Elizabeth Musser

This novel is stuffed full of incredibly detailed history, heart-tugging emotions, and threads of hope and bravery amongst a dark time of war in human history. I was immediately swept into the story when I met Isabelle, whose compassionate and brave soul was truly admirable; she may be a fictional character, but I have no doubt that real people like her truly made their marks on history with their bravery. I was blown away by the amazing history and the well written way it was integrated show more into the story. I found myself looking up several landmarks mentioned in the story and was excited to read about a few cities I have visited myself! I loved the few French phrases in the story as well. World War II had many tragedies, which were accurately portrayed, but I loved the themes of faith and hope that shone in the novel. I cried several times and felt so connected to the trials of the characters. Elizabeth Musser is one of my favorite authors because she writes stories that leap off the pages and stay with me for a long time. This novel is everything wonderful and amazing and I highly, highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. show less

Searching for Eternity by Elizabeth Musser is one of those books that makes a reader just say, "Wow! Just Wow!" The story, definitely not a light and fluffy tale, follows Emile as he is wrenched from his contented, reasonably serene life in France with his parents to the unknown world of Atlanta, Georgia. New schools with bullies and kids who tease the new kid on the block. Nothing is familiar, and he's homesick. He finally meets a friend--one who's "hoping for a fairy-tale ending for her show more thus-far tragic life." One who's childhood has been stolen and has need of a safe room. Where will their friendship take them? Can they navigate their world that is one of bullies and racism, abandonment, alcoholism, abuse, secrets, and lies? Where is God in all of this? Has He abandoned them as well? As these two friends move into adulthood there are many lessons to learn. Lessons like caring for others and also understanding it's a lot harder to hate a whole group of people when you get to know individuals, and knowing there is more to life than just looking for answers. How does one learn to forgive? Can they learn to trust that God knows and cares and will let them in on all the secrets in His time? Musser has given readers an amazing story of friendship, family, and faith blended with the horrors of WWII and the Resistance and the hunt for war criminals. Searching for Eternity is a raw, emotionally gripping novel--one that will leave a lasting impression on its readers.
I received a copy of this book through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review. show less

With rich historical descriptions, an achingly lovely 2nd chance romance, & determined courage, From The Valley We Rise tells the inspiring story of WWII French resistors who braved everything to rescue Jewish children. In war-torn France, Isabelle, her cousin, & colleagues risk everything to save children from the Germans, while pastor Peter Christensen & fellow American troops prepare to go into battle. With beautiful prose & vivid descriptions, Elizabeth Musser brings history to life in show more this unforgettable story.

After her father’s death, Isabelle Seauve determines to carry on his legacy of working for the French Resistance. As she risks her life to save Jewish children, she discovers there might be a traitor in their midst. Isabelle’s fifteen-year-old cousin Rene, who works for the Maquis, is looking for revenge after his family is killed & he & his beautiful Jewish friend Delphine barely escape death.

After years away, Peter Christensen returns to France as a chaplain in the U.S. Army. Preparing for the second D-Day, the Allied Invasion of Provence, he faces danger at every turn & through a fateful meeting, reconnects with the woman he never forgot.

I absolutely loved this story! Isabelle’s & Peter’s story is so achingly lovely. There’re a few misunderstandings between them & I loved how they were able to find reconciliation. Isabelle struggles with faith especially after losing so many family members & experiencing humanity’s worst. Her sympathetic POV was both poignant & inspiring. Peter’s humor & charm is contagious. He faced the unimaginable & I loved how with Isabelle he could finally share his past tragedies.

One of the characters I enjoyed most was Delphine. Her faith & optimism was so admirable despite her circumstances. The ending had me reeling especially when the traitor is revealed. It’s a riveting story I won’t soon forget. I received an advanced copy from the publisher with no expectation of a review. My opinions are completely my own & provided voluntarily. show less

"Life is beautiful, life is surprising, life hurts. And our job as artists, for as long as we're present in this life, is to use our gift to show the beauty and the surprises and the joy and the pain to others."

I am floored by this book. I have not read any of Elizabeth Musser's books before but she has now gained a faithful follower. This heart-wrenching tale brings back some beloved characters from the author's previous books The Swan House, The Dwelling Place, and The Long Highway Home show more but it can be read as a stand-alone without having read the others. I was thoroughly engrossed in Abbie, Bobby, and Caro's stories from the first chapter and didn't feel left out or confused because I didn't know them before starting out on this journey.

Told from first person present tense narrative, this book is indeed a compelling and captivating journey of "loss and love, faith and fellowship, pain and perseverance, and a handful of miracles along the way." Abbie, Bobby, and Caro are all deeply-layered and complex souls, each carting a truckload of perceived responsibilities, regrets, pain and all seeking peace. There is a bit of mystery involved in Caro's story as she attempts to reconcile her best friend's disappearance. There is such heartache and hope in the plight of the refugees seen through Bobby's eyes and magnificence of God's creation and God Himself seen through Abbie's heart. Abbie's walk, discovery, and realizations felt like my own; I haven't felt this connected to a fictional character in a very long time. You'll cry tears of heartbreak, frustration, anger, repentance, and acceptance as you travel the Camino with these three unique and unforgettable characters.

This book is a must-read if you enjoy well-written contemporary women's fiction that makes your heart and soul think. I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishing and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own. show less