Cover Image: What I Would Tell You

What I Would Tell You

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Member Reviews

What are the things you would tell...?

Some books are difficult to read. Not because they are poorly written but because truth isn't always easy to hear, or in this case read. The events surrounding the Holocaust reveal humanity at its worst – and its best. The juxtaposition between hate and hope, cruelty and sacrifice, have never been more in evidence than the facts of history as seen through the fictional eyes of the characters in What I Would Tell You.

I've read secular author Mary Stewart's novels set in Greece so I had the tiniest of inklings of what the Greeks went through during WWII. But not that of the Jewish community. I especially had no idea the devastation and heartbreak of Salonika (Thessaloniki). Liz Tolsma changed that in 320 pages. There were times that I almost felt like I was there under the hot Greek sun...

My favorite thread of the dual timeline of What I Would Tell You was the modern one. Riley's search for her own history and place in her suddenly changed world was something I could certainly understand.

Liz Tolma's latest is a moving story that is both bitter and sweet. It is full of darkness and hope. And it will leave you looking at things a little bit differently once that last sometimes heartrending page is turned...

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

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What I Would Tell You by Liz Tolsma is a wonderful inspirational split-time novel that will appeal to all readers who love contemporary and historical fiction steeped in culture, history and traditions.

This story is a reminder of the darkness that we had in our past and our perception of that past, but without it we wouldn't have our present.

I love the fact that in this story we are learning about an often overlooked group of Jews that were found in Greece who suffered the same atrocities as others during the Holocaust.

I really enjoyed this WWII story and look forward to reading more by this author in the future.

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

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This compelling dual-time drama will burst into your emotions and cause you to think about the situations explored, both in wartime Greece and in the current day. The author draws readers right into the sensitive scenes as they follow Jewish activist Mathilda Nissim’s struggles against the monstrous German invaders and a modern-day college student, Tessa Payton, searching to discover her family’s history. Could there be a Jewish connection between her mother’s family line and the information she finds? Along with Tessa, readers learn about the horrific atrocities suffered during World War II, which tugs at your heart. Such history is difficult to read about, but it must never be forgotten. This story certainly brings it to life in a realistic way. Both of the authentic main characters must choose whether to follow God and trust Him for the future. This would make a great read for a high school class or a book club discussion. I received a copy from the publisher though NetGalley. All opinions are my own. #WhatIWouldTellYou #NetGalley

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This was a story that was at times hard to read but needed to be told. We are given two timelines, one during World War Two and the occupation of Greece and the other the present. Two women from different times and worlds.

In 1941 Mathilda lives with her husband Asher in Salonika as their country falls to the Germans. Their lives will now be in danger as they are Jewish. Mathilda writes a little newspaper and continues to do so at risk of her life to try and get her people to stand up and fight. To not let what happened in Poland happen to them. But it is an uphill battle that will take everything Mathilda has.

In present times, college student Tessa Payton has just had a DNA test done and the results are not at all what she expected. Amongst family turmoil, Tessa decides to travel to Greece and find out about her Jewish heritage that she never knew existed. This will change everything that Tessa thought she knew of her past.

This was a heart wrenching read. Especially Mathilda's story and what she went through. She showed great love and loyalty when all else was falling apart. It is a story that will stick with me for some time.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

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“…even in the hardest times of life, there is joy.”

If you read only one WWII novel this year, consider this one. Words failed me throughout this achingly beautiful, intense, heartbreaking novel that ultimately gives glory to God. This gifted author shares a story of a young couple who lived in Salonika (Thessaloniki), Greece during the German occupation. This dual timeline novel also captures the beauty and struggles of a young woman today who learns that her heritage is not what she thought and embarks on a journey to find the truth and how that will impact her faith and life.

Cousins Riley and Tessa take DNA tests to discover more about their heritage. Their mothers share grandparents. Riley’s results were what they both anticipated receiving, with primarily Greek and Slavik roots. Tessa’s show that her mother’s family is Spanish and Sephardic Jew. Tessa’s and Riley’s grandmothers were twins whose parents came to America after WWII.

Tessa wanted to go to Thessaloniki over summer break from college and her mom and stepfather wanted her to look to the future instead. Since her mom married Jay, she lost the closeness they once shared after her dad died, and the priority seems to be her stepsister. Tessa went to Greece anyway, planning to stay at least a month.

Tessa met Giannis at the Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki, where he did research. They discussed her questions, and he would help her find what was available. He loaned her a copy of a journal he had translated into English to show Americans what life was like in Greece during WWII. It was written by a young Jewish wife, Mathilda, who was what we would probably call an activist today. On the day the Germans came, she watched them murder Samuel, the man she had dearly loved as a father figure after her father died.

