When the Heart Sings

Liz Tolsma powerfully conveys the emotions of a turbulent time as she tells the story of a young Polish Christian couple that had been sent to the labor camps in occupied Poland. This poignant story is mostly told from the different viewpoints of Natia and Teodor. Teodor is forced to work in the labor camp while Natia has been assigned the task of serving on the home of the camp overseer. An unlikely friendship develops between Natia and the overseer's wife. They find they share a common sorrow that unites them as they work together to save a young child. This is the kind of story that will speak to your heart. It is a story of survival during a bleak time that is filled with extreme hardship and despair. Tolsma conveys a powerful message that joy can be found in the midst of darkness. As I read this story, it made me wonder if my faith would be strong enough to find the joy amidst such tragedy.

One of my favorite quotes:
"Joy only came through dependence on the Lord and Him alone. Joy was forward looking, toward heaven."

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I love reading books set in the WW II era. This story brings in a different perspective, that of the Polish people suffering under German occupation. While I found the story melancholy in many ways, the author did a wonderful job portraying each character. A worthwhile read.

WHEN THE HEART SINGS by LIZ TOLSMA takes place in Poland during the Second World War. It is a heart rending story of man's inhumanity towards his fellow man, contrasted beautifully with the love and mercy shown by Natia and Dr Bosco, the love between Natia and Theodor and the unlikely and sacrificial friendship between Natia and Elfrieda Fromm. Put a Jewish baby into the mix and the danger mounts!
We see how God protects His children in the most horrendous circumstances, even when they wonder if He sees what they are going through!
While Theodor is in the camp, being hammered by the German, Fromm, Natia is taken by Fromm's wife to help her in the house so that she can relax and fall pregnant. Both Natia and Elfrieda have lost babies.
As Natia goes into town to do the food shopping, she comes up with the idea of singing for Theodor outside the shed where he is working. Their life has always been full of singing and music, and singing to each other helps them to connect in a small way.
It is a really good read, with a challenging story and a strong Christian message.
I was given a free copy of the book by Gilead Publishing from NetGalley. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

This was a hard book for me to read, but it was worth it. It deals with how the non-jews was treated by the Nazi's and it was heartbreaking. There is so much emotion in the book it was hard to put down. This book is a "must read". I can't wait to read more by Liz Tolsma. Thank you Gilead Publishing via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. This is my honest opinion of this book.

Natia and Teodor have lost three children in three years of marriage, with none going to term. But the desire for children cannot be quenched, even when, as Poles, they are forced from their homes by the Germans and taken far away, he into a labour camp and she becoming private servant to the camp commander. Both endure hardship and danger, but Natia's mother-heart is touched by a child who appears on the doorstep with his mother, who has barely time to do more than beg Natia to look after him before dying. The problem? He is a Jew, and circumcised, and the household is German, with the master being a cruel, harsh man who considers Jews hardly human and Poles little better. Can she keep her promise to keep the child safe? And will she and Teodor manage to survive the hardships and become a proper family again?

Set in the Holocaust period and based partly in a German labour camp, this is obviously not a light or humorous story - but it is a good one. Showing clearly the love, courage and endurance of Natia and Teodor, the book delves into the lives of Poles in the second world war, as their land was occupied and their lives turned upside down, purely because of their supposedly inferior race. The evil and inhumanity of some men and the compassion and courage of others demonstrates the ways that people will react to extreme circumstances, and seeing good ultimately triumphing (though things can never be quite the same again) is heartening. Highly recommended.

Characters: A realistic-feeling and varied, but not too large, cast.
Storyline: Several points of view were used, which I found a little confusing to start off with because they didn't seem very connected, but it all came together well before long and was done well.
Content and language: Clean, some limited violence but nothing particularly graphic.
Message: The theme of relying on God through hard times comes through strongly but was not overdone in any way.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

A book that made me feel like I was there in real life, or watching a movie, and knowing all the way that it is based on actual history, yes, it really happened.
What a wonderful job the author did telling this story, that should never be forgotten, and as she said at the end of the book Poland is not telling students of the history of what happened to them.
With all the atrocities that happen the characters have a great faith in God and country, and a lot is displayed through song.
This is a riveting page-turner, and right from the beginning you won’t know whom will survive to the end.

