Their journey to Gisela’s mother in Berlin is riddled with tragedy and hardship, but they strive to keep Ella’s daughters safe so they can reunite with their mother. During the journey Gisela and Mitch begin to develop feelings for one another beyond friendship. They reach Berlin, but their struggles are far from over. Gisela and Mitch must learn to live for the day and find hope in the darkest of circumstances. In this moving, historically accurate portrayal of WWII Germany, the characters learn that, even with destruction all around them, some things last forever.My Review:
Stories which have their roots in real life are some of the best. That is where Liz Tolsma takes us, right into the lives of people from the past. Daisies are Forever is an insightful look into a time and place most of us don’t think about often. When we think of World War II, we think of our side of the ocean, our people. What about the Germans who disagreed with Hitler? The German refugees retreating before the Russian army?
Bravery is not determined by never being afraid, but facing your fears and doubts then doing what needs to be done anyway. Daisies are Forever tells the story of Gisela Cramer and her courage in the face of war. She gathers around her others in need of help and banding together, they see each other through many difficulties and dangers. Across a country, across a war, she shows us how to triumph.
Liz Tolsma has done an admirable job in sharing Gisela’s story. You will cry for her, and cheer her on and celebrate with her as you read. Daisies are forever is an enjoyable book to read. You won’t want to put it down until you’re done. I do regret there weren’t a few more chapters between the last one and the epilogue. I wanted to know more. A book well done.
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About the Author
Liz Tolsma has lived in Wisconsin most of her life, and she now resides next to a farm field with her husband, their son, and two daughters. All of their children have been adopted internationally and one has special needs. Her novella, Under His Wings, appeared in the New York Times bestselling collection, A Log Cabin Christmas. Her debut novel, Snow on the Tulips, released in August of 2013. Daisies Are Forever released in May 2014. When not busy putting words to paper, she enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping with her family.
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An Interview with Liz
Have you always been a writer? No, I started out as a second grader teacher, which I did for four years. I then worked as an advertising copywriter and then as a church secretary. All along, writing was what I truly wanted to do. I’ve been writing for about 12 years.
What does your family think of your writing? I have a wonderfully supportive family. My dad talks up my book wherever he goes. My husband doesn’t complain about eating take-out or about having to help with the chores so I can write. And he gladly takes over so I can go to our cabin for a bit of peace and quiet to get some work done. I couldn’t do what I do without them.
Tell us about your writing process. I begin with: butt in chair, hands on keyboard. Then I let my thoughts flow. My first draft is usually awful, but having words on paper gives you something to work with. From that, I can refine and tweak and make it what I want.
How do you manage your time? I like a routine. I get back from taking my daughter to school, have breakfast, then turn off the internet. It’s too distracting for me. Then I write, just write. I always have a word count goal – usually in the 2000 to 2500 word range and I target to be done by lunch. After lunch and before the kids get home is when I do my marketing. That gives me the evenings to spend with my family.
What is your book about? The book is about redemption. The main characters have made mistakes and continue to make them at the beginning. They struggle with how God will forgive them for what they’ve done. Through circumstances, they realize that God is a God of redemption and when we trust in him, he wipes our slates clean.
What was your favorite chapter or part to write and why? And what was the hardest thing about writing that part? There is a scene where the two main characters are upstairs in the apartment while the rest are in the air raid shelter. They talk, have some breakthroughs and then share a tender moment. I loved writing that scene. The hardest was the beginning. I had a tough time getting it to where I liked it. My editor helped out and I really like it now.
Why do you feel you had to tell this story? I’m passionate about having those who lived through WWII share their stories before it is too late. The book is based on the real lives of two women – one my aunt. You would never know by looking at them what they lived through. To me, they are amazing, and I wanted everyone to know their stories.
Do you plan on writing a sequel to this story? There is a third book in the Women of Courage series, Where the Hibiscus Blooms, set to release early next year. It’s not a direct sequel, but it is also the story of an ordinary woman in extraordinary circumstances.
Thanks for the great review! I'm glad you enjoyed the book. The editors have changed the title of my third book to Remember the Lilies.