The Paris Dressmaker

GIVEAWAY

CAMBRON, KRISTY

THE PARIS DRESSMAKER

Based on true accounts of how Parisiennes resisted the Nazi occupation in World War II -- from fashion houses to the city streets -- comes a story of two courageous women who risked everything to fight evil they couldn't abide.

Paris 1939. Maison Chanel has closed, thrusting haut couture dressmaker Lila de Laurent out of the world of high fashion as Nazi soldiers invade the streets and the City of Lights slips into darkness. Lila's life is now a series of rations, brutal restrictions, and carefully controlled propaganda while Paris is cut off from the rest of the world. Yet in hidden corners of the city, the faithful pledge to resist. Lila is drawn to La Resistance and is soon using her skills as a dressmaker to infiltrate the Nazi elite. She takes their measurements and designs masterpieces, all while collecting secrets in the glamorous Hotel Biz -- the heart of the Nazis' Parisian headquarters. But when dashing Rene Touliard suddenly reenters her world, Lila finds her heart tangled between determination to help save his Jewish family and bolstering the fight for liberation.

Paris, 1943. Sandrine Paquet's job is to catalog the priceless works of art bound for the Furrier's Berlin, masterpieces stolen from prominent Jewish families. But behind closed doors, she secretly forages for information from the underground resistance. Beneath her compliant facade lies a woman bent on uncovering the fate of her missing husband...but at what cost? As Hitler's regime crumbles, Sandrine is drawn in deeper when she uncreates an exquisite blush Chanel gown concealing a cryptic message that may reveal the fate of a dressmaker who vanished from within the fashion elite.

Told across the span of the Nazi occupation, The Paris Dressmaker highlights the brave women who used everything in their power to resist darkness and restore light to their world.

My Review:

True confession: I tried reading this book twice in both print (first try) and audio book (second try) and ended up DNFing both times because I found it really confusing. The timeline jumps around within the span of the war but in no logical order and I had a really hard time making sense of it.

I hated giving up though, so I decided to try again -- this time listening to the audio book while following along with the paperback and that helped a lot! 

At first I had to keep referring to the book in hand but eventually, once I got used to the non-chronological date hopping from two different characters' POVs I was able to anchor myself in the story and could leave off reading along and just listen. I've read a few reviews from readers who had the same struggle but many more reviews from readers who didn't. I guess it's just a preference thing? 

But if you're hesitant like I was, I'd suggest keeping an open mind and giving yourself a chance to settle into the rhythm of the storytelling (I didn't get very far my first two tries) because this really is a remarkable story -- harrowing and beautiful and sad and stirring and...gah...so many emotions and so many talking points for discussion. Would definitely make a meaty choice for a book club selection.

Cambron's historical details are exacting. She really brings this era to life. It's gritty and raw and hopeful and inspiring. Two heroines who had the courage to sacrifice everything in order to make a difference. I've come away with an appreciation for the women who found ways to fight the Nazi occupation by drawing upon their unique talents to aid the resistance. 

There's more I want to say, but it would be better left for a book discussion instead of review, since I'd have to post spoilers. Let's just say that The Paris Dressmaker highlighted some aspects of the war that I wasn't aware of as well as exposing some surprising (to me) dissensions among the Parisienne women. Does that have you intrigued? :-) And I was touched by the enduring romances and the day to day struggles of life at one of the most horrific times in history. Puts our 21st century North American struggles to shame. 

A book that I found both enlightening and thought provoking.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook -- winner's choice.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Paris Dressmaker, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT AND DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday December 18 2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

A Gilded Lady

GIVEAWAY

CAMBRON, ELIZABETH
A GILDED LADY

Caroline Delacroix is at the pinnacle of Washington high society in her role as secretary to the First Lady of the United States. But beneath the facade of her beauty, glamorous wardrobe, and dazzling personality, she's hiding a terrible secret. If she cannot untangle a web of foreign espionage, her brother will face execution for treason.

Nathaniel Trask is the newly appointed head of the president's Secret Service team. He is immediately attracted to Caroline's quick wit and undeniable charm, but his job leaves no room for distractions. Anarchist plots have led to mounting threats against the president, forcing him to put duty before his growing love for Caroline.