Mathilda wrote a Jewish newspaper even when told she had to stop. She warned residents what was coming, strongly encouraging them to resist and to not let the Germans take their freedom or dignity. She and two dear childhood friends often got together, Perla, and Ioanna, a Christian woman.

Then, after three years of marriage without getting pregnant and the Germans had taken control of the Jewish people, Mathilda was pregnant. Ioanna, also pregnant, brought her food when she could. As a non-Jew, Ioanna had more food available to purchase, and was thriving while Mathilda had barely enough to survive, much less eat for two. Her beloved Asher was sent to a labor camp in Poland.

Mathilda is a young woman with the courage of Esther while Tessa is a young woman whose eyes are being opened to the unimaginable. They and their respective friends were very well defined. They are both women I would want to know, especially Mathilda. I would like the kind of courage she had! I appreciated all that Ioanna did to share Jesus with her friend. At times this novel, based on many actual events, was very challenging to read due to the subject matter, yet I am so thankful I did! The spiritual lessons are valuable for women of any age. I experienced a range of emotions beyond what I anticipated. I would not have wanted to miss all that took place or the concerns that Jews today have for their safety and lives. I highly recommend this novel to those who appreciate Christian women’s WWII fiction, modern and historical Thessaloniki, and romance.

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

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I loved this story that is filled with love for family, survival and hope. I loved Mathilda and Tessa. I loved learning about what happened to the Jewish people in Greece during WWll. I loved that the story goes from past to present and it is easy to follow each time line. This story was very emotional. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

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This was an amazing story about how our family history can shape our identity. It also showed what it was like for Jews in Greece during WWII. It made me said to see the suffering and what these people endured. I love seeing the willingness of Mathilda to give up everything to protect her daughter. I also loved seeing how Tessa was able to reevaluate her relationship with her mom as she went on the journey to learn where she came from. I thought this story was very well written and was a tear jerker for me. I liked the dual time lines and that we saw how each of these woman handled what was happening in their lives and were connected. I would recommend this book.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

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Enriching, inspirational story that can be hard to read. It's heartbreaking. The timeslip format makes it easier with Tessa learning about Mathilda, her family and friends, gradually unfolding the story. Complicated life in 1941 Salonika, Greece, especially after the Nazis took over Greece. Pulls your heart strings right to the end. It's so well written that you forget it's a book, no surprise with Liz Tolsma.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#WhatIWouldTellYou #NetGalley #LizTolsma #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianHistoricalFiction #christianbooksandcoffee

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What I Would Tell You is a wonderful novel that you’re going to love! It’s historical fiction plus a dual timeline that takes you both past and present. And then the two timelines merge as they actually have things in common and are connected.

You’re going to love this one!

This is an author I love to read as her novels are wonderful and always historically accurate. This is a period of time in history that I love to read and study about, but this is not a subject that I’ve ever studied. The Jews in Greece are ones that I haven’t studied before or even really knew about.

I am now in total love with the subjects and really want a second novel about them. I’m invested and need to learn more about the characters. I feel that there is so much that they still have to do and I need to be there to learn what it is! You’re going to love this one!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

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What I Would Tell You by talented wordsmith Liz Tolsma is a Christian time split novel about World War II and the struggles of the Jewish people. It is a poignant tale. Your heart will be touched by this brilliant book. I love time split novels, but I am not much for novels about WWII. The horrific activities of that time break my heart. What I Would Tell You is a captivating tale.

Set in 1941 Salonika, Greece this tells the story of Greek Jews during the time of the Holocaust. In present day, Thessaloniki is the setting. The book opens with “This is the day I dreaded, the day I feared might come, the day I prayed never would. Greece will never be the same.” Immediately, I had goosebumps but kept reading. At time my breath caught and my heart raced, but I kept turning the pages. I wanted to see what would happen next to my new friends.

From page one I was invested in this award worthy novel. It was an emotional read for me. I needed a tissue as I turned pages. The historical part of this moving split timeline story focuses on Mathilda Nissim, a young Jewish woman and how her life changed when the German occupation began. In the contemporary part, we meet Tessa Riley. She visits the museum in Thessaloniki and discovers something life changing.

Author Tolsma has a beautiful style of writing, which I thoroughly enjoy. Her characters are vivid and realistic with multiple layers. The descriptive words she uses whisk me away to a time and place far from where I am. Her details and historical facts allow me to glean things that I never before knew. After reading this book I feel better acquainted with Greece and long to visit there.

I highly recommend this moving book. Some sections are hard to read, but realistic. It is hard to believe that people were treated in such a horrendous way. Lovers of WWII books will not want to miss this one. Everyone should read this. It has stuck with me and will for a long time. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by NetGalley, but these are my honest words.

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I was excited to delve into What I Would Tell You because: 1. it’s written by Liz Tolsma, 2. I love dual-timelines, 3. I’m drawn to WWII stories, and 4. I don’t remember reading a story with a Greek setting.

