Love, love, love this book. Please read it! It is one of the best. So very glad I decided to request this one. I carried it everywhere I went and devoured it.

“For it was in prayer that she had discovered her solace. In a crazy, mixed-up, evil world, it was the only place of peace and hope.”

I loved that faith was a key component of this book, as well as highlighting that all children are special and worth every second and difficulty to keep safe. The main characters wrestled with questions and trust in God in the midst of hardship, evil and exhaustion and ultimately hope wins.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

This was an enjoyable read. However, i felt like the female lead was too risk-taking (hard-headed) than necessary for the suspense of the story. it is heart-breaking to read of the evil that existed during this time period, and still does today.

I loved loved This book. IT was something different from the other ww2 fiction i have read. It was about saving the different ones in the society. I loved the Main characters, their strength their hopes and their believes. For me the main thing the book was about fighting evil. . And IT made me Wonder what is normal and what is considered perfekt. Thank to netgalley for letting me read This e arc in exchange for an opinion

This story is a gripping, heartfelt and emotional story set during the resistance in France during 1944. Nellie’s and Jean-Paul’s story was will written with the author’s detailed to her research and sharing tidbits of the research with the readers at the end of this captivating tale that happened from the start.

Nellie dream of being in the midst of the fighting to report back to the Tribune was more than she had imagined. A meeting with Jean-Paul and others gave way to a tale that had me in the action of the fighting, running for their lives, caring for a young child and so much more. There’s a delicate weaving of a faith message among primary and secondary characters that brought a beautiful ending to lives that held their faith in God despite all the evil they had experienced and was witnessing in the present.

I highly recommend this book to fans of history and the WWII era. I want to read the other books Barbour Publishing is releasing this series, Heroines of WWII.

Thank you to Barbour Publishing, Netgalley and the author for a complimentary copy of this book without any obligation to write a positive review. I have expressed my own opinion.

Thank you Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to rea the E-ARC of this novel. The following is my honest and unbiased review.

This is your next must-read Historical fiction novel. A picture of hope is set during the days and months surrounding World War II in France. Nellie Wilkerson is a journalist from America that sneaks her way to the front lines of Omaha beach. What she finds is blood, evil, a French revolutionist, a Mongoloid and herself. I love this perspective of World War II and how a troubled childhood may leave scars but it can change the child and positively impact the world.

This book goes over various topics such as race, disabilities, religious beliefs and the evil that can reside in people. Nellie finds herself quite on an adventure through enemy lines and into unfamiliar territories. I particularly loved that the story had to deal with Mongoloid (Autistic) children in it. Very few books speak about Autism, especially in a historical fiction genre. I found the book to be an amazing story and can not wait to read more. I think it might even be the beginning of a new series? This was my first time reading a book by Liz Tolsma and after reading this I quickly went to see what other books she has written. I highly recommend for a great read and for your next book club meeting!

A Picture Of Hope by Liz Tolsma is a marvellous Christian historical novel. It is part of the Heroines Of World War II series but can be read as a stand-alone.
The novel is set in occupied France in 1944. The war is turning but the evil acts continue. The leading characters are an American female war correspondent and a French resistance fighter. At a time when trust is in short supply, the pair are thrown together, trusting in the dark.
Both leading characters have hearts to help the vulnerable – in this case it is children with Downs Syndrome who had no worth in the eyes of the Nazis. The leading characters need to navigate their way to neutral Switzerland.
Hearts are swollen with love as the children put their trust in their rescuers. Lives are put on the line. “If not us, then who?” It reminds me of the story of Esther “for such a time as this.”
Evil and hatred are not confined to Europe. As a child growing up in the deep American south, the heroine witnessed unspeakable acts of the KKK. “When we don’t understand each other that’s when hate and prejudice grow.” People need to see and understand the hearts that beat beneath skins.
The reader sees how faith is tested. “Never before had she doubted His [God] presence… Now only emptiness filled her.” When we focus on our fear instead of God’s face, we may blind ourselves to His presence. We need to search for His light in the darkness. “She was not alone. She was never alone.”
There is the theme of healing. We see how childhood trauma has shaped a character. God heals hearts from within as characters learn that He can be trusted not only with their present, but with their past too.
When the darkness surrounds us, we find “sometimes it can be difficult to see the light for the darkness.” We need to search for a chink of light and hold on to hope.
There is the theme of fathers. Our earthly fathers may be a disappointment but our heavenly Father can be trusted. He will never let us down.
A Picture Of Hope was a powerful read of goodness shining through the darkness. As evil descended on Europe, there were pockets of love and hope too. Liz Tolsma has produced another first class novel.
I received a free copy from Celebrate Lit via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

