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Echoes of the Past #2
What I Promise You
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.
Don't miss the Echoes of the Past Series
Book 1 - What I Would Tell You
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.
Don't miss the Echoes of the Past Series
Book 1 - What I Would Tell You
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2024
14 people are currently reading
1386 people want to read
About the author
Liz Tolsma
41 books1,779 followersLiz 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 U.S. Marine, and her oldest daughter is a recent college graduate. Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping. Please visit her website at 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
January 2, 2024
What an extraordinary journey through time and human resilience! What I Promise You by Liz Tolsma crafts a narrative masterpiece, skillfully merging the fabric of history, the nuances of faith, and the strength of the human soul. Experience an enduring adventure within the pages of this remarkable novel, spanning three timelines—1942, 1955, and 2022—delivering a poignant and gripping narrative.
Set against the backdrop of World War II, the story unfolds with Noemie Treves, a pregnant Jewish woman whose life is shattered when she and her husband are arrested. Tolsma skillfully paints a vivid picture of the harrowing circumstances faced by Noemie as she navigates through the darkest days of the war. With meticulous precision and historical authenticity, the author resurrects the harrowing realities of the Holocaust and wartime, immersing readers in a deeply impactful and chilling encounter with history.
The characters themselves are a testament to Tolsma's gift for storytelling. From Noemie's steady courage to Caitlyn Laurent's quest for truth and healing in 2022, each character resonates with authenticity. The multi-timeline narrative adds complexity to the plot and serves as a brilliant device to connect the characters across generations. The author's exploration of genuine faith, love, and sacrifice adds depth to the characters, making them relatable and inspiring.
The descriptions of various settings, from the picturesque Pyrenees Mountains to the sparkling blue Mediterranean, are nothing short of enchanting. Witness Tolsma’s storytelling mastery as she adeptly navigates through the fabric of time and geography, effortlessly transporting readers to different eras and locations with unparalleled finesse. The multi-timeline approach, with the 1955 chapters having a powerfully profound impact on both the past and present, adds a layer of intrigue that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages.
One of the standout features of What I Promise You is the author's clean and impactful incorporation of biblical themes. The narrative beautifully intertwines faith with the characters' struggles, offering a beacon of hope even in the darkest moments. This adds spiritual depth to the story, making it more than just a historical novel—it's evidence to the enduring power of the Christian faith, God’s sovereignty, and His love.
The book masterfully balances heart-wrenching moments with glimpses of joy, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit. The mystery element adds an additional layer of suspense, keeping readers engaged until the very end. Tolsma's writing style is impeccable, creating a narrative that is both emotionally charged and intellectually stimulating.
In What I Promise You, Liz Tolsma delivers a compelling World War II novel and a timeless exploration of human resilience, love, and the pursuit of truth. Although this is book two in a series, it can certainly be read as a standalone. It is a must-read for anyone who appreciates beautifully written historical fiction with a powerful message. Five stars without a doubt!
I received a digital copy of What I Promise You from Barbour Publications and the author via NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased evaluation. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on this story’s breathtaking content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
Set against the backdrop of World War II, the story unfolds with Noemie Treves, a pregnant Jewish woman whose life is shattered when she and her husband are arrested. Tolsma skillfully paints a vivid picture of the harrowing circumstances faced by Noemie as she navigates through the darkest days of the war. With meticulous precision and historical authenticity, the author resurrects the harrowing realities of the Holocaust and wartime, immersing readers in a deeply impactful and chilling encounter with history.
The characters themselves are a testament to Tolsma's gift for storytelling. From Noemie's steady courage to Caitlyn Laurent's quest for truth and healing in 2022, each character resonates with authenticity. The multi-timeline narrative adds complexity to the plot and serves as a brilliant device to connect the characters across generations. The author's exploration of genuine faith, love, and sacrifice adds depth to the characters, making them relatable and inspiring.
The descriptions of various settings, from the picturesque Pyrenees Mountains to the sparkling blue Mediterranean, are nothing short of enchanting. Witness Tolsma’s storytelling mastery as she adeptly navigates through the fabric of time and geography, effortlessly transporting readers to different eras and locations with unparalleled finesse. The multi-timeline approach, with the 1955 chapters having a powerfully profound impact on both the past and present, adds a layer of intrigue that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages.
One of the standout features of What I Promise You is the author's clean and impactful incorporation of biblical themes. The narrative beautifully intertwines faith with the characters' struggles, offering a beacon of hope even in the darkest moments. This adds spiritual depth to the story, making it more than just a historical novel—it's evidence to the enduring power of the Christian faith, God’s sovereignty, and His love.
The book masterfully balances heart-wrenching moments with glimpses of joy, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit. The mystery element adds an additional layer of suspense, keeping readers engaged until the very end. Tolsma's writing style is impeccable, creating a narrative that is both emotionally charged and intellectually stimulating.
In What I Promise You, Liz Tolsma delivers a compelling World War II novel and a timeless exploration of human resilience, love, and the pursuit of truth. Although this is book two in a series, it can certainly be read as a standalone. It is a must-read for anyone who appreciates beautifully written historical fiction with a powerful message. Five stars without a doubt!
I received a digital copy of What I Promise You from Barbour Publications and the author via NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased evaluation. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on this story’s breathtaking content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
January 26, 2024
“What is right is not always easy.”
Promises made-Promises kept. It is always hard to keep promises when things are not under your control. And we must consider what God desires.
In the present, Caitlyn learns a hard lesson when she tries to fulfill promises made to her friend before a fatal accident. She promised to become a missionary nurse. On a side trip from missionary school in Spain to Southern France, she discovers holes in her family history. She is searching for the birth records of her grandfather who has dementia.
