Chasing Shadows
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- Create Date：2021-06-09 14:31:09
- Update Date：2025-09-06
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- Author：Lynn Austin
- ISBN：1496437357
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Summary
For fans of bestselling WWII fiction comes a powerful novel from Lynn Austin about three women whose lives are instantly changed when the Nazis invade the neutral Netherlands， forcing each into a complicated dance of choice and consequence。
Lena is a wife and mother who farms alongside her husband in the tranquil countryside。 Her faith has always been her compass， but can she remain steadfast when the questions grow increasingly complex and the answers could mean the difference between life and death？
Lena's daughter Ans has recently moved to the bustling city of Leiden， filled with romantic notions of a new job and a young Dutch police officer。 But when she is drawn into Resistance work， her idealism collides with the dangerous reality that comes with fighting the enemy。
Miriam is a young Jewish violinist who immigrated for the safety she thought Holland would offer。 She finds love in her new country， but as her family settles in Leiden， the events that follow will test them in ways she could never have imagined。
The Nazi invasion propels these women onto paths that cross in unexpected， sometimes-heartbreaking ways。 Yet the story that unfolds illuminates the surprising endurance of the human spirit and the power of faith and love to carry us through。
Lena is a wife and mother who farms alongside her husband in the tranquil countryside。 Her faith has always been her compass， but can she remain steadfast when the questions grow increasingly complex and the answers could mean the difference between life and death？
Lena's daughter Ans has recently moved to the bustling city of Leiden， filled with romantic notions of a new job and a young Dutch police officer。 But when she is drawn into Resistance work， her idealism collides with the dangerous reality that comes with fighting the enemy。
Miriam is a young Jewish violinist who immigrated for the safety she thought Holland would offer。 She finds love in her new country， but as her family settles in Leiden， the events that follow will test them in ways she could never have imagined。
The Nazi invasion propels these women onto paths that cross in unexpected， sometimes-heartbreaking ways。 Yet the story that unfolds illuminates the surprising endurance of the human spirit and the power of faith and love to carry us through。
Reviews
Amanda
，
I loved this book！ I don't think I have ever read a historical fiction World War II story from the perspective of the people from the Netherlands before。 This story was fast-paced and hard to put down。 I loved reading about the incredible courage of the Dutch people。 The sacrifice they made for others was truly remarkable。 The main characters were so well written， and each character went through incredible changes as they faced the trials of war。 I could identify with these characters。。。 with th I loved this book！ I don't think I have ever read a historical fiction World War II story from the perspective of the people from the Netherlands before。 This story was fast-paced and hard to put down。 I loved reading about the incredible courage of the Dutch people。 The sacrifice they made for others was truly remarkable。 The main characters were so well written， and each character went through incredible changes as they faced the trials of war。 I could identify with these characters。。。 with their fear， mistrust， depression， looking for a glimpse of hope。 Lynn has so many beautiful passages。 Here are just two of the ones that I loved。 "She used to believe that the enemy of faith was doubt， but she'd learned that faith's destroyer was fear。 'Let your fear drive you into the arms of God，' her father had said。" （p。 9） "You're wound so tightly， worrying about every little thing， trying so hard to hang on to control， but you were never in control to begin with。 It's an illusion。 The sooner you realize that， the sooner you'll put everything into God's hands and find some peace and maybe even gets some sleep at night。" （p。63）This beautiful story that Lynn has crafted is a timely story as we have faced our own battle against fear this past year and a half。 Covid has struck fear in people's hearts， but this fear should be driving us into the arms of God。 We too need to let go and be reminded that we are not in control of our lives。 Our lives， as well as the lives of our loved ones around us， are His。So make sure to pick up this wonderful book。 I can't recommend it enough。 I'm sure it will touch your heart as it has mine！！***I received this complimentary book from the author。 I was not required to write a positive review。 All opinions are my own。 。。。more
Karen
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I love this book！ The three female main characters in Chasing Shadows are incredibly strong women are faced with the horrors of the Nazi takeover of the Netherlands。 I could not put this book down because I had to find out what happened them。 Lynn Austin has written some powerful scenes in this book！
Melissa
