I was recently interviewed on Kathryn Gauci’s site about the upcoming anthology The Darkest Hour and my novella “Enemy at the Gate” which is included in the anthology and why I choose to write about WW2. Check it out! Thanks Kathryn!
The following is from Deadline: The company, which is producing forthcoming Jenna Coleman-fronted BBC drama The Cry, won the hotly contest auction for the book, which was published by imprints Echo and Zaffre – part of Bonnier Books UK – in January 2018.
The series is already in development and Synchronicity hopes that it will be ready to air in January 2020, to tie in with the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. Jacquelin Perske, who adapted The Cry and wrote Australian drama Seven Types of Ambiguity, is attached to write.The book tells the true story of Lale Sokolov, a Jewish prisoner who was given the job of tattooing identification numbers on prisoners’ arms in the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp during World War Two. One day, he met Gita while she was waiting in line to be tattooed and it was love at first sight. And so began one of the most life-affirming, courageous, unforgettable and human stories of the Holocaust and a tale of the very best of humanity in the very worst of circumstances.
Claire Mundell, founder and creative director at Synchronicity Films, struck the deal for the book rights with CAA, which represented Bonnier Books UK. She said, “We are beyond thrilled to have secured the rights to this incredibly brilliant, confronting and uplifting book. I fell in love with it within a few pages and was desperate to bring it to the screen, to reach the widest audience possible for this unforgettable story. There was a huge amount of interest in this title and I am grateful that Heather Morris, Bonnier Books UK and CAA responded so well to our vision for the story.”
Author Morris added, “Lale Sokolov placed a great deal of trust in me when he first shared his story. I am now passing that baton on and am so pleased that Synchronicity Films was successful in negotiating for the rights. Claire and her colleagues have an obvious passion for my book and have demonstrated clear sensitivity to producing a real person’s story. I know Lale will be smiling down at this new phase of his and Gita’s story”.
The #1 International Bestseller & New York Times Bestseller
This beautiful, illuminating tale of hope and courage is based on interviews that were conducted with Holocaust survivor and Auschwitz-Birkenau tattooist Ludwig (Lale) Sokolov—an unforgettable love story in the midst of atrocity.
“The Tattooist of Auschwitz is an extraordinary document, a story about the extremes of human behavior existing side by side: calculated brutality alongside impulsive and selfless acts of love. I find it hard to imagine anyone who would not be drawn in, confronted and moved. I would recommend it unreservedly to anyone, whether they’d read a hundred Holocaust stories or none.”—Graeme Simsion, internationally-bestselling author of The Rosie Project
In April 1942, Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew, is forcibly transported to the concentration camps at Auschwitz-Birkenau. When his captors discover that he speaks several languages, he is put to work as a Tätowierer (the German word for tattooist), tasked with permanently marking his fellow prisoners.
Imprisoned for over two and a half years, Lale witnesses horrific atrocities and barbarism—but also incredible acts of bravery and compassion. Risking his own life, he uses his privileged position to exchange jewels and money from murdered Jews for food to keep his fellow prisoners alive.
One day in July 1942, Lale, prisoner 32407, comforts a trembling young woman waiting in line to have the number 34902 tattooed onto her arm. Her name is Gita, and in that first encounter, Lale vows to somehow survive the camp and marry her.
A vivid, harrowing, and ultimately hopeful re-creation of Lale Sokolov’s experiences as the man who tattooed the arms of thousands of prisoners with what would become one of the most potent symbols of the Holocaust, The Tattooist of Auschwitz is also a testament to the endurance of love and humanity under the darkest possible conditions.
For immediate release:
Readers’ Favorite recognizes “Nor The Battle To The Strong” by Mary D. Brooks in its annual international book award contest, currently available at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0994476582.
The Readers’ Favorite International Book Award Contest featured thousands of contestants from over a dozen countries, ranging from new independent authors to NYT best-sellers and celebrities.
Readers’ Favorite is one of the largest book review and award contest sites on the Internet. They have earned the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Harper Collins, and have received the “Best Websites for Authors” and “Honoring Excellence” awards from the Association of Independent Authors. They are also fully accredited by the BBB (A+ rating), which is a rarity among Book Review and Book Award Contest companies.
We receive thousands of entries from all over the world. Because of these large submission numbers, we are able to break down our contest into 140+ genres, and each genre is judged separately, ensuring that books only compete against books of their same genre for a fairer and more accurate competition. We receive submissions from independent authors, small publishers, and publishing giants such as Random House, HarperCollins and Simon & Schuster, with contestants that range from the first-time, self-published author to New York Times bestsellers like J.A. Jance, James Rollins, and #1 best-selling author Daniel Silva, as well as celebrity authors like Jim Carrey (Bruce Almighty), Henry Winkler (Happy Days), and Eriq La Salle (E.R., Coming to America).
