When the Avalanche Roared by Lauralee Bliss - A Book Review

  

When the Avalanche Roared is the latest installment in Barbour Publishing's A Day To Remember series featuring historic North American disasters. This fictionalized account of the 1910 Wellington, Washington avalanche that killed ninety-six people sticks closely to the historical record of the event. While some books in this series jump right into the disaster, this one uses the first ten chapters to develop the fictional story of Lillian and Griffin. This author's writing style is simple and straightforward, however she is still adept at character and scene development. The plot is believable and flows smoothly. Although the negative impact of such a horrific disaster is not minimized, the good that comes from people coming together to support the community and one another softens that impact in the story.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of When the Avalanche Roared from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Escape From Amsterdam by Lauralee Bliss - A Book Review

Helen Smit of Amsterdam Noord is just embarking on adulthood, attending Teacher's College of Amsterdam, that is until her country's government surrenders to Germany and changes come to the Netherlands. Erik Minger is a young man employed in a grocery store in which his family has invested. It appears that his future lies in business management, that is until the government began restricting where certain people groups are allowed to shop and do business. In Escape From Amsterdam we follow these two characters from 1939 into 1945, along with three children who come into their care, and those who love and support this special family.

Lauralee Bliss' writing style in Escape From Amsterdam is beautiful in its simplicity. It stays laser-focused on the need to remain steadfast in one's faith in God and in the work of Christ in spite of one's circumstances. Bliss clearly demonstrates showing greater love by laying down one's life for another, which at times may mean being willing to die for someone, but also may mean giving up the kind of life one hoped to live.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Escape from Amsterdam from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.