Ella’s Promise (Great War Great Love #3) by Ellen Gable
Story Summary: When she joins the war effort during the Great War, American nurse Ella Neumann doesn’t see allies or enemies. The daughter of German immigrants, Ella sees only human beings in need of care. A promise to herself and a promise made to her by an enemy officer become the catalyst for the life she plans to lead after the war. But a handsome Canadian soldier may complicate her plans. In this third installment of the Great War – Great Love series, join Ella in a tale of promises, betrayal and unconditional love.
Visit Full Quiver Publishing to learn more: https://www.fullquiverpublishing.com/our-publications/great-war-great-love-series-julias-gifts-by-ellen-gable/
Buy Link Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Ellas-Promise-Great-Love-Book-ebook/dp/B07Z5G6GT6/
Print: https://www.amazon.com/Ellas-Promise-Great-War-Love/dp/1987970055/
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48493901-ella-s-promise
Book 1 of the Great War Great Love Series: Julia’s Gifts: Available on Amazon
Book 2 of the Great War Great Love Series: Charlotte’s Honor: Available on Amazon
Excerpt
Ella’s head snapped up. She turned and saw that the lavatory door was still open. Where is Major Schmidt?
She stood up, then took mental attendance of the cots. The occupied cots all seemed occupied, even the major’s cot. But that couldn’t be. He couldn’t have finished his business in the lavatory and covered himself up and gone to sleep that quickly.
No, someone had left the barrack. A feeling of dread came over her, and she raced across the barrack to the back door. It was unlocked!
Ella pulled the door open and stepped outside into the warm spring evening air. She could just make out the silhouette of a soldier creeping along the side wall of the barrack.
“Excuse me, sir?” she called out loudly in German, her heart pounding. “Please step into the light.”
The man didn’t move.
“Sir? Step into the light so I may see who you are.”
Still no movement.
Instead of waiting for him to comply, she straightened, took a breath and walked toward him. It was only then that the man inched forward, a shadow on his face. She couldn’t see him, but she was certain it was Major Schmidt.
“I…uh…was…uh… just stepping out for some… fresh air,” he said in German, waving his hands.
Ella scowled. I don’t think so. She continued in German, “I don’t remember you asking for permission to come outside. You asked permission to go to the lavatory.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.”
“Well, I will remain with you while you finish breathing in the fresh air, then I will accompany you back into the barrack. You must understand that I will be reprimanded if I allow a POW soldier to be outside.” She paused. “Why did you unlock the door?”
The man smiled, but it seemed forced. Then he replied, this time in English, “I don’t remember unlocking it. I suppose I should just go with you back inside. I’ve had enough fresh air for the evening.”
“I should say so.”
This man had no German accent when he spoke English and certainly no English accent when he spoke German. His smooth voice sounded kind and gentle. Ah, yes, she remembered him: this was the man with the large birthmark on his shoulder.
***
Now what? He could run, but she would call the nearby guards to apprehend him. He tried to appear nonchalant, but he balled his fists in frustration. He’d have to wait until a future date and try again.
Garrett considered reaching for the gun tucked in his waistband. Collins had given it to him. He could use it to threaten her so he could escape.
The girl folded her arms across her chest, smiled, her foot tapping, waiting for him to comply. She was brave, but he was twice her size and could easily overpower her. He could knock her unconscious, leave her in the shadows and take off. She’d be reprimanded for letting him escape. She—the sweetest and most intelligent girl he’d ever met – would get in trouble because of him.
Strange that he’d never considered the repercussions for the person in charge when he had escaped the other POW camp. Truthfully, he’d never cared. Even so, this camp was one with little security. He should have known that this nurse would be so aware of everything going on around her.
He would have to contact Collins in the morning to inform him that it was not going to be as easy to escape this time. Until then, he would bide his time and do nothing.
