From the Valley We Rise
by Elizabeth Musser
Pub DateJun 03 2025
Bethany House |Bethany House Publishers
Christian| Historical Fiction| Romance


I am reviewing a copy of Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:


Isabelle Seauve's resolve is tested after her father sacrifices his life to protect her involvement in the French Resistance in the heat of war torn France.


A heartbroken Isabelle becomes more dedicated to hiding Jewish children in and near the village of Sisteron despite the growing danger when she discovers a traitor within the Resistance ranks.



Isabelle's world collides with that of US Army Chaplain Peter Christensen, who carries emotional scars from his first position in Kentucky and his service in North Africa, As the shadow of betrayal looms. They face the brutal reality of war as the second D-Day--the Allied invasion of Provence--unfolds.


I give From the Valley We Rise five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

My Thoughts
This was a great read that really drew me in. It gives you a glimpse into, not just the French Resistance, but how they worked with families to hide Jewish children. I loved the faith thread in a story that included so much wartime tragedy and loss. The spiritual questions that the characters asked were very realistic, human questions. So many characters were wonderful examples of faith or demonstrated growing in their faith through what they experienced. The story was told from multiple points of view, each giving a unique glimpse into that moment in history. I love stories about World War II and the French Resistance and this one was no exception. I definitely recommend reading this wonderful story! This was my first time reading one of Elizabeth Musser’s books and I’ll definitely be reading her others.

Read if you like:
🇫🇷WWII Historical Fiction
🇫🇷Stories about the French Resistance
🇫🇷Faith in the midst of suffering
🇫🇷Courage
🇫🇷Multi-POV

Content to Consider:
-Sexual abuse and murder of a child (not described)
-Wartime hatred/brutality, injuries and death
-Mentions of women sleeping with German officers

I thought Isabell's zeal and determination to save Jewish children, despite the danger to herself, was inspiring. I liked seeing Peter's friendship and caring attitude toward the soldiers. I enjoyed the ups and downs of the endearing romance between Isabell and Peter.

Hope and redemption are intertwined with serious topics throughout this book. This story exemplifies the author's fondness for France, where she currently lives. This would work well for your book club; there is so much to discuss.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

I really enjoyed this WWII multi perspective historical fiction novel. From the Valley We Rise takes three main characters during WWII and tells the story from these three different viewpoints. All these viewpoints are working towards the same goal, but experience different challenges, and the way Musser navigates and intertwines these viewpoints was well done! Add in some clean romance that was far from cringy, and this historical fiction takes a win for me! I'd recommend to all historical fiction lovers, and christian fiction readers. Well written! Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an e-copy in exchange for my honest review and opinions.

Elizabeth Musser is one of my favorite authors for historical fiction. She researches the time line fully. In this book she has written about a little know part of World War II, Operation Dragoon. Musser story follows the French resistance, the Maquis fighters, and an Army Chaplain. Throughout the book faith is shown.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

From the Valley we Rise by Elizabeth Musser

Rating ✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️

Thoughts:
This is an amazing book! It's heavy, dealing with death and the murder of people due to the Natzis and the battles in general. It's sobering, heartbreaking, and puts things into perspective, but still amazing.
I loved that Peter was a chaplain, as they interest me. Men who are willing to put their lives at risk to help in that way, not even carrying a weapon.
I don't fully like war stories because they are so sad, but the truth is if there is heartbreak and pain it is deeper sometimes.

Bible Verse
Genesis 1:3 KJV
[3] And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.


Content List

Language/Profanity:
Possible mention of someone cursing.
Danged

Faith:
Bible reading
Chaplains
Mention of scriptures
Memorizing of Bible Verses

Romance/Sex:
Falling in love
Flirting (fake)
A German who wants to go too far in a relationship
A side character is found out to be sleeping with Germans

Violence ect.:
Past memories (the character is remembering someone else) of a young child being abused
Battles
Blood/injuries not too described
Fear
Nearly dying
Death and bombing
Children traumatized