Amid the glamorous pageantry of Guilded Age Washington, DC, Caroline and Nathaniel face danger and heartbreak that shakes them to their core and tests all they know about love and sacrifice.

My Review:

True confession time: I really didn't like Caroline in the first Hope and Glory series book, The Spice King so I kinda dragged my heels about reading this one. It released early June and I lasted until mid August when I was swayed by some rave reviews from Good Reads friends. And guess what? I really like Caroline now. :-)

As in all Elizabeth Camden novels, the historical details in this story are fascinating. The contrasts between the White House then and now are striking. From the beginnings of the Secret Service to the working conditions of White House staff to the devotion between a President and his First Lady. All new to this Canadian reader. What a riveting backdrop for Caroline and Nathaniel's romance.

And, oh la la, the quips! The banter! The deep discussions. Their relationship gets off to a volatile start thanks to Caroline's brash, devil-may-care attitude clashing with Nathaniel's straight-laced, rule-following persona. Cue laughter and toe-curls galore!

But there's plenty of drama too. And intrigue. And some lovely faith threads that tie everything together. I was spellbound from start to finish.

I listened to the audible edition of A Gilded Lady and enjoyed Leah Horowitz's narration. She really captured the personality of the characters which enhanced my biblio-bliss all the more!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  A Gilded Lady, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 29 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

The Painted Castle

GIVEAWAY

CAMBRON, KRISTY
THE PAINTED CASTLE

A lost painting of Queen Victoria
A library bricked off from the world.
And three women, separated by time, whose lives are irrevocably changed.

When art historican Kiera Foley is hired to authenticate a painting of a centuries-old East Suffolk maor, she hopes this is just the thing to get her career and life back on t rack. But from the time she arrives at Parham Hill Estate and begins working alongside rumored art thief Emory Scott, she's left with far more questions than answers. Could this lost painting of Queen Victoria be a duplicate of the original Winterhalter masterpiece, and if so, who is the artist?

As Keira begins to unravel the mystery behind the portrait, two women emerge from the estate's forgotten past. In Victorian England, talented sketch artist Elizabeth Meade is engaged to Viscount Huxley, then owner of Parham Hill. However, Elizabeth's real motive for being at Parham Hill has nothing to do with art or marriage. She's determined to avenge her father's brutal murder -- even if it means a betrothal to the very man she believes committed the crime.

A century later, Amelia Woods -- a World War II widow who has turned Parham Hill and its beloved library into a boarding school for refugee children -- receives military orders to house a troop of American pilots. She is determined the children in her care will remain untouched by the war, but the task is proving difficult with officers taking up every square inch of their world...and one in particular vying for a space in Amelia's long-shut up heart.

Set in three time periods -- the rapid change of Victorian England, the peak of England's homefront tensions at the end of WWII, and modern day -- The Painted Castle unfolds a story of heartache and hope and unlocks secrets lost for generations just waiting to be foudn.

My Review:

Once upon a time there was an avid reader who had her brain fried by the sheer artistry of an author's storytelling. The reader's short circuited neurons left her incapable of composing a review worthy of such literary mastery which resulted in ineffectual garbled run-on sentences as well as an accumulation of exclamation marks that would send an editor into fits of the vapors. (insert deep breath here.)

Redundant phrases such as "This book is so good!!!!!"  and "Too many heroes to swoon over!!!!! (note the exuberant punctuation) monopolized the review. Also, a disproportionate number of THUDs are cause for serious concussion concerns. Which may explain my muddle-headed addlepatedness. So, in the interest of clarity I've resorted to reviewing The Painted Castle in brief spurts of euphoria as follows:

Evocative word choice!!
Spellbinding plots!!!
Triple timelines!!!! (Each story could easily read as a standalone novel)
Impeccable pacing in regards to how the author weaves in and out of each time period.
Reference of a favourite childhood picture book in a meaningful way (goosebumps on my goosebumps!!!!)
Fiesty heroines and swoonworthy heroes!!!! (x 3)
Toe-curling glimpses of my man Cormac (Castle on the Rise) bouncing between protective big brother mode and besotted daddy mode!!!!
Tears-by-the-bucketful emotional romance (x3)
Epic Epilogue!!!!!!
Hope and Redemption
There's even a wee bit o' Christmas
And Amy Rubinate's incredible narration is the icing on the cake! Rich and delicious and soul satisfying!!!

