What I Left for You - (Echoes of the Past) by Liz Tolsma (Paperback)

What I Left For You is the amazing dual timeline story of Helena and McKenna. Helena is a professor in Poland in 1943. Her life is rather predictable until Germans overtake her town. Helena wants to help those around her as best she can. Her sacrifice for others is amazing. This is a hard but heartwarming tale set during WWII. McKenna has just been duped by her fiancé. Living in modern day Pittsburgh, she is also experiencing tragedy and uncertainty with her employment. At the suggestion of a friend Mckenna decides to trace her roots through a DNA test. The journey she heads on is a very fascinating story. What I Left For You is an amazing story that includes a dual timeline as well as family genealogy, history and research. I found it fascinating and could not put the book down. I recommend what I left for you. It is a great read.

Poland during WWII, the other in Pittsburg in 2023. These stories intertwine to present a heartbreaking tale of persecution and death while showcasing the astounding strength and perseverance of a group known as the Lemkos. I was familiar with the atrocities suffered by the Jewish people in Germany during World War II and I'm now aware of the victimization of the Polish Lemkos! What I Left for You had realistic characters that exemplified the best and worst of mankind. In her author's notes Liz Tolsma shares that much of this story is based on her own family history. Her pride in her Lemko/Rusyn heritage is evident as she deftly weaves fact and fiction into a mesmerizing tale of love and faith triumphing over evil and hatred. More importantly, What I Left for You is a powerful reminder that we should never hide mistakes from the past. They need to remain so that they won't be repeated! I highly recommend this book and the entire Echoes from the Past series to all who enjoy historical Christian fiction! I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

What I Left for You is another compelling, brilliantly executed dual-time line story in the Echoes of the Past series by this gifted storyteller. Both storylines are expertly crafted and intriguing and merge together beautifully. Amazing history and heart-tugging drama kept me glued to the pages. Real-life people, places, and events are integrated seamlessly into the fictional story with attention to historical detail that educates as well as entertains. Learning about the Lemko- Rusyn people group and their devastating experiences during and after World War II was heart-touching and soul-stirring. I love the wonderful, inspiring characters in both storylines with whom you can develop deep emotional connections as they navigate their difficult and uncertain circumstances. I greatly appreciate the strong faith theme of “No matter what, God” speaking of God’s sovereignty, steadfastness, and control over all situations. Of special interest is that McKenna’s genealogical quest in the modern-day story is based on the author’s own “journey of discovery about her family’s Lemko-Rusyn background.” The author’s notes at the end of the story and the glossary of Lemko-Rusyn words are a pleasing bonus. I love this story of heartache, hope, resilience, and courage and highly recommend it as a must read for historical romance fans. I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Net Galley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.