*I read an eARC of this book. This does not affect my review. This review is voluntary.*

I had the blessed honor to read this one early, and ya'll, you don't want to miss this one if you enjoy Historical Fiction, WWI era stories, Russian/regional history, and an unforgettable found family with a precious slow-burn to boot! I loved these characters from the opening pages, literally from the first 'meeting' I knew I was going to adore this cast!

I wasn't wrong, and I can easily say this is one of my favorite reads of 2022 and one of the 2023 releases I'm most excited about! I just happened upon this one, and knew I couldn't pass the opportunity to read it, and am so very glad I did! I haven't read many WWI reads, and have yet that really told it with a more Russian-centric focus, both things that I loved about this one, and I adored getting to see it from the perspective of yet another side, that of the Czechoslovakia Legion a group that made their mark on history, but is rarely talked about only a century later. (Wow, a hundred years sounds so long, but our daily lives are still affected and made possible by events that happened during both WWI & WWII, time is such a fascinating thing!)

This book deals with themes of war but also deals with some other sensitive topics that might not be suitable for all. There's a brief instance of attempted assault early on, and another instance later that we as the reader know happened, but is never detailed or shown but is talked about briefly as the survivor questions their worth/future after facing such horrors.

Throughout the book, we are met with beautiful reminders and themes of love, hope, family, friendship, and a longing for a better future. I loved meeting Filip and his friends, and getting to know Nadia as well! The tone and atmospheric writing used in the story is absolutely breathtaking and I loved it for this story! It fit the themes and era so well, and kept me reading late into the night!

Merged review:

*I read an eARC of this book. This does not affect my review. This review is voluntary.*

I had the blessed honor to read this one early, and ya'll, you don't want to miss this one if you enjoy Historical Fiction, WWI era stories, Russian/regional history, and an unforgettable found family with a precious slow-burn to boot! I loved these characters from the opening pages, literally from the first 'meeting' I knew I was going to adore this cast!

I wasn't wrong, and I can easily say this is one of my favorite reads of 2022 and one of the 2023 releases I'm most excited about! I just happened upon this one, and knew I couldn't pass the opportunity to read it, and am so very glad I did! I haven't read many WWI reads, and have yet that really told it with a more Russian-centric focus, both things that I loved about this one, and I adored getting to see it from the perspective of yet another side, that of the Czechoslovakia Legion a group that made their mark on history, but is rarely talked about only a century later. (Wow, a hundred years sounds so long, but our daily lives are still affected and made possible by events that happened during both WWI & WWII, time is such a fascinating thing!)

This book deals with themes of war but also deals with some other sensitive topics that might not be suitable for all. There's a brief instance of attempted assault early on, and another instance later that we as the reader know happened, but is never detailed or shown but is talked about briefly as the survivor questions their worth/future after facing such horrors.

Throughout the book, we are met with beautiful reminders and themes of love, hope, family, friendship, and a longing for a better future. I loved meeting Filip and his friends, and getting to know Nadia as well! The tone and atmospheric writing used in the story is absolutely breathtaking and I loved it for this story! It fit the themes and era so well, and kept me reading late into the night! ( )

"God is always there, even when it's too dark to see him."

I loved this Russian tale of love and bravery in the face of grave danger!

This book will have you reaching for your tissues often.
The characters will have you rooting for them as they fight for independence and a free nation of their own against a brutal Communist regime in the harsh winter climate of Russia.

This fight is known by several names: The Great War, the Czechoslavakian War, and the Russian Civil War (although like our own "Civil" War, there was really nothing civil about it.)

The faith thread was strong yet subtle in this book, and it was written perfectly. Here's another great quote from the author-

"Faith took effort, but it also gave, in comfort, in perspective, in hope."

The content warning in the front of the book was correct also.
Different atrocities committed during time of war are featured, but nothing is over the top, inappropriate or over-dramatized. There is a character that is gang-raped, but it happens off the page. I appreciate the way the way the author writes with care and tact even when she's writing about heavy issues.
I wouldn't recommend this to young readers, but I would to adult ones.

