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Women of Valor #1
For Such a Time
When her cousin is arrested by the Nazis for aiding the French Resistance, Jean ThoaReaders know of the bravery, boldness, and spirit shown by the thousands of soldiers who fought valiantly during World War II. Lesser known, perhaps, but equally dramatic were the roles that women played in the conflict, both as support from home and as part of the fight near the front lines.
For Such a Time, the first novel in Elyse Larson’s WOMEN OF VALOR series explores the lives of two cousins—one French, the other American—who find the courage to face danger and betrayal in occupied France during at the height of the war.
Giselle Munier and Jean Thornton are more like sisters than cousins, having spent many summers together through their parents’ travels. But with the outbreak of World War II, both women’s lives take a dramatic turn.
Jean joins the American Red Cross, assigned to a sprawling military hospital in Wales. Giselle, active in the French Resistance, has been betrayed and arrested by the Nazis. Hearing of her cousin’s plight, Jean knows she must try to rescue her cousin, no matter how ill-advised the mission seems. Both women will learn far more than they ever imagined about courage, trust, and forgiveness before their harrowing experience is over.rnton decides to rescue her beloved relative, no matter the cost. Original.
For Such a Time, the first novel in Elyse Larson’s WOMEN OF VALOR series explores the lives of two cousins—one French, the other American—who find the courage to face danger and betrayal in occupied France during at the height of the war.
Giselle Munier and Jean Thornton are more like sisters than cousins, having spent many summers together through their parents’ travels. But with the outbreak of World War II, both women’s lives take a dramatic turn.
Jean joins the American Red Cross, assigned to a sprawling military hospital in Wales. Giselle, active in the French Resistance, has been betrayed and arrested by the Nazis. Hearing of her cousin’s plight, Jean knows she must try to rescue her cousin, no matter how ill-advised the mission seems. Both women will learn far more than they ever imagined about courage, trust, and forgiveness before their harrowing experience is over.rnton decides to rescue her beloved relative, no matter the cost. Original.
351 pages, Paperback
First published May 31, 2000
17 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Elyse Larson
6 books7 followersA full-time writer with a passion for historical research, Elyse Larson developed a particular interest in World War II and the faith that sustained believers during one of the most devastating wars on earth. It was this special fascination, and a friendship with a woman who served as a Red Cross worker in Wales, that led her to develop her Women of Valor series.
Fueled by travels to Abergavenny, Wales, as well as through portions of what had been occupied France, Elyse was able to experience firsthand the geography and world that was torn asunder during the conflict. Combined with rare books she found during her travels and the personal accounts shared by her friend, she now had enough information to form her story and recreate this dramatic world.
Elyse credits her writing success to her parents’ upbringing, which taught her the importance of persistence. A native of Oregon, Elyse attended Williamette University and spent over ten years as a dental assistant before moving to writing full-time.
Since then, she has been successful in nearly every form she has attempted. The author of children’s picture books, numerous historical novels, and even a devotional for caregivers, Elyse has also been published in many periodicals including Guideposts, Reader’s Digest, and The Christian Reader. The time she isn’t writing is now spent traveling for writer’s conferences as a private writing instructor.
Elyse and her husband, Richard, continue to reside in Oregon. They have three grown children and eleven grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
did-not-finish
March 7, 2022So, this book started off sounding interesting, but It felt like the plot was meandering. I didn't feel connected with the characters enough to keep going on.
Also, the narrator wasn't the best.
Also, the narrator wasn't the best.
September 15, 2013
Loved this book! Couldn't put it down!
May 5, 2019
There were parts, especially towards the end, that were a bit too saccharine and cliché for my taste. Other than that, it was very enjoyable. The point of view switched between focusing on the two main characters. There were several things the reader did not know about the main character until nearly 65% in to the book, and I thought that was well-done. I am also glad I read this on audiobook because I would have never known how to pronounce all the French words.
Vanessa Benjamin (reader of the audiobook) did a good job as well.
Vanessa Benjamin (reader of the audiobook) did a good job as well.
