"COURAGE TIMES THREE" is the inspiring story of three courageous women, born in the era of WWI and WWII in Europe, enduring life's most difficult challenges with the everlasting belief they were always carried by their Heavenly Father. Meet Madeleine, born into a poor peasant family of Jewish faith in the first decade of the 1900's, narrowly surviving the brutality of famine and disease in southwestern Germany. Losing her parents to death at the fragile age of ten years, she kept afloat with unbelievably stoic wherewithal, always hanging on to her one true belief in God. Rather than being placed into an orphanage, she was taken in by a well-to-do Aunt and Uncle in France where she was afforded the best life could offer. Madeleine never took for granted the privileges that had been so favorably bestowed upon her. A blessed marriage and beautiful daughter fulfilled her every dream until the second world war changed life forever. There was only one thing that could bring Madeleine happiness once again. Would she ever find it? Next, meet Lilly, Madeleine's daughter, born into a family of wealth and influence in northern France in the year 1925. At the tender age of fourteen years, Lilly was sent underground to avoid probable capture and death by the Nazis during WWII. During this grueling period of time in life Lilly faced the unfathomable challenge of merely staying alive. Following three years spent in desolate living quarters her strong faith and fervent prayers provided her an out, saving her life. While remaining underground in a new location for an additional two years, Lilly found the love of her life and a job that kept her afloat until the war's end. Life with her new love, Valentin, is filled with suspense and excitement as they pave their way through unknown territories from continent to continent, discovering a world full of purpose for every living being on earth. Last but certainly not least, meet Lorraine, Lilly's sister-in-law, born in the late 1920's near Krakow, Poland into a dirt poor family as well. Her parents' merciless killings by the German Gestapo in 1939 painfully placed herself and two younger sisters into life-threatening situations. Lorraine, at thirteen years of age, found herself the new mother of eight and nine year old siblings. Tossed into a rail car heading to the Baltic Sea by a well meaning neighbor, he hoped to save them from likely death. The trials and tribulations faced by these young girls were, at times, unspeakable. Yet, with God as their protector, they were led into the hands of servants in a monastery on the island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea. Having lost their parents to death and being separated from four siblings, with no knowledge of their whereabouts, the girls lived as a unit together in an orphanage for several years. In their young adult lives, they would face separation once again, but not forever. Every challenge these women faced was eased by their strong Christian convictions. Faith and hope traveled alongside them from tragedy to triumph. From Europe to America, they were guided to plentiful opportunities the melting pot of the world had to offer in the 1950's. Their lives intertwined with the joys and sorrows of extended family along with other emigrants seeking new lives in the United States. A compelling story of appreciation in all they received, along with the perseverance undeniably required to rise above their losses, provides readers with encouragement and assurance for a better life. Continued travels throughout America and Europe provide these exceptional women, these pillars of strength, with many pleasures and continuous reminders that this is only a temporary stop in our spiritual lives, experienced within the human realm. .
About the Author: Widowed at age 25, I was left to raise two young daughters alone. Withstanding other major tragedies at a young age taught me much about life. Raised a small town girl in northern Minnesota I escaped to new and exciting destinations for several years throughout my lifetime. A first time author, I've lived with chronic illnesses for eight years which developed from carbon monoxide poisoning, preventing me from providing a living for myself. Much the same as Laura Hillenbrand, I spent a generous amount of time while bedridden, creating this story. As often the story goes, when we hit bottom we might then turn to God. I was already a born-again Christian. However, the depth of my Christian walk grew tremendously, teaching me how to appreciate all I had in life, even living on only $203 monthly for five years. Jesus performed miracles in my life and I received the peace and joy that can only truly come from our Heavenly Father. I met and married a wonderful Christian man last year from a dating website called "Christian Cafe.com". We fill a void in each others lives which is centered entirely on the Lord. God continues to provide us with His gentle love.