Kindle Edition Audiobook Amazon Linda Heavner Gerald I Love To Write! Amazon Category:  Historical Fiction Publisher: Lime Pie Publisher ISBN-10:  1983236233 Type: Fiction Pages: 166 Copyright: June 2018 ISBN-13: 9781983236235 Price: $2.99 (eBook) Such madness influenced the way that we lived. Caution, we threw to the wind. We desired to have fun and experience as much happiness that we could cram into our apparently numbered days in Hitler’s Germany.   The period of World War II fascinates me. Many years and a great deal of time reading books from The Rise And Fall Of The Third Reich to more current examples of the horror of that dangerous time create inside of me a desire to produce my account of love and danger during the most exciting time in history, at least to me. When I met a World War II French Resistance Fighter one evening at dinner, the situation appeared to cry out for my attention.  VieVie La Fontaine begins with an encapsulated history of the rise of Adolf Hitler in post World War I Germany. At the same time that he starts his ascent, a beautiful and talented young woman, VieVie La Fontaine, continues to enjoy her life of wealth inside of Paris. This haunting story attempts to demonstrate the fear, terror, denial and depravity of Europe as a madman rises to control most of the World. Told by a young Jewish man, Mark Lichter, the irony of the entire situation cries from the pages. Mark is pulled from university at Hamburg in Berlin. A driver transports him to old family friends, Louie and VieVie La Fontaine, who live in Paris. Mark realizes that he has never heard their names. Security, comfort and safety are ripped from his hands just as almost every Jew in Germany experienced. Arrival at the palatial home does not create the joy he anticipated. Instead, Mark now experiences extreme guilt for leaving his folks behind. His selfishness for protecting his well-being will haunt him for the rest of his life. Mark rationalizes that he has no control over the situation so he should enjoy his new life until reunited with his family. Glad to be away from law studies in Berlin, he receives the chance to perfect his love for painting. Following his mother’s talents instead of those of his father has always dominated his dreams. His first night, another dream presents to him. As he watches his beloved Jewish people walking toward a desolate building, he is unable to gain entrance but knows that what happens there is horrible. The face of his parents and hundreds of innocent men, women and children create fear and distress for the young man. The reader is given a glimpse into the struggles of young people at that time who only wanted to enjoy life after suffering through one world war. Still, as many Europeans reacted, he lived in denial for years in Paris. Unable to contact his family, his life of debauchery with the woman who steals his heart marks the similar fates of the French people compared to the Germans. VieVie La Fontaine is quite the beauty. Mark learns interesting facts about his father and this bewitching French model. The reader experiences the best of Paris such as the Ritz Carlton and the life of wealthy Americans living there only later to read of the horrors hiding beneath the bright lights and glamour. It is difficult not to become angry as Mark and VieVie betray her husband and all whom they love. Much too soon, they are forced to deal with the nightmare of events starting in Berlin and spreading at last into Paris. At this point, the two young people decide to take a stand.  The heroic action of the French Resistance Fighters inspired me to research and make this novel more than a work of fiction. Facts peppered into the pages of a book which will tug at the heart of anyone who loves history and the psychological thrill of war and romance. VieVie  La Fontaine is lovingly dedicated to all of those who perished in a madman’s Europe.                  