This novel, by Ms Tolsma, opens with a strong action scene with the male lead, Jean-Paul, being captured and put into prison, the book focuses primarily on journalist/photographer Nellie Wilkerson. Ms Wilkerson was sent to London to cover WWII, but through determination (and some fudging of the truth to get onto a hospital ship), she eventually ends up in France on D-Day. Through some adventures, Nellie ends up meeting both Jean-Paul (now out of jail) and Claire, an orphaned young girl with Down syndrome. Together, they go to a convent, where it is hoped Claire can be hidden from the Nazis. Unfortunately, the convent is targeted by the Nazis and the occupants (the nuns, other Down syndrome children, and our heroes) are forced to flee for the border, traveling through Nazi-occupied towns.

In the novel, the reader learns the back story of three of the main characters, which helped round out the characters a bit more. I wasn’t always pleased with the “hinting” Ms. Tolsma gave regarding Nellie’s past in the beginning as it felt drawn out. While there is adventure and suspense (will they or won’t they make it to the border?) there’s also a slow romantic build-up.

My one huge issue was that at times Nellie’s actions were foolhardy to say the least. In one instance, Nellie insists upon leaving the house they’re hiding in to “look around” and take photos, putting herself knowingly at risk (in fact, she is spotted by a Nazi and again fudges the truth in order to keep her film unexposed). This novel is labeled as Christian and there is a lot of discussion about religion, beliefs, and faith. There are also a number of discussions about the evil in the world, along with keeping strong in ones beliefs of a better world. [Note: I’m not a Christian, but for the most part, the religious discussions didn’t bother me much. As a number of the characters are in a religious order, it felt ‘in character’ to have these discussions for the most part.]

Overall, I found this an interesting book. The ending was a bit predictable, but that didn’t dampen my overall enjoyment of the book. This book does remind (or teach?) people that the Nazis didn’t “just” go after the Jews; so many other groups were punished/murdered by them too. I strongly recommend that readers read Ms. Tolsma’s Author’s Note. Not only does she mention Martha Gellhorn (upon whose adventure to report from the beach on D-Day Nellie’s is based upon), but she includes the story about how children crossed the border into Switzerland - what a clever idea - and how Jewish children were disguised to travel on the trains.

This author does an amazing job of researching the historic era, putting the reader into a vividly-described setting. In A Picture of Hope, we're transported to World War 2 France, with Nellie (a war correspondent who isn't even supposed to be there) and Jean-Paul (whose mixed ancestry puts him in a strange war-time situation). They come upon Claire, a little girl with Down's Syndrome (referred to in the era-vernacular as a Mongoloid), and end up taking a journey of the heart as they try to save her from Nazi extermination. I love the book because it goes deeper into Hitler's twisted plan that just the Jewish population. It delves into all of the grey areas that come along with going against the grain in the name of doing what you believe is right. And in a very timely manner, it begs a very relevant question -- "Don't you ever get tired of all the evil in the world?"

A Picture of Hope by Liz Tolsma is a wonderful novel that intertwines historical events with fiction. Many of the characters are real life persons who served in WW II while others are created to fill in the story line. Nellie is a photographer for the Chicago Tribune and currently stationed in London to report on the war. She lungs for more adventure and poses as a nurse to board a hospital ship headed for France. She quickly finds plenty of excitement and adventure. Jean-Paul is a freedom fighter for France and often avoiding the Germans who have invaded France. He comes across Nellie who is alone and tries to get her to safety. What adventures will they find themselves enduring?
I really enjoyed this one and found it difficult to put down. There is a lot going on during 1944 in France as the Germans and Allies are both in the country. Where is it safe and who can be trusted? Danger lurks all around making it difficult to stop reading without knowing if the characters are safe. The horrors of war exist but are not too graphic. I give this book 5 of 5 stars. Absolutely recommend it to everyone.
I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

A captivating WWII novel that shows that hope can overcome evil.

Photojournalist Nellie has been hanging out in a hotel in London for most of the war thanks to Eisenhower’s refusal to allow women journalists on the front line. Nellie, however, likes to press the envelope and stows away on medical ship heading to Omaha Beach. Determined to capture a photo to show the world what is really happening in German occupied Europe, Nellie stays behind when the ship returns to England. She runs into a member of the french resistance, Jean Paul and together they find a little girl with a disability hiding in the bushes. Knowing full well what the Nazi regime thinks of people with disabilities, they make it their mission to get this little girl to safety and hope and faith lead the way.

