The Melody of the Soul by Liz Tolsma

The Melody of the Soul

 

A Nazi officer. A Jewish Czech violinist. Her music haunts him. When he's faced with losing it, he'll go through any length to save it. And her.

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.

Watch the trailer for The Melody of the Soul!

Learn more about Liz and her new release here.

Here is my review of this enchanting read:

First, I would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank you” to Liz Tolsma and her publisher for sending me a copy of "Melody of the Soul" to review for them. I am truly grateful for this generosity. I really appreciate the time, effort and expense it takes to make a reviewer copy available to me.

“Melody of the Soul” by Liz Tolsma is a gripping story about a period of history we cannot forget.  Deportation to a concentration camp separates Anna and her Grandmother from her parents and siblings.  Spared by a friend of her brother who didn’t think their Grandmother would survive the camp, Anna cares for her and continues to play her violin even though musical instruments are banned by the Nazis.  But the love of music is what draws these people from different world together.  And just like many of the Jews didn’t recognize their Messiah, Anna learns that salvation comes from an unconventional place.

This beautiful story is so engaging for many reasons.  First, God plays a major part.  The characters frequently refer to the Lord and God’s plan and God’s blessings.  It is especially encouraging in troubling circumstances.  Second, the family relationships and the development of the relationship between Anna and Horst are sweet and multi-faceted.  It wouldn’t surprise me if these characters stepped off the page into my living room.  Third, this time in history is especially tender for me.  I find it difficult to believe that there are people alive today who deny the existence of the holocaust, but I’ve met some.  I’ve also met people with numbers tattooed on their arms and believe their stories must be told.