Sign me gobsmacked.

"It's never about the end of a road, is it? It's about living and loving and the journey we take to get where we are. Right now. Right to this very moment...What lasts isn't what we build on our own, but the stories He builds in and around us."

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Painted Castle, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday October 26 2019. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Castle on the Rise

GIVEAWAY

CAMBRON, KRISTY
CASTLE ON THE RISE

A storied castle. A band of rebels. And a nation chasing the centuries-old-dream of freedom...What legacy will they leave behind?

When Laine Forrester travels to France to attend her longtime friend's vineyard wedding, she expects to find a bride on the brink of a fairy-tale life. But after a series of unforeseen setbacks -- a devastating diagnosis, a castle restoration put on hold, and the emergence of deep-seated family dynamics that threaten to derail the new couple's fledgling marriage -- it seems the storybook life Laine had imagined for her friend -- and once, for herself -- is suddenly crumbling before her eyes.

With hopes of resurrecting a happy ending for one of them, Laine throws support behind her friend and agrees to accompany the couple to the groom's family home in Ireland, where the merging of a mysterious inheritance, long-buried wounds, and a fractured family set out to spend the trip from the start. It's in the unlikely corners of a historic Dublin pub, and across the wide-open moors bordering Ireland's majestic Wicklow Mountains, that Laine is slowly drawn in by the land and the people, sparking hope for something she never imagined possible: the courage to heal. But with secrets of her own -- and a heart afraid to trust again -- Laine must determine how much she's willing to risk in mending the broken places within herself and whether she believes that even through the depths of our pain, a beautiful story can emerge.

Set in three time-periods -- the revolutionary era of the late eighteenth century, Ireland's turbulent Easter week of the 1916 Rising, and present day -- Castle on the Rise weaves a story of legacy, conviction, and redemption against the backdrop of Dublin's storied streets, and the stretch of Ireland's stunning emerald shores. It raises the question: give the choice between fairy tale or a life of truly anchored faith -- which legacy would you choose?

My Review:

"Ireland has a million stories and if you stay long enough you'll learn them all."

Heartfelt, shivery sigh. Followed by some muffled sobs and inelegant hiccups. I need a moment...or a week...to recover from this splendiferous read.

Heart-breaking. Awe-inspiring. Hope-lifting. Sure and Kristy Cambron must have kissed the blarney stone, her words are that eloquent. And greatly enhanced by the narration of Amy Rubinate. I listened to the audible version of this book and I'm so glad I did. It created an evocative mood that heightened Cambron's storytelling prowess. This is one book I think 'reads' best when you listen.

And the story! Well, stories, really -- three distinct time periods at pivotal points in Irish history. Magical and spellbinding. I had no trouble jumping between centuries and connected with each hero and heroine. Honestly -- each timeline story could easily have been published as a standalone novel...but the way Cambron weaves them together! Impeccable pacing -- and the way she stops one story at a heart-plummeting moment and then picks up with the next...wow -- I'm still experiencing reader whiplash. There were times I had to hit pause and collect myself. Pace madly around my house while wringing my hands and moaning..."no, no, NO!" And then wonder if I'd have the courage to press play again.

Castle on the Rise made me homesick (I'm an Irish born Canadian.) It celebrates the courage and conviction and abiding faith of a complex people. There were so many inspirational passages that I'd have jotted down if I'd been reading a paperback copy. I guess I'll have to buy one for my keeper shelf as well. :-)

An emotional masterpiece that quite literally took my breath away.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Castle on the Rise, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday June 1 2019. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

The Lost Castle

GIVEAWAY

CAMBRON, KRISTY
THE LOST CASTLE

Run-down walls and crumbling stones seemed to possess a secret language all their own. What stories would they tell, if she finally listened?

Ellie Carver arrives at her grandmother's bedside expecting to find her silently slipping away. Instead, the beloved woman begins speaking. Of a secret past and castle ruins forgotten by time. Of a hidden chapel that served as a rendezvous for the French Resistance in World War II. Of lost love and deep regret...

