A review by melanie_books
From Sand and Ash by Amy Harmon

4.0

Eva & Angelo have loved each other since they were children, despite their differences. Eva is the daughter of a wealthy Jewish business man; the grandson of Eva's housekeeper, Angelo arrived from America with the intention of joining the priesthood. But despite their childhood affections, they grew apart as they got older, especially as Angelo joined the church. The changing political climate of Italy didn't help as the Jews were increasingly targeted. Angelo's sole focus is now keeping Eva safe from those who would kill her people, despite the fact that he can't ever have her. Disguised as his sister, she works in the belly of the beast - Nazi headquarters in Rome. It will take every ounce of courage for them to survive.

This story was beautiful and heartbreaking and incredible. The interesting historical background of the Catholic church working to hide & protect Italy's Jews was the perfect setting for Eva & Angelo's story. Their relationship had so many obstacles but they chose to love one another in whatever way they could. Angelo's commitment to his calling but also to Eva made him my favorite character. Though I don't agree with all of their conclusions about faith, I appreciated the place the topic had in the storytelling. Like many Amy Harmon stories, she takes impossible circumstances and turns them into remarkable endings.