BOOK REVIEW: The House by the Lake by Ella Carey

*Disclaimer: I received a free electronic galley of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

The House by the Lake by Ella Carey

Publication Date: March 29, 2016

Netgalley Description:

Anna is content with her well-ordered life in San Francisco. But her world is turned upside down when her beloved grandfather, Max, reveals a startling secret: Anna is part of an aristocratic family who lost everything during World War II. What’s more, Max was forced to leave behind a precious item over seventy years ago in their estate in old Prussia. It’s now his ardent wish that Anna retrieve it.

Anna burns with questions as she heads for Germany: What memento could be so important to her grandfather? And why did he keep their history hidden? As she searches for answers, she finds herself drawn to Wil, a man who may hold the key to unlock the mystery. Together they discover that her family’s secrets are linked with an abandoned apartment in Paris, and these secrets go deeper than she ever imagined.

Alternating between 1930s Europe and the present, The House by the Lake illuminates the destiny of a family caught in the tumult of history.

My Review:

I don't even know where to start this review, except to say that I wish it was possible to give it 10 out of 5 stars! Perfect for fans of "Sarah's Key" by Tatiana De Rosnay, this compelling and beautifully written book alternates between the present day life of Anna and vignettes of Europe on the cusp of World War II. Honestly, I had a really hard time putting this book down to do other things. Ella Carey does a fantastic job at recreating what life would have been like in Germany and Paris during Hitler's rise to power, and the reader can't help but become emotionally invested in the life that Anna's grandpa, Max, lived during that time. There's also just enough romance to keep you hanging. I highly recommend this to anyone interested in World War II history, and historical fiction, but also for people who enjoy genealogy, as Anna spends a lot of time searching for answers to questions about her family's past. Check this out today- I truly don't think that you'll regret it!