Love's Belief by Linda Shenton Matchett Book Review & Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK

Midwife Pia Hertz and her mother Sabine have been delivering babies long before the Nazis came to power. Now, the Third Reich has implemented mandates that require Jewish babies and other “undesirables” to be killed as part of The Final Solution. Is Pia’s new faith in Christ strong enough to defy the laws of man?

Despite the agony of the injury at the Battle of Drøbak Sound that took his arm, Dieter Fertig is relieved he’s no longer part of Hitler’s army. He returns to Berlin and discovers Jews are being deported by the thousands. When he realizes the Nuremburg Laws require his best friend’s baby girl to be killed, he must find a way to spirit the child out of Germany before the Nazis discover her existence.

Inspired by the biblical story of Shiprah and Puah, the midwives who saved Jewish babies during Pharaoh’s reign, Love’s Belief shows how one person’s actions can change the world.

Book: Love’s Belief Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Historical Romantic Fiction Release date: May 15, 2019

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MY BOOK REVIEW

Love's Belief is the third book in Shenton Matchett's Wartime Bride series. THis book takes you back to World War II era. This can be a standalone book, but I would highly recommend reading the first two books of the series.

The story focuses on Pia and her mother, Sabine, who are midwives in Berlin during 1943. Pia doesn't have a husband or a boyfriend. They are seeing women loosing their husbands, wifes, friends who are Jews being rounded up and taken away.

Sabine and Pia turned to the Lord begging him to tell them what they need to do. They were given the answer when they received a letter from the midwives' association. Pia's best friend, Trudi, helps they prepare to follow God's lead. Pia helps gets supplies to Dieter's market

I couldn't help but cry while reading this story. Dieter returned from the war injured and opens up a market. Pia helps him by getting supplies for his market. He believes he is useless since he lost his hand and part of his arm. His wife, Valma, is facing the possiblity of her baby being taken away from her because Dieter is Jewish. Dieter asks himself on how he can help people despite having a handicap. His best friend, Lars, was taken away to Auschwitz because he was caught having Allied POW's hidden on his farm.

Shenton did her research. She put alot of thought and emotions into it. I felt for these characters. I thought I was reading a biography on these amazing fighters. This is one of our dark times in history, but God was there by their side helping them get through it. I am not a history expert, but it seems to be accurate for a WWII Christian fiction.

These characters are so inspiring on many levels. Their faith, courage and how they live for the Lord and trust in the Lord to get them through on of the darkest times in history. If you enjoy history centered around WWII and is has faith in then this series is a must read.

" I received a digital copy from Celebratelit for an honest opinion."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Linda Shenton Matchett is an author, speaker, and history geek. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry and has lived in historic places all her life. Linda is a member of ACFW, RWA, and Sisters in Crime. She is a volunteer docent and archivist at the Wright Museum of WWII and a trustee for her local public library.

EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK

Berlin, late February 1943

Chapter One

“I thought Frau Schmidt was going to die.” Pia Hertz blew out a deep breath. “We haven’t had a difficult birth like that in a long time, Mutti.”

“Ja, but you are a gifted midwife, Pia. I wasn’t too worried.”

Pia chuckled. “You always say that.”

Mutti linked her arm with Pia’s. “We must have confidence, otherwise fear will make us prone to mistakes. Now, let’s reward ourselves with strudel, if we can find it, hmm?”

“A wonderful idea. I’m starving. Hopefully, the baker has some, and the line won’t be too long at this early hour. Selections at most of the shops have been meager as the war has ground on.”

Leaning close to Pia’s ear, Mutti whispered, “Be careful what you say. You don’t want to be accused of sedition.”

Pia cast a glance over her shoulder. “You’re right. It doesn’t seem to take much to get arrested these days.” She sighed. “I don’t understand why God has allowed Herr Hitler to succeed. Why has He not stepped in to save His people, the Jews?”

Dust coated their shoes as they sauntered along the sidewalk, skirting the piles of rubble from the most recent RAF bombing raid.

“There are some things we will never have an answer to, Daughter, but we must trust in His plan. It is difficult. Despite being a believer since childhood, I still struggle with doubts. It’s understandable that you do, too.” She stroked Pia’s cheek. “When we get home, let’s pray together and see what He would have us do.”

Pia stifled a gasp. “What are you suggesting?”

Her lips pressed in a thin line, Mutti frowned. She jerked her head toward the SS officer standing about ten meters away, then tugged on Pia’s arm. Continuing down the sidewalk, they arrived at the bakery. Unlit windows and lack of women waiting indicated there were no more treats to be had for the day.

“Ach, we’ll have to assuage our penchant for a sweet another time.” Mutti rubbed her belly. “Let’s take a shortcut down Rosenstrasse then head for the river. It would be nice to look at something other than damaged buildings and debris.”

“Good idea. It is warmer today than yesterday, and there is a market at the end of the street. Perhaps they have some bread or cheese we can nibble on.”

A chill swept over Pia as they walked past a police officer, their eyes averted to avoid any interaction. An elderly couple tottered along in front of them, holding hands and speaking softly. Pia’s heart tugged. Would she ever find someone to spend her life with: someone to look at her like the wrinkled, gray-haired man gazed at the petite woman by his side? At twenty-eight, it seemed unlikely. Der Führer’s desire to rule the world was destroying an entire generation of young men, and she certainly had no interest in a black-coated member of the SS.

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