About the Author

Where History Becomes Personal

History has always been more than a subject to Gary Swartzentruber. It is a window into real lives, difficult choices, and extraordinary moments that continue to shape our world. A physician by profession and an author by passion, Gary combines extensive research with compelling storytelling to create historical fiction that is authentic, emotionally rich, and deeply human.

His fascination with World War II has grown through years of studying military archives, personal letters, genealogy, and firsthand accounts. Rather than focusing solely on battles and dates, Gary explores the courage and sacrifices of ordinary people whose decisions had extraordinary consequences. His travels to historic streets, battlefields, and preserved landmarks further enrich his writing, allowing him to bring historical settings vividly to life.

Through carefully researched stories and unforgettable characters, Gary strives to honour the past while celebrating resilience, friendship, hope, and the choices that continue to define us long after history has been written.

Why You Should Read This Series

Every great historical novel leaves readers with something long after the final page. The Lyon Five brings history to life through two connected books that keep you invested in the young people living through it.

Historically Authentic

Inspired by extensive research into World War II, real locations, and historical records, both books capture the atmosphere, uncertainty, and daily realities of occupied France.

Characters You’ll Never Forget

Follow five ordinary boys whose courage, friendships, and choices shape every chapter. Book Two carries their development forward as new people and greater responsibilities enter their lives.

Stories Filled With Mystery

A bookshop hides more than shelves, and every new discovery leads the boys further into danger. The Forger’s Son introduces another urgent secret that cannot be ignored.

Emotional From Beginning to End

Blending hope, resilience, sacrifice, and loyalty, both books explore what it means to stand together, carry another person’s burden, and act despite fear.

A Growing Historical-Fiction Series

Book One opens the hidden door, while Book Two takes the boys deeper into the work of quiet resistance. Together, they begin a much larger journey with more stories still to come.