This is an edge of your seat multi-timeline stand alone novel, or as part 2 of the Echoes of the Past series. In 1942 pregnant Noemie Treves & her husband Levi are taken to a Jewish camp by the Germans. In 2022 Caitlyn is in France researching her grandfather's past in hopes of getting answers for him while dealing with her own demons. In 1955, a lot of questions are answered, but it won't be what you expect. It was very well written, haunting & unforgettable. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Barbour Publishing & was under no obligation to post a review.

There are some books that stick with you for a while. This one will be one of those books. There were lots of nuggets of wisdom included. The story is one of heart break, coming to a point of being able to move on from tragedy and so much more. Set in WWII France, 1950s France and 2022 France, the author did an excellent Job differentiating between the timelines and it seemed at the end of each chapter to be a cliff hanger, urging me in to keep reading to get back to that timeline to find out what happened. There was a bit of mystery and it took me completely by surprise as well. Such a well written book. Highly recommend it. I received the book from the publisher, all views stated here are my own.

A beautifully written triple time line story. The story is set predominantly in the present day and in 1942, during WWII in France, following the stories of two characters experiencing different heartaches. These two stories are interwoven with a short chapters set in the 1950s, narrated by an unknown female, who is slowly revealed towards the end of the story.

The context of this fictional story has been so well researched and the harrowing details of life during the WWII really help bring this story to life.

The writing is descriptive, expressive and creative and really brings the stories to life, painting the characters so well.

The hope, courage and resilience shown by the characters shines through and captivated me from start to finish. With many references to the characters' faith and hope in the Lord, keeping on going even through such difficult trials.

This is the first book I have read by Liz Tolsma but it certainly won't be the last.

I received a complimentary copy from the publishers. All opinions are my own.

3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.

So here's a funny thing: I forgot I'd read book 1 in this series (and that, true confession, it hadn't been my favorite). I also forgot there _was_ a book 1! So I'd rather safely bet one could pick this up out of order and enjoy as desired. :)

I liked this read very much! The history was fascinating, the characters showed development and growth over the course of the story, and the plot kept me guessing until the end. I was particularly pleased at that last bit; the surprises felt genuine and unforced, and I was happy to be proven wrong.

The book does have some of the same struggles as its predecessor in the series; more telling than showing for my taste, and speakers often repeated foreign phrases in English. This not only defeated the purpose of the glossary, it drew unnecessary attention. (And so much use of "je suis désolée!")

But that aside, the story was quite moving, and brought to life a previously unfamiliar aspect of WWII to me. Tolsma deftly entwined three different narrators and their stories here. Well done.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I discovered Liz Tolsma’s books a few years ago, and for awhile now I have been reading all the books she publishes. She is very skilled at writing split-time fiction that draws me in and keeps me reading. I really enjoyed What I Promise You, and seeing how the two strands came together. I figured out the truth long before the end of the book, but certainly didn’t lose interest in seeing how everything turned out!

When I finished reading What I Promise You and read the author’s notes at the end, I realized that this was the second book I read this year based on the maternity hospital and the woman who founded it, helping expectant mothers and protecting Jewish children. Both books were quite engrossing, but I appreciated the Christian faith that came through in this book. The matron continually pointed Noemie to God, and Caitlyn was also pointed to God and His love, over and over. I loved the way her story turned out and the realizations she came to! If you love split-time fiction, and historical fiction set in World War II, you will enjoy this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.

This compelling, heart touching story features three beautifully crafted storylines set in France in three different time periods--1942, 1955, and 2022. The timelines are skillfully woven together into one cohesive, entertaining story. Captivating characters in the historical storylines are inspiring with their resilience and courage as they navigate difficult and dangerous circumstances brought on by World War II. Caitlyn’s strength and courage in the modern-day storyline is admirable as she searches for the truth about her family’s past while dealing with a haunting tragedy in her personal life. Amazing historical detail adds depth and interest to the story. I greatly appreciate the strong faith thread woven through in each storyline. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it as a must read especially for inspirational historical fiction fans. Note: This is the second book in the Echoes of the Past series. Each book in the series is a standalone read.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A remarkable WWII novel that traverses different time periods. The story begins in 1942 as Noemie Treves, a young Jewish woman is arrested and taken to Camp de Rivesaltes in Southwestern France along with her husband Levi. She is soon smuggled out of the camp to a home for pregnant Jewish women - given a new name and a chance to live in relative safety as she awaits the birth of her child. The matron of the home has her own set of secrets but provides a loving, caring place for Jewish mothers and soon becomes fast friends with Noemie. In 2022 Caitlyn Laurent is studying in Spain to become a missionary nurse. Her declining grandfather has family ties to France and has always wanted to discover his roots; so, Caitlyn and two of her school friends travel on weekends to France to do some digging and what they uncover surprises her family. Vichy France, German Nazis, loss and love and so much more awaits you in this incredible novel! Liz Tolma weaves a heart-rending story of love, sacrifice, and unforgettable characters.

