I ended up listening to this book on audio before I was approved for the netgalley. This was a beautiful story of a heroine during WWII who finds an orphaned girl with Down Syndrome. In trying to ferry this girl to safety the main character falls in love with her and helps to rescue multiple children. I found this book to be action packed and kept me wanting more.

I truly enjoyed the author's writing style and look forward to reading more of her work.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.

Liz Tolsma has taken a story and turned it into a lesson I'll never forget. Hope lingers. Even when all seems lost, there is hope. In a land stricken by war, Nellie and Jean-Paul take on a journey that leads them to the brink. I loved the rich details of the setting and how authentic the characters were. Nellie is a headstrong woman who doesn't like being on the sidelines, and she'll do anything to help those in need. I connected with Nellie through her struggles and Jean-Paul through his faith. There was a constant feeling of threats on the horizon that never allowed me to become complacent in reading, as I always needed to know what was coming next. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

If you are a lover of Historical Fiction and you have yet to encounter a Liz Tolsma book I am not sure what you are waiting for. Her books always intrigue me and captivate me in a way that they are extremely difficult to put down. The research that she does definitely shines through the book. It is so detailed and she seamlessly weaves in these fictional characters into real life situations and showcases the real heroes and heroines of the era. She does all of that plus adds in the gospel of Jesus in a way that just flows throughout the story leaving you feeling hope in what seemed a hopeless situation.

Her characters are well rounded and believable. Like I said they just flowed with the story and seemed like they were part of history. I won't give too much away because it definitely was such a good story that you don't want to miss out.

This is not the first book in this series of WWII Heroines. They do not have to be read in order as they are written by different authors. All of them have been really good so definitely do not miss out on this series.

I received a copy of this book through the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

“By aiding a single individual, you have changed one world.”

This intense, thought-provoking novel is written with excellence. It shows courage, faith, and a determination to make a difference the lives of others. It is one of the most impressive Christian historical fiction novels I have read in 2021. The author describes scenes so well, I felt as if I was there. Characters come to life through actions and conversations, full of wisdom worth pondering.

Nellie still feels the effects of the horrors she saw as a child in Mississippi and is now a photojournalist from Chicago. She and other journalists are at a hotel in 1944 London, awaiting news of the Allied troops invading western Europe. Women still hope to get permission to go to Normandy, where their male counterparts were already working. Nellie found her own way to Omaha Beach. She helped with the wounded and grieved for the many dead. Circumstances brought her and Jean-Paul, a member of the French resistance, together, and he was to help her return to England.

They somehow got behind enemy lines where they found a giggly four-year-old girl hiding in bushes. She had Down Syndrome, reminding Nellie of Velma, a precious girl back home that Nellie had cared for. They went to the nearby village to find the family of the child, and saw a church burning while Germans guarded it. The three found a place to hide overnight and, the next day, learned what happened. The child, named Claire, is the only survivor of her family and her village. If caught, those with disabilities would meet with the same fate as Jews. They were told of a convent where nuns hid and cared for children with Down Syndrome.

Jean-Paul and Nellie seek the best way to get Claire to the convent through occupied France. Nellie took pictures everywhere they went, wanting desperately to return to England and send developed photos and stories to her editor. She wants to show the world the truth and so more men go fight for freedom. Part of her is willing to leave Claire in the loving care of the nuns. Part of her does not want to ever leave the precious girl as she had Velma.

I loved the experiences Nellie and Claire had at the convent, especially with Sister Maria-Theresa. Only a heart as scarred as that of the elderly nun could minister to the wounds Nellie still carried, the same way that the scarred hands of the Savior had tended to Sister Maria-Theresa. Her faith and prayers showed Nellie a new level of living. At times I was angry with Nellie for the chances she took that could have compromised the nuns and children. Through Maria-Theresa and others, we are pointed gently, lovingly, to the Lord, demonstrating how we can get through some of the most terrible events imaginable.

It struck me how devastating and terrifying the people in the occupied countries lived for so long. Even so, the author shared events with sensitivity, sparing the reader from the full impact. There are valuable lessons throughout. I appreciated the author’s notes, including actual events, people, and the real photo that led to A Picture of Hope. I highly recommend this novel to those who appreciate beautifully written Christian historical fiction that demonstrate a life of faith and hope in WWII Europe.

