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Displaying items 1-5 of 33
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  1. Kathleen
    Missouri
    Age: Over 65
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    This is a strong story weaving history of the past, confirmed by an actual person who was interned with her family during this time.
    February 11, 2015
    Kathleen
    Missouri
    Age: Over 65
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    This review was written for Remember the Lilies.
    Wednesday, February 11, 2015

    Remember the Lilies by Liz Tolsma, 2015

    Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. --Luke 12:27

    After reading the two previous novels by Liz Tolsma, Snow on the Tulips and Daisies Are Forever, I was awaiting this third story, Remember the Lilies. Interesting that flowers are intermingled with seemingly dismal places, showing hope and faith can bloom again in dust and decay of ruins.

    The story begins in early December of 1941 in Manila, Philippines. The morning of December 8 began like any other morning with bird song and fair weather ~ picnic outings to be enjoyed. Until the subsequent attack following Pearl Harbor, WWII comes to the Philippines. The research by author Liz Tolsma brings us to the sorrows and future hope of surviving the internment camp as day-to-day is revealed of the atrocities of war.

    I was surprised that the internment was at the university and had a hospital with camp doctors. Families and individuals were in captivity more than three years. This story tells of their lives and how they coped while being imprisoned. Regardless of where they had been materially and occupationally before the war, they were now one in their attempt to survive low food rationing and living conditions. Natural disasters occurred, with weather conditions added to by an expected lineup of prisoners twice a day, regardless of what must be endured. Weakened because of diet and lack of exercise, expectations of bowing to their captor became a hardship for many.

    An important supporter in the story is by the older missionary, Anita Markham. So uplifting in trials and ill health, she clung to God and biblical truth, sharing with her niece, Irene Reynolds, and a man, Rand Sterling, she meets in an ambulance on their way to the hospital for medical care. Irene has already told her Aunt Anita about him. Irene first met him as she delivered a message she memorized while at her work in the censor office from incoming mail.

    As Irene and Rand begin their attraction to each other, I am talking to them, to "tell the truth," while reading the story. Honesty and not holding back will benefit them the most. Both attempt to keep secrets they feel would separate them from the other. There are unexpected surprises in this story, but the best part how their character changes.

    This is a strong story weaving history of the past, confirmed by an actual person who was interned with her family during this time.

    ***Thank you to Litfuse Publicity Group and Thomas Nelson Publishers for sending me a copy of Liz Tolsma's Remember the Lilies for review. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
  2. Cassandra Wessel
    Pennsylvania
    Age: Over 65
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Faith, Love, & Suspense During War
    January 18, 2015
    Cassandra Wessel
    Pennsylvania
    Age: Over 65
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    This review was written for Remember the Lilies.
    How does a writer turn a World War II story of life inside the dreary confines of a life draining Japanese internment camp into a riveting romantic suspense novel? Lis Tolsma has done just that in her amazing story of courage and survival in Santo Tomas Internment Camp, near Manilla in the Philippines. In that camp, the lifestyles of wealthy playboy, Rand Sterling and missionary Irene Reynolds collide. These two very different people must dance their way through the entrapment of their Japanese captors, as well as the entrapment of their own needy hearts, while they attempt to stay alive. Accompanied by a cast of equally needy internees, these two struggle to maintain their courage, dignity and faith in the face of incredible odds against their survival. To the very last pages, the reader wonders if these two will make it out alive, much less fall in love and marry. "Remember the Lilies" by Liz Tolsma will indeed capture the hearts and imaginations of readers long after the back cover shuts on this incredible read. I heartily recommend this book for adult readers. However, due to a few violent scenes, some readers may find this book emotionally difficult to read in places. I received this book in exchange for writing reviews and promoting it as an influencer. I am under no obligation to post a positive review. (less)
  3. Enchanting Rose
    Colorado
    Age: 25-34
    Gender: Female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    A deeply touching historical novel
    March 21, 2015
    Enchanting Rose
    Colorado
    Age: 25-34
    Gender: Female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    This review was written for Remember the Lilies.
    This was my first novel from the talented Liz Tolsma and it certainly won't be the last! The pages of Remember the Lilies are filled with history, romance, suspense, and forgiveness. . . everything you need for an intriguing read.

