What I Promise You by Liz Tolsma—Blog Tour

About the Book

Book: What I Promise You

Author: Liz Tolsma

Genre: Christian Fiction / Romance / Historical Fiction

Release Date: February 1, 2024

A Family’s History Is Lost to the Ravages of WWII in Southwest France

1942
Noémie Treves, a young, pregnant Jewish woman, had her entire world shattered when she is arrested and taken to the Camp de Rivesaltes transit camp in Southwest France. No sooner does she arrive, though, than she assists in helping two young girls scheduled for transport escape to a nearby maternity hospital. The matron there befriends her and changes her name to help hide her. But nothing goes according to plan, and Hannah finds herself doing the unimaginable to save one precious life.

2022
Caitlyn Laurant is haunted by recent events in her life and hopes becoming a nurse on the mission field will help her forget. While in training, she and her friends travel to France where her grandfather was born. What should have been an easy search for his birthplace turns into anything but and reveals secrets that no one alive has ever heard.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

I loved this story. World War 2 is probably one of my most favorite times to learn about in history, so books set in that time period are fast becoming some of my favorites! I loved the dual time story, and I loved both of the main characters, Caitlyn and Hannah, and I loved how their stories intertwined. This book will capture your interest from the very beginning, and you’ll want to keep reading to see what happens next. This was such a great read, and I’d highly recommend it!

**I received this book as part of the CelebrateLit blog team. I was not required to write a positive review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Liz Tolsma is the author of several WWII novels, romantic suspense novels, prairie romance novellas, and an Amish romance. She is a popular speaker and an editor and resides next to a Wisconsin farm field with her husband and their youngest daughter. Her son is a US Marine, and her oldest daughter is a college student. Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping.

More from Liz

The Story behind the Cover of What I Promise You

In the late summer, I got the preliminary cover for What I Promise You. While Barbour Publishing always does a great job with their covers, and the one they sent was very nice, I wasn’t crazy about it because it didn’t tell the story at all. The mansion that plays such a big part in the novel was nowhere to be seen. Barbour is fantastic when it comes to working with me to get great covers, so I asked if we could include the real mansion that the story is based on. Turns out that they were having trouble getting copyright permission to use any image they could find of the maternity home.

That was disappointing. But I got brave and let them know that I took a picture of it when I was in France last year, and they could use it, but I’m not a very good photographer and I only used my iPhone. I attached the photo to the email and didn’t hear anything for a while.

Then in October, I wanted to include a preorder link to the book on social media or something and went to Amazon to grab it. And there was the cover. I went back and forth between the cover and my picture, and sure enough, it was the picture of the maternity home I had sent them! So I not only wrote What I Promise You, but some of my photography is on the front. I never thought that would happen. Am I in the wrong profession?? Just kidding!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 27

Life on Chickadee Lane, February 27

Lots of Helpers, February 28

Lighthouse Academy Blog, February 28 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 29

For Him and My Family, February 29

Betti Mace, March 1

Devoted To Hope, March 1

She Lives To Read, March 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 2

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 3

Texas Book-aholic, March 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 4

Blogging With Carol, March 4

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 5

Lily’s Corner, March 5

Bizwings Book Blog, March 5

lakesidelivingsite, March 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 6

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 7 (Author Interview)

Southern Gal Loves to Read, March 7

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 8

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, March 8

Cover Lover Book Review, March 8

Connie’s History Classroom, March 9

Holly’s Book Corner, March 9

Pause for Tales, March 10

Labor Not in Vain, March 10

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, March 11

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, March 11

Lights in a Dark World, March 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Liz is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-Gift card and print copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2a3ce/what-i-promise-you-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt–Book Review

Back Cover Copy

On a golden August morning in 1939, sisters Antonina and Helena Dąbrowska send their father off to defend Poland against the looming threat of German invasion. The next day, the first bombs fall on Warsaw, decimating their beloved city and shattering the world of their youth.

When Antonina’s beloved Marek is forced behind ghetto walls along with the rest of Warsaw’s Jewish population, Antonina turns her worry into action and becomes a key figure in a daring network of women risking their lives to shelter Jewish children. Helena finds herself drawn into the ranks of Poland’s secret army, joining the fight to free her homeland from occupation. But the secrets both are forced to keep threaten to tear the sisters apart–and the cost of resistance proves greater than either ever imagined.

