The Danish War Bride published in Danish - thank you for the warm reception.

Welcome and thank you for being here. Historical fiction is my passion, and I'm dedicated to giving voice to those who have been overlooked, with a focus on women's stories.

The book The Danish War Bride was inspired by 150 letters my grandmother wrote to her mother between 1948 and 1960. I realized how little I knew about my grandmother's life before she was a grandmother, and about women of her generation. The women's lives were irrevocably shaped by their experiences during World War II. Their courage, their willpower, and their sacrifices were immense. Considering these topics and studying women's lives, I saw a pattern.

Research shows that post-World War II, over 100,000 European women wed soldiers. Leaving behind their entire lives, they boarded "bride ships" to join their husbands in America. Few were from Denmark, but my grandmother was one of them. I was surprised to discover that these women were an undocumented part of Danish literature. I had to write that story!

My "child, The Danish war bride, has left the nest, and I'm so thankful for your warm welcome. I am delighted to read your feedback, including:

"You have written an absolutely fantastic debut novel. I was captivated from start to finish, and I loved Kirsten, whom you depict as a relatable and captivating protagonist. I am already looking forward to the next two books in the trilogy... please hurry up and write them asap!"

Camilla Jespersen

Please continue to share your reading experiences, I am touched and grateful. Moreover, your thoughts offer valuable feedback on what aspects of my writing are successful.

The Danish War Bride needs as much attention as possible to attract more readers, so I'd be very grateful if you could leave a review and rating on Saxo and Mofibo. I am very grateful for your support in advance.

I was studying Nordic Philology and History for my MA at Copenhagen University, with no idea of what the future held. After working, reading, and learning for the last fifteen years, I have dreamed of writing novels. The blending of my passion for language with my passion for history represents a dream fulfilled.

Many more things are coming, and I can't wait to share them with you. My current project is the sequel to The Danish War Bride. The reader is introduced to Kirsten's experiences in America, tracking her journey across military bases with her husband from 1948 to 1954, starting in Texas, then Delaware, and finally Michigan. At this time, the South and North had major cultural differences, most notably in their views on segregation and gender roles. We also follow Kirsten's family in Denmark, where the effects of the postwar years and the influence of American culture are emerging.

Next month's newsletter will not only cover some exciting social events but also delve into my writing process, providing updates on my thoughts and research as the story unfolds.

Are you drawn to a specific topic or do you have a favorite time period you love to read about? What captivates you when you read a book? Have you read The Danish War Bride? What struck you about reading the novel? If you still have not read the book, you can buy it at Saxo and Byens Forlag.

For audiobook fans, Christine la Cour's beautiful, soft voice narrates The Danish War Bride via Mofibo.

In the meantime, I will continue working on the sequel to The Danish War Bride. I am excited to update you on my progress.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. We connect through stories, and I'm glad to share mine.

Warmly,

Desiree

PS Next newsletter, I will be sharing a picture that was the inspiration behind one of the most vital chapters in The Danish War Bride. Stay tuned 😊.