woman holding book in front of German bunker outside

Welcome to my website! Below you will find information about the latest releases. In the blog I present further information about books, sometimes also personal news. Under Books you’ll find published novels and novellas, both in English and German. Please feel free to contact me with questions or comments.

forced laborers WWII Germany

NEW in AUGUST 2025

“…a must-read for fans of historical fiction and those seeking a deeper understanding of civilian life during WWII.” Readers’ Favorite Five Stars

An emotional insight into the fate of the more than twenty million forced laborers in Hitler’s Third Reich—an impossible love for a German woman and the endurance of the human spirit to find a way to freedom.

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book cover with miner and farm woman and goats

Kohlenträume, the German translation of Coal Dreams, won Amazon Germany’s Kindle Storyteller Award 2025!

In November I had the honour of being selected for the national prize, the German Kindle Storyteller Award. As one of three finalists I was invited to Munich, where a jury announced the winner – my novel about the forbidden love between a French forced laborer and a German woman during WWII. 

book cover German historical novel
Junge in Ruinen Buch cover 2. Weltkrieg

NEW in February 2025

The last of the biographical WWII novellas about my father’s life as a boy and youth in Hitler’s Third Reich. After writing 47 Days and 24 Hours, this last story accompanies Günter for five months as the war ends. 

He has survived, but his family is in shreds, there hasn’t been a note from his father or older brother in months. Will Günter ever feel whole again? 

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young teen boy

NEW! A Biographical Retelling of my Father’s Struggle to Combat Hunger and Facilitate the Trade of his Life 

A companion novella to 47 DAYS: the True Story of Two Teen Boys Defying Hitler’s Reich, this story takes readers into the last six months of the war, when there is no food and survival is left to each individual. 

In a stroke of luck, Günter and his friend, Helmut, come across a returning troop of German soldiers. One of them whispers to them about civilian clothes. In exchange, he is offering his ailing war horse…

Learn more!

Order here!

WWII biographical novella with two boys and a horse

An emotional story about two people who lost each other – seemingly forever

“…a fantastic read that is impossible to put down and will steal the hearts of all true romantics, as well as historical fiction buffs.” Readers’ Favorite – Five Stars

“…a complex multi-layered narrative that fully engages the reader.” Historical Novel Society

The new WWII love story that will keep you engaged to the last page – inspired by true events.
 
More about the story…
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Rezension von 2. Weltkriegsroman
Interview PEL Annette Oppenlander
New Interview with PEL's Peter Okonkwo
a couple wearing bike helmets and glasses
A podcast interview about the importance of love in historical fiction
presentation powerpoint
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