Beneath the Bellemont Sky

Sometimes the best way we can understand our future is to spend some time looking through the past. For America, a lot changed when we entered WWII, and as thousands of husbands, brothers, and fathers left to serve, women stepped up in a role not familiar to them to pick up in factories where the men left off, their way of helping in the war effort.

As the war ended, and some men returned home, often times with less than they had before, with disabilities, missing limbs, and dealing with PTSD, women were again challenged to step into the roles vacated to help those returning home. Then again, there were those women who married before the war, and were notified that their husband, was killed and would not be returning home. This set the stage for the beginnings of the women's right movement as men returned to go back to work, women who enjoyed working were now faced with resuming the role of a full-time wife and mother, and wanted the respect and recognition that they got in working that was missing in their domestic roles.

That is the stage set for Beneath the Bellemont Sky by Raneè S. Clark. For the Larsen family, having a farm is what helped them to get by during the war and now that the men are beginning to return home, the women in the family are looking forward to having the men take over the farm tasks. Vera and her four children have moved back home after learning her husband wouldn't be coming home after all and a way to help make ends meet. The hardest part for any of them is learning to move forward into an unknown future when all they have known is their past. As the town attempts to resume normal life, Andrew Larsen returns with a French wife and now the town's socialites have decided to snub her at every attempt, partly because one of them had hoped that Andrew might return to marry her instead.

Vera knows she has to find a new start for her life and finds solace in the new teacher that comes to town, Dominick Whitaker, who is finding starting over in a small town might just be what he needs but also brings its own share of problems as well. Vera and Dominick hit it off as friends being in similar places in their futures and find an instant connection in their conversations, one that lasts beyond the time they spend with each other. Will Dominick be ready to take on a ready made family or will something in their pasts keep them apart despite their growing affections for one another?

I received Beneath the Bellemont Sky by Raneè S. Clark compliments of Covenant Communications. I truly LOVE the novels set among the war time because so much was forced to change to help benefit everyone both in serving in the war or supporting those who left behind those empty places. Change was forced whether one embraced it or not. And in a small town of Wyoming, one can only imagine that everyone knew everyone else. When the war came to a close, some women wanted to stay working, and raising a family and not everyone wanted to return back to their former lives, especially when things we so different. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and give it a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about Beneath the Bellemont Sky, Raneè S. Clark or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Beneath the Bellemont Sky by Raneè S. Clark

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The Melody of the Soul

Something that soothes that savage beast is music. It can take us back to memorable moments of the past or even help us pass the time during a tragic situation until something better comes along. That is the common thread in the latest novel by Liz Tolsma, The Melody of the Soul. This is the first novel in the Music of Hope Series. World War II genre fans will adore this as the setting between Anna Zadok who has just watched her family step away and left her behind to tend for her aging grandmother while the Nazi's occupy their small town in Prague. It is the one thing she didn't want to happen, for them to be separated but also knows that she can't give up on the one thing that she loves, which is playing her violin. Not from reading music, but from hearing it in her heart and soul. It defines who she is and what she is feeling with each note she plays.

However all musical instruments are outlawed and those found in possession of them will face harsh repercussions. But it is all that remains of her and the love she has for her family. Yet when a Nazi officer, Horst Engel, takes possession of her home and removes the occupants living on the lower level, she believes it is only a matter of time before they will force her and her aging grandmother to leave. She prepares to pack up what meager belongings they have so when it is time, they are ready. During the time she waits however she begins to play and what connects her to the music is the very same thread that reaches into the soul of Horst and he locates the source of the music.

He summons both of them into the lower level of the house he is occupying and asks her to play specific music that she knows and he loves. Perhaps they both are in situations they have no control over and while both know what roles they must play, it is the music that connects them to a better place before the war began. Yet will it connect them in other ways as well? Can a Jewish Christian find love with a Nazi officer in the midst of a war that threatens to divide who they both are? You'll have to check out The Melody of the Soul by Liz Tolsma to find out.

I received The Melody of the Soul by Liz Tolsma compliments of Litfuse Publicity and Gilead Publishing. What I really enjoyed about this novel is first, the setting. I am a huge fan of WWII and using that as a setting really forces readers into a place in history that is vibrant, real and terrifying depending on whose side you might find yourself on. Second, placing a budding romance between two very different characters who have their own shared beliefs, enemies really makes you wonder what will be the catalyst that changes for them both that will cause them to defy the odds for love over war. There are some amazing historical notes at the conclusion of the novel that show how the author incorporated real events into the creation of not only this novel but the series! For me, this one easily rates a 4.5 out of 5 stars and I can't wait for the next novel due out in the Fall of 2018.

For more information about The Melody of the Soul, Liz Tolsma or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

The Melody of the Soul by Liz Tolsma

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

To read more reviews on The Melody of The Soul, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page.

Travel back in time to 1943 and meet Anna Zadok, a Jewish Christian and concert violinist whose career is ended because of Nazi occupation in Prague. Don't miss the new historical novel, The Melody of the Soul, by Liz Tolsma. Though musical instruments have been declared illegal, Anna defiantly continues to play the violin. But Officer Horst Engel, quartered in Anna's flat and dissatisfied with German ideology, enjoys her soothing music. When Anna and her grandmother face deportation, Horst risks everything to protect them.

Join Liz Tolsma and other bookworms for a Facebook Live event on February 6, plus enter to win Liz's prize pack giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• One copy of The Melody of the Soul
• A garnet bracelet
• A box of Czech Republic chocolate

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 6. The winner will be announced at Liz's Facebook Live Party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Liz and other readers, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word-tell your friends about the giveaway and Facebook Live party via social media and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 6th!

The Christmas Blessing

What is it about romance set among the backdrop of the war? Perhaps its the sensing that time is of the essence and it inspires people to share their truth heartfelt feelings with one another in the event that they will be taken from them far too soon. If you're like me and LOVE that nostalgic romance set during WWII, then pick up Melody Carlson's novel, The Christmas Blessing. It is set in San Diego during 1944 with that romantic couple who have met and instantly fallen in love. Yet before they can marry, James Bradley is called back to his base to be deployed without a moment's notice.

