The Butterfly and The Violin (Hidden Masterpiece #1) by Kristy Cambron; 2014; AF -Historical, Christian, Romance; Paperback; 330p; My Rating=5Source: library
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 of 1942, 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: the grim camps of Auschwitz and the inner recesses of her own troubled heart.
I find books based on the holocaust to be a magnet because I anticipate being moved. But unlike ones I've read before this one didn't make me cry. Not because it wasn't stirring but rather intriguing.
This novel was a two for one love story between Adele and Vladimir of World War II and Sera and William of today. I was especially mesmerized with the developing and mysterious tale of Adele's life. A daughter of a high ranking member of the Third Reich caught in the midst of the Auschwitz community because her innocent and decent heart found way to participate in smuggling Jews out of Vienna. And it was in her life story that Sera hoped to find meaning in her own life and for readers, the report of a happy ending.
The alternating stories flowed well and so the read was easy on the eyes. But more than that, the beauty of the read was in the connection of how both women learned courage to believe in a God amid darkest or heartbreaking times. Hence, you will clearly see Christian influence within the narrative, heavily towards the end. Reasonable exploration because at such hours, one might question the existence or allowance of a God when seemingly forsaken.
I liked that this book did not end with a cliffhanger. That makes for a less stressful anticipation for the sequel. Well done, Ms. Cambron!
Exquisite novel with remarkable main and supporting characters. I definitely will read the next installment.
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