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 occupy part of the Netherlands. After the losses she’s endured, war widow Cornelia is only a shadow of the woman she once was. She fights now to protect her younger brother, Johan, who lives in hiding.
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. 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 winter landscape thaws, so too does her heart. Will she get a second chance at true love? She fears their story will end before it even begins.
Learn more at Liz’s website.
Liz Tolsma has lived in Wisconsin most of her life, and she now resides next to a farm field with her husband, their son, and their two daughters. Add a dog and a cat to that mix and there’s always something going on at their house. She’s spent time teaching second grade, writing advertising for a real estate company, and working as a church secretary, but she always dreamed of becoming an author. She’d love to have you visit her at www.liztolsma.com.
Snow on the Tulips by Liz Tolsma
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Historical fiction is one of my especially favorite genres, and WWII is something I can’t seem to read enough about. It is such a complex period in history, and I have never read anything that concentrated on the Netherlands during this tumultuous time in history. To make this book even better, it has its roots in reality. I love historical fiction that is based on a true story!
I honestly don’t have much criticism concerning this book. it is well-written, and the Christian message is strong and clear. At times, the reality does drive the story to some places the reader may not wish, but don’t worry–it has an essentially happy ending. Putting this story towards the end of WWII practically ensures that. But there is much tragedy along the way, and some will possibly surprise the reader. There was a part of me that didn’t want a happy ending, but in the end, the ending was strong, emotional, and filled with hope.
This is the first book I have ever read by this author, and I can hope that I will read more in the future. Her book is well-researched, and I never found myself bored. Her characters are three-dimensional, and she seamlessly has woven the gospel story into the novel. I highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