From a thankful heart: I received a copy of this novel from Celebrate Lit and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

A Picture of Hope is another homerun from author Liz Tolsma. She weaves such a beautiful story of God’s love for everyone – even the people “we” (society) deem unworthy. The truth is we are all unworthy of God’s love, and yet He provides it. And why can’t we learn from that and do the same? Or take a lesson from Nellie. But more on that in a moment. Tolsma always has the most wonderful faith threads in her stories and this is no different. Yes, there were some woeful moments, that make you sad, and ponder how such things could happen. But then there’s this moment of light. Clarity. Hope. And Tolsma puts them at the perfect times.

Then there’s the research. Tolsma has such attention to detail in her books, from the setting, the historical aspects to the plot, the way the characters talk, and the types of characters there are. And confession – I visited Tolsma’s blog to see if she added any historical tidbits from her research and she has. I highly recommend you checking it out. I can honestly say that I felt like I was in France during this time period. Everything she wrote payed tribute to that.

Liz Tolsma also has a way with character writing. Nellie is such a good heroine. She has a huge heart, she’s determined, and she values life simply put. She’s not afraid of getting her hands dirty, or taking chances. I love the way she is with the children in this story, especially Claire. Her character had such depth, such love. She truly was inspiring to me. And by far my favorite character.

A Picture of Hope is a book to run to the store and buy. Or ask your library to purchase so lots of people can read it. It provides hope, courage, love, the gospel, and a plot line that will leave a mark on your heart. I highly recommend reading this beautifully written story. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

It is the evening after I finished A Picture of Hope, #2 Heroines of WWII, by Liz Tolsma. I am experiencing a very real sense of loss because I can’t spend any more time with Nellie and Jean-Paul. Why, oh, why, did I stay up so late last night to get to the end? Oh, yes… it would have been agonizing not to know what became of Nellie and Jean-Paul!

I love how Marie-Terese is such a strong, influential secondary character. She gently encourages and nudges others to strengthen their faith muscle. Yet, we see that she has doubts, which makes her very human.

The faith aspect is woven in beautifully. Doubts are allowed. Trust is a strong theme. God wins over evil, but maybe not in our timing.

The inclusion of Down Syndrome children as a main component of the story is as delicious as Texas sheet cake. And done just as tastefully. Liz Tolsma possesses a special education background and is also a parent of a special needs child. Tolsma’s expertise shines throughout the book, both in the Down Syndrome aspect and the French Resistance of WWII.

It’s always great to have fact vs fiction notes at the end! I find it fascinating to see what parts of history an author has been able to incorporate into the story; what events are true, but dates are fudged to fit the story, or when personalities are blended to create an authentic character.

A fabulous, haunting book. May we never forget!!

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit via Netgalley. All opinions are my own, and no positive review was required.

Notable Quotables:

“Photographs don’t always have to be pretty. Sometimes they tell a story. That’s what I want mine to do. Tell the story of this war so the world knows what is going on and so our children and grandchildren and all those who come after us will never forget what happened on this beach or in these fields.”

“This suffering is meant to make our souls long for heaven. This world wearies us and weighs us down. Oh, but there is another world where we will never weary and where we will never long for anything better.”

“Even if you only help one person, that is enough. By aiding a single individual, you have changed one world.”

I love stories about WWII and this one is especially good. The way the author describes the hardships that people went through is very detailed and easy to feel like you are there with them. I’m sure we may never know the full picture of what took place but this story gives readers a glimpse of how important hope is.

Nellie was very hard to like . She took her job so serious that at times it seemed to overtake her every thought. She has a problem with taking direction and has a tendency to want to be in control. Nellie will learn a few lessons along the way such as learning to trust. She is determined to get pictures that will be seen by many in the news. I liked how she wanted the world to see the war in a clear way without being censored. The world had no idea what horrible things were being done by Hitler. It you weren’t perfect in his eyes, he wanted you gone. Such power this man had and Nellie wanted to expose him to the world. It amazed me how many risks she took and at times it bothered me. I kept thinking she wanted to prove something.

