of his novels keeps readers engaged and invested in the story while also allowing for moments of quiet reflection and contemplation. The author’s writing is often described as 'page-turning' or 'gripping,' but it is also imbued with a sense of thoughtfulness and depth that elevates his work beyond mere genre fiction."

Richard McMaster is also the author of best-selling, psychological thriller, The Attic. The Attic is an emotional story about facing adversity and overcoming loss. When Byron Kelly’s wife dies, he faces assault charges and a lawsuit and flees to Chicago and assumes a new identity. When Byron Kelly becomes a whistleblower on the run from the FBI he hides out in the attic of a dying old man, Henry Steele. Byron cares for the old man and learns he is estranged from his daughter over the death of her mother, his wife, because of family secrets he has kept from her.

Readers of The Attic said, “Absolutely loved this book. I don’t want to give anything away, but this was the best book I have read in a long time. Haven’t done anything else for the last 24 hours. Just wonderful!” Another reviewer asked, “When they make the movie who will play the part of Byron? Who will play Sybie?”

Another book, A Love Divided by Time, is described as "one part The Notebook, one-part suspenseful psychopath story, and one part Somewhere in Time." In that book, Forrest and Allie believed they found love in a previous life and being born again was a game of hide-and-seek to find each other in plain sight, seeking their better halves, united and whole. When tragedy strikes, Forrest makes a pact to find her killer, raise their daughter, and find peace by joining her in the ever after.

A Writer's Digest critique stated, "This book is exemplary in its voice and writing style. It has a unique voice, and the writing style is consistent throughout."

The author’ favorite book is, Voyage Of Life, the life journey of Sean Buchanan is detailed through metaphoric depictions of the four stages of life in Thomas Cole's Voyage of Life paintings, childhood, youth, manhood, and Old Age. The painting’s depictions are a metaphor for his life—the verdant landscape and calm waters of childhood become turbulent in youth, and early in manhood the shores turn rocky when he faces one obstacle after another. Secrets that live in darkness can take a lifetime to see the light of day and the secret that has hovered over him since Youth is revealed late in his life.

A reader said, “While reading, you will smile, you will hesitate thinking, oh no, and you will cry, but there is a surprise toward the end. This is one of the best romantic books I have read.”

Richard McMaster is available for media interviews and can be reached at Lifevoyages@gmail.com. More information is available at his website at https://richard-mcmaster.com/. All of his books are available at Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Richard-McMaster/author/B01LDIJ2QU.

About the author:

Bestselling author Richard McMaster is the author of best seller Aaron’s War, the 2018 Arizona Authors’ Association fiction runner-up book of the year, Voyage of Life, The Other Half, The Attic, and Love Divided by Time. 2019 finalist unpublished book of the year of the Arizona Author’s Association.

Before embarking on a writing career, he was a healthcare executive, heading up three different start-up companies, one ranked fifth largest of its kind in the United States. A native Iowan he was blessed to have lived twenty years in beautiful Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and now in Arizona. He actively participates in writing and book clubs: The Authors Guild, Phoenix Book Club, the oldest in Phoenix since 1926, Arizona Authors Association, and Arizona Traditions Writing Club, a local club he co-founded and has served as a writing contest judge. He is also a volunteer citizen patrol officer supporting the Surprise Police Department.

Contact:


Richard McMaster
https://richard-mcmaster.com
Lifevoyages@gmail.com 

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Friday, March 7, 2025

Bestselling WWII Novel, Aaron's War By Richard McMaster, Will Be Available In Ebook Form At No Charge March 10th and 11th, 2025, At Amazon


Aaron's War is an extraordinary work that will likely take its place as one of the best WWII historical fiction novels ever written. The ebook version will be available at no charge March 10 and 11, 2025 at Amazon.

Richard McMaster recently announced that his bestselling WWII novel, 'Aaron's War', will be available at no charge in ebook form on March 10 and 11, 2025 at Amazon.

Bestselling author Richard McMaster's historical fiction novel is a gripping coming-of-age story that drops readers into the harsh realities of World War II. Readers follow along on the journey of Aaron Vanko, an innocent Iowa farm boy who undertakes the ultimate test of humanity—the willingness to kill another human being in the name of duty.

But Aaron's journey takes a stunning turn when he discovers a previously unknown truth: he is Jewish. This revelation adds a new layer of complexity to his life-changing odyssey, forcing him to grapple with his allegiance to his country, his personal beliefs, and his newfound identity, all while battling enemy forces that threaten the world.

'Aaron's War' is more than just a historical narrative; it is a powerful and compelling exploration of challenges that have persisted across generations. From the ethical dilemmas that soldiers face on the battlefield to the formidable personal struggles that veterans confront upon their return home, this story offers a poignant examination of the human condition.