I received a complimentary paperback copy of this book from the publisher through Interviews and Reviews. A positive review was not required of me, and the thoughts above are my own. ( )

“Maybe all the darkness makes it easier to recognize the light.” A.L. Sowards is one of my favorite historical fiction authors who really makes history come alive. A Waltz with Traitors is perhaps one of her best works. It’s an instant classic that sweeps the reader back in time to the early 1900’s during Russia’s upheaval and WWI. She weaves a beautiful, tragic tale around the true story of the Czechoslovakian Legion, who were hoping to march to France to join the allies and gain independence for their homeland. It’s a story of love, loss, and faith as two unlikely people enter a marriage of convenience while facing the brutalities of war amidst freezing Russian winters.

Czech soldier Filip Sedlak, along with many others, has put his lot in with the Russians. Their goal is to take over and control the Russian railroad which stretches across the expanse of the empire. Fighting against the Bolsheviks, saboteurs, and even their own allies to secure their way across Russia makes for never a dull moment as each stretch of train track brings new danger and worries.

When he meets Nadia, she’s on the run after witnessing the deaths of her entire family. As an aristocrat, her life is forfeit if caught. Filip tries to save her the only way he knows how, by offering her a sham marriage that will be annulled once she reaches the safety of Ukraine. But along the way, they begin to realize despite their differences, that they care for each other and both want the marriage to be real. As with any good Slavic story, the road to happiness is fraught with tragedy and danger and this is true for Fillip and Nadia. They must overcome nearly insurmountable odds to find hope and love.

I absolutely loved Nadia! She is a true heroine who endures so much. Through it all, she never loses hope or her faith despite the awful things she goes through. Filip is a brave, courageous man who easily falls for the beautiful Nadia. He is so kind and thoughtful of her, but isn’t secure enough in himself to believe she could love him. I loved when they waltzed together and found simple things to enjoy when they were together and Filip was not off fighting. Without saying too much, my heart ached for them both during some of their trials. Be assured though, this is not the typical Russian tragedy, and there is a hopeful ending.

The author’s meticulous attention to detail and historical accuracy makes this a thoroughly interesting, hard to put down read. While she takes special care to include only enough detail for the reader to understand what’s going on, she doesn’t shy away from the tragedies of war. Those sensitive to assault, miscarriage, and violence may want to read the author’s note at the beginning.

I found myself thinking about this book long after reading it. Highest of recommendations to this amazing historical fiction masterpiece and encourage anyone who enjoys history to read this. The author includes maps, vocabulary guides, and a wonderful author’s note at the end that was particularly interesting. This is definitely one you’ll want to put on your must read list. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review. ( )

“We just wanted to go home. The rest was forced on us.”

Set mainly in Russia in 1918 amidst the Revolution and the ending of WWI, this fascinating book details little known historical events involving the Czechoslovak Legion and their fight to get home and have a land of their own. With obvious impeccable research and rich historical detail, author A. L. Sowards has penned a riveting story of history and romance. Colorful, carefully-drawn characters pulled me right into this tale and kept me intrigued to the end. Nadia is a Russian aristocrat who narrowly escapes with her life as her family is killed by the Bolsheviks. She is rescued by Filip and his friends from the Czechoslovak Legion who are struggling to get across Russia and make their way home. Nadia and Filip enter into a sham marriage in order to protect her.

“Maybe all the darkness makes it easier to recognize the light.”
“God is always there, even when it’s too dark to see Him.”

With plenty of suspense, action, history, and a dollop of romance, this book is a good example of why I love historical fiction. I get to learn about historical events while enjoying a great story. The maps and glossary were very helpful in understanding what was going on and where the events took place, while the author’s notes in the back added interesting information. This is a well-written book which has earned a place on my keeper shelf. I’ll be looking forward to more from this author in the future.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Covenant Communications through Interviews & Reviews. All opinions are my own. ( )