Jean -Paul is an incredible character with a heart so full of compassion. First he helps Nellie get to a safe place. Next we see him at a convent where children are hidden because they are considered “not perfect.” I have to say that the mention of children with disabilities really opened my eyes. I never thought about how they were seen through the eyes of Hitler. Jean -Paul wants to protect them as well as the nuns and Nellie. I was a little unsure if he would succeed. He has taken a great risk to do this and I worried that it would be too much for him. The author wrote this character so well that I actually began to worry for his safety. He seemed so real and his sacrifice to stay away from the convent put his life in danger. Would the Germans discover who he was?

The author gives us lots of action and intrigue as a plan is in place to get everyone to safety. I loved the twists in the story and tried to read as quickly as I could. I could feel tension rise as it became clear that escaping was going to be a treacherous chore. Would the children be quiet when they needed to be? The big question was who could be trusted? With faith centered in the story hope became a word they each held on to.

The author has captured an account of history that was hard to read but important for the world to know the truth. I loved how Nellie and Jean -Paul never gave up hope that they would be able to overcome obstacles that tried to take their freedom away. It is important to read the author’s notes at the end of the book. She has included details of the time period as well as people who were instrumental in helping children and others escape from the Germans. The title of the book is perfect because it reminds me of the saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” That one picture is a symbol of hope and freedom for thousands.

“This suffering is meant to make our souls long for heaven.”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit and Barbour Publishing. The review is my own opinion.

Author Liz Tolsma’s newest historical fiction novel is set in France during World War II, featuring an American woman who risks her life for others.

In A Picture of Hope, photojournalist Nellie Wilkerson impulsively stows away on a ship bound for Nazi-controlled France where she observes war in a way she never imagined. She joins forces with Jean-Paul Breslau of the French underground to save some special-needs children from the Nazis. Can they get the children to safety before it is too late?

Tolsma pens a well-written, well-researched World War II story with strong characters and a narrative filled with historical details, a touch of romance, faith elements, and suspense as Jean-Paul and Nellie try to avoid the Nazis (including Jean-Paul’s German father) in hot pursuit. Throughout the story, one finds the themes of hope in the midst of evil, trusting God in all circumstances, and valuing every life God creates.

Although part of a series on heroic women during World War II, each book is a standalone novel, and they can be read in any order.


Disclaimer: Book reviews are written for books I either purchased or received free of cost from the publishers, publicists, or authors. I voluntarily reviewed this book, and my review represents my honest opinion.

I love these World War II stories that are fiction but also have some true historical events in them. This is one of them! Occupied France by Hitler and the Nazi’s brings hiding for some, fear and terror for others. Human life has no value for them. When a photojournalist, Nellie, from Chicago sneaks into France by herself hoping to catch some newsworthy photos of what is really happening in Europe, her troubles begin. She is eventually joined by Jean-Paul, member of the French underground. Together they come across Claire, an orphaned Down’s syndrome child, all alone and scared. Their journey takes them several places trying to keep one step ahead of the Germans. This lent to lots of harrowing close calls for them and lots of heart pounding for me! This is one book that will stay with me for a very, very long time. I’m convinced that it’s a book everyone should read. As the old cliche goes, “those that forget the past are doomed to repeat it”.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.

I was captivated by this story set in WWII. To include those often overlooked and to make that the main story was close to my heart.

A Picture of Hope had amazing emotional range. and left me stunned with its beauty amidst the ugliness of the setting, France at D-Day and beyond. Each character had purpose and added so much to the story.

This book was faith building and full of hope, even against the backdrop of war. A woman thirsting for adventure, a man trying to save his homeland, a child taught to hide from the ugliness, a group of nun's determined to save the innocent, I loved it all.

It is a rare gem when a story can come out of world war II that I haven't seen or heard some incarnation of. Even if the idea of escape and freedom as the same, the characters made the story.

I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who appreciates the history of WWII. I received a early copy from the publisher through Netgalley and this is my honest review.

