Bridge to Tomorrow: Cold Victory
You know you’re winning when the enemy turns to dirty tricks ….
Berlin 1949
With the Airlift gaining momentum, the Russians turn to more devious tactics to thwart the forces of democracy. Key players — or their loved ones — are targeted in unscrupulous attacks. Simultaneously, the policy of “collective guilt” has been replaced by “collective amnesty,” enabling former Nazis to worm their way back into positions of power. Yet through it all the women are rebuilding Germany.
Award-winning novelist Helena P. Schrader takes the reader away from the limelight and into the shadow side of the Berlin Airlift to explore its social, psychological and long-term impact.
Based on historical events, Cold Victory reminds readers of the enduring costs of the Cold War.
In this, the third book of the Bridge to Tomorrow Series, the story continues where Cold War left off.
Reviews of "Cold Victory"
Book Trib Review
“One of those rare novels that manages to make a well-documented historical event feel utterly urgent and freshly lived… a moving, deeply human story about standing firm against tyranny without lifting a weapon, and about what it means to win peace, not just survive the war.”
“Helena P. Schrader has crafted … a novel that reminds us, in the best tradition of the genre, that history is never just in the past. It lives on in stories like this one, in the questions we still ask, and in the lives of characters who refuse to be forgotten.”
“For readers who crave intelligence over sensationalism, heart over spectacle, and the kind of book that leaves a lasting impression, Cold Victory delivers — and some.”
“There are courtroom scenes that pulse with tension, not because they are sensationalized, but because the stakes are so heartbreakingly real.”
“This story, grounded in compassion and resilience, resonates with surprising timeliness, underscoring how the fight for justice is always ongoing , always unfinished.”
“You’re not just reading about history — you’re inside it.” B
Readers' Favorite 5-Star Reviews
“…a tribute to the unsung heroes of the Berlin Airlift and a powerful reminder of the values that define a free society.” — Carol Thompson for Readers’ Favorite
“In the shadows of political maneuvering and ideological battles, Schrader illuminates the essential, unheralded work of women rebuilding society amid the ruins of war.” — K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite
“Schrader excels in true character development, leaning into the personal impact of broader political issues…” — Jamie Michele for Readers’ Favorites
"Cold Victory" is a fantastic character-driven story. It's an immersive and profoundly moving story of intense and harrowing interpersonal dramas, and of love and hope." Saifunnissa Hassam for Readers Favorite
Kirkus Reviews
“With her usual deft blending of carefully researched history and well-crafted scene development, Schrader gives a sense of three-dimensional human life to an event that’s now all but faded from living memory… The lively character work…is the novel’s strongest element, keeping the reader fully invested right up through the dramatic climax. ...
“A tense and fast-paced look at the many stories behind the Berlin Airlift.” — Kirkus Reviews
IndieReader : "A Consistently compelling Read
"A rich, detailed, character-driven novel transforming a pivotal period of Cold War history into an intimate exploration of loyalty, sacrifice and moral complexity. ...
"Cold Victory is a shining example of historical fiction done right... the world-building is impeccable.... [Schrader] gives voice to all sides, showing how victims can also be perpetrators, enemies can sometimes become allies, and that survival almost always requires moral compromises.
For fans of thoughtful historical fiction that values depth and insight over sensationalism, Helena P. Schrader's Cold Victory stands as a poignant and satisfying conclusion to the Bridge to Tomorrow trilogy."
Coffee Pot Book Club
"The resilience of the human spirit radiates through every carefully crafted word of this mesmerising book. Schrader casts a vivid light on the shadowy facets of a haunting reality, exposing the emotional scars left by conflict."
"...the story takes on a vibrant and dynamic quality, keeping the reader captivated and eagerly turning the pages. Schrader’s vivid portrayal of remarkably brave and resilient women adds an extraordinary depth to this book, making it a compelling addition to any bookshelf. "
With captivating storytelling, a profound grasp of the historical era, and an outstanding array of memorable characters, Helena Schrader's “Cold Victory: A Novel of the Berlin Airlift (Bridge to Tomorrow Book 3)” is essential reading for anyone who appreciates compelling historical fiction.
BLueINk Starred Review
“Schrader’s pacing is superb. She skilfully interweaves the subplots…adding a layer of complexity to the underlying historical events.
“A remarkable conclusion to the Bridge to Tomorrow series, Cold Victory will entrance devoted fans of the series as well as those discovering Schrader’s work for the first time.” —
BlueInk Starred Review