Poor Amelia Richards has a completed intent to wed certificate that James filled out and knows that hopefully this war will end soon and James will return so they can marry. But fate is that ugly judge of what will happen and Amelia learns that James has died and will not be coming home. Now she has to deal with the outcome of what she will be able to do, when she realizes that their one night of romance has conceived a son from that night. As a single mother, not even being able to claim war widow status, she remembers that James told her a bit about her family that lives in Montana and she is sure that perhaps they might even want to help her and poor Jimmie out.

As she plans on making the trip to Montana she isn't sure what she will do if James' parents don't believe her or worse, attempt to take Jimmie away seeing as she is not even married. How could she possibly afford to take care of Jimmie when they don't even know what will happen next. So she takes what money she has in an attempt to give it ago while she searches for James parents, until then she will simply stay a few days at the cheapest hotel in hopes of finding a job as a beautician locally and fate will smile favorably on her this time. What she doesn't plan on is that she is coming down with a pretty horrible cold and now it seems she has passed it along to Jimmie. Without any funds how will she be able to provide care for both of them.

I received The Christmas Blessing by Melody Carlson compliments of NetGalley and Revell Publishing Group, a division of Baker Publishing. This is such a wonderful story and I don't want to give any more away. The setting is heartwarming and the overall situation is completely believable as something that probably happened to many young men and women during the 1940's. Fans of anything relating to WWII will absolutely adore this short novel that really feels like so much more. I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars and reminds you that God can even work a miracle during the most tumultuous of times.

For more information about The Christmas Blessing, Melody Carlson or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Christmas Blessing by Melody Carlson 

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To read more reviews on The Christmas Blessing, please visit Baker Publishing's website. 

The Crooked Path

For fans of WWII fiction and coming of age stories that will have you rooting for your favorite characters, you might just want to check out Irma Joubert's novel, The Crooked Path. We all know that the life we dream of for our futures is often a far cry from the one we actually get to live out. For Lettie Louw, she has lived in the shadows of the girls she grew up with. One to notice the obvious differences that girls seem to intuitively understand, she sees herself as less than. Her friends, if she can call them that, are more beautiful, more smarter and just more of anything that Lettie doesn't seem to have enough of. To make matters worse it seems that all the boys she is interested in, are not interested in her or at least not in the way she hopes. So she resolves herself to spending all her time, being the best doctor she can be. After all her father hopes to hand over the reins to her once she is ready. Perhaps that is her calling for her own life.

Marco Romanelli spends his time living in Italy with his large Italian family. His story is much like Lettie's even though they live in vastly different countries, it is their own self esteem issues that get the better of both of them as the reader is introduced to what will become our two main characters and the roads that will take them to an intersection that will spell out their futures together. Like Lettie, Marco has his hearts set on a girl who may never love him as he does her. She is a Jewish girl and now that the countries are about to get embroiled into the historical aspects of WWII, we know what fate lies ahead for his heart. This will immediately garner a sympathetic desire in the heart of the reader to see these two star-crossed lovers find true love with one another in the midst of a war that will undoubtedly change both of their lives.

I received The Crooked Path by Irma Joubert compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and TLC Book tours. What I really loved is how the author took her time to build up the characters for the reader. It gives us an idea of what might motivate them through the novel to make the decisions they do, based on their own unique upbringing. This is what ear-marks this novel as something to be savored, not in a rush to finish. We see what affects the war will have on both of them and see what surprising events bring them together and keep them from falling apart like those around them. It gives readers an idea of how difficult life must have been just to survive WWII but to find a lasting love is truly to be treasured. I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars.

For more information about The Crooked Path, Irma Joubert or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Crooked Path by Irma Joubert

You can find Irma Joubert on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest books.

To read more reviews on The Crooked Path, please visit TLC's Book Tour Page. 

The Way To London

Sometimes you pick up a novel expecting one thing and get so much more. The Way to London By Alix Rickloff is one such novel. Set among the war that is just on the verge of breaking out, over indulged socialite Lucy Stanhope has followed in the ways of her promiscuous mother Amelia. It seems after her mother had given birth to Lucy, all she can do is find ways to hand her daughter off to a nanny or boarding school in order to fulfill her maternal expectations. But Lucy can see through all of that. As her mother bounces from one relationship to another, finding wealthy men who can serve her needs and fund her lifestyle choices, Lucy feels the consequences of those choices.

As the family heads to Singapore just before the attack on Pearl Harbor, her new stepfather expects something for funding all of Lucy's wild expenditures. After all he has no blood relation to her so he isn't about to be breaking any rules except infidelity to Amelia, but as long as the money keeps flowing, she isn't about to rock the financial boat. When Lucy is asked to distract a wealthy client of her stepfathers, things escalate to the point where they have asked that Lucy be removed back to London or risk the financial backing of the client to her stepfather. She doesn't realize what a blessing it might be in the long run.

So while heading back to London aboard a steamship they are torpedoed in the middle of the night on the eve of war, and she finds herself on a lifeboat waiting to be picked up and delivered back to London to live with her wealthy aunt. Unfortunately it will be a set of circumstances that will forever test her resolved that in the past has suited her needs but will she be able to temper her rash tongue that has always felt free to speak her mind regardless of the outcome. When she find solace in an American soldier she first met in Singapore, it seems like fate may have a role to play in where her future is heading even as war breaks out all around them.

I received The Way to London by Alix Rickloff compliments of William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publishers. While this is such a riveting story, there are parts of the novel that readers should be cautioned about. There is a handful of profanity used as well as the promiscuous lifestyle of Lucy's that causes her to use men as she fits if they can benefit her. But the real story is the way she comes to resolve all the pain she has built up around her to protect herself from being hurt any further. I love her fiery grit and determination that keeps her from being a victim but also keeps her from also letting in anyone to love her as well. I would give this book a 4 out of 5 stars based on my own review guidelines and really enjoyed this one so much I read it in one evening.

For more information about The Way to London, Alix Rickloff or where you can preorder a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Way to London by Alix Rickloff

You can find Alix Rickloff on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Way to London, please visit Harper Collins Publisher's website.

