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Move gently through the pages of this website to learn about the books I have written, to read reviews, and to hopefully join me on my eclectic writing journey.
Clouds Across the Sun Becoming a Movie!
Available on Amazon in e-book format and paperback at http://goo.gl/ODsC4Q
Contact Ellen directly for speaking engagements at Ellenb9815@bellsouth.net
Reviews: see more on Amazon and goodreads
5.0 out of 5 stars Every emotion except regret
Reviewed in the United States Verified Purchase
What an unexpected and delightful treat! On the surface, a Nazi spy thriller with more twists, turns and ravelings of loose ends than if Larry David wrote mysteries. But, like the millions murdered by the Nazis decades ago, the"non-Nazi" characters are so much more than foils. Ellen Brazer imbues them with life, passion, color, texture and emotion such that you'll feel you've known them for much of your life. So as not to list them all, suffice it to say you will experience every emotion - except regret for reading her "Kindle-swiping" masterpiece. For a story so woven in the fabric of death, it is ultimately a celebration of life.
5.0 out of 5 stars I highly recommend this book!
Reviewed in the United States Verified Purchase I am now rereading Clouds Across the Sun!! The first read was like eating a hot fudge sundae too fast...just devouring, and not really savoring each bite, just the initial yumminess. This second time, I really wanted to reach into the characters of Saul, Natan, David, Anna and Rebecca, and savor their very special relationship to the development of Jo, Aaron and Morgan's characters.This book will be reviewed with my Hadassah Chapter next month, and I look forward to discussing it with my friends. I can't wait to read Ms. Brazer's other books!
5.0 out of 5 stars beautiful Reviewed in the United States Verified Purchase
When I stop crying, maybe then I can review this beautiful book. The characters are wonderful and people I would love to meet. I would recommend this book and will now start reading her next book This is a new author for me and one I will read again and again.
5.0 out of 5 stars A book to read, love and remember Reviewed in the United Verified Purchase
loved this book. Although I wasn't sure from the beginning, I soon became so enraptured with the topic, the mystery, the love between the characters, their personal stories and how they overcame the pervasive historical tragedies, I soon could not put the book down. By the end, I was crying, smiling, and filled with joy at the new lives and family that they created.
goodreads review: Loraine Alcorn rated it it was amazing
I was able to read this wonderful book by Ellen Brazer titled Clouds Across the Sun and I'm so glad I did.The is historical fiction, but the story is so fascinating and compelling you will be wishing it was made into a movie more than once as I did. The Story starts out in Naples Florida 1951 where we meat Jotto Wells as a young girl. From there we are taken to many places, Ellen's detailed description of places like Israel-Vilnius, Poland are fantastic and I found this book to be unputdownable. I do not want to spoil the readers adventure by describing the story much because its the story itself that will grab and hold you. This story has everything from intrigue and conspiracy to romance and happy endings as we follow Jotto on her journy of self discovery. This story may be fiction but its truly believable fiction and I thought many times while reading, what if this had actually happened and that thought alone gave me shivers.
This story is so filled with interesting characters that it totally captures the imagination like few novels can do. This is one of my books that I will read over and over again just to experience the discovery and journey again and again .
Clouds Across the Sun is not only filled with factual information, its been so well researched as to be one of those rare novels that reads like history. This is the story of a devious plan to take over the United States by Hitler's most trusted comrades as he charges them to educate there children and elevate them to positions of power - Clouds Across the Sun is the story of one of these children Totally creative and superbly unique, It is a fantastic read for any history lover.
Clouds Across the Sun was a pre-production selection at the Cannes Film Festival.
Jewish Historical Fiction, Memoir, Biography.
Clouds Across the Sun http://goo.gl/ODsC4Q is the recipient of Hadassah’s prestigious Myrtle Wreath Award, an award previously won by Maya Angelou. The book was chosen at the Cannes Film Festival in France as a preproduction selection and is being made into a movie by Film Bridge International.
Summary for Clouds Across the Sun: Before the end of WWII, Hitler charged a group of his most trusted and brilliant comrades with a mission—educate your progeny and then elevate them to positions of power throughout the world. Steeped in fact and impeccably researched, Clouds Across the Sun is the story of just one of these children. Clouds Across the Sun Summary: Before the end of WWII, Hitler charged a group of his most trusted and brilliant comrades with a mission—educate your progeny and then elevate them to positions of power throughout the world. Steeped in fact and impeccably researched, Clouds Across the Sun is the story of just one of these children.