This book is a great weekend or beach read. It’s fast paced which I think reflects how quickly things can move during war time. I love that the characters are strong, compassionate and determined. While this story is one of pure fiction, there are certain historical figures that are mentioned throughout the novel and a couple of actual events. Reading the authors notes is a must!

Thanks to NetGalley, Barbour Publishing and Liz Tolsma for early access to this good read

I cannot imagine how difficult it is to write a book and therefore I struggle with writing negative reviews. Unfortunately, this is one of them. I was looking forward to reading a book about WWII in France that dealt with the issue of “undesirables” in the eyes of the Nazis. It’s a theme that is not all that common in books about that era. Warning: The rest of my review is full of spoilers. Most of my points have to do with the actions of the main characters in light of their time and place. I’ll start with Jean-Pierre who, when he runs into a young woman named Nellie, addresses her as “madame”. Hmm, in 1940s France? Not mademoiselle? When Nellie mentions she’s so hungry that she could eat a horse, JP is surprised that she’d eat horse meat. But… he should not have been since it wasn't that unusual. JP is aware of a convent with three nuns who are hiding 2 children which is hundreds of miles away from where he lives?? The children have to be kept quiet in the basement so no-one will hear them, but later are outside romping in the grass, laughing. JP gives a false name to the German officer he’ll be working for and the officer doesn’t ask for his papers? The last place he wants to draw attention to is the convent and where does JP go on his nights off? The convent! He also freely shares the names of people who will help the children and gives specifics as to their mode of operation. That’s quite loose-lipped for someone who has been working for the Underground for four years. It’s the end of the war, there’s hardly any food, but Nellie butters her bread, she buys a roll at a baker without a ration card and the baby gets cold medicine so he won’t be fuzzy. Nellie and JP continuously get themselves in and out of the most ridiculous scrapes. Nellie is unbearable. She does whatever she wants and does not listen to any advice. I did a lot of eye rolling. It’s after D-Day, but the Germans are still putting on parties and have time to hunt for wayward sons? They’re on the run! Eventually, the little band of fugitives crosses the border and rests at the fence. The fence is at the border….. Yeah, right and the Nazis were standing there watching them from the other side, peeved they had escaped. JP’s brother might have to stand trial for war crimes. Huh? We’re only in 1944, the full scope of what the Nazis did is not even known yet. Are there any redeeming qualities? I appreciate the mention of Oradour sur Glane, I applaud the author for bringing in children with Down’s Syndrome, and she dispenses some good advice and Biblical wisdom. Unfortunately, the book did not draw me in at all. I would have stopped reading had it not been a NetGalley copy for which I wanted to write a review. I’m quite sure I won't be reading any more books by this author. Thank you NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for providing me with an ARC. I was not required to leave a positive review.

A Picture of Hope by Liz Tolsma is another exciting from the Heroines of WWII series. I have an interest in reading historical fiction that focuses on the World War II. This is one does not disappoint. I enjoyed getting to know Nellie and loved her strength and determination to solve a mystery. The story is based on true events that I found intriguing and wanted to find out more about that. There is suspense, adventure, danger, and romance. I thought it was a pretty good book.

I am giving A Picture of Hope five stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical fiction. I look forward to reading the next installment from the Heroines of WWII series, Candice Sue Patterson‘s Saving Mrs. Roosevelt.

I received a paperback copy of A Picture of Hope from the publisher but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

This is a beautifully written, captivating, heartfelt story that takes place mostly in France during the Resistance, around 1944. Nellie is a Photo Journalist from the Chicago Tribune covering the stories of the war. Nellie is fearless and bold so has captured prize worthy photos of real life during this tragic time in history.

Nellie needs to find a way to get her undeveloped film back to London for processing and publication.. An American solder, Clarence manages to get jeep and offers to drive her. Along the way, when the lane curved, Clarence, who was driving way too fast, didn't let up on the gas and skidded on the slippery road. Nellie manage to climb out, of the flipped over jeep, however, Clarence was not as fortune.