Grounded Hearts

During the onset of WWII, countries were almost asked to chose a side. Either on the side of the Axis powers or the Allies, for the small country of Ireland, they choose neither, to remain completely neutral since they didn't have enough military might to join either cause and neither did they have the resources to defend themselves. If you should find yourself unexpectedly in the country, if you remained close to the Northern border, you were allowed to cross and no one would try to stop you, however if you were caught in the middle or southern borders, all service personnel on either side would be held in respectable internment camps until the war was over. There would be no negotiations from their country to get them back into the war.

So when RAF pilot Dutch Whitney found himself in the bogs of Ireland after his plane crashed, his concern was initially where in Ireland was he, and how could he get back to his crew in London again. He wasn't even certain if any of the men he told to jump even made it and he had no clue where to begin looking for them. All he understood is that he had to get away from the crash site before anyone came looking for him. He managed to make his way to the doorstep of Irish midwife Nan O'Neil and she knew without a doubt the choices she had to make. Knowing she simply couldn't turn him in initially, not when he needed medical help, she had hoped she could doctor him up and point him to the way home before anyone in her city of County Clare discovered him. Not only would it be dangerous for him, but hiding a pilot could land her in jail.

Knowing she must keep things as normal as possible while still trying to care for Dutch, she has ton negotiate a persistent man, Finn, who believes if he can find this missing pilot, he will be in a much better position to be head of the Garda, in Ireland and then gain a respect within the community he struggles to find now. All he knows is Nan is the only woman for him, because not only is she single, beautiful but she also possesses nursing skills that would enable her to care for his aging mother. Now all he has to do is convince her that they would make a suitable couple.

I received Grounded Hearts by Jeanne M. Dickson compliments of Litfuse Publicity and Waterfall Press. In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book reviewed here at Reviews From The Heart was provided to the reviewer by the publisher, media group or the author for free and were received, unless specified otherwise. Being a huge fan of anything to do with WWI or WWII, I immediately felt a connection to Nan's character. Not only is the position she finds herself in the midst of compromising, she follows her heart to care for a man, no matter which side of the war he is on. It conveys the difficulty of any country that tries to remain neutral in a war which is happening all around you , not knowing if you might find yourself being pressured to make a decision to choose sides or face a hostile takeover of your own country. I love Nan's cat, Mr. Dee, who finds an unlikely partner in the war effort every time Finn comes knocking and I love how this all ended. Not as you might think but I'll leave it there for those that want to read this amazing novel. For me, hands down earned itself a 5 out of 5 stars for keeping me up well past my bedtime so I can finish it.

For more information about Grounded Hearts, Jeanne M. Dickson or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Grounded Hearts by Jeanne M. Dickson 

You can find Jeanne M. Dickson on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Grounded Hearts, please visit Litfuse Publicity's book tour page.


What do you get when you mix World War II, a brave midwife, a wounded pilot, and a risky secret? Jeanne M. Dickson's new historical fiction novel, Grounded Hearts. When midwife Nan O'Neil finds a wounded young Canadian pilot at her door, she knows she's taking a huge risk by letting him in. Still, something compels Nan to take in "flyboy" Dutch Whitney, an RAF pilot whose bomber has just crashed over County Clare. While she tends to his wounds and gives him a secret place of refuge, the two begin to form a mutual affection-and an unbreakable bond.

Join Jeanne in celebrating the release of her new book by entering to win the Celtic Knots Giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Grounded Hearts
• A Claddagh bracelet
• A Claddagh jewelry box

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on July 31. The winner will be announced August 1 on the Litfuse blog.

Goodnight From London

"I don't think I could describe it if I hadn't lived through it. It's as simple as that. The fear of the bombs is real enough, and if there's a man or woman in London who isn't scared ruing the raids I'd like to borrow some of their courage. It's their good humor that surprises me. How this city can paste a smile on its collective face and still get to work more or less on time, still get the jobs done that need doing, and apart from a wobbly moment here or there, still find things to joke and sing and laugh about, I haven't yet figured out. When I do I'll let you know..." ~ Dispatches from London by Miss Ruby Sutton, September 31, 1940."

To work abroad covering the results of the war in London is a dream come true for Ruby Sutton, a news correspondent for the American, a paper in the states. Now she will take her love of bringing readers right into the action while working for Picture Weekly as a staff writer along with sending back her stories for her own column with the American. It would be the job opportunity of a life time and with no family back home to miss her, she was the right person for the job. Now it would be time to let readers back in America what was happening as Hitler continued to barrage London in nighttime attacks known as the Blitz. Sharing with readers what it felt like made her stories sensational, desired and desperately read as well as selling quite a bit of papers in both places. Only the last thing she ever expected to face was losing those things closest to her.

Like most of victims of the war, she too, will be faced with the greatest challenge. As an orphan, she gave up hope long ago as well as forming any close relationships with men or women. It was the very reason she was sent to London, she had no ties at home. Now working with Mary, her photographer assigned to her, they will have to face the worst things war had to offer. Seeing places that have been leveled when the day before they might have walked the very street that had faced being bombed. It is the very reason that her articles resonated with readers. Even though they didn't have to face the things Ruby saw, they felt as if they were right there with her. It doesn't hurt that she has Captain Bennett to show her around when she gets to London and offers to contact her whenever he is in town. Yet just when it seems like Ruby is about to get a second chance at life, the war will remind her that nothing is guaranteed and tomorrow is just an illusion.

I received Goodnight From London by Jennifer Robson compliments of William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publishers. In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book reviewed here at Reviews From The Heart was provided to the reviewer by the publisher, media group or the author for free and were received, unless specified otherwise. I absolutely love the little tidbits that close some of the chapters, bits and pieces of the wonderful articles that Ruby writes as well as some real life examples of woman reporters covering the war across the pond. It's that basis for historical facts that make novels like this one worth reading. It's so much better than history books, even though there is much fabricated to make readers connect with the characters, but I truly love Ruby's sense of adventure and responsibility to do what very few women were able to do. Take readers into the heart of what she was seeing, from sitting in a shelter while bombs were being dropped or simply interviewing those who had lost everything. I'd give this novel a 4.5 out of 5 stars and can't wait to read more from her in the future.

