Remember the Lilies by Liz Tolsma

About the Book
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

As a long time fan of the WWII time period it is quite hard for me to resist a novel set in that era, so even though this author's last book was a bit of a disappointment for me I still had to give this one a chance since not only was it a WWII story but it also sounded like a cute plot. Sadly this one fell a bit short of the mark as well, and annoyingly I can't quite pinpoint why. I enjoyed the storyline for the most part and the characters were fantastic especially Rand and Irene. There were just several moments where things didn't flow quite right or play out realistically. I really liked how the author handled the spiritual elements though, from Anita's strong faith and joy despite her circumstances to Rand and Irene learning the power of forgiveness. So while I didn't love it, this book was still an enjoyable read!

Meet the Author

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. When not busy putting words to paper, she enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping with her family. She'd love to have you visit her at www.liztolsma.com or at www.liztolsma.blogspot.com.

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

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!   

{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

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!

Waiting on Wednesday #143: Remember the Lilies

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're
eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Remember the Lilies by Liz Tolsma
Thomas Nelson-February 3, 2015

About the Book

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.

Why I Want It

I enjoyed Liz's previous two books and I love anything WWII! Plus this one sounds rather intriguing and the cover is adorable!

Daisies Are Forever by Liz Tolsma

About the Book
In the final days of Nazi Germany, the strength of one woman’s heart will determine the fate of a family.
Prussia, 1945
The fall of the Third Reich is imminent. As the merciless Red Army advances from the East, the German people of Prussia await the worst.
Among them is twenty-year-old Gisela Cramer, an American living in Heiligenbeil with her cousin Ella and their ailing grandfather. When word arrives that the Russians will invade overnight, Ella urges Gisela to escape to Berlin—and take Ella’s two small daughters with her.
The journey is miserable and relentless. But when Gisela hears the British accent of a phony SS officer, she poses as his wife to keep him safe among the indignant German refugees. In the blink of an eye,  Mitch Edwards and Gisela are Herr and Frau Josep Cramer.
Through their tragic and difficult journey, the fabricated couple strives to protect Ella’s daughters, hoping against hope for a reunion. But even as Gisela and Mitch develop feelings beyond the make–believe, the reality of war terrorizes their makeshift family.
With the world at its darkest, and the lives of two children at stake, the counterfeit couple finds in each other a source of faith, hope, and the love they need to survive.
Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/wAD3T

My Thoughts
After enjoying this author's debut last year, I was excited to read this sophomore release. Sadly I didn't like this one as much as the first. It was an okay read there were just several little things along the way that bugged me a bit. I did love the time period it was set in since WWII is one of my absolute favorite's, and it was interesting to get to see how the end of the war looked from Germany's perspective. There was an interesting mix of characters in this story. Mitch and Gisela were pretty great and their love story was cute. The little girls were cute, the senile old ladies were both funny and annoying, Kurt made me mad, and Audra was okay. There were sweet moments mixed with phony and forced moments, as well as sad ones, scary ones, and happy ones. So while there was definitely room for improvement it was still an enjoyable one time read.


Meet the Author
Liz Tolsma has lived in Wisconsin most of her life. She and her husband have a son and two daughters, all adopted internationally. When not busy putting words to paper, Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping with her family. Visit her at www.liztolsma.com Twitter: @LizTolsma Facebook: liztolsma

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.




  Liz Tolsma's latest WWII historical fiction novel, Daisies are Forever, is getting rave reviews. 

". . . compelling and fast-paced tale about the atrocities and tremendous losses. . . ." —Library Journal

"Excellent storytelling, accurate historical reporting and gritty, persevering characters make this WWII-era novel a must-read." —CBA Retailers + Resources

Liz celebrating the release with a Kindle HDX giveaway!
One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• Daisies are Forever by Liz Tolsma

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 31st. Winner will be announced June 2nd on Liz's website.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Liz's website on June 2nd to see if you won.

Waiting on Wednesday #110: Daisies Are Forever

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're
eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Daisies Are Forever by Liz Tolsma
Thomas Nelson-May 6, 2014

About the Book

Gisela must hold on to hope and love despite all odds in the midst of a war-torn country.

Gisela Cramer is an American living in eastern Germany with her cousin Ella Reinhardt. When the Red Army invades, they must leave their home to escape to safety in Berlin.