In 1942, under occupation in France, Helene/Noemie, goes through heartache when she becomes separated from her husband and is uncertain of her future and that of her unborn child. “Life will never be what it once was. We will never be who we once were. All the things happening to us will transform our lives in some way or another. For good or for evil. Will we hate or will we forgive.”
Another heartfelt story about tragedy during WWII and the brave souls who did their best under hopeless circumstances. This was a faith filled story recounting another aspect of occupation during the 1940s and how it affected people for generations afterward. The author did a great job of getting us to see this through the eyes of the characters.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour on behalf of the author and through NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
Promises made-Promises kept. It is always hard to keep promises when things are not under your control. And we must consider what God desires.
In the present, Caitlyn learns a hard lesson when she tries to fulfill promises made to her friend before a fatal accident. She promised to become a missionary nurse. On a side trip from missionary school in Spain to Southern France, she discovers holes in her family history. She is searching for the birth records of her grandfather who has dementia.
In 1942, under occupation in France, Helene/Noemie, goes through heartache when she becomes separated from her husband and is uncertain of her future and that of her unborn child. “Life will never be what it once was. We will never be who we once were. All the things happening to us will transform our lives in some way or another. For good or for evil. Will we hate or will we forgive.”
Another heartfelt story about tragedy during WWII and the brave souls who did their best under hopeless circumstances. This was a faith filled story recounting another aspect of occupation during the 1940s and how it affected people for generations afterward. The author did a great job of getting us to see this through the eyes of the characters.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour on behalf of the author and through NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
January 15, 2024
What I Promise You is written in three different timelines from the past to the present time. Surprisingly, the author made it easy to switch back and forth seamlessly. They were all exciting, steeped in mystery and intrigue.
The characters in each timeline are exciting and have lots of layers. The descriptions of the countryside and the camps made me feel as though I was there. I had tears in my eyes while reading the heartbreaking events that took place but was inspired by the character's courage.
There was a twist at the end when everything was finally revealed. I enjoyed reading this novel and highly recommend it to those who like inspiring and uplifting WW2 stories. A great read overall.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.
The characters in each timeline are exciting and have lots of layers. The descriptions of the countryside and the camps made me feel as though I was there. I had tears in my eyes while reading the heartbreaking events that took place but was inspired by the character's courage.
There was a twist at the end when everything was finally revealed. I enjoyed reading this novel and highly recommend it to those who like inspiring and uplifting WW2 stories. A great read overall.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.
December 5, 2023
What I Promise You by Liz Tolsma is a touching dual timeline story. A young American woman, who is struggling to work past her own trauma, solves a mystery surrounding her grandfather's birth in WW2 France.
The second book in the series, this stand alone tale also has a genealogical element and WW2 history, with the author's careful research evident. Unsung heroes put their lives on the line to save vulnerable women and children, with an impact on future generations. It is an inspiring story, sad in parts, but overall one of hope and faith. Deep questions of faith are threaded in as the characters deal with personal traumas. Nothing graphic, though some war violence and the Holocaust is mentioned.
The mystery is slowly unraveled by the end, with clues dropped along the way. There is an unidentified perspective interspersed between the modern day and 1942 time periods, which adds a mysterious mood to the narrative.
Overall, it was an interesting read, with some real history, plus a hint of romance. Recommend for teens and up who enjoy Christian fiction. 4 stars
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)
The second book in the series, this stand alone tale also has a genealogical element and WW2 history, with the author's careful research evident. Unsung heroes put their lives on the line to save vulnerable women and children, with an impact on future generations. It is an inspiring story, sad in parts, but overall one of hope and faith. Deep questions of faith are threaded in as the characters deal with personal traumas. Nothing graphic, though some war violence and the Holocaust is mentioned.
The mystery is slowly unraveled by the end, with clues dropped along the way. There is an unidentified perspective interspersed between the modern day and 1942 time periods, which adds a mysterious mood to the narrative.
Overall, it was an interesting read, with some real history, plus a hint of romance. Recommend for teens and up who enjoy Christian fiction. 4 stars
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)
January 10, 2024
1942/1955/2022 France
This time slip novel did a great job of keeping me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen to Noemie in the 1942 timeline. I loved how part of the tale unfolded through Caitlyn in 2022. In addition to a high level of anticipation, What I Promise You delivered deep messages about resilience, kindness and living fully after tragedy.
The historical details both in the novel and in the author's note at the end added a great deal to this reader's enjoyment.
My gratitude to the author and publisher Barbour for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
This time slip novel did a great job of keeping me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen to Noemie in the 1942 timeline. I loved how part of the tale unfolded through Caitlyn in 2022. In addition to a high level of anticipation, What I Promise You delivered deep messages about resilience, kindness and living fully after tragedy.
The historical details both in the novel and in the author's note at the end added a great deal to this reader's enjoyment.
My gratitude to the author and publisher Barbour for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
February 7, 2024
3.5 stars
What I Promise You by Liz Tolsma goes into World War II France and the Concentration camps. It is bad enough with all the horrors that men, women, and children had to suffer while being tortured in those camps, but can you imagine being pregnant at the same time. No energy. Cravings. Sickness. Trying to eat enough good food to keep your baby alive. Those are hard enough for mothers in the modern age. Let alone be in a concentration camp where they are trying to kill you. Tolsma does a wonderful job at creating a storyline that tugs at the heart of the reader and makes them empathize with Noemie. Every World War II story that I have read does show a new level of the disgust and hatred of the German Nazi’s. At least, in Tolsma story, there was not a lot of cringe-worthy moments. A safe, yet unique story. The plot features a modern young lady who through she wanted her life to go way, but through the help of another character, she realizes maybe that is not where God wants her to go with her life. A touch of romance. A surprise yet fulfilling ending to the story. Overall, What I Promise You by Liz Tolsma showed another element of World War II that I was not familiar with, but at times, the story does move quite slowly for my taste.
