ear the of the Lord is to hate evil. And Romans says we are to hate what is evil and to cling to what is good. "Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will take a stand for me against evildoers? " Each of us must decide how we will respond when the world is slowly being swallowed up by evil.

I enjoy reading World War 2 historical fiction and this being one of 3 families faith being tested. The setting is Netherlands and the Nazi's take over of a peaceful nation. The families are from different backgrounds which contrast but in the middle of a faith being tested, they come together in love and sacrifice. Ans a young woman who lives on her family farm. Wanting to experience the city life of Leiden where she comes to the employment of a Professor and his wife Eloise. The occupation is just beginning and the Professor brings home a Jewish father and his daughter Miriam. They all become good friends and when things become difficult they must either decide to weather the storm. Mind their own business. Adjust to Nazi rule. Or if they want to get ahead, they could collaborate with them and join the Nazi party and usher in the new Reich. Or they can refuse to surrender and fight for their freedoms and way of life. A life to live out a faith in God.

The character development of these families kept me at the edge of my seat, pages turning and at times sobbing and cheering for their faith. A faith that clung to what is good and the knowledge of who God is. It also brought so many things home. The current times we are in. How our faith is challenged. Calling good evil and evil good. Turning against each other and demonizing those who think differently. Their story is thoughtful of the choices made in faith. Because faith is not for the weak, it takes a trust in who God is. Because faith takes courage, we must understand evil and take refuge in his word. Ans, Miriam and Eloise each clung to a faith that God was good among the evil that surrounded them. Great story of faith and courage.

A special thank you to Tyndale House Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review

Chasing Shadows is only the second book I've read by Lynn Austin, but I need to pick up more of her books as it was another AMAZING read. It started off a little slow, but once I got about a third of the way into the book I could hardly put it down. I was drawn into the story and felt like I was there.

The story had some heartbreaking moments, which is to be expected considering it is set during WWII, but it also had moments of pure joy. I loved the characters and their relationships. I felt like they were real people and can only imagine the pain of making some of the choices they did.

All in all, Chasing Shadows was a stellar read and I recommend it to fans of historical reads.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

This story had great characters and an engrossing plot. I loved learning about the Dutch resistance and all that was sacrifices that were made to keep people alive. Some parts are hard to read, but the faith of the characters is remarkable. Highly recommended if you love WW2 fiction.

I received a free copy from Netgalley and the publisher for the purpose of review.

I will pretty much read anything that Lynn Austin writes. Her books tend to be on the bigger side, which I like, and they are well-written and interesting. Chasing Shadows was no exception.

Set in the Netherlands during WWII and the Nazi occupation, it is heart-breaking and powerful. The book starts with the end of the war, so as you go through the story, you know at least Lena, the mother, survives. For someone who can tend to skip ahead to make sure the people are all right, this was quite helpful for me.

Based on historical facts and people, Lynn weaves a story of what it was like for the Jews and also the risks the Resistance took to fight back against the Nazis in their own way. It's a story of courage and faith, of trusting God because your next breath was completely uncertain. Watching a character fight her way back to the surface of her depression and truly live and give was so encouraging.

I really enjoyed the book. Lynn's purpose was to bring out how Jesus walks with us in the hard times and I think she did a very good job at that. I truly admired the courage that was exhibited in this story.

I received this book from ;Tyndale via NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

My first book to read by Lynn Austin, and I very much enjoyed Chasing Shadows. Set during WWII in the Netherlands, the 3 main characters Lena, Ans & Miriam give us a striking view of the Nazi invasion and occupation of this beautiful country.as well as a view of the strength and faith of the Dutch people in these harsh & trying times. As these women endured every hardship that was placed on them & their families, their faith and love of family kept them strong. This was one I could not put down! I WILL be reading more by Lynn Austin. Thank you NetGalley & Tyndale House for the advance copy to read & review.

Exceptional book! Highly, highly recommend!
Please do not hesitate to read. It kept me enthralled from page one.
I stayed up all night reading this one!