Other:
Anger at God and others

Part of a Series:
NA

There is always so much I learn from reading these historical novels about WWII! Three characters are all working to keep the children and their cities safe, but you don't know who you can trust during a time like this. Isabelle has picked up where her father left off and is doing all she can to help the orphaned children get to safety. René has just witnessed and survived a German attack on the farm and is bound to do all he can to bring justice for the deaths of his family members. Army Chaplain Peter is headed back to France where he is determined to serve the men, to keep their spirits up and guide those who may be taking a last breath. As friendly fire and bombs destroy cities due to difficult weather and targets, the three are all brought together once again to protect those who need protecting as well as rebuild what has been damaged. This closely resembles the work they did years ago at The Camp Between the Hills and this may just be the reminder they need to stay positive and know that they will survive this brutal war. This was such a good read! I loved the characters, their stories and how everything wound together. I also love learning new bits of history. Thank you to the author and Bethany House for the complementary novel. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

This is the first book I’ve ever read by Elizabeth Musser. A friend recommended her to me, and I figured if she loved her writing, I’d definitely give her a shot!
❤️Thank you so much to the author and publisher for sending me this book—of course, all opinions are my own.

It’s always hard to find a really good historical fiction book that’s rich with Christian themes, but I feel like this book absolutely hit the mark. You really come to love every character, and you can see where each one is coming from. Even towards the end, when there’s a small surprise involving one of the characters, you still feel grace and hope for them.

World War II fiction is one of my favorite genres, and I think Elizabeth did such a beautiful job focusing in on the resistance—especially those who were hiding children and risking everything to do what was right. I also really loved the few love stories that were woven throughout the book. It’s hard to find wartime love stories that don’t feel overly dramatic or forced, but these felt real and meaningful. They added to the story in a way that made you root for the characters and their survival even more.

There’s no cursing or sexual content—there is a vague reference to someone sleeping together, but it’s not detailed at all. I’d say this book is great for readers 17 and up, especially if they’ve read other war-related books.

This is definitely an author I’ll read again. And if you do pick up this book, make sure to stick around for the epilogue—it’s worth it!

I will start by saying how excited I was to read this book. I love World War 2 fiction and was immediately drawn in.

Having said that, I got a little over 100 pages in and just couldn't do any more. While I was drawn in very quickly, I was just as quickly disenchanted. I found it too difficult to keep up with all the different points of view, which also included flashbacks. I was pretty thoroughly lost.

While the writing is beautiful and I wanted to love it, I'm just not the reader for this book.

Wow!!! If you have an interest in World War II history, this is the book for you. I’m not sure if my review will do this book justice since it is such a richly beautiful story.

Musser wrote an intricate novel with in-depth detail and heart. I loved how the Jewish Resistance movement was shown so thoroughly. It created many heart-pounding moments. From how she described the setting to how the characters’ lives intertwine, I was gripped. Throughout the story, several moments brought me to tears.

Also, the faith content was EXCEPTIONAL!!! Musser addressed many theological questions that trouble humans today. She handled this with grace and logic. From the Valley We Rise helped me in my own personal faith journey and warmed my heart.

Books like this novel show why history MUST BE told. We must hear the stories of our past heroes and honor them.

Happy reading,
Bethany the Bookworm Girl

Wow! From the Valley We Rise is a fictional story inspired by the resistance workers in Southern France and Operation Dragoon. This was my first read by this author. I learned a good bit of history in this novel; one thing I learned is that Operation Dragoon was the Allied invasion of southern France, which occurred about 2 months after D-Day. The resistance workers did many things to help, from hiding Jewish children to blowing up bridges. The characters in this story were inspired by real people, and I connected with them easily (though I have little in common with their experiences). I was drawn in to their experiences, and I couldn’t wait to see how they would all fare in the end. Their struggles, both physical and emotional, seemed realistic- including each character’s relationship with God. I was on the edge of my seat for the majority of the book; many times it was difficult to put the book down and move on with real life! The premise of missionaries serving in this area of the world and then helping the Allies was super interesting to me. The romance was light, but I highly enjoyed it. I appreciated the author’s notes at the end. Though this book is about a kind of heavy topic, the descriptions weren’t gruesome, which I also appreciated. If you enjoy gripping historical stories based on true events, this is the book for you! Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for my review copy; I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts above are my own.

