Fictional Memoir ASHES AND EMBERS is Released

Inger Kretsinger's fictional memoir follows the lives of people whose hopes, dreams, aspirations and romances were reduced to "Ashes and Embers" (published by Xlibris) during the Second World War. She shows their struggle to survive and their exodus to the Americas, as well as the conflict's aftermaths, their efforts to rekindle what was nearly snuffed out, a delicate process of recovery unfolding in the ensuing decades.

The tale takes place in Nazi-occupied Norway, just as the protagonist Noelle comes of age. Resettled in a small village with her father and twin brother, the siblings come under the spell of classmate Hans, who is destined to be Noelle's lover. The trio is drawn into a group of Norwegian resistance saboteurs, however, the group is betrayed and suspicion falls on Hans who flees to Brazil. After the war, Noelle marries an American official and settles in Washington. A major part of the book deals with her adjustment to marriage and the American way of life through McCarthyism, the Vietnam War and domestic battles, including four children. Throughout, music is her consolation.

As a widow in her early fifties, she reconnects with Hans. Together, they must unravel the mysteries of the past and dispel old suspicions to have a chance at finding happiness with each other.

"Ashes and Embers" takes readers back to another time and place with its sincere and sensitive treatment of a somber period of Norwegian history. Its authentic depiction of people's lives during the time and in the post-war years immerses them in the passions, romances and undying dreams of those who lived dangerously in those days.

"Ashes and Embers"
By Inger Kretsinger
Softcover | 6 x 9 in | 419 pages | ISBN 9781425763008
E-Book | 419 pages | ISBN 9781465319234
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author
Inger Kretsinger was born in Norway and experienced the Second World War as a child. After having finished her secondary education, she earned a scholarship to study at the University of Colorado where she met her future husband. She continued her studies in other countries, France, Norway, UK and Switzerland before settling down in Charlottesville with her three children after her husband. It is still their shared domicile. Before turning to creative writing, she taught French, German and political science.

Xlibris Publishing, an Author Solutions, LLC imprint, is a self-publishing services provider created in 1997 by authors, for authors. By focusing on the needs of creative writers and artists and adopting the latest print-on-demand publishing technology and strategies, we provide expert publishing services with direct and personal access to quality publication in hardcover, trade paperback, custom leather-bound and full-color formats. To date, Xlibris has helped to publish more than 60,000 titles. For more information, visit xlibris.com or call 1-888-795-4274 to receive a free publishing guide. Follow us @XlibrisPub on Twitter for the latest news.

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