The Good at Heart: A Novel Hardcover – February 21, 2017

This historical fiction novel describes the events that happen during 3 days close to the end of World War II in Southern Germany. It is partly based on the author's family history. It takes a little time to get to know the relatively large number of characters but they soon become clear as the story develops. The story becomes really suspenseful as the involvement of local citizens in the covert transport of Jewish families across the Swiss border and the unsuccessful assassination attempt on Hitler's life unfold.The book is very well written and describes the lives of ordinary people during the last year of the Nazi regime.

I am delighted to write this review, the first I have ever written, for Ursula Werner’s debut novel! I was enthralled with the story, which resonates with much that is happening in our world today. I thought it was so timely and thought provoking that I purchased a copy for each member of my family.Ursula creates a vivid image of life in a small German town with delightful and complex characters I really enjoyed getting to know. It was easy to immerse myself in their lives as they dealt with both the large, dramatic issues of that particular historic time and the seeming minutiae of everyday life. Ursula is adept at exploring the paradox that in these seemingly ordinary details of daily life, the extraordinary essence of love and life are revealed.I can’t wait until it is made into a movie!

I was intrigued by the description of this book & have liked books on similar topics, but this one was very slow. I didn’t find it engaging until the last chapters of the book. The middle did not interest me. The end felt unsatisfactory, as well, but certainly more intriguing than the rest of the book. I would not purchase it over again.

An interesting take on this period of WWII demonstrating that the bottom line is the individual's moral decisions regardless of risk. It hits many of the same notes as the non-fiction, "The Good Man of Nanking." In today's world, we need to ask ourselves what we are doing in the face of evil.

I could not put this book down. Woke up last night thinking about the characters of this story. A great read

Buy This Book! it is a fine novel ... not only in the intriguing character arc of a high level Nazi with a conscience ... but in its incredible relevance at this moment when so little is what it seems. Oh, and that character happens to be her great-grandfather.

great

This is a wonderful book by a first time author. She paints strong characters. The story is a fascinating look at a family ans entire town affected by the Nazis in world war 2. A great read!