This was such a heart-tugging and inspirational story that I’m still thinking about after finishing it!
What a beautiful, touching and thought provoking story! I’m not sure if I have the words to express my admiration for Ms. Musser and her new WII novel. I think this is her best story yet!
Set in South France, the narration is told by three different point of views: Isabelle, who is working with the Martin Network for the French Resistance, hiding Jewish children… Then Reneé, a courageous teenager who has just seen her mother and friends being shot, and is on a perilous journey -badly injured- with Delphine, the Jewish orphan girl they were protecting, to get to safety. And finally, Peter, a Chaplain for the US Army, who ministers his fellow soldiers, while searching healing and redemption for burdens he carries from his past.
These three stories intertwine in a wonderful way, and the way she goes back and forth from one character to the other was done masterfully in a way that flowed and wasn’t hard to follow.
The characters are so realistically depicted, each with their own very different personality and baggage, that I felt their struggles as mine, and I rooted for their happiness and safety. There’s a lot of character growth throughout the story. It is hard to say which character I rooted the most for, they were all so vivid and relatable. But maybe Reneé… I completely fell for the brave and loyal teenager.I loved their courage and selflessness, mixed with their own flaws and burdens, and the resiliency with which they affronted complicated life and death decisions. Their willingness to help others above their wellbeing was so inspiring! And the faith inspired message of trusting God’s will and times, and especially trusting his unconditional forgiveness and endless love in the midst of tragedy, touched my heart deeply.
The story is not predictable and the plot and variety of characters had me engaged from page one. It was really hard to put it down, being as invested as I was with the characters own journey. The ending felt realistic and hopeful!
I can’t recommend it highly enough! If you like historical fiction with a light touch of romance, this book is for you. A must read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

“Remember that courage is not a lack of fear, my darling child. Courage is fear that has entrusted the outcome to God.”

In From the Valley We Rise, author Elizabeth Musser draws readers into the overlooked story of Operation Dragoon and the tragic destruction of Sisteron during WWII. Set in 1944 France, the novel follows three intersecting lives: Isabelle, a young woman risking everything to hide Jewish children; René, her teenage cousin fueled by grief and a desire for justice; and Peter, an American chaplain burdened by past regrets.

Musser’s historical research is meticulous, and her depiction of war-torn France is vivid. The characters grapple with loss, faith, and the moral weight of resistance. Delphine, a Jewish girl sheltered by the French Resistance, stands out for her quiet strength and steadfast trust in God.

Yet the novel’s pace felt slow. The romance between Isabelle and Peter, while tender, leans more on shared memories than present connection. The reflective tone, while meaningful, at times dampens the story’s emotional impact.

I may have enjoyed this story more as an audiobook.

Why is this only the second book I have read by Elizabeth Musser?! I need to fix that ASAP.

This story has everything I love about Christian historical fiction. Loyalty, honesty, bravery, courage. Flawed people making impossible decisions in circumstances few of us will ever understand.

Isabelle, Peter, Rene. These three characters are still with me, along with so many others in this story. I have had trouble writing this review because of how much I loved this book.

The secrets and deception, all to try to save even one life. Allowing truths to be told when the time is right or when there is no other choice but to tell it right then.

My heart hurt and it rejoiced so much throughout this novel. And the ways in which the Lord shows up again and again was not only beautifully done but a reminder to me that He is never far from us.

I can only encourage you to read it if you like this genre, and get swept up in the incredible story.

Thank you to Bethany House for the copy of this book. All views are my own.

“Remember that courage is not a lack of fear, my darling child. Courage is fear that has entrusted the outcome to God.”

This story focused on Operation Dragoon, the Allied invasion of Provence, and the important role the French Resistance and Maquis played in World War II.

I was thankful to have the opportunity to learn so many new things about this time in history. I’m always amazed at ordinary people who show courage in the face of danger. I’d never considered the effect of not having the chance to grieve properly during wartime. Circumstances didn’t allow it because survival was paramount. I loved how the author reminded us that when we feel like blaming God for our situation, we need to grab back onto Him for rebuilding and for redemption. In His hands, we can see the beauty and the healing in restoration. I appreciated and highlighted quotes on courage and hope that I know will realign my focus when I feel vengeful. I liked the inclusion of a teenage boy’s perspective, so often missing from historical accounts and the common theme of self-forgiveness.

