From the Valley We Rise by Elizabeth Musser: Book Review

 **ARC received via Netgalley for consideration. All opinions are my own. 

The Book

In the heart of war-torn France, Isabelle Seauve's resolve is tested beyond measure. After her father sacrifices his life to protect her involvement in the French Resistance, Isabelle becomes more dedicated to hiding Jewish children in and near Sisteron. Yet that mission grows even more perilous when she discovers a traitor within the Resistance ranks. As the shadow of betrayal looms, Isabelle's world collides with that of US Army Chaplain Peter Christensen, who carries the emotional scars of his service in North Africa. Together, they face the brutal reality of war as the Allied invasion of Provence unfolds.

Amid the chaos, fifteen-year-old René Amblard narrowly escapes a devastating German attack that claims the lives of his mother and their fellow maquis fighters. With a Jewish orphan girl at his side, René seeks out his cousin Isabelle for refuge. As the bombs begin to fall, this unlikely group of heroes must first find freedom in their souls before they can rebuild what has been destroyed.

A master of evocative historical fiction, Elizabeth Musser takes you to Southern France for an emotionally gripping World War II tale you won't soon forget.

The Author

Elizabeth Musser writes "entertainment with a soul" from her writing chalet (a toolshed) outside Lyon, France. A Carol Award winner and Christy Award and Georgia Author of the Year finalist, Elizabeth's critically acclaimed novels have been translated into multiple languages and have been international bestsellers. The Swan House was named one of Georgia's Top Ten Novels of the Past 100 Years. By Way of the Moonlight was a Publishers Weekly Top Ten Pick in Religion and Spirituality. Elizabeth and her husband, Paul, have worked with the nonprofit One Collective for over forty years. Learn more at ElizabethMusser.com.

Book Review

What a beautiful and emotional story this was! I love WWII fiction, but it can also weigh quite heavily on my heart when I'm reading it, just thinking about the realities that people lived through... horror that I cannot even imagine. And yet, it is stories like this that show the good amidst the horror that I absolutely adore. Seeing the helpers amidst the tragedy. These characters very quickly drew me in, and I found myself emotionally invested in how everything was going to turn out for them. Admittedly, the alternating POVs took me a bit to sort in my brain at first, but ultimately, all of these characters took me on an emotional rollercoaster of heartache and hope. While the subject matter definitely makes it a tougher one to read, these are stories that absolutely must be told. If you enjoy Christian historical romance, this is certainly one that you won't want to miss. 

You can purchase your copy here: https://amzn.to/4cn0mdM