Snow on the Tulips by Liz Tolsma, ©2013

A stranger’s life hangs in the balance. But to save him is to risk everything.

The war is drawing to a close, but the Nazis still occupy part of the Netherlands. After the losses she’s endured, war widow Cornelia is only a shadow of the woman she once was. She fights now to protect her younger brother, Johan, who lives in hiding.
   When Johan brings Gerrit Laninga, a wounded Dutch Resistance member, to Cornelia’s doorstep, their lives are forever altered. Although scared of the consequences of harboring a wanted man, Cornelia’s faith won’t let her turn him out.
   As she nurses Gerrit back to health, she is drawn to his fierce passion and ideals, and notices a shift within herself. Gerrit’s intensity challenges her, making her want to live fully, despite the fear that constrains her. When the opportunity to join him in the Resistance presents itself, Cornelia must summon every ounce of courage imaginable.
   She is as terrified of loving Gerrit as she is of losing him. But as the winter landscape thaws, so too does her heart. Will she get a second chance at true love? She fears their story will end before it even begins.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
   --Psalm 46:1-3

Cornelia de Vries. I am reminded of Anne Frank and Corrie ten Boom. Hidden and hider. Concealed and concealer. It is February of 1945 in the provence of Friesland, Netherlands. Her brother Johan has just brought home a wounded resister left for dead. Do they dare being found out or supported together within their home? Where do you draw the line? Hunted or hunter?  Secrets. Their sister, Anki Dykstra, comes to cleanse and tend to his shoulder wound.

How do you tend to your daily chores, to appear normal in your activities? Sweeping the porch, beginning your laundry? Nothing new, you must appear as usual. Neighbors, countrymen, no one must suspect something different at her dwelling. No one must know her brother Johan is there either. Will it seem odd to add additional groceries to your already meager offerings? Suspicious?

What about your neighbors? Sheltering someone(s) puts pressure on them. And you... you realize why their home is being searched and their son(s) taken.

   In the days before the war, her family would gather for a big dinner each Sunday, with a roast and mashed potatoes. The smell would make her mouth water. If a person could travel backward, she would return to those times and cherish them.
   --Snow on  the Tulips, 75

Times had changed; her family had changed. But not our God:

"God's fingerprints are over everything that is happening."
   --Ibid., 76

How good is our God in all generations. Join this family as He holds it all together in His perfect timing. He is indeed our Deliverer.


^{John 11:52} And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.

We Gather Together
~Public Domain~

1. We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing;
   He chastens and hastens His will to make known;
   The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing;
   Sing praises to His Name; He forgets not His own.
2. Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining,
   Ordaining, maintaining His kingdom divine;
   So from the beginning the fight we were winning;
   Thou, Lord, were at our side, all glory be Thine!
3. We all do extol Thee, Thou Leader triumphant,
   And pray that Thou still our Defender will be;
   Let Thy congregation escape tribulation;
   Thy Name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!

Author Liz Tolsma

Photo by Bentfield Photography

This story is told in remembrance of Liz Tolsma's family lineage. The book was written to preserve the stories of many who labored and gave their lives without fanfare so this generation could enjoy freedom. May we treasure it.
   --Liz Tolsma


Snow on Tulips releases today, August 6, 2013.

***Thank you to BookSneeze for sending me a copy of Liz Tolsma's novel, Snow on the Tulips. This review is in my own words. No other compensation was received.***

Update:
If you've read the back of Snow on the Tulips, you know a little bit about the story behind the story. Well, there's more and it's almost unbelievable. You'll want to check this out. http://ow.ly/q44pm
--Liz Tolsma 10/22/2013