“When the right books are picked as winners we pay attention. We will be spreading the word about Readers’ Favorite.” –Karen A., Editor for Penguin Random House
Readers’ Favorite is proud to announce that “Nor The Battle To The Strong” by Mary D. Brooks won the Finalist Award in the Fiction – Fantasy – Urban category.
You can learn more about Mary D. Brooks and “Nor The Battle To The Strong” at https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/nor-the-battle-to-the-strong where you can read reviews and the author’s biography, as well as connect with the author directly or through their website and social media pages.
“Reviewed By Rabia Tanveer for Readers’ Favorite
Nor The Battle To The Strong – Intertwined Souls: Eva and Zoe Book 6 by Mary D. Brooks is the story of how a woman’s need to find closure can stir up some bad memories and incidents from the past that best stay where they belong. I’m not new to this series and this is the sixth novel by Mary D. Brooks that I have read. I was glad to see that these two beloved heroines are still great. A lot of that has to do with the great way Mary D. Brooks writes and pulls you right in, and the rest is all because of the great story line.
The story follows Eva and Zoe, two women who found love, friendship and companionship with each other, and now they finally have the life together that they craved. However, the past comes knocking again when Eva and Zoe go back to the Aiden Research Facility where 18 years ago Eva was a victim of the cruel and brutal ways of the sick men. Eva believes that she is ready to confront her past and be done with that chapter in her life; Zoe is there to provide her with support and help her achieve whatever she wants. However, things are not so easy. There is a mystery there that needs to be resolved. Although these two amazing women went back to the Aiden Research Facility to open a memorial for the lost souls of that facility, they are now stuck. What will happen next? You need to read the book to find out.
Brooks does an amazing job of building the story without losing sight of the characters’ past struggles. I was happy to meet Zoe and Eva once again, and I was glad that I read this novel. Right from the first chapter, I had a big smile on my face because I missed these women so much. As always, the storyline is very powerful, but these two women are even stronger and better than ever. I love their partnership and how they look out for each other. They show that you don’t need a man to be strong and you don’t need a man to help you. If you are strong and the person next to you loves you and believes in you, you can conquer mountains. I love these two women and I love Mary D. Brooks for writing such an amazing novel.”
You can learn more about Mary D. Brooks and “Nor The Battle To The Strong” at https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/nor-the-battle-to-the-strong where you can read reviews and the author’s biography, as well as connect with the author directly or through their website and social media pages
My first novel “In The Blood of the Greeks” is available for the special price of 99c for the next few days! What a bargain that is.
Forbidden love, heart racing suspense, an epic tale set in war-ravaged Greece.
Two women — one a German officer’s daughter, the other a young Greek woman filled with fury — race against time to help Jews escape a Greek town during World War II. They are moments from death if their clandestine operation is exposed.
Eva and Zoe should be enemies but fate brings them together to work as a team to accomplish their life saving mission. They find themselves in an unlikely friendship that transcends the barriers between them and while they work to help Jews escape, their unlikely friendship turns to love. Zoe Lambros’ faith in God is shattered after her mother’s death at the hands of the German Commander. She determines to defy the enemy in every way she can–including a festering urge to kill the German Commander’s daughter, Eva Muller.
Eva Muller has a tortured past, and a secret, if revealed, will lead to certain death at the hands of her father. Despite knowing the risk, Eva is working with the village priest to help the Jews escape. With her activities closely observed, Eva needs help to continue the clandestine operation and Zoe Lambros is the answer despite her antagonism to the fiery Greek.
Rated as one of the Best Historical Romance Novels by Bookbub (July 3, 2018)
This is a superb YA historical romance of a young woman’s lesbian awakening. A romance forged in war that will take your breath away. — Kelsey, YA Review Blog
Forbidden love, heart racing suspense, an epic tale set in war-ravaged Greece. This classic is not to be missed.” — Roberta Kagan, Best Selling Author – All My Love, Detrick
Mary D. Brooks has written a novel that is not only superb, but the plot, the development of the characters, and the setting are perfect. It is an emotional roller coaster ride, but a good one. The story is gripping, the protagonists are amazing and well formed, the setting is realistic, and their friendship is wonderful. – Rabia Tanveer for Readers’ Favorite
An amazing story set against the horrors of World War II…There are many novels that take place during World War II. To write one that stands out in the crowd takes not only a great story, but intriguing characters, heart, passion, fear, and unfortunately blood. — SPR
One of the most powerful WW2 romances I have ever read. Beautifully described with engaging characters and tastefully written I feel I have found a true gem in author Mary Brooks and look forward to reading her other books. –Diane / Goodreads
Well I got the surprise of my life the other day. Bookbub – the KING of Book promoters (and getting promoted by Bookbub is SERIOUSLY difficult because they are choosy!) listed my novel “In The Blood of the Greeks” as one of their Best Historical Romance Novels. For real. I was very excited.
