Books by Sandy Brehl

"Transports readers to the cold landscape of wartime Norway, as a brave, young heroine faces the cruel reality of oppression to join the underground resistance and do whatever it takes it save her family and her country."- Michelle Houts, author of WinterfrostMARI'S HOPE delivers the dramatic conclusion to the trilogy begun with Odin's Promise, awarded the 2014 Midwest Book Award for Children's Fiction, and Bjorn's Gift (2016).In Mari's Hope, set in a small village in occupied western Norway in the final years of World War II, young Mari has become a valued helper to the village doctor. She also plays a role in her family's efforts in the local resistance, despite ever-present dangers, especially from the snooping soldier called Goatman and from Leif, her one-time school friend, now a German collaborator.As the German war efforts falter, the pressure increases on the occupying troops to hold Norway firmly in their grip. But freedom-loving Norwegians will do their best to thwart those plans.Praise for the series: "An exciting look at the occupation of Norway, through the eyes of a young, brave girl." - Angela Cerrito, author of The Safest Lie.

Bjorn's Gift is the second book in the Odin's Promise historical novel trilogy. Teen Mari faces greater hardships and dangers in her small Norwegian village during the second and third years of WWII German occupation.Soldiers and Nazi supporters move into her neighborhood, school presents unexpected threats, and oppressive new laws are imposed. Mari assumes increasingly dangerous resistance responsibilities and risks, trusting only her family and a few close friends. She struggles to live up to her brother Bjorn's faith in her and understand how lifelong friends can suddenly become enemies.Difficult decisions force her to admit that few things in life are as easily sorted into good or bad, right or wrong as she once believed, including classmate Leif. 1943 signals the start of yet another year in which no one can predict if or when Hitler will be defeated so the Nazi occupation can end. (Conclusion: Mari's Hope)

2014 MIDWEST BOOK AWARD GOLD MEDAL for CHILDREN'S FICTIONListed among 2014 BEST BOOKS FOR GIRLS by A MIGHTY GIRL.ODIN'S PROMISE is a historical novel for middle-grade readers, a story of the first year of German occupation of Norway in World War II as seen through the eyes of a young girl.Eleven-year-old Mari grew up tucked safely under the wings of her parents, grandma, and her older siblings. After Hitler's troops invade Norway in Spring 1940, she is forced to grow beyond her "little girl" nickname to deal with harsh new realities. At her side for support and protection is Odin, her faithful elkhound.As the year progresses, Mari, her family, and her neighbors are drawn into the Norwegian underground resistance movement."Readers will cheer for Mari as she discovers her inner strength - and the courage to help celebrate Norway's spirit of resistance." - Kathleen Ernst, author of American Girl's Caroline Abbott series and Chloe Ellefson Mystery series."Beautifully written, emotionally taut novel of one girl's coming of age during war time." - Gayle Rosengren