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WOW！ This book is completely Wow！ I will readily admit that I was hesitant to read this book at this time。 I was very much in the mood for a light， summery beach read， but I decided to begin and see how it went。 The story drew me in from page one！ I didn't want to put it down。 Each page， each chapter held me captive and I couldn't wait to see what would happen next。 The chapters are short and flow from one to the next。 Although this book is about WWII and the Nazi invasion of the Netherlands， th WOW！ This book is completely Wow！ I will readily admit that I was hesitant to read this book at this time。 I was very much in the mood for a light， summery beach read， but I decided to begin and see how it went。 The story drew me in from page one！ I didn't want to put it down。 Each page， each chapter held me captive and I couldn't wait to see what would happen next。 The chapters are short and flow from one to the next。 Although this book is about WWII and the Nazi invasion of the Netherlands， the pages are filled with the hope of clinging to the rock of our salvation， God Almighty。 Lynn Austin has this incredible way of weaving hope within the pages of tragedy and helps us to see God's hand in all things。 In this story we are reminded how God is in control， even in the worst of circumstances。 He can guide us， use us， and direct us。。。if we let Him。 One of my other favorite parts of this book is that it reminds us that， although so many had tragic ends to their stories。。。some survived。 They lived to tell their tale。 And chose to tell their stories so we can all see how God's hand was at work in such a horrible time in our history！ This story is beautiful from beginning to end！I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley。 All opinions expressed are my own。 。。。more
Peggy
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Each book I read of Lynn's I think will be my favorite， but I think this one is really it！ Set during World War II from the time just before the Nazis invaded The Netherlands until the the country was freed of Nazi tyranny， this novel described the time period from the vantage points of 3 different women， with 3 different sets of needs and ambitions。 One woman， Lena， is fortyish， a wife and mother who only wants to keep her family safe and close to her。 The next is her daughter， Ans， who is bare Each book I read of Lynn's I think will be my favorite， but I think this one is really it！ Set during World War II from the time just before the Nazis invaded The Netherlands until the the country was freed of Nazi tyranny， this novel described the time period from the vantage points of 3 different women， with 3 different sets of needs and ambitions。 One woman， Lena， is fortyish， a wife and mother who only wants to keep her family safe and close to her。 The next is her daughter， Ans， who is barely 20 when we first meet her， but who has plans to move beyond the small farming village to make her way in the city。 The third woman， Miriam， is a talented， wealthy German of Jewish descent who has already escaped Nazi restrictions in Cologne for greater freedoms in The Netherlands only to find those restrictions find her there， too。 So many of the stories in the novel ring true because they are based on first person accounts told to the author。 I also have relatives who have told similar stories。 The Dutch people resisted the Nazis in many ways， large and small， but suffered for it。 Some of those stories of resistance as well as stories of suffering are told in this novel。 But it is the stories of faith and hope that tie all the stories together。 Frank discussions of what a person should do when their convictions are tested。 This novel not only tells a great story of history， but gives the reader much to think about in regard to what each of us would do when similarly tested。 I received an ARC of this novel from NetGalley and was not required to leave a favorable review。 。。。more
Brenda
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Another wonderful book from Lynn Austin！ She is one of my favorite authors。 This story touched my heart from the very beginning！ Even though the characters are fictional they seem so real。 The trials， the strength and the perseverance of each woman were so inspirational。 Their faith in God is encouraging for readers。 I know it encourages me to read how people can come thru so many trials and end up even stronger sometimes。 I loved that music played a part in calming Miriam because I can listen t Another wonderful book from Lynn Austin！ She is one of my favorite authors。 This story touched my heart from the very beginning！ Even though the characters are fictional they seem so real。 The trials， the strength and the perseverance of each woman were so inspirational。 Their faith in God is encouraging for readers。 I know it encourages me to read how people can come thru so many trials and end up even stronger sometimes。 I loved that music played a part in calming Miriam because I can listen to beautiful songs and music and it just seems to bring me closer to my creator and helps calm my soul。 This was such a beautiful story that you certainly don’t want to miss reading this book。 Read it and be encouraged！ I received a complimentary paper copy of this book from the publisher and through NetGalley。 I was not required to write a positive review。 All opinions are my own。 。。。more
Becky