From Naples, Florida, New York City, and Washington D.C., to Israel and then the killing grounds of Vilnius, Poland (Lithuania) this story is one of great romance, discovery, redemption, and enlightenment as Jo Wells discovers her Jewish soul and unravels the intrigue surrounding a plan to take over the government of the United States.
And So It Was Written premiered as a bestseller on Amazon under Jewish Literature. http://goo.gl/TGLPW
Summary for And So It Was Written: Reimagining the second century, this historical saga is set in Rome and Israel, where we follow the life of two Jewish brothers. Livel is a brilliant scholar. Captured in Judea and enslaved in Rome he becomes the tutor for the sons of an aristocratic family. One student becomes his friend and the other his archenemy. Admired and respected, Livel is chosen as an apprentice to the greatest physician in the empire. Yet, despite his achievements, despite his falling in love, he never stops longing for his Jewish homeland and his people. In Judea, his brother, Masabala blames himself for Livel’s capture. His anger all consuming, he joins the Bar Kockba revolt.This is a true period of history, when the Jews defeat the mighty Roman army and rule Israel for three glorious years. An exceptional and revered commander, Masabala is chosen for a sacred and holy mission to unearth the Ark of the Covenant that holds the Ten Commandments. From triumph to defeat, this is a story of courage, conquest, familial loyalty, honor and love. Steeped in mystical spirituality and wonder, it is also a story that peers into the darkest abyss, showing man at his best and at his worst.
The Wondering Jew, My Journey into Judaism https://goo.gl/trVSeM Available in Audio version on Audible.com, iTunes and Amazon: goo.gl/VsYAr8
Summary for The Wondering Jew, My Journey into Judaism: It all began with a promise: a promise I made to my father, a promise that led me on a journey into the heart and soul of Judaism. The result is this book, filled with intensely personal stories that helped me unlock some of the complicated teachings that make Judaism such a difficult religion to understand. The reader will learn, in a very unique way, the basics of the Jewish religion: Torah, Hebrew Bible, the holidays and the traditions. You will laugh, you will cry, you will question as you are challenged to contemplate the mysteries of Judaism: angels and reincarnation, reward and punishment, good and evil. I hope you will join me on this journey of discovery and wonder.
I Am Meir’s brother https://amzn.to/3u4WgQZ is a biography of the celebrated research scientist, Eliezer (Eli) Huberman, and the relationship he had with his Israeli spymaster brother, Meir (Huberman) Dagan. In order to grasp the influences that turn ordinary people into extraordinary people, the story begins with Eli and Meir’s parents. The family, including two-year-old Eli, escape from Poland and the Nazi extermination in 1941, only to find themselves entrapped in the frozen tundra of a Russian work camp. Through resilience, ingenuity and determination that would be passed down to their sons, the parents survive. Meir is born at the end of the war on the family’s way back to Poland, where they are greeted with devastation and derision. By the time they finally book passage to the newly formed State of Israel, their Zionist father has firmly instilled in the psyches of his sons a fervent commitment to a Jewish homeland. Eli excels as a gifted and exceptional student. He serves in the IDF, participates in the various wars, receives a master’s degree in microbiology and a PhD, and draws international attention for his published papers on cancer research. Upon meeting Lily Ginzburg, a life-long love affair begins. A child prodigy pianist from Lithuania and the descendant of survivors, the book examines her family’s life during the war and the impact it has on her. She becomes the bedrock of Eli’s existence, birthing and raising two sons, while shielding and protecting her husband from daily distractions. Eli’s demeanor, insightfulness and genius would open doors into the rarefied corridors of the greatest research institutions in Israel, America and the world. Every day of his life is spent searching for cures, unraveling mysteries, sailing another unchartered course, each step, deliberate and insightful. There are incalculable successes and heartbreaking failures, accolades and dismissals. Through it all, he never quits and never stops believing in the unbelievable.
While Eli devotes himself to science, his younger brother, Meir Huberman Dagan, dedicates his life to the State of Israel. A zealot like his father, Meir rises through the ranks of the Israel Defense Forces, eventually becoming a Major General. He is appointed Director of the Mossad, the National Intelligence Agency in Israel. A hero known as the King of Shadows, Meir is disappointed when his brother leaves Israel for America. Knowing he is unable to protect Eli and his family from the possibility of a retaliatory assassination attempt, Meir resolves to keep their familial relationship a secret. As proud as he was of Eli, it was not until the end of his illustrious life that Meir definitively acknowledges that he has a brother. The title of this book is Eli’s way of telling the world how honored he is to say, I Am Meir’s Brother.
