The Medallion

Celebrate Lit Book Tour

About the Book The Medallion

Book: The Medallion

Author: Cathy Gohlke

Genre: Historical Fiction (World War II)

Release date: June 4, 2019

For fans of bestselling World War II fiction like Sarah’s Key and The Nightingale comes an illuminating tale of courage, sacrifice, and survival, about two couples whose lives are ravaged by Hitler’s mad war yet eventually redeemed through the fate of one little girl.

Seemingly overnight, the German blitzkrieg of Warsaw in 1939 turns its streets to a war zone and shatters the life of each citizen—Polish, Jewish, or otherwise. Sophie Kumiega, a British bride working in the city’s library, awaits news of her husband, Janek, recently deployed with the Polish Air Force. Though Sophie is determined that she and the baby in her womb will stay safe, the days ahead will draw her into the plight of those around her, compelling her to help, whatever the danger.

Rosa and Itzhak Dunovich never imagined they would welcome their longed-for first child in the Jewish ghetto, or that they would let anything tear their family apart. But as daily atrocities intensify, Rosa soon faces a terrifying reality: to save their daughter’s life, she must send her into hiding. Her only hope of finding her after the war—if any of them survive—is a medallion she cuts in half and places around her neck.

Inspired by true events of Poland’s darkest days and brightest heroes, The Medallion paints a stunning portrait of war and its aftermath, daring us to believe that when all seems lost, God can make a way forward.

Click here to purchase your copy.

My Thoughts:

Get the box of tissues ready before you start this book.  For real.  

I love history and was eager to read this book as I’ve been devouring all things WWII lately.  Part of that is that I have been attending a few reenactments with my husband as babies allow me and partly just because it was a very complex time in our history that I am seeking to better understand. 

The cover.  Oh my.  This cover is gorgeous.  Even without knowing what the book is about the cover draws me to open and read the book.  I’m a sucker for a good cover. 

Definitely, have your tissue handy as I mentioned earlier.  This is a well written, can’t put it down, tear-jerker of a book. 

As a mother, I cannot even imagine handing over my much loved and prayed for child to another.  Not knowing if I would ever see him or her again, but knowing that if I didn’t they would not live.  Oh my. Tears.  All the mama emotions. 

The Medallion sucks you in like no book I’ve read before.  I had to keep reading.  Missing even one word was not an option because I HAD to know what would happen.  I love that this mixes history with fiction.  

Characters can make or break a story and the characters in this book are the best!  You really feel that you know them.  When they mourn you mourn, when they rejoice, you rejoice.  Be prepared for all the emotions.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in history, for anyone who loves a good heartfelt read, for anyone who just wants to lose themselves in a book.  In fact, it might be a good book to add to the pile of WWII history books that you compile for school for high schoolers.  Definitely find some on Irena Sandler to add to that history book basket.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.  All opinions expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations. 

About the Author of The Medallion

Three-time Christy and two-time Carol and INSPY Award-winning and bestselling author Cathy Gohlke writes novels steeped with inspirational lessons, speaking of world and life events through the lens of history. She champions the battle against oppression, celebrating the freedom found only in Christ.

Cathy has worked as a school librarian, drama director, and director of children’s and education ministries. When not traveling to historic sites for research, she, her husband, and their dog, Reilly, divide their time between northern Virginia and the Jersey Shore, enjoying time with their grown children and grandchildren. Visit her website at www.cathygohlke.com and find her on Facebook at CathyGohlkeBooks.

More from Cathy

Every story begins with a journey. Sharing that journey is twice the joy.

The Medallion was inspired by two true stories—the first was the WWII account of Itzhak Dugin and his Jewish family, persecuted in Lithuania. Their heart-wrenching story made world news when the tunnel from which Itzhak escaped the Nazis was discovered using modern technology.

The second was the story of Irena Sendler, a Polish Catholic social worker within Żegota (an underground Polish Council to Aid Jews), who developed a network to rescue children. Despite terrible risks, they smuggled 2500 Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto and certain death at the hands of the Nazis, then hid them in Polish homes, convents, churches and hospitals until the end of the war. Approximately 2,000 of those children were found after the war. Theories abound regarding the whereabouts of those missing. I couldn’t help but wonder, and imagine: What became of those 400 to 500 missing children? What became of one?

Set in WWII Poland and post-war England, The Medallion is a story of courage, sacrifice, love, forgiveness, and redemption.

Blog Stops for The Medallion

[Insert Blog Stops Here]

Giveaway for The Medallion

To celebrate her tour, Cathy is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/e50c/the-medallion-celebration-tour-giveaway