Each piece that unlocks the story seems to unlock part of Ellie too -- where she came from and who she is becoming. But her grandmother is quickly disappearing into the shadows of Alzheimer's and Ellie must act fast if she wants to uncover the truth of her family's history. Drawn by the mystery surrounding The Sleeping Beauty - a castle so named for Charles Perrault's beloved fairy tale -- Ellie embarks on a journey to France's Loire Valley in hopes that she can unearth its secrets before time silences them forever.

Bridging the past to the present in three time periods - the French Revolution, World War II, and present day - The Lost Castle is a story of loves won and lost, of battles waged in the hearts of men, and of an enchanted castle that stood witness to it all, inspiring a legacy of faith through the generations.

My Review:

I'm well and truly bedazzled! Love the Sleeping Beauty tie-in -- not quite a fairy tale retelling but it creates a fascinating ambiance to this incredible story.

And three timelines?! Who does that? Kristy Cambron, that's who. And she does it well. At first I thought, are three time periods really necessary? Uh...oh yes, they are. Necessary and fascinating and makes for a completely compelling read. Just make sure to take note of the dates when the time period changes because each individual story isn't always in chronological order. Sometimes it skips back a year or two and that rattled my reader sensibilities until I caught on. lol So there's a friendly reader tip for you. :-)

So, we have three heroines -- Aveline (French Revolution), Vi ((World War II) and Ellie (present day) and a castle that captivates them all. Honestly, the castle has a life of its own -- and oh, the secrets it shelters! And the readerly joy of discovering those secrets with each heroine - and the way those secrets intersect and weave their way through each generation. I had so many 'aha' moments along the way.

Actually, I'm kinda speechless. This is the type of story you just have to experience for yourself. And enjoy every blessed minute of it because I'm in a funk now that's over. :-( However, I am substantially cheered by the fact that the next book in the series -- The Castle on the Rise -- is set in Ireland!!!! And it's another triple timeline. I'm so excited!!!!!!

.GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Lost Castle, comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday May 27 2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

The Illusionist's Apprentice

GIVEAWAY

CAMBRON, KRISTY
THE ILLUSIONIST'S APPRENTICE

Not all illusions happen on the stage.

Wren Lockhart, apprentice to master illusionist Harry Houdini, uses life on a vaudeville stage to escape the pain of her past. She continues her career of illusion after her mentor's death, intent on burying her true identity.

But when a rival performer's act goes tragically wrong, the newly formed FBI calls on Wren to speak the truth -- and reveal her real name to the world. She transfers her skills for misdirection from the stage to the back halls of vaudeville, as she finds herself the unlikely partner in the FBI's investigation. All the while Houdini's words echo in her mind: Whatever occurs, the crowd must believe it's what you meant to happen. She knows that if anyone digs too deep, secrets long kept hidden may find their way to the surface -- and shatter her carefully controlled world.

Set during one of the richest, most vibrant eras in American history, this Jazz Age novel of illusion, suspense, and forgotten pasts is perfect for fans of The Magician's Lie, challenging all to find the underpinnings of faith on their own life's stage.

My Review:

The Illusionist's Apprentice has a delicious air of mystery that carries through from start to finish. Everything about Wren is cloaked in secrecy -- even to the reader. And Cambron carefully selects tidbits of information that she reveals with painstaking care. I was about driven mad with curiosity -- frantically searching for answers even as I slowed down in order to savor the sheer beauty of the tale.

All the complexities of Vaudeville make for an interesting backdrop for a suspense. So much scope for mystery and mayhem. And there's Wren in the middle of it all -- holding her own as she holds the world at arm's length. Until Special Agent Elliott Matthews breaks down her defences. He is captivated and intrigued, she's wary and aloof. Superb dynamics that made for some incredible romantic tension. And oh my goodness, but he makes a divine hero. Assured, determined, gentle. Wren can't intimidate him. He sees past the illusions she has created and into the heart of the sensitive young woman she really is.

A stunning romantic suspense that's quite unlike anything else out there.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Illusionist's Apprentice, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add your email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday 16 2017. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

The Ringmaster's Wife

GIVEAWAY

CAMBRON, KRISTY
THE RINGMASTER'S WIFE

An ounce of courage. A leap of faith. Together, they propel two young women to chase a new life -- one that's reimagined from what they might have become.

