Archives

Where Treasure Hides by Johnnie Alexander

Oct6

A Fabulous Debut

Where Treasure Hides by Johnnie Alexander is a powerful Christian historical novel that I just could not put down. It is the author’s debut novel, and the good news is … she has written many more.

The action is set during World War II in Britain and Holland. We witness both countries preparing for war. As the novel opens, the leading characters are witnessing a Kindertransport arriving in London. This prepares both their hearts to rescue and hide children throughout the war. God knows that the innocents will be safe in their care.

We witness the greed of the Nazis as they plunder Europe of their paintings and artefacts. “It’s greed that destroys us.” The worth of a painting is not just in monetary terms but in what it means to hearts. Characters bond over paintings – whether it is the drawing of a child or a masterpiece.

Feared reigned in hearts during the war but God asks us to trust Hm despite our circumstances. “You mustn’t let fear rule your life.” A heart is willing to trust God. “She wanted to trust God.” When we stumble in the darkness – literally or figuratively – we must look to the guiding light of God.

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The Orphan List by Ann Bennett

Oct1

Heart-Breaking

The Orphan List by Ann Bennett is a powerful and heart-wrenching dual timeline novel that totally consumed me. It is the first book in The World War II Orphanage series which promises to be fabulous.

The novel is set in Italy in 2005 and in Germany during World War II. An old lady of ninety in 2005 bridges the gap between the two time periods as she was a young nurse during the second world war. We witness the Nazis rise to power. We see the indoctrination of the German people. To speak out was to sign your own death certificate – but there were those brave souls who did what they could to help, and who felt guilty if they failed. This guilt would last a lifetime. “Praying for some way to heal the past.”

Lebensborn was the brainchild of Heinrich Himmler. It was designed to re-populate Germany via SS officers and young German women, but the baby, if perfect, would be whisked away from the mother and adopted by ‘good’ SS families. Those babies who were less than perfect met a dreadful fate. The girls were told, “It’s an honor to be chosen. To do your duty for the Fatherland and for the Fuhrer.” Many totally believed this lie. It was an evil practice with many doctors believing, “the ovaries of fertile Aryan women are so precious, they should be the property of the state.” How ridiculous!

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The Boy In The Attic by Imogen Matthews

Sep29

Unsung Heroes

The Boy In The Attic by Imogen Matthews is a powerful dual timeline novel that I read in just one sitting. It is a fictional tale but has its roots in fact.

The action is set in present day in both Britain and Holland, alternating with war-torn Holland in 1945. We hear voices in the past and present that are linked by genes.

Holland in 1945 was a precarious place to be. It was still occupied by the Nazis who were determined to continue their reign of terror even though they were clearly losing the war at this point.

We hear of the brave members of the resistance who hide and move those as needed.

Resistance members needed to blend in and also disrupt the Nazi war machine. A brave female resistance fighter finds herself socializing with the Nazis. It is a dangerous position to be in as she listens for secrets. She could also be accused of fraternizing with the enemy.

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A Promise To My Sister by S E Rutledge

Sep1

Looking Towards Tomorrow

A Promise To My Sister by S E Rutledge is a powerful, heart breaking historical novel that was all consuming.

The novel begins in Poland in 1961 before going backwards to 1939. Along with the leading characters we ‘experience’ Nazi occupied Poland from the ghetto to Auschwitz. We ‘hear’ of the horrendous evil and wonder how anyone could survive hell on earth.

The leading characters are two sisters who mascaraed as mother and daughter. They need luck to survive, as well as finding little pockets of kindness amongst the depravity as we see that not all Germans were evil Nazis.

Hope is needed – a hope for a brighter tomorrow. “If we survive today, we will be free tomorrow” was uttered on a daily basis. Without hope, the people will perish.

Strength of character is seen. Remaining alive to tell the world of the great evil is a goal of some.

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