This book was amazing! I have read every one of this author’s books and this might be my favorite one. The characters and storyline were very well written and kept me reading well into the night. 5 stars for me! Can’t wait for the next one! Would definitely recommend.

I received this e-book ARC of A Daughter's Duty by Roberta Kagan through Net Galley in exchange for a truthful review.
This was Book 1 in the Duty and Betrayal series.
At first I thought it was going to jump right in as a WWII historical fiction, but I soon came to realize that this if a foundation-laying book. Almost all of the story takes place squarely during WWI Germany, ending in 1920 with the rise of you-know-who.
There are 74 pretty short chapters.
The story revolves are two main characters, a Christian country girl Greta, daughter of a farmer who only sees worth in sons and Lily, cherished Jewish daughter of a Berlin jeweler. Greta's upbringing is oppressive and the main focus, while Lily's is more loving and open.
How their two lives are negatively affected by the same man, Ludwig Lang, an obnoxious, wealthy scion is heartbreaking.
I think this is the only book I've ever read where I was actually in FAVOR of the karma which beset one of the children in the book - I won't say more.
I would categorize this book as Inspirational Historical Fiction with both Christian and Jewish themes.
I am looking forward to reading Book 2 in the series, to see how several plot lines are resolved.

Gripping from the First Page

The Daughter’s Duty by Roberta Kagan is another powerful and emotional read from an author who never fails to deliver. From the very first page, the story pulls you in and doesn’t let go. Kagan has a real gift for bringing her characters to life, making you feel every struggle, fear, and moment of hope right alongside them. The writing is vivid and heartfelt, and the storyline is both compelling and deeply moving. As with her other books, the historical detail adds depth without ever slowing the pace. It’s a story of strength, resilience, and the bonds that tie us together, even in the darkest times.
I’ve read many of Kagan’s books, and this is another standout. If you enjoy emotional, character-driven historical fiction that stays with you long after you’ve finished, this is definitely one to add to your list. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I received a digital copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to leave a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I love historical books in general but especially early 1900s. This book kept me engaged and honestly guessing where it was going. I was a little thrown off by the "seer" popping up because that would have been a time period that didn't graciously accept people who claimed to have such abilities. I desparetly wanted to jump through the book and strangle Greta's family. Although I'm well aware how society viewed women at that time it is still infuriating.

I cannot wait to see how her brother makes an appearance in additional stories or how Lily fares. Will she find forgiveness or will she ally herself with Greta and help free her from Ludwig's idiocy? The contrast in how awful Greta's homelife is without a strong religious foundation versus how loving Lily's and Ruth's are as Jews is glaringly obvious and I loved that!

A Daughter’s Duty by Roberta Kagan is an emotional read which takes place in Germany 1912. Roberta Kagan always writes wonderful stories that holds my interest and makes me want to keep reading. I just couldn’t put it down. It is an historical fiction about the life of 4 main characters, Greta, Ludwig, Herman, and Lily. It is a five star read for me and I can’t wait for the second part.
I received an ARC copy from the publisher and Net Galley for an honest opinion.

Loved the plot and characters. Get ready to read until the wee hours of the morning because you won't be able to put the book down.

A Daughter’s Duty by Roberta Kagan
5 stars

How often do you get the opportunity to immerse yourself in a true literary treasure that seizes you and leaves you yearning for more?! This is what 5-star reviews are reserved for! A Daughter’s Duty vividly portrays where one’s self-sacrifice & inner strength paves the way for self-preservation & survival during precarious times which in turn becomes the destiny that forges the future for many to come.

Roberta Kagan’s A Daughter’s Duty is fast-paced, gritty, and riveting! It’s a coming of age, historical fiction where life & death, love & loss, and compassion & contempt intersect, takes you captive, renders then breaks your heart, and leaves you anticipating what will unfold from beginning to end. Although I generally appreciate historical fiction, this novel captivated me. It transformed me into a full-fledged 20th Century, early 1900’s, WWI era stories fan. This story is compelling and I cannot wait for the story to continue. This is an all-time favorite, must read!

