Chasing Shadows: A World War 2 (WW2) Historical Christian Fiction Romance Novel Set in the Netherlands

Lynn Austin has once again written an unforgettable, inspirational novel. The theme of "Chasing Shadows" is repeated on so many levels, ultimately revealing the goodness and faithfulness of God during one of the darkest periods of world history. The characters demonstrate extreme courage and selflessness while enduring unimaginable grief and loss during WW II. Thank you, Lynn, for the reminders of what it means to be a Christian. I devoured this novel and I'm sure I will read it again!

Lynn Austin's newest book, Chasing Shadows, is historical/Christian fiction at its finest! Set in the Netherlands during World war II when the Nazis invade the (neutral) Netherlands. It is the story of 3 women who must make the most difficult (unthinkable!) decisions and know they must live with those choices. A wife and mother, a daughter, and a young Jewish violinist who had sought the safety in Holland.As the war escalates and the Nazis invade Holland, these 3 women find their paths crossing and their lives forever intertwined.The passage about a young Nazi soldier standing on Lena's property touched me deeply! Two enemies coming together and finding common ground. Each having empathy for the other, putting aside their hate and their fear. Sharing a story, a moment, a hug, and a prayer. This brought me to tears. This passage and the quote ~"Don't hate them" Mama said as if reading Ans mind. "They'll win if we hate them"~ This is the story of ordinary people who did extraordinary things! I was brought to tears and cheers more than once. I gasped, I held my breath, I learned things I never knew, and I was touched beyond words. Lynn is a fabulous researcher and the details she uncovers during her research really makes her books come alive!I loved this book, this story! This book is one you'll not want to miss!

Wearing their faith and living it, these valiant people of the Netherlands gave it all for others during World War II.We meet some of these people and follow them as the darkness envelopes and doesn't want to let go. Those who have already fled their own country to flee the hate of a people, and now are on the run again.Through the words of this author we meet all kinds of people, those that will do anything to save their own skin, and other that selflessly give the ultimate for others.This is a fictional story, but based on facts, and the world needs to remember so that history does not repeat!I received this book through Net Galley and Tyndale House Publishers, and was not required to give a positive review.

When I opened the book and read the prologue that told of so many people from one family that were missing, I must confess that I was nervous about reading this book. I’ve heard the stories of concentration camp survivors and read the writings of Corrie Ten Boom. These stories didn’t have happy endings.But Chasing Shadows does. It shows us the benefits of clinging to a rock solid faith in God. That is something I appreciate about Lynn Austin’s writing. Her theology is concrete. The faith of her characters uphold them and hold them fast through traumatic life changes.Chasing Shadows by Lynn Austin has the potential to become a classic. Accurate historical content and solid theology speak for themselves. That is certainly the case with this book. I believe it holds its own among titles that have been formative and cherished for generations.Thank you, Lynn Austin, for writing with depth and conviction to give us messages that will last. This book is a 5-star all the way.

Chasing Shadows by Lynn Austin is an excellent WWII-era historical fiction novel that takes place in the Netherlands. This is a stunning tapestry of a collection of ordinary citizens and how they adapt and respond to adversity and exhibit perseverance during the war.This book is such an impressive and beautiful narrative of what the people of the Netherlands experienced in the face of fear, change, tests of faith, and how each responded in their own way to the invasion of the Nazis into their land, forever changing everything and everyone.I was drawn in immediately by the wonderful way in which Ms. Austin creates and describes her cast of characters. I know that these people and events were inspired by real people and happenings, but she really was able to portray how “ordinary” people lived in response to the fear, changes, risks, and often mortal danger in the face of oppression, anger, imprisonments, silence, and attempts at domination. The cast of characters, their pasts, their fears, hopes, dreams, goals, and actions were richly portrayed to the point that my heart raced and tears formed at many pivotal points during the book. The development of the women and families that intersected during this story was amazing. The strength of Lena, Ans, Miriam, and the rest of the cast during these horrific times have forever placed imprints on my heart.To see what these innocent people went through from yet another environment and aspect is extremely important. This is a novel about overcoming adversity, faith in oneself and in a greater power, and the sacrifices that each person made in their own way to help one another survive atrocities will always resonate with any generation.I am forever touched and humbled by reading all that these women (and men) loved, lost, and eventually gained during the war. I will never be able to read enough examples people from all walks of life went through that help remind me and lend a voice of what my family and many other of Jewish faith (amongst others of course) experienced at the hands of such evils during WWII. I am blessed to have been able to read this story.This is what historical fiction should be.5/5 stars