For more information about Goodnight From London, Jennifer Robson or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Goodnight From London by Jennifer Robson

You can find Jennifer Robson on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Goodnight From London, please visit William Morrow's website. 

The Marriage Bureau

Who would have thought that two women who simply didn't want to get married themselves would find a way to eke out living just before World War II? Heather Jenner and Mary Oliver both had everything to offer a man who was searching for a wife, both good looks, education and a willing heart for romance, only both of them wanted nothing to do with finding suitable matches for their own hearts, but felt they could match up their friends and family with men they knew overseas that were looking for love, but because of the short duration of their military leaves, didn't have much time to get to know someone before they were shipped back. So an idea was formed to create a perfect place to help love find the right match.

The Marriage Bureau began in a small office in England and they would charge either parties a small fee to find them a suitable partner. While they couldn't guarantee a marriage, they would interview each potential client and find out what they were looking for in a suitable spouse. Then they would send correspondence to both parties to see if they wanted to write one another and decide if a date might be in order. Those that didn't work out, would simply be sifted back into the pile for other possible matches. Along the lines there were plenty of difficult clients to try and find suitable matches for as well as those that were the basis for their business, to find them someone to marry. Often times in as little as 4 days for dating and on the 5th day, marriage. Clients that found their suitable partner were required to pay a Marriage Fee.

It was quite the lucrative business just before the war began, and once the war did, the girls had to get creative in how to keep their business afloat or risk being forced to give it all up. But what the war did was inspire many men to get married quickly so they would have someone to come home to or at least write to during the time they were deployed. From the wealthy elite, to those who were the poorest of the poor, matches were found. Even in the midst of the war, the girls used their skills to turn in clients that might be using their service as spies for the enemy under the guise of looking for love. This is where services like Match.com or eHarmony got their humble beginnings.

I received The Marriage Bureau by Penrose Halson compliments of William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publishers. In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book reviewed here at Reviews From The Heart was provided to the reviewer by the publisher, media group or the author for free and were received, unless specified otherwise. This is the true story compiled by hours of research garnered by Penrose using newspaper articles, advertisements, film, photographs, letters and books to bring this book to life. From war veterans and widows, to debutantes and shopgirls, each was looking for love and the promise of a future with someone suited just for them. This was the birth of matchmaking based on the true stories of the two women who made it all possible for love to be found in the midst of war in an unforgettable story and most unusual business. I absolutely LOVE the section at the conclusion of the book that shows what women and men's requirements were to become a client in addition to the interview comments from 1939 to 1940. There is even a discussion guide that would make this a perfect book club selection. I give this a 4 out of 5 stars and gives us a look at history we never knew existed before.

For more information about The Marriage Bureau, Penrose Halson or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

The Marriage Bureau by Penrose Halson 

You can find Penrose Halson on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest books.

To read more reviews on The Marriage Bureau, please visit William Morrow's website. 

Alice's Notions

Great historical novels are usually based around historical facts and that is what makes them so good. During WWII, America faced its own challenges dealing with German or Russian spies living among small cities and learning what they could to help win the war. In the novel, Alice's Notions, Alice Brighton is facing her future as a war-time widow, losing her husband Joe as one of those casualties. Now she has opened a small sewing and craft notions store designed for women, but it isn't being received well by her landlord, Rick Morrison. He believes his rental property should be given to men returning home from the war and not something just for women.

The one thing Alice understands is that she isn't going to be bullied by him and has vowed to stand her ground. She even takes in a war refugee to aid in running her shop, she just never expected Greta Engell to be a German migrant. She doesn't believe she can deal with having someone of the same country that took the life of her husband working under her, and would have sent her packing if she didn't sprain her ankle trying to set things up. Now she has no choice but to deal with Greta's help for now if she wants to open her store on time. In order to begin to bring some new businesses back to Burning Bush, her women's committee suggests a barn quilt tour. However not all the town's residents are so open to having strangers tour their small town. They are fine with them staying in the confines of town just not the outlying barns that are in the hollers.

While Rick Morrison vanishes on 'business trips' without any explanation where he is headed and when he will return, Alice learns that he served with Joe and has Joe to thank for saving his life. Now he believes it is his personally responsibility to care for Alice. While she won't give up the idea of opening her notions store, she is mildly curious about her growing attraction to him and why he seems to have all this money even though he lives in such a small town like Burning Bush. Can Alice trust those that she knows the most, or are there spies living where she least expects it? Time will tell if she can survive long enough to know the truth.

I received Alice's Notions by Tamera Lynn Kraft compliments of Desert Breeze Publishing. In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book reviewed here at Reviews From The Heart was provided to the reviewer by the publisher, media group or the author for free and were received, unless specified otherwise. This is such a wonderful story not only about the effects of war on those left behind, but how they moved on in spite of the odds against them. Enemies spies were prevalent in small towns based on their close proximity to government buildings or industrial plants. People living in small towns didn't realize that some of these people turned out to be friends or even family living under the same roof that they did and this novel plays on those historical facts very well. Makes you second guess just how well you know the people around you. I give this novel a 5 out of 5 stars and look forward to many more novels from Tamera Lynn Kraft in the near future!

For more information about Alice's Notions, Tamera Lynn Kraft or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Alice's Notions by Tamera Lynn Kraft

You can find Tamera Lynn Kraft on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Alice's Notions, please visit Desert Breeze Publishing's website. 

A Secret Courage

I love stories about the roles women played in any of the war efforts, especially World War 1 and 2, and no one can truly write a great novel about the war, women, romance and a little intrigue better than Tricia Goyer. In her latest London Chronicles series, A Secret Courage takes us into the life of Emma Hanson, an American who is employed working at Danefield House in Medmenham, a small English village at the Photographic Reconnaissance Unit. Her job is to survey the photographs that Spitfire planes used over Germany in hopes of planning the next bombing run and hopefully ensure a success. She is feeling guilty since her brother Samuel was killed during the war when his plane didn't return. Emma's job was to look at these photos allied survey pilots had returned from their flights photographing German points of interest - bases, airfields, manufacturing plants, bridges. Upon landing at Benson airfield, First Phase photo officers debriefed the weary pilots, attempting to pinpoint the exact locations where the photos were taken. Once the actual photographs were printed, the prints were plotted and initial information put into a report. Both the report and photos were setnt to Emma's team and that is where her work began.

