This is a beautifully written story that is full of emotions. It hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. The author brings the book to life with her words. I loved this book and highly recommend it. Thank you Independent Publishers Group--Kregel Publications and Liz Tolsma via Netgalley for the ARC copy of this wonderful book. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Refrain Within
by Liz Tolsma
Back of the Book: “To save a life, would you betray everyone you love?
Hungary in 1944 is a dark place. The Nazis have invaded and turned the country upside down, their evil making its way into every life.
Clarinetist Eva Bognar is engaged to conductor and composer Patrik Kedves, happily planning her wedding. At first, she doesn’t think the war will affect her directly; everyone around her can be trusted to do the right thing. Then her Jewish best friend and sister-in-law Zofia goes missing--and instead of the Gestapo being to blame, a friend says it was Patrik who led Zofia away. Has he betrayed Eva and everything the family stands for?
When the rest of the family’s lives are directly threatened, Patrik’s secrets must come to light. The Bognars flee for the border in hopes of getting out of the country to the safety of Palestine. Eva must put her life and the lives of everyone she loves in the hands of the very man who betrayed her--and they may not all make it out of the war alive . . .”
Impressions: Great wartime romance. Exciting and moving.
Liked: Oh, I liked this story. I truly can’t imagine the heartbreaking decisions that the people during the holocaust had to make. It was such an ugly but fascinating time and people to read about. I think I enjoy stories such as this because it makes me question myself and my faith. It makes me dig deep into my soul and search for answers of myself as to where my heart lies.
Disliked: Nothing to make note of.
Learned: It would be unfair to share what I think I might do in these situations. When it comes down to it, it would take great strength and courage to do what people had to do to survive during the Holocaust.
Quotes: “’ How can I do this, Lord? How can I not break into thousands of pieces when I have so little left?’” – Have you ever felt this hopelessness? This crying out to the Lord for mercy and strength when you feel you have nothing more to give? It is something to experience when God gives us the fortitude to continue on when we have, “so little left.”
“’ That I with body and soul, both in life and death, am not my own, but belong unto my faithful Savior Jesus Christ.’” – Amen.

Liz Tolsma's The Refrain Within details an escape, betrayal, and love all in one novel. While the heroine on the cover did not do justice to the character within the pages of the novel, I truly was enthralled with the heroine on the pages of the story. She was brave and a delight to be around. She had no problem jumping right into helping her friends and family. She was cautious to trust every one, which as readers will completely come to understand. I love seeing the bravery of this generation while surviving all the horrors they had to go through. The hero, Patrick, denied who he was for a good reason. He was a remarkable and brave hero. I enjoyed the plot of the story. Of course, it featured all my favorite aspect of a World War II novel. Bravery in the face of absolute differing odds. Run of their lives. Lying. Spies. Escape. What a delightful thread to a great story. Tolsma's The Refrain Within does not disappoint fans of World War II novels. It was a wonderful way to spend a budding fall week. I can't wait to own this book in physical form for my bookshelf.

I received a complimentary copy of The Refrain Within by Liz Tolsma, but the opinions stated are all my own.

Poignant and compelling:
This is an emotionally gripping book that makes you stop and think. It was a little hard to read at times due to the WWII subject matter and especially the treatment of the Jews. However I found I was drawn into this families struggles and their quest for freedom. There was a slight element of suspense surrounding the secrets that the characters kept from one another.
Eva is initially terribly naive and ignorant about what was happening around her yet her eyes were soon opened and I liked how Patrick bravely stepped up to help those in need.
This was book 3 in the series and whilst I believe it was a standalone, I kept feeling that I was missing out on a lot of backstory. I don't know if it was because I hadn't read the previous books or just the author's writing style.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

This book captivated me from the very beginning. I love reading a book where you can anticipate what will happen next. Liz Tolsma did just that with this incredible book! Then ending was not what I anticipated and I was left hoping for more. Perhaps a sequel? One can hope.

Growing up in a home full of instrumental and vocal music, this incredible story plucked all the right strings. I never played clarinet but I did study piano, organ, trombone and voice so I can certainly understand the refrain or melody within. There is always a tune in my mind.

For Eva, Patrik and Zofia and many others, these rhythms were a permanent part of their beings. This was what brought them joy and also a sense of peace, even as the bombs fell around them. The music of hope could not be stifled. 1944 found Budapest caught between the advancing Russian front and the German stranglehold with air raids a regular occurrence. People were disappearing every day and trust was not given easily. Finally were any secrets safe - was there anyone who was uncorrupted?

I found myself considering if I would lay my life on the line for a stranger, one who needed the protection that only I could give. Many stepped out and did what they could. Praying that we would all be found willing if the occasion arose for us to stand in the gap - prepared to give all for that stranger.

This ARC was received through Gilead Publishing and NetGalley. The impressions and comments given are my own and were in no way solicited.

THE REFRAIN WITHIN by LIZ TOLSMA takes place in Hungary in 1944 during World War 11. It is a poignant tale of incredible bravery, selflessness and unconditional love in the face of the gathering tide of hatred and anti Semitism during the Nazi occupation.
It is the story of the Bognar family who have been involved in music for generations. Patrik Kedves, Eva's fiancé is the conductor of the Budapest Youth Philharmonic, Eva, who plays and teaches the clarinet, and Zofia who plays the piano, have a music shop, and Erno and his father are carrying on the family tradition of making musical instruments, in particular the famous Bognar clarinet. I love the music theme running through this story and also the strong Christian message that ties everything so beautifully together.
Zofia, who is married to Erno, is Jewish, and she and Patrik are heavily involved in the underground Zionist movement. It is a time when people have to hold their secrets close to their chest, even lying when necessary. It is hard to know who to trust, and Patrik, with his own secret, his work for the Zionists and protection of Zofia, stands to lose Eva as she becomes more and more sure that he is hiding something from her.
I literally could not put this book down - not only is it beautifully written with amazing characters, but I felt I had to try and see them through to the end!
This is a real classic and one of the best novels I have read this year. I cannot recommend The Refrain Within highly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from the Independent Publishers Group. The opinions in this review are completely my own.