“Courage is fear that has said its prayers.”

I was gifted this fantastic historical fiction book and was under no obligation to provide a review.

With rich historical descriptions, an achingly lovely 2nd chance romance, & determined courage, From The Valley We Rise tells the inspiring story of WWII French resistors who braved everything to rescue Jewish children. In war-torn France, Isabelle, her cousin, & colleagues risk everything to save children from the Germans, while pastor Peter Christensen & fellow American troops prepare to go into battle. With beautiful prose & vivid descriptions, Elizabeth Musser brings history to life in this unforgettable story.

After her father’s death, Isabelle Seauve determines to carry on his legacy of working for the French Resistance. As she risks her life to save Jewish children, she discovers there might be a traitor in their midst. Isabelle’s fifteen-year-old cousin Rene, who works for the Maquis, is looking for revenge after his family is killed & he & his beautiful Jewish friend Delphine barely escape death.

After years away, Peter Christensen returns to France as a chaplain in the U.S. Army. Preparing for the second D-Day, the Allied Invasion of Provence, he faces danger at every turn & through a fateful meeting, reconnects with the woman he never forgot.

I absolutely loved this story! Isabelle’s & Peter’s story is so achingly lovely. There’re a few misunderstandings between them & I loved how they were able to find reconciliation. Isabelle struggles with faith especially after losing so many family members & experiencing humanity’s worst. Her sympathetic POV was both poignant & inspiring. Peter’s humor & charm is contagious. He faced the unimaginable & I loved how with Isabelle he could finally share his past tragedies.

One of the characters I enjoyed most was Delphine. Her faith & optimism was so admirable despite her circumstances. The ending had me reeling especially when the traitor is revealed. It’s a riveting story I won’t soon forget. I received an advanced copy from the publisher with no expectation of a review. My opinions are completely my own & provided voluntarily.

I have been impressed by each of Elizabeth Musser's books! From the Valley We Rise gave me a new appreciation of the privileged lives we live in the United States. Set in France during World War II, you will admire how Isabelle works to hide Jewish children from the Germans. You will also admire Peter, an American military chaplain, who knew Isabelle when they were at camp together as young teenagers. Amazingly, their paths cross again when Peter saves Isabelle's life! You will not want to miss this latest book by Elizabeth Musser. It is a story you will keep thinking about long after you finish. I received a complimentary copy of From the Valley We Rise through Bethany House, Net Galley and Elizabeth Musser. This is my honest opinion.

This is historical fiction at its best! I love learning about things in history that I didn't previously know, and learning more about what I did already know! It's nice, too, that the author actually knows French, and is not just guessing or making things up... I really enjoyed this story.
Thank you to the publisher, and NetGalley for the advance e-copy of this book! The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

This novel is stuffed full of incredibly detailed history, heart-tugging emotions, and threads of hope and bravery amongst a dark time of war in human history. I was immediately swept into the story when I met Isabelle, whose compassionate and brave soul was truly admirable; she may be a fictional character, but I have no doubt that real people like her truly made their marks on history with their bravery. I was blown away by the amazing history and the well written way it was integrated into the story. I found myself looking up several landmarks mentioned in the story and was excited to read about a few cities I have visited myself! I loved the few French phrases in the story as well. World War II had many tragedies, which were accurately portrayed, but I loved the themes of faith and hope that shone in the novel. I cried several times and felt so connected to the trials of the characters. Elizabeth Musser is one of my favorite authors because she writes stories that leap off the pages and stay with me for a long time. This novel is everything wonderful and amazing and I highly, highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Readers who like historical fiction will love this WWII story based in France. Very realistic and emotionally charged. Based on true events, this novel will keep readers engaged to the end. The resistance groups against the Germans and hiding Jewish children drove the story. Realistic and interesting characters. Loved Peter. Highly recommended.