When I saw a new book by Liz Tolsma, I knew I had to read it, and was not disappointed.

The author gives us a headstrong girl, who really takes risks, and doesn't seem to understand the word "no"! Nellie Wilkerson is a journalist photographer, and finds a way to end up on the continent and the heat of battle. Thank goodness Jean-Paul Breslau is put in her path, and what a heart this man has.

The German philosophy was a pure race, only perfect people, so any child born with a defect was disposable, along with many other people they considered undesireable, this included children born with Downs Syndrome, and they figure into this awesome read.

This is a story to get lost in, and hope that history does not repeat itself. A story of faith and hope, and although I wanted the war to end, I wanted to continue on with these characters!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour, and was not required to give a positive review.

I requested to read and review this book via NetGalley. I am thankful I did. This is a fictional WWII story with an unusual, though not really believable twist.
I enjoyed the book and the ending was sort of predictable but getting to the ending was very enjoyable. This is a Christian book without being preachy at all. It shows how to use your faith in hard times.
If you enjoy historical fiction you will enjoy this book. I recommend this book and give it a 3.5 stars out of 5-star review.
https://mybooksiread.blogspot.com/2021/09/a-picture-of-hope-by-liz-tolsma.html

Honestly, this was a difficult book to read. A Picture of Hope by Liz Tolsma takes us to a part of World War II and the Nazi occupation of France. But more than that, it takes us to a part of the Nazi regime's drive for perfection. We hear so much about the Jewish people's persecution and the staggering number of deaths that resulted from Hitler's insanity. But it wasn't only Jewish people that were terrorized. Perfection meant nothing inferior physically or mentally. A Picture of Hope presents a horrifying story of the intent to wipe out anyone that was not perfect, specifically down syndrome children. We follow the story of a female photojournalist and her goal to rescue children destined to be eliminated simply because they were missing a chromosome. From terrifying encounters with Nazi soldiers to unbelievably brave citizens trying to make sense out of a world that had gone crazy a Picture of Hope is a book that should be read by everyone. The title of the book has extraordinary significance in the story. As a matter of fact, a particular picture of hope shows the true purpose of so many people trying to do the right thing during a time when the world had gone mad. And just a warning, the terminology, while offensive in this day and time, was entirely appropriate during the 1940s. I voluntarily received a copy of this book from net galley and Barbour publishing.

Liz Tolsma has written a nail-biter in A Picture of Hope. It is a very fast-moving book taking place during World War II. Nellie Wilkerson is an American journalist based in London. Bored with photographing mothers standing in milk lines, she boards a mercy ship heading to France. She meets up with Jean-Paul Breslau who is with the French Resistance. As they pass through a small village they come upon a horrible incident and the only survivor is an orphan girl with disabilities. They hear of a place where she might be cared for. Along the way through German occupation territory, they struggle to avoid capture and possibly death by the the Nazis.

I enjoy reading historical fiction and always look forward to the end of the book which shares historical facts. Much of this book is based on actual people and facts. This was no exception.

There is suspense, adventure and romance in this book and I couldn't put it down. I'd recommend it to others. I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing and Net Galley and was under no obligation to post a review.