Excerpt EXODUS Vie Vie La Fontaine ••!1 PROLOGUE “Exiled” is a word which my people, the Jewish descendants of Abraham, know well. We have experienced expulsion from Egypt, Babylon and Rome as well as many other places during various periods throughout history. One of the most significant exiles wasn't from the land we inhabited but from this world! It began in March of 1933 when the German Reichstag elected the Nazi par- ty. At that time, no party could form a ma- jority parliamentary coalition to support a chancellor. The prominent statesman and diplomat, Franz von Papen, persuaded Pres- ident Paul von Hindenburg to appoint Adolf Hitler on 30 of January in 1933. Hence, the transformation of the Weiman Republic into Nazi Germany quietly began. This republic eventually became a one-party dictatorship based on National Socialism. The new dicta- tor desired to establish a “New Order” which would abolish what he saw as injus- tices as a result of the first world war and the victor's regulations from Britain and France. As a result of Hitler's leadership, the first six years of his “reign" created a massive eco- nomic recovery from the Great Depression. The people of Germany were ecstatic. Once again, they experienced pride in their coun- Linda Heavner Gerald Vie Vie La Fontaine ••2! try and believed their new leader could pro- pel them to greatness as Hitler annexed terri- tories which were home to millions of ethnic Germans. The support which he received was unmeasured. As former residents of Germany were united, the dictator's popular- ity soared. The history of Adolf Hitler is vital to the relevance of this story of VieVie La Fontaine. Although her story is fiction, there are many historical facts sprinkled into this tale. Quickly, the reader becomes aware of the progression of a maniac in Europe and the hell which he inflicted on anyone resist- ing him. Maybe, the fascination with this pe- riod is the desire to prevent such evil actions from ever occurring again, or perhaps we seemed riveted to this time because it was fearful and represented one of the most de- praved periods of history. Adolf Hitler de- termined in his delusional mind his country was the "master race" while defiling and murdering millions of innocent men, women and children. This tale combines his story with the actions of VieVie La Fontaine who represents a point of view held by many in France at the time. Mark Lichter, a young Jewish man exiled from his home to escape the persecution and rage of a madman, hon- estly tells this story. The irony of innocence in France, before their world changed forev- Linda Heavner Gerald Vie Vie La Fontaine ••!3 er, is compared to the same simplicity in Germany which silently changed without anyone lifting a hand to help. As I look back, the year 1931 became a marker for those who were wise enough to imagine the worst. One hundred thousand Jews poured into Eretz Israel while Engle- bert Dollfuss, Chancellor of Austria, per- suaded the president to appoint him as the dictator. He may have persecuted the Nazis, but he considered all Jews communists and also treated them with disdain. Hence, there was a mass exodus to Eretz. Many of these displaced souls came from Germany when my race realized our world was about to change. I thank God each day my father, Hans, had the foresight to demand I leave my post as a student at Hamburg University in Berlin during this time. He could sense the winds were changing once again for us. Never would it enter my mind, insanity could ever reign down again on innocent members of the German population. As Jews, we paid taxes and worked hard for all we obtained. There were no handouts for us. Still, that old hatred which seemed to follow us, as the Jewish people, once again re- ceived stirring with the spoon of lies and ac- cusations from a man who filled with evil and hate. A man named Adolf Hitler. Linda Heavner Gerald Vie Vie La Fontaine ••4! CHAPTER ONE EXILE On that day, long ago, when I entered my house laughing and happy from an average day of study, I knew. Something was very wrong. Mother's eyes were swollen and red. She appeared haggard and tired. Father nev- er greeted me in the early afternoon like this. He worked each weekday right up until the dinner hour. "Mark, please sit down. We need to talk." At once, I realized pressing news waited for me. Sadly, Papa began to tell me about the rising star in the German party. Of course, I had heard of this man but didn't think Adolf Hitler would amount to much. Politics didn’t interest me. I failed to keep abreast of the latest news. Law was the sub- ject with which I struggled. It was difficult for me to keep my marks high in this per- plexing study of precedents and old facts. Already, I realized although my father and grandfather thrived in this field, it made no sense to me. Aware I had made a terrible de- cision ever following in my father’s big shoes, I struggled with how I might explain to him. I hate the subject which he loves. Linda Heavner Gerald Vie Vie La Fontaine ••!5 You see, I desired to paint. I loved art as my mother. She was a well-known artist in a small area of