From the Valley We Rise

Author: Elizabeth Musser
Genre: Historical WWII Fiction
Pages: 400
Release Date: June 3, 2025
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Loyalty during Peril
In the heart of war-torn France, Isabelle Seauve's resolve is tested after her father sacrifices his life to protect her involvement in the French Resistance. Heartbroken, Isabelle becomes more dedicated to hiding Jewish children in and near the village of Sisteron despite the growing danger when she discovers a traitor within the Resistance ranks.

Truth amid Deception
As the shadow of betrayal looms, Isabelle's world collides with that of US Army Chaplain Peter Christensen, who carries emotional scars from his first position in Kentucky and his service in North Africa. Together, they face the brutal reality of war as the second D-Day--the Allied invasion of Provence--unfolds.

Bravery through Trial
Fifteen-year-old René Amblard narrowly escapes a devastating German attack that claims the lives of his mother and their fellow Maquis fighters. With a Jewish orphan girl at his side, René seeks out his cousin, Isabelle, for refuge while he contemplates revenge.

When the bombs of Operation Dragoon begin to fall, this unlikely group of heroes must find freedom in their souls before they can rebuild what has been destroyed.

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Reviewer: Linda Klager

I am so glad that Elizabeth Musser included a lexicon at the beginning of this book to help me understand more about the French Resistance and the German Army. There was a lot of French language in this book, and the author translated that very well.

I did not know much about the history of the French Resistance, but I learned a lot reading this historical novel. The main characters were Peter, Isabella, Rene, and Delphine. Each had a key role in winning the war. Oh, and there was a huge disaster in the storyline. One can realize that mistakes could have happened, and did.  

As we have heard from others about the atrocities suffered by Jewish people, the children were the most endangered. I am glad that others risked their lives to save these children. Most of them were orphaned or separated from their loved ones. It was a very fearful time.

It was great reading about Peter’s role as a chaplain. He helped to keep the men’s morale up. It gave me hope in huge despair. There were some coincidences, or should I say God was working behind the scenes to bring closure to friends and families.

This was a new author to me. She did excellent research, and it showed. She did not shy away from difficult situations.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Conny Withay

“It was all so strange, amid the war, the coincidences that seemed somehow like divine appointments. Like destiny. Like God’s grace,” Peter reflects in Elizabeth Musser’s novel, From the Valley We Rise.

This four-hundred-page paperback targets those interested in historical fiction about the French town of Sisteron and its surrounding areas survived during World War II. Using slang words such as dang, darned, and heck, topics involving rape, torture, war, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. While a lexicon and prologue are at the beginning, the epilogue, author’s note, acknowledgments, fourteen discussion questions, an excerpt of another book by the writer, her biography, and advertisements are at the end.

Set in war-torn France during 1944, twenty-five-year-old Isabelle suffers a deep loss when her imprisoned father is murdered after escaping. Forcing herself to continue in his footsteps, she does her part of helping the Resistance by hiding Jewish children throughout the villages. As she fearfully shelters her young charges, she crosses paths again with Peter, a US chaplain who broke her heart as a teen at The Camp Between the Hills. As they and her cousin deal with their pain and anger, God’s grace shows them the way to forgiveness and acceptance.

Reading about WWII has always interested me, especially when it involves Jewish children who survived the war, thanks to the kindness and love of others. I liked how the multiple viewpoints showed the similarities and differences between Christian, Catholic, and Jewish beliefs, with undying love being the focus. The scenery and explanations of war helped deal with the tragedy of friendly fire, the drive for revenge, and the deaths of those loved. I appreciated learning about Operation Dragoon and the Allied invasion of Provence.

Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may not like this story that conveys God’s grace during tragedy. Others may not like reading about the brutal details and sadness of war and death.

It would be helpful to include a map of the area along with a list of characters. I wish the eternal plan of salvation was spelled out instead of incorporating several religions into one.

If you like learning how those survived World War II while bombs destroyed the land and life around them, this one shows how God’s grace conquers coincidences.

Thanks to Bethany House and Interviews & Reviews for this complimentary book. I am under no obligation to give a positive review.

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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

From the Valley We Rise by Elizabeth Musser is a masterpiece of WWII fiction that immerses readers in the French Resistance near the village of Sisteron, France. Through the eyes of several characters, readers will experience the dangers and heartaches of war.

Each character has an important part to play, and throughout the entire novel, it is clear how God has played a part in their lives. Isabelle is determined to save as many Jewish children as she can. Rene wants revenge for the murder of his family by Nazis. Peter is a Chaplain who is dedicated to the men in his charge. And Delphine’s childlike faith in God brings hope to all around her.

Musser has written an emotionally charged, fully immersive novel with wonderfully detailed observations. Readers will gain a new respect for those who fought against tyranny at substantial cost to their lives. This is not a book you can put down, for it will stay with you for days.

It is a timely book that will make you think, given the authoritarian regime currently in power in the United States. Will the American people start their own resistance? These brave men and women in From the Valley We Rise, while fictional, serve as a reminder to all that never again can we let dictators rise to destroy the innocent in a quest for power.

This is a moving book full of hope and courage. I highly recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley for my honest review.

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Reviewer: Jeanette Durkin

Incroyable!! This story is a masterpiece in the Christian historical fiction/romance genre! It takes place mostly in Sisteron, France. The story follows the 3 main characters and how the war plays out from their perspectives.

The characters are written brilliantly! Isabelle, Peter, and Rene are heroes. They all play an important part in the Resistance. Isabelle is brave, compassionate, and a quick thinker. Her quick thinking often saves her life and the lives of others. Peter is a comforter, encourager, and light in the darkness. Rene is brave. He thinks that he’s not, but he is! He’s loyal and trustworthy.

As with any WWII stories, there are difficult issues brought up. There’s murder, extreme cruelty, and more. Elizabeth Musser, though through her writing, shines a light on the men and women of the Resistance. These brave people saved many lives. Their courageous sacrifice touches my heart. It’s a reminder of the verse John 15:13.

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley through Interviews & Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Ewurabena Wilson

What a captivating work by Elizabeth Musser!

I am drawn to novels centred on World War two for one major reason—the fortitude demonstrated by these characters in such times. Reading such novel’s characters’ resilience encourages one to persevere in trying times. Elizabeth Musser’s From the Valley We Rise delivers all that I enjoy reading about in World War Two novels, romance, faith, courage and suspense.

From the Valley We Rise is set in Sisteron, France in 1944 during the German occupation of France. Isabelle is a young woman who is part of the large network of the French Resistance. Her role is to protect Jewish children by taking them to safe places. Isabelle will probably be one of the characters I will always remember, how she pushed ahead despite her acknowledgement of fear inspired me.

I found this novel quite suspenseful, not knowing what would happen to Isabelle and the realisation of a mole in her team. The other characters, Isabelle’s cousin Rene, Delphine and other members of the French Resistance, added depth to this story, making it a beautiful and poignant novel to read. I also loved Chaplain Peter Christenson. We all need a stalwart person of faith who, although is afraid, is ready to be a shoulder to cry on.

Elizabeth Musser has written a beautiful novel whose message conveys the embedded resilience of people in times of adversity. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves historical fiction that has a perfect blend of romance, faith, suspense and courage. 

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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