A stranger’s life hangs in the balance. But to save him is to risk everything.
War widow Cornelia is only a shadow of the woman she once was. She fights now to protect her younger brother, Johan, who lives in hiding.
When Johan brings Gerrit Laninga, a wounded Dutch Resistance member, to Cornelia’s doorstep, her faith won’t let her turn him out.
As she nurses Gerrit, she is drawn to his fierce passion and ideals. When the opportunity to join him in the Resistance presents itself, Cornelia must summon every ounce of courage imaginable.
She is as terrified of loving Gerrit as she is of losing him. But as the winter landscape thaws, so too does her heart. Will she get a second chance at true love?
The war is drawing to a close, but the Nazis still occupy part of the Netherlands. After the losses she’s endured, war widow Cornelia is only a shadow of the woman she once was. She fights now to protect her younger brother, Johan, who lives in hiding.
When Johan brings Gerrit Laninga, a wounded Dutch Resistance member, to Cornelia’s doorstep, their ives are forever altered. Although scared of the consequences of harboring a wanted man, Cornelia’s faith won’t let her turn him out.
As she nurses Gerrit back to health, she is drawn to his fierce passion and ideals, and notices a shift within herself. Gerrit’s intensity challenges her, making her want to live fully, despite the fear that constrains her. When the opportunity to join him in the Resistance presents itself, Cornelia must summon every ounce of courage imaginable.
She is as terrified of loving Gerrit as she is of losing him. But as the winter landscape thaws, so too does her heart. Will she get a second chance at true love? She fears their story will end before it even begins.
“In an adventurous tale that reads like a movie script, Liz Tolsma weaves faith in seamlessly, moving the reader with her characters’ convictions to create a captivating debut novel.” (Bookpage)
“This book was a fascinating look at WWII from the Netherlands perspective, one I hadn’t heard before. It captured my interest and wouldn’t give it back until the last page!” (CBA Retailers + Resources)
“Tolsma crafts strong characters and easy-to-visualize scenes. The inherent danger of Nazi occupation is apparent. Relevant biblical connections remind the reader that God is always in control, no matter how dire the situation may seem. Tolsma’s story is a way to remember the past and those who gave their lives for freedom.” (Romantic Times)
“Based on the author’s family history, this moving tale not only offers insight into the moral and physical struggles of those under the duress of war but also vividly captures the time and place. A good choice for readers who enjoyed Mary Doria Russell’s A Thread of Grace.” (Library Journal)
