Valerie S. (VolunteerVal) - reviewed on 9/9/2022 + 598 more book reviews

Escape from Amsterdam by Lauralee Bliss is the newest book in the Heroines of WWII series from Barbour Fiction. As the title implies, it's set in The Netherlands in the early days of German occupation. It was sobering to read about the gradual takeover of daily life by enemy forces.

The story is told through main characters Helen Smit and Erik Misman, young adults who are setting the course of their lives. Upon their chance meeting, their attraction is instant, but their courtship is severely impacted by national events. Then Helen's job as a teacher leads her and Erik to risk everything to rescue Jewish children from the German genocide.

This novel read very slowly for me, especially at the beginning. While I appreciated the realistic pacing to some extent, I expected the plot to be fast-paced and thrilling, so I was anticipating a very different reading experience.

The author's note at the end of the book explained that the plot was inspired by actual events and historical figures Professor Johan van Hulst and Miss Henriette Pimentel whose brave actions saved countless lives.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

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