    Rand is selfish. . . he is a man caught up in himself, his pleasures, and his money. All he wants in life is to make more money and have more fun. But then he becomes a prisoner of war and everything changes. . . He experiences pain, suffering, and loneliness. When he meets Irene he is charmed and slightly taken back by her purity. He is in awe of her love and dedication to the Lord. As he gets to know Irene he begins to question the value of his life and his actions and wonders if there is more than simply climbing the social ladder- could there possibly be a higher Being that has a purpose for him. . .

    Irene loves Jesus Christ and desires to tell others of His goodness and grace. She has a heart that is willing to serve and help others, but after being a prisoner of war for so long she struggles to not allow bitterness and resentment to take root in her heart. Day after day she begins to face attacks and trials and is ready to give up. Irene's sweet aunt often reminds her of God's faithfulness. . .

    "The sun is shining. The Lord gave us life today. We have a shanty where we can spend our afternoons resting. Irene held up her hands. "Okay, I see now. You're right. I should count my blessings." { page 156 }

    When Irene meets Rand the two of them connect and begin helping one another get through the suffering and ever-present tribulation. But instead of fully trusting one another they hold back. . . and their secrets could possibly lead to their destruction.

    Liz Tolsma does a magnificent job of sharing true history in a way that will leave your mouth hanging open in wonder and horror. She weaves an incredible tale that feels more real than fiction and writes in a way that touches the reader deeply and emotionally. Remember the Lilies is a beautiful story - this is a book you will be thinking about long after you have finished the last page.

    ** I was given a complimentary copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers for an honest review. All thoughts are my own and no other compensation was received. **
  4. LeAnne
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Remember the Lilies By Liz Tolsma
    March 16, 2015
    LeAnne
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    This review was written for Remember the Lilies.
    Rand Sterling was a wealthy American who was very well known in Manila for his clubs. But now during WWII Rand is just like all the other civilian prisoners of war. Trying to survive the Santo Tomas Internment Camp. Even though a dear friend who helped raise him needs help on the outside.

    Irene Reynolds grew up with her missionary Aunt in the Philippine jungle. But now that they are in the Internment Camp she works delivering censored messages to other American prisoners. But when Irene makes a mistake with a message that leads to Rand failing his escape attempt, he is sent to the torture chambers of Fort Santiago. But surprisingly Rand returns alive, although in bad shape. As life becomes harder, and someone begins threatening Rand, they must work together to find a way to stay alive. And to possibly have a future together if they are ever freed from the Japanese.



    This has to be one of the best books I have read in a long time! I enjoyed it even more than the last book by this author! The story was done very well and the plot was great. It was like getting a look into the time period and what it was like for the people there. The characters were wonderfully done, and it was easy for me to relate to Irene. Irene and the other people there went through a lot, but the story was not so bad that it was hard to read. I think Liz Tolsma did a wonderful job on balancing everything in the story. This was a amazing book and I highly recommend it!





    I received this book free from the publisher, Thomas Nelson, through the BookLook Bloggers book review program. The opinions are my own.
  5. Katheryn
    Casa Grande, AZ
    Age: Over 65
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Survival when survival sometimes seems doubtful
    March 12, 2015
    Katheryn
    Casa Grande, AZ
    Age: Over 65
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    This review was written for Remember the Lilies.
    Remember the Lilies takes the reader inside a Japanese-run concentration camp and into the lives of a hand full of people who survive what at times seemed impossible to live through. Her characters, though starting out beautiful and handsome in their own way, gradually lose what they used to be and dwindle to human bodies that sometimes did not resemble more than skeletons. Through it all, they maintain their humanity, their dignity. Though barely alive toward the end of the book, their hopes and dreams remain alive. They have soul. Some of the characters change as a result of their experience. Some who were already strong inwardly, remain strong in the face of unending hardship. Will they ever be free to be human again? They long for it, hope for it, pray for it, each in their own way as men and women with different backgrounds and different values. This is a heart-warming story, and the second book I have read by this insightful author.
Displaying items 1-5 of 33
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