When the Heart Sings (Music of Hope, #2)

by Liz Tolsma

The Nazis have forced Natia and Teodor from their Polish farm to a labor camp. Separated, Natia is chosen to be the housekeeper for the camp's overseer, and her husband Teodor is sent to work in the factory. Despite the strict camp rules--and the consequences for disobeying them--Natia finds a way to communicate with Teodor by sending messages through song as she passes Teodor's dormitory.

But then Natia finds a Jewish orphan on the overseer's doorstep. She is determined to protect the boy and raise him as the child she and her husband were unable to bear--but if her German captors discover how much she's hiding, both she and Teodor may pay the ultimate price.

• ISBN13: 9781432858582
• Publish Date: 19 December 2018 (first published 9 October 2018)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: Cengage Learning, Inc
• Imprint: Cengage Gale
• Edition: Large type / large print edition
• Format: Hardcover (Library Binding)
• Language: English

Reviews

[phyllish]

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.


This review was originally posted on Among the Reads


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