Her job was to spot inconsistencies in the photos and uncover where the Germans might be hiding artillery, building new weapons or as Emma is about to find out, discovering where Hitler plans on unleashing his secret weapon, a rocket that can hit England. She finds comfort with her friends Vera and Georgette who believe she needs to find someone who can steal her heart. But she isn't about to let anything stand in the way of her work. After all, she signed the Official Secrets Act and word of her work to anyone breached her oath, and she could be court-martialed. She just doesn't plan on falling for Will Fleming, a fellow book lover whom she met in a bookstore and now he serves as an artist in the war efforts to capture the essence of what remains of the towns after the war in hopes of keeping the faith of those involved in the war alive and well.

But Will is not at all whom he seems and needs to find a way into the Danefield House due to reports that all that are employed there might be compromised in their security by someone working on the inside. But who can trust whom? If Will is hiding something from Emma does that mean he is hiding his true feelings for her as well and she is only a pawn in his espionage plots to gain information on what is happening in Danefield House? The plot is just beginning to thicken as the body counts begin to rise and Will just might be the next target!

I received A Secret Courage by Tricia Goyer compliments of Harvest House Publishers and Net Galley. In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book reviewed here at Reviews From The Heart was provided to the reviewer by the publisher, media group or the author for free and were received, unless specified otherwise. I absolutely loved learning about the PI's or photo investigators like Emma. How she signed up with the Women's Auxillary Air Force, where she was conscripted into a special unit without a clue what it entailed. It must have been difficult not knowing if you could trust your friends, because even they didn't share what they were working on and you had to be careful what you said in casual conversations. I absolutely LOVED this new series and can't wait to expand on what I believe will be Vera's and Georgette's novels in the future. I give this one a 5 out of 5 stars!

For more information about A Secret Courage, Tricia Goyer or where to pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

A Secret Courage by Tricia Goyer

You can find Tricia Goyer on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on A Secret Courage, please visit Harvest House Publisher's website. 

The Women in the Castle

Well I was disappointed. Based on the rear cover's premise of what the novel, The Women in the Castle was promised to deliver and also based on the accolades from others on this novel I wanted so much more than it delivered. The first half of the novel was great, highlighting the stories of Marianne Von Lingenfels and Benita Fledermann, the wife of a childhood friend she promises to look after if anything should happen to her husband Connie. The stage is just before World War II when a group of resistors to Hitler's plan to take over Germany and eliminate those who stand against him. Her husband along with most of her friends have all been hanged for their crimes against Hitler and now she has lived up to her vow to protect their wives, fellow resistors like herself along with their children.

The novel showcases both of the women's lives in a toggling between chapters of their past and present lives while living in a Bavarian castle of her husbands ancestors even though it doesn't have much of the creature comforts it once did. They eventually take on another woman Ania and her two sons who are now refugees with no place to go. They all band together to try and make it to their futures despite the odds against them in a makeshift family of sorts. It is an interesting perspective on what life would have been life trying to survive against the odds in the midst of a world war and one I had anticipated I would have enjoyed until midway through the book where it seems to take on a darker worldly side of not only language but also subject matter you didn't experience until this far into the novel. For me, it wasn't needed to get into the particulars of such events and sexual encounters because up to this point the novel was moving along and conveying such events were possible without describing them and adding profanity to both the characters dialogue, which in my opinion, cheapened the storyline even if such things were probably said in real life.

I received The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck compliments of William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publishers. It is for this very reason that reviews are needed. It prevents the reader from having to endure things they don't wish to read in novels while hoping for an enjoyable historical novel. That being said, most people will rave over the novel as other reviews will undoubtedly praise it for the historical details of what women might have had to endure when their husbands were killed for their beliefs against Hitler and even those who didn't know if their husbands were alive when they were shipped off to imprisonment camps of the SS Nazi's. I give this novel a 3 out of 5 stars.

For more information about The Women in the Castle, Jessica Shattuck or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck

You can find Jessica Shattuck on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Women in the Castle, please visit Harper Collin's website.

Anchor in the Storm

The one thing that Lillian Avery wanted more than anything was to be strong. She never wanted to be an imposition to anyone especially to her family. She had long given up on the hope of ever finding love again after being devastated in her last and final relationship. It is what gave her the determination to find a career so she could take care of her own needs. Being part of a large family, comprised of three older brothers and a twin sister, Lucy, she never wanted to be a burden to any of them. Lucy was the sickly one in the family and while she found a way to rub things in Lillian's face whenever she could, Lillian would not let herself be a victim. When she lost her leg in a hunting accident, she vowed to do all she can to learn to stand on her own two feet again.

Archer Vandenberg has tired of all the women in his life only wanting one thing from him, the chance to be Mrs. Vandenberg, heir to the Vandenberg fortune. His escape was to join the Navy. He just never expected to survive the sinking of his destroyer. Now the only thing holding him back is the raw nerves and shaking he experiences whenever he remembers being trapped inside the sinking ship. He can't seek any medical help because the Navy would remove him from service and send him packing under the medical care he might need. All he can do is pray that God will help him figure out how to heal him from the nightmares keeping him trapped.

When Archer is invited to Lillian's home for a two week stay, courtesy of his best friend Jim, Lillian's older brother, he jumps at the opportunity to escape going home to deal with all the drama unfolding at his own home. He wants nothing to do with Bitsy, who left him high and dry when he said he was joining the Navy. He finds solace in however, with Lillian who is not at all impressed with the charm Archer tries to pour on him. In fact, it seems to make her draw away from him even more. Jim warns him that Lillian is fragile when it comes to men trying to flirt with her and suggest they simply become friends instead. So when Lillian and Archer working on their friendship, it takes them to the unlikeliest of places, right in the middle of an apparent prescription drug ring that connects them both on board Archer's ship and at Dixon's Drug Store where Lillian works at a pharmacist. Just what is the connection?