I really liked the history and suspense in this story. It kept me engaged from beginning to end. I learned a lot about the use of photography in war and the importance of capturing some of the events, a job that is difficult but necessary. I like that Nellie had some strong characteristics, including her tenacity and strength despite the difficult tasks in front of her, but I also thought she would make unrealistic and unwise decisions occasionally that were a little frustrating as a reader. However, the novel is well written and hard to put down. The author does a great job writing about some sensitive topics and I also liked her notes at the end detailing which parts of the story were based on real people. Overall, I enjoyed this book and recommend it to others who like historical fiction!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Tours. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

There were many unspoken female heroes during WW II and I like how Tolsma has drawn from their experiences to create an engaging story. The story is full of suspense and highlights the role of women in the war effort. I like the emphasis on the importance of photography in documenting the tragedy so many were experiencing in Europe. The horrors of war in all its gruesomeness is well portrayed in this novel.

Nellie was a hard heroine for me to like. She was headstrong and often got into danger because she made unwise choices. At times it made sense to me, getting that particularly telling photo. At other times I thought her a bit foolish, just needing to get out and check on things, not trusting those in charge. Nonetheless, she represents those daring to face danger and death to help others.

This is another engaging and informative historical novel from Tolsma. I really like her note at the end detailing which parts of the novel are factual or based on the combined experiences of a number of people active in the war effort. I'll be watching for the next from her and the next in this historical series.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

As one who is always up for a WWII story I was looking forward to this book but sadly it wasn’t for me and I found myself DNFing it.
The plot had promise but the synopsis was a bit misleading, “jumps at the chance to go to France” was actually stowing away on a hospital ship amidst the horrors of D-Day after being told she wasn’t to go. And “enlists Jean-Paul Breslau of the French Underground to take her to the frontlines” would be more accurately stated as, Jean-Paul stumbles upon her after her first escort who was sneaking her to the frontlines dies and insists on accompanying her for her safety even though she wants to travel across a war-torn foreign country on her own.
The story felt like it had a bit of an abrupt start to it, throwing the reader into the action without giving us any build up or chance to get to know the characters. It was almost as if I had started 50 pages in. The characters were also kind of flat, there was no depth or emotion to connect the reader to them and often Nellie came across as a bit of a jerk with her responses and comments to people who were helping her as she was winging her way through dangerous situations for the sake of wanting to be the woman to capture images of this historic event.
I honestly kept trying to get further in, hoping it would improve but I just couldn’t make myself do it. Other people seem to be loving it though so don’t take my word for it.

As much as I truly love WWII bases fiction, it should go without saying that some of it can be absolutely heartbreaking to read... and A Picture of Hope is one such example of that.

In this story, we meet Nellie a determined journalist hoping to make a difference and share with the people back home just what is really happening in war. While women weren't supposed to be allowed on the frontlines, she managed to get herself there, and discovered a girl with Down Syndrome. In this story, we follow her and Jean-Paul as they fight to protect and move a group of nuns and children go safety away from the Nazis who would see them put to death for being less than perfect. While we know that Jewish people were not the only ones Hitler sought to eliminate, we don't often see many stories about these other groups... and as a special needs mom, this was certainly a tough one! Still, the author took on this story beautifully and with great historical accuracy.

A Picture of Hope is part of the Heroines of WWII series. This is a series of standalone novels by various authors celebrating women of WWII... while I would certainly recommend the series as whole from what I've seen so far, this again is definitely a standalone. If you enjoy WWII fiction, this is a unique read worth checking out.

** I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

A historically rich look at the dark last days of WWII, and the heroes who fought to protect the innocent.

Photojournalist Nellie Wilkerson jumps at the chance to go to the front lines, she solicits the help of Jean-Paul a member of the French resistance. On their journey they encounter a young girl, who leads them to a convent where they find other children and nuns hiding from the wrath of the Nazis.

A well researched novel that vividly brings to life the atrocities experienced by those who didn't fit the mold of what the Nazi ideals deemed "correct," as well as the horrors carried out after the D-day defeat. I think that the author realistically brings the time period to life, handling difficult topics well. Nellie is an admirable heroine, courageous and daring, she is an advocate for others.

