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Anna’s Promise

In the spring of 1975, Ben Friedman will celebrate his rite of passage into adulthood. When his beloved grandfather suddenly dies and leaves him a mysterious inheritance, Ben begins to discover who he is and where he belongs. When he chooses a path his powerful father opposes, their relationship becomes volatile. Will Ben withstand the pressure?

In 1914, Dovid Weisman, Ben’s great-grandfather, struggles to protect his family when Germany declares war on Russia and the brutal Cossacks occupy his village of Siedlce, Poland. He finds that love and opportunity are still possible. If they can escape with their lives.

Slipping between war-torn Poland and modern American life, one family’s story is woven together across three generations.

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“An entrancing, layered coming-of-age novel.”

– Kirkus Reviews

“Anna’s Promise transcends cultural boundaries, emphasizing the universal truths of the human experience.”

– Amazon Reviewer

“D.G. Schulman knows how to write an epic family drama.”

– Amazon Reviewer

“Anna’s Promise provides a genuinely engrossing, candid, and insightful look at the lives of a special community and the individual lives and perspectives of the characters.” 

– Jack Adler
Writer / Journalist / Teacher
Author of over twenty books

“I just finished reading Anna’s Promise and I must say, it is exceptionally authentic, interesting, and inspirational.”

– Grand Rabbi Y. A. Korff,
Chaplain of The City of Boston
Beis Medrash of The Zvhil – Mezbuz Rebbe

“Anna’s Promise is a thought-provoking and compelling novel about a family that overcomes tragedy and risk by drawing on the power of their faith, the inspiration of their ancestors, and their love for one another.”

– Amazon Reviewer

“The book gives the sense that one is watching a movie as the characters interact.“

– Amazon Reviewer

“Anna’s Promise is a fast paced, well written, and impressive debut novel . . . highly recommended!”

– Amazon Reviewer

“Anna’s Promise jumps from one timeline to another without a hitch. The characters are all amazing people and there are a lot of them. You feel as if you have known these people all their lives or at least people you would like to have known.”

– Amazon Reviewer

“This book leaves you with a sense of hope and strength that lingers long after you’ve finished reading.“

– Amazon Reviewer

“This book had plot twists and was captivating, I couldn’t put it down!”

– Amazon Reviewer

“Magnificently written. So much history. . . and interesting ideas explained.  Beautiful story line and uplifting thread throughout – Amazing ending!!!”

– Amazon Reviewer

“Not only is this novel thought-provoking, but it is illuminating. It shines a light on the power of faith, perseverance, spirituality, and family.”

– Amazon Reviewer

“The suspense and unpredictability of the entire novel held me engaged until the very end.”

– Amazon Reviewer

“The book’s exploration of faith, love, and the quest for self-discovery will leave readers contemplating their own journeys and the enduring impact of their roots.”

– GoodReads Reviewer

“A definite page turner…”

– GoodReads Reviewer

“Prepare to be transported across time and continents with Anna’s Promise – a captivating masterpiece of historical fiction that I couldn’t put down.”

– GoodReads Reviewer

Anna’s Promise Excerpt

The Cossacks flew in all directions, overturning furniture and emptying closets and cupboards.

“I want my daughter back,” Dovid repeated, pretending he was not the one who rescued her.

“Are you a gambling man?” Aleksandrov smiled.

“I’ll make you a wager.” Dovid sized up Aleksandrov. “We arm wrestle, and if I win, you back off, and I get my daughter back.” He stood resolute as though unaware that he was outnumbered and outgunned.

“And if I win, what do I get?” Aleksandrov’s nostrils flared, and he smiled with amusement.

“My other daughter.” Dovid stood eyeball to eyeball with Aleksandrov. Neither backed down.

The dragoon gathered around the table, and broken glass screeched beneath their boots. Aleksandrov removed his saber and his tunic. Hairy as a bear, he stepped close to the table with his right foot forward and placed his elbow on the table.

Dovid removed his wool coat and rolled up the sleeves of his white shirt. While physical strength mattered, he knew this was as much about positioning as strength. He placed his elbow on the table, tightened his core muscles, and opposed Aleksandrov. The two men gripped each other’s hand. The goal was to pin the other’s arm onto the surface of the table, the winner’s arm over the loser’s.

Mikola slammed his palm on the table, and the wrestling began. In an instant, merriment filled the room, and the Cossacks began their howls of encouragement and support for their commandant.