I am thrilled to share my debut novel, inspired by my father’s extraordinary battlefield journey during the Southern Invasion of Germany in 1944. A lifelong lover of reading, writing, and history, I have drawn upon the values my dad instilled in me and the cherished memories we shared to tell this heartfelt story. My hope is that his journey will honor the sacrifices of a generation and remind readers of the courage, resilience, and humanity that endure even in times of war.

I hold a PhD in Educational Leadership from Oakland University and dedicated more than 40 years to education as a teacher, administrator, and professor at the University of Michigan. I also authored two books on education: From Mandate to Achievement (Corwin, 2010) and Career Pathways: Preparing Students for Life (co-authored with Pam Ill, Corwin, 2004).

My greatest pride is my family: my four sons, Mark (Rochelle), Benjamin (Valerie), Jacob (Skyler), and Samuel, and my five grandchildren, Sarah, Ethan, Joshua, Francis and Mabel. I enjoy life with Fred and find inspiration in writing, painting, nature, horseback riding, and traveling. This novel brings together two of my deepest passions—history and storytelling—and offers a meaningful tribute to my dad and the legacy he left behind.