The Melody of The Soul: Music of Hope Book One By Liz Tolsma

I received this book from Litfuse Publicity for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Description: 

Anna has one chance for survival—and it lies in the hands of her mortal enemy.
It’s 1943 and Anna Zadok, a Jewish Christian living in Prague, has lost nearly everything. Most of her family has been deported, and the Nazi occupation ended her career as a concert violinist. Now Anna is left to care for her grandmother, and she’ll do anything to keep her safe—a job that gets much harder when Nazi officer Horst Engel is quartered in the flat below them.
Though musical instruments have been declared illegal, Anna defiantly continues to play the violin. But Horst, dissatisfied with German ideology, enjoys her soothing music. When Anna and her grandmother face deportation, Horst risks everything to protect them.
Anna finds herself falling in love with the handsome officer and his brave heart. But what he reveals might stop the music forever.


My Thoughts: 

 The Melody of The Soul is the first book in Liz Tolsma's latest series and it is fantastic. Liz Tolsma is one of my favorite authors, so I was excited to read it. The Melody of The Soul is a Christian Historical Fiction which is one of my favorite genres. Liz Tolsma is a Wisconsin author, so I find a kinship with her as a lifelong resident of Wisconsin. The cover of this book is just gorgeous, definitely catches the eye. I found myself taken in from cover to cover and everything in between. I couldn't put this book down. Liz Tolsma writes with authority about our world in 1943 especially Prague and Europe, music, being a Jewish Christian during this time, Nazi ideas and policies, and the risks taken by people during this time.  The Melody of The Soul taught me about the Nazi invasion of Prague and the thousands of people who were deported and ultimately killed. I never realized the atrocities that happened in Prague to it's people and it's history. I found the characters in this book well written and real people. I found myself drawn to Horst Engel. He is a a Nazi officer who didn't agree with German ideals or the Nazi way of life. He found himself questioning everything his father taught him especially after meeting Anna and her grandmother. Horst puts their well being above his own life. He turns to God instead of worshiping the Nazi Party and in doing this he finds a peace he has never felt before. He turns to the teachings of his mother and does whatever he can do try to make things right. This book really touched me, a story that will stay with me for a long time. I cannot say enough good about this book or do it justice! I found myself crying through this book, happy tears and sad tears. This book truly brings up a myriad of emotions, which makes for a fantastic story. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction, you will not be disappointed in this book or this author!! I cannot wait to read the other books in this series! 
 I give this book 5 STARS. 

I apologize to Litfuse Publicity and Liz Tolsma for not posting this review on time.