February 24, 2022
I love historical fiction and WWII stories of the resistance—this, however, is not one of them. I might have rated the story a 3 ⭐️ but I listened to this in Chirp as I was driving—the reader did fine until it came to dialect. I cringed and quit listening for a long time it was so horrible. The French and American accents were so irritating like the proverbial chalk on a chalk board. I can’t believe I actually finished it. I just figured I’d bought it and wanted something to play in the car. The ending was saccharine sweet and preachy. Skip it.
February 4, 2020
It wasn’t bad. Many times books by Christian writers are very preachy. This one wasn’t. I always enjoy stories set in WWII France with resistance characters so this one fit. There were parts where I felt it was a real stretch. I highly doubt that the government would have sent an inexperienced young woman on a mission like this. Also, without modern technology/surveillance methods, etc a lot of this would have been impossible. It was fun as fiction though
December 24, 2018
This book was a “page-turner!” It lacked some believability in that it was about a civilian who infiltrated and completed a mission to France during WWII with only a month’s training that included a parachute jump at night! I was willing to allow myself to be pulled along and into the story anyway. It was a Christian book, but not “preachy!”
October 31, 2024
This book, and this series in general are my favorite go to comfort reads for a reason. The author does an amazing job of balancing the views of two different characters, but also intertwines their stories in a very artful way. It may however be confusing for the first couple chapters, but if you stick with it, you will fall in love with this series just as much as I did (or more:)
September 23, 2018
Audiobook. Well done.
January 20, 2019
A book club read. Meh... it is ok. The story is repetitive and formulated from other books of this genre.
April 4, 2019
Great book, hard to out down. Action, adventure, espionage, danger, rescues, and love story. Set in France and England WWII. Looking forward to reading more from this Author.
Read
December 24, 2019A good WWII novel. Shows the horrors of war and how it affects people.
June 11, 2024
This one was slow going. I would get into it and then it would stall. I had to renew it 3 times just to finish it. I enjoyed the story line.
September 10, 2012
Jean Thornton's life has been anything but easy. As a child, she witnessed her older brother accidentally shoot and kill himself and was later forced to deal alone with her father, who sought solace in alcohol. Then, when she finally thought she'd found happiness with a man, he was killed at Pearl Harbor. Her one only love since then, a Japanese American man she met while acting as an undercover agent in the United States internment camps, ended their relationship when he discovered her reasons for becoming involved in the Japanese American culture. Seeking healing in work, she volunteers for the American Red Cross and is shipped to Wales. There, she hears shocking news about her cousin, Giselle Munier, with whom she spent many happy summers as a girl. Like Jean, Giselle and her husband Claude have been actively involved in the war effort. Unfortunately, they have been betrayed, captured and brutally tortured for information. Though Giselle was rescued from the Germans by a British operation, Claude disappeared during the attempt and Giselle was forced to remain behind hidden in France to heal both physically and mentally. Though in a safe haven, she remains in danger, for the Gestapo would like nothing more than to have her in their hands again and learn the many secrets she holds. She must be rescued but there are no British agents available for the job. Jean refuses to allow her cousin to be forgotten and volunteers to take on the assignment. Though it means rigorous training and many risks, Jean faces her task undauntedly, determined to succeed and to ignore the many people warn her of her likelihood of failure. As they work to escape France and evade the double agents that have infiltrated the French Resistance, the two women re-kindle the bond they once shared as girls and find strength in each other to face heartache, fear and danger. Though the future often seems bleak during their days together, they emerge from the trial having grown and become even stronger women in the process.
With its focus on women involved in the war effort and its splendid period descriptions, this was a wonderful novel that truly captures the spirit of the age. The problems that the people faced and the choices that they were forced to make are bleak, but its tone is lightened by the underlying messages of hope and faith. Jean and Giselle, though off-putting at times because of their fierce independence and stubbornness, are admirable heroines and ones I came to admire. Their recognition of their need to trust in God for their future, balanced by their willingness to take action when necessary, makes them admirable examples for girls and women today. I also appreciated that the subplots revolving around their relationships with the men they love, though well-written and emotional, are at the background of the story, providing depth but not detracting from the focus on them as strong, independent women. All in all, a great book and one I recommend!
