As a forever historical fiction fan, especially WW2 fiction, I enjoyed this book! It was really interesting having it come from the perspective of two German people wanting to help Jewish children avoid the prison camps. Also, the romance in this story between Helen and Erik was more of a side story rather than the central one, which I also appreciated a lot! This book was a faith-filled, clean, and engaging read. Also, for those of you who prefer shorter reads, this book was 258 pages, so definitely shorter than most historical fiction books out there. Overall, an enjoyable read!

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an eARC of Escape from Amsterdam. A positive review was not required, only my honest opinion. All thoughts are expressly my own.

Historical fiction readers will enjoy this fact based novel that took place during WWII as the Netherlands was invaded by the Germans. Through Helen and Erik's eyes one can envision the heartache as they strove to help the children. I found the story rather slow moving. I enjoyed the author's note.

Wow!!! This book has my heart in a field of tulips and I will be forever basking in the lessons as a christian. This book centered around three things. Jesus, forgiveness, and a loving faith! I am new to author Lauralee Bliss and I have to tell you all I will get anything she writes from now on!

Escape from Amsterdam is about two young people in love in a world in peril. Erik and Helen are two Godly people who meet a short while before World War II breaks out in their peaceful town of amsterdam. They both are immediately drawn to each other and Erik is so honorable and brave ! He stops at nothing to pursue the graceful and full of light helen!

When their small town is starting to become under Nazi control these two valiant souls lean on love and scripture to protect those they love while coming to terms with those they will lose.

Helen is a sweet soul always trying to help others. Erik is a Godly man! A true knight! When times are hard and their love is tested he makes sure Helen knows she is loved and cherished.

When times are becoming too much Helen puts herself on the front lines and risks it all! A true Godly women!

I love the scene where Erik put on music and whisks Helen in his arms and dances with her! When the world is dark the light of love truly over comes all!!

Helen and Erik watch people being taken away and come up with a plan to get Jewish children away from Amsterdam. They have to do all in secret and risk life and limb for the precious little souls.

The true love these two hold represent the love that Jesus gave to all when he died on the cross. He gave his life so that people like Helen and Eric can live! A lot of the times when I read it I felt like I knew these people. I knew the side characters I knew even the bad guys.

Because I have met people my life who reflected them. And as somebody who has had a hard time with forgiveness this book has taught me to try and live again everyday brand new in the grace of Jesus!

The ending had me in tears and my heart screaming with joy! I couldn't have picked a more better book to read on true love!

Lauralee you have a gift! A beautiful one!! Thank you for writing about one of my favorite places in the world and creating people in it! Keep spreading Jesus message!

Based on a true story, Escape From Amsterdam, by Laurels Bliss, retells how Helen and Erik met, fell in love, and later escaped with three Jewish children saving them from being exterminated. You will share in their fears, their faith, and get to know the remarkable people who helped them survive for over two years after escaping from Amsterdam.

ESCAPE FROM AMSTERDAM by LAURALEE BLISS is the beautiful story of a young couple, Helen Smit and Erik Minger, who put their lives on the line to save three Jewish children from the Nazis. I guarantee that this book, part of the Heroines of WW11 series, and based on what really happened during the war, will touch your heart.
Helen, who “wanted to share everything she knew with the eager minds of children,” becomes a teacher at a creche after graduating from the Teachers’ College of Amsterdam, working with Jewish children under Miss Pimental. With the Germans annexation of Holland the schouwbutg across the road becomes a holding centre for Jewish families awaiting relocation to the camps. As the situation becomes worse daily, Helen and Erik grow closer to one another and also to the Lord. Erik encourages Helen to not give in to fear because “Fear breeds power in others. Don’t give them an opportunity.” What I particularly like to see is the way this young couple live out their Christian faith daily, never missing an oortunity to share Jesus with others, especially the children in their care. Other strong characters are Ephraim and Delia Visser who also are prepared to lay down their lives for others.
This book is about the sacrificial love, faith and tremendous courage shown by ordinary Dutch citizens in the face of the unbelievable atrocities perpetrated against the Jews during the German occupation of Holland, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Barbour Publishing. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

This book started out good, but the constant references to Christianity and the character’s constant going on about Christian doctrine turned me off. I know there are people who are more religious than I am, and the late 30s was a more devout time, but in the story it really seemed to me like the characters were constantly preaching at me.

Escape from Amsterdam is an intriguing story. The author's vivid descriptions give a clear picture of the historical era and landscape, bring the story to life. I highly recommend this book!

This is an excellent WWII read!
Travel back in time to neutral Holland in the 1940’s. The nation sat out the First World War, surely they were safe. But Hitler will not be stopped. Soon the residents of Amsterdam must learn to live with Nazis slowly taking away their freedoms. Then Jews are being singled out and transported away to death camps.
Helen and her fiancé are determined to save three young Jewish children. Follow their escape with baited breath hoping they are not exposed and arrested.

What a wonderful story , of such a hard period of life .. ‘well told and loved the story ‘great book. I will read more of this authors book

I received an ARC of, Escape from Amsterdam, by Lauralee Bliss. This is a very emotional intriguing story. A university student and her fiance helping the children, and trying not to get caught.

The Netherlands 1939-1945

The cover of the sixth in the Heroines of WWII grabbed me quickly. It's beautifully done with the emotion of the time coming right through.

Having the novel based upon factual events and some historical men and women added to the appeal. I enjoyed the author's note at the end which provided more details on this front.

The author does a good job of setting the feel of how The Netherlands was gradually changed by the Nazi infiltration. It snuck up on its citizens. Those willing to fight back were so brave.

The fictional tale of Helen Smit and Erik Misman however didn't capture my interest fully. Their romance began rather quickly. There was a depth lacking to the story.

I love this series because it shows real-life examples of heroism during the WW2 era. It's not the war-scenes and the military-based operations, but the everyday people and the choices they made, often at a danger to themselves and others, to help better other people's lives during this critical period. In this one, we have a young teacher who makes the decision to work with the resistance movement and help save the lives of her students. It's such an important story to tell, as nearly 75% of the Jews living in the Netherlands died during WW2, and these young lives were saved by one brave young woman and her strong faith. Plus, there's a little romance on the side. ;)