In turn-of-the-century America, a young girl dreams of a world that stretches beyond the confines of a quiet life on the family farm. With little more than her wit and a cigar box of treasures, Mable steps away from all she knows, seeking the limitless marvels of the Chicago World's Fair. There, a chance encounter triggers her destiny -- a life with a famed showman by the name of John Ringling.

A quarter of a century later, Lady Rosamund Easling boards a ship to American as a last adventure before her arranged marriage. There, the twenties are roaring and the rich and famous gather at opulent, Gatsby-esque parties. The Jazz Age has arrived, and with it, the golden era of the American circus, whose queen is none other than the enigmatic Mable Ringling.

When Rosamund's path crosses with Mable's and the Ringling's glittering world, she makes the life-altering decision to leave behind a comfortable future of estates and propriety, choosing instead the nomadic life of a trick rider in the Ringling Brother's circus.

A novel that is at once captivating, deeply poignant, and swirling with exquisite historical details of a bygone world, The Ringmaster's Wife will escort readers into the center ring, with its bright lights, exotic animals, and a dazzling performance that can only be described as the Greatest Show on Earth!

My Review:

A unique blend of biography and fiction makes this a truly captivating read. Cambron's talent for bringing history to life really enhances the story. I was as enamoured with the real life hero and heroine as I was with the fictional ones. And the circus setting makes a magnificent and unusual backdrop for both romance and mystery.

The Ringmaster's Wife is divided into time periods -- not really a dual timeline kind of book though -- more like flashbacks that bring Mable and John's story up to the 1920's where they mesh with Rosamund's. I was a bit confused at the beginning so just make sure to read the chapter headings which distinguish time and location and that will keep things clear.

This is a book with two distinct heroines who require equal billing. And interesting to note that their stories are exact opposites in some respects. Mable goes from rags to riches -- a poor farm girl with nothing but dreams who sets out to make something of her life and ends up romanced by a wealthy showman. Through her marriage to John, she becomes one of America's 'royalty'. Meanwhile, Rosamund comes from British titled wealth but shrugs off her perfect pedigree in order to chase her own dreams. I love the fact that both women set out to live the life of their choosing --- not the one society tries to foist upon them. And, of course, the exceptional men who encourage them.

Though this novel lacks an inspirational thread, there is a wonderful motivational message about finding the courage to follow your dreams. Both Mable and Rosamund overcome incredible odds to achieve their goals. I adored the wisdom that comes from Mable's life experience. She never takes on airs but is always open to providing opportunities to assist people to rise above their circumstances. She plays such a pivotal role in the lives of both Colin and Rosamund. I love the way her generous spirit brought out the best in both of them. Everyone needs someone to believe in them the way Mable does.

A fascinating glimpse into the drama, tragedy and triumphs of life under the big top.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson and Litfuse Publicity for providing me with a copy of this book.

http://litfusegroup.com/author/kcambron

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  The Ringmaster's Wife please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday June 26 2016. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

A Sparrow in Terezin

GIVEAWAY

CAMBRON, KRISTY
A SPARROW IN TEREZIN

Bound together across time, two women will discover a powerful connection through one survivor's story of hope in the darkest days of a war-torn world.

Present Day---With the grand opening of her new art gallery and a fairytale wedding just around the corner, Sera James feels she's stumbled into a charmed life---until a brutal legal battle against fiancé William Hanover threatens to destroy the perfectly planned future she's planned before it even begins. Now, after an eleventh-hour wedding ceremony and a callous arrest, William faces a decade in prison for a crime he never committed, and Sera must battle the scathing accusations that threaten her family and any hope for a future.

1942---Kája Makovsky narrowly escaped occupied Prague in 1939, and was forced to leave her half-Jewish family behind. Now a reporter for the Daily Telegraph in England, Kája discovers the terror has followed her across the Channel in the shadowy form of the London Blitz. When she learns Jews are being exterminated by the thousands on the continent, Kája has no choice but to return to her mother city, risking her life to smuggle her family to freedom and peace.

