ESCAPE FROM AMSTERDAM by LAURALEE BLISS

Publication date 1/9/22

ESCAPE FROM AMSTERDAM by LAURALEE BLISS is the beautiful story of a young couple, Helen Smit and Erik Minger, who put their lives on the line to save three Jewish children from the Nazis. I guarantee that this book, part of the Heroines of WW11 series, and  based on what really happened during the war, will touch your heart. 

Helen, who “wanted to share everything she knew with the eager minds of children,” becomes a teacher at a creche after graduating from the Teachers’ College of Amsterdam, working with Jewish children under Miss Pimental. With the Germans annexation of Holland the schouwburg across the road becomes a holding centre for Jewish families awaiting relocation to the camps. As the situation becomes worse daily, Helen and  Erik grow closer to one another and also to the Lord. Erik encourages Helen to not give in to fear because “Fear breeds power in others. Don’t give them an opportunity.” What I particularly like to see is the way this young couple live out their Christian faith daily, never missing an oortunity to share Jesus with others, especially the children in their care. Other strong characters are Ephraim and Delia Visser who also are prepared to lay down their lives for others.

This book is about the sacrificial love, faith and tremendous courage shown by ordinary Dutch citizens in the face of the unbelievable atrocities perpetrated against the Jews during the German occupation of Holland, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Barbour Publishing. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

UNDER THE STARRY SKIES BY TRACIE PETERSON

Publication date 4/10/22

UNDER THE STARRY SKIES is the third novel in the Love on the Santa Fe series by TRACIE PETERSON.. As is the case with all this author’s books, there is a strong Christian message running through it with relevant scriptures, which I really love. The plot is exciting and the characters are unforgettable. I particularly like the way we are taken into Cassie and Brandon’s emotions and see how they deal with past fears and guilt, and the very real fear of the future, with faith in God. 

Starting in 1916, with WW1 in full swing and with the Santa Fe railway lines in New Mexico being sabotaged, Brandon is on the alert, especially when Cyrus McCutchen, the man he suspects of being responsible for Cassie’s father’s death, comes back on the scene.

Family dynamics, the lust for revenge, pride and  broken relationships are some of the subjects that are addressed, as opposed to unconditional love, resposiilbility, friendship and godly living.

I cannot recommend Under the Starry Skies highly enough to anyone who enjoys inspirational historical romance.

I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

THE BRIDE OF BLACKFRIARS LANE by MICHELLE GRIEP

Publication date 1/9/22

THE BRIDE OF BLACKFRIARS LANE is the second novel in the Blackfriars Lane series by MICHELLE GRIEP  Rich in descriptions of London in the 1800’s, especially the seedier parts, and rich in unforgettable characters, some more to be trusted than others, full of suspense and surprises, and with a strong Christian message running through it, this book has all that you need for a truly enjoyable read. I also love the humourous banter, especially between Kit Turner and her fiance, Inspector Jackson Forge, who watch each others’ backs in the crime ridden streets of London.

When Kit’s independent streak causes her to miss her wedding and infuriates Jackson, she fails to listen to  her friend Martha who advises her to show humility and apologise to him because “Pride preserves yerself, humility preserves yer relationship.” Her father says to her, “You never know what good God will birth out of the darkness, Daughter.” I like to see how Kit talks to God so naturally and really wants to be free of pride and become someone Jackson can trust. After being alone on the streets for so long she loves the thought of becoming part of Jackson’s family, which does not seem to be likely to happen any more.

Add to all this, findng the body of a woman who has been dead for twenty four years, digging up stolen property while working incognito in a dust yard, and escaping someone who wants you dead, and you have a real page turner.

I cannot recommend The Bride of Blackfriars Lane highly enough.

I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Barbour Publishing.The opinions in this review are completely my own.

THE HIDDEN PRINCE by TESSA AFSHAR

Publication date 8/11/22

I cannot recommend THE HIDDEN PRINCE by TESSA AFSHAR highly enough for the gripping story which is filled with biblical truth that leads to the promise of the coming Redeemer. I love the Scripture verses heading up each chapter, many from Proverbs and Jeremiah, and completely in tune with Keren and Jared’s journeys as they work out God’s purpose for them and as He gives them the strength to carry on. Jeremiah 29:11, that speaks of the Lord’s perfect plan for our lives, comes out very strongly.

I love the descriptions of life in Babylon and of Keren living and learning in Daniel’s household, and of her journey to Media where she meets the delightful Artadates, the chief shepherd’s son, who is to play such a big part in her and Jared’s lives……

There is a wicked king, of which it is said, “Unpredictable humans with unlimited power should play no part in any sane person’s life,”  which description also fits Jared’s wicked father.

I am not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling things for you. I always look forward to this author’s books and The Hidden Prince definitely does not disappoint! This is a novel that I will definitely read more than once!

I was given a copy of the book by NetGalley from Tyndale House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.