Hearts of Fire is the prequel and extended version of Clouds Across the Sun, the award-winning novel soon to be a major motion picture.
It is like watching the remake of a favorite movie, from a different point of view.
Summary for Hearts of Fire: Shadowing the lives of two families, Hearts of Fire begins with the Milch Twins. Raised in Berlin, Germany, they are classic products of poverty and abuse. Brilliant, handsome and despotic, one twin maneuvers his way into the twisted bowels of the Nazi inner circle. Simultaneously, we follow the life of a girl born into a pious Jewish family in Vilna, Poland. Gifted, beautiful and determined to become an actress, she makes the momentous decision to break with the traditions of her faith to pursue her dream. From pre-war Paris to post-war Russia, from the malaria-infested swamps of Israel to the greed-filled corridors of modern Washington, this historical saga is a story of duplicity and outrage, courage, termination, love and triumph.
Why Hearts of Fire is Being Reborn.
This was my first book, and it took ten years to write, even though it spent much of that time under my bed. Agents read the manuscript saying that in the year 2000, the book was too long and that people were no longer interested in Holocaust novels. Never mind that it was a backstory of that period. I self-published, brought it out in print only, and it did well. An agent then told me to use the same story, but to focus on a different time period and a different character. Clouds Across the Sun was the result, and I am humbled and honored to say that the book is being made into a movie. As Clouds Across the Sun began to gain readership and because of its similarity to Hearts of Fire, I decided to take it out of publication. Recently a professor friend, that I highly respect, who had read Clouds asked if she could read Hearts of Fire. I gave her a copy and after reading, she encouraged me to bring Hearts back into publication. And so I have. It will be available for the first time as an e-book on Amazon for $6.95 The print version will follow.
ADVANCE PRAISE FOR I AM MEIR'S BROTHER
PRE-RELEASE REVIEWS
- ADVANCE PRAISE FOR I AM MEIR’S BROTHER https://amzn.to/3u4WgQZ
I Am Meir’s Brother not only chronicles the story of brilliant scientist Eli Huberman and his multi-talented and ever-resourceful wife Lily, and that of legendary Mossad Director-General (2002-2010) Meir Dagan as seen through the eyes of his brother Eli; it is also an amazing story of survival and renewal of ones who barely escaped prosecution and the Holocaust, arriving in the nascent State of Israel and becoming part of its formation. The book is also about love of family, pride of country, truth to science, and some of the ways in which these align, and at times collide. Immensely readable and flowing, I am Meir’s Brother is a family history, intermittently moving and funny, disarmingly honest throughout. Start to finish, I found the book hard to put down.
Shulamit Ran,
Composer and recipient of the Pulitzer Prize in music
I Am Meir’s Brother gives the reader an honest and intriguing look into the life of an accomplished and respected scientist. Forthright in its portrayal of the sacrifices made when commitment overrides all else, I encourage you to read I Am Meir’s Brother not just for enjoyment but for insight into a world rarely shared.
Ilan Chet,
former President of the Weizmann Institute of Science,
recipient of the Rothschild Prize, Max-Planck Award, Israel Prize, Wolf Prize
Major General Meir Dagan was a legendary hero in the Israeli army. Meir's elder brother, Professor Eli Huberman, is the great scientist that our Jewish nation shared with the international science community. Meir Dagan and I served side by side in the IDF and were twin Brothers of choice, until his untimely death at the age of 71. Meir gave his life to the state of Israel. Eli is giving his life to science and his accomplishments have impacted the world. I have read this fascinating book, written by the author, Ellen Brazer, and I deeply respect her great achievement!
