Across the Winding River

A woman unlocks the mystery of her father’s wartime past in a moving novel about secrets, sacrifice, and the power of love by the bestselling author of Daughters of the Night Sky.Beth Cohen wants to make the most of the months she has left with her elderly father, Max. His only request of his daughter is to go through the long-forgotten box of memorabilia from his days as a medic on the western front. Then, among his wartime souvenirs, Beth finds a photograph of her father with an adoring and beautiful stranger—a photograph worth a thousand questions.It was 1944 when Max was drawn into the underground resistance by the fearless German wife of a Nazi officer. Together, she and Max were willing to risk everything for what they believed was right. Ahead of them lay a dangerous romance, a dream of escape, and a destiny over which neither had control.But Max isn’t alone in his haunting remembrances of war. In a nearby private care home is a fragile German-born woman with her own past to share. Only when the two women meet does Beth realize how much more to her father there is to know, all the ways in which his heart still breaks, and the closure he needs to heal it.

“Inspired by a true and powerful story, Runyan has written a wondrous story of courage, sacrifice, and most importantly, love. Expertly winding between WWII and present time, Across the Winding River accomplishes the almost-impossible: layering three stories that come together to take your breath away. Runyan captures the heart-thumping years after Pearl Harbor and then wanders through the terrifying battles of Hurgen Forest. The vivid narrative is born of impeccable research, and reaches through the pages straight to the reader’s heart. Uncertainty is the fire through which all the characters must pass. With a bit of mystery, a lot of heart, and beautiful prose, Across the Winding River will steal your imagination and you’ll be the better for it.” —Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author of Becoming Mrs. Lewis “The past collides with the present in this intriguing story as one woman unravels the mystery of an old photograph found in her father’s World War II memorabilia, ultimately leading to a place of healing for herself and her family. A highly entertaining read!” —Ellen Marie Wiseman, bestselling author of What She Left Behind and The Orphan Collector “Cleverly plotted and brimming with emotion, Across the Winding River takes readers on an epic journey from present day America to the dramatic events of WWII in Europe. This is Aimie K. Runyan at the top of her game—delivering the perfect mix of non-stop action, romance, and heartfelt family drama, while shining a light on the heroism of women during the war. It’s an enthralling story from start to finish.” —USA Today bestselling author Julianne MacLean “…[A] beautifully told story of impossible love in a time of war. Aimie K. Runyan deftly explores both sides of the wartime divide and the courage of those who remained true to their beliefs, even if it risked their lives. A moving and illuminating read.” —Fiona Valpy, author of The Dressmaker's Gift “I was quickly captivated by the three narratives in this cleverly constructed novel: the poignancy of an old man in a care home looking back on his life and the child he never knew; the instinctive goodness of a young dentist treating horrific wounds behind the WWII front line; and the strength and courage of two German sisters secretly opposed to Nazi rule…A compelling story that’s about survival and loss, and most of all about love—between father and daughter, man and woman. This is historical fiction with a big heart.” —Gill Paul, bestselling author of The Secret Wife “A story of courage and love in dark times.” —Janie Chang, author of The Library of Legends

Aimie K. Runyan writes to celebrate history’s unsung heroines. She is the author of four previous historical novels, including the internationally bestselling Daughters of the Night Sky, Girls on the Line, Promised to the Crown, and Duty to the Crown, as well as the short-story collection Brave New Girls. She is active as an educator and speaker in the writing community and beyond. She lives in Colorado with her two (usually) adorable children. Visit her at www.aimiekrunyan.com.