"Remember the Lilies"

Liz Tolsma 

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.

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Although I enjoyed this book, the characters never really became real to me.  Not as the characters did in "Daisies Are Forever".  Rand turned out being a lot better guy than the summary of the book led me to believe.  It was almost as if he were two different people.  Although Irene was supposed to always have a positive outlook, she didn't seem too positive to me.  Not that I can blame her in her situation, but the book portrayed her as being a positive person when she really wasn't.  Anita was my favorite character and I missed her when she wasn't around anymore.  I found myself expecting her to provide her wisdom and strong faith for Irene and was sad when it didn't come. 

"Remember The Lilies" had more gospel in it than "Daisies Are Forever" and I really liked that.  The way that the author intertwined life's lessons into the book was really good and she did without being preachy.   While the life lessons were good for me as a reader, it seemed the characters were forced to learn them, which made it almost unbelievable. 

World War II has always been interesting to me.  All of the things that our forefathers went through to protect this country still amazes me.  "Remember The Lilies" was a great reminder of the sacrifices they made for the freedom that we have today.  This book reveals things about the war and internment camps that I didn't know or never really thought about. 

The way the author included the title of the book throughout the story was lovely.  I liked the fact that she didn't just mention it once, but several times throughout. 

Read more about the book here. 

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FOR FREE FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

"Daises Are Forever"

Liz Toslma

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.

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This was a non-stop-page-turner.  I couldn't put this book down!  I really felt like I was Gisela!  I even dreamed about it!  I wish I could've read the first book.  If you enjoy historical fiction, you'll definitely want to read this book!  Liz Tolsma writes very vividly and is sure to capture you attention!

 I RECEIVED THIS BOOK FROM BOOKSNEEZE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.