WHAT I WOULD TELL YOU by LIZ TOLSMA

Punlication date 1/1/23

WHAT I WOULD TELL YOU by LIZ TOLSMA is a beautifully written dual timeline historical romance novel which takes place in Salonika from 1941 to 1943 during the German occupation of Greece, and in 2019 in Pittsburg and Thessaloniki (formerly Salonika). The author has obviously done a great deal of research into the horrors perpetrated towards the Greek Jews at that time, some of whom had already fled from persecution in Spain. This book is a must read for those of us who honour God’s chosen people.
It is a story of courage and sacrificial love, as we follow Mathilda Nissim and her beloved husband Asher’s experiiences  during WW11. Mathilda continues to write her newspaper in secret, encouraging the Jews to stand up and fight. their oppressors. Whilst it is horrific to think of man’s inhumanity towards his fellow man during the Holocaust, the author reminds us that anti-Semitism is still very active in the world.
 I like to see how their friends Ioanna and Petrus do all they can to help Mathilda and Asher, at great risk to themselves, and how they share their food and faith with them. 
When Tessa Payson finds out through a genetic test  that she has Sephardic Jewish blood and that she and her cousin Riley are not related, she gets on a plane against her mother and stepfather’s wishes and flies to Thessaloniki to find out the truth about her ancestry and her faith.
I like the strong Christian message on which the book is based, and the way the author, through her characters, shows how Christians and Jews serve the same God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Tessa’s friend Giannis says to her when she has questions about which religion she needs to follow now, that she can be both a Christian and a Jew, like he is, and that Jesus the Messiah was also a Jew.
The two time lines run together well with Mathilda’s diary holding them together.
Family relationhips, particularly the special bond between a mother and her child, play a big part in the characters’ lives  Things are not as they seem and secrets are kept in order to not cause pain. Tessa’s search for the  truth about her heritage leads her on an exciting journey, but it is one her mother would rather she did not take. 
It is a story of hope and new beginnings, and one I cannot recommend 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.

WREATHED IN DISGRACE by ROBIN PATCHEN

WREATHED IN DISGRACE is the 10th novel in the Coventry Saga series by ROBIN PATCHEN, but, as is the case with all her books, it can easily stand alone.

Denise Masters, who was married to Reid Cote, is back in Coventry just before Christmas, hoping to stay  in her newly acquired house for a few months to spend quality time with her eight year old daughter Ella. Reid, who hates her for deserting him and their baby girl to follow her acting career, is not happy with her arrival, especially as she has attracted a shooter. 

Jon Donley and his team of bodyguards is sent by her agent to guard her. Jon’s cousin Lake stays with Reid and his new wife, Jacqui, to guard Ella. When Denise starts getting  messages about the “starlet slayings”, things get really exciting…..

There is a strong theme of family and relationships running through the book. I like to see how Denise’s relationship with her daughter  takes off and the way the little girl loves and accepts all her family,  including Jacqui’s parents. Reid is obviously a good father, although he is understandably over protective. 

There is a really good Christian message of the forgiveness and acceptance we have in Christ, and the everlasting life He  gives to  those who turn to Him in repentance. We are reminded that it is only His opinion of us that counts, not what others think or say about us.

The plot is exciting and will keep you on the edge of your chair. The characters are unforgettable and we are drawn into their lives and emotions. 

I cannot recommend Wreathed in Disgrace highly enough and am looking forward to the next novel in the series.

BENEATH HIS SILENCE by HANNAH LINDER

 Publication date 1/11/22

BENEATH HIS SILENCE by HANNAH LINDER is a beautifully writen regency romance novel, with interesting characters, romance, mystery, suspense, secrets, and a strong Christian message running through the story.

Ella Pemberton leaves her family home, Abbington Hall, to travel to Northston in order to continue her dead father’s quest to prove that Lord Sedgewick of Wickhorn Manor murdered her sister Lucy, who was married to him.

Ella has always been the feisty sister whereas Lucy was quiet and good. Ella bravely approaches Lord Sedgewick and applies for the position of governess to his son Peter, and promptly falls in love with the dear little boy. She is astonished at Lord Sedgewick’s kindness to those in need, his close relationship with Peter, and his faith in God.

Henry Sedgewick has been hurt by the women in his life, starting with his unloving mother, and this together with the guilt he feels after Lucy’s death, turns to hatred. He feels safe in that dark cocoon until Ella comes into his life. Will he learn to forgive and come out of his self-imposed prison?…….

This is a lovely story and one I cannot recommend highly enough to anyone who enjoys this genre. I found it most enjoyable, gripping and inspirational.

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

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.