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4.54 AVERAGE
4.54 AVERAGE
Like some people used to say they read Playboy for the articles, I read historical fiction romance stories for the historical fiction. I'm just not a romance novel person. That said, Ensnare definitely trapped me with its incredible back story of family separation that was immediate, devastating and marked East Berlin as a third world country kind of city while those who made it to West Berlin prospered. A wall went up. I was born seven years before the wall was erected between East and West Berlin and so my memory was that it was always there. It was talked about a lot during the Cold War between the US and the Soviet Union, so we heard about it in school, on the news, at the dinner table. Moyes is no slouch in her research and detail, bringing alive 15 year old Ella Kuhn's experience when the only family she has, her adopted brother Joseph, age 11 and her best friend from the orphanage, Anton quickly leave East Berlin as the well is being put up. She stays behind to care for her adopted father, who is terminally ill. She ends up working as a maid for the mortuary owner who buried her father, to discharge her debt for his burial. Mr. and Mrs. Franke are not nice and many people he cremates were killed at the wall as they tried to escape. Food and employment are impossible to get. Ella has no one at all. The Frankes entertain and are politically connected to the corrupt German government and the highest level law enforcement officers. Through this time, she finds friendship and burgeoning love. It is an interesting touch that Ella is biracial, something that has caused some hateful behavior and some unwanted attention from the wrong people. Moyes, definitely engages us emotionally and writes Ella's character beautifully. The butterfly aspect of the series is because Ella can draw gorgeous butterflies in chalk and wax. This weaves through the trilogy as an important fact and symbol. The romance part was done fine and romance readers have obviously gone five stars all the way with this one! While I have issues with the basic premise of this and other romance novels where a poor beautiful girl falls in love with a wealthy handsome guy, Moyes does not make anything easy or obvious and we are left at the end of the novel with uncertainty and something of a cliff hanger.
After reading Ensnare, the first book in this trilogy about Ella Kuhn, left on her own in East Berlin when her brother and her best friend from the orphanage make it to West Berlin just as the Berlin wall goes up, I gobbled up the other two books. The next installment takes place five years later. Ella is living on her own, working in a diner and still recovering emotionally from a trauma she endured five years ago that caused uncertainty in her young love relationship. She is, in one sense, in a more stable living situation with a loving landlady and kind employers. She maintains a friendship with another person who worked for the Frankes. But the oppression in East Germany grows and her ongoing wish to be able to connect with her brother and best friend in West Germany is palpable. To avoid spoilers, I will just say that again, Moyes writes beautifully, develops Ella's character and strength in the face of adversity and shows us what life behind the wall was like. She begins to give us a larger picture of the resistance to the government and police and Ella's burgeoning sense that she must do something to show opposition. Again, the romance parts of a romance novel always feel unrealistic and manipulative to me but that is their reason d'être for people who gobble these up. What made me read the whole trilogy is that Moyes is a fabulous writer and wonderful story teller and I'm a sucker for historical fiction that is well researched. This is well worth the read!
I love historical fiction, so I was eager to grab Berlin Butterfly to read, and I'm glad I did. Moyes did an excellent job blending fact in fiction in this account of the awful time when the Berlin wall was put into place.
We meet Ella, who is living in East Berlin, and when rumor turns fact, and the wall is imminent, she chooses to stay behind with her ailing father, rather than travel West with her brother Josef, and her best friend, Anton.
Growing up an orphan, she had only Anton as her close friend and companion. He helped her during the dark times at the orphanage, he was her first kiss, and their bond is close. After being adopted, she finally found family only to lose her mother and then shortly after the wall is in progress, her father. She's now trapped in the flailing and dangerous East Berlin, away from the ones she loves and forced to work off the funeral debt of her father by working for a wealthy family.
This is where the story incorporates romance as she meets Stefan, the son of the family she is working for, who was awful to her during their first encounter. But as time is known to do, her hatred for Stefan starts to turn into something more. Life isn't easy in the East, especially when you aren't born into a wealthy and influential family, one who wouldn't want their son dating someone like Ella. So we read and watch as they traverse their relationship and life in East Berlin.
This was a really good story. I enjoyed the portrayal of what life was like for Ella, her constant need to be alert and cautious with whom she speaks with. She also went through a lot of personal growth learning how to navigate her new world while trying to keep ties with her past. I was a bit disappointed in how the book ended, but I know that the next book will pick up right where this one left off. I am anxious to see what is to become of both Ella, Stefan, her family, and how Moyes continues to tell the history of the future of West and East Berlin. Nicely done.
