The Best People In The World!

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Remember the Lilies



There is something so amazing when an author can utilize some historical facts to create not only an unbelievable novel but capture your heart in the process. I guess that is why I love historical fiction, because based on history, there are so many stories out there that can be captured in a book, stories that impact you in profound ways that you are never the same after reading them. Remember the Lilies by Liz Tolsma is one such novel.

Based on events that happened in the Philippines just as WWII was underway and days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, those in the Pacific Theater wondered how the war would impact them. When the Japanese took over the small islands, they created the Santo Tomas Internment camp and thus is where our novel takes place as American citizens find themselves prisoners of war with no little hope of making it out alive.

Rand Sterling was a night club owner with two successful clubs providing him with the lifestyle he loved and plenty of money to expand if only the war hadn't happened. Now he finds himself locked behind fences and planning an escape from the prison camp. He knows if he is unsuccessful, the torture and subsequent punishment at the hands of the Japanese will cost him his life in a slow and painful death. Rand knew he had to do something, because people around him including little children were slowly dying by the conditions they were all faced to live in.

Irene Reynolds, a previous missionary along with her aunt Anita, has a job censoring the communication being allowed to the prisoners in the camp. When she removes a couple of sentences from a letter to Rand Sterling, she doesn't realize the implications of how important they were. When she realizes he might be planning an escape, she suddenly understands that his source on the other side is telling him that tonight is not the time for the escape and to wait. She knows she must find Rand before he follows through on his plans and gets caught. If she doesn't reach him in time, it might just cost him his life and she will be forever responsible.

I received Remember the Lilies by Liz Tolsma compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions found in this review are strictly my own. Liz Tolsma takes readers into the heart of what it was like for many Americans who found themselves as prisoners of war by the Japanese just at the beginning of WWII. I never considered the implications of how difficult it was to survive in camps where they were refusing to provide all the contents of the Red Cross kits to help them survive while the Japanese kept them barely on the brink of being alive. Disease and malnutrition were slowly killing them while they struggled to find hope in the midst of a different kind of victim of war. I easily give this wonderful novel a well deserved 5 out of 5 stars. There is a Reader's Discussion Guide included at the conclusion of this novel that is perfect for book clubs.

For more information about Remember the Lilies, Liz Tolsma, or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:


You can find Liz Tolsma on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Remember the Lilies, please visit Litfuse Publicity's book tour page. 

This gripping new tale from Liz Tolsma, Remember the Lilies, is a must-read for fans of WWII-era fiction. When Irene is attacked by a sinister Japanese guard and their secrets are exposed, she and Rand must learn the true meaning of forgiveness—if they can stave off starvation until the American troops bring freedom.

Help Liz celebrate the release of Remember the Lilies with a Kindle Fire giveaway!

rememberthelilies-400 

One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire
  • One copy of Remember the Lilies
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 2/19. Winner will be announced at Liz's Remember the Lilies Facebook author chat party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Liz and WWII fiction fans, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!   

rememberthelilies-enterbanner

{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 19th!

No comments:

Post a Comment

Please share with me your comments. I love to know what touched you about this post or how it has blessed you in any way.