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

When the Heart Sings is an emotional, heart lifting historical story. This story is based during World War II in Poland. This period of time and the horrors that occurred to the Jews and Polish people are easy to forget as time moves farther away from this period. However, Ms. Tolsma tells a story that honestly is hard to read, but you know is an accurate portrayal of what occurred during this time (and probably worse). The message throughout this book is one of hope and love even in the direst circumstances and how God is our ultimate source of strength. The story is based on Teodor and Natia, a married couple and how they were separated at a labor camp. They had struggled with infertility and miscarriages and did not have any children. This story begins in 1943 and continues until the end of WWII. I highly recommend this book! You will not be disappointed. This love story examines how faith in God can help you persevere in difficult circumstances and how to find hope during these times.
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, this is my own opinion.

This is another beautifully written story by Liz Tolsma. The storyline is both compelling and heartbreaking. It was hard for me to put the book down. I kept thinking “I’ll just finish this chapter”, then continued to read. Knowing that these characters represent the true struggles that the Polish people went through during the time of war adds depth to the book. The characters are men and women of courage who cling to their faith in the most desperate of times. Natia’s songs add a poignant aspect to the story. She sings of God and His love in a place that is full of unreasonable hatred and evil. Her faith is the thread of hope that runs all the way through this book. There are terrible situations represented in this story, but the author handles these in an appropriate way. Even after I finished the book, I was still thinking about these characters and the faith and courage they represent.

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

This is one of the darkest books I've read--in tone, and in subject matter. It was tough to read of some of the unspoken atrocities of World War II. The Germans invaded Poland and took the country's men to work in the factories making weapons for the German War Machine. This is where we meet Natia and Teodor as they have received their letters telling them where to report. The men in the factory are not allowed to know what they are making. The men are treated as slaves and "less thans." Natia's father, brother, and sister are also in the factory prison. Natia was noticed by the wife of the officer in charge of the factory and brought to his home to act as a maid and cook. As she ran errands, she'd walk by the factory and sing, hoping her Teodor would hear her.

Liz Tolsma has had to spend hours and hours of research in order to make this plot follow a plot line that makes sense. Natia went from singing her love to not being able to sing at all. With the help of her employer, Natia finds her song again.

This is a five star book, two thumbs up, and a song for your heart

Thanks to Gilead Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book.

The first page drew me in to the story. The sights, sounds and smells were described so well that I actually felt I was experiencing everything myself. A heart wrenching and heart warming story of war, loss, despair, secrets and hope and faith. Great read. I received a copy of this book from the author. This is my personal honest opinion. No review was required.

So much emotion! And being of polish descent this book really hit close to home. Highly recommended even if a little difficult read. Wonderful!
Thank you NetGalley for the free advance copy!

When the Heart Sings is an emotionally charged story that takes place during one of the darkest times in history. The world knows how terribly the Jews suffered, but what is less known is how there were other peoples targeted as well. Although it was different, the Polish people were hated and mistreated by the Nazi's as well. This is a story to shed light on their plight.

What made the story even more captivating was that it was told by the perspective of both husband and wife as they are separated from each other. Their desperation to know that the other was still alive and their hope for a reunion was their driving force to persevere through their agony. Their love for each other was unquestionable. It affected how they responded to their circumstances, afraid of causing harm to the other. Natia was in Pan Fromm's home as a maid while Teodor worked under him in the factory. Knowing the connection, Fromm often used it to his advantage to make matters worse for the couple.

Without giving away any details of the story, I really liked the progression of the relationship between Natia and Elfriede, who was Pan Fromm's wife. Elfriede risked her own life by demanding her husband save Natia (a stranger at the time) from going to the camp by instead coming to stay in their home. Both women had suffered through fertility complications and miscarriages, and it formed a unique bond between them. Despite the language barriers, overtime they developed a real friendship. When the Jewish baby arrived, they both fell in love with him-- although knowing he was Jewish Natia made sure she was the only one to change his diaper hoping for his best protection. Although under different circumstances, both women were trapped in their situations and hoped for a way out.