With its focus on women involved in the war effort and its splendid period descriptions, this was a wonderful novel that truly captures the spirit of the age. The problems that the people faced and the choices that they were forced to make are bleak, but its tone is lightened by the underlying messages of hope and faith. Jean and Giselle, though off-putting at times because of their fierce independence and stubbornness, are admirable heroines and ones I came to admire. Their recognition of their need to trust in God for their future, balanced by their willingness to take action when necessary, makes them admirable examples for girls and women today. I also appreciated that the subplots revolving around their relationships with the men they love, though well-written and emotional, are at the background of the story, providing depth but not detracting from the focus on them as strong, independent women. All in all, a great book and one I recommend!
September 30, 2017
Elyse Larson has written the Women of Valor series. “For Such a Time” is book one in this series. The novel takes place during World War II beginning in December, 1943 in Lyon, France. Giselle Munier and her husband Caude are members of the resistance fighting the German occupation army. They have two little girls who are in harm’s way especially since their parents are working undercover. Giselle and Claude are known among the Resistance as Julie and Armand. With every-day life getting more and more dangerous for all, the Muniers decide to take their children to the country to stay at a remote farm where they will be safe. Julie takes the girls to safety, but coming home finds that Claude is missing and in going to their apartment, she is apprehended by the Gestapo as a known Resistance agent.
Meanwhile, Giselle’s cousin, Jean Thornton, a member of the Red Cross, is preparing to cross the ocean to England where she will join others in their care of the servicemen. She is in love with a Nisei soldier, Tom, who she met in one of the camps on the west coast. She is trying to get over him. She is also very worried about Giselle, her cousin and childhood friend, whom she has not heard from for a long while. She knows that they are in occupied France. Upon her arrival in England, she gets word that Giselle has been captured and tortured, but rescued by the Resistance. Since she is one of the leaders, the Germans are looking for her in order to get information on all those involved in the underground. Jean decides that she wants to enter occupied France in order to get Giselle and her children out and back to England. She is trained by the British Special Ops and in a few weeks is dropped in France. She is able to get her cousin and children home, but they are still in danger.
This book is very well worth reading. I loved the drama and breathtakingly dangerous activities of the rescue. I almost sat on the edge of my seat as I read. I will definitely be reading the other novels in this series.
You can find this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-ha. Other reviews can be found at http://imhookedonbooks.wordpress.com.
Meanwhile, Giselle’s cousin, Jean Thornton, a member of the Red Cross, is preparing to cross the ocean to England where she will join others in their care of the servicemen. She is in love with a Nisei soldier, Tom, who she met in one of the camps on the west coast. She is trying to get over him. She is also very worried about Giselle, her cousin and childhood friend, whom she has not heard from for a long while. She knows that they are in occupied France. Upon her arrival in England, she gets word that Giselle has been captured and tortured, but rescued by the Resistance. Since she is one of the leaders, the Germans are looking for her in order to get information on all those involved in the underground. Jean decides that she wants to enter occupied France in order to get Giselle and her children out and back to England. She is trained by the British Special Ops and in a few weeks is dropped in France. She is able to get her cousin and children home, but they are still in danger.
This book is very well worth reading. I loved the drama and breathtakingly dangerous activities of the rescue. I almost sat on the edge of my seat as I read. I will definitely be reading the other novels in this series.
You can find this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-ha. Other reviews can be found at http://imhookedonbooks.wordpress.com.
Read
April 23, 2014Breslin’s debut novel is a masterful tale of sacrifice during the depths of the age of despair near the end of World War II.
The characters come to terms with truth and lies, reality, choice, and monsters within and without as they struggle to survive in the moment and in the future. Rich in detail, readers who appreciate fiction of the era will be entranced. Readers who are perfunctory in fact will want to know that the author created a fictional best-case scenario out of tragedy.
Hadassah was raised by a loving uncle after being orphaned. When Hitler attempts to create his blond-haired, blue-eyed master race and exterminate everyone else, particularly Jewish people, Uncle Morty creates a false identity for Hadassah. Through an accident of paperwork, the young woman is still sent to a death camp but miraculously escapes murder at the hands of a newly-appointed German commandant whose conscience is hanging by a thread.
