Tuesday, September 3, 2013

This World War II Novel Is A Must-Read!

Snow on the Tulips
by Liz Tolsma
Christian Fiction / Historical
Available August 2013
Thomas Nelson
336 pages

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About the Book
A stranger’s life hangs in the balance. But to save him is to risk everything.

The war is drawing to a close, but the Nazis still heavily occupy the Netherlands. After the losses she’s endured, Cornelia is only a shadow of the woman she once was. Her main objective is protecting her younger brother, Johan, who lives in hiding.

But when Johan brings Gerrit Laninga, a wounded Dutch Resistance member, to Cornelia’s doorstep, their lives are forever altered. Although scared of the consequences of harboring a wanted man, Cornelia’s faith won’t let her turn him out.

As she nurses Gerrit back to health, she is drawn to his fierce passion and ideals, and notices a shift within herself. The thought of opening her heart, however, is almost more terrifying than the thought of losing her life.

But Gerrit’s intensity challenges her, making her want to live fully, despite the fear that constrains her. When the opportunity to join him in the Resistance presents itself, Cornelia must summon every ounce of courage imaginable.

She is as terrified of loving Gerrit as she is of losing him. But as the landscape slowly thaws, so too does her heart. Will she get a second chance at true love? She fears their story might end before it has even begun.

My Thoughts
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading Snow on the Tulips by debut novelist Liz Tolsma. I quickly realized that this was no ordinary story! The author invites readers to imagine living in the Netherlands during the height of World War II; when men were being forced to either hide or fight for the German army; when women became the sole providers for their families and lived in constant fear of losing their husbands, brothers, sons, and fathers. As I continued to read, these aspects of life during such a difficult time became more and more realistic, and I found myself identifying intimately with each of the characters. By the end of the book, my emotions had run the gamut from fear to joy to sorrow to hope. 

I don't know how to talk about this book without giving too much of the plot away, but let me encourage you to please read this book! The characters, plot, setting, and overall story were absolutely magnificent, and I am anxiously awaiting the author's next book.  [5 stars]

I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson's Booksneeze program in exchange for my fair and honest review.

From the Author
My life is always a changing scene, full and busy with writing inspirational historical fiction and raising a family. I have been writing seriously for a number of years now, but have wanted to be an author since the fifth grade when my teacher wrote, "I hope to see you as a published authoress," in my autograph book. I was hooked.

My novella, "Under His Wings" was published in the best-selling anthology "A Log Cabin Christmas". Two short stories, "Simply His Mother" and "As American As They Come" were published in "Cup of Comfort for Adoptive Families". I'm proud to be represented by my wonderful agent, Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency.

When I'm not busy writing, I enjoy reading, especially historical romance. You can also find me working in my garden, walking my black lab, Kylie, camping with my family, kayaking or crocheting.

My wonderful husband of twenty-three years and I make our home in the beautiful Wisconsin countryside with our three children. We adopted our eighteen year old son from Vietnam when he was an infant, our thirteen year old daughter from Korea when she was an infant, and our eleven year old special needs daughter from the Philippines when she was five. They certainly keep me going!

I am also a breast cancer survivor. It has been a journey of deep faith and trust in the Lord, but he has sustained me and granted me healing.

The greatest love in my life is my Lord Jesus. I pray that my writing, as well as my entire life, will be to his honor and glory alone.

Liz Tolsma Online

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