There was so much contained in this story but I don't want to give too much away. I don't want to hinder the emotional journey for you in any way, so I will simply say that I highly recommend it and hope you take the time to check it out. Although the lives of these characters are fictional, what they suffered was true of many Polish families during the war. This was an emotional journey, but well worth the read.

*I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.

A touching and tender story

Through most of this book, I had tears threatening. The author did such a great job communicating their fears, their pains, and their hopes. Teodor and Natia are a young Polish couple who have only been married for a few years and yet in that time have experienced tremendous grief at the loss of three babies who never had a chance to breathe. When notice is given to them that they have to cede their farm to a German family and report to a labor camp, Natia has not yet even healed from her most recent miscarriage.

The love these two have for one another is so tender and sweet. It is the kind of love that every girl dreams of. The kind of love that we are told to show as husbands and wives. Their separation broke my heart.

Teodor was such an amazing, valiant hero. Before they left for the labor camp, he went to the grocer to settle his bill there. Amazing! And he ended up being a leader in the labor camp, an inspiration to the others when the Nazis attempted to divide them. Even in his weakness, he found his strength in God.

I loved the way that Natia was able to reach Teodor by singing as she walked past the factory, and how despite his lack of musical ability, he would reply. The way they knew so many songs and could communicate things through the lyrics because of that bond was touching.

Despite the fear and the uncertainty for the Polish people at the time, and despite the violence and cruelty of the Nazi officers, Natia and Teodor were able to show kindness to those around them and to spread hope. None of the events seemed unrealistic or contrived and the violence that was conveyed was done so in a manner that was not overdone or gratuitous.

Fans of Christian and historical fiction are sure to enjoy this touching and tender story.


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I was given a free copy of this item. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.

In this second book of the Music of Hope series, Tolsma takes us to Poland during World War II German occupation. Teodor and Natia's small village has just about been depleted of Poles as one by one they have been deported to be German factory workers to assist the war effort. Now Teodor and Natia have received their deportation notice. Natia is just recovering from her third miscarriage.

Tolsma's detailed and vivid descriptions of the Polish situation as Germany took over their country and either eliminated the population or deported them brought me right into World War II with its sights, smells, sounds etc. Natia was such a strong woman for the position she was placed in as servant to a German officer and his wife and separated from Teodor as he worked in the factory. Her ingenuity in both keeping in touch with Teodor through her songs even to the point of choosing songs that would let him know exactly how she was feeling and shielding Dominick's true identify from the German officer and his wife was incredible. Elfriede, the German officer's wife, grew and changed so much as she realized that Erich truly was a bad man (his atrocities and incivilities to the Poles was unimaginable) and as she watched the love and strength between Teodor and Natia.

I loved the way Tolsma used music in both of the books in this series to drive the storyline and show how it can offer hope when things feel hopeless. Her spiritual content was excellent as well.

Highly recommend this series.

** I received a complimentary copy of this book from Gilead Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

When the Heart Sings is book two from Liz Tolsma’s Music of Hope series. I enjoyed this book the first book, The Melody of the Soul, but I think I enjoyed this one so much more. If that could be possible.
I give When the Heart Sings a well deserved five plus stars. I can not wait to find out what happens in the third installment of the Music of Hope series. This is a great read!
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

Wow, I've never read this author before and this is such a powerful book. While I didn't read the first one this did read as a complete story on it's own. I've read a lot of WWII books and this one really stands out from the others. Liz has written with such heart and soul. Achingly historically accurate I felt as though I was transported in a time machine back in time and experienced these things myself. The singing is such an important part of the book. It is what keeps the couple connected and knowing the other one is safe. From the fear of the people, to hearing the slaps received and feeling the devastation of the mother's experiencing infertility the author accurately portrays it. This is so good it should be made into a movie. I absolutely need to read the first book in this series because this is as real as it gets!
Pub Date 09 Oct 2018
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Gilead Publishing through NetGalley. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is an excellent story that brings to life music during the WWII era. The first book in the series was lovely, and I enjoyed this one as well!

Another divine appointment with a book. This book is filled with excellent storytelling and takes place during WW2 in war torn Poland.

