In THE WATCHMAKER’S DAUGHTER, bestselling author Larry Loftis pays long-overdue homage to one of the great women of the 20th (or any) century: Corrie ten Boom, whose beliefs and determination saved countless lives.

Born in Holland in 1892, the very sickly baby would grow into a strong, stalwart woman. At age 12, she had the opportunity to do work that her older brother had relinquished --- assisting her father in his thriving business as a watchmaker. She was fortunate to have schooling in the technology, showing her intellect and diligence at a profession she enjoyed. But doom was looming around them as Hitler became the leader of Nazi Germany and in 1940 would send troops to invade Holland.

"Loftis successfully brings Corrie ten Boom to a new generation, skillfully and aptly providing daily happenings, lively dialogue and inner thought to this well-researched history."

The chaos that followed underscored Hitler’s hatred of Jews and tightened Corrie’s resolve to protect those whom the Nazis targeted, despite the clear danger that entailed. Her family’s actions were based largely on a belief that the Jews were God’s chosen people and deserved to be spared. Living in a large house, they began taking in men and women one by one, even constructing a false wall to conceal the bedroom --- the Angel’s Den --- for their refugees, both Jews and members of the resistance, helping many to flee the country. They devised a way to smuggle orphaned babies out of Holland, saving hundreds.

In 1944, Corrie’s family was arrested. She and her sister, Betsie, were sent to Ravensbrück concentration camp where they held Christian gatherings. After the war, Corrie devoted herself to the rehabilitation and faith renewal of others. She traveled the world telling her remarkable story and wrote a book, THE HIDING PLACE, that became a bestseller and later a film of the same name.

Loftis, whose nonfiction mysteries (THE PRINCESS SPY, INTO THE LION’S MOUTH) have been well received, was fascinated by Corrie and her outstanding accomplishments. He explored copious materials about her, including a collection of her writings and other memorabilia in the Billy Graham Center Archives at Wheaton College. Graham had met Corrie and lauded her stamina in tirelessly recounting her harrowing saga and conveying her Christian message for the latter 40 years of her long life.

Loftis successfully brings Corrie ten Boom to a new generation, skillfully and aptly providing daily happenings, lively dialogue and inner thought to this well-researched history. Her achievements and courage as arrayed by Loftis will offer hope and a renewed sense of resolve to all who labor in good cause.