Tammy Borden Bio
Tammy Borden is a professional copywriter turned novelist, compelled to document the unforgettable story of her mother’s life growing up in Nazi Germany. Released in summer 2023, her debut novel, Waltraud: A True Story of Growing Up in Nazi Germany, rose to become a #1 Best Seller on Amazon* and has captured the hearts and minds of readers around the world.
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As a first generation American, Tammy grew up hearing stories from her mother about coming of age during World War II, and began recording them more than a decade ago, even traveling with her to Germany to walk the cobblestone streets and document stories in their actual settings. Now, those heart-gripping stories of love, loss, strength, and resistance have been artfully woven into a narrative that allows readers to step into Waltraud's remarkable journey as an intimate observer.
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Tammy also released a memoir in 2016, A Perennial Life — Finding Purpose in Every Season. It shares her own journey to find herself after a life-threatening eating disorder. This faith-based publication encourages those who struggle with addiction, self-harm, bulimia, anorexia, and other behavioral addictions.
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*#1 in Historical German Biographies
WALTRAUD
A True Story of Growing Up in Nazi Germany
Based on true events, this unforgettable story takes readers through an unimaginable time in history, catapulting them back in time to experience the sights and sounds of Germany, and pulling back the curtain to envision life during Hitler's reign.
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The author's in-depth research combined with her mother's vivid memories make this compelling novel both historically accurate and incredibly moving, spanning from 1937 at age 10 to post-war Germany. Grow up with Waltraud as she transitions from the innocence of childhood into the harsh realities of war and beyond. The stories are told from Waltraud's perspective to create the sense she is sharing them with the reader much like she shared them with the author, her daughter.
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General Information
Price: $14.99 Paperback | $7.99 Kindle
Available on Amazon and at select retailers
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BOOK SYNOPSIS
When Waltraud’s father is forced into Hitler’s army to fight for the Fatherland, her world is turned upside down. If only he were there to help her deal with the watchful eyes of zealous Nazis, bombings, and the indescribable horrors of war. Instead, she's slowly robbed of her childhood, constantly longing for her father's return and the life she once knew. But it wasn’t to be. ​ Hitler’s lust for power made Germany despised by the world and turned it into heaps of rubble—and it almost broke her, too. But Waltraud finds strength, resisting the Nazis in big and small ways and bravely keeping a secret that could have her and others sent to their deaths. The war finally ends, but Germany is left with inconceivable scars, and Waltraud still feels lost. She finds love and is hopeful for a better future, but not before she must embark on yet another harrowing journey that could cost her her life.
Peter L.—Amazon Review
"...an underrepresented perspective in WWII history: an ordinary girl who is caught up in forces beyond her control as Hitler's war affects every part of her life. And knowing that it's not fiction, but the true account of a real person is sobering and inspiring."
Whitton—Amazon Review
"It is brilliantly written; I often felt transported, almost like I was there, in a country I’ve never been to in an era I didn’t exist in as I took in the sights and sounds and smells and experiences right alongside Waltraud. I haven’t stopped thinking about her story even after turning the last page earlier this week. What a beautiful tribute."
Lisa—Amazon Review
"There were so many moments in the story that took my breath away. The horror and tragedies of war and cruelty and death, along with the hope of young love and fresh beginnings. This book was so well written, I felt like I was right there with Waltraud and her family. Great story!"