Germany, 1945. Tiptoeing across rows of symmetrical vines, my linen dress no protection against the whipping breeze, my heart plummets when I hear a scream. And by the time I see the soldier, it’s already too late…

Present Day. Reeling from the loss of her beloved grandmother, Matylda returns to the vineyard that shaped her childhood, seeking solace in inheriting the home Rozalia cherished. Yet her hopes for solace are shattered when the terms of Rozalia’s will are revealed: Half the estate is left to Tobias von Hagel, a distant, brooding stranger.

The will decrees they must live together on the estate for thirty days or forfeit their inheritance. What begins as a standoff turns into fragile cooperation, and the long hours working side by side among the vines awaken something unexpected between them. But Matylda’s growing feelings are thrown into turmoil when she learns the truth: Tobias descends from the Nazi family who enslaved Rozalia, forcing her to toil in these very fields during the war.

Horrified, Matylda is left questioning everything. Why would Rozalia tie her life’s work to the descendant of her tormentors? As decades of family secrets unfold, Matylda must decide if she dares to confront the haunting truth—and discover if forgiveness can emerge from unimaginable betrayal.

A stunning novel about forbidden love, resilience, and deeply buried secrets, by Polish-American author Gosia Nealon. Perfect for fans of Fiona Valpy, Lorna Cook, and The Letter.

Gosia Nealon is an award-winning Polish-American author whose works explore resilience, love, and family secrets in WWII. A 2022 IPPY Gold Medalist and proud New Yorker, Gosia draws inspiration from her Polish roots and real-life wartime stories.