However, Ella is a nurse and refuses to leave, sending her young daughters with Gisela. During their journey, Gisela meets Mitch Edwards, an escaped British POW. She pretends she is his wife in order to preserve his safety among other Germans, especially one wounded German soldier, Kurt, who has suspicions about Mitch’s identity. Kurt also has feelings for Gisela and tries to uncover the truth about her “marriage.”

Their journey to Gisela’s mother in Berlin is riddled with tragedy and hardship, but they strive to keep Ella's daughters safe so they can reunite with their mother. During the journey Gisela and Mitch begin to develop feelings for one another beyond friendship. They reach Berlin, but their struggles are far from over. Gisela and Mitch must learn to live for the day and find hope in the darkest of circumstances.

In this moving, historically accurate portrayal of WWII Germany, the characters learn that, even with destruction all around them, some things last forever.

Why I Want It

I enjoyed this author's first book and this one sounds like it'll be pretty good too! Also it's WWII which is my favorite time period to read about!

Top Ten Characters I'd Never Want to Switch Places With

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

#1. Charlie West from The Homelanders by Andrew Klaven-He's on a crazy run for his life and I'd never make it!
#2. Thalli from The Anomaly Trilogy by Krista McGee-Yeah I wouldn't want to deal with all the stuff she has to!
#3. Jamie Cash from Don't Look Back by Lynette Eason-Serial killer-no thank you!
#4. Liberty Holloway from Widow of Gettysburg by Jocelyn Green-Her home is turned into a Civil war "hospital" and she's forced to help-I would not be able to stomach it!
#5. Cornelia de Vries from Snow on the Tulips by Liz Tolsma-I would never be able to keep the fact that I was hiding a man a secret!

Once again I needed my sister Becky's help and here are her picks!

#1. Chris Buckley from The Solitary Tales by Travis Thrasher-His world literally goes crazy and he's so often alone in it.
#2. Lydia Bennett from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen-She throws everything away for a guy who's not worth it and is too self centered to even care.
#3. Omar from Captives by Jill Williamson-His good intentions go far beyond horrible-everyone knows it and hates him.
#4. The Baudelaire Children from A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket-The poor trio, despite their cleverness and loyalty to each other, are constantly thrown into worse and worse situations...and on top of all that , they can never get the adults to listen until it's painfully too late.
#5. Sidney Grey from Sophie's Daughters by Mary Connealy-His personality is hideous. He wants respect so badly that he tries to demand it or buy it all of which makes everyone else see him as a pathetic weasel. I'd hate to be viewed as so small and pathetic, especially by my spouse.

Snow on the Tulips by Liz Tolsma

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 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.
Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/q92YR

My Thoughts
I had really mixed feelings about this book. On one hand I loved it; The plot was great, the setting was perfect, and it is my absolute favorite time period to read about. I also thought it was so cool how the story was based on things that actually happened! I really liked the heroine, Cornelia, and I admired how she stayed strong through all the losses she endured and her protectiveness of her brother. It took me a little while to warm up to the hero, Gerrit, but I did end up liking him.  As for what I didn't like so much, things occasionally just seemed a little corny and there were a few parts that needed some work. That being said the good definitely outweighed the bad and I did really enjoy this book. I look forward to seeing what else this author has for us!

About the Author
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.

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Liz Tolsma is celebrating the release of her novel, Snow on the Tulips, by giving away an Amazon Reading Pack to one lucky winner. Find out what readers are saying about the book here.

  One winner will receive:

• A $50 Amazon gift card
• Snow on the Tulips by Liz Tolsma

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 16th. Winner will be announced November 18th at Liz's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Liz's blog on the 18th to see if you won. (Or, better yet, subscribe to her blog and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox! Just enter your email address on the left sidebar of her blog.)

Top Ten Books on My Fall 2013 TBR List

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

#1. A Talent for Trouble by Jen Turano

#2. Glittering Promises by Lisa T. Bergren

#3. The Captive Maiden by Melanie Dickerson

#4. Take a Chance on Me by Susan May Warren

#5. Trapped by Irene Hannon

#6. Dangerous Passage by Lisa Harris

#7. Greetings from the Flipside by Rene Gutteridge &Cheryl McKay

#8. A Bride for Keeps by Melissa Jagears

#9. An Honest Heart by Kaye Dacus

#10. Snow on the Tulips by Liz Tolsma