A stranger’s life hangs in the balance. But to save him is to risk everything. The war is drawing to a close, but the Nazis still occupy part of the Netherlands. After the losses she’s endured, war widow Cornelia is only a shadow of the woman she once was. She fights now to protect her younger brother, Johan, who lives in hiding. When Johan brings Gerrit Laninga, a wounded Dutch Resistance member, to Cornelia’s doorstep, their ives are forever altered. Although scared of the consequences of harboring a wanted man, Cornelia’s faith won’t let her turn him out. As she nurses Gerrit back to health, she is drawn to his fierce passion and ideals, and notices a shift within herself. Gerrit’s intensity challenges her, making her want to live fully, despite the fear that constrains her. When the opportunity to join him in the Resistance presents itself, Cornelia must summon every ounce of courage imaginable. She is as terrified of loving Gerrit as she is of losing him. But as the winter landscape thaws, so too does her heart. Will she get a second chance at true love? She fears their story will end before it even begins. “Based on the author’s family history, this moving tale not only offers insight into the moral and physical struggles of those under the duress of war but also vividly captures the time and place. A good choice for readers who enjoyed Mary Doria Russell’s A Thread of Grace.” -- Library Journal “In an adventurous tale that reads like a movie script, Liz Tolsma weaves faith in seamlessly, moving the reader with her characters’ convictions to create a captivating debut novel.” -- Bookpage “This book was a fascinating look at WWII from the Netherlands perspective, one I hadn't heard before. It captured my interest and wouldn't give it back until the last page!” -- CBA Retailers + Resources “Tolsma crafts strong characters and easy-to-visualize scenes. The inherent danger of Nazi occupation is apparent. Relevant biblical connections remind the reader that God is always in control, no matter how dire the situation may seem. Tolsma's story is a way to remember the past and those who gave their lives for freedom.” -- Romantic Times Liz Tolsma has lived in Wisconsin most of her life. She and her husband have a son and two daughters, all adopted internationally. When not busy putting words to paper, Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping with her family. SNOW ON THE TULIPS By LIZ TOLSMA Thomas Nelson Copyright © 2013 Christine Cain All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-4016-8910-0 CHAPTER 1 THE PROVINCE OF FRIESLAND, NETHERLANDS February 1945 S chnell, schnell! " A German soldier jammed the cold, hard barrelof his rifle into Gerrit Laninga's back. Gerrit's heart throbbed against his ribs like waves in a squallagainst a dike. Any minute now, it would burst through his chest,splitting open as it flopped to the ground. He scrambled to keep pace with the nine other Dutch Resistanceworkers in front of him. If he fell behind, the Germans would shoothim on the spot. Not that it mattered one way or the other. Gerrit was on his way to his execution. "Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up." The words of Psalm 56 that he had memorized long ago became hisprayer. I know, Father, what awaits me on the other side of the bullet.But if it be Your will, let this cup pass from me. The smell of boiled cabbage wafted on the early evening airas people finished their suppers. He sensed their pitying staresas they hid behind their lace curtains, peeping out to spy on themen marching to their deaths. Behind closed doors, these peoplewhispered, wondering what crimes the men had committed to beexecuted in this way. Tomorrow morning they would talk about itaround their breakfast tables. He would not be here in the morning. Behind one of the house's brick facades, a child shrieked inlaughter. The Gestapo officer jabbed his weapon between Gerrit'skidneys. "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee." Please let it happenquickly. No pain, no suffering, Lord, please. But spare me, Father."When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know;for God is for me." He'd had many close calls during the war, like the time theNazis searched every nook and cranny of the house where he hadbeen hiding. They failed to move the rug that covered the trapdoorto the cellar where he was concealed. Or the time he had seen somesoldiers on the road when he'd been delivering ration cards. He wasable to hide in a ditch before he was caught. I trust my life to You, sovereign Lord. Peace filled him, a sweet taste of the heaven that awaited him. No matter what happened, God was in control. The men in front of him watched their feet as they moved forward,their backs hunched, their shoulders slumped. Gerrit held his head high. He refused to let the Germans thinkthey had him conquered. Death was not defeat. Death was victory. His hands were tied in front of