H.J. Campbell’s novel When Beech Trees Bear Apples is based on the true story of Reverend Laszlo Tokes, who defied the Communist government of Romania and sparked a revolution. Even as the Socialist Communist countries in Eastern Europe emerged peacefully into freedom, Romania’s tyrannical dictator Nicolae Ceausescu stood firm and iron-fisted boasting that Romania would change only when beech trees bear apples and reeds bear flowers . Little did he know that only one month later the Romanian people would rise-up and remove him from power. Little did he know too, that he would soon be dead.

What readers are saying: The story was riveting and extremely engaging. From the first chapter it had me hooked. The book truly showed the tyrannical nature of communist government. The message of a Christian standing up for what they believe in was heartbreaking and uplifting all at the same time. I took it as a message to all Christians around the world to always stand for what you believe in and no man comes before God.

Being starved by your government, having your extended family beaten then kidnapped by official sponsored thugs, having your children abused by secret police, and worse, these are the horrific events that H. J Campbell has crafted into a compelling tale about the fall of communism in Romania in the late 80’s. Yet despite the disgust of these events, the author balances them with love of family, God and one’s true country. As the events unfold the author skillfully builds a crescendo of emotions, such that I felt as if I was there experiencing the chaotic and tumultuous events. I could not put the book down… I highly recommend this historical novel as all of us should experience the power of human spirit over tyranny.