Copyright Helena P. Schrader

Helena P. Schrader

stopping Russian Aggression  with Milk, Coal and Candy Bars....

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

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


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.

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.