Sold by her parents to settle a debt, Rolande Bisset is forced into prostitution. Years later, shunned by her family and most of society, it’s the only way she knows how to subsist. When the Germans overrun Paris, she decides she’s had enough of evil men controlling her life and uses her wiles to obtain information for the Allied forces. Branded a collaborator, her life hangs in the balance. Then an American spy stumbles onto her doorstep. Is redemption within her grasp?
Simon Harlow is one of an elite corps of American soldiers. Regularly chosen for dangerous covert missions, he is tasked with infiltrating Paris to ascertain the Axis’s defenses. Nearly caught by German forces moments after arriving, he owes his life to the beautiful prostitute who claims she’s been waiting for the Allies to arrive. Her lifestyle goes against everything he believes in, but will she steal his heart during his quest to liberate her city?
Inspired by the biblical story of Rahab, Love’s Rescue is a tale of faith and hope during one of history’s darkest periods.
Linda Shenton Matchett writes about ordinary people who did extraordinary things in days gone by. A self-professed history geek, she is a volunteer archivist and docent at the Wright Museum of World War II. Linda has published more than twenty-five books. When not writing, she enjoys exploring historical sites and immersing herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.
This Historical Fiction Story, set during WWII is a modern retelling of the story of Rahab from the Old Testament. Rolande Bisset is a prostitute. She was set up in that life by men her father trusted and believed, more than he loved his daughter. Cast off by her family after being sold off Rolande finds herself living a life she never expected. Paris, France (her home) is living under the occupation of German Nazi soldiers, and she is doing what she can to help liberate her country. She entertains German soldiers and gets them drunk, in the hopes of obtaining information useful to the Resistance. She is new to believing that God could possibly love her, an unclean woman, but opens herself up to listen to what he wants her to do. Simon Harlow,is an American spy, sent with his best friend to Paris to try and get information about the troops occupying Paris and do some surveillance. It doesn't take Rolande or the Germans long to figure out they are spies. She sets up a meeting with them in her home that is interrupted by German soldiers. Will they survive? If so, how? If you know the story of Rahab, you will know the answer to those questions.
This is a novella that was a very quick read. I read it in one evening wanting to know what was going to happen to Rolande. Would she reconcile with her family? Would she follow her heart and the voices she heard leading her to help others. If you enjoy historical fiction that is Christian based, I recommend you check out this book, you won't be sorry you did. I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Publicity upon my request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
Linda Matchett’s novella, Love’s Rescue, touches at the heart of many issues arising during trying, abnormal times. “Rahab” meets the French Resistance at the end of WWII in Paris. Accusations abound around Rolande and her involvement with the Nazi stationed in occupied Paris. Her family is the first to shun her, to turn her away.
Yet, God has a plan. Doesn’t he always make himself known even in the bleakest corner of our lives. Matchett allows her characters to make life-changing decisions that lead them down paths of hardship and sin, yet God is waiting to use their lives for his good.
Join Rolande and Simon on a journey of redemption and hope. Thank you, Linda, for a glimpse into a part of our lives that we want to hide but knowing that there is another purpose for our pain and suffering.
This is a story of survival, and you will be quickly reaching the end but this story rings so very true, I read it in one evening, and it is about a time that we need to never forget, and the theme of forgiveness resonates here. Paris is about to fall as the story opens and we follow here until it is rescued, and see people up close that gave their all for freedom. When you read the author’s notes at the end you can see how she came to this novella, and it really makes sense.
I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.
No little girl thinks "I want to be a prostitute when I grow up." We'd rather save the world. So how is it that between reading Love's Rescue and watching a high school production of Les Miserables in the last two weeks, I "met" so many French prostitutes? Both stories exposed the awful circumstances that bring women into that "profession." And once they are there, they're stuck. In survival mode. In those days, even if you got "out," no one would hire you legitimately, no one would marry you. It was so powerful to see, side by side, two stories where these women experienced some level of compassion and grace (with very different outcomes! Love's Rescue has a much happier result than Les Mis). And I loved the way that one of these women, least likely to save the world, gets to play the heroine.
Love's Rescue is the story of Rahab from the Bible (Joshua 4 & 6), set in the Second World War. So I guess it was God's idea to let the downtrodden prostitute save the world (or at least be a hero to a small part of it!). I love a good World War II spy story.