Berlin. A good day for me was painting in her bright studio for the entire day. I never thought of myself as weak or feminine even though my father may have. As the sun streamed into the paradise which she made for herself, I stood at one of her easels in the gaily painted red room and ex- pressed my very soul. Mother loved color stroked with a heavy hand onto the canvases which stood in abundance inside her studio. She also loved laughter. Oh, the endless hours we enjoyed together inside her hal- lowed, red walls. How could painting come to me effortlessly while I struggled with the expected career of law? During the early fall of 1933 in Germany, my world was con- tent as we struggled to return to life before World War 1. My family progressed as well as any at our recovery. Life appeared pleas- ant enough at last. My mind raced over these facts as Father outlined his fears, hard times may once again call for us, “The people of persecu- tion.” I laughed. "Father, don't be so dramatic. Have you seen him? Hitler is a joke. Not to be taken seriously!" Linda Heavner Gerald Vie Vie La Fontaine ••6! My parents lowered their eyes. As they clasped hands, a jolt of shock ran up my spine. What do they know they aren’t sharing? Something is wrong. Before I could question them, Hans sad- ly stated. "Mark, you must leave university and Berlin immediately! Your mother and I will remain here, in the city, until things im- prove. Then, we will bring you back home. You must do as instructed. There is no room for discussion on this. You must trust us.” Morosely, they glanced at each other. I could tell, my parents attempted to smile but were unable. Again the question raised itself. What do my parents know that I don’t? As I prepared to protest, the magnitude of his words became apparent. They were offering me a way of escaping a world in which I did not belong. Never would I be an excellent attorney like father and grandfa- ther. Then, he spoke the words which rang in my mind as “honey to the bees.” "We are sending you to Paris. There, you will live with old family friends who reside close to the Eiffel Tower. You will love them and the great city which makes artists. We are providing you a way to start a new life. One of which we know you have dreamed. I Linda Heavner Gerald Vie Vie La Fontaine ••!7 realize you do not enjoy the study of law. We made a mistake, didn't we?” Casually, he playfully ruffled my hair. After those words, nothing else mattered. Call me selfish; I was. This very action was what I prayed for each night. A way to save face at the university while living in a city which intrigued me. Can this be happening? It was like manna falling from Heaven. Without any action on my part, my most profound dream, no, my wildest infatuation was realized. Instantly, the sad, mundane words of my beloved father drowned into oblivion by my thoughts of living in Paris. Gay, exciting Paris, where freedom was grabbed with relish by those fortunate enough to claim it. Perhaps, a gorgeous girlfriend with long, blonde hair will stroll on my arm by the River Seine? A smile the size of one of Father's law books spread across my face. Nothing else mattered! My dreams were coming true! All of this nonsense which Papa sadly spoke could never happen. Once they sent me to Paris, I would never return to Berlin. Not because of that weak man whom they feared, Hitler, but because in Paris, I could obtain my desires. No, they must visit me in my swanky apartment in the city of my dreams someday soon. At that point, I had Linda Heavner Gerald Vie Vie La Fontaine ••8! no idea of the validity of my thoughts as my mind bounded forward into my new world. I would never return to the home which I adored and the people who gave their lives to save me. The unthinkable would not oc- cur because of my actions but those of a group of evil men who were out of control! The rest of that day filled with sadness for my parents. Maybe, they understood our eyes would never meet again at least not in this world. As Mother cried, I gaily packed large cases with my clothes. When Father entered my room sometime later, he became aghast at the volume of my luggage. "No, son, we must not call attention to your departure. As Jews, we are still able to leave, but soon, this will not be the case." Again, I laughed at the words of a para- noid old man. Still, I quickly packed only necessary items as Father explained he wanted me to purchase new clothes when I arrived in Paris. It was important I not “stand out” there. He told me it