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First sentence: Every sound in the coal-black night seemed magnified as Lena lay awake in bed， waiting。 She heard the quiet rustlings of the shadow people as they crept through the darkness downstairs in her farmhouse。Chasing Shadows is historical fiction set in the Netherlands during the Second World War。 It features multiple narrators whose stories alternate throughout。 Lena de Vries is a wife and mother （and daughter）。 Ans de Vries is a young woman who CANNOT wait to leave the rural farm life First sentence: Every sound in the coal-black night seemed magnified as Lena lay awake in bed， waiting。 She heard the quiet rustlings of the shadow people as they crept through the darkness downstairs in her farmhouse。Chasing Shadows is historical fiction set in the Netherlands during the Second World War。 It features multiple narrators whose stories alternate throughout。 Lena de Vries is a wife and mother （and daughter）。 Ans de Vries is a young woman who CANNOT wait to leave the rural farm life far， far， far behind。 She's off to the 'big' city。 But will it hold all the thrills that she feels she's been missing out？Both narrators are tested by the experiences of the war--not only the initial Nazi invasion but the continued occupation of their country。 Each faces a choice--as all residents did--do I comply with the Nazis？ Do I play it safe and just wait and hope that it will all work itself out OR do I risk it all to follow my conscience？ Does doing nothing mean that you support the Nazis and what they are doing？ Can you oppose the Nazis AND sit idle？ There IS a third narrator--a Jewish one--that also enters into the story， a young woman named Miriam。 Chasing Shadows is an engaging， character-driven historical novel with substance。 It is beautiful and haunting。 There are a few scenes that stand out as being truly wonderful。 I do think it would make a good film。Quotes: “Jesus said the most important commandments are to love the Lord your God and love your neighbor。 And so， whenever we face a dilemma， we can ask， What is the best way to show our love for God and for our neighbor？”Then， unbidden， the words Ans had been made to memorize in catechism class swirled softly through her mind: “I am not my own， but I belong， body and soul， in life and in death， to my faithful Savior， Jesus Christ。 。 。 。” 。。。more
Nan
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I’ve read many good WW2 fiction books， but Chasing Shadows by Lynn Austin is by far the best。 Her thorough research， the deeply descriptive language， and her believable characters all work together to create stories that draw the reader into the story。 She makes it seem like she was there， living the Nazi invasion， participating in the Dutch resistance， struggling with the realities of war。 Chasing Shadows tells the story of three strong women as they work through the injustice， fear， and despai I’ve read many good WW2 fiction books， but Chasing Shadows by Lynn Austin is by far the best。 Her thorough research， the deeply descriptive language， and her believable characters all work together to create stories that draw the reader into the story。 She makes it seem like she was there， living the Nazi invasion， participating in the Dutch resistance， struggling with the realities of war。 Chasing Shadows tells the story of three strong women as they work through the injustice， fear， and despair of war。 Lynn writes like life: not neat and tidy， and not necessarily happily ever after。 Yet she always helps her readers to find hope in the midst of helplessness。 I highly recommend Chasing Shadows by Lynn Austin。 。。。more
Lucy
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Oh my！ I’m totally without adequate words to describe this jaw dropping， gut wrenching， hope filled masterpiece。 I can’t imagine the research involved and the tears shed by the author as I can feel she poured her heart and soul into this novel。 Yes it is dark and hard to read at times like it was when I went to the Holocaust museum but so worth the effort and sobs to find the hope and faith contained within。 The characters are so worth investing into as they are alive and breathing souls that yo Oh my！ I’m totally without adequate words to describe this jaw dropping， gut wrenching， hope filled masterpiece。 I can’t imagine the research involved and the tears shed by the author as I can feel she poured her heart and soul into this novel。 Yes it is dark and hard to read at times like it was when I went to the Holocaust museum but so worth the effort and sobs to find the hope and faith contained within。 The characters are so worth investing into as they are alive and breathing souls that you wish to help。 I pray if ever faced with choices like these that I could be so brave and stand on my faith and the word of God no matter the consequences。 The pacing and eloquent words are superior and I wish I could give this 10 glowing stars。 May all pick this up and read it and go forth remembering。。。lest we forget。 My review doesn’t begin to do this justice so I will end with please make this a priority read this summer。 I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher。 The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required。 。。。more
Elizabeth
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Excellent book。 Well written and researched。 It provided a lot of encouragement to trust in God in spite of the harsh realities people faced during WW2。
Darlene Webster
