What I Promise You by Liz Tolma

 

About the Book

 

Book: What I Promise You

Author: Liz Tolsma

Genre: Christian Fiction / Romance / Historical Fiction

Release Date: February 1, 2024

A Family’s History Is Lost to the Ravages of WWII in Southwest France

1942
Noémie Treves, a young, pregnant Jewish woman, had her entire world shattered when she is arrested and taken to the Camp de Rivesaltes transit camp in Southwest France. No sooner does she arrive, though, than she assists in helping two young girls scheduled for transport escape to a nearby maternity hospital. The matron there befriends her and changes her name to help hide her. But nothing goes according to plan, and Hannah finds herself doing the unimaginable to save one precious life.

2022
Caitlyn Laurant is haunted by recent events in her life and hopes becoming a nurse on the mission field will help her forget. While in training, she and her friends travel to France where her grandfather was born. What should have been an easy search for his birthplace turns into anything but and reveals secrets that no one alive has ever heard.

 

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

What I Promise You is written in three different timelines from the past to the present time. Surprisingly, the author made it easy to switch back and forth seamlessly. They were all exciting, steeped in mystery and intrigue.

The characters in each timeline are exciting and have lots of layers. The descriptions of the countryside and the camps made me feel as though I was there. I had tears in my eyes while reading the heartbreaking events that took place but was inspired by the character's courage.

There was a twist at the end when everything was finally revealed. I enjoyed reading this novel and highly recommend it to those who like inspiring and uplifting WW2 stories. A great read overall.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

 

About the Author

 

Liz Tolsma is the author of several WWII novels, romantic suspense novels, prairie romance novellas, and an Amish romance. She is a popular speaker and an editor and resides next to a Wisconsin farm field with her husband and their youngest daughter. Her son is a US Marine, and her oldest daughter is a college student. Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping.

 

 

 

 

More from Liz

The Story behind the Cover of What I Promise You

In the late summer, I got the preliminary cover for What I Promise You. While Barbour Publishing always does a great job with their covers, and the one they sent was very nice, I wasn’t crazy about it because it didn’t tell the story at all. The mansion that plays such a big part in the novel was nowhere to be seen. Barbour is fantastic when it comes to working with me to get great covers, so I asked if we could include the real mansion that the story is based on. Turns out that they were having trouble getting copyright permission to use any image they could find of the maternity home.

That was disappointing. But I got brave and let them know that I took a picture of it when I was in France last year, and they could use it, but I’m not a very good photographer and I only used my iPhone. I attached the photo to the email and didn’t hear anything for a while.

Then in October, I wanted to include a preorder link to the book on social media or something and went to Amazon to grab it. And there was the cover. I went back and forth between the cover and my picture, and sure enough, it was the picture of the maternity home I had sent them! So I not only wrote What I Promise You, but some of my photography is on the front. I never thought that would happen. Am I in the wrong profession?? Just kidding!

               Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 27

Life on Chickadee Lane, February 27

Lots of Helpers, February 28

Lighthouse Academy Blog, February 28 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 29

For Him and My Family, February 29

Betti Mace, March 1

Devoted To Hope, March 1

She Lives To Read, March 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 2

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 3

Texas Book-aholic, March 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 4

Blogging With Carol, March 4

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 5

Lily’s Corner, March 5

Bizwings Book Blog, March 5

lakesidelivingsite, March 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 6

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 7 (Author Interview)

Southern Gal Loves to Read, March 7

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 8

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, March 8

Cover Lover Book Review, March 8

Connie’s History Classroom, March 9

Holly’s Book Corner, March 9

Pause for Tales, March 10

Labor Not in Vain, March 10

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, March 11

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, March 11

Lights in a Dark World, March 11

                 Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Liz is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-Gift card and print copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2a3ce/what-i-promise-you-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review of New Release by Carol J Post- "A New Beginning"

 

Sometimes tragedies are blessings in disguise…
Golden girl Holly Gunderson has always lived a charmed life. She has just finished college, has landed her dream job, and is looking forward to a bright future with her doctor fiancé. When a rape results in pregnancy, her dreams come crashing down around her. She returns home to Murphy, North Carolina, where her parents surprise her with an ultimatum she can’t live with.