I received a complimentary copy of What I Promise You by Liz Tolsma from Barbour Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
What I Promise You by Liz Tolsma goes into World War II France and the Concentration camps. It is bad enough with all the horrors that men, women, and children had to suffer while being tortured in those camps, but can you imagine being pregnant at the same time. No energy. Cravings. Sickness. Trying to eat enough good food to keep your baby alive. Those are hard enough for mothers in the modern age. Let alone be in a concentration camp where they are trying to kill you. Tolsma does a wonderful job at creating a storyline that tugs at the heart of the reader and makes them empathize with Noemie. Every World War II story that I have read does show a new level of the disgust and hatred of the German Nazi’s. At least, in Tolsma story, there was not a lot of cringe-worthy moments. A safe, yet unique story. The plot features a modern young lady who through she wanted her life to go way, but through the help of another character, she realizes maybe that is not where God wants her to go with her life. A touch of romance. A surprise yet fulfilling ending to the story. Overall, What I Promise You by Liz Tolsma showed another element of World War II that I was not familiar with, but at times, the story does move quite slowly for my taste.
I received a complimentary copy of What I Promise You by Liz Tolsma from Barbour Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
February 3, 2024
A poignant and inspiring story of courage and faith in the face of persecution.
An incredible and moving story divided into three parts, it had a slower start since it took a little while to orient myself in each timeline, but the slower set up paid off as the pieces started to come together. A well written read that brings to life the realities faced by many in the midst of WWII, inspiring and full of faith, with great depth, and relationship building. I liked how it quietly wove together the past and the present in this emotional and inspiring story. Helene endures the unknown with courage, and I admired the people who helped her along the way.
Overall, an amazing story, well written with captivating characters, and strong themes of faith and light in the midst if darkness. Highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
An incredible and moving story divided into three parts, it had a slower start since it took a little while to orient myself in each timeline, but the slower set up paid off as the pieces started to come together. A well written read that brings to life the realities faced by many in the midst of WWII, inspiring and full of faith, with great depth, and relationship building. I liked how it quietly wove together the past and the present in this emotional and inspiring story. Helene endures the unknown with courage, and I admired the people who helped her along the way.
Overall, an amazing story, well written with captivating characters, and strong themes of faith and light in the midst if darkness. Highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
December 20, 2023
I really enjoyed this multi-timeline story, one taking place during WWII, one contemporary timeline and one set in 1955. Although the 1955 timeline's chapters are short, they have a profound effect in connecting both of the others.
Although fictional, this story accurately portrays the tragedy of the many lives affected by the transit Camp de Rivesalts near the southwest French border. It focuses on the lives of a specific group, expectant young mothers and children. Although most of the characters are fictional, it is a tribute to the many unsung heroes of WWII. I found Helene's journey of faith compelling. One of learning to trust in one's faith, even amidst the darkest moments of our lives.
In most dual timelines, I am most drawn to the story set in the past, however Caitlyn's story drew me in from the beginning. Her's is one marked by tragedy as well, and her journey to overcoming the past and one of self-discovery is heartwarming.
Ms. Tolsma skillfully transitions between storylines, leaving the reader captivated from the very first page until the last has been read.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher through Netgalley. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Although fictional, this story accurately portrays the tragedy of the many lives affected by the transit Camp de Rivesalts near the southwest French border. It focuses on the lives of a specific group, expectant young mothers and children. Although most of the characters are fictional, it is a tribute to the many unsung heroes of WWII. I found Helene's journey of faith compelling. One of learning to trust in one's faith, even amidst the darkest moments of our lives.
In most dual timelines, I am most drawn to the story set in the past, however Caitlyn's story drew me in from the beginning. Her's is one marked by tragedy as well, and her journey to overcoming the past and one of self-discovery is heartwarming.
Ms. Tolsma skillfully transitions between storylines, leaving the reader captivated from the very first page until the last has been read.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher through Netgalley. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 17, 2023
Wow! Three timelines that span from 1942, 1955, and 2022. The main characters in each timeline are experiencing heartache. The story in 1942 deals with harrowing circumstances. Some of it was difficult to read.
I have so many characters that I love in this book! Each one rises above their pain and presses on towards a brighter future.
There were many different settings in the book. My favorite was when Caitlyn was on the train passing by the Pyrenees Mountains and the sparkling blue Mediterranean!
This is a book that will touch the readers heart. It's fictional history, but the author does include facts. The time period of WWII is heartbreaking but needs to be remembered.
I was provided a copy of the book from the publisher/author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I have so many characters that I love in this book! Each one rises above their pain and presses on towards a brighter future.
There were many different settings in the book. My favorite was when Caitlyn was on the train passing by the Pyrenees Mountains and the sparkling blue Mediterranean!
This is a book that will touch the readers heart. It's fictional history, but the author does include facts. The time period of WWII is heartbreaking but needs to be remembered.
I was provided a copy of the book from the publisher/author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 20, 2024
I had the amazing honor of being Liz's first reader for this book. What a privilege. This is Liz's best work yet. It's been so fun to watch her grow and try new things like time slip historical fiction, which she's becoming so amazing at!
This story is incredible. I was drawn in from the first chapter and loved following all of the storylines. I learned a lot of things about the actual war and what happened to marginalized people groups, but I also learned about the beautiful characters that Liz brought to life in the pages. Putting this one down to do life was really difficult for me!
Thanks to Liz for the free copy of this book.
This story is incredible. I was drawn in from the first chapter and loved following all of the storylines. I learned a lot of things about the actual war and what happened to marginalized people groups, but I also learned about the beautiful characters that Liz brought to life in the pages. Putting this one down to do life was really difficult for me!
