Copyright Helena P. Schrader
Helena P. Schrader
Winner of Bronze in the 2024 Global Book Awards,
20th Century Fiction
Winner of a Maincrest Media Award, Military Fiction
WINNER of A BRAG MEDALLION
Honorable Mention, Historical Fiction Company Awards2024
stopping Russian Aggression with Milk, Coal and Candy Bars....
The Book Commentary writes:
"The novel is meticulously researched, deftly melding historical events with fictional characters to create a rich and immersive narrative."
"While this is a historical narrative, it delivers resonant themes and offers a setting that is as transporting as it is detailed...
[Cold War] delights from the descriptive prose and the complex characters to the vividly drawn setting." Read full review.
The Historical Fiction Company awards "Cold War" 5-Stars.
"Cold War is an incredible historical fiction novel giving readers detailed insight into how life was like in postwar Germany. Readers are drawn in through intricate and multilayered storylines, relatable characters as well as through harrowing descriptions of the circumstances of that time period." Read full review.
Three 5-Star Reviews from Readers' Favorite
Key excerpts from each:
"...an epic novel that delves into the human experience and belongs in the same conversation with classics like Casablanca and Das Boot. ...
Cold War is a captivating, well-paced tale perfect for fans of historical fiction and an ideal example of what good people can achieve despite the odds." -- Gaius Konstantine
“ … a deeply moving and educational novel …”
“The historical accuracy and emotional depth work in a fantastic balance with the interesting and harrowing twists of the plot…” K.C. Finn
“… [Schrader] seamlessly blends known historical events and people with fictional characters so that only when you read the notes at the end do you understand who was real and who was a literary creation.”
“The author’s descriptive writing allows us to feel the tension and fear of landing on a foggy runway with only instruments and a friendly voice to guide them.” Grant Leishman
Blue Ink Starred Review: "Immensely rewarding"
"Schrader's plotting and pacing draw the readers deeply into her story. Her research into this period is impeccable; some real-life historical figures central to the project appear, which will delight history buffs.
... [A]ny fan of historical fiction (or well-crafted literary fiction) will find Cold War immensely rewarding -- and eagerly await the sequel.
BERLIN 1948. A city under siege.
More than two million people must be supplied by air -- or starve. The defeated population of a broken empire are dependent on the generosity of their former enemies.
Kit and J.B. once risked their lives to drop high explosives on the city. They are about to fly in milk, flour and children’s shoes instead. Meanwhile two women pilots and a black American nurse are desperately trying to rescue malnourished and abandoned children by flying them to freedom in the West.
Based on historical events, award-winning novelist Helena P. Schrader delivers an insightful, exciting and moving tale that describes how former enemies became friends in the face of Russian aggression — and how close the Berlin Airlift came to failing under the assault of “General Winter.”
Feathered Quill Writes:
"... danger, suspense, intrigue, passion, good versus evil, and battles. In other words, Cold War possesses all the components needed for a successful historical novel very much like that of Casablanca, The Best Years of Our Lives...and a slew of other films.... [In Cold War] the women get equal 'screentime' and readers can get a good taste of what it meant to be a woman during this most difficult time in world history. ... Just as much as it is historical, Dr. Schrader's novel is a covert commentary on what is happening today and our need to be better humanitarians." Read full review.
Bridge to Tomorrow
A Novel of the Berlin Airlift
Book II: Cold War
BookTrib: 'War and Peace of the Berlin Airlift"
"Insightful and Exciting Military Thriller Leaves Readers Hungry for More"
"Delivering another fraught and compelling climax, Schrader will make reader pant for the concluding volume, Cold Victory, to see how this courageous band of freedomfighters fare with the dread approach of General WInter in the waning days of 1948.
This is a trilogy worth the reader's time, attention and emotional investment. With Cold War, Schrader is well on her way to writing the War and Peace of the Berlin Airlift." Read full review
IndieReader awards "Cold WAR" 4.9 Stars -- calls it a "tour-de-force"
"Helena P. Schrader's ... meticulously researched novel COLD WAR: A Novel of the Berlin Airlift, tells a compelling story of both mega-sized action-adventures and intimate, heartbreaking moments." Read full review.
Maincrest Media: "...powerful, harrowing and thought-provoking"
"Schrader delivers a narrative rich with historical precision and cinematic depth. Schrader's writing is powerful, harrowing and thought-provoking.
"However, what truly distinguishes Cold War from other books in its genre is its ability to remain historically accurate while being highly relevant today. By integrating themes of bravery, resilience and unity against a common enemy, the book highlights the ongoing need for compassion and cooperation in our increasingly divided world."
"[Cold War] not only retells history but putsyou in the cockpit, on the tarmac, and in the streets of a divided city fighting for its soul. Readers looking for a candid yet inspiring depiction of strength and courage in the face of adversity, will find Cold War meets the mark on all accounts."
Maincrest Media
Kirkus Review states:
"A carefully researched and accessible novel about a pivotal operation in postwar Germany."
"...Schrader is able to take readers into virtually every aspect of the drama... She peppers her cast with intriguing characters... Still, the power of the book is in how a true sense of humanity prevails." Read full review.