Nellie endures through the cold of night with only the body of Clarence until Jean-Paul comes along and rescues her. He is part French and part German, however, being raised by only his French Mother, he supports and works for the Resistance, fighting against Hitler and the Nazis. This also includes his father, who is fighting along with the Nazi regime. Jean-Paul tells Nellie to come with him and assures her he will help her. She does and unknown to her she is embarking on the biggest, scariest adventure of her life. They end up hiding in a convent with three nuns, who are sheltering Mongoloid children.

This is such a touching, inspirational story as Nellie and Jean-Paul encounter one threatening, horrifying situation after another while also keeping three precious children and three nuns safe. This is a story that will stay with you for awhile after the last page is turned.

Thank you to NetGalley an Barbour Publishing for the advanced copy. All comments and opinions are my own.

Author Liz Tolsma’s A Picture of Hope is a beautiful story. The book’s genre of historical fiction—specifically WWII—presents the reader with a unique “gentler” story. Yes, there is the brutality of the Nazi’s scheme to eradicate those they deemed “less,” however, because of the introduction of the innocent children with Down’s Syndrome, there is a fresh approach to this story.

Journalist Nellie Wilkerson and her cohorts have tired of taking photos of English mothers waiting in line for milk in London. They want to write—and photograph—some action where the Allied Forces have landed in France. When she stows away on a hospital ship, she realizes she may have romanticized her idea of adventure and purpose.

An unexpected encounter with a French resistance fighter, the handsome Jean-Paul Breslau diverts her plans even more, and launches adventures she never expected.

Here is where the story becomes a touching look at the value of life and innocence and faith—amid such hatred.

Tolsma celebrates the too-often ignored heroes of WWII—the women. With a good balance of adventure and romance and poignant moments, A Picture of Hope held my interest and heart.

Highly Recommend.

Thanks to #NETGALLEY and #BarbourPublishing for an advanced reader copy. This review was honest and not influenced by their ARC.

A Picture of Hope by Liz Tolsma starts with an American photojournalists who happens to be in England during The Battle at Normandy and her ability to capture the fallen soldiers and the horrors of World War II. The story travels through the countryside of France. Readers will be introduced to numerous French cities after the horror causes by the Nazi’s. The story takes place in a convent, reminding me a little bit of The Sound of Music. Plenty of moments that are breathtaking as the characters encounter Nazi’s soldiers again and again, allowing them to wonder if this is the moment that they meet their death. While the concept was interesting, the plot really did not capture my attention. It appeared to be the same action occurring over and over again. Like I mentioned earlier, Nazi’s appearing all the time. The heroine stuck me as a selfish person who wanted her pictures, so she thought of herself. Yes, she did do some heroism actions, but nothing to write home to America about. Being thoroughly well-read in the World War II, this novel really did not capture my attention.

I received a complimentary copy of The Picture of Hope by Liz Tolsma from Barbour Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

This is a book filled with drama, though provoking comments and suspense. I liked the premise of this book and how it had a strong female heroine. Over the course of the book, the main characters had to grow and change, both overcoming the hard experiences in their lives.

This is a book that I would be happy to purchase if I hadn't gotten it free in exchange for an honest review. Overall the book had an interesting cast of characters which helped facilitate the story and keep the suspense levels higher. Worth reading!

Excellent read! I find it intriguing when authors write about the less known facts of WWII. We all think so much of the Jews being targeted by Hitler's Nazi regime, but in reality, they were only one of many races and groups of people rounded up and sent off to death camps. This story shares how several nuns, an American woman journalist, and Resistance Frenchmen risk their lives to save three Down Syndrome children. As imperfect, these beautiful children would be exterminated if discovered.
The work of the nuns to rescue and care for many children during the years of WWII is fairly well known. These women (and many priests) risked their lives to save lives.
Photography is a way to speak a thousand words with just one picture. The story is built around a photo depicting the beauty, horror, loss, and reality of what the Germans were doing to France and it's people.
Many times, the story gripped me and I could not put down the book as I read with bated breath to see how the main character(s) would escape their current predicament.
I highly recommend this read. History must not be forgotten or we will end up repeating the most evil of evils.

