by Liz Tolsma
Women of Courage #3
Christian Fiction / Historical / Romance
Available February 2015
Thomas Nelson
384 pages
About the Book
Can Irene and Rand stave off starvation until the American troops bring freedom?
Interred by the Japanese, missionary Irene Reynolds comes across a
mysterious note while working at the censor’s office. She memorizes the
parts she must black out and delivers it to wealthy nightclub owner Rand
Sterling. Before she knows what’s happening, she’s drawn into a web of
secrets and danger.
Rand Sterling wants nothing more than to reopen his nightclubs once
the war ends. But slimy Frank Covey wants his hand in the till—and has
news that could threaten Rand’s reputation if it became public. More
importantly, beautiful and intriguing Irene Reynolds cannot discover
this information if he expects to persuade her to become his wife.
When Irene is attacked by a sinister Japanese guard and their secrets
are exposed, they must learn the true meaning of forgiveness—if they
can stave off starvation until the American troops bring freedom.
My Thoughts
Liz Tolsma is a relatively new author. I have read her previous two novels—Snow on the Tulips and Daisies Are Forever—and greatly enjoyed them. It seems that lots of WWII novels are coming out these days, but Tolsma puts a bit of a different twist on her stories. Her stories are inspired by family members and family friends who lived through it.
As with the previous two books, I found Remember the Lilies to be very unique. I don't believe I've ever read a book set primarily within the walls of an internment camp. However, what could have been a very dark book turned out to be very hope-filled, with a strong gospel message. It's definitely not an easy read, but I was never left "down" for long.
I really enjoyed the two main characters. It was hard to imagine a romance blossoming under such dire circumstances, but the author pulled it off well. The character development was strong throughout, and I grew to like them both more and more as the story went on.
As several other reviewers have mentioned, I did wish that there was a bit more description of the camp. Unfortunately, I don't have much knowledge at all of this particular aspect of the war, so it was difficult for me to grasp. (I recently found a three-part interview with an internment camp survivor on the author's blog that shed some light on the true living conditions they experienced. Reading it would definitely be helpful in understanding the book better. Click here: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.) Additionally, I felt like the book was a tad slow in a few places.
Overall, I truly enjoyed this story. It's not often that you read a wonderful story with such rich, historical detail. Fans of historical fiction are sure to enjoy Remember the Lilies. [4 stars]
As with the previous two books, I found Remember the Lilies to be very unique. I don't believe I've ever read a book set primarily within the walls of an internment camp. However, what could have been a very dark book turned out to be very hope-filled, with a strong gospel message. It's definitely not an easy read, but I was never left "down" for long.
I really enjoyed the two main characters. It was hard to imagine a romance blossoming under such dire circumstances, but the author pulled it off well. The character development was strong throughout, and I grew to like them both more and more as the story went on.
As several other reviewers have mentioned, I did wish that there was a bit more description of the camp. Unfortunately, I don't have much knowledge at all of this particular aspect of the war, so it was difficult for me to grasp. (I recently found a three-part interview with an internment camp survivor on the author's blog that shed some light on the true living conditions they experienced. Reading it would definitely be helpful in understanding the book better. Click here: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.) Additionally, I felt like the book was a tad slow in a few places.
Overall, I truly enjoyed this story. It's not often that you read a wonderful story with such rich, historical detail. Fans of historical fiction are sure to enjoy Remember the Lilies. [4 stars]
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through Litfuse Publicity in exchange for my fair and honest review.
About the Author
New York Times best-selling author Liz Tolsma is the author of Daisies Are Forever, Snow on the Tulips, and the contributing author
of A Log Cabin Christmas. When not busy putting words to paper, Liz
enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden,
kayaking, and camping. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband and
children, all adopted internationally.
Liz Tolsma Online
Giveaway
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!
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!
I agree that I felt the book was a little slow in some places. Great review! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting. I'm so impressed with this author. She definitely brings a new voice to historical fiction.
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