Some stories come from a place so deep within you that writing them feels like both a privilege and a challenge. The Pharmacist of Nowa Góra is one such story for me. It’s more than just a work of fiction—it’s a tribute to the bravery of my great-aunt, who made the ultimate sacrifice during one of the darkest times in human history.

Today, I’m honoured to share this completed story with you, and I invite you to download The Pharmacist of Nowa Góra by signing up for my newsletter here.

The Real Heroine: My Great-Aunt Who Defied the Nazis

The story of The Pharmacist of Nowa Góra is inspired by the real-life bravery of my great-aunt, who practiced as a pharmacist in Nazi-occupied Poland. After studying pharmacy in Germany, she returned to her Polish village to serve her community. When the Nazis arrived, they demanded an educated, German-speaking person to help identify Jews and organize slave labour from the village. My great-aunt, however, refused to collaborate with the Nazis, an act of defiance that led to her being hanged in the town square as a “lesson” to others. Her courage and moral strength continue to inspire me, and The Pharmacist of Nowa Góra was written in her honour, to give voice to her legacy of resistance.

I have chosen to protect my great-aunt’s real name, but her story has been a guiding light for me. Her courage in the face of evil has been passed down through my family, and it was this story that inspired The Pharmacist of Nowa Góra, a fictionalized retelling of her heroism.

The Story of The Pharmacist of Nowa Góra: A Tribute to Her Legacy

In writing The Pharmacist of Nowa Góra, I wanted to capture not just the facts of my great-aunt’s bravery but also the emotional weight of her decision. In the story, I named her Zofia, and the village where she lived Nowa Góra, which means “New Mountain”. To me, she became that mountain—a symbol of immovable strength the moment she stood her ground.

In the story, Zofia watches over her four-year-old sister, Rivka, after their parents were taken by the Nazis. Rivka will later become Grace’s grandmother in my upcoming novel, The Second Coming of Grace. Zofia’s bravery shapes Rivka’s life and, in turn, affects Grace’s spiritual legacy. In writing these characters, I wanted to explore how courage, resilience, and sacrifice echo through generations.

Writing Through the Tears: My Emotional Journey

Writing The Pharmacist of Nowa Góra has been one of the most emotional experiences I’ve had as a writer. There were many moments where I had to step away from the keyboard, overwhelmed with tears—particularly when writing scenes between Zofia and little Rivka. Knowing the tragic fate that awaited Zofia, it was heartbreaking to imagine those final moments of their bond as sisters.

This story has forced me to confront questions of moral courage, sacrifice, and the depths of human strength in the face of unimaginable evil. Writing it has been both painful and healing, allowing me to pay tribute to a woman whose bravery has shaped my family’s story.

How The Pharmacist of Nowa Góra Ties Into The Second Coming of Grace

Zofia’s story is just the beginning. In my novel The Second Coming of Grace, Rivka, the little sister Zofia protects, grows up and becomes Grace’s grandmother. Though Grace isn’t immediately aware of it, the courage and trauma of Zofia’s story resonate throughout her family, shaping Grace’s own spiritual journey.

Through The Pharmacist of Nowa Góra, I’m laying the foundation for Grace’s personal and spiritual awakening, a journey that is deeply influenced by the legacy of both trauma and resilience passed down through generations.

Download The Pharmacist of Nowa Góra for Free

I’m proud to offer The Pharmacist of Nowa Góra as a free download for anyone who subscribes to my newsletter. This story is deeply personal to me, and I’m excited to share it with readers who appreciate stories of courage, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bonds of family.

To receive your free copy of The Pharmacist of Nowa Góra, simply sign up for my newsletter here, and the story will be delivered straight to your inbox.

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Thank you for allowing me to share this deeply personal story with you. I hope that it moves you as much as it has moved me in the process of writing it.