I truly cared about the characters and I related closely to parts of the storyline. The pregnancy losses and yearning for a baby were realistic and written with compassion. Because of my German and Polish heritage, I enjoyed being immersed into each of the cultures as I read this well written book.

This was such a difficult and turbulent time for Poland and it's people. Tremendous amounts of suffering and loss became routine and even expected. But somehow, those who had faith, had hope. Their persevering hope led to joy.

I was so thrilled to find that my favorite Bible verse was used to comfort the characters who were suffering greatly. Psalm 30:5 Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.

The word joy was used throughout the book and it just so happens to be my favorite word. Through many difficult experiences and tough lessons, the main characters learned that momentary happiness can in no way compete with or take the place of everlasting joy.

I loved how a needy, little orphan provided hope, joy and a reason to keep on living to two, sad, childless women. The horrible war set them up to be enemies, but God had other, much better plans for Natia and Elfriede.

Following the example and prodding of God to forgive the seemingly unforgivable, was a powerful and life changing experience for Teodore.

I loved how music sung from the heart was used to worship God, to encourage and communicate with others, to calm children, and to defuse ugly and volatile situations. Songs from the heart pointed those who needed it most to God. Both singers and listeners were blessed and encouraged.

Thank-you to NetGalley and Gilead Publishing for a copy of this book that touched my heart.

Hope in the midst of despair; friendship and love in the midst of hatred and evil.

World War II can be a difficult time period to visit in novels. Granted, there are some amazing stories that have been told. But often they are challenging to read because we’d almost rather not know what happened during the war. And yet we must.

When the Heart Sings not only deals with the realities of life in Poland during the war, but it also delves into the emotional heartbreak of infertility and stillbirth — a struggle that bonds two unlikely women, yet might be hard for some to read. However, the understanding and hope within the story might also prove to be a healing balm.

With descriptions and pacing that will draw you right into the midst of the conflict, When the Heart Sings is an amazing story of perseverance, sacrifice, love, and hope. Prepare to have your heart seriously tugged, but don’t miss this one!

This is a long book that is hard to put down. Such a hard subject to read about and I cannot imagine how hard to would be to write about. Besides the torture from the Germans there was personal issues for Natia and Teodor to overcome.

Natia and Teodor plus their family is taken from their home in Poland and brought to Germany to work for the Germans and or be prisoners of them. The time period is set during the war during the 1940’s. Natia and Teodor is separated but find a way to connect through song.

This is a very inspiring book, if you want a book that is hard to put down this is the book for you. Even though this is fiction we know that how bad people were treated at that time. The war is unfortunately a part of history.

I received an advanced copy of the book from NetGalley through the publisher. I was not required to write an review review. This is my own opinion.

Stunningly poignant detail.
When Germany annexed Poland they placed little value in the Polish people. They forced them to be slaves working in their war factories and lived in their homes. But God wove threads through the painful circumstances, bringing small miracles to his faithful. They also find out that in their differences they are yet the same in many ways. Nadia is made to work as a servant to a German couple. As bad as that is, in some ways it's a blessing. She learns that, like her, the wife previously lost her baby.
Nadia has a beautiful voice that brings comfort and helps her to communicate with her husband who is imprisoned in a labor camp along the route she walks. The story is told with incredible detail. It will have you holding your breath and pull your heart strings. Three million Polish Jews perished. Three million Polish Christians did also. Pray that it's never forgotten!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and Netgalley book review bloggers program. 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.”

This was a fantastic WWll novel that takes place in Poland. I think this is the first book that I read about what happened in Poland during the war. I loved Natia and how she sang to let her husband know she was still alive. This is a beautiful story. I laughed and cried and had a hard time putting this book down. It is amazing that anyone ever survived the camps. I received a copy of this book from the Pencildancers reviewers for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

When the Heart Sings takes place in Nazi Germany controlled Poland during World War II. Teodor and Natia are a Polish couple who have been evacuated from their home and sent to a labor camp. Natia has just given birth to their stillborn child and hasn't fully recovered when they must leave. Upon their arrival, Natia collapses and a German woman (Elfriede), wife of a Nazi officer sees her, takes pity on her, and insists that she come work in their home. The two form an unlikely, but beautiful friendship that shows that even in the most difficult of circumstances and despite their language and cultural divide, two people can look past those things and help each other...and others.

