A gregarious individual, found himself entwined in the complexities of war and ideology. Married to Karla, he steadfastly opposed the Nazi party from the outset, grappling with the delicate equilibrium between personal moral principles and the imperative of self-preservation. Faced with the tumultuous reality of war, Bruno harnessed his remarkable ability to fix anything as a survival mechanism.

Forced to participate in a conflict and support an ideology diametrically opposed to his own beliefs, Bruno's internal struggle reached new heights when his son was murdered by the Nazi regime. He was captured by the Russians and put into a Siberian prison camp. The arduous journey back to Germany, spanning nearly two years, exposed him to the devastating aftermath of war with his city reduced to ruins, over 80% of it destroyed by bombings.

Through Bruno's challenging odyssey, his unwavering opposition to the Nazi party, and his resilience in the face of adversity, his character emerges as a poignant testament to the human spirit navigating the complexities of wartime conflict and the enduring pursuit of personal integrity.

Wedded to Bruno, possessed a quieter demeanor that belied the strength within. She, too, grappled with the formidable challenge of reconciling her moral principles with the imperative of safeguarding her family from the Gestapo's watchful eye. Despite her reserved nature, Karla was highly educated, and her proficiency in English showcased her intellectual acumen.

A woman of diverse talents, Karla took pride in nurturing her family and derived joy from pursuits such as music, sewing, and honing her English language skills. Unfortunately, the looming presence of the Nazis compelled her to employ her talents in support of their cause, a poignant surrender of her passions for the sake of survival. Karla's story reflects not only the internal conflicts faced by individuals during a tumultuous time but also the sacrifices made in the name of family and resilience.

Karla's father, initially aligned himself with the Nazi party, but as the harsh realities of the war unfolded, he underwent a transformative realization of his mistake. In an attempt to convey his disagreement with the war and the extreme measures taken by the Nazi party, Friedrich embarked on small, meaningful actions, including defending a young Jewish woman from his younger daughter’s harsh words. Friedrich stepped out of his comfort zone and the strong cultural norm he grew up with to help Karla with housework and taking care of children.

Sharing a one-bedroom apartment, Bruno, Karla, and their children were intimately connected to Friedrich's evolving perspective. The confines of their living space became a microcosm of the familial and ideological dynamics at play during this tumultuous period. Friedrich's internal journey, marked by a growing dissent against the party he once supported, serves as a poignant illustration of the complexities faced by individuals caught in the web of wartime ideologies.

The enigmatic American spy, made an emergency landing with his damaged plane at the Arnold farm. "Viggo" is a pseudonym concealing his true identity. A clandestine operative for the United States' CIC, he undertook perilous missions, shuttling between New Jersey and Sweden to capture crucial imagery for the Allies. Viggo's intriguing character is destined for a reappearance in the second novel. "The Spy and the Homemaker." Notably, he is the grandfather of my husband, adding a personal and familial dimension to his remarkable tale.

A close Jewish friend of Bruno, shared a profound bond with Bruno's father, Otto, who helped his family escape Germany.

Bruno remained unaware of Eli's fate until his return from the Siberian prison camp, adding a layer of emotional complexity to Bruno’s journey. Eli, along with his family, is slated to play a role in the unfolding narrative of a future novel "The Surgeon and the Soldier", promising a continuation of their shared story and the enduring ties that transcend tumultuous times.

Ilse, Eli's wife, first appears in Book 1 of the series as a skilled surgeon compelled to serve in a field hospital during World War I. However, as her journey unfolds, particularly after marrying Eli, Ilse undergoes a notable shift in focus. She chooses to set aside her involvement with patients and redirects her passion toward the art of baking. This evolution adds depth to her character, revealing the multifaceted nature of Ilse's experiences and choices throughout the series.

A compassionate Russian woman, provided refuge to Bruno during his journey home while her husband was engaged in the fight against the Germans. In a gesture of kindness and solidarity, she opened her home to him, offering shelter during a tumultuous time when alliances were tested on the battlefield. Elena's act of generosity amidst the backdrop of war exemplifies the shared humanity that transcends nationalities and conflicts.