When The Bird Sings

What do you do when your own beloved country is being shackled by the occupation of your most generous customers? After five years of running from the dirty secrets of her past and the Resistance fighter whose love she feels she will never deserve, Helene finds herself faced with an impossible choice: stand with the newly established power that supports her lifestyle or surrender everything she has worked for and resist. As war rages through Europe, Helene, along with four other extraordinary women, will make the hard choice to stand against the enemy and fight, declaring freedom and victory...even while it is still dark.

Helene Bouillard’s reputation as the most sought after prostitute at an exclusive, Parisian bordello has finally earned her the independence she always wanted. This is no small feat, especially for a young, single mother in 1941. But what do you do when your own, beloved country is being shackled by the occupation of your most generous customers? After five years of running from the “dirty secrets” of her past, and the Resistance fighter whose love she feels she will never deserve, Helene finds herself forced with an impossible choice: stand with the newly established power that supports her lifestyle or surrender everything she has worked for and resist. Is it possible to battle such wicked cruelty and hatred without giving into it? Is such a sacrifice worth the price? As war rages through Europe, five extraordinary women will make the hard choice and discover the strength to stand against the enemy and fight…. Suzette Chevalier, a fiercely determined young editor of a clandestine magazine publication, embraces the dangers of printing anti-Nazi propaganda and delivering explosives to a communist group of resistance fighters. Katya Dzhamgerchinov, a Russian immigrant who never quite fit in the sophisticated culture of Paris, clings to the hope that the American soldier she rescued behind enemy lines will one day return to find her. Dr. Cecile Fleury, a gifted surgeon, remains steadfast to her vow to "do no harm" and offers medical care to anyone, regardless of race, religion or political loyalty. In the village of Le Chambon Sur Lignon, Marguerite Tamise, the kindhearted daughter of a minister, joins the efforts of her countrymen in protecting Jewish refugees from the French and Nazi authorities. Arrested for crimes of treason, these five women meet on a train bound for the hell that is Auschwitz. Despite their varying backgrounds, philosophies, and beliefs, the fellow prisoners discover they are united by something more powerful than all of their differences: the tenacity of the human spirit. In a place of constant torment and struggle, they must find the faith and hope to declare freedom and victory...even while it is still dark.

Kristin Caraway was born in Orange County, California, and grew up in the “surf city” of Huntington Beach. She discovered her love for writing in high school and became a member of Quill and Scroll, an international honorary society. During her senior year, Kristin was chosen to receive the Written Communications award at her high school out of a student body of over one thousand. After graduation, Kristin attended the University of California, Santa Barbara, and graduated summa cum laude. She earned her teaching credential and taught 4th grade for three years and developed English Literature and Writing Curriculum for Irvine Unified School District and the California Association for the Gifted. Kristin was married to Matthew Caraway in 1998. The couple moved to Redondo Beach, California, where Kristin continued teaching in 6th and 7th grade Language Arts. Kristin developed novel-based curriculum for the district. As a teacher, Kristin’s passion was teaching young adults how to discover their voice and express themselves in theatrical performances as well as creative and expository writing. Kristin currently resides in Goodyear, Arizona. She is a busy wife and mother of three children: Christian, Gwyneth and Noah. She teaches 6th and 7th grade English The Odyssey Institute for Advanced and International Studies as well as after school drama for middle and high school scholars. In addition to writing historical fiction, Kristin also writes plays and musicals for her scholars and a small group of community actors. She enjoys reading, the beach, chocolate, spending time with family and friends, and hanging out in bookstores. While she loves the desert, her “heaven on earth” will always be Kauai.