Book Review & Giveaway: The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron

A mysterious painting breathes hope and beauty into the darkest
corners of Auschwitz—and the loneliest hearts of Manhattan.

Manhattan art dealer Sera James watched her world crumble at the
altar two years ago, and her heart is still fragile. Her desire for distraction
reignites a passion for a mysterious portrait she first saw as a young girl—a
painting of a young violinist with piercing blue eyes.

In her search for the painting, Sera crosses paths with William
Hanover, the grandson of a wealthy California real estate mogul, who may be the
key to uncovering the hidden masterpiece. Together, Sera and William slowly
unravel the story behind the painting’s subject: Austrian violinist Adele Von
Bron.

A darling of the Austrian aristocracy, talented violinist, and
daughter to a high-ranking member of the Third Reich, Adele risks everything
when she begins smuggling Jews out of Vienna. In a heartbeat, her life of
prosperity and privilege dissolves into a world of starvation and barbed wire.

As Sera untangles the secrets behind the painting, she finds
beauty in the most unlikely of places: in the grim camps of Auschwitz and in
the inner recesses of her own troubled heart.

 

“In her historical series debut, Cambron expertly weaves together multiple plotlines, time lines, and perspectives to produce a poignant tale of the power of love and faith in difficult circumstances. Those interested in stories of survival and the Holocaust, such as Eli Weisel’sNight, will want to read.” —Library Journal, starred review

 

 

My Thoughts:

When I first read this book (I’ve read it twice) I wasn’t sure what to expect, but within moments I was captured by the author’s delightful voice and enthralled by the world she created for us. Kristy has done something so unique with this book, she managed to write a historical romance and a contemporary love story combined in one book.  I adore the way in which she combines the two lives of Sera and Adele, telling their stories (both in first person) and drawing the reader into both worlds in such a way that leaves us dreading the end of the chapter, because we know we will be forced into the next part of the book. I’m honestly not sure who I loved more Sera or Adele. Both women showed incredible strength, loyalty, and genuine emotion.

As much as I enjoy a good love story, this book goes much deeper than two people meeting and falling in love. This is the story of a very dark period in our world history. Reading about Auschwitz in such detail gave imagery that will long be remembered. The pain and suffering endured was tragic. I loved this book, because it leaves you wanting more. You want to believe in the happy ever after for everyone.  Kristy doesn’t disappoint!

If I was keeping a list of my all-time favorite books for 2014, then this book would be near the top. I hope you will pick up a copy and discover the draw of Kristy’s storytelling, because it’s taking the Christian fiction world by storm.

 

Giveaway!

Leave a comment and you will be entered to win a free copy of Kristy’s book. The drawing will be held on Sunday, August 17th.  I will be away from my computer next week, so if you leave a comment and it doesn’t appear right away, don’t worry. When I check back in, I’ll approve all pending comments and each person will be entered into the contest.

In addition, Kristy is hosting a giveaway on Thursday, August 7th.  You don’t want to miss the opportunity to talk about the book with Kristy, so click over to Facebook and sign up for this party.

 

 

Buy a Copy:

Amazon currently has this book on sale for a special price until Saturday, 8/9, just click here for the Amazon page.

Barnes and Noble

CBD

 

About Kristy:

 Kristy Cambron has been fascinated with the WWII era since hearing her grandfather’s stories of the war. She holds an art history degree from Indiana University and received the Outstanding Art History Student Award. Kris

ty writes WWII and Regency era fiction and has placed first in the 2013 NTRWA Great Expectations and 2012 FCRW Beacon contests, and is a 2013 Laurie finalist. Kristy makes her home in Indiana with her husband and three football-loving sons.

http://kristycambron.com/