Shining a light on the oft-forgotten history of Poland during WWII and inspired by true stories of ordinary individuals who fought to preserve freedom and humanity in the darkest of times, The Warsaw Sisters is a richly rendered portrait of courage, sacrifice, and the resilience of our deepest ties.

My Review

This book does not shy away from the hard topics. It dives right into the realities of what the people of Warsaw went through, both the Jews and the Polish people. I loved how you saw two different aspects of help in the war effort through Helena and Antonina’s stories. They both were willing to jump in to help in whatever way they could. They were extremely brave, and while this is a fictional story, there were actual people who fought in the resistance, who rescued Jews from the enemy. This book will keep you on your toes, because you do not know what is going to happen next. Two warnings about the book. First, if you have a hard time with details about the war, be aware, there is no sugar coating. This book does take on those hard subjects and faces them head on. Second, at one point one of the characters commits fornication. Now, I do not like when this is thrown into Christian books, but this particular instance was pivotal to the story, and it was not glorified or talked about in detail at all. Basically, it says it happened, and that she feels extremely guilty for what she had done, and then continues with the rest of the book. Overall, I would definitely recommend this one!

**I requested this book to read. This is my honest review of it

A Promise of Home: A WW2 Family Saga by Kathryn Spurgeon–Blog Tour

About the Book

Book: A Promise of Home: A WW2 Family Saga

Author: Kathryn Spurgeon

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release Date: November 21, 2022

What did WW11 look like for those who remained in the U.S? As the war heats up, hundreds of young men from Fremont’s hometown of Shawnee, Oklahoma, enlist, or get drafted. Word filters in about the wounded, the missing in action, and those who have died overseas.

Fremont Pope has not been drafted, but to do his part, he finds a job at an ammunition plant in Colorado Springs. His wife, Sibyl, hopes to teach women at a new church. They’re glad to get away from their cantankerous family, and then their family follows them to Colorado!

When the plant begins to close down, Fremont’s boss offers an amazing promotion back east. Their other choice is to move to New Mexico for mission work. Which will it be? Plunge ahead to a lucrative corporate job or help a small new church grow?

Ultimately, they yearn to go home, but where is home? Are they willing to give up their dreams and begin again?

As the couple stays in touch with people in their hometown, they learn of numerous war-time tragedies. Their return to Shawnee coincides with soldiers returning home. Based on a true story, footnotes and author’s notes are included.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

I did not know this was based on a true story of a family in Shawnee, OK when I started this book. It was interesting to read about the family as they lived through World War 2. It talked about their fears, their struggles, both physical and spiritual, and really gave you an idea of what life looked back in those days. I found Sibyl very relatable. She was a sensitive person, and I loved to see how she grew spiritually throughout the book. I loved that she had a heart for missions, and always wanted what God wanted for their lives, even if it was hard at times. I enjoyed this book, and since it’s book 4 in the series, I feel like I want to go back and read the previous 3 to see what happened before I jumped into their story.

**I received this book for review as part of the CelebrateLit Blog Team. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Kathryn Spurgeon, an inspirational biographical writer. She’s won many awards including an Illumination Book Award. Publishing over a hundred stories, articles, and poems, she’s also published four novels. She grew up on an Oklahoma farm before moving to South Korea, where she adopted two children. She and her husband, Bill, now live in Oklahoma and have six children and fourteen beautiful grandchildren.

More from Kathryn

Researching the 1930s and 40s was almost more fun than writing the book!

Some reviewers’ remarks about this series:

“I could have learned a lot more in history class if we would have had stories like these.”

“Wow, reading this was like being there as it was happening. Cannot wait for more books by Ms. Spurgeon.”