Thanks to Liz for the free copy of this book.
January 29, 2024
Rating 4.5
They say every building has a story, an unwritten history contained within its structure.
What I promise you was a powerful poignant story set in three different timeless which focused on the WW2 horrors in France and the heartbreaking results years later.
The writing was expressive, captivating and the characters easy to connect to and sympathize with.
There were so many ways the story could lead to and trying to see what happened held me captivated right till the end. There were some clues I put together before it was revealed.
If you enjoy strong WW2 stories, add this one to your TBR.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
They say every building has a story, an unwritten history contained within its structure.
What I promise you was a powerful poignant story set in three different timeless which focused on the WW2 horrors in France and the heartbreaking results years later.
The writing was expressive, captivating and the characters easy to connect to and sympathize with.
There were so many ways the story could lead to and trying to see what happened held me captivated right till the end. There were some clues I put together before it was revealed.
If you enjoy strong WW2 stories, add this one to your TBR.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
January 19, 2024
This is a split-time novel taking place in 1942, 1955, and 2022. I don't normally like this format, and I wasn't sure about the 1955 timeline at first, but by the end it all came together beautifully and I wouldn't have had it any other way. This book had lots of twists and surprises, and kept my interest. The characters drew me in, so that I found myself wanting to help them.
I received a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
I received a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
December 1, 2023
Liz Tolsma is one of my favorite World War II era novelists. She writes with a depth of understanding that makes it clear to her readers where she is going in the plot lines of her book. In What I Promise You, she writes a triple time-line book that bounces from World War II, post war, and modern times.
The first timeline starts when Noemi and her husband, Levi, are arrested in southern France and taken to an internment camp. While there Noemi is spirited away to a maternity hospital with two children whose parents have been transferred to another camp.
At the maternity hospital, Noemi is charged with making new papers for all the mothers and children, including herself. When they get the word that the Germans are coming to clear out the hospital, Noemi and Aime, the owner of the land where the hospital sits, load up the women and children and move them to safe places. Noemi and Aime are given the charge of taking an infant to safety and caring for him.
The second timeline takes place in modern times and includes Caitlyn trying to find out what her grandfather's history is. She knows he was born in the maternity hospital, but not much else. His memory is slipping and he doesn't remember as much as Caitlyn would like. While studying abroad in Spain, she goes to France several times to research her great-grandmother and her role in the maternity hospital. Another student who is studying abroad at the same location, Aiden, becomes intrigued by Caitlyn's search.
The third timeline takes place thirteen years later and includes a mystery character who is truly integral to the narrative. At times clues are dropped as to who this character is, but then something else happens that changes the reader's mind about who the character truly is. When all is revealed, it is surprising to see this character reenter the story after she was reported to be dead--executed in one of the death camps.
The way Liz has woven this novel together really makes it an interesting read for fans of World War II fiction. There is just enough truth in the novel to be historically accurate and to be instructive for the reader. This is a five star book with two thumbs up and an illuminating trip to France.
Barbour Publishing provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
The first timeline starts when Noemi and her husband, Levi, are arrested in southern France and taken to an internment camp. While there Noemi is spirited away to a maternity hospital with two children whose parents have been transferred to another camp.
At the maternity hospital, Noemi is charged with making new papers for all the mothers and children, including herself. When they get the word that the Germans are coming to clear out the hospital, Noemi and Aime, the owner of the land where the hospital sits, load up the women and children and move them to safe places. Noemi and Aime are given the charge of taking an infant to safety and caring for him.
The second timeline takes place in modern times and includes Caitlyn trying to find out what her grandfather's history is. She knows he was born in the maternity hospital, but not much else. His memory is slipping and he doesn't remember as much as Caitlyn would like. While studying abroad in Spain, she goes to France several times to research her great-grandmother and her role in the maternity hospital. Another student who is studying abroad at the same location, Aiden, becomes intrigued by Caitlyn's search.
The third timeline takes place thirteen years later and includes a mystery character who is truly integral to the narrative. At times clues are dropped as to who this character is, but then something else happens that changes the reader's mind about who the character truly is. When all is revealed, it is surprising to see this character reenter the story after she was reported to be dead--executed in one of the death camps.
The way Liz has woven this novel together really makes it an interesting read for fans of World War II fiction. There is just enough truth in the novel to be historically accurate and to be instructive for the reader. This is a five star book with two thumbs up and an illuminating trip to France.
Barbour Publishing provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
December 31, 2023
I received an advanced copy of this book from Net Galley. Liz Tolsma's latest novel What I Promise You is the 2nd in a series, but can also be read as a stand alone novel. This captivating story set in three different time periods had me hooked from the beginning. Each woman is dealing with a painful, traumatic memory of something in the past, and each is working through that memory while facing other hardships. These women are interlocked through time and location. I genuinely cared about the past, present, and future stories of each woman. I wanted to know why Helene felt so guilty for her life prior to the Nazi invasion, wanted to see her present circumstances unfold in the way she hoped, and wished for a glorious ending to her story. Young Caitlyn held the trauma of a tragic accident in 2022. She wants to be who she thought she would, but does she even know who she is. Her story is one of finding her identity, and realizing where that identity comes from. Eleanor did the hardest thing a woman could do while saving many Jewish women and children. Her story is more just whispers of the past that haunts her, but I still wanted to know more of who she was and what she was seeking. This was an excellent fictional look at life in WWII in Vichy, France.
February 8, 2024
5 stars, Triple Timelines
Echoes of the Past Series #2
WHAT I PROMISE YOU
By Liz Tolsma
The triple timelines are 1942, 1955, and the present.
In World War 2, Noemie and her husband Levi are captured because they are Jewish. Noemie is pregnant, her husband promises to never leave her, and she promises to never leave their baby. There are unimaginable horrors of life in the concentration camps. Noemie is smuggled to a nearby maternity house in France and struggles there to hide her identity and keep their baby safe.
Echoes of the Past Series:
1. What I Would Tell You by Liz Tolsma
2. What I Promise You by Liz Tolsma
Highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of #WhatIPromiseYou from #BarbourFiction #BarbourPublishing #NetGalley I was not obligated to post a review.
#historicalfiction #ChristianFiction #InspyFic #WWII #Jews #EchoesOfThePastSeries #UnconditionalLove #Pregnancy #Genealogy #Family #Mystery @BarbourFiction
Echoes of the Past Series #2
WHAT I PROMISE YOU
By Liz Tolsma
The triple timelines are 1942, 1955, and the present.
In World War 2, Noemie and her husband Levi are captured because they are Jewish. Noemie is pregnant, her husband promises to never leave her, and she promises to never leave their baby. There are unimaginable horrors of life in the concentration camps. Noemie is smuggled to a nearby maternity house in France and struggles there to hide her identity and keep their baby safe.
Echoes of the Past Series:
1. What I Would Tell You by Liz Tolsma
2. What I Promise You by Liz Tolsma
Highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of #WhatIPromiseYou from #BarbourFiction #BarbourPublishing #NetGalley I was not obligated to post a review.
#historicalfiction #ChristianFiction #InspyFic #WWII #Jews #EchoesOfThePastSeries #UnconditionalLove #Pregnancy #Genealogy #Family #Mystery @BarbourFiction
November 18, 2023
I had a bit of a hard time getting into this book because starts in Vichy France during World War II and deals with Nazi treatment of Jewish women and children, and a maternity hospital set up nearby to protect them. There is a lot of loss, grief, pain and hopelessness happening, which is hard to read about. Thankfully Tolsma does a great job of weaving together three story strands – one set in 1942, one in 1955 and one in the present day – in which the characters gradually learn to hope, lean on the Lord, and deal with their grief and loss in various ways. If you can handle reading about the atrocities of the Nazis, the book is well worth reading.
"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own." #WhatIPromiseYou #NetGalley
"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own." #WhatIPromiseYou #NetGalley
January 30, 2024
This story was so moving for me. The author does a great job of portraying the grief and atrocities that took place during WWII without going into graphic detail.
The novel added a new dimension that I haven't read before with three different timelines. This added a new layer to the story and kept me guessing until the end.
There were so many characters that I enjoyed in the story: Caitlyn, Aiden, Salome, Aime, Helene and so many more.
Thanks so much to netgalley and Barbour Publishing for the arc. The opinions are my own.
The novel added a new dimension that I haven't read before with three different timelines. This added a new layer to the story and kept me guessing until the end.
There were so many characters that I enjoyed in the story: Caitlyn, Aiden, Salome, Aime, Helene and so many more.
Thanks so much to netgalley and Barbour Publishing for the arc. The opinions are my own.
March 7, 2024
“What I Promise You” is a well-researched WWII story that blends narratives that take place during the 40s, 50s, and present times. I’ve always been drawn to WWII settings and the extraordinary people who persevered the ugliness with faithful hearts and incredible courage.
I love how part of this story addresses those who risk everything to save others. What a beautiful storyline. But what shines brightest in this story is hope the two main characters Noemi and Caitlyn hold dear. Though I found it more challenging to connect with Caitlyn, I connected with Naomi with ease, and loved their courage, adaptability, and faith.
This is a beautiful, heart wrenching, suspenseful, hope-filled, story for those who love to read clean, historical fiction with elements of spiritual faith.
First Line: They say every building has a story, an unwritten history contained within its structure.
Series: Echoes of the Past, book 2
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Author: Liz Tolsma
Page Count: 320
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.
I love how part of this story addresses those who risk everything to save others. What a beautiful storyline. But what shines brightest in this story is hope the two main characters Noemi and Caitlyn hold dear. Though I found it more challenging to connect with Caitlyn, I connected with Naomi with ease, and loved their courage, adaptability, and faith.
This is a beautiful, heart wrenching, suspenseful, hope-filled, story for those who love to read clean, historical fiction with elements of spiritual faith.
First Line: They say every building has a story, an unwritten history contained within its structure.
Series: Echoes of the Past, book 2
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Author: Liz Tolsma
Page Count: 320
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.
March 4, 2024
An absolutely top notch book that needs more stars for excellence, as it is outstanding and should win a book award. How you can take three timelines and weave them together seamlessly while still keeping your audience captivated and guessing who is narrating 1955 is an art. Everything about this story draws you in and speaks to your heart. I was mesmerized by the characters and felt like I was walking the path they trod and seeing and smelling the sights they saw. It was real, raw, and made me weep, as well as find joy and beauty amidst the ashes. A perfect example of no matter how dark the experience God is always with us and His ways bring joy in the morning. There is a curveball that becomes a testament to just how deep and sacrificial a mother’s love is that represents the love Christ has for us. This is definitely going on my top ten list for this year, as it is gobsmacking great in my opinion. Put this on the top of your must read books.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
January 31, 2024
I thought that the author did a wonderful job with this story, and tying together the two time lines. Both characters are facing difficult decisions and life altering situations. I like that the story has a third time period that ties it together, with parts set in the 1950's and told in the first person. When it is revealed who that narrator is, a lot of the pieces start coming together.
This story is filled with rich historical details, and is a heartbreaking glimpse of the difficult situations WWII placed people in.
This story is filled with rich historical details, and is a heartbreaking glimpse of the difficult situations WWII placed people in.