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This was such an interesting book。 I loved every minute while reading it。 It's about the Nazi war in the Netherlands， May 10， 1940 to May 5， 1945。 Lena and Pieter de Vries live on a farm outside of the hectic pace of Amsterdam or Leiden。 Their oldest daughter， Ans， goes to Leiden to get away from farm life。 All of life is disrupted as the Nazi's take over the country。 Many sacrificed their own lives to help others。 We meet Abba Meijers， a professor and his daughter， Miriam， who are Jewish travel This was such an interesting book。 I loved every minute while reading it。 It's about the Nazi war in the Netherlands， May 10， 1940 to May 5， 1945。 Lena and Pieter de Vries live on a farm outside of the hectic pace of Amsterdam or Leiden。 Their oldest daughter， Ans， goes to Leiden to get away from farm life。 All of life is disrupted as the Nazi's take over the country。 Many sacrificed their own lives to help others。 We meet Abba Meijers， a professor and his daughter， Miriam， who are Jewish traveling from Cologne， Germany。 It is personal look into God's love and hope even in the midst of overwhelming difficulties。 。。。more
Shelly Dabbs
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Wow！！！ Lynn Austin has another hit on her hands。 Such a great story of friends， family， & people fighting for their lives together in any way they can。 People helping people in a time of crisis。 I just hope if I were ever in a situation like they were， I could be as strong & daring as they were。 A must read for all。
Rita
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If you want an unforgettable read， I suggest Chasing Shadows by Lynn Austin。 Lynn presents an exciting story about how faith， courage and love helped 3 young women and their families cope with and help others to survive World War 2 in the Netherlands。 I enjoyed the book so much that I couldn't put it down until I finished it。 If you want an unforgettable read， I suggest Chasing Shadows by Lynn Austin。 Lynn presents an exciting story about how faith， courage and love helped 3 young women and their families cope with and help others to survive World War 2 in the Netherlands。 I enjoyed the book so much that I couldn't put it down until I finished it。 。。。more
Sherri Martin
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Chasing Shadows is a novel not to be missed。 It is a moving and historically accurate story of how three women and their families survived Nazi occupation in the Netherlands。 Lynn Austin did a masterful job of showing how they lived day-to-day， how they experienced a wide range of emotions and thoughts， and how they persevered in faith。 I tried to read the novel slowly so as to take it all in， but by the end， I stayed up until 3:45 am to finish it。 I enjoy reading novels set in WWII， and I often Chasing Shadows is a novel not to be missed。 It is a moving and historically accurate story of how three women and their families survived Nazi occupation in the Netherlands。 Lynn Austin did a masterful job of showing how they lived day-to-day， how they experienced a wide range of emotions and thoughts， and how they persevered in faith。 I tried to read the novel slowly so as to take it all in， but by the end， I stayed up until 3:45 am to finish it。 I enjoy reading novels set in WWII， and I often wonder how I would have responded if I had lived during that time。 Her characters show how it must have felt at times - from the fear that hearing a motorized vehicle brought - because only the Nazis still had fuel - to experiencing the changes in the landscape as the dark curtain of oppression fell - to how to keep going when all seems lost。I have a favorite quote from the book: "How can God remain silent and do nothing in the face of all this evil？" she asked。 "He isn't silent as long as we're His voice and His hands。"That is just one part of this book that will stick with me for years to come。 。。。more
Amber
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I love a good Lynn Austin book。 I think I've read just about every single thing she's put out and they never disappoint。 This one is about 3 women living in the Netherlands during WWII and though I feel like I've read a million WWII books， this one took yet another new angle with great characters and a new look at what it was like to live during that time。 I loved the emphasis on women's experiences and getting each of their different perspectives。 Highly recommend。 I love a good Lynn Austin book。 I think I've read just about every single thing she's put out and they never disappoint。 This one is about 3 women living in the Netherlands during WWII and though I feel like I've read a million WWII books， this one took yet another new angle with great characters and a new look at what it was like to live during that time。 I loved the emphasis on women's experiences and getting each of their different perspectives。 Highly recommend。 。。。more
Messersmith Family
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This book was fantastic！ I've read nearly all of Lynn's books and while I do love them all， the faith element of this book seemed more prevalent and really helped develop the characters。 It was interesting to learn more about the Dutch involvement in WWII and I can tell the author really spent time researching。 Great read！ This book was fantastic！ I've read nearly all of Lynn's books and while I do love them all， the faith element of this book seemed more prevalent and really helped develop the characters。 It was interesting to learn more about the Dutch involvement in WWII and I can tell the author really spent time researching。 Great read！ 。。。more