Together with commandant’s strange collection of a mute housekeeper and one-eared little houseboy they become a family of misfits who must rely on each other for survival in the midst of brutality.
Romance was a necessary part of the genre, and while lovely, it was less natural than the time span allowed for my taste, as well as the faith elements of Jews and Christians. Nevertheless, I loved the characters and their story told from multiple viewpoints left me breathless with anticipation on many moments. I applaud the excellent vocabulary. Those who love historical, suspenseful inspirational fiction will find much to love about For Such A Time. Kudos to the author.
Caution: there are portrayals of graphic cruelty and murder of characters of all ages.
The characters come to terms with truth and lies, reality, choice, and monsters within and without as they struggle to survive in the moment and in the future. Rich in detail, readers who appreciate fiction of the era will be entranced. Readers who are perfunctory in fact will want to know that the author created a fictional best-case scenario out of tragedy.
Hadassah was raised by a loving uncle after being orphaned. When Hitler attempts to create his blond-haired, blue-eyed master race and exterminate everyone else, particularly Jewish people, Uncle Morty creates a false identity for Hadassah. Through an accident of paperwork, the young woman is still sent to a death camp but miraculously escapes murder at the hands of a newly-appointed German commandant whose conscience is hanging by a thread.
Together with commandant’s strange collection of a mute housekeeper and one-eared little houseboy they become a family of misfits who must rely on each other for survival in the midst of brutality.
Romance was a necessary part of the genre, and while lovely, it was less natural than the time span allowed for my taste, as well as the faith elements of Jews and Christians. Nevertheless, I loved the characters and their story told from multiple viewpoints left me breathless with anticipation on many moments. I applaud the excellent vocabulary. Those who love historical, suspenseful inspirational fiction will find much to love about For Such A Time. Kudos to the author.
Caution: there are portrayals of graphic cruelty and murder of characters of all ages.
September 11, 2011
Giselle Munier and Jean Thornton, cousins, have been best friends for a long time. During World War II, each day is perilous for Giselle, who lives in occupied France. Jean lives in the U. S. and joins the American Red Cross, which takes her to Wales. Giselle, who works in the French Resistance, is betrayed and tortured by the Nazis. She escapes and hides with help from underground compatriots, but she is still in danger because she knows the names of other Resistance leaders and the Germans could find her.
Jean determines to get Giselle and her family out of France and into safety, despite the oppositions and risks of the project. Aided by British Special Operations men, Jean trains and plans for a parachute jump into France and a masquerade afterwards.
During these frightening times, Jean remembers her former boyfriend Tom, and hopes she will live to see him again.
Jean and Giselle look to God to get them through the hard days ahead.
There a few questionable things in this book, such as how they lie and deceive to get by the Germans. It is hard to know if using a fake name and pretending to be someone else is wrong in such circumstances.
Anyway, this book is exciting, emotional, and worth the read.
Jean determines to get Giselle and her family out of France and into safety, despite the oppositions and risks of the project. Aided by British Special Operations men, Jean trains and plans for a parachute jump into France and a masquerade afterwards.
During these frightening times, Jean remembers her former boyfriend Tom, and hopes she will live to see him again.
Jean and Giselle look to God to get them through the hard days ahead.
There a few questionable things in this book, such as how they lie and deceive to get by the Germans. It is hard to know if using a fake name and pretending to be someone else is wrong in such circumstances.
Anyway, this book is exciting, emotional, and worth the read.
December 21, 2015
I enjoy books from this period in history. This is another addition to my recommended book list. It is about a woman who becomes part of the French Resistance Movement. Her mission is to rescue another woman who was injured and is being kept in hiding from the enemy.
I enjoyed this book very much.
"The France they have known is crumbling around them. Two courageous women face danger and betrayal under Hitler's tyranny.
Giselle Munier and Jean Thornton are more like sisters than cousins, having spent many summers together. But when war breaks out, their lives diverge. Jean joins the American Red Cross and is assigned to a sprawling military hospital in Wales. Giselle, active in the French Resistance, has been betrayed and arrested by the Nazis. Hearing of her cousin's plight, Jean knows she must try to rescue her, no matter how ill-advised the mission seems. Both women will learn far more than they ever imagined about courage, trust, and forgiveness before their harrowing experience is over."