January 27, 2024
This book switched between three times: 1942, 1955, and 2022. I enjoyed the stories from 1942 and 2022 more than the middle one, and didn’t understand until the end of the story why it was needed!
This was very well-written and kept me engaged and not wanting to put it down. I’m sure there were many Jewish women who were expecting babies in the harsh conditions of the camps, and this book dealt with one woman with the Red Cross who aided in the escape of women and children to a nearby maternity hospital/orphanage. True to life and great story!
I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review. Four and a half stars!
This was very well-written and kept me engaged and not wanting to put it down. I’m sure there were many Jewish women who were expecting babies in the harsh conditions of the camps, and this book dealt with one woman with the Red Cross who aided in the escape of women and children to a nearby maternity hospital/orphanage. True to life and great story!
I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review. Four and a half stars!
July 2, 2024
Nice storytelling. 1942 & 2022 simultaneous timelines. A granddaughter tries to research her family history. I enjoyed the book, dual timelines is not a favorite trope. It does work for the book.
I would gift this.
Goodreads Giveaway Kindle win, I had trouble with the download; fortunately I located the audio (loved the narrator) on Hoopla.
I would gift this.
Goodreads Giveaway Kindle win, I had trouble with the download; fortunately I located the audio (loved the narrator) on Hoopla.
September 15, 2025
This is the second book in the series of Echoes of the past. There is one more What I Left For You which I hope I can find soon. Even though these are a series they can be read as stand alone books. This book takes place during three decades 1942, 1955, and 2022. Again a historical fiction which takes place in France and Spain. I especially like that Tolsma lets you know more at the end of the books which characters are real and which are fictional and how she wrote what she did. It does refer to Christian faith and really makes you about the joys of life and the unfortunate pain of life.
January 7, 2024
What a remarkable story! " What I Promise you" grabs the readers interest and the three different points in time keep us turning pages to see how everything ties together. Kudos to author Liz Tolsma for such a riveting story!
1942. A beautiful Jewish couple Noemie and Levi Treves are tragically rounded up and sent to Camp Rivesaltes. Set in Southern France, near the Spanish border at the Camp de Rivesaltes (a transit camp for deportation to Auschwitz-Birkenau via Drancy), and at the Maternité Suisse d’Elne (a beacon of hope for the expectant mothers who were lucky enough to be taken from the concentration camps in Rivesaltes to give birth at the maternity hospital located in a château on the outskirts of Elne.)
1955 Memories years after the war at the Maternité Suisse d’Elne
2022-2023 France and Illinois. Contemporary thread has Caitlyn Laurent trying to recover from a traumatic loss, and figure out what her purpose in life is, while trying to learn more about the French maternity home her grandfather was born in.
I thoroughly enjoyed this original story and enjoyed connecting the dots between the different threads. I highly recommend What I Promise You for lovers of riveting dual timeline stories.
Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
1942. A beautiful Jewish couple Noemie and Levi Treves are tragically rounded up and sent to Camp Rivesaltes. Set in Southern France, near the Spanish border at the Camp de Rivesaltes (a transit camp for deportation to Auschwitz-Birkenau via Drancy), and at the Maternité Suisse d’Elne (a beacon of hope for the expectant mothers who were lucky enough to be taken from the concentration camps in Rivesaltes to give birth at the maternity hospital located in a château on the outskirts of Elne.)
1955 Memories years after the war at the Maternité Suisse d’Elne
2022-2023 France and Illinois. Contemporary thread has Caitlyn Laurent trying to recover from a traumatic loss, and figure out what her purpose in life is, while trying to learn more about the French maternity home her grandfather was born in.
I thoroughly enjoyed this original story and enjoyed connecting the dots between the different threads. I highly recommend What I Promise You for lovers of riveting dual timeline stories.
Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
January 19, 2024
Liz Tolsma has crafted a heart wrenching tale of love, loss and family secrets that spans through three different time periods of 1942, 1955, and 2022. While I haven't read too many of this author's books in the past, I have enjoyed the ones I did, and I was looking forward to trying another of her books, especially since the synopsis sounded intriguing.
In 1942, we follow a young Jewish woman who has recently been sent to a transit camp with her husband. Several months pregnant, she doesn't understand why God would allow this to happen to His people. When she's given the chance to escape the camp and make her temporary home at a women's maternity hospital, she's hesitant to leave her beloved husband. However, there's more to come her way than she could ever have imagined in her worst nightmares, and soon she's doing everything she can to give back to the cause that's helped her and so many others. What happens at the maternity hospital will have a life changing impact, and she continues to question where God is amidst life's never ending tragedies?
In 1955, we're not give much to go on at the start, but the readers knows they're following the narrator thirteen years after the devastating tragedies that occured at the maternity hospital, and watching the way the grief associated with it has shaped so many lives.
In 2022, a young woman named Caitlyn is dealing with the devastating loss of her best friend, while trying to enter the mission field as nurse because it was said friend's dream. When the chance arises to find out more of her grandfather's family history, she jumps at the chance. Only she seems to find more questions than answers on her quest to finally be able to give her beloved grandfather the information he's desperately wanting.
The three storylines weave together into an emotional and heartfelt rollercoaster as the protagonists learn firsthand the horrible effect that such a horrific time in history has had on anyone who came into contact with it. The author did a wonderful job of portraying the grieving process both realistically and authentically, and I found my heart breaking for each of these women as secrets are revealed and healing seems impossible. Thankfully what's impossible for us is always possible for Him, and I loved how the faith element ends up playing such a large part of the story towards the end.
All in all, this was definitely an interesting read with a heartfelt storyline, but I wouldn't say it's a new favorite for me. I found the story really dragged at the start, and it took me quite awhile to get into it. I also felt there was a lot of build up towards the big family secrets, but the ending felt anticlimactic and extremely rushed. I wish there had been a bit more to it, as it ended up feeling almost incomplete.
