The Last Green Valley

A Novel

By: Mark Sullivan

Narrated by: Will Damron

“Mark Sullivan has done it again! The Last Green Valley is a compelling and inspiring story of heroism and courage in the dark days at the end of World War II.” --Kristin Hannah, number one New York Times best-selling author

From the author of the number one best seller Beneath a Scarlet Sky comes a new historical novel inspired by one family’s incredible story of daring, survival, and triumph.

In late March 1944, as Stalin’s forces push into Ukraine, young Emil and Adeline Martel must make a terrible decision: Do they wait for the Soviet bear’s intrusion and risk being sent to Siberia? Or do they reluctantly follow the wolves - murderous Nazi officers who have pledged to protect “pure-blood” Germans?

The Martels are one of many families of German heritage whose ancestors have farmed in Ukraine for more than a century. But after already living under Stalin’s horrifying regime, Emil and Adeline decide they must run in retreat from their land with the wolves they despise to escape the Soviets and go in search of freedom.

Caught between two warring forces and overcoming horrific trials to pursue their hope of immigrating to the West, the Martels’ story is a brutal, complex, and ultimately triumphant tale that illuminates the extraordinary power of love, faith, and one family’s incredible will to survive and see their dreams realized.

©2021 Mark Sullivan/Suspense Inc. (P)2021 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Narrator Will Damron shows his vocal range in this work of historical fiction, set in Ukraine during WWII. The cast is large, giving Damron ample opportunity to use his expertise in differentiating characters.… He smoothly slips from the third-person narrator to a variety of voices and accents, making listeners feel present as the dramatic events unfold.” —AudioFile Magazine

“After his triumphant novel Beneath a Scarlet Sky, Mark Sullivan delivers another stunning tour de force. Based on interviews and careful research, The Last Green Valley is the novelization of an inspirational true story featuring human strength, faith, and endurance against all odds.” —Authorlink

“A simply riveting read from cover to cover, The Last Green Valley is a deftly crafted novel that showcases experienced author Mark Sullivan’s exceptional narrative storytelling skills combined with exceptional originality.” —Midwest Book Review

A story to end all WWII tales.

I was completely amazed by their sheer will from beginning to end. These are simple people but like so many from that horrid war, will rise the a super human condition for freedom and love.

Couldn’t stop listening.

I love novels based on history. This is one of the best. The story kept you spellbound wondering what was going to happen next and to see how they would escape. It is well worth listening to or reading. What strength this couple had comes through in this entire book. And this is just one story from World War I I.

Inspirational

This is an inspirational book based on real people and historical facts. The resilience and faith of the characters are amazing.

Amazing story

Beautifully written and read. Kept my interest to the end. The afterword was a good recap of the historical authenticity. Thanks

Absolute Must Read

This book is a must read. One of the best World War II books that I have read.

A Well Told Story

Thank you Mark Sullivan for capturing the truths found in this well told story. The deepest of sorrows and hardships can no doubt bring about the greatest of virtues and gratefulness along with clarity that this finite world and its inhabitants will one day most certainly be redeemed. No amount of evil can stop the goodness of God.

Fascinating story

An amazing story of hope and survival. Miracles existed at numerous twists and turns. Thank you.

Wow

Great audio book for a long car trip! Engaging story. Narrator is excellent. I've read a lot of historical fiction, but hadn't learned a lot about the Ukranian aspect. It was both fascinating and heartbreaking to learn details of the struggle to survive.

Spellbinding and Inspirational

As a former Montanan, I was attracted to the book by its cover. I was intrigued when the author said he discovered the story in Bozeman, MT. I was a resident of Bozeman, MT in 1946-1947 at age 1, where my father quarterbacked the Bobcats after his return from the USMC in Okinawa and China and is in the MSU Hall of Fame. This story of perseverence, hope, and bravery is incredibly inspirational. I particularly enjoyed the "afterward" which told me just how real this epic story is. Thank you to Mark Sullivan for bringing it to us. Jim Seelinger, North Palm Beach, FL

Amazing

A true story of courage, struggle, love, and faith! It was hard to put down.