The Best Historical Romance Novels
There’s nothing better than a love story set in a fascinating time period. We’ve rounded up a list of the best historical romance novels, from time-traveling passion in 18th-century Scotland to dukes and earls falling head-over-heels with unexpected ladies to cowboys lassoing love in the Wild West to Regency-era bachelors who meet their match. Check out our list of the best historical romance novels and series below, complete with publishers’ descriptions.
Check ou their list here – I’M SERIOUSLY good company!
Want to know why Bookbub picked In the Blood of the Greeks? Check out the reviews below and hop on over to Amazon and get your own copy!
This is a superb YA historical romance of a young woman’s lesbian awakening. A romance forged in war that will take your breath away. — Kelsey, YA Review Blog
Forbidden love, heart racing suspense, an epic tale set in war ravaged Greece. This classic is not to be missed.” — Roberta Kagan, Best Selling Author – All My Love, Detrick
Mary D. Brooks has written a novel that is not only superb, but the plot, the development of the characters, and the setting are perfect. It is an emotional roller coaster ride, but a good one. The story is gripping, the protagonists are amazing and well formed, the setting is realistic, and their friendship is wonderful. – Rabia Tanveer for Readers’ Favorite
An amazing story set against the horrors of World War II….There are many novels that take place during World War II. To write one that stands out in the crowd takes not only a great story, but intriguing characters, heart, passion, fear, and unfortunately blood. — SPR
January Book Special: Where Shadows Linger – FREE for limited time
Bronze Award Winner – Historical Romance 2015 Readers’ Favorite Awards
Eva Muller and Zoe Lambros flee to Australia seeking refuge from World War II ravaged Greece. They struggle in an intolerant society whilst dealing with their haunted war-time memories and hiding their forbidden love. With the horrors of the war behind them, Eva and Zoe forge a new life together. The war is over but the shadows from their past emerge to shatter their peace and endanger their lives. They are about to find out the hard way that moving thousands of miles away does not protect them from those that wish them harm.
Discover two incredible women who have endured whatever fate has thrown at them and meet every obstacle with courage, strength and reliance on each other.
Where to get a copy
Amazon
Reviews
I just love Zoe and Eva. They are such strong characters. In the previous novel, their relationship was just turning from friendship to love, and now they are wholly in love. They are true companions and I love that. They are everything that you wish for in a partner. Their struggles were real and relatable and so were they. I officially adore this series. Another stellar novel that blows your mind. Loved it, enjoyed it! Rabia Tanveer / Readers’ Favorite
WSL crafts an intriguing story that will keep you turning pages as quickly as you can, but it also gives you a more in-depth portrayal of its main players. You get a better insight into Eva whose quiet presence is hiding many secrets. Zoe is a fun and impulsive addiction — both for Eva and for us as readers.. KT Jorgensen / Amazon
Listen for Free: Echoes from the Past – Part 1 – Sherri’s Playhouse
Nor The Battle To The Strong – 2nd Edition
Page Redesign Due to Name Change – Mary Dee
New Radio Play: Never Too Late Performed by Sherri’s Playhouse
New Audio Book – Where Shadows Linger Released
Promise is a Promise 2nd Edition Released!
Greek Jewish Community “Black Saturday” 80th Anniversary Plea For Place of Rememberence
On This Day: 30 May 1941 Two Teenagers Scaled The Acropolis and Removed the Nazi Flag
Beyond These Gates Episode 2 Update
Beyond These Gates Episode 1 Radio Play Wins Chatty Award!
New Cover for Where Shadows Linger – Book 2 in the Intertwined Souls Series
Enemy at the Gate Finalist in 10th Annual Kindle Book Awards for 2021!
Ancient Greeks: Athletes, Warriors and Heroes Exhibit Headed to Australia Dec 2021
Listen to Episode 1 of Beyond These Gates Radio Play!
New Cover for “Enemy At The Gate”
Beyond These Gates Episode 1 Cast List!
Project Kindness: Kindness That Changed My WorldRadio Play – Beyond These Gates Episode 1 Poster Art and Info
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