I enjoyed this book very much.
"The France they have known is crumbling around them. Two courageous women face danger and betrayal under Hitler's tyranny.
Giselle Munier and Jean Thornton are more like sisters than cousins, having spent many summers together. But when war breaks out, their lives diverge. Jean joins the American Red Cross and is assigned to a sprawling military hospital in Wales. Giselle, active in the French Resistance, has been betrayed and arrested by the Nazis. Hearing of her cousin's plight, Jean knows she must try to rescue her, no matter how ill-advised the mission seems. Both women will learn far more than they ever imagined about courage, trust, and forgiveness before their harrowing experience is over."
October 21, 2013
Ilyse Larson writes Christian historical novels. The main character of this World War II novel is a woman. I love the book but I really doubt that women were involved in the activities detailed in this story. However, I am wrong again. There are actually women who were dropped into enemy territory. There is at least one very famous female spy during this period who could have been our heroine. Even more amazing is the fact that at least 500,000 cars in Europe were converted to burn wood as fuel instead of gasoline. Don't you love historical novels with fast moving plots that teach you as well as entertain?
June 27, 2008
This wasn't a bad book, it really put everything into perspective of WWII and the fear the average person was in from day to day. Not being able to trust anyone, afraid to be friendly because you didn't know who they were or what they were capable of. They also described a little bit of the fear of a woman, Giselle, who was tortured and the fear she had of being recaptured. She had a hard time trusting she was safe, even when she really was. Sad story, but yet parts of it were a little too unrealistic.
July 5, 2016
3.5 Stars
Overall, I enjoyed this look into the French Resistence movement during WW2. The interplay between the cousins, the danger and intrigue- all added elements to bring this story to life. It was a unique look, as I have not read many books set in France about WW2.
However, the book was very dry in the beginning and I almost set it down. It did pick up, so I am glad I persevered. The ending felt like the author stuffed Christian platitudes to appease the publisher. If the last chapter wasn't there, or greatly abridged, I would almost give it 4 stars.
Overall, I enjoyed this look into the French Resistence movement during WW2. The interplay between the cousins, the danger and intrigue- all added elements to bring this story to life. It was a unique look, as I have not read many books set in France about WW2.
However, the book was very dry in the beginning and I almost set it down. It did pick up, so I am glad I persevered. The ending felt like the author stuffed Christian platitudes to appease the publisher. If the last chapter wasn't there, or greatly abridged, I would almost give it 4 stars.
August 5, 2011
This book offered a detailed picture of what life was like for those involved in World War II, either passively or aggressively. I liked how Giselle, a major participant in the French Resistance, had much to overcome and conquer. Jean, for her part, is equally courageous as she attempts an ill-advised mission to save her distressed cousin. Although a bit sappy at parts, this book directly expresses the need for strong women.
Want to read
March 18, 2016I'm not so much curious about this book as something fun to read. I'm curious how my mother, who read it, came away with the impression that Japanese internment camps were wonderful, self-governing places that people loved living in. I had to explain history to her following this. I haven't read the book yet, so I'm curious to see just how widely messed up it is.
August 22, 2015
Loved this christian book
A wonderful story during the holocaust it was very suspenseful, tense and scary. This author told the story so well she put me right there and the connection was so strong. This story told on how women guided by God can do what seems impossible. No sexual content, thank you. I recommend this book and this author.
A wonderful story during the holocaust it was very suspenseful, tense and scary. This author told the story so well she put me right there and the connection was so strong. This story told on how women guided by God can do what seems impossible. No sexual content, thank you. I recommend this book and this author.
July 5, 2011
This book was okay but could have ended much sooner with a more focused plot line.
November 26, 2012
Takes place in France and England during WWII. Lots of history and suspense and a little romance on the side.
June 25, 2013
I listened to the audiobook and was impressed with the reading and storyline.highly recommend this book. Historical fiction WWII France .
February 22, 2015
It was. Ail biting a good read I can hardly wait to read the rest of the series.
Read
May 31, 2018Kept me on the edge of my seat. Wonderful background too.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews