In 1944, Jewish people have already fled Poland and Czechoslovakia and are living in Hungary, since the Germans invaded, and their worried about the inevitable reprisals.

Eva Bognar plays the clarinet and teaches music, she’s engaged to Patrik Kedves and he's a conductor at the Budapest youth orchestra, and the wedding is only weeks away. Her brother Erno is married to Zofia, and when she doesn’t return home one night and the whole Bognar families worried. Zofia is Jewish, Eva’s old school friend Reka starts making alarming accusations and she accuses Patrik of being involved in Zofia’s disappearance?

Eva feels like Patrik is hiding something and he’s not telling her the whole story, how can she marry him when Zofia is missing and he might be the person responsible? Patrik is keeping secrets from Eva, he and Zofia are involved in the publication on anti-German pamphlets and with the Zionists. When Patrik discovers the Bognars are in danger, he has to convince them that he’s not lying and he's running out of time.

They begin their perilous journey to freedom, the Germans are not far behind them, and the Russians are bombing train lines and roads. This makes it extremely difficult, they struggle to make it to the first town, and Patrik has no idea how they will get across the border or travel to Palestine in the chaos?

I received a copy of The Refrain Within by Liz Tolsma from NetGalley and Independent Publishers Group in exchange for an honest review, it's a story about survival and keeping secrets to protect the people you love during the Second World War. Four stars from me and I wish I had read the previous two books in the Music of Hope series.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Refrain Within is a WWII novel, set in a very dark place in 1944 Hungry after the Nazis have invaded. We see a lot if things happening during this book but the main thing that stuck with me was love. Because of the war, people were forced to do whatever it took to save their loved ones. There were many sad and lonely times. But there were better times.

I love how the author uses Eva and her clarinet playing to give some pleasure and happiness to the people. I play the piano and playing any instrument has a way of calming people, it settles your nerves. I was intrigued at learning more about a clarinet. And to learn that Ms. Tolsma wrote a bit about her clarinet playing into the character of Eva!

About the characters, they were very well chosen, so realistic during this story. I enjoyed Eva the most. Maybe because we share a love of music, or maybe the determination to save her family she loves? I just like her! If you enjoy WWII stories, you need to read this one. It will not disappoint!

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

I received a copy of the book from Netgalley to review. Thank you for the opportunity.
An intriguing and deeply emotional story, based in WW2 Hungary.
A good read.

Refrain Within is a story set in the 1940's in Hungary. As the war rages around them, Hungary is left
untouched for a while. When war arrives, families are torn apart and the cities are bombed. Faith and
music keeps people moving forward, one step at a time. I really liked this story. This book was provided
through Celebrate Lit and the author for my review. The opinions expressed are my own.

This is book three of the Music of Hope series. This book takes place in the World War II era and is a Historical fiction read. Eva is planning her wedding during the World War II and doesn't think the war will effect her plans to marry Patrick. Both have careers in the music field, Eva plays the clarinet and Patrick is the conductor. It deals with living in Germany with the Nazi regime and what living in that time was like.

If you enjoy books dealing with the War you will enjoy this one as it takes on the details living during this time and how your faith was part of survival. This can be read as a stand alone since I didn't read the first two and was fine reading this one. I sometimes, have a hard time reading about what people have had to go through during these difficult War era, so not sure I would read book one or two in this series as it is too emotional for me to read.

My emotions were fully engaged in this book from the very beginning. As the story progressed, I felt as if I personally knew these characters and were part of their story. My heart broke for them in every chapter of this book. Yet, despite the desperate times, I felt the hope that still existed for them, as they looked beyond this life to their reunion in heaven. This book shows the self-sacrificing love and courage that existed during the war. Thank you, Liz Tolsma, for giving us such an inspiring story and helping us remember the brave men and woman who gave up everything they had to stop the this evil oppression.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

How do you live under a tyrannical, evil rule and still protect your family? Can you? As I read this novel of a country taken over by an evil regime, of a family trying to live, and yet still do secretly all they can do to wake the people up, I wondered.

I felt for Eva her fiancé, Patrik, her brother and his wife, and their parents. Eva loves music and she is a little bit naïve in the fact that she is trying to just keep life as normal as possible. But her sister-in-law who is a Jew, has a completely different perspective. Both of these women make some decisions I don't know if I could. Could the outcome have come out differently? I don't know. And then there is Patrik's secrets and all that he is hiding.

This was a very intense story of a normal family just trying to live. I mean, how many of us are like that? A lot I can assume and this begs the question of what are we willing to sacrifice?

This story was emotionally gripping, intense at times, and heart wrenching. I was pulled in and worried and waiting and hoping for the best for each of these characters. I felt this was an accurate depiction of a family living in war torn Hungary on the side of the right, yet so alone.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publishers. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Oh my goodness I cannot gush enough about this book, well this series by Liz Tolsma actually. Wow. They have completely taken my breath away. There is so much emotion between these pages that you almost have to pause here and there throughout the book to just take in what you’ve just read. I won’t lie – it’s not an easy read. In that I mean there is heartache, hurt, and situations that we in this day could never even fathom happening. And it breaks my heart. But it’s real. Okay, this story is fiction, but I know Tolsma is a great researcher, and so I know there’s some truth behind her story.

My favorite thing about this story was that Eva played the clarinet. While that probably seems odd to some – I played and loved the clarinet when I was in school. Music just fills my soul, which is really why I’ve connected with this series. And to play an instrument that you love is something indescribable. I connected to her character from the very first pages, and while I enjoyed seeing her character deal with tough situations throughout the book, and see her faith shine through, it was still that clarinet that made my face light up.

But amongst the joy in these pages, there was much sorrow. I mean this book is set in one of the darkest time periods in the history of the world (in my opinion anyways). But I appreciate that Tolsma brings these things to light in her books. She doesn’t keep it fluffy, and all happy – she keeps it real. I think as readers we need a does of reality now and then. Life isn’t all roses, but it’s how we react, much like Tolsma’s characters, that really stand out during trials.

This is a story I know for sure will be a reread for me in the future. With vivid descriptions, engaging characters, and a journey that will have readers at the edge of their seats, Tolsma has written a beautiful story that will speak to hearts. Her display of The message is intricately woven throughout the pages in a way that will remind us that there is light in the darkness – we just have to look for it, and also be the light that shines!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The cover drew me in right off the bat before I even read the description. It’s dark, it’s brooding, and it just appeals to the eye and makes you wonder who this woman is and what her story is.

Then I turned the book over and read the back and knew without a doubt that I was going to have to read this book. Not just because it had an appealing cover, but also because of the content.

I love all things WWII and have been reading a lot of books that take place during this period lately. It helps with my research into the roles that my oldest daughter and I play when we reenact WWII with my husband. It also gives me a deeper understanding of what the people and more specifically the women went through.

This book deals with the Jewish and their persecution but it goes deeper into the hidden secrets and what bringing those secrets to the light can do for everyone. Knowing is not always the lifting of a burden we think it is. Sometimes knowing is placing an even heavier burden on yourself.

This is a wonderful book and I highly recommend you get a copy and read it for yourself. I also highly recommend that you read this author. She’s wonderful and I’ve yet to read a book from her that I did not like and recommend.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

I am a huge fan of this author. I have always loved every book that she has put out. I was thrilled to be chosen to read a copy of "The Refrain Within." This book is book three in the Music of Hope series. I have read the first book but not the second book. This book is set in Hungary in 1944. n this book we see Eva Bognar. She plays the Clarinet and is engaged to composer Patrik Kedves. All is well in Eva's world. She does not think that the raging world war is going to affect her or her wedding. Then her Jewish best friend and sister-in-law Zofia, who happens to be Jewish goes missing. Rumors start to swirl that Patrik is involved. Eva's whole life changes in this moment. My heart went out to her. I can't imagine thinking that the person that I was to marry could have had something to do with my best friend's disappearance. Suddenly Eva is not sure who she can trust. She knows that her family must flee to safety - can she make it?

I love the overall theme of trusting God. I can't imagine being in Eva's shoes. How terrifying.

This book is VERY well researched. When I read a historical fiction book - I tend to do some fact checking to see how accurate it is. This book is SPOT on. While I know a lot about WWII - I am not familiar with Hungary and their role in WWII. Because of this book - I learned all about Operation Margarethe. This is where the Nazis occupied Hungary. It was ordered by Hitler in March of 1944. Hungary fought back and reclaimed their country at the end of the year. I love books that I can learn from. This one I learned a lot. I highly enjoyed this book.

I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program, all thoughts are my own

When it comes to historical fiction, I’ll confess there are very few fiction books that really hit the nail on the head. So many of them romanticize history. They work in escape routes for gruesome reality and give most of the characters a happily-ever-after, which in and of itself is often historically inaccurate.

But this book? For me, it honors the title of Historical Fiction. It gives you a heart wrenching glimpse into Hungary during WWII as well as sobering realities of what it would have been like to be a Jew during that time. There was not a happily-ever-after for every character. It was historically accurate. People died. People were taken to concentration camps and never heard from again. It was real. But it was also a good story. I did want some of it to end differently, yes, but I admire Tolsma for sticking with historical representation. So while I didn’t love it emotionally, I love it logically.

The romance was clean. There were kisses and a few very slight allusions to more. It is more for the heart-wrenching details that I’d recommend this to an older teen or above, than for romantic details.

The Christian thread wove consistently through the story. It was a story on fully trusting God, no matter what the consequences. And, as I’ve already alluded to, it really meant whatever the consequences. Which then makes the message all the stronger.

Now that I have read book three, I want to go back and read books one and two. If I’m not mistaken, they cover completely different sets of characters so can he read as standalones.

Now, let me go and take a few deep breaths now that this whirlwind of intensity has finished.

*I received this book from the author and happily provided my honest review*

I greatly admired Éva as she courageously sought her missing student, who was said to have been taken by the Nazis. She then did her small part to help ease the suffering there. Her struggle whether to trust Patrick was portrayed so well.

My heart ached as I read of the injury that was done to various characters. The author balanced telling the facts and not giving too many details well. Considering the cruelty that was inflicted on the Jews at this time, it was still painful to read - that is not the author's fault.

Éva's faith, understandably, was weak in the face of the destruction of lives and her beloved city. It was so precious to see her truly grasp the truth, first from her father and then from Patrick, that when God is our foundation, we cannot be shaken.

If you enjoy historical fiction with a strong Christian foundation, I recommend The Refrain Within.

The Refrain Within by Liz Tolsma is the third book in the Music of Hope series and definitely worth reading if you love historical romances set during the second World War.
Eva Bognar along with her family and the man she is soon to marry, Patrik Kedves are trying to survive in Hungary while it is occupied by the Nazis. Her sister in-law goes missing and the man that she loves might be involved and all of their lives are soon threatened by secrets that he has been keeping from them. Trusting him is the only way for them all to get safely out of the country and hopefully survive the war.
I really enjoyed this story and I'm looking forward to reading more wonderful books by this author in the future.

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

I always love a good WWII story and Liz knows how to write them. This book will have you on the edge of your seat wondering will the Germans discover the secret that Zofia is hiding and if they do can she escape?

Then there is the relationship between Patrik and and Eva and the secret he has that is being misconstrued.

And I wasn’t trusting Rebeka. Was she really the friend she was showing or was there something else going one with her?

To find the answers you will have to read this book.


A copy of this book was given to me through the Celebrate Lit Team. All opinions are my own.

