Vienna on Fire: A WWII Story of Survival Paperback – May 7, 2024

Will 18-year-old Greta Kolbe escape Nazi-occupied Vienna, only to find herself facing new threats and hardships as she strives for freedom in America on the brink of World War II? The Fall of ViennaThe story’s harrowing journey begins on March 12, 1938, when German forces invade Vienna, shattering Greta Kolbe’s comfortable existence and upending the lives of Jews throughout Austria. The imposition of cruel Nazi policies and oppressive laws fuels Greta’s anger, compelling her to join the Austrian resistance.Betrayal and PursuitGreta’s struggle is intensified by personal betrayal: her former boyfriend, Hans Jaeger, driven by spite, aligns himself with Hitler’s “Brownshirts.” He becomes determined to apprehend Greta for her resistance activities, turning her fight for survival into a personal vendetta.Acts of Defiance and DangerWhile smuggling diamonds for anti-Nazi operatives, Greta confronts peril at every turn. She must fend off advances from the notorious Nazi Hermann Goering during an infamous lodge gathering and courageously deliver the precious gems to his mistress.Greta’s involvement in a violent prison break puts her directly in the Gestapo’s crosshairs, forcing her to flee Vienna and embark on a dangerous flight for safety.A Perilous Escape Across EuropeTo avoid arrest, Greta must outrun German patrols and the Gestapo, survive a shootout at the Dutch-German border, and fight off an attempted rapist.Her perilous flight takes her across Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, and finally to a port in The Netherlands. All the while, the vindictive Hans Jaeger is only a few steps behind.A Final Confrontation and the Will to SurviveWith only moments remaining before her ship departs, Greta Kolbe is forced into a final, life-or-death confrontation with her most implacable foe. This tense showdown encapsulates the relentless dangers she has faced, forging her character in the crucible of wartime Europe.A Vivid Portrait of Strength and DeterminationVienna on Fire immerses readers in the tumultuous events, complex personalities, and raw emotions of the era, offering a vivid depiction of a courageous young Jewish woman. Greta refuses to surrender to victimhood; instead, she draws on her inner reserves of courage and resourcefulness to survive.Her journey through Europe’s darkest times reveals her remarkable grit, ingenuity, and persistence as she sets her sights on a new beginning in America.Inspired by True StoriesThis novel is authored by Don Gabor, acclaimed for his best-seller, How to Start a Conversation and Make Friends. Drawing inspiration from his mother’s recollections and the stories of those who stood against the Third Reich, Gabor weaves a sleek, action-packed narrative rooted in authenticity and resilience.Join Greta Kolbe on her epic journey of survival, bravery, and hope. Order your copy of Vienna on Fire today. Read more