Along with the Cold War, there are some of my favorites. And I really enjoyed this one too. The characters were engaging. I found myself tasting the bad coffee (and I don't even like coffee!) in the army camp with Simon, and feeling the scorn Rolande felt by everyone in her life: her "customers," her fellow Frenchman who viewed her as a collaborator, the German soldiers who viewed her as nothing, her contact with the Allies, who viewed her as trash, and even her own family.
I love the way that Simon acted like Christ. He acted the way all Christians should when he saw Rolande as she was. Precious gift, daughter of God, broken woman, beautiful in God's eyes even though the world saw her as "a woman of ill repute." A hero soldier, sent in to prepare the way for Allied troops to liberate France. But though he came to France to save the world, his greatest act is loving Rolande when the world despises her. I love the forgiveness that we see in this story. I love Rolande's courage. I love the way redemption played out. And the Rahab theme was fun too.
The way the romance happens, with a few short meetings, not a lot of time to get to know you, fits very well with wartime brides, even though it feels strange to us. I do remember that the end felt very rushed. Everything resolved almost all at once, almost too fast. But other than that, I really enjoyed Love's Rescue and would definitely recommend it.
I received a review copy of this book; all opinions are my own.
Love’s Rescue is the first book I’ve read by Linda Shenton Matchett. It’s the second in the Wartime Brides series but works completely fine as a standalone book. Love’s Rescue is set in German occupied Paris, France, near the end of World War II.
Ms. Shenton Matchett has written a great story that explores topics including survival, redemption, and trusting in God.
Rolande is our main character. She is a French woman forced into prostitution and eventually becomes a member of the French Resistance. Rolande is smart and resourceful and though she is aware of what her family and other people think of her, she is unapologetic about what she had to do to survive. She is hesitant to believe that God can use someone like her to do His work, but learns to trust that is true.
Simon is our other main character. He’s an American soldier who is tasked with infiltrating Paris to ascertain the locations of German troops before the Allied invasion of Paris. He’s a nice character who is uneasy about what he’s done in the war and takes an instant liking to Rolande.
Because this is a novella, the romance between Rolande and Simon feels rushed, but we expect that out of these shorter stories. Love’s Rescue felt extremely quick, however, and it spent a lot of time on the set up of the story that could’ve been discarded.
The novella is a very quick and easy read, but Ms. Shenton Matchett creates emotions and depth in the main characters that belies the shortness of the story. Despite the rushed romance, both Rolande and Simon are fully realized characters with motivations and character actions that make sense for their respective plotlines and characters.
I give Love’s Rescue 3/5 stars and can recommend it to anyone looking for a quick, somewhat satisfying read that explores themes of redemption and trust.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from CelebrateLit. All opinions are my own.**
This author is fast becoming one of my favorites. She has a keen eye for detail and her historical facts make the story realistic. I loved meeting Rolande and feeling her love for Christ. The book takes us to Paris in 1944. There is danger all around as Germany tries to take over France. My heart broke for Rolande as she is labeled a prostitute. No one knows that she is really gathering vital information that will help the Resistance. The author does a great job of developing her character and lets us see into her heart as she cries out at night for God to forgive her.
Simon has been assigned a very dangerous mission and his life is put in danger. His job as a spy for the Americans will find him dodging bullets and curious observations by German soldiers. It must have been very difficult to pretend you are a German soldier knowing at any minute your secret could be found out..
The story is very close to the biblical story of Rahab. I remember reading this story and thinking how powerful it was. Rolande is ridiculed for her sin but there is someone that sees past that and sees her inner beauty. Her comfort is in God and her goal is to save herself and her family from the war. I loved reading how Simon was able to have compassion for Rolande and know that she is a woman worthy to be loved. The relationship between them is slow and I liked how they each had to learn how to trust each other.
It was hard to put the book down and I was anxious as the war became more dangerous. The story makes you feel right there as Rolande tries to convince her family to trust her. She wants to save them but will they trust her? The ending is powerful and a great lesson in forgiveness, trust and judging others.
I received a copy of this book from the Celebrate Lit.. The review is my own opinion.