Terry Felix
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I really like WWII historical fiction and I love Lynn Austin books so I wasn’t surprised how much I enjoyed Chasing Shadows。 This tale based on detailed historical research takes place in the Netherlands。 I knew little about the Dutch Resistance other than what I learned from Corrie Ten Booms remarkable The Hiding Place。 Like all of Lynn Austin’s books these characters are historically accurate and so well written you become engaged with them right away。 This wonderful story is as full of hope a I really like WWII historical fiction and I love Lynn Austin books so I wasn’t surprised how much I enjoyed Chasing Shadows。 This tale based on detailed historical research takes place in the Netherlands。 I knew little about the Dutch Resistance other than what I learned from Corrie Ten Booms remarkable The Hiding Place。 Like all of Lynn Austin’s books these characters are historically accurate and so well written you become engaged with them right away。 This wonderful story is as full of hope as it is heart wrenching。 I cannot help but be moved by stories of ordinary people faced with desperately difficult circumstances who learn and live out the fact that we are only truly safe in God’s hands wherever that may be。 I am challenged to be more faith-filled in the everyday things that feel difficult to me but actually pale in comparison to what others， like the characters in this story， faithfully lived out。 Chasing Shadows is a beautiful， painful， hopeful， heartbreaking story you really don’t want to miss。 。。。more
Michelle Bruin
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When I opened the book and read the prologue that told of so many people from one family that were missing， I must confess that I was nervous about reading this book。 I’ve heard the stories of concentration camp survivors and read the writings of Corrie Ten Boom。 These stories didn’t have happy endings。But Chasing Shadows does。 It shows us the benefits of clinging to a rock solid faith in God。 That is something I appreciate about Lynn Austin’s writing。 Her theology is concrete。 The faith of her When I opened the book and read the prologue that told of so many people from one family that were missing， I must confess that I was nervous about reading this book。 I’ve heard the stories of concentration camp survivors and read the writings of Corrie Ten Boom。 These stories didn’t have happy endings。But Chasing Shadows does。 It shows us the benefits of clinging to a rock solid faith in God。 That is something I appreciate about Lynn Austin’s writing。 Her theology is concrete。 The faith of her characters uphold them and hold them fast through traumatic life changes。Chasing Shadows by Lynn Austin has the potential to become a classic。 Accurate historical content and solid theology speak for themselves。 That is certainly the case with this book。 I believe it holds its own among titles that have been formative and cherished for generations。Thank you， Lynn Austin， for writing with depth and conviction to give us messages that will last。 This book is a 5-star all the way。 。。。more
Petra Bulthouse
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To be honest， I reluctantly started to read this book。 I was born and raised in The Netherlands and know the stories of the gripping anger and fear all too well。 But Lynn wrote it， so I read it。 As always， she develops characters so well。 they all have something you can relate to。The research she puts in is extensive and on pointe。 So well written that you can feel the emotions of the characters and can picture the surroundings as if you were watching a movie。The book nudges you to test your own To be honest， I reluctantly started to read this book。 I was born and raised in The Netherlands and know the stories of the gripping anger and fear all too well。 But Lynn wrote it， so I read it。 As always， she develops characters so well。 they all have something you can relate to。The research she puts in is extensive and on pointe。 So well written that you can feel the emotions of the characters and can picture the surroundings as if you were watching a movie。The book nudges you to test your own faith。 Could you trust God under these circumstances？Do you trust God in your own circumstances and unknown future？ Does it go beyond your personal faith and reach to others？ How can you shine His light in whatever highs and lows come your way？I highly recommend this book for more reasons than a good story。 Challenge yourself and explore the lives of three women that intertwine in a setting that will not leave you untouched。Do you trust God and is your faith founded on the rock？ 。。。more
Barbara
