Meant to Be: A True Story of Might, Miracles and Triumph of the Human Spirit

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, two unlikely WWII survivors 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 Holocaust 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.

Roslyn Franken is an award-winning author and internationally acclaimed speaker dedicated to educating and inspiring people with her books and dynamic author presentations. She is best known for her book entitled, Meant to Be: A True Story of Might, Miracles and Triumph of the Human Spirit, about her parents' amazing survival, love and triumph over tragedy as Holocaust and atomic bomb survivors who eventually meet, marry and make a beautiful life together against all odds.

As an inspirational speaker, Roslyn has taken her book, Meant to Be, from the page to the stage with multimedia presentations she delivers to diverse groups across North America. She is now taking her book from the stage to the screen with a feature film adaptation currently in development for production. Roslyn also coaches aspiring authors who are eager and ready to get their inspirational life stories out of their head, onto the page, and out to the world, once and for all.

Diagnosed with cancer of the lymph nodes at 29, Roslyn quickly learned how she inherited her parents' strength and positivity as she herself fought back to become a long-term survivor. Age 39, at her heaviest weight and concerned for her health, Roslyn decided to fight back once again - only this time to win her battles with food, stress and lifestyle challenges, once and for all! In her first book, The A List: 9 Guiding Principles for Healthy Eating and Positive Living, Roslyn reveals the proven life principles and practical wisdom that have helped her and thousands world-wide lighten up for good to a healthier, happier and more resilient life.

Roslyn has a Master's degree in Human Systems Intervention from Concordia University in Montreal, Certification in Organizational Psychology with a focus on Executive Coaching through the Professional School of Psychology in California and MBTI(R) Personality Type Assessment Qualification from Psychometrics Canada.