In this book we follow 3 women under the occupation of netherlands during ww2. We get to know what they stand for, their strong belief, theirdaily life and how important family is.
I really enjoyed this book. And I tell you, bring lots of tissues, this is a complex and heartwrenching book. I like a book that makes me think and feel different emotions. I was crying for all the brutal things people had to endure during ww2.
I yelled when in my opinion they made the "wrong choice. Even though in retrospect i understood their decisions. I cried happy tears when some thing good happened to them or when It was a glimmer of hope in a dark world..
I highly recommend this book
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

Well-written and compelling, this novel is not one to miss! Lynn Austin always does such a phenomenal job of writing complex characters that immediately grab your heart and take you on an emotional and fascinating journey in the story. This particular novel mostly followed three women navigating some very difficult times during World War II. I learned so much history as the author made that era come alive with her captivating characters. The descriptions and details truly capture the essence of the time period and together create a plot that is interesting; indeed, I had trouble putting the book down! Despite the trials that the characters endure, there is a consistent theme of hope and strong faith woven among the pages. The novel had several twists that were surprising and I loved how the connections between the characters came together so well. I really enjoyed this book and most highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Lynn Austin does it again. A historical fiction book with a Christian undercurrent. This story about WWII in the Netherlands was everything I expected. It deals with how Christians reacted and quietly fought back against the Nazi regime.
It is a Christian book and brought up some interesting thoughts about decisions that were made.
I read an ARC version and the editing was already very well done. I would definitely recommend this book if you enjoy Christian historical fiction.

This was an interesting viewpoint of life during German occupation in the Netherlands. I think this is the first time I’ve read a novel about the intensity of living under the enemy’s rule, even though Holland was considered a neutral territory during the war. This story focuses on the underground work of the Dutch Resistance.

I could picture the countryside where Lena and Pietr’s farm is; where they helped the “shadow people” hide. I could picture the big cities where Ans moved and helped a family friend from sinking into depression. There is a colorful cast of characters that make the story quite interesting – never knowing if one could trust the other. Characters were from all walks of life and abilities which really made the story refreshing to read. I especially appreciated the scene showing the humanity of a young Nazi soldier who longed to be home.

However, the ending was a bit too happy for the type of story it was. I won’t spoil it, but I thought it should have turned out differently for a couple of the characters.

I received an ecopy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

For fans of WWII fiction comes a powerful novel from Lynn Austin about three women whose lives are instantly changed when the Nazis invade the neutral Netherlands. Lena is a wife and mother who farms alongside her husband in the tranquil countryside. Her faith has always been her compass, but can she remain steadfast when the questions grow increasingly complex and the answers could mean the difference between life and death? Lena’s daughter Ans has recently moved to the bustling city of Leiden, filled with romantic notions of a new job and a young Dutch police officer. But when she is drawn into Resistance work, her idealism collides with the dangerous reality that comes with fighting the enemy. Miriam is a young Jewish violinist who immigrated from Germany for the safety she thought Holland would offer. She finds love in her new country, but as her family settles in Leiden, the events that follow will test them in ways she could never have imagined. The story that unfolds illuminates the surprising endurance of the human spirit and the power of faith and love to carry us through.

I have read several books by this author and loved them all, but this is the first one dealing with WWII. I love how she develops and describes her characters, and her descriptions of The Netherlands are so vivid that you feel like you are there. I have read many WWII historical fiction, but this is the first that described how the war affected The Netherlands. Thank you to NetGally and the publisher for allowing me to read this book even though it was newly published.

I've read many WW II books over the years, and a lot of them are recent publications. The best ones take a unique perspective on the horrors of that war. As much as I wanted to like Chasing Shadows, it felt very derivative to me. There were words used that didn't fit the historical period and the place--e.g., German paddy wagon is cited in OED as American slang and as such doesn't fit use by the Germans. Someone, author or editor, should have questioned things like that. The ending was probably satisfying for some readers, but it was unrealistic to me for everyone to have not only survived each situation but also to have come back together in a matter of hours, maybe days. The novel was fine, but not great in my opinion.