Since his beloved boss committed suicide, construction worker Alex Shepherd has spent the past eight months living on his savings while finishing projects for his boss’s financially-strapped widow. He leaves Florida and arrives in Murphy almost broke, ready to move in with his aunt to remodel the fixer-upper she just bought. He’s hoping his stay in Murphy will bring him some peace after a harrowing few months and also help to replenish his bank account. What he doesn’t count on is his aunt’s involvement with the local crisis pregnancy center or her beautiful houseguest’s struggles. Both hit too close to home.

Though Alex and Holly are from opposite ends of the social spectrum, a friendship develops between them, and they find they have more in common than they realize, until deep-seated insecurities drive them apart. But maybe this unplanned stay in the mountains holds healing for both of them, with prospects of a bright future…a new beginning.

To Purchase

My Review

A New Beginning is a beautiful story about two people fighting different battles, but finding they are not so different.

Holly, a victim of a lifetime of bad circumstances seeks understanding and support when her fiance calls off their wedding due to a disagreement that can't be resolved. I loved the strength of Holly to stand by her decisions even though she suffered because of it.

It's a heartwarming and inspirational story of healing, forgiveness, and love. The story shows how God takes bad circumstances and turns them into something good. Loved the ending!

I received an ARC from the author and a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

New Release- Trapped in Yosemite by Dana Mentink

 

When a massive earthquake levels the region, secrets, and unknown dangers are exposed…

The ground in still-icy Yosemite National Park isn’t stable, and K-9 handler Von Sharpe fears the worst. But his worries are pushed aside when he sees an SUV viciously forced off the road…with his ex-fiancée at the wheel. It’s only when Stella Rivers steps out of the vehicle that the very ground under their feet cracks and breaks with the onslaught of a terrifying earthquake. 

When her meeting with a mysterious client is ambushed, Stella witnesses the man being gunned down by a sniper and becomes a target herself. With the threat of aftershocks triggering landslides and floods, the new mom has no choice but to run to save her baby girl—even if it means teaming up with the man who has no idea he fathered her child.

Trapped in a dangerously unstable wilderness with a killer closing in, Von and Stella are running out of time to get to safety. And every fissure reveals a new secret that will shake them to their foundation…

To Purchase

MY REVIEW

The storyline kept me on the edge of my seat as I tried to figure out who was after Stella. The descriptions of Yosemite brought me into the story and the fast-paced action kept me there.

One secret leads to another and it will keep you guessing to the end. I especially enjoyed Von's transformation and his long journey back to God.

I highly recommend Trapped in Yosemite. I feel it is one of the author's best. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

I received an ARC from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

New Release- Just in Case You Ever Feel Alone by Max Lucado

Even children experience lonely moments. When they do, this book reminds them that you will always be there, and God is right there too. Max Lucado's comforting words reinforce the thought that no matter what happens--the good and bad, the firsts and lasts--children will never be alone . . . just in case they ever wonder.

To a child, a day can last forever, and hurt feelings sink in deep. Whether they're having trouble making friends, struggling to learn something new, or just having a sad day, children need daily reminders of how much they're cherished. Just in Case You Ever Feel Alone soothes away loneliness by promising children that their parents or caregivers will always make time for them--they will squeeze away the sad and welcome back the glad every single day.

A follow-up to the classic children's book Just in Case You Ever Wonder, which has sold more than 1.8 million copies, this jacketed picture book for boys and girls ages 3 to 7

• addresses a child's feelings of loneliness and uncertainty;
• assures children that their parents are there for them and that God is always with them;
• includes tender rhymes and endearing artwork from Eve Tharlet of a loving parent and baby bear; and
• is a perfect gift for Easter or for children who need reassurance that they will always have someone to turn to, someone to talk to, and someone who will love them no matter what.

Draw your little ones close as you affirm your unconditional love for them and God's never-ending presence and desire to be with His children.'

To Purchase

My Review

Just in Case You Ever Feel Alone is a children's book that will make you feel good. Reading the wonderful words in rhyme along with the beautiful illustrations portrays God's love well. It gives them confidence that God is always with them.

This would be a good book to add to your child's library. And I'm sure it is one you will find reading often. The message will make your child feel loved reminding them that God is always there.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

Julie

FREE Today- House of Shadows: Secrets Never Die by Crystal Mary Lindsey

 

In 1902, Mariah Kingsford flees her life as an Opera star in New Orleans to escape a dangerous pursuer. But as she returns to her family plantation in North Carolina, she wonders if life will improve or worsen. On the train ride home, Mariah meets a young mother and her two children in need, and she feels compelled by God to offer them a home with her.

