The Last Green Valley: A Novel

"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, #1 New York Times bestselling author

From the author of the #1 bestseller 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.

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457 pages

Average rating: 8.05

99 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

aviationmet
Mar 31, 2025
10/10 stars
Wow! This is not my usual genre, in fact, I think I started Sullivan's book Beneath a Scarlet Sky and just wasn't getting into it. Well, I'm going to go pick that one back up because if it's written half as well as this one, it deserves a second try.

What an amazing story about this incredibly brave family - just wow! I had learned little bits of WWII history in school, but nothing to this degree. We learned the Nazis were bad (duh!). But never got into the true evil of it all. And, I really knew nothing of the Soviet cruelty. Eye opening.

Amazing story, well written, two thumbs up, read it! You won't be disappointed.
Anonymous
Jan 14, 2025
10/10 stars
Mark Sullivan does it again! This WW2 historical fiction is based on real life events of Emil and Adeline Martel. Torn between waiting for the bear (Stalin to invade Ukraine) or run with the wolves (Hitler) the Martels choose to go west to Germany. What unfolds is a miraculous story of courage. Highly recommend.
Amber Fifer
Sep 14, 2024
10/10 stars
Sullivan delivers another breathtaking novel with a true story about a family experiencing grief, love, and loss during WWII.
frannie-puckett
Mar 17, 2024
10/10 stars
One of my favorite books ever! I loved Adeline and want to be more like her. Also loved the enthusiasm and optimism of Corporal Gheorghe. I could not put this book down!
audiobeth
May 15, 2023
7/10 stars
It was well written but seemed to go on for a long time. Definitely should’ve put a few more hints before reading the last chapter!

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