Still a beautiful historical fiction that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys faith based reads set during World War Two, but I don't see it being a reread for me in the future.
Final Rating: 3/5.
Thanks so much to Barbour for allowing me to read and review this one!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Barbour) via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.
In 1942, we follow a young Jewish woman who has recently been sent to a transit camp with her husband. Several months pregnant, she doesn't understand why God would allow this to happen to His people. When she's given the chance to escape the camp and make her temporary home at a women's maternity hospital, she's hesitant to leave her beloved husband. However, there's more to come her way than she could ever have imagined in her worst nightmares, and soon she's doing everything she can to give back to the cause that's helped her and so many others. What happens at the maternity hospital will have a life changing impact, and she continues to question where God is amidst life's never ending tragedies?
In 1955, we're not give much to go on at the start, but the readers knows they're following the narrator thirteen years after the devastating tragedies that occured at the maternity hospital, and watching the way the grief associated with it has shaped so many lives.
In 2022, a young woman named Caitlyn is dealing with the devastating loss of her best friend, while trying to enter the mission field as nurse because it was said friend's dream. When the chance arises to find out more of her grandfather's family history, she jumps at the chance. Only she seems to find more questions than answers on her quest to finally be able to give her beloved grandfather the information he's desperately wanting.
The three storylines weave together into an emotional and heartfelt rollercoaster as the protagonists learn firsthand the horrible effect that such a horrific time in history has had on anyone who came into contact with it. The author did a wonderful job of portraying the grieving process both realistically and authentically, and I found my heart breaking for each of these women as secrets are revealed and healing seems impossible. Thankfully what's impossible for us is always possible for Him, and I loved how the faith element ends up playing such a large part of the story towards the end.
All in all, this was definitely an interesting read with a heartfelt storyline, but I wouldn't say it's a new favorite for me. I found the story really dragged at the start, and it took me quite awhile to get into it. I also felt there was a lot of build up towards the big family secrets, but the ending felt anticlimactic and extremely rushed. I wish there had been a bit more to it, as it ended up feeling almost incomplete.
Still a beautiful historical fiction that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys faith based reads set during World War Two, but I don't see it being a reread for me in the future.
Final Rating: 3/5.
Thanks so much to Barbour for allowing me to read and review this one!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Barbour) via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.
December 20, 2023
Heart wrenching within each time frame, with a bit of a twist. As the story switches time frames, you can start to piece things together and see the picture, but not all of it. Interesting to try to figure it out. WW2 South France became unsafe for the Jews, and a fight to survive. Placed partly at a maternity home, there's more heartache and joy with the children and trying to save as many as they could from the nearby camp. Two generations away is another part of the story as a girl deals with tragedy in her life and tries to find out about her family while she's at school in Spain. Very interesting, fully captivating. Very hard to put down when you just have to know more of the story. Healing faith is a struggle for each because of what they go through with great loss of dear ones.
I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#WhatIPromiseYou #NetGalley #LizTolsma #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #BarbourPublishing #ChristianHistoricalFiction #FiveStarHistorical
I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#WhatIPromiseYou #NetGalley #LizTolsma #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #BarbourPublishing #ChristianHistoricalFiction #FiveStarHistorical
January 7, 2024
This was a story written over three different time periods telling a tale with the backdrop of WW2. The entire story was achingly haunting in a unique way that stuck with me. We know the history of WW2, but Tolsma brings a new perspective through this book that again, creates a deep and low ache in your spirit that just sticks with you throughout the entire telling of the story and beyond. I read this book in the evenings and couldn’t wait each night to crack the pages.
November 15, 2023
This is a book that explores three timelines simultaneously...
1942, 1955, and 2023
We get to live the life of Noeme who is a Jew living in southern France during Vichy rule in France. We immediately see her taken prisoner with her husband and sent to a prison camp. She's pregnant and worries about what will happen to her unborn baby. Promising she will NEVER leave Levi. And he asks her to PROMISE him to take care of their baby no matter what.
What follows in the book is what happens next regarding those promises as Noeme escapes to a maternity house nearby...
1955 we are in first person narrative. An unknown person who is visiting the maternity home 13 years later. We are given hints of what will happen in Noeme's story through the things mentioned here. Mentions of horror and happiness. Of pain and of joy. Discussions and foreboding of the imminent pain.
2023 back to third person with Caitlyn Laurent. Caitlyn is a nurse suffering from PTSD after a car accident she was in which killed her best friend. To get away from it all and live out the dream she and her friend had, she decides to go to France to become a missionary nurse to Africa. While there she also hopes to pop into the maternity home her grandfather Pops recalls being born in and living at for a short time. But things happen in France to change Caitlyn's life forever in ways she never imagined...
The author does a great job in weaving these three perspectives together. Each of them adds a little bit more to the story and then finally like an onion everything peels back to the heart in the last four chapters. The mysterious person in 1955 is revealed. The connection to 2023 Caitlyn is revealed. And Noeme's story concludes.
I think that the story was well done. It touches on the the horrors of the prison camps from the view of pregnant women or women with infants. I think there were many excellent quotes about faith--Especially for Caitlyn who holds herself responsible for something she had no control over.
4 Stars
*I was given a complimentary copy of an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and alllll these opinions are totally me.
1942, 1955, and 2023
We get to live the life of Noeme who is a Jew living in southern France during Vichy rule in France. We immediately see her taken prisoner with her husband and sent to a prison camp. She's pregnant and worries about what will happen to her unborn baby. Promising she will NEVER leave Levi. And he asks her to PROMISE him to take care of their baby no matter what.