Major General (ret) Yosi Ben Hanan
Recipient of Israel’s Medal of Courage
The Best Book You Have Yet to Read
Reviews, Interview, Book Club Questions. Available on Amazon http://goo.gl/TGLPW
REVIEWS ON ELLEN’S SPEAKING PRESENTATIONS:
“… A born storyteller, Ellen Brazer transported my university students to another place and time. Her talk was both mesmerizing and inspiring. Over the course of the past decade, I have invited many well-known authors to share their words but none have elicited such interesting discussion nor have made such a strong impact. Ellen has a gift for bringing the past to life, weaving an authenticity of setting with rich multi-faceted characters. We are swept into another era and become part of what was.--
Dr. Anita Meinbach, Clinical Associate Professor, University of Miami, School of Education and Human Development Chair Jack and Harriet Rosenfeld Foundation Program in Jewish Education
“…Ellen is an award winning author of historical novels. She writes of the early centuries of this era, the transitional centuries that witnessed the emergence of rabbinic Judaism. She communicates as clearly as she writes, leaving her audiences entranced and curious enough to learn more.” --
Rabbi Mitchell Chefitz, BESTSELLING NY TIMES Author of The Seventh Telling and The Curse of Blessings
INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR
After writing Clouds Across the Sun, a book that is Holocaust related and moves into the 1970’s what made you want to write a story that takes place in the 2nd century?
I was reading the book Bar Kokhba by the famous Israeli archeologist, Yale Yadin. As I read the account and looked at the photographs taken in the cave he discovered in the Negev Desert it was as if some unseen hand was drawing me into the distant past. The photographs were somehow so familiar.
What did he discover?
There was a child’s linen shirt, a woman’s hand mirror, vials of perfume, a cache of coins engraved with the symbols of Judaism: a menorah, grapes, a harp. Some of the coins had a depiction of a Temple, a depiction that looked nothing like the First or Second Temple. They also found letters, a stack of 10 Papyri signed by Bar Kokhba, the man declared the Messiah of the Jewish people. These letters had been left undisturbed for 2,000 years! Bar Kokhba was the man who led a Jewish army against Rome and defeated the Empire. Under his leadership the Jews ruled Israel for three years.
What was your motivation to take the enormous challenge of creating a fictional story based on such obscure information?
Bar Kokhba is a folk hero in Israel yet most American Jews have never even heard his name mentioned. That was my motivation. To tell the story of my people. To break the image that we were not warriors but a people who had been led like sheep to their death in the Concentration Camps. Two thousand years ago we were warriors just as we are today! I want to take my reader into the story and to fold them into the past as easily as they turn a page.
What is your favorite part of writing historical fiction? Who are some of your characters?
I love giving a voice and personality to real historical people. In my research I surmised that Bar Kokhba must have been a charismatic leader for tens of thousands of men to come to fight beside him. In my book I have Julius Galen, the father of medicine. I give him a brilliant and beautiful daughter who is headstrong and determined to become a surgeon. The men in my novel fall in love with her!
Where does the story take place and who are the main characters?
The story takes place in Rome and in Israel. It is the story of two sets of brothers. The brothers in Israel are the sons of a beloved rabbi. One brother is so brilliant he has memorized the Five books of Moses by time he is thirteen. The other brother wants only to join Bar Kokhba’s army. The brilliant brother is taken as a slave to Rome to become the tutor for half-brothers, sons of a Roman Senator. Half-brothers who hate each other.
Reviews:
True inspiration has guided Ellen Brazer in this incredible novel. History and fiction are successfully woven together along with spirituality, intrigue and romance. Rabbi Marc Philippe
“ … I could almost see the characters of your book, hiding in the crevices of the rocks in the desert of Judea and Ein Gedi. The book you wrote is really a gift to the people of Israel, so there is no doubt you are some of the messiah breeze. .May God bless your hands as you continue to write books and bring a smile and emotional longing, on our way to a world of peace and love.”
-- Rabbi Ariel Joshua Louis, Torah scribe, Tel Aviv, Israel
A fantastic story of two brothers, their love for each other midst the conflict of Rome and Isreal, By mitch -This is a fantastic book about the history of Rome, Israel and how love between family can remain stronger than any conflict. The tale weaves itself across continents in the time of major hope and strife. The way the author describes the history, religion and landscape, make you feel as if you there. The story captivates you at the very beginning and keeps you enthralled till the very end. An excellent read for any true book enthusiast.
5.0 out of 5 stars
This review is from: And So It Was Written (Paperback)
The strengths of And So It Was Written are many and varied. It is truly suspenseful. Characters and setting, including material culture, are handled with authority, as long as we remember that the book is not history, but rather based on history with imaginative leaps in the service of story-telling.
The contrast between the monotheistic religion of the Jews and the Roman polytheistic world view provides a provocative undercurrent. The thirst for knowledge shared by the exemplary characters and the yearning for matching destiny with identity probed within almost every character relate to eternal issues as relevant today as they were in the past that Mrs. Brazer embroiders.