However, upon arriving at her once-beautiful plantation home, Mariah is shocked by its disrepair and disturbing secrets. Mysterious and terrifying occurrences with ghostly horse riders plague and baffle her. With the help of newfound friends, Colonel Jeb Craven, the town judge, and his lawyer son Hart, Mariah begins to unravel the tangled web of deception built by her crooked and evil grandfather.
As they delve deeper, they discover illegal contraband hidden in the plantation cellar and a secret tunnel filled with alarming content, sending chills down Mariah's spine.

Will she be able to uncover the truth and restore her family's honor, or will the secrets of the plantation destroy everything she holds dear?

Able to lean on Hart, a romance ignites and blossoms between them.
What future can lay ahead of these two if they fail to STOP the criminals before disaster strikes?
In her quest for the truth, Mariah receives divine guidance through angelic visitations that strengthen her faith, courage, and persistence in prayer.

To Purchase FREE

MY REVIEW

I have read most of Crystal Mary Lindsey's books but she has outdone herself with this one. It had my attention from the beginning and only kept getting better. I feel this is her best work so far.

The main character, Mariah, was enchanting, gracious, and humble. I was captivated by her and couldn't wait to see what would happen next. The plot was intriguing and fast-paced with some unexpected twists.

The historical aspect of the book was very believable, and it was apparent that the author had done her research well. The ending wrapped everything up nicely. Highly recommended.

Review of Embers in the London Sky by Sarah Sundin

 

As the German army invades the Netherlands in 1940, Aleida van der Zee Martens escapes to London to wait out the Occupation. Separated from her three-year-old son, Theo, in the process, the young widow desperately searches for her little boy even as she works for an agency responsible for evacuating children to the countryside.

When German bombs set London ablaze, BBC radio correspondent Hugh Collingwood reports on the Blitz, eager to boost morale while walking the fine line between truth and censorship. But the Germans are not the only ones Londoners have to fear as a series of murders flame up amid the ashes.

The deaths hit close to home for Hugh, and Aleida needs his help to locate her missing son. As they work together, they grow closer and closer, both to each other and the answers they seek. But with bombs falling and continued killings, they may be running out of time.

To Purchase

MY REVIEW

Embers in the London Sky is the story of Aleida, who is searching London for her young son, and Hugh, a war correspondent during the German Invasion in 1940. The author's descriptions of London and the well-developed characters made me feel like I was there. There are moments of suspense, and mystery, as well as times of intense tenderness. It's a story of hardships, truth, compassion, and a beautiful love story. Also, a story of a mother's love for her child. Highly recommended. A true wartime masterpiece. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

On Preorder at Special Pricing and My Review of A Love Rewritten by Dora Heirs

 

What is it with this enchanting small town of Butterfly Bend? Is there something in the river that mends wounded hearts and blows the sweet wind of love through the town? So far, Calla Jansing has watched both of her sisters get shot with Cupid's arrows. She's happy for them, really, but she's steering clear of those pesky arrows. She had her one true love, and when her husband passed away from a massive heart attack after ignoring his doctor's warnings about the sustained stress of being a police chief, it just about killed her too.

 She's nowhere near ready to open her heart to love again. But with her sisters' attention elsewhere, she appreciates a friend like Gary Callahan. He's funny and kind, a great dad and grandpa, a believer, and sometimes a shameless flirt. But he's also the town's police chief, so a friend is all he could ever be. 

Police Chief Gary Callahan has a few more good years left in him to protect his beloved city from crime. Over the years on the force, he's caught his share of criminals, but he can't seem to figure out how to capture the romantic attention of the beautiful and vivacious Calla. She seems perfectly happy to keep him firmly tucked in the friend zone. 

What's it going to take to get her to change her mind? For him to retire just as he's reached the pinnacle of his career? Or will the dire situation with his grandson's friend spur her to drop him as a friend altogether? Is Calla's faith strong enough to free her heart to fall in love with another police chief and trust that the Lord will protect Gary in his chosen profession? Will she continue to friend zone Gary or will she allow the Lord to rewrite her story? A Love Rewritten…

To Preorder

MY REVIEW

A Love Rewritten is book 3 in the Second Chane Love in Butterfly Bend. This is Calla's second chance story. Calla is one of the triplet sisters. The other two sisters have found their true love. Calla isn't sure about hers, especially when Police Chief, Gary, catches her eye.