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Chasing shadows Lynn Austin I have been a fan of Lynn Austin for years。 This is one of her best， a powerful story based on the accounts of people who lived a complex dance of choice and consequence through the years 1940- 1945。 Lena is one of three women in the story。 She is a wife and mother who farms and works alongside her husband。 Faith has always been her compass but the invasion of Nazi troops brings new life and death challenges。 Her “imagination partnered with fear， squeezing her heart d Chasing shadows Lynn Austin I have been a fan of Lynn Austin for years。 This is one of her best， a powerful story based on the accounts of people who lived a complex dance of choice and consequence through the years 1940- 1945。 Lena is one of three women in the story。 She is a wife and mother who farms and works alongside her husband。 Faith has always been her compass but the invasion of Nazi troops brings new life and death challenges。 Her “imagination partnered with fear， squeezing her heart dry。” “She learned to face death， gripping her Savior’s hand。” Perfect description。 I appreciated how Lynn Austin wrote of hiding the “shadow people。” The consequences of choosing to help， if caught could mean death。 This is a wonderful historical story， but it is also inspirational。 Nothing I face today compares to what so many in Europe faced during WWII。 I had read little about those living in the Netherlands during this tragic time。 Ans is Lena’s daughter who left the farm to move into the city of Leiden。 She has ideas about romance and becomes involved in resistance work。 Neither mother or daughter share the dangers they each take hold of willingly。 There is a third courageous woman， Miriam， a young Jewish violinist。 Hollard seems an escape and there Miriam discovers both love and tragedy。 The endurance of the shadow people is awesome and filled with tragedy。 The courage of those who come alongside those people is inspiring。 Love and faith carry the characters through the turbulent years。 Well done。 I will reread！ #netgalley 。。。more
Jana Fraley
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Chasing Shadows by Lynn AustinAnother Lynn Austin favorite！ Chasing Shadows tells the story of three women living during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands and the choices they had to make; choices of giving in and reconciling themselves to Nazi rule， or resisting and fighting against the evil and atrocities of World War II。 The story of Lena， Ans， and Miriam， is at once heartbreaking and hard to read because of what they endured， and yet faith-inspiring as we see how God works in the lives Chasing Shadows by Lynn AustinAnother Lynn Austin favorite！ Chasing Shadows tells the story of three women living during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands and the choices they had to make; choices of giving in and reconciling themselves to Nazi rule， or resisting and fighting against the evil and atrocities of World War II。 The story of Lena， Ans， and Miriam， is at once heartbreaking and hard to read because of what they endured， and yet faith-inspiring as we see how God works in the lives of ordinary people to do extraordinary things。 As always， Lynn does a wonderful job weaving amazing historical research with personal stories that make you fall in love with the characters and experience some of what they faced。 If you love history told from the perspective of a deep faith that shows God working in the background of horrible circumstances， this book needs to be on your table！ 。。。more
John
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No one can weave a wonderful story around historical events like Lynn Austin。 She brings life， understanding and reality to her stories so well that you can literally feel what it was like to have lived through things most of us have only heard or read about。 This story just may be her best work yet。 Loved it！！！
Beverly
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This review is based upon an ARC provided in exchange for an unbiased review。If it was possible to give more than five stars I would certainly be willing to double that。 This book will break your heart but is ever so beautiful at the same time。 For those who are lovers of historical fiction this is a book that you cannot pass by。 It will for a long time be a book that I will one on my shelf to reread and to share。 There were so many quotes in the book that were moving， Here are a couple of them， This review is based upon an ARC provided in exchange for an unbiased review。If it was possible to give more than five stars I would certainly be willing to double that。 This book will break your heart but is ever so beautiful at the same time。 For those who are lovers of historical fiction this is a book that you cannot pass by。 It will for a long time be a book that I will one on my shelf to reread and to share。 There were so many quotes in the book that were moving， Here are a couple of them，“I realize now that when we were hiding we were never hidden from God。“ “What does the Lord require of you？ To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God。 “ Chasing Shadows is one of those books that touches you deeply and moves your heart。 Before reading this book I had never read any historical fiction about world war two from that viewpoint。 From the way that the Netherlands was not even safe。 The way Lynn Austin weaves a story is remarkable。 From the very first page I was involved in the lives of these people how they felt how they served even in misery they found way to serve their fellow man。 Chasing shadows is the kind of book that when you finish reading it， you really can’t do anything but reflect back over what you’ve read。 A masterpiece！！ 。。。more
Jola Johnson