was vital I fit into the Parisian life. I laughed. What an easy assignment! I thought as vivid plans began to form for my new life as a famous artist. What great fortune all of this is for me! Maybe my parents were delusional and paranoid, but they were establishing my deepest desire. Someday, they would wit- Linda Heavner Gerald Vie Vie La Fontaine ••!9 ness my success as a great artist, or so I be- lieved at that point. At dinner that evening, few words were spoken. Mother occasionally dabbed her eyes which remained lowered. She appeared unable to look at me. It seemed Father's stare never left my face. Was he trying to remember me? I shook my head at my silly thoughts. Am I becoming as sensitive and fearful as they? Almost as though scheduled, as soon as the meal ended, someone knocked on our door. "Ah, he is a little early. Abi, welcome Franz while I talk with Mark a moment.” Sadly, Mother walked from the room with her head down. I realized she might be considering the fact she would never see me again. Her walk was of a doomed person. I smiled at her theatrics. After all of this Hitler madness passed, I would take her to a lovely Parisian dinner when they visited me. “Mark, you will be driven to Paris by this man, Franz Heldman. He will drive you to General La Fontaine's home. General La Fontaine is an old friend of your grandfather. You will like him and his wife, VieVie. Be careful of VieVie; she is a great beauty. This exotic creature destroyed the heart of many men who fell in love with her." Linda Heavner Gerald VieVieLaFontaine••1!0 His eyes told me, he was one of her vic- tims. What was happening? My entire world was changing. Now, Father was confessing that once, he loved another woman? Who were these La Fontaine people? The breath left my lungs as I tried to breathe normally. Things are coming at me too quickly! After taking several deep breaths, I re- laxed a little. All of these things were fright- ening to me. I could not understand the power of his words about using caution around the beau- tiful VieVie La Fontaine. I later wondered had he not said those things if I may have withstood her ways, but I will never know. My drive with Franz lasted about nine hours and fifty minutes during which we ex- changed few words. My driver appeared nervous as he frequently checked the rearview mirror and made little grunting sounds. This small man had delicate fea- tures. His advancement into older age left him with receded mostly gray hair. He drove huddled over the steering wheel as though he could not see well. His actions made me uncomfortable. I had never seen him before. In fact, I would never again recognize an- other person in this new world which claimed to be mine. Later, I would wonder about the degree of worry and concern among the German citizens of which I had Linda Heavner Gerald Vie Vie La Fontaine ••1! 1 no idea. Of course, I could not know of any approaching danger, but many of my people seemed to feel the threat growing! Our departure from Berlin occurred im- mediately after dinner around 8:30 pm. Ar- rival time, at the home of the La Fontaine’s, was in the early morning about 6:30 am. The general opened the door with a startled gaze. General La Fontaine was a large man in midlife. His hair was blonde and very shiny as were his teeth. His startled look surprised me placing my nerves even more on edge. Had he hoped I might not come? If he had, there was no hesitation once he saw me. I reluctantly offered my hand which had not been washed all evening even after several stops in the woods to relieve ourselves. I thought about telling him he may not want to shake my hand but figured a general in the French Army would not care. Still, our new relationship started in a most loaded condition. Already, I felt like a beggar taking such hospitality from this stranger. Why would he offer to allow me to invade his home? What services would I be expected to perform for this grand family? I desperately wished I had questioned my father as to our relationship with these people. Racking my brain, I could not remember ever hearing of them. Already, my nerves caused me to per- Linda Heavner Gerald VieVieLaFontaine••1!2 spire and tremble a little. During my life, I had never felt subservient to another. Now, I do. General La Fontaine smiled as he walked away from the door. I entered uninvited and followed him with trepidation as I carried my small, brown satchel down a long, wind- ing hall. The house was exquisite and gigan- tic. I felt plain and small. Never had I