Snow on the Tulips by Liz Tolsma

Wow!  I am very impressed by this book.  I'm not certain if this is a new author or not, but she is definitely new to me.  This is a book that I couldn't get out of my head.  I was wrapped into the story and felt like I could easily visualize what was going on.  I can't even begin to imagine the fear of this time.  The most amazing part of this book is that it is based on a true story.

The book is focused on WWII and Nazi Germany.  Cornelia has already lost her husband to the Nazi's and is hiding her brother with all she has in hopes that she won't lose him, too.  Johan, Cornelia's brother, has rebelled against fighting with the Nazi's and is instead longing to be part of the Resistance group.  When Gerrit lives through what was supposed to be his execution, he stumbles upon Johan who immediately takes him to live with him.  Cornelia helps him heal and in the process might find love again.  However, a lot is at stake for these two.

My favorite character is probably one that the author didn't intend.  I loved the Nazi soldier that started into Gerrit's eyes.  He risked so much to keep Gerrit and Cornelia and Johan safe.  I couldn't help but like him every time he came on the scene.  I know there were people like that, but I can't imagine how terrifying it would be if you were found out.  For you life to be suddenly turned upside down has to be horrifying when it's a life or death situation.

Liz Tolsma has another book, Daisies Last Forever that is due out in May 2014.  I'll definitely be adding that one to my bookshelves, too.

To read other reviews on this book, go to http://litfusegroup.com/author/ltolsma.

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Book Info

About the book: A stranger's life hangs in the balance. But to save him is to risk everything. The war is drawing to a close, but the Nazis still occupy part of the Netherlands. After the losses she's endured, war widow Cornelia is only a shadow of the woman she once was. She fights now to protect her younger brother, Johan, who lives in hiding. When Johan brings Gerrit Laninga, a wounded Dutch Resistance member, to Cornelia's doorstep, their lives are forever altered. Although scared of the consequences of harboring a wanted man, Cornelia's faith won't let her turn him out. As she nurses Gerrit back to health, she is drawn to his fierce passion and ideals, and notices a shift within herself. Gerrit's intensity challenges her, making her want to live fully, despite the fear that constrains her. When the opportunity to join him in the Resistance presents itself, Cornelia must summon every ounce of courage imaginable. She is as terrified of loving Gerrit as she is of losing him. But as the winter landscape thaws, so too does her heart. Will she get a second chance at true love? She fears their story will end before it even begins. Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/q92YR Meet the author: Liz Tolsma has lived in Wisconsin most of her life, and she now resides next to a farm field with her husband, their son, and their two daughters. Add a dog and a cat to that mix and there's always something going on at their house. She's spent time teaching second grade, writing advertising for a real estate company, and working as a church secretary, but she always dreamed of becoming an author. She'd love to have you visit her at www.liztolsma.com.

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I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers and Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.