Goodreads
In a time of unprecedented darkness and fear, Cornelia must decide if saving a stranger’s life is worth risking her own.
In the twilight of the Nazi occupation of The Netherlands, the Germans have taken everything Cornelia had to give, even what was most precious to her. Now Gerrit Laninga—a man who puts God and country above all else—arrives at her house, needing help. She is terrified for herself and terrified for her family, but most of all, terrified of the pain she might feel again if she allows herself to love Gerrit. Her hope is to be free from her paralyzing fear.
Gerrit is a known and hunted Dutch Resistance member. When he comes to Cornelia’s home for shelter, he’s drawn to her strength and kindness. When he asks her to contact the local Resistance on his behalf, she refuses. Gerrit is determined to find a way to continue his underground work without putting Cornelia or her family in harm’s way.
When things start to unravel and Gerrit’s life depends on her actions, she must summon her courage and learn to depend on the perfect love that drives out all fear. But will her new love be snatched away before it has a chance to bloom?
My Thoughts
First off, if you are not a regular reader on my blog you won't know it but I am captivated by the front and back cover designs on books.
As a reader I 100% believe that "yes, you can't judge a book by it's cover." But, I love love love love beautiful covers. It completely shows the thought and detail that went into its creation. I don't want to knock down any books that don't have beautiful or obsessive covers, but it just always makes reading a little more fun in public because it catches peoples eyes and brings up conversation. So yes I love this cover. I love the little windmill in the background, I love the flower design, the woman and the plane. It showcases so much! Beautiful cover!!!
5 out 5 just on the cover alone!
The rest of the novel is just as well thought out as the cover. Tolsma gives her readers a riveting read and does not shy away from the hard stuff. This is the Netherlands during Nazi occupation after all -- which means that there was no easy life style in any way for those living during this time.
It should be said that this book is not for the light of heart. It is not entirely gruesome or depressing, but as I stated before Tolsma does not shy away from the truth in her story. There were hardships. Many lost loved ones. However, if anything, through these trials and the grief the people kept trudging onward in hopes of freedom for themselves, their families and for their country.
This was a beautiful book. I really admired that Tolsma placed her setting in a place that isn't written about much. Plus, who could think that romance could bloom in such a gloomy place? Well it can and I believe that it gave the book the sort of much needed lightness for the reader. The romance centered around two people who knew they might not get another day together. I honestly always looked forward to Cornelia and Gerrit coming together in a scene. They could be a comedian duo at times! I loved Gerrit's bashfulness and Cornelia's strength.
Speaking of strength there was so much courage and faith in this book. Puts into perspective the deep un-doubtful faith that these people had. Along with the courage and passion to fight for freedom, put one's own life in danger in order to get food stamps secretly to starving families, or even hide people in their walls is speechless. I guess what makes it even more speechless is that the people actually did these type of courageous deeds.
I strongly recommend that if you are looking for a new book that this is one book that you look into! It's fantastic~!
Rating: 5 out of 5 bookshelves
Disclaimer: I received a free copy for an honest review from Litfuse Publicity Group.
Purchase a copy here
Learn more about Liz Tolsma
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The changing of seasons is upon us! In my town it's starting to get chilly in the morning! How about where you are?
For His Kingdom,
Taylor Reid
I loved this book too!! It was soooooo good! I definitely cried when reading this one!
ReplyDeleteYes I definitely know what you mean!
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