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If only I could give it more than 5 ⭐️！I’ve been reading WWII novels for about 45 years， and this book is among the best！ I was thoroughly engaged in the story， and in the lives of the women it followed。 I pre-ordered extra copies to use as gifts， something I seldom do without someone specific in mind。 Although this pandemic now hasn’t even been close to what the Dutch endured then， I identified with them， and was emotionally involved for at least the last third of the book！ I learned from their If only I could give it more than 5 ⭐️！I’ve been reading WWII novels for about 45 years， and this book is among the best！ I was thoroughly engaged in the story， and in the lives of the women it followed。 I pre-ordered extra copies to use as gifts， something I seldom do without someone specific in mind。 Although this pandemic now hasn’t even been close to what the Dutch endured then， I identified with them， and was emotionally involved for at least the last third of the book！ I learned from their stories and believe I will face my future with more courage！ 。。。more
Paula Shreckhise
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“The only truly safe place to be is in God’s hands。”What an emotionally impactful story set in Holland during World War II。 In my opinion， this is a must read， so that we do not forget the sacrifice of these precious people during a horrible time in history。 It is a story of triumph during adversity， of clinging to God when there is no other hope。 “Let your fear drive you into the arms of God。” It is a story of courage and how God can show mercy and draw you closer to Him。 “When faced with a dil “The only truly safe place to be is in God’s hands。”What an emotionally impactful story set in Holland during World War II。 In my opinion， this is a must read， so that we do not forget the sacrifice of these precious people during a horrible time in history。 It is a story of triumph during adversity， of clinging to God when there is no other hope。 “Let your fear drive you into the arms of God。” It is a story of courage and how God can show mercy and draw you closer to Him。 “When faced with a dilemma， we can ask， What is the best way to show our love for God and for our neighbor。” We can even forgive if it is required。 It is a story showing how we can build on our foundational faith and be reminded of scripture and the catechism when we need it。 “Keep your eyes on the Cross and the Resurrection。 When we remember how much Christ sacrificed for us， we will know we can trust Him with anything。” An excellent book by one of my favorite authors。 Do not miss this one！ I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale Publishers on behalf of the author。 I was not required to give a favorable review。 All opinions are my own。* 。。。more
Bev
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Honestly， I can’t imagine the horrors these people faced day to day。 Lynn has a way of opening my eyes to see how God works in horrible circumstances。 The characters come alive！ Feels like your right there with them！ Don’t miss this one！
Brenda
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Lynn Austin's newest book， Chasing Shadows， is historical/Christian fiction at its finest！ Set in the Netherlands during World war II when the Nazis invade the （neutral） Netherlands。 It is the story of 3 women who must make the most difficult （unthinkable！） decisions and know they must live with those choices。 A wife and mother， a daughter， and a young Jewish violinist who had sought the safety in Holland。 As the war escalates and the Nazis invade Holland， these 3 women find their paths crossing Lynn Austin's newest book， Chasing Shadows， is historical/Christian fiction at its finest！ Set in the Netherlands during World war II when the Nazis invade the （neutral） Netherlands。 It is the story of 3 women who must make the most difficult （unthinkable！） decisions and know they must live with those choices。 A wife and mother， a daughter， and a young Jewish violinist who had sought the safety in Holland。 As the war escalates and the Nazis invade Holland， these 3 women find their paths crossing and their lives forever intertwined。 The passage about a young Nazi soldier standing on Lena's property touched me deeply！ Two enemies coming together and finding common ground。 Each having empathy for the other， putting aside their hate and their fear。 Sharing a story， a moment， a hug， and a prayer。 This brought me to tears。 This passage and the quote ~"Don't hate them" Mama said as if reading Ans mind。 "They'll win if we hate them"~ This is the story of ordinary people who did extraordinary things！ I was brought to tears and cheers more than once。 I gasped， I held my breath， I learned things I never knew， and I was touched beyond words。 Lynn is a fabulous researcher and the details she uncovers during her research really makes her books come alive！ I loved this book， this story！ This book is one you'll not want to miss！ 。。。more
Gwen Hinkle
