The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel

Kristin Harmel follows up her hit novel, The Book of Lost Names with a new historical novel about WWII. The Forest of Vanishing Stars is about a woman, Yona, who was stolen from her parents as a baby. She grew up with the woman living in the forests and learning how to live off the land. Yona has no idea what is happening in the world until she finds a Jewish family trying to escape the Nazis in the forest. Yona wants to share her knowledge of the woods with the refugees. What happens over the next few months will change many lives.

I have been a fan of Kristin Harmel since The Winemakers Wife in 2019. Her beautiful historical fiction books are based heavily on real life events that I never would have learned about if not for Kristin’s books. The writing is so vivid that you can picture the forest and the shelters that were built. 

Yona is a very strong character. A little naive about human life after living in the forest, she adapts quickly and makes it her mission to help others. I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait for you all to read it tomorrow. If you have not already put it in your hold list at the library or have a store picked out to pick up the book, you will want to.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kristin Harmel is a New York Times bestseller. She began professionally writing at the young age of 16. Over her career she was a sportswriter, and several magazines including People magazine. It was at People magazine she loved writing about normal people that do amazing things. Inspired by these people, she began writing historical fiction. She is also part of the five author group called Friends and Fiction that you can find on Facebook and Instagram.