Praise for Ashes
"Early-20th-century Russia and New York are vividly rendered in this affecting debut that centers on a Jewish family's immigrant experience.... Friedman makes a potent statement about the resiliency of the human spirit."
- Publishers Weekly
"...this work of historical fiction is impeccably researched and told with great heart, and as a result, manages to bring an important era in history to life."
- Kirkus Reviews
"I really enjoyed Ashes. ...I loved the characters and how they are portrayed. I also loved how much research Friedman did on the factories of that period and the horrible conditions that many women and children faced. ...With Ashes, you develop a bond with the characters and their lives, and their experiences hit you in a way a regular history book can't."
-Tiffany Ferrell, Readers' Favorite “
The author pulls the reader into a carefully researched world of Jewish life in the early 1900s, first in Russia and then in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. She populates this world with believable characters who experience the joys and sorrows of leaving their homeland and finding a place in a new city full of opportunities and setbacks.”
-Tish Davidson, Next Generation Indie Book Awards Judge
"Beauty really can rise up out of ashes.... Friedman never allows the story to get bogged down in sadness. At its heart is a tender love story, and the faithful hope and work ethic that drove people with so little to rise above. Highly recommended."
- Ann Howard Creel, Author of Mercy Road, The Uncertain Season, and The Whiskey Sea
"This is a great book for those who want to understand Jewish history better. The writing is descriptive and brings you into these peoples' lives like they are best friends."
- Rebecca Rosenberg, author of Gold Digger: The Remarkable Life of Baby Doe Tabor, The Secret Life of Mrs. London, and Champagne Widows
"…The power of Gloger Friedman's voice cannot be understated. As a reader, I felt like I was in good hands even as the subject matter made my heart ache. Knowing that the struggles of this immigrant family mirrored the real-life struggles of many in that era added to the rich texture of this story. I cannot recommend this book highly enough, it will take you on an incredible journey that, although sad at times, is well-worth it."
- Laura Kemp, Author, Evening in the Yellow Wood and Snow in Summer
Ashes, by Sharon Gloger Friedman is based on true, albeit heartbreaking events on two continents during the early twentieth century. Friedman skillfully weaves a tale that is full of love, heartbreak, courage and hope. The details she gives are superbly satisfying, and her characters are so well developed, they're easy to be involved with as they tug on your emotional sleeve.”
-Nancy Carey Johnson, Author, Life is Good and Christmas Memories.
“Sharon Gloger Friedman has written a sensational book. This profound and insightful novel deals with themes of religious hatred, the press as propaganda, and the struggle for women’s rights in the workplace.”
-Jerry Greenfield, Author, He Lost it in the Catskills and Ask the Wine Whisperer
"Ashes by Sharon Gloger Friedman is a beautifully written, emotional book.... Miriam's story will be with me for many years to come. Absolutely 5 stars."
- Green Gables Book Reviews
"Ashes blew me away, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in American historical fiction or Jewish culture!" The book provides a harrowing glimpse at the lethal consequences of anti-Semitism and what life was like for Jewish people and immigrants alike in 1900s Russia and America, and how the strength of the human spirit can conquer the tribulations that life throws at people."
-Bitty Book Nook
"Sharon Gloger Friedman has brought history to life within the pages of the Historical Fiction novel, Ashes. This is an inspiring tale ... the characters are written as strong, real and believable. This story will not only grab hold, but it is written fluidly and with true purpose.”
-Wild Sage Book Blog