What a beautiful story of human perseverance and resilience. The story is set during WW2 and follows a pregnant Jewish woman whose life is turned upside down when she and her husband are arrested and separated. Stories about WW2 always are so emotional for me and this book was no different. Tolsma did a fantastic job showing the atrocities of war, but keeping the story hopeful.

This book is absolutely amazing! It is a triple timeline story that will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. It's a heart wrenching story that is full of emotions, faith and trusting God to show the way. I can't say enough good things about this book. It's a *Must Read* book!
I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

If you enjoy reading World War II fiction, this novel offers a great addition to the genre—so you don’t want to miss it. The book actually includes three time periods, but the main portions are set in 1942 and 2022. One seeks a wholesome future while the other explores the past along with trying to forge her way forward. The heartbreaking tale shares about those who worked to rescue children and pregnant mothers from the horrors planned for them in the concentration camps. Beyond that, it explores secrets and relationships and finding yourself and following your own purpose. The suspense and drama add depth to the emotional journey. Once again, Liz Tolsma pens a powerful drama that touches the heart. I received an advance copy from the publisher to review. All opinions are my own. #WhatIPromiseYou #NetGalley

Wow, I was completely hooked on this book! I loved all timelines (1942, 1955, 2022). The 1955 timeline was so poetic and gave me great imagery. I was in a rush to get back to the mystery of the other two timelines, though! The 1955 timeline kept me on my toes with little hints and my curiosity of figuring out WHO it was! Love how God is woven throughout the whole book.

A poignant and inspiring story of courage and faith in the face of persecution.

An incredible and moving story divided into three parts, it had a slower start since it took a little while to orient myself in each timeline, but the slower set up paid off as the pieces started to come together. A well written read that brings to life the realities faced by many in the midst of WWII, inspiring and full of faith, with great depth, and relationship building. I liked how it quietly wove together the past and the present in this emotional and inspiring story. Helene endures the unknown with courage, and I admired the people who helped her along the way.

Overall, an amazing story, well written with captivating characters, and strong themes of faith and light in the midst if darkness. Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

What I Promise You by Liz Tolsma is the second book in the Echoes of the Past series and a definite must read if you love inspirational historical romances set during WWII. What is great about this book is that it has split timelines which are always fun.
1942-Noémie Treves, a young pregnant Jewish woman risks her life to help save two young women after finding her world shattered after being sent to a transit camp in France.
2022-Caitlyn Laurant is hoping that becoming a nurse on the mission field will help her forget recent painful events in her life along with finding and exploring the location of her grandfather's birth, but her search also reveals buried secrets that no one else knows about.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.

This is Liz Tolsma's second book in her Echoes of the Past series. Each of the books works as a stand-alone read with no crossover storylines or characters, but I would highly recommend reading the first book, What I Would Tell You, because it is a wonderful read. What I Promise You is a slower-paced story. At first I was thinking the author could have omitted the middle timeline, but realized at the end of the book how that timeline actually pulled everything together. The earliest timeline, set in the early 1940s, tells the story of Noémie Treves, a secular Jewish woman, following her imprisonment at Camp de Rivesaltes in Vichy France. Noémie loses everything through the Nazi's cruelty, even her identity. Through the work of two Christian women, her life was spared, but would she be able to truly live life again? In the 2022 timeline Caitlyn Laurent struggles to cope with her best friend's death as she tries to live out the goals they had intended to achieve together. While her life was spared in the automobile accident, would she truly live her own life, or was she destined to live the life Lindsey had wanted to live?

The themes of finding and living one's calling, adapting to life's unexpected circumstances, and trusting God's plans for one's future are all explored within these two ladies' stories. While I cannot say this is my favorite Liz Tolsma story, I can say that it is well-researched and well-written, and I recommend it to fans of historical fiction. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

This book was so great! I loved how all three timelines came together. The characters were developed well. I especially liked reading about Helene and Caitlyn and how they each dealt with their grief and loss.
The only critique I have is that the 1955 plot felt repetitive to me. Yes, it held some mystery about who was narrator, but the majority of it was too similar and I felt some of the sections could have been eliminated without losing anything from the book overall. Can’t wait to read more from this author, as it was my first from her.

What I Promise You by Liz Tolsma is the second book in the Echos of the Past series by Liz

Tolsma. Liz received two awards on her first book . She writes historical fiction. She does detailed research on the history, location and the period she writes for her books. She hosts a podcast on historical Christian books. She interviews authors who have written Christian historical fiction books. The interviews are very interesting and well done. Her podcast exposes readers to more Christian authors and books. Her podcast is a great service for Christian authors.