Blog Stops

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, August 11 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 11

Texas Book-aholic, August 12

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 13

She Lives to Read, August 14

Life on Chickadee Lane, August 14

Cover Lover Book Review, August 15

lakesidelivingsite, August 16

Connie’s History Classroom, August 17

Betti Mace, August 18

The Book Club Network, August 19

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 20

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 21

For Him and my Family, August 22

Pause for Tales, August 23

Lights in a Dark World, August 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathryn is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/27166/a-promise-of-home-celebration-tour-giveaway

This is Where it Ends by Cindy Sproles—Book Review

Back Cover Copy

Get Your Copy Here

When Minerva Jane Jenkins was just 14 years old, she married a man who moved her to the mountains. He carried with him a small box, which he told her was filled with gold. And when he died 50 years later, he made her promise to keep his secret. She is to tell no one about the box or the treasure it contains.

Now 94, Minerva is nearing the end of what has sometimes been a lonely life. But she’s kept that secret. Even so, rumors of hidden gold have a way of spreading, and Minerva is visited by a reporter, Del Rankin, who wants to know more of her story. His friend who joins him only wants to find the location of the gold. Neither of them knows quite who they’re up against when it comes to the old woman on the mountain.

As an unlikely friendship develops, Minerva is tempted to reveal her secret to Del. After all, how long is one bound by a promise? But the truth of what’s really buried in the box may be hidden even from her.

My Review

This was a touching story of a lonely dying woman who has isolated herself on her mountain since they death of her husband. Minerva was a character you grow to love. She clearly can take care of herself, and she doesn’t trust people easily. As the book goes on you start to see the softer side of her as well as the grandmotherly side of her. I found myself wondering what was in the box Stately swore her to secrecy over and when was she going to open it. I loved every part of this book, and I would highly recommend it.

**I received this book from the publisher for review. I was not required to write a positive review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

What I Would Tell You by Liz Tolsma—Blog Tour

About the Book

Book:What I Would Tell You

Author: Liz Tolsma

Genre: Christian Fiction / Romance / Historical Fiction

Release date: January 1, 2023

DNA Test Unlocks a Family Mystery

Sephardic Jew Mathilda Nissim watches in horror as the Germans invade her beloved city of Salonika, Greece. What angers her most is the lack of resistance her people put up to their captors. In secret and at great risk to her life, she continues to publish her newspaper, calling her people to action. She doesn’t trust God to help them. When she and her husband find out they are expecting a child, Mathilda may have to resort to desperate measures to ensure her daughter’s survival.

Three generations later, college student Riley Payson and her cousin take a popular DNA test only to discover they don’t share any common ancestors. In fact, the test shows Riley is a Sephardic Jew from Greece. This revelation shakes Riley’s tenuous faith and sends her on a journey to discover what happened to her great-grandmother and how all this relates to her faith and her life today.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

An amazing dual-time storyline. The characters, Mathilda and Tessa were well written and easy to fall in love with. I enjoyed the way the author brings you into the past as a Jew during WWII, it brought another perspective to the Holocaust, seeing it firsthand through Mathilda’s eyes. I couldn’t wait to see how the storylines would come together and how each would end. It was a book I couldn’t put down, and I can’t wait for the next one! I highly recommend this one!

**I received this book as part of the CelebrateLit blog team. I was not required to write a positive review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Liz Tolsma is the author of several WWII novels, romantic suspense novels, prairie romance novellas, and an Amish romance. She is a popular speaker and an editor and resides next to a Wisconsin farm field with her husband and their youngest daughter. Her son is a US Marine, and her oldest daughter is a college student. Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping. Please visit her website at http://www.liztolsma.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter (@LizTolsma), Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest. She is also the host of the Christian Historical Fiction Talk podcast.

More from Liz

Take a Trip to Greece with Me

I was privileged to travel to Greece last year to research my upcoming WWII novel, What I Would Tell You. God orchestrated it so beautifully. Because of Covid, we weren’t sure my daughter would be able to travel there for the summer internship she had applied for. Eight weeks before her scheduled departure, Greece reopened to foreign visitors. Around that same time, I sold What I Would Tell You, which is set in Thessaloniki, Greece, to Barbour Publishing. I had to go and visit!

Greece is a beautiful country. The pictures you see don’t do it justice. And to someone like me, the history is one of the best parts. My daughter and I explored the old city wall, built in the 1400s, many churches that predated the Ottoman Empire, and many excavated Roman ruins that have been dug up in the city’s process of putting in a subway system.

