Remember the Lilies by Liz Tolsma

Can Irene and Rand stave off starvation until the American troops bring freedom?

Interred by the Japanese, missionary Irene Reynolds comes across a mysterious note while working at the censor’s office. She memorizes the parts she must black out and delivers it to wealthy nightclub owner Rand Sterling. Before she knows what’s happening, she’s drawn into a web of secrets and danger.

Rand Sterling wants nothing more than to reopen his nightclubs once the war ends. But slimy Frank Covey wants his hand in the till—and has news that could threaten Rand’s reputation if it became public. More importantly, beautiful and intriguing Irene Reynolds cannot discover this information if he expects to persuade her to become his wife.

When Irene is attacked by a sinister Japanese guard and their secrets are exposed, they must learn the true meaning of forgiveness—if they can stave off starvation until the    American troops bring freedom.

“New York Times” best-selling author Liz Tolsma is the author of “Daisies are Forever,” “Snow on the Tulips,” and the contributing author of “A Log Cabin Christmas.” When not busy putting words to paper, Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband and children, all adopted internationally.

My take: 

This is the second book I have read by Liz Tolsma and all I can say is WOW.  I LOVE how Tolsma makes even war a very personal thing.  Unfortunately, I HATED history class.  I didn't learn much because it was all about dates and facts and it was just plain boring to me.  I wish Liza had been my teacher-- she makes the time and the people come to life.  

Remember the Lilies takes the reader to an internment camp during WWII and shows us how life was being detained there at Santo Tomas Prison Camp in the Philippines.  There we find Rand, an American who lives in the Philippines as a successful business owner, and Irene, an orphaned, young, missionary who lives and works with her aging and blind aunt -- two people from two totally different worlds.  What will happen when their worlds collide?  Will skeletons from their closets keep them apart?  

Tolsma has written, not only a wonderfully descriptive historical fiction that is very factually based, but she has written a beautiful story of love and hope and what is truly important.  

I would definitely recommend this book!!