At a glance
The Refrain Within
Christian WWII historical fiction
The Refrain Within
Book 3 of the Music of Hope series
320 pages · First published 2020
Hungary, 1944. Clarinetist Eva Bognar is happily planning her wedding to conductor and composer Patrik Kedves, believing that the war will never truly threaten the people she loves. But when Nazi forces occupy Hungary and her Jewish best friend and sister-in-law, Zofia, mysteriously disappears, Eva's world begins to unravel. Even more devastating is the accusation that Patrik himself led Zofia away, raising the possibility that the man Eva intends to marry has betrayed her family. As persecution spreads and the Bognars face increasing danger, Patrik's concealed activities threaten to destroy the trust between them. Desperate to escape, the family attempts to flee Hungary for the safety of Palestine, leaving Eva dependent on the very man she no longer knows whether to believe. Against the darkness of World War II, this moving Christian historical novel explores courage, sacrifice, faith, and the difficult choices people make to protect those they love.
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Jump to the pours ↓Midnight Spiced Tea + Mulled Wine
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No surprises at chapter twelve
Content notes
Nazi occupation of Hungary during World War II; antisemitism and persecution of Jewish people; Holocaust-related danger; disappearance and suspected abduction of a family member; betrayal and suspected collaboration with Nazi authorities; threats of arrest, imprisonment, and death; wartime violence and fear; separation from loved ones; forced flight and refugee survival peril; emotionally distressing situations involving families under persecution.
Alcohol-Free Pour
Midnight Spiced Tea
A fragrant cup of midnight spiced tea accompanies a story of difficult choices and unwavering courage, where Eva must trust the man she fears has betrayed her as her family struggles to escape the dangers of occupied Hungary.
What you'll need
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.How to mix it
- Steep the tea and any herbs or whole spices in hot water according to the tea type, then strain. Stir in sweetener and juices. Chill and serve over ice.
- Garnish: Citrus peel, herb, or fruit from the recipe, if applicable.
- Glassware: Highball glass.
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Highball glass ↗Cocktail Pour · 21+
Mulled Wine
For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.
A warming cup of mulled wine offers a small measure of comfort in a world turned upside down by war, as Eva Bognar struggles to hold on to faith, family, and the possibility of hope amid the darkness of Nazi-occupied Hungary.
What you'll need
- 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine
- 1 orange, sliced ↗
- 2 cinnamon sticks ↗
- 4 whole cloves ↗
- 2 star anise ↗
- 2 tbsp honey or sugar, adjusted to taste ↗
Shop the spirits 21+Search Total Wine for Red wine · 21+ ↗
How to mix it
- Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Warm gently over low heat for 15–20 minutes, without boiling. Taste and adjust sweetness. Strain into heatproof mugs. Makes about 5 servings.
- Garnish: Orange slice.
- Glassware: Heatproof mug.
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