Because this is a WWII book, we also spent a great deal of time learning about the history of the Jews in the city. The Kapani Market, just down the street from our apartment, was a vibrant mix of colorful fruits, fragrant spices, and a cacophony of languages. I could well imagine what this old Jewish market was like prior to the war with people hawking olives, fish, and oregano.

We wasted no time in visiting the Jewish museum. I was shocked by the heavy security presence with armed guards outside of the building. Once inside, we had to show our IDs and were required to turn in our phones. Antisemitism is alive and well in Greece. But what a place. There were displays after displays tracing the history of the Jewish people in Thessaloniki from 1492 until WWII. The most breathtaking was the room with stone-covered walls, the names of all 48,000 Salonikan Jews killed in the Holocaust carved into the marble. There’s an entire scene in the book that deals with this room.

What saddened me most was what we saw when we visited the trainyard where the Jews were herded into cattle cars and shipped to Auschwitz. Before we got to where the station once stood, there was a wall on which someone had pained a mural covered with black-and-white figures in their striped uniforms, their eyes and mouths wide in horror. As if that weren’t difficult enough to view, what sickened me was the blue swastikas someone had painted over them.

We also trekked to the other side of the city to visit what had once been the Jewish cemetery, now the grounds of Aristotle University. All that remains to testify that half a million people were once buried here is a small, ill-kept memorial. There were two dead Christmas wreaths placed there. We visited in August.

In addition to a moving and thought-provoking story, I hope to also introduce you to the amazing city of Thessaloniki and give you a peek into the people and the culture of this amazing place. If you ever find yourself in Greece, plan some time in Thessaloniki. Many Americans miss this gem, but it’s packed with charm and history.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 28

Texas Book-aholic, January 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 29

Blogging With Carol, January 29

Genesis 5020, January 30

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 30

Where Faith and Books Meet, January 30

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 31

For Him and My Family, January 31

Cover Lover Book Review, February 1

Lily’s Book Reviews, February 1

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 2

deb’s Book Review, February 2

Betti Mace, February 3

Connie’s History Classroom, February 3

Paula’s Pad of Inspriation, February 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 5

Books You Can Feel Good About, February 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 6

Holly’s Book Corner, February 6

Bigreadersite, February 7

Blossoms and Blessings, February 7

Mary Hake, February 7

Labor Not in Vain, February 8

Pause for Tales, February 9

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, February 9

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, February 10

Southern Gal Loves to Read, February 10

Lights in a Dark World, February 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Liz is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/23ccb/what-i-would-tell-you-celebration-tour-giveaway

Under Fire by Linda Shenton Matchett–Blog Tour

Click here to get your copy!

About the Book

Click to Purchase

Book title: Under Fire

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Release date: July 25, 2017

Genre: Mystery

Journalist Ruth Brown’s sister Jane is pronounced dead after a boating accident in April 1942. Because Jane’s body is missing, Ruth is convinced her sister is still alive. During her investigation, Ruth becomes suspicious about Jane’s job. Eventually Ruth follows clues to war-torn London. By the time she uncovers the truth about Jane’s disappearance, she has stumbled on black marketers, resistance fighters and the IRA – all of whom may want her dead.

My Review

Absolutely fabulous! This book sucked me right in. From the very beginning, I was drawn into the story. The characters were very well developed, and I quickly fell in love with Ruth and her passion to find out what happened to her sister. I couldn’t put the book down. I wondered, what’s going to happen next. Each new character she met, I wondered are they really her friend, or are they in on what happened to her sister, Jane? I found myself frequently telling myself, well just one more chapter, and then another and another. I have always been interested in World War II, which is the time period this book is set in. It gave me a different perspective of the war; it was as if you were with Ruth traveling through London and seeing the aftermath and destruction of the War through her reporter eyes.  In short, if you like a good mystery/suspense, READ this! I look forward to reading the rest of this trilogy and more books by Matchett!