In her fictional delineation of striking individuals, families, and nations, Ellen Brazer gives readers much with which to identify. In following the threads of her "what if" premise, she entertains, teaches, and teases. "Could this be?" we wonder. Each reader will have his or her answer, but the process of questioning is really the novel's power and reward. [review excerpted from FLORIDA WEEKLY]
Review on And So It Was Written, By Beverly
Thoroughly enjoyed And So It Was Written. Ellen Brazer artfully takes the reader back into Biblical history at the time of Bar Kokhba in the year of 132 CE. She weaves fiction and history in a novel about love and devotion, family, honor and belief. Readers will be captivated by the way in which Brazer uses Biblical history to develop her characters and build an engaging and compelling story. A good read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction.5.0 out of 5 stars
An historic travel back in time., By babs12 -
Unlike Ellen Brazen's previous book Clouds Across the Sun, which could be characterized as a holocaust book, And So It Was Written goes back hundreds of years to a period of Jewish history which most of us know nothing about. The story of two brothers separated during the period of time when Rome's rule was as far reaching as Judea, draws us in so quickly that we can't wait to find out how, and under what circumstances, they will see each other again. I can't wait to see what new stories Ms. Brazer dreams up for us to read.
And So It Was Written, By beachmama -
So impressive in depth of research, developing characters, descriptive narrative and compelling story. Kept me deeply involved with Masabala and Livel from page to page. Hope you are developing the next book on what happens to this family. To be reading this while shelling from Gaza was going into Israel was especially powerful-Jews yet again - and still - threatened for their very existence.
The author's detailed descriptions brought me into the story. It was evident that she had done extensive research into the life and times. Her style of writing drew me in. I enjoyed how she wrote the chapters from the individual character's perspective, which also kept my interest. I enjoy historical novels and this gave me a flavor into this period in history.
This review is from: And So It Was Written (Kindle Edition)
I've read the other excellent reviews about this book, and agree with every single one. This story captured my imagination and my heart. I found myself literally crying for the tragedies and cheering for the triumphs. Ellen's vivid descriptions and in depth characterizations drew me in completely. Not being Jewish, there were many references that were unfamiliar to me, yet it added to the authenticity and impact of the story. I especially loved the women characters ...from the gentle yet strong mothers, to the impetuous and determined wives and lovers, all of whom had unconditional love for the significant men in their lives. I found myself identifying with the doubts, guilts, and regrets, as well as the victories, vindications, and triumphs of the characters. This story transcends religions, genders, and time itself. It's a story of humanity.... in all its pain and glory. I strongly recommend it!
Engrossing historical fiction, This review is from: And So It Was Written (Paperback)
Even better than her last book Clouds Across the Sun, Ellen Brazer's And So It Was Written transports the reader back almost 2000 years to Jerusalem and Rome. Her story of two sets of brothers and their families drew me in and I wanted to find out what was going to happen to each character. I could identify with their struggles, desires, and feelings. Meanwhile, I learned so much about a time that was unfamiliar to me. The history was woven into the story and her style made for quick reading. I would definitely recommend this book.And so it was read and thoroughly enjoyed...!!, RuthF
This review is from: And So It Was Written (Kindle Edition) By nurse helene -
After reading and loving every page of "Clouds Across The Sun", I couldn't wait until Ellen Brazer's next book...and once again, it is a winner. Not being a fan of history, but a huge fan of historical fiction, this book takes the reader through the sands of ancient times, after the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, with beautifully crafted characters. Having visited Israel several times, I was able to imagine the places Masabala, Livel, Sarah and Arria lived, and struggled.
This book had a bit of everything I love in a read; Judaism, romance, and medicine. Although historical, the reader does not get bogged down or overwhelmed. I highly recommend this book!!
And So It Was Written captures the essence of emerging surgical knowledge portrayed through Galen, the first recorded physician, his daughter and his pupils. Brazer accurately and vividly describes the thrill and commitment of learning medicine. Doctor Susan Baker
Is this really fiction?, By Terry Heller (Englewood, CO USA)A story of family, loyalty, treachery, jealousy and hope. Moving between Judea and Rome, this is biblical historical fiction at its best. You will come away from it with more knowledge of the time period, get to know interesting characters, and have some questions of your own of whether this is really fiction or could it have happened. I couldn't put it down!
