Kathleen Reed: How I Saw Hitler on My Summer Vacation: A True Story

In 1938, high-spirited Helen McPhail sails the SS Normandie to a Europe displaying ominous signs of change due to Hitler’s increasing demands for power. Thirty years old and single, she savors the excitement of visiting nine countries by rail, from museums and nightclubs in Paris, to a dogsled ride in the Alps!

The trip is carefully planned, but total surprises keep cropping up. She loses her hotel reservations to German soldiers — twice! She was taken to Nazi Headquarters in Salzburg! How does one spend a black night in Austria? She becomes entangled in circumstances that are fascinating, frustrating, and romantic! (Listening to Hungarian music can be treacherous!)

As Helen joyfully hops from country to country, more than one handsome man longs for her to stay. You will love her sense of humor and her courage in adversity.

Join her on the streets of Paris, amidst throngs of frantic people who are trying to leave Europe. Be an eye-witness to a Paris where taxis and drivers are commandeered to military service, as France prepares for war on the eve of the Munich Conference. Why is the RMS Queen Mary distanced off shore, instead of waiting at the dock?

Jump into an adventure you will remember forever! Readers of this book come away feeling like they were right there with her! The true tale is enhanced by over 20 photos from her scrapbook!