This is was a well written read, with strong characters and an engaging storyline full of intrigue and danger. I liked how it showed a unique side of the war, as well as the brave citizens that dared to defy the Nazis. Highly recommend this novel of love and sacrifice, bravery, and courage in the last days of the war.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was a very unique captivating tale from WWII. I have never read a story like this even though I have seen movies and read other books about WWII. This heartfelt story will stay with readers long after finishing this exceptional book. It is a fictionalization of real events and actual people.

This phenomenal book tells the story of Nellie Wilkerson, a photo journalist from Chicago, who finds her way to Nazi occupied France in 1944. It is also about Jean-Paul, whose mother is French and father a Nazi. Jean-Paul is part of the French resistance and allows Nellie to join him as he searches for other members of his team. They find a young Mongoloid girl and decide to take her to a convent for shelter.

Author Tolsma has done an exemplary job of research for this project. With her skilled hand she took me to 1944 war torn France and taught me things I never knew about this horrific time. I loved some of the secondary characters. I hated how unbelievably cruel the Nazis were. However, this book shows how God guides and protects.

This was a suspenseful story that made my heart race at times. It is such an amazing book that I do not even want to tell much of the story. Touching, heart wrenching, riveting, adventure, romance, and suspense are just a few words to describe this epic novel. I had trouble absorbing it at times, but I could not put it down. Thoughts of it are still swirling around in my head.

I definitely recommend this book. Anyone that is interested in WWII will be thrilled to find this gem. It is so unusual that a reading group will chat away for hours and still have more to discuss. There are a few parts difficult to read, but they are mild compared to other accounts. I rate this 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.

When American journalist Nellie Wilkerson sneaks herself behind enemy lines in France as the allied forces push back Germany during WWII, she finds herself with more responsibility than she bargained for. When the man who vows to help her find fellow Americans is killed, she is blessed when a Frenchman, Jean-Paul, comes to her rescue. The two happen upon a young girl with special needs and Nellie instantly fall in love with her. They attempt to return her to her parents, but discover they've been murdered by the Nazis. So they must find her a safe place to live with people who can care for her. This storyline is a unique one I've not found before. I really appreciated the author's tender care for these special people with special needs and the hatred they encountered from the Nazis during WWII. The attraction between Jean-Paul and Nellie is sweet and slow. I enjoyed their story and how it wasn't just perfect from the beginning. Especially considering Nellie's inability to comply in the beginning of their relationship. I also really enjoyed the nuns in the story. Each having different personalities and strengths. They each brought something different to the storyline. This is a well thought out book that will linger for some time!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

A Picture of Hope by Liz Tolmas was an amazingly nerve-wrecking novel of never-ending suspense of Nazi occupation of France during World War II. I had not read about the salvation of special children during this horrific war of annihilation of all undesirables..This story was especially interesting for me because I have just returned from a six week tour of France and definitely visited many of the areas mentioned in this novel. This is an exceptional book.

Part of the “Heroines of World War II” collection, A Picture of Hope by Liz Tolsma tells the story of American journalist Nellie Wilkerson. I loved Nellie’s spunk and determination as she finds a way to get closer to the front lines rather than just covering the war from a distance.

This fast-paced and well-researched book highlights the efforts of women in World War II, and brings Nazi-occupied France to life. Even though this is a story about war, the intensity and suspense are well balanced with faith and hope. And there is a gentle love story to round things out.

This is an excellent read! Well done, Liz Tolsma!

A Picture of Hope is an absolutely phenomenal story! A combination of historical fiction and suspense; A fictionalized story based on real events and real people. Deeply touching, emotional, suspenseful, incredible! Nellie, a brave and ballsy American photo journalist crosses the line both literally and figuratively by defying orders to get to the front lines. Nellie knows there's an important story to be told but not even she could imagine how her life was about to change, the dangers she would face, and how, as she documents the atrocities of the war with her writings and photos, she is also writing her own future. I spent a good share of this book biting the inside of my cheek and holding my breath. The author paints vivid pictures with her words just as Nellie created created visual stories with her photographs. An absolutely incredible story, 5 stars!