What I Promise you is a split time book. It takes place during World War 11 , then follows the story in 1955 and then in 2022 with the great granddaughter of the main character. Noemie is one of the mail characters in the book. She has a beautiful heart of sacrifice for others. She extended herself to save and protect the pregnant mothers and children who were at risk from the dangers of the Nazis and the concentration camps. She protected the mothers and children in a maternity home. She is to be admired for her heart of sacrifice and service. She was pregnant and had so much stress to deal with during her pregnancy. Liz did so much research to help the reader understand the many difficulties of World War 11. We need to be reminded of all the dangers and troubles of World War 11 so We do not forget and have a repeat of the horrible effects of so many Jews going to the concentration camps. It is commendable to Liz to spend time writing about World War 11. Her book leaves a lasting impression on the reader of life and the troubles of World War 11.

Thank you to netgalley and Liz Tolsma, the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book. This book is well written .

The themes in the book are : loss, sacrifice, unconditional love.

I’ve been highly anticipating Liz Tolsma’s What I Promise You ever since I knew that it was going to be a follow up to What I Would Tell You in Ms. Tolsma’s Echoes of the Past series. What I Promise You is more of a what I would call a triple time slip novel instead of a dual time slip novel because it’s split between the 1940s, 1955, and the 2020s and centers around three young women, but mainly, Noémie/Hélène and Caitlyn. In 1942, Noémie, a pregnant Jewish woman in France, who is sent to Camp de Rivesaltes in Vichy France by the Nazis is offered a way to protect herself and others by accompanying a pair of young sisters from the Camp to a nearby Maternity Hospital that seeks to be refuge and protection for Jewish pregnant mothers and children. In 2022 Caitlyn is reeling from a traumatic event and going through the motions of life, barely existing. Caitlyn travels to Spain to train to be a missionary and to learn more about where her Grandfather was born in France and their family history. Both Noémie and Caitlyn go through so much life and trauma that it confronts their Faith, helping them to stand through insurmountable odds in their own personal lives, but their own futures as well that impact not only themselves but others around them.

Liz Tolsma’s books take you to places and teaches you about parts of history that you may not know of that keeps the story centered in Christ and What I Promise You is no different. I love the triple time slip aspect to the story because I think that’s very unique. I love how Ms. Tolsma’s writing unravels the stories of Noémie and Caitlyn, and the purpose of the third split timeline, and keeps me as a reader guessing how it will all turn out. Ms. Tolsma writes everything in such a way that every piece of the story is so starkly different and individual, but at the same time it comes together in a beautiful vivid story that keeps the reader right in the middle of it with the characters. I enjoyed the Maternity Hospital aspect of the story and thought how it was run was interesting. I’m in awe of the characters in the 1940’s/1950’s timeline and the strength and courage they had to make the sacrifices they had to make, especially in Noémie/Hélène. Caitlyn also has a Strength and Courage that is all her own and equally awe inspiring in 2022. I commend Noémie/Hélène and Caitlyn on how they chose not to let what happen to them define them and overtake them, even if they had to make that decision daily. Despite their story lines being decades a part, I saw many similarities in Noémie/Hélène and Caitlyn’s character that I believe Noémie/Hélène would be just as proud of Caitlyn as Caitlyn is of Noémie/Hélène. I love this story from beginning to end, being swept up in an escape, full of courage and strength and the Hope that shines through the darkness and believe you will to! I highly recommend What I Promise You by Liz Tolsma!

Have you read What I Promise You? What did you think of the book?

Thank you to NetGalley and The Publisher for the opportunity to read this book. Special thanks to Liz’s Launch Team and Tammy for a chance to be a part of the Launch Team and helping me get the information I needed for this post. I’ve really enjoyed it! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My review is also on Goodreads and my blog, Leslie's Library Escape.

What an awesome job the author did, and I felt I was walking in each character's shoes. This story is heart wrenching, and although we know the basics of what was happening during this period of horrible time that evil that perpetrated Europe.

This is a story of survival, and then family looking for answers. As we travel from the horrible time in the 1940's to the 1950's and then to present time with the arrival of a Granddaughter looking for answers for her Pops.

This story also show the love and compassion of those who helped others at their own expense, and we see this right to the end of this book!

This is a not to miss read, and it is so good!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour, and was not required to give a positive review.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to review this book. This book has three time lines 1942, 1955 and 2022. It takes places in the South of France(Vichy) and Spain. Each woman is going through heartache. No matter what the Circumstances that they face, they arise to the challenge to make the world a better place. This story is Inspiring and it will touch your heart. It kept my interest and it was hard to put down because I wanted to know more about the story. Love the characters in the book.

Rating 4.5

They say every building has a story, an unwritten history contained within its structure.

What I promise you was a powerful poignant story set in three different timeless which focused on the WW2 horrors in France and the heartbreaking results years later.

The writing was expressive, captivating and the characters easy to connect to and sympathize with.

There were so many ways the story could lead to and trying to see what happened held me captivated right till the end. There were some clues I put together before it was revealed.

If you enjoy strong WW2 stories, add this one to your TBR.