Bridge to Tomorrow: COld Peace
RUNNER-UP for the Historical Fiction Company's BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023
WINNER of GOLD IN Feathered Quill Book Awards 2024 - HISTORICAL FICTION
WINNER of GOLD IN HFC Book Award Contest 2023 - WARTIME FICTION
WINNER of SILVER in READERS' FAVORITES AWARD 2023 - POLITICAL THRILLER
WINNER of a MAINCREST MEDIA AWARD for MILITARY FICTION
Indie BRAG Medallion Honoree
Berlin 1948
Berlin 1948.
The economy is broken, the currency worthless, and the Russian bear is hungry. In the ruins of Hitler's capital, war heroes and resilient women struggle in the post-war doldrums -- until a Russian fighter brings down a British passenger plane. The world teeters on the brink of World War Three. The first battle of the Cold War is about to begin.
Based on historical events, award-winning novelist Helena P. Schrader brings to life the backstory of the West's bloodless victory against Russian aggression via the Berlin Airlift in Cold Peace, the first book in the Bridge to Tomorrow Series.
REviews of "Cold Peace"
The Book Commentary
Schrader's writing is masterful. She effortlessly weaves together multiple plot threads and characters from different backgrounds and with unique perspectives. The author's attention to detail is stellar, capturing the nuances of life in Berlin during this tumultuous period. From the intricate details of military operations to the personal struggles of individuals caught up in the conflict, Schrader brings authenticity and depth to her storytelling.
Cold Peace deftly balances action and suspense with character development. Priestman is a complex and relatable protagonist, and his relationships with other characters augment the novel’s emotional resonance. The supporting cast is equally well-drawn, with characters from various walks of life—from British and American military personnel to German civilians—brought vividly to life. The historical context is expertly woven throughout the narrative, providing an understanding of the complex post-war politics and the motivations behind the Soviet blockade. Schrader's research is thorough, and her writing brings home the significance of this pivotal historical moment. Helena P. Schrader has crafted a unique historical tale with an immersive setting and a conflict that puts readers on the edge of their seats — utterly transporting.
IndieReader
“This is a tightly plotted, fast-paced novel that boasts a cast of well fleshed-out characters with unique identities and compelling backstories. There are multiple narratives playing out across the continent, interlinking the human stories of war heroes and conflict survivors. … Cataclysmic political storm clouds may be brewing across the city in COLD PEACE, but it is Schrader’s painting of human stories that really creates the sense of drama that grips the reader. This is one for fans of military fiction, realistic suspense, and high-octane historical drama.
The first in Helena P. Schrader’s trilogy that retells the dramatic story of the Berlin Airlift, COLD PEACE draws the reader in with the author’s rich cast of characters, engrossing human drama, and impressive historical research.”
BookTrib Review
"Magnificent Story, Compelling History"
"Cold Peace is a magnificently conceived story on a grand scale (who writes trilogies anymore?) with dynamic characters, detailed yet evocative prose, and compelling history. Readers will eagerly await Schrader’s next installment, Cold War." -- BookTrib
Kirkus Reviews
“Schrader is a sharply descriptive writer who captures the atmosphere and minute details of life in postwar Berlin with photographic precision…The novel ambitiously juggles several major characters, and the author ably handles the tricky task of making each well rounded and psychologically believable. She provides in-depth background information that reveals not only the players’ past, but also their understanding of one another. … Overall, this is a smart and compelling read, punctuated by gripping aerial sequences, political tension, and a dash of romance. It will likely have military fiction fans clamoring for the next installment. Sharp research meets vivid storytelling in an absorbing novel of the postwar period.” Kirkus Reviews
Historical Fiction Company - 5 Stars
“Schrader has marshalled the historical facts and assembled her wide range of very different characters with both a magisterial authority and a painterly skill….[This is a] fast paced, complex book, a wonderful mixture of hard historical facts, minutely and meticulously researched and synthesised, with raw portrayals of the human condition. Readers will be anxious for more.”
KC Finn for Readers' Favorites - 5-Stars
“... a spellbinding work of historical fiction that brings a unique pocket of history to life with extraordinary detail and heart. ... Schrader puts heart and soul into the dialogue and development of everyone from cover to cover. This keen sense of reality adds to the overall attitude of the piece, giving an authentic image of people caught in a very unsettling historical time. Overall, Cold Peace is a deeply engrossing novel that I would recommend to fans of military history, realistic drama, and suspense novels alike.”
Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorites - 5 Stars
“The author captures the different attitudes and commitments of the various Allied parties that made up the ruling powers in Berlin post World War II perfectly. The beauty of this narrative is that it educates wonderfully, as well as entertains completely. … This is a wide-ranging and expansive dive into the nature of the Berlin Airlift and I cannot wait to read the follow-up books from this superbly talented author.”
Blue Ink
" In her compelling novel Cold Peace, Helena P. Schrader delves into complexities of post-WWII Germany and the roots of the Berlin Airlift. ... Schrader’s plotting is intricate and engaging. She deftly guides readers through the political and cultural landscape of a Berlin divided into four quarters... Schrader’s fiction is deeply rooted in historical fact, interweaving fictional characters with real historical figures ... [Readers] will find Cold Peace rewarding...."
Feathered Quill
“Cold Peace …. [is a] fast-paced, suspenseful, emotional, and riveting story that any reader will find almost impossible to put down. … The settings are perfect, the writing is superb, and the plot is very well-crafted. … Cold Peace is a riveting and wonderfully written example of historical fiction and definitely stands out as one of the best. … I have become a huge fan.” Feathered Quill
Foreword Clarion
“…[Cold Peace’s] portrayals of people finding their way in the confusing postwar era are empathetic...[but] it’s the strong women who stand out most. … In the historical novel Cold Peace war heroes and strong women find their collective purpose in a war-torn Berlin.” Foreword Clarion Reviews