I have been a long time fan of author Lynn Austin - but I believe Chasing Shadows is one of her very best books. I appreciate reading historical fiction especially pertaining to WW II. Chasing Shadows involves the stories of a variety of characters whose lives interact in Holland in the early 1940’s. Some of the characters are Jews who have fled from Germany to find safety in Holland before the Nazi invasion.. Other key characters are Dutch citizens, both Christian and Jewish whose lives intersect and are forever altered by the Nazi regime’s take over of their nation. Chasing Shadows is a rich and full faceted story of individuals who faced circumstances and austerity they never could have imagined. The characters are complex and compelling and I found this book a rich page turner. Highly recommend!

I am grateful to NetGalley and Tyndale House for an advanced reader copy. The review above is my own honest. opinion.

Grab your tissues before beginning this book because you are going to need them! Austin has really outdone herself with this story. It weaves faith, perseverance, determination, courage, and so much more. There is love, war, family, and sacrifice written in every single chapter. The points hit me hard. At times I needed to stop and take a breath, allowing myself to digest what I'd just read. Yes, some of it was hard. But it's written during one of the cruelest times in the world. But there was also triumph, joy, and love. It was the perfect blend of all the emotions.

Austin gives readers a look into three different lives, but it never become overwhelming or confusing. I could easily follow along and remember which character belonged to which back story. All three women, as well as several of the secondary characters, are easy to connect and sympathize with. You cannot help but keep the pages turning, biting your nails to see what happens next, wondering which character may or may not survive. And in reading, you gain glimpses into how it could have been for real people back in the days of WWII. Quite often we just think of the concentration camps, and how horrendous that was. But there was so much more going on that we either don't realize, or do not give credit to. I'm thankful Austin opened my eyes to that.

Historical fiction fans will devour this book. Again, have the tissues nearby. It's not a light read, however it is an amazing read. I highly recommend! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Wow! I am always amazed at how much I learn by reading books like this one about WWII. This author allows readers to see this war from a few POVs. First through Lena a preacher’s kid who married a farmer, the love of her life. They were happy, but their daughter Ans is not. She wants to move to the city of Leiden. She was tired of the smell of manure and doing the never-ending farm chores. Not only that, she dreamed of the excitement in the city, the culture and doing no more farm chores. This had her at odds with her parents.

Ans meets Miriam in Leiden, she is amazed at how this beautiful Jewish violinist can play. Her father and she moved to Leiden in hopes of bringing the rest of their family with them, once they settled. But the war changed the hopes and dreams for everyone, including this family.

The author says, “Chasing Shadows was not an easy novel to write… Telling the story of life in the Netherlands during World War II meant that I had to take readers to some very dark places. I pray that in doing so, I also showed how faithfully Jesus walks beside us through those dark valleys.”

Yes, there were some gritty parts, but not as gruesome as it could have been. This is not a lighthearted read, but one that will inspire you and give you courage to face life beyond 2020. The spiritual thread is strong, but not preachy. These women cling to the faith of their youth and in other cases learn of faith for the first time, as others shined their light in the darkness and as they went through hard times together. This book will stay with you long after you read the last page. It’s a memorable read and one that will work well for your book club pick.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

I was thrilled when I found out that I’d be able to read this book! Although it took several tries to get through this story, I finally managed to carve out two delightful hours to finish it, and wow…this is an incredible story. In the grand scheme of things, comparing it to other books that share the same history, it might not be that different—except that it brought different aspects to life to me. The slow clampdown got worse and worse as the Nazis started to separate Jews from the Dutch people. The famine that came near the end of the war, where people ate tulip bulbs to survive…it all came to life. And the characters were strong, dynamic, and relatable. Each struggled with their own fears or dreams, but each kept going, the promise of hope at the end always leading them on. Even when things went terribly wrong.

There have been many WWII books written. But this one? It deserves its place on the shelf. An excellent story, all around.

I was given a review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.

It has been a few years since I’ve read Lynn Austin, but I know she’s good for a solid, well-researched story. This one did not at all disappoint.

The characters were so good! You felt them being torn in different directions as Germany overtook the Netherlands. Their fear and struggles were palpable and I was immersed in how real the different perspectives were during WWII. I may have cried for several parts. It was realistic, heart-wrenching, and oh so good.

The spiritual content was amazing. Lessons of following God in hard times, letting go and giving it to God, and trusting God were the heartbeat of this story.