I have come to the conclusion that I would read a phone book written by Liz Tolsma. She weaves a story that grabs the reader from the very first page and doesn't let go until that reader is worn out and left panting for breath. She takes her readers on journeys they may not want to travel, but she does it with grace and aplomb that make the reader glad they went on the particular reading journey.

A Picture of Hope details the story of Nellie, a correspondent/photographer to the Chicago Tribune, who was sent to England to cover the war. Nellie was an intrepid character who hated being left out of the action and did what she had to do to get to France on D-Day. She got more than she bargained for and lives the adventure of her lifetime. She took a jeep ride with a soldier who was trying to get her into a town in France, but his driving left much to be desired. He overturned the jeep and killed himself, although Nellie came out of the accident largely unscathed.

While hiding out in the woods outside of town, Nellie encountered Claire, a young girl of about four years who was what was termed in those days a Mongoloid, but would be known now as Down Syndrome. Inside the town, the German soldiers were burning a church with the women and children of the town trapped inside. After the soldiers leave, she poses Claire in front of the burning church and takes her picture.

It was in these woods and town that she met French resistance operative Jean-Paul, who helped her get to the convent St. Roth. The nuns took her in with Claire and hid them. There were two other such children in the convent that they were hiding from the Germans who wished to exterminate them. But their hideout became too dangerous for them to stay put.

This is a book that tells of more than the atrocities against the Jews; it tells the story of all the "cleansing" Hitler wanted to accomplish through targeting some of the most innocents there are. Nellie and Jean-Paul's work to protect these innocents and to give them a hopeful future is a mainstay of this book and make it the sensational read it is.

I often read at night before going to sleep and I keep a pad of paper beside me to write down any notes I want to remember about what I am reading. In a conversation between Nellie and one of the nuns, Sister Raphael, Nellie asks, "Don't you ever get tired of all the evil in the world?" Sister replies, "That's what all of this is meant for." Nellie asks her, "All of what?" Sister Raphael answers, "This suffering is meant to make our souls long for heaven. The 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."

Later on in the book, Jean-Paul says, "Evil is strong. It has no boundaries. Only by God's goodness and grace is it contained. But someday, it will be eliminated--wiped away forever." Oh but I long for that day.

This is a five star book, with two thumbs up, and a beautiful picture of a child to cherish.

Barbour Publishing and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

I was unable to download this book due to technical issues.

I really wish I could read this book.

A PICTURE OF HOPE by LIZ TOLSMA is a WW11 novel which has a definite thread of hope running through it.
The story starts in Normandy in 1944 with Jean-Paul Breslau,, member of the Maquis Résistance, being betrayed by a member of their group and being taken captive and put in prison. Just before the Allies arrive in the area he gets out of jail and is looking for other members of the Maquis when he comes across Nellie Wilkerson, a photo journalist for the Chicago Tribune, who is trying to make her way to the front after pretending to be a nurse and coming from Southampton on a hospital ship. She wants to take photos of the war and its horrific effects on innocent people, such as mongoloid orphan Claire Dumay, hoping that people back home would be stirred up to want to take part in the war effort.
The story is very moving and most exciting as these two, together with the nuns from l'Asile. desperately try to escape to Switzerland with three precious mongoloid children who the Nazis see as sub human. I love Nellie's indomitable spirit and her determination to show the world the photos she has taken, especially the one of Claire as a beacon of hope standing in front of a building the Nazis have destroyed.
Nellie's father was an evil man whose wicked deeds have affected her badly and made her vow to never again sit back and do nothing in the face of evil, and Jean-Paul's father is a Nazi. Jean-Paul was brought up in France by his French mother, leading to his desire to free his beloved country from the German invaders.
I like the message of hope running through the story as we see the selflessness of those who defend the persecuted - literally showing the Jesus type of sacrificial love. There is also a strong sense of God's protection as Nellie and Jean-Paul learn to trust Him, being largely influenced by the simple faith of the sisters and by answered prayers.
This is a beautifully written book and one I highly recommend for the author's well researched and sensitive understanding of the times, the courage and dedication of those whose actions bring light into the darkness, the strong Christian message and the very real characters.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Barbour Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.