We meet Ella, who is living in East Berlin, and when rumor turns fact, and the wall is imminent, she chooses to stay behind with her ailing father, rather than travel West with her brother Josef, and her best friend, Anton.
Growing up an orphan, she had only Anton as her close friend and companion. He helped her during the dark times at the orphanage, he was her first kiss, and their bond is close. After being adopted, she finally found family only to lose her mother and then shortly after the wall is in progress, her father. She's now trapped in the flailing and dangerous East Berlin, away from the ones she loves and forced to work off the funeral debt of her father by working for a wealthy family.
This is where the story incorporates romance as she meets Stefan, the son of the family she is working for, who was awful to her during their first encounter. But as time is known to do, her hatred for Stefan starts to turn into something more. Life isn't easy in the East, especially when you aren't born into a wealthy and influential family, one who wouldn't want their son dating someone like Ella. So we read and watch as they traverse their relationship and life in East Berlin.
This was a really good story. I enjoyed the portrayal of what life was like for Ella, her constant need to be alert and cautious with whom she speaks with. She also went through a lot of personal growth learning how to navigate her new world while trying to keep ties with her past. I was a bit disappointed in how the book ended, but I know that the next book will pick up right where this one left off. I am anxious to see what is to become of both Ella, Stefan, her family, and how Moyes continues to tell the history of the future of West and East Berlin. Nicely done.
It's been hard on Ella waiting out Stefan's service in the military, but she has the letters he has sent to her to keep her going, until, the letters stop. Time seems to keep crawling forward and Ella isn't sure what to make of Stefan's radio silence. He hasn't even communicated with his family, and more importantly, his sister Katherine with whom he is very close with. On the one hand, it makes Ella keep hope that he hasn't blown her off because he isn't writing his family, and on the other hand, it has everyone worried for Stefan's safety.
But as the months start to pile on top of each other, Ella starts to doubt Stefan. There is no reason for him to have gone on this long without writing her, so she crawls into a hole and shuts off communication with everyone who loves her. Finally realizing that this isn't the life she wants, she starts writing her brother and Anton again, she even makes contact with Katherine, who is now married and has returned home to work. Her desire for more out of life leads her back to some old friends, friends who don't want to stay in the East any longer.
What embarks is a dangerous mission to tunnel out of East Berlin, to make her way back to Josef and Anton, and to escape the pain of Anton's betrayal in the East.
I really love what Moyes has done with this series. Ella has evolved quite a bit since book 1 and while she still isn't completely strong and assertive, she is starting to take control of her life. There were things I wasn't expecting out of her relationship with Stefan and I can't wait to see how that resolves in book 3. Every time things started to go well for Ella, something set her back, and my heart broke for her. Deception is very nicely done and I cannot wait to continue Ella's story.
But as the months start to pile on top of each other, Ella starts to doubt Stefan. There is no reason for him to have gone on this long without writing her, so she crawls into a hole and shuts off communication with everyone who loves her. Finally realizing that this isn't the life she wants, she starts writing her brother and Anton again, she even makes contact with Katherine, who is now married and has returned home to work. Her desire for more out of life leads her back to some old friends, friends who don't want to stay in the East any longer.
What embarks is a dangerous mission to tunnel out of East Berlin, to make her way back to Josef and Anton, and to escape the pain of Anton's betrayal in the East.
I really love what Moyes has done with this series. Ella has evolved quite a bit since book 1 and while she still isn't completely strong and assertive, she is starting to take control of her life. There were things I wasn't expecting out of her relationship with Stefan and I can't wait to see how that resolves in book 3. Every time things started to go well for Ella, something set her back, and my heart broke for her. Deception is very nicely done and I cannot wait to continue Ella's story.
*I received a free copy of this book, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
RECIPIENT OF THE B.R.A.G. MEDALLION
Ensnare is the first in a series of Berlin Butterfly books and tells the story of Ella’s struggle to survive alone and on the ‘wrong’ side of the Berlin Wall.
I am quite familiar with the history of the World Wars – before and during – but my education is sadly lacking when it comes to the aftermath. My knowledge of the Wall prior to reading this book was limited to its existence, and the fact that people celebrated when it came down in my childhood.
Leah Moyes brings to life the heartbreak and devastation of these events, educating the reader on the reasons and causes as well as the effects of such a division, whilst never losing sight of the human aspect of her story. Ella is a strong and resilient main character. At times you wonder how she can survive the hardships she faces and yet the author clearly indicates that Ella is in fact one of the ‘lucky ones’ in her situation, and Ella herself often recognises this.