seen such wealth and lavishness. At last, we walked into a brightly painted yellow room. The decor appeared polished. It shined beau- tifully. Did Madame La Fontaine decorate this palatial home? A dark maid worked quietly behind the counter. She nodded at me but did not smile or speak. Without inquiring, the General mo- tioned for me to sit as he read the morning paper. He never even looked at me. I felt like a nonentity. Anne-Laure, the maid, placed a generous, piping hot cup of black coffee before me which soon was followed by a delicious looking croissant with a small container of French butter and fresh cream. My shaking hands finally resulted in the General looking at me. All I could think was I had made a terrible mistake in my dreams of being an artist in France. Was there no place or craft in which I could hope to find joy? It seemed I did not belong anywhere. Linda Heavner Gerald Vie Vie La Fontaine ••!13 Admittedly, here in this city of Paris where everyone appeared welcomed, I might dis- cover acceptance but maybe not? I almost cried but swallowed loudly instead. This ac- tion caused the vague host to look at me as though seeing me for the first time. He put his paper aside and began to speak to me. To my surprise, the General spoke in fluent English which eradicated one of my fears. My English, surprisingly, was better than my French. At least, if anyone decided to con- verse with me, I could respond. My parents and I had often spoken fluently in this lan- guage which we enjoyed. "I was excellent friends with your grand- father and deeply respect your father. Most of the other Germans are swine. You don't need to be concerned here. Think of this as your ‘new university.’ My wife has your quarters ready which include a large, bright studio. There is no need to be fearful or feel subservient. This place is your new home. Here, you may live your life as long as nec- essary. You are a man now so feel free to come and go as you please. In fact, we hope you stay here forever. You see, my wife could not have children. This fact has been a great cause of pain for her. I hate to tell you, but you are her ‘new son,’ at least in her mind. Try to accept the love she desires to lavish upon you. Such action will make her Linda Heavner Gerald VieVieLaFontaine••1!4 happy. Anything which pleases VieVie will also delight me. You see, she is my life. My wife will work with you to soften that heavy accent which you carry. All signs of the German man must go!” He smiled the grandest smile which I still remember. His face was broad and pleasant with large green eyes. His skin was tanned and creased by the sun. Returning his smile, I took a large gulp of coffee and devoured my roll. Immediately, the maid placed another of each in front of me. Yes, if only my studio waits, painted in a bright French red as Mamas? This had always been my dream. All worry dissipated as I studied my new home after finally receiving the welcome which I craved. Quietly, my host studied me for a few seconds. Even though I was intimidated by the large man, I liked his spontaneous na- ture and easy smile. The General briefly excused himself while I breathed deeply. Finally, I began to relax as my mind thought back over the past fourteen hours. From the time I walked into my home so innocently after classes until this moment, my entire world changed. I thought back over the past few hours as I remembered exactly the way I felt before I became a Parisian. Linda Heavner Gerald Vie Vie La Fontaine ••!15 During the early fall of 1933 in Germany, my world was perfect although my family still recovered from the effects of the First World War. In Berlin, our family received great respect and were well liked even by a few Germans although we were definitely Jewish. Success came quickly for my kind and gentle folks. My ancestors had come to live in this place of changing political expectations back in 1671 after being allowed to resettle in a city which expelled them in 1573 due to political issues. According to history, in 1510 some Jews were accused of desecrat- ing and stealing from a church inside a vil- lage near Berlin. The arrest of one hundred and eleven Jews subjected them to examina- tion. Unfairly, fifty-one souls received sen- tences of death. Thirty-eight of these people witnessed the agony of burning at the stake in the New Market Square. A Christian, at the same time, was also arrested. Later, evi- dence proved he was the only person guilty. Before this knowledge could be confirmed, all of the remaining