I received Anchor in the Storm by Sarah Sundin compliments of Litfuse Publicity and Revell Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest and personal opinions. This is the second novel in the Waves of Freedom Series and one I am enjoying from first to last page. Sarah Sundin is an expert at taking an idea from factual history and incorporating her story lines and characters around it. I love Lillian's attitude of not feeling sorry for herself despite her disability. She is willing to take risks most wouldn't including being one of the first female pharmacists. She utilizes the assets she still has to be the very best she can be, no matter what she faces. I love that the chemistry develops slowly over the course of the novel and Lillian doesn't simply fall for Archer despite all the attention she receives from him. Add in a bit of mystery and you have the recipe for a successful and wonderful novel. For me this really hit a 5 out of 5 stars in my book. A Reader's Guide Discussion Questions are included which makes it perfect for book clubs and even a sneak peek into the third novel coming soon. Fans of WWII fiction will absolutely LOVE this novel!

For more information about Anchor in the Storm, Sarah Sundin or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Anchor in the Storm by Sarah Sundin

You can find Sarah Sundin on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

For more reviews on Anchors in the Storm, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page. 


In a time of sacrifice, what price can one put on true love? Pharmacist Lillian Avery and Ensign Archer Vandenberg are about to find out in Sarah Sundin's new book, Anchor in the Storm. During the darkest days of the war, Arch's destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves—and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions Lillian has been filling? As the danger rises on both land and sea, the two must work together to answer that question. But can Arch ever earn Lillian's trust and affection?

Celebrate the release of Sarah's Anchor in the Storm by entering to win her All Hands on Deck Prize Pack!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A signed copy of Anchor in the Storm
• Nautical tote bag lined with anchor fabric
• Anchor necklace made from copper reclaimed from the USS Constitution in Boston during restoration
• 365 Devotions for Hope by Karen Whiting
• Shine: Nautical Inspirational Adult Coloring Book
• "Hope Anchors the Soul" journal
• Set of two nautical tea towels

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on June 8th. The winner will be announced June 9th on Sarah's blog.

The Secrets of Flight

Funny how the older we get, the more we tend to love history. I can honestly say, I hated it in school but truly appreciate it now, especially the role women played in the war efforts that sad to say were missing from my history books growing up. Maybe that is why I appreciate it so much now and to know that few of our WWII veterans remain living, so their stories are just waiting to be told if we simply sit down with them while they are still here to listen to.

In the novel The Secrets of Flight by Maggie Leffler, I was drawn to the story of Mary Browning, a 87-year-old woman who used to be a WASP pilot during WWII but is now wishing she had the time to write down her memoir. She can't write because she suffers from tremors and using a computer now is beyond her knowledge of technology. She resolves to spend her time, meeting with a group of fellow seniors, sharing their love of writing once a week at the library and collaborating and editing them although many will never be published. Perhaps it just keeps them young at heart.

However when 15-year-old Elyse Strickler arrives at the library one day to answer an add one of the members places in the local paper seeking new writing talent, things are about to get interesting. Mary now realizes that she can get Elyse to write her story as a part time job, but it will mean divulging all those secrets of a life she left behind in WWII that no one including her writing group is aware she holds. Elyse on the other hand is suffering her own issues at home, dealing with the potential divorce of her family and gaining the attention of a young boy at school, while she is less than popular at school This is where her and Mary becoming peer and mentor of sorts and an unlikely friendship is born of the secrets they keep.

I received The Secrets of Flight by Maggie Leffler compliments of William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of the novel in exchange for my honest and personal evaluation. While I was initially drawn to this story because of the WWII side of it, I was left a bit disappointed first, by the amount of profanity used in the novel, but the disconnection I felt for the characters. For me, that is what makes a great novel, is that you can connect with them on some level, but this one for me fell short of my own expectations, but others might feel differently. Mary's secrets in this novel are many and for those close to her, she felt the need to lie to them about virtually everything in her life, from going to flight school at the University to enrolling in the WASP program and it affects those relationships throughout her life. For me this one rates a 3 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about The Secrets of Flight, Maggie Leffler or where you can pre-order a copy of this novel that is available in May of 2016, please click on the links below:

The Secrets of Flight by Maggie Leffler 

You can find Maggie Leffler on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Secrets of Flight, please visit William Morrow's website. 

 

Guarded - Giveaway and Review

Sometimes the best kept secrets lay buried where no one can hopefully find them. However this is not the case. When a fire burns through one room of the stone home in Kentucky, Annie Taylor along with her grandmother Beulah discovered a metal box containing letters from Beulah's parents as they received word from her brother Ephraim who was serving overseas during WWII. It isn't so much what is discovered in the stack of letters her parents kept, but why would they keep them buried beneath the floorboards of the bedroom?

Annie struggles with trying to find a job as she helps her grandmother decide if the family home is worth salvaging from the fire or whether she should just accept the paltry insurance check they they have offered along with a local estimate to salvage from the home what is left. It would mean the possibility to rebuilding a new home, but is it possible this old stone home is worth more than what the insurance company and others believe it is? Is there a possibility it might just be a historical landmark of some sort and thus gain some money to restore it rather than level it and begin again?

As Annie tries to find ways through research on the old family home she uncovers a bit about herself in the process. Just as her boyfriend Jake moves home, they are beginning to slowly learn more about one another. Why is it so easy for Jake to fit into this small town and find a job whereas everywhere Annie looks no one seems to be hiring, or it is that no one simply wants to hire her? Will she be able to come to terms with her own past before she can begin to discover a potential future with Jake or are some secrets simply better off not being known at all? 

I received Guarded by Angela Correll compliments of Koehler Books for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review of the book. This is the sequel to Grounded, Angela's previous novel even though it's not formerly in a series per say and you gain quite a bit more of Annie and Jake's background as well as Beulah's if you start there first before reading Guarded. I love the tie in with WWII because I am a huge fan of history and love the elements that she incorporated to learn what happened to Beulah's brother during the war through real letters that the author read from people who had written home. It just keeps that element more believable as you read through them and understood how they might have wanted to keep those at home from worry while gaining a bit of home in the process by asking questions about what was going on at home. A wonderful story that is sure to resound in the hearts of romance fans everywhere and for me, once again another splendid edition to my home library, for that reason it garners a 4.5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

Now for an exciting treat for one lucky person, thanks to the generosity of Angela Correll, not only is she giving away a copy of Guarded for someone but she is also extending that to include the winner's choice of a Plainview Basket, which includes a goat's milk luxury bar, goat milk cream, goat milk hand soap and sugar scrub from her store. Here is all you need to do to enter:

1. "Like" Angela Correll's Facebook page.

2. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. 

3. Be a resident of the US or have a US mailing address. No P.O. Boxes please.

4. Leave a comment below telling me why you'd love to win this giveaway package. Don't forget to include your email address so I can have a way of notifying you if you are the lucky winner of this giveaway package.

The giveaway will end on December 4, 2015 so be sure to make sure you are entered to win. You can enter as many times as you like.

For more information about Guarded, Angela Correll or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Guarded by Angela Correll

You can find Angela Correll on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest books and products.

Promise to Keep

The most difficult thing when writing a great series, is to bring that series to a conclusion and that is just what Elizabeth Byler Younts does in the third and final novel, Promise to Keep, in her Promise of Sunrise Series. Where do I begin in my review of this novel? First of all I would have to say that it does include quite a few different genres, from Historical, Romance, Amish, World War II, and all of them being Christian based without a lot of the heavy religious overtones coming across. It's a simple story of being lost and the redemption that comes from being found.

As the reader embarks on the journey, there are two very different stories that come to an intersection at the first 100 pages and the first being of Esther Detweiler, who has had a challenge most of us would find hard to endure. Not only with the recent death of her mother, she is left all alone to deal with raising Daisy, a young girl who was abandoned, first by the death of her mother, Irene, Esther's cousin, and then when Daisy's father, Joe Garrison leaves her behind to enter World War II. Not because he had to, but because he couldn't handle caring for Daisy who he didn't understand was simply deaf, but others thought belonged in a mental institution. Esther soon learns that her father whom she believed died, is now coming back home and wishes to restore all the time he has lost with Esther. He believes it is something he can just pick right back up again. But Esther isn't so willing.

On top of that she discovers from Joe's sister, Angelica, that he is returning home from the war and is planning on taking back the daughter he had abandoned. It's not an easy thing for Esther to deal with all at once. Daisy barely remembers the man who left her so long ago, and right now, Esther is the only family she has ever known. Her own Aunt Angelica was offered the care of Daisy, but she felt that Daisy was too much to deal with and relented her care to Esther. But as Joe returns home he too has his own share of issues, dealing with the shell shock he has from the war, along with the alcohol that seems to keep it under control are the least of his worries, when he realizes that Daisy doesn't want anything to do with him and wants to stay with Esther over living with her own father. It will take a miracle to restore the lives of those characters we see spilled out in the covers of Promise to Keep!

I received Promise to Keep from Elizabeth Byler Younts compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review, aside from a free copy of this book, and the opinions expressed here are my own personal honest ones. Being a huge lover of WWII fiction, I absolutely loved the idea of a English soldier returning home from the war to deal with his feelings for a young Amish woman. It's truly the best of two ideal genre's in my mind. The impacts of what is now known as PTSD, wasn't something that many knew how to deal with and you can imagine how that might be played out among the non violent Amish. Not only that, the impacts of dealing with a deaf child and learning how to communicate, was something that would have been considered out of the ordinary since most of the education in dealing with how to communicate with them would have been fairly new as well. You could see where others would automatically assume they might be mentally challenged instead of something more simple. This one really worked well and thus the reason for the 4 out of 5 star rating in my opinion. It's truly a story of restoration on many different fronts.

For more information about Promise to Keep, Elizabeth Byler Younts or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Promise to Keep from Elizabeth Byler Younts

You can find Elizabeth Byler Younts on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Promise to Keep, please visit Christian Fiction Blog Alliance's Book Tour page. 

Promise to Keep

The most difficult thing when writing a great series, is to bring that series to a conclusion and that is just what Elizabeth Byler Younts does in the third and final novel, Promise to Keep, in her Promise of Sunrise Series. Where do I begin in my review of this novel? First of all I would have to say that it does include quite a few different genres, from Historical, Romance, Amish, World War II, and all of them being Christian based without a lot of the heavy religious overtones coming across. It's a simple story of being lost and the redemption that comes from being found.

As the reader embarks on the journey, there are two very different stories that come to an intersection at the first 100 pages and the first being of Esther Detweiler, who has had a challenge most of us would find hard to endure. Not only with the recent death of her mother, she is left all alone to deal with raising Daisy, a young girl who was abandoned, first by the death of her mother, Irene, Esther's cousin, and then when Daisy's father, Joe Garrison leaves her behind to enter World War II. Not because he had to, but because he couldn't handle caring for Daisy who he didn't understand was simply deaf, but others thought belonged in a mental institution. Esther soon learns that her father whom she believed died, is now coming back home and wishes to restore all the time he has lost with Esther. He believes it is something he can just pick right back up again. But Esther isn't so willing.

On top of that she discovers from Joe's sister, Angelica, that he is returning home from the war and is planning on taking back the daughter he had abandoned. It's not an easy thing for Esther to deal with all at once. Daisy barely remembers the man who left her so long ago, and right now, Esther is the only family she has ever known. Her own Aunt Angelica was offered the care of Daisy, but she felt that Daisy was too much to deal with and relented her care to Esther. But as Joe returns home he too has his own share of issues, dealing with the shell shock he has from the war, along with the alcohol that seems to keep it under control are the least of his worries, when he realizes that Daisy doesn't want anything to do with him and wants to stay with Esther over living with her own father. It will take a miracle to restore the lives of those characters we see spilled out in the covers of Promise to Keep!