This is a war romance story, but more than that, it is a glimpse into part of history that seems almost incomprehensible to us now… even as the modern parallels are stacking up around us. Leah Moyes tells an entertaining story, with some important messages about division and hatred, inclusion and kindness, which will sadly resonate with many readers today.
I deliberately walked towards the Brandenburg Tor. It was not a common path, though one developed as of late. I watched angrily as soldiers worked diligently to reinforce the segregated cage that now cut Berlin in half. The barbed wire that had originally been rolled out the night the boys left proved to not be strong enough to keep people in. Efforts for a crueler bind were being developed, but nothing – not even concrete blocks or wire – could stop some people from trying… this the steady sound of gunshots from day one and nearly every day since.
– Leah Moyes, Berlin Butterfly: Ensnare
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpress.com/2019/01/29/berlin-butterfly-ensnare-leah-moyes/
RECIPIENT OF THE B.R.A.G. MEDALLION
Ensnare is the first in a series of Berlin Butterfly books and tells the story of Ella’s struggle to survive alone and on the ‘wrong’ side of the Berlin Wall.
I am quite familiar with the history of the World Wars – before and during – but my education is sadly lacking when it comes to the aftermath. My knowledge of the Wall prior to reading this book was limited to its existence, and the fact that people celebrated when it came down in my childhood.
Leah Moyes brings to life the heartbreak and devastation of these events, educating the reader on the reasons and causes as well as the effects of such a division, whilst never losing sight of the human aspect of her story. Ella is a strong and resilient main character. At times you wonder how she can survive the hardships she faces and yet the author clearly indicates that Ella is in fact one of the ‘lucky ones’ in her situation, and Ella herself often recognises this.
This is a war romance story, but more than that, it is a glimpse into part of history that seems almost incomprehensible to us now… even as the modern parallels are stacking up around us. Leah Moyes tells an entertaining story, with some important messages about division and hatred, inclusion and kindness, which will sadly resonate with many readers today.
I deliberately walked towards the Brandenburg Tor. It was not a common path, though one developed as of late. I watched angrily as soldiers worked diligently to reinforce the segregated cage that now cut Berlin in half. The barbed wire that had originally been rolled out the night the boys left proved to not be strong enough to keep people in. Efforts for a crueler bind were being developed, but nothing – not even concrete blocks or wire – could stop some people from trying… this the steady sound of gunshots from day one and nearly every day since.
– Leah Moyes, Berlin Butterfly: Ensnare
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpress.com/2019/01/29/berlin-butterfly-ensnare-leah-moyes/
I really loved this story! (I thought I read somewhere it's to be a trilogy and I hope so.... There has to be more)
Ella is living on the East side of Germany as the Berlin Wall goes up. Her adopted brother and best friend make it over the wall before it's completed but Ella stays behind to care for her dying, adoptive father. After his death, she goes to work for a rich man who has involvement with bad men. She eventually (although one time, he's quite rude to her in front of his friends) falls in love with the son, Stefan, even though they would never be allowed together. Not only because of their status, but because of their different skin color.... Stefan is white and Ella is black. A lot happens in their secret relationship until Stefan is forced to join the army for 10 years.
It's a beautiful love story in a very hard time in history!
Ella is living on the East side of Germany as the Berlin Wall goes up. Her adopted brother and best friend make it over the wall before it's completed but Ella stays behind to care for her dying, adoptive father. After his death, she goes to work for a rich man who has involvement with bad men. She eventually (although one time, he's quite rude to her in front of his friends) falls in love with the son, Stefan, even though they would never be allowed together. Not only because of their status, but because of their different skin color.... Stefan is white and Ella is black. A lot happens in their secret relationship until Stefan is forced to join the army for 10 years.
It's a beautiful love story in a very hard time in history!
Great storytelling
Moyes pens a grand story in Ensnare. This is the first book in the Berlin Butterfly series, and this story fits with its title and its series title. A historical fiction that introduces the reader to Ella, living in 1961's Germany, where the east and west are separated by the wall. This story is definitely captivating, and heartbreaking. Ella is a strong character, and she and her family are on a long journey filled with danger, struggles and strength. This story was one with strong characters, and was a definite page-turner. I look forward to reading more by this author, especially the books in this series.
Moyes pens a grand story in Ensnare. This is the first book in the Berlin Butterfly series, and this story fits with its title and its series title. A historical fiction that introduces the reader to Ella, living in 1961's Germany, where the east and west are separated by the wall. This story is definitely captivating, and heartbreaking. Ella is a strong character, and she and her family are on a long journey filled with danger, struggles and strength. This story was one with strong characters, and was a definite page-turner. I look forward to reading more by this author, especially the books in this series.
