by Elena Graf
“And you’re not going to tell her.” Maggie elbowed Liz.
“No, I’m going to take the money and run. Although I will miss the place. Those views of the sound! But I’m sure she’ll let us stay there when we visit.”
“Are you going back to Jenny’s place tonight?” asked Bev as she walked them to the elevator.
“No, our camping gear is packed and we’re heading straight up to Acadia,” said Liz, “…to celebrate High October and our anniversary.”
“But I thought your wedding was in May.”
“It was,” said Maggie. “We celebrate another anniversary.”
Liz grinned. “A consummation devoutly to be wished.”
“That line’s about death, Liz,” said Maggie. “Thanks, but no.”
Bev gazed at each of them fondly. “Yes, I’ll really miss you two.”
“All the more reason to visit,” said Liz.
Bev opened her arms. Maggie fell into them, enjoying the warm hug.
“You promised you’ll come to Maine. I’ll hold you to it, you know,” said Liz, planting a kiss on Bev’s cheek as the elevator door opened.
When they reached the ground floor, they headed out to the doctors’ parking lot. “Glad that’s over?” Liz asked, clicking open the doors to Maggie’s Forester.
“You have no idea. I love Bev, and I really hope she comes to visit us, but I never want to see the inside of her office again.”
“Understood.” Liz opened the door to the driver’s seat.
“I could drive. It is my car.”
“I’ll drive.” Liz’s tone left no room for argument.
Maggie smiled to herself as she got into the car. Liz liked to think she was in charge, but Maggie knew better. And why let on?
Maggie adjusted her seat and sat back to enjoy the ride.
Also by Elena Graf
OCCASIONS OF SIN
For seven centuries, the German convent of Obberoth has been hiding the nuns’ secrets—forbidden passions, scandalous manuscripts locked away, a ruined medical career, perhaps even a murder. In 1931, aristocratic physician, Margarethe von Stahle, is determined to lift the veil of secrecy surrounding her head nurse, Sister Augustine, only to find herself embroiled in multiple conflicts that threaten to unravel her orderly life.
LIES OF OMISSION
In 1938, the Nazis are imposing their doctrine of “racial hygiene” on hospitals and universities, forcing professors to teach false science and doctors to collaborate in a program to eliminate the mentally ill and handicapped. Margarethe von Stahle is desperately trying to find a way to practice ethical medicine. She has always avoided politics, but now she must decide whether to remain on the sidelines or act on her convictions.
ACTS OF CONTRITION
World War II has finally come to an end and Berlin has fallen. Nearly everything Margarethe von Stahle has sworn to protect has been lost. After being brutally abused by occupying Russian soldiers, Margarethe must rely on the kindness of her friends to survive. Fortunately, the American Army has brought her former protégée, Sarah Weber, back to Berlin. As Margarethe confronts painful events that occurred during the war, she must learn both to forgive and be forgiven.
About the Author
In addition to High October, Elena Graf has published three historical novels set in Germany during the Weimar Republic and the Nazi era. Lies of Omission, the second book in the Passing Rites Series, won a Golden Crown Literary Society award for best historical fiction. She was inspired to write about this period after listening to her father, a German officer during World War II, describe his life under the Nazis. The author pursued a Ph.D. but ended up in the “accidental profession” of publishing, where she worked for almost four decades. She lives in coastal Maine.