I received Promise to Keep from Elizabeth Byler Younts compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review, aside from a free copy of this book, and the opinions expressed here are my own personal honest ones. Being a huge lover of WWII fiction, I absolutely loved the idea of a English soldier returning home from the war to deal with his feelings for a young Amish woman. It's truly the best of two ideal genre's in my mind. The impacts of what is now known as PTSD, wasn't something that many knew how to deal with and you can imagine how that might be played out among the non violent Amish. Not only that, the impacts of dealing with a deaf child and learning how to communicate, was something that would have been considered out of the ordinary since most of the education in dealing with how to communicate with them would have been fairly new as well. You could see where others would automatically assume they might be mentally challenged instead of something more simple. This one really worked well and thus the reason for the 4 out of 5 star rating in my opinion. It's truly a story of restoration on many different fronts.

For more information about Promise to Keep, Elizabeth Byler Younts or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Promise to Keep from Elizabeth Byler Younts

You can find Elizabeth Byler Younts on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Promise to Keep, please visit Howard Book's website. 

Through Waters Deep

One of the things I most enjoy when reading any novel from Sarah Sundin, is her attention to detail and keeping the accuracy of her historical novels genuine. Some of my favorite have been her WWII novels and Through Waters Deep is the debut novel in the Waves of Freedom Series. It takes me back a bit in my own life as we see the main character, Mary Stirling, a Boston Navy Yard secretary referencing her love of Nancy Drew novels growing up. I too, was a girl detective at heart. Mary's ability as a secretary is the perfect skill she needs not only to complete her job but while she is taking reports, she is also talking with the men who are working on the building of our Navy's fleet. It seems that at the launch of their latest vessel, the champagne bottle used to celebrate the official launch was tampered with, and instead was filled with gasoline.

Mary was the first to notice that something was amiss with the bottle's appearance, but her boss thought nothing of it. However, she feels that her tasks at walking around the navy yard gives her access to the men who work there, and she is bound and determine to use everything she has to discover if there is a saboteur in their midst as the nation prepares for war. What she doesn't expect to discover is that her childhood friend from school, Jim Avery has grown up and had now enlisted to serve as navy officer in charge of escorting British convoys across the North Atlantic. Jim feels there is no chance of any chemistry since he usually goes for the bubbly blonde type not the quiet reserved brunette that is Mary.

But the more time they spend together as Jim waits for the USS Atwood to be prepared for deployment oversees, they begin to realize that they have more feelings for one another than they had hoped for. Only they realize it just as Jim is about to be shipped out. Will they have a second chance at seeing where those feelings might develop if given the opportunity or will the sabotage take a toil on one of their lives before love has a chance to gain hold?

I received Through Deep Waters by Sarah Sundin compliments of Litfuse Publicity and Revell Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of the book for my honest review and the opinions are strictly my own. I love the story of these two characters that come together after some time, to see how they have each grown in different ways. Not like an Officer and a Gentlemen, this one felt real to me as both of my parents served in the Navy and subsequently fell in love much like these two do without solving a mystery along the way. Perhaps that is why I could relate to this one so much and saw these characters taking the place of my own parents in a different time from the past. Absolutely LOVED it and well worth all 5 out of 5 naval stars in my book. At the conclusion of the novel are some notes from Sarah about the story as well as some group discussion questions.

For more information about Through Deep Waters, Sarah Sundin or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Through Deep Waters by Sarah Sundin

You can find Sarah Sundin on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

For more reviews of Through Deep Waters, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page.


strong>Dive into Sarah Sundin's explosive new series, Waves of Freedom, with book one, Through Waters Deep. When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is found, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges–and dangers–await them in the midst of their budding romance.

Join Sarah in celebrating the release of Through Waters Deep by entering to win an Anchors Aweigh prize pack!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Through Waters Deep
• A nautical tote bag
• A set of compass rose notecards
• A "Hope Anchors the Soul" journal
• A Boston Tea Party earl grey tea set
• A Through Waters Deep apron
• A set of nautical tea towels

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 24th. The winner will be announced August 25th on Sarah's blog.

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:

Remember the Lilies by Liz Tolsma

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!

 

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!   

{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!

Promise to Cherish

I had a rare moment to read an outstanding novel that shares the love of nursing in a state hospital alongside an Amish man who was sent to the Civilian Public Service Unit during World War II in Promise to Cherish by Elizabeth Byler Younts. There is so much realization poured out in the words you read that you can imagine what it felt like as nurse Christine Freeman tries to find a way to manage the healthcare of so many patients in Hudson River State Hospital. Since so many of the men and women have been called to active duty, there only last resort is to take in the conscientious objectors from the CPS unit. This one filled with Mennonite and Amish young men who are serving their time in the war in obligation to their religious faith.

While some might claim they are dodging their duty by not serving in the war, Eli Brenneman knows it is what he must do even if he is already experiencing his prejudice from the Amish in Sunrise as well. At least this way he is fulfilling his military obligation and not taking lives that go against the Amish faith. Now if he can only manage to convince others of this as well. But the life of aiding the mental patients at Hudson River is something he can do beside digging pointless ditches for the government. From helping them bath, custodial duties, and even keeping patients busy reading to them or playing games makes him feel like he is doing what God has called him to do.

What he isn't prepared for is the attraction he feels towards Christine. Yet he manages to keep his distance because in her eyes, he is one of the reasons her brothers Nathaniel and Peter died, so that men like Eli could avoid going to war in their place. All Christine wants is to find a way to help her struggling family financially since her father was left crippled from the war and unable to find work. She had hoped that one day she might find the perfect man and begin a family of her own, but for now her duties as a shift nurse fulfill that calling. But life is about to change abruptly for both Christine and Eli and ways that neither ever anticipated. For both of them, their lives would never be the same and the hopes and dreams they had will not work out as they had planned.

I received Promise to Cherish by Elizabeth Byler Younts compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. I absolutely love the blending of WWII and Christian Amish into this wonderful novel. It is the second in the Promise of Sunrise Series and I can't wait for the third book in the series. There is so much detail in the treatment of the patients at Hudson River that you literally feel like you are part of the staff as well. The author utilizes her own families history to breath life into this novel and the result you will find is pure perfection. For lovers of WWII, Christian Amish and of course romance, trust me, this is the novel for you. Even though this is part of a series, each can be read as a stand alone. But once you read this one, you will want to pick up Promise to Return. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and literally read it in one sitting, I simply couldn't put it down.

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Promise to Cherish by Elizabeth Byler Younts

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