A Noble Destiny

The Quest to Preserve Austria Series, Book 1

By: Elizabeth Sunflower

Narrated by: Andrew Connors

In 1937, Austria struggled to recover from the Treaty of Saint Germain of 1919. The breakup of the Hapsburg empire after WWI stripped Austria of its territories of Czechoslovakia, Poland, Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, and Yugoslavia, as well as many partial provinces. The military was restricted to a 30,000-man force. The financial system was left in ruins. Austria, left militarily weak and financially vulnerable, became increasingly defenseless in the following years.

Although concerned over Mussolini and Hitler, France, England, and the United States turned deaf ears to Austria's chancellor. German subterfuge strengthens the divide between the Austrian Chancellor and the Allies. Mussolini urges Austria to play along with the regime to preserve the country. The Fuhrer, determined to bring his beloved homeland under German control, authorized the assassination of Austrian Chancellor Dollfuss in retaliation for hanging a party member. The subversion of Austria becomes a long game.

A small group loyal to Austrian Chancellor Schuschnigg, attempt to help behind the scenes. They work desperately to maintain a network of reliable information, even as hope dwindles, and attempt to root out Nazi supporters within Schuschnigg's circle. Their mission is to protect those who will fall immediately upon Nazi occupation and create a means of escape before it is too late.

©2023 Elizabeth Sunflower (P)2023 Elizabeth Sunflower

originality and intrigue

The book is set in pre WWII Europe at a pivotal time in our history, yet I have never thought about all the things that must have been going on to thwart that war. A Nobel Destiny brings you into a scenerio that shows the tribulations as well as hope and love for mankind that very well could have really happened during that time. Beautifully told story with humor, wit and intrigue. I look forward to discovering what happens in the next book in the series.

Wow!

I didn't know what to expect when I started this book. I was pleasantly surprised. The characters are well thought out and feel so real. And the character twist towards the end? Wow!