A poignant novel of love, survival, and how brightly hope can shine against the backdrop of unimaginable darkness.
Rachael is a resilient Jewish woman imprisoned in Auschwitz during World War II, clinging to the memories of her lost family while enduring the harrowing reality of the concentration camp. Amidst the brutality, she uncovers a hidden diamond engagement ring in the mud—its brilliance offering a glimmer of hope and a reason to survive. As she navigates the perils of camp life, Rachael forms a profound bond with Chaya, a young girl also yearning for connection and comfort in their shared despair.
Interwoven with Rachael’s tale are the lives of Samual and Hanna, a young Jewish couple planning for their future while navigating the hardships of Nazi-occupied Prague. Distracted by his life in Prague, Samual initially dismisses the growing threats against their community, focusing instead on the engagement ring he dreams of giving to Hanna. As the grip of the Nazis tightens, their plans unravel, yet their love becomes a beacon of resilience amid escalating fear and loss.
Diamonds in Auschwitz illustrates how, when everything seems lost, even the smallest treasures can illuminate the path to freedom and connection. Through Rachael and Chaya’s friendship, and Samual and Hanna’s unwavering love, the story reminds us that even in the bleakest times, humanity can shine brightly.
“Author Meg Hamand delivers a heart-breaking dual storyline highlighting the horrors of being Jewish during the German occupation in World War II in Diamonds in Auschwitz….Have your tissues handy for this book. Diamonds in Auschwitz illustrates how something beautiful can breathe hope into a truly depressing and ugly set of circumstances.”
“The novel is a powerful, timely reminder of what happens when unfettered evil is allowed—even encouraged—to run rampant.”
“The novel’s heart lies in the surprising connections across timelines, in people caring for each other amid horror, and in the fight to honor life and love even when death and hatred seem triumphant.”
“This novel represents a significant contribution to Holocaust literature, offering a unique, harrowing, and uplifting perspective.”
RELEASED
March 11, 2025
Diamonds in Auschwitz
MANUSCRIPT IN PROGRESS
The Bride of St. Michael’s
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The Bride of St. Michael’s *
Meg's next book takes place in Charleston after the Revolutionary War. It combines women's lit with Shakespeare and low country legends.
"There's an old Charleston legend that a ghost haunts St. Michael's. If a bride is marrying an unworthy groom, the ghost will disrupt the wedding. Set in Charleston after the Revolutionary War, this is the ghost's story."
Despite social conventions, Ettie Mackie is named the sole inheritor of her father's large rice plantation just outside of Charleston. She has to learn to manage those expectations of her deceased family, while still following her own heart - leading her to the carpenter's apprentice, William Rose.
Stay tuned for more about The Bride of St. Michael's.