Jews had been rounded up and expelled from the entire electorate of Brandenburg. Once again, the Jewish people were unfairly exiled from homes they loved. Years later, these innocents received com- plete exoneration at the Diet of Frankfurt in 1539 through the efforts of Joseph Gershom Linda Heavner Gerald VieVieLaFontaine••1!6 of Rosheim and Philipp Melanchthon. In 1535-71 authorities allowed many Jews to return and resettle in the town of Branden- burg. Jews were also permitted to reside in Berlin once more in 1543 despite the oppo- sition of some townspeople. In 1571, when the Jews again were expelled from Branden- burg, the Jews of Berlin were expelled "for- ever." For the next one hundred years, a few Jewish people appeared at widely scattered intervals. About 1663, the Court Jew Israel Aaron, a supplier to the army and the elec- toral court, quietly received permission to return. That was the time my family's pres- ence flowered in a place which seemed to possess a love/hate relationship with the Jewish people, my people. Never could I understand why my relatives chose to return to this place which had mistreated them and where many still harbored hatred toward us. My father, Hans Lichter, worked diligent- ly as an attorney in the law practice which his father, Abram, had established over sev- enty years earlier. Hans was a giant of a man but very kind and generous as was my grandfather. Father frequently told me, his only child, intriguing stories of this great man, named Abraham, whose attributes be- came legendary in the world of Berlin law. Both of these were my role models. I loved them beyond words. Linda Heavner Gerald Vie Vie La Fontaine ••!17 My mother, Abigail, had many friends in the town which my small family loved de- spite unfair treatment of many of our people. Mother was gorgeous with long dark hair and eyes. Her hair was always braided per- fectly and pinned on the base of her head. She loved beautiful things and dressed with a lovely flair. My father doted on Abi, his spouse. He believed a wife should be loved and respected as a princess. The love which shined from their eyes captivated me. My dream became one that someday, I would experience the special bond which they seemed to possess with a lovely woman of my choosing. Many evenings as a young boy, I found myself alone with Hannah, our maid, while my parents enjoyed the opera or ballet. Both of them read voraciously and enjoyed the finer things in life. Never did I realize my time, compared to most of the other Jews in Germany, was unique. The few friends whom I knew appeared to have the same circumstances as I. It would be years before I came to appreciate what my parents did to ensure my future and safety. If only I could have thanked them for the love and security with which they sheltered me, but I did not have the time. When I became aware of their selfless actions, it was too late. The mania- cal hatred of one, Adolf Hitler, needlessly Linda Heavner Gerald VieVieLaFontaine••1!8 ripped them from my outstretched hands. The nightmares, which consumed my world for years, were a side effect of the ignorance of a generation of bigoted, evil thugs who destroyed the dreams of so many gentle and loving people. Much worse than bad dreams waited for millions, including my parents, as this monster gained a foothold in our world. This time in 1933 was my first year of university study. I loved my new freedom. My parents had sheltered me all of my childhood. Never did I experience bigoted or hateful treatment because they rejected such actions. Many Jewish friends at the universi- ty lulled me into believing I had a right to enjoy life like the Germans who often starred at us and made insulting, rude re- marks. "What is their problem? Um?” My friends and I dared to stare back at the Germans who faced us. Frederich laughed as he told me secrets of his German girlfriend. These bullies did not frighten or even interest us. Sure, we were aware of the hatred which seemed to surround us as a people but what specifically had we done? My family taught me always to be fair to others and to treat all with respect. How could I understand this unfair, bigoted treatment? I could not. Linda Heavner Gerald Vie Vie La Fontaine ••!19 Hitler’s rise in Germany started in 1933. At that time, few people considered him much of a threat, but the constant increase in his popularity and of the Nazis allowed him to raise the Nazi State. Slowly and meticu- lously, he denounced individual freedoms and created a Volk Community. These