I love reading historical fiction and I especially enjoy reading books set during the time of World War II and this book did not disappoint. Let's face it, not all families are perfect and not all families are perfect all the time. Cast off by her family after being sold off Rolande Bisset finds herself living a life she never expected to live. Paris, France (her home) suffers under the occupation of German Nazi soldiers. Determined to do whatever she can to help her country, Rolande entertains German soldiers in the hopes of obtaining information useful to the Resistance. Unable to believe God could possibly love her with what she has done in her past and what has been done to her in the past, she desperately wants to reconcile with her family.
Simon Harlow, a member of an elite group of American soldiers is sent with his best friend to Paris to obtain information and complete surveillance. Forced to wear the uniforms of German Nazis, they attempt to remain undetected. However, Rolande meets them at a local Bistro and immediately identifies them as spies. Surprised when she hears the voice of God telling her to provide protection by inviting them to her home, she does exactly that.
In shades of the Biblical account of Rahab from the Bible, Rolande invites them to her home and has to hide them on her roof from the Germans. Then in shades of Moses being commanded by God to mark the doors of the Israelites' homes so the shadow of death would pass over them, she is told by Simon to mark her home and have all of her family inside with her in order for Simone to guarantee their safety.
When Rolande is able to reconcile with her father and forgive him, it made me happy. Rolande and Simone determining they loved each other made the perfect ending to the story.
So if you like historical fiction that is Christian based, check out this book for yourself.
I’m trying not to use the word cute. This novella is a retelling of the Bible’s Rahab, the prostitute who saved two of Joshua’s men. That’s why I don’t want to use the word cute. What this woman did, her willingness to put her life at risk for these men was the most unselfish thing. It deserves the proper word: clever. She was very clever.
Before I started Love’s Rescue, I went back and purchased Love’s Harvest which is a retelling of Ruth and Boaz and is book one in this series. Both books give a good insight into why we should not judge one another. We do not know the pain and suffering the other has endured.
Love’s Rescue is my favorite so far of Linda’s books. While I’ve not read everything she’s written, I’ve read a few, and this one was really good. The balance of description and dialogue, the character depth and growth were all on point and she did not skip over the hard parts of being a spy during wartime.
The only issue I had came from Rolande’s salvation. I never read where she prayed a prayer of salvation, only asking repeatedly if God could hear her. Maybe I missed it, maybe it was done off the page. In any case, it was only a small thing. The point is that she learned to trust and listen to God’s direction.
I received a copy of this book from the Celebrate Lit team. I was not required to leave a review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
First of all, this is a short book, it's a Christian historical romance, and there is nothing offensive in this book. I can safely recommend this to all my readers without reservation. In fact, you will more than likely walk away from this book having learned something.
To be honest, my only complaint is that the book is too short to truly develop the characters as well as necessary. I appreciate the fact that the author told a poignant story and wrote it in such a way that the reader felt like he/she is right in the middle of the happenings. However, I would simply adore a more complete story with more details included. However, on the flip side, the reader can enjoy this book in one afternoon and come away with a deep story of a volatile time in history with a Christian twist.
One other thing I appreciated is the obvious parallels to the Biblical story of Rahab. No spoilers, but the story of Rahab is one of those stories in the Old Testament that demonstrates the true power of God's love and redemption. I believe that any reader who even has a cursory story of this famous Biblical story will appreciate the allusions in this book.
*4.5 stars Love's Rescue is a retelling of Rahab that's sure to resonate with WWII historical fiction fans. I tend to prefer longer novels, but I admit thoroughly enjoyed this novella. The author managed to retell the story giving it a more modern setting yet maintaining the biblical view with a clear gospel message.
I've read other historical accounts that have shared about women forced into relations with German soldiers but still finding a way to use those moments to their advantage by gaining useful information that can be handed to the allies. This book manages to blend the untold stories of those women with the biblical account of Rahab.
I found this to be an interesting story and one I'd easily recommend to fans of historical fiction and Biblical retellings. As someone who personally reads a lot of WWII historical fiction I thought this was woven beautifully into the new time period. It's a short but enjoyable read.