This captivating and engrossing tale sheds light on issues such as antisemitism, PTSD, and substance abuse, making its exploration of these themes all the more relevant and compelling.

USA TODAY Best-Selling Author Holly S. Roberts says ‘Aaron’s War’ is “A coming of age story that grips your soul and takes you on a thought-provoking journey."

Readers and reviewers have praised ‘Aaron's War’. Tom Porter, author of All I Need To Know About Business I Learned From A Duck stated, "An engaging, informative and thought-provoking tale of survival, love and faith. Make room for Richard McMaster on your list of up-and-coming authors." Lynn M. Safris said, “The descriptions and details given throughout this author's writing draw the reader into each page, making Aaron's journey feel like their own. I believe this book would appeal to a wide audience of readers. I truly enjoyed reading Aaron's War and I highly recommend this book."

Richard McMaster is also the author of ‘A Love Divided By Time’, described as "one part The Notebook, one part suspenseful psychopath story, and one part Somewhere in Time." In that book, Forrest and Allie believed they found love in a previous life and being born again was a game of hide-and-seek to find each other in plain sight, seeking their better halves, united and whole. When tragedy strikes, Forrest makes a pact to find her killer, raise their daughter, and find peace by joining her in the ever after.

A Writer's Digest critique stated, "This book is exemplary in its voice and writing style. It has a unique voice, and the writing style is consistent throughout."

In McMaster's latest book, ‘Voyage Of Life’, the life journey of Sean Buchanan is detailed through metaphoric depictions of the four stages of life in Thomas Cole's Voyage of Life paintings, childhood, youth, manhood, and Old Age. The painting’s depictions are a metaphor for his life—the verdant landscape and calm waters of childhood become turbulent in youth, and early in manhood the shores turn rocky when he faces one obstacle after another. Secrets that live in darkness can take a lifetime to see the light of day and the secret that has hovered over him since Youth is revealed late in his life.

Readers and reviewers have praised ‘Aaron's War’. Tom Porter, author of All I Need To Know About Business I Learned From A Duck stated, "An engaging, informative and thought-provoking tale of survival, love and faith. Make room for Richard McMaster on your list of up-and-coming authors." Lynn M. Safris said, “The descriptions and details given throughout this author's writing draw the reader into each page, making Aaron's journey feel like their own. I believe this book would appeal to a wide audience of readers. I truly enjoyed reading Aaron's War and I highly recommend this book."

Richard McMaster is also the author of ‘A Love Divided By Time’, described as "one part The Notebook, one part suspenseful psychopath story, and one part Somewhere in Time." In that book, Forrest and Allie believed they found love in a previous life and being born again was a game of hide-and-seek to find each other in plain sight, seeking their better halves, united and whole. When tragedy strikes, Forrest makes a pact to find her killer, raise their daughter, and find peace by joining her in the ever after.

A Writer's Digest critique stated, "This book is exemplary in its voice and writing style. It has a unique voice, and the writing style is consistent throughout."

In McMaster's latest book, ‘Voyage Of Life’, the life journey of Sean Buchanan is detailed through metaphoric depictions of the four stages of life in Thomas Cole's Voyage of Life paintings, childhood, youth, manhood, and Old Age. The painting’s depictions are a metaphor for his life—the verdant landscape and calm waters of childhood become turbulent in youth, and early in manhood the shores turn rocky when he faces one obstacle after another. Secrets that live in darkness can take a lifetime to see the light of day and the secret that has hovered over him since Youth is revealed late in his life.

Richard McMaster is available for media interviews and can be reached at Lifevoyages@gmail.com. More information is available at his website at https://richard-mcmaster.com/. All of his books are available at Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Richard-McMaster/author/B01LDIJ2QU.

About Richard McMaster:

Richard McMaster is a former health care executive who led three different start-up companies and served on numerous boards. He is an Iowa native who lived in North Idaho for nearly twenty years and now resides in Phoenix, Arizona.

As a young man two career paths diverged, the safe and ready one and the less traveled lonely winding one with an uncertain destination--the writer. He chose the well-worn path and early career success pushed him further along the business path. But the path has now taken him back to the one he wished he had taken.

Contact:

Richard McMaster
https://richard-mcmaster.com
Lifevoyages@gmail.com

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Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Trauterose, A Memoir Of Resilience And Redemption In Post-Hitler Germany, Receives 2024 IndieReader Discovery Award


Haggblade's eyewitness account will likely be regarded as one of the best accounts ever written about post-World War II Germany.