ac- tions transcended class and religious differ- ences. Carefully, he worked while his ac- tions went almost unnoticed by most. The Third Reich soon became a police state as the SS guards controlled the police. Maybe, a few people in Germany took notice at this stage, but still, nothing was done to stop him. It didn’t take long for the SS to begin their intimidation and harassment of those they had targeted, mainly the Jews. The Civ- il Service Law of April 1933 started elimi- nating the Jewish people from state positions and governmental agencies. Ever so slowly, the Nazis abolished the trade unions. In mid- July 1933, only the Nazi party remained. All others had been efficiently banned or dis- barred themselves due to pressure or intimi- dation of these SS guards. We Jews began to despise the thugs who arrogantly acted as though they were superior to us. Most Ger- man people believed they were biologically destined for expansion Eastward while they pushed the belief they were a master race and should establish permanent rule in East- Linda Heavner Gerald VieVieLaFontaine••2!0 ern Europe and the Soviet Union. Hitler be- gan to encourage the “pure” German women to bear as many pure “Aryan” children as possible. With this, the framework was es- tablished to eliminate the “lesser” races such as the Jews and Gypsies as well as a few others. Our nervous stares at each passing Jew penetrated the streets. It was as though we looked at each other with a question. What can we do? Immediately after “elections” in March of 1933, the Nazis began their systemic re- lease of anger and hatred against the Jewish people. Many of the Jews were molested or killed; some Jewish business destroyed. Now, this changing tide in Germany had progressed too far as all of Europe continued to live as though they would be safe. This blank process was denial which waited for many other countries as well. Just wait France, you are not safe! No one suspected how effortlessly France would fall. Maybe, for all time, people will question the French officials who handed a city so beautiful as Paris to a tyrant without a fight. These things still cause me distress. Of course, I had no idea at this time of the horrors waiting for a man so young and totally alone in this new world of French customs and styles. Forever, I will think of Linda Heavner Gerald Vie Vie La Fontaine ••!21 my dear parents with love and awe for all they did to protect me while sacrificing themselves. Although my story fills with horror beyond words, so many others were annihilated. Their stories are left untold. The only crime they committed was they were born Jewish. Eventually, I found joy again and peace in my world of a new land which welcomed one such as I. May the others never be forgotten! C

If You Are Looking For A Book With Great Characters
If you are looking for a book with great story, characters, plot and atmosphere then this book is for you for sure. An incredible plot, that takes you right into the hearts and desires of the characters. This is a special page turner of a book and I highly recommend. Great read!

‘Israel, the home I always dreamed to find is now my own, and I share it with those who love me and my God.‘
Florida author Linda Heavner Gerald has retired from her medical background and is living and writing along the Gulf of Mexico. She has already established a solid reputation as a writer of twelve mystery thrillers, winning awards both in this country and abroad, having been awarded the Florida Authors and Publishers Association award for Fiction. Linda's keen eye for evil in her books is matched by her conviction that 'regardless of our actions, God is always ready to welcome us back with forgiveness.' Rather than simply titillate her readers with superbly terrifying stories and psychological drama she offers a bit of a rainbow at the end - a sense of hope or encouragement for the characters of her books. ‘ Her goal is to demonstrate that God loves all of us. No one is beyond his redemptive grace.’ In ANNAPOLIS SUMMERS Linda turned her penetrating eye to the act of bullying as the theme - sustaining and surviving bullies in a story that is rich in color and the fine settings for which she is becoming highly respected. In THE SOLDIER AND THE AUTHOR Linda marries medicine and military in introduced a character who suffers from PTSD. Now with VIE VIE LA FONTAINE she takes a giant step forward on creating a profoundly interesting and important historical novel about the horrors and dénouement of WW II.