What follows in the book is what happens next regarding those promises as Noeme escapes to a maternity house nearby...
1955 we are in first person narrative. An unknown person who is visiting the maternity home 13 years later. We are given hints of what will happen in Noeme's story through the things mentioned here. Mentions of horror and happiness. Of pain and of joy. Discussions and foreboding of the imminent pain.
2023 back to third person with Caitlyn Laurent. Caitlyn is a nurse suffering from PTSD after a car accident she was in which killed her best friend. To get away from it all and live out the dream she and her friend had, she decides to go to France to become a missionary nurse to Africa. While there she also hopes to pop into the maternity home her grandfather Pops recalls being born in and living at for a short time. But things happen in France to change Caitlyn's life forever in ways she never imagined...
The author does a great job in weaving these three perspectives together. Each of them adds a little bit more to the story and then finally like an onion everything peels back to the heart in the last four chapters. The mysterious person in 1955 is revealed. The connection to 2023 Caitlyn is revealed. And Noeme's story concludes.
I think that the story was well done. It touches on the the horrors of the prison camps from the view of pregnant women or women with infants. I think there were many excellent quotes about faith--Especially for Caitlyn who holds herself responsible for something she had no control over.
4 Stars
*I was given a complimentary copy of an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and alllll these opinions are totally me.
October 3, 2024
What I Promise You #2 Echoes of the Past by Liz Tolsma
France 1942 and 2022
1942
The peaceful life Noémie Treves and her husband knows is shattered when WWII begins; forever changing their lives. They are taken to Camp de Rivesaltes transit camp in Southwest France along with other Jews. Here they try to survive in deplorable conditions. Noémie assists in helping two young girls escape to a nearby maternity hospital, and hopefully to safety. In an attempt to safeguard them, they change their names. But, is it enough to keep them safe? Noémie - now Hélène Etu – works diligently to help insure the children and women at the maternity hospital are safe, including herself. With all that Hélène has endured, tragedy strikes again. Will she recover from this tragedy? Will she turn to God for comfort and peace? Aime Laurant is a big help to the maternity hospital and will play an important role in Hélène’s life. He goes out of his way to safeguard them all, in spite of the danger to himself if caught.
2022
Nursing student, and hopeful missionary, Caitlyn Laurant visits France while in training nearby to search for her grandfather’s birthplace and learn something about his family. During her research, she uncovers secrets - secrets tied to WWII - that not even her grandfather is aware of. Learning that names were changed during the war makes it more difficult to uncover her grandfather’s ancestors. What impact will what she has discovered have on their lives?
Historical events are woven within the fictional characters and their lives; as they endure tragedies, war and death, loss and grief, fear and uncertainties, starting over, learning to trust and love again, forgiveness and faith. The authors note at the end of the book share the historical events that are woven within the storyline.
~I bought the e-book and I received an ARC from the author/publisher via NetGalley (no monetary gain was exchanged), this is my honest review~
France 1942 and 2022
1942
The peaceful life Noémie Treves and her husband knows is shattered when WWII begins; forever changing their lives. They are taken to Camp de Rivesaltes transit camp in Southwest France along with other Jews. Here they try to survive in deplorable conditions. Noémie assists in helping two young girls escape to a nearby maternity hospital, and hopefully to safety. In an attempt to safeguard them, they change their names. But, is it enough to keep them safe? Noémie - now Hélène Etu – works diligently to help insure the children and women at the maternity hospital are safe, including herself. With all that Hélène has endured, tragedy strikes again. Will she recover from this tragedy? Will she turn to God for comfort and peace? Aime Laurant is a big help to the maternity hospital and will play an important role in Hélène’s life. He goes out of his way to safeguard them all, in spite of the danger to himself if caught.
2022
Nursing student, and hopeful missionary, Caitlyn Laurant visits France while in training nearby to search for her grandfather’s birthplace and learn something about his family. During her research, she uncovers secrets - secrets tied to WWII - that not even her grandfather is aware of. Learning that names were changed during the war makes it more difficult to uncover her grandfather’s ancestors. What impact will what she has discovered have on their lives?
Historical events are woven within the fictional characters and their lives; as they endure tragedies, war and death, loss and grief, fear and uncertainties, starting over, learning to trust and love again, forgiveness and faith. The authors note at the end of the book share the historical events that are woven within the storyline.
~I bought the e-book and I received an ARC from the author/publisher via NetGalley (no monetary gain was exchanged), this is my honest review~
April 17, 2024
I view the star rating as 2=it was ok, and 3=I liked it.
This book really falls somewhere between 2 and 3 for me. I love split time fiction books as a general rule. This book is set in three different time periods: 1955, 1942, and 2022-2023. I wish she had left out the 1955 stuff and just incorporated that information into the story a different way. It wasn't until over 1/2 way through the book before I had any idea who's perspective we were even seeing in 1955, and it's not until the end where you find out for sure, which (for me at least) was a bit confusing. During the modern time-line it also felt at times as though the author was trying too hard to throw in "modern" day stuff (mentioning specific apps like WhatsApp, etc.)
So again, it was ok, and I kinda liked it, but I've liked some of her other books better.
This book really falls somewhere between 2 and 3 for me. I love split time fiction books as a general rule. This book is set in three different time periods: 1955, 1942, and 2022-2023. I wish she had left out the 1955 stuff and just incorporated that information into the story a different way. It wasn't until over 1/2 way through the book before I had any idea who's perspective we were even seeing in 1955, and it's not until the end where you find out for sure, which (for me at least) was a bit confusing. During the modern time-line it also felt at times as though the author was trying too hard to throw in "modern" day stuff (mentioning specific apps like WhatsApp, etc.)
So again, it was ok, and I kinda liked it, but I've liked some of her other books better.
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