I was totally and completely drawn into this beautiful WWII story. Liz Tolsma is a new to me writer and I will be sure to read more of her books in the future. I can safely say here that this is the best book I've read this year. This genre is one of my favorites and this novel didn't disappoint. I felt it deserved more than five stars. The book was unpredictable, entertaining and so realistic that I felt like I was right there with the characters. The Author made readers realize the things that French people suffered at the hands of the Nazi Soldiers. Down syndrome children were exterminated because they weren't considered normal by the Nazis. This page turner was very well written and well researched.
Nellie Wilkerson is a photojournalist who works for the Chicago Tribune. She has been assigned to London England to cover how the war has affected life there. She would have rather been assigned to cover the action at Normandy Beach but because she is a woman she can't get clearance to go to the fighting areas. Wanting more action she sneaks aboard a hospital ship and poses as a nurse to get closer to the action.
Jean Paul Breslau is a part French and part German. He has joined the French Resistance and works under cover for his cause. Jean Paul and Nellie meet when he rescues her from an accident and just in time as the Nazis are in the area. The two get lost and wander deeper into German occupied France . They discover a young Down syndrome girl of about five hiding in a hedge close to a church where her parents and others died in a fire set by the Nazis. They rescue Claire and try to take her to a hiding place where she will be safe . Their goal is to keep her from the enemy soldiers who would kill the young girl because she is different. The rest of the story takes readers on a journey where Jean Paul and Nellie go deeper into France to save the Claire . Will they be successful and be able to avoid the Nazis who seem to be everywhere?
I recommend this book to readers of WWII Fiction and Christian Fiction. This novel is the first book of a new series scheduled to be released on October the first of this year.
I received a complimentary arc of this book. A favorable review was not requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Nellie (an American photographer) unexpectedly encounters Jean-Paul as well as a 4 year old named Claire (with Downs Syndrome) while “reporting” from behind the front lines in WW2 France. Through various misadventures, Nellie and Jean-Paul (a resistance fighter) work together to help a group of nuns and 3 children with Downs escape Nazi persecution. Nellie grated on me many times as I read the story—she was so headstrong and she refused to listen to reason from many people who were much more knowledgeable than she was. Though somewhat predictable, the ending was satisfying and I would give the story 4 stars.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

"A Picture of Hope" by Liz Tolsma
Release Date: 10.1.2021

Nellie Wilkerson works as a journalist in London, taking pictures of mothers waiting in rationing lines. She wants more. She takes the opportunity to go to France, where the Allies recently arrived for D-Day.

She meets Jean-Paul Breslau, a freedom fighter in France, to take her to the frontlines. During their journey, they meet Claire, an orphaned, young girl with special needs. They drop her off at a local orphanage, but the nuns cannot take Claire, as the convent is being watched by the Nazis. Together, Nellie and Jean-Paul will work together to travel with Claire and take her to the safety of Switzerland.

This book is well-researched. I was immediately drawn into the story, getting excited with Nellie about her new adventure. Each character was well-developed, and I was excited to find out how it would end.

Thank you to @netgalley for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.

#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #netgalley #netgalleyreads #2021bookreleases #historicalfiction #2021historicalfiction #apictureofhope #liztolsma

A Picture of Hope is a beautifully written, well-researched book. The fascinating, fast-paced plot is full of adventure and suspense featuring spunky, headstrong heroine photojournalist Nellie Wilkerson and strong, courageous hero French Resistance fighter Jean-Paul Breslau. The diverse, richly drawn characters main and secondary come alive and capture your heart and soul. Real life historical figures and events are seamlessly woven into the fictional tale.

Through her powerful evocative prose and insightful dialogue, Ms. Tolsma masterfully captures the atmosphere of 1944 Nazi occupied France and poignantly conveys the fear, angst, and faith of Nellie, Jean-Paul, the nuns, and the children as they struggle to escape to Switzerland. The slow-building romance is tender and sweet but takes a back seat to the suspenseful action in the story.

The story resonates with the theme of hope and the significance of one picture that Nellie prayed would “show the world that even in the midst of evil, there was hope for survival. Hope for thriving.” The strong, inspiring faith element communicates the importance of trusting God and emphasizes the value of every life He has created. A favorite quote: “No matter what comes into our lives, God uses it in the best way for us. His way and His plan are perfect.”

