"It's 1966 in East Berlin, Germany. The Wall is reinforced with cinder blocks, barbed wire, tank traps, and second-generation guard towers to oversee what is known as the death strip. Its function successfully claims a steady stream of victims longing for freedom and willing to risk everything to escape the destruction known as the Deutsche Democratic Republic. Ella Kühn now in her twenties, faithfully awaits the end of Stefan's ten-year military sentence, yearning for the moment they will finally be together. A mysterious disappearance, startling news from the West and surprising betrayal wrench Ella's dedicated resolve in shocking directions. Her stubborn curiosity and devotion to those she loves pushes her to pursue answers in the face of doubt, danger and even death."--Provided by publisher.