*I received a copy of this book through CelebrateLit. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
I love how our author used the Biblical account of Rahab to inspire her to a historical fiction that really got us into WWII and the Nazi invasion. Both Rolande and Simon are endearing characters that have many challenges ahead, and the secondary characters were also very alive as well. The book was short in my opinion, but it had a well-rounded plot that taught you about history, the culture of the day, and really inspired you with themes of redemption and forgiveness. I found both our protagonists to be very daring, and I was inspired by the way we see them come to the Lord and hear His voice. Even though our heroine was based off Rahab, the book was not sensual in any way- I felt the author really helped us understand how Rolande felt as well being of that background. I really felt her shame and fear. In conclusion, if you like history, action, romance, or an inspirational read, this one is for you.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and all opinions given are entirely my own.
I LOVE Historical Fiction and I also really enjoy Biblical stories. The Author, Linda Shenton Matchett, does a WONDERFUL job at intertwing the genres in this book.
The Biblical account of Rahab is the base of this book. The Author turns that into a WWII and Nazi historical fiction story. The 2 main characters, Simon and Rolande face many challenges, but are strong throughout the book and overcome. Their faith in God is where they get their strength.
The things I really like about this book: The Historical accuracy of the book makes you feel like you are getting a history lesson in the book. The Biblical aspect and the characters strong Faith. The storyline is one that takes you to the time of the events and seems like real time.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys History, Biblical stories and romance as it has all 3 genres! GREAT BOOK!!
Author Linda Matchett always writes about historical experiences that few people are aware of. I never knew about the prostitutes that worked for the resistance during WWII. What an interesting story of survival. But even more than history, this novella is a great reminder of God’s love. That no matter how far we stray or how bad we believe our sin to be, He is full of mercy, forgives us, and welcomes us Home.
Because this book is a novella it moved quickly and I read it in one sitting, but I still got to know the characters and their struggles. A retelling of the story of Rahab, I found it to be true to the time frame of its telling and highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
How far would you go in order to protect your loved ones? It's 1944 in Paris and the Germans are taking over everything. Rolande has fallen into a life of ill repute through no choice of her own. Trying to make the best of a horrible situation, she gleans information from the German officers and brings it to the resistance. Will the Americans come to help defeat the Germans and restore the city to the French people? Realizing that only God will help, she begins to pray and listen for His voice. Rescuing some American spies, she is promised safety when they come. Can she really believe that in spite of her reputation, someone will care enough to help her? I received this ARC through CelebrateLit. All impressions and opinions are my own.
A nice WWII-era spin on the Old Testament story of Rahab, the prostitute who saved the Israelite spies and in turn was saved from destruction. Set in 1944 Paris just before the liberation by allied forces, Matchett has created a novella that gives her readers a glimpse into the extraordinary hardships and sacrifices made during wartime, whether ancient or modern. Always aligned with a strong Christian message, Love’s Rescue is highly readable and includes the added value of both the Reader’s Guide and Historical Background sections. I definitely recommend this one!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A favorable review was not required, no compensation was received, and all views expressed are my own.
I am a huge fan of this author and the books that she writes. I was very excited to see a new release by her. This is set during WWII times. It is also a historical retelling of Rahab from the Old Testament. One of the things that I love about this author is her ability to create characters that stand out. While this is book two in the Wartime Brides series, it can be read as a standalone. Well written characters, intriguing storyline, and a great reminder that no matter what we are going through, God is there. The author makes sure that her books are historically accurate, so you feel like you are getting a lesson right along with a great story.
I was provided a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program, all thoughts are my own.
" Love’s Rescue" is a modern retelling of the biblical book of Rahab. It is a fast read and I throughly enjoyed reading it. This story shows that sometimes what other sees and think is true is really just a false picture of what is really happening.
I love how the author has taken two different eras, WW11 and Biblical, of time and two different locations and woven therm together to bring this sweet and clean romance to us.
The thought that keeps running through my mind as I write this review is, I am glad Simon Harlow saw into the heart of Rolande Bisset and realized that she wasn't what everyone thought she was.
I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.
Love's Rescue is based on the Bibical story of Rahab but set during World War Two. I enjoyed this book. I did have a bit of trouble following all the stories at first. I liked how it was a story of hope and courage. World war 2 was a tough and scary time for many many people. But people like Rolande, and Henri determined to fight the enemy had to be creative and strong. I thought each character was interesting and well written. I think the reader can learn along with the characters good Godly truths.
I recommend this book to my family and friends.
I received this book from the publisher to read and give my honest opinion. All thoughts are my own.
