Author Visit: Laura Knoy

One unstoppable woman. Two World Wars. Based on a True Story.

When WWII comes for her family, Sarah thinks she's ready. She's had training, after all, coming of age in Poland during World War I.

In 1920, Sarah leaves behind the ruins of Poland for France, full of youthful hope and ambition. Jewish immigrants are welcome, and soon, she's built the Perfect French Life. In the postcard-pretty Alsatian town of Colmar, she runs a thriving clothing store, gaining a reputation as a stylish and savvy businesswoman. She has three adorable children, a gorgeous husband, and a close extended family.

Sarah's legendary sixth sense for trouble grows through the 1930s, as Germany gathers strength under a frightening, new nationalist party. Everyone around her insists that there won't be another war, and if there is, France will win. But Sarah calls upon her lessons learned from World War I, and begins to plan for the worst. Still, no instinct can fully prepare her for the next global conflict.

From the Great War in Poland to the long-contested borders of Alsace to the remote refuge Sarah finds in the Cévennes mountains, The Shopkeeper of Alsace is an uplifting tale of family, love, resilience, and one unstoppable woman. Perfect for fans of We Were the Lucky Ones, The Nightingale, and The Alice Network, this dramatic debut brings to life a little-known corner of wartime history-and an inspiring real-life heroine you'll cheer for.

About the Author: Laura Knoy is a longtime public radio host, newscaster, and reporter. Her radio career began at WAMU-Washington, as a reporter and weekend host. She went on to work as a newscaster and reporter at NPR. In the mid-1990s, Laura became the founding host of New Hampshire Public Radio’s “The Exchange,” which for 25 years was the state’s most widely recognized and respected radio news program. The show won dozens of national, regional, and local awards, and Laura’s NH Presidential Primary night coverage was picked up by NPR stations around the country. During her NHPR career, Laura was also called back many times to Washington, D.C., to substitute for the venerable NPR talk show host Diane Rehm.

Laura stepped down from the news business in 2021. Today, she is an in-demand interviewer, moderator, and narrator. She is Director of Community Engagement at the Rudman Center at UNH School of Law. Her voice-over work includes a children’s book, a travel app, instructional videos, and live performances of Christmas stories. She’s also the host of two podcasts, including ReadLocalNH, devoted to NH authors.