The Nanny Outside the Gates

Author: Shari J. Ryan

Genre: Historical Fiction

Published: October 6, 2025

The Nanny Outside the Gates
Auschwitz, 1944. With trembling hands, Halina unfolds the letter hidden in the book her mother left her, then drops it with a strangled cry. The letter contains the answers she’s always searched for—and puts her in unimaginable danger…Forced to work as a nanny for a Nazi officer living just outside the imposing gates of Auschwitz, Halina clings to the two people who bring her comfort in the enemy’s world. Jewish prisoner Gavriel, who she sneaks food, medicine and soft words to—and who, in return, gives her his trust, a shoulder to cry on, and the strength of his warm, calloused hand in hers. And sweet baby Flora, who sleeps like an angel in her arms…Officer Schafer’s cold blue eyes and twisted sneer leave her terrified for Flora—and his wife’s neglect of her baby borders on cruel. As she gazes at the little baby who’s wrapped her chubby fingers around Halina’s heart, she vows to protect the innocent child from the monsters surrounding her.But Halina was raised an orphan, and when she discovers a letter tucked into a book her mother left her, her fragile peace shatters. Because the letter reveals her mother was Jewish. And Halina is working in the enemy’s home, just a stone’s throw from the prison they’d lock her in if they knew the truth.Plunged into terrible danger, Halina knows she must run before she’s discovered. But how can she abandon Gavriel—the man she’s come to love—and little Flora? Can she find a way to save them too, no matter what it costs? Or will she be forced to make an unspeakable choice?An unputdownable, addictive World War Two page-turner which will make your heart sing with hope even as you reach for the tissues. Perfect for fans of The Midwife of Auschwitz, The Choice and The Tattooist of Auschwitz.

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"Another gripping and haunting story of the lengths humans will go to hurt others and determination of people to live and survive. While everyone knows the story of WWII, this author has the ability to bring it to life to humanize the stories that we know." — @schwabs, BookBub
Every time I start one of Ms Ryan’s books, I hold my breath and pray she won’t break my heart. This story is absolutely gut wrenching. This book, like her others, weaves a story so heart breaking you can literally feel the characters pain and suffering through the pages. It is a poignant reminder of what The Holocaust truly was about. — @MLD825, BookBub