IRMA'S STORY: AMERICAN BY BIRTH, HISPANIC BY CHOICE, Portrays the Power of Love

True story proves loves conquers all.

Author Peter B. Gawenda captivated readers with his first book, "The Children's War: Germany 1939-1949," a personal account of his family's journey through World War II.

Now he thrills once again with his memoir "Irma's Story: American by Birth, Hispanic by Choice," a touching tribute to the love of his life, Irma Lozano de Gawenda.

The "Houston Chronicle's" RoBert Becker, veteran journalist and former international wire news editor, calls "Irma's Story" a "rich trove of memories with universal appeal - the power of enduring love."

Written with a passion that has spanned five decades, "Irma's Story" gives readers a rare glimpse inside a once-in-a-lifetime love affair.

"Readers will be captivated by this unlikely relationship between a south Texas woman of Hispanic descent and a German military officer brought together by fate," says Yvonne Freeman, PhD, Professor of Language, Literacy, and Intercultural Studies at the University of Texas at Brownsville.

After World War II, Peter, a handsome German pilot, was assigned to a liaison position with a U.S. Army school stationed in Texas. When Peter met Irma, it was love at first sight.

Their meeting had been prophesied, for Irma by her grandmother and for Peter by a Gypsy.

However, it would take time for Irma to receive her father's blessing to marry, and start leading an extraordinary life with Peter.

"Irma's Story" chronicles Irma's life and the experiences of the "Texan Gawendas" during their tenure in the German military in Europe and the United States.

Through Irma's experiences, Gawenda explores the dynamics of racial issues against a backdrop of military life. While Irma was accepted as an American in Europe, she faced discrimination in her home country and contended with the challenges of being a military wife.