September 6, 2012 By Marjorie Goldberg (Key Biscayne and Westport Ct. )Once I began reading Ellen Brazer's new book, And So It Was Written, I could not put it down. This is not the type of book I usually read, I am not a lover of historical fiction but this book was different. I got involved with the characters, I cared about them! I learned so much, getting lost in what was fact and what was fiction. I loved this book and recommend it without hesitation.
"And So it Was Written" is the third book written by Florida author,Ellen, Brazer. It is her best work ever, demonstrating hours and hours of in depth research into early Judaism. The character descriptions are thorough and so life-like that you feel like you know each one intimately. This book is filled with emotional highs and lows, both of which keep the reader fully engaged. I could not put the book down for long as I kept waiting to see what would happen next. Do not miss the opportunity to read this treasure. Sherry Gold (West Chester, PA USA)
Robert Sunshine And So It Was Written: This is a fabulous book. Be aware though, when you'll start reading this book you won't be able to put it down. It is so captivating, you'll want to go through it. It is a very well written fiction historical book. If you have few free hours, just grab it. Even if you don't have extra time, treat yourself to something great. Read it!!!
sundocr And So It Was Written is a most enjoyable book with a story line grounded in history and characters which evoke the gamut of emotions. Imagining a scenario of a Third Temple, the author builds interest and excitement in the interactions between two sets of brothers, Roman and Jewish. From the horrors of enslavement to the joys of love and professional growth, the author weaves a tale of hope which permeates the narrative. Looking forward to the next novel from this gifted author!
Carole And So It Was Written: 128CE-134CE---not a time in history that I remember learning much about. Ellen Brazer's research into that time period is so phenomenal and informative. Her ability to transfer our lives back to that time makes us part of her story. We feel for, and care so much for, the brothers, their parents, extended families and friends. The characters are so deeply developed that we are immediately a part of their lives. The story is a page turner, and I couldn't wait to turn each page. Each adventure pulls us deeper and deeper into the family. We hurt during the battles; we cry with all the suffering; and we rejoice with the strengths and determination of each person. I recommend that everyone find the time to enjoy this wonderful book.
Jesse Kimmel-Freeman And So It Was Written - I'd like to start by saying that I do not usually read religious books. In fact, I avoid them- like the plague. I don't want to have any religion pushed on me while I'm trying to enjoy a story. That being said, when Ellen approached me to review her book, I didn't hesitate. She sent me the blurb and some info and I agreed. Maybe it's because my mom was Jewish (thus making me Jewish in the religion) or maybe I just liked the story idea. Whatever the reason was, I was drawn to the book. The book itself is amazing! Ellen has done her research. I love the characters. You feel for the brothers, you feel their emotions as things happen. You feel for their parents- oh, how I wanted to hug their mom. This book take the reader through the wringer man. Oh, and Tillie! Why? It is so truthful and true, but hurts the reader's very soul! Ellen has done a fantastic job of using the right amount of religion/tradition in the book. It enhances the story without trying to detract from the story or push the Jewish tradition. There is a depth to the characters that isn't easily achieved and you want to know what happens to them. By the time you get to the end, you can only hope that everything turns out as it should! As an avid reader, I read a lot and books of this well-crafted, well-researched nature do not come along too often! I highly recommend it to anyone that is willing to read a book about a different culture and viewpoint (or maybe it's your traditions that you're reading about). It is an EXCELLENT read!
Book Club Questions
How is this story relevant today?
Who did you find the most interesting or unique character?
Is there one character that stands out above the others/why?
Did the book end the way you expected?
Could this story have ended differently or would you have preferred a different ending?
Would you like to meet any of the characters? Did you like them/ hate them?
Is the setting important to the story?
Did you feel like you were actually experiencing a different time/place?
What are some important themes running through the story?
*Read last paragraph in the Epilogue on page 325. It asks, “As for a Third Temple, you decide. “
What do you think? Could this really have happened?
An Introduction to Judaism, Angels and Reincarnation
Angels and Reincarnation have been great topics for book clubs and organizations. Available on Amazo
I felt the flame of illumination in this book. The words of The Wandering Jew portray the gentle and kind soul of the author. I believe Ellen Brazer is truly a part of the Messiah breeze. ——Rabbi Ariel Elisheva Louis, Israel Scribe of Masada. T
5.0 out of 5 stars Learned So Much Verified Purchase
As a young girl, I did not have a strong education in Judaism. I tend to be a cynic. In other words, if I don't see and understand it, I may reject it. . I have had many questions and The Wondering Jew helped to answer many of those questions. I shared it with my daughter and teen-age granddaughter who were about the celebrate the High Holidays with little knowledge of what they were truly celebrating. I thank Ellen Brazer for enlightening us.