Connecting across a century through one little girl, a Holocaust survivor with a foot in each world, these two women will discover a kinship that springs even in the darkest of times. In this tale of hope and survival, Sera and Kája must cling to the faith that sustains and fight to protect all they hold dear---even if it means placing their own futures on the line.

My Review:

Another stunning offering from Kristy Cambron. Exhilarating and disturbing and complicated to the nth degree.  This sequel to The Butterfly and the Violin continues Sera and Will's tale as they discover another heartrending story of hope born from the holocaust.

I loved the beautiful imagery in the sparrow analogy. It brought me to tears at one point. And that's what is so masterful about Cambron's storytelling -- she knows how to mold her characters into living, breathing entities that a reader can't help but care deeply about. And in the process of discovering them, a reader is blessed to discover more about herself. At least, that has been my experience with this compelling series.

A Sparrow in Terezin is the kind of novel you'll want to savor long after you've reached the last word. Kaja's story will haunt you -- from the depths of despair to the soaring wings of hope. Definitely the kind of novel that makes your life richer for having read it.

*Just a side note: The present day plot -- Sera and Will's continuing story -- might make more sense if you have read A Butterfly and the Violin. It's pretty complicated and carries on from that first book.
I think you could still read A Sparrow in Terezin if you haven't read the first book, but just be prepared to be a little confused with the present day plot. But Kaja's story is well worth a little present day muddle so don't let not having read the first book discourage you from reading this one.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson and Litfuse Publicity Group for providing me with a review copy of this book.

http://litfusegroup.com/author/kcambron

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of A Sparrow in Terezin please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday April 19 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Kristy is celebrating by giving away a basket filled with goodies inspired by her new book!

 
One grand prize winner will receive:

A set of poppy notecards

A poppy pin

A copy of I Never Saw Another Butterfly

A copy of the Mrs. Miniver DVD

Literary tea bags

Tumbler

A copy of A Sparrow in Terezin

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 28th. Winner will be announced April 29th on Kristy's blog.

{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

The Butterfly and the Violin

 

GIVEAWAY

CAMBRON, KRISTY
THE BUTTERFLY AND THE VIOLIN

And then came war . . .

Today. Sera James spends most of her time arranging auctions for the art world’s elite clientele. When her search to uncover an original portrait of an unknown Holocaust victim leads her to William Hanover III, they learn that this painting is much more than it seems.

Vienna, 1942. Adele Von Bron has always known what was expected of her. As a prodigy of Vienna’s vast musical heritage, this concert violinist intends to carry on her family's tradition and play with the Vienna Philharmonic. But when the Nazis learn that she helped smuggle Jews out of the city, Adele is taken from her promising future and thrust into the horrifying world of Auschwitz.

The veil of innocence is lifted to expose a shuddering presence of evil, and Adele realizes that her God-given gift is her only advantage; she must play. Becoming a member of the Women’s Orchestra of Auschwitz, she fights for survival. Adele’s barbed-wire walls begin to kill her hope as the months drag into nearly two years in the camp. With surprising courage against the backdrop of murder and despair, Adele finally confronts a question that has been tugging at her heart: Even in the midst of evil, can she find hope in worshipping God with her gift?

As Sera and William learn more about the subject of the mysterious portrait—Adele—they are reminded that whatever horrors one might face, God’s faithfulness never falters.

My Review:

You know that special feeling  you get when you open a book and your super-reader-spidey-senses start clamoring an alarm that raises the hair on the back of your neck and goosebumps on your arms and you come to the stunning realization that you are holding a stupendous story in your hands? Well, The Butterfly and the Violin is that kind of book.

Sobering and exhilarating all in the same breath, Cambron constructs two love stories, one in the past and one in the present. Both are so compelling I didn't want either of them to stop. Every chapter ends in a cliffhanger. Every paragraph breathes indomitable spirit and emotion as the author expertly weaves the past and present together until they become intertwined into an astonishing conclusion.

All this in a debut novel! It boggles the mind but gladdens my heart no end. Cambron has created a masterpiece that testifies of God's faithfulness and the invincible spirit of his ultimate creation.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Butterfly and the Violin please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday August 10 2014. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

My thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group and Net Galley for my review copy of this book.

http://litfusegroup.com/author/kcambron