The story is set in the backdrop of Germany during WWI. Greta Zolner is a hardworking but unappreciated, impoverished farmer’s daughter from a small German village whose only glimmer of joy and escape from her bleak & laborious existence is found in books, and her friendship with an older Jewish girl, Ruth, who works at the library. Greta lacks love & acceptance until she finds it in a kindhearted vegetable vendor, Hermann Weber, who she envisions a future with. Yet, as scarcity & uncertainty increases with war, Greta’s forced to become a dowry and sacrifice her future to secure financial stability for her family as she is chosen to marry the wayward son of a wealthy family, Ludwig Lang. In Berlin, Ludwig’s wounded pride & unconscionable actions have taken a man’s life, he’s left a young Jewish girl, Lily, without her fiancé who succumbs to his fatal injuries, and Lily wants Ludwig to suffer the price. Ludwig’s Father, Herr Lang, has arranged Ludwig’s marriage to Greta with the hope of producing a family heir to safeguard the family’s fortune & estate which Ludwig will receive without another inheritor in line. While lives are at stake due to war, Ludwig’s recklessness leaves Greta & Lily’s lives hanging in the balance.

I especially appreciated the lucid & accessible writing style which made it an easy & enjoyable read for the casual reader. The prologue immediately caught my attention, the storyline reeled me in, and the characters captivated me. The characters are well-rounded, realistic, and believable.

Greta’s exceptionally sympathetic due to her sacrifice & suffering coupled with her compassion & humanness which makes her relatable. Alongside Greta, Ruth & her Bubbie’s loving-kindness & humanity and Ella’s acceptance & honesty juxtaposed with Greta’s family’s cruelty & disregard and Ludwig’s vileness & depravity bring a balance between good & evil within the story. Honestly, all the characters are well-developed & memorable, but these few standout.

Greta & Lily’s stories worked well together. Although their lives & upbringing are vastly different, they each have love, but they are simultaneously & similarly impacted with loss once Ludwig enters the picture which merges & ties the story together. It flows and carries the story through seamlessly.

Overall, this intriguing historical fiction completely seized me and left me unable to cease flying through this luring, page-turning treasure. It captured my attention, kept me engaged, and left me yearning for more. Undoubtedly, this story is a thoroughly enjoyable read! This receives a glowing 5-stars!

“Believe me, all I want to do is to help you. Because I know in my soul that a time will come in the future, when you are going to help me and a lot of other people too.”

Finally, I’d like to give thanks to NetGalley, Book Whisperer, and Roberta Kagan for the pleasure of reading and reviewing this eARC.

What an amazing story of love and hardship against the backdrop of WW1 and its effect on German society. I loved the way all the strands came together. It has certainly set the scene well for the next book which I now can’t wait to read. Keep the stories coming, Roberta. Again you have given us just the right amount of detail so that we feel that we know the character and can place them in their respective settings. Once I started reading I couldn’t put the book down until I’d finished. Thanks to NetGalley and Book whisperer for the advance copy.

This is the first book in what seems like is going to be another great series by Roberta. I’m excited to see where this is going to go, what side characters are going to show up again, and what the main characters are going to do next! Thanks NetGalley & to the author for this early read. Anxious for the next book!

This book is an intriguing story and really captivated me. The characters are fascinating and it felt as though they are all being set up for a sequel. When the story ended I was left hanging with many questions as to what happens next. It didn't feel like a conclusion but instead the beginning of the next chapter in these people's lives.

A heartbreaking story taking place in the early 1900’s, when a woman had no voice. Well researched, characters that i loved. Roberta Kagan is one of my favorite authors. Highly recommend.

If you want to read a series of books that will never disappoint you then put Roberta Kagan on your list of authors to read. I've yet to read a book of hers that hasn't checked all the boxes for me and this first book in her new series is no different. Roberta Kagan has a unique ability to write fresh stories with authentic and amazing characters that take place during the same historical time frame. I will put aside whatever book I am reading when she releases a new one and hold my breath until the next. You will devour her stories like it's your last meal on earth! Thanks to NetGalley, this amazing author and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

This novel is an excellent read. So fast-paced, I couldn’t put it down. The beginning of the book is set in the country in Germany during World War I. Greta, the main character fulfills a daughter‘s duty to parents who never really loved her. She leaves the only home she ever knew and loved to go to Berlin, when she is married off into a wealthy family. It is her story to tell …of the life she makes for herself. Good over evil prevails. Roberta Kagan is always full of some twists and surprises. I can’t wait for Book 2.

Another amazing Roberta Kagan story, and the enchanting beginning to another series! I could hardly put this story down and I want book 2 now!