Every page of this story is heart wrenching and completely captivating! Set in a period of our history that brought about so much heartache, this story shows how God is always present and brings goodness to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. His joy can be found in us when we put our trust in Him!

Thank you, Ms. Tolsma for such a touching, beautiful story!

I received a complementary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

I can tell you that this is a book unlike any other that you will read in 2018. It is one that moves your heart to a new level of awe, it amazes your mind with the visions and descriptions. It is a book that will sit on your lap and beg you to turn the pages as fast as you can read, then beg you to start again. I really loved this book and pray that you will too.

When the Heart Sings is full of universal lessons for all of us: forgiveness, patience, and finding friendship in the unlikeliest of places. When Polish Christians Natia and Teodor are forced from their home and deported to a German labor camp, they endure very different but equally heartwrenching circumstances. Teodor, always under scrutiny by Erich, the camp overseer, faces extra cruelty and work demands. Natia, living as the housekeeper in the overseer's home, faces a very different set of challenges. Home alone all day with Elfriede, Erich's wife, she is forced to take over all housework. As they slowly learn to communicate, Elfriede and Natia discover that they have more in common than they realize. When Natia brings a Jewish baby into the home, she and Elfriede are determined to love the baby and to keep it safe from Erich at all costs. The way that this plays out and the sacrifices that are made are truly inspiring.

The supporting characters in this story also portray so well those who worked secretly in the background to aid the helpless victims of the war. One of those characters in the story said my favorite line in the whole book:

"We look at our circumstances and see things as not good. But we don't see the picture clearly, as the Lord does. He knows what's going on. Things happen just the way he has planned they will. We aren't to find our joy and contentment in people or in our circumstances, but in him."

When I read that, I had to put down the book and think for a minute about how truly blessed I am. It's so easy to get caught up in my everyday problems, and some of them are genuinely stressful, but truly, there is nothing that I can't get through with the Lord's help. I've never been good at praising the Lord in times of trial, but if victims of the Holocaust can do it then so should I. I'm so grateful to Liz Tolsma for this touching reminder!

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

Granted, I was not a huge fan of my history classes in school, but it sometimes amazes me how there are still aspects of World War II I am unfamiliar with. I mean, I may not have paid a lot of attention in said history classes, but I’ve read a lot of World War II fiction and some non-fiction about this era.

Yet Liz Tolsma takes a piece of our past—the persecution and imprisonment of the Polish citizens (including the Christians) by Germany—and immerses her readers in that world to the point you feel like you are living in the house with Natia or in the work camp with Teodore.

In When the Heart Sings, Tolsma shines a spotlight on the evil hearts of man—seriously, the Nazi Erich Fromme is a villain to the core of his being, one that I won’t soon forget—while also exemplifying the strength, bravery, and even kindness of the human spirit. It can be beaten down, bent, buried, but there is a piece of men (and women) that fights, refuses to be broken.

This book is filled with the atrocities of the Nazi regime so it’s not a light read, but every painful minute in the story is well worth it.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

When The Heart Stops is a beautiful, emotional story of WWII Poland. The story is powerful and I had to force myself to put it down to commence with my real life. I love the way the author tells her story and will be reading more books by Ms Tolsma. I am grateful to netgalley for gifting me with an arc of this story, the opinions are my own.

This is the first book by Liz Tolsma that I have read and I’m incredibly glad that I did. I love historical fiction/historical romance and I have found another favorite author in Liz Tolsma. Her writing style is lyrical and musical, so befitting the title of the book and the series. There is so much pain, aching sorrow, and nostalgic sadness as Teodor and Natia navigate their lives away from their hometown in Poland during WWII at/near a work camp. The heartbreak of miscarriage and infertility is gently addressed in the plot. Even in the midst of evil and atrocities against fellow man, Teodor and Natia cling to their sweet and tender love, their unbreakable bond through music, and hope that God holds out for everyone who believes. Secondary characters of Elfriede and Pawel are unforgettable.

Though it is not an easy read due to the nature of what Teodor and Natia have to live through, the book is a worthy read. I was given a copy of the book by Gilead Publishing via NetGalley and was not required to post a review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.