The book was written in language that was informal with references and quotes that were relevant for me. I learned, I pondered, and there are still questions in my mind, but I hope to hear Ms Brazer speak at a Book & Author event to learn even more. I suggest that people who want to learn more about Jewish dogma and traditions, read this book.
Judijudi65 5.0 out of 5 stars Very entertaining Verified Purchase
I have read Ellen's other books and enjoyed them. When I saw she had published this book I decided to read it and am glad I did. She describes her personal journey in a serious but light hearted way. She gives the reader an abbreviated history of the Jewish people that would be interesting to all faiths. I enjoyed this book and it just reaffirms the pride I have in being Jewish. Thanks Ellen!
larry 5.0 out of 5 stars The Wondering Jew provides a beautiful journey into learning about Judaism and establishing a connection .Verified Purchase
The Wondering Jew provides a beautiful journey into learning about Judaism and establishing a connection with both the religion and the author. The book provides a personal insight into the author's life and commitment to her religion. One doesn't have to be Jewish to understand the author's message. The book is honest and reveals the soul of the author. I highly recommend this book. It will enlighten your spirituality on so many different levels. Ellen Brazer makes the Jewish holidays stand out and become so much more memorable.
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5.0 out of 5 stars A Journey Worth Sharing
Reviewed in the United States Verified Purchase
Ellen Brazer has written an account of her journey into Judaism that is intelligent, scholarly and yet infinitely approachable. The personal and conversational tone of her writing is at once instructive and comforting. Ms. Brazer opens mindful gateways to the reader- holding us close to accompany her on her journey with ample room to explore ones own religious beliefs. Her voice is the most charming of teachers.
5.0 out of 5 stars excellent and intriguing read
Reviewed in the United States on verified Purchase
This an excellent read. The outline of the bible and personal perspectives put a new light on a very important story. Ellen makes the read extremely enjoyable and you even learn when you are not expecting.
Why Hearts of Fire is Being Re-born
Hearts of Fire is available on Amazon in an e-book
The Author is available for speaking engagements on Zoom and when it is safe, in person. She can be reached at ellenb9815@bellsouth.net.
RE-EDITED
Why Hearts of Fire is Being Reborn.
This was my first book, and it took ten years to write, even though it spent much of that time under my bed. Agents read the manuscript saying that in the year 2000, the book was too long and that people were no longer interested in Holocaust novels. Never mind that it was a backstory of that period. I self-published, brought it out in print only, and it did well. An agent then told me to use the same story, but to focus on a different time period and a different character. Clouds Across the Sun was the result, and I am humbled and honored to say that the book is being made into a movie. As Clouds Across the Sun began to gain readership and because of its similarity to Hearts of Fire, I decided to take it out of publication. Recently a professor friend, that I highly respect, who had read Clouds asked if she could read Hearts of Fire. I gave her a copy and after reading, she encouraged me to bring Hearts back into publication. And so I have. It will be available for the first time as an e-book on Amazon for $6.95 The print version will follow.
Hearts of Fire is the prequel and extended version of Clouds Across the Sun, the award-winning novel soon to be a major motion picture. Reading this book is like watching the remake of a favorite movie, from a different point of view. Summary for Hearts of Fire: Shadowing the lives of two families, Hearts of Fire begins with the Milch Twins. Raised in Berlin, Germany, they are classic products of poverty and abuse. Brilliant, handsome and despotic, one twin maneuvers his way into the twisted bowels of the Nazi inner circle. Simultaneously, we follow the life of a girl born into a pious Jewish family in Vilna, Poland. Gifted, beautiful and determined to become an actress, she makes the momentous decision to break with the traditions of her faith to pursue her dream. From pre-war Paris to post-war Russia, from the malaria-infested swamps of Israel to the greed-filled corridors of modern Washington, this historical saga is a story of duplicity and outrage, courage, termination, love and triumph.
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Hearts of Fire is the prequel and extended version of Clouds Across the Sun
Ellen is available for speaking engagements and can be reached at ellenb9815@bellsouth.net