This is excerpted from a review that appeared in the January 2010 Jewish Federation Star: What a premise! Step by step, Ellen Brazer details the development of the plot. The novel has a broad scope, offers compelling intrigue, a series of romantic interludes, and a sophisticated presentation of the age-old question about the roots of identity. “Clouds Across the Sun” will engage readers with its the captivating story line, varied settings, and well-drawn characters.
Congratulations Ellen!!!! I cried, gasped, laughed, felt scared & angry, ached for the Jewish people. I was captivated by the love story & fell in love with all the characters. I rushed home for 3 days just so I could keep reading.... Thank you for sharing with us the beautiful talents God gave you!!!
I have never written a fan letter of any kind, but I had to send you this e-mail.Truthfully, I had not heard of you before nor had I read your previous book. I LOVED this story! I started to read it over the weekend.I simply couldn't put it down until I finished it- which was no easy task because my grand-daughter was bat mitsvahed on Saturday. I look forward to your next story, although I'd just love to read more about Jo, Aaron, Morgan and Jacob. I can't believe that their story is over. I wish you continued good luck in your future writings and I can't wait to read them.
Sincerely, Honey Netburn
I devoured your book,"Clouds Across the Sun", in less than 48 hours after receiving it. It was a wonderful read and I am taking it back to Canada for my 97 year old mother to read. I am only sorry that I missed out on getting a copy of the first book but I have borrowed it from one of my neighbors.I wish you continued success and look forward to your next book.
Sincerely, Elaine Bebchuk
This email has to do with my hubby, Richard. Although he has much respect for me and all women in general, has refused to read works of female authors. His excuse is usually that they lack the descriptions of real life adventure, a man's point of view, etc etc...and no matter how hard I had tried in the past to get him to change, he would always revert to Harlan Coban (whom I also love), Patterson, Ludlum, Kellerman, Deaver, and Follett to name just a few. Richard asked about Clouds Across The Sun....whether it was the swastika, or the star of David on the cover , or just plain my enthusiasm, not sure....but he picked it up and began reading. I didn't tease him..rather just ignored his choice and crossed my fingers. WALLA!!! You are a magician! He is now embedded halfway thru your book and has commented several times (no exaggeration) on how much he is enjoying it, and what a good writer you are! He loves how you have made the characters so real they seem to walk all over the pages. (his quote) Leanne Croft
I really enjoyed reading "Clouds Across the Sun". I felt as if I truly got to know each character personally and very much routed for the main character Jo to have her happy ending. The eloquent way in which Ellen Brazer writes this story makes you question what's fiction and whats real. This book is a must read. J. Tilles, Florida
A Must Read!, March 1, 2010
By M. Tinney I could not put this book down once I started it! The book has a bit of everything in it. Fiction, fact, a dark side, good relationships, bad relationships... A great read!
I purchased this book because several years ago I read Brazer's Hearts of Fire, which once I started, I couldn't put it down until I read the last page. Clouds Across the Sun is also that type of story. The characters come alive. As the story progresses, you begin to feel as though you are physically present. Could this have really happened? I am amazed at Brazer's ability and imagination to write the twists and turns of this plot. Normally when I finish a book I put it down and that's the end of it. Not this book. I have thought about it and discussed it with my friends. Reading Clouds Across the Sun has been an intriguing experience I won't soon forget.
Priscilla Friendland
I just finished reading Clouds Across the Sun by Ellen Brazer on my Kindle. I started reading it in the morning and couldn't put it down. It was like a movie you just had to see to the end. Brazer catches you right from the beginning. It's a must-read. Barbara Bienvenu
Doctor Susan Baker
This is a totally captivating story that is everything a historical novel should be. From the first moment when the reader meets Jotto Wells as a child in Florida in the 1950s through her maturing into a dynamic senator in Washington DC , the reader is transported to previous times and places. The novel's premise, that Hitler sent his cohorts on a mission to infiltrate governments throughout the world using their children, is delivered believably and engagingly. Through Jotto's search for her origins and the mystery that surrounds them we are convinced of the insidious effect of the Nazi drive to dominate the world. Clouds Across the Sun is a love story wrapped in mystery and suspense. It's fun to read and satisfying, too.
Barbara Glicken Coral Gables, FL) -
This is a novel that will grab your heart from the very first paragraph.
A story of good versus evil - a very powerful demented evil.
The main character, an amazing woman named Jo, discovers her life is a lie and the past a dark secret.
Her journey from Naples, FL to Washington to Israel is full of twists and turns, love and betrayal.
A descriptive historical novel that makes you believe you are part of the story.
You will not want to put this book down.
Hitler's agents in Naples, Florida,
By
What if? What if it could happen, did happen? Did Hitler really command his progeny to filter through and rise to the tops of governments? Could it really happen in America? That is the question that keeps the pages turning in Ellen Brazer's novel, Clouds Across the Sun. We see the generational impact of the Nazis on family life. From the opening pages in cozy 1950s Naples, Florida, where a father hypnotizes his ten year-old daughter, the reader sees Jotto Wells grow up to be a powerful senator in Washington. We see a father and uncle devote their lives to creating an identify for Jotto, an identity that will be shattered, leaving her with the timely question: who am I? But the little girl who always yearned for a mother's love will find her roots in the most unlikely of places: Israel and Vilnius, Poland. Brazer allows the reader to know a little more about Jotto than the main character herself, so we are committed to her self-discovery. Brazer's vivid descriptions of Naples, Washington, Israel, and Poland take us there: we feel the sunshine of South Florida, we marvel at the riches and power of Washington, we are transported in time in Israel, and we smell the forest in Poland. Clouds Across the Sun is full of suspense, history, family ties, and love. The only time a reader will ever put down this book is to continously ask: what if?
Believe Again. . .
Clouds Across the Sun is a breathtaking book that brings hope to life. The premise captivated me from the get-go. The idea that Hitler could have reached beyond the grave to reign terror again, made my skin crawl. What is worse is that the story reads so well that it makes one wonder whether there is any truth to Hitler's plot. Personally, I get bored easy. If a book doesn't grab me and keep me from beginning to end, I put it down. Clouds Across the Sun gripped my heart. The characters leapt off the pages until they became friends and foes. Buying Clouds Across the Sun is a no-brainer! Ellen Brazer is an author who makes one transcend the ordinary and question the deeper meaning of life itself. Do we each have the inherent power to triumph over evil? After reading Clouds Across the Sun, I am convinced that we can and will!