The story is full of the issues when you let your past frame your future. It's an inspirational and sweet romance that will keep you smiling. Calla is witty, and her banter with Gary left me chuckling. I loved the ending.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Julie

Review of It is Finished by Charles Martin

 

Across forty days of vivid storytelling, It Is Finished offers you a unique and vital roadmap to trace the power and necessity of the cross throughout the Bible, from the book of Genesis all the way to your present-day reality.

Through forty slices of the story of Calvary, master storyteller and vivid Bible teacher Charles Martin, will walk you back to the cross to look up at it from a different angle each day and ask the Father to reveal to you:

• What exactly did he mean when the dying Jesus said, "It is finished"—what was finished at the cross?
• When did what Jesus finish at the cross even begin?
• What does this man's death 2,000 years ago have to do with me today?
• What is God offering at the cross that I so easily forget and take for granted?
• What do I not realize about myself that the Father God has never forgotten?

 

Whether it is your first, tenth, or ten thousandth time looking up at the cross of Christ, you can trust New York Times bestselling author Charles Martin, to wrap an arm around your shoulder, come alongside and walk with you as a fellow pilgrim headed in the same direction and answering the same question: "What will I do with this man, Jesus?"

Because before we can celebrate the resurrection, we need to backtrack to where Jesus has been, how He got there, and what His presence there accomplished. And while Satan can't change what happened on that Friday, he has been working ever since to hide what happened there. To obscure the work of the Cross. To avert our eyes. But on this 40-day pilgrimage your eyes will open wide and your heart will race as you discover the answer to the question that can change your life, Lord, why me? Why would you endure the cross and despise the shame, for me?

To Purchase

MY REVIEW

It is finished is a wonderful book centered on Jesus. It reminds the reader of the power of Christ and covers from Genesis to the present day. You take 40 days to explore the biblical accounts and discover that even though Christ's work was finished on the cross, that he continues his work in every one of us. The author answers some important questions we all ask ourselves. It's a resource to keep on hand and to refer to often. It would make a good study for small groups. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

Review of What Rhymes with Reason Film- Available Feb 6th

Tragedy ignites a group of teens on a quest to find a legendary landmark hidden in the wilderness. Together, they navigate the adventure while confronting the darkness within themselves in an attempt to find hope. 

The WORLD'S favorite coming-of-age, faith-adjacent, adventure/drama is NOW available on all major digital platforms to rent and own! Watch 'What Rhymes With Reason' with the whole family today! 

 It’s hard to get our youth to talk about anything sometimes…

What Rhymes With Reason is carefully crafted to not only be a FUN cinematic experience but also encourage much-needed conversations surrounding faith and mental health! 

·        FUN and SAFE... This film has been carefully crafted to not only be a cinematic adventure but also break down walls so we can have much-needed mental health conversations with our kids. 

·        The cinematic and entertainment value found in modern teen dramas without the glorification of wrongdoing like 13 Reasons Why, or the often cheesy or preachy moments of some faith-based films. 

·        A movie from a team that produced a film that Hollywood and even other Faith filmmakers will not. YA family and "Young Group Kids" have a HUGE audience, but are undervalued and underserved by studios because overwhelmingly they believe that they won't sell. Our approach from day 1 as a calling in our team's life is to fill this need for this audience searching for something better!! A movie that provides HOPE in a dark and broken world.

·        $12.99 Price point. Bargain to own for their family.

 

PRESS

"Love overcomes the darkness." - Cooper Dowd, Movieguide

"A coming-of-age film every teen should see." - Randy Tatno, Epoch Times

"A powerful resource addressing teen depression." - Jessica Lee, Churchleaders.com

 

WRWR has won awards all over the world. We are just so thrilled that the film is already resonating with youth and families from so many different cultures!

Just a handful of the honors...

