Dear Jane,
I had to email straight away to tell you that I finally finished the second of your books this morning. I found myself wiping tears from my face and didn't know why they were there - I cannot properly describe the feeling, only that I have always had a longing to know about the lives and history of that part of the world - the world of my ancestors. Your books seem to put some of that history into place along with the wonderful family story (though mainly ficticious) that went with it.
My grandmother had always instilled in us her wonderful and strong feelings for her homeland. It seems your grandmother has done this with you also. At the end of the story you mentioned the special Christmas celebration - that brought back many wonderful memories of traditional German Christmases.
My great-grandfather worked for the court or judicial system. He was moved to different towns and the administration was from Celle. I can relate to a lot of the places and names you mentioned in your book.
You mentioned the birth of Napolean at the end of your second book. >From my history research I have found that an ancestor from Bederkesa (north east of Bremen) had French soldiers living with him for 11 years during that period when Napoleon occupied Germany. My ancestor apparently was very unhappy about their occupation, although I should imagine it would be very difficult having unwanted guests for 11 years. I look forward to reading your book relating to Germany during that period.
You are very fortunate to have those stipendiums and genealogy charts in your family and I am so pleased you have written such wonderful stories inspired by them to help us learn some more of the history of Germany. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR SHARING YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND FAMILY.
Please let me know when your next book is available.
Warm regards
Marlene
Brisbane, Australia