Meant to Be
ISBN: 978-0-9784274-1-2
"A daughter’s moving tribute to her parents,
full of heartbreak that leads to uplift." - Kirkus Review
full of heartbreak that leads to uplift." - Kirkus Review
The GOLD award-winning book that is inspiring readers with the courage and triumph of two unlikely survivors of WWII who found everlasting love, against all odds, as told in their daughter's words.
MEANT TO BE: A True Story of Might, Miracles, and the Triumph of the Human Spirit is an unforgettable WWII survival biography that tells the extraordinary true story of John and Sonja Franken, a Holocaust and an atomic bomb survivor, whose courage and resilience defied the horrors of war.
John, a young Dutch naval recruit, is captured by the Japanese during World War II and forced into a prisoner of war (POW) camp in the Dutch East Indies. Sonja, a Dutch teen, is taken by the Nazis and endures the unimaginable brutality of Auschwitz concentration camp and other infamous WWII death camps. Against all odds, John survives the Nagasaki atomic bomb, while Sonja miraculously escapes death in the gas chambers on three separate occasions.
Their incredible story of survival against all odds and unwavering determination takes readers through the harrowing journey of two individuals who, after enduring the worst of humanity, find strength in each other. Together, they rebuild their lives, rooted in love, trust, and the power of hope.
But the story doesn’t end with the war. Years later, when Sonja is diagnosed with cancer and John suffers a massive heart attack, their resilience and unbreakable spirit once again guide them through life’s darkest challenges.
In MEANT TO BE, Roslyn Franken—who was inspired by her parents’ legacy—shares her own battle with cancer, diagnosed at just 29 years old. Drawing from her parents' example of bravery and perseverance, Roslyn triumphs over cancer and becomes a long-term survivor.
MEANT TO BE offers profound lessons on how to find strength in adversity, live with purpose, and overcome life’s challenges. This deeply moving biography will inspire readers who seek powerful stories of survival, cancer survival, WWII memoirs, and love’s enduring power.
Whether you’re drawn to true WWII stories, Holocaust survival, or stories of personal transformation, this book will uplift your spirit and leave you inspired by the boundless potential of the human spirit to endure, heal, and triumph.
Discover the inspiring true story of survival, resilience, and love in MEANT TO BE.
John, a young Dutch naval recruit, is captured by the Japanese during World War II and forced into a prisoner of war (POW) camp in the Dutch East Indies. Sonja, a Dutch teen, is taken by the Nazis and endures the unimaginable brutality of Auschwitz concentration camp and other infamous WWII death camps. Against all odds, John survives the Nagasaki atomic bomb, while Sonja miraculously escapes death in the gas chambers on three separate occasions.
Their incredible story of survival against all odds and unwavering determination takes readers through the harrowing journey of two individuals who, after enduring the worst of humanity, find strength in each other. Together, they rebuild their lives, rooted in love, trust, and the power of hope.
But the story doesn’t end with the war. Years later, when Sonja is diagnosed with cancer and John suffers a massive heart attack, their resilience and unbreakable spirit once again guide them through life’s darkest challenges.
In MEANT TO BE, Roslyn Franken—who was inspired by her parents’ legacy—shares her own battle with cancer, diagnosed at just 29 years old. Drawing from her parents' example of bravery and perseverance, Roslyn triumphs over cancer and becomes a long-term survivor.
MEANT TO BE offers profound lessons on how to find strength in adversity, live with purpose, and overcome life’s challenges. This deeply moving biography will inspire readers who seek powerful stories of survival, cancer survival, WWII memoirs, and love’s enduring power.
Whether you’re drawn to true WWII stories, Holocaust survival, or stories of personal transformation, this book will uplift your spirit and leave you inspired by the boundless potential of the human spirit to endure, heal, and triumph.
Discover the inspiring true story of survival, resilience, and love in MEANT TO BE.
"A beautiful, moving book that will touch the heart."
- NFAA Book Awards Program Review
"Wonderful book. Amazing story. Beautifully written." ~ Susan Weiskopf
"I read the book in two days - couldn't put it down." ~ Janet Watson
"I read the book in two days - couldn't put it down." ~ Janet Watson
"MEANT TO BE is one of the best and really powerful books I have ever read" ~ Anil Agrawal
"A true story of resilience, inner strength and hope. Inspiring, purposeful and a worthwhile read."
~ Lis Shapiro
"A true story of resilience, inner strength and hope. Inspiring, purposeful and a worthwhile read."
~ Lis Shapiro
Holds a place of honor in Esteemed Collections Worldwide
Roslyn Franken's book, Meant to Be, is featured in the collections at the prestigious Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum in Israel, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the National Museum of American Jewish Military History in Washington. Additionally, visitors can purchase copies at the museum stores of the Florida Holocaust Museum of St. Petersburg in Florida and the Camp Vught National Memorial and Museum in the Netherlands.
Roslyn Franken's book, Meant to Be, is featured in the collections at the prestigious Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum in Israel, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the National Museum of American Jewish Military History in Washington. Additionally, visitors can purchase copies at the museum stores of the Florida Holocaust Museum of St. Petersburg in Florida and the Camp Vught National Memorial and Museum in the Netherlands.
Roslyn's parents' story was the subject of a Gemini award-nominated CBC television documentary.
MEANT TO BE is making news. Check out media releases, book reviews, radio interviews and magazine and newspaper articles.
After writing the book, Roslyn took her book from the page to the stage with a multimedia presentation she now delivers to diverse groups at live events and via Zoom. Her presentations have as "Emotionally charged. Uplifting. Inspiring. Breathtaking.” and known for leaving her audiences filled with wonder and inspired with hope.
After writing the book, Roslyn took her book from the page to the stage with a multimedia presentation she now delivers to diverse groups at live events and via Zoom. Her presentations have as "Emotionally charged. Uplifting. Inspiring. Breathtaking.” and known for leaving her audiences filled with wonder and inspired with hope.
Check out Roslyn's other book, THE A LIST
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THE A LIST: 9 GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR HEALTHY EATING AND POSITIVE LIVING
"This is an easy-to-read book, with true-life stories from the author to add credibility to her message. She can talk the talk because she has walked the walk. Ample space given within the text to challenge the reader and make it an interactive exercise. Readers will come away motivated, and feeling positive about making realistic, measurable changes towards a healthier lifestyle and disposition." - Truman W |