There was romance, but it was part of the character’s normal life and not brought out with emotional passions.

Occasionally, particularly in the beginning, the story seemed to be written in paraphrase style as there was so many details to the story and I feel she was limited on word count. I would have liked more depth to some parts, but I also realize this is my personal writing style preference.

I highly recommend this for someone who loves WWII, the Resistance, and more serious stories.

*I received this book from the publisher and happily provided my honest review*

Thank you Lynn Austin, NetGalley, and Tyndale House for the #gifted book!

Synopsis: “Jesus said the most important commands are to love the Lord your God and love your neighbor. And so, whenever we face a dilemma, we can ask, What is the best way to show our love for God and our neighbor?” The Nazis have begun to rise to power in Germany, but for Lena, Ans, and Miriam, the war still seems far away. The Netherlands has always stayed neutral, and here, Lena, a faith-filled farmer’s wife, has always lived a quiet life. But her daughter, Ans, is tired of her quiet church life and leaves her home to find a city bigger and better. Miriam, a German Jew, is searching for safety in a welcoming new country. When their paths cross in devastating circumstances, these three women find themselves in the ultimate test of faith: Can God be trusted even in the most difficult times?

Analysis: It’s been a long time since I’ve read a Lynn Austin novel, but this book reminded me just how much I love her writing! Lena’s, Ans’s, and Miriam’s stories are alternated throughout the book showing how they all connect, and each of the characters are beautifully written. My only negative is that the story felt slow at first. But as events picked up, I had to find out what happened to them and their families. The most beautiful thing about this book is the emphasis on faith. Lynn based this story on the Dutch Christians who helped many people survive the persecution of the Nazi party. This book left my heart hopeful and my faith inspired, and I know it would do the same for you!

Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Content Warning: loss of loved ones, violence, Holocaust

It's been awhile since I've read a Lynn Austin historical novel and it did not disappoint. As per her style she did not shy away from the hard parts but wrote them with grace and style. The story will both entertain and engross the reader.
I love when I walk away from reading an historical novel and know something I didn't know before. That is just one of the things that makes historical fiction so wonderful!
Highly recommended!

Chasing Shadows, by Lynn Austin, is a remarkable work of historical fiction. Set in the Netherlands during WWII, this powerful novel is engrossing and thoroughly moving as it tells the story of three women linked together through love and war. With unflinching skill, Ms. Austin leads the reader on an intense journey through horrific events that test the resiliency of the human heart and the human will to fight for significance and survival. Yet, this journey through and beyond tragedy and despair is strengthened and uplifted by honest moments of grace and gentle reminders that hope, healing, and restoration are ultimately made possible through God’s love and mercy.

Under the tyranny of an evil regime, the uncertainty of daily life in the Netherlands during WWII becomes unfathomable, especially for the persecuted Jewish people and those committed to helping them. It is within this setting that the characters come alive to the reader. These well-developed characters are authentic, vulnerable, and captivating. Their questions, their insecurities, their fears, their needs, and their desires are wholly believable, gut-wrenching, and inspiring. As they face unimaginable losses and uncertainties, they struggle with their faith and God’s specific purposes for their lives. Yet through it all, they demonstrate determination, perseverance, and courage as they bravely endeavor to help each other and save others during many dangerous situations brought on by the cruelties of war, racism, and selfish ambition. The opportunities, the choices, and the trials that the characters endure are intricately developed, and from them there unfolds a story that is truly surprising, enriching, and profoundly memorable.   

Ms. Austin is an incredibly gifted author with a real talent for meaningful storytelling. In Chasing Shadows, she offers the reader a heartfelt and utterly touching story of loss, love, faith, and family. This is a novel that courageously explores humanity’s capacity for love and hate, hope and despair, self-sacrifice and cruelty, perseverance and struggle, and faithfulness and uncertainty. Within this book, the well-researched details and descriptions ensure that every moment spent reading this story is a thoughtful, immersive experience. From the gripping plot, to the extraordinary characters, to the compelling themes, this novel easily held my attention page after page. Chasing Shadows is a book I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who enjoys outstanding historical fiction.  

*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.