Author Biography:
Ellen Gable is an award-winning author of ten books, editor, self-publishing book coach, speaker, publisher, NFP teacher, book reviewer, transcriptionist, and instructor in the Theology of the Body for Teens. Her books have been collectively downloaded 750,000 times on Kindle. Some of her books have been translated into Portuguese, Italian, Spanish, and French. The mother of five adult sons and grandmother to one cherished grandson, Ellen (originally from New Jersey) now lives with her husband of 37 years, James Hrkach, in Pakenham, Ontario, Canada.
Find Ellen at:
The Other Books in the Series:
Julia’s Gifts (Book #1 Great War Great Love) As a young girl, Julia began buying gifts for her future spouse, a man whose likeness and personality she has conjured up in her mind, a man she calls her “beloved.” Soon after the United States enters the Great War, Julia impulsively volunteers as a medical aid worker, with no experience or training. Disheartened by the realities of war, will Julia abandon the pursuit of her beloved? Will Julia’s naïve ‘gift scheme’ distract her from recognizing her true “Great Love?” From Philadelphia to war-torn France, follow Julia as she transitions from unworldly young woman to compassionate volunteer. Julia’s Gifts is now available in Italian and French and will soon be available in Portuguese and Spanish.
Charlotte’s Honor (Book #2 Great War Great Love) After receiving notification that her brother –and only relative – is killed in action during the Great War, 21-year-old Charlotte Zielinski enlists as a medical volunteer. She eventually begins working in the death ward of the field hospital near Soissons, France, holding dying men’s hands and singing them into eternity.
Dr. Paul Kilgallen is a Canadian surgeon working at the field hospital. During a siege by the enemy, everyone evacuates except for Paul and Charlotte, who volunteer to remain in the basement of the chateau to care for the critically ill soldiers. During those three days, Charlotte sees a side of Paul that very few have seen and finds herself falling in love with him. Before Paul leaves for the front, he abruptly tells her that he cannot love her, and it would be best to “forget him.” Just when the war is coming to a close, Charlotte is surprised by two events that are destined to change her life forever.
Translations:
Stealing Jenny is currently available in Portuguese, French, Italian and Spanish.
Julia’s Gifts is available in Portuguese, French, Italian and Spanish.
Charlotte’s Honor is available in Portuguese and Spanish.
In Name Only is available in Portuguese and (soon will be) in Italian.
A Subtle Grace will soon be available in Spanish.
Audible:
Stealing Jenny and Charlotte’s Honor are available on Audible. Julia’s Gifts will soon be on Audible, and In Name Only will be available on Audible before Christmas.
Virtual Book Tour Stops/Links
November 3 Carolyn Astfalk My Scribbler’s Heart Blog
November 4 Steven McEvoy Book Reviews and More
November 5 Theresa Linden
November 6 Therese Heckenkamp
November 7 Patrice MacArthur
November 8 Amanda Lauer
November 9 Sarah Reinhard
November 10 Jean Egolf
November 11 Lisa Mladinich
November 12 Leslea Wahl
November 13 Trisha Potter
November 14 The Yeoman Farmer, Christopher Blunt
November 15 Michael Seagriff
Advanced Reviews:
As with the other books in the series, Ella’s Promise gives readers a feel for what life was like during WWI—the prejudices, suffering, and the ugliness of war—while also showing the power of love through inspirational and courageous main characters. Throughout this story, Ella finds herself taking risks and making sacrifices to save lives—and also doing things she never imagined herself doing. An enjoyable read that fans of historical fiction are sure to love.
Theresa Linden, author of contemporary romance Anyone But Him
Ella‘s Promise is a story of love tested through war-time confusion and pain, enduring into a new hope for a better future.
A.K. Frailey, author of historical and science fiction novels
Readers will love this third installment of the Great War Great Love series with espionage, romance, faith and determination all set amidst the backdrop of wartime France.
Carolyn Astfalk, author of Ornamental Graces
After receiving news that her brother – and only relative – has been killed in action during the Great War, 21-year-old Charlotte Zielinski enlists as a medical volunteer. She eventually begins working in the death ward of the field hospital near Soissons, France, holding dying men’s hands and singing them into eternity.
Things Visible & Invisible 