• Best Family Film - CANNES World Film Festival, Cannes France
• Best Family Film - West Bengal India
• Social Impact Award - Ukraine Symbiotic Film Festival
• Best Feature Film - Dubai International Cine Carnival
• Best Actor - Rome Independent Film Awards

To Purchase the Film

https://amzn.to/3vYcNM3

 

MY REVIEW

What Rhymes with Reason is a very well-directed and produced film. The cast of characters is very real to their part and the situations they face can be typical of teenage issues. Jesse and his sister, Savannah are dealing with the loss of their father.  And each character in the movie is dealing with their own issues.

The music in the movie was well-planned out and fit well. There were some tense moments, but also some tender ones. The movie got the message across well.

I feel the movie watched by a teenage audience, will be able to relate well to it.  The main thing that stood out to me was friendship and love for each other. They were better together. Depression and panic attacks can be disabling but there is help out there and you're not alone.

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Coming-of-Age Film Empowers Kids Struggling with Mental Health

 

What Rhymes With Reason

 

January 2024 – From Virgil Films comes Reckless Abandonment Pictures new feature film What Rhymes With Reason. The coming-of-age adventure, partnered with 988 Mental Health Lifeline which empowers kids struggling with mental health, is told through a Goonies-like adventure lens. The acclaimed feature will be coming to digital HD everywhere February 6th and DVD.

 

The family-friendly film follows six teens, led by the charismatic Jesse Brandt, who enlists his friends to help find a legendary landmark hidden in the wilderness. Together, they navigate the adventure while confronting the darkness within themselves. At the film’s center is the subject of depression, and the filmmakers know that it’s hard to get our youth to talk about it. Which is why What Rhymes With Reason is carefully crafted to break stigmas and encourage much needed conversations surrounding faith and mental health.

 

The all-star young cast of What Rhymes With Reason includes Gattlin Griffith (The Boys), Ricardo Hurtado (School of Rock), Giselle Torres (The Villains of Valley View), LaRonn Marzett, Katie Burgess, Juan Graterol and Bart Johnson (High School Musical).

 

The film partnered with 988 Mental Health Lifeline to help improve mental health outcomes. The nationwide operation provides a three-digit number to replace the 11-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The 988 Mental Health Lifeline operates 24/7/365 and offers services for mental health crisis calls. Operators in Oklahoma are licensed and certified health crisis specialists who answer calls and dispatch local services and mobile crisis teams.

What Rhymes With Reason channels coming-of-age classics like The Breakfast Club, Stand By Me, and The Goonies to tell a timeless story of hope for the youth of today.\

About Virgil Films – Virgil Films & Entertainment was founded in 2003 by Joe Amodei to acquire, and distribute feature films, documentaries and original episodic television series. Over the years Virgil has enjoyed partnerships with Sundance Channel Home Entertainment, National Geographic Cinema Ventures, Pure Flix Entertainment, Vancouver based Network Entertainment,  Major League Baseball Productions, Morgan Spurlock’s Warrior Poets, OWN and other high-profile entertainment brands. Their feature films have been available on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, AppleTV +, Hulu, Vudu, Google Play, HBO, Starz, Showtime and many other digital and TV networks. Virgil Films releases include the Oscar-nominated documentary Glen Campbell…I’ll Be Me; the critically acclaimed best-selling Forks Over Knives; and the Oscar-nominated documentary Restrepo and its sequel Korengal. They have also released the entertaining I Am Chris Farley, I am Heath Ledger, Trafficked, Code Blue, Ruth and the holiday classic The Real Bedford Falls. Clarence Clemons, Who Do I Think I Am was their first in house production which followed their successful five-episode documentary series Happy Jail which was a co-production with Netflix.  Follow them on twitter: @virgilfilms www.VirgilFilms.com

About Reckless Abandonment Pictures 

Our mission is to produce quality moving pictures one frame at a time. From concept to final product, we are a full-service video production company. We specialize in creating radically family friendly content, telling visual stories across a multitude of mediums. Our clients include DreamWorks, Nickelodeon, Warner Media, Hasbro, Mattel, LEGO, and NatGeo Wild. For more information, visit ra-pictures.com. 

 

About Oklahoma 988 Mental Health Lifeline

The 988 Mental Health Lifeline is designated as a three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The 988 Mental Health Lifeline operates 24/7 and offers services for mental health crisis calls. Operators are licensed and certified health crisis specialists who answer calls, connect to and dispatch local services and mobile crisis teams. For more information, please visit 988lifeline.org

 

 https://www.blessedfreebies.com/what-rhymes-with-reason-giveaway.html