Summary
Irene and Rand come from very different walks of life. Will they find common ground in their fight to survive?
Irene has grown up in the jungle as a missionary with her Aunt Anita, but now she and countless others are imprisoned by Japanese soldiers at the Santo Tomas Internment Camp in the Philippines. Irene and her aunt are safe there, and she keeps busy with her duty of delivering censored messages to the camp’s prisoners, but like everyone else, she prays for the war to end and for her freedom. Rand is a wealthy, womanizing American, whose attempted escape from the internment camp has put himself and others in danger. When Rand and Irene’s Aunt Anita meet one another in the hospital, Irene learns more of his story and her heart is determined to save his family. But the danger outside the walls of the hospital worsens every day, and life in this exotic place is anything but luxurious. Can Irene find Rand’s family before they disappear forever? And can a humble missionary woman and an arrogant man find common ground in the face of their biggest fears?
My Thoughts
It can't be a Liz Tolsma book without a gorgeous cover. Tolsma is one of those type of authors who use themes in their titles and for her it's flowers: so far there have been tulips, daisies and now lilies! What's the next flower?! But yes, this cover is amazing. I love love love love book covers and when I ripped this out of the package I was singing "lalala" for sheer joy of putting this on my bookshelf. So pretty! A+
The book as a whole was wonderful. Tolsma has never let me down. Somehow she is able to write war stories in a way that makes it realistic but not as depressing. I know some people don't tend to gravitate towards war stories because it's crazy to think that reading fictional accounts of actual wars seems bizarre. So if you are one of those people I highly recommend Tolsma. She blends the aspects of war through the life of her characters so well. It's always engaging to read, and of course there is a good side to be rooting for throughout the book which makes it an even more thrilling experience as a reader.
I did love all of the extra content in this book. Irene Reynolds was one feisty missionary kid turning into a young woman. I loved her passion to help others. Now, there is a theme where characters do things when you know they shouldn't and something horrible or almost horrible happens to them and spoiler alert this happens to her, but what I did like from this is that she realized what she did was wrong. And I liked that the others characters didn't berate her for what she did, but instead comforted her. Rand was another character that was really engaging to read. He goes from playboy nightclub owner to a internment camp prisoner. His comfortable life is ripped from him and he is thrown into a crossroad where he must learn to be strong and figure out what he stands for as a human being. His compassion for others grows, and his relationship with Irene develops that side of him as well. There was one point of his story where I felt was left unresolved, it was like the issue was mentioned and then like "oh, it's ok I'm not wanted." As the reader you will understand I believe.
Overall, this book is a highly recommended read from me to you, reiders! Its rich writing will transport you to the Santo Tomas Internment Camp with Irene, Rand and the friends they make along the way. Pick up a copy and find out how "two very different people find love- and survive the impossible circumstances of war."
Rating: 4 out of 5 bookshelves
Disclaimer: I received a free copy for an honest review from Litfuse Publicity Group.
About the Author
My life is always a changing scene, full and busy with writing
inspirational historical fiction and raising a family. I have been
writing seriously for a number of years now, but have wanted to be an
author since the fifth grade when my teacher wrote, “I hope to see
you as a published authoress,” in my autograph book. I was hooked. I’m
proud to be represented by my wonderful agent, Tamela Hancock Murray of
the Steve Laube Agency.When I’m not busy writing, I enjoy reading, especially historical romance. You can also find me working in my garden, walking my black lab, Kylie, camping with my family, kayaking or crocheting.
Link to Author's: Facebook, Website, Twitter and Goodreads
Purchase her book: Amazon and B&N
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!
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