Captivating
I've read Ensnare, the first book in the Berlin Butterfly series, and while it's not necessary, I recommend it. In this story, now, it's 1966 and Ella is grown, there is still the battle of the Berlin sides, with its wall more than just barbed wire. This story was just as grand as the first one, and this one shows more character growth, and depth. A new storyline, but the same struggles and journey, adding heart-filled love to keep her going. This is just as much as a page turner as the other one, and I enjoyed both very much. I look forward to her next book due to be released soon. This book is recommended by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews.
I've read Ensnare, the first book in the Berlin Butterfly series, and while it's not necessary, I recommend it. In this story, now, it's 1966 and Ella is grown, there is still the battle of the Berlin sides, with its wall more than just barbed wire. This story was just as grand as the first one, and this one shows more character growth, and depth. A new storyline, but the same struggles and journey, adding heart-filled love to keep her going. This is just as much as a page turner as the other one, and I enjoyed both very much. I look forward to her next book due to be released soon. This book is recommended by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews.
*I received a free copy of this book, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
RECIPIENT OF THE B.R.A.G. MEDALLION
Ensnare is the first in a series of Berlin Butterfly books and tells the story of Ella’s struggle to survive alone and on the ‘wrong’ side of the Berlin Wall.
I am quite familiar with the history of the World Wars – before and during – but my education is sadly lacking when it comes to the aftermath. My knowledge of the Wall prior to reading this book was limited to its existence, and the fact that people celebrated when it came down in my childhood.
Leah Moyes brings to life the heartbreak and devastation of these events, educating the reader on the reasons and causes as well as the effects of such a division, whilst never losing sight of the human aspect of her story. Ella is a strong and resilient main character. At times you wonder how she can survive the hardships she faces and yet the author clearly indicates that Ella is in fact one of the ‘lucky ones’ in her situation, and Ella herself often recognises this.
This is a war romance story, but more than that, it is a glimpse into part of history that seems almost incomprehensible to us now… even as the modern parallels are stacking up around us. Leah Moyes tells an entertaining story, with some important messages about division and hatred, inclusion and kindness, which will sadly resonate with many readers today.
I deliberately walked towards the Brandenburg Tor. It was not a common path, though one developed as of late. I watched angrily as soldiers worked diligently to reinforce the segregated cage that now cut Berlin in half. The barbed wire that had originally been rolled out the night the boys left proved to not be strong enough to keep people in. Efforts for a crueler bind were being developed, but nothing – not even concrete blocks or wire – could stop some people from trying… this the steady sound of gunshots from day one and nearly every day since.
– Leah Moyes, Berlin Butterfly: Ensnare
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpress.com/2019/01/29/berlin-butterfly-ensnare-leah-moyes/
RECIPIENT OF THE B.R.A.G. MEDALLION
Ensnare is the first in a series of Berlin Butterfly books and tells the story of Ella’s struggle to survive alone and on the ‘wrong’ side of the Berlin Wall.
I am quite familiar with the history of the World Wars – before and during – but my education is sadly lacking when it comes to the aftermath. My knowledge of the Wall prior to reading this book was limited to its existence, and the fact that people celebrated when it came down in my childhood.
Leah Moyes brings to life the heartbreak and devastation of these events, educating the reader on the reasons and causes as well as the effects of such a division, whilst never losing sight of the human aspect of her story. Ella is a strong and resilient main character. At times you wonder how she can survive the hardships she faces and yet the author clearly indicates that Ella is in fact one of the ‘lucky ones’ in her situation, and Ella herself often recognises this.
This is a war romance story, but more than that, it is a glimpse into part of history that seems almost incomprehensible to us now… even as the modern parallels are stacking up around us. Leah Moyes tells an entertaining story, with some important messages about division and hatred, inclusion and kindness, which will sadly resonate with many readers today.
I deliberately walked towards the Brandenburg Tor. It was not a common path, though one developed as of late. I watched angrily as soldiers worked diligently to reinforce the segregated cage that now cut Berlin in half. The barbed wire that had originally been rolled out the night the boys left proved to not be strong enough to keep people in. Efforts for a crueler bind were being developed, but nothing – not even concrete blocks or wire – could stop some people from trying… this the steady sound of gunshots from day one and nearly every day since.
– Leah Moyes, Berlin Butterfly: Ensnare
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpress.com/2019/01/29/berlin-butterfly-ensnare-leah-moyes/