I really enjoyed reading Mark Sullivan's "Beneath a Scarlet Sky" recently and was looking for something in a similar vein. I'm so glad I found Bert Wouters' "Madonna on the Bridge”. Set in 1942, this historical fiction book is a fun read about a brave, young woman in WWII Europe who, with the help of a handsome double agent, escapes from the notorious Lebensborn e.V. (an Aryan race breeding program) and goes underground to fight the Nazis. I thought I knew most war stories but this is one not many people have heard before. I won't spoil the ending, but the twists and turns of this thriller will keep you grinning page after page. And the clean, clear writing smoothly pulls you along - but you'll always be guessing what will happen next. Congratulations, Mr. Wouters, on a fine first novel!

It is the beginning of the 1940s and the threat of a German invasion in Belgium is looming closer. Meanwhile, Danya, whose ancestors are from the ancient Circassian communities, is learning more about her heritage. When German occupation begins, Danya vows to fight for her people as her heritage dictates. It takes her courage to join the underground workers who are willing to die for the freedom of their people. Danya cunningly sidesteps the Gestapo as she distributes illegal pamphlets for the purpose of the resistance’s operations. She also agrees to an arranged marriage with Manus to avoid deportation. Hell breaks loose when two Gestapo agents find her in possession of the pamphlets. She is sentenced to death with only one way to save herself: join the Lebensborn Project and help pass on the Aryan DNA. For Danya, however, this is worse than the earlier death sentence and she escapes to Belgium to avoid execution. As the war comes to a close, Danya and Arie continue their work with the underground movement. Arie is almost killed as he tries to negotiate the release of detainees aboard the Batavia IV. Danya finds him and convinces the Canadian troops to get him medical help. When he recovers, he is reunited with Danya who has finally found her Circassian prince. Danya also finds her parents.

Who would expect to read in one breath a book with stories which took place 70-80 years ago, located in so many different locations? Yet, the novel by Bert C. Wouters is written in such an incredibly exciting way, that I was not able to close his book until I read it to the last words in the Epilogue. For me personally, living close to the actual locations of the novel in Belgium, the places and characters come so vividly to mind. Even for those not familiar with the locations, they will find it challenging to put Wouters' book aside for a while. What shows clearly in the novel: who would know better than Bert Wouters what is fiction and what is the reality: where is the dividing line between Wahrheit und Dichtung? This work has evolved over a long time, frequently amended but always keeping in the background the remembrances of conversations with people from the author's circle of a family in Europe: parents, grandfather, archivists. The storyline portrays the frustrations during the war, waiting for liberation. It shows how people opposed the war in their deeds of heroism. This is a must-read for Americans. So many WWII veterans from America visit the battlefields of Normandy and beyond. This novel expresses the gratitude of the people of Belgium and Holland for the liberation of their countries. The writing style, with the short chapters, makes reading so comfortable: you can put it away for a short while and then return without losing the thread of the storyline. The reference to the Circassian family is a fabulous addition that makes it interesting for every one, whether in Europe or America.

‘Madonna on the Bridge’' is a compelling war novel about love and courage. The author knows how to captivate the reader quickly through the little known but very interesting history of the Circassian people, victims of the 19th century genocide. Without over-doing, he keeps the reader anchored into the dramatic events of WWII in Western Europe. The protagonist, Danya, a beautiful Circassian girl, grows into an admirable courageous woman. Its history linked to that of the two brothers, Manus, an artist, and Arie, a double agent, keeps us captivated until the end, so it's hard to say goodbye to them. I recommend this book warmly to readers in the United States and to readers in Belgium (as in my case) or the Netherlands, who will recognize with pleasure locales in the novel known to them since their youth. I wish all success to Bert C. Wouters, who with his first book, reveals a true writing talent!

MADONNA ON THE BRIDGE is an unforgettable masterwork of love, espionage and survival, all woven into a very dangerous time in history -- WWII.  A gripping, historical novel depicting not-so-common personalities in their desperate struggle against a force bigger than themselves. 

Bert Wouters' novel is a Five Star read, a classic page turner, and a true keeper.

Bert Wouters is a masterful writer! Madonna on the Bridge was a splendid read that will tug at one’s emotion by giving a clear and entertaining account of Circassian history, courage and romance all while describing what it was like living under the terror of a world war. The characters were real; the description of places and people clearly written and the drama of individual’s struggle for freedom during time of war. This book is a must for those interested in historical fiction, intense drama and personal struggle in times of adversity.

A friend handed me this book as I was leaving church. By the time we pulled out of the driveway I was twenty pages into the story. I was so touched by Danya and her conviction, fortitude, integrity and sacrifice in the face of pure evil., I ordered and received two copies so I can re-read one often and one copy to loan. This is a magnificent story of courage. Danya is my heroine.

This story was borne out of the author’s own family history, resulting in a passionate personal connection to the storyline. The character descriptions for Danya, Manus and Arie, along with the supporting cast were so visual, so descriptive and by book's end they were like an older relative from 70 years ago. The 10-year story against the backdrop of World War II was suspenseful and captivating. The story plays out in the European countries of Belgium and the Netherlands (Holland), unfamiliar to most Americans. The history of the Circassian heritage was prideful and inspiring. The narrative delivery felt like a documentary account that anchored the story and gave it a deep realism. In a few spots the family sub-plot context vs. geographic location and timeframe in the chronological sequencing was unclear. All taken together, it was a great read and the highlight of this year’s holiday inspirations.

Love this book about history, WWII, a girl's bravery in the face of death, and all the characters that make up this historical novel. Thanks to Bert Wouters… you know his heart went into writing this book. I highly recommend it to everyone. A great read.

The hardest part of the book was having it end!

This book draws you into the world of Danya, a beautiful Circassian young woman, whose world is thrown into chaos by the war. Based on historical events, this story follows the journey Danya takes to discover how courageous one can be in the face of death and love I especially like that this book is not predictable, as I never knew what was going to happen next... a great read when you're looking for something different from the norm. Author Bert Wouters wrote an excellent first novel, and I hope he will write another--maybe a sequel? The hardest part of the book was having it end! I wanted to know what happens next... excellent read!

An intriguing WWII story based on personal experience and extensive research gives Madonna On The Bridge a distinct flavor rendered from Bert Wouter’s heart and soul. He brings to life unforgettable characters of beauteous Circassian ethnicity seeped in courage and mystery. This spotlight on the horror and danger of WWII casts a relentless struggle for freedom and independence that readers need not forget. A page turner for sure!

Well written, and great detail. If you like history, especially war history then you’ll enjoy this read.

Madonna on the Bridge is incredibly rich in detail with historical facts of WW||. The sengwith the beaufully wrien scenery of Holland & Belgium are so vivid that you feel as if you arereally there. The storyline leaves you on the edge of your seat wanng to know what happens next. And the surprising twist at the end leaves one with a verysasfying read for sure. I highly recommend this novel!