Copper Star (Copper Star Series, Book 1)

Suzanne Woods Fisher
Vintage Romance Publishing (2007)
ISBN 9780979332746
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (5/08)

After a dangerous stint as a Resistance Worker in Nazi Germany, Louisa Schmetterling finds herself evacuated to the safety of Copper Springs, Arizona.  Her friend and fellow Resistance worker Dietrich Bonhoeffer connected her with Reverend Robert Gordon, whom Dietrich had met in Seminary, and set it up so she could stay with Robert until the war was over and she was out of danger.  In the Gordon household also lives Robert’s aunt and Robert’s hearing impaired son William.

It is interesting to watch as Louisa develops relationships which each and every one of the members of the Gordon family.  Some are easy to form, like with William, while others are more challenging, like with Robert’s aunt.  With William she plays a pivotal role in enabling him to communicate.  Before he had never uttered a word but with Louisa’s concern and guidance he began to be able to express himself like never before.  She causes changes to come about with Robert as well.  When she first arrived, Robert’s sermons lacked conviction, but once Louisa started editing them, they became more dynamic and full of energy.

Not everything goes as planned though when former Berlin resident (but now Copper Springs’ banker) Friedrich Mueller sniffs out Louisa’s past.  As an avid Nazi supporter he is a huge threat to her safety.  Between the Mueller drama and the secrets of William’s mother’s past, this book is a definite page-turner! 

Fisher has a real knack for creating an engaging fictional story while maintaining historical accuracy.  The characters in the book are very interesting and you truly develop a sense of just who each and every one of them is.  The plot is intriguing and anyone interested in history, romance, and/or faith, will surely enjoy this easy-to-follow, fast read.   

I actually read the 2nd book in this series, “Copper Fire,” before I went back and read this first one, “Copper Star” and I can promise you that you will not be disappointed by the sequel to this first book.  Fisher is an excellent writer and I can’t wait until her next book or series comes out.