 

**I received this book free from the author in exchange for review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

 

About the Author

Linda Shenton Matchett is a journalist, blogger, and author. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry, Linda has lived in historical places most of her life. She is a volunteer docent at the Wright Museum of WWII and as a Trustee for the Wolfeboro Public Library. Active in her church Linda serves as treasurer, usher, choir member, and Bible study leader. She is author of several romance novellas and novelettes. Under Fire, the first in her trilogy about amateur sleuth/war correspondent Ruth Brown, has just been released by eLectio Publishing (electiopublishing.com).

 

Guest Post from Linda Shenton Matchett

Writers are often asked where they get ideas for their stories. Many authors start with a “what if” scenario (e.g. what if the fate of a world lies in the hands of a young man who must return a ring of great power to its place of origin: The Lord of the Rings). Other authors find inspiration in news articles (Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express). I begin my stories by creating the main character.

As a former Human Resources professional, I am fascinated by the history of women’s employment and enjoy reading about those who trail blazed in industries and positions formerly dominated by men. When I was trying to decide what my protagonist should do for a living, I knew she needed a job that allowed her freedom of movement, but nothing seemed to fit until I saw a museum exhibit about women war correspondents. Of the 1,600 journalists who received government accreditation, only 127 were female.

In order to get a sense of what these women experienced (derision, hostility, sexual harassment, and more) I read their memoirs, autobiographies, diaries, and articles. As an accredited correspondent they were supposed to received meals, transport to the front, and transmission of their articles. Many military officers refused to take the women into combat zones, so they had to get there any way they could, such as Martha Gellhorn who stowed away on a hospital ship and hid in the head to reach Normandy and cover D-day. It is my hope that Under Fire honors these brave and tenacious women in some small way.

Blog Spots

It’s Storytime with Van Daniker, September 14

Blogging With Carol, September 14

Avid Reader Book Reviews September 15

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 16

cherylbbookblog, September 17

Carpe Diem, September 17

A Reader’s Brain, September 18

Bigreadersite, September 18

Blossoms and Blessings, September 19

The Fizzy Pop Collection, September 19

Janices book reviews, September 20

Back Porch Reads, September 20

A Baker’s Perspective, September 21

Just the Write Escape, September 21

Pause for Tales , September 22

Have A Wonderful Day, September 22

Lights in a Dark World , September 23

Connie’s History Classroom , September 23

Karen Sue Hadley, September 24

Vicky Sluiter, September 25

Daysong Reflections , September 25

Mary Hake, September 26

Ashley’s Bookshelf September 26

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, September 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away a grand prize consisting of:
copy of the book, Box of English Tea, Typewriter notepad, and Rosie the Riveter socks!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c221

Confessions of X by Suzanne Wolfe–Book Review

Augustine of Hippo is considered a father of the Christian church. Before his rise, he loved a woman. She witnessed his spiritual journey before his conversion. Although history does not reveal her name, we do know there was a woman he loved dearly, and this book tells her story.

While it took me a while to get into this book, I eventually became engrossed in this love story. I kept reminding myself that while this story was based on facts, it is still historical fiction. I believe Wolfe did a great job at telling this story. It was a period in time I personally didn’t know much about, but I learned a lot from this book. Definitely recommend this book especially to history buffs!

**I received this book free from the publisher through the Fiction Guild book review program. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

A Respectable Actress by Dorothy Love–Book Review

When India Hartley arrived in Savannah, she never dreamed of the horrible events that would take place. Accused of murder, she must depend on her lawyer, Philip Sinclair, to help her prove her innocence. After getting permission for India to come back to his home on St. Simons island until her trial date, India discovers a locked door in the house that seems to be a shrine to his wife who died tragically. This room raises questions in India’s mind and after finding a few clues in an abandoned boat and a burned down chapel, she unravels secrets that lead back to Philip himself, and may lead to her freedom.

This story is set in Georgia during the post Civil War era. I found both the story and the characters to be very well developed. I loved the twists and turns that are thrown in to keep you on your toes. It was hard to put down. There were times, I’ll admit, where I wondered so much what was going to happen next that I had to stop myself from looking forward in the book to cheat to see the outcome, so I’d know what was coming. I can’t wait to read more of Dorothy Love’s books. If you love historical fiction with suspense and romance mixed in, this is the perfect read for you!

**I was sent this book from the Fiction Guild through Zondervan/Thomas Nelson publishers free for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.