Set in Hungary in 1945, it revolves around the Bognar family. Like most Jewish families they didn’t expect the war to affect them much. I liked how Liz Tolsma described the struggles and joys the family went through. I could picture it clearly. I had trouble getting into the story at this time. Even though I wasn’t as interested in the story, it was well written and full of good research. If you love a good World war two novel, I recommend you check this one out.

I recommend this book to family and friends.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. I also purchased a copy for myself. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

This is a beautiful story. I have read a lot of WWll stories but not many that were in Hungary. I love that this revolves around music. Music probably helped people get through many hard times. I feel that Patrik and Zofia were very brave to join with the Youth Zionists. I know they felt that what Eva and Erno didn’t know would keep them safer, I think they should have told them some of it. I did nit want to stop reading this. I needed to know if any of these families were going to survive. This will make you think and cry. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Having read and enjoyed several books written by Liz Tolsma, I was looking forward to reading The Refrain Within and was not disappointed. Stories of WWII and the Holocaust always tug at my heartstrings and this story of a family in 1944 Hungary did just that. The author brings a turbulent and terrible time in history to life with finesse as she portrays the terror that families must have felt as their lives were disrupted, the horror they felt as their friends and neighbors disappeared, the desperation and determination to find a place of safety. The characters are realistic and relatable as they journey through the horrors of war, not knowing who they could trust. I loved how the musicians in the book were portrayed as turning to the comfort of music, whether it be the actual physical playing or hearing music or finding that music that dwells within. The dialogue flows seamlessly without sounding forced. I had a hard time putting the book down and pretty much read it in one sitting. The story pulls on the reader’s emotions, shock and horror, sorrow and compassion. It is a thought-provoking book and readers who love historical fiction will not want to miss this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.

World War II caused destruction throughout every country. The Refrain Within takes the reader to the hardships in Hungary. Musician Eva Bognar is about to be married and it seems like that will be enough of a bright side to the war as possible. Things get turned upside down when her sister in law goes missing and the Gestapo appears to be behind her disappearance. When things begin to fall apart quickly and she questions whom she can trust, including God.

The story takes the reader alongside Eva, Zofia, Patrik, and many more as they struggle with the concept of lying in the midst of war as well as putting their safety before others. How does one decide the best decision during war? It was very thought-provoking and gave a new dimension to those who lived during the war. The depth of trusting in God in times where your very life is in danger was inspiring as well.

The story was well written and I was intrigued to see if they would all survive the journey ahead of them. I enjoyed the imagery of music and powerful music was to the characters. The book was part of a series but I didn’t feel as if the others would be necessary to enjoy this book. Once again, Liz Tolma did not disappoint in this historical fiction that was well researched and accurate.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.

The Refrain Within is set in 1944 Hungary. Eva Bognar is a musician and engaged to music composer Patrik Kedves. Her best friend Zofia is also a musician and married to Eva's brother. Zofia is a Polish Jew and it rapidly becomes clear that she isn't safe in Budapest. It's a time when these four young adults involved with music should be in the prime of their lives yet are instead living in fear.

The main theme of this novel is trust. It's difficult to know who to trust. Is it ok to lie in order to save the lives of others?

This novel has some suspenseful moments as one or more characters hide from or flee from Nazi soldiers. The ending was realistic. Is anyone expecting a Hallmark ending for this novel?

The entire Music of Hope Series was enjoyable.

This novel deals with a difficult subject—helping Jews in Hungary as Hitler’s troops try to rid the country of them. The book’s title refers to the clarinetist Éva Bognár, who is one main character in this story of escape and carries a tune within. She teaches music and is engaged to Patrik Kedves, a conductor and composer. Her brother, Ernö, is married to her best friend, Zofia, a Messianic Jew. The four have many close calls in this exciting tale of intrigue and war. The dramatic tale includes a number of instances where I said inside, “Oh, no! Don’t let that happen.” The engaging characters and historic setting bring the story to life in a powerful way. You feel like you are there facing danger and challenges with them and hope the ending will turn out well. The author does a fine job capturing the time and place and people involved. Although this is the third in the series, it can stand alone. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.