Linda's ability to paint a setting for a novel grows with each of her books. In her Prologue she sets the tone – ‘“Exiled” is a word which my people, the Jewish descendants of Abraham, know well. We have experienced expulsion from Egypt, Babylon and Rome as well as many other places during various periods throughout history. One of the most significant exiles wasn't from the land we inhabited but from this world! It began in March of 1933 when the German Reichstag elected the Nazi party. At that time, no party could form a majority parliamentary coalition to support a chancellor. The prominent statesman and diplomat, Franz von Papen, persuaded President Paul von Hindenburg to appoint Adolf Hitler on 30 of January in 1933. Hence, the transformation of the Weimar Republic into Nazi Germany quietly began. This republic eventually became a one-party dictatorship based on National Socialism. The new dictator desired to establish a “New Order” which would abolish what he saw as injustices as a result of the First World War and the victor's regulations from Britain and France. As a result of Hitler's leadership, the first six years of his “reign" created a massive economic recovery from the Great Depression. The people of Germany were ecstatic. Once again, they experienced pride in their country and believed their new leader could propel them to greatness as Hitler annexed territories which were home to millions of ethnic Germans. The support which he received was unmeasured. As former residents of Germany were united, the dictator's popularity soared. The history of Adolf Hitler is vital to the relevance of this story of VieVie La Fontaine. Although her story is fiction, there are many historical facts sprinkled into this tale. Quickly, the reader becomes aware of the progression of a maniac in Europe and the hell which he inflicted on anyone resisting him. Maybe, the fascination with this period is the desire to prevent such evil actions from ever occurring again, or perhaps we seemed riveted to this time because it was fearful and represented one of the most depraved periods of history. Adolf Hitler determined in his delusional mind his country was the "master race" while defiling and murdering millions of innocent men, women and children. This tale combines
his story with the actions of VieVie La Fontaine who represents a point of view held by many in France at the time. Mark Lichter, a young Jewish
man exiled from his home to escape the persecution and rage of a madman, honestly tells this story. The irony of innocence in France, before their world changed forever, is compared to the same simplicity in Germany which silently changed without anyone lifting a hand to help.’.

But on to the story as per the synopsis – ‘VieVie La Fontaine begins with an encapsulated history of the rise of Adolf Hitler in post World War I Germany. At the same time he starts his ascent, a beautiful and talented young woman, VieVie La Fontaine, continues to enjoy her life of wealth inside of Paris. This haunting story demonstrates the terror, denial, and depravity of Europe as a madman rises to control most of that continent. Told by a young Jewish man, Mark Lichter, the irony of the entire situation cries from the pages. Security, comfort and safety are ripped from his hands just as almost every Jew in Germany experienced. The reader discovers the best of Paris such as the Ritz Carlton and the life of wealthy Americans living there only later to read of the horrors hiding beneath the bright lights and glamour. It is difficult not to become angry as Mark and VieVie betray her husband and all whom they love. Much too soon, they are forced to deal with the nightmare of events starting in Berlin and spreading at last into Paris. At this point, the two young people decide to take a stand. The brave and heroic actions of the French Resistance Fighters inspired me to research and make this novel more than a work of fiction. Facts peppered into the pages of a book which will tug at the heart of anyone who loves history and the psychological thrill of war and romance. This book is dedicated to those who perished in a madman's Europe as well as the brave French Resistance Fighters. May we never forget their sacrifice.’

Once again Linda Heavner Gerard has accomplished a novel with a strong message for all ages so eloquently written that it becomes obvious that we are in the presence of a very fine author indeed. Grady Harp, July 18

Impressive!
At the beginning of the story, the evil of Hitler is not recognized by the German Jews. It is the 1930's, and a Jewish family in Berlin is sending their son, Mark, to live in Paris as they anticipate difficult times. He is a politically naïve young man. There is an undercurrent that predicts the evil to come. Mark tells the story from the introspective voice of a young man.

This is an intriguing deep rooted story with believable, fascinating characters.

Mark and VieVie live within themselves, sinfully, first in a gay Paris, then in a brutalized city under German occupation in which coping becomes a serious issue. There is depth to the story. We see into the minds of Mark and VieVie as they change under the occupation.

An important aspect of the story is the detailed commentary regarding the history of the period, which brings the story into focus. Despair, desperation, personal tragedy, and the bravery of the Resistance color the story.

The novel approaches Mark's life on two levels: the depravity of Hitler's occupation of France and Mark's folly with regard to the beauty of VieVie. The whole of the story seems to have an element of the surreal. At times the dialogue seemed stiff and a bit unrealistic, but that is minor. Reviewed by the author of The Children's Story, About Good and Evil.