A Picture of Hope

As a long-time lover of Liz Tolsma’s WWII fiction, I was excited for the release of this story. Liz Tolsma again delivered a tender story of bravery, compassion and love that simultaneously tugged on, and warmed, my heart. Her main characters, Jean-Paul and Nellie, are well-crafted, strong-willed and heroic. As they work together with a group of nuns to save the lives of those the German military has deemed unworthy of life, a suspenseful, heart-pounding journey to freedom unfolds. I loved this novel for it’s historically accurate, yet heartbreaking, truths surrounding children, orphans and those with special needs. Tolsma compassionately curated a story that is rich in details, championing the love that Christ has for all people, regardless of race, color or needs. This story moved at a great pace, keeping me fully engrossed as the suspense and high-stakes maintained throughout the novel. I adored the characters immensely and felt Tolsma brought war-torn France alive with her vivid descriptions and authenticity. The budding romance in the story was both tender and sweet. The beautiful woven threads of faith were inspiring and the compassion the characters displayed was heartwarming. Overall, a fantastic addition to the Heroines of WWII series and a story I most certainly recommend to WWII fiction lovers and both secular and Christian historical fiction readers. *I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary e-copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.

A Picture of Hope by Liz Tolsma is part of the Heroines of WWll series. US photojournalist, Nellie Wilkerson wants to be part of the action not stuck in London. When she gets the opportunity to travel to France, she is overjoyed. Nellie meets Jean-Paul Breslau of the French underground and he agrees to take her to the front lines. On the way they find a special needs girl who has lost her family. Taking her to a safe place is now their top priority. This was a great story. Full of intrigue and suspense. Nellie found ways to accomplish her dreams in the midst of turmoil and uncertainty. Jean-Paul was a true hero. Together, they made a great team! I received this book from Celebrate-Lit for my honest review.

A Picture of Hope is a book of the heart! There are heartbreaking scenes that you won't forget but there are also heartwarming moments that you'll long remember. Author Liz Tolsma has written a stunning story of hope and survival that features fictional characters and real heroes of WWII, and she's based it on the true accounts of the Allied Forces landing in France in 1944. Photographer Nellie Wilkerson wants a chance to see the war in action, but soon gets more than she bargained for. Can she and a French resistance fighter rescue a special-needs little girl before the Germans destroy everything in their path? Will they live long enough to explore the romantic feelings that they are beginning to feel toward each other? I'm a fan of historical fiction, so I appreciate that Tolsma shares what is true, what is fiction, and the names of the people who actually lived this history. She possesses a special talent for fleshing out true facts and weaving them into a story that we all want to read, and A Picture of Hope is the perfect example. This is an exciting story with danger, suspense, and amazing characters, but the addition of hope, faith, and compassion make it an inspiring story to savor! A Picture of Hope is a stunning addition to the Heroines of WWII series from Barbour Publishing and I recommend it to all who enjoy historical Christian romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. These are my own thoughts.

5 stars If you enjoy World War II historical fiction, this is the book for you. I have read many WWII novels but this was a different spin on it with the story revolving around a little girl named Claire who had Down Syndrome. I think I may need to re-read the ending because I was trying to read the book as fast as I could because I wanted so desperately to know how the story would end! The character of Sister Maria-Theresa was one that I loved. She had such strength and faith amidst the adversity that they were facing. Maria-Theresa always sought the Lord during the crisis and had such wisdom for those around her. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.