The Hope Before Us (WOMEN OF VALOR)

Reassigned to a post on the French front during World War II, army nurse Marge Emerson is intrigued by a conscientious objector's faith and fears for the safety of her sister, Em, who is recruited for an espionage intelligence mission. Original.

A full-time writer with a passion for historical research, Elyse Larson developed a particular interest in World War II and the faith that sustained believers during one of the most devastating wars on earth. It was this special fascination, and a friendship with a woman who served as a Red Cross worker in Wales, that led her to develop her Women of Valor series.

Fueled by travels to Abergavenny, Wales, as well as through portions of what had been occupied France, Elyse was able to experience firsthand the geography and world that was torn asunder during the conflict. Combined with rare books she found during her travels and the personal accounts shared by her friend, she now had enough information to form her story and recreate this dramatic world.

Elyse credits her writing success to her parents’ upbringing, which taught her the importance of persistence. A native of Oregon, Elyse attended Williamette University and spent over ten years as a dental assistant before moving to writing full-time.

Since then, she has been successful in nearly every form she has attempted. The author of children’s picture books, numerous historical novels, and even a devotional for caregivers, Elyse has also been published in many periodicals including Guideposts, Reader’s Digest, and The Christian Reader. The time she isn’t writing is now spent traveling for writer’s conferences as a private writing instructor.

Elyse and her husband, Richard, continue to reside in Oregon. They have three grown children and eleven grandchildren.