Wow! What an exceptional book! I had so many emotions while reading this story. Anja is a courageous woman! She is a lover of peace and a devout Quaker. Peter is adaptable and brave. Their story is beautiful - filled with heartache but also brimming with hope. A definite must-read ! ( )

Simple Faith, book 2 in Anna Schmidt’s The Peacemakers series, presents an interesting look at the work of people of faith in the midst of the horror of WWII. Set in Belgium, France and Spain, the novel continues the story of Anja that began in book 1, All God’s Children. It can, however, be read as a standalone. Filled with daring adventure, suspense and romance, Simple Faith is a recommended read for those who like historical romance set during WWII.

Peter Trent is an American airman forced to parachute from the disabled bomber he serves on. Behind enemy lines, Peter struggles to survive his initial landing. Found by the young son of Anja Jensen, Peter is rescued and set into the escape line run by Anja. But the Gestapo is on his trail and determined to find not only Peter, but to bring in those responsible for the running of the escape line. Fighting their growing attraction, Peter and Anja flee Belgium and start on their trek to Spain and freedom. But of course, there are lots of dangers awaiting them and others who fight for freedom.

Simple Faith is foremost a plot-driven romance with elements of suspense and danger for the characters. The romance is somewhat predictable, but the story of the escape lines providing its foundation is fascinating. Like the Underground Railroad used to transport slaves to freedom in the United States, escape lines operated in Europe allowing American, Canadian and British airman to return to England. The sacrifice that the local people made to protect the Allied forces is a story that needed to be told. These people risked everything, including torture and death, to make sure that strangers would live. Another interesting feature of the novel is Anja’s Quaker faith. A pacifist, she looks for the Light in all she meets, including those who are her enemies. She is called to do her part to stop the Nazis.The Society of Friends or Quakers rely on silence to find the will of God and I found this a powerful image of God’s voice to His people. I was surprised, though, that while there were many references to God and the Light, there was never any direct mention of Jesus. There also seemed to be a universalist bent to the faith portrayed by the characters.

If you like a book filled with historical detail, an interesting story, romance and likable characters then Simple Faith is a good book for you.

Recommended.

(Thanks to Shiloh Press and Pump Up Your Book for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )

SIMPLE FAITH by Anna Schmidt is another exciting Peacemakers, Inspirational Historical Romance/Fiction set in 1943 Europe. #2 in “The Peacemakers” series, but can be read as a stand alone, although, I would recommend reading book 1, “All God’s Children”. Simple Faith, picks up where “All God’s Children” finished.

Quaker Anja Steinberg, had her whole world taken away in All God’s Children by the Nazis, after losing her Jewish husband and daughter to the Nazis. In, Simple Faith, she is helping Allied airmen escape from behind enemy lines. She feels this is her calling. Enter, Peter Trent, an American, who was shot down……

Second Lieutenant Peter Trent has been shot down near Anja’s grandfather’s farm. He must travel across enemy territory, through Western Europe to get back to England with the Gestapo hot on his trail. One of many problems, Anja, is falling in love with Peter, but this could endanger, that only her life, but the life of her precious ten-year old son,Daniel, as well.

Filled with tension, emotional turmoil, faith, healing, romance and love. You don’t want to miss a second of Simple Faith. Fast paced and filled with drama from the first page to the last.

Readers of historical fiction, World War II, the flight of Jews, sacrifice and romance. A brilliant tale of love, sacrifice, the war and healing. A must read! Received for an honest review.

RATING: 4.5

HEAT RATING: SWEET

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More ( )

Title: Simple Faith (Peacemakers Series #2)
Author: Anna Schmidt
Pages: 320
Year: 2014
Publisher: Shiloh Run Press
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book from www.bookfun.org
In the continuing story of Anja, Beth and others first introduced in All God’s Children, the audience will be captivated by the way locals help downed airmen to safety. The network of characters brought to life on the pages will remind people of other acts of bravery done to help during times of war. The Gestapo is always on the heels of the main characters, attempting to keep them from leaving Germany. Not only is the Gestapo presence more visual to locals, the risk of dangers grows exponentially with each attempt to return men to their homeland while keeping the locals from being caught. Even with the main characters from the first story having to obtain new identities there are no guarantees that they will ever be safe. Plus some dark sinister man has infiltrated the escape route used and as the safe houses begin to be torn apart by the Nazis, time becomes even more crucial to moving people before they are caught.
In book 2, the tension builds as readers might find themselves wondering who the antagonist is and who is not. Lives are at stake as well as the future welfare of Germany once the way is over, with most people knowing that their lives and country has been forever changed. Again, the author reveals a couple tenets of the Quaker faith as the tale climaxes and will be completed in book three to be released this summer.
While some author’s books can be read as stand alone, the Peacemakers series isn’t one of them so please read All God’s Children first so you can follow the developing tale. The tension, love, faith, romance and description of scenes capture the imagination from the first to the last page. Personally, I cannot wait to see how the author wraps up the series. I have enjoyed the books very much!
My rating is 4 stars.
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/ . Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457 ( )

This was a page turner! It takes place towards the end of World War II and is a story of survival, sacrifice, faith and love.

Anja Steinberg is a woman of immeasurable courage. She has lost her husband and daughter because of this horrific war, and now has to protect her son and grandparents. Yet, she has the calling to aid Air soldiers to safety so that they can once again fight the Nazis.

Peter Trent, an American soldier, finds himself in her care. She must work with him teaching him German and the ways to not get caught before she passes him down the line, which is like the underground railroad in essence.

They must both trust each other and rely on the Lord through the journey to safety. The romance that is weaved is sweet, beautiful, and full of love. Love is an underlying theme in this book. When you love someone, what are you willing to do for them? To give up? To sacrifice? Would you be able to sacrifice yourself for your loved ones? This is a very strong struggle that Peter faces as he sees so many people willing to do just that, and even sacrifice themselves for him, a stranger.

This is an amazing book and I highly recommend it. Anna does an amazing job with pulling the reader right into the story. The sights, the sounds, the feelings all come through so clearly. She has done an amazing job with this book and I look forward to reading more of her work.

Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http://TMWoodsBooks.com/blog . Also follow me on Twitter @TMWoodsBooks, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/TMWoodsBooks . ( )