About the Book

Book: Love’s Belief

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Historical Romantic Fiction

Release date: May 15, 2019

Midwife Pia Hertz and her mother Sabine have been delivering babies long before the Nazis came to power. Now, the Third Reich has implemented mandates that require Jewish babies and other “undesirables” to be killed as part of The Final Solution. Is Pia’s new faith in Christ strong enough to defy the laws of man?

Despite the agony of the injury at the Battle of Drøbak Sound that took his arm, Dieter Fertig is relieved he’s no longer part of Hitler’s army. He returns to Berlin and discovers Jews are being deported by the thousands. When he realizes the Nuremburg Laws require his best friend’s baby girl to be killed, he must find a way to spirit the child out of Germany before the Nazis discover her existence.

Inspired by the biblical story of Shiprah and Puah, the midwives who saved Jewish babies during Pharaoh’s reign, Love’s Belief shows how one person’s actions can change the world.

About the Author

Linda Shenton Matchett is an author, speaker, and history geek. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry and has lived in historic places all her life. Linda is a member of ACFW, RWA, and Sisters in Crime. She is a volunteer docent and archivist at the Wright Museum of WWII and a trustee for her local public library.

Read an Excerpt

Berlin, late February 1943

Chapter One

“I thought Frau Schmidt was going to die.” Pia Hertz blew out a deep breath. “We haven’t had a difficult birth like that in a long time, Mutti.”

“Ja, but you are a gifted midwife, Pia. I wasn’t too worried.”

Pia chuckled. “You always say that.”

Mutti linked her arm with Pia’s. “We must have confidence, otherwise fear will make us prone to mistakes. Now, let’s reward ourselves with strudel, if we can find it, hmm?”

“A wonderful idea. I’m starving. Hopefully, the baker has some, and the line won’t be too long at this early hour. Selections at most of the shops have been meager as the war has ground on.”

Leaning close to Pia’s ear, Mutti whispered, “Be careful what you say. You don’t want to be accused of sedition.”

Pia cast a glance over her shoulder. “You’re right. It doesn’t seem to take much to get arrested these days.” She sighed. “I don’t understand why God has allowed Herr Hitler to succeed. Why has He not stepped in to save His people, the Jews?”

Dust coated their shoes as they sauntered along the sidewalk, skirting the piles of rubble from the most recent RAF bombing raid.

“There are some things we will never have an answer to, Daughter, but we must trust in His plan. It is difficult. Despite being a believer since childhood, I still struggle with doubts. It’s understandable that you do, too.” She stroked Pia’s cheek. “When we get home, let’s pray together and see what He would have us do.”

Pia stifled a gasp. “What are you suggesting?”

Her lips pressed in a thin line, Mutti frowned. She jerked her head toward the SS officer standing about ten meters away, then tugged on Pia’s arm. Continuing down the sidewalk, they arrived at the bakery. Unlit windows and lack of women waiting indicated there were no more treats to be had for the day.

“Ach, we’ll have to assuage our penchant for a sweet another time.” Muttirubbed her belly. “Let’s take a shortcut down Rosenstrasse then head for the river. It would be nice to look at something other than damaged buildings and debris.”

“Good idea. It is warmer today than yesterday, and there is a market at the end of the street. Perhaps they have some bread or cheese we can nibble on.”

A chill swept over Pia as they walked past a police officer, their eyes averted to avoid any interaction. An elderly couple tottered along in front of them, holding hands and speaking softly. Pia’s heart tugged. Would she ever find someone to spend her life with: someone to look at her like the wrinkled, gray-haired man gazed at the petite woman by his side? At twenty-eight, it seemed unlikely. Der Führer’s desire to rule the world was destroying an entire generation of young men, and she certainly had no interest in a black-coated member of the SS.

The book is a look at how Jews were treated by Hitler. It is an eye opening account of the horrors they encountered trying to stay alive. I can't imagine what it must have been like to be taken from your home and separated from your family. Pia has a hard time understanding why God would allow such destruction to happen. Her heart is heavy as she sees everything around her slipping away. I loved that she had a big heart and wanted to help in any way she could. Being a midwife had it's dangers, put Pia was willing to risk her life to help bring a precious baby into the world. She faced danger at every turn but never gave up. I wonder how many times we have given up when things became difficult for us?

Dieter is a young man who has seen war up close which cost him a devastating injury. He feels helpless to do anything but an opportunity will soon come. Will he risk his life to help people get to safety before the Hitler and his army take them away? I enjoyed his friendship with Pia and how they came together to help others. There is a part in the story where Pia is trying to get to Dieter's shop and gets caught outside when bombs start going off. This scene is the best I have read about bombings . The author does a very impressive job of making readers feel like they are right there as the bombs explode around Pia. I was praying so hard for her to hurry and get to safety.

I love that the characters pray when they face danger or just to thank Him for keeping them safe. The attack on the Jews is so hard to read. How can a person have such hatred for people that they will do anything to erase them from the world? it is evident that Hitler was an evil man and his anger was spread to harm innocent people including children. The author depicts this era in an honest way and lets us see what happens when someone is consumed with power. I liked when Pia asked Dieter , " Why do men resort to killing and maiming each other to solve their differences?"

The story really held my attention and I loved the dedication Pia and Dieter had to help others escape Hitler. There are some really great messages throughout the book and I thought the author does a good job of giving God all the glory for protecting His people. The ending was perfect and I won't forget Pia and Dieter as they follow God's direction.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.