Leningrad, 1941. As Europe crumbles under the German war machine, the people of the Soviet Union watch. There are whispers of war but not loud enough for the civilians of Leningrad to notice. Instead, they keep their heads down and try to avoid the ever-watching eyes of their own oppressive government. University student Tatiana Ivankova tries to look ahead to the future after a family tragedy that characterizes life under the brutal regime. But, when the rumors that have been circulating the country become a terrifying reality, Tatiana realizes that the greatest fear may not be the enemy but what her fellow citizens are prepared to do to each other to survive. As his men plow through the Russian countryside, Heinrich Nottebohm is told to follow orders and ask no questions, even if such commands go against his own principles. His superiors hold over him a past event that continues to destroy him with every day that passes. But, when given the opportunity to take an act of defiancé, Heinrich will jump at the chance, ignoring what the end results could be. Leningrad: The People’s War tells the harrowing beginning of a war that forever changed the landscape of a city, told through the eyes of both sides in a tale of courage, love, and sacrifice. ​​​​​​​Winner of Book of the Year 2021 for Historical Fiction Modern by The Coffee Pot Book Club.

As the Germans drive deeper into Leningrad, Soviet citizens are seized with fear, terror, and hunger. Thrown into an agreement that will spare her life but force her to betray her fellow citizens, Tatiana Ivankova faces new trials every day, including the unpredictable nature of the German officer holding her fate in her hands. As she attempts to save the lives of the ones she loves, Tatiana finds herself facing danger at all turns, including from her fellow Leningraders. Haunted by memories of his past, Heinrich Nottebohm attempts to obey orders and not question the decisions made by his superiors, even if it goes against his own morals. But when he finds himself sympathizing with the Leningraders and Tatiana, Heinrich must make decisions that could end in dire consequences for himself and his men. As winter takes hold of Leningrad and pushes both sides to collapse, Tatiana and Heinrich are forced to make difficult decisions. But will their choices lead to them saving the lives of those they love or lead to their own demise? The People’s Siege details the harrowing winter of 1941-42, which led to countless deaths and inspired a nation to fight on.

As the war on the Eastern Front turns in the favor of the Soviets, Leningrad remains locked in a fight for survival. Having survived the brutal winter with only half of her family intact, Tatiana Ivankova focuses on surviving the war without losing anyone else, including Heinrich Nottebohm. The goal is a seemingly impossible one. As the Soviet government tightens its grip on Tatiana and her people, she is forced into a scheme that threatens Heinrich’s life and her own if she refuses to comply, forcing her to make a difficult decision that may have far-reaching consequences. Heinrich Nottebohm faces dangers of his own, coming from inside his company. His adjutant, Walter Schneider, has become his enemy, and Heinrich finds himself with few supporters. As his enemies plot against him, Heinrich does everything he can to survive, making him a bigger target for the Soviets. He vows to do anything to protect Tatiana, even if it means making a choice that will tear them apart. In this final installment, Leningrad: The People’s Hero portrays Leningrad at a turning point. Will the sacrifices made by her people be done in vain? Or will it signal a new beginning?