I’ve read several books by this author and have never been even slightly disappointed. It’s evident how much research goes into her stories, rich in history and intensity.

The dual-timeline aspect of this story gives it so much more depth than if only one view is provided. I loved both the contemporary and historical timelines, but Mathilda’s POV was most impactful, revealing a glimpse of of Jewish life during this dark period.

With strong elements of courage and sacrifice, what I loved most was how seamlessly the Gospel was shared. The threads of faith, family, and forgiveness make this such a moving and meaningful story.

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.

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I have read several of Liz’s books and enjoyed them so I was excited to read this one. My favorite part of the story was the historical part. I can’t even imagine living through what these people did. The ending of the historical part is heartbreaking but I am sure very true.

I struggled with the contemporary part and Riley’s mom’s reaction to being Jewish, it just didn’t seem believable. But I guess I don’t know what it’s like to be Jewish, do they really live in fear of people hurting them?

Overall, it was a very interesting story and a lot that will keep you guessing and reading.

A copy of this book was given to me through Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

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I am not a very enthusiastic reader of World War Two fiction. I think the genre is overdone and sometimes, I think we romanticize those who fought in the war forgetting the psychological effect war brings when it ends. War should never be romanticized, no matter how great the victory was. So, I approached What I Would Tell You with hesitancy. I thought it was unique that it was about Greece instead of France or England. It did not change my attitude about World War Two novels, but it was an interesting story. When Tessa Payton and her cousin conduct a DNA test, Tessa is shocked to receive the test results because it shows her that she is Jewish. In an impulsive move, she decides to travel to Greece and research her biological family. In Greece, she meets a young man named Giannis who works at the Jewish museum. They hit it off and he gives Tessa the diary of a young Jewish woman named Mathilda Nissim during World War Two.

Mathilda Nissim and her pharmacist husband, Asher, live in a small flat in Thessaloniki. Things are peaceful until the Germans invade and their freedoms slowly start to erode. Through all of this, Mathilda finds out she is pregnant. At first, she is determined to raise her child in the environment she is in. However, as things deteriorate, she questions this and begins to entertain a drastic plan.

I had mixed feelings of this novel. I do like dual timeline novels and it was nice to read a Word War Two novel that was not set in England or France. In Mathilda’s story, though, I was perplexed at her relationship with her Christian friend, Ioanna. From time to time, Ioanna would stress to Mathilda the importance of accepting Christ. But Mathilda is Jewish. One of the themes in this novel is to respect different religions. In my opinion, Ioanna should not do this since Jews do not believe Jesus is the Messiah; it is not her place to insistent on it. She should have respected Mathilda’s faith. They can both have a respectful friendship and believe in different theologies.

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Amazing! Heart wrenching! What I Would Tell You will be on my list of greatest books I have read! College student, Tessa, and her cousin have DNA testing done and learn that their ancestry does not match! Tessa's shows Greek Jewish ancestry when she isn't Jewish! I loved how Tessa went to Greece to see how this is possible! Tessa is loaned a journal by someone with her ancestral surname. The historical timeline is during World War II when Mathilde publishes a secret newspaper and tries to warn people what is coming. Mathilde learns that loving sometimes requires sacrifices. Author Liz Tolsma has written a mesmerizing story of the Thessalonica area during the late 1930s. What I Would Tell You should be required reading! I received an advance e-book through Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

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“You must be ready. The story of the Jews in Thessaloniki, or Salonika as they called it at the time, is not happy. It is sometimes hard to hear. Sometimes it rips your heart right from your chest. You saw the names on the wall. They each represent a person. They are not just letters written on a piece of stone.”
I must begin my review with this quote because it sets the tone of much of the book. Yes, there is hope infused by the faith that Liz Tolsma includes, but it must shine out of a very dark time.

“This is the day I dreaded, the day I feared might come, the day I prayed never would. Greece will never be the same.” So writes Mathilda Nissim in her diary in 1941 in Salonika, Greece, in Liz Tolsma’s What I Would Tell You. Wow!! My question would be, can I, or you, read this book, and be the same? I cried. I think I may cry some for days to come. The historical part of this powerful dual timeline focuses on a young Jewish woman and how her life changes as the German occupation begins and bears down on her people.

Mathilda and her friends are so real with their fears and their love for each other, the way they bolster each other up as needed. I can taste their fears and feel their hunger. My feet freeze and I worry how to keep a young child quiet. Who to trust? And the biggest question is, why is God turning His back on His people?
In the present-day timeline, I enjoyed the modern sites and tastes of Thessaloniki with Tessa. Tolsma has sold me on the idea of a trip to Greece. But what a discovery Tessa starts in motion when she visits the Jewish museum in Thessaloniki!! Will discovering the roots of her past lead her to a new and improved future?

