Editorial Review: “Bright One”

Author: Lisajoy Sachs

Jetti and Berta are mother and daughter, inextricably linked by the most primal bond of all but each with their own challenges. “Bright One” by LisaJoy Sachs commences in Romania in the early 1900s. The pacing is measured – like a good reminisce with an old friend – and suited to the story, which doesn’t seem to cover much time, until, well, it’s late at night and somehow decades of a Jewish family’s life, loves and losses have been laid out on the page in seductive, compulsive paragraphs that speak of women but also of family and community and industry. The perspective of a young husband, returning from war to what should be a joyous homecoming, is unbearably poignant, and is no doubt the fate of many returning to a past life after the horrors of war.

“As Joel began his walk, a sudden wave of emotion overtook him, making his chest tighten and his vision blur with unshed tears. He blinked them away, and they immediately froze to his scruffy beard, like miniature icicles on tree branches. He pressed on, his boots crunching against the snow-covered cobblestones. His family was no longer here to greet him. They had fled to New York shortly after he left for the war, abandoning the home of his childhood and the warmth of their embrace. It was a pragmatic decision, one of survival, but the thought left him feeling untethered. Now, all he had to hold on to was the hope of finding the wife he had married three years ago.”

Throughout all of this Jetti is the heroine, the glue that holds her siblings together, or tries to, despite her personal heartbreak. But even a supportive family has tensions, and personalities, and, well, to use a modern word, issues. The eventual decision that Jetti and her brothers make for Berta is – challenging – for the modern reader and is all the more stark as this novel is based on the author’s own family history. But survival is the priority, even if it is at a formidable cost.

The style of writing is highly emotional and evocative of the times; “Bright One” is not one of those over-edited tersely written stories. The descriptive writing flows, even if Jetti’s various shades-of-blue dresses are somewhat over-emphasized. Some readers may prefer that, though, the image of a gorgeous blond young woman with her dreamy dresses and aqua ribbons and the braided hair drifting through her family mansion in a haze of opulence amply sets the scene and provides a contrast for the privations of what must be faced in the real world. Despite her wardrobe, Jetti has far from an easy life, and a much-needed core of steel.

“A shiver slipped down Jetti’s spine despite the warmth of the sun-drenched room. Her fingers drifted down, her palm instinctively finding the rise of the little promise growing within her. “I don’t know,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “But I think we’re about to find out.”

The air between them thickened with love, dread, and the shared understanding that the world around them was shifting in ways they weren’t ready to face.”

“Bright One” is completely immersive, and the deliberate focus on Jetti means she is the more compelling character. Berta is in her teenage years as this book draws to a close, and no doubt she will be central to the next book signaled by this author, one that will be eagerly awaited by this reviewer.

Throughout the novel, the characterization is pitch-perfect; Jetti has the historically-accurate level of agency where she mothers her siblings but still yields to her brothers. Life changing historical events crash onto the pages, reminding this reviewer yet again of the way horrific global developments shatter the lives of innocents. The mention of the Singer family is one of many moving references as their association becomes clear. Berta survives when so many did not have that chance; perhaps Jetti’s decision is more understandable after all.

“As the grandfather clock struck midnight, its deep chime reverberating through the halls of the mansion, Berta stirred in her bed, the resonant sound pulling her from the edge of sleep. At first, she thought she’d imagined it… the nutty aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the rich, sugary scent of chocolate babka. It was a combination she loved, evoking mornings filled with celebration and indulgence. But as her eyes adjusted to the darkness, reality set in. This was no morning, and the comforting smells seemed oddly misplaced in the late hour.”

“Bright One” by LisaJoy Sachs is a deeply emotional and evocative read set in an era where so many faced loss and impossible choices. The highlight is the heroine, Jetti, overcoming personal upheaval and tragedy, as she and her family persevere through some of modern history’s most turbulent times. Readers will need to keep tissues close at hand, particularly when the author’s own connection to the story is borne in mind. Jetti’s courage and sacrifice echo down the generations, and Book Two is keenly awaited.

*****

“Bright One” by LisaJoy Sachs receives 4 ½ stars from The Historical Fiction Company

Lisajoy Sachs' debut novel, Bright One, is a captivating and moving work of historical fiction—an impressive entrance onto the literary stage that is sure to establish her as a new voice to watch in the genre.

Framed between two world wars, the novel opens with Joel stepping off a train in Czernowitz at the end of World War I and closes with Berta, daughter of the protagonist Jetti, descending the steps of the Finkalthal mansion as World War II looms. This beautifully bookended narrative sets the stage for a story rich in emotion, history, and human resilience.

At its core, Bright One is a tale of profound grief and unimaginable loss, but also of love, sacrifice, and enduring hope. Inspired by her own family history, Sachs masterfully weaves a story that follows Jetti, a young woman forced to rebuild her life after Joel, the man she believed she would spend the rest of her life with suddenly leaves and never returns. In the midst of her sorrow, she finds purpose and light in her unexpected daughter, Berta—her “Bright One.”

Through Sachs’ detailed and evocative prose, we witness Jetti’s journey as she grapples with the emotional aftermath of the Spanish Flu pandemic, rising antisemitism in pre-war Romania, and the harrowing choices she must make to protect her child. Along the way, Jetti’s despair slowly transforms into strength as she discovers resilience within herself, helped by unlikely friendships and the unbreakable bond between mother and daughter.

Sachs delivers this poignant story with elegance, empathy, and a vivid sense of time and place. Her ability to blend historical detail with emotional depth makes Bright One both an intimate family saga and a powerful testament to survival.

I, for one, am eagerly awaiting the next installment, where we get to follow Berta on her own journey, when it arrives. If Bright One is any indication, Sachs is only just getting started.

