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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

Can Repeating History Ever Be a Good Thing?

by Chautona Havig · Leave a Comment

Escape from Amsterdam offers a peek into a semi-forgotten piece of Dutch history during WWII. Listen in to see why Lauralee Bliss wrote it! via @chautonahavig

The heroic stories of average people during time of war are one of the few things that will choke me up.  Book, movie, verbal–doesn’t matter. Tell me all the stories and watch me try not to sob. Lauralee Bliss captured one of the most inspiring stories of WWII in her recent release, Escape from Amsterdam as part of the Heroines of WWII series published by Barbour, and guys… you’ve got to hear the story behind this book!

Lauralee Bliss

Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

Can Repeating History Ever Be a Good Thing?

That’s what I have been pondering ever since reading Escape from Amsterdam, and I think the answer is, “Yes!”  Because think about it. The same ugly, ugly things have been happening since the fall of man, but amid all that ugly are the beautiful self-sacrificial stories like the ones Lauralee Bliss shares in this novel.

Yes, Hitler’s atrocities still affect the world today. And yet, those who opposed his regime and fought for the innocent, those who risked their own lives to save the lives of others… Those stories happen, too.  And if (more like when) the ugly times come again, stories about people like those you meet in this book will remind us that the Lord can use anyone (even me!) to accomplish His purposes.

So… repeating the ugliness of history may not be a good thing, no. But that ugliness means that we likely will also repeat some of the beauty of the past as well. And books like Escape from Amsterdam and the real people who inspired it are there to ensure we don’t forget that we can make a difference.

Escape from Amsterdam by Lauralee BlissEscape from Amsterdam by Lauralee Bliss

A University Student Smuggles Children Out of Amsterdam

Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.

Helen Smit believed she was called by God to become a teacher. Little does she know that her care for kids will take a drastic turn for survival when the Germans occupy Amsterdam and Jewish children and parents begin to be deported. Now all she can think of is helping all the kids escape before it’s too late.

Erik Misman’s newfound love for Helen is tested when he joins a plot to help move Jewish children to a safe place in the countryside. If danger can foster a closer bond with Helen and save the lives of the little ones, he will do it all. But a German patrol that stumbles upon the farm where they are hiding with three children and a soldier who takes an unexpected interest in Helen, could well destroy their plans for safety and love.

?Don’t miss these other stories:

  • The Cryptographer’s Dilemma by Johnnie Alexander
  • Picture of Hope by Liz Tolsma
  • Saving Mrs. Roosevelt by Candice Sue Patterson
  • Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War by Mary Davis
  • A Rose for the Resistance by Angela K. Couch
  • The Season of My Enemy by Naomi Musch

You can find out more about Lauralee Bliss on her WEBSITE.

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The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 546: A Chat with Chuck Richardson
byChautona Havig

What if Earth had a twin planet, but the people God created there never sinned? Listen in as Chuck Richardson and I chat about his book and what it all could mean if it happened.

note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

I’m still reeling from the idea that a sinless sacrifice is what was needed, so a sinless human (as Jesus was) could actually pay the price for sinful man in this fictional world he’s created. Assuming he even goes that route someday. Still fascinating.

Paradise Unfallen by Chuck Richardson

What if Adam and Eve had resisted the serpent? Welcome to Erimea-Earth’s twin world, untouched by original sin.

Solis and Livi, the first parents of Erimea, begin their lives in perfect fellowship with God. But their obedience does not end the war. Satan and his legions simply turn their fury upon the new world.

As the population of Erimea rises, tensions crack the harmony of paradise. A powerful life-giving resource becomes scarce. Rumors spread. God is silent. And a restless humanity flirts with fear, force, and false gods.

To save their descendants from repeating Earth’s tragedy, Solis and Livi must confront deception, division, and the relentless pressure of darkness. Their journey-from innocence to holiness-will determine the future of an unfallen world.

If you enjoy Christian fantasy, biblical what-ifs, spiritual warfare, and epic worldbuilding, you will love Paradise Unfallen.

Perfect for fans of: C.S. Lewis Ted Dekker

Step into the world that might have been-and the war that still rages.

Learn more on Chuck’s WEBSITE and follow on GoodReads and BookBub.

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

  • Apple
  • Castbox
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn
  • RSS
  • Spotify
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  • and more!
Episode 546: A Chat with Chuck Richardson
Episode 546: A Chat with Chuck Richardson
May 30, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 545: A Chat with Gina Holder
May 25, 2026
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Episode 544: A Chat with Nicholas Teeguarden
May 23, 2026
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Episode 543: A Chat with Stephanie Cardel
May 19, 2026
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Episode 542: A Chat with Megan Schaulis
May 16, 2026
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Episode 541: A Chat with Demi Griffin
May 11, 2026
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Episodd 540: A Chat with Dana Mentink
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Episode 539: A Chat with Jane Kirkpatrick
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Episode 538: A Chat with Elizabeth Goddard
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