A must-read from Barbour Books!
I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:
“I am more afraid of what will happen if we do nothing than of what will happen if we do something.”

“We can’t live in a land where we made different choices. That’s a place where only crazy people live. What we have to do now is face what is to come with our heads held high. We can’t allow them to rob us of our dignity.”

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A dual-timeline novel about two woman struggling to live their identity in their times. Mathilda Nissim is a Sephardic Jew living in Greece, she uses her pen to bring hope and encouragement to others as the Germans close in. In the present day, Riley goes on a quest to find out more about her ancestors after a DNA test renders unexpected results, finding herself on the adventure of a lifetime.

A well researched book that does an excellent job of bringing to life the terrors that the Jewish people faced in Greece during the war. This was an intriguing read, as I had not heard about the Sephardic Jews before reading this novel, nor is Greece often the setting for a WWII novel.

This was a well written book, I liked the friendship between Mathilda and Joanna as well as how Joanna selflessly takes risks and does everything that she can for Mathilda. I also appreciated how it also emphasized the gospel, and the hope we have in Christ.

Overall, this was a great unique angle on the war an things that many faced at the hands of the Nazis. Great for fans of historical fiction!

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

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Thank you Netgalley for letting me review this story. My opinions are entirely my own.

I loved loved loved this book until page 112 then our love affair started to end.

To start with the positives: I loved how the two eras in the book with easy to go between and not hard to keep track of our characters. The writing was just a delight to read and the author has a gift of drawing us in.

The negatives: the Tess' life seemed too unbelievable as did Ioanna being able to walk as freely in the ghetto as she did. The thing I disliked the most was the suggestion that Jesus was allowing this to happen to bring people closer to him. It reminded me too much of an old pastor that insinuated that Christian's who got Cancer weren't true believers. It hit a nerve of mine

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My emotions are a disaster right now after finishing this amazing book. I love that this is a dual timeline and how the author brings the past and present together in a brilliant way. It is evident that the author did extensive research about a war that had no mercy to those the Germans didn’t like. Their hatred for Jewish people was overwhelming to me. The scene where an innocent older man is beat to death then stomped on brought fresh tears to my eyes.

The author takes us to the present where we travel alongside Tessa as she discovers who her ancestors were. A simple DNA test that tells her about her heritage surprises her so much that she is determined to find answers. I found Tessa to be brave traveling by herself so far away without knowing anyone in Greece. I was just as intrigued as she was to discover who her relatives were and how they would tie into Mathilda’s life. Her journey will take her on a road to discover secrets that were meant to stay hidden. As she learns more about what people had to endure she understands that the memories are difficult to hear.

Mathilda is my favorite character from the story. The author seems to spend a bit more time on her character and she came to life for me. The times were getting very hard as she witnesses her husband being taken away by German soldiers. She doesn’t accept what has happened and hopes to get the other women to come together to find a way to get their men back home. I did fear for her safety as she is also caring a child. She wasn’t able to share the good news with her husband before he was forced to leave with the other men. Promises from the Germans that the men would return unharmed was hard to believe so Mathilda comes up with an idea to get them home.

There is so many details about the story that I want to share but I don’t want to ruin anything for readers. I was shocked at some of the outcome for people but I also witnessed faith, hope and trust for a better life. Sacrifices were made that were done with unconditional love just like God sacrificed His only son for our sins. I was thrilled to see how the author had faith elements in the story and how it helped to give strength to those facing difficult times. I cried at the end and didn’t want to leave Tess and Mathilda. They are an inspiration to me and their story is forever imprinted on my heart.

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

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Oh my what a compelling story! I really enjoyed both storylines in this dual timeline story, and could not put it down. Mathilda & Asher Nissim's story set during WWII in Thessaloniki Greece is heartbreaking and inspiring. And the "What I would tell you" letter had me crying. In the present day story, totally unexpected DNA test results has Tessa Payton leaving everything she knows and traveling to Greece to get answers and find her identity. She finds so much more. What an achingly beautiful journey of discovery, faith, and reconciliation.

I highly recommend it! Lovers of historical fiction with a modern day tie-in will thoroughly enjoy What I Would Tell You by Author Liz Tolsma.

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read a copy. All opinions are my own.

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What I Would Tell You is another fabulous read by the talented author, Liz Tolsma. I have loved every single book I have read by her and this one is now my new favorite. It was interesting how she was able to make the past and present collide. I could not put it down until I had the whole book read in one sitting. A wonderful way to spend on a cold day.

What I Would Tell You will be getting a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical fiction, particularly from the World War II era, as well as, split time novels. As always, I will be eagerly awaiting for more books to release from Liz Tolsma.

I received a paperback copy of What I Would Tell You from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

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