There have been many memoirs written about WWII and the Holocaust. Perhaps none are as interesting as 'Trauterose: Growing Up in Postwar Munich' by Elisabeth Haggblade. Her remarkable memoir is certain to become one of the definitive accounts of post-Hitler Germany, not only for its exquisite prose and the author's intimate encounters with notable figures but also for the sweeping global perspective that Haggblade brings to her narrative. ‘Trauterose' was awarded the IndieReader Discovery Award in the Memoir category. In addition, the cover was awarded First Place Non-Fiction in The Authors Show 2024 Book Cover Awards.

'Trauterose' is the compelling first-person account of Elisabeth Haggblade, who was orphaned at birth at the height of World War II and spent the first eleven years of her life under the care of a former S.S. officer and his family.

Like many she knew and met during her formative years, Elisabeth was marked both physically and psychologically by the traumatic events of the war and its aftermath, where negotiating daily life during the most tenuous time in Germany's history often felt like a balancing act. Yet through it all, faith and the help of others prevailed.

"The late Pope Benedict XVI, known then as Mr. Ratzinger, taught catechism in our fourth-grade elementary school in Munich for a short while," Haggblade stated. "I wrote to him after he left because we missed him. He wrote back a long letter admonishing us to start our lives right. Even as Pope in Rome, he always wrote back.

"Christine Kaufmann, the German actress, was a student for a little while in our elementary school, making a glamorous impression before leaving for more acting and later marrying Tony Curtis.

"My foster father was dismissed from the S.S. He wanted out, but one did not resign from the S.S. One was shot. As he told me, while serving as a door guard for a special S.S. officers' function, my foster father confronted a man trying to enter in civilian clothes who refused to show his ID. A futile exchange of words ended in my foster father grabbing him and tossing him onto the sidewalk. The man filed a complaint with the highest orders to which he belonged. It put the S.S. in a dilemma, so they decided to eject my much lower-ranking foster father from the party.

"He was incarcerated in Dachau by the American Allies, where the Jews had been before him. He stood trial, where Jewish people defended him, verifying that he let their mail pass without inspection. My foster father was freed.

"Today the jog of American athletes entering the stadium brings back seeing a newsreel showing participants in the Hitler assassination attempt in 1944. They entered a cellar in Berlin in a jog, wearing only warm-up pants (which were later pulled off), lining up below iron hooks before being strung up with piano wire to hang.

“My mother's house was in a village near Garmisch-Partenkirchen (the Winter Olympics took place there in 1936), where I spent some time helping her with her B&B business and came away with not very good memories.

"Mine is perhaps not so much a Holocaust book, as I describe the long reluctance of the public and businesses to confront past atrocities; e.g., the employment of slave laborers. I write about the present recovery of stolen art during the Hitler era and Germany’s efforts to educate the young about the Holocaust."

In short, 'Trauterose' is the account of one person's search for humanity in existence—a cautionary tale on the inherited guilt created by rampant nationalism, and a painfully honest and often humorous view of the world through the eyes of a young woman who found her way to freedom and purpose.

Readers and reviewers have expressed praise for Trauterose. Craig Jones of IndieReader wrote, "TRAUTEROSE (Growing Up in Postwar Munich) by Elisabeth Haggblade offers an uncompromising, moving, and elegiac memoir of a deprived childhood in postwar Germany." Midwest Book Review said, "Libraries seeking powerful, personal memoirs that hold political and social lessons and insights will find Trauterose a study in adaptation, survival, and growth. It also deserves attention from young adult and adult book clubs seeking memoirs that reflect not just individual experience, but a sense of the culture and times."

One Amazon review stated, "The book is extremely well written, and I would recommend it highly." Another said, "I highly recommend this book. It will touch your heart." Another wrote, "It offers an unforgettable window into a time and place that few Americans know about."

Elisabeth Haggblade is available for media interviews and can be reached at don@freepublicitygroup.com. 'Trauterose' is available in both print and ebook forms at Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Elisabeth-Haggblade/author/B0CTRXLF9G?. More information is available at her website at https://www.trauteroseauthor.com.

About Elisabeth Haggblade:

Elisabeth Haggblade holds a B.A. in German, a B.A. in Russian, a Master's in Linguistics from California State University, Fresno, and a PhD in English Philology from the Freie Universität Berlin. She retired from teaching part-time English and Linguistics at California State Universities and the Freie Universität Berlin. Her publications began with academic articles and book reviews as well as book reviews of fiction in The Los Angeles Times. She resides in California.

Contact:

Elisabeth Haggblade
don@freepublicitygroup.com
https://www.trauteroseauthor.com

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