This book is part of Barbour’s wonderful Heroines of World War II series, but don’t be put off by the word “series”. Each book in this series is a stand-alone and can be read in any order. I highly recommend this book as it was one of the best reads of the year for me.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Another great installment in the Heroines of WWII series. A Picture of Hope is a great read with interesting characters, many based on real life heroes/heroines. Nellie is strong, brave, determined, adventurous and impulsive. I loved her tender interaction with Claire and the other children, and of course, Jean Paul. Liz Tolsma has created a captivating story that moves along quickly, full of interesting WWII details, and unexpected twists and turns.
Thanks to NetGalley and Barbour for the opportunity to read and review.

A Picture of Hope
by Liz Tolsma
Series: Heroines of WW2
Barbour Publishing
Rated: 3
Back of the Book: “A Photojournalist Risks Her Life to Save a Very Special Child. Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.
Journalist Nellie Wilkerson has spent the bulk of the war in London, photographing mothers standing in milk lines—and she’s bored. She jumps at the chance to go to France, where the Allied forces recently landed. There she enlists Jean-Paul Breslau of the French underground to take her to the frontlines. On the journey, they stumble upon a great tragedy, leaving a girl with special needs being orphaned.
Can Nellie and Jean-Paul see the child to a safe haven while being pursued by the Nazis, who are pressed by the advancing Allies and determined to destroy all they can before they flee?”
My Thoughts: Do you ever read a book and really dislike a character? Well, I really disliked Nellie. She was thoughtless to the danger she put herself and others into throughout the book. Her selfishness in doing what she wanted when she wanted was so frustrating. How anyone could find that attractive beats me but apparently, she was likable to the other characters of this book. Romance budded as war raged on around Jean-Paul and Nellie. Although the idea of the story is intriguing and adventurous, Nellie made me cringe. This made it hard to really enjoy the book. Everyone is different however and some may see her actions as spunky and courageous. C’est la vie. I also found the escapes made in this novel unrealistic however I’m sure there were some true stories that seemed impossible at the time. God is good. Even with so much ugliness during WW2, the survivor stories we hear about today are proof that God loves us and is a God of miracles.
Inspiring Thoughts: “When we don’t understand each other, that’s when hate and prejudice grow.”
“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 long for anything better.”
“The Lord is my strength. Nothing is more powerful than that. You would do well to remember that. He overcomes everything.”
“What people do doesn’t affect my view of God.” She took several healthy gulps of water. “Man is fickle. God is not.”
“Jesus said, ‘These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.’ That’s what we need to trust in right now.”
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in the publisher in exchange for my honest review shared here.

This book reminded me how much I love historical fiction. In this captivating story we follow Nellie, a photojournalist during WWII. She is determined to show the world the reality of a German occupied Europe. But on her journey she finds herself accompanied by Jean Paul, a french resistance. Together they discover one thing that will change their life. A special little girl with a disability, knowing what the enemy does to those with disabilities they sole mission turns to bring this little girl to safety.

This is the first book I read from this author and I loved how well researched it was.

The story captivated me from the first page. The pacing was great and the writing style was beautiful. The characters dynamics were beautifully done and I was rooting for them since their first encounter. I also loved the message that hope will always find a way even surrounded by darkness and evil.

Definitely check this book if you want a fast-paced read, full of heart, adventure, action, and a little bit of romance.

Thanks to Netgalley, Liz Tolsma and Barbour Publishing, for providing me with an ARC in exchange of an honest review.

1944 - Normandy, Jean-Paul Breslau, a resistance leader is turned over to the German army. Martha Klein a Chicago Tribune reporter wants to make her mark in a mans world by photographing the truth in picture of the war. Together they team up to smuggle three children with Downs Syndrome to nearby Switzerland. Will they be able to escape the constant threat of danger? This was a very interesting historical book. Lots of excitement, danger and mistrust. It holds your attention throughout. I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing & was under no obligation to post a review.

This is the first book I have read from Liz Tolsma and it certainly won't be my last!
The story gripped me from the first page which led me to finish the book in one sitting! I loved the characters and also found the plot fascinating. The book was fast-paced all while managing to blend together history, adventure, action, and romance, with the book's key message, "that even in the midst of evil there is hope", being conveyed throughout the novel.

Overall, a great book that I would recommend.

Thanks, to Liz Tolsma, Barbour Publishing, and NetGalley.com who provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.