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Chasing Shadows by Lynn AustinThis is a wonderful story that sets back in World War II era where three women from different walks of life face unforeseen obstacles that interrupt their dreams and goals only to stretch them to grow and mature into strong women。 It is evident that bestselling author， Lynn Austin did loads of research and once again has put together another beautiful story about faith and love。Favorite quote: “God created Ans the way He did for a reason。 He can use her strong will Chasing Shadows by Lynn AustinThis is a wonderful story that sets back in World War II era where three women from different walks of life face unforeseen obstacles that interrupt their dreams and goals only to stretch them to grow and mature into strong women。 It is evident that bestselling author， Lynn Austin did loads of research and once again has put together another beautiful story about faith and love。Favorite quote: “God created Ans the way He did for a reason。 He can use her strong will and independent spirit。 Maybe this isn’t rebellion as much as it is the need to become herself。”I highly recommend this great read！Gwen Hinkle 。。。more
Sara Walters
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Completely captivating！ Couldn’t put the book down！
Anne
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Chasing Shadowsby Lynn AustinBack of the Book: “For fans of bestselling WWII fiction comes a powerful novel from Lynn Austin about three women whose lives are instantly changed when the Nazis invade the neutral Netherlands， forcing each into a complicated dance of choice and consequence。Lena is a wife and mother who farms alongside her husband in the tranquil countryside。 Her faith has always been her compass， but can she remain steadfast when the questions grow increasingly complex and the answ Chasing Shadowsby Lynn AustinBack of the Book: “For fans of bestselling WWII fiction comes a powerful novel from Lynn Austin about three women whose lives are instantly changed when the Nazis invade the neutral Netherlands， forcing each into a complicated dance of choice and consequence。Lena is a wife and mother who farms alongside her husband in the tranquil countryside。 Her faith has always been her compass， but can she remain steadfast when the questions grow increasingly complex and the answers could mean the difference between life and death？Lena’s daughter Ans has recently moved to the bustling city of Leiden， filled with romantic notions of a new job and a young Dutch police officer。 But when she is drawn into Resistance work， her idealism collides with the dangerous reality that comes with fighting the enemy。Miriam is a young Jewish violinist who immigrated for the safety she thought Holland would offer。 She finds love in her new country， but as her family settles in Leiden， the events that follow will test them in ways she could never have imagined。The Nazi invasion propels these women onto paths that cross in unexpected， sometimes heartbreaking ways。 Yet the story that unfolds illuminates the surprising endurance of the human spirit and the power of faith and love to carry us through。”Impressions: WOW！ What a phenomenal book！ Lynn Austin does it again！ Rated: Kissing， murder， discriminationLiked: So， I liked this book… a lot。 My love started with the stunning cover and goes all the way to the end of the book。 War is so ugly and this was not sugar-coated in this novel however beauty prevailed as the characters leaned into their faith and each other。 I enjoyed the multiple perspectives of each character’s involvement and response to the war。 It made the story more thought-provoking and interesting。 Ultimately， I enjoyed watching love bloom amidst the hate during this time。 If you look through the quotes below， you will see how gifted Lynn is at bringing Biblical truths with grace and love to her characters。 I feel like I am learning about my faith just as much as I’m enjoying a good story while reading any of her books。Quotes: “Let your fear drive you into the arms of God。”“Ans’s faith has to become her own， Lena。 She can’t inherit yours or mine， no matter how much we may wish it。”“Adam and Eve had a perfect parent， yet they rebelled。”“It isn’t your task to keep her happy but to walk beside her in the darkness…”“You’re wound so tightly worrying about every little thing， trying so hard to hang on to control， but you never were in control， to begin with。 It’s an illusion。 The sooner you realize that the sooner you’ll put everything into God’s hands and find some peace and maybe even get some sleep at night。”“Do you want your way or God’s way？”“’ I don’t have enough faith for this papa。’ ‘None of us do。 All we can do is ask Him each day what He wants us to do。’”“’ It’s natural to wonder where God is in times like these，’ Papa said as he broke the bread for the sacrament of Communion。 ‘He is here， in Christ’s broken body and spilled blood。 He understands our suffering and confusion。 He is here， with us。’”“Engelena， it would be much more dangerous for me to face God at the end of my days and explain why I did nothing…I must learn to fear God more than I fear men。 He is the One I must answer to。”“’ How can God remain silent and do nothing in the face of all this evil？’ she asked。 ‘He isn’t silent as long as we’re His voice and His hands。’”“I realize now that when we were in hiding， we were never hidden from God。”I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here。 。。。more
Reference
google book https://www.google.com/search?tbm=bks&q=Chasing Shadows
hathitrust digital library https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/ls?q1=Chasing Shadows&field1=ocr&a=srchls&ft=ft&lmt=ft
The British Library https://bll01.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/search?query=any,contains,Chasing Shadows&tab=LibraryCatalog&search_scope=Not_BL_Suppress&vid=44BL_INST:BLL01&lang=en&offset=0