This is a great read blending history, the struggles of war and resolving what you have to do to survive and yet believe in God. It is a quick read as I finished it in just a few hours. In those few hours though, I was in Paris during World War II and felt the pains that those that lived it must have felt. But love of God prevails as it should. I did receive this book as a free copy without requirements of a review. I wanted to write the review as I think it is worth reading. I didn't know of this author and now plan to read her other stories.
This was a super quick read. I honestly wondered how the author could do this story justice in so few pages. But I have to say she did. In a matter of ninety-five pages I came to care for these characters and understand them.
I have always likes Rahab’s story and how God used her and the same is true for Rolande. I loved her redemption story. I don’t want to give too much away.
But if you enjoy Rahab’s story in the Bible and WWII stories I think you would enjoy this quick read.
A copy of this book was given to me. All opinions are my own.
Set during WWW two in Paris, 1944. Rolande ( a very unique name, love it) is separated from her family. She is trying to help keep her family safe. Her brother and father both had rejected her.
This is book two of a series but is a stand alone. I did not read the first book. You don’t have to read the first one to enjoy this one.
The book involves forgiveness, between family and the Lord. It was a blessing to read.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write an positive review. This is my own opinion.
Linda Shenton Matchett masterfully writes a retelling of the Biblical Story of Rahab. Love’s Rescue is set in occupied France in 1944. Rolande is a prostitute and Simon is a First Lieutenant in the American Army. Through salvation and God’s mercy and grace Rolande and Simon find love in the midst of war. I loved Love’s Rescue and highly recommend it!
What does an American soldier, a prostitute and Paris, all have in common, the book Love's Rescue. We will meet Rolande, young woman forced to do things she doesn't want to do, but will help to liberate Paris. Simon will be part of the American forces to liberate Paris and meets Rolande. They must trust each other to make it happen and one of the results is love. This book was a birthday gift from the author and I absolutely loved it.
This book is about God's mercy and grace. In the most dire of circumstances, having faith in God's plan is so important. There is redemption for all whom sin, no matter what the sin. God will forgive and save. This story is based during WWII and is a great read!
Love’s Rescue by Linda Henton Matchett is a novella that packs a punch.
This re-telling of the Rahab and the spies story told against a backdrop of occupied Paris during August 1944 is very realistic and captures the flavor of the time.
Rolande is accused of being a collaborator with the Nazis but she does what she has to out of desperation and is ostracized by her family and friends. She meets two American soldiers and hides them from the Germans. She elicits a promise to keep her family safe during the liberation.
This is a story of Redemption, forgiveness and reconciliation with a clear Gospel message. It fits nicely with the Rahab story in the Old Testament and gives the reader a glimpse into WWII history.
* I received this ebook from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
My thoughts on Love’s Rescue: I love the WWII time period. It’s full of history and so much mystery. My husband actually reenacts the Canadian Parachute Battalion and I have accompanied him to a few events. Something like this is always fun and brings such a great love of history and new understanding as well.
The story of Rahab in the Bible has always been an interesting one to me because there are not many women heroes discussed. And here is not only a woman hero but one who was a prostitute! Talk about an interesting Bible story. I was intrigued when I signed up to review this book knowing that it was taking Rahab and making it into a WWII story.
I have not read anything by this author before and love how I keep meeting wonderful new authors with these book reviews. This author is no exception. Her book read quickly and well. There were no starts and stops that left you wondering who was who and what had just happened. It flowed well and keep me interested. Even though I knew the story of Rahab I still found myself wondering what might happen.
The premise of the story is two Americans are sent on a spy mission into Paris to get reconnaissance on the town and where the Germans are. Both speak German so they should be able to make this work. Right? Or wrong? Upon arriving in the city they seem to be blending well until a woman of ill repute calls them out for what they are. Spies.
She does this in a kind and quiet way offering them shelter and safety. Will they trust her?
Rolande has everything to lose. She chose to stay behind when she could have gotten out of the city because she believes her work as a spy and part of the resistance mean something. Now she puts herself out there even more and on the line to save two men. Why? Because God has told her to.
She’s a new Christian but she’s sure this is God talking to her. Can she come out of this alive if she trusts God? Will He truly use her to ensure these men remain alive?
Read to book to find out more! Great read and highly recommended.