• Five Stars

— J Bowman, Advanced Reader - Goodreads

Y’all… this isn’t just a story—it’s an experience that will leave you breathless. 💔 Bright One by Lisajoy Sachs honors her Jewish great-grandmother, Jetti, and grandmother, Berta, and the sacrifices they made during the rise of antisemitism in pre-WWII Romania.

The story follows Jetti, a mother forced to send her daughter Berta into an arranged marriage to escape Nazi persecution. That gut-wrenching choice becomes a thread of survival, sacrifice, and love through generations. Sachs’ writing is so intimate you feel Jetti’s trembling hands as she sews hope into every dress. 🪡🖤

At its heart, this novel is about the fierce, unbreakable bond between mother and child. Raw, emotional, and unforgettable—it’s a gut-punch that celebrates courage and love that refuses to die. 🌸

• Five Stars

— Victoria Keck, Book Blogger

Bright One is not just a story of survival during history’s darkest chapters—it is a tribute to the sacrifices made by the Finkelthal’s and the Jewish community of Czernowitz. Those who fought and brought aid during the battle years of WWI came back to their homes scarred physically and mentally, shaping the between wars period in ways that are not always clear. Author Lisajoy Sachs has woven together the story of her family and this period in time. She demonstrates through storytelling the feelings of relief that WWI was over, the tentative hope for prosperity and the looming wariness of seeing a world that hadn’t stitched itself back together in a way that kept leaders’ egos in check and protected the groups subject to persecution in the run up to and during WWII.

The author has woven her artist background throughout painting scenes with a full color palette. She doesn’t assume that you understand Jewish custom and heritage, instead she gently incorporates the true meaning behind the customs in a way that enhances the story. Her descriptions of the baked goods from this region will have you searching online for airline tickets. Unfortunately, that search will provide news of drone strikes in Czernowitz, which is now part of the Ukraine. Fortunately, this is just the first novel, and we can look forward to continuing the Finkelthal’s story as we walk with them through history.

• Five Stars

—Susan Levitte, Author of Into the Woods

Historical fiction is quickly becoming a favourite genre of mine & The Bright One by Lisajoy Sachs is a perfect example of why.

Lisa takes on the powerful task of telling the story of her great grandmother & grandmother just after WWI detailing the challenges they faced such as abondment & the Spanish flu. The story is told with such grace and depth.

It is a moving tale of resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship. I was completely drawn in by the characters & their journey, & found the historical detail both compelling & heartbreaking.

The story ends on a cliffhanger, with a young Jewish woman fleeing her home as WW II looms. I’m truly invested & can’t wait to see where the story goes next (I believe that will be in Spring 2026)

If you look at Lisa’s Instagram, she shares real photos of her family from that time, a stark & humble reminder that these are not just characters, but real people & real events.

A heartbreaking story but told so beautifully.

• Five Stars

— Carolanne Brown, Advanced Reader - Goodreads

As someone who has made amazing discoveries during genealogical research for my own family, I can appreciate the immensity of the task that the author undertook in weaving tidbits of factual knowledge and isolated memories into her debut novel Bright One.

While no doubt many liberties were taken, and this is technically historical fiction, as I read, I couldn't help wondering what parts were real and where imagination took over.

Based on true events that her ancestors lived through, the author has chosen post WW1 Romania as the setting for the first book in this series. The story takes form slowly, giving enough time to introduce all of the characters before the pace quickens throughout the second half of the book with WW2 looming in the distance. The ending will leave you wanting to find out what comes next for this family.

Many thanks to the author for including me in her ARC team.

• Five Stars

— Stephanie T., Advanced Reader - Goodreads

In pre-World War II Czernowitz, Romania we follow the unforgettable journey of Jetti, a Jewish mother in the storm of rising antisemitism and personal sacrifice.

If you’re looking for a story that embodies resilience from the very first page to the last, this book delivers it beautifully. Jettie’s journey is far from easy, marked by loss, heartbreak, and challenges that would break most people. But what makes her story so compelling is how she refuses to let those moments define her. Instead, we watch her rise from each setback with her daughter and unshakable determination.

This story is rich with moments of profound hope and tender love, in particular with the friendships she forges.

it’s a story of healing, of learning to trust again, and of finding light even when everything around you feels dim.

Thank you Lisajoy for the ARC!!! It was a masterpiece

• Five Stars

— Yarelis Rivera, Advanced Reader - Goodreads

This was a very special read for me knowing it's based on the author's family history. Bright One is a story about a mother who's resilience and bravery, despite all the hardships she and her family has endured, remained steady and loving because of her love for her child. This was so vividly written that while reading, it felt like I was there experiencing the events and the emotions the characters were feeling. This story not only made me shed a lot of tears but also touched my heart for its raw portrayal of struggles as they slowly overcome the hardships and yet, another one starts to unfold and their powerful bond is being threatened again. What a beautiful story that you can tell that it was written with so much love and appreciation and I'm so honored to be chosen as one of the firsts to experience such a powerful and meaningful art. I can't wait to read more!

• Five Stars

— JAM, Advanced Reader - Goodreads

Thank you to the author for this ARC. Bright One is a sweeping, emotional story set against the backdrop of WWI with the shadow of WWII already looming. The novel gives us an intimate look into the Jewish community at a time when tradition, survival, and sacrifice were in constant tension. Themes of arranged marriage, faith, and family duty run through the narrative, all while the characters face choices that will define not only their own lives but the generations to come.

I was fully invested in the journey—especially in how a mother’s sacrifice and a daughter’s fate were intertwined. The story ends on a cliffhanger